'Fake Filipinos' prompt call for stricter birth certificate validation

Ian Laqui - Philstar.com

July 17, 2024 | 12:42pm

Sen. Win Gatchalian presides over the Senate ways and means panel hearing tackling proposed measures seeking to permanently ban Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators, or POGOs, and prohibit online gambling in the country on July 16, 2024. On Wednesday, July 17, Gatchalian urged government to reform the processing of birth certificates—a system that has been abused by foreigners who want to pass as Filipinos.

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday called for the reform of the validation and processing of birth certificates following the discovery of illegally obtained birth documents in Davao del Sur.

The senator stressed the need for more “accountability” among issuing agencies.

“We will definitely reform the entire birth certificate process in our country. The process was designed to make it easier for our constituents, our own people, to access…to get birth certificates,” Gatchalian said in an interview with ANC Headstart. 

He added that the birth certificate procurement process, designed for the convenience of Filipino citizens, has been exploited by foreigners who can falsely claim Filipino identity.

The senator pointed out that local civil registrars hold significant power in issuing birth, death and marriage certificates, without needing verification from the mayor. 

This decentralization, while convenient, has led to vulnerabilities with reports of foreigners buying land and allowing them to run for public office, according to Gatchalian. 

“There are now news reports that a lot of foreigners are buying lands in some parts of our country. So this raises the question of whether this purchase is legitimate or is being done by fake Filipinos,” he said. 

When asked about the timeline for these reforms, Gatchalian said that the Senate urged the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to come up with administrative reforms. 

“They (PSA) don’t have to wait for a law to reform their process,” he said. 

On July 12, Gatchalian first bared that Chinese nationals illegally obtained Philippine birth certificates, passports and driver’s licenses for the price of P300,000. 

Citing a report from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), he said that 200 questionable birth certificates were issued to Chinese nationals from 2018 to 2019 in Davao del Sur. 

However, it was noted that the actual number of dubious birth certificates is around 1,200, according to NBI Director Jaime Santiago. 

The senators said that this incident might just be the “tip of the iceberg.”

Following the discovery of the questionable documents, Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingo said the Bureau of Immigration would conduct an investigation into the alleged illegally obtained documents.

So lonely together

By: Muna Khan - @inquirerdotnet

I cannot count the number of times I was made to give up my bedroom for a relative visiting wherever we were living as expats in the ’70s to ’90s. It was not a choice. In fact, I didn’t even know I had a choice until I turned 21. It was pretty common for people to turn up unannounced—aunties and uncles who helped raise us—and we were expected to be there, irrespective of homework, exams, etc. We were scolded if we complained about unexpected guests.

Now, I can’t remember the last time we had an unexpected visitor drop by. I myself have not dropped in on anyone without calling to check if they are available. I guess we’re all just that busy now.

Technology has undoubtedly changed our lives and made the world smaller; we can talk to friends and family anywhere, anytime. You can attend birthdays, weddings, even funerals online. You can find everything you need online; you may even be safer online. But you are also cocooned in your own world online and the internet has made us more self-absorbed.

Yet paradoxically there’s a loneliness epidemic all over the world. The United Kingdom was the first to announce a minister for loneliness in 2018, with the aim of reducing feelings of isolation, anxiety, and suicide ideation. Japan followed in 2021 as it sought to address the social isolation caused by COVID-19 which also saw the first uptick in suicide in 11 years.

Maybe we’re ashamed to say “I’m lonely” because loneliness is seen as taboo, something to feel embarrassed about. Perhaps because we are seen as a family-oriented society, with a strong sense of community, it’s hard to say you’re lonely when you’re surrounded by people, even when you don’t want to be.

As sad as that is, I’m more worried about younger folks who may not even know they are lonely because they believe their community is online. But as their elders, we know better: It is not the same as showing up for someone in their time of grief and happiness or just to shoot the breeze.

“The liminal spaces of our new world are massive—easy for us to be swallowed into—and disorienting,” writes Athena Dixon in “The Loneliness Files,” part memoir, part critique on technology’s impact on our lives.

Loneliness is personal but it’s also the result of technological advancement in communication. By now, most of us have experienced some form of isolation courtesy of the pandemic. In fact, isolation was mandated; quarantine was essential for one’s survival. Some isolated with families while others were on their own—both faced issues: Either wanting space or craving company.

Back in the day, artists and writers sought solitude and produced great works of art. Today, if you have a minute to yourself, you reach for your phone, as if being left alone with your thoughts is too awful a task to bear. Solitude is necessary for creation but look around you and everyone is scrolling on their phones, bookmarking places we’ll never travel to or books we’ll never read. We are simply “liking” posts, not living lives. We’re moving away from what made us human in the first place.

Given the current economic crisis, which makes it harder to meet up with friends because we simply cannot afford to, could we begin to see a loneliness epidemic among youngsters, the largest demographic in the country and one that is always online?

We won’t even get a minister to care about this. They would probably tax loneliness if they could. Or happiness. Or breathing, bad air at that, too.

Simone Heng, who wrote a book on loneliness, told Al Jazeera English: “Online connection is the junk food of connection.” How can we find our way back to that time when we showed up for each other and didn’t have so many boundaries that are isolating us?

Dixon writes about her overwhelming loneliness. “I know there are those who feel the world is always just a little too far away or a little too close—never comfortable in either situation,” she writes.

Loneliness is more than a mental health issue; it has serious health consequences. Loneliness can increase our chances of dementia, heart disease, depression, early death.

The internet is filled with tips on how to manage it—finding hobbies, volunteering, exercise. But my nonexpert, tried, and tested tip is to embrace it. To resist Netflix, true crime podcasts, the news—all these 24/7 connections are geared to keep you distracted from facing something you’re avoiding. I believe a period of solitude helps you reflect on things that matter, which in my case, was relationships with friends. We meet to talk about how we’re doomed, but at least we are doomed together. Dawn/Asia News Network

Filipina director honors PH Olympians in mini docuseries

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Jul 16, 2024 10:27 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• As the 2024 Paris Olympics draws near, Mayuga’s love of sports led her and Malaya Creatives to create a heart-warming series that showcases the Filipino athletes’ journey on their way to qualifying to the biggest sports spectacle in the world.

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There are always captivating stories behind every journey of athletes which film director Clev Mayuga aims to capture and share to the Filipino audience.

Clev Mayuga (Clev Mayuga's Facebook post)

As the 2024 Paris Olympics draws near, Mayuga’s love of sports led her and Malaya Creatives to create a heart-warming series that showcases the Filipino athletes’ journey on their way to qualifying to the biggest sports spectacle in the world.

Titled “Puso in Paris”, the four-part documentary, created in partnership with Smart, the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee, is aimed at showing the process of becoming an Olympian. 

“When we were creating the idea of Puso in Paris, it was clear to me that I don't want to do the origin stories, what they went through, or what they got from it,” Mayuga told Manila Bulletin after the exclusive media screening of Puso in Paris at Smart Tower in Ayala Ave., Makati City Tuesday, July 16.

“Because I feel like people already know about it. What we want to encapsulate in Puso in Paris is what is the process or journey of being a Filipino Olympian,” the University of the Philippines Diliman alumna and mental health advocate added.

The series featured boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial, Hergie Bacyadan and Aira Villegas; weightlifters Elreen Ando, John Febuar Ceniza and Vanessa Sarno; gymnast Carlos Yulo; and pole vaulter EJ Obiena.

Mayuga and her team followed the athlete's journey during their respective training and competitions: in Bangkok, Thailand where Bacyadan and Paalam earned their Olympic slots, at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex where the three weightlifters train, somewhere in Manila where Yulo also hones his craft, and in Los Angeles, California in one of Obiena's competition stints. 

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Mayuga said these moments in their preparations played significant roles in the series that can help the viewers understand their hardship and sacrifices.

“I think what we got is how excited or how much the feeling of privilege of the athletes to represent the Philippines in the Olympics,” Mayuga said.

“It also shows what athletes need to achieve that level of excellence and greatness. But per episode, we looked at the story of each one and their mindset going into the Olympics,” she added. 

According to Mayuga, the feature is a way of honoring the Olympians as well and the people behind them.

“Oh, for sure. Honoring them and also showing the Filipino people that if you really give support to the athletes, like what SMART, MVPSF, POC, PSC are doing,” she added.

The series will be divided in four parts, starting with Yulo, followed by the five boxers and three lifters, with Obiena’s journey as the final episode.

Rains to prevail across most parts of the Philippines due to LPA, ‘habagat’

 

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Jul 16, 2024 #ManilaBulletinOnline #ManilaBulletin #LatestNews

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday, July 16 said a low pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon are expected to bring rain showers across most parts of the country in the next 24 hours. READ MORE: https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/16/rains-to-... Subscribe to the Manila Bulletin Online channel! - https://www.youtube.com/TheManilaBull...

Celebs welcome Willie’s return to TV

 

Willie Revillame is flanked by Win Girls (from left) Roberta Tamondong, Gab Basiano, Christine Bermas, Boobsie Wonderland, Inday Fatima, Cindy Miranda, and Ana Ramsey at the ‘WIL-come Back Party’ on Sunday at the New Frontier Theatre in Quezon City.

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star 

July 16, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Some local celebrities wished Willie Revillame well and for his newest show, “Wil To Win,” to be a success. Willie mounted a “WIL-come Back Party” on Sunday at the New Frontier Theatre in Quezon City.

In a video greeting, shown on a stage screen, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” star Coco Martin congratulated the host for his grand comeback on television via his TV5 program.

“I’m sure that you will help a lot of people and make them happy,” Coco told Willie. “You already know (this) and I always say this to you, ‘You are my personal idol.’ I admire you because of the goodness of your heart, (you’re) helping a lot of people and (you’re a) professional. God bless you and more power to you. I hope we will see each other soon. We love you.”

In response, Willie expressed his gratitude to Coco for his kind words and greetings, quipping, “I like your bangs ha (laughs). Coco, thank you. Coco is very kind. Coco, to Julia (Montes) and to your kids, family, thank you. We spent time together during Holy Week. And I hope that you will invite me as a guest in ‘Batang Quiapo.’ I will give you jacket.”

Richard Gomez, as well, extended his congratulations to Willie, saying, “I hope that ‘Wil To Win’ will soar up, soar high. There’s nothing that I want but to wish you the best.”

“Kuya Wil is a friend, brother of every Filipino,” described Randy Santiago of Willie. “He has changed the beliefs of every person. Kumbaga siya ay isang kakampi. That’s what Filipinos saw in him, talagang tinatangkilik siya.”

Aga Muhlach, on the other hand, cited how Willie’s show will bring joy to people.

“It also gives inspiration and happiness (to them),” he added. “Willie always said that life is difficult nowadays, so we have to be happy. We have to extend help. Maraming nag-aabang sa kanya because he has helped so many people. A lot of people have already lost hope. When they see Willie, they feel that they have hope.”

“We’ve received plenty of questions and we want to make sure that we’ve answered them all,” Willie said during the event. “We want to start making people happy and give away prizes to the viewers kaya tuloy-tuloy na ‘to.”

During the “WIL-come Back Party,” the veteran TV host handed out prizes to audiences and viewers and also entertained the audience by performing Tagalog songs.

Willie was joined by Win Girls Ana Ramsey, Inday Fatima, Christine Bermas, Cindy Miranda, Boobsie Wonderland, Gab Basiano, and Roberta Tamondong on stage.

“Wil To Win” airs from Monday to Friday at 5 p.m. on TV5 and other Cignal channels.

BSP: Remittances growth hit 5-month high in May to $2.58B

 

By: Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral - @inquirerdotnet

Philippine Daily Inquirer / 02:06 AM July 16, 2024

Money sent home by Filipinos abroad posted its best expansion in five months in May, although figures showed growth of remittances might be plateauing despite the peso’s weakness.

Cash remittances coursed through banks amounted to $2.58 billion in May, up by 3.6 percent compared with a year ago, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported on Monday. Data showed this was the highest year-on-year growth of remittances since December 2023.

But despite that increase, remittances might not be receiving a significant boost that typically comes from a weak peso, which is now trading at the 58-per dollar level.

Year-to-date, remittances had grown by an annualized rate of 3 percent to $13.37 billion.  Data showed cash transfers from Filipinos abroad have been growing at around 3 percent since late 2022, with the BSP projecting the average growth of such inflows to settle at that level again in 2024.

Jeremaiah Opiniano, professor at University of Santo Tomas and executive director at the Institute for Migration and Development Issues, said this trend may “signify a plateau” that had not changed so far despite the currency’s slump.

Stability

“For the past two months (April and May 2024), overseas Filipinos did not take advantage of the low currency exchange rates to motivate them in sending more money,” Opiniano said.

“One would wonder if the efforts of Filipinos abroad to earn more and send money home may have been stretched,” he added.

Money sent home by Filipinos overseas is a major source of purchasing power in the Philippines, where consumption typically accounts for over 70 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). That said, a plateauing remittance growth may translate to sub-par support to consumer spending.

But John Paolo Rivera, senior research fellow at state think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies, is seeing “stability” in the current trend.

“Historically, as BSP data reflects, remittances have been consistently stable and increasing given the volume and distribution of Filipinos all over the world driven by various motives in sending remittances,” Rivera said.

Dissecting the BSP’s report, remittances from land-based Filipino workers went up by 3.8 percent to $2.06 billion in May while those from sea-based workers inched up by 2.6 percent to $520 million.

PVL Reinforced Conference fires off Tuesday

Jul 15, 2024 02:29 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

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Six teams open their respective title campaigns on Tuesday, July 16, when the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference fires off at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Creamline seeks for an unprecedented ninth PVL title when the Reinforced Conference fires off on Tuesday, July 16, at the Philsports Arena. (File Photo/PVL Images)

Galeries Tower and Nxled raise the curtain in their 2 p.m. tussle, while Chery Tiggo and Farm Fresh both seek for strong starts when they collide at 4 p.m.

But focus will be on multi-titled Creamline, which squares off with PLDT at 6 p.m. as it guns for an unprecedented ninth league title this import-flavored conference last played in 2022. 

Apart from parading their respective acquisitions in the inaugural Rookie Draft held last week, the teams are also expected to showcase their respective imports to add fuel in their bids.

The Cool Smashers, banking on their All-Filipino Conference title victory, are leaning on American import Erica Staunton to boost the squad as they play without star player Jema Galanza due to national team duties.

The 6-foot-1 Staunton boasts of credentials as a two-time All-NCAA member, having played for Northeastern University and University of Georgia.

Staunton is expected to team up with a formidable lineup spearheaded by Tots Carlos, Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga and rookie libero Aleiah Torres, who was selected 12th overall in the draft.

PLDT is also bursting with promise with the expected return of Mika Reyes in the fold to join forces with veteran setter Kim Fajardo, Fil-Canadian Savi Davison, Majoy Baron, new recruit Angge Alcantara and Russian reinforcement Elena Samoilenko.

Galeries Tower, meanwhile, will have Brazilian import Monique Helena and rookie Julia Coronel in teaming up with Jewel Encarnacion, Roma Joy Doromal and Dodee Batindaan, while Nxled will have Krich Macaslang, Lycha Ebon, Jho Maraguinot and Bang Pineda.

Not to be outdone are Chery Tiggo, which has Katherine Bell, Ara Galang, EJ Laure and Abi Maraño, and Farm Fresh, which has a new coach in Shota Sato and promising players in Jolina Dela Cruz, Trisha Tubu, Caitlin Viray and Colombian import Yeny Murillo.

How MSJO won gold— and a case for Filipino musicality

By John Silva, Philippine Daily Inquirer

With all the whooping and hugging and shaking hands to celebrate the gold prize victory at the 13th Bratislava International Youth Music Festival—well deserved at that—I had a chance to see the full concert competition among the various orchestras coming from other parts of Europe, the United States and as far as Australia.

Identifying with Christ on the cross

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

WHEN Christ told his disciples these shocking words: “Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword,” (Mt 10,34) the upshot is actually that he wants us to identify ourselves with him through the cross, through a lot of suffering that is due to all of our sins.

He wants us to realize that the mystery of the cross is where we can find the infinite and unconditional love of God for man. When we encounter the cross of any kind—physical or moral pain, etc.—we are actually given an opportunity to be like Simon of Cyrene who, without any obligation to carry the cross, offered to do so if only to help out of love for the redemption of man.

When we carry our crosses with the mind of following Christ, we actually become glorified also in Christ. We can indeed echo St. Paul’s words, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Gal 6,14)

It’s when we embrace the cross that we deny ourselves so we can be filled with no other intention than to follow Christ. Christ himself said it clearly: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16,24)

It’s when we carry the cross with Christ that we would experience what Christ told his disciples, “My yoke is easy and my burden light.” (Mt 11,30) It’s when we would experience peace and joy despite the pain and suffering. It’s also when we have the chance to purify ourselves and to atone and make reparation for all the sins of the world.

We should have the same attitude of St. Paul with regard to any form of suffering when he said: “I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the Church.” (Col 1,24)

We need to realize that given the unavoidable sinfulness of man, we should be eager to put this love for the cross the way Christ and the saints loved the cross, as an essential part of our spirituality. 

We need to make the cross of Christ attractive to everyone. It’s the Good News that would liberate us from a narrow understanding of all the sufferings in this world. It is what makes our love real love, a vital participation of the very essence of God which is love.

We really have to know why the cross is essential and indispensable in our life. And by knowing the purpose of the cross, we mean that we need to refer everything in our life to the passion, death and resurrection of Christ where the cross plays a crucial role.

Yes, that’s right. We need to refer everything to the cross because that is how everything in our life, whether good or bad, big or small, spiritual or material, would find its true and ultimate meaning and purpose.

We need to know the purpose of the cross because the cross, through Christ’s passion, death and resurrection, is where everything in our life is resolved. Christ’s passion, death and resurrection is the culmination of Christ’s redemptive mission on earth.

This is the purpose of the cross in our life. It is to instill in us the proper attitude and virtues with respect to our sin, before it is committed and also after it is committed.

Kathryn Bernardo: I’m open to change and transformation

 

Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star 

July 15, 2024 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Following her fiery, steamy dance performance at the Century Tuna’s Superbods 2024 Awards Night held last Tuesday at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay, brand ambassador Kathryn Bernardo shared the preparations she took to execute the much-talked-about act.

“Actually, I started preparing for that prod I think last week but then G-Force headed by Ritz, he was preparing for it I think for like a month,” the Kapamilya star recalled when asked during the event hosted by Robi Domingo and Miss Universe 2022 R’Bonney Gabriel.

“And they were very patient. So I’d like to thank Teacher Georcelle and G-Force for being so supportive. And of course, the preparation for the body, (it took) months of preparation. Ever since I did the TVC (television commercial), I continued working out with my trainor, who is Mauro Lumba,” continued Kathryn and introduced the Superbods 2014 winner, who was among the crowd. “He’s been very patient as well, so shoutout to my trainor.”

Kathryn says it took months to prepare her body for the dance production choreographed by G-Force. — Photo by Jesse Bustos

She reiterated her gratitude to G-Force for the dance prod and Mauro for her body preparations, adding that she also did a lot of activities and maintained a healthy and balanced diet. “I know what to eat na, everything is ready and I’ll just reward myself after this.”

The canned tuna brand campaign this year is “Best You Ever,” an advocacy that promotes self-love and self-improvement. It also celebrates the journeys, personal growth, and overall wellness of Filipinos as they become the best versions of themselves.

Kathryn on the question if she’s the best version of herself at this stage in her life: ‘To be honest, I think I’m a work in progress. Not yet. But I tried to be better every day… And I feel like andaming pang mangyayari and I’m just open to change and transformation.’

For Kathryn, being the best version of one’s self comes with growth. “And ang galing because the campaign of Century Tuna is just so empowering (and) to be part of a movement like this (is also empowering). And for me, as long as you have awareness and you have the willingness to grow every day, I think that itself is like being the best version of yourself already.”

She also expressed that she believes in the “one percent better” concept. “I don’t know if you’re familiar with that. Like every day, you try to be one percent better. I just keep it in mind every day that you can’t do anything overnight. So one percent progress, little wins, it will progress and to give yourself a few months and maybe a few years or maybe a year and then you see a huge difference. You have to keep in mind that it won’t happen overnight. Just baby steps.”

So is Kathryn the best version of herself at this point in her life?

“To be honest, I think I’m a work in progress. Not yet. But I tried to be better every day… And I feel like andaming pang mangyayari and I’m just open to change and transformation.”

It has always been a dream for Kathryn to be part of the Century Tuna brand’s family and now that she is in, she couldn’t be more grateful. As she elaborated, “My 2024 started doing a campaign with them. And it was so special and then now, we are here in the finals and it took months and months of preparation. And all I can say is that I’m very, very grateful.”

She, as well, extended her congratulations to all the participants of Superbods 2024. “They’ve been working so hard. Some of them, I’ve talked to before, they have been preparing for months, some of them for years, just for tonight. And all of them are (already) winners. You can see their dedication and they inspired me as well. So congratulations to all our contestants. You all look beautiful and sexy tonight. And yeah, I’m just happy to be part of this movement.”

Filipino fitness influencer and Mister Tourism World Philippines Jether Palomo and Miss Tourism World 2022 first runner-up, beauty queen and fitness enthusiast Justine Felizarta were named Male Superbods Grand Winner and Female Superbods Grand Winner, respectively.

Jether and Justine will take home P500,000, tax-free each, as prize money. Patrick Patawaran and Jessica Marasigan were also declared as Superbods runners-up.

Other special awards were also given to the following candidates: Slay the Runway, awarded by Jojo Bragais, to Jether and Jessica; Super Stunner Award (Photogenic) to Aaron Davis and Jessica; Perfect Smile Award (Urban Smiles) to Jether and Jessica; People’s Choice Award to Jether and Inka Magnaye; Bench Active Lifestyle Icon Award to Aaron and Hazel Ortiz; Superdad and Supermom Award to Carlo Adorador, Imelda Schweighart, Enzo Bonoan and Julia Sucgang-Bonoan;

Anytime Fitness’s Unstoppable Award to Carlo Adorador and Jasmin Ariola; Ageless Award to Derick Hibaler and Miaow Ayesa; Masflex’s Flex Like a Superbod Award to Jether and Brooke Barredo; Garmin’s Best Yesterday Award to Jether and Inka; Fitness Breakthrough Award to Angel Mallari and Keylyn Trajano; Belo Skincare Sensation Award to Aaron and Jessica; and E-commerce Superstar Award to Jether.

The celebrity judges who formed the panel committee during the competition were Miss Universe 2015 and Century Tuna Endorser Pia Wurtzbach-Jauncey, Primetime and Box Office Queen and Supermom Marian Rivera-Dantes, Aga Muhlach, and Richard Gomez. They were joined by PC&V Communications, Inc. president Carol San Pedro, Century Pacific Food, Inc. vice president and general manager for branded tuna division Carlo Endaya, and Century Pacific Food, Inc. executive vice president and chief operating officer Greg Banzon.