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JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 Volume 17 - No.16 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE Filipino American kids face higher risk of asthma than other Asian ethnicities FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

HEALTH is wealth may sound cliche but not when the future generations are on the line. A study shows that Filipino American kids are at higher risk of asthma compared to their Asian peers.

A study in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology shows that Filipino American children top the chart of asthma prevalence. Meng Chen, MD and clinical assistant professor of allergy and immunology at Stanford University, shed some light on these findings.

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

PH, Vietnam to sign pact to face sea row better

by Frances Mangosing Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippines and Vietnam are expected to sign an agreement on maritime cooperation during the visit of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Hanoi next week, a move that is seen to build a united front between countries locked in territorial disputes with Beijing over parts of the South China Sea. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) on maritime cooperation between the coast

guards of the Philippines and Vietnam seeks “to strengthen understanding, mutual trust and confidence of cooperation… towards the promotion, preservation, and protection of their mutual interests in the Southeast Asian region,” according to a copy of the final draft of the MOU seen by the Inquirer.

Such an agreement will allow both countries to better manage conflicts in the contested waters and conduct activities “in accordance with principles of international law, the national laws of each party, and international conventions to which both

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Marcos: No help for ICC ‘in any way, shape, form’

by Jane Bautista, JuLie M. aureLio Inquirer.net

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Consul General Senen Mangalile AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Vietnam and Philippines are parties.”

President Marcos will visit Vietnam next week, his second overseas trip of the year, as the two nations seek to strengthen their growing strategic partnership.

“The Philippines and Vietnam share a common aspiration for a peaceful and stable region. Both countries have a history of cooperation on matters involving the South China Sea, and there is an opportunity to strengthen this strategic relationship to the next level,” retired Navy Adm. Rommel

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, January 23 said the government would not lift a finger to aid probers of the International Criminal Court (ICC) investigating the bloody war on drugs during the previous Duterte administration as the tribunal’s action is a threat to the country’s sovereignty.

“Let me say this for the 100th time. I do not recognize the jurisdiction of the ICC in the Philippines. I consider it as a threat to our sovereignty, therefore, the Philippine government will not lift a finger to help any

PH FIRST REPUBLIC. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, January 23 led the country’s commemoration of the 125th anniversary of the First Philippine Republic, committing to continue honor the legacy of forefathers of the Malolos Republic.

Malacañang photo

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Brooklyn Chamber of ‘UN rapporteur to see Very Important Pinoy Commerce to explore freedom of expression in PH’ (VIP) Tour 2024 launched business opportunities Key officials promise a journey beyond fun in the Philippines

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

IN a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering cross-border economic collaborations, Consul General Senen Mangalile announced a collaborative venture between the Philippine government and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Addressing the media during the recent Consul General’s Media Hour on Tuesday,

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MANILA — UN Special Rapporteur Irene Khan would see for herself a “flourishing” Philippine democracy and the government’s progressive agenda, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“The government is confident that through meaningful dialogues and

meetings with government, media, civil society organizations and other stakeholders, Ms. Khan will see for herself the transparency and progressive agenda of the government with respect to the promotion and protection of freedom of speech and expression,” the DFA said in a statement over the weekend.

Khan, special rapporteur on freedom of opinion and

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by MoMar g. Visaya AJPress

CONSUL General Senen Mangalile, Tourism Attache Francisco Lardizabal, and Jose Clemente III, president of Rajah Tours, unveiled the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour 2024 on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Consulate Genera New York.

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Jose Clemente III of Rajah Tours explains the details of this year’s VIP Tour.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

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From the Front Page

PH, Vietnam to sign pact to face sea row better...

PAGE 1 Jude Ong, a professor at the Ateneo School of Government, told the Inquirer.

The Philippines has been widening its network of alliances with like-minded countries amid tensions with China, a move criticized by Beijing.

The Philippines and Vietnam are also looking to strengthen cooperation in other fields such as agriculture, culture, education, environment, information sharing, and people-to-people exchanges.

In agriculture, the Philippines is expected to sign a rice deal with Vietnam during the President’s visit.

According to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the deal “basically guarantees that they will be supplying us rice continuously even in calamity situations.”

Element of stability During the farewell call of the outgoing Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Hoang Huy Chung in August last year, Marcos underscored the need for the two countries

to cooperate in the wake of the escalating aggression by Beijing in the South China Sea. Marcos said a maritime agreement with Hanoi would be a “very big step” for both countries and would “bring an element of stability to the problems we are now seeing in the South China Sea.” He said then that the solid ties of both countries would make it easier for them to face “common challenges” in dealing with “territorial disputes in the South China Sea.” Such a bilateral agreement could also serve as the basis of a united front with other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, which has been discussing with Beijing a code of conduct deemed crucial in easing tensions in the South China Sea. President Marcos had earlier expressed his frustration at the slow pace of progress in the talks between the regional bloc and China.

Both the Philippines and Vietnam are among the claimants in the South China Sea, along with Brunei,

Malaysia, and Taiwan.

China, however, claims nearly the entire strategic waterway.

A 2016 ruling by an arbitration tribunal in The Hague rejected China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing refuses to acknowledge the decision.

Honor talks with action At the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing on Monday, National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said China should make good on its promise to improve bilateral relations with the Philippines and lessen the tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Malaya issued the reminder after videos circulating on social media showed China Coast Guard personnel harassing Filipino fishermen in Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales province recently.

The security official noted that the incident happened just as Beijing and Manila held a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) discussion in Shanghai last week.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said that the two countries both committed to improve their maritime communication and hold “friendly consultation” in addressing their maritime dispute.

“We were hoping that the West Philippine Sea will be peaceful this 2024. But we are alarmed over this latest incident… We condemn this latest provocative action on the part of the China Coast Guard against our fishermen,” Malaya said at the televised program.

“Since they will soon celebrate the Chinese New Year, we ask China to honor the talks between the governments of the Philippines and China with actions on the ground,” he said.

Besides, the NSC spokesperson said, both Manila and Beijing would not benefit from having strained diplomatic relations.

“Moving forward, I hope the discussions [during the BCM] will be implemented,” Malaya said.

—with a report from Marlon Ramos n

Marcos: No help for ICC ‘in any way...

PAGE 1 investigation that the ICC conducts,” the President pointed out.

He made the remarks after Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, a principal player in the antinarcotics war being probed by the ICC, called on Malacañang to be upfront about the reported arrival of the ICC investigators here.

Dela Rosa, who headed the Philippine National Police during the term of thenPresident Rodrigo Duterte, oversaw the war on illegal drugs that saw thousands of lives lost in alleged extrajudicial killings.

Reacting to reports that ICC investigators were already in town, Marcos reiterated that the government would not help them at all.

“We do not recognize your jurisdiction. Therefore we will not assist in any way, shape or form, any of the investigations that the ICC is doing here in the Philippines,” he said in a talk with reporters in Quezon City.

The president said the ICC probers could come and visit the country as “ordinary people” but they would be strictly watched by the government.

“We are monitoring them and making sure that they do not come into contact with any agency of the government.

And if they are contacting agencies of the government, may it be the police or

local government, our directive is not to answer them,” the president noted.

No official request Since last year, Marcos had maintained that his administration would not cooperate with the ICC in any of its investigations after the ICC decided in January 2023 to allow the reopening of an inquiry into the bloody war on illegal drugs and denied the Philippines’ appeal against resuming the probe.

During the weekend, former Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, a critic of the tough-talking Duterte, claimed that the former president and ex-Davao City mayor would be ordered arrested within the first half of 2024.

Trillanes claimed to have received information that ICC probers arrived in the country last December and already conducted their initial investigation.

“For the primary respondents of the case, I believe they already have what they need. What we are waiting for right now is the warrant of arrest, which may come very, very soon,” Trillanes said.

However, the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday said that it had yet to receive any official communication or confirmation on the presence of investigators from the ICC in the Philippines.

“Specifically, the DOJ has not received any advisory from the DFA

(Department of Foreign Affairs) that the ICC has indeed entered the Philippines, a requirement that would trigger the interdepartmental coordination concerning developments that go to the very core of our sovereignty and the primacy of our Constitution and our laws,” the DOJ said in a statement.

It reiterated its earlier position that having withdrawn from the ICC in 2018, “the Philippines has no legal duty to comply with any obligations or proceedings thereunder.”

Legal, political mistake According to the DOJ, any presence of international bodies such as the ICC within the Philippines must follow the Constitution and relevant laws.

Specifically, it said prior consent and approval from concerned agencies such as the DFA, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the DOJ must be secured before the foreign entities could conduct official operations within the country.

The DOJ acknowledged the 2021 ruling of the Supreme Court that Duterte could not invoke the withdrawal from the Rome Statute to evade the investigation of the ICC on the alleged crimes against humanity he committed when the Philippines was still a member of the international body.

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FAITH AND HISTORY. A few devotees pray inside the Basilica Minore de Santuario de San Pedro Bautista, the oldest church in Quezon City, on Monday, Jan. 22. The church, founded in 1590, was declared an important cultural property by the National Museum in 2017 and a minor basilica by the Vatican in 2020.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Filipino American kids...

PAGE 1 “Using California survey data, we found that childhood lifetime asthma prevalence varied among Asian American ethnic groups, with the lowest prevalence in Korean American children and the highest prevalence in Filipino American children,” said Chen.

Chen and her colleagues pulled the data from the California Health Interview survey of 34,146 children where 13 percent are Asian Americans with diverse representations across other Asian ethnicities.

The prevalence of Asthma among Asian American kids was 12.5 percent, almost mirroring the non-Hispanic white children at 12.2 percent. The data, which shows Asian American children sharing a relatively similar rate with nonHispanic white children, reveals significant risks.

Furthermore, a closer look at the groups reveals a variation: Korean American children had the lowest asthma prevalence at only 5.1 percent while Filipino American children had the highest at 21.5 percent.

This is not surprising given the fact that almost half of the Filipino American children with asthma had an attack a year before the survey was conducted and most of them have an asthma action plan.

Though not an alarming rate, it’s a warning for

healthcare institutions.

According to Chen: “Our research highlights the importance of and need for disaggregating Asian American ethnic groups in order to better understand distinct clinical features, disease risk and management unique to these distinct Asian American communities” Correlation of asthma and BMI Another factor in the picture is the body mass index (BMI) which is also a contributor to the risk of asthma. Korean American children are still at their low-risk rate while Filipino American children are at the highest risk — regardless of BMI or weight.

The root cause of asthma starts as early as the mother’s maternal health. This factor, along with prenatal events and genetics, forms the child’s respiratory health.

However, the growing concern of asthma isn’t just particular among Filipino American children. Pediatric asthma has been a public health issue in the Philippines where nearly 1 out of 10 children have asthma.

While there’s no data showing why Filipino American children are more prone to asthma, one thing is certain: it’s a wake-up call for strategized disease management for Asian American communities.

(By Mary Villegas/Inquirer. net) n

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77-year-old Fil-Am missing in Azusa, authorities seek help NEVER FORGET. Relatives of victims of extrajudicial killings under former President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war offer prayers and light candles to call for justice for their slain kin in a gathering in Manila in this photo in October 2017.

File photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer

Marcos: No help...

PAGE 2 However, the DOJ pointed out that the ruling was a “mere obiter dictum or the court’s incidental expression of opinion not essential to the decision and not establishing precedent.”

“As a sovereign nation with a robust and functional justice system capable of addressing internal issues without external interference, the Philippine government has shown that it is ready, willing, and able to investigate and prosecute any crime committed within its territory,” the DOJ noted.

In a statement on Tuesday, human rights lawyer Kristina Conti, who is also a counsel of the families of drug war victims, said that it was “both a legal and political mistake” for President Marcos to snub the investigation of the ICC. Marcos “should think hard over how history will judge his obstinate refusal to bring justice to the victims of the war on drugs,” she added.

Conti noted that the inquiry of the Hague-based court has a “strong legal basis” and that the country’s “resort to an international court to obtain justice is grounded on law and practical reason.” n

LOS ANGELES – Authorities have sought the public’s help on Thursday, January 18 in locating a 77-year-old Filipino American with unspecified medical conditions who was last seen in Azusa.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Artemio San Agustin Flores Jr. was last seen in the 6100 block of

Traymore Avenue around 4 p.m. Dec. 25.

Deputies described Flores as a 5-foot-5-inch Asian man weighing 142 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

It was unclear what Flores was wearing when he disappeared.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts PAGE 7

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Artemio San Agustin Flores Jr. was last seen in the 6100 block of Traymore Avenue around 4 p.m. Dec. 25.

Photo from LA County Sheriff’s Department

‘UN rapporteur to see freedom of expression in...

PAGE 1 expression, will visit the Philippines from Jan. 23 to Feb 2.

She is the third special rapporteur to visit the country in 14 months, following the special rapporteur for the sale and exploitation of children Fatimah Singhateh in November 2022 and the special rapporteur for

climate change and human rights Ian Fry in November 2023.

The DFA said the Philippines – a signatory to all eight core human rights treaties – has completed five constructive dialogues in 14 months, starting with the Committee on Rights of the Child and the Human Rights Committee

on civil and political rights in September and October 2022, respectively.

In 2023, the country had dialogues with the Committee on Migrant Workers, the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in March, April and

October 2023, respectively.

The Philippines completed its 4th Universal Periodic Review in November 2022.

In December 2023, the Philippines welcomed the Subcommittee on the Prevention of Torture for a country visit pursuant to its obligation under the Optional Protocol to the Convention Against Torture.

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Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce to Very Important Pinoy... explore business opportunities in the...

PAGE 1 Jan. 26, Mangalile revealed that he was flying to Manila with a delegation of a dozen members from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce who will explore untapped business prospects.

During the session, Consul General Mangalile outlined the purpose of the delegation’s visit. “As a result of our meetings with the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, they have decided to visit the Philippines to study opportunities for Brooklyn and New York City and New York state-based businesses there,” he said.

The delegation, which arrives in Manila on Monday, January 29 has scheduled meetings with key Philippine organizations, such as the Board of Investments, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Philippine Franchisors Association.

Furthermore, the delegation will travel to Cebu to engage with the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce. They will then proceed to Clark where Consul General Mangalile emphasized the importance of showcasing the transformation of former American military bases in the Philippines—a concept parallel to the Brooklyn Chamber’s efforts to revitalize old industrial estates into

innovation hubs.

Mangalile highlighted the value of the Philippines’ experience. “I told them the reason they decided to come to the table is that we have already done that in the Philippines, with the former U.S. military bases. We have done exactly what you’re trying to achieve,” he shared.

The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce delegation, consisting of 12 members, including three officials, aims to explore opportunities for Brooklyn-based businesses in the country.

The Consul General underscored that the visit is part of a study mission, and depending on the findings, the delegation may explore potential partnerships and investments. Their focus includes studying the success of American companies already operating in the Philippines, such as Timex and FedEx, to ascertain the viability of expansion in Asia through the Philippines.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone as the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, founded over a century ago, seeks to expand opportunities for its members and foster economic development.

The Chamber, established on February 6, 1918, continues to evolve as a driving force for the borough’s commercial and industrial interests, providing valuable services, new opportunities, and support for its members.

(By Momar G. Visaya/AJPress) n

PAGE 1 This year’s journey is poised to be a celebration of the diverse tapestry that defines the Philippines and the tour’s thrust is that it is going to be a journey that goes beyond fun, reiterating that there is so much more that the Philippines can offer. It is a celebration and an invitation for Filipino Americans to be part of an unforgettable cultural immersion.

Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, through a video message, encouraged Filipino Americans to join this year’s VIP Tour, emphasizing the unique and immersive experience it offers.

Romualdez expressed, “I encourage each and every one of you to be part of this incredible journey, where you will not only witness the wonders of our beloved country but also forge unforgettable memories and lifelong relationships.”

Consul General Mangalile, infused with enthusiasm, revealed the impetus behind his decision to lead the charge this year. Reflecting on the previous year’s tour, he shared that only 16 participants from the northeast joined, a number he aims to significantly surpass this year by targeting at least 100 participants from the New York region.

“This is the first time that the tour will visit northern Mindanao and so we are excited to be breaking new grounds, to be exploring new destinations and I hope that the participants will have a memorable trip,” Consul General Mangalile said. He added that the tour “will not only informative, not only enjoyable, but also meaningful because the activities that we are lining up are guaranteed to enable them to have a deeper interaction with the local communities.”

Clemente, representing Rajah Tours, the ground tour operator in the Philippines, unveiled the enticing destinations for the VIP Tour 2024.

The itinerary encompasses Manila and Bacolod, and notably, for the first time in the tour’s history, includes Cagayan de Oro in Mindanao.

Additionally, side trips to the neighboring province of Bukidnon and Iligan City are scheduled to add further excitement to the journey.

Clemente also thanked

Tourism Attache Francisco Lardizabal reported that the Philippines welcomed 5.4 million international tourists last year, generating 482.54 billion pesos in foreign visitor receipts. He is encouraging the Filipino American community to join this year’s VIP Tour and become tourism ambassadors.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Consul General Mangalile for his commitment to exploring northern Mindanao, emphasizing the tour’s focus on meaningful interactions with local communities.

While promising fun elements like whitewater rafting in Cagayan de Oro and culinary exploration in Negros Occidental, the tour aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the places they visit through unique and curated experiences.

Community leader Jocelyn Aligarbes, a participant in last year’s tour, shared her testimonial, encouraging attendees at the launch to consider joining the VIP Tour. Aligarbes highlighted the enjoyment and meaningful interactions she experienced during the previous tour, which covered Iloilo and Boracay.

Tourism Attache Francisco Lardizabal provided historical context, mentioning that the VIP Tour started in 2005 to boost tourist numbers in the Philippines. He reported that the Philippines welcomed 5.4 million international tourists last year, generating 482.54 billion pesos in foreign visitor receipts. Looking ahead to 2024, the Department of Tourism targets 7.7 million international visitor arrivals.

Lardizabal emphasized the role of Filipinos living in the US as ambassadors of tourism, stating, “We enjoin at least 300 kababayans in the US as our designated ambassadors of tourism; first experience the Philippines, then help spread the love for the Philippines through the VIP tour.”

Formerly known as the “Ambassador, Consuls General, and Tourism Directors Tour” and then as “The Ambassador’s Tour”,

the VIP Tour serves as the flagship tourism program of the Philippine Foreign Services Posts in the United States led by the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC, in partnership with the Philippine Department of Tourism and its relevant agencies, the local government units of the featured destinations, the tour handler – Rajah Tours, and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

This program was first launched in 2005 under the leadership of former Philippine Ambassador to the United States and later on Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario, and this has enabled FilipinoAmericans from all over the United States to revisit their homeland and become tourism ambassadors for the country.

This year is the VIP Tour’s 15th edition following a three-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the tour sets sail this July, participants eagerly anticipate the cultural richness, immersive experiences, and meaningful connections that await them in the beautiful landscapes of the Philippines.

(The Very Important Pinoy Tour (2024 Ambassadors’ Tour) will take place in the Philippines on July 21 to 30, 2024. Led by the Department of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Promotions Board and Rajah Tours, the itinerary for the tour combines the best of Metropolitan Manila, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro into one adventure-packed and enriching vacation experience.

For more information, visit https:// viptourphilippines2023. com/) n

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OpiniOn

Features

Probing the drug killings

5

WHETHER or not it’s true that probers of the International Criminal Court were in the country last December, the stories should prod Philippine authorities to speed up and intensify their own investigation into possible extrajudicial killings and other state abuses in the so-called war on drugs carried out in the previous administration.

The stories have swirled since late last year about the arrival in the country of ICC probers. Over the weekend, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said he had “inside information” that the stories were true, and the ICC probers had gathered sufficient evidence to order the arrest of the primary respondents led by former President Rodrigo Duterte and his first Philippine National Police chief, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, reputed to be the architect of the bloody Oplan Tokhang crackdown on illegal drugs.

The ICC had rejected the Philippines’ argument that the court lost jurisdiction after the country’s withdrawal from the Rome Statute took effect. The ICC says even with the withdrawal, it has jurisdiction over possible crimes committed when the Philippines was still a party to the Rome Statute, which created the court.

President Marcos, who said in July last year that “we’re done talking” with the ICC, said in November that the country’s

return to the ICC is “under study.” At around the same time, Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who previously said an ICC probe would be an “insult” to the country and an infringement on national sovereignty, also said cooperation with the ICC “needs a serious study” on the part of the DOJ. Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra had previously said the government could not stop private persons from cooperating with ICC probers, who are looking into drug killings perpetrated not only during Duterte’s presidency but also by so-called death squads when he was mayor or vice mayor of Davao City between Nov. 1, 2011 and June 30, 2016. When he was vice mayor, the mayor was his daughter, now Vice President Sara Duterte, who is reportedly included in the ICC probe.

Trillanes claimed additional evidence would be gathered against the secondary respondents in the possible indictment for

Editorial

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez MOST countries continue to recognize the One China Policy, and so do we. This is affirmed by the fact that the Philippines to this day has only the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO)

as a representative office in Taiwan with no formal diplomatic ties.

Over the years, we have maintained close economic cooperation with Taiwan being the 8th largest trading partner, 8th largest export market and 8th biggest source of imports in 2022, according to data from the Philippine Statistics

ManilaTimes.net photo

murder as a crime against humanity. The country has a law covering such crimes. But Guevarra has said that before indictments can be made, it must first be established that the killings were systematically carried out to constitute a crime against humanity.

The government, Guevarra said, was having difficulty finding witnesses and gathering

evidence that can sustain such an indictment.

Perhaps witnesses are more willing to cooperate with ICC probers. Even as the ICC proceeds with its work, the government must continue showing the world that there is a sustained, earnest effort in the Philippines to uncover the truth and give justice to victims of the drug war. (Philstar.com)

Hullabaloo over nothing

Authority. Taiwan is home to close to 200,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) employed in manufacturing and various sectors, and it goes without saying that we have good people-to-people and cultural ties.

Which is why it really isn’t such a big deal, and it’s not surprising, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

congratulated the winning candidate in the recently concluded presidential elections in Taiwan on behalf of the Filipino people, saying that he looks forward to “close collaboration, strengthening mutual interests, fostering peace, and ensuring prosperity for our people in the years ahead.”

Having been educated in the UK, President Marcos was simply displaying common courtesy and returning the gesture of the Taiwanese government that tweeted its congratulations when he won in the 2022 May presidential elections.

President-elect Lai Ching-te, who was vice president during that time, had expressed his best

wishes for PBBM as well as Vice President Sara DuterteCarpio. And just in case China has forgotten, Taiwan was not represented during the inauguration of President Marcos Jr. despite actively seeking to send a delegation.

As pointed out by the Department of Foreign Affairs, the congratulatory PAGE 10

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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New Pinoy nurses urged to work in PH Senators issue manifesto rejecting people’s initiative

By Jun eliaS Philstar.com

DAGUPAN CITY — The 492 new registered nurses who recently took their oath were urged to stay and work in public and private hospitals in the Philippines.

“Our new nurses, please pause and hear the cry of our country. We need you.

Serve our country first before searching for greener pastures,” Board of Nurses member Merle Salvani told the new nurses during an

oath-taking ceremony.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Region 1, in coordination with the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) Pangasinan chapter and members of the Board of Nursing, spearheaded the ceremony at the CSI Stadia on Jan. 19.

The newly inducted nurses were from Pangasinan, Baguio, Manila and Bacolod.

Salvani said the Philippines is experiencing a nurse shortage.

PNA-Pangasinan chapter president Maria Cecilia Biascan said the new nurses could help meet the demand if they work in local hospitals.

PRC-Region 1 director Arl Ruth Sabelo said 415 examinees from Pangasinan passed the November 2023 Professional Nursing Licensure Examination (PNLE).

A total of 32,023 nursing graduates took the PNLE and 25,761 of them passed, resulting in a national passing rate of 80 percent. n

PH Armed Forces vows more Navy assets in Scarborough Shoal after new China incident MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) vowed to deploy more Navy assets in Scarborough Shoal following the harassment the Filipino fishermen experienced from China Coast Guard (CCG) personnel.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla made the remark on Tuesday, January 23 after fisher Jack Tabat said they were forced by CCG personnel to throw the shells back to the sea they gathered off the low-tide elevation before being driven away.

“For the Philippine Navy since the internal security [threat] has dwindled, then we can allocate more resources for our external defense. So we’ll have more assets of our Navy circling around the area,” Padilla said over CNN Philippines, partly in Filipino.

Tabat took the video of the incident which made rounds on social media over the weekend.

No Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic personnel were present in the sand bank when the incident occurred.

Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for WPS, on Monday vowed to increase their

presence and coordination with BFAR to prevent the incident from occurring again.

Padilla, for AFP’s part, said they will coordinate with PCG to support their operations.

“We take this report seriously, and we are continuously coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard on how we can support them in their operations. So this will be based on the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea guidelines and we will, we need to do our best to prevent this incident from happening again in the future,” Padilla said.

“We will ensure that the Filipinos can freely enjoy our aquatic resources especially in this traditional fishing ground. We are hoping that the China Coast Guard will respect this,” she added.

Scarborough Shoal is a traditional fishing ground that should be shared with neighboring countries such as China and Vietnam, according to a 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling.

Beijing, which claims almost the entire South China Sea, rejected the international tribunal’s ruling, as its vessels harass Filipino fishermen trying to fish there. (by John Eric Mendoza/Inquirer.net) n

77-year-old Fil-Am missing in...

PAGE 3 was urged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau Missing Persons Detail at 323890-5500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800222-8477.

In New Jersey, a Filipino American teenager has been missing for more than a month now, and her parents are appealing to the public to come forward with any clues.

Hayley Alvarado, 18, has been missing since she left her Jersey City home early morning of Dec. 17.

The police have been checking CCTVs in buses, bus stations, establishments and

parks, in coordination with the Department of Transportation.

Hayley’s father, Stephen Alvarado posted about Hayley’s disappearance on Facebook, “to get a wider reach, hoping someone may know and give (us) tips on where she may be. I also posted a wish that the spirit of Christmas giving will give us (the) return of our daughter Hayley,” he said.

Alvarado said any clues from the public will be greatly appreciated, asking those who may have information about Hayley to call 911 or the Jersey City Police Department at (551) 227-8511, or provide information at the nearest police station. (Inquirer.net) n

Marcos open to political Cha-cha, but not at this time

by CeCille Suerte Felipe Philstar.com

SENATORS unanimously signed a manifesto on Tuesday, January 23 rejecting the “brazen attempt to violate the Constitution, through the people’s initiatives” perpetrated allegedly by people identified with Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri read the twopage manifesto signed by all 24 members, including Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III. The manifesto was a product of a three-hour all-senators caucus late Monday, January 22.

During the caucus, indignant senators castigated the House for allegedly plotting to emasculate the Senate in the latest Cha-cha drive through people’s initiative, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said.

“Today, the Senate once again stands as a bastion of democracy, as it rejects this brazen attempt to violate the Constitution, the country and our people. This Senate of the people will not allow itself to be silenced,” Zubiri said at the plenary on Tuesday.

“If this PI (people’s initiative) prospers, further changes to the Constitution can be done with or without the Senate’s approval or worse, even absent all the senators,” he said.

“Should Congress vote jointly in a constituent assembly, the Senate and its 24 members cannot cast any meaningful vote against the 316 members of the House of Representatives,” he added.

“We respect and recognize the people as our sovereign, with the right to call for constitutional amendments.

We must, however, guard against any sinister and underhanded attempt to change the Constitution by exploiting our democratic process under the guise of a people’s initiative,” the senate president said.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri

“The Constitution is the supreme law of the land.

It is an enduring symbol of our democracy and the foundation of our nationhood and reflecting the consensus of our citizenry,” he pointed out.

He lamented that proponents of people’s initiative are pushing for one change, which is to make the Senate and the House convene as a constituent assembly and vote jointly.

“To allow joint voting will destroy the delicate balance on which our hardwon democracy rests. It will destabilize the principle of bicameralism and our system of checks and balances,” he pointed out.

“While it seems simple, the goal is apparent – to make it easier to revise the Constitution by eliminating the Senate from the equation.

It is an obvious prelude to further amendments, revisions or even an overhaul of our entire Constitution,” Zubiri added.

“This singular and seemingly innocuous change in the Constitution will open the floodgates to a wave of amendments and revisions that will erode the nation as we know it,” he warned.

With both houses of Congress voting jointly, the Senate would be left powerless to stop even the most radical proposals, he explained. “We cannot protect our lands from foreign ownership, we cannot stop the removal of term limits or a no-election scenario in 2025 or worse, in 2028.”

PNA photo

Zubiri described as “ridiculous that the Senate, a co-equal chamber of the House, which is needed to pass even local bills, will have a dispensable and diluted role in Charter Change – the most monumental act of policymaking concerning the highest law in the land.”

He maintained that throughout Philippine history, the Senate has always been “one of the first targets by those who seek to undermine our country’s democracy.”

Void signatures Villanueva, for his part, said President Marcos should ask the Commission on Elections to invalidate the signatures gathered by proponents of people’s initiative.

He said the Senate is no longer interested in pushing for Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH6) as the signature campaign under people’s initiative is still ongoing.

“It’s obviously the main reason why a lot of the senators are not interested anymore in pushing for the joint resolution,” Villanueva told reporters.

Zubiri had filed RHB6 proposing amendments to certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution as well as a stop to people’s initiative, for which no group has so far directly claimed credit.

Marcos open to political Cha-cha, but Marcos, in an interview with GMA News on Monday, expressed openness to PAGE 9

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Pia becomes 1st woman to Senators issue manifesto... head Senate Blue Ribbon

by CeCille Suerte Felipe Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Pia Cayetano has been elected as chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, becoming the first woman to head the panel in Senate history.

“It is a fact that Sen. Pia Cayetano, our distinguished

colleague, will be the firstever female chairperson of the SBRC in its 106th year in existence, providing checks and balances in a bicameral system,” said Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

As Congress resumed session on Monday, January 22, senators elected Cayetano to replace Sen. Francis Tolentino as Blue

Sen. Pia Cayetano, the new chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee, has her arm raised by her predecessor Sen. Francis Tolentino after being elected in a plenary session on Monday, January 22. Joining them are Sen. Bong Go and Sen. JV Ejercito.

Philstar.com photo by Jesse Bustos

Ribbon chair.

Tolentino announced his intention to step down as panel head in December to focus on his reelection bid in 2025.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva informed the chamber of Tolentino’s resignation letter dated Jan. 22, 2024.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III supported Cayetano’s election.

“The minority applauds the decision of the majority and we congratulate our first-ever female chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon committee,” he said.

Zubiri earlier said Cayetano was the only female and one of three senator-lawyers being considered to replace Tolentino.

The other three were Senators Sonny Angara, Francis Escudero and her younger brother Alan Peter Cayetano.

Under Tolentino, the Blue PAGE 10

PAGE 7 political changes in the Constitution, but said this should not derail economic Cha-cha.

He cited term limits that have been circumvented through the succession of incumbents by their relatives, but who continue to run the area. In Ilocos Sur, he said, there are terms for such officials, such as “mayor vice.”

Marcos said the Constitution “was not written for a globalized world” and economic restrictions need amendment. But he is against lifting restrictions on foreign ownership of land and critical industries such as power generation and mass media.

He stressed, however: “I don’t want to jeopardize the success of the amendments of economic provisions by putting in other provisions…

I don’t want to confuse the issue.”

Earlier, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa claimed getting information from a Davao congressman that residents in communities are made to sign people’s initiative

petition in exchange for P100 to P300 in claim stubs.

He did not name the congressman As the Senate prepares to deliberate on Charter change with the resumption of session on Monday, Sen. Cynthia Villar made a plea for discernment and courage as she led the chamber’s opening prayer.

“May our collective action resonate with the true voice of the Filipino people, maintain the integrity of our Constitution and uphold checks and balances that fortify our democracy,” Villar said.

“Let our decision be grounded in your will, aligned with the democratic principles that are the foundation of our nation. Keep us vigilant in preserving transparency and true representation and in protecting our nation from the perils of self-interest and deceit,” Villar added.

As senators try to come to terms with developments in the Cha-cha drive, Sen. JV Ejercito called on the House leadership to make a statement against taking the

route of people’s initiative toward a constituent assembly (con-ass), where Congress votes jointly instead of separately.

“There should be a statement from them to stop the people’s initiative to avert conflict and friction and a constitutional crisis,” Ejercito said.

“The House leaders should make a categorical statement to douse water on this tense situation,” he added.

Ejercito reminded House leaders and members of a deal between Romualdez and Zubiri during a meeting with President Marcos on Jan.11 that Charter change initiatives should focus on economic provisions.

Sen. Robinhood Padilla, an advocate of federalism, said he is in favor of Charter change but not at the expense of the Senate.

Padilla also expressed support for the creation of a Senate subcommittee under Sen. Sonny Angara to review the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution. (With reports from Marc Jayson Cayabyab, Helen Flores) n

10 JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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Sandiganbayan acquits Binay matriarch of graft, malversation

by Ian LaquI Philstar.com

GLOOMY. Overcast skies dominate the skyline of Pasay City as seen from J.W. Diokno Boulevard on Tuesday, Jan. 23. Metro Manila is forecast to experience occasional rains for the rest week while the temperaure will range between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

BI logs 12.6M arrivals in 2023, backs moves to lure more visitors MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday, January 23 expressed support for government efforts to invite more overseas Filipinos to visit the country.

In a statement, Commissioner Norman Tansingco said inviting more overseas Filipinos to come home and spend their vacations in the country would have potential economic and cultural benefits, fostering stronger ties with the global Filipino community.

Tansingco said that in 2023, the country recorded a total of 12,681,231 arrivals, with a substantial number of visitors from the United States and Canada, which are key destinations for Filipino migrants.

A total of 1,186,135 Americans and 271,955 Canadians arrived in the country last year, many of which are former Filipinos and their families who spent their holidays in the Philippines.

Tansingco made the remark in response to the proposal of House Minority Leader and former BI commissioner Marcelino Libanan to lure more overseas Filipinos to visit the Philippines.

Libanan said the spending of overseas Filipinos who visit the Philippines can boost up the country’s tourism revenues and job growth to a great extent.

Tansingco reiterated that former Filipinos from nonvisa required countries, together with their spouse and children who are traveling with them, get one year visa-free stay as part of their balikbayan privilege.

The BI also supports the goal of Department of Tourism to attract more international tourists, he said.

“Our focus on supporting tourism aligns with the larger goal of creating vibrant and sustainable connections with our global Filipino community,” he added.

(PNA) n

Pia becomes 1st...

PAGE 9 Ribbon panel probed the Department of Education’s “pricey” and “outdated” laptop deals worth P2.4 billion as well as the sugar importation controversy.

The lengthy investigations uncovered some irregularities and recommended the filing of charges against some officials involved. Other officials resigned.

Tolentino will still head another equally important committee: the Senate special committee on Philippine maritime and admiralty zones, which will have jurisdiction to study and report on all matters relating to archipelagic baselines, maritime zones, archipelagic sea lands and other incidental matters.

“It is timely then that the Senate of the Philippines provides the necessary support for our fellow workers in the government and the executive branch in order to better secure the benefits of the vast Philippine maritime zones, including our territorial sea …and the large, exclusive economic zone,” Tolentino said last year. n

MANILA — Sandiganbayan on Monday, January 22 cleared former Makati City Mayor Elenita Binay, spouse of former Vice President Jejomar Binay, of graft and malversation charges over the alleged anomalous purchase of medical equipment amounting to P9.9 million in years 2000 and 2001.

“For failure of the prosecution to prove their guilt beyond reasonable doubt, accused Elenita S. Binay,...are hereby ACQUITTED of the offense of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019,” the decision read.

Among the co-accused who were also acquitted are Luz Yamane-Garcia, Ernesto Aspillaga, Mabel Asunio and

Former Makati City Mayor Elenita Binay

Philstar.com photo

Lilia Nonato.

Two of Binay’s co-accused, Conrado Pamintuan and Jaime delos Reyes, were, however, convicted of graft.

Pamintuan and Delos Reyes were both sentenced

to six to eight years of imprisonment and were also disqualified from holding public office as a result of their conviction.

This has been the fourth graft charge that the former

Makati mayor has been cleared by the anti-graft court.

The equipment to be used by the Ospital ng Makati is said to have been bought during her term, which supposedly skipped public bidding.

The Binay martriarch was first acquitted in 2016 of a graft charge over the purchase of P13.25 million worth of office furniture and fixtures.

The next acquittal was in 2019 when the former Makati City Mayor was accused of graft over P72 million worth of furniture for the Makati City Hall.

In 2021, the Binay matriarch was also acquitted of graft and malversation or the procurement of hospital beds, and medical equipment amounting to P45 million. n

Hullabaloo over nothing...

PAGE 5 message was clearly the president’s way of expressing his gratitude to Taiwan for hosting the OFWs, many of whom are engaged in the manufacturing industry and are expected to benefit from a salary increase owing to a landmark law that was passed by the Legislative Yuan (the highest legislative body in Taiwan) last December.

Not surprisingly, I received several messages saying that China was “overreacting” to the congratulatory statements issued not only by the Philippines but other nations as well. As one described it, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) was “acting like an overzealous principal engaged in a scolding spree,” lecturing and calling out countries that congratulated the winners or said that the recent elections is proof of Taiwan’s vibrant democracy.

Included in China’s “rebukes list” is the United States for purportedly sending a “gravely wrong signal” to “independence separatist forces,” while British Foreign Secretary David Cameron who offered his “warm congratulations” received condemnation from the Chinese MOFA for his “wrong act.”

Australia, which issued a statement saying that the

“smooth conduct of the elections is a testament to the maturity and strength of Taiwan’s democracy,” already received a dour warning from Chinese Ambassador Xiao Qian the night before the elections in Taiwan through an opinion piece published in a major newspaper: “If Australia is tied to the chariot of Taiwan separatist forces, the Australian people would be pushed over the edge of an abyss.”

Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa also issued a congratulatory message “for the smooth implementation of the democratic election,” and shared expectations for the Taiwan issue to be “resolved peacefully through dialogue” – prompting the Chinese embassy in Japan to blast her comments as a “serious interference in China’s internal affairs.”

Singapore congratulated “Dr. William Lai and his party on their victory,” adding that Singapore will continue to grow its close relationship with Taiwan based on the One China Policy – and was also reprimanded.

But the most blistering comments were seemingly reserved for the Philippines, with Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning warning the Philippines “not to play with fire” and outrageously suggesting

that the president read more about the Taiwan issue to arrive at “the right conclusions.”

Filipinos angrily reacted to Mao Ning’s statements. Of course, if anything, Filipinos are angry with China at the way they have been treating our fishermen, harassing and shadowing Philippine Coast Guard vessels and resupply boats – ramming our vessels, spraying them with water cannons, pointing military grade lasers and other acts of aggression that have caused harm and damage.

It’s no surprise that Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro scored a lot of points when he called out Mao Ning in a statement. He simply expressed what many Filipinos wanted to say in the first place.

“It is unfortunate that the PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stooped to such low and gutter-level talk – resorting to insulting our president and the Filipino nation, and further debasing herself, the ministry, and Party she represents in the process,” Secretary Teodoro said.

“But then again, we should not at all be surprised – being a nation and people enjoying the privileges, rights, and freedoms of a democratic society – that an agent of a Party and system

of government incompatible with our way of life and who routinely spouts Statesanctioned propaganda and disinformation would go that far and that low,” he continued.

“It is unfortunate, but I am, myself, unsurprised. The spokesperson’s statements were ‘on brand.’ We, and the world, should not expect more,” Secretary Teodoro clapped back.

But as many have pointed out, China would not have been so offended by congratulatory messages had the winner been the “China friendly” candidate. Too bad, things didn’t turn out their way.

Clearly, what is important is that China and the Philippines have both agreed to “improve communications” and deal with issues regarding the South China Sea calmly. This is after all the more important issue which everyone should try to resolve peacefully, instead of making a big hullabaloo over something that is perfectly innocuous.

(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

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

11

A nurse’s American dream comes true, despite her first employer backing out, this Sunday on Citizen Pinoy GROWING up, Rina missed her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. in search of greener pastures. Rina believed that being a nurse would be the fastest way for her to be

Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to retain the priority date from the previous petition for Rina (center), so she was able to finally reunite with her mother, Connie (left), and the rest of her family in the U.S.

reunited with her parents and other siblings in the U.S. So, immediately after she passed her NCLEX Board Exam in 2005, her parents found a company willing to sponsor Rina for a green card.

Unfortunately, there was a retrogression of priority dates, and Rina’s petition could not move forward. In the meantime, she had already found a job as a nurse in Singapore and had to leave her daughter to be raised by her relatives in the Philippines. This situation was difficult because it was a déjà vu of how Rina’s life was growing up when she was separated from her parents, and she did not want this for her child.

After six years, the retrogression was lifted, and Rina tried to revive her petition from the facility. Unfortunately, the new management was no longer offering employment and had to withdraw the sponsorship.

PAGE 12

LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL (RIGHT) RETAINS THE PRIORITY DATE FROM THE ORIGINAL EMPLOYER, EVEN AFTER THE LATTER WITHDREW THE PETITION. When Rina (left) passed her NCLEX Board Exam in 2005, a convalescent facility was willing to sponsor Rina to come to the U.S. All went well until there was a retrogression of priority dates. After the retrogression, Rina found out that the facility was under new management and was no longer interested in pushing through with the case, so they withdrew her petition. Fortunately, Rina’s family found another facility who was willing to sponsor her.

The family retained Atty. Gurfinkel, who championed Rina’s case, was able to transfer/retain the original 2006 Priority Date of the previous employer’s petition to the new employer’s case. Rina’s American Dream finally came true. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, January 28 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

12 JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS AT the last day of our medical mission in Munoz (The Science City), Nueva Ecija, Philippines, January 17, 2024, there were news reports of the death of a 39-year-old female in Quezon City following intravenous stem cell therapy. Health Secretary Ted Herbosa has ordered an investigation of the case. A few years back, two Filipino congressmen died from complication of stem cell treatments. And these are not isolated cases, deaths have been reported in the past in other countries as well.

The tragedy is in the fact that in many cases, stem cell therapy has been used with wrong medical indication (improper use).

Stem therapy is extensively advertised by some “medical” enterprises in various countries around the world for various illnesses and for cosmetic purposes (as a fountain for beauty and youth), but these are actually fraudulent claims, with no scientific basis behind them.

As we have stated in the past, there is only one group of illnesses where stem cell therapy has been proven to be effective for, approved by the FDA, and that is for blood diseases, like leukemia, lymphoma, neuroblastoma and multiple myeloma.

Among these patients, stem cell therapy is a lifesaver.

Other than these, its use for other diseases is a scam, ineffective and risky, all for financial gain of greedy entrepreneurs.

Current on-going research around the globe is studying the ability of stem to mature into cells of various organs, like the nerves, bones, heart muscles, and other organs and tissues (dental and periodontal), in order to heal diseases of those organs, almost like organ replacement, transplantation, regenerative medicine. A great new frontier in medicine!

If these studies become successful, stem cell therapy could help those with spinal cord injuries, heart disease, stroke, Parkinson’s, Diabetes T1, Alzheimer’s, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), burns, osteoarthritis, cancer and others.

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Stem cell Rx deaths

But the use of stem cells for all these other common illnesses are still in their experimental stages. The final medical uses of stem cell therapy, quality, dosages, side-effects, toxicity, limitations, contraindications, and potential complications are still “officially uncertain.”

After the animal laboratory studies are satisfactorily completed, clinical evaluation among human subjects will follow.

The next stage is a multicountry independent clinical confirmation, with thousands, if not millions,

killer enemy.”

While such a viral nemesis does not exist currently, experts would like to be proactive and preemptive in developing a plan of action and preparing the global health system for a potential deadlier pandemic.

We had more than 7.2 million COVID-19 cases worldwide and lost almost 7 million lives from COVID-19.

The United States had more than 110 million cases and almost 1.2 million deaths, and the Philippines, more than 4.1 million cases, and almost 67,000 deaths, from the COVID-19

Warning: There is an infectious disease more infectious than any other known entities that would kill 2.6 million young children every year and leave millions with deafness and brain injury! of human volunteers, before final approval is granted for general use by the “FDAs” of all nations. The wrong application today of this treatment is not only expensive but could be deadly.

Children killer Warning: There is an infectious disease more infectious than any other known entities that would kill 2.6 million young children every year and leave millions with deafness and brain injury! This is real and not from a pandemic scifi horror movie. The disease is well-known to you: measles. After the successful eradication measures in the 1970s, and another massive global vaccination campaign in the 1980s, measles death rate fell from 2.6 million down to 73,000 by 2014.

But measles appears to be surfacing once more.

We have to make sure, both children and adults have their vaccination updated.

Discuss this with your physician.

Deadly disease ‘X’ The World Health Organization, at its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, is warning countries to be ready for pandemic “20 times” deadlier than COVID-19.

Hopefully, all nations around the world would reach an agreement by May 2024 on how to fight this “common

pandemic.

As I have stated in my new book, “Where is My America?” (Amazon. com), these deaths were greatly preventable had the management been left to physicians and science, instead of to politicians and civil right protestors.

Here, we saw a vast conflict between civil rights and medical science. Those who invoked their freedom to refuse the vaccines and mitigating measures (like masking and distancing) were prone to get infected, became viral carriers and spreaders of the infections, while they exercised for their civil rights.

According to the CDC, only 81.4 percent of Americans have been vaccinated, leaving 18.6 percent (270+million) unvaccinated.

One carrier of the virus is enough to cause a pandemic, as shown by COVID-19, where one woman in Wuhan, China, started the global disaster. So, the 270 million+ carriers of the virus explain why COVID-19 is still with us today. Their bodies are acting like reservoirs of viruses where they replicate and mutate to various new strains. Currently, the predominant strain is JN.1 (61.6 percent), followed

by HV.1, 14.8 percent, and JD.1.1, 4.4 percent. The original omicron is gone but its subvariants (EG.5,

XBB.1.16.6, and FL 1.5.1) are still circulating.

The scientific way (the only proper method) of managing a viral pandemic is to vaccinate everyone (except those with medical contraindication), via a federal (national) mandate for vaccination and mitigating measures, like masking and isolation (where needed) with compassionate people temporarily waving their civil rights for the sake of their fellowmen, the entire nation, and its economy.

No matter what plan all the nations in the WHO agree to deploy, if the people of each nation do not accept a national mandate for vaccination and refuse on the basis of their First Amendment right, they will continue to be carriers and spreaders of the virus, resulting in more deaths, which are preventable: (COVID-19) history repeating itself. In this scenario, the plan will never achieve its maximal effectiveness and lifesaving objective. *** 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. *** 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. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom and other personalities (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

Rina and her children with Atty. Michael Gurfinkel

A nurse’s American dream...

PAGE 11 Desperate to find a way to reunite with her parents and to be able to bring her children, Rina and her family explored other possibilities. They found another place who was willing to sponsor Rina.

The family had also retained leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel to help with Rina’s case, and he was able to transfer/retain the original 2006 Priority Date of the previous employer’s petition to the new employer’s case.

In July 2019, Rina’s visa was issued together with her two kids. Her husband’s visa followed soon after. Rina’s American Dream was finally fulfilled.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, January 28 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin composed a song for Manila during the band’s concert last 2017.

Philstar.com photo

Chris Martin sings about ‘completely insane Manila traffic’ at Coldplay concert

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

COLDPLAY frontman Chris Martin has more to say about Manila’s traffic as the British singer did an impromptu song about it in their band’s second day of concert in the country last night.

“Oh we can’t wait to play Manila again but the traffic here is completely insane,” goes Chris as seen in various clips uploaded on social media on Sunday.

Chris and his band Coldplay staged their two-night “Music of the Spheres” concert last Friday (Jan. 19) and Saturday

(Jan. 20) in Bulacan.

“There is only really one thing that remains. The traffic here in Manila is completely insane.

“If you wanna drive somewhere then I’m warning you. A 2-mile drive will take a week or two. If you wanna get back home in time for your bath, well, allow yourself about a year and a half,” sang Chris.

He repeated what seemed to be its chorus, and stressed that the song will never be played again.

“Oh we can’t wait to play Manila again but the traffic PAGE 15

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Sooner or later, you need to face your IRS tax problems Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon QUESTION: I owe a lot in back taxes. I’m constantly getting threatening letters from the IRS. This has become a big problem that I have no idea how to solve.

What can I do?

Answer: For what it’s worth, take some comfort in knowing that you are not alone. There are millions of Americans in similar situations, dealing with debt hanging over their heads and concerned about how it will affect their future.

The good news: You have many options. To fully understand and take advantage of your options, we urge you to see a qualified tax resolution professional.

He or she will take a close look at your previous returns, looking for mistakes that may have resulted in an inflated tax debt amount. This process alone can substantially lower your IRS debt.

Once you and your qualified tax professional have analyzed your previous returns, the next step is to negotiate a resolution with the IRS. You will most likely be looking at one of two options – the Offer in Compromise or the Installment Agreement.

The Offer in Compromise was created for people who owe a substantial amount to the IRS but who, for whatever reason, are unable to pay off their tax debt, even over time.

The Offer in Compromise allows taxpayers to negotiate

a settlement amount that will take care of the entire tax debt once and for all.

This settlement agreement can lower the tax debt by a significant amount.

Unfortunately, the Offer in Compromise program is often misunderstood, partly because people see a lot of ads on TV and the internet promising them that they can simply settle their tax debt “for pennies on the dollar.”

They make it sound too easy. Don’t be fooled. While this is true for people who qualify, what the advertisers don’t tell you is that this is based on a formula used by the IRS in determining eligibility. A lot of offers are rejected because they fail to consider the formula in making offers that stand no chance of acceptance from the time they are filed. Buyer beware. If it sounds too good to be true, maybe it is. Again, I am not saying that it doesn’t work. All I am saying is that what you should offer the IRS must be based on the IRS’s calculation of what is acceptable given your own unique circumstances.

If you do not qualify for the Offer in Compromise – and to do so you must be able to prove eligibility – then you may consider the Installment Agreement, which allows you to pay off your debt by making manageable monthly payments.

The IRS has different types of installment agreements depending on how much you owe, the value of your assets, your income, and how much time the IRS has to collect what you owe over the 10-year collection period imposed by law.

If you have no available

equity in assets and your income is not sufficient to cover your monthly living expenses, the IRS can also put you in uncollectible status. That means that the IRS will not take any collection actions as long as you remain in this status and your financial circumstances do not change. Yes, the interest continues to run on the outstanding debt, but it could be a way to buy time.

Example: Remember what I said about the 10-year collection statute? The IRS has 10 years to collect from the date of assessment. If you are close to the expiration of the 10-year period, being put in uncollectible status does not stop the running of the statute. So, it may be possible to remain in uncollectible status until the 10-year period expires. This could be one way of getting rid of your IRS tax problems.

If you owe the IRS, the State, EDD or State Board of Equalization, my office can help you find the best solution to resolve your tax liability. You will never have to speak with the IRS again. I will review your case and help you make the best decision for yourself and family. ***

NOTE: Due to the current lockdown order caused by COVID-19, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt.

For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-471-8272.

(Advertising Supplement)

Enrique returns to acting via comedy flick ‘I Am Not Big Bird’

By Kathleen a. llemit Philstar.com

AFTER four years of hiatus, Enrique Gil surprised his fans with the release of the trailer for his upcoming starrer “I Am Not Big Bird.”

Last seen on the 2020 nightly series “Make It With

You” with perennial screen partner Liza Soberano, Gil’s big screen return shows the actor portraying a guy who is mistaken for an adult star named Big Bird while on a trip with his friends in Thailand.

The film, set for release on Valentine’s Day, February 14, PAGE 15

Enrique Gil

Philstar.com photo

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 13

How Nadine became a ‘more evolved’ version of herself

By Rito P. asilo Inquirer.net

YOU’LL immediately know how different Nadine Lustre is from other popular actresses of her stature and caliber just by talking to her.

In the midst of all the noise and distraction, Nadine easily won us over just by listening to her weigh in on our questions—from the mundane to the sensitive—as if she were in the midst of a deeply thoughtful scene in one of her increasingly provocative cinematic oeuvre.

In our view, it’s also this gimlet-eyed focus, emotional transparency and “no bs” approach to life that enable Nadine to convey a plethora of thoughts and emotions that helps bring out the exceptional actress she’s always been.

In fact, even as far back as 2014’s blockbuster film “Diary ng Panget”—when the most noticeable thing that much of Tinseltown could focus on was Nadine being in a love team—it was impossible to conceal the fact that she wasn’t just another pretty face thrust into the industry’s “love team” culture.

Outspoken style icon These days, “President Nadine”—as some of her rabid fans on X affectionately call her—is as much an outspoken style icon as she is an accomplished performer. She’s also the most awarded actress of her age group, with best actress trophies from Urian (for “Never Not Love You”), Famas (“Never Not Love You,” “Ulan,” “Greed”) and the Metro Manila Film Festival (“Deleter”), so far.

But the journey to where she ended up and how she feels about herself right now hasn’t been easy for the actress.

What advice would she have for fans who are just starting to come into their own, and accept their strengths and weaknesses? Based on her own experience, what tips would she give to help them become better versions of themselves?

“I’m often asked how I manage to always look cool and composed,” stated Nadine. “I always say this to people… I’m unapologetic about who I am. I say what I want to say, and I do what I want to do. And that comes off like a big puzzle to some because, for someone in the midst of all this in show biz, we’re so used to having people who are afraid to speak up—and I’m definitely not like that.

“So, I tell them that I just try to be myself… because there was a time when all I did was try to fit myself into a certain mold. This was probably in the beginning of my ABS-CBN years. I tried so hard and that took a toll on my mental health because I became such a people pleaser.

“I lost sight of myself, and I didn’t know who I was anymore. It was really a struggle.

Eventually, I realized, ‘I don’t want to be this person anymore’—I didn’t want to be someone who just tries to be somebody else. And that decision has come through in the way that I talk or the way that I dress, etc.”

When did this realization click for her?

“In my case, it just kind of happened because I had a terrible burnout,” Nadine recounted.

“Imagine a person who’s so busy but doesn’t even have time to think for herself—that was me. At that point, I was just on autopilot!

Identity crisis “So yeah, it took a toll on my mental health, then I also had an identity crisis. I really didn’t know who I was. I can’t say when or how [the shift in mindset] clicked, but I just had this

Nadine Lustre

Inquirer.net photo

realization that I was tired of wearing this mask.

“I admit, it was scary at first… kasi you don’t want to offend people. Who wants to be disliked, ’di ba? I think it’s innate in us not to want to get bashed… takot tayo na may masabing masama ang ibang tao about us— that’s normal.

“So when I decided to just be myself, scary s’ya (laughs)! You think, ‘Ano’ng sasabihin ng mga tao?’ But then, I was like, ‘You know what, f*ck it! I only have one life, so I have to live it the way I want to live it. And if people don’t like it, then maybe show biz isn’t for me.’

“So far, it’s worked out well for me (laughs)!

And I’m really happy that I went through that.

I’m grateful that I went through the confusion, that crisis, because I wouldn’t know how this feels if I hadn’t gone through that. But I don’t think I would ever have that realization kung hindi ko s’ya pinagdaanan.”

We had a fabulous time talking to—and laughing with — Nadine despite our limited moment with her. Such a delightful, no-holdsbarred interviewee she turned out to be!

On a lighter note, we asked Nadine to share with us skin care tips for fans who are just starting to take better care of themselves.

“The simplest advice I could give is get lots of sleep and drink a lot of water, although those are two things na hindi ako masyadong consistent—but I’m trying!” she pointed out, laughing. “But proper skin care can only do so much on the surface level, right? It’s a little different when you take care of yourself on the inside. So do both [for much better results].”

Expressive face Nadine told us, however, that there are other activities in her downtime that keep her relaxed and stress-free, especially after a hard day at work.

“I play computer games—kaya ako napupuyat (laughs),” she quipped. “That’s always been my stress-reliever. I stop thinking about other things when I’m immersed and focused on this parallel world. I kind of tune out when I play games. Another thing that relaxes me is losing myself in movies… I love watching movies!”

Speaking of movies or TV series, what genre does she prefer?

“Crime thrillers, definitely,” she answered.

“Lahat na yata ng horror films sa Netflix, napanood ko na… kaya wala na akong ibang mapanood (laughs).”

PAGE 15

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people events arts culture entertainment

Nicole Kidman praises Filipina co-stars in ‘Expats’ Ruby Ruiz, Amelyn Pardenilla embrace the limelight at the premiere in New York

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

They’re exquisite in the show and I’m so happy to have them be “WONDERFUL! celebrated, discovered, loved, and enjoyed.”

(L-R) Jack Huston, Brian Tee, Lulu Wang, Jennifer Salke, Nicole Kidman, Sarayu Blue, Ji-young Yoo, Ruby Ruiz and Amelyn Pardenilla Photo by Marion Curtis / StarPix for Amazon MGM Studios

Ruby Ruiz AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

Amelyn Pardenilla

Bodhi Del Rosario

Nicole Kidman

That was how Nicole Kidman described to us the experience of working with her multicultural co-stars on the new series “Expats,” among them Filipino actors Ruby Ruiz and Amelyn Pardenilla.

“Expats” is a six-part series on Prime Video streaming its first two episodes this week and the remaining episodes will be released weekly. The limited series is created, written, and directed by Lulu Wang (The Farewell) is based on the novel ‘The Expatriates’ by Janice Y.K. Lee. The show follows three American women - Margaret (Nicole Kidman), Hilary (Sarayu Blue), and Mercy (Ji-young Yoo) - whose lives intersect after a sudden family tragedy. The series interrogates privilege and explores what happens when the line between victimhood and culpability becomes blurred.

Set against the vibrant and tumultuous tapestry of 2014 Hong Kong, the series also beautifully highlights South Asian, Korean, Filipino, and Chinese cultures. Playing key roles are Filipino actors Ruiz, Pardenilla, and half-Filipino Bodhi del Rosario who plays one of Kidman’s children in the show.

While all the episodes are equally good, Filipino fans should look out for the special extended episode in the series entitled “Central” which surrounds Overseas Filipino Workers with a focus on Ruiz and Pardenilla. This specific episode highlights their life and experience as OFWs/migrant workers with both actresses playing integral parts of the story as

Puri (Amelyn Pardenilla) and Essie (Ruby Ruiz) share a scene in the episode entitled “Central”.

Photo courtesy of Prime Video

a whole.

This pivotal moment in the series aligns with Lulu Wang’s vision to delve into the day-today lives of these women in Hong Kong. Wang envisioned “Central” as the featurelength penultimate episode, aiming to provide ample time and scope to explore this nonexpat perspective.

The series scrutinizes the nuanced relationships between expats in Hong Kong and the domestic workers from the Philippines who reside and work in their homes.

“Since the episode was from a non-expat perspective, Nicole would be playing a supporting role to these other characters, and I knew that would be a difficult pitch,” she shared.

To Wang’s surprise, Nicole Kidman embraced this ambitious undertaking, bringing her star power to a supporting role in service of the broader narrative.

Kidman confirmed this with us, saying it’s her joy to help women who deserve to fulfill their dreams.

“I’m so lucky to have the opportunities to be able to

champion these filmmakers, the women, the cause,” she said. “To be able to say ‘Yes, I’ll be a supporting role in the show’ and I’m just so happy that I’ve been given the chance to do that. So I’m just hoping, I just want people to watch it.”

Ruiz, a veteran actress recently seen in the Prime Video hit “Linlang” was blown away after reading the script for “Central.”

“I am so grateful that Lulu gave that weight and value in episode five for Puri and Essie, and the rest of the domestic helpers to have significance and more value in this series,” she said.

‘Excited, grateful’ Overwhelming was the word that she used when we asked her to describe her “Expats” journey.

“After so many years of trying to put it together, we’re here, in New York for the premiere,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz got the role through auditions. She sent her selftape and it was followed with interviews through Zoom for the callbacks. She admits she didn’t realize the gravity of the project when she was still

auditioning.

“I didn’t know who Lulu Wang was,” she revealed.

“And it was only later when I found out about Nicole Kidman’s involvement, and that this was one of Prime Video’s biggest projects.”

“Never in my wildest dreams, my dream was just to always have continuous work.

This is such a huge blessing,” she added.

Since Ruiz played the role of Essie, the Woo family’s helper and nanny for the kids, most of her scenes were with Kidman herself. She admitted feeling a bit nervous but took it as a challenge to fully embody her character, living and breathing the role.

Ruiz mentioned that she and Essie share similar traits, like being loving, devoted, and committed. Because of these similarities, it wasn’t too hard for her to embrace the role. She even disclosed that she worked as a nanny in Canada before, so the emotions she felt for her onscreen charges were genuine and heartfelt.

“That experience of being a nanny before helped a lot.

Mahal na mahal ng mga Pilipinong nannies yung mga alaga nila kasi ganun tayo magmahal eh, hindi lang siya basta trabaho,” she said.

Amelyn Pardenilla found herself in a unique situation where her life mirrored the role she was auditioning for. As a migrant worker auditioning to portray a migrant worker with aspirations of becoming a singer, she felt like art was imitating life. Singing during her audition was a breeze for her.

Originally from Cebu, Pardenilla moved to Hong PAGE 15

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Carmina, Gelli, Janice, and Candy’s tips to lasting friendship

By AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

BUILDING genuine friendships is hard; maintaining them, more so.

This is especially true in show biz, where everything is fleeting and looks can be deceiving. That’s why the enduring friendship among Carmina Villarroel, Candy Pangilinan and sisters Janice and Gelli de Belen has become a subject of admiration, not only within the entertainment industry, but also among fans and observers.

What’s the secret to their decadeslong bond that started way back in the 1990s?

Having shared interests and values was a given. Being there for each other—through the good times and the bad—brought them closer together. But ultimately, what made their relationship last is simple: They chose to stay friends.

Hard work “Friendship is give and take. And as they say, it takes two to tango. So, you need to put in the effort, and this goes for all kinds of relationships. You have to take it upon yourself to reach out. You have to do something to maintain the friendship,” Candy said at a press conference for the comedy-drama film “Roadtrip,” which is currently showing in cinemas.

Friendship is hard work—there’s no other way about it.

“We’re thankful to have this kind of friendship. It takes a lot of work. You have to work on yourselves. If you don’t, then wala na ’yan. Friendship will not just fall on your lap and [you can’t] expect it to last forever. But we’re all willing to put in the effort, so we’ve been solid through the years,” Gelli said.

But just as important as showing up is knowing when to step back.

“Being friends or being part of a barkada doesn’t necessarily mean you have to see or speak to each other every day, or check in on them every minute. You also have to give and respect each other’s space when needed,” Janice pointed out. “It will all come together eventually. You don’t have to force things.”

“If one of us suddenly turns quiet, we immediately realize that she’s not in the mood, so we don’t bother her. At work, or at press conferences like this, we’re used to—and it’s our job—to talk. But when it’s just the four of us, we know when to keep quiet. So I think that works for us,” she added.

‘Moody’ friend As the self-confessed “moody” friend of the group, Carmina is thankful for the grace her friends extend to her. “We have come to a point where we already know each other so well that we no longer have to voice out what we’re feeling all the time,” she said.

“We have our own pace when it comes to opening up about our problems. And that’s something I appreciate. Even if they sense that something’s wrong with me, they don’t force

Gelli de Belen, Carmina Villarroel, Janice de Belen and Candy Pangilinan Photo courtesy of Viva Films

me to talk about my problem. They wait until I’m ready to open up,” Carmina added.

As their relationship grew, they eventually learned to accept each other’s flaws and all.

“You understand their strengths, weaknesses.

You accept that they are the way they are. If she’s impatient or moody, respect that and vice versa. It’s a deeper kind of love, one that has no conditions,” Gelli said.

“It’s not, ‘I love you because you’re this or that.’ It’s, ‘I love you because you’re my friend,’” she added. “Simple as that.”

Grounded on honesty Genuine friendship is also grounded on honesty, and the ability to dish out harsh truths no one else will do. “This is what I really appreciate about Gelli. She’s so vocal and frank. But she tells you as it is, but she does so with words and in a tone that won’t hurt you,” Carmina said. “Respect and trust should be there.”

Produced by Viva Films and directed by Andoy Ranay, “Roadtrip” is an original concept

by Candy. The plot follows four women who reunite and go on a trip to visit their ailing friend.

Janice is Gigi, a naturally kind but peoplepleasing writer who’s grown tired of all her responsibilities. Gelli is Maricar, a successful events planner who feels she doesn’t owe anyone an explanation; Carmina is Chiqui, an actress from a political family who seems to have everything except the ability to make decisions for herself; and Candy is Sophia, a seemingly arrogant vlogger and businesswoman who needs a much-needed breather.

“The script was initially written during a workshop with National Artist Ricky Lee. And I thought about having friends on board because I thought it would make shooting easier. And it did,” Candy said.

“The challenge was more on the physical side, like scenes where we had to hike to Mt. Pulag. But other than that, it was all a breeze.

Since we know each other so well, we were able to quickly follow up on each other’s ad libs,” Candy said.

“It was hard, but I’m happy I got to do it with these three. I’m grateful to have them in my life,” Carmina said.

“The kind of friendship we have is rare,” Gelli said. “It feels like the stars aligned for us.” n

Enrique returns to acting via...

PAGE 13 also stars Pepe Herrera, Red Ollero and Nikko Natividad.

In an interview with ABSCBN News, Gil said “I Am Not Big Bird” is an ode to ‘90s

comedy. “’Yan ang nakaka-miss sa ‘90s comedies. We wanted to bring it back. We wanted to deliver it,” he said.

The release of his

movie comes right after the release of Soberano’s debut Hollywood starrer, “Lisa Frankenstein,” which will be screened in Philippine theaters on February 7. n

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 26 - FEBRUARY 1, 2024 15

Nicole Kidman praises...

PAGE 14 Kong 23 years ago in pursuit of better opportunities. Working as a singer in Hong Kong hotels for over two decades, she harbored dreams of being part of a musical or acting onstage.

Similar to Ruiz, she auditioned not fully knowing what the project was about. “I just wanted to try, to be exposed. Kaya wala akong expectations,” she remarked.

“I was excited and so grateful to the Lord that I got the part. I thought extra lang ako with dialogues,” she said laughing. “Hindi ko talaga akalain na nasa main cast ako.”

She admitted to being star-struck on the first few days of the shoot.

“I was so overwhelmed,” she exclaimed.

“Kasi siyempre, nakikita ko lang sila sa movies and shows and I’m a big fan. Tapos sa set nakakausap ko na sila.”

A registered nurse, Amelyn said she totally

related to the role of Puri.

“Alam ko yung mga sakripisyo ng migrant workers in order to be able to provide for their families back home. Ang hirap talaga kapag nasa ibang bansa ka at wala kang pamilya,” she said.

Looking around the yellow carpet and flashing cameras, Amelyn took a deep breath and gave a big, hearty smile as she tried to take it all in.

“Unbelievable na nangyayari ito kasi hanggang ngayon, hindi ko pa rin na-a-absorb lahat. Good timing din kasi ibinigay ni Lord sa akin,” she said, her eyes welling.

Ruby and Amelyn are both grateful for the opportunity to be a part of “Expats” and as the series unfolds, it not only explores diverse perspectives and challenges stereotypes but also showcases a beautiful story about family, unconditional love, acceptance, and forgiveness. n

How Nadine became a ‘more...

PAGE 13 We told Nadine how effective she is when she isn’t saying much in her films because her very expressive face does all the “talking” for her.

“Thank you!” she said. “The reason behind my thing with acting is because I am inspired by the movies I watch. I see the characters, of course, but more than that, I’m more fascinated by the process that actors go through [to] become who they’re supposed to be onscreen.

“I would even ask myself and analyze, ‘How do they do that?’ I watch what happens behind the scenes, how they study the script, all the nuances. I love the little details [that complete their portrayals].

“I really think about things like those, especially with [my upcoming horror film] ‘Nokturno.’ I told Direk Mik, ‘I want nuances that are different from those in ‘Deleter,’ because that’s the only time it would make sense for me to do them,’ kasi ang weird naman if that’s what people would see me do in my romantic comedies (laughs).”

Horror genre While she has appeared in a lot of hugely successful rom-coms, Nadine confided to us that she’s really more partial to “darker fare.”

“A lot of people don’t know this, but I’m not a huge fan of romantic comedies or dramas,” she admitted. “Ako talaga, I really love the dark

stuff. I mean, there are rom-coms and dramas that I enjoy, but they’re often the more basic ones lang talaga… like ‘The Notebook,’ na pinaka-favorite ko among movies with elements of drama and romance.

“I say this because every time I’m with friends, they always talk about dramas or romantic comedies that were based on books, but I couldn’t relate to them (laughs)… probably because I’m not into those genres as much as they are. Hindi ganun kalalim ang interest ko sa mga ’yun. But talk to me about crime documentaries, thrillers and horror films, then I’ll have a lot to say (laughs)!”

More music Before we parted ways, we asked Nadine how she would assess her 2023, and what her goals are for this year?

“Last year was a mess for me (laughs)—ang dami kasing nangyari and it was just moving so fast,” she intimated. “The energy back in 2023 was weird… there was just something about last year I can’t quite grasp. Maybe it was energy we were trying to [shake off] so we can usher in a different kind of energy this year—I dunno.

“When I returned to Manila after Paris Fashion Week, it was like, ‘What happened?’ I have a lot of forgotten memories from last year, so when people ask me about it, I don’t really remember much. I was just floating in 2023. n

Chris Martin sings about ‘completely...

PAGE 12 here is completely insane. Oh we can’t wait to play Manila again but the traffic here is completely insane.

“Okay, that’s never gonna be played again,” the British singer said.

On Friday night, Chris shared his observation about the infamous Manila traffic with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the first family watching the concert.

“Thank you to all of you for coming through the traffic.

Holy sh*t!” said the singer on Friday.

“I think... We’ve seen some

traffic, but I think you have the number one [worst traffic] in the world. So, thank you, thank you for making the effort to come through all that bulls**t to be here!” Chris exclaimed.

The Presidential Security Group on Saturday released a statement that addressed the controversy surrounding the president’s use of the helicopter to attend the concert last Friday.

PSC Commander MGen. Nelson Morales said that the traffic caused by 40,000 concertgoers to the Philippine Arena could pose a security

risk to the president.

“Recognizing that this traffic situation posed a potential threat to the security of our president, the [Presidential Security Group] took decisive action by opting for the presidential chopper,” Morales said.

“This decision not only ensured the safety of our leader but also exemplified our commitment to prioritizing security in the face of unexpected challenges,” the statement said.

On Saturday, Coldplay expressed appreciation for the Manila concertgoers. n

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