012623 - Las Vegas Edition

Steven Raga sworn in as New York’s rst

Filipino American State assemblymember

FILIPINO American community leader Steven Raga officially took his oath of office as State Assemblymember representing New York’s 30th Assembly District as administered by United States Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday, Jan. 15 in Queens.  Raga became the first-ever Filipino American to be elected to any public office in the state of New York and in the 245 years of the New York State Legislature. Before his inauguration on Sunday, the official State Assembly swearing-in at the New York State Capitol in Albany a week earlier.

The inauguration ceremony was held at the Queens Museum with over 300 community leaders, elected officials, and organizations attending, many of whom wore their respective traditional and cultural attires in celebration of the historic moment and diversity of the Borough of Queens and Assembly District 30,

The long, overlooked history of Lunar New Year in the US

AROUND the world, Lunar New Year is celebrated in many unique ways: as Spring Festival in China, Tet Nguyên Đán in Vietnam, Seollal in Korea, Losar in Tibet, Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia, not to mention diaspora communities across the globe.

While ancient traditions are frequently discussed, the more recent history of these celebrations is less well-known. In the U.S., Asian Americans developed their own Lunar New Year traditions that were inflected by immigration, international relations, orientalism, and complicated relations with mainstream American society.

The origins of the term “Lunar New Year”

The English term “Lunar New Year” is actually a misnomer: The holiday is based on a lunarsolar, rather than a strictly lunar, calendar.

Lunar calendars have one major flaw: 12 full moon cycles last around 354 days, just short of a solar year. To bridge this gap, many cultures incorporate solar patterns into their calendars.

Filipino American family mourns the loss of 68-year-old Monterey Park shooting victim

Monterey Park massacre shortly followed by Half Moon Bay shooting

their

in an official statement posted by Alvero’s grand-niece Karmel Kwan on Monday, Jan.

US-based Filipinos encouraged to visit PH during upcoming tour

by DONNABELLE GATDULA-AREVALO AJPress

LOS ANGELES — Filipinos living in the United States are invited to travel back to the Philippines this summer.

The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles officially launched the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour 2023 with special packages and affordable rates for a nine-day travel itinerary to Manila-Iloilo-Boracay.

In his opening remarks during the launching ceremony, Deputy Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III said they are looking forward to this tourism event as this is a major comeback activity of the Philippine consulates in the United States after the COVID pandemic.

“We are so excited as this is one of the activities that we haven’t done in a while. By doing this, it makes us feel more normal and that the world is actually going back to normal. That is why as the world emerged

Marcos to travel abroad less, but APEC in November still a priority

by KAYCEE VALMONTE Philstar.com

MANILA — After going on eight official foreign trips in the first seven months as chief executive, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he plans to cut down on travels this year to implement the agreements made in those trips.

In an almost hour-long pre-recorded interview with news anchors and aired on state television on Monday evening, January 23, Marcos Jr. said he wanted to travel and

THE Philippines' independent foreign policy "prospers on partnerships" that acknowledge the multifaceted interests that the country shares with its neighbors in the region and the world.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo stressed this on Thursday during the New Year reception of the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations.

He said that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) appreciates the PCFR's important role "in facilitating thoughtful conversation on foreign policy."

Manalo noted that the Philippines

pursues a foreign policy "seeking a regional and global environment that propels our efforts to fulfill the highest potentials of our nation and each and every Filipino."

He said that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. "has enunciated clearly and consistently, the broad strokes of an independent foreign policy that navigates the critical challenges of the 21st century as it charts the course for a forward-looking, innovative and resilient Filipino nation."

"His resounding message has been that the Philippines will continue to be a friend to all and enemy to none, as we advance our national aspirations," Manalo said in a speech.

attend conferences first because he was the “new kid on the block.”

He added that the visibility of the Philippines in the international arena would also be helpful in securing potential investors.

“We’re cutting our travels for the rest of the year now because we want to take inventory of what we started with while attending the ASEAN Summit, APEC, even the work we did with the EU in Brussels, as well as the trip to Davos,” Marcos Jr. said

The DFA chief said that the Philippines is deeply committed to further strengthening the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

Beyond the Asean region, the Philippines is "deepening and broadening" its bilateral relations with neighbors such as Japan, Australia, South Korea and India.

"We are advancing our ties with the European Union and its individual members, across political, economic and security areas," he said.

"Our deep and comprehensive ties stand on shared values. We profess a shared interest in upholding the primacy of the rule of law in international relations,"  PAGE 5

MANILA — The United States

(U.S.) is seeing the Philippines as “refreshing” under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In an ANC Headstart interview on Thursday, January 26 Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez was asked how the U.S. is seeing the Philippines now that Marcos is at the helm.

“They find it refreshing, to say the least. They’ve obviously seen him when they came here to the Philippines, and they were very pleased to hear the things that the

president has articulated, especially with regard to our relationship [with] the United States,” answered Romualdez, a cousin of Marcos. He also thought that the President has established to the U.S. that the Philippines wants good bilateral ties while having an independent foreign policy.

“So, I think that overall, President Marcos has communicated to the United States that we’re here, we are friends, and we want to have good relationships with you,” Romualdez said.

“But, at the same time, we have our own policy which is in every

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez Inquirer.net file photo

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo ManilaTimes.net file photo

Marcos to travel abroad less, but APEC...

in Filipino.

“We need to take into account what we had agreed upon and take stock of the discussions and decide which ones to prioritize, none of which we’ve done yet because we keep going out of the country.”

Despite this, he said they have already confirmed the Philippine delegation’s attendance to this year’s APEC, which will be held in the United States in November.

Marcos Jr. did not say if his planned  state visit to the U.S.  this year would push through.

Marcos Jr., the jet-setter

Since he assumed office in June last year, Marcos had gone on eight official travels —  a mix of state visits and official trips to international conferences. He was in Indonesia and Singapore

for state visits in the first week of September, before flying to New York for the United Nations General Assembly. The chief executive also went on a weekend trip to Singapore for the Formula One Grand Prix  in October. In the face of criticism for being abroad while a typhoon was battering parts of the country, Marcos Jr. said the trip was “the best way to drum up business.”

In November, he went to Cambodia for the ASEAN Summit and then attended the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation meeting held in Thailand. He ended 2022 with a trip to Belgium for the ASEANEuropean Union Commemorative Summit and started the year with a state visit to China.

Just last week, Marcos Jr. came

Filipino American family mourns...

back from a trip to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. He was criticized after the Philippine delegation reportedly had 70 members, prompting the public to ask – who foots the bill for these trips?

‘Return of investment’

“I don’t have the figures,” Marcos Jr. said when asked about the cost of his trips and the number of individuals in the official and the unofficial entourages.

Citing investment pledges, most of which have yet to come to fruition, Marcos Jr. just emphasized that the official travels are important because of the business he brings back.

“[In] terms of the cost, the way I see it, you have to look at it in terms of [return of investment]. Do we bring something back or do we not?” Marcos said.

He also added that apart from his Cabinet secretaries and their respective staff members and security, the Philippine delegation is also formed by members of the private sector –most of whom, he says, spend their own money during their travels.

“There’s accountability and transparency in everything that we do,” Marcos Jr. said.

“The critics will have their say but those who are actually contemplating putting good money into the Philippines have other issues and accountability and transparency is not an issue,”  he adds. g

“Overnight, we became unwilling members of a community who has to mourn the loss of our loved ones due to gun violence. We are left frustrated, stuck with this vicious cycle,” the family said.

The family also shared what Alvero was like, describing him as “a loving father, a dedicated son and brother, a grandfather who loved his three granddaughters fiercely, an uncle who loved his nieces and nephews like his own.”

The family noted his love for dancing and community, describing Alvero as “the life of any party”; the shooting had taken place during a Lunar New Year celebration at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio.

“Most importantly, please remember that Valentino is more than just a headline or a news story,” the family affirmed. “He loved people and hearing about their lives and in return, he shared his own stories with so much gusto and enthusiasm that you couldn’t help but listen and laugh along with him.”

The family added that Alvero was a devout Catholic and asked fellow Catholics to pray for him by his baptismal name, Valentino Marcos Alvero. Stated in Kwan’s post, Alvero “was a faithful servant of God and we know he would want the world to lift his family in prayer more than anything.”

Following the events

in Monterey Park and the confirmation of a Filipino victim, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles said in an official statement that it is ready to help out in whatever way they can in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“Our prayers go out to the families of the victims and we mourn with them during this lunar new year festival, which is supposed to be a time of gathering and celebration,” the consulate’s office said on Tuesday, January 24.

They added, “The Consulate General understands his family’s desire for privacy and space during this time of unimaginable difficulty. Nevertheless, we are ready to assist them in whatever possible way should they reach out for any help we could give.”

In addition to Alvero, the LA coroner’s office confirmed the identities of three other Star Ballroom victims: 65-year-old My Nhan, 63-year-old Lilian Li, and 57-year-old Xiujuan Yu. These three were three of the six women who were killed.

Nhan’s family said in a statement that Nhan was an enthusiastic dancer whose kindness radiated.

“Unfairly, Saturday was her last dance. We are starting the Lunar New Year broken. We never imagined her life would end so suddenly,” Nhan’s family shared.

The LA Coroner’s Office released the identities of the remaining victims: Lilian Li, 63; Diana Tom, 70; Chia Yau, 77; Yu Kao, 72; Hong Jian, 62; Muoi Ung, 68; Wen Yu, 64.

The investigation into “why”

ensues

As of Tuesday, Los Angeles County officials are working alongside local police departments in the investigation of the shooting, which authorities confirmed was carried out by a lone 72-year-old Asian man named Huu Can Tran.

Like Alvero, all the victims who passed away were over 50 years old.

“What drove a madman to do this? We don’t know, but we intend to find out,” said LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a press briefing. After the massacre, Tran had driven to neighboring Alhambra, to another dance hall where he reportedly planned a second shooting.

But at the second location, an employee named Brandon Tsay wrestled with the shooter and was able to take Tran’s modified 9 mm submachine gun-style semiautomatic weapon away from him before Tran fled the scene, officials said.

On Monday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom met with Tsay, whose grandparents founded the dance hall.

“This remarkable young man who, without hesitation [and] though with moments of fear, took it upon himself to save countless lives — who knows how many lives he saved,” Newsom said of Tsay.

Tsay told reporters that while he’s proud of his actions, he noted that he wanted the focus to be on the victims and their families.

“Some of these people I know personally. They come to our studio. It’s a tight-knit community and I hope they can heal from this tragic event,” Tsay said.

Law enforcement said that the day after the shooting, Tran was found in a Torrance parking lot in a white van, dead from a selfinflicted gunshot.

The legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice of Southern California joined other Asian American advocacy groups in

raising funds to support the Monterey Park victims.

The GoFundMe is seeking $750,000 and so far has raised $503,293. The coalition running the fundraiser said that 100% of the funds would be distributed to the victims and their families.

While this fundraiser is legitimate, California Attorney General Rob Bonta — who is Filipino American — warned Californians against fraudulent crowdfunding and to remain vigilant while mourning the sudden tragedies.

“Our nation has once again been forced to confront more senseless gun violence. From Monterey Park to Half Moon Bay, our entire state is reeling,” said Bonta, who is Filipino American.

While encouraging Californians to extend helping hands whenever they can, he said, “If you plan on giving, please be wary of scammers and do your research before you donate.”

California mourns “tragedy upon tragedy”

Two days after the horrific massacre in Monterey Park, another shooting that killed seven people took place across two separate scenes in Half Moon Bay up in Northern California on Monday, Jan. 23.

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victims were of Asian descent and Hispanic descent, and the shootings took place at two separate nurseries. At the first location along Highway 92, four victims with gunshot wounds were found dead Monday afternoon.

At the second location along the 2100 block of Cabrillo Highway South, three more victims were found. Local authorities identified the suspect as 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, a Half Moon Bay resident who was taken into custody after he was discovered in the parking lot of a Half Moon Bay sheriff’s office substation.

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus believes Zhao acted alone and that the motive is currently unknown.

“This is a devastating tragedy for this community and the families touched by this unspeakable act of violence,” Corpus said. “This kind of shooting is horrific. It’s a tragedy that we hear about far too often, but today it’s hit home here in San Mateo County.”

During his visit to Monterey Park, Gov. Newsom responded to the Half Moon Bay shooting: “At the hospital meeting with victims of a mass shooting when I get pulled away to be briefed about another shooting. This time in Half Moon Bay. Tragedy upon tragedy.”

President Joe Biden also extended his condolences to the victims of both massacres while affirming his commitment to gun control and stronger barriers to assault weapons access.

“Jill and I are praying for those killed and injured in the latest tragic shooting in Half Moon Bay. For the second time in recent days, California communities are mourning the loss of loved ones in a senseless act of gun violence,” Biden said in a statement.

He added, “Even as we await further details on these shootings, we know the surge of gun violence across America requires stronger action. I once again urge both chambers of Congress to act quickly and deliver this Assault Weapons Ban to my desk, and take action to keep American communities, schools, workplaces, and homes safe.” g

Ambassador Romualdez: US ‘finds’...

way we can, be independent of any influence coming from any country.

It’s more of what is best for our national interest,” he continued.

Reaping fruits of Duterte’s foreign policy

Romualdez likewise expressed his belief that Marcos is reaping the fruits of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s foreign policy.

“I think that what President Duterte’s foreign policy, whatever style that he used in communicating to major countries like China and the United States, that is now the

fruit that is actually being harvested by President Marcos,” the ambassador said.

“What happened during the time of Duterte was that he just made it clear to the United States that we are a sovereign country and you cannot take us for granted. I think that the United States has accepted that,” he added.

Marcos, said Romualdez, is “now being able to articulate even better” that the Philippines and U.S. should not take each other for granted.

Last year, Marcos said he cannot see the Philippines’ future without the U.S. as an ally. g

Valentino Alvero, a 68-year-old U.S. citizen of Filipino descent, was among 11 killed in a shooting massacre at Monterey Park in California on Saturday, January 21, his family confirmed in a statement. Photo courtesy of Karmel Kwan/Twitter

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Malacañang photo

Steven Raga sworn in as New York’s first...

which includes the neighborhoods of Woodside, Astoria, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Maspeth, and Middle Village.

The speakers at the inauguration were among the who’s who in New York politics, including U.S. Senate Majority Leader Schumer, Speaker of the New York State Assembly

Carl Heastie, State Comptroller

Thomas DiNapoli, Deputy Majority Leader State Senator Michael Gianaris, State Senator John Liu, Assemblymember Catalina Cruz, and long-time friend and Filipino American community leader, Rachelle Ocampo.

Notable attendees included Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and several colleagues in the New York State Assembly including Assemblymember Ron Kim, Assemblymember Juan Ardila, Assemblymember Jennifer Rajkumar, Assemblymember Alex Bores, Assemblymember Jessica Gonzales-Rojas, and City

Councilmember Julie Won.

Filipino American community leaders led by Loida Nicolas Lewis, Laura Garcia, Dely Po Go, Juliet Payabyab, Caesar and Dulce Barangan, among others also came in full force to support Raga.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer spoke and administered the Ceremonial Oath of Office.

“I know Assemblymember

Steven Raga will continue in the fine tradition of Filipino Americans in public service in our nation, as he broke the glass ceiling becoming the first-ever Filipino American to be elected in New York State, and it’s not surprising why voters of all backgrounds chose Steven to become their next Assemblymember,” Sen.

Schumer said.

After being administered the

Oath of Office, Assemblymember Raga delivered a speech reflecting upon his recent journey to the office, as well as his early upbringing growing up in an immigrant singlemother household, and thanked supporters and friends.

“Today, I am humbled by the outpour of support, filled with gratitude for the duty that you have entrusted upon me, and excited about the possibilities for collaboration, and working together towards a better Assembly District 30, and New York State,” said Assemblymember Raga.

“This is a historic day,” said State Senator John Liu. “The Filipino American community has done so much for New York, our city, our state, and indeed our nation. The community continues to grow by leaps, by bounds, and I am honored and look forward to serving our respective communities, and representing the Asian American community in the chambers of Albany, alongside the first-ever Filipino American to be elected in New York State.”

“I’m proud to have encouraged Steven to seek this position and

US-based Filipinos encouraged to visit PH...

from the pandemic, we are doing this once again. We are reviving this annual activity, the VIP Tour, formerly Ambassador, Consuls and Tourism Directors’ Tour (ACGTDT). As you know, we want it to be more eccentric and we wanted it to be more about you, so we renamed it, VIP Tour,” Enciso said.

The nine-day VIP Tour 2023 with the theme “See, Taste and Feel” will be held on July 14 to 24, 2023. Eco-adventures, cultural excursion and gastronomic treats in Manila, Iloilo and Boracay await the VIP guests whether they be Filipinos (balikbayans) or foreigners who have never gone to the Philippines. In a video message shown during the launch, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez urged the Filipino American community to join the VIP Tour.

“As the post-pandemic travels beckon, let the 2023 VIP Tour treat you to the warmth of the Filipino hospitality and the natural beauty of the Philippines. Join the VIP Tour 2023 and experience [what] Manila, Iloilo, Boracay have to offer,” Romualdez said.  Rajah Tours Philippines Inc. (RTPI) president Jose Clemente III, on the other hand, said the company, along with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), spent more than six months to come up with a uniquely packaged tour and very affordable prices for this year’s program.

Clemente said this year’s participants deserve to enjoy anew the Philippines’ natural beauty, rich culture and sumptuous cuisine after being restricted from traveling to their home country for a long time.

Rajah Tours has been a pioneer partner of the Philippine government in this tourism initiative since it was first launched in 2005.

One unique feature of this tour, Clemente said, is that it runs longer than usual. The itinerary also incorporates activities that would be appealing to both participants of all ages.

“What made this special is that we lengthen the tour from the previous four days to nine days. It gives us an opportunity to show more to our  kababayans  who have not been home for years due to COVID and the Filipino Americans from younger generation to 3rd to 4th generation, the beauty of the Philippines so they could all enjoy this tour to the fullest,” Clemente said.

Tourism attaché Richmond Jimenez echoed Clemente’s PAGE 5

The long, overlooked history of Lunar...

PAGE 1

Speaker

serve our borough in elective office,” Congresswoman Grace Meng shared. “I congratulate him for this historic feat for the Asian American community and for Queens. I am more than confident that Assemblymember Raga will deliver, advocate, and fight for his constituents in the 30th Assembly District and I look forward to working with him to deliver support for the families of Queens, and our shared constituencies.”

Cultural performances from performers within the district followed, including the reciting of the poem  Maspeth Marches

On by renowned poet and Maspeth native, Vincent Tomeo, the  Sinulog by Filipino American dance group, CEBU Inc. Tribu Cebuano,  Ecuadorian Traditions and Customs by local Ecuadorian dance group, Yachak Kallary directed by Javier Chanla, and the closing performance,  Bayan Ko, performed by Miguel Braganza II and Krizia Daya.

Anna Lucente Sterling, Filipino American reporter and video journalist based in New York City was the event’s master of ceremonies. g

The calendar used by many countries within China’s sphere of influence is speculated to have originated during the Xia dynasty (2070 – 1600 BCE). Though the new year based on this calendar may have been celebrated during the earlier Shang dynasty, its date was fixed during the Han dynasty, roughly 2000 years ago.

Still, not all cultures that celebrate Lunar New Year use this calendar. For instance, Tibet and Mongolia use their own calendars to determine the dates of Losar and Tsagaan Sar, respectively. These holidays do not always overlap with the dates of Chineseoriginated New Year, pointing to the lack of specificity in the term “Lunar New Year” and the even more inaccurate “Chinese New Year.”

So where did the English term “Lunar New Year” originate? One theory dates its beginnings to the 1920s, during the height of Western colonial expansion: Examples include a missionary in China, a travel writer in Frenchoccupied Vietnam, and a train rider in Changsha, China.

The history of U.S. Lunar New Year celebrations

According to the Smithsonian, the first documented Lunar New Year celebration in the U.S. was a “feast” held by a Chinese businessman for American upper class attendees on February 1st,

1851. The first community-driven celebration occurred in the 1860s, when Cantonese immigrants in San Francisco fused traditional New Year practices with a uniquely American format: the parade.

As Chiou-Ling Yeh writes in “Making an American Festival: Chinese New Year in San Francisco’s Chinatown,” early Chinese New Year parades were targets for discrimination. Police, for instance, prohibited New Year firecrackers—despite fireworks being overlooked during Fourth of July celebrations. Throughout subsequent decades, Chinese New Year celebrations would be subject to xenophobia, police blockades, restrictions on sending money home, and import bans on New Year’s goods.

In 1912, the Republic of China under Sun Yat Sen controversially eliminated the holiday ostensibly to distance itself from the recently defated Qing Dynasty. To show support for the new government, most Chinese Americans stopped observing the holiday. Celebrations, however, were soon revived—though with a different ethos.

In 1931, the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce organized a Chinese New Year Parade. Leaders realized that Orientalist portrayals of Asian culture would attract business to Chinatown. As a result, the event

featured new additions specifically aimed at an outsider audience, such as Chinese American women serving guests as “Chinese maids.” This shift, Yeh writes, made festivals less accessible to the Chinese community: Firecrackers were banned again after visiting whites unsafely set them off, and events had limited and costly seating that excluded the local population.

During the Cold War, Chinese Americans were subject to a different kind of scrutiny: the pressure to prove their loyalty to the US. Thus, the 1951 revival of the parade in San Francisco was explicitly anti-Communist, to demonstrate the community’s patriotism. These celebrations continued as the New Year was cancelled again under China’s communist government from 1967 until its reinstatement as the “Spring Festival” in 1980.

The 1970s also marked the arrival of refugees from Vietnam, who who brought celebrations of their new year, Tet. To these refugees, however, Tet was marked by wartime trauma and homesickness, and colored by memories of the Northern Vietnamese coalition’s surprise attack during the 1968 Tet offensive.

At the same time, Tet celebrations promoted intracommunal support and the

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer administers the oath of office of New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga, joined onstage by Filipino American community leaders led by Loida Nicolas Lewis.

Photos by Jonathan Rampagoa

Assemblymember Steven Raga, the first Filipino American elected in New York State, poses with Filipino American community leaders and supporters who came in full force at his inauguration ceremony.

of the New York State Assembly, Carl Heastie, pins the Official New York State Assembly Pin on Assemblymember Steven Raga after taking the Oath of Office, and speaking.

US-based Filipinos encouraged to visit PH...

enthusiasm, pointing out the efforts that the government has put in place to make sure that these travel destinations included in the VIP Tour for this year will measure up to the expectations of the participants.

“We are really keen on our sustainability efforts. We are not here just to bring some people in. We want to offer quality.

We want to make sure that the things that you enjoy about the Philippines are something that the future generations will also enjoy. Rest assured that DOT and Rajah Tours are always looking for exciting destinations and things you can enjoy once you get to the Philippines,” Jimenez said.

According to Jimenez, another exciting highlight of the VIP Tour is the meet and greet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He said most of those who have signified keen interest in joining the VIP Tour 2023 are looking forward to seeing and mingling with President Marcos.

“In Honolulu alone, they might get all the slots. They are excited that they get to see the president.

It’s a come on, too, for them to have a lunch or a meal with the president, which is really a oncein-a-lifetime experience,” the DOT official said.

Jimenez noted that the tour and airline rates are exclusive only to those who would avail of the VIP Tour program.

Philippine Airlines’ Los Angeles area manager Michelle Narvaez said the all-in prices, which include airfare, land arrangements, taxes, travel insurance with COVID coverage, being offered under the VIP Tour are affordable.

“Participants could also bring two 50 pounds luggage even in domestic trips so you don’t have to worry if you want to go on a shopping spree,” Narvaez said.

Upon arrival in Manila on July 16, VIP Tour participants will be greeted with Filipino hospitality at the airport with a welcome reception hosted by the DOT and Rajah Tours staff.

The next day, VIP Tour guests will start their day at Rizal Park Monument. They also have the option to tour in Charms of Old Manila in Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Museum; Chinatown Walking Tour, Walking Tour in Binondo Church, Market and Ongpin Street. They will also have a chance

to interact with young Filipino entrepreneurs and visit the gold collection at Ayala Museum.

On Day 3, the tour group will travel from Manila to Iloilo.

Upon arrival in Iloilo, the tour will commence and take the group to Oton, the first Spanish settlement on the island. Then to Tigbuan, the location of one of Panay’s most beautiful churches; and then to Miag-ao town, the site of the UNESCO Heritage Church, Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva. In Iloilo City, travelers will visit Museo Iloilo, Nelly Garden, Jaro Cathedral and Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art and Balai Ilonggo (Hablon Styles and Hues).

On Day 4, the VIP guests will have the option to choose which excursion they want to take. They could either choose to have a Culinary Tour — try Iloilo’s famous Batchoy and Puto at a local restaurant and visit a Barquillos Factory and then snack on Molo Soup and Tablea Chocolate Drink. Lunch and cooking demonstrations will take place at an ancestral home.

There is also an adventure tour at Damires Hills Tierra Verde Leisure Farm where they can hike around a lush “instagrammable” tropical forest and admire the beautiful landscape of Northern Iloilo. Activities include zipline, canopy walk, fruit picking and swimming in any of their three pools.

Another option is to go on Isla de Gigantes Day Tour from Iloilo. They could join this private tour and appreciate the sand, the sun and the waters as they bounce from island to island at Isla de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo, This escapade is perfect for beach and island lovers wanting relaxing escapade with seafood feast. Take a scenic island-hopping boat ride around the island and surrounding islet of Isla de Gigantes. This tour is known for the freshly harvested scallops which you can bountifully eat along the sandbar of Bantigue Island.

From Iloilo, the group will proceed to Boracay on Day 5 of the tour. They will enjoy the scenic road trip through the charming landscape and have a seafood lunch in Capiz City. They will also have a chance to interact with the Indigenous people of the island.

Optional tours are available on Day 6 in Boracay where they could proceed to the Tibiao

Eco-adventure Antique Tour where they could plunge into the cool waters of the Bugtong Bato River. They could also trek to the Bugtong Bato Waterfalls where you can explore three out of seven of its waterfalls. They could also try extreme water tubing and brave the rapids. The group could engage in a unique experience and get “cooked” in a kawa or huge wok. A kawa hot bath is a perfect way to relax.

They also have the option to go on Blue Lagoon & Eco Cold Spring Adventure where they could enjoy the picturesque scenery of the province of Antique on this day trip to Malumpati Cold Spring and Bugang River and experience river tubing in one of the Philippines’ cleanest waters.

Another optional tour is a day to Ibajay and witness the beauty of the Katunggan It Ibajay, a natural mangrove species. It is home to the centuries-old and biggest api-api or bungalon (Avicennia rumphiana) mangrove tree in the Philippines. They would also go on a one-hour trek to reach 50 meters high Nawidwid Falls and another one-hour trek to Mt. Balinsasayaw.

Day 7 in Boracay would allow the VIP Tour guests to do their own whims, such as island hopping, water sports, or playing golf. On Day 8, guests will be back in Manila for a farewell dinner and get ready for the trip back to the U.S. on Day 9.

It was targeted that the 2023 VIP Tour, which will be on a first-come first-served basis, will be able to gather some 300-400 participants in the whole of the United States. The proponents of the VIP Tour have already launched the program in San Francisco and Hawaii. The launching in Los Angeles was simulcasted in San Diego and Dallas. The New York launch will be held soon.

Aside from the United States, the VIP Tour is going to be held for Canadian travelers in January 2024 with the theme “Winter Escapade.” Other territories being tapped as potential markets for the VIP Tour program are: Latin America, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and some European countries. It was also held on a one-time basis for Australia and New Zealand participants.

For online registration and more information on the VIP Tour 2023 can be found at  http:// viptourphilippines2023.com. g

PH foreign policy ‘prospers on partnerships...

Manalo stressed. He said that Manila and Beijing have agreed that the South China Sea China issue "is not the sum total of our relationship."

The economic and people-topeople ties between the Philippines and China also play a critical role in the pursuit of economic development and a peaceful and stable region, he added.

"We share the United States vision of a free and open IndoPacific and we believe in its potential to further empower the peoples and communities in the region," Manalo said.

These relationships, he continued, are energized by mutual interests in upholding democracy and freedom, rule of law, peace and stability and human rights.

"We are building on existing relationships, forging new areas for cooperation and increasing dialogue with neighbors in South Asia and the Pacific, as well as in Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, in bilateral, regional and international fora," he said.

The country also aims for a more fair, responsive, and constructive multilateralism, he

said. "Multilateralism serves as an important space for the Philippines as a foremost vanguard of the rights of migrants in all corners of the world."

"The world is changing and it behooves us to move along with these waves of change," Manalo pointed out. The administration's transformative agenda lays the groundwork for a resilient Philippine economy, innovative solutions to uplift the dignity and welfare of every Filipino, especially the marginalized and disadvantaged, as well as an agile and active diplomacy, he said. g

The long, overlooked history of Lunar...

PAGE 3

preservation of cultural identity. A 1977 celebration in New York, for instance, raised money to support other Vietnamese refugees still in Asia. Meanwhile, Vietnameselead grassroots organizations in Virginia organized a Tet festival for local refugees in 1979. Meanwhile, many Koreans also came to the US in the 1950s. However, the celebration of their New Year, or Seollal, was impacted by a long history of repression in their home country. Seollal was banned during Japanese occupation in 1907 and continued to be prohibited during Syngman Rhee’s dictatorship. Though the holiday was still informally celebrated, it was only officially reinstated in 1989. This complex past makes it difficult to pinpoint

the history of Seollal celebrations in the United States.

Lunar New Year today

Focusing exclusively on the ancient roots of Lunar New Year can erase the current history of how celebrations have evolved across the world. After all, the holiday is celebrated worldwide today, including in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Suriname and countless other nations, each featuring foods, events, and other customs unique to locals.

In the U.S., the Lunar New Year is popularly recognized and celebrated. California officially recognizes the holiday, with efforts underway to federally recognize it. The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade is the largest of its type outside of Asia;

Organizations across the country have planned events for Tet, Losar, Seollal, alongside Lunar New Year Fairs. And importantly, this popularity also brings increasing recognition of the diverse communities that observe it: The term “Lunar New Year” has gained important significance as a way to recognize these frequently overlooked celebrations from nonChinese communities.

Ultimately, Lunar New Year in the U.S. is multidimensional: a reflection of the experiences and struggles of Asian American communities, of a diaspora’s shifting relationship with their heritage, and, above all, a time for family, joy, relaxation, and reflection to welcome the new year. ((Julia Tong/Ethnic Media Services))

EGG PRICE HIKE. A worker sorts trays of chicken eggs by size inside the Agribusiness Development Center of the Department of AgricultureKadiwa store in Quezon City on Wednesday, Jan. 25. As of Jan. 24, the price of the medium-sized chicken egg ranges from PHP8 to PHP9. PNA photo by Ben Briones

Signs of the times

THE maintenance work at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport lasted only for nearly two hours, but it still delayed at least 47 flights as Philippine airspace was shut down anew early Sunday morning, January 22.

It was a continuation of the problem that crippled air travel in and out of the country on New Year’s Day. As initial investigation showed, a cooling fan broke down on Jan. 1, making the uninterrupted power supply for the Communications, Navigation and Surveillance for Air Traffic Management system break down. The standby UPS, however, failed to kick in. When the CNS / ATM was connected to the NAIA’s commercial power line, a circuit breaker failed to work and the system was fried, grounding flights across the country. The probe is not yet complete.

Sunday’s shutdown was for the replacement of the blowing or cooling fan for the second UPS, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, which operates the CNS / ATM. But the shutdown still delayed at least nine flights at the NAIA taxiway and another 38 flights that were awaiting clearance.

This time, at least, airlines received notice on Saturday, January 21 about the maintenance work scheduled to begin at 4:20 a.m. on Sunday. It was supposed to last for only an hour, but the notice to airmen was lifted only at 6:19 a.m. Last Jan. 1, the

Babe’s Eye View

THE four-day 10th  Bilateral Strategic Dialogue held in Manila hosted by our Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of National Defense was very successful and productive, with discussions centering on various issues that are of mutual interest between the United States and the Philippines.

Aside from DFA Undersecretary Teresita Lazaro, with us in the Philippine delegation were DFA Assistant Secretary JV Chan-Gonzaga, DND Undersecretary Angelito de Leon and Assistant Secretary Henry Robinson. Leading the delegation from the U.S. for the BSD was Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink along with delegation co-chair Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Lindsey Ford and of course our dear friend, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

In November 2021, the 9th  BSD hosted in Washington, DC was held with a very small delegation from both sides due to COVID-19. But despite that, the discussions were very substantial, with both delegations coming out with a  “Joint Vision for a 21st  Century United StatesPhilippines Partnership” that not only outlined several  areas of cooperation aimed at boosting security and economic ties, but also took into consideration the current realities and challenges

JANUARY is the start of income tax filing once again.

It is due on or before April 15, 2023. However, due to the natural disaster caused by the so-called atmospheric-river storm that battered California, the Internal Revenue Service just announced that your tax filing can be extended to May 15 for counties covered by a federal emergency declaration — to file their income tax returns for 2022. Among the counties included are Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Diego and the rest of several beleaguered counties. But we don’t have to wait if we can do it now to get it out our way.

shutdown delayed or diverted around 300 flights, affecting an estimated 56,000 travelers both in the country and abroad. Many of those stranded at the NAIA were overseas Filipino workers waiting for their flights to their host countries after the holiday break.

President Marcos later apologized for the New Year shutdown and said emergency procurements were being made for circuit breakers and cooling fans. Probers are still trying to establish conclusively if the technical problems were not caused by sabotage. Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista has said that depending on the outcome of the probes being conducted by several agencies including Congress, heads could roll.

In the meantime, the damaged CNS / ATM system will have to undergo continuing maintenance works, which could mean more delayed flights.

This is bad news as people resume traveling after the COVID restrictions. The NAIA, the country’s main gateway, suffers enough from inadequate facilities and years of bad reviews from travelers. Authorities will have to work harder to improve airport services and make arrival and departure in the country a pleasant experience. (Philstar.com)

Rea rming our commitment to PH-US relations

that both the Philippines and the United States may face.

During the 9th  BSD, we agreed to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in light of the prevailing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the maritime areas of the Philippines. An annual consultative mechanism that allows both nations to discuss the full range of political, security and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the U.S., the BSD helps us envision the path that we want the partnership to take in order to navigate an evolving geopolitical landscape and deal with challenges that have been aggravated by the pandemic and the situation in Ukraine.

We’re pleased to note that the face-to-face discussions during the 10th  BSD provided a great opportunity for both sides to talk about concrete ways by which the Philippines and the United States can further boost all other aspects of their bilateral relations. Defense matters were naturally discussed, but the dialogue also tackled economic concerns, people-to-people ties and other issues that also cut across regional and global levels.

As noted by Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink, the Indo-Pacific is the most dynamic and fastest growing region in the world, and keeping it free and open is vital in ensuring that maritime trade remains peaceful, considering that the region is comprised of 40 economies, many of which are still trying to recover from the impact of the pandemic and

the continuing war in Ukraine.

The region contains over 60 percent of the world’s total population and is projected to be the largest contributor to global growth over the next three decades, with 50 percent of the world’s gross domestic product by 2040. I agree with Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink that the future and prosperity of IndoPacific nations, including the United States, is “inextricably intertwined with the future of this important region.” In fact, the future of the whole world is also impacted by the Indo-Pacific, which is why it is important to keep it open and free in the decades to come.

I am aware that virtually all eyes – and that is not an exaggeration – are upon the U.S. and the Philippines and the delegation members representing both nations, with critics and supporters alike closely watching and following what we will do together next.

Let me just reiterate that we maintain the great optimism through which we view our current relationship, along with high expectations on the outcome of our next courses of action. Let’s not forget, a great majority of Filipinos continue to see the U.S. as the most trusted nation as underscored by several surveys. Filipinos likewise consider the alliance to be vital in helping maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.

There is no doubt that our neighbors in the region, and the wider international community, are also closely watching how the relationship between the

Philippines and the U.S. is progressing, and how this could impact peace, security and prosperity particularly in our part of the world.

I am especially looking forward to convening the 2+2 Ministerial Meeting among our foreign and defense ministers in the spring where we expect to discuss strategies to bolster efforts in maintaining a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Since day one, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been intent on further exploring more areas of cooperation, especially in terms of trade and investments as underscored during President BBM’s in-person meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in New York last September.

In the past few months, we have been discussing with the White House a possible visit by President Marcos to Washington to further cement the ties between the longtime allies on various areas of mutual concern and interest. We hope to find a suitable schedule for both our leaders to meet this year.

In the weeks and months ahead, it is incumbent upon the officials and leaders from both nations to really deliver on what they are planning to do and reaffirm the commitment of the Philippines and the United States in solidifying and strengthening this partnership. There is no doubt that there is a lot more work to be done in order to have concrete deliverables. But make no mistake: we are ready and eager to roll up our sleeves and do what must be done to enhance

this relationship, friendship and alliance – ultimately for the benefit and interest of our peoples. (Philstar.com)

* * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. * * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

Income tax updates and non-pro t orgs deadlines

And if you have a tax-exempt non-profit organization, the tax filing for both federal and state agencies is from January to May 15 if you are on a calendar year. If you file on a fiscal year, your entities’ tax return is filed within five months after the end of your fiscal period.

Here are the salient pointers to consider in filing our tax returns. We need the figures of all our income from all sources that are listed in our W-2s, 1099s, IRA/Pension distributions, social security benefits, capital gains, dividends, interests, unemployment compensations, lotto and gambling winnings, business income, personal property rental income, stock options, among others.

The next important information are our deductions, exemptions, withholding taxes, property taxes, mortgage interest, dependents that you claim like your minor or

qualifying children, parents whom you provide more than half of their support, gifts to charities, etc. And whatever is more beneficial to us, the tax software will choose it for us whether it’s standard or itemized deductions.

Shown below are some of the updates that I want to share with you. And due to some space constraints, I will mention some of them, then continue it in our next issues.

Earned Income Tax Credit

What is an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)? It is a refundable tax credit for low to moderateincome working individuals and couples, particularly those with children. The amount of EITC benefit depends on a recipient’s income and number of children -- to get a tax break. The main requirement is that you must earn money from a job. If you qualify, your refunds might increase or it can eliminate

federal taxes you owe.

The minimum age to collect EITC for a taxpayer without a qualifying child is 25 and below 65 which is the same as pre2021 rules.

The maximum amount of EITC to be reimbursed for a single taxpayer without children is $560 in 2022. This is a significantly lower amount than in 2021. The Adjusted Gross Income for a single filer or Head of Household to claim EITC without a qualifying child is $16,480. Taxpayers must use their 2022 earned income to claim the credit.

Taxpayers filing Married Filing Separately that are separated from their spouse and living apart for the last six months of the year may be eligible for EITC if they have a qualifying child that lived with them for at least six months out of the year.

No Recovery Credit On Tax

Year 2022

The Recovery Rebate Credits or Stimulus Refunds were authorized by Congress to address the Coronavirus pandemic and were issued in 2020 and 2021.

No recovery rebate credit was authorized for 2022 and the taxpayer cannot claim any Recovery Rebate Credit on the 2022 tax return.

Child Tax Credit Provisions

What is Child Tax Credit? It is a tax break a tax filer can take for qualifying children to offset the costs of raising kids.

In 2022, the Child Tax Credit is $2,000 for each qualifying child under age 17 that is claimed as a dependent on the tax return. If you are above 17, you are not eligible for the CTC.

The refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit for additional child is up to $1,500 for each qualifying child. The refundable

amount has been increased over the 2020 amount because the refundable portion of the CTC is adjusted based on changes in the US Chained Consumer Price Index. To receive the Additional Child Tax Credit, the taxpayer must have an earned income. This is the same calculation that existed in 2020.

Child Tax Credit is phased out if the Taxpayer’s Adjusted Gross Income is more than the following:

• $400,000 for Married Filing Jointly. • $200,000 for all other filing statuses

Should you have inquiries, you can reach me at 562-508-8099 or email at denino1951@gmail. com

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with U.S. President Joe Biden (top photo) and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Malacañang file photos

Dateline PhiliPPines

PH econ team to foreign investors: ‘Think growth, think PH’

MANILA – Whenever foreign business leaders and investment companies think of growth, they can think of the Philippines.

This was the message underscored by members of the Philippine economic team during the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) held in Frankfurt, Germany on Monday, January 23 as they assured investors that diverse investment opportunities await them in the country.

The PEB serves as the platform for the Philippine government to provide international business and financial communities with updates on the country's robust economic performance and investment opportunities.

During the briefing, the economic team spelled out the reasons why the Philippines has a “comparative advantage” over other ASEAN countries in terms of its investment environment.

They cited the country’s structural reforms, young workforce, strong private sector support, priority on infrastructure spending, strategic regional coordination and stable political environment.

"This administration has more than a hundred implementationready infrastructure projects so if the investors are ready to come in, these are projects that are easy to implement," said Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in the discussion on the Marcos administration’s Build, Better, More program.

Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, in his keynote message, invited the German investing community to explore opportunities in the fields of telecommunications, airports, toll roads, agribusiness, renewable energy and shipping. Also present in the briefing were Bangko Sentral Governor Felipe Medalla and Socioeconomic Planning

Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier welcomed the Philippines’ inclusion in the "VIP Club” or a list of Southeast Asian countries with bestperforming economies as tagged by economic leaders at the 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF). Climate and disaster resilience

Meanwhile, Pangandaman also shared that a significant number of government agencies in the Philippines have already mainstreamed climate and disaster resilience in the preparation of budgets for their programs and projects in response to the increasing need for climate and sustainability investment.

The DBM, in partnership with the Climate Change Commission, launched the Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) which encourages agencies to intensify their efforts to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation programs. These include building disaster-resilient infrastructure and low carbon transportation and promoting climate-smart agriculture and regulated renewable energy systems, among others.

The DBM has tagged a record-high PHP453.11 billion for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the 2023 national budget, which is 56.4 percent higher than last year’s PHP289.73 billion. (PNA)

Climate hazards cause irreversible damage on economy

MANILA – Damage brought about by natural disasters harm livelihood and economy, with billions in losses that could have been used to finance health and social welfare programs.

Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda said on Tuesday, January 24 that the Philippines is among the vulnerable nations that is entitled to financial support through the 2015 Paris Agreement on the effects of climate change.

The country is also a beneficiary under the global Green Climate Fund (GCF), created to serve the Paris Agreement and Kyoto Protocol that aims to provide funding for climate mitigation and adaptation of developing countries.

The Kyoto Protocol, adopted in 1997, operationalizes the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change by committing industrialized countries and economies in

transition to limit and reduce greenhouse gases emissions.

While these grants benefit the Philippines, Legarda emphasized that a whole of nation approach is vital in addressing the dire global climate crisis.

"The loss and damage fund cannot bring back what we have lost in terms of lives, livelihoods, assets and opportunities, but just like post war reparations, these will help get us on an appropriate development track," she said in a news release.

Legarda pointed out that climate finance is needed to build defenses, safeguard every Filipino from climate impacts, and shift the economy and society "towards low-carbon development and growth that would mitigate global warming and the intensity of climate change."

In November last year, the Philippines joined the High Ambition Coalition for Nature

Marcos rejects proposal to use GOCC money for Maharlika fund

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rejected a proposal to use dividends coming from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) for the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund.

Speaking to reporters in Malacañang, Marcos said that it would be illegal to use GOCC funds for the MIF.

"You cannot use funds of the GOCC; pera ng gobyerno 'yun (that's government money). What will the government spend? It was a proposal. It's not something that we have adopted," he said.

The President said that the government would have to revise the charters of GOCCs if it were to tap their funds.

"I don't think that's a viable proposition, at least not for us. I know that there are other sovereign wealth funds that have been in that way. But it is not appropriate for us," he added.

Marcos said that the idea of using GOCC money for the MIF was broached in Davos, Switzerland, but that he was "lukewarm" about it after discussing it with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 6608 or the proposed Maharlika Investment

Fund Act on its third and final reading on December 15 last year. It was transmitted to the Senate on December 19.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he expects the bill establishing the Maharlika Fund to be passed by the upper chamber on final reading after the Holy Week in March. Meanwhile, the President allayed fears of possible money laundering, saying while private money will be involved, the funds will be used for specific projects.

"On our end, we will only deploy funds when there is a very specific project to be paid for. So money laundering just won't come into it," he said. g

PNP: Crime down 23.6% in first weeks of 2023

MANILA — Crime was down across the Philippines in the first three weeks of 2023, Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said Monday, January 23 as he declared a strong start to the year for the Philippine National Police.

the PNP partners with religious leaders and organizations as well as community stakeholders for peace and order. "We are now harvesting the fruits of our labor," Azurin, who relaunched the program last October, said.

drug users alongside operations to catch dealers and reduce supply.

and People which aims to protect at least 30 percent of the world's land and ocean through increased public and private financing.

"Hindi lang tayo dapat umasa sa isang grant gaya ng (We shouldn’t just rely on the) GCF. There should be a whole of government, whole of nation approach in addressing the climate crisis," she said. "These few grants will not change the scenario.”

She said local governments must master early warning systems, evacuation and geohazard mapping, among others.

Legarda also urged her colleagues to recognize their critical roles in dealing with the global climate emergency.

"Let's not waste this opportunity to do good, to do what is right and in all our endeavors, imagine a different future past the twin crisis of climate and biodiversity collapse," Legarda said. (PNA)

In a briefing, Azurin said crime incidents "generally decreased" by 23.66% with 8,391 cases recorded from January 1 to 21 against 10,991 during the same period in 2022.  Index crimes — those against persons, such as murder, homicide, physical injury and rape and against property, like theft and cattle rustling — have also gone down by 29.96% to 1,576 against 2,250 last year.

Azurin partly credited the decrease in incidents to the Kasimbayanan program, where

At the same briefing, the PNP chief said anti-narcotics police operations resulted in the confiscation of around P81.29 million in illegal drugs in 1,831 police operations between January 1 and 16. He said that among 2,518 drug suspects arrested in the same period, 146 were identified as "big-time drug pushers."

Azurin said Monday that antidrug operations are still "among the priority of the PNP" this year, with "greater emphasis" on demand reduction through the rehabilitation and treatment of

Part of the drive against illegal drugs, the controversial call for courtesy resignations, has also been going well, the PNP chief said. He said that 942 senior PNP officials from among 953 thirdlevel officers have already filed theirs and have agreed to undergo a review to clear them of suspected links to the drug trade.

The move, which Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has acknowledged is a shortcut to the long process of filing cases against corrupt cops, has led to the PNP's Directorate of Personnel and Records Management waiting for just 11 letters of courtesy resignation from eight police colonels and three police brigadier generals. (Philstar.com)

Travelers told to fill up eTravel card three days before flight

AIRASIA Philippines reminded arriving international passengers to fill out the required travel card three days before their flight to avoid being inconvenienced upon arrival in Manila. The low-cost carrier said international guests should submit the Philippine One-Stop Electronic Travel Declaration or eTravel card 72 hours prior to departure.

The eTravel platform which replaces the One Health Pass

is the only travel requirement for fully vaccinated Filipino and international travelers. It is available online via etravel.gov.ph.

"During the recent months, we monitored around 20 percent of arriving international guests who are still unable to complete the eTravel requirement prior to their flight, causing long queues at the arrival area. As a mandatory requirement of the Philippine government on safety and security, we would like to highly encourage

the compliance of our guests as we promote a seamless customer experience with AirAsia," AirAsia PH head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan said.

Air Asia also advised departing international passengers to arrive early for a smooth checkin, security clearance and immigration screening.

The Department of Tourism expects more than 4.8 million tourists to visit the Philippines this year. (ManilaTimes.net)

VEGAS&STYLE

‘Triangle of Sadness’ nominated for Oscars Best Picture, but Dolly de Leon snubbed

by KrisTofer Purnell Philstar.com

FILIPINA actress Dolly de Leon was snubbed in the recently announced nominations for the 2023 Academy Awards, which would have been a historic nod for a Filipino actor.

Despite being well-received by critics and audiences for her  portrayal in the 2022 Palme d'Or winner "Triangle of Sadness" by Swedish director  Ruben Östlund,  De Leon was not nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Nominated instead by members of the Academy Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were  Angela Bassett for "Black

Panther: Wakanda Forever," Hong Chau for "The Whale," Kerry Condon for "The Banshees of Inisherin," and "Everything

Everywhere All At Once" co-stars

Jaime Lee Curtis and Stephanie

Hsu.

Notably snubbed from the category like De Leon were  Janelle Monáe from "Glass

Onion: A Knives Out Mystery," Carey Mulligan from "She Said," Michelle Williams from "The Fabelmans," and  "Women Talking" co-stars Jessie Buckley and Claire Foy.

De Leon was also previously snubbed at the  2023 Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, often regarded as a major precursor for the Academy

‘Kapamilya, Kapuso together’: ABS, GMA collaborate to produce Jodi, Richard ‘Unbreak My Heart’ series

Awards  with the Outstanding Cast winner often going  on to win the Oscar for Best Picture and winning actors replicating their honors.

De Leon, Bassett, Curtis, Condon  and Mulligan  were nominated at the 2023 Golden Globes, with Bassett coming out victorious for her second Golden Globe.

The same five actresses, along with Chau, are vying for the same category at the British Academy Film Awards, where De Leon's successful  nomination was a first for a Filipina actress.

"Triangle of Sadness" however is one of the 10 films vying for Best Picture, with Östlund also receiving nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

It was ineligible for the Best International Feature Film category as Sweden opted to submit "Boy From Heaven," which also premiered at Cannes, though it wasn't nominated but did make the shortlist.

Artists with Filipino heritage that have been nominated at the Oscars include actress Hailee Steinfeld, cinematographer Matthew Libatique, makeup artist Frederic Aspiras, visual effects pioneer Ariel VelascoShaw, and filmmakers Ronnie del Carmen, Pia Clemente, Trevor Jimenez  and Bobby Pontillas.

Winners include singersongwriter H.E.R. and songwriter Robert Lopez in the Best Original Song category (Lopez has won twice), while production designer Paul Denham Austerberry won in 2018 for "The Shape of Water."

IN what is seen as an unprecedented move by long-time competitors, ABS-CBN and GMA-7, the two networks together with streaming platform Viu, will produce the reunion series of Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap titled "Unbreak My Heart" to be shot in Switzerland.

Gabbi Garcia and Joshua Garcia will also star in the anticipated show scheduled to air on GMA-7 and stream in 15 territories on VIU this year.

The announcement was made recently all over the two network's social media platforms.

“It’s a first for Philippine TV and I’m sure it’s the audience that will be the winners in this collaboration. We’re very excited to be working with ABS-CBN on TV for the first time,” said GMA Senior Vice-President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Groups Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes at the story conference.

“This is a milestone in the industry. We're thankful for this opportunity and we're very happy to work with GMA to serve our audiences. We unite as one team. We never imagined that this was going to happen,” said ABS-CBN Chief Operations Officer Cory Vidanes. It is a welcome development for both stations, which also have their respective talent agencies where the four stars are signed with.

while.

KAPUSO actress Glaiza de Castro had a star-studded wedding as she exchanged vows once more with her husband, Irish businessman David Rainey, in a second celebration. Glaiza and David had their initial "Game of Thrones"inspired wedding in Northern Ireland back in October 2021, but opted to have another ceremony in the Philippines so that Glaiza's friends and family could be in attendance.

In fact last January 8, Glaiza's close friends held a surprise bridal shower for her in preparation for the ceremony, the first time the group had been together for a

GMA-7 and ABS-CBN together with streaming platform VIU will produce "Unbreak My Heart," a romantic-comedy series to be shot in Switzerland and stars (from left) Joshua Garcia, Gabbi Garcia, Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap. ABS-CBN photo

Richard and Gabbi are identified with GMA-7, while Jodi and Joshua are ABS-CBN talents.

Prior to his projects in GMA-7, Richard shot to stardom when he became the leading man of Jodi in their 2012 romantic-comedy series "Be Careful With My Heart," which aired for two years.  It will be the first time for Gabbi and Joshua to star in a series together. (Philstar.com)

The second wedding held in a beach in Botolan, Zambales was as regal as the first time around, with Glaiza wearing a modern Filipina gown designed by  Jo Rubio paired with shoes by Jefferson Si.

In an Instagram post, Glaiza shared that the beachside wedding was  inspired by the upcoming Flor de Mayo and Santacruzan festivities and wanted to pay homage to their heritages.

Fellow actress Angelica Panganiban was Glaiza's maidof-honor, while good friends  Alessandra de Rossi, Sheena Halili, Isabel Oli-Prats, Chynna Ortaleza, and Rochelle Pangilinan made up

the entourage dressed in beige dresses from Zoo The Label. Chynna's plus-one was her husband Kean Cipriano, while Maxene Magalona,  Ketchup Eusebio, Kakai Bautista, and  Gabby Eigenmann and his wife Apples Arizabal-Eigemann were also in attendance.

Glaiza's "Running Man Philippines" co-stars  Kokoy de Santos, Lexi Gonzales, Angel Guardian, Buboy Villar, Mikael Daez, and Ruru Madrid also  attended  the wedding, the latter two accompanied by their partners Megan Young and Bianca Umali, respectively. (Kristofer Purnell/ Philstar.com)

by Tessa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

YES, doll-faced Ria Atayde is White Castle Whisky's 2023 calendar girl, with all her round and womanly curves captured in all their gorgeous glory.

To be sure, most, if not everyone, has already laid eyes on the tastefully seductive layouts of glamour photographer Dix Perez for the alcohol brand's decades-long tradition of selecting a face – and body –to represent them for the year. Long part of Filipino pop culture – the White Castle Whisky Lady in a red bikini riding that iconic white horse – Ria actually joins an elite and exclusive group of women who have graced the legendary calendar with the likes of Evangeline Pascual, Lorna Tolentino, Techie Agbayani, Carmi Martin, Maria Isabel Lopez, Cristina Gonzales, Glydel Mercado and Roxanne Guinoo to name a few. She stands out, however, for being the first White Castle Whisky lady who isn't of a standard waistline, shape or mold and is both honored and mighty proud to be so. Because all the same, Ria dazzles and generates the same impact as the muses before her, albeit in more modest swimwear, body suits and cover-ups that are just as alluring as the uniform two-piece that until now had been indispensable to all calendar girls.

All this is intentional, of course, as Destileria Limtuaco President and CEO Olivia Limpe-Aw confirmed this week's unveiling of Ria's trio of 2023 calendars.

"As we celebrate 60 years of White Castle, we wish to highlight the fact that physical beauty is not confined to a single mold. We are proud to say that White Castle will continue its diversity in beauty campaign," said the prominent lady business leader. Distileria has indeed gone against the grain before Ria, launching the very first calendar boy in 2021 (YouTube chef and content creator Ninong Ry), following up the coup via public voting, and duly naming an LGBT celebrity and Tiktok sensation (Sassa Gurl) as 2022 calendar girl.

Now back to spotlighting calendar girls, Ria is just as genius of a choice in diversity and inclusivity, not only for her physique but a good head on her shoulders and her principled and outspoken personality.

"I never thought that I would see myself as a calendar girl, so I was in disbelief [I was chosen]. Talaga ba? So I am very overwhelmed. I was so touched because big girls usually don't get cast in something like this, and yet here we are, with all that confidence this experience has given me." The woman of the moment continued, "I am honored to be chosen as a White Castle Whisky Girl as the brand

‘You don’t have to show more skin to be sexy. You just have to show your confidence,’ says Atayde. Photo from Instagram/@ria

allows and supports me in my advocacy to empower each and every woman to embrace her femininity and celebrate her body."

Popular for her showbiz career and social media presence, there's no doubt that Ria will emerge an effective champion of body positivity, which to this day eludes not just her generation of women but women of all ages.

Unique and inspiring for being comfortable and confident in her own skin, The T-Zone had to ask Ria how she's been able to rise above the pressure of losing weight or pining for a model's figure amid a business environment and audience that puts too much premium on the old age standards of beauty –tall, thin fair and so on.

Ria's answer is a knockout: "I can't deny I was affected by all of that. I'm human naman. I still feel that once in a while. But I think it's a matter of recalibrating my mindset. Like, say if I work out, I work out not because I hate my body, but rather because I want to take care of it and love it.

"And I think that made all the difference for me because before, I used to have body dysmorphia too and sometimes it still hits me. But now it's just a lot more looking towards it as a positive thing. It's a matter of turning off all the noise because, at the end of the day, it should only be the opinions of the people that matter to you that should affect you." Bravo

Ria! Bravo!

courtesy of Imperative Entertainment

Composite image of Glaiza de Castro with her husband David Rainey and wedding entourage. Photos from Instagram/@glaizeredux

Art Hearts Fashion: Celebrating 10 years of changing lives through fashion

THERE is more to fashion than what meets the eyes. At Art Hearts Fashion, Erik Rosete heads the company with a passion that truly allows one to see how much heart and art lie within the realm of fashion.

The Asian Journal had the chance to sit down with Rosete, whose words emphasized the heart he has for the art that is fashion. His company is a result of the good and impact that can come from hard work, dedication, and passion for your craft. Celebrating 10 years this 2023, Art Hearts Fashion continues to grow and expand, where their impact can be seen throughout the world of fashion.

The story of success

The beginning of Art Hearts Fashion is an inspiring story. Erik Rosete, who was and is at the heart of it all, only wanted to make a difference in the lives of those he cares about. This journey started around 12 years ago, where Rosete thought that some of his friends were very beautiful, believing that they could get into modeling and be successful at it.

“I knew nothing about fashion, I was in real estate. I just knew how passionate I was about supporting my friends and trying to do something for them,” Rosete expressed, where this dedication can be seen not only in words but in action. Rosete went to New York and started to pitch his friends to different agencies.

“Being here in Los Angeles, it’s kind of like one of those things where people get sucked into a dream, but they don’t have a lot of direction,” Rosete said, describing how LA can make one feel. This emphasizes how he became the sense of direction and guidance for his friends who were experiencing this.

In New York, he pitched his best friend to the number one agency, IMG, for a career in modeling. It was ultimately a success, however, not just for her but also for Rosete as IMG wanted for him to sign a contract with them.

“You belong in this field. We loved what you did. You brought her in here, you really put up a pitch. We want you to bring in more models and we want you to work with us as a manager,” IMG reportedly told Rosete, seeing not only the potential in his best friend but in him due to his own passion and dedication to help her.

For months Rosete and his best friend stayed in New York to develop this new part of their lives. However, eventually they made their way back to LA and Rosete was left to figure out what he was to do next.

It wasn’t long till he was contacted by another designer who had just started his career. They had heard about what Rosete had been doing in New York for IMG and wanted him to do the same for him. Once again, Rosete led someone to success. As there were not any organized fashion weeks in LA at the time, Rosete ended up taking the designer to New York.

“Within 6 months of managing him, we had his largest show in New York. We had Kendall Jenner and it was her first fashion show ever that she did with us,” Rosete described. Many of the sponsors for this show also included an array of other big names. Just Dance, Alex Morgan, Entertainment Tonight, Kris Jenner, Lance Bass, and so many others were present at this show, establishing Rosete as someone who would only continue to make a mark in the industry.

“All of these doors opened as a result of the doors that had closed while I was trying to help my friend. So, the universe was telling me this is the field you want to get into,” he said, never allowing anything to deter him from moving forward.

During this journey, Rosete had met a lot of different people. From photographers to accessory designers to artists, and he realized he needed to do something with all that he had

learned. The story did not stop at the New York fashion show as back in LA, a venue called 333 Live was calling for him. The owner of 333 Live wanted Rosete to bring his fashion shows to this venue. At this point in time Rosete was using the name Art Hearts Fashion for his business. “It was the three elements that really got me moving. It was the art of it, the heart of it, because I was investing so much of my own free time into it, and the fashion of it. So, the art, the hearts, and the fashion were the three elements that make up my company,” Rosete revealed. Shows like this are however costly, therefore new designers could not easily afford it.

“So, when we started going into runway shows I invited all of the designers and all of the artists I had worked with that could not afford to be able to do the show,” Rosete emphasized how he wanted to celebrate those who would not otherwise have had this opportunity.

This first fashion show held by Art Hearts Fashion at 333 Live was so successful that the owner of the venue spoke to Rosete with full belief in what he was doing. “You’re a hit. This is something that I’ve seen only one other time in my life, and it was with Prince,” they expressed, continuing to declare how this was a once in a life opportunity for Rosete.

“If you do not do this event again, within a month, I will never let you use my venue again…you don’t want people to forget who you are and what you just did,” they told Rosete, encouraging him to move forward in creating the next big event. Rosete had however already used everyone for the first show and had, at the time, nothing and no designer to use for his second show.

“I have no brand. I have no designers. And I have an event in two weeks,” Rosete explained. However, this slight hurdle resulted in the birth of his own personal fashion brand, Mr. Triple X.

The character of Mr. Triple X is not named after Rosete, but rather a mysterious character that people would inevitably ask questions about. This was reflected in the fact that at the second show Art Hearts Fashion put on, 333 Live was packed with those who “wanted to know who Mr. Triple X was.” His own brand therefore took the show by storm and yet again Rosete produced another success.

Art Hearts Fashion then moved on to the next big thing, being integrated into fashion weeks. Rosete once again called IMG in New York, which at the time owned Mercedes Benz fashion week. This time he told them about how Art Hearts Fashion wanted to bring a charity event that supports a lot of artists to New York Fashion Week. They essentially said they would get back to him, which to Rosete signaled a possible answer of no.

However, contrary to what Rosete had believed, IMG called back to tell him nothing but good news. The company told him that they had one final spot left, right after Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, the finale. As the finale event, Art Hearts Fashion featured Rosete’s brand Mr. Triple X and nine other brands.

“We became the biggest grand finale of Mercedes Benz fashion week in New York,” Rosete detailed, where Art Hearts Fashion’s finale, even while being positioned directly after two of the biggest brands in the world, had the most audience members.

“They (IMG) invited us season after season to do the same,” Rosete recounted how this moment had changed the course of Art Hearts Fashion. They were the grand finale every season until Mercedes Benz stopped doing New York Fashion Week. This did not mean the end of Art Hearts Fashion as the company continued to grow. They started to hold bigger venues, added more days to their events, and even now hold shows at conventions.

Marking their tenth year this year, Rosete described how, “This last year alone, which was our 9th year in business, we added LA Swim Week and Art Week. So, we added two major events already leading into our ten-year anniversary. And these major events were picked by WWD, Daily Front Row, Forbes, and LA Weekly as the hot events that were happening.”

They were not the only ones talking about Art Hearts Fashion as Rosete expressed how, “Forbes Magazine named our Art Week event in Miami, just last month, as one of the Stylish Highlights and places to be. .”

“Out of nowhere, we went from this brand that supported independent designers to now working with Nike, Doc Marten, Saks Fifth Avenue, Vogue, and all of the biggest partnerships in the world,” he revealed, highlighting Art Hearts Fashion’s place within the world of fashion as one that is prominent and

continuously evolving.

Three words: Art, hearts and fashion

The story Rosete told of his beginnings only emphasizes the achievements Art Hearts Fashion has made in the last ten years as well as what will continue to mark their successful future. In understanding the beginning and early successes of Art Hearts Fashion, one can come to see why it is the success that it is today and why it has made such an impact in the fashion world.

The name ‘Art Hearts Fashion’ is itself a bit of a tongue twister. “Is it Arts Hearts?” Rosete spoke on how people often ask how to pronounce the company name. It however helps people remember the company and especially what it stands for.

The name is quite personal to Rosete as each separate word has a meaning.

“Art Hearts Fashion is three words, with three meanings. The three different elements that make up each event,” Rosete explained, where the number three itself has become important to the company. An example is the 333 Live venue, which is where the company had its start.

“Art, Hearts, Fashion became the three core values that we hold,” he continued, explaining how these values became the charitable elements, where the people involved and supporting it became the heart of the organization, Rosete included as the person behind it all. These people include the hundreds of make-up artists, hair stylists, photographers, stylists, designers, and models, who Rosete all cites as playing an important role in every event held.

“Those were the people that, combined, were creating and telling this story,” he further emphasized the team effort that goes into every event. Rosete then gave a behind the scenes description of what happens behind the runway, where every single look alone can involve five to six people.

Their involvement with these events is of course rewarded, especially in the ability to gain street credibility for the hard work that they do. Art Hearts Fashion therefore gives them this chance that they would most likely not find anywhere else.

“I may be one person that does a lot, but there are a lot of people that are helping to get it accomplished,” Rosete highlighted how while he may be the father of Art Hearts Fashion, an entire ‘family’, including himself, is involved in making their events a success.

“Art, Hearts, and Fashion are the three elements that make us and it’s also the thousands of people that over the last ten years have helped to support and make dreams come true,” he continued, detailing how Art Hearts Fashion has changed many lives over the years, not just in the lives of those involved but also who the events are held for.

The company, over the course of their ten years, has raised millions of dollars for charity. Their shows also often emphasize the importance of inclusion and diversity. “We were the first to put cancer survivors & children with disabilities on the runway. We debuted the first designer with Down Syndrome and the first double amputee. We granted the Make a Wish Foundation anniversary wish and were featured on the Today show,” Rosete outlined the many firsts that Art Hearts Fashion has had, changing many lives in the process.

This work that Art Hearts Fashion and Rosete has been doing continued on even through the pandemic. During the pandemic, the company produced fashion films based on their designers stories, and while returning from the pandemic produced a fashion show painting masks for Northwell to raise money for their charity..

“We did a lot more than survive the pandemic, we really excelled during it. We started to focus on the production of fashion films,” Rosete expressed how they wanted to tell stories not just through the runway, which was not possible during the pandemic, but artistically. Essentially, Art Hearts Fashion navigated through the pandemic through the art, hearts, and fashion as they have always done for years.

Fashion moves the world

As we spoke to Rosete, he admitted that 20 or 30 years ago, when he was working in real estate, fashion was something he didn’t care about. “I thought fashion was logos and people being manipulated into spending a lot of money on brands and brand names,” he explained, showing how fashion was not something he put much thought into at the time. It wasn’t until his friends within the industry and people he wanted to work with, showed him the other side of fashion. “The production side of it. The fashion show side of it. The difference between fabrics and structure. All the different elements that you don’t appreciate when you’re not in the fashion industry,” Rosete affirmed the

hard work that he realized truly went into fashion.

“If somebody buys something that makes them feel special, that changes the way they feel,” he conveyed, emphasizing how “something (clothing, accessories, etc.) can make them hate themselves, love themselves, or desire themselves or others.” This sense of feeling is controlled through their fashion sense, Rosete detailed.

“The power that fashion has over someone and how it makes someone feel, is a lot more impactful than people think,” Rosete said. This is something he tries to reflect upon in his own brand Mr. Triple X, “If I create a brand that’s edgy and cool, if that person wears it, are they going to feel edgy and cool?”

“I just love the way fashion looks on people and the way it makes them feel. And I love having my own brand that can make someone feel sexy wearing a complete full conservative outfit,” he expressed, depicting how fashion can provide people with a sense of empowerment. “That’s the power that I learned fashion has. It changes things, changes communities,” Rosete added.

“Art Hearts Fashion is a way to celebrate that power and utilize it for the good,” he declared, where one such way Art Hearts Fashion celebrates this power is through how they connect with other cultures and designers from foreign countries. “With Art Hearts Fashion, we have so much art, so many hearts, and so much fashion that we’re getting cultures from all over the world,” Rosete continued, additionally bringing up how they have been able to work with people from India and Dubai.

“You get to appreciate the person’s culture, their identity, and how they want to feel and look,” he added, where one community and culture Art Hearts Fashion constantly connects with and appreciates is the Filipino community.

Art Hearts Fashion and the Filipino community

“We’ve always been tied with the Philippines since day one. We’ve had the blessing of having the biggest Filipino designers in the world join us,” Rosete proudly told Asian Journal. In their first finale show at Mercedes Benz’s New York Fashion Week, one brand on their runway was curated by designer Furne Amato, who is one of the biggest Filipino designers in the world that Rosete mentioned.

Additionally, Michael Cinco, another big Filipino fashion designer, was just at one of their New York shows. Rosete has also worked with many others, such as Rocky Gathercole, may he rest in peace, Cary Santiago, Joey Galon and Kenneth Barlis. This emphasizes his strong connection and respect for Filipino culture and fashion.

Not only has Rosete worked with designers, but he has had the chance to work with Filipino models as well. “My first show in New York, I had Janine Tugonon as my opening and closing model, and at the time she had just won Miss Universe Philippines. After modeling in my show, she got picked to be the first ever Victoria Secret Filipina model,” Rosete recounted, expressing a sense of pride in getting to work with the Filipina model.

“These types of magical things that were happening were all tied in with community and people and places from all over the world,” he continued, emphasizing how working with others from different communities, backgrounds, and cultures is a part of what Art Hearts Fashion does and how it has been integrated into their programming.

He hopes to continue working with Filipino artists as well as designers from other foreign countries. “If we’re able to have partners in different countries, in places that are tied in with our partnerships, I would absolutely love to do it,” Rosete affirmed, noting that the only thing that has been holding this expansion back is finances.

However, much like the many other obstacles he has faced, finances will not be a hurdle that Art Hearts Fashion cannot overcome. “We should never let finances hold us back from being able to support so many people.”

Rosete reassured, noting that if they’re able to bring this support to a country like the Philippines, it would help so many models, make-up artists, photographers, and in general those involved within the industry by giving

them an international platform.

Rosete described how there are already many local fashion weeks and events that happen in other countries, however unlike those in London, Milan, and Paris, they don’t reach the U.S. “We (Art Hearts Fashion) have the biggest fashion designers from Australia, Dubai, the Middle East, the Philippines, Latin America, showing with us here in the U.S.,” he explained, showing that Rosete wants for these artists and designers to get the recognition they deserve.

“If we (Art Hearts Fashion) were to go somewhere and take our platform to another country, it would establish them worldwide because of our networks that are worldwide. We would bring that worldwide attention to them with us,” Rosete thoughtfully declared, highlighting how an expansion would not only help Art Hearts Fashion but also those they work with. Plans for the future

As Art Hearts Fashion is in their tenth year, there surely is more to come for both the company and Erik Rosete. “For the future of our personal platform, I foresee us being able to expand as much as we can, responsibly, but also combine stories with what we’re doing, everywhere,” he described, emphasizing how the future of fashion is evolving.

While the company will continue to grow, Rosete wanted to ensure that through this growth no one is left behind, where every designer that works with them will see an impact upon their life and career.

“If we have 33 designers showing at our platform, you better believe that all 33 are going to be on fashion channel. They’re going to be getting published everywhere,” he signified, where the goal for Art Hearts Fashion is “to get as many eyeballs as possible on our designers.” Art Hearts Fashion gives this opportunity for growth and exposure to so many. Rosete also gave advice to those who are still making their way into the industry now.

“Never let anyone tell you no,” he declared, further speaking on the importance time has on one’s growth and career. “Time is the most valuable thing you can have. Investing your time into something is the most important thing that you can do,” Rosete added. While one may have money and power to be able to pursue something, time is what Rosete feels is most important in order to develop something spectacular and successful.

“For me, I did this for my own personal reason. I did it to tell my story within a platform that tells so many stories,” Rosete described, showing the importance of the story behind everything one does.

“Invest your time and your heart into it and make sure you have a story to tell. Every brand should have its own unique DNA,” he continued, marking how Art Hearts Fashion itself is a success due to the fact it truly is a unique company that puts heart into everything they do all the while highlighting the stories behind everyone they work with.

Speaking to Rosete, one can’t help but feel the same passion and heart he expresses for his company and what he does. If you are interested in what Art Hearts Fashion has in store for their tenth year, make sure to visit their website as well as checking out their social media.

If you are an aspiring designer or someone simply looking to get into the world of fashion, Art Hearts Fashion is one of the best ways to go. They have multiple events lined up this year that you shouldn’t miss, such as New York Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and Miami Swim Week! With the intention of celebrating their tenth anniversary to the fullest, make sure to keep an eye out for all of these grand events. You surely will see the success and story that Erik Rosete has been able to achieve and tell with Art Hearts Fashion throughout the years.

The following are links to their website, social media handles, as well as a way to contact them directly: Website: https://artheartsfashion. com/ Email: info@artheartsfashion.com https://www.facebook.com/ ArtHeartsFashion @ArtHeartFashion @artheartsfashion n

Erik with Jose Forteza Sr. Editor of Vogue Latin America and Camilla Franks Celebrity Fashion Designer from Australia

Erik backstage

Erik Rosete at the New York Fashion Week Contributed photos Miami Swim Week Grand Finale Mister Triple X with super models Tyson Beckford and Georgina Mazzeo

by Amrylois Ferido AJPress

SWEETENERS dilemma

Artificial sugars or sweeteners are very popular. Questions about their safety with long-term use still float around. The claim that Saccharin caused cancer years ago was debunked.

From trusted scientific sources: “While sucralose itself and other non-nutritive sweeteners have not been shown to raise blood sugar, maltodextrin, which is found in Splenda and some Stevia blends, can cause spikes in blood sugar in some people. Any spike in blood sugar is particularly dangerous for those with diabetes.”

Studies in mice suggest an association between consuming high dose of sucralose and cancer. The recommendation is “never use Splenda for cooking or baking,” since cooking with sucralose may create potential carcinogens called chloropropanols. While there are no longterm studies on Stevia, there is no evidence that suggests it increases risk of diseases among consumers. The USDA considers highly purified Stevia as “generally safe.” Both Splenda and Stevia may interfere with the user’s healthy gut bacteria.

Zero-calorie sweeteners have been found to cause people who use it to eat more calories over time, leading to weight gain, and the suggestion that they may also interact with medications for diabetes T2 and high blood pressure, which have not been confirmed.

The consensus is that between Splenda and Stevia, stevia has fewer potential adverse health effects so far, but longterm studies are needed for confirmation. It is prudent to use it in moderation anyway. And for those who use it only for one cup of coffee or tea a day, a teaspoon of brown or raw sugar might be a wiser option.

Fruits and veggies

Adults need seven to 13 cups of produce to obtain the full benefits from vegetables and fruits. Less than 25 percent consume five or more cups a day. One company, the vendor of Balance of Nature, is taking advantage of this. Its claim that six capsules a day would satisfy the minimum daily requirement is questionable.

There is no healthier and safer way (and a lot cheaper also) to enjoy fruits and vegetables of your choice than to eat them fresh and not in capsules, which are processed powder.

It is most unfortunate that the trillion-dollar food supplement industry is not regulated to protect the public, and all products not vetted, throwing the unsuspecting consumers into the lion’s den, and enriching shrewd and merciless, some dishonest, entrepreneurs.

Caveat emptor, indeed!

Bad for babies

The American Academy of Pediatric strictly recommends no fruit juices for babies, absolutely no fruit juices at all, before age one, and very limited, if at all, for toddlers and older children, according to Farida I. Chua, MD, pediatrician based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas.

This is a major shift from the recommendation of the AAP a couple of decades ago. The academy today even recommends doing away with the beloved sippy cup for children, which is a contributing factor in childhood obesity and T2 diabetes…. There is no evidence of any health benefit of fruit juices in infancy and the high sugar load in them is harmful, stated Dr. Farida.

Dr. Steven Abrams, Chair of Pediatrics at Dell Medical school at the University of Texas, Austin, said “offering babies juice could keep them from getting enough breast milk or formula – and the needed protein, fat and other nutrients they contain….once babies start eating solid foods, they should have whole fruit that is mashed or pureed, rather than juice.”

It is best for children to develop the habit of eating fruits and vegetables, drinking water and milk at their early ages, instead of sugary fruit juice mixes.

Also, sippy cups (non-restricted sipping of sugary drinks also leads to high risk of tooth decay) are bad for children; drinking from a cup is what the Academy recommends. If sippy cup is used, it should only be filled with water and or measured milk at a fixed schedule of feeding.

Red meat and longevity

A clinical investigation published in the British Journal of Medicine (BMJ) reveals “the more red meat you eat, the greater your risk is of dying from one of 8 diseases.” The research involved 536,000 men and women, ages between 50 and 71, whose diet and health were tracked for 16 years. Findings: High red meat consumption increased the rate (by 26 percent) of dying from cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease, stroke, diabetes, infections, kidney disease and liver disease, according to BMJ.

The study also pointed out “those who ate the highest proportion of white meat had a 25 percent reduced risk of dying

from various causes.”

Which fish is better?

As far as nutrition and health are concerned, there is no argument that eating fish is healthier instead of red meat. Studies showed that any kind of fish consumed at least twice a week reduces various health risks and that eating red meat often, especially processed meats, is associated with higher risk for major illnesses, including cancer and a shorter life span.

The oily darker fleshed fish like herring and salmon are loaded with heart-healthy polyunsaturated, omega-3 fatty acids. Mackerel, anchovies, shad, trout and sardines, and other fish also have these wonderful cardio-protective fatty acids. The giant or large varieties of fish, like king mackerel, shark, swordfish, large albacore tuna, contain more methyl mercury and therefore are NOT recommended for consumption.

But these good fats are not the only reason why fish is better for us. U.S.-FDA dietary guidelines encourage adults to partake at least eight ounces of a variety of fish and seafood every week, about two meals’ worth to benefit from the “total package of nutrients in fish.” This includes lean protein, vitamin Bs, A and D, and minerals like iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron.

Several independent studies have shown that individuals who eat fish regularly are less likely to die of a heart attack compared to those who do not eat fish. A Harvard clinical review “concluded that eating one to two servings of fish rich in omega-3s every week cut the risk of dying of a heart attack by one-third (33 percent).”

* * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

GMA Network strengthens enforcement efforts by joining world’s leading anti-piracy coalition, the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment (ACE)

MANILA – Leading broadcast company GMA Network recently announced it has strengthened its anti-piracy capabilities by partnering with the Alliance for Creativity & Entertainment (ACE). Widely regarded as the world’s largest and most effective antipiracy coalition, ACE currently has over 50 global members, with GMA as its first member from the Philippines.

Attending a partnership signing event held on Thursday, January 19, were GMA Network’s First Vice President and Head of International Operations

Mr. Joseph T. Francia, First Vice President for Legal Affairs Atty. Lynn P. Delfin, and GMA New Media, Inc. President and Chief Operating Officer Mr. Dennis Augusto L. Caharian.

Joining them virtually as well were GMA Network’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Mr. Felipe S. Yalong and Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Group, and President of GMA Films Atty. Annette GozonValdes.

Representing ACE during the signing ceremony were Mr. Jan van Voorn, Executive Vice President and Chief of Global Content Protection for the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and Head of ACE, and Mr. Neil Gane, who represents ACE operations for the Asia Pacific region.

“Piracy continues to be one of the biggest problems in the entertainment industry globally,” said GMA Network CEO and Chairman Atty. Felipe L. Gozon. “The duplication and illegal distribution of movies, teleseryes, music, and other materials invalidate the hard work of those

GMA

launched last January 19 its own anti-piracy advocacy campaign dubbed “Stream Responsibly. Fight Piracy.” behind it. And as such, we are proud to join the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment in its global campaign against digital piracy. GMA Network, through various initiatives on different platforms, is consistently taking the necessary steps to combat the illegal distribution of our shows movies, music, and other materials. And through our partnership with ACE, we look to further strengthen these initiatives to protect our content.”

“We are thrilled to welcome GMA Network to the Alliance for Creativity and Entertainment and look forward to working with them to combat piracy and protect content creators – in the Philippines and around the world. ACE is building a strong global network of media companies and partners who are working together to eradicate the serious threat piracy poses to the creative economy,” shared van Voorn.

As part of its efforts to combat piracy, GMA Network also launched last Thursday its own anti-piracy advocacy campaign dubbed “Stream Responsibly. Fight Piracy.” The campaign aims to encourage people, especially the younger generation, to be aware of what is right and wrong

and help raise awareness of the value of creative works. It also aims to protect and educate the public about the potential harms of clicking pirated websites and apps. Serving as campaign ambassadors are Sparkle stars and the cast of the much-anticipated live-action adaptation of Voltes V: Legacy – Miguel Tanfelix, Ysabel Ortega, Matt Lozano, Radson Flores, and Raphael Landicho. Adding more star power to the “Stream Responsibly. Fight Piracy.” campaign are Sparkle star Mikee Quintos and no less than Maria Clara at Ibarra lead star Barbie Forteza.   Fittingly, these initiatives will not only ensure the protection of Filipino content creators but will also ensure the high-quality viewing experience of all Kapuso viewers and subscribers. In 2023, GMA Network is all set to bring the biggest and grandest roster of shows. These also include cutting-edge primetime shows such as “Voltes V: Legacy” “Mga Lihim ni Urduja,” “Luv Is: Caught In His Arms,” “Luv Is: Love at First Read,” “Hearts on Ice,”  “Lady Boxer,” “Love Before Sunrise,” “Royal Blood,” and “Love, Die, Repeat.” (Advertising Supplement)

Shaina reveals reason she quit ‘ASAP’

by KatHleen a lleMit Philstar.com

REGULAR viewers of "ASAP" for the past two decades know that Shaina Magdayao was among the most-sought after dancers with her Ultimate Dance 4 crew Maja Salvador, Rayver Cruz and John Prats until she quit eight years ago.

Last December, she delighted her fans by gracing the "ASAP" stage once again, showing that her dancing prowess has not waned.

Last week, she sizzled the Sunday show's dance floor in red dress dancing the flamenco in a production number with notable OPM singers, Gary V and Martin Nievera.

The dancer-actress said that her return to the dance floor is a perfect timing, an apt celebration for her 25 years in showbiz that started with her as the child wonder who easily cries buckets of tears in the 1996 GMA-7 afternoon drama "Lyra."

"It's a dream, it's a side of me, a part of my life na kinailangan kong talikuran because I got diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I was gaining weight and parang to the point na nagkakaroon na ako ng injuries. [Like] Back injury. ['Yung] Right knee nagka-MCL na ako because of my weight," Shaina revealed at a recent presscon.

"It was not healthy and, at the same time, I wasn't fit enough to dance anymore. So I had to let go of that dream," she added.

She focused on acting, notably her stint in the longestrunning primetime show "Ang Probinsyano," that ended last year after a seven-year run.  During the pandemic, she opened her cloud fashion brand named Organized Chicas, with her good friend Nikki Medina. It is currently doing well as they have expanded to clothes and jewelry.

"Ngayon na bumalik ako, ngayon ko lang na-realize na, a part of me is alive again. I didn't

feel the loss. Ngayon ko nafeel kung gaano kalaki ng part ng pagkatao ko ang pagiging dancer. So naisip ko, 'Am I even fit enough to dance again?'"

Shaina said.

It's a leap of faith for the 33-year-old, but as she mused that she has been an actress since she was six, maybe the limelight is where she truly belongs — whether it be on the dance floor or in front of the camera.

"Ang pagsasayaw is para siyang destiny, just like acting. Hindi ako nag-workshop. I didn't go through formal training. Parang isinubo sa akin ang pag-aartista. Kumbaga sa acting, experience was my teacher. 'Pag dating sa dancing, experience was also my teacher," Shaina mused.

"So, for someone who's been trying to run away from showbiz... wala na talaga. Eto na talaga. Wala na akong magagawa. This is my life and my world. I choose to be grateful for the blessing that are still coming my way," she ended.

by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

PRECIOUS Paula Nicole, winner of “Drag Race Philippines” season one, was tapped as one of the performers at “RuPaul’s DragCon” which will be held in Los Angeles, California, in the United States on May 12 and 13.

Precious will perform with fellow “Drag Race” franchise winners Jaida Essence Hall (RuPaul’s Drag Race season 12), Kylie Sonique Love (All Stars 6), Danny Beard (Drag Race UK season four), and Spankie Jackzon (Drag Race Down Under season 2) at the event, according to a statement from U.S.-based World of Wonder (WOW) Productions on its official website.

“Get ready to meet all the winners, baby! Danny Beard,

GLADYS Reyes and Christopher Roxas have reached another milestone in their relationship as they marked 30 years of being together.

Reyes took to her personal Instagram account on Monday, Jan. 23, to share a photo with her husband at a cafe in Baguio City, describing him as her “forever love.”

“30 years of togetherness.

My boyfriend [of] 11 years. My husband [of] 19 years. My forever love [heart emoji] #GladysAndChristopher30years,” she said in the caption.

The “Moments” host also shared a glimpse of her favorite moments with Roxas in a separate post, expressing hope for their romance to last longer.

“Cheers to 30 years and more bebe @christopherroxas,” she wrote. Roxas, on the other hand, praised the Lord for his relationship with Reyes, saying choosing “happiness” and “abundance” is possible with

Spankie Jackzon, Precious Paula

Nicole, Jaida Essence Hall, and Kylie Sonique Love are all joining the festivities,” WOW was quoted as saying.

The Filipino drag performer represented the Philippines at the “RuPaul’s DragCon” event in London, United Kingdom earlier this month. During the event, she was spotted with “Drag Race” stars Jinkx Monsoon, Trinity the Tuck, and Blu Hydrangea, among others.

Precious also stunned fans with her “Lakambini”-inspired costume at the event.

Precious was crowned the winner of “Drag Race Philippines” season one after lip-syncing to Gloc-9’s hit song “Sirena” against first runner-up Marina Summers in October 2022.

The Philippine franchise of the hit reality show opened a casting call for its upcoming second season, which ran until December 2022.

“God’s grace.”

“God, thank you for the [30 years] we are truly grateful.

Bebe, we are not lucky we are truly blessed,” he said. “Our relationship is not perfect but the imperfections make it perfect…

[Let’s] dream together and fulfill it. We choose happiness. Let’s chase abundance. In God’s grace all is possible, [love you] sooo

much bebe.” Reyes and Roxas’ romance started in the 1990s, when they were paired as an onscreen love team in the classic teleserye “Mara Clara,” which she topbilled alongside Judy Anne Santos. The celebrity couple, who have four kids together, tied the knot in 2004 and reaffirmed their wedding vows in 2018. (Inquirer.net)

Shaina Magdayao juggles her business, Organized Chicas, and showbiz.

Photo from Instagram/@shaina_magdayao

Leading broadcast company GMA Network today announced it has strengthened its anti-piracy capabilities by partnering with the Alliance for Creativity & Entertainment (ACE).

Precious Paula Nicole Photo from Instagram/@preciouspaulame

Christopher Roxas and Gladys Reyes Photo from Instagram/@iamgladysreyes

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