013124 - Southern California Midweek Edition

JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 2, 2024 Volume 34 - No. 9 • 12 Pages

Marcos, Duterte ‘drug war’ erupts

by ALEXIS ROMERO

highly addicted to the painkiller fentanyl, the serious side effects of which may have affected his MANILA — Turning the tables thinking and behavior. on former President Rodrigo Duterte, father of Vice Duterte who had publicly called President Sara Duterte, accused him a drug addict, President Marcos of being a drug addict Marcos said on Monday, in an expletive-filled speech in January 29 his predecessor is Davao City last Sunday, January Philstar.com

Former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo

DATELINE USA

28, the latest in a series of events that showed a deepening rift between the two families.

The former president said Marcos was even on the drug watch list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. The PDEA denied on Monday that Marcos had ever been on its drug list.

Asked to react to Duterte’s tirades, Marcos said the use of fentanyl may have taken a toll on his predecessor.

“I think it’s the fentanyl.

Fentanyl is the strongest painkiller that you can buy. It is highly addictive and it has very serious side effects, and PRRD has been taking the drug for a very long time now,” he said, referring to Duterte.

“When was the last time he told us that he was taking fentanyl? About five, six years ago, something like that,” Marcos told reporters at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay  PAGE 2

FUN TIME. Members of the crowd at the Bagong Pilipinas kick-off rally pass around a huge ball at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Sunday, Jan. 28. Around 400,000 people, including members of the Marcos administration Cabinet, lawmakers, local government officials, and the public, attended the event.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Amid Duterte-Marcos verbal spat, public must stay neutral – groups

by ZEUS LEGASPI Inquirer.net

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

“At the end of the day, we cannot place our hopes in any of these factions given the interests they represent,” Reyes stressed.

Anakbayan, meanwhile, condemned the “pointing of fingers” between the two camps.

“Imbis na gumawa ng mga kongkretong hakbang para apulahin ang lumalalang krisis na dinaranas ng mamamayan, mas pinipili ng mga kampo ni Marcos Jr. at mga Duterte na magbardagulan para sa sariling interes nila,” Anakbayan national spokesperson Kate Almenzo said.

(Instead of taking concrete steps to address the worsening crisis experienced by the people, the camps

of Marcos Jr. and the Dutertes choose to engage in a brawl for their interests.)

Fisherfolk group Pamalakaya likewise condemned Duterte’s “hi-jacking” of the fight against Charter change, noting that the former president himself did not honor the Constitution during his administration.

The group alleged that Duterte “openly surrendered” the country’s “national sovereignty to China in exchange for foreign loans,” which they said increased Beijing’s military presence in the West Philippine Sea to the detriment of Filipino fisherfolk.  PAGE 3

MANILA — Multiple progressive groups have reminded Filipinos to remain impartial amid the heated exchange of accusations between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) President Renato Reyes Jr. said in a statement on Tuesday, January 30 that the two factions are merely fighting over who controls the country’s ” spoils ” as neither BASKETBALL may be the Philippines’ represents genuine change. quintessential sports but one Filipino American golfer is set to prove that amidst the hurdles of golf not being accessible to everyone, he is waving the Philippine flags in the PGA Tour.

This year, Rico Hoey is changing the game with Philippine flags standing tall — an unusual sight in a PGA Tour. He kickstarted his fourth PGA Tour game as a full-fledged MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos between the coast guards of the Philippines member at the initial round at The American Jr. stressed on Tuesday, January 30 the and Vietnam.

Express Tournament on Thursday, January Philippines’ resolute stance in defending its “We are firm in defending our sovereignty, 25. sovereignty against Chinese provocations, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction against “It was kind of cool having everyone out while emphasizing the country’s commitment these Chinese provocations,” Marcos said. here, my family, my dad, girlfriend, coaches, to resolving issues through peaceful “But at the same time, we are also seeking everyone,” Hoey said during the tournament. dialogues. to address these issues with China and all “Feels like a home event for me. I only live Marcos acknowledged that the South China other partners through peaceful dialogue and  PAGE 2 Sea “remains to be a point of contention” consultations as two equal sovereign states,” during his meeting with Vietnamese President he added.

The Philippines and China earlier agreed Vo Van Thuong in Hanoi.

Marcos’ state visit also witnessed the to improve communication and “calmly Veteran broadcast journalist and senior anchor Rico Hizon leaves the CNN Philippines signing of memoranda of understanding on deal” with incidents in the strategically and headquarters in Mandaluyong City on Monday after the local franchise holder of the global “incident prevention and management in economically important waterway. media brand announced it will cease operations on Jan. 31 due to financial losses.  PAGE 3 the South China Sea” and on cooperation Inquirer.net photo by Grig Montegrande

Meet the only Fil-Am golfer swinging his dreams in the PGA Tour

Marcos: PH firm on sovereignty, seeks peaceful talks with China

Where are the nation’s primary care providers?

It’s not an easy answer

CLINICIANS at Valley-Wide Health Systems never know who will appear at their clinic in San Luis, a town of about 600 people in southern Colorado.

“If someone’s in labor, they’ll show up. If someone has a laceration, they’ll show up,” said nurse practitioner Emelin Martinez, the chief medical officer for the health care system serving 13 rural Colorado counties.

But she struggled to find a full-time medical provider for that clinic, the only one in Costilla County. Born and raised in the area, Martinez filled some of the gap by driving about 45 minutes from Alamosa, the nearest city, once a week for months.

A physician assistant from another town chipped in, too.

As one of the nation’s more than 1,000 federally designated primary care shortage areas, Costilla County has many carrots to dangle in front of medical providers willing to practice there, including federal  PAGE 3

AFP expects ‘bigger, more ‘Difficult news’: CNN Philippines diverse’ Balikatan in April signing off on January 31

Balikatan 2023

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday, January 30 said this year's iteration of the "Balikatan" military exercises with the United States will be longer and more diverse.

“The difference now and last year's 'Balikatan' is we are going to have more exercises in key positions all over the country.

Aside from quantity we will heavily lean on towards quality training," AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Philstar.com file photo  PAGE 2

ISLAND PACIFIC

by RUSSEL P. LORETO, TYRONE JASPER C. PIAD Inquirer.net

MANILA —Employees of award-winning broadcaster CNN Philippines gathered on Monday, January 29 in a general assembly to hear the sad news that had been circulating the past few days.

CNN Philippines president Benjie Ramos announced that nine years after debuting in the local broadcasting industry, CNN Philippines would cease operations on all media platforms on Wednesday, Jan. 31 as Nine Media Corp., the franchise holder of the global media brand,

struggled to keep the company financially afloat.

“It is with heavy heart that we share the difficult news that Nine Media’s news production will stop its operations due to serious financial losses, made even worse by the pandemic,” said Ramos, who turned emotional as he delivered the news.

“Despite our best efforts … it has become increasingly clear that we are not able to sustain our operations,” he pointed out.

CNN Philippines had trouble  PAGE 3

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From the Front Page

Marcos, Duterte ’drug war..

PAGE 1 before leaving for Vietnam.

“After five, six years, it has to affect him, so I think that’s the reason he acted that way. So, you know, I hope his doctors take better care of him. They should not allow this problem to persist,” he added.

Pressed if he was categorically denying that he was involved in illegal drugs, Marcos laughed and replied: “I won’t even dignify that question.”

Duterte on Sunday also warned Marcos that the efforts by some administration allies to amend the Constitution through a people’s initiative signature campaign could lead to his suffering the fate of his late father and namesake, who was ousted in the 1986 People Power revolution.

Swindling the people The former president claimed that politicians behind the signature campaign, including Marcos’ cousin Speaker Martin Romualdez, are “swindling” the people and are trying to perpetuate themselves in power.

In its website, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as an analgesic or pain relief and anesthetic. According to the agency, fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.

Fentanyl overdose can cause stupor, changes in pupil size, clammy skin, cyanosis, coma and respiratory failure leading to death, the drug enforcement agency said.

When he was president, Duterte admitted to using fentanyl because it made

him feel better. In one of his speeches, Duterte said his doctor had advised him to stop using the drug because he might lose his cognitive ability.

The 78-year-old former president also disclosed in 2018 that his partner, a former nurse, had warned him that fentanyl could turn him into an addict.

Duterte hurled the accusation against Marcos during a prayer rally attended by opponents of the people’s initiative campaign in Davao. It was held on the same day the administration conducted a rally for its governance branding “Bagong Pilipinas” in Manila.

The vice president, who is also the education secretary, attended the Bagong Pilipinas event but left early to participate in the Davao prayer rally.

During the Bagong Pilipinas rally, Marcos emphasized the need for unity and positive change and assailed what he described as “toxic politics.”

Duterte’s accusations against the President and the Speaker further fueled rumors of an internal strife within UniTeam, the coalition that carried Marcos and Duterte to election victory in the 2022 elections.

Appeal to AFP, PNP In his speech , Duterte also called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to protect the Constitution.

However, it was not the first time Duterte criticized Marcos.

Months before the 2022 polls, Duterte described Marcos as “spoiled” and a “weak leader” with “baggage.”

The former president, known for his freewheeling and profanity-laced speeches, also claimed that a candidate for president who belongs to a wealthy family was using

cocaine but did not name names.

Talk about the supposed cracks within UniTeam surfaced after Marcos’ allies in the House of Representatives realigned the confidential funds of agencies led by Duterte, the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.

Last October, the former president accused Romualdez of “swallowing” discretionary funds and labeled the House of Representatives as the “most rotten” institution.

House members denied the allegations and approved a resolution affirming the chamber’s integrity.

In a media interview in Hawaii last November, Marcos denied that there were cracks in the UniTeam alliance.

“I don’t think so. It is even becoming more solid,” the President said.

PDEA, meanwhile, said that its national drug information system (NDIS), the intelligence database of drug personalities, does not include the name of President Marcos from its inception to the present.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. was never in our NDIS,” PDEA said in a statement.

Despite the denial, Duterte said he will never apologize to Marcos.

At a press briefing, PDEA spokesman Derrick Carreon told reporters that access of politicians or local government officials to the drug list is limited to their specific jurisdictions.

“Perhaps if we were to surmise the level of coverage of authority of a mayor, if we were to speak local authorities, he will only have access within the area of his political unit,” Carreon said. g

AFP expects ‘bigger, more diverse’...

PAGE 1

She said the number of Filipino and American soldiers have yet to be determined along with the equipment that will be used in the annual military exercises along with possible locations.

Last year's "Balikatan" consisted

of 17,767 soldiers -- 12,187 Americans; 5, 469 Filipinos; and 111 Australians.

During last year's iteration, Filipino and American troops conducted the first ever sinking exercise (SINKEX) off San Antonio, Zambales where a

decommissioned World War II corvette was sunk jointly.

"Aside from kinetic activities and littoral airspace and landscape, we will also be doing exercises in the non-physical domain such as cyberspace and information warfare," Padilla said. (PNA)

CHINESE NEW YEAR. Mall goers enjoy photo-worthy Chinese New Year decorations at Victoria Plaza in Davao City on Monday, Jan. 29. The giant displays feature Chinese zodiac signs with corresponding predictions for 2024.

PNA photos by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Meet the only Fil-Am golfer swinging his...

PAGE 1 an hour away. I grew up out here, playing junior tournaments out here, so it was fun.”

Filipino American golfer Rico Hoey’s journey Born in the Philippines and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, California, Hoey grew up in an athletic family with both sisters also playing golf. This Filipino American golfer’s passion began at home.

Honing his skills at Rancho Cucamonga High and USC, he’d already showcased his talents that proved his success one day — competing not just for the U.S. but also for the Philippines during his teen years. He was part of the Philippine National team in 2013 Putra Cup and was one of the top players in the “Dream Team.”

He won the Callaway Junior World Championship and the Junior America’s Cup in 2012.

Before he claimed his ticket to the PGA Tour, his journey was not without hurdles.

In 2017, after turning pro and playing for PGA Tour Canada for the first time where he triumphed in the Freedom 55 Financial Championship at around 22 years old, he suffered

Photo from Instagram/@ricohoey3

injuries, inconsistent results and low spirits.

Thanks to the director of golf at Goose Creek Golf Club in Southern California, Ross Fisher, who saw his golf potential and gave him a job at Goose Creek.

“It was a low point for me, where it’s like, I’m injured, I have nothing to do, I’d rather do something than sit around, and (Fisher) was the one who envisioned everything, even through those tough times,” Hoey shared with PGA Tour. com.

Fast forward to 2023, his career took an unexpected turn

— a win at the Korn Ferry Tour’s Visit Knoxville Open with high stats marked his comeback and paved the way for his chance at the PGA Tour.

Meanwhile, Hoey will start at No.10 this Thursday with four birdies before his turn. While birdie holes 1,4, 5, 6 and 7 will put him in a tie with Christiaan Bezuidenhout for second place.

This Filipino American golfer’s history is still being written, with each tournament and round a new chapter in his burgeoning career. We just can’t wait to see what’s next for Rico Hoey. (Mary Villegas/Inquirer.net)

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‘Difficult news’: CNN Philippines signing off...

PAGE 1

paying its annual franchise fees of P55 to P60 million after its advertising revenues fell short of its costs as fewer people watched free TV. In the nine years it went on air, CNN Philippines had accumulated financial losses exceeding P5 billion.

CNN Philippines first aired in 2015 after Nine Media secured a licensing deal with The Cable News Network (CNN), an international news channel based in Atlanta, Georgia, owned by Turner Broadcasting Corp.

It has been using RPN 9’s free TV frequency, which will revert to government control following the shutdown.

International recognition In an advisory on Monday, CNN Philippines extended gratitude to all its staff, partners and viewers for their support.

“To our staff, we thank you for your commitment and dedication,” it said. “And to our viewers, our sincerest gratitude for your loyalty and trust over the past nine years.”

The media outlet is signing off with several accolades under its belt.

Just last month, CNN Philippines was named “Premier Business Best Broadcast Media Company in the Philippines” at the first Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Awards.

Veteran journalist Rico Hizon was also recently awarded “best

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factual presenter” at the Asian Academy Creative Awards.

All CNN Philippines employees were retrenched and would be given separation pay as a result of the outlet’s closure, a source told the Inquirer.

The source said that although they are officially employed until Feb. 29, CNN Philippines would no longer be producing content.

Asked if the affected employees could be absorbed by other media outlets under the ALC Group of Companies, the source said the management did not mention anything about it.

The ALC Group owns other media entities such as Business Mirror, Philippine Graphic, Pilipino Mirror, Aliw Channel 23 and Cook Magazine.

In an advisory on Monday, the broadcaster said it would “discontinue operations on all media platforms effective Wednesday, Jan. 31.”

The network reportedly lost more than P5 billion as it tried to compete with media giants on free television “To our staff, we thank you for your commitment and dedication,” CNN Philippines said.

“To our partners, including CNN Worldwide/Turner Broadcasting Corp., we are grateful for your support.”

“To our loyal viewers, thank you for giving us purpose. We are honored to have served you,” the media corporation added.

The decision not to renew the CNN franchise and shut down the Philippine operations—which will affect about 300 employees—had been made last year and approved

by Nine Media of the Cabangon family, but the latter decided to defer implementation until after the Christmas holiday season.

Transparency from employers Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) issued a statement on Friday urging media workers to organize and demand transparency from their employers, especially in light of the shutdown of CNN Philippines.

“Each newsroom that goes dark is one less source of reliable information for the public and is a loss for our community and profession,” said Jonathan de Santos on X (formerly Twitter).

“It is cruel to have to find out about your company’s potential plans from news reports and from gossip instead of from leadership that expects media workers to be on call and updated on issues of the day but are silent on pressing workplace issues,” NUJP said.

“The apparent lack of communication between management and staff over the coming changes highlights the need for workplace organizing to, at minimum, ensure that employees are kept abreast of corporate developments that will affect them,” it added. g

Taiwan Strait to Thuong. He noted that any conflict in Taiwan would affect the northern parts of the Philippines and may compromise the safety of approximately 170,000 Filipinos working and residing on the democratic island.

Marcos’ congratulatory message to Taiwan’s presidentelect Lai Ching-te earlier this

month drew a sharp rebuke from Beijing. Philippine authorities, however, reiterated the country was committed to the One China policy.

Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has vowed to take the island one day—by force, if necessary. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/ Philstar.com)

Marcos: PH firm on sovereignty, seeks peaceful...

PAGE 1

Relations between the Philippines and China have deteriorated in recent months, with both sides clashing on several occasions in the disputed waters and trading accusations over the incidents.

Marcos also expressed his “great concern” over tensions across the

Amid Duterte-Marcos verbal spat, public...

PAGE 1 In a speech during a prayer rally at Davao City on Sunday, a fuming Duterte alleged that Marcos has been on the watch list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

He claimed the list was shown to him when he was still mayor of Davao City.

But PDEA denied such a claim, saying President Marcos Jr. was never on the government’s drug President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the Bagong Pilipinas kick off rally. watch list.g

Malacañang photo

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 31 - FEBRUARY 2, 2024 3

PETITION. Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque (4th from left) and Sonshine Media Network International anchors and reporters file an injunction against an indefinite cease and desist order before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The petitioners said the National Telecommunications Commission’s action infringes on their freedom of expression and the press.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Where are the nation’s primary care providers...

PAGE 1 student loan repayments, bonus Medicare payments, and expedited visas for foreign clinicians. Still, Martinez said, its latest opening remained unfilled for more than a year. Not a single physician applied.

Policymakers have long tried to lure more primary care providers to the areas of the nation that have fewer than one physician for every 3,500 residents. Recent examples include the Biden administration boosting funding in 2022 to address shortages and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) pushing sweeping primary care legislation in 2023.

But researchers steeped in the issue have a persistent frustration: It’s hard to know if any policy is working given that the data the federal government collects on primary care shortage areas has been flawed for a long time. One of the biggest gaps is that the system counts only physicians, not the myriad other health care professionals who now provide much of our nation’s primary care.

Additionally, a Health Affairs study shows the federal designations, which help allocate an estimated $1 billion in annual funding through at least 20 federal programs aimed at boosting primary care capacity, haven’t helped much.

In fact, Costilla County is among more than 180 federally designated areas that have

remained stuck on the primary care shortage list for at least 40 years, according to a KFF Health News analysis. That’s even as the overall number of licensed U.S. physicians more than doubled from 1990 to 2022 to over 1 million, according to the Federation of State Medical Boards, outpacing overall population growth.

No one disputes that much of the nation is starved for primary care clinicians, with patients having to wait weeks to get appointments or travel long distances for basic preventive care. Many doctors decide against primary care career paths, let alone practicing in isolated communities, because those jobs entail heavy workloads and earn less money and respect than specialists. But how does the nation solve the problem without knowing exactly where it is? And what tools must be used? Does a physician need to be the one providing the care?

Whitney Zahnd, president of the board of the Iowa Rural Health Association, said the fact that some rural areas have had such federal shortage designations for decades doesn’t prove they are ineffective. “Had the program not been there, would it have been even worse?” she said.

Federal funding supports 18,000 primary care doctors, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to provide

care to more than 18 million patients in the highest-need urban and rural communities across the country, said David Bowman, a spokesperson for the Health Resources and Services PAGE 4

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY RFP NO. SP614-25 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STAFF AUGMENTATION The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking proposals for Information Technology Staff Augmentation. Proposal documents may be downloaded at SCRRA's website at http:// www.metrolinktrains.com/ contracts. Proposals are due on 3/13/2024.

For further information contact: Melissa Cousart, Contract and Compliance Administrator, at cousartm@ scrra.net.

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Where are the nation’s primary care providers...

PAGE 3 Administration, which manages the shortage designations. He said more than 80% of clinicians who get such scholarships or loan repayments continue to practice in shortage areas beyond their obligation of several years.

But that doesn’t mean they stick around forever.

Justin Markowski, a Yale School of Public Health doctoral student, co-authored the Health Affairs study that found the federal shortage designation makes no difference in upping physician density long-term.

He is skeptical of policy ideas that promise big primary care fixes. That includes the Biden administration’s investment in more scholarships and loan repayments through the National Health Service Corps.

“You’re just throwing more money at a set of programs that don’t really seem to work,” he said. “We’ll see in a few years, but I’ll be shocked if it actually moved any physicians or any other advanced practice providers.”

One possible explanation for the persistence of shortage areas is that such incentives are too small or too fleeting.

But another issue is how shortages are measured.

The government considers geographic shortage areas, now numbering just over 1,000, but also population groups such as migrant farmworkers and individual facilities such as prisons that lack enough providers. Yet it’s up to state offices to identify populations and locations that might qualify as shortage areas and submit them to HRSA, which then scores the extent of any shortages. The funding and staffing for those state offices vary, creating an uneven foundation from which to map actual shortages.

“Some states became very adept at the equivalent of gerrymandering, where they were piecing together census blocks or census tracts in odd shapes in order to maximize the areas that are eligible,” said Stephen Petterson, a senior scholar at the Robert Graham Center, a policy think tank in Washington, D.C., that focuses on primary care.

The federal Government Accountability Office has highlighted such issues since at least 1995, when it released a report identifying widespread data problems with the shortage

area system and concluding it had “little assurance that federal funds are used where most needed.” The report noted one of the persistent shortcomings is that the system counts only physicians, not other key primary care providers.

Since 1998, federal officials have made three attempts to update the 1970s-era rules that define what counts as a shortage area. The authors of the Affordable Care Act tried most recently, tasking a committee of experts to decide on an update.

Among other things, the committee concluded in its 2011 report that nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified nurse midwives should be counted as primary care providers. But the recommendations fell short by just a handful of votes.

“We failed and the committee as a whole failed and HRSA failed by not moving the process forward,” said Petterson, who presented to the committee on how to comprehensively measure primary care needs.

Steve Holloway, who directs the Colorado health department’s Primary Care Office, served on the committee. Without action at the federal level, he then led a team to create Colorado’s own health professional shortage area designations that factor in nurse practitioners and physician assistants, not just doctors.

He said it’s taken about six years to create a tool and map of Colorado to answer a deceptively simple question: “How many actual flesh-and-blood, live clinicians are seeing patients?”

Ed Salsberg, who was the lead federal government representative on that committee and who headed HRSA’s National Center for Health Workforce Analysis, said the rest of the nation needs more precise data, too.

“It’s so important for the nation to target its resources to the highest-need communities,” he said. “It’s time again to try one more time to develop an improved methodology.”

In the past few years, more readily available data from insurance claims has allowed researchers to distinguish the medical providers who are practicing primary care from those who have specialized or retired.

Candice Chen, an associate professor of health policy

and management at George Washington University’s Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity, used claims data that reflects one large slice of the American population — about 66 million Medicaid beneficiaries — to map the primary care workforce.

Meanwhile, Monica O’ReillyJacob, a nurse-scientist who recently moved from Boston College to Columbia University’s School of Nursing, studied Medicare claims to conclude that fewer than 70% of physicians typically considered primary care providers were actually providing primary care.

The rest, she said, often find more lucrative positions, such as subspecializing or working in hospitals. By contrast, nurse practitioners are likely undercounted. Her study found that close to half are providing primary care.

But such publicly available data leaves out much of the country, given that fewer than 40% of Americans are insured through Medicaid or Medicare.

“There’s no government organization that’s tracking: Who trained in what, where, and where are they now, and what are they practicing,” said Alison Huffstetler, medical director of the Robert Graham Center. “And if we don’t know who is doing what kind of care — and where — then there is no way for us to equitably manage the patientto-clinician ratio across every state.”

In Costilla County, Martinez finally found someone to provide primary care: an experienced physician assistant who moved from Texas in December.

The physician assistant’s presence should bump the county out of its dire shortage, according to Colorado’s measure. But since he isn’t a physician, he’ll remain invisible in the national data and Costilla County will likely remain on the books as a federal shortage area.

(Rae Ellen Bichell/KFF Health News) Data reporter Hannah Recht, data editor Holly K. Hacker, and rural editor/correspondent Tony Leys contributed to this report.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

HONORING THE WORD. A staff of the Philippine Christian Bookstore (PCBS) arranges Holy Bibles and other books on Christian living and spiritual growth on display at its store inside Centris Mall, Quezon City on Monday, Jan. 29, which is National Bible Day in the Philippines.

Republic Act 11163 authored by Senator Manny Pacquiao and signed by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018 institutionalized the observance every last Monday of January to recognize and honor God and His word.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Filipino internet mourns the passing of Chris Punsalan’s beloved grandmother

by Mary Grace anne ToMines Inquirer.net

CHRIS Punsalan has shared the sad news of his 97-year-old Kapampangan grandmother, Anicia Santos Manipon passing on Monday, January 29, 2024.

Punsalan, who is a musician and FilAm content creator, became well-known for being a full-time caregiver to his grandma. Their social media journey began in 2019 when his TikTok video about his typical day as a caregiver went viral. Since then, Punsalan continued to document their moments, and their inspiring videos have earned him a massive following on various social media platforms, including 2.4 million TikTok followers, 962,000 Facebook followers, and 1 million Instagram followers.

In a TikTok video, Punsalan expressed his heartbreak over his grandmother’s passing, saying, “My heart is broken, grandma fought so hard and lived such a fruitful life. I’m relieved that she can finally rest and she’s in better hands than we could’ve ever provided. I love you forever Grandma.”

Many digital and video creators have also expressed

Chris Punsalan has shared the sad news of his 97-year-old Kapampangan grandmother, Anicia Santos Manipon passing on Monday, January 29.

Photo from Instagram/@chrispunsalan

their sympathy and shared their memories of Grandma.

Social media users have penned their gratitude to Punsalan for sharing his grandmother with them.

The collective heartache resonates, and Punsalan has not posted anything following the confirmation of his grandmother’s passing. May she rest in peace. g

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49% of Pinoys believe life will improve – study ANC to continue airing – ABS-CBN

by Ma. Reina Leanne ToLenTino ManilaTimes.net

NEARLY 50 percent (49 percent) of adult Filipinos believe their lives will improve in the next six months, as shown in the latest OCTA Research "Tugon ng Masa" survey on optimism and pessimism about the country's economy and quality of life.

The survey was for the last quarter of 2023.

"About 49 percent of adult Filipinos believe that their quality of life will improve over the next six months. Meanwhile, about 45 percent believe that their quality of life will stay the same, and only 4 percent think that it will worsen," OCTA Research said.

In Metro Manila, 54 percent of the respondents said they believed their lives would improve.

Optimism was highest in the Visayas, with 58 percent of respondents saying they believed their lives would improve. This was followed by 49 percent in Balance Luzon and 40 percent in Mindanao.

On the other hand, the percentage of respondents who believed their life would be worse (pessimism) was highest in Mindanao at 10 percent. This

was followed by Metro Manila at 3 percent, Visayas at 2 percent and Balance Luzon at 1 percent.

"In terms of socioeconomic classes, the lowest percentage of adult Filipinos who believe that their quality of life will improve over the next six months is observed in Class E (35percent), while the highest percentage of those who said that their quality of life will improve also came from Class E at 8percent," OCTA Research said.

"Class ABC had the highest percentage of those who said that their quality of life will be better in the next six months (56 percent)," it added.

Meanwhile, 38 percent of the respondents said they believed the country's economy would improve in the next six months.

"This is the first time in three quarters that a recovery in this data point was observed," OCTA Research said.

"Additionally, 51 percent think that the economy will remain the same, while 8 percent believe it will become worse."

In Metro Manila, 45 percent of respondents believed the economy would improve.

The percentage was higher in the Visayas, with 53 percent of respondents saying they believed the economy would improve in

the next several months.

Thirty-seven percent of respondents from the Visayas believed the economy would remain the same, while 8 percent believed it would worsen.

In Mindanao, 36 percent of respondents believed the economy would improve.

Half of the respondents from Mindanao believed the economy would remain the same, while 13 percent believed it would worsen.

In Balance Luzon, 30 percent of respondents believed the economy would improve. More respondents here (59 percent) believed it would remain the same, while 7 percent believed it would be worse.

"In terms of socioeconomic classes, the highest percentage of adult Filipinos who believe that the Philippine economy will improve over the next six months is in Class ABC (51 percent)," OCTA said.

"In contrast, the highest percentage of adult Filipinos who think that the Philippine economy will worsen over the next six months is in Class E (12 percent)," it said.

The survey, conducted from December 10 to 14, had 1,200 adult respondents interviewed face to face. g

SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN INQUIRY. Senator Imee Marcos (in green, left photo), chairperson of the Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation, presides over an investigation at the Senate in Pasay City on Tuesday, Jan. 30 regarding controversies surrounding the People’s Initiative, including signature-buying, in order to amend the constitution. Also present during the Senate inquiry are Commission on Elections Chair George Erwin Garcia (leftmost, lower photo) and Noel Oñate (middle, upper right photo), lead convenor of People’s Initiative for Reform, Modernization and Action.

PNA photos by Avito Dalan

THE ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) will remain on the air, parent network ABS-CBN said on Monday, January 29, despite the looming shutdown of broadcasts

by SkyCable.

"ANC, the ABS-CBN News Channel, will continue its operations on February 26 as recently announced," the network wrote.

ANC programs will remain on air through partner cable

television providers nationwide and online via its YouTube channel and the ABS-CBN News website.

These programs will also be on iWantTFC and The Filipino Channel.

ANC's late night news bulletin, "The World Tonight," can also be viewed on the pay TV Kapamilya Channel at 11 p.m. on weeknights.

The announcement came after another news channel,

CNN Philippines, announced its shutdown on Monday, January 29 following "significant financial losses." It will formally go off-air on Wednesday, January 31.

SkyCable's operations are expected to go off-air for good by the end of the next month, following the Philippine Competition Commission's approval of the sale of the cable provider to PLDT for P6.75 billion.

(ManilaTimes.net)

Marcos calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R.Marcos Jr. reiterated the Philippines’ call for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

In December 2023, the Philippines supported the United Nations (UN) resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The Philippines supports the efforts of the United Nations to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance and essential supplies to Palestinian civilians caught in the midst of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. We also continue to support the UN peacekeeping missions in the region,” Marcos said in a meeting with Vietnamese President Võ Van Thuong.

“We urge all parties to exert restraint to prevent the escalation of the conflict and that the Philippines supports the immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” said Marcos.

The President also said that the Philippines supports a two-state solution, as both Israelis and Palestinians deserve security.

Israeli forces have been bombing Gaza since October 2023, but the antagonism between Israel and Palestine has been ongoing for decades since the former occupied Palestinian land.

The Palestinian side has borne the majority of the violence, with the Gaza siege resulting in the death of at least 20,000 locals. (Inquirer.net)

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OPINION

FEATURES

The untouchables

AS President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte swapped charges of illegal drug use, one question inevitably came up: if they are both sure of their allegations, why hasn’t either of them been charged or arrested on drug-related offenses?

Duterte cast the first stone by accusing Marcos, in a prayer rally in Davao City on Sunday night, January 28 of being a drug abuser.

Back when he was mayor of the city, Duterte said, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was on the drug watch of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. He did not name Marcos, Duterte said, because they are friends. The PDEA denied this on Monday, Januaruy 29. During the 2022 presidential race, Duterte had also warned voters about an alleged cocaine addict among the contenders. He did not name the candidate.

President Marcos said he would not dignify the accusation with a reply. But he said Duterte’s tirade might have been caused by prolonged use of fentanyl, a powerful opioid that has caused deaths in the U.S. and other countries. Duterte had admitted during his presidency that he had been prescribed fentanyl against chronic pain following a motorcycle accident when he was 68 years old.

Fentanyl is a controlled substance in the Philippines; cocaine is a prohibited drug. Duterte had carried out the bloodiest crackdown in the country’s history against prohibited drugs, since his days as Davao City mayor until he became president. He had campaigned for the presidency

in 2016 on a platform of ridding the country of the drug menace in six months.

At the end of his presidency, the police reported killing over 6,000 drug personalities in law enforcement operations. Nearly all those killed were from lowincome families, including several teenagers.

Meanwhile, alleged large-scale traffickers such as Cebu businessman Peter Lim, who was on the PDEA’s list of most wanted but whose family reportedly supported Duterte’s campaign for the presidency, appeared untouchable. If Duterte had known all along that Bongbong Marcos was a drug addict, why was the latter spared from the brutal crackdown on illegal drugs? Was it also out of gratitude for the Marcoses’ political support?

Duterte’s war on drugs was hounded by criticism of selective law enforcement. Today drug killings continue, although the scale is much less than during Duterte’s time. The Marcos administration has been pursuing a kinder, gentler approach to fighting the drug scourge, with emphasis on rehabilitation. The word war that has erupted between President Marcos and Duterte shows the complexity of the drug problem and the need for new approaches. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

Charter change: Only the economic provisions should be included

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ SO much controversy is being unnecessarily generated with this Charter change issue but in reality, changes to the overly protectionist economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution should be debated upon because it hinders the country from realizing its full economic potential. So many limitations on foreign ownership to just 40 percent in various sectors such as advertising and mass media, and even educational institutions, is already irrelevant today.

We’re glad that after initially indicating that economic Charter change was not a priority, President Marcos is now seeing the need to make adjustments, saying that the “1987 Constitution was not written for a globalized world.

And that is where we are now.

We have to adjust so that we can increase the economic activities in the Philippines and attract more foreign investors.”

In a report published by pwc.com., the Philippines

The Corner Oracle ANDREW J. MASIGAN THE Marcos-Duterte UniTeam has disintegrated. It was flimsy in the first place, never founded on creed or principles but on political interest. Both camps collide in practically all facets of governance, and nowhere is this more apparent than in foreign policy, particularly on our relations with China and America.

Their foreign policy differences are as stark as night and day. How do they differ and which works better?

Mr. Duterte adopted a policy of appeasement towards China, coupled with overt hostility towards America. His stance remains the same today and for the most part, adopted by the Vice President. Has it been effective? Let’s put this way – we are where we are today due to the lack of deterrence on the Philippines’ part during the Duterte years.

Meekness and weakness were akin to an open invitation for China to have its way on

in 2020 ranked “third most restrictive out of the 84 countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)’s foreign direct investment regulatory restrictiveness index (FDI Index)” based on four types of restrictions – foreign equity limitations; discriminatory screening or approval mechanisms; restrictions on the employment of foreigners as key personnel and other operational restrictions.

“The restrictions are evaluated on a 0 to 1 scale (1 being the most restrictive). It is no surprise that the Philippines scored 0.374, as we have several laws restricting FDI and most of them are enshrined directly in the Constitution,” the report said.

All the investment pledges and other economic gains from the foreign trips that the President has made would come to a full stop if the problematic provisions and restrictions that businessmen and potential investors have been complaining about are not addressed. This is also a major reason why we have been losing out in terms of foreign direct investments to our neighbors in ASEAN like

Vietnam, and other countries that have a similar political system as ours, because our economic policies have been too restrictive and inflexible – not to mention outdated and unresponsive to the changing needs of a highly globalized world.

There are a lot of investment opportunities that are available to us, especially from the United States because of the strong economic and security relationship we have today.

This is underscored by the highly anticipated Presidential Trade and Investment Mission arriving in March headed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, with a toplevel delegation composed of CEOs representing over 100 companies. The trade mission is expected to open up more investment opportunities in clean energy, critical minerals, agriculture, infrastructure, innovation economy and other sectors.

Other countries are also looking at investment opportunities in the Philippines, such as Germany that is interested in the renewable energy sector. But like others, a major concern is economic

liberalization and “unclear rules” regarding foreign participation.

Several foreign chambers in the Philippines have in fact voiced their concerns, saying that the 40 percent minority ownership provision is making foreign businessmen hesitant to invest, resulting in low foreign participation in some key sectors.

As pointed out by the country’s “economic czar,” the recently appointed Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, legislators should review these laws that have become outdated, irrelevant and, more importantly, are in conflict with newer policies, because they confuse potential investors and hinder efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the Philippines.

Every time a new law is passed, five old ones need to be repealed or amended because this could result in overlapping that create confusion and worse, result in six laws that businessmen have to deal with, Go explained during a forum organized by the Anti-Red Tape Authority, adding that these old laws have generated serious concern from foreign direct investors.

Foreign businessmen and potential investors certainly welcome the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6 filed

by Senate President Migz Zubiri that seeks to start the discussion on amending specific economic provisions to the 1987 Constitution. RBH No. 6 would require concurrence from the House of Representatives, which has indicated its support for the proposal through a letter from Speaker Martin Romualdez.

There have been efforts in the past to change the Charter and repeal or amend the economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution, but these have been met with resistance and even distrust because the timing is suspicious, the initiative is surrounded by controversy and there are disagreements regarding the process – Cha-cha or people’s initiative?

Actually, the Constitution itself is silent on the mode of amendment.

I firmly believe that the issue about constitutional amendments on the economic provisions should not be dismissed but properly dissected and debated upon through a rigorous process of discussing the pros and cons. That way,

controversies as well as suspicions attached to Charter change would be assuaged, plus the hysteria that some people go into when they hear the phrase “constitutional amendments” would simmer down.

As for the continuing controversy surrounding the push for Charter change through the people’s initiative – this should be investigated to get to the bottom of the issue and must be resolved one way or another.

The bottom line is – we have to do things the right way. If we want to change certain provisions in the Constitution, it should be done properly and in a transparent manner. People should be given a chance to look into the whole issue and have the opportunity to thoroughly study the potential ramifications of any amendment to the Charter.

But definitely – changes should not be rammed down the throats of the Filipino people. (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

Campaign of disunity must be nipped in the bud our sovereign territories with impunity. So notwithstanding years of humble servitude and red carpet treatment for the Chinese, Beijing never stopped its illegal annexation and militarization of the West Philippine Sea. Mr. Duterte failed to detect that China views meekness with contempt and opportunistic lust.

The absence of pushback from the Philippine government only accelerated China’s maritime incursion. Worse, Beijing wroteoff Mr. Duterte as a “given” and saw no need to make good on its $24-billion investment pledges.

Why should they when China’s interest was already being served? Mr. Duterte showed his personal bias too early and the Chinese took advantage of it. It was an amateur move.

So with Mr. Duterte’s policy of appeasement, we ended up with an occupied West Philippine Sea and nearly no economic benefits from China to show for it.

Marcos’ China policy The Marcos government understands that a country need not be pro-China or pro-America, exclusively.

Relationships between nations are nuanced, depending on where the

country’s best interests lie. So while the Marcos government pursues vibrant economic and cultural relations with China, it also pursues defense alliances with like-minded countries.

Marcos’ parameters are clear in as far as our relationship with China and the WPS are concerned. He clearly defined them during the recently concluded ASEAN Summit in Jakarta. They are as follows: That the Philippines condemns the illegal grab and militarization of the WPS; that the Philippines and like-minded nations will not allow the peaceful order in the disputed waters to be disrupted by a country with hegemonic ambitions; that the use of coast guards and maritime militia for coercive activities is a cause for escalation; that peace and stability in the maritime domain can only flourish in a regime anchored on the rule of law; that UNCLOS is the primordial framework within which activities in the maritime domain are to be conducted; that there is a need for a code of conduct among nations; that actions, not words, are the ultimate measure of our collective commitment to ensure peace in the WPS.

Early in his presidency, President Marcos declared that he will not allow a single inch of Philippine territory to be subsumed by China.

Neither would he allow the Philippines to be bullied. He also acknowledges the validity of the 2016 arbitral ruling of ITLOS. The position of the Marcos government is consistent with the will of the people. A recent survey by the Stratbase Institute revealed that 79 percent of Filipinos choose the US as its ally in the West Philippine Sea row. Further, 80 percent of the population consider the protection of fishing rights in the disputed waters a top priority.

The same supermajority say that the Philippines must not engage with China on security sensitive industries like telecommunications.

The Philippines was right to expand the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) as it gives both credence and substance to the Mutual Defense Treaty between America and the Philippines. Look at it from America’s perspective – why should they stand in the Philippines’ defense if its own government is pro-China, hostile

to the West and unwilling to capacitate the US in fulfilling its defense commitments to its allies. Expanding EDCA shows that our values are aligned.

Similarly, the ratification of multilateral defense agreements with like-minded countries like Japan, Australia and South Korea are indications that the Philippines is among nations who espouse the rules-based global order and a free and open Indo-Pacific. EDCA and the rest of our defense alliances serve as effective deterrence against China’s aggression.

Marcos’ foreign policy opened the floodgates of international support for the Philippines’ cause. It resulted in closer cooperation with countries like Canada, the UK and the EU, for whom we will do well to ratify an EDCA with. It also caused China to view the Philippines not as a “given” but with respect.

Sowing disunity There are forces trying to divide the country. Trolls associated with Mr. Duterte are back on social media in full force. Masquerading as political commentary, the trolls criticize Marcos’ foreign policy with such rancor that their intent to

discredit, destabilize and divide is obvious.

What’s alarming is that the trolls propagate China’s narrative, untrue as they are, and force-feed them to the unsuspecting public. They have gone so far as to blame our own government and countrymen for the bullying we suffer and for escalating tensions with China.

The trolls are causing confusion and dividing the nation and this posts grave threats to national security. It is so dangerous that it deserves a Senate and/or congressional inquiry… because a divided nation will never prosper amid the security challenges we face against China. It will make us weaker in a situation where we are already at a disadvantage.

This treasonous campaign must be nipped in the bud. (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.

***

Email: andrew_rs6@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan

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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House leaders to snub Senate probe on People’s Initiative

by Cristina Chi Philstar.com

POURING. Continuous heavy rains batter Davao City on Tuesday, Jan. 30. The weather bureau said the trough of a low-pressure area is affecting Mindanao.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Deeper devotion of faithful seen as Quiapo Church now a national shrine MANILA – Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna on Tuesday, January 30 expressed hope that the elevation of the Quiapo Church to a national shrine will inspire more Catholics to develop an even more intense devotion.

“We expect more people to be drawn to our very popular Quiapo Church, which had created a huge religious and cultural impact on the nation as a whole, even bridging the gap between societal classes particularly during the holding of the annual ‘Traslacion’, easily the most deeply-revered religious event in the country,” she said in a statement.

Lacuna added that even before the official declaration, the Quiapo Church or Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, had long been esteemed as a shrine not only by Manila residents and devotees of the Black Nazarene but also by the Catholic faithful both here and abroad.

During Monday's rites, January 29, Msgr. Bernardo Patin, secretary-general of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), handed over to Quiapo Church rector Fr. Jun Sescon the decree that now classifies the basilica as a national shrine during the solemn declaration which was

Quiapo Church

attended by over 70 bishops, other members of the clergy and devotees.

Canonically known as the Saint John the Baptist Parish, the Quiapo Church was recognized

by Pope John Paul II in 1987 as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene for its cultural impact on the religiosity of Filipinos.

It has become world-famous for drawing millions of devotees during the holding of the procession of the Black Nazarene every Jan. 9.

During its 126th plenary assembly in Aklan in July last year, the CBCP has decided and subsequently announced that

PNA file photo by Joan Bondoc

from being an archdiocesan shrine, the Quiapo Church will be officially declared as a national shrine on Jan. 29, 2024.

It approved Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula’s petition to designate the home of the centuries-old image of the Black Nazarene as the nation’s 29th national shrine.

A national shrine is a Catholic Church or other sacred place which has met certain requirements, and is given the honor by the national episcopal conference in recognition of the church's special cultural, historical, and religious significance. (PNA)

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MANILA — House Majority Leader Manuel Dalipe on Monday, January 29 turned down the Senate’s invitation for House lawmakers to attend its committee hearing on the alleged vote-buying practices of those behind the People’s Initiative (PI) campaign, saying that one senator is out to implicate House members.

“While we appreciate Senator Marcos' open invitation to the Senate probe, it seems we in the House have our hands full crafting legislation aimed at enhancing the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” Dalipe said in a press conference.

“Perhaps while we focus on building bridges, others seem more inclined to hunt for witches,” the House majority leader added.

This comes after Sen. Imee Marcos — the president’s sister — extended an open invitation for House members to attend the Senate probe, saying that the inquiry would be an opportunity for them to "defend" themselves.

While House Speaker Martin Romualdez has repeatedly distanced himself from the ongoing PI campaign to change the 1987 Constitution, Marcos said last week that the House leader “definitely” orchestrated the campaign and offered a P20 million reward for each legislative district that clinches enough signatures.

In response, the House leader said in a press conference that Marcos got her information through gossip (“Nagma-marites siguro”) and challenged the senator to prove her claim to “whatever court.”

Marcos earlier filed a Senate resolution seeking a probe into allegations of “signature buying” and misrepresentation in the PI campaign, which the Commission on Elections (Comelec) suspended on Monday.

On Monday, Dalipe confirmed that House members will not be attending the hearing of the Senate committe on electoral reforms and people’s participation, which Marcos will preside on Tuesday, January 30.

“But rest assured, should our legislative schedule allow, we'd be more than willing to engage in fruitful discussions,

preferably ones that construct, not deconstruct, our collective efforts for national progress,” Dalipe added.

The petition being circulated for the PI campaign seeks to allow Congress to convene in a constitutional assembly and vote jointly on changes to the Charter, giving the House of Representatives an advantage as they outnumber the 24-member Senate.

The PI campaign has been widely criticized by opposition lawmakers in the upper and lower chambers who have raised concerns over its legitimacy, purpose and timing. The speed in which hundreds of signatures have been turned over to the Comelec for verification, said Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers), betrays its "fake" and coordinated character.

In the lower chamber, the Makabayan bloc has called for a similar probe on the PI signature drive after lawmakers received reports that people are being enticed to sign the petition in exchange for government aid.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte and his supporters held a prayer rally in Davao City on Sunday to oppose all ongoing attempts to change the Charter.

Marcos was present during the event.

House ‘welcomes’ Comelec suspension Comelec Chairperson George Garcia on Monday said the poll body was halting all activities related to the PI “until we are able to review, enhance, and add something to our existing rules," referring to Comelec Resolution 10650, or the revised rules and regulations governing the conduct of initiative related to the Constitution.

Dalipe and other House leaders said that they “welcome” the Comelec’s decision.

In particular, House Senior Deputy Speaker Dong Gonzales said that with the suspension of the PI, senators “will no longer have anything to say” and would clear the way for the passage of the Resolution of Both Houses (RBH 6).

The Senate's RBH 6 seeks to limit amendments to the Charter to specific economic provisions related to foreign ownership.

After the Senate unanimously

opposed the PI campaign, Romualdez reached out to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to express the lower chamber’s support for RBH 6 and an alternative Senate-led PI. g

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID LACMTA will receive bids for C120183 - Landscaping and Tree Maintenance Services - Regional Connector Transit Corridor at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

A Pre-Bid conference will be held on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, 11:00 a.m., at One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Virtual Meeting: Online. This project is a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) SetAside contract. To participate in this IFB, bidders must be SBE certified with LACMTA prior to proposal due date. For information on the Set-Aside program, visit: https://business. metro.net/VendorPortal/faces/ home1/certifications All Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by LACMTA, and must be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, March 11, 2024, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received later than the above date and time will be rejected and returned to the bidder unopened. Each bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. C120183.

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https:// business.metro.net or for further information email Roli Khanna at khannar@metro.net.

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13 Fil-Am chefs named James Beard Awards semifi fin nalists S

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

EVERAL Filipino American chefs are in the running for the 2024 James Beard Awards as the James Beard Foundation announced its Restaurant and Chef Awards semifinalists on Thursday, Jan. 25.

The James Beard Awards are among the nation’s most prestigious culinary honors, recognizing the outstanding and talented leaders making their mark on American food. The awards celebrate excellence across a range of experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and emerging talents to established luminaries.

Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura in Charleston is in the running for the Emerging Chef Award, given to “a chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come while contributing positively to their broader community.”

Chef Nikko moved to the United States from the Philippines in 2011 and worked as a nurse. Driven by his passion for Filipino cuisine, he decided to transition to a career in cooking. In 2018, Chef Nikko made the move to Charleston, taking significant steps in his culinary path that in early 2019, he founded Mansueta’s Filipino Food to share his love for Filipino cuisine with the community.

Cagalanan achieved recognition as the Best Filipino Restaurant in South Carolina

Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura (Charleston)

Aaron Verzosa of Archipelago (Seattle)

Photo from Instagram/@nikko_cagalanan

Photo from Archipelago Seattle

by Food & Wine magazine, coupled with the prestigious title of Chopped Champion in November. Last year, he opened Kultura, a personal space where he can welcome guests and collaborate with chefs from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to showcase their own cultures through the art of food.

Aaron Verzosa, co-owner and chef of Seattle restaurant Archipelago, is one of the “Outstanding Chef” nominees.

Last year, Verzosa, was a semifinalist for Best Chef:

Northwest and Pacific.

Kaya, a contemporary Filipino restaurant situated in Orlando, is up for the Best New Restaurant Award. This accolade is dedicated to recognizing recently opened restaurants that showcase outstanding excellence in cuisine and hold the promise of making a significant impact in the years to come. Kaya is run by Chef Lordfer Lalicon and Jamilyn Bailey, who expressed their profound gratitude for the nod on their Instagram account,

stating, “What an incredible honor and testament to the hard work and love of the village that lifts us. We are humbled to represent our culture and our city in this special way.”

Kimmie and Josh Mcintosh of Milkfish Bakeshop in Las Vegas are in the Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker category.

The couple started Milkfish as a pop-up bakeshop to uplift Filipino culture through heritage, technique, and ingredients.

Among their offerings are Ube Halaya Babka, Cashew Coco Jam Sticky Buns, Pandan Tres Leches Cake, and Carioca Skewers.

Chefs Melissa Miranda of Musang (Seattle) and Sheldon Simeon of Tiffany’s (Wailuku) got another nod for the Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific along with Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord (Los Angeles) and Tara Monsod of Animae (San Diego) for Best Chef: California.

“I am floored and humbled to be a semifinalist. I’m proud of the work my team has done and grateful for the support from the community. To be able to create the food I want and push the culture forward means the world to me,” Monsod said. “The San Diego food scene deserves to be recognized and I’m proud to represent.”

As a BIPOC LGBTQ chef in her first Executive Chef role, Tara Monsod’s emphasis on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment extends into every facet of operating Animae. In addition to fostering a diverse team which reflects her drive for a more inclusive industry, Chef Tara has proven herself as an outstanding leader in San Diego’s booming culinary scene by producing a menu filled with complex and delightful dishes that highlight her identity as a first-generation Filipino American.

Offering guests a journey into her upbringing, Monsod’s food displays a heightened sense of refinement, showcasing expertly prepared dishes from across Asia. Tara is proud to lead a restaurant that serves a community that represents the second-largest Filipino American population of any county in the nation—for many Filipino families, Animae is the first fine dining establishment where they have felt truly at home.

Chris Mauricio of Harana

Lordfer Lalicon and Jamilyn Bailey of Kaya (Orlando)

Kimmie Mcintosh of Milkfish Bakeshop (Las Vegas)

Photo from Instagram/@chef.lordfer.lalicon

Photo from Instagram/@milkfish.bakeshop

Chefs Melissa Miranda of Musang (Seattle) Photo from Instagram/@meltronica

Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord (Los Angeles)

Sheldon Simeon of Tiffany’s (Wailuku) Photo from Instagram/@chefwonder

Tara Monsod of Animae (San Diego)

Photo from Instagram/@cheflordmaynard

Photo by Matt Furman

Market (Accord) is a semifinalist for Best Chef: New York State while Erik Bentz and Elaine Uykimpang Bentz of Cafe Mochiko (Cincinnati) and Joe Fontelera of Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant (Chicago) are duking it out for Best Chef: Great Lakes.

The husband-and-wife team of Mark and Jennifer Berdin of Kadence (Orlando) are up for Best Chef: South.

These chefs were recognized for setting high standards in their culinary skills and leadership abilities and are making efforts to help create a sustainable work culture in their respective regions

while contributing positively to their broader community.

Harana Market, formerly of Woodstock recently moved to its bigger location in Accord. Their lease in Woodstock ended and since they have been growing since they opened, Chris and Eva decided to expand. They have since become the go-to Filipino spot in the Hudson Valley area.

The announcement was a big surprise that they did not expect, almost three years to the day of their first service, according to the Instagram post of Harana Market.

“Regardless of what happens in the next round, this is a significant win for Filipino food and culture. It’s also a win for generations of our family. As you probably know by now, the food Chris makes is as they learned it from their Grandma who learned it from her ancestors and it’s how we eat it around our table if you were to ever come visit our home. That Chris can make it to this world-renowned list without compromising or conforming, and remaining true to their food, flavors, and culture is outstanding,” the post further said.

This year’s winners will be celebrated at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards ceremony on June 10 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional talent in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.

Founded more than 30 years ago, the James Beard Foundation “celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive,” according to its announcement.

Joe Fontelera of Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant (Chicago)

Photo from Instagram/@joefontelera

Chris Mauricio of Harana Market (Accord)

Photo from Instagram/@haranamarket

community

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 31, 2024

Manila International Film Festival jurors revealed, more stars confirmed Who will win in the first MIFF Awards?

AS the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) starts Monday, January 29, the exciting first overseas edition of the long-running Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) revealed its Bing Loyzaga and Janno Gibbs Photo from Instagram/@jannolategibbs jury members and announced that more stars are confirmed to attend from the Philippines.

The 2024 MIFF prizes will be given in a star-studded closing night awards gala on February 1 at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Blvd. The event caps the MIFF whose screenings of the 10 entries in the recent Metro Manila Film Festival During the interview, Gibbs will run through February 1 at

By HannaH Mallorca emphasized that Valdez was the TCL Chinese Theaters on Inquirer.net staying with him because his Hollywood Blvd.

THE death of screen parents parted ways “late last The jury, composed of veteran Ronaldo Valdez year.” He, however, opted to accomplished Filipino Americans appeared to have left a not disclose the cause of their in film, will decide the winners permanent scar on Janno separation. in nine categories. The MIFF Gibbs, but he said it was a “They separated late last awards are separate and moment that prompted him year. I asked my Dad to stay independent from the MMFF and his wife Bing Loyzaga to with me para hindi siya magawards given in the Philippines sleep in the same bedroom. isa (so he wouldn’t be alone). last December.

Gibbs revealed that he Either way, I would’ve asked my The following are the MIFF and Loyzaga used to sleep in mom also but she had a place awards categories: separate bedrooms so they to stay,” he said. “I told my Best Picture – The winner wouldn’t take their different dad, ‘Sa akin ka na mag-stay will be given the opportunity sleeping habits against each para alagaan kita (Stay with me to make a U.S.-based feature other in an interview with so I can take care of you).’” film co-produced by Birns & Philippine Entertainment Portal Gibbs also shared that he Sawyer, which will award up to in 2020. But he clarified their and his family are now “staying $100,000 worth of camera rental relationship is fine and it’s a set- somewhere else” since Valdez’s equipment with the support of up they both agreed upon. death. Despite this, he pointed other industry gear vendors.

But since his father’s out that he “never lost value” Founded in 1954, Birns & death in December 2023, the for his wife even if they used to Sawyer has served filmmakers singer-comedian shared that sleep apart. in Hollywood for over 60 years. his relationship with Loyzaga “Even though we weren’t With Mari Acevedo at the helm, “drastically changed,” almost to in this condition, kahit noong Birns & Sawyer believes in the point where they decided separate pa kami ng units, I lifting up the next generation to sleep in the same bedroom. never lost value for Bing. She’s of Filipino content creators, “It has drastically changed. always been a great woman. filmmakers and their stories.

We are now sleeping together.

She’s always been a great wife.

Special Jury Prize – A special You see, the one who saw my Kahit na hindi kami okay (Even award to be decided by the jury, dad’s state, that horrible state if there are times when we’re given to a film that deserves was me and Bing,” he said. not okay), she would take care recognition.

This made the longtime of me,” he said.

Best Director couple realize that they couldn’t Gibbs has been married to Best Actor be apart from each other.

Loyzaga since 1990. They have Best Actress “[Bing and I] cannot sleep two daughters named Alyssa Best Supporting Actor alone now for a long time. I and Gabby.

Best Supporting Actress have to come back right away.

The singer-comedian Best Screenplay Ako rin, hindi niya rin pwedeng appeared in an episode of Best Cinematography iwanan (Me too, she can’t leave noontime show “Eat Bulaga” to Through a partnership me alone). The whole family, promote his new film “Itutumba with Birns & Sawyer, the Best the kids, they don’t want to be Ka ng Tatay Ko” which is said to Picture, Best Director and Best alone,” he said. be his directorial debut.

Screenplay winners will each

Janno, Bing grow closer after Ronaldo Valdez’s death

In MIFF, the first and biggest gathering of Filipino stars in Los Angeles, Piolo Pascual, John Arcilla, Eugene Domingo, Dingdong Dantes, Alden Richards, Enchong Dee, Cedrick Juan, Beauty Gonzalez, Janella Salvador and Christopher de Leon are among the stars confirmed to attend the inaugural festival from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2. Filipino American stars, filmmakers and creatives are also expected at the closing night awards gala.

receive the latest version of Final Draft software (a $250 value).

The two other MIFF honors are the Audience Award, voted on by MIFF moviegoers at the screenings, given to a movie that gets the highest score, and the Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award (Hilda Koronel, previously announced).

The distinguished MIFF judges are: Marie Jamora (head of the jury) Marie Jamora is one of the first Filipinos in the Directors Guild of America (DGA), having directed episodes of QUEEN SUGAR (OWN), FIRE COUNTRY (CBS), THE RESIDENT (FOX), GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES (Paramount+), and both seasons of THE CLEANING LADY (FOX). She was an executive producer and the director of both seasons of FAMILY STYLE (HBO Max).

Mari Acevedo In a pivotal moment in the 70-year history of Birns & Sawyer, one of the oldest and most well-known motion picture camera rental and sales companies in Hollywood, Mari Acevedo led the transition to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in 2019, empowering

the dedicated team that contributed to the company’s success. The subsequent year marked another historic milestone as Marie assumed the position of CEO, becoming the first female leader in the company’s impressive 66-year history.

Leah Anova Leah Anova is a director of photography whose numerous projects have received significant recognition, including her latest feature documentary film, EVERY BODY, directed by Academy Award nominee, Julie Cohen, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and was distributed by Focus Features.

EVERY BODY was shortlisted by NYDOC for the 2023 Oscars.

The film is currently playing on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Peacock.

Reggie Lee Reggie Lee starred as Sgt. Wu on NBC’s hit sci-fi police drama GRIMM. Most recently, Reggie starred as Head Deputy District Attorney Thomas Choi on CBS’s ALL RISE and as Angelo Soto on Netflix’s LINCOLN LAWYER. Before GRIMM, he was best known for his role as Secret Service Agent Bill Kim on the popular FOX show PRISON BREAK.

Coming up, Reggie can be seen in the new season of CSI: VEGAS on CBS as Undersheriff Bobby Zhao. He has also recurred and guest starred in countless TV shows and has performed on Broadway.

David Maquiling David Maquiling made his feature film debut as the Writer/Director of TOO MUCH SLEEP, for which he won an Independent Spirit Award nomination, was featured in Variety’s annual “Someone to Watch” article, and earned the IFP Project Involve Fellowship.

David was recently appointed the Academic and Artistic Director of the School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) Summer Program at USC. He is also a faculty member at SCA, where he is the Lead Faculty for USC’s SCA Neighborhood Academic Initiative (NAI) Filmmaking Workshop for underrepresented high school students.

Sumalee Montano Sumalee Montano was originally an investment banker and is now an actor-producer.

Onscreen, she has worked extensively in film and television, including series regular and leading film roles. She got her start in ER, recurring as the first Continued on Page 11

10 community The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 31, 2024

Dealing with assets omitted in a divorce case Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth uRsuA Reyes YOU and your spouse may have gone through a lengthy and contentious divorce proceeding. This is usually the most difficult period of a person’s life. Finally, time heals all pain. You and your spouse get tired of bickering and being mean to one another that you both decide to compromise each other positions and resolve all issues in your divorce case through settlement. Shortly thereafter, the divorce judgment is finally entered by the Court and you get a sigh of relief. Later you discovery that “Oops!,” your ex-spouse had community asset and/or debt that was left out of the divorce judgment.

This may be a pension, retirement account, a hidden bank account, or a piece of real estate property which was not divided in the judgment.

What is one to do in this situation? The answer can be found in California Family Code §2556.

California Family Code §2556 provides “In a proceeding for dissolution of marriage, for nullity of marriage, or for legal separation of the parties, the court has continuing jurisdiction to award

community estate assets or community estate liabilities to the parties that have not been previously adjudicated by a judgment in the proceeding.”

California Family Code §2556.

Even if the parties did not expressly reserve jurisdiction on that piece of asset, the Court retains the power to divide a specific property if there is a community interest in it.

The Court’s “continuing jurisdiction” over omitted community estate assets or debts is invoked by filing a post judgment Motion, or Request for Order in the divorce case. Family Code §2556 provides “A party may file a postjudgment motion or request for order in the proceeding in order to obtain adjudication of any community estate asset or liability omitted or not adjudicated by the judgment.” The postjudgment partition of the unadjudicated community estate claims is properly entertained by the court even absent an express reservation of jurisdiction in its prior judgment. Marriage of Moore & Ferrie (1993) 14 CA4th 1472, 1483, 18 CR2d 543, 549, fn. 9. The postjudgment motion is available to any omitted asset or debt not adjudicated by the divorce judgment. However, Family Code §2556 does not extend to division and adjudication of any separate property. Marriage of Klug (2005) 130 CA4th 1389, 1396, 31 CR3d 327, 331–332.

If an asset was partially

omitted, the Court can still divide and adjudicate the portion that has been omitted postjudgment under family code §2566. Community Property adjudicated under § 2556 shall be divided equally “unless the court finds upon good cause shown that the interests of justice require an unequal division of the asset or liability.” Family Code §2556. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com Visit our website at kenreyeslaw.com.

ManilaTimes.net

FILIPINA celebrity Anne Curtis is currently the cover girl of an Australian publication in a feature titled, “Screen Queen: The Australian TV and film mega-celebrity you’ve never heard of.”

EMPLOYMENT

GREETINGS from MSEUF Alumni Association of California!

To all alumni and guests please be informed that we

Curtis, born and partly raised in the Australian state of Victoria appeared on Saturday’s edition of “Good Weekend.”

“In the Philippines, Anne Curtis is the mega-celebrity Australia doesn’t know it has: mobbed in the streets of Manila and more popular than Taylor Swift. For the film and TV Continued on Page 11

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will be hosting MSEUF Grand Reunions in the US this coming August 29, 2024 (Thursday) thru September 1, 2024 (Sunday), culminating with Dinner/Dance

on August 31, 2024 (Saturday).

Venue: South Point Hotel an Casino 9777 Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89183

Is bankruptcy a good idea if you need to get out of debt?

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon

INDIVIDUALS who have accumulated excessive debt are often left to ponder whether they should file bankruptcy to get out of debt. Sometimes, these people feel that somehow, they’ve lost, failed, or that they will never have a chance to rebuild their credit again. Because we are living in a society where having a lot of credit cards has become the norm, they can’t imagine themselves without credit cards.

Of course, the truth is that credit cards only give us a sense of false security. Why? Because these plastic cards create the illusion of having money that you really don’t have in your bank account, that’s why. That is exactly how most people end up spending their money before they even earn it. And they wonder why they are broke every pay day, no matter how hard they work.

If you find yourself overextended and have tried living on a budget, doing financial (Advertising Supplement)

Anne’s star finally begins to shine Down Under

By Aric John Sy cuA

MSEUF Alumni Association of California to host grand reunions

counseling, etc. and still have not made great progress in repaying your debts, I applaud you at least for your efforts.

However, your plan must be a realistic one or you will simply end up getting frustrated.

When you have incurred more debt that you can possibly repay, perhaps filing bankruptcy may be the only way to get debt relief. And in most cases, it’s not as complicated and as bad as what your creditors would like you to believe. As a matter of fact, most of the hundreds of thousands of people who file for bankruptcy in the United States do just fine. They rebuild their credit after a few years and a lot of them are able buy homes just like everyone else. Filing for bankruptcy doesn’t have to be the end of the world. It is only a new beginning for those who really need it.

Suppose you have attempted to negotiate with your creditors to work out an affordable repayment plan, but they simply would not work with you. Although you’ve told them repeatedly that you cannot afford to pay the entire amount, they refuse to cooperate and continue to threaten you with filing a lawsuit, obtaining a judgment, and perhaps even garnishing

your wages (which you know you cannot afford). What else can you do? This may leave you no other option but to seek debt relief through our federal bankruptcy laws.

If you are drowning in debt, don’t wait until things get worse or you may regret not having acted sooner.

Waiting until the last minute also doesn’t give you enough time to find a good attorney who can protect your interests.

Remember that like doctors, not all lawyers are the same.

You need a competent legal representative who understands the debt collection and bankruptcy laws and has had experience in handling a lot of cases like yours. Hiring the wrong attorney can only make your situation worse. ***

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

The importance of estate planning for Filipino Americans considered in estate planning to avoid future conflicts.

The Legacy • Tax considerations: Lawyer Navigating the tax implications in both the U.S. and the Philippines is critical. This includes understanding estate Atty. mARivel taxes, gift taxes, and other ZiAlcitA fiscal aspects that affect asset distribution.

• Legal requirements in IN Filipino culture, discussing topics like death and inheritance California: Compliance with California’s legal requirements, is often avoided. This cultural including having a valid will norm can lead to a general lack and possibly setting up trusts, of awareness and reluctance is essential for a sound estate in estate planning. However, plan. it’s vital for Filipino Americans Steps for effective estate to overcome these cultural planning hesitations to ensure their and • Initiate conversations: their family’s future financial Begin by discussing estate security and peace of mind. planning with your family. This Estate planning is crucial is crucial for understanding for safeguarding one’s legacy everyone’s wishes and and ensuring that your wishes addressing cultural discomfort are respected after your around the topic. passing. This is especially • Asset Inventory: Compile important for Filipino Americans a detailed list of your assets, who often have extended including those in the families, including relatives Philippines. This is a critical step in the Philippines, which can in forming the basis of your complicate asset distribution. estate plan.

Key components of estate • Seek professional advice: planning Consult with experts familiar • Assets in the Philippines: with both U.S. and Philippine Many Filipino Americans own estate laws, including attorneys, property or other assets in tax advisors, and financial the Philippines. It’s essential planners. to understand how these are • Draft a will and consider governed by Philippine law and trusts: Ensure you have a legally how to incorporate them into a binding will. Trusts can also U.S. estate plan.

• Complex family structures: be an effective tool for asset protection and tax benefits.

Filipino families often involve • Regularly update your complex relationships, plan: Estate plans should be including extended family and dynamic, reflecting changes in godparents, which should be

EMPLOYMENT

your life, family, and assets.

Estate planning is a vital process for Filipino Americans to protect their legacy and ensure their wishes are carried out. By understanding our unique needs and taking proactive steps, we can secure our family’s future. It’s not just about planning for death; it’s about planning for life and the welfare of those we hold dear. ***

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Atty. Marivel Zialcita has been an attorney for over 20 years and is the founder of MMZ Law, A Professional Corporation. Atty. Zialcita is a frequent speaker on trust and estate matters for the National Business Institute and contributing editor to Continuing Education of the Bar. She currently sits on the Board for her alma mater, California Western School of Law Alumni Board, the Estate Planning Council of Pomona Valley, and Aging Next. In 2018, Atty. Zialcita brought in Atty. Soo Myland as Partner at MMZ Law. MMZ Law offers a variety of services which includes trust and estate, elder law, Medi-Cal asset protection planning, veterans’ affairs benefits, conservatorship, special needs, trust administration, and probate.

To contact MMZ Law, call (909) 2566702. Visit www.mmzlawyer.com for more details. None of the information presented above should be considered as establishment of a lawyer-client relationship and is not intended to give legal advice for specific situations.

(Advertising Supplement)

Manila International Film...

From Page 9 Filipina nurse, Duvata Mahal.

Sumalee currently stars as Tala Bayani in THE DEAL, a motherdaughter sci-fi story that she based on her own Filipina mom and produced with Dean Devlin.

She has produced or executive produced eight films to date, including NANNY, Grand Jury Prize winner at Sundance 2022.

MIFF will see the biggest gathering of Filipino movie stars and filmmakers in Los Angeles. MIFF, whose mission is to showcase, promote and help uplift Philippine cinema, has invited the filmmakers and stars behind the 10 films. The talents from the Philippines will attend various MIFF events, including Q&As and personal appearances at select screenings, at the TCL Chinese Theatres.

The 10 films debuting in America at MIFF are: Jun Robles Lana’s “Becky and Badette,” starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang; Lemuel C. Lorca’s “Broken Heart’s Trip” (Christian Bables); Nuel Naval’s “Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story)” (Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards); Zig Dulay’s “Firefly” (Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell); Pepe Diokno’s “GomBurZa” (Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero and Cedrick Juan); King Palisoc’s “(K)Ampon” (Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay); Derick Cabrido’s “Mallari” (Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador); Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Penduko” (Matteo Guidicelli and Kylie Verzosa); Mae Cruz-Alviar’s “Rewind” (Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes); and Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa and Christopher de Leon’s “When I Met You in Tokyo” (Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon).

In a partial list of confirmed talents coming from Manila, John Arcilla, the first Filipino actor to win the Volpi Cup for best actor in the 2021 Venice Film Festival (for Erik Matti’s “On the Job: The Missing 8”), Piolo Pascual, Eugene Domingo, Dingdong Dantes, Alden Richards, Enchong Dee, Beauty Gonzalez, Janella Salvador, Ysabel Ortega, Christian Bables and Christopher de Leon lead the talents who will grace the screenings and Q&As of the 10 films, the closing night awards gala and other events in the fiveday film festival.

Also scheduled to attend the MIFF are the Film Development

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 31, 2024

Anne’s star finally begins to...

Revealed. The 2024 MIFF jurors, composed of six accomplished Filipino Americans in film, are: Marie Jamora (head of the jury), Mari Acevedo, Leah Anova, Reggie Lee, David Maquiling and Sumalee Montano. Their votes in nine categories will be announced in an exciting, starstudded closing night awards gala on Feb. 2 at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Blvd.

Council of the Philippines’ (FDCP) Tirso Cruz III and Jose Javier Reyes, chairman and consultant, respectively. FDCP is the national film agency offering incentive programs to international co-productions and offshore productions in the Philippines.

The MMFF will be represented by Romando “Don” Artes, chairman; Tim Orbos, executive committee member; Rochelle MacapiliOna, executive director; Irene Jose, executive committee member and COO of The Araneta Group’s entertainment unit; Boots Anson Roa-Rodrigo, actress and team member; and Noel Ferrer, spokesperson.

The LA-based MIFF founders are Omen Ortiz, chairman; Ebradu Udarbe, president; Lisa Lew, executive producer; Ruben Nepales and Janet Nepales, media relations consultants; and Celia Abaya Dy, ticketing manager. Also on the MIFF team are Leo Dela Cruz, chief financial officer; Erickson Ilog, chief operations officer;

From Page 10 star, it’s a long way from her upbringing in rural Victoria,” wrote author Margaret Simons in the introduction.

Simons went on to talk about the TV host-actress’ profile, mentioning her major breakthroughs including a several personal highlights, including her 2017 to businessman Erwan Heussaff.

“She knows Australia, but Australia doesn’t know her,” Simons wrote. “This mega celebrity, this citizen of Australia, this woman swept up by the machinery of celebrity since she was a child, now entering midlife, gives the impression of being in the process of discovering herself – of becoming more.”

“Good Weekend” also explored Curtis’ hosting of the ABS-CBN show “It’s Showtime,” her relationship with co-host Vice Ganda, and explained the concept of a Filipino noontime program to

Ron Ramores, chief marketing officer; Cindy Sison, consultant; and Meriden Angeles, coordinating producer.

Lew, a multiple Daytime Emmy-winning Filipina producer, is producing the closing night awards gala at the DGA which will also be graced by Filipino American stars, filmmakers and creatives. The gala features a red carpet, cocktails, an awards show and a dinner/after-party.

Other events promoting collaboration and cooperation between the Philippines’ filmmakers and Hollywood and beyond are also scheduled by MIFF. The complete screening schedule and ticket information are available on MIFF’s website: https:// manilainternationalfilmfest.com/.

The TCL Chinese Theatres is located on the third level of Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland), 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, Anne Curtis is cover girl of the January 27of CA 90028. The DGA is located the edition of Australian magazine “Good at 7920 Sunset Blvd., Los Weekend.”

Angeles, CA 90046.

Photo from Instagram/@annecurtissmith

Australian readers.

The feature noted that the actress-host would visit the Australian city of Melbourne twice a year, but calls the Philippines home.

Besides Curtis, other famous Filipino-Australians include X Factor winners

Marlisa Punzalan and Cyrus Villanueva, as well as former Eurovision Song Contest entrant Sheldon Riley.

According to Australia’s Home Affairs Ministry, there are 310,620 Filipino-born people living Down Under as of the end of June 2021.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - January 31, 2024

ISLAND PACIFIC FPFC