021624 - New York & New Jersey Edition

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FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 Volume 17 - No.18 • 16 Pages

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USA

DATELINE What were last year’s biggest scams?

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

ON Friday, February 9, the Federal Trade Commission released data showing that nationwide fraud losses topped $10 billion in 2023 — 14% more than 2022.

Nevertheless, the dramatic loss owes less to more reports than to more money being lost to each scam per these reports.

At an Ethnic Media Services briefing that morning, FTC officials discussed new trends in top scams, and why learning about and reporting scams is so crucial to protecting consumers.

Top scams of 2023 Last year’s $10 billion in reported losses, compared to $9 billion in 2022, was an all-time first, “but the number of reports we received in 2023 did not increase dramatically,” said Maria Mayo, Acting Associate Director for the Division of Consumer Response and Operations in the FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection.

“One in four consumers reported losing money with a median loss of $500 per consumer,” she continued.

Research shows that less than 5% of consumer fraud victims report at all.

The most common scam category was imposters “pretending to be a trusted entity like a business, a government agency, a family member or a romantic interest”; number two was online shopping

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

Cha-cha: No for framers, yes for foreign chambers

by Marlon raMos, Tina g. sanTos Inquirer.net

MANILA — Three members of the body that crafted the 1987 Constitution on Monday, February 12 opposed the plan to amend the Charter, but foreign companies operating in the country — the expected beneficiaries of the proposal — supported government efforts to ease the restrictions on foreign ownership in economic sectors

still protected by the Charter from nonFilipino investors.

These opposing views on Charter change (Cha-cha) were aired during the resumption of the hearings by the Senate subcommittee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes on Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) No. 6, which seeks to amend specific economic provisions of the Constitution.

Economist Bernardo Villegas, who headed the Committee on National Economy

and Patrimony of the 1986 Constitutional Commission, said this was not the opportune time as the government has to tackle two pressing economic conditions.

First, he said, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his economic team should address the country’s “scandalous” poverty incidence of 21 percent, currently the worst in the Southeast Asian region.

Secondly, he added, the government

u PAGE 2

VP Sara Duterte says relationship with Pres.

Marcos remains ‘okay’

SPREADING THE LOVE. Davao City Police officers, led by their chief Col. Alberto Lupaz (center), offer flowers to commuters in downtown San Pedro Street on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. The recipients, mostly female passengers, thanked the police officers for their service to the city.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, February 12, said that she and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “are okay,” despite the hostility between her family and the president.

“We have no problem with each other, President Bongbong Marcos and I are doing good, we are okay in terms of our relationship both personal and working,” Duterte told reporters in Malaysia where she is set to attend a Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Council program as its president.

However, asked about her relationship with First Lady Liza Marcos, Duterte merely responded “I have no comment as of this time.”

Duterte also said that she and Marcos have not discussed the accusations made against him by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte,

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Expert commends PH efforts to Nikko Remigio: A proud Two Pinoy nurses cared expose China actions in WPS Fil-Am on a Super Bowl team for Kate Middleton u PAGE 4

by Frances Mangosing, Melvin gascon

MANILA — Two “amazing and kind” Filipino nurses looked after the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton while she was recuperating in the hospital after abdominal surgery.

In a post on social media, Patricia Spruce of the Somerset NHS Foundation Trust mentioned that Prince William spoke of two Filipino nurses who looked after Middleton.

“Prince William said that Katherine had two Filipino nurses looking after her and they were amazing and kind,” she said. (Pia Lee-Brago/Philstar.com) n

by niMFa rueda

Inquirer.net

THE Philippines should continue its “assertive transparency campaign” to expose China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a maritime security expert said on Monday, February 12.

Since last year, the Philippines has been consistently publicizing Chinese harassment in the West Philippine Sea through

Inquirer.net

information releases and inviting journalists onboard patrol ships to report what they witness.

Ray Powell, SeaLight director at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, noted the Philippines’ new approach to counter Chinese gray zone

u PAGE 4

LOS ANGELES – Among the hot topics leading up to the Super Bowl game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, tight end rookie Nikko Remigio.

Who is Nikko Remigio?

Remigio, 25, has been on the Kansas City Chiefs’ reserve/ injured list since August last

year and returned to the field in his first pro season at the Super Bowl.

He was born on Nov. 4, 1999 to a Filipino father and a half Black, half white mother.

Growing up Asian and Black American in a predominantly white neighborhood in Orange County, California, Remigio felt different and faced racism.

In an interview with Berkeley News, Remigio said the other kids

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FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

VP Sara Duterte says relationship...

PAGE 1 nor have they addressed her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s call for Marcos to step down.

The said accusations were made during a prayer rally in Davao City where the former president said Marcos was on the government’s illegal drugs watchlist — which the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency later denied.

On the other hand, Davao City Mayor Sebastian or “Baste” in the same event also called on Marcos to resign as he criticized the policies of the current administration.

Sara, for her part, dismissed Baste’s call as “brotherly love” as she attributed Baste’s actions to the “despicable treatment” she’s been receiving from some allies of Marcos.

While the vice president has not specified who these allies were, there has been a noticeable rift between her and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

IMPORTANT VIEWS. Former Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio (center), with economist Bernardo Villegas (left) and lawyer Rene Sarmiento, both members of the 1986 Constitutional Commission that drafted the 1987 Constitution, on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, attend the Senate subcommittee hearing on the proposed amendments to the economic provisions of the Charter.

Photo by MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / Philippine Daily Inquirer

Cha-cha: No for framers, yes for...

Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo

Sara herself previously acknowledged the alleged rift between her and Romualdez, stating that even she

wonders why she is being “attacked” despite being the current administration’s ally.

(Inquirer.net)

PAGE 1 needed to secure at least $15 billion in foreign direct investments annually until the end of the president’s term in 2028.

However, Villegas agreed that the Charter needed to be modified to make the economy more attractive to foreign capital.

“I’m the first one to say that sooner or later we have to amend this very imperfect Constitution of 1987,” Villegas said at the hearing presided by Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara.

“The question right now is timing,” he stressed. “I do not think that we need Chacha today.”

Liberal investment laws Two other framers of the Constitution — lawyer Rene Sarmiento and Florangel Braid — also rejected the Charter change.

“Revising the economic provisions will not be the ‘Midas touch’ that will unlock the economic prospects and promise of the Philippines,” Sarmiento said.

According to him, altering portions of the Charter “will be the spark that can start a prairie fire of succeeding amendments concerning political, judicial, social justice and human rights provisions.”

Braid, who participated in the hearing online, said the constitutional 40-percent limit on foreign ownership of major businesses should be kept intact to protect the country’s sovereignty and security.

For retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, Cha-cha movers gave “false reasons” to blame the prohibition on full foreign business ownership for the country’s lackluster economic growth in the past four decades.

In fact, he said, the Philippines now has “one of the most liberal foreign investment laws” after the enactment in March 2022 of Republic Act No. 11659, which amended the Commonwealth-era Public Service Act. Protection by legislation The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC) supports Charter change, which groups the American, AustralianNew Zealand, Canadian, European, Japanese, and Korean chambers of commerce in the Philippines, representing more than 3,000 member companies in various industries.

“We are of the opinion that the removal of economic restrictions would facilitate increased foreign investments in sectors where such investment is currently restricted,” said Julian Payne, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, who represented the JFC during the hearing.

Payne said the JFC recognized that the government’s mandate and duty in all countries was to protect the national interest.

“That happens in every country,” he said, but noted that for most national economies, such interest was protected by the use of legislation or executive action, “not in the Constitution.”

“The advantage of using legislation or executive action is that with these forms of regulation, both legislature and or the executive can quickly adjust to changing business conditions in the international environment,” Payne pointed out.

“If the Filipino people decide to amend the

Constitution, we would actually be in favor of removing the economic restrictions from the Constitution,” added Florian Gottein, executive director of the European Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines.

Turned off by bureaucracy While he agreed with the foreign chambers, financial industry representative Eduardo Francisco, president of BDO Capital and Investment Corp., said foreign investors were turned off not by ownership limits “but by bureaucracy, red tape and corruption.”

“Just an example, for foreign investors we talked to regarding renewable energy, it still takes 167 signatures for a project to get approved. So even if we have the Renewable Energy Act, trade liberalizations and tax benefits, [the approval process] just takes so long, it takes around five years,” Francisco said.

“That’s crazy, 167 signatures,” noted Angara.

“It’s actually gone down, a few years back (the required signatures) was 250. But unfortunately, 167 is really, I agree, crazy. That’s really the real bottleneck. So even if we’re all one in wanting to have more energy that is cheaper, what’s preventing the investors from actually getting the project is all the bureaucracy,” Francisco said.

“I also agree with the foreign chamber… any change that can improve the investment (climate) in the country. But what’s more important are the lowhanging fruit[s] … if your honors can do something there, that really helps spur more investment,” Francisco said. g

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Nikko Remigio: A proud Fil-Am on a Super...

NEW LOOK. Workers repaint the quadrangle area of the Manila Police District in United Nations Avenue, Ermita on Monday, Feb. 12. It is part of the maintenance and beautification of the headquarters.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

PAGE 1 wanted to touch his hair because it was long and “super curly.”

He was also told to stay out of the sun because his skin was getting too dark.

There were more overt forms of racism, “like being called a nigger or a chink, and getting the slanted eyes gesture to my face,” he said.

Having a mixed-race identity also had its challenges. “It’s like you’re too Black for the white kids, and too white for the Black kids. And then, you’re not really Filipino because you’re only half,” he revealed.

Looking back now, Remigio realized he was learning how to deal with adversity and to “keep pushing through tough situations, knowing how to react in times of struggle and hardship.”

It was his desire for acceptance that got him interested in sports, where “you’re cherished and loved by everybody.” “It didn’t matter what race

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Nikko Remigio, a proud Fil-Am, is set to make his Super Bowl debut.

Photo from Instagram/@nikkoremigio

you were,” Remigio said.

“It made you feel like you were just like everybody else – not different.”

Remigio’s Filipino father was born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Southern California. His

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family is from Iloilo and Muntinlupa.

His mom, who is half Black and half white, is from Pontiac, Michigan.

His parents met in Santa Ana, California, in 1988.

His parents divorced when Remigio was a young child, but they have maintained a good relationship.

“I really admire the morals they instilled in me,” he said. “They were always there if we were really struggling, but gave us the space to navigate challenges by ourselves in order to fully learn what we’re capable of, and who we are.”

Remigio is proud of his heritage and representation is more important to him than winning games or making headlines.

“One of the big things not only for me — but I know for my dad and his sisters, and my grandma and grandpa — is just people being able to pronounce our last name the right way,” said Remigio (pronounced ruhme-HEE’-oh). g

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FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Expert commends PH efforts to...

FIRST STEP. The Senate Committee on Science and Technology, chaired by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano (left), approves the consolidated measures seeking to modernize the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology during the second hearing on Monday, Feb. 12, with Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol (upper right) as main resource person. Cayetano cited the importance of mapping public infrastructures along fault lines, checking lines of communication and increasing the agency’s staff through scholarship programs that would entice Filipino students to take up specific in-demand science courses such as hazard mapping.

PNA photos by Avito Dalan

What were last year’s biggest...

PAGE 1 and negative reviews; three was prizes and lotteries; four was investments; and five was business and job opportunities.

The most commonly reported form of imposter scams were business imposters, with $752 million in losses last year.

Per one example, Mayo said, “A consumer gets what appears to be a banking alert about fraudulent activity with their account and is given a number to call. The call is transferred to a fake U.S. Marshal who tells the consumer their money is in danger because of a money laundering scheme.

The consumer withdraws funds from their personal accounts and transfers them to a crypto wallet that the Marshal set up.”

Government imposter fraud was the secondmost reported type of imposter scam — in fact, losses to FTC imposters skyrocketed from a median loss of $3,000 in 2019 to $7,000 in 2023.

While investment-related fraud was number four overall, it was the category where people reported the most losses: a total of $4.6 billion with a median loss of over $7,000 for these scams, which involve transferring money to people promising to teach them how to trade stocks.

For the first time ever, “email was the most reported contact method of scammers in 2023, Mayo said. “In 2022, text was number one, but before that phone calls were always number one.”

Nevertheless, people contacted by phone reported the highest median losses of $1,480, while those contacted through social media lost the most money overall, $1.4 billion.

Regarding common methods of payment, people who paid scammers by bank transfer reported losing $1.9 billion, while those who paid by cryptocurrency lost $1.4 billion.

AI scams The FTC is increasingly worried about scammers using artificial intelligence to “turbo-charge fraud” through impersonation, said Lois Greisman, Associate Director of the FTC Division of Marketing Practices.

For instance, the scammer would get a voice clip of the victim’s aunt from social media and clone it to call the victim, saying that the aunt has “been in a terrible car accident, they’re in the hospital, there’s no insurance information, so they need you to wire thousands of dollars for life-saving surgery,” she explained.

Nor is AI limited to voice cloning scams,

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Greisman added, “but also seeping into scammers’ messages: “‘My crypto investment method works because I’ve trained the AI to beat the stock market’ — with all the hype around AI these days, that’s a very compelling claim to make.”

How, then, do you spot a scammer?

“One of the best ways is by what payment instrument they ask you to use,” said Greisman. “If they’re insisting on payment by wire transfer, gift card, payment apps or crypto, that’s a huge bright red flag … because it gives scammers the greatest measure of anonymity, and the likelihood of law enforcement being able to trace and return the money is extremely difficult.”

Why consumer reporting matters Reporting scams like these to the FTC matters because the data helps nearly 3,000 state, federal, local law enforcement entities nationwide stop fraud, and because it helps prevention outreach, Greisman continued.

“When we see, for example, spikes in gift card scams, we reach out to the industry to see what they can be doing to curb abuse of cards,” she added. “When we see text messaging becoming a frequent point of contact, we reach out to the telecommunications industry.”

People can now report frauds and bad business practices in their preferred language — and anonymously if they wish — by phone at 877-382-4357, or online in English or Spanish by going to reportfraud. ftc.gov or by emailing fraud@ftc.gov. Identity theft can be reported in one’s preferred language at 877-438-4338, or in English or Spanish at identitytheft.gov.

“To help people spot and avoid scams and identity theft and talk about what they experience, we offer information at ftc.gov/ languages” in languages including Amharic, Arabic, simplified and traditional Chinese, French, Mam, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian and Vietnamese, added Larissa Bungo, Senior Attorney at the FTC Division of Consumer & Business Education.

“While scammers are really good at what they do, knowledge is power, and the best thing we can do is try to share what we know about spotting scams,” she said. “When people report fraud, they can share as much or little as they want to. We’re interested in knowing what happened. We want to know the story.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)

PAGE 1 activities, or those below the threshold of armed conflict.

The new information campaign is a complete departure from the practice during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency of belatedly reporting or not at all disclosing incidents of harassment in the West Philippine Sea. At that time, too, the media were rarely invited to witness maritime operations firsthand.

“Starting in 2023, the Philippines really changed tactics and I think it took China by surprise. China was not expecting President Marcos to push back to this degree and definitely it was not expecting to see its activities exposed,” Powell said in an interview with ANC. Reputational costs “What the Philippines did was it turned on the camera and it turned on the lights and it let everybody see,” he said.

While this tactic may not be enough to deter China, Powell said the Philippines is strengthening the foundation for national resilience and building international support through this “strategy.”

It has also imposed reputational costs on Beijing “so that the world can see that China is in the wrong,” he added.

Powell believes the transparency campaign has increased the country’s leverage in negotiations.

China, he said, could have been unhappy with the campaign and might have asked the Philippine government at a recent meeting for the media releases and embedding of journalists to stop to ease down the tensions.

The Philippine government has not embedded journalists in Philippine resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea since the diplomats from Manila and Beijing met in Shanghai last month where they agreed to manage disputes in the South China Sea. They have been releasing updates on Chinese activities, however.

“Don’t give away your leverage,” he said.

“Ultimately, the issue here is that if you don’t have to harass our ships, there’s nothing to put on television.

You shouldn’t worry about whether there’s a camera or reporter on the ship. As they

TENSION AT SEA. This photo released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows a China Coast Guard ship making what PCG officials described as “dangerous maneuvers” during a Philippine patrol in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) off Zambales province recently.

say, ‘Don’t start none, won’t be none.’ Don’t promise we will stop releasing pictures.”

‘Information space’ Meanwhile, the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea kicked off a regional tour in La Union province on Monday to strengthen the government’s information campaign on the maritime dispute at the grassroots level.

Similar engagements are planned in other parts of Luzon as well as the Visayas and Mindanao.

“We all have a role to play in this fight for the West Philippine Sea,” Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a press briefing. “If we inform the public about the truth, they could have a better judgment and they won’t be vulnerable to fake news.”

“In this cognitive age, it’s important that we preserve the integrity of information space. That’s what we’re here for,” he said.

For its part, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) acknowledged that it has deployed the biggest vessel in its fleet, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, to beef up the country’s sea patrol and protect Filipino fishermen against attempts to prevent them from their livelihood. “[The BRP Teresa Magbanua] left on Feb. 1 and returned on Feb. 9, with the objective of delivering grocery gift packs to about 100 Filipino fishermen, who have expressed their delight over the presence of the PCG at the Bajo de Masinloc,” PCG spokesperson

Commodore Jay Tarriela said in government television program “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.”

He said the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are working to sustain the provision of supplies to the country’s fisherfolk at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) Tarriela made these assertions to dispute the China Coast Guard’s claim that it had driven out PCG vessels and Filipino fishermen at Bajo de Masinloc.

‘Dangerous maneuvers’ “The China Coast Guard (CCG) made that statement as early as Feb. 5, and with our press statement that we [released] on Sunday, Feb. 11, we are saying our vessels stayed there until Feb. 9,” he said.

The PCG on Sunday said four CCG vessels, with bow numbers 3105, 3302, 3063 and 3064, carried out “dangerous and blocking maneuvers” against BRP Teresa Magbanua four times and tried to cut its path twice.

Tarriela said the PCG regarded its mission as a success.

“According to our fishermen, they really appreciate the presence of the Philippine Coast Guard vessel because, in those instances, China’s coast guard became more concentrated on guarding against the presence of the vessels instead of harassing the Filipino fishermen,” he said. g

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OpiniOn

Features

Secessionist aspirations

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AFTER initially ignoring the call for Mindanao secession aired by his predecessor, President Marcos said it was “anchored on a false premise” and is a “sheer constitutional travesty.” Any Mindanao secession is “doomed to fail,” the president said, as he reiterated that the national territory “will not be diminished, even by one square inch.”

He subsequently emphasized that a stronger Mindanao will mean a stronger Philippines. And a critical component of a stronger Mindanao, he said, is making the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao stronger.

The BARMM sprung from secessionist aspirations of the group now in control of its government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, whose leaders have rejected the call of former President Rodrigo Duterte for Mindanao secession.

With the BARMM administration getting billions in funding from the national government, to do largely as it pleases under the autonomous arrangement, it would be counterproductive for the region to support any secessionist aspiration, especially one that springs from political warfare rather than from a genuine dream of carving out an independent state.

The MILF has been down the secessionist

path for decades, along with the original separatist group, the Moro National Liberation Front. The MNLF forged a peace pact with the government and its leaders were given autonomous control over the original ARMM. As MNLF chieftain Nur Misuari famously lamented, however, rebellion was easier than governance. He became enmeshed in corruption, and when his hold on power was threatened, he staged a mini rebellion that exacerbated the problems in Mindanao. The ARMM bred warlords led by the Ampatuans, who had the impunity to massacre 58 people in a single assault when their stranglehold on power was challenged.

Today the BARMM remains the poorest region in the country, with poverty incidence at 37.2 percent as of 2022. With the poverty are its concomitant elements: inadequate health care, malnutrition and undernutrition as well as undereducation. Armed violence

Editorial

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez IN the coming months, close to 60 countries will be having elections, but none as consequential as the elections in the United States. Additionally, the world is going through a lot of challenges that continue

ManilaTimes.net photo

remains high, keeping away tourists and investors who can be drivers of economic growth.

Transparency, accountability and good governance are critical in creating a stronger BARMM. But studies have shown a low capacity for effective governance among those in charge of the region. The regional leadership is given an overly wide discretion, with little accountability, in the utilization

of public funds, including those billions provided by the national government.

Poverty, underdevelopment and social injustice fuel desperation and drive people to take up arms. If the BARMM goes the way of the ARMM, secession can be revived in the region. Preventing this from happening is the best way to ensure that aspirations for secession will be eliminated in Mindanao.

(Philstar.com)

The world is watching: US election developments to make it difficult for many countries to recover from the pandemic, among them climate change, the war in Ukraine, the escalating conflicts in the Middle East and tensions in the IndoPacific region.

The ongoing NATO drill dubbed as “Steadfast Defender 2024” – said to be the biggest NATO military exercises since the end of

the Cold War – participated in by 31 NATO allies and Sweden involving 90,000 troops and personnel, over 1,100 combat vehicles as well as 50-plus warships and over 81 air platforms, is raising concerns about the war in Ukraine spreading across Europe.

According to Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) General

Christopher Cavoli, Steadfast Defender 2024 will demonstrate the ability of the Alliance “to reinforce the Euro-Atlantic area via transAtlantic movement of forces from North America.”

The exercises will test new defense plans and see how quickly U.S. forces could be deployed to reinforce their European allies in countries bordering Russia

and the eastern flank of the alliance. The drills, which will continue until May, “will be a clear demonstration of our unity, our strength and our determination to protect each other, to protect our values and the rules-based international order,” General Cavoli said.

The Oct. 7 attack of the terrorist group Hamas against Israel and the

consequent war in Gaza has also stoked fears that a fullscale war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah could spill over to the Middle East.

Many say that we are living in an increasingly “VUCA” world marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity – with 2024 set to be a historic, record-breaking PAGE 10

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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Bill protecting OFW remittances hurdles House panel

RIGHT AND PRIVILEGE. Voters’ registration for the 2025 national and local elections resumes at the Commission on Elections main office in Intramuros, Manila on Monday, Feb. 12. The registration period will run until Sept. 30. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

FDA chief open to medical marijuana as doctors warn of harm

By Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — The chief of the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Tuesday, February 13 that he is “very open” to the medical use of cannabis or marijuana, but doctors warned that the legalization of the substance could expose Filipinos to “unnecessary harm.”

Last week, a joint panel of the House of Representatives approved a consolidated bill that seeks to make legal the medical use of marijuana, but without removing it from the country’s list of dangerous drugs.

In a briefing Tuesday, FDA Director General Samuel Zacate expressed openness to the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

“Filipinos must have a wide range of therapeutic indications or drugs of choice. So ako for the record [...] is very much open for marijuana as long as it has been streamlined and does not pose harm to the public,” Zacate said.

Although open to considering medical marijuana, Zacate said the issue is still “subject to the wisdom of the legislative [branch].”

Under current regulations, the FDA has the authority to grant hospitals compassionate special permits for using unregistered medical products, including processed medical cannabis.

According to the United States National Institute on Drug Abuse,

tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in marijuana “has proven medical benefits in particular formulations.”

These medications are prescribed to patients undergoing chemotherapy, suffering from wasting syndrome due to AIDS, or experiencing neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis.

‘Harmful’ In a separate briefing, medical groups led by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) opposed the proposed measures to legalize cannabis for any use other than those with medical value approved by the FDA. “Although there is variability in the experience on the harms of legalizing cannabis in various states or countries, there is a clear trend towards the harmful effects that outweigh the purported benefits,” the PMA said in a statement read by neurologist Dr. Leonor Cabral-Lim. For the medical association, the proposed House measure is a “de facto bill for recreational marijuana.”

“Cannabis used as a recreational drug, and used as medicine for unproven medical indications is a dangerous drug,” it added.

PMA experts warned of potential negative impacts on brain development due to prenatal cannabis exposure.

They also pointed out the increased vulnerability of young people to developing dependency on the substance.

“The legalization of

cannabis is a step that could irreparably harm the social fabric of our nation by enabling easier access to marijuana for Filipino youth,” the PMA said.

‘Medical cannabis office’ Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who chairs the House’s dangerous drugs committee, said that the proposed legislation would not legalize marijuana as it will remain classified as a prohibited drug under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The bill also seeks to create a Medical Cannabis Office under the Department of Health, which will grant accreditation to doctors and other licenses for the medical use of cannabis.

Public health reform advocate Tony Leachon questioned adding the responsibility to the DOH. “The Department of Health is so overloaded with work.

Why would you bring that to the DOH?” he said.

During his confirmation hearing as the DOH chief, Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said he was in favor of the legalization of medical marijuana.

When asked about Herbosa’s stance on medical cannabis in September 2023, Leachon responded partly in Filipino: “If he approves medical cannabis, we don’t know who else to turn to.”

Thailand is set to urgently move a bill to ban the recreational use of cannabis after the kingdom decriminalized the substance in 2022. g

MANILA – The bill protecting the remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives.

During the hearing on Tuesday, February 13 the House Ways and Means Committee approved the substitute bill to House Bills 185, 1190, 2944, 3020, 4170, 4257, 4343, 4397 & 4469, or the proposed OFWs Remittance Protection Act. The bill provides for a 50 percent discount on OFW remittance fees imposed by banks and non-bank financial intermediaries.

In return, banks and other financial intermediaries will receive tax deductions equivalent to the discounts provided to OFWs. Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo said the original proposal included a provision

limiting the total annual tax deduction for these financial intermediaries to PHP24,000 per OFW. Salo noted that the House panel approved a motion to remove the proposed cap to further encourage OFWs to send their remittances.

“It is imperative that we lessen the cost incurred by OFWs in their remittances, which account to a staggering USD36.1 billion or 8.9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product,” Salo said.

The proposed law would also prevent these financial institutions from increasing remittance fees without prior consultation with the Department of Finance, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

Salo said this provision shields OFWs from unexpected fee increases. (PNA) n

Senate approves ‘Eddie Garcia’ bill

by Javier Joe ismael ManilaTimes.net

THE Senate approved on second reading Senate Bill (SB) 2505 or the proposed Eddie Garcia law on Monday, February 12.

Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, said that the bill aims to protect movie and television workers from abuse, extended working hours, harassment, hazardous working conditions and economic exploitation.

The measure was named after veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who died in 2019 after suffering a neck injury while shooting for a television series.

Under SB 2505, the industry worker shall be protected by their employers or principal in the workplace. Workers will be provided just wages, social security and welfare benefits, and insurance.

The worker and the employer or principal shall execute an agreement or an employment contract in a language or dialect understood by both parties.

The contract shall include the job position and status; job description; period of employment or service; details of compensation and other workers’ benefits including rate, method, and schedule of payment; authorized deductions, if

The measure was named after veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who died in 2019 after suffering a neck injury while shooting for a television series.

File photo

any; hours of work and proportionate additional payment or overtime pay; board, lodging, and medical attention and workers’ grievance mechanism among others.

The normal work hours shall be eight hours a day, which can be extended to a maximum of 14 hours, exclusive of meal periods.

In no case shall the total number of work hours be more than 60 hours in a week except for those aged 60 and above who shall be allowed, under exceptional circumstances as defined by the Tripartite Council,

to work beyond eight hours but in no case exceeding 14 hours.

The bill also provides that the minimum wage rates of workers or independent contractors shall not be less than the applicable minimum wage in the region.

The employee shall also be entitled to social security and other benefits.

Work for minors shall be governed by Republic Act 9231, or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. g

8

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Business group backs economic Cha-cha UniTeam still intact

by Bernadette e. tamayo ManilaTimes.net

THE Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (JFC) supports the move to amend the “restrictive” economic provisions in the Constitution, although some of its members are wary about the heated debate on Charter change.

Sen. Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes, heard the group’s sentiments on Monday, February 12 during the hearing on Resolution of Both Houses 6 (RBH 6) to amend some of the charter’s economic provisions.

The JFC is a coalition of the American, Australian-New Zealand, Canadian, European, Japanese and Korean chambers of commerce in the Philippines and the Philippine Association of Multinational Companies Headquarters Inc. The group represents over 3,000 companies engaged in trade and investment.

Julian Payne, Canadian Chamber of Commerce president, represented the JFC in the RBH 6 hearing together with Florian Gottein, European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines executive director.

“The Joint Foreign Chamber of Commerce supports the easing on

foreign direct investments (FDIs) wherever this is possible,” Payne said.

“We are of the opinion that the removal of economic restrictions would facilitate increased FDI in sectors where such investment is currently restricted,” he said.

Gottein said that amending the Constitution is purely a Philippine matter.

“If the Filipino people decide to amend the Constitution, we would actually be in favor of removing the economic restrictions from the Constitution,” he said.

Sen. Mary Grace Poe asked the JFC representatives whether their members are concerned over the issues surrounding Cha-cha.

Gottein replied: “We got some calls from some of our members following the news and the political debate about how this might unfold or in which direction it could actually move further. So there is some uncertainty out there. Yes.” Angara said the JFC’s input represents “different interests. Their goal is really to make profit our country. “[Let’s] Take it with a grain of salt.”

National scientist Raul Fabella said he favors the lifting of the constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership.

Fabella noted that the Philippines’ investment rate is “traditionally

the lowest among the major Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries.

“The country that invests less will over time eat the dust of countries that invest more. We have, in other words, an anti-investment culture,” said Fabella.

“The constitutional restriction on foreign ownership adds to this antiinvestment [policy], which signaled to the world our national fundamental discomfort with investors here — foreign or local,” he added.

Retired justice Antonio Carpio, who also attended the hearing, believes that constitutional amendments might not be required to open the country’s public services sector to foreign investments.

“I don’t think we need to change a single word of the Constitution to open up our services industry,” Carpio said.

Dr. Bernardo Villegas, chairman of the 1986 Constitutional Commission Committee on National Economy and Patrimony, echoed Fabella’s view.

“I’m the first one to say that sooner or later we have to amend this very imperfect constitution of 1987.

Because 1986 was not the appropriate time to write with serenity, peace and quiet the basic law of the land,” Villegas said.

Trade and Industry Undersecretary PAGE 10

9

with launch of Bagong Pilipinas – solons

MANILA – Lawmakers at the House of Representatives said on Tuesday, February 13 the UniTeam coalition led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is intact with the launch of his administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign.

In a press conference, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said the UniTeam political slogan of Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte has been “converted” into a concrete and actual plan with the launch of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign.

“VP Sara is still in the Cabinet… and she’s very, very supportive of the plans of the current administration,” he said.

Adiong also noted that Duterte came out with a statement that “she does not agree with the pronouncement of her family,” adding that “she in

fact supports the president.”

“So that is an indication that the unity, this political campaign during that time, is actually still intact in so far as putting words into political action,” he said.

La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega said governance under the Marcos-Duterte UniTeam alliance is “perfectly running” on the ground.

“Kami perfect examples, kami nasa distrito kami, nasa ground, gumagana po e, napaka-ayos po ng patakbo ng gobyerno, gumagana, so ibig sabihin nabubuo lahat ‘yun sa UniTeam (We, in the districts – those on the ground – are perfect examples of how the government runs the country effectively. It all boils down to the UniTeam),” Ortega said.

‘Yung mga pinangako nung eleksyon… the PAGE 10

10 FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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The world is watching: US election...

INTERVENTION. The Commission on Higher Education launches research program “Paglaum kag Pagdaug (Hope and Victory)” to assess the admission system and retention of students in select state universities and colleges at the CHED Auditorium in Diliman, Quezon City on Monday, Feb. 12. The initiative shall identify challenges and provide interventions to address the rising attrition rate among students, recorded at 4 out of 10 either temporarily or permanently leaving during Academic Year 2022-2023.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

UniTeam still intact...

PAGE 9 promises, nararamdaman namin sa distrito, and I’m sure ‘yung nasasakupan ko, ‘yung distrito namin nararamdaman po nila ‘yung gobyerno sa mga panahon ngayon (The campaign promises… we feel them in our districts.

And I’m sure the constituents in my district feel the presence of the government nowadays) because of what we are doing in legislation and what we are doing on the ground.”

Adiong also pointed out that the UniTeam concept is also present in the House, considering that the chamber is composed of more than 300 members from different political parties and party-list groups.

“In fact, we have delivered ‘yung mga priority legislation ng administration, ‘yung mga nasa LEDAC (Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council) na priority legislation…so, kung titingnan po natin sa perspective ng actual governance, I don’t think there is a crack in it, kasi solid po ang ating gobyerno, solid po ang legislature, sa President and the Vice President (In

fact, we have delivered the priority legislation of the administration, particularly those listed by the LEDAC… so if we use the perspective of actual governance, I don’t think there is a crack in it, because the government is solid, the legislature is solid, as well as the (relationship between) the president and vice president),” he said.

In January, the president said vice president Sara Duterte continues to enjoy his trust and confidence.

He added that the UniTeam he and the younger Duterte established when they ran in the 2022 national elections remains intact.

“I believe so because if you remember UniTeam is not just one party of two parties or three parties. It’s the unification of all political, hopefully, all political forces in the Philippines to come together for the good country,” Marcos said. “And that is still there. It is still vibrant. It is still working, and we will continue.”

The purported rift in the UniTeam alliance stemmed from the recent verbal attacks hurled against Marcos by his predecessor and the vice president’s father, Rodrigo Duterte.

(PNA)

PAGE 5 year because over 50 countries will be holding national elections that could affect the lives of over two billion voters across Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Experts say that among the consequential poll exercises are the ones in the UK, India, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Russia (although some critics claim this would be a mere “rubber stamp” activity) as well as the Taiwan elections held last January because of their potential global impact.

But the elections that people are closely watching would be the November 2024 presidential elections in the United States because the outcome would be of great consequence to the foreign policy of the U.S., which in turn could impact the situation in Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region. Obviously, the big question right now in the minds of leaders and many people across the globe is – who is going to be the next president of the United States: will it still be Joe Biden, or will the world see a Trump 2.0?

To say that developments are heating up in the U.S. political scene would be an understatement, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding the decision of the Colorado Supreme Court to disqualify former president Donald Trump from the state’s Republican primaries and remove his name from the primary ballot.

During the hearing that lasted for more than two hours, the justices – who come from both sides of the political spectrum – seemed doubtful of the legal authority of a state to disqualify candidates in a federal election by deciding who gets to appear on the ballot because of the possibility that this could lead to partisan decisions.

“I would expect that a goodly number of states will say, ‘Whoever the Democratic candidate is, you’re off the ballot’ and others, for the Republican candidate, ‘You’re off the ballot.’ And it’ll come down to just a handful of states that are going to decide the presidential election,” Chief Justice John Roberts put it, describing it to be a “pretty daunting consequence.”

Justice Elena Kagan was even more blunt in her remarks: “Why should a single state get to decide who gets to be president of the United States?”

The justices also noted that “insurrection” is a broad term, and that the language in Section 3 of the 14th amendment which bars any “officer of the United States” who has taken an oath to support the Constitution but “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from holding public office, is “vague” as it did not specify the president or vice president in the long list of elected position that the section applies to.

The justices also indicated the opinion that Section 3 cannot be applied unless Congress enacts legislation first that would allow it.

Aside from Colorado, one other state that has disqualified the former president from the presidential primary ballot is Maine, with 15 more cases having been filed in various states that include New York, Texas and Virginia.

But regardless of who becomes president, we are pleased to have friends from both sides of the aisle, continually working with them, making sure that the relationship that we have been able to sustain over the years remains strong not only in terms of security cooperation but particularly in the economic aspect.

In fact, we can expect more business activity with the United States in the coming months, such as the reinvigorated U.S.-Philippines Society with a lot of new members composed of top American companies arriving next week. Next month, we will be expecting a large U.S. Presidential Trade Mission headed by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

Without a doubt, I am extremely confident that our relationship with the United States will continue to thrive even beyond the November U.S. presidential elections. (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

Business group backs economic...

PAGE 9 Rafaelita Aldaba said the call for constitutional economic reforms “is not a call for relinquishing our national interests, but rather a strategy to align with the inevitable global economic currents.”

Reservations Senators Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros and Poe voiced reservations over the need to pursue constitutional reforms to increase FDIs. They said the Philippines is already open for business as it made strides in recent years to liberalize the economy through legislation.

“The legislation aims to define and differentiate public utilities from public services while addressing the constitutional limitation on foreign equity,” Angara said, referring to the law amending the 86-year-old Public Service Act. “The Public Service Act was really scrutinized by the Senate to make sure that it would be for the benefit of our Filipino people to improve our utilities and

other infrastructure,” Ejercito said.

He said the Senate had passed the Public Private Partnership Code Law, which is intended to improve public services, infrastructure, energy and utilities.

“So, is Charter change really needed at this point now that these two legislations were already passed?” Ejercito said.

He said that while the Philippines has fallen behind its Asean neighbors in energy and infrastructure, the country has privatized the National Power Corp. and its power generation transmission distribution to spur competition.

“So, we really have to be very careful about all these things. We cannot be rushed. We cannot put deadlines nor can we be pressured because it is not easy to amend the Constitution,” Ejercito said.

Hontiveros cautioned against the potential risks posed by future congresses giving away control of these utilities to state-owned foreign firms, which could threaten national security.

Poe, chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Services, said Cha-cha proponents should tread carefully in tinkering with the Constitution.

“Would amending the public utilities provisions in our Constitution open the economy or open a can of worms?” Poe said.

She said RBH 6 proposes opening, through legislation, all public utilities to foreign ownership, investments, and management without the constitutional protection grounded on national security and domestic interests.

The utilities include the distribution and transmission of electricity; petroleum and petroleum products pipeline transmission systems; water pipeline distribution systems, including sewerage pipeline systems; seaports; and public utility vehicles.

“Because of the nature of these natural monopolies, we needed to ensure the security and supply of these essential utilities. Are we ready to compete with them (foreign firms)? Poe said.

She said the country has made great strides in the past years, “liberalizing the economy without compromising national security or leaving behind Filipino businesses.”

Poe said that Republic Act 11659, or amended “Public Service Act (PSA),” which she authored, encouraged new players in the airports, railways, expressways and telecommunications sectors “without changing the Constitution.”

“Guided by the long line of cases decided by the Supreme Court as to what ‘public utilities’ really are, we carved out public utilities which will remain covered by the 60 percent Filipino ownership requirement from public services that were opened up by the PSA to full foreign investments,” Poe said.

She said Cha-cha proponents must think hard about whether the panacea to our economic woes lies in amending the Constitution, or in more efficient management of agencies, curbed, if not zero, corruption, and less bureaucracy. g

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

11

Stuck in the Philippines: Mommy Connie’s journey back to the US with the guidance of Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday IN 2017, Mommy Connie returned to the Philippines for a vacation and medical checkup. However, it was not until 2018 that she discovered her green card was missing. By the time it was found in 2019, it had already expired, leaving her stranded in the Philippines for an extended period, exacerbated by the global pandemic.

Concerns loomed over the potential classification of Mommy Connie’s green card as “abandoned.” The expiration of her green card posed a threat to the petition for her other daughters, a process they had been patiently waiting for a decade.

Dianne, Mommy Connie’s daughter, undertook extensive research to find a solution. Discovering the possibility of an SB-1 visa for residents who overstayed outside the U.S., the family attempted to

Dianne (left) researched all resources available to help her Mommy Connie (right) be able to return to the U.S. despite her expired green card.

secure an interview at the U.S. Embassy, only to be thwarted by pandemic-related closures.

PAGE 12

STUCK IN THE PHILIPPINES: MOMMY CONNIE RETURNS TO THE U.S. DESPITE PANDEMIC CHALLENGES AND AN EXPIRED GREEN CARD, ON A BRAND-NEW SUCCESS STORY ON CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Mommy Connie (center) is a green card holder (LPR) but returned to the Philippines in 2017 for a vacation. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, she was unable to return to the U.S. in time. The COVID-19 pandemic and an expired green card made it even more difficult to return at once. She had also petitioned her daughters, and those petitions could be in jeopardy if she “abandoned” her green card by overstaying outside the U.S. Her daughter, Dianne (left), consulted with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) after she watched an episode on Atty. Gurfinkel’s YouTube channel, U.S. Immigration TV Channel, where he discussed that there was hope for cases where green card holders were stuck in the Philippines due to COVID, and could not return. With the help of Atty. Gurfinkel, she was able to board her flight to New York and return to the U.S., where she was able to renew her green card and managed to keep the petitions for her other daughters alive. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, February 18 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

12 FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS SMOKING kills. It is that plain and simple. There is no more doubt today that tobacco (cigarette smoking) is the predominant cause of lung cancer, besides other malignancies and cardiovascular diseases that maim, kill men and women, and hurt our society, especially our children. In the United States alone, almost half a million die each year from smokingrelated illnesses. These are preventable deaths!

Demographic studies have shown that smokers are about 10 times more prone to die premature deaths than non-smokers.

This unnecessary loss of lives is at an immense direct cost for non-smokers in terms of increased health risks from passive smoking, in higher health insurance premiums and taxes, not to mention personal and family tragedies in all shapes and forms.

As we have alluded to in a past column, secondhand smoke is even more dangerous. Innocent bystanders are forced to inhale cigarette smoke at their workplaces or in public places, thus increasing their health risk. The Environmental Protection Agency engineers have shown that even the best available ventilation and air-moving equipment were unable to reduce carcinogenic (cancercausing) air contamination to a safe level for a nonsmoker sharing workspace with a habitual smoker.

Physical isolation of the tobacco addict is most essential as shown by these scientific studies.

Tobacco use leads to four times as many excess deaths annually compared to all other drugs and alcohol abuse combined, ten times more than all automobile fatalities per year, twelve times more than deaths from AIDS, and much more than all the American military casualties (in all wars) in this century put together.

That’s how dangerous and damaging tobacco is to the human body, and to society as a whole.

Lung cancer then At the beginning of the past century, lung cancer was almost an insignificant

Slow suicide

health problem for the world. It became a minor problem in the 1930s (death rate of 5 per 10,000). Today, it has become the main killer among men and women.

Since women started “really” smoking in the 1950s “because it was glamorized in ads by actresses and models as a sophisticated and fashionable habit,” lung cancer in females has increased at least six-fold, an alarming rate, with the death rate comparable to that in males. Women also have added risks: osteoporosis, thrombophlebitis (vein inflammation and blood clot formation), arthritis, infertility, cervical cancer, and menstrual irregularities.

Pregnant smokers face miscarriages, stillbirths, low-birth weight and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) babies. Almost 30,000 female lives are snuffed out every year as a result of smoking. Of the 8 million cigarette-related deaths in the world each year, about 1.2 million are due to secondhand smoke and about half are women.

It is now the top killer among women. Today, one woman dies from cigaretterelated illness every three minutes! Indeed, “You’ve come a long way, baby!” (as a cigarette ad once proudly proclaimed).

In Marlboro country tombstones abound, or in Salem it is a Lucky Strike if a smoker does not develop lung cancer or deadly cardiovascular diseases.

Millions of smokers afflicted with blockages in their leg arteries couldn’t walk even for less than a mile for a Camel, and Philip Morris, Virginia Slims, and Benson and Hedges have all conceded now that tobacco, including Low Tar and Milk Seven, are addicting and hazardous to health. Smoking is indeed not Kool at all, and even Lord Chesterfield, the Viceroy, and Winston in the Parliament, Kent (can’t) argue with the fact that smoking is self-abuse, a subtle form of suicide.

There is a real Advantage in kicking the habit even before it starts. I Hope the future generation will be smarter than ours.

But what is puzzling and bothersome to me is the great dichotomy with which our society (and most especially the government!)

deals with the cigarettehealth risk issue. On one hand, they are most vocal and vigilant against the so-called illegal drugs and other substances that pose a moderate public health dilemma, promulgating most aggressive laws and heavy criminal sanctions against their production, distribution and use. On the other hand, society and the government have long subsidized with tax monies the production and distribution of tobacco, which is by far the country’s most serious and deadly substance.

Yes, our government and society are peddling drugs, not the moderately dangerous ones but the deadliest one, tobacco. The one that makes lives miserable. The one that kills the breadwinner or the mother in the family, victimizing the children and their future. The one that separates loved ones. The one that destroys hopes and dreams.

When I immigrated to the United States, I thought economics was the reason why the government was quite tolerant of the tobacco industry, from whom it was getting so much revenues in taxes, etc. making it acceptable and even essential for its survival. I later learned that the amount of money the government gets from the tobacco industry is nowhere near the billions of dollars it spends yearly in research, hospitalization/disability/ work loss and treatment of cigarette-related diseases.

So, it is not economics. With the cigarette industry’s mighty lobbying dollars, the majority of our legislators are obviously scared to stop and eradicate the killing fields. It seems money blinds many of them.

But the tide appears to be changing, at least in the United States. The courts in North America have eventually scratched the surface in bringing about some justice, albeit delayed, in the tobacco death arena.

Dying or dead smokers have successfully won handsome awards from some giant tobacco companies, who, finally, after more than seven decades, have officially admitted that tobacco is an addictive drug, carcinogenic, and can kill in more ways than one, and that they had known this fact for decades but had

lied about it.

Having said that, I strongly feel that people who wish to smoke (or to jump off a cliff or off a tall building to hurt or kill themselves) have the right to do it. That is their constitutional right, and while I am against tobacco as an individual and as a cardiac surgeon, I shall defend the right of the cigarette addicts to smoke in places where smoking is not prohibited by law. The only exception/limitation to that right, or any other right under our Constitution, is when its exercise adversely affects or conflicts with, harms, or curtails, the rights of others. The smoker has the right to smoke and enjoy it, but he does not have the right to force or expose his loved ones, his friends, or strangers, to the more dangerous and more carcinogenic fumes coming from his cigarettes. This is where the line has to be drawn morally, socially, and legally. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom and other leaders and educators (Wikipedia).

Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.

SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

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Mommy Connie (extreme left) was able to return to the U.S. on her third try, with the help of leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.

Stuck in the Philippines...

PAGE 11 In a stroke of fate, Dianne stumbled upon Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel’s episode on his U.S. Immigration TV YouTube channel, offering hope to green card holders stuck abroad due to COVID-19.

After her initial consultation with Atty. Gurfinkel, Dianne felt that he was too expensive and decided to consult with three other lawyers, who told her that her mother’s case was hopeless.

Despite initial budget constraints, Dianne eventually retained the services of Attorney Gurfinkel in February 2023.

The family decided to have Mommy Connie fly to the U.S. with a stopover in Doha, Qatar, where she was not allowed to board in Doha.

On her second attempt via a direct flight with Philippine Airlines, she was not allowed to board due to her expired green card.

Attorney Gurfinkel tirelessly investigated the reasons behind the repeated denials. Convinced that there was no justifiable reason for the refusals, the family made another attempt in May 2023. This time, Mommy Connie successfully boarded a flight to New York, where she was allowed entry by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection at JFK. Mommy Connie’s perseverance paid off as she not only renewed her green card but also safeguarded the petition for her other daughters, providing an inspiring example of overcoming adversity in the pursuit of the American dream.

Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, February 18 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

It’s official: Bea Alonzo, Dominic Roque announce split

By Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

Dominic Roque and Bea Alonzo confirm reports that they have broken up on Sunday, Feb. 11, ending weeks of speculation about the status of their relationship.

Photo from Instagram/@beaalonzo

CELEBRITIES Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque finally broke their silence to officially announce the end of their engagement after weeks of speculation surrounding their relationship status.

In a joint statement released Sunday on social media, the former couple wrote, “After much thought, consideration, and care, we have mutually decided to amicably end our engagement. It was not an easy decision. We wanted to have more time to carefully deliberate and pray about it, but there have been PAGE 15

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 13

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Sooner or later, you need to Gabbi Garcia and Maymay Entrata: face your IRS tax problems PH’s next beauty queens?

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon QUESTION: I owe a lot in back taxes. I’m constantly getting threatening letters from the IRS. This has become a big problem that I have no idea how to solve. What can I do?

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

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

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

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

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

The Offer in Compromise allows taxpayers to negotiate

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you have no available

equity in assets and your income is not sufficient to cover your monthly living expenses, the IRS can also put you in uncollectible status.

That means that the IRS will not take any collection actions as long as you remain in this status and your financial circumstances do not change.

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

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

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)

Daniel Padilla thanks Kathryn Bernardo at ABS-CBN contract renewal

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actor Daniel Padilla thanked former long-time on- and off-screen partner Kathryn Bernardo during his renewal of contract with ABS-CBN yesterday.

During his speech, Daniel said that their memories together will be forever in his heart.

“Siyempre hindi ko pwedeng kalimutan si Kathryn.

Maraming maraming salamat Kathryn sa ating maraming taon na pinagsamahan,” Daniel said.

“You know, hindinghindi mawawala sa puso ko ang magaganda nating memories at ang ating mga adventures at journeys na pinagsamahan. Thank you very much,” he added.

Daniel also expressed his gratitude to millions of KathNiel fans who supported their journey.

“At siyempre lalahatin ko na ang lahat ng KathNiel, maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng taon ng pagmamahal at pagsasama natin. Hindinghindi mawawala sa puso ko at sa aking memories, ang ating masasayang PAGE 15

By hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net

WHAT do Gabbi Garcia and Maymay Entrata have in common? Both are beauty queen materials.

Interviewed by some members of the entertainment media at separate events, both Gabbi and Maymay were asked if they have plans of joining national beauty pageants.

There’s no denying that Maymay is being groomed by former pageant hopefuls themselves and fellow celebrities that she has what it takes to clinch a major title, thus stand a chance to represent the country.

Maymay, however, isn’t keen on trying her luck: “It is not what my heart so desires.”

The Kapamilya actress says she might rethink her decision though if her condition is met: “Remove the Q & A portion!”

Isn’t Maymay asking for the impossible? Isn’t she aware that this is one of the highly anticipated segments in any beauty contest — whether it be local, national or even barangay (village)?

A test that there’s more to

Gabbi Garcia Photo from Instagram/@gabbi

Maymay Entrata Photo from Instagram/@maymay

physical beauty than meets the eye, why is Maymay scared of it when she seems she can nail it after all?

In stark contrast, joining beauty pageants has been Gabbi’s childhood dream.

But given her showbiz commitments, commercial endorsements and alike, “I don’t think i can be able to squeeze it in my time table... but we’ll see!”

Without stressing the obvious, Gabbi’s problem lies in having too little time to achieve a big goal as opposed to Maymay’s with so

much time but with too little “confidence.”

Has Maymay been browsing old editions of prestigious national pageants and is afraid she might turn out to be another Janina San Miguel who was a major disaster at the Q&A portion but nonetheless finished Binibing Pilipinas World 2008?

Or is Maymay simply taking a cue from our first ever Miss Universe Gloria Diaz to be oneself and not pretend to be someone that she is not?

I get it. g

Stars on fellow celebrities’ breakups By nathalie toMada Philstar.com

JUST a few days shy of Valentine’s Day, sad news of celebrity couples breaking up hadn’t ended yet.

The latest shocker is the called-off engagement of Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque.

Just last month, Dominic was sharing with this paper and other media that they were set to finalize plans during that same month for their destination wedding supposedly happening this 2024.

But in a joint statement, they officially confirmed “with great sadness” that they had “mutually decided to amicably end our engagement.” The decision to make it public appeared to be intended to put a stop to the “utterly false” and “ridiculous stories” about their breakup, as well as the “hurtful words thrown on social media.”

“We kindly request to PAGE 15

Ogie Alcasid and wife Regine Velasquez

Photo from Instagram/@ogiealcasid

Elisse Joson with partner Mccoy de Leon Photo from Instagram/@mccoydeleon

Paul Salas with girlfriend Mikee Quintos Photo from Instagram/@paulandre.salas

14 FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY F E B R UA RY 1 6 , 2 0 24

14

people events arts culture entertainment

Naks: A chef ’s culinary odyssey unveils authentic & unapologetically Filipino flflaavors in NYC

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

Filipino culinary haven has taken root in Manhattan’s East Village and it is called ANEW Naks.

Under the skilled guidance of Chef Eric Valdez, this restaurant showcases the rich and diverse culinary landscape of the Philippines, offering a gastronomic journey that transcends traditional tourism and dives into the soul of Filipino authenticity.

The genesis of Naks finds its roots in a transformative nine-day expedition through the Philippines—a culinary sojourn that saw Chef Eric, along with James Beard Award–winning Chef Chintan Pandya and Roni Majumdar (the men behind Unapologetic Foods), traversing the gastronomic wonders of Manila, Pampanga, Ilocos, Cebu, and Davao. This immersive experience laid the foundation for what Naks would become—a celebration of undiscovered Filipino dishes, steeped in the rich history and regional diversity of the archipelago.

“Nine days of traveling and eating; we dug deep and went to different areas; that trip influenced a lot on what we serve here at Naks,” Chef Eric recalled. From the exotic swaki (sea urchin) to the intriguing kinilaw na bat, the adventurous Soup No. 5, and the regional delight bas-oy, Naks brings to the forefront a plethora of undiscovered Filipino delights, presenting a fusion of tradition and innovation.

“It was mind-blowing. The entire concept of the restaurant had to be changed after we came back,” Chef Chintan candidly shared. The trip exposed them to a prevalent trend of Westernization in Filipino food in America, echoing and at the same time mirroring his experiences with Indian cuisine.

A pivotal moment during the trip was the revelation about sisig, a dish commonly associated with mayonnaise in Filipino-American restaurants. Chef Chintan recounted, “We saw how different the food is. People have taken shortcuts and made it with mayonnaise.

We went to Ilocos Norte, and they used pig brain. That is how it was supposed to be, creamy with the pig brain.”

Chef Eric Valdez took up Culinary Arts, a passion sparked by the love for cooking, the allure of the kitchen’s atmosphere, and a preference for a math-free journey.

AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Chef Eric says they serve unapologetic Filipino cuisine at Naks – for him, this means no pretensions, Pinoy food and how it is supposed to be served - with a lot of garlic, a lot of fish sauce, and it does not matter if it is too brown. He wants to show what real Filipino food is and he believes there is a high potential for this.

This eye-opening experience underscored the need to showcase the true essence of Filipino cuisine,

untainted by Western influences.

The culinary journey of Chef Eric is marked by his tenure alongside Chef Chintan, where he imbibed not only the art of cooking but also immeasurable wisdom about discipline and camaraderie. “Maturo siya. He mentored me, and I learned a lot from him - discipline and kung paano makisama sa mga tao, kung paano susundin yung head mo,” he shared.

“May sinusunod na protocol dapat, yun ang foundation ng magaling na kusinero.”

Chef Chintan said that Eric was the first employee of their company and as such, he became an integral part of their journey. “We owe him; he doesn’t owe us anything,” he emphasized.

Despite initial challenges, Chef Eric’s dedication and loyalty earned him the trust and support of his mentors.

Naks stands as a manifestation of unapologetic Filipino cuisine, embracing authenticity with open arms. Chef Eric emphasized, “Don’t be too scared. That’s why our cuisine gets behind; we don’t embrace it fully.

Show what real Filipino food is; there is high potential for this.”

Situated in the former home of Jeepney, Naks is poised to showcase regional Filipino cuisines through an evolving menu that highlights all 18 regions in the Philippines. “I can make this menu in a week, but it keeps on changing. It took 2 to 3 months, and I am blessed that these guys blessed me and trusted the process,” he shared.

The aesthetic of Naks is a carefully curated reflection of Chef Eric’s vision, with a captivating mural by Sean Maze and guidance from his high school friend Patrick Ondovilla. As part of the unique dining experience, guests are presented with a zine at the end of a Kamayan meal—a thoughtful compilation that delves into the stories behind each dish, fostering a deeper connection between the diner and the cuisine.

PAGE 15

Dinakdakan from the ala carte menu

Pancit Batil Patong (egg noodles, Angus ground beef, molasses)

Chef Eric is introducing Soup No. 5 (beef testicles, pizzle, silbot spice) to non-Filipino diners in his a la carte menu.

Lapu Lapu dela Reyna (grouper, mayonnaise, pickled vegetables)

Kapis (scallop, margarine, Eden cheese)

Inihaw na Balat (chicken skin, annatto, garlic)

A la carte dessert is leche flan, a recipe Chef Eric learned from his mom (top) and for the tasting menu, a duo composed of Pasulbot (glutinous rice balls, tapioca and pandan) and Saba Con Yelo (banana cake, saba, and Tahitian vanilla).

As part of the Kamayan Tasting Menu, Lechon Liempo is served with Ampalaya (bitter melon salad), Labong (bamboo shoot salad), and rice.

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Daniel Padilla thanks...

Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla, also known as the love team KathNiel ABS-CBN photo

PAGE 13 pinagsamahan,” he said.

“All good memories ang ating masasayang pinagsamahan. All good memories for me at walang walang makakatalo sa mga memories na ‘yon. And for me, wala pa ring fans club na makakatalo sa KathNiel.

Sorry but it’s true,” he added.

Earlier this month, Kathryn also renewed her contract with ABS-CBN after rumors emerged that she will sign with Maja Salvador’s Crown Artist Management or make a surprise move to GMA. g

Stars on fellow celebrities’ breakups...

PAGE 14 give us the privacy we need as we navigate our future lives with respect, kindness, compassion, and dignity,” the ex-couple said.

The BeaDom breakup is just the latest in a string of celebrity breakups that devastated fans since late last year — Kathryn BernardoDaniel Padilla, Kim Chiu-Xian Lim, Jericho Rosales- Kim Jones, or those who were, at least, confirmed through official statements or third parties.

Nevertheless, you can’t stop some fans from hoping and praying that their idols get back together. And it’s hard to totally rule out comebacks or reconciliation for couples, especially if examples abound.

There was a time when Sen. Chiz Escudero and Heart Evangelista were widely speculated to have separated back in 2022.

But tomorrow, Feb. 14, which is Heart’s birthday and their wedding anniversary nine years ago, they are set to “marry again.”

And just like what happened to Elisse Joson and Mccoy de Leon. In early 2023, the “Batang Quiapo” star confirmed their breakup through an Instagram story, then several months after, they reconciled.

The parents of one girl, Felize, are now open again about their relationship on social media. “We talked about it. Siguro last year was a stage for us na who want to be quiet about it and to heal in our own bubble.

Nangyari naman po. Now we’re more… I guess, what you see is what you get pa rin.

We’re happy to show it to people,” said Elisse during a recent chance interview on the sidelines of a Luxe Slim event.

Describing 2024 as “a healed and better” year for their relationship, Elisse acknowledged that keeping off social media helped resolve their issue.

“I think there are phases in our life that kailangan mo muna i-close yung doors and windows to the outside people kasi madaming reflection kang makukuha within yourself,” she said in response to a STAR question.

“You don’t need the other people, or the other noises outside, other people’s opinions.

Parang nakakatulong din yun. Sarili lang natin ang makakapagsabi kung kelan OK ulit i-share sa lahat yung mga personal (stuff).”

The Pira-Pirasong Paraiso star declined to offer advice to couples going through breakups since, “I think personal choice naman yun if aayusin or going the other way, which is parting ways.”

Paul Salas, on the other hand, recalled how a previous breakup took an emotional toll on him. “Mahirap yung pag-move on.

Matagal. Actually, I was able to fully move on mga 2021 lang. Recently, lang po talaga,” said the former child star who is now in a relationship with fellow Kapuso artist Mikee Quintos.

The “Shining Inheritance” star didn’t name names, but his last publicly known

relationship was with actress Barbie Imperial.

“Yun (the breakup) po talaga ang reason ko po na lumapit ako sa Word of God. Lumapit ako sa Kanya and nag-surrender, ‘di ko po kaya ‘to,” he further shared at a Beauty Wise event.

“Takot maiwanan, ganun ang feeling… I admit I’m the more jealous type than Mikee, I’m more the overthinker than Mikee, but one of the things that I love about her, is that she understands. We accept each other’s imperfections.”

How he was able to cope with his first major heartbreak was to forgive himself first “so you can forgive others.”

Still, the 25-year-old admitted that news of celebrity breakups got him and his girlfriend a bit scared.

“Hindi naman para sa amin na pakialaman yung nangyari sa kanila. We really don’t know about the things that happened off cam. But maybe, may takot din kami na nararamdaman ni Mikee.

“Like with the breakup of KathNiel.

Isa rin yun sa kinakapitan natin because 11 years is no joke. Kasama ko rin tumanda sila, nakasama ko rin sila sa first movie nila, ‘Must Be… Love,’ so I was able to witness and was inspired by their love story. Tapos marinig mo na ganyan.

“Of course, it’s always sad and alarming for those who are inspired by them, so I told Mikee, maybe we should really make God the center of our relationship and talk about whatever problems we have.”

Ogie Alcasid was also recently asked for his thoughts about the celebrity breakups, some of which involved personal friends of his.

One could say that the veteran singersongwriter, who’s now happily married to Regine Velasquez, also experienced the end of his first marriage being discussed in the press, although there wasn’t social media at that time.

Ogie agreed that no one enters into a relationship thinking they would separate, but he had a few words of advice for those going through it.

“Ingatan nila ang mga puso nila,” he simply said during a media huddle for his Valentine’s concert, “Love, Q&A,” with Odette Quesada.

“It’s really sad when people break up. So take care of your heart.”

If it’s any consolation, celebrity breakup or not, life goes on. Just take a page from Nadine Lustre. The end of her reel and reallife loveteam probably became the biggest heartbreak for fans in 2020, but fast forward to today, she can now laugh off questions about celebrity breakups.

When the press attempted to ask her opinion last Friday after a mediacon for her series “Roadkillers,” she said, “Okay na ako, guys. Hindi na ako kasali diyan. Okay na ako.” g

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 15

It’s official: Bea Alonzo...

PAGE 12 many speculations, questions, and insults.”

“Unfortunately, some confirmed our breakup without our consent, and some created ridiculous stories that had no basis and were utterly false, so we felt the need to share this announcement with great sadness, for our peace of mind and our families,” Alonzo and Roque said.

The former couple urged the public to refrain from further spreading hurtful comments saying, “Please understand that this is an extremely painful yet united decision, and we sincerely request for everyone to kindly spare us from more cruel and very hurtful words thrown on social media.” Alonzo and Roque concluded their statement by expressing gratitude for the understanding and support they have received. They also requested privacy as they “navigate [their] future lives with respect, kindness, compassion and dignity.” Rumors of the engaged couple’s separation started when eagle-eyed netizens noticed Alonzo not wearing her engagement ring in some of her recent photos. The couple also stopped posting each other on their respective Instagram accounts, the last of which was three weeks ago taken from their Japan trip.

They were also found to be absent from each other’s recent family events.

Finally, they took notice of how Alonzo answered that there were no concrete wedding plans yet during a recent media interview.

Putting two and two together, netizens assumed Alonzo and Roque were no longer pushing through with their wedding.

In a vlog on his YouTube channel “Ogre Diaz Showbiz Update” early this week, the comedian host hinted they indeed broke up, citing different sources who spilled information supposedly from the couple.

This was followed by TV host Boy Abunda also confirming on February 6 that the two canceled their wedding plans.

Abunda also dismissed rumors that they were supposed to hold the wedding in Tagaytay in April but confirmed that the former couple had an ocular in Europe and Japan for their wedding that was supposedly set at the end of the year.

Abunda also shared that his sources said that Alonzo, 36, gave back the engagement ring to Roque, 33.

The actor proposed to Alonzo on July 18, 2023. The pair has been in a relationship since 2021. g

Naks: A chef’s culinary odyssey...

PAGE 13 The journey to open Naks was serendipitous, driven by the dynamics of opportunity and collaboration. When Adda, one of the restaurants under Unapologetic Foods was planning to relocate to the former Jeepney location in the East Village, the space was offered to Chef Eric.

“I was shocked because I thought they were not open to that kind of concept. I was surprised, I was pressured.

I was blessed with their guidance,” Eric recalled.

As Naks opened its doors, it quickly garnered attention and buzz within the culinary scene. Yet, the pressure to represent the entirety of Filipino cuisine looms large on Chef Eric.

“I feel the pressure; the country you’re representing is not just you. Let’s see what happens,” he acknowledges.

Naks, beyond its culinary offerings, strives to be a beacon of authenticity, education, and elevation for Filipino cuisine. Chef Eric emphasizes, “This restaurant is so personal for me; I am involved in all aspects. I just want to showcase the food that is not being noticed; it needs a lot of research. I ask a lot of people para matuto din ako.

I ask guests as well. Dapat open-minded ka. Kung ano ang gusto ng tao, pakinggan mo rin.”

The menu at Naks is a

carefully crafted narrative, reflecting Chef Eric’s childhood memories and the recipes passed down by his mother and grandmother.

With roots in Ilocos and Tarlac, he brings forth the influence of his familial ties—of Ilocano flavors and a community-driven culinary upbringing.

Naks distinguishes itself with a delectable selection of dishes, available both a la carte and through a Kamayan tasting menu priced at $135 per person. The restaurant’s Kamayan area, with 20 seats and two seatings every day, invites patrons to indulge in a feast that traverses the diverse culinary landscape of the Philippines.

Aaron Asombrado, the maestro behind the bar at Naks, crafts an array of innovative cocktails, each with a story to tell. From the Japanese whiskey-infused Parusang Hapon to the Baguio-inspired Pilak and the creatively presented Para sa Paborito Kong Apo, the drink menu at Naks complements the culinary journey with equally enticing libations.

As a testament to Naks’ commitment to authenticity, Chef Eric and his team proudly use a variety of Filipino products in their dishes, including Star Margarine, Eden cheese, and Bear Brand milk.

Beyond the culinary

delights, Naks aims to be a pioneer in showcasing the wealth of Filipino gastronomy.

Chef Eric, expressing his dedication to the cause, states, “Gusto kong ibalik kung paano magluto ang lolo at lola ko, traditional method, braising for hours, marinating for days; showcase the lost techniques; done by our ninunos.”

In a fitting nod to the restaurant’s roots, the name “Naks” was chosen to evoke excitement—a word that captures the essence of the vibrant and dynamic Filipino cuisine.

Chef Eric explains, “Naks – very Filipino, nabuo ko na yung menu, wala pang pangalan ang restaurant; Nag-isip ako ng catchy na word na makukuha mo yung attention ng tao; I wanted a word that excites you; that’s the beauty of our cuisine, exciting and vibrant.”

The journey of Naks is not merely a gastronomic adventure; it is a testament to the dedication of Chef Eric and his team in elevating Filipino cuisine onto a global stage. With a commitment to authenticity, education, and unapologetic flavors, Naks stands as a beacon of Filipino culinary excellence in the heart of Manhattan—an invitation for diners to explore, savor, and celebrate the diversity of Filipino gastronomy. g

16 FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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