Warriors beat Pelicans Curry returns to score 28

WEEKLY ISSUE 70 CITIES IN 11 STATES ONLINE SPORTS NEWS | A5 Vol. IX Issue 473 1028 Mission Street, 2/F, San Francisco, CA 94103 Email: [email protected] Tel. (415) 593-5955 or (650) 278-0692 May 3 - 9, 2018 Human rights groups slam release of ‘narco-list’ before barangay elections Joint ventures with Russia in By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent aerospace, automotive, power A few weeks before the May 14 village or voting for them. generation equipment explored barangay elections, the Department of Interior The release that crushes the chances of those and Local Governments (DILG) and Philippine listed for election especially because the Commis- By Lara Climaco Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) released sion on Human Rights (CHR) said, the barangay FilAm Star Correspondent the so-called “narco-list” of over 200 barangay officials listed were yet to be charged in court. officials across the country allegedly involved in PDEA Director Aaron Aquino said the narco- Joint-venture projects involving transport illegal drugs thus forewarning the public against list includes three village chairmen in Central infrastructure or construction, aerospace, iron Visayas, one each in Western Visayas and the and steel, automotive, power generation equip- HRW researcher Carlos Conde ment, minerals processing and agriculture are be- (Photo: www.hrw.org) TO PAGE A7 ing explored to expand the Philippines’ economic ties with Russia. Solons react to expulsion of PH ambassador to Kuwait By Macon Araneta| FilAm Star Correspondent

Vi Holding Vice-president Valery Krasnov (middle) (Photo: www.gettyimages.co.uk)

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced April 26 that Russian companies were bullish on these potential investment areas, especially agriculture, aerospace and power. A 21- man delegation from Russia, led by Ministry of Economic Development Deputy Minister Alexey Gruzdev, visited the country on April 19 and participated in roundtable and business matching activities with Philippine counterparts. “I hope this meeting showed our sincere desire to be more than just friends and develop a mutually beneficial economic cooperation with the Philippines,” Gruzdev was quoted in DTI’s (L-R) Senators Loren Legarda, Vicente Sotto III, and Risa Hontiveros statement. (Photos: www.lorenlegarda.com.ph / www.notey.com / www. senate.gov.ph) During the meeting, DTI officials took turns in promoting strategic partnerships in the he expulsion of the Philippine ambassador to Kuwait is both un- even if it means trampling on the sovereignty of a nation-state and strain- preferred investment areas and assured Russian Tfortunate and shameful, said Sen. Risa Hontiveros. ing long-nurtured bilateral relations,” stressed Hontiveros. businessmen of the Philippine government’s full She said this exposes overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to greater risk The opposition Senator also reminded the Duterte government that support. and reveals the Duterte government’s haphazard and amateurish approach foreign policy is not simply a social media blitz. She said it is the careful “There are number of trade and investment to foreign policy. and diplomatic promotion and safeguarding of a nation’s interests while opportunities that the Philippines can offer to “Rescuing our abused OFWs is correct. What is patently wrong is to recognizing multilateral and bilateral relations with other countries. TO PAGE A7 exploit the rescue of our distressed kababayan to score propaganda points TO PAGE A7 American resort owner in Boracay to be deported Tourism Sec. Wanda Tulfo-Teo rails vs. By William Casis | FilAm Star Correspondent report linking her to Tulfos in media said, arrested was Randall Lee Parker, 52, whose By Daniel Llanto | FilAm Star Correspondent U.S. residence not immediately available. The Bureau’s intelligence operatives pounced on the American national inside the premises of revealed checks amounting to about PHP 60 The Artienda at Station Two, formerly known as million were issued by PTV-4 to the Tulfo broth- Crown Beach Hotel in Boracay. ers’ Bitag Media Unlimited Inc., which produces Morente said he issued a mission order for the “Kilos Pronto” program for the government Parker’s arrest after a complaint was filed with network. the BI about his business activities in running the “I don’t think this is incompetence on my resort without the appropriate work permit or part. As Secretary of Tourism, ang dami kong visa. ginagawa. Hindi lang ito ang dapat kong tingnan “He will undergo deportation proceedings for at tuunan ng pansin. Wala na kong pakialam illegally working in the country,” said Morente. kung ilalagay nila (the advertisement) sa kapatid He noted that both the Labor Code and ko,” Teo said at a Department of Tourism (DoT) the Immigration Act strictly forbids aliens from news briefing in Makati. “The contract is between PTV-4 and DoT Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente engaging in gainful activity unless they obtain (Photo: www.youtube.com) a work permit from the labor department and because the requirement of the President is that employment visa from the BI. (L-R) DOT Usec. Pompee La Vina and Sec. Wanda Teo we support the government,” she added. (Photo: www.newsinfo.inquirer.net) An American beach resort owner in Boracay, He also disclosed that Parker has been in the As soon as CoA made the report public, Ben Aklan was arrested by agents of the Bureau of Im- Philippines as a tourist for almost two years and, The Commission on Audit’s (CoA’s) report Tulfo took to social media to claim that a former migration (BI) for working without permit, barely by engaging in gainful work, he blatantly violated on a nine-minute ad aired on People’s TV 4 casts Social Security Systems commissioner fired by a day before the shutdown of the country’s top the conditions of his stay as a temporary visitor. a cloud of suspicion Tourism Sec. Wanda Tulfo- President Duterte and re-appointed to the DoT tourist destination. Lawyer Antonette Bucasas-Mangrobang, BI Teo and media’s Tulfo brothers. leaked the CoA report. Duterte re-appointed Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente TO PAGE A7 Teo took exception to the CoA report that TO PAGE A7

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A9 AB 2612, PLESCIA CRIME A2 FilAm Star May 3 - 9, 2018 ph news OSG: P200 monthly aid to poor PH 2nd ‘highest prevalence of bribery, corruption families can offset TRAIN effects in business’ - 2018 EY Global Fraud Survey Government lawyers on for the price increase of com- it was expecting “a temporary Tuesday told the Supreme modities,” the government’s and muted inflation impact” By Corina Oliquino | FilAm Star Correspondent Court that a P200 monthly primary law office said. purportedly at “an additional financial assistance for poor It added that the law had inflation maximum of 0.4% for families would be enough to also provided a three-year un- 2018.” business, which highlights said. mitigate whatever “minimal” conditional cash transfer to the However, the Philippine the ‘integrity gap’ in some “There remains a signifi- adverse effects the Tax Reform “poorest of the poor.” Statistics Authority reported companies,” Roderick Vega, cant level of unethical conduct” for Acceleration and Inclusion He said the assistance last month that the average leader of SGV/EY Philip- The report’s executive sum- (TRAIN) Act would have on would be on top of the current price increase of basic goods pines Fraud Investigation mary highlighted the fact that ordinary people. 4Ps program of the Department had already skyrocketed to 4.3 and Dispute Services told there is no reduction in fraud In its 74-page consolidated of Social Welfare and Develop- percent in March, much faster The Philippine Star. and corruption worldwide. comment on anti-TRAIN peti- ment (DSWD). that the inflation rate of 3.1 The report also high- “Our survey found that tions, the Office of the Solicitor Under Section 81 of the percent during the same period lighted that the Philippines although there were some General (OSG), through Solici- TRAIN Act, beneficiaries will last year. ranked second behind improvements in certain coun- tor General Jose Calida, said receive P200 per month for the “To reiterate, the TRAIN Malaysia (56 percent) in tries, fraud and corruption have that, while the TRAIN Law im- first year and will then get P300 law is not arbitrary, oppres- terms of having the “high- not declined globally in the posed higher excise taxes on oil, for the second and third year. sive, and confiscatory, and does est prevalence of bribery last two years. Although fraud coal, sugary drinks, cigarettes “Thus, for the poorest 50 not result in the deprivation of and corruption practices in and corruption remain more and vehicles and a minimal percent of households with life, liberty or property without business.” prevalent in emerging markets increase in electricity rates, its little income or are already tax due process of law,” the OSG Worldwide, Brazil a significant minority of respon- effect on ordinary people would exempt, the cash transfers of insisted. Thus, the TRAIN law is topped the list of the dents reported widespread cor- be minimal. P2,400 for the first year of the progressive and equitable.” (Photo:www. wikipedia.com) countries with the highest ruption in developed markets,” He said rice and fish prices implementation of the TRAIN The TRAIN law, which is prevalence of bribery and the EY report noted. would also not be affected by law and P3,600 for the subse- the centerpiece of the Du- MANILA -- A new survey corruption practices in In its 15th Global Survey, the oil price increase due to the quent two years ensure that ad- terte administration’s effort found that bribery and corrup- business at 96 percent, followed EY found that 1 in 5 respon- implementation of the law. ditional expenses of the poorest to reform taxation and earn tion run rampant in Philippine by Colombia at 94 percent, Ni- dents aged under-35 justify According to Calida, the households will be offset,” the additional revenues, promises businesses. geria at 90 percent, Kenya at 88 cash payments while 1 in 8 law has shielded ordinary OSG said. lower personal income tax rates According to the 2018 percent and Peru at 82 percent. respondents aged under-35 and people from any possible ad- “[The] petitioners’ opinion and increase excise taxes on pe- Ernst & Young (EY) Global In terms of countries with over justify cash payments. verse effects. that the TRAIN law will unduly troleum products, automobiles, Fund Survey, which ranked the least occurrence of bribery Globally, 11 percent of For one, he said minimum burden the poor is inaccurate,” sugar-sweetened beverages and the Philippines 17th among and corruption in business, companies have experienced wage earners were already ex- the comment added. tobacco. 53 economies with the highest Germany and Switzerland a significant fraud in the last empt from personal income tax. The state lawyers added It took effect last Jan. 1. perceived bribery and corrup- topped the list with only two two years while 11 percent of “The increase in take-home that the Department of Fi- (Tetch Torres-Tupas / inquirer. tion practices in the private percent, Sweden and Finland respondents said it is common pay will more than compensate nance previously declared that net) sector, more than half or 54 with only four percent, Taiwan, practice to use bribery to win percent of the executives asked the Netherlands, Denmark contracts in their sector. in the country said bribery and and Austria with six percent, Furthermore, 38 percent of Radio broadcaster dies in Dumaguete a day after attack corrupt practices happen widely respectively. respondents stated bribery or DUMAGUETE CITY— The the gunman in the business community. “The difference in levels of corrupt practices occur widely radio broadcaster shot by un- appearedfrom corruption between countries in business in their country The survey was conducted identified assailants on Monday behind the driver remains significant, with 20 while 13 percent of respondents between October 2017 and succumbed to gunshot wounds and shot him percent of respondents in de- would justify cash payments January 2018, which included in a private hospital here on several times, 2,550 interviews in the local veloped markets indicating that to win or retain business when Tuesday. hitting him in his language with senior decision- bribery and corruption occur helping a business survive an Edmund Sestoso, 50, for- chest and other makers in a sample of the larg- widely in business, compared economic downturn. mer chair of the National Union parts of the body. est companies in 55 countries with more than half of those in “We continue to see more of Journalists in the Philip- The suspect and territories. emerging markets,” EY told The governments across the world pines- Dumaguete Chapter, was fled on black mo- “It is encouraging to note Philippine Star. introducing and enforcing anti- declared dead by doctors shortly torcycle together that 100 percent of Philippine “The lack of improvement corruption laws. However, our past 3 p.m. at the Silliman Uni- with an unidenti- respondents said that demon- in global levels of corruption global results show that occur- versity Medical Center Founda- fied male driver. strating integrity is important over the last six years shows rences of fraud and corruption tion, Inc. Local jour- to their business, particularly that unethical behavior in busi- have not reduced since 2014. Sestoso was shot right nalists expressed in the area of customer percep- ness remains a daunting chal- From our experience there is after his morning public affairs outrage over Edmund Sestoso tion and business performance. lenge, despite intensified global often a lag between the intro- program over radio DYGB-FM Sestoso’s killing (Photo:www.news.abs-cbn.com) However, 26 percent of re- enforcement,” Andrew Gordon, duction of laws and real change on Monday. and have called spondents said that they would EY Global Fraud Investigation being made by organizations,” Reports said he was dis- on authorities to leave no stone and in bringing them to justice. consider paying cash to win and Dispute Services Leader the EY report reads. embarking from a tricycle when unturned in finding the culprits (Alex V. Pal / inquirer.net) May 3 - 9, 2018 FilAm Star A3 ph news Duterte signs EO vs. illegal contracting President Rodrigo Duterte Supreme Court charges Makati judge with ignorance of the law signed on Tuesday an executive By Macon Araneta | FilAm Star Correspondent order (EO) regarding issues on contractualization, specifically A Makati judge was fired and proving it in their defense. Dumayas’ sentence of prison prohibiting illegal contracting by the Supreme Court (SC) after “His complete disregard term of four years, two months and subcontracting of workers. being found guilty of ignorance of settled rules and jurispru- and one day to six years, which Duterte signed the EO dur- of the law and gross misconduct dence on self-defense and of the made the accused eligible for ing a speech in Cebu City. for rendering a decision in 2012 events that transpired after the probation. The President read Section which was not based on factual first fight, despite the existence “He granted the separate 2 of the EO, which states the and legal bases in connection of testimonial and physical applications for probation of “prohibition against illegal con- with the killing of American evidence to the contrary, in the Dela Paz and Datu, effectively tracting and subcontracting. Marine Maj. George Anikow. appreciation of the privileged sparing them from suffering the “Contracting and subcon- In a 13-page decision, the mitigating circumstance of penalties they rightfully deserve. tracting were undertaken to SC imposed the ultimate admin- incomplete self-defense casts The pattern of said acts appears circumvent the workers’ right to istrative penalty of dismissal serious doubt on his impartial- to be deliberate, calculated, and security of tenure,” he said. from service on Judge Winlove ity and good faith,” said the SC meant to unduly favor the ac- He said the EO has a “pro- Dumayas of Makati City Re- decision. cused,” the SC said. vision against illegal contracting gional Trial Court, Branch 59. The SC disagreed with The SC also cited that 13 and subcontracting,” stressing President Rodrigo Duterte Aside from dismissal from the judge’s finding that the other administrative cases were the “workers’ right to security.” (Photo:www. bloomberg.com) the service, the SC also ordered voluntary surrender of the two filed against Dumayas from Malacanang has yet to re- the forfeiture of his retirement 2003 to 2016. lease a copy of the signed EO. and unprotected temporary ing,” President Duterte said in benefits with prejudice to re- “The Court takes the afore- President Duterte signed work arrangements. his speech after the signing. employment in government. mentioned incidents as evidence the executive order on Tuesday Bello said the new EO President Duterte admit- Dumayas is supposed to of respondent’s stubborn pro- morning in front of the thou- strictly prohibits illegal con- ted that his EO was not enough retire already this year. pensity not to follow the rule of sands of job applicants and tracting and subcontracting, as since Congress needed to re- The court ruled that Du- law and procedure in rendering local officials gathered inside well as acts that will circumvent visit and revise the Labor Code, mayas issued on July 2, 2014, judgments and orders. This defi- the IEC Pavilion in Barangay workers’ rights to security of which he said was “outdated.” a wrong judgment that down- nitely has besmirched the integ- graded the charge against two rity and seriously compromised Mabolo, Cebu City, an event tenure, self-organization, and “A mere Executive Order accused — Crispin de la Paz the reputation, not only of his organized by the Department collective bargaining. is not enough. To this end, I and Galicano Datu III — from court but more importantly, of of Labor and Employment to The order also mandates have certified as urgent [the murder to homicide. the entire judicial system which celebrate the 116th Labor Day. the Labor Secretary to inspect passage] of the bill on security “(Dumayas) simply used he represents,” it stressed. It was Labor Secretary establishments to check compli- of tenure to once and for all oversight, inadvertence, and Court records showed that Silvestre Bello who read the ance to all labor laws including address the issue and provide honest mistake as convenient Anikow, then a Makati Bel-Air contents of EO, which put an the EO. long-term solutions that would Judge Winlove Dumayas excuses. He acted with con- (Photo:www. pressreader.com) resident, and the four men end to “endo.” “I have directed DOLE to futher strengthen the workers’ scious indifference to the pos- figured in a brawl on the night “Endo” or end of contract, submit a list of all companies right to security of tenure,” he sible undesirable consequences of Nov. 24, 2012, after the latter refers to a contractualization engaged or suspected to be en- said. (Jose Santino Bunachita, to the parties involved,” the accused served as ordinary miti- demanded access through a gate scheme that offers short-term gaging in illegal labor contract- Nestor Corrales / inquirer.net) Supreme Court said. gating circumstance. going to Rockwell complex. It found Dumayas guilty of “In the case at bar, it was A reportedly drunk Anikow, Php125-K shabu seized in condo near Taguig barangay hall gross ignorance of the law and not shown from the evidence husband of a U.S. diplomat in gross misconduct for render- presented that the accused the country, was stabbed to Packs of shabu worth covered the cloth and found out them they did not know that ing the decision without citing intended to surrender and admit death in November 2012 after P125,000 were seized from a that a 20-gram pack of shabu there were illegal drug activities the required factual and legal the commission of the crimi- supposedly intervening in an couple and their helper in a was covered inside. The total inside the condominium. bases and ignoring applicable nal; they did not even invoke altercation between the suspects condominium unit just across drug haul was estimated to be The barangay led by Baisit- jurisprudence. self-defense during trial,” the SC and a security guard outside an a barangay hall in Taguig City P125,000. tee Pangandaman said they The SC noted that Dumayas noted. exclusive compound in Makati early on Tuesday. Amindalan said the couple already issued a warning to the committed “oppressive disre- “Here, the attendant cir- City. The Southern Police Dis- admitted selling to drugs to couple. gard of the basic requirements cumstances would reveal that Chief Justice Maria Lourdes trict – District Drug Enforce- “all people wherever they come Pangandaman, during the of due process” and “misused the acts of Judge Dumayas con- Sereno, who is on leave, and ment Unit (SPD-DDEU) ar- from.” early days of Oplan Tokhang, powers” granted to him by law tradict any claim of good faith,” Associate Justice Presbitero rested Sangki Makakua Jr., 58, Guns, weighing scale and told those involved in illegal when he sentenced the accused the SC said, adding that the Velasco Jr., who has “relation to and his wife drugs to submit only to homicide supposedly judge “inappropriately appreci- a party” in the case, did not take Johaira Mayo, themselves or due to a finding of self-defense ated” the supposed mitigating part in the judgment of the case. 51, during a leave the com- as mitigating circumstance even circumstances in the case. buy-bust op- munity, where without the accused invoking The High Court also faulted eration at Unit residents are 207, Building mostly Muslim. 5 of Maharlika The couple Condominium were charged around 6 a.m. with illegal Maharlika drug pushing Condominium, and possession, a midrise aside from the housing for illegal posses- Muslim com- sion of firearms munities, is in relation to the just 20 meters election gun ban across the ba- (Photo:www. newsinfo.inquirer.net) charges against rangay hall of Makakua. Maharlika Vil- They were lage on Pangan detained at Pangandaman Jr. Street. crystal meth (shabu) worth Taguig police station, along During the operation, po- P125,000 were seized during a with their helper Maricel Con- lice recovered three sachets of drug operation in a condomin- stantino, 38, who was charged crystal meth, or shabu, a digital ium across the barangay hall of with conspiracy to commit drug weighing scale and a 9-mm Maharlika Village in Taguig City pushing. (Dexter Cabalza / Armscor pistol loaded with 10 on Tuesday, May 1. inquirer.net) ammunition, said Chief Insp. Among their former cus- Jerry Amindalan. tomers was actor Julio Diaz, At one point, Amindalan who was also arrested in a drug said, Mayo “pretended to cry operation in Meycauayan, Bula- CALL US TO ADVERTISE then threw her malong (tube can last week. 415-278-0692 skirt) out of the window.” The police official said Operatives, however, re- neighbors of the couple told A4 FilAm Star May 3 - 9, 2018

ph news killed there during a May Day Embassy. industrial capitalism some 100 event when shots were fired into Another four demonstrations years ago” and would also be able the crowd from a nearby building. were planned in Greece’s second to tackle contemporary challenges Workers, activists mark May Day with defiant rallies Greece largest city of Thessaloniki in the like digitalization. MOSCOW — Workers and parade became a highly orches- 1” and “Taksim cannot be off lim- Thousands of Greeks are north. The DGB said that altogether activists marked May Day on trated show of power by Russian its on May 1” tried to push their marching through central Athens Trains, the suburban rail- some 340,000 people participat- Tuesday with rallies to demand authorities and the ruling United way into the square throughout in at least three separate May Day way, urban trolleys and ferries to ed in almost 500 May Day events their government address labor Russia party, with the demonstra- the day, leading to scuffles with demonstrations. and from the islands suspended across Germany. issues. tors refraining from criticizing the police. At least 45 demonstrators Museums were also shut operations for the day, while Scandinavia International Workers’ government. were detained. while ferries remain were tied buses and the Athens metro sys- Danish labor union offi- Day is a public holiday in many In St. Petersburg, Russia’s tem were operating on reduced cials and left-leaning lawmakers countries, though activities are second-largest city, however, schedules. started the day with traditional restricted in some places, some- Russians unhappy with the Krem- Germany addresses to employees at work times leading to confrontations. lin’s attempts to curtail internet Tens of thousands of workers places throughout the Scandina- A look at some of the events freedom joined the official May marched across Germany and vian country. Later in the day, around the world: Day demonstration. Austria rallying for their rights in thousands gathered in large parks Philippines Several hundred people the face of globalization. around the country, despite rain, About 5,000 people from braved the rainy weather and In Vienna, some 12,000 chilly temperatures and winds, to various groups rallied near the joined the column marching people gathered in front of city listen to May Day speeches that presidential palace in Manila to across St. Petersburg to protest hall, some carrying banners with often criticized the center-right protest the failure of Philippine the government’s ban of popular slogans against planned welfare government. President Rodrigo Duterte to messaging app Telegram. cuts by the new government. While May Day was mainly fulfill a major campaign promise About 10,000 people rallied Meanwhile, around 4,000 a left-leaning event in Denmark, to end contractualization, the in Moscow on Monday to protest union supporters marched on the right and the left flanks held widespread practice of short-term the blocking of Telegram. different routes through Berlin, speeches in Sweden and Norway. employment. Turkey before assembling at the German Swedish Social Democratic The protesters also demand- Police detained dozens of capital’s landmark Brandenburg Prime Minister Stefan Lofven ed that the government address demonstrators during May Day Gate. suggested retired people should issues including low wages, events around Istanbul, most May Day rally in the Philippines last 2011 “We have more rich and get more as he toured elderly unemployment and trade union of them protesters who tried to (Photo: www.bayanmall.org) even richer people than we ever homes while the center-right repression. march toward the city’s symbolic had before,” said protester Aimo opposition rejected the idea. Par- Russia main square in defiance of a ban. Tuegel in Berlin. “And, on the liamentary elections in Sweden More than 100,000 people Turkey declared Taksim Major trade unions gathered up in port and public transport other hand, work and working are scheduled Sept. 9 came out on the streets on Mos- Square off-limits to May Day at a government-designated area operated on a reduced schedule in conditions for workers continuing In Norway, Sylvi Listhaug, a cow to march in the traditional demonstrations citing security in Istanbul for a large rally. At strikes marking Labor Day. to get worse.” former justice minister until she May Day parade. concerns. Police blocked roads least six people were detained Police said at least 7,000 In Nuremberg, where the resigned in March for writing a Moscow’s Federation of leading to the square but allowed following scuffles with police at a people were at the first demon- German Confederation of Trade Facebook post claiming the op- Trade Unions said about 120,000 small groups of labor union security checkpoint leading to the stration in Athens, which was or- Unions, or DGB, held its main position Labor Party was more people marched from the Red representatives to lay wreaths and rally ground. ganized by a communist party-led event this year, some 6,500 interested in protecting the rights Square on the main streets of the flowers at monuments there. Taksim holds a symbolic union. The protesters marched protesters cheered as the group’s of terrorists than the Norwegian Russian capital to mark May Day. Still, small groups of demon- value for Turkey’s labor move- by parliament and headed up a leader, Reiner Hoffmann, said people, lashed out at its leader Over recent years, the strators, chanting “Long live May ment. In 1977, 34 people were major avenue to the United States the unions “managed to civilize TO PAGE A7 FilAm Star Classifieds (650)278-0692 . (415)593-5955

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The whole place came alive Tiu did a little bit of every- before tipoff, Stephen Curry Green contributed 20 points, 12 when he made his first appear- thing for the Elasto Painters, swished his routine tunnel shot assists and nine rebounds while ance on the floor. averaging 14 points, 3.0 re- on the second try. Once the battling Davis on both ends all “That was a special mo- bounds and 6.5 assists through game began, the two-time MVP night. ment when Steph checked into two games, to be named PBA stood along the bench anxiously Davis finished with 25 the game,” Warriors coach Press Corps Player of the Week. waiting for his turn, shaking points and 15 rebounds, and Steve Kerr said. The former Ateneo star his legs and clapping his hands Jrue Holiday had 24 points, Curry had been sidelined showcased his all-around game with nervous energy and antici- eight rebounds and eight assists since spraining his left knee with 18 points, three rebounds pation. for the Pelicans, who also got March 23, the same day he and six assists, providing help Then — mouthpiece dan- 22 points and 12 assists from came back from a six-game ab- gling, of course — Curry finally Rajon Rondo. sence with a right ankle injury. for import Reggie Jackson in Rain or Shine’s Chris Tiu a 109-103 win over Alaska on (Photo: www.smartgilasbasketball.com) entered at the 4:20 mark of the “It was tough,” Davis said. He already had a history of Friday. first quarter to a roaring ovation “We were in it the whole game.” brilliant returns from injuries. The 32-year-old Tiu contin- Tiu’s solid showing on winning when they take on from the Oracle Arena crowd Andre Iguodala converted In late December against ued his impressive start, col- propelled Rain or Shine to a the NLEX Road Warriors on and immediately got to work. a snazzy three-point play with Memphis, Curry came back lecting 10 points, four rebounds first-place tie with TNT in the Wednesday at Ynares Center in He knocked down a 3-pointer 6:41 left when he flipped the after being sidelined 11 games and seven assists in a 108-89 standings. Antipolo. (inquirer.net) from the left wing 11 seconds rout of Barangay Ginebra. The Painters hope to keep later and was off and running in Golden State’s 121-116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans Panlilio expects better 3×3 outing for PH bets on Tuesday night. With the Philippines “It was an eternity it felt hosting the 2018 FIBA 3×3 like, for sure,” Curry said. World Cup in June, Samahang “When the lights come back on Basketbol ng Pilipinas presi- after the starting lineups you’re dent Al Panlilio expects a better usually in the go kind of mind showing from the men’s team frame. I had to kind of pace this time out. myself and be patient with it. It “We should not be knocked seemed like it took forever but out in the early stages, right?” it was a good feeling to get back he said on Sunday, giving his out on the floor and just let marching orders to the newly- loose and have fun.” formed 3×3 squad. Curry came off the bench Steph Curry of the Warriors celebrate with the crowd after a made basket (Photo: www.chroniclet.com) Christian Standhardinger, to score 28 points in a trium- Troy Rosario, Stanley Pringle, phant return from a knee injury and Roger Pogoy were named and nearly six weeks off, and ball up and it came back down with a sprained right ankle to as the members of the men’s the Warriors held off Anthony and through the net as he was score 38 points with 10 3-point- team seeing action in the global Al Panlilio Davis and the pesky Pelicans fouled by Rondo, then Golden ers. hoops tilt from June 8 to 12 at (Photo: www.hoops.ph) to go ahead 2-0 in the Western State pulled away. Curry returned for Game Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Ravena, Jeron Teng, JR Quiña- Panlilio is also banking on Conference semifinals. The best-of-seven series 4 of the Warriors’ five-game Bulacan. han, and Kobe Paras finished the crowd support to buoy the All is right with the War- resumes with Game 3 on Friday Western Conference semifinals The Ronnie Magsanoc- third in Pool B to exit in the Philippine team in reaching riors again now that No. 30 is at New Orleans. against Portland two years ago coached squad has their work group stages in Nantes, France. new heights in the international back on the floor — even as a Curry shot 8 for 15 with five and made 16 of 32 shots with cut out for them, with the Panlilio expects the country 3×3 circuit. backup. 3-pointers and grabbed seven five 3-pointers and scored 17 Philippines failing to advance to show more grit though, he “Hopefully with the crowd “It brought a lot of life to rebounds in 27 minutes. He let points in overtime on the way past the group stages in the last acknowledges how hard the support, it would help us in the the building, a lot of life to our it fly for a 30-foot 3 in the clos- to 40 in a 132-125 victory. He two years. task will be. games. I’m sure Ronnie will team’s spirit. Pretty fitting for ing minute of the third. grabbed nine rebounds and Back in 2016, the team “We’re ranked 19th among try his best to compete hard sure,” Draymond Green said of “He’s going to score,” New dished out eight assists. of Mac Belo, Russel Escoto, the 20 countries. Nigeria is the and advance as far as we can in Curry’s immediate 3. Orleans coach Alvin Gentry The game had its testy mo- Glenn Khobuntin, and Karl only team worse than us. And terms of competition,” he said. Kevin Durant scored 29 said. ments. Dehesa finished third in Group as coach Ronnie said, the other “It’s hard to promise. The points with a huge 3-pointer The Warriors were focused Curry made a bounce pass C missed out on a spot in the teams have been preparing for only thing we can say is we will with 3:10 to play, to go with on keeping their edge after a in transition to Iguodala late in playoffs in Guangzhou, China. years. It’s a tall order for us, but fight.” (Randolph B. Leongson / seven assists and six rebounds blowout Game 1 win. the third and Solomon Hill was The case was the same in I think like in anything, we’ll do inquirer.net) in Golden State’s franchise-re- Just the energy Curry hit with a flagrant 1 for grabbing 2017, where the crew of Kiefer our best to perform,” he said. cord 14th consecutive postsea- brings helped that cause. TO PAGE A7 A6 FilAm Star May 3 - 9, 2018 opinion “Hey, Joe, lighten up on the chinese coming to the Philippines to work. They are innocent”

JOE AMERICA

Here are excerpts damage. from a recent Twitter The discussion frames a somewhat intri- engagement cate question about how one sorts out govern- JoeAm: Question ment deeds from those of citizens, and how the for news orgs @rap- Philippines should deal with more active Chinese plerdotcom and others, engagements in the Philippines. do Immigration records It is a challenging topic for me because I tend reflect a sharp uptick of to resist the transfer of Philippine allegiance to Chinese nationals arriv- China. I don’t trust China, the nation that said it ing? Question arose on would remove its vessels from Scarborough if the my FB page. Philippines also withdrew. China did not abide Carlos Jugo: Just because we are Opposi- by the agreement. China also said it would not tion we should take care not to be xenophobic. militarize its artificial islands in the South China Duterte will not be around forever but China will and West Philippine Seas, but did. always be our neighbor. I’d rather see a truly independent Philippines . . . than one tied to a nation prone to abuse. Carlos Jugo: These China nationals who are I agree that any political debate ought to take here are mostly also just trying to earn a living, care to differentiate a government’s acts from hardly aware of geopolitics. I believe we should those of citizens lest one prove xenophobic. (Photo: www.scmp.com) welcome them and that we would be the better Yet, all nations run an immigration system to a sharp uptick of Chinese nationals arriving?” fish the seas, to extract ores and do farming, to for it. monitor and manage the inflow of non-citizens. I did not intend to be critical of the arriving build infrastructure using Chinese workers. JoeAm: And if China allowed Filipino fisher- Why do they do that? They do it to preserve job Chinese workers, as individuals. My criticism How dominant will we allow such activities men to work Philippine seas in the same spirit, opportunities for their own citizens, or to avoid was of a Philippine government immigration to become? I would wholeheartedly agree. Until there is being overwhelmed by foreigners who may not policy that MAY NOT be properly protecting Is there any fear that Filipinos will become, mutual respect, there will be friction, unfair to share the nation’s cultural values or abide by its Filipino jobs and rights. It depends on what the as Malays did in Singapore, a worker class to a individuals. laws. facts show. We know that China is being granted Chinese power structure? Carlos Jugo: Sometimes we have to take What was my implied criticism when I asked generous economic rights in the Philippines, to It is not a problem only for the Philippines. the higher ground, if only to minimize collateral the question: “. . . do Immigration records reflect rebuild Marawi, to place a casino in Boracay, to TO PAGE A7 Street Talk As I See It Manila’s billboard jingle Administrative professionals: They make or unmake an office

GREG B. MACABENTA ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO

My friend Greg at least, a print ad allows more exposure than a Last Wednes- Administrative Professionals (IAAP) in 1998. Garcia, who is a bona billboard does on the highway. day, April 25, Administrative Professionals Day is a regis- fide advertising guru, Aha! Manila’s marketing geniuses may coun- 2018 was national tered trademark with registration number has a piece of advice ter: On EDSA, motorists are exposed to billboards administrative 2475334 (serial number 75/898930) with the for a much longer time than they are to print ads, for the ad agencies and advertisers responsible professional’s day, a day to celebrate the work IAAP as the registrant. whether they like it or not, because of the traffic. for the outdoor signs that have transformed the of our secretaries, administrative assistants, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Charles W. In fact, EDSA traffic – also known as carmagge- major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, particu- executive assistants, receptionists, and other Sawyer first proclaimed the official period of don – may be the main reason why that stretch larly EDSA, into a virtual billboard jungle. His administrative support professionals. We could celebration as “National Secretaries Week”, advice: Billboards are not print ads. probably has more outdoor advertising signs than not do our jobs without these frontliners who which was held June 1–7 in 1952 with Wednes- In case the creative directors, art directors, any equivalent piece of real estate in such places are the first line of defense in every office or day, June 4 designated as National Secretaries’ advertising managers and marketing managers as Tokyo, Hong Kong, Times Square and the Las who create the outdoor signs don’t get Greg’s Vegas strip. institution! Whether we like it or not, we have Day. The first Secretaries’ Day was sponsored point, billboards are for distance and quickie There may, admittedly, be some sense in to go through them before you can talk to or by the National Secretaries Association (NSA) viewing, which doesn’t allow enough time to read that argument, if exposure were the sole or prime get an appointment with the boss. They filter with the support of corporate groups. It was a and appreciate the clever copy and the avant objective of advertising. The fact, however, is that every bit of information before it reaches the landmark celebration at that time due to the garde graphic designs. the principal function of advertising is “to make a head of office. They serve as filters, so to speak, emerging importance of the administrative For some reason, today’s graphic designers sale” or “para makabenta” (to quote mischievous for managers and executives. Indeed they are, group that used to be neglected. seem reluctant to show off the advertiser’s brand colleagues who like to pun my surname). in the honest sense of the word! In 1955, the observance date of National name and logo for the motorists and pedestrians Exposure is just one step in the process Seldom, however, that we recognize their Secretaries Week was moved to the last full to see and recall. They seem to forget who’s foot- whose objective is to make a sale or create de- efforts and most of the time, they remain week of April, with Wednesday now designated ing the bill. They seem to think that the brand mand. Thus, an ad must generate brand aware- anonymous and least noticed. Technically, they as Administrative Professionals’ Day. The IDs get in the way of the design and thus deserve ness and stimulate interest. And then achieve make or unmake the office as they provide the name was changed to Professional Secretar- to be consigned to the lower right hand corner comprehension. And then gain recall, And then, much needed support to make the job of the ies Week in 1981 and became Administrative hopefully, trigger action - meaning the act of buy- of the layout, to be properly inconspicuous and boss easier and complete. Most of the time, Professionals Week in 2000 to highlight the ing or consuming. unobtrusive. they remain in the sidelines! expanding responsibilities and wide-ranging Mind you, I really think that the visual At any rate, to go back to the subject of clever I used to be a senior executive assistant job titles of administrative support staff in the cacophony (sorry for the mixed metaphor) of ad copy and avant garde graphic designs, they to the president and general manager of a big modern economy. may be best appreciated in the context of a print brands, colors and messages, create an exciting conglomerate, so I can relate to the situation. While gaining momentum and recog- ad. Scanning the morning paper while having a and art nouveau ambience. And the beautiful Our jobs as administrative professionals are nition, however, the holiday didn’t escape cup of coffee, a reader can give more than a cur- women who invariably dominate the billboards sory glance at an ad, assuming that it says some- are a pleasurable sight to behold. huge and immense as we are expected by the criticisms coming from certain sectors of thing of interest. Even then, a lot of copy may be In such a case, to paraphrase media savant boss to perform even personal matters, in society. It was criticized for being patronizing presuming too much on the attention span of a Marshall Mcluhan, the medium is the message addition to our official functions. Sometimes to administrative professionals by separating harried commuter, who is probably more intent – that is, if the message intended to be delivered we are expected to extend our hours and not the work they do from the rest of the office. on gulping down that breakfast before plunging is that Metro Manila is a modern metropolis, claim overtime for such additional service. Some even feel that the assistants are seen as into the traffic bedlam of the metropolis. But, exciting and dazzling like Tokyo, Hong Kong, What’s even more demanding is when we are mere “support staff” to others in the office. Manhattan and Las Vegas, populated by beautiful instructed to work on a Sunday for an er- The celebration also creates confusion over creatures. rand or arrange for travel and airplane tickets who is recognized as an administrative profes- However, I seriously doubt that this is the which sometimes oblige us to go to the airport sional, especially since the role has evolved main objective of the companies that are paying and wait for the boss last hour before actual and diversified since the 1950s. Other official millions for the billboards. I think the advertisers boarding. I know… this is how administrative titles under this category often require more The Opinions expressed by our writers and are more interested in selling their merchandise professionals sometimes work… and serve a “administrative” duties than the “secretaries” and their services. than in promoting Manila and contributors do not in any way reflect the very demanding boss! which led to evaluating their roles and keeping its beauties. opinion of the management of Fortune News According to Wikipedia, Administrative the celebration more encompassing to accom- Media Inc. I can’t imagine the marketing manager of Professionals’ Day is also known as Secretaries’ modate everybody. any of these advertised brands telling the com- Fortune News Media Inc. Day or Admin Day. It is a day observed yearly, Other critics take an anti-consumerist Publisher pany CEO that sales goals may not have been met by the outdoor campaign but, boy, is it doing but not a public holiday. In some countries, stance and accuse the flower, card, and candy Harvey Barkin it falls within Administrative Professionals’ industries of inventing the holiday to generate Editor-in-Chief wonders for the image of the Philippines as a paradise for prospective brides! Week (the last full week of April in the United suitable sales between Easter and Mother’s Edwina Aniag Frankly, the use of beautiful models as States. The day recognizes the work of secre- Day. The typical gifts of flowers and cards also Vice President for Marketing and Operations mnemonic devices makes sense only if they call taries, administrative assistants, receptionists, unintentionally marked the holiday and the ad- Gary De Guzman attention to the brands. Otherwise, these lovely and other administrative support profession- ministrative role as a gendered one, since these Vice President for Community Relations main illustrations are really a distraction. They als. Typically administrative professionals are are typically feminine gifts while we have great Anchet Manosca are also a poor excuse for advertising creativity – given cards, flowers, chocolates, and lunches. male administrative assistants. This is as far as Creative and Production Manager or, rather, for lack of creativity. These are gestures of appreciation for a job the flowers are concerned but the cards tend to Atty. Crispin Lozano According to reports, the Philippine outdoor well done! be generic and applies to both male and female Dr. Philip Chua / Rodel Rodis advertising industry accounts for P5 to P6 billion Its history, according to Lily Rothman in professionals. Whatever the connotations are, Ben Lou / Perry Diaz in terms of expenditures and thus contributes sig- her article published in Time Magazine in 2016 however, I think flowers, cards, gifts, bonuses, Federico Espiritu / Elpidio Estioko nificantly to the economy. I wonder, though, how Columnists said it dates back to World War II where there or whatever gifts given to them are signs or much the billboards on EDSA and other traffic- was a shortage of skilled administrative per- gestures of respect and recognition in really Macon Ramos-Araneta beleaguered thoroughfares are contributing to the Corina Oliquino / Lara Climaco sonnel in the United States due to Depression- appreciating the contributions our administra- sales of the brands they purportedly promote. Daniel Llanto era, birth-rate decline, and booming post-war tive professionals are doing for the institution. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe the return on Correspondents business. In 1942, the National Secretaries It doesn’t matter really what the things are, outdoor advertising investments is such that the Ann Gauna visual confusion is worthwhile for the dozens of Association (NSA) was formed to recognize but what matters is the giving. This is what is Marketing Associate advertisers that crowd every available space along the contributions of administrative person- important to us! Jho Bule EDSA, particularly in the vicinity of the Guadal- nel to the economy, support their personal So, fellow readers, please take a moment Photographer upe Bridge. development, and to help attract workers to today to celebrate and thank our wonderful Glenda Bule On a recent drive up EDSA, while moving at the administrative field. The holiday was cre- and talented administrative staff. They need Event Coordinator a turtle’s pace, I asked my companions in the car ated by prominent people like the president your assurance. I would say that we appreci- what brands they recalled being advertised. They of the National Secretaries Association, Mary ate and recognize them not just for today, but FilAm Star is published weekly had difficulty remembering the brands, couldn’t Barrett, president of Dictaphone Corporation, it should be every day! They do extra-ordinary by Fortune News Media Inc. www.filamstar.com recall the messages, and were, frankly, not in a C. King Woodbridge, and public relations ac- work and are key extensions of the managers buying mood anyway, because of the infernal count executives at Young & Rubicam, Harry and executives of every institution. Headquarters: traffic. In other words, it was not a positive selling F. Klemfuss and Daren Ball. They deserve to be recognized every now 1028 Mission St., 2/F, environment. San Francisco, CA 94103; Following its history, NSA was changed and then! Some of my companions did make an effort to Professional Secretaries International (PSI) (For feedbacks, comments… please email Tel. (650) 278-0692 or (415) 593-5955 to identify the brands and recall the messages. Email: [email protected] in 1981 and to International Association of the author @ [email protected]). TO PAGE A7 May 3 - 9, 2018 FilAm Star A7 SOLONS REACT TO already been recent talks to move forward with HUMAN RIGHTS GROUP worsen the bloodshed,” HRW said in a statement. ... FROM PAGE A1 the PH-Kuwait bilateral relations. ... FROM PAGE A1 “Far too many cases of those people who end Senate Labor Committee Chair Sen. Joel up on lists of suspected drug personalities have “There is a way of rescuing our OFWs with- Villanueva said, “Of course we know that the Davao Region, three each in Northern Mind- ended up as victims of summary executions as out violating the sovereignty of another country,” intention of the government was to assist our anao and Central Luzon. The listed officials were we’ve seen in Duterte’s drug war in the past 21 she said. kababayans in these countries. But this serves as categorized from drug users to drug traders and months,” Conde noted. “I call on the Duterte government, particu- a lesson that good intention is not enough, espe- most were “protectors” of drug suspects, he said. The CHR, for its part, said the release of the larly the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to cially in the international political arena. I still Aquino earlier said 293 officials were on the list for public consumption could cause undue take concrete steps to rebuild our strained bilat- support our PH embassy’s decision to rescue our list but the number was later reduced to 216, 211 shame, violate the barangay officials’ their right eral relations with Kuwait,” said Hontiveros. kababayans,” he added. and then to 207. The list was reduced because 46 to fair trial, erode their dignity, and result in the She also called on them to implement mea- Reacting to the video showing the Kuwaiti officials have been arrested, 20 were killed by as- suffering of their families, as the consequences sures to ensure the safety and well-being of the government chasing down rescued OFWs and sassins or unknown gunmen, five were shot dead could be irreversible should the officials be thousands of Filipinos working in Kuwait, and putting them to trial for allegedly violating during police operations, and five died of natural proven innocent later on. to make sure that their harmonious relationship Kuwait’s security, Sen. Chiz Escudero said it’s causes. “The CHR acknowledges PDEA’s desire to with the Kuwaiti people is not strained by inci- uncalled for and unwarranted after Duterte’s Aquino told reporters the list was validated alleviate the drug problem in the country. But dent. apology although embassy officials were only do- by PDEA with the help of the Philippine National the release of the narco-list of barangay officials She said the government must seriously ad- ing their job protecting Filipinos against abusive Police (PNP), the National Intelligence Coordi- allegedly involved in illegal drugs is alarming,” dress this issue instead of brushing this aside as a employers, nating Agency (NICA) and Intelligence Service of CHR spokeswoman Jackielyn de Guia said in simple case of “misunderstanding.” “What about their national that abused and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Tagalog. Lastly, she renewed her call for the develop- committed a crime and/or human rights viola- Aquino said the government had the duty to “As a law enforcement agency, it is PDEA’s ment and implementation of a judicious, pro- tions against our national? Was he ever held ac- inform the public about the identities of narco- duty to double-check information on the list, look gressive and consistent foreign policy capable of countable for his actions by the Kuwaiti govern- officials, so that they would be accountable. for sufficient evidence, and file proper charges responding to the challenges of modern interna- ment?” asked Escudero. Acting DILG Sec. Eduardo Año said the list in court,” de Guia added. The rights body reiter- tional relations. Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III should not serve as a vigilante hit list. It should ated that a “long-term and sustainable solution” “The Duterte government’s treacherous mis- said, “(The Kuwaitis) have their own rules to instead, serve as a guide for voters to make smart should be done to hold erring officials account- handling of the crisis in the West Philippine Sea follow. The Philippine diplomatic group was left decisions in the upcoming May 14 village elec- able, instead of publicly accusing them without and the Kuwait debacle demand that all stake- with no choice.” tions, he said. due process. holders sit and talk to craft a foreign policy that Asked if the Kuwaiti government had the The Human Rights Watch (HRW) warned But Malacañang rejected these state- is truly reflective of the Filipino people’s interests right to treat Philippine embassy officials the way that the government endangers the lives of hun- ments, saying the PDEA did not violate any law and aspirations,” she further said. De Villa was treated, Soffo replied, ”If they don’t dreds once it releases the list of village officials in releasing the narco-list. Palace spokesman Sen. Loren Legarda, Chair of the Senate like us, mas lalo namang ayaw natin sa kanila.” allegedly involved in the illegal drug trade. HRW Harry Roque Jr. told reporters the narco-list was Committee on Foreign Relations, said the deci- Meanwhile, Sen. Sonny Angara commended Asia Division researcher Carlos Conde stressed intended to guide voters ahead of the village and sion of the Kuwaiti Government to expel Ambas- Foreign Affairs Sec. Alan Peter Cayetano for tak- the need for substantial proof linking politicians Sangguniang Kabataan or youth council elections. sador Renato Villa from Kuwait is unfortunate, ing prompt action to defuse a brewing diplomatic to the trade of illegal narcotics. “I’m not aware of any law that was violated,” especially since, according to the DFA, there had crisis with Kuwait. “Releasing the hit list of these barangay Roque said during a news conference. “That was officials ahead of the election next month —with- upon orders of the President…So the informa- JOINT VENTURES WITH RUSSIA common interest in developing mutually benefi- out solid proof or evidence, as the Philippine tion is being released to help guide our voters to choose wisely their barangay captains,” he added. ... FROM PAGE A1 cial business ties between our countries at the Drug Enforcement Agency — is almost certain to level of commercial structures. I believe that our Russia and be assured that we will be here to low-cost process technology direct reduction of AMERICAN RESORT OWNER in and out of the country since 2005. guide and assist you, starting from your due dili- ferronickel may become a significant driver of ... FROM PAGE A1 She related that existing laws that regulated gence visits until your business is operational,” growth for the non-ferrous metals industry of the the employment of aliens in the country were Rowel Barba, DTI undersecretary for the compet- Philippines,” Valery Krasnov, first vice-president spokesperson, said a check of the Bureau’s travel intended to ensure that their activities in the itiveness and ease of doing business group, was of Vi Holding, was quoted in a company state- records showed that the American arrived in the country were consistent with their immigration quoted in the agency statement. ment last November. country on April 16, 2016 and had not departed documentation. According to the DTI, since a delegation led Global Ferronickel is the country’s second- ever since. “The rule is that aliens holding tourist visas by President Rodrigo Duterte visited Russia in largest nickel producer with nickel ore exports She said Parker, whose stay as a tourist was are not allowed to engage in any form of gainful May last year, there has been a flurry of exchang- in the vicinity of 6 million wet metric tons. The extended up to June 14 this year, had been going employment or business activity,” she added. es between the two countries. Tourism, culture partnership with Vi Holding is expected to lower and the arts, agriculture, defense cooperation, the cost of expanding its processing facilities in TOURISM SEC. WANDA said during a press briefing. “Secondly, I don’t trade and industry, transport, and foreign affairs Surigao. ... FROM PAGE A1 know anyone from CoA. I don’t even know where were among the areas of cooperation initially DTI reported a 23.12 percent increase in the their office is. I don’t even know who the commis- defined. Philippines’ overall exports to Russia last year, Jose Gabriel La Viña to the DoT post after he was sioners are now,” he added. In November last year, a bilateral meet- placing the country as the 37th export market of sacked from the SSS due to “infighting,” among La Viña said he and Teo already talked about ing took place in Manila between Duterte and Philippine goods. other reasons given by presidential spokesman the allegations linking him to the supposedly Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev that During last month’s roundtable, Board of Harry Roque. leaked CoA report — a public document — that yielded nine agreements. These agreements Investments Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo, In his post which has since been deleted, Ben questions the DoT’s PHP 60-million advertis- expanded the cooperation to nuclear energy also DTI’s undersecretary for the industry devel- also alleged that the DoT undersecretary, ap- ing deal with the state-run Philippine Television development, mass communications, education, opment and trade policy group, suggested that parently referring to La Viña, is interested in his Network Inc. and the Secretary said she agreed intellectual property protection, and government the Philippines could become Russia’s production sister’s post. that it was not him. audits. Treaties on extradition and mutual legal hub and gateway to Asia, especially ASEAN, with Tourism Undersec. Pompee La Viña denied La Viña disputed insinuations that he de- assistance in criminal matters were also forged local investments in the aerospace, iron and steel, that he was behind the “leakage” of a CoA report sired to be a secretary of tourism. “I’m here only at the time, along with the entry of Russian automotive, construction services, natural gas that involves Tourism chief Teo and her brother’s because the President put me (here). I serve at conglomerate Vi Holding in the country’s nickel and mineral mining processing sectors. media outfit. From information gathered by the full pleasure of the President,” La Viña said. industry through a partnership with Global Fer- Philippines and Russia formalized a Joint FilAm Star, Erwin and Ramon Tulfo also lend a The DoT chief claimed that the annual CoA ronickel Holdings. Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation hand in Ben’s PTV-4 outfit although they are con- report is part of a character assassination job “We can see the undeveloped opportunities (JCTEC) in January last year. The roundtable and nected with other media organizations. that has to do with the closure of Boracay for the of cooperation with the Republic of the Philip- business matching activities with the Russian del- In effect, the situation has blossomed into next six months. Teo said several individuals pines in the sphere of mining, metallurgy and egation were held alongside the JCTEC meeting. bickering among close friends and supporters of — around 30,000 workers, according to reports energy. This agreement is an expression of our Duterte. The Tulfos came out with all their media — were affected by the closure. She also revealed influence to back Duterte during the 2016 presi- that she has received death threats over it. She said her brother’s “very strong and hard- WORKERS, ACTIVISTS MARK South Korea dential campaign, while La Vina was Duterte’s spokesman along with his cousin Peter La Vina. hitting” statements against government officials ... FROM PAGE A4 Thousands of labor union members rallied in downtown Seoul for a higher minimum wage and La Viña said that he does know the source of could also be a reason. She also said that one of her brothers, Erwin Tulfo, ranked 7th place in the Jonas Gahr Store who heads Norway’s largest party, other demands. those who claim he has any influence over CoA, survey for senatorial slate which could also be a for not being folksy, and warned against a weak im- They chanted slogans urging the government which checks government spending and rev- migration line. to implement a 10,000 won ($9.34) minimum wage enues. The CoA regularly posts its audit reports of part of the controversy. Spain and convert all non-regular employees to regular government agencies online. “This is part of the work in government,” Teo More than 70 cities across Spain have held May workers with equal pay and treatment. “First of all, (Teo) doesn’t believe it,” La Viña said. Day marches calling for gender equality, higher sala- The rally was organized by the Korean Confed- ries and pensions now that the country’s economy is eration of Trade Unions. The police estimated the CRISPIN LOZANO solution before your problem gets worse which back on track. crowd at 10,000 people. ... FROM PAGE B4 could lead to deportation and family separation. The demonstration in Madrid was among the The union members also demanded that the Crispin Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active biggest, with thousands rallying behind the slogan government scrap the restructuring of the shipbuild- member of the State Bar of California, the Ameri- ing and automobile industries, and reform the huge 13. On November 16, 2017, we received an “Time to win.” approval from Immigration Court for a waiver of can Immigration Lawyers Association and San CCOO union official Unai Sordo says that “a conglomerates that dominate the South Korean Francisco Trial Lawyers Association. He special- economy. misrepresentation for entering as single daughter social majority is emerging from the psychosis of the izes in immigration law and personal injury. For Indonesia of U.S. citizen but actually married. (global financial) crisis” in 2008 that hit Spain hard. free consultation email or call ([email protected] / About 10,000 workers from various labor If you have immigration problems the Law Pepe Alvarez, the secretary general of UGT, the 1-877-456-9266) other main union in Spain, said that meeting the groups rallied near the presidential palace in Jakarta Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a demands of feminists, youths and pensioners are to voice their demands. necessary to “redistribute wealth” in the country. Most of the workers came from Jakarta and STREET TALK “As I recovered from the shock, I went upon Spain’s economy, the fourth-largest in the 19- nearby suburbs, but some traveled from West Java ... FROM PAGE A6 my way. country eurozone, has in recent years posted some and Surabaya. I’d gone no farther than a block when there of the fastest economic growth in Europe. Last year, The protesters urged the government to avoid However, they simply succeeded in confusing to my dismay; outsourcing, and to raise their wages. They also it reached 3.1 percent. them with one another in a mixed-up and inco- Another billboard caught my eye, just like asked the government to stop foreign laborers from Sri Lanka herent manner. It reminded me of The Billboard the ones before. Sri Lanka’s government has postponed the working in Indonesia, saying it decreases employ- The wind and rain had done its work and this ment opportunities for local workers. Song, a spoof by the comic duo, Homer and rallies and processions that mark May Day because is what I saw. Cambodia Jethro, that went this way: the weeklong celebrations of the national festival of “While I was walking down the street, the “Take your next vacation in a brand-new Vesak carry on until May 2 this year. About 2,000 garment workers gathered at a billboards caught my eye. Frigidaire; The government said in a statement that the park in Cambodia’s capital, Phnom Penh, for a rally organized by a garment union coalition. The advertisements written there would Learn to play the piano in your winter under- decision was taken following requests by leading wear; Buddhist monks, who are very influential in this The workers wanted to march to the National make you laugh and cry. And Symonize your baby with a Hershey majority Buddhist country. Vesak is also known as Assembly to urge lawmakers to help them address The signs were torn and tattered from the candy bar; Buddha Purnima and marks the enlightenment of labor-related concerns, but the group was stopped storm the night before, Lord Buddha. by riot police. And as I read the things they said, well this is What a difference Drano makes on your The government has asked political parties and Prime Minister Hun Sun spent May Day with what I saw. fav’rite movie star. trade unions not to hold rallies on May 1. Some have some 5,000 garment workers just outside Phnom “Smoke Coca-Cola cigarettes, drink Wrigley’s “Doctors say that babies shouldn’t smoke till said they will ignore the government directive and Penh. He thanked the workers by announcing that Spearmint Beer; they are three; mark the day. each of them will receive 50,000 riel ($12.50). Ken-L Ration Dog Food makes your wife’s People over thirty-five take a bath in Lipton Usually, Sri Lankan political parties and trade With a general election coming up in July, Hun complexion clear; Tea. unions celebrate the International Workers’ Day Sen for the past year has been courting the large bloc Chew chocolate-covered mothballs, they You can make this country a better place of garment workers, whose unions traditionally have with colorful parades and giant rallies to showcase always satisfy; today. been strong supporters of the opposition. (inquirer. their political and organizational strength. Brush your teeth with Lifebuoy soap and Just buy a record of this song and throw it net) The government said it will mark International watch the suds go by. far away!” Workers’ Day on May 7. ([email protected])

STEPHEN CURRY figures wasn’t enough to stop the explosive de- Game 1 — then was one board shy of another. “HEY JOE, LIGHTEN ... FROM PAGE B5 fending champions. “He’s been saving himself for the playoffs,” ... FROM PAGE A6 Tip-ins Kerr said. Iguodala’s neck area as he shot. That came 14 sec- Pelicans: Nikola Mirotic fouled out with 2:43 Quotable Read about the issue in Malaysia: “Selling the onds after a double-technical against Davis and left after scoring 18 points. … The Pelicans scored “It was a lot more fun when I was over country to China? Debate spills into Malaysia’s Green after they got tangled and rolled around 38 points in the paint the first two quarters. … there,” Gentry joked of preparing for the War- election”. and over each other. New Orleans went 13 for 37 from deep, 4 of 20 in riors, referring to his time as Golden State’s top I would see hordes of Chinese workers in “I live for playoff basketball. It’s the most fun the first half. assistant during the franchise’s 2014-15 champi- the Philippines as a failure of Philippine govern- time of the year for me,” Green said. Warriors: Curry came off the bench for just onship season. ment IF Filipinos are qualified for the jobs being Klay Thompson never found his groove and the second time in 76 career playoff games. … filled (construction, probably qualified; Chinese went 4 for 20, 2 of 11 on 3s, and scored 10 points. Nick Young started a second straight game. … language BPO, perhaps not). Iguodala scored 15. Golden State has won 26 of the last 28 meetings It is China’s duty to assure jobs for China’s Green drove coast to coast for a three-point overall vs. the Pelicans. … Home run king Barry citizens. It is the Philippine’s duty to assure jobs play 2:08 before halftime, then Thompson Bonds sat courtside and congratulated Curry for Filipino citizens. It is my ‘job’ to question whether or not gov- banked in a 3 at the halftime buzzer for a 58-55 afterward. ernment is performing its duties competently. Warriors edge at intermission. Rebounding Green That’s not xenophobic. That’s responsible. Even a balanced Pelicans attack — they took Green had games of 19, 18 and 15 rebounds That’s my take on it. 105 shots — with all five starters scoring in double the previous three games and a triple-double in What do you think about the subject? A8 FilAm Star May 3 - 9, 2018 business & ABS-CBN to shut down remittance operations Broadcast network ABS- ABS-CBN said the three a net income of P3.16 billion tech news CBN Corp. said Monday it companies accumulated total in 2017, down 10.3 percent will shut down its remittance losses of P16.18 million or from P3.53 billion in 2016 in business in the United States, $310,233 during their opera- the absence of election-related Canada and the United King- tions. advertisements. Itama po natin! dom by the end of June because The company generated of significant losses. consolidated revenues of P40.7 BEN LOU ABS-CBN said in a dis- billion from advertising and closure to the stock exchange consumer sales last year, repre- units ABS-CBN Global Remit- senting a 2.3 percent year-on- Q: How am I supposed to live with my pension and social tance Inc., ABS-CBN Canada year decline from 2016. security and at the same time with deep credit card debts? Remittance Inc. and ABS-CBN Advertising revenues A: An impossible situation! Is there a way out? There are Europe Remittance Ltd. with decreased 10.8 percent year-on- a few ways to get out the hole in this situation provided there licenses to engage in money year because of high election- are some resources left. We don’t want to file bankruptcy at service and transmission busi- related advertising placements this point. Like I always say, bankruptcy should always be a last ness in California and Illinois in in the first half of 2016. resort. the US, Canada and the United Excluding election re- The first task for a situation like this to contain the situa- Kingdom, respectively would lated placements, advertising tion where we always say, let’s stop the bleeding. One who is too cease operation by June 30. revenues in 2017 went down by close to the picture cannot see the whole picture. They can only “The decision to cease busi- only 0.3 percent year-on-year, see what is right in front of them. In most cases, they become ness operations is based on the (Photo: www.pam.wikipedia.org) it said. consumed with the web of problems that they become creatures of habit and just do what they collective financial performance Consumer sales increased have to do month by month. The objective is to get out of this cycle. of the companies in the past “The cessation of the busi- P1.62 billion mainly result- Once we have identified if the income is the problem meaning it is too low, we must years which showed significant ness operations of the compa- ing from the sale of ABS-CBN look for ways of disposing liquid assets in order to covert to cash and pay down the debt. If losses,” ABS-CBN said. nies has no material impact on TVPlus and higher revenues there are none, look at real properties where we can take out a loan and manage that with the “As a result, the business the business, financial position, from Sky Cable’s broadband income received monthly. was no long considered viable,” performance and operations of and direct-to-home business. If these ways we are able to minimize the monthly damage of the debts, then we must the listed company led by the ABS-CBN Corp,” it said. (Darwin G. Amojejar / manil- proceed and make sure that the process is followed month after month until the problem is Lopez family said. ABS-CBN earlier reported astandard.net) gone. Now is the time to educate the retiree in how to manage their finances. Giving them con- tinues lectures will not help the situation since they are only hearing in one ear and goes out Razon’s Bloomberry finally claims vital Solaire land the other ear and that’s not helping them. Analyze first then execute the fix. Ating lesson, Ang retirement ay pagplanuhan ng di sa huli maisahan. Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.- During the last auction with the opening of Sky Tower At Debt Aid Consulting, we pride ourselves with providing only Federal Trade Commis- led Bloomberry Resorts Corp. for the lot on April 17, Pagcor last November 2014. Aside from sion compliant programs. 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Based on a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (Photo: www. grandmaxim.com) on Friday, SPI was the only one that went after a negotiated sale after two failed biddings. announced a P73.5-billion square meters of meeting space The purchase price was fundraising from a banking loan in The Forum; an international P100 million above the floor syndicate. Apart from refinanc- KTV bar as well as additional price set by Pagcor for the ing some debt, Bloomberry had gaming facilities. Solaire’s high- property. prepared to acquire this Solaire end retail area, The Shoppes, SPI expects to complete the lot from Pagcor. features luxury brands such as transaction, sign the deed of ab- Solaire was the first proper- Louis Vuitton, Prada, Bvlgari, solute sale and pay the balance ty to open in Pagcor Entertain- Salvatore Ferragamo and of the purchase price within 45 ment City. It became the first Givenchy. (Doris Dumlao-Aba- days, the disclosure said. integrated resort in the area dilla / inquirer.net) Still no third telco before Duterte’s state of the nation pitch The Department of Infor- mid-May “on a best effort on terms. The committee is com- mation and Communications our part.” prised of the DICT, Department Technology (DICT) said a new The extra time is also need- of Finance, Office of the Ex- major telco player would not ed due to the reglementary peri- ecutive Secretary and National be named before President Du- od that comes with the issuance Security Adviser. terte’s national address in July of such terms. The publication Rio told ANC on Friday as it signaled further delays. of the terms, public discussions that also under discussion was The July target was a and finalization could take more the granting of tax incentives to self-imposed one. It emerged than one month alone, said a telco industry challenger. after Malacañang scrapped the Edgardo Cabari- To further guide investors, March 2018 deadline, which the DICT released a memo- was tagged by interested groups randum order on April 13 as unrealistic. that detailed the financial Eliseo Rio Jr., DICT resources and technical acting secretary, said requirements a new on Friday that it was major telco player still possible to must posses. at least identify It said the ahead of the Pres- company must ident’s State of hold a congres- the Nation Ad- sional franchise dress (Sona) the that was not a serious groups related party to that would bid. any dominant “By Sona, telco player. people will know Moreover, it what companies should have no are joining the outstanding li- bidding,” Rio said abilities to the NTC in a text message on as of Jan. 31, 2018. Friday. It added the The government’s interested company must main role in this exercise is have a paid-in capital of at to determine which company least P10 billion and experience will be awarded a slew of 3G, in operating telco services “for 4G and potential 5G frequen- DICT Sec. Eliseo Rio Jr. the last five years.” (Photo: www. iotbusiness-platform.com) cies to launch call, text and In the selection criteria, internet services on mobile the DICT included “highest devices. committed level of service” The third telco, a key cam- os, deputy commissioner of the apart from the committed paign promise, will compete National Telecommunications investment over a five-year with the PLDT Inc. and Globe Commission (NTC). period. Telecom duopoly. Potential bidders will also The cost of entry in the The delays come as the need ample time to study the telco business is steep. Finance government finalizes the terms terms and prepare their offers. Secretary Carlos Dominguez of reference, which will spell Rio said bidders would be III earlier said on Twitter that out the parameters it will use given “around 45 days” to come a new entrant would need to in awarding valuable radio up with their bid proposals. invest at least P200 billion to frequencies. An oversight committee “effectively compete.” (Miguel Rio said the terms of was recently established to R. Camus / inquirer.net) reference may be published by assist the NTC in drafting the May 3 - 9, 2018 FilAm Star A9 world news Big protests expected as Trump UK visit in July confirmed N. Korea’s aged nuclear test site faces closure US President Donald umnist Owen Jones, a promi- state visit offer following diplo- threat to the wider region. Trump will make a long-awaited nent leftwing activist, called for matic fallouts with the American Potential damage to the visit to Britain on July 13, Down- “everybody out on the streets”. leader, who has already visited site became a topic for debate ing Street announced Thursday, “Let’s make Donald several other European capitals. again this month after Kim his first since taking power in Trump’s visit... a carnival against Relations turned particu- declared he would shut down January last year and likely to hatred,” he added, sharing a link larly testy last November after the facility -- followed by draw large protests. to a “protest Trump’s visit” Fa- Trump shared three inflamma- Sunday’s revelation that he The visit had been repeat- cebook event that 31,000 people tory anti-Muslim videos posted would invite foreign observ- edly delayed amid a series of had signed up to attend. by far-right group Britain First. ers to verify it in May. diplomatic spats and fears it Working visit The retweeting caused con- Sceptics have said it was could be marred by anti-Trump The July trip is set to be sternation in Britain and further an empty concession by Kim demonstrations. a working visit, with the US calls to scrap any visit. as the site is already suffering “The President of the president expected at a NATO When May condemned from “tired mountain syn- United States will visit the UK summit in Brussels, Belgium, on Trump for sharing the messages, drome” and may be obsolete. on 13 July,” Prime Minister The- July 11 and 12. he tweeted at her “don’t focus A recent study by seis- resa May’s spokesman said in a Meanwhile the offer of a on me, focus on the destructive mologists at the University statement, adding he would hold ceremonial state visit remains Radical Islamic Terrorism that of Science and Technology bilateral talks is taking place of China also suggested rock with the British within the had collapsed under the leader. United King- Mantap peak, making it May contro- dom.” unusable. versially offered Trump (Photo: www.38north.org) But Jeffrey Lewis of Trump a state later made a North Korean leader Kim then. the Middlebury Institute of visit -- which rare apology, Jong Un’s promise to dismantle Tunnels can be see entering Strategic Studies dismissed the would involve saying he had its only known nuclear test the site from different direc- claims, saying there is “no basis” meeting Queen been unaware site next month has shone the tions. The first test was staged to conclude it is no longer usable Elizabeth II at of the group’s spotlight on the secretive facility in the eastern tunnel, the second and the promised closure is “not Buckingham background. near the Chinese border. and third in the western tun- a case of passing off damaged Palace -- when The US The Punggye-ri test site, lo- nel and the remainder in the goods”. she was the first leader was cated beneath a mountain in the northern tunnel, according to Radiation fears foreign leader to expected in the country’s northeast, has hosted intelligence authorities. The North has long claimed visit him shortly British capital all six nuclear tests Pyongyang Powerful blast that its nuclear tests posed no after entering the in February for has conducted -- most recently Tests staged at the site have environmental threats, saying White House. the opening last September. demonstrated the country’s there was “no radioactive leak” The invita- of the new US Attention is now focused rapid progress in its nuclear after conducting tests. But some South Korean tion provoked (Photo: www.nymag.com) embassy on the on whether that will prove to be programme -- especially since uproar in Brit- banks of the the final test, as the diplomatic Kim took power in 2011 and and Japanese media reported ain, where the River Thames push for Pyongyang to give up oversaw four atomic tests in only that workers at the site or area US president’s “America First” on the table, according to a in a former industrial area that its nuclear weapons gathers pace six years. residents suffered from radioac- agenda, including a proposed Whitehall source. is being regenerated. ahead of Kim’s eagerly-awaited The country’s first test was tive exposure and symptoms ban on immigration from a Britain’s Daily Telegraph But Trump again caused po- summit with US President Don- largely seen as a failure and including cancer and the births number of Muslim-majority reported Trump will meet the tential offence when he dispar- ald Trump. produced an estimated yield of of deformed babies, citing the countries, is unpopular. Queen and go to Chequers, the aged the neighbourhood and Ideal environment only about a kiloton, compared North’s defectors and research- British lawmakers called on prime minister’s country retreat, announced that he would not be The site is located deep to as much as 250 kilotons in ers. May to withdraw the offer, while in a bid to avoid protests in coming. inside mountains in the north- the sixth -- an explosion more Such concerns prompted protesters have promised to turn London. He blamed his no-show on eastern province of North Ham- than 16 times powerful than the Seoul’s unification ministry to out in record numbers -- reiter- Foreign Secretary Boris the decision to sell America’s old gyong, which borders China. US atomic bomb dropped on run medical checkups on 30 ating the vows Thursday. Johnson reacted enthusiastically embassy in Mayfair for “pea- Surrounded by high, craggy Hiroshima in 1945. defectors who hailed from the “Anybody any good at mak- -- imitating the US commander- nuts” while the new $1.2 billion peaks and carved deep into a But Punggye-ri’s proximity region for potential radioactive ing placards?” British opposition in-chief’s distinct Twitter style site was in “an off location”. granite mountain more than to China has become a source exposure last year. lawmaker David Lammy asked with the use of some capital “Bad deal. Wanted me to 2,000 metres high, the test site of concern for Beijing, as the Four of them -- from the cheekily on Twitter. letters. cut ribbon-NO!” he tweeted. is said to be an ideal venue to tremor from the sixth test county of Kilju that includes Amnesty International UK “FANTASTIC news that London Mayor Sadiq Khan, withstand the huge forces un- was felt across the border and Punggye-ri -- showed symptoms said Trump had overseen “a President @realDonaldTrump who clashed with Trump on leashed by nuclear blasts. prompted many residents to flee that could be attributed to ra- deeply disturbing human rights will at last come to Britain on 13 social media amid last year’s The presence of the site their homes in panic. diation exposure, but research- roll-back”. July,” he wrote. terror attacks on the British became known in 2006 when Collapse claims ers involved in the study said “We and thousands of our “Looking forward to seeing capital, said the president “will the North conducted its first The growing impact of the they could not conclude that supporters will definitely be our closest ally and friend on the experience an open and diverse nuclear test under Kim’s late blasts raised safety concern at the health problems had been making our voices heard about GREATest visit ever.” city that has always chosen unity father, longtime ruler Kim Jong the Punggye-ri site, with some caused by a nuclear test. (AFP) this,” it added. However, May has faced over division and hope over Il, with activities closely watched Chinese scientists warning that Meanwhile, Guardian col- repeated calls to withdraw the fear”. (AFP) through satellite imagery since it could pose a major radioactive Ten journalists including AFP photographer among dozens killed in Afghan attacks

Ten journalists including the total number of people killed entire agency,” said AFP global Agence France-Presse’s chief pho- across the country to at least 38. news director Michele Leridon, tographer in Kabul, Shah Marai, “Several Afghan security describing Marai as a “treasured were among dozens killed in at- force members were killed or colleague.” tacks across Afghanistan Monday, wounded” in the operation, it “We can only honour the the deadliest day for the country’s added. extraordinary strength, courage, media since 2001. Treasured colleague and generosity of a photographer The attacks highlight the UN Secretary-General Anto- who covered often traumatic, hor- dangers journalists face in the nio Guterres said he was “out- rific events with sensitivity and war-torn country, where violence raged” by the attacks. consummate professionalism,” is increasing as the resurgent Tali- “The deliberate targeting of Leridon said. ban step up their campaign while journalists in the attack highlights “We also send our condo- the Islamic State group makes once again the risks media profes- lences to the families of other inroads. sionals face in carrying out their journalists killed in this terrible A double suicide blast in essential work,” the UN chief said. attack.” Kabul killed 25 people, including US Defense Secretary Jim Bloody summer Marai along with at least eight Mattis said militants were target- IS, which dramatically other journalists, and wounded ing journalists in Afghanistan stepped up its attacks in Kabul in 49. because they are weakened and recent months, claimed respon- Reporters Without Borders want more news coverage in order sibility via its propaganda agency called it the most lethal single at- to undermine the country’s elec- Amaq. tack on the media since the fall of toral process ahead of an expected The attacks came days after the Taliban. vote in October. the Taliban began their spring IS claimed the attack, which “This is the normal stuff by offensive in an apparent rejection was condemned by the United people who cannot win at the bal- of calls for the militants to take up Nations and the European Union. lot box, so they turn to bombs,” the Afghan government’s offer of Kabul police spokesman said Mattis. peace talks. Hashmat Stanikzai said the sec- Journalists from Radio Free Reporters Without Borders ond explosion came minutes after Europe and Afghan broadcasters said that since 2016, it has re- the first and targeted reporters at Tolo News and 1TV were among corded the killings of 34 journal- the scene. those killed in Kabul, Reporters ists in Afghanistan, which it ranks “The bomber disguised him- Without Borders said. at 118 out of 180 countries on the self as a journalist and detonated “This tragedy reminds us Press Freedom Index. himself among the crowd,” he of the danger that our teams In 2016, seven employees said. continually face on the ground of popular TV channel Tolo were The BBC confirmed that one and the essential role journalists killed in a Taliban suicide bomb- of its reporters, 29-year-old Ah- play for democracy,” said Fabrice ing. mad Shah, was killed in a separate Fries, CEO of AFP. In November last year broad- attack in eastern Khost province, Marai -- who was buried caster Shamshad TV was stormed near the border with Pakistan. later Monday -- joined AFP as a by gunmen who killed one person. He was shot by unidentified driver in 1996, the year the Tali- The defiant station was armed men, the broadcaster said, ban seized power, and began tak- back on the air within hours, a citing local police. ing pictures on the side, covering newscaster with bandaged hands In a third attack, 11 chil- stories including the US invasion reporting on the attack as its dren were killed and 16 people in 2001. director vowed: “They cannot wounded, including Romanian In 2002, he became a silence us.” and Afghan soldiers, when a full-time photo stringer, rising President Ashraf Ghani’s suicide attacker exploded his through the ranks to become the government is under pressure car near a NATO convoy in the bureau’s chief photographer. on multiple fronts this year as southern province of Kandahar, The 41-year-old’s versatil- it prepares to hold long-delayed officials said. ity and easy camaraderie was legislative elections in October. The children killed were six demonstrated moments before Some Western and Afghan to 11 years old, the United Nations the second attack, as he reassured officials expect 2018 to be a children’s agency UNICEF said an AFP video colleague who was particularly bloody year, with the in a statement condemning the stuck in traffic and could not Taliban and other militant groups attack “in the strongest possible reach the scene. controlling or contesting large terms.” “No worry man, I am here,” swathes of the country. There was no immediate he said by WhatsApp, adding that “I taught myself photogra- claim of responsibility for that he was shooting video in addition phy,” Marai said in a company attack. to taking photos. profile in 2015. “Now my photos One American soldier was He left behind six children, appear around the world. killed and another wounded dur- including a newborn daughter. “My best memories are when ing a combat operation in eastern “This is a devastating I beat the competition... I like to Afghanistan, US Forces-Afghani- blow for the brave staff of our be first.”. (AFP) stan said in a statement, bringing close-knit Kabul bureau and the A10 FilAm Star May 3 - 9, 2018 May 3 - 9, 2018 FilAm Star B1 stargazer Ex-voice talent for Vilma Santos, Lorna Tolentino anything that did not belong called soft drink starlets met now has a chance to be seen could mar the segment. But af- tragic endings, De Jesus came on-screen and in a stateside appears in ‘Bitter Melon’ ter seeing De Jesus’ work, Perez in handy. Perez got her to dub production. By Harvey I. Barkin exclaimed in awe, “Ay, p--- ka! Claudia Zobel’s movies. The paradigm shift in De Where did you get that voice?” Agencies like J. Walther Jesus’ career is not necessarily MILPITAS – Some actors enough spaghetti westerns He then ordered the production Thompson, Ace Compton disruptive but welcome. Jose- build their rep on stage or in the 60s or kung-fu movies crew to put out the remaining (Saatchi & Saatchi) and Basic phine, 61, lives with her second screen before they become with bad dubbing in the 70s, loops for dubbing and unctu- Advertising sought her for their hubby, Jun Aguilar (Jun de voice talents for animation you understand why there was ously asked De Jesus, “Have 30-seconder commercials. On Jesus in real life) in Hayward. or voice-overs. Just like Leah an industry. you eaten yet?” radio, she did Tide or Minola He was an actor-singer in the Salonga as Kim (in Miss And then, there was the The amazing thing is she cooking oil Tagalog scripts in 70s and owns a band that plays Saigon) and Eponine (in Les diva factor. Many old-time can watch the rushes and get Manila and then in Ilocano in around the Bay Area. But that’s Misérables) on stage and then directors felt it was more time- the pitch and intonation imme- Baguio and Pangasinan. not the only showbiz connection Princess Jasmine (in Aladdin) and cost-effective to bring in a diately. Vilma had a script. But De Jesus is probably the for De Jesus. and Mulan in Disney anima- voice-over talent to finish the De Jesus didn’t and she had to best argument for voice projec- Her sister Erlinda Cortez is tion. loops than to contend with the wing it, including the dramatic tion as much as Lee Strassburg also a voice talent and leading But Josephine De Jesus’ principal actor’s busy schedule wails and tearful cries and is for method acting. Her part lady for Tiya Dely and dzRH ra- talent could not be kept or irascible mood or both. Vilma’s pauses. De Jesus usu- in Bitter Melon gives her more dio programs. In fact, you might behind the scene any longer. De Jesus said she virtually ally doesn’t need more than two lines, aside from face time on have seen her as Matutina’s sis- The voice that you thought put herself through college takes and an assignment can the big screen. Because it’s a ter with the character-defining was Vilma Santos or Lorna voicing over for directors like take two days tops. She’s also FilAm production, the drama nail-scraping-the-board voice in Tolentino or Alma Moreno is Eddie Garcia, Elwood Perez a one-stop shop voice-shifter, is about dysfunction that is all ‘Home along the riles.’ For sure, now taking it back and putting and Maryo delos Reyes. She’s taking assignments for an old the more tragic because it leaks you have heard her son’s and her face to it in her first Indie that good. Some actors are woman’s or another character’s out at a happy family reunion. daughter’s voice dubs in any film appearance, Bitter Melon. known to come up with tears voice when needed for the same A different beast than the usual number of Korean or Spanish Josephine De Jesus The movie world premier is on demand. De Jesus just film. revenge and unrequited love tele-serye. on May 12 at the Kabuki AMC turns on the voice. And that When some of the so- stories in Tagalog movies. She theater in San Francisco, then by way of audition at ABS-CBN was what Mendoza experi- May 19 at Roxie Theater in San when the studio called out for enced when he gave De Jesus Francisco and then May 23 at Ilocano-speaking actors in July the part in ‘Bitter Melon.’ Piedmont Theater in Oakland. last year. De Jesus is a native of When asked how she does Bitter Melon is the third Dagupan City. it, De Jesus couldn’t explain. feature film from award-winner She didn’t realize that Bit- But if you remember Lorna To- H.P. Mendoza (Colma: The Mu- ter Melon writer-director H.P. lentino endorsing on TV White sical, Fruit Fly, I Am a Ghost). Mendoza would audition her Castle five years old Whisky It starts as a holiday reunion personally. Nor was she pre- with the promise line, “good for for a Filipino-American family pared for a monologue (emot- one shot,” you can see in your at their home in San Francisco. ing without script) the first day. mind’s eye, De Jesus astride a The bitter pill or, because Anyway, she read the script in white horse in a two piece when they’re Ilocano, the bitter melon Ilocano then something about she owns up that one line. to swallow is that second child her made Mendoza ask her to The first time she tried out Troy (played by Patrick Espino) come back. to dub for Vilma Santos, direc- is a bully to his mother Prisa This was the voice that tor Elwood Perez skeptically (De Jesus) and even physically launched more than a thousand told her everybody recognizes abusive to his wife. The plot continuities before digital tech- Vilma’s voice and if she didn’t turns into a darkly humorous nology, when films were put in get it right, Perez would just crime scenario as youngest son cans with audio and video loops pay for her cab fare back home. Declan (Jon Norman Sch- separate. Because passing tricy- De Jesus was dubbing for neider) leads the conspiracy to cles or a street vendor hawking Vilma Santos in the 1981 movie murder Troy. her wares could spoil a dramat- ‘Pakawalan mo ako.’ Vilma’s For De Jesus, the chance ic scene. This was the age before character was having an affair to be in a major role, among noise cancellation technology, with Christopher de Leon’s and thespians like Brian Rivera when background noise could the segment was when Vilma’s (recently in the San Jose Lin- not be filtered out efficiently. character asks Christopher’s coln Theater Center production So, the loops were separate and character to let her go because of The King and I) is a dream synching was inevitably part of one of them was married. Perez come true. She landed her part the final process. If you’ve seen worried that it was pivotal and B2 FilAm Star May 3 - 9, 2018 Sarah Geronimo celebrates her 15th anniversary with ‘This is Me USA Concert Tour 2018’ By Paula Yamat Setting the stage on fire, pop queen Sarah Geronimo marks her 15th anniversary with “This is Me USA Concert Tour 2018” at Creative Arts Theater Pittsburg High School; the third leg of her U.S. concert. Sarah shared her humble beginnings -- she auditioned and failed in a lot of TV shows until she finally won Star for a Night, beating competitors like Mark Bautista, who is also a featured artist on her concert. Sam Concepion also sang and danced with the pop queen. She thanked everyone who believed and supported her for 15 years in showbiz. “I don’t de- serve this but maraming salamat po” said the pop queen. She performed many of her recent hits like “Tala”, “Kilometro” and pop standards like Martin Garrix’s “Scared to be lonely” and the Weekend’s “Pray for Me.” She also wowed the crowd with her amazing dance moves with G-Force. At concert’s end, she said, “Success is not the fame but when you are loved even when some- thing changes” and thanked her fans again. “This is Me USA Concert 2018” in Pittsburg was a huge success. Sarah Geronimo will be finishing her USA concert tour in six different cities through May 6th along with featured artists Mark Bautista, Sam Concepion and G-Force. (Photos by Franz Bonifacio)

Robert and Ina Rose De Belen (5th and 6th from left) renewed their vows during their 15th wedding anniversary

The crowd at Pittsburg High School

Ray Buenaventura kicks off his re-election campaign with the com- munity of Daly City

(Top photo) The shows executive producers - Ashton Panlilio of Cap Productions, CK Cruz of CK Promotions, and Ian Tallara of Ian Tallara Productions. (Right photo) Sarah Geronimo waving to the full capacity crowd at the Creative Arts Building in Pittsburg

(Top photo) Happy birthday to Krystal of Daly City

(left photo) Happy birthday to Atty. Diza (center) with wife and daughter during his birth- day celebration May 3 - 9, 2018 FilAm Star B3 community INC’s fight against poverty is now global Through the dynamic leadership of its Ex- funds to help the victims of typhoon Haiyan/ awareness ecutive Minister, Bro. Eduardo Manalo, members Yolanda in the Philippines. From the proceeds of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) from all inhabitable over 500 dwelling places were built for members continents of the world are in high gear. The INC and non-members alike. It also provided an Eco- USCIS to begin using more secure mail delivery service is looking to celebrate its 104th year of its re- Farming system to provide sustainable economic emergence from the Far East (Philippines) and its return to its residents and, to date, it has benefit- WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Im- documents upon delivery. They also have the op- 50th year in the West (North America). To date, ed thousands of locals in Tacloban, Leyte. migration Services (USCIS) announced today that tion to designate an agent to sign on their behalf INC has made its presence felt in the continent of A traffic re-routing advisory was placed in the agency will begin phasing in use of the U.S. by completing the Postal Service’s PS Form 3801, Africa and in only a few years of its formation has most parts of Manila which were affected by the Postal Service’s (USPS) Signature Confirmation Standing Delivery Order or PS Form 3801-A, established two districts. They are the Ecclesi- Walk. In the U.S., invites were sent out through Restricted Delivery service to mail Green Cards Agreement by a Hotel, Apartment House, or the astical District of Southern Africa and Northern social media by its members. Some of the loca- and other secure documents beginning April 30, Like. Applicants can sign up for USPS Informed Africa, including over 30 local congregations in tions were in San Jose, California in the Santa 2018. Delivery to receive delivery status notifications. different countries around Africa. Clara County Building Plaza; Cow Palace in Daly The first phase will affect documents that Applicants will also have the option to arrange for As INC expands in Africa, General Auditor City, California; Frank Bonelli Park in San Dimas, need to be re-mailed because they have been pickup at a post office at a convenient date and Glicerio Santos, Jr. said in a statement “Despite California; Utah Park in Aurora Colorado; Craig returned as non-deliverable. These documents time by going to the USPS website and selecting the challenges, we’ve come out a stronger, more Ranch Regional Park in North Las Vegas, Ne- include Permanent Resident Cards (also called “hold for pickup.” unified church. INC is now a globalized church vada; Miramar Pineland Park in Miami, Florida; Green Cards), Employment Authorization Signature Confirmation Restricted Delivery which welcomes all races and persuasions,” San- Southport Park in Orlando, Florida; Downtown Cards, and Travel Booklets. Applicants who have increases the security, integrity, and efficiency tos added. In accompanying Ka Eduardo (Bro. Riverbank in Jacksonville, Florida; Blackwater changed mailing addresses during the course of document delivery. The Signature Confirma- Eduardo) as he is fondly called by its members Heritage Trail in Pensacola, Florida; South At- of the application process are more likely to tion Restricted Delivery process provides better in its pastoral visitations, he has realized how lanta Shamrock Park in Tyrone, Georgia to name have their secure documents sent with the new tracking and accuracy of delivery information, poverty-stricken Africa is. It has been noted that a few. delivery method, which USCIS will expand to all improving service to applicants. there are even countries in Africa that live way In other parts of the world it will be in Forte secure documents in the future. Information on how to track delivery of below poverty line. Driven by love for fellowmen De Copacabana in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; Cinta As part of the new delivery method, appli- secure documents is available on the USCIS and the desire to help, INC has conceptualized a Costera, Ciudad De Panama in Panama and of cants must present identification to sign for their website. movement to create awareness on the plight of course in Glen Alphen Farm in Ladybrand, Africa. Africans and call the attention of all the people in The focal point of the walk will be in Manila, Former ABS-CBN ASAP dancer Princess’ dance group sponsors Mother’s day event this world on poverty. The INC organized a World Philippines as the INC’s main office is located in Wide Walk to fight poverty in Africa on May 6 in Quezon City. Organizers of the walk continued to UNION CITY – Prin- Manila (May 5, 3-5pm, PST). invite everyone to register and participate in this cess Ryan, former ABS-CBN Similarly, in February 2014 the INC orga- free event from all over the world. ASAP dancer, now co-owner nized a World Wide Walk that successfully raised of Viva Gala Dance Studio will sponsor a mothers’ day celebration on Saturday, Filipino food takes centerstage at 1st TIKIM Filipino May 12 dubbed as “Who Run Food Fun Run for the family on Mother’s day the World… Moms!” to be held at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Event to help feed children in the Philippines Union City. Who: ABS-CBN International The Filipino Channel (TFC). Princess said the spa ex- What: 1st TIKIM Filipino Food Fun Run perience - wellness, fitness, Where: Coyote Point Recreation Area, 1701 Coyote Point Dr in San Mateo; Food Festival is at and beauty - will be held the park’s Duck Pond Area and picnic sites 5-8 from 2p.m. to 6p.m. while the red carpet experience When: May 13, 2018, Sunday; Run starts at 8:00AM; Food Festival starts at 10:00AM Princess Ryan (right) dancing with a group of very high-energy kids Why: The purpose of TIKIM (which means, “to taste”) is to celebrate on Mother’s Day – dinner, dance, and show - everything about family, fitness, fun and Filipino food flavors! Open to all ages, gender and races, will be held from 7p.m. to 12 ABS-CBN TFC wants to bring to the San Francisco Bay Area the excitement that Filipino cuisine – midnight. Day@vivagala_studios event, Crown Plaza, traditional or fusion - is generating the world over. With Filipino taste stations at every kilometer of Playroom for kids will be made available, Union City, CA. @blefrere@akaikofunakoshi@ this 5k fun run and a food festival and entertainment past the finish line, there is a lot to savor for according to Ermalyn Pagdilao, one of Princess’ this_is_princessryan@agadana@nathajon24@ every member of the family. But a very important thing is that by registering and joining the fun run, dance studio super moms. philipp_ilagan80@infinitephographyanddesign. each participant would have provided meals for 10 malnourished children in the Philippines. Every To join, please contact Mom on Mother’s – Elpidio R. Estioko month, ABS-CBN Foundation International’s Bantay Bata (Child Watch) program feeds 300 children with one nutritious meal a day during school time. By the end of the 4-month program within a school year, the Foundation makes sure that the nutritional requirements of these children are met. Visit TIKIM & AFI Bantay Bata at https://mytfc.com/tikim and http://www.abscbnfoundation. Milpitas recognizes commissioners org/ MILPITAS – Mayor Rich Tran mentioned in his welcome remark that recognizing city com- missioners is his favorite event. This was at the 2018 Com- missioners’ Recognition event last April 28, acknowledging their important role in the community. Lately, the Mayor instituted a new process in the selection of city commissioners for the city of Milpitas. “I am eternally grate- ful for your taking leadership initiatives in Milpitas. I wanted to de-centralize the city government to give everyone the opportunity to serve. I am looking forward to serving the community and work- ing with you even more. We are going to work with each other for the city. Thank you,” Tran said. For her part, City Manager Julie Edmonds-Mares, in her opening remarks said, “Thank you commissioners, for your service. I am looking forward to working with all of you.” The 2018 Commissioners’ Recognition event held at the Community Center is in recogni- tion of the commissioners’ service and dedication to the residents of the City of Milpitas. The Milpitas City Commissioners The city has a total of 14 commissions such as planning, economic development, sister cities, and the veterans, arts, bicycle pedestrian, community, youth advisory commissions. emergency preparedness, library, parks recre- Also in attendance were: Vice-mayor Marsha ation and cultural resources, telecommunica- Grilli, and councilmembers Garry Barbadillo, Bob tions, recycling and source reduction, seniors, Nunez and Anthony Phan. (Elpidio Estioko) B4 FilAm Star May 3 - 9, 2018 legal & law U.S. judge orders GPS monitoring for house-bound Cosby Convicted sex offender Bill Cosby was or- Long-residing Immigrants being sent into dered Friday to be fitted with a GPS monitor and undergo a violent sexual predators’ assessment, court proceedings by Trump Administration allowed to leave home only for medical treatment or to meet his lawyers. ATTY. CRISPIN CADAY LOZANO Judge Steven O’Neill signed the order, clari- fying the terms of the disgraced icon’s $1 million For years, immigration enforcement officials prioritized recent bail, one day after a Pennsylvania jury found border-crossers over long-time residents with U.S.-born children, Cosby guilty on three counts of sexual assault. clean criminal records, or other evidence of roots in the United The frail, 80-year-old Cosby -- once beloved States. This was done by exercising “prosecutorial discretion” in as “America’s Dad” -- faces a sentence of up to deciding against whom to initiate deportation proceedings. The basic 30 years for drugging and molesting Andrea idea was that scarce law-enforcement resources shouldn’t be wasted Constand at his Philadelphia mansion in January tracking down people who weren’t a danger to the public. 2004. Bill Cosby That practice has radically changed under the Trump adminis- Prosecutors on Thursday demanded his bail (Photo: www.bustle.com) tration. Now, more cases are showing up in immigration court that be revoked, arguing he was a flight risk -- but an involve longer-term residents of the United States rather than recent The disgraced megastar’s passport has al- irritated O’Neill refused to “simply lock him up arrivals, according to an analysis of federal data by the Transactional ready been impounded. right now.” Records Access Clearinghouse (TRAC) at Syracuse University. He must also submit to an assessment by a The judge confined Cosby to his palatial During March 2018, for example, court records show that only 10 percent of immigrants sexual offenders board to determine how much residence in Cheltenham, the same home where in court proceedings had just arrived in this country, while 43 percent had arrived two or more of a danger he poses, before being sentenced by the actor assaulted Constand 14 years ago, and years ago. In contrast, the share of new cases involving individuals who had just arrived during O’Neill in 75 days’ time. instructed probation officers to fit him with a GPS December 2016—the last full month of the Obama administration—was 72 percent, while only six His conviction ends the career of once tower- monitor. percent had been here at least two years. ing figure in late 20th century American popular Cosby can travel only within the greater This uptick is also prevalent among immigrants who have resided in the country for even culture, the first black actor to grace primetime Philadelphia area, and solely for medical treat- longer periods of time. According to TRAC, 20 percent of all new cases filed in March 2018 repre- US television, hitting the big time after growing ment or to meet his legal team upon written sented immigrants that had lived in the United States for five years or more. up as the son of a maid. request, O’Neill said. These figures illustrate the degree to which President Trump has broadened immigration- Cosby’s lawyers have vowed to appeal. (AFP) enforcement policies to the point of encompassing virtually any undocumented immigrant—as well as a great many Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) who have committed (or been charged) with only minor offenses. 9,000 Nepalis to lose protected status in U.S. It is an approach that fails to distinguish between dangerous criminals and undocumented in post-earthquake recovery and re- workers. It alienates the immigrant community by rendering immigrants and their family mem- construction,” DHS Secretary Kirstjen bers too frightened of the police to report crimes or identify witnesses. And it directly impacts the Nielsen said in a statement. lives of children—both those who are undocumented immigrants and those who are native-born As a result, “Nepal can now U.S. citizens—by placing their parents in deportation proceedings. adequately manage the return of its Note: This is not a legal advice. nationals.” SUCCESS STORIES Nepalis with TPS have until June 1. On April 18, 2018, we received a grant of waiver from Immigration Court for a husband 24, 2019 to return. and wife client who made a misrepresentation of their marital status but has no criminal records, As part of its crackdown on illegal has long residence and strong family ties in the U.S. immigration, the administration of 2. On April 12, 2018, the Immigration Judge in San Francisco approved a waiver of misrepre- US President Donald Trump has been sentation in applying for a visa for our client who have been in the U.S. for 26 years, no criminal reviewing, and mostly cancelling, record and strong family ties in the U.S. TPS programs for people of several 3. On April 3, 2018, we received an approval from USCIS for a U visa for a client who was a nationalities allowed to remain in the victim of crime. country over long periods while their 4. For the month ending March 31, 2018, we received approvals for four naturalization ap- own homelands wrestled with disaster plications. (Photo: www.yahoo.com) recovery. 5. For the week ending March 31, 2018, we received approvals of six Adjustment of Status, In January around 200,000 two Application to Remove Condition on Residence and two Renewal of Green Card approvals. Around 9,000 Nepalis allowed to remain in Salvadorans were given an 18 month 6. On March 9, 2018, we received an approval from USCIS for adjustment of status for a cli- the United States since the devastating April 2015 warning that they would lose protected status in ent who was abused by her spouse. The I-601 waiver was approved based on extreme hardship. earthquake will lose their protected status in June place since the country was hit by two massive 7. On February 15, 2018, we received a grant from Immigration Judge for a waiver of misrep- next year, the government said Thursday. earthquakes. resentation for a client who has been in the U.S. for long period of time. The Department of Homeland Security And in November last year around 59,000 8. For the week ending February 9, 2018, we received approvals of one I-485, one N-400, (DHS) said a review of conditions in Nepal since Haitians permitted to stay since the Caribbean one I-90 and one I-751. the disaster showed they have improved and no island’s 2010 earthquake were told they would 9. On January 12, 2018, we received an approval of immigrant visa at the U.S. Consulate longer support the “temporary protected status” have to leave in 18 months. Manila for an alien who applied for I-601-A as one who entered as a seaman. (TPS) given to Nepalis. TPS is also ending for Nicaragua and Sudan, 10. On January 10, 2018, we received an approval form USCIS of a self petition for abused “Since the 2015 earthquake, conditions in while protections for South Sudanese immigrants spouse based on same sex marriage. Nepal have notably improved. Additionally, since have been extended until May 2019. 11. On January 3, 2018, we received an approval from the Immigration Court for a waiver of the last review of the country’s conditions in Oc- Other countries still under review include misrepresentation for a client who was charged with misrepresentation in marriage; tober 2016, Nepal has made substantial progress Honduras, Syria and Yemen. (AFP) 12. On December 15, 2017, we received an approval from USCIS for an adjustment of status for same sex marriage for an applicant who entered without inspection but has Sec. 245 (i). TO PAGE A7 Migrants at U.S. border ask Trump to have heart Olga Caballero and her four children set out border with the US. Trump admits Cohen represented from southern Mexico a month ago as part of He will stay in Tijuana seeking work and at a US-bound caravan that infuriated President some point bring over his nine children. him in ‘crazy Stormy Daniels deal’ Donald Trump. “If they do not want us there,” he said of US President Donald Now, having reached the border with the the United States, “why go? It is better to stay in Trump acknowledged on wealthy United States on Tuesday, this Hondu- Mexico which is welcoming us with open arms, Thursday that his personal ran woman is asking the anti-immigrant Trump thanks to God.” lawyer, Michael Cohen, to show compassion and remember that he, too, Compassion represented him in a “deal” is a father. Caballero had a message for Trump: “I involving porn star Stormy Caballero and her children -- whose ages would like him to put his hand on his heart, and Daniels. range from two to 16 -- spent the first night in Ti- I would ask if he has ever been a father. Because Trump had previously juana, across the border from San Diego, as part only a parent knows what it means to be ready to denied knowledge of a of a caravan of 120 migrants including 50 minors do absolutely anything for your children.” $130,000 payment Cohen who arrived on two buses. She says she will ask the Americans for made to Daniels, which she Since the so-called Viacrucis Migrante set asylum because violence from street gangs in claims was to prevent her out on March 25, or Palm Sunday, these poor Honduras makes life impossible there. “That is from talking about her al- and hearty Central Americans have crossed why we are here. It is not that we covet another leged 2006 affair with the Mexico on foot, on trains and in buses. country,” she said, her voice breaking with emo- property mogul-turned- “My biggest fear was that I would fall asleep tion. president. and one of my kids would fall from the train. Among this group there are only about 20 Trump, in a wide- Everybody was crowded up against a railing, and men, including the Honduran Gualdin Omar, 20, ranging telephone in- I sat up all night watching them,” said Caballero, who will also ask for asylum to escape the gangs, terview with “Fox and who is 35. known in Spanish as “maras.” Friends,” admitted for the (L-R) Stormy Daniels, Pres. Donald Trump, and Michael Cohen The caravan is a tradition that dates back “Because of the maras you cannot even go first time that Cohen repre- (Photo: www.dailykos.com) to 2010 and is designed to draw attention to the out on the street. No one leaves home,” said this sented him in negotiations “Sadly, I have so many attorneys you wouldn’t plight of destitute Central Americans crossing young farmer, who used to grow corn and beans. with Daniels, who has filed a lawsuit seeking to even believe it.” through Mexico to try to reach the US and the Omar says he is sure he will achieve the have the “hush agreement” drawn up by Cohen Trump was also asked about Cohen’s promise of a better life. American dream, and challenged Trump: “I thrown out. decision to invoke the Fifth Amendment -- the This time, it set out with 1,000 people, but tell Donald Trump to get ready for when we get Trump said Cohen represented him on only constitutional right to remain silent to avoid self- they have since dispersed, with some now travel- there.” a “tiny, tiny little fraction” of his “overall legal incrimination -- in a case brought by Daniels in ing on their own. Upon their arrival at the border, the mi- work.” Los Angeles over the hush agreement. Irineo Mujica of the migrant rights group grants were fed roast chicken, beans, rice and “He represents me -- like with this crazy “His lawyers probably told him to do that,” Pueblo Sin Fronteras (People Without Borders) tortillas. Along the way, they found solidarity as Stormy Daniels deal, he represented me,” Trump Trump said. “But I’m not involved and I’ve been that organized the procession said that some people provided them with food and clothing. said. told I’m not involved.” 600 of the original thousand remain grouped “The good thing is there have been lots of “And, you know, from what I see, he did In the Daniels case, Cohen is asking to delay together. good people who supported us a lot,” said Hon- absolutely nothing wrong,” Trump said. “There proceedings for 90 days, arguing that any state- About half have begun filing papers to stay duran Reina Garcia. were no campaign funds going into this.” ments he might make could affect the criminal in Mexico and the other 300 plan to request Tristan Call, a member of People Without Asked by reporters on Air Force One earlier investigation into his business dealings in New asylum in the United States. Borders who accompanied these travelers, said York. this month about the payment to Daniels, Trump Media coverage of the US-bound caravan Mexicans responded to what he called Trump’s In New York, a federal judge meanwhile ap- had said he was not aware of it. triggered a flurry of furious tweets from Trump, “hatred” and bent over backwards to help the pointed a retired judge to review documents, cell “You’ll have to ask Michael Cohen. Michael is who ordered thousands of National Guard Central Americans. (AFP) my attorney. You’ll have to ask Michael,” he said. phones and other material seized during the FBI troops to the US-Mexican border and called on The payment to Daniels was made just days raid on Cohen’s home and offices. Mexico to stop the migrants. before the November 2016 presidential election, Citing attorney-client privilege, lawyers for He also linked the issue of migration to the and there have been suggestions it may have been Trump had asked to be allowed to examine the signing of a revamped North American Free a violation of campaign finance laws. documents before they are handed over to pros- Trade Agreement. ‘Michael is a good person’ ecutors. Late Wednesday, the Department of Home- Cohen’s New York home and office were Cohen’s lawyers had made essentially the land Security warned the migrants against trying raided by the FBI this month as part of an same request, while prosecutors were arguing for to enter the country illegally or filing false im- unspecified criminal investigation, and Trump unfettered access to the material. migration claims, saying they will be arrested if sought in the “Fox and Friends” interview to Prosecutors sought to use Trump’s claim in they do. distance himself from his longtime personal at- the “Fox and Friends” interview that Cohen did torney. little legal work for him to bolster their argument Mexico rejected pressure from Trump. It “Michael is a good person,” Trump said. that most of the seized material was not subject gave the migrants a one-month transit pass to “He’s really a businessman, fairly big business as to privilege. decide if they want to seek refuge in Mexico, go I understand it. US District Judge Kimba Wood went for a back home or keep trudging toward the United “They’re looking at something having to do compromise of sorts, naming a retired judge, States. with his business,” Trump said. “I have nothing to Barbara Jones, to be “special master” who will Lisandro Guerrero, a Honduran traveling do with his business, I can tell you. sort through the material and decide what is with his wife, decided to stay in Mexico even “I have many attorneys,” Trump went on. privileged. (AFP) though he made it all the way to Tijuana on the Answers from LAST WEEK’S Krosword May 3 - 9, 2018 FilAm Star B5 health & More evidence that exercise can stave off depression found by new analysis lifestyle New international research has found more La Salle (Brazil), said, “This is the first global evidence to suggest that exercise can prevent the meta-analysis to establish that engaging in physi- onset of depression, and could be beneficial in cal activity is beneficial for protecting the general people of all ages. population from developing depression. We have Health@Heart Carried out by King’s College London along looked at whether these effects happen at different with researchers from Brazil, Belgium, Australia, age groups and across different continents and the the United States and Sweden, together the team results are clear. Regardless your age or where you Answers to your queries looked at 49 studies which set out to examine if live, physical activity can reduce the risk of having physical activity could decrease the risk of develop- depression later in life.” PHILIP S. CHUA, MD, FACS, FPCS ing depression. Co-author Dr. Joseph Firth, Research Fellow The studies included a total of 266,939 par- at NICM Health Research Institute at Western Do cellphone rhythm, either by medications or by electrical ticipants, none of whom had mental illness, who Sydney University, also commented, saying, “The radiation shields (shock) “zapping.” The term is most often used were followed up on average after 7.4 years. compelling evidence presented here provides an work? to imply electrical cardioversion. This is done After taking into account important risk fac- even stronger case for engaging all people in regu- No, the so- when the type of abnormality of the rhythm of the tors such as body mass index, smoking and physi- lar physical activity; through schools, workplaces, called “radiation heart is one of the dangerous forms that adversely cal health, the researchers found that compared leisure programs and elsewhere, in order to reduce shields” for cell affects the vitals signs of the person or one that to those who engaged in low levels of physical the risk of depression across the lifespan.” phones do not could potentially cause cerebral emboli (blood activity, those with high levels had lower odds of The team added that further studies would work, and therefore clots from within the heart) traveling to the developing depression. now be useful to investigate the minimum amount are not effective in brain resulting in stroke. The two paddles (“zap- In addition, physical activity also protected of physical activity needed to reduce the risk of protecting the user pers”), held one in each hand of the cardiovert- both youths, adults and seniors as well as par- depression, as well as the effects of different types from radiation, ing personnel (a physician, a nurse or a medical ticipants across a range of geographical regions of activity. reports the FTC in technician) are applied on the mid-chest of the including Europe, North America and Oceania. The results can be found online in the Ameri- the United States. If anything at all, this shield patient and the heart is “electrically shocked” to a Commenting on the findings, lead author can Journal of Psychiatry. (inquirer.net) “lulls” the user to complacency and thus the normal rhythm or to a safer, more benign, form of Professor Dr Felipe Barreto Schuch, Universidade user is subjected to a more prolonged radiation irregularity. In some persons with a heart disease, exposure because of the false sense of security it may not be possible to convert the rhythm to a the unsuspecting consumers will have. While the perfect sinus rhythm. In these cases, the goal is to association between cell phone use and some type convert the rhythm to an acceptable more benign Scientists keep pigs’ brains alive for 36 hours of brain tumors is still unclear, it is best to avoid rhythm. US-based researchers have successfully kept and minimize any type of radiation exposure from Can trauma to the breasts cause cancer? alive the brain cells of decapitated pigs for 36 whatsoever source. To reduce radiation exposure Repeated trauma to the breast has been hours, sparking concerns over the ethics involved from cell phones, we recommend the use one of implicated as a possible etiology in the formation in such frontline research. the hands-free devices now commercially avail- of cancer of the breast among women. This could The MIT Technology Review said a team at able. be in the form of biting, pinching, squeezing or Yale University led by neuro-scientist Nenad Ses- Can skin ointment be used for the eyes? rough manual manipulation. The breasts must be tan had carried out experiments on between 100 No, most definitely no. Skin lotions, creams, handled with care and tenderness. and 200 pigs sourced from an abattoir. gel, ointments, and solutions, are for topical Does diabetes cause blindness? Sestan had presented the findings of the (external or skin) application only, and are not Most definitely, especially among persons experiments, where his team restored blood supply safe for the eyes. There are specific drops and whose diabetes is untreated, poorly treated or to the dead pigs’ brains, in late March to a confer- ointments for the eyes. Never use any other simply brittle and hard to treat. The blindness is ence organised by the US National Institutes of preparation, except those prescribed by health- due to what is termed diabetic retinopathy. A sig- Health (NIH). care professionals specifically for the eyes, which nificant number of blindness in the world today is The researchers said they had succeeded are always labeled “Ophthalmic” or “For ophthal- caused by diabetes. Once the diagnosis of diabe- in delivering oxygen to the cells via a system of mic use.” tes mellitus is confirmed, prompt and appropriate pumps and blood maintained at body temperature, Dr. Nenad Sestan How does tobacco hurt the smoker? therapy should be instituted. The diabetic should the MIT Technology Review said. (Photo: www.thedaily.case.edu) Besides the tissue irritation on the breath- be disciplined enough to religiously follow the Thanks to this system, dubbed BrainEx, mil- and philosophers said the authorities should lay ing pipes and lungs caused by the fumes and the prescribed medical regimen if the complications lions of cells were kept in good health and were down specific rules to guide them in their work on various toxic chemicals in the cigarette, tobacco of the disease, like blindness, leg gangrene, etc. capable of functioning normally, the review said. human brains. also thickens the blood, which makes the smoker are to be prevented. However, there was nothing to indicate that Recent advances have seen what are known as (active or passive) more prone to thrombosis Can hydrogen peroxide be used for gur- these cells experienced some form of conscious- brain “surrogates” composed of real human cells -- (blood clot formation) in the arteries and veins, gling? ness, it said, citing Sestan as saying he was “con- whether in tiny organoids grown in the lab, in grey and aggravates arteriosclerosis (hardening of the Yes, hydrogen peroxide could be used for vinced” they did not. matter removed from a human patient, or brain artery). On top of this, smoking also speeds up gurgling, but ask your dentist first since he/ Such experiments could herald advances tissue implanted into animals -- as part of efforts to the process of arteriosclerosis (especially the ar- she knows your dental condition better and can in restoring blood circulation at the micro level, study the brain. teries of the heart and brain, abdomen and legs). advise you accordingly. Hydrogen peroxide, including in the brain, the article said. The risk is that “as brain surrogates become Smoking can also cause cancer of the breath- together with sodium fluoride and other com- They could also be potentially useful in the larger and more sophisticated, the possibility of ing pipes and/or the lungs and cancers in other mon ingredients (like triclosan) in tooth pastes, study and treatment of some cancers and debilitat- them having capabilities akin to human sentience organs in the body in either gender. Stained teeth help prevent tooth decay, gingivitis (inflamma- and fingers, smoker’s bad breath and a household tion of the gums), tartar and plaque formation, ing diseases such as Alzheimer’s, it added. might become less remote,” the Nature article said. that smells like tobacco fumes are the most minor and halitosis (bad breath). Hydrogen peroxide is At the same time, the article noted that Sestan “Such capacities could include being able to effects of smoking. a substance that is incorporated in many tooth- himself raised some of the ethical issues involved feel (to some degree) pleasure, pain or distress; be- What causes palpitation? paste preparations in the market today. Baking in such research. ing able to store and retrieve memories; or perhaps Palpitation (pounding heart beat, harder soda is another. In children, the anti-plaque and The key question being that if a brain is even having some perception of agency or aware- and faster than normal) could be due to extrinsic anti-gingivitis effectiveness of toothpastes is still revived in this way, would a human being involved ness of self.” causes like ingestion of a stimulant (coffee, tea, not proven. have any memories, an identity and rights? There is a need, the group argued, for “clear cola drinks, chocolates, some medications, etc.) Does surgery make cancer spread? In an open letter publised Wednesday in Na- guidelines for research”, and for special oversight and/or cigarette smoking, or due to an intrinsic No, this is a myth. Doing surgery or “opening ture magazine, Sestan and another 16 top scientists committees. (AFP) causes like coronary or heart valve diseases. The the patient up” does not cause metastasis (spread) person feels the heart thumping in the chest that of the cancer. In general, cancer proliferates could lead to some degree of discomfort and rapidly to invade surrounding tissues and distant anxiety. When this happens regularly, in spite of organs. The misconception resulted from the HOROSCOPE abstinence from the extrinsic causes listed above, refusal of patients suspected or confirmed to have http://www.starlightastrology.com prompt medical consultation is recommended. cancer to be operated on early when first advised, Are body moisturizing lotions safe? and had delayed the surgery so much that the Yes, in general, hand and body lotions in the malignant tumor had already spread beyond help Aries Libra market are safe. The frequent (two or more times before acceding to have the operation. So, when (Mar. 21- April 20) (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) a day) use of hand and body lotion is recom- the surgeons operated on them that late, invari- You will have no trouble getting things to fall Females may put demands or added mended because our skin needs moisture to keep ably the cancer had already spread all over. When into place. You can make a difference if you offer responsibilities on you. Move forward if you want it comfortable, healthy and as young looking as the patients soon expired, people blamed the your help at functions that involve children. to turn your life around. You will do well with possible. Caution: some people may be allergic surgery as the cause of the spread. Today, almost You can meet interesting new friends if you join clients this week. Organization will be the key to to some of these commercially available skin everybody knows that prompt detection and early worthwhile groups. Real estate investments avoiding discord and family feuds. moisturizers. operation in the treatment of cancer gives the best could be to your ad vantage. Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday. What is cardioversion? chance for a cure for majority of patients with Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday. Cardioversion, as the term suggests, means malignancy. Scorpio converting the heart rhythm from an abnormal Visit philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@ Taurus (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) one to a so-called normal and regular sinus gmil.com (Apr. 21- may 21) Be honest if you wish to solve the problem. You will enjoy getting together with friends. You should look into a healthier diet. You can Be careful that you don’t overextend yourself. make extra money. Rewards will be yours if you Social activities will be satisfying. Strong put in the overtime required. Generosity will put willpower will come to your rescue. you in the poorhouse. Your lucky day this week will be Monday. Your lucky day this week will be Monday. KrosWord (Source: Classic Pilipino Krosword, as edited by Ramon S. Lorenzo) Gemini Sagittarius (May 22-June 21) (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You can make excellent career moves if you Don’t let your health suffer because of abuse. PAHALANG are open to the opportunities that exist. Your Be careful not to show your temper when dealing 2 Umpisa charm will be captivating. This is not the best with the boss. Financial investments that deal 7 Lugod time to take a risk, to gamble or spend money with joint money can be extremely prosperous. 8 Analog Telephone Adapter you really can’t afford to part with. Deception will Your love will not be willing to listen to your 10 Maliit na bariles criticism. play an important factor in relationships. 12 Tapunan ng basura sa QC Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday. Your lucky day this week will be Tuesday. 14 Kostumbre Cancer Capricorn 16 Malangis na halaman (June 22-July 22) (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) 17 Banaag Don’t let your partner get away with Be sure to question any detail that you feel 18 Pagbabalik ng kaluluwa spending too much of your money. Don’t could leave you in a precarious position at a sa isang taong may sakit believe everything you hear. The experience later date. Too much talk might lead to hassles. (Ifugao) will be good. Be sure to cover all the necessary Be sure to pay attention to your financial status. 20 Porselana groundwork before signing binding contracts. Social events will lead to a strong and stable 22 Dilag sa santakrusan relationship. Your lucky day this week will be Friday. 25 Uri ng ibon sa Brazil Your lucky day this week will be Saturday. Leo 27 Kapital ay Boise (July 23-Aug 22) Aquarius 30 Payapa Draw up contracts regarding your personal (Jan. 21.- Feb. 19) 32 Mambabatas na Roxas situation. You might not be as reserved on an Communicate with relatives who may 33 Ina ni Maria emotional level as you’d like. It’s a great day to need advice in order to find solutions to their 34 Paalam sa Hawaii attend social functions. Family outings will make existing problems. Keep a lookout for any 35 Bayan sa Pampanga you feel secure and happy. individuals eager to confront you with unsavory Your lucky day this week will be Wednesday. situations. Try to keep your opinions to yourself. Get together with those you find men tally Virgo stimulating. (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) Your lucky day this week will be Saturday. Take work home but be sure to spend some PABABA time with your mate. Emotional deception will Pisces 1 Kapital ng Azerbaijan 11 Negro: kolokyal 28 Haligi ng tahanan cause friction on the home front. You have the (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) 2 Proteksiyon sa likod 13 Alingawngaw 29 Nagtatakda ayon sa ability to motivate others. You’ll be able to break You will not impress others by being foolishly 3 Sakit sa ilong na lumiliha 15 Gamit ng anluwagi iskedyul bad habits if you put your mind to it. generous. Try to curb your habits, or you could ng sugat 18 Batong hiyas 31 International Labor Your lucky day this week will be Thursday. find yourself in an awkward financial position. 4 Bulkan sa Bicol 19 Bulaklak sa kasal Association Emotional up and downs have caused doubts 5 Pamalo sa kabayo 21 Palapa ng saging in your personal life. Your temper could get the better of you if you confront personal situations. 6 Ekstensiyon (Waray) 23 Bihasa Answers to this week’s Krosword Your lucky day this week will be Sunday. 7 Tuyo 24 Pagiging mapaglaro 9 Kaisang-dibdib 26 Palaka: Espanyol on NEXT WEEK’S issue B6 FilAm Star May 3 - 9, 2018 entertainment having to see what it meant to strip down to nothing and then Spielberg revisits ‘Schindler’s List’ in emotional reunion completely imagine this could be your last day on earth. NEW YORK (AP) — Steven its necessity. “It feels like five should be. It should be part of “There were whole sections Spielberg says no film has af- years ago,” Spielberg said of the social science, social studies that go beyond anything I’ve fected him the way “Schindler’s making the film. curriculum in every public high ever experienced or seen people List” did. Spielberg shot the film in school in this country.” in front of the camera experi- Spielberg, Liam Neeson, Krakow, Poland, in black-and- Making “Schindler’s List” ence,” the 71-year-old film- Ben Kingsley and others re- white and without storyboards, was a profound, emotional and maker added. united for a 25th anniversary instead often using hand-held fraught experience for many Spielberg actually released screening of “Schindler’s List” cameras to create a more doc- of those involved. Kingsley two movies in 1993. “Jurassic (L-R) Steven Spielberg, Liam Neeson, and Ben Kingsley at the Tribeca Film Festival umentary-like realism. Neeson recalled confronting a man for Park” came out in June, and (Photo: www.abcnews.go.com) on Thursday, in an evening remembered Spielberg running anti-Semitism during produc- “Schindler’s List” followed that had obvious meaning to with a camera and, on the fly, tion. Spielberg said swasti- in November. While he was associated with fantasy and On Thursday, the director said Spielberg and the hushed, awed directing him and Kingsley kas were sometimes painted shooting in Poland, Spielberg escapism. Since, he has largely he wanted to make the film crowd that packed New York’s down Krakow streets. “It was overnight. Recreating scenes made several weekly satellite gravitated toward more dra- about “the banality of the deep- Beacon Theater. In a Q&A exciting. It was dangerous and like those in the Krakow ghetto phone calls with the special matic and historical material est evil” and “stay on the march following the film, Spielberg unforgettable,” Neeson said. and at Auschwitz were, Spiel- effects house Industrial Light & like “Amistad”, ”Saving Private to murder, itself.” said it was the first time he “Schindler’s List”, made berg said, very difficult for most Magic to go over Tyrannosau- Ryan”, ”Munich”, ”Lincoln” and To keep his sanity while had watched “Schindler’s List” for just $22 million (Spielberg of those involved. Two young rus Rex shots — a distraction he last year’s “The Post”. shooting in Poland, he watched with an audience since it was declined a pay check), grossed Israeli actors, he said, had abhorred. But Spielberg initially “Saturday Night Live” on Beta- released in 1993. $321 million worldwide and breakdowns after shooting a “It built a tremendous shied away from “Schindler’s max and relied on weekly calls “I have never felt since won seven Academy Awards, shower scene at the concentra- amount of anger and resent- List”, scripted by Steven Zail- from Robin Williams. ‘Schindler’s List’ the kind of including best picture and best tion camp. ment that I had to do this, that lian and based on Thomas “He would call me on pride and satisfaction and sense director. It also did much to “That aesthetic distance we I actually had to go from what Keneally’s novel “Schindler’s schedule and he would do 15 of real, meaningful accomplish- educate the American public on always talk about between audi- you experienced to dinosaurs Ark”. He urged Roman Polan- minutes of stand-up on the ment — I haven’t felt that in the Holocaust. After the film, ence and experience? That was chasing jeeps,” Spielberg told ski, whose mother was killed at phone,” said Spielberg. “I would any film post-‘Schindler’s List,’” Spielberg established the Shoah gone. And that was trauma,” the audience. “I was very grate- Auschwitz, to make it. Martin laugh hysterically because I had Spielberg said. Foundation, which took the said Spielberg. “There was ful later in June, though. But Scorsese was once attached to to release so much. But the way The reunion was a chance testimony of 52,000 Holocaust trauma everywhere. And we until then, it was a burden. This direct. Robin is on the telephone, he for Spielberg and the cast to re- survivors. captured the trauma. You can’t was all I cared about.” Yet the making of “Schin- would always hang up on you flect on the singular experience More needs to be done for fake that. (The scene) where “Schindler’s List” was a dler’s List” prompted an on the loudest, best laugh you’d of making an acknowledged Holocaust education, Spielberg everyone takes off their clothes redefining film for Spielberg, awakening for Spielberg, who give him.” (inquirer.net) masterwork that time has done said: “It’s not a pre-requisite was probably the most trau- who up until then was mostly has said his “Jewish life came little to dull the horror of, nor to graduate high school, as it matic day of my entire career — considered an “entertainer,” pouring back into my heart.”

sang,” she said adding the Mamma Mia! ABBA make new music after 35 years band was not planning to tour another unnamed track. produced by NBC and the BBC to perform as a group, and have together in real life. The quartet split up in 1982 to be broadcast in December, vowed that won’t ever happen. Their popularity has after dominating the disco scene the group said. “There is simply no motiva- continued to grow over the for more than a decade with “We have come of age, but tion to regroup. Money is not a years, with the 1999 hit musical hits like “Waterloo”, “Dancing the song is new. And it feels factor and we would like people “Mamma Mia” and the 2008 Queen”, “Mamma Mia” and good.” to remember us as we were,” Ul- film of the same name starring “Super Trouper”. They said the “exciting vaeus said in a 2008 interview. Meryl Streep bringing their “It was like time had stood ABBA avatar tour project had an Contacted by AFP, he was music to a whole new genera- still and that we only had been unexpected consequence”. not immediately available for tion of fans. away on a short holiday. An Bjorn, 73, was married to comment on the latest an- And ABBA’s music featured extremely joyful experience!” Agnetha, 68, and Benny, 71, was nouncement. prominently in two cult Austra- members Agnetha Faltskog, married to Anni-Frid, 72. ‘The same wonderful chem- lian films, “The Adventures of (Top) L-R Agnetha Foltskog and Bjorn Ulvaeus Bjorn Ulvaeus, Anni-Frid The group dominated the istry’ Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” (Bottom) L-R Anni-Frid Lyngstad and Benny Andersson Lyngstad and Benny Andersson 1970s disco scene with their The group’s manager Gorel and “Muriel’s Wedding”, both (Photo: www.express.co.uk) added. glitzy costumes, kitsch dance Hanser told TT news agency released in 1994. “Mamma Mia! Here we join forces again and go into the The group, who sold more routines and catchy melodies. that hearing them record the In 2013, the world’s first go again”: Sweden’s legendary recording studio. So we did,” the than 400 million albums, have They first found global two new songs was “just like in museum dedicated to ABBA disco group ABBA announced group said in a statement after not sung together on stage since fame after winning the Eurovi- the ABBA days”. is set opened in Stockholm, on Friday that they have re- repeated comments that they 1986. sion Song Contest in 1974 with “It was the same wonderful offering visitors a chance to get united to record two new songs, would never reunite. ‘Come of age’ “Waterloo”. chemistry. It was as if time had up close and personal with the 35 years after their last single. They said they had re- But now, computerised ava- While they have appeared stood still,” Hanser said. 1970s foursome with a little “We all four felt that, after corded two new songs, one titled tars are to perform “I Still Have in public together on rare occa- “Everyone got into their help from modern technology. some 35 years, it could be fun to “I Still Have Faith In You”, and Faith In You” in a TV special sions, they have never reunited role and sang, and sang and (inquirer.net) May 3 - 9, 2018 FilAm Star B7 entertainment Billy Crawford, Coleen Garcia’s wedding Moira Dela Torre gets surprise marriage video shows much love in paradise proposal while filming ‘Tagpuan’ video When the sun rose on April 2o, Billy Craw- ang buhay niya ay umiikot kay Coleen Garcia ford and Coleen Garcia knew that day would (He’s ready to lose his job, to lose his friends; Moira Dela Torre got the surprise of her life At this point he pulls out the ring while Dela change their lives forever. what’s important to him is that his world revolves when her best friend Jason Hernandez proposed, Torre struggles to hold herself together. After a Surrounded by their friends and family, the around Coleen Garcia).” right at the end of her latest music video. nervous laugh from the couple, Hernandez said, two got married in And Dela Torre filmed the music video for her “I have never been more sure, and I’ve never in a beach wed- when they new single “Tagpuan” without the slightest idea been more ready my entire life than this moment. ding in Balesin said their that she would get engaged by the end of the Because I have the best wingman with me and I Island Club—a vows, shoot. know na Sya (God) nag orchestrate nito.” dream come true Crawford Directed by John Prats, Dela Torre described Going down on one knee, he popped the for the bride. This promised the music video as the story of her life during an question, “Will you marry me?” To this, Dela was seen in their to his bride interview on the evening talk show Gandang Gabi Torre sobbingly whispered, “Yes” before being wedding video to be “the Vice, April 29. The video was also debuted in the embraced by her now-fiance. released by Bob best hus- show. The Nicolas on Thurs- band you “When singer day. deserve.” Kuya Pratty also During their “You’re so (John Prats) spoke pre-wedding party much stron- and I were about her the night before ger than I conceptual- joy on a their big day, am, but I izing the tweet and Crawford’s fellow commit to whole music Facebook “It’s Showtime” you now video, buhay post yes- host Vhong Na- and forever ko talaga terday, varro told people to be your (it’s really April 29, (L-R) Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia my life). So writing, how he was a wit- (Photo: www.starstyle.ph) rock,” he ness to their love. went on. I come from “On a “Si Billy Garcia a broken cliff at Crawford po, ipinaglaban niya ang pagmamahal then vowed to Crawford: “I promise to help you family and sunset, niya para kay Coleen,” Navarro said of his friend. become the best version of yourself, in the same we wanted my best “Si Billy Crawford po, lahat handang ipagpalit way that being with you has made me so free to to incorpo- friend para po hindi mawala si Coleen.” finally be myself.” She continued: “I will support rate na just asked me (Billy Crawford fought for his love for you and watch you spread your wings, but I will because you the easi- Coleen. Billy Crawford is ready to exchange ev- also be your safety net in case you ever fall.” come from a est ques- erything for Coleen.) Before settling down, the two had been broken fam- tion I Navarro continued: “Mawalan ng trabaho, dating since 2014 and got engaged in December ily, doesn’t have ever mawalan ng kaibigan; ang importante sa kanya, 2016. (Katrina Hallare / inquirer.net) mean your had to future is (L-R) Jason Hernandez and Moira Dela Torre answer. going to (Photo: www.mytimesnow.com) I love Look: Vic Sotto enjoys family bonding time in birthday outing at Siargao be broken you my Vic Sotto was able to spend a lot of time with also,” said Jason.” his family on a beach in Siargao to celebrate his Dela Torre in the interview. Dela Torre and Hernadez had been friends 64th birthday last Saturday, April 28. She added, “So that was the story pero hindi for seven years, then became best friends for Together with wife Pauleen Luna were Sotto’s ko alam na dun pala siya (Hernandez) magpo- three years. The couple recalled that they weren’t children Danica, Paulina, Oyo and five-month-old propose (So that was the story but I didn’t know romantically attracted to each other when they Talitha. that he was going to propose then and there).” first met. Also present were basketball player and According to Hernandez, as far as Dela Torre She teased Hernandez that when they met, he Danica’s husband Marc Pingris, Oyo’s wife Kris- knew, the last scene was supposed to be just him was “suplado, may putok (indifferent, had body tine Hermosa, and Mara Isabel Sotto. and her coming together for the shot on the cliff. odor).” Luna uploaded a series of photos on her In- Vic Sotto and family Dela Torre did not know that Hernandez and Dela Torre revealed it was Hernandez who (Photo: www.news.abs-cbn.com) stagram page, April 28. The photo series showed Prats had already been conspiring to set up the gave in first and started to pursue her. Marvin moments from the years she’s celebrated with pala ako.” It turns out Vico was busy doing work proposal while planning for the music video. recalled falling for Dela Torre when he saw her Sotto, since 2012 . She wrote, “7 birthdays togeth- for the Iowa Public Information Board in Des “Inimagine ko yung moment na to since 7 preparing a Starbucks planner gift for her mom. er and i’m so grateful for each one! Thank you Moines, Iowa, United States. He was “fine-tuning years old ako. Bata palang nagdadrama na ako. A reaction video was also posted on Dela Lord for giving my husband another healthy year! my proposal to make our local government more Sinubukan kong i-plan yung moment na ito to Torre’s YouTube channel last April 28, featuring I couldn’t have asked for a better partner in life! I transparent.” make it perfect, as perfect as possible,” the video several celebrities suddenly getting solemn, pre- love you @mzet280 Happy birthday!” Last year, the Sotto family celebrated the caught Hernandez saying. sumably during the part where Hernandez pro- Sotto’s son Vico couldn’t attend the celebra- comedian’s birthday at Balesin Island Club in (I’ve been imagining this moment since I was posed. Sisters Dani and Julia Barretto were vis- tion but he made sure to greet his dad on Insta- Quezon Province. Vico was present at the time 7 years old. Even as a child, I was already being ibly emotional and started crying halfway through gram with a funny post. He wrote, “Happy birth- along with Sotto’s grandchildren. (Alfred Bayle / dramatic. I tried to plan this moment to make it the reaction video. (Alfred Bayle / inquirer.net) day, Papa! Grew my hair for this post, blonde inquirer.net) perfect, as perfect as possible.) B8 FilAm Star May 3 - 9, 2018 entertainment GMA is first Philippine network to create content at YouTube Space New York PH bet captures 2018 Miss Eco International crown nursery rhymes that have been Cebuana lass Cynthia Thomalla bested 51 advocacy of sustainable tourism and protecting re-arranged. other candidates from around the world in the the environment. And that is the main point of Alden and Betong gave fourth staging of the Miss Eco International pag- doing beauty pageants, by raising our voices to a funky rendition of “London eant in Cairo, Egypt, on Friday night (Saturday help the Earth.” Bridge is Falling Down,” followed morning in Manila). Southeast Asian delegates figured well in the by Lovi and Dennis who ren- Thomalla, a Tourism and Events Manage- competition. dered a romantic ballad version ment graduate from STI-Maasin in Leyte, is the Indonesia’s Astira Vernadeina finished of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat”. first Filipino woman to compete in this global tilt. second, while Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Dung placed Jennylyn, on the other hand, She earned her ticket to performed a rock vibe version of Egypt after winning the Miss Eco “If You’re Happy and You Know Philippines crown during the It” while Dingdong channeled Miss World Philippines pageant his inner boy band leader with last year. “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” The same national pag- eant also produced 2017 Reina (L-R) Kapuso Stars Alden Richards, Lovi Poe, Dingdong Dantes, Dennis Aside from “Concert Ko ‘To!”, they also produced other Hispanoamericana Teresita Trillo, Jennylyn Mercado, and Betong Sumaya Ssen Winwyn Marquez and the (Photo: GMA Pinoy TV) segments such as “What’s in my phone?”, “Pass the intrigahan”, first Miss Multinational winner GMA Network made history anew as the first and “What’s your favorite Kapuso Sophia Señoron. Filipino broadcast network to produce content at show?”. Thomalla was heavily fa- the YouTube Space New York. The Kapuso artists’ YouTube Space visit was vored to win even before she left Top Kapuso stars Dennis Trillo, Jennylyn made possible through the joint efforts of GMA the Philippines for her competi- Mercado, Lovi Poe, Alden Richards, Betong International and GMA Entertainment Content tion. In Egypt, she advanced in Miss Philippines Eco International Cynthia Thomalia Sumaya, and Dingdong Dantes took a side trip at Group, in coordination with GMA New Media (Photo: www. dcyoutube.com) the YouTube Space prior to the GMA Pinoy TV Inc., and YouTube Space New York. the shortlist for the swimsuit, eco Sikat Ka, Kapuso! show in New Jersey to bond Located in key cities across the globe, the wear, and talent competitions. with each other and create videos which were YouTube Space is a venue that brings together During the question and uploaded on GMA’s YouTube channel. YouTube creators to attend workshops, events, answer portion, Thomalla was asked what she fifth. The artists produced videos which presented and produce content using their provided facili- thinks is the most important thing that “beauty Peru’s Kelin Rivera finished third, while them differently from what the fans usually see. ties. pageants add to people and the world.” Costa Rica’s Glennys Medina placed fourth. The first video, dubbed “Concert Ko ‘To!”, To watch the first video created at the You- She replied: “I think the most relevant thing The pageant’s official website said the featured a fun musical set where the artists show- Tube Space, visit http://bit.do/KapusoConcer- that we beauty queens can add to the world is competition “brings together representatives of cased their versatility as they performed popular tYTSpaceNY. raising awareness on our own causes. For ex- different cultures and traditions from all over the ample, the Miss Eco International is raising the world.” (Armin P. Adina / inquirer.net)

as well,” Sandejas said. “We encourage people to currently “crafting a revised Code of Conduct and Directors’ guild strongly condemns sexual harassment come out and file cases so it won’t be in the shad- will forward this to all its members. We believe The Directors Guild of the Philippines Inc. ries of reports that recently won the Pulitzer Prize ows … and in the realm of chismis.” that this can aid the industry in achieving a safer, (DGPI) has made an unequivocal stand on the for the New York Times and the New Yorker.) DGPI chair Paolo Villaluna pointed out: “The more equitable and accountable workplace for controversial issue of sexual misconduct in local abuse of power in any profession- everyone.” show business. al sector exists, and the guild’s Villaluna clarified: “We hope to create guide- In a statement dated April 21 and signed statement is a reminder that it lines to avoid abuse, in its myriad forms, from by president Mike Sandejas, the guild asserted happens in the entertainment happening.” that it “strongly condemns sexual harassment industry.” In the statement, the DGPI expressed its and other forms of abuse in the entertainment Board member Joel Laman- support for survivors of sexual harassment, while industry.” gan remarked that the state- emphasizing the importance of filing legal cases The group’s statement explained that “direc- ment is “necessary and timely.” against the perpetrators. tors possess authority both on and off the set and “We need to condemn any act of “Due process for both the victim and the ac- such power can be abused by deplorable person- sexual harassment and encourage cused is a necessary step,” the statement stressed. alities.” It conceded that the guild needed to “ac- victims to come forward and file “Needless to say, guilt or innocence must not be knowledge this scourge that has become endemic cases in court. We need to expose assumed by any group and that judgments are to our society and, painfully, to our industry.” these evil acts!” reserved only for the legal courts.” Sandejas told the Inquirer that the “general” Board member Jose Javier Villaluna stated: “It is high time… It’s impor- statement was sparked by the Harvey Weinstein Reyes related: “The guild is ad- tant that we support and encourage survivors to sexual abuse scandal that eventually led to the Directors Guild of the Philippines, Inc. justing the guidelines, to answer speak up. Equally important is due process for rise of the #MeToo movement in the United (Photo: www. facebook.com) the needs of the times.” everyone involved … to avoid a witch hunt.” States. Board member Sari Dalena Sandejas noted: “I hope the statement (In Hollywood, several women have accused agreed: “I hope that this state- becomes a deterrent.” (Bayani San Diego Jr. . powerful producer Harvey Weinstein of sexual “I’ve had discussions with several people on ment will encourage reforms in our industry.” inquirer.net) misconduct. The cases became the basis of a se- how sexual harassment is now prevalent here, According to the statement, the DGPI is