Philippine Beauty Pageant Chairman and BPO Exec Arrested in $44M US Publishing Scam Targeting Elderly Authors!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a significant development that has sent ripples through both the business and pageantry sectors in the Philippines, Michael Cris Traya Sordilla, a prominent figure in the beauty pageant industry and a top executive of a Cebu-based business process outsourcing (BPO) company, was arrested in December 2024. Sordilla, the founder and CEO of Innocentrix Philippines and chairman of the Hiyas ng Pilipinas beauty pageant, was detained alongside his partner and Innocentrix Philippines' vice president of operations, Bryan Navales Tarosa, in San Diego on December 9, 2024. 

The Alleged Scheme

The duo, along with their associate, Gemma Traya Austin, 58, of Chula Vista, California, are accused of orchestrating a multi-million-dollar book publishing scam targeting elderly authors in the United States. Operating under the guise of PageTurner, Press and Media LLC, the scheme allegedly defrauded over 800 victims of nearly $44 million. The indictment alleges that between September 2017 and December 2024, the defendants used PageTurner to solicit payments from authors for publishing services that were either substandard or never provided. 

Modus Operandi

According to prosecutors, employees of Innocentrix Philippines contacted victims through unsolicited phone calls and emails, convincing them to pay for services such as book promotions and publishing deals. Victims were led to believe that their works would be promoted to major publishers and even adapted into Hollywood films. However, these promises were empty, and the services were either not rendered or were of poor quality. 

Arrests and Charges

Sordilla and Tarosa were arrested on December 9, 2024, in San Diego, while Austin was apprehended on December 12, 2024, in Chula Vista. All three face charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. If convicted, they could each face up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. 

Impact on the Community

The arrest of Sordilla and Tarosa has shocked the Cebu business community and the Philippine pageantry scene. Hiyas ng Pilipinas, under Sordilla's leadership, has been a significant platform for promoting Filipino beauty and culture. Innocentrix Philippines, on the other hand, has been a notable player in the BPO industry, providing various services to international clients. The company's involvement in such a massive fraud scheme raises concerns about the ethical practices within the industry. 

Authorities' Response

U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "What started with the promise of a Hollywood dream turned into a devastating nightmare for victims." She urged authors to remain vigilant and conduct thorough research before engaging with publishing services. The FBI has seized the PageTurner website (pageturner.us) and is actively seeking information from potential victims. Individuals who believe they have been targeted by this scam are encouraged to contact the FBI at AuthorFraud@fbi.gov. 

Protecting Vulnerable Populations

This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals to sophisticated fraud schemes. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service remains committed to disrupting and dismantling foreign-based fraud operations that prey on older Americans. Matt Shields, Inspector in Charge for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service’s San Diego Field Office, stated, "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service San Diego Mail Fraud Team, along with the FBI San Diego, have worked tirelessly to bring justice to individuals who target, exploit, and victimize our most vulnerable citizens."

Conclusion

The arrest of Michael Cris Traya Sordilla and his associates serves as a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence when engaging with service providers, especially in industries susceptible to fraud. It also underscores the need for continuous vigilance and robust legal frameworks to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation.

AI Gone Wild Again: Sophie Thatcher’s Killer Robot in Companion Will Leave You Laughing and Terrified!

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The exploration of artificial intelligence (AI) in human relationships has long captivated audiences, blending themes of technology, identity, and morality. The upcoming film "Companion," directed by Drew Hancock and starring Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid, offers a fresh and darkly comedic take on this narrative.

"Companion": A Darkly Comedic AI Thriller

Set to release on January 31, 2025, "Companion" follows the story of Iris (Sophie Thatcher), an android designed to be the perfect partner. During a weekend retreat, her owner, Josh (Jack Quaid), attempts to modify her programming, inadvertently granting her self-awareness. This newfound consciousness leads Iris down a path of violence and self-discovery, as she grapples with her identity and autonomy. 

Comparisons to "Better Than Us" and "Subservience"

"Companion" joins a lineage of narratives examining AI-human dynamics. The Russian series "Better Than Us" (2018) introduces Arisa, an advanced empathic android who becomes part of a human family, challenging societal norms and raising questions about robot rights.

Similarly, the film "Subservience" (2024), starring Megan Fox as Alice, an AI domestic helper, delves into the perils of artificial intelligence when Alice becomes overly attached to the family she serves, leading to suspenseful and thrilling situations.

Sophie Thatcher's Standout Performance

Sophie Thatcher's portrayal of Iris in "Companion" brings a unique depth to the character. Known for her roles in "Yellowjackets" and "The Book of Boba Fett," Thatcher's performance is anticipated to balance the film's horror and comedic elements effectively, offering a fresh perspective on the AI companion narrative.

A Comedic Twist on "Westworld" Themes

While "Companion" has drawn comparisons to "Westworld" for its exploration of androids gaining consciousness, Hancock's film infuses a comedic tone, setting it apart from the more serious and philosophical approach of "Westworld." This blend of humor and horror provides a new lens through which to consider the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. 

Trailer Controversy: Balancing Teasers and Spoilers

The release of "Companion's" trailer sparked discussions among fans, with some expressing concerns that it revealed significant plot details. This raises broader questions about the role of trailers in marketing and the importance of preserving the element of surprise for audiences. While trailers aim to generate interest, finding the balance between enticing viewers and maintaining suspense is crucial. 

Exploring Global Narratives in AI and Human Relationships

The fascination with AI companions is a global phenomenon. In addition to Western productions, South Korean narratives have also explored these themes. For instance, the series "Are You Human?" depicts a scenario where androids replace comatose individuals, leading to complex emotional and ethical dilemmas.

Conclusion

"Companion" promises to be a thought-provoking addition to the genre, combining humor and horror to examine the consequences of artificial intelligence in human relationships. With Sophie Thatcher's compelling performance and Drew Hancock's unique directorial vision, the film is poised to offer a fresh and engaging perspective on the ever-evolving discourse surrounding AI and humanity.

Donald Trump Declares: Only Two Genders Recognized by U.S. Federal Government

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An Executive Order Sparking Controversy and Conversations Worldwide

In a move that has reignited one of the most divisive debates of the 21st century, the newly inaugurated 47th U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to sign an executive order limiting federal recognition of genders to just two: male and female. This declaration has sparked both praise and condemnation across various sectors, from religious organizations and political groups to LGBTQ+ advocates and social scientists.

The Executive Order: A Return to “Reality”?

President Trump’s announcement comes amidst a growing pushback from conservative groups against what they perceive as an overly complex and increasingly fluid interpretation of gender. Declaring that the federal government will "officially recognize just male and female genders," Trump stated, “Biologically, it’s time to align with the truth. We are male and female, and that’s how it was intended.”

Supporters Rally Behind the Move

Trump’s declaration has been met with overwhelming support from conservative and religious communities who argue that science and biblical teachings align on the matter. Many have cited Genesis 5:2: “He created them male and female. When they were created, He blessed them and called them mankind.” Supporters praise the order as a stand against what they view as the erosion of traditional values and the rise of "confusion" surrounding gender identities.

“That’s Biblically and Constitutionally correct! No more, no less!” shared one supporter.

“It’s about time someone restored clarity to something so fundamental,” said another.

The order has also been lauded as a stance against the perceived "sexual immorality" in modern culture, with some claiming it will protect the younger generation from "corrupted ideologies."

Criticism and Concern from Advocacy Groups

Conversely, the move has sparked outrage among LGBTQ+ organizations, human rights activists, and social progressives. Critics argue that the executive order erases the identities and experiences of millions of people who do not conform to the binary understanding of gender. Gender identity, as distinct from biological sex, has long been recognized by leading psychological and medical associations as a spectrum, not a dichotomy.

“What happens to non-binary, intersex, and transgender individuals? This order doesn’t just invalidate their identities—it endangers their rights, healthcare access, and safety,” said a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign.

Advocates point to the scientific community, which recognizes that intersex conditions occur naturally in approximately 1 in 2,000 births. Others highlight that gender identity and expression are deeply personal and cultural, shaped by more than just chromosomes or anatomy.

A Global Perspective: Implications Beyond the U.S.

The executive order is likely to have ripple effects far beyond U.S. borders. In countries like the Philippines, where conversations around LGBTQ+ rights are ongoing, debates over gender identity have gained traction. Social media lit up with mixed reactions:

“Dalawang kasarian lamang base sa science at higit sa lahat base sa biblia. Hindi dapat gawing komplikado.”

“Ang sexuality ay dalawa lang talaga, male at female, pero gender identity? Iba yan. Nasa tao kung ano siya: girl, boy, bakla, o tomboy.”

In more progressive nations, this move may further isolate the U.S. from global discussions on gender inclusivity. The United Nations and many other international organizations have recognized the importance of protecting non-binary and transgender individuals’ rights, with some countries legally recognizing a third gender.

What’s Next?

President Trump’s executive order is expected to face significant legal challenges. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups have already announced plans to take the matter to court, arguing that the order violates constitutional protections of equal rights and freedom of expression.

For millions of Americans—and people worldwide—this debate is far from over. The decision will shape not only the trajectory of gender rights in the U.S. but also how societies globally grapple with the evolving understanding of identity, science, and culture.

As this controversial policy unfolds, one question looms large: How do societies balance respect for traditional values with the rights and recognition of diverse identities?