Abhorred, Avoided and Unpopular: Affordable Divorce in the Philippines by KATE COSETENG

Admitting the causes she's supporting as "Unpopular", Quezon City 3rd District Councilor Kate Coseteng is not about to let down what she sees as necessary for women in the Philippines. She is the first representative of Kababaihan PartyList which aims to be the voice of women in congress to enact laws that would benefit the public. Their Second Nominee Ria Romualdo is a registered nurse, and has sternly supported their causes in childrens health and welfare, based in Mindanao.

 Kate is no stranger in creating laws as she's been a Quezon City Councilor for 3 terms, has done the same in Valenzuela City. She pushed for the creation of Quezon City University, dialysis centers, PWD concerns, and benefits for solo parents (something she is pretty well known for). She uttered unpopular because these are certain things that people don't accept, especially matters that concern divorce. She lengthily discussed this with us because of the things that women go through. 

If set in an abusive marriage, it may also be physical, emotional and economical. She's optimistic it will get passed if it doesn't contain certain conditions such as "irreconcilable differences" as it is too broad to define and be accepted by lawmakers. I saw how practical she was and deal it without emotions, much like business and a numbers game rather than having just a feisty disposition. She focusing on going into it with pride, curiosity, knowledge that the causes are important. If you don't know, it is extremely expensive to get an annulment in the Philippines and it is extremely an anti poor legislation. The plan is, to have divorce be afforded by folks of any stature. She mentioned it being paid for as much as 5,000 pesos, all in. This could definitely be a game changer for a lot of women who couldn't afford the annulment process if they are abused. 

The KABABAIHAN PartyList is also very aware of current issues, and would want to address working conditions for women who work at odd hours. Call Center agents, BPO, Nurses, Bartenders, Security Guards, and the likes, they feel should have a place to safely leave their kids while they are working to make a living. They want a Night Care Center to do this to also be a place for refuge for women who are victims of abuse, to also have them train for livelihood and business, also get legal and psychological help if needed. They also want to help create laws that would provide micro finance so women could put up small businesses to provide for their families. This includes financial literacy, for obvious reasons. They also want to push for reforms regarding the LGBTQIA+ sector, to provide a more general view of the equality they've been longing for. Something that they want to do with reforms, even if it means they would have to start from scratch. 

Kate says "If you see the things we have on our platform are severely unpopular. It's a bit heavy to digest, but these are legitimate issues in our society. For example divorce, since we are a very Catholic nation, it's super difficult to pass laws like it. We already have passed a version in congress, but it met its demise in the senate. This goes the same with the SOGIE Bill that has already spent 24 years since its inception. Senator Miriam Santiago first did this in the early 2000's, and when asked what I could help with their cause, they answered just "respect", so we made efforts to make it less polarizing when it is sent to the Senate. This would be more like an anti discrimination act that would be applicable for all including the LGBTQIA+ community. Baby steps, we can't just promise platforms and not have progress." 

Here's her talk if you want a more detailed understanding of it:

Unpopular, yes, but it feels so necessary for a LOT of people. It was super nice to hear all these from her and how passionate she wants it all to happen. Women remains a sector that is heavily under represented to this day. I know so many folks who would greatly benefit from the laws she mentioned especially with divorce for abused women.

Do you agree with her?

TCL Celebrates 25 Years in the Philippines

The folks from TCL Philippines just celebrated their 25th year in the Philippines and it was grand! Their General Manager Griffith Zhang of the Asia Pacific Business Group at TCL Industries took the stage and told us how remarkable TV and Airconditioning Unit sales has been recently, as they've gotten the huge market share that has gotten them to be the top brand for it in the country. They also stated how they've had the opportunity to sponsor the Olympics til 2032. They also talked about their bullish outlook on AI and what it could do with their products which includes their Mini LED TV's and several other home appliances. 

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TCL Philippines CEO Peter Chen also proudly announced their triple Top 1 ranking in Ulltra Large Screen TV"s, Mini LED TV's and Google TV's. They are continuing expansion, innovation and continued implementation of brand values to take TCL Philippines to the next level. They had several presenters who also showcased not just the Mini LED TV's, but the Washing Machines, the inverter Air Conditioning units, and the huge refrigerators too. With new features and having them energy efficient, they're ready for even greater heights!

The company also announced their newest brand endorsers particularly actress Rhian Ramos, Olympian Pole Vaulter EJ Obiena and comedienne Valeen Montenegro.They had a little talk on stage about how their lives were easy because of their TCL appliances. They also have shared how mighty proud they are to be part of a brand that has become a part of Filipino households and still untarnished to this date.

Congratulations on your Silver Anniversary TCL Philippines and their brand manager Joseph Cernitchez for all your success! This is surely just the start no?!

SAM VERZOSA Pronounces RHIAN RAMOS as His Dream Girl

Just got the chance to see Sam Verzosa today at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe. They were supposed to be guests at a conference set by its owner Wilson Lee Flores which mostly hosts political events, but this time, it's for entertainment. Unfortunately Rhian had to attend to some commitments because she's hosting a show "Where in Manila" in lieu of Sam's previous one "SV Cares" (in the same time slot). We saw a very giddy Sam and he was excited to share his recent successes including the increase in recent surveys at 38 percent.

"I already talked to a lot of people, and there's a lot of international film festivals and the Manila Film Festival is something that I'd want to do. Whatever experience I have in sales and marketing, I'll do it in Manila. As you know, foreigners only pass by the city and go to other places. I also want to do events in Intramuros, have press conferences like these inside the walls. There are restaurants, know some obstructions are there, we need to develop it and should be enjoyed by people. It's a combination of everything, cleanliness, renovation, even the Metropolitan Theater should be better promoted. We need to move events where we can maximize it. We work with what we have, it's not just selling properties, we need to use them too."

He adds "After receiving multiple philanthropist of the year, we just received the GUSI Peace Prize too. Manila properties need to be promoted right, we need to help local businesses because there's an opportunity for food, additional livelihood for Manileños so they have work."

He told us "Rhian isn't my ideal woman, she's my dream. She's so intelligent and have a huge heart. We plan to put up communities that has everything sustainable. We have the same goals, I thought I should do it elsewhere but I know we can do it in Manila. I've been a devotee of the Black Nazarene for over 16 years. I think I'd want a wedding in Quiapo Church. I want an even better looking Plaza Miranda, they've done it in Europe, why couldn't we do it here."

As for Holy Week activities he says "I hope you pray for the love, peace and prosperity. We'll be spending it by doing Visita Iglesia, 14 churches in Manila. We have been doing that with my Father ever since we were kids."

"I hope Rhian can help me promote Manila, not just the beauty of the place but promote businesses. She's my partner in life, I ask her often for decisions. For people, for SME's, it's easy to do Siomai carts (which was her idea). We'd want to have SIOMAYNILA in more places because right now, it's over 500 already. People are really becoming successful with it."

Sam hopes people see his sincerity and would want to participate in debates if organizations would invite him. He sees it as a platform where people could see that he's more action than just lip service. 

Director Rahyan Carlos to Hold MQuest Artists Agency Summer Workshop

Laying the groundwork for success in the entertainment industry doesn't come overnight. It takes a village, to say the least, to become good at your craft. Taking workshops is essential, because staying sharp, hungry for personal development and learning techniques and how to employ them comes with the job.

Director Rahyan Carlos has been doing work in the entertainment industry for years. His stellar work in directing, scriptwriting, and coaching actors has made him who he is today. The Filipino director didn't really stay stagnant and wanted to learn from the best, Hollywood's Chubbuck Technique has landed the biggest stars some awards. Ivana Chubbuck had to teach him for several months (and continue til today), and this required him to be in the US for the duration in order to do it. He could lose work in the Philippines, but did it anyway because of his hunger for growth. The expanding array of skills, learning nuances, the training program had to be supervised by Ivana herself, and he did it all. Now he's the only one authorized to teach this Chubbuck Technique in the country, under the MQuest Artist Agency.

Direk Rahyan Carlos says "I'm so proud to be here now in MQAA and excited to train actors. I've started doing this 27 years ago, changing hats, and now an acting teacher. I'm also excited to see them land jobs after undergoing training, they're like little trophies. Thank you Jeffrey Remegio for having me since last year, I got to apply what I learn here, in other networks. I will show you a glimpse of what happens in a master class with some of the actors that have undergone training with the Chubbuck technique. I've done the others, but this is intended to land jobs and win awards. Acting is personal, imagination is also important, but nothing beats pain and our own experience. We teach actors to use it to win objectives. This invokes emotion, use pain as a fuel to resolve, and evolve. Use it for change. It's about creating an environment where it all happens."

Ms. Liza Dino Seguerra who has undergone the workshops adds "It's surreal to be with actors, but every time I participate here I am reminded that I am an actress. I worked my way up and now support other actors and folks in the industry. Whenever I get an opportunity to do things with the Chubbuck Technique, it trains you to understand your tool. I have become a better human being, it made me vulnerable. We live our lives coping, but when you are an actor is open yourself up and allow people see your experience. I learned to channel pains I've had in the past in this technique including the hurtful things that are not talked about. It's not easy to confront. You are able to say it to another character even if it is in the back of your mind. It made me talk to people, committing to it is the best tool, our pain, our experience."

Actors Carmi Martin and Polo Ravales showing us a glimpse of the technique

The registration for this starts today April 12th, and tomorrow April 13th at the 10th Floor of Launchpad in Reliance Street in Mandaluyong City. You may also inquire via @MQAAWorkshops on IG and FB. You can also email them via mqaa.training@gmail.com. We also got to talk to several artists who have undergone the workshop. These include some of TV5's brightest stars, and some veteran actors in the mix. This is an opportunity to learn by some of the greatest coaches in the industry. 

You may scan the QR code to know more about it. There's no such thing as an overnight actor, you need to go to the gym to build muscles. Workshops are gyms for actors!