021723 - New York & New Jersey Edition

DATELINE USA

China’s harassment of PH Coast Guard using laser ‘provocative, unsafe,’ says US

CHINA’S harassment of a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel using a “military-grade” laser is “provocative and unsafe,” the United States said on Tuesday, February 14.

The PCG reported that a Chinese Coast Guard ship directed a “militarygrade” laser at one of its vessels as it was supporting a Philippine Navy rotation and resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal, also called Second Thomas Shoal, in the West Philippine Sea on February 6.

The laser caused temporary blindness to the PCG crew members.

“The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) conduct was provocative and unsafe,

Marcos: EDCA sites won’t raise tensions

by Bernadette e. taMayo

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said the Philippines will see to it that giving the United States military access to four new bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) will not be seen as a “provocation” that could further heighten tension in the South China Sea.

The President was reacting to growing concerns that allowing the expansion of U.S. military presence in the country will not sit well with other countries, particularly China, which have staked claims in the disputed waterway.

“It’s a valid concern. And it’s something that we have to pay attention to, that we do not be seen as... anything that we do will not be seen as provocative to anyone,” the

Fewer Pinoys taking up nursing

by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

MANILA — More Filipinos — 75% of those surveyed — told pollster SWS in December that they are satisfied with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr’s performance as chief executive.

According to a release by SWS, this was up from 71% in an October survey, bringing net satisfaction with the second Marcos administration to +68. In the

MANILA — Despite the huge demand for healthcare workers (HCWs) abroad, the local recruitment industry on Monday, February 12 reported a downtrend in the number of Filipinos opting for a nursing degree.

Recruitment leader Lito Soriano observed that fewer Filipino youth are now enrolling in nursing schools

because of the prevailing cap in the deployment of HCWs abroad.

Soriano, who owns an agency deploying health workers to Saudi Arabia, said there has been a decline in the number of nurses applying to work since the pandemic as a result of the deployment cap.

“We have been posting on social media job vacancies offering good salaries and

President said in a chance interview Sunday, February 12.

Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines are claiming parts of the South China Sea, believed to be rich in gas and mineral resources.

China, however, insists that practically all of the South China Sea is part of its territory. Marcos said he has always been for

Marcos, Chinese envoy discuss sea rift after laser beam attack

by daniza Fernandez Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian met to strategize on Tuesday, February 14 on how best to settle the maritime disputes between the two nations.

The high-level meeting between the two officials was held as a response to an incident in which a China Coast Guard ship fired a laser beam at a Philippine Coast Guard vessel near the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, causing temporary vision impairment to some of the PCG crew.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila issued a statement saying, “Both parties discussed how to actualize the consensus formed by the two heads of state, increase dialogue and communication, and thoughtfully manage

Pope names 3rd Pinoy auxiliary bishop in US

by roBertzon raMirez Philstar.com

MANILA — Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Anthony Celino as auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of El Paso, making him the third Filipino immigrant to be appointed bishop in the United States.

News of Celino’s appointment was reported by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines in its website on Thursday, February 9.

The article stated that Celino,

LOVE SIGNS. The Philippine Postal Corporation has released its “Pupusuan Kita” Valentine’s stamps as shown by an employee at the Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio on Monday, Feb. 13. The stamps are inscribed with Filipino phrases “Pusong Nagmamahal” (loving heart), “Pusong para sa Iyo” (heart for you), “Itong Puso Ko” (my heart) and “Ikaw ang Puso Ko” (you are my heart).

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

ManilaTimes.net

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo

Auxiliary Bishop-elect Anthony Celino of the Diocese of El Paso in the U.S. state of Texas.

Photo by St. Raphael Parish-El Paso

Fewer Pinoys taking up...

numerous benefits for registered nurses, but we have few applicants,” Soriano disclosed.

According to Soriano, there are few applicants because the country is also producing fewer nursing graduates.

Soriano said young Filipinos are discouraged from taking up nursing because of the belief that the deployment cap limits their chances of working abroad.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the government set an annual deployment cap of 7,500 for HCWs to ensure a sufficient supply of nurses in the country.

Citing data from the Professional Regulation Commission, Soriano said a total of 48,686 nursing graduates passed the licensure examination from 2016 to 2022.

The figure he said is insufficient to fill the huge demand for HCWs in the United States, United Kingdom and other European countries.

To curb the downtrend, Soriano urged the government to raise or totally lift the deployment cap.

Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople previously reported that the government is currently studying the possibility of raising the deployment cap for HCWs. n

Enrile thanks God, well-wishers as he turns 99

by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile expressed gratitude to well-wishers as he turned 99 on Tuesday, February 14 Valentine’s Day.

“To everyone who greeted me or will greet me on my 99 years on this planet, thank you very, very much, and happy Valentine’s Day to all of you. I love you all,” the former Senate president wrote on his Facebook page.

Enrile added in his post: “99 years are, indeed, long in term of years, and I thank God for granting me those years. But in terms of eternity, those seemingly long years are but a fleeting moment. Nonetheless, thank you Lord for the years you gifted me; for the protection you blessed me and for all the blessings you have generously given to me and

Marcos, Chinese envoy...

maritime differences between China and the Philippines.”

Marcos summoned Huang to air his “serious concern” over the actions of China against the PCG and Filipino fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest following the Ayungin Shoal incident.

China, however, asserted that the Philippines intruded into Chinese territory (Ren’ai Reef), and hence took action.

The Philippines has sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea, based on the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling.

China, however, refuses to recognize the court’s verdict. n

to my family; and the friends you, Lord, allowed me to have during my lifetime.

Thank you dear God for this day!”

A former justice secretary and defense minister during the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Enrile’s alleged ambush in

1972 was used as a pretext by the late strongman to declare martial law.

In 1986, he broke away from the administration and supported the People Power Revolution that resulted in Marcos’ ouster.

Now facing plunder charges in relation to the

pork barrel scam, Enrile –who served numerous terms in the Senate – patched things up with the Marcos family and accepted the offer to be a legal adviser of the late strongman’s son who now sits in Malacañang. Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan Third Division continued hearing the plunder cases filed against Enrile on Tuesday.

ABS-CBN News reported that RJ Bernal, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chief counsel for company registration and monitoring department, was presented to testify.

Enrile, who is out on bail, was not present at the hearing. In attendance was his former chief of staff and co-accused Gigi Reyes, who was recently ordered released by the Supreme Court on the condition that she attend all her hearings. n

China’s harassment of PH Coast...

resulting in the temporary blindness of the crewmembers of the BRP Malapascua and interfering with the Philippines’ lawful operations in and around Second Thomas Shoal,” U.S. Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

“More broadly, the PRC’s dangerous operational behavior directly threatens regional peace and stability, infringes upon freedom of navigation in the South China Sea as guaranteed under international law, and undermines the rules-based international order,” he added.

Citing the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s 2016 ruling, Price said that China has “no lawful maritime claims” to Ayungin Shoal.

The ruling invalidated China’s ninedash line claim in the South China Sea and said that the Philippines has sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The U.S called on China to abide by the ruling and the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention.

The western country also said that it

stands with its ally, the Philippines.

“The United States stands with our Philippine allies in upholding the rules-based international maritime order and reaffirms an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft, including those of the Coast Guard in the South China Sea, would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 U.S. Philippines Mutual Defense

Treaty,” Price said.

China, meanwhile, claimed that the Philippines intruded into their territory, the Ren’ai Reef. Hence, illuminating the laser against the PCG vessel.

From 2016 to January 26 this year, the Philippines lodged 461 diplomatic protests against China’s intrusion and harassment in the West Philippine Sea.

(Daniza Fernandez/Inquirer.net) n

Pope names 3rd Pinoy auxiliary...

currently the pastor of St. Raphael Parish and judicial vicar of El Paso, will be the diocese’s first auxiliary bishop since its establishment in 1914.

El Paso Bishop Mark Seitz expressed his gratitude to Pope Francis for appointing Celino to the diocese.

“He brings a unique experience as a Filipino immigrant serving our border community as a priest for the past 25 years, a steadfast dedication to pastoral ministry, and fidelity to the Gospel,” Seitz said of Celino.

Born in Anda, Pangasinan, Celino finished

his studies in Philosophy at the Mary Help of Christians Seminary in Dagupan City in 1993.

He migrated to El Paso and pursued his theology studies at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois, leading to his ordination as a priest in 1997.

The bishop-elect’s episcopal ordination will be on March 31 at the St. Patrick Cathedral in El Paso, Texas.

Earlier, the pope had appointed fellow FilipinoAmerican Bishops Oscar Solis in Salt Lake City and Auxiliary Bishop Alejandro Aclan in Los Angeles. n

Nursing students from Centro Escolar University (CEU) gather for the annual capping and pinning ceremony at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. Philstar.com file photo by Edd Gumban

Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile appears Wednesday, September 21, 2022, before a Senate panel conducting an inquiry on Charter change. Senate PRIB

China Coast Guard Vessel No. 5205 is shown directing a laser beam at the BRP Malapascua in the West Philippine Sea in this photo taken on Feb. 6, 2023. Photo from the Philippine Coast Guard

‘LOVE YOU, TEACHER’. Kindergarten teacher Jelyn Tesoro (right) receives flowers and chocolates from her pupils at the Pinyahan Elementary School in Quezon City on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. Flowers and chocolates are among the popular gifts loved ones receive during the occasion. PNA photo by Joey O .Razon

Era of ‘free’ COVID vaccines, test kits, and treatments is ending. Who will pay the tab now?

by Julie Appleby Ethnic Media Services

TIME is running out for free-to-consumer COVID vaccines, at-home test kits, and even some treatments.

Marcos: EDCA sites won’t raise...

maintaining peace in the region, and will avoid moves that will disrupt that peace.

He said the additional EDCA sites “will not have the opposite effect from what we want, which is to make the tensions [in the South China Sea] even higher.”

He refused to identify the new sites, saying they are still under study.

“I think when I get back I will have a command

conference and we will decide once and for all. And we’ll announce [the specific details]. But [it will not] take too long,” he said.

In a statement on February 2, after U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III finalized arrangements to set up four more EDCA sites, the Chinese embassy in Manila said the U.S.’ military posture in the region escalates tension and undermine regional peace and stability.

It said that Washington, “out of its self interests and zero-sum game mentality, continues to step up military posture in this region.”

Austin “smeared China on the issue of South China Sea to advance the antiChina political agenda of the U.S.,” the embassy said. “Such moves contradict the common aspiration of regional countries to seek peace, cooperation and development.” n

The White House announced this month that the national public health emergency, first declared in early 2020 in response to the pandemic, is set to expire May 11. When it ends, so will many of the policies designed to combat the virus’s spread.

Take vaccines. Until now, the federal government has been purchasing COVID-19 shots. It recently bought 105 million doses of the PfizerBioNTech bivalent booster for about $30.48 a dose, and 66 million doses of Moderna’s version for $26.36 a dose. (These are among the companies that developed the first COVID vaccines sold in the United States.)

People will be able to get these vaccines at low or no cost as long as the government-purchased supplies last. But even before the end date for the public emergency was set, Congress opted not to provide more money to increase the government’s dwindling stockpile. As a result, Pfizer and Moderna were already planning their moves into the commercial market. Both have indicated they will raise prices, somewhere in the range of $110 to $130 per dose, though insurers and government health programs could negotiate lower rates.

“We see a double-digit billion[-dollar] market opportunity,” investors were told at a JPMorgan conference in San Francisco recently by Ryan Richardson, chief strategy officer for BioNTech. The company expects a gross price — the full price before any discounts — of $110 a dose, which, Richardson said, “is more than justified from a health economics perspective.”

That could translate to tens of billions of dollars in revenue for the manufacturers, even if uptake of the vaccines is slow. And consumers would foot the bill, either directly or indirectly.

If half of adults — about the same percentage as those who opt for an annual flu shot — get COVID boosters at the new, higher prices, a recent KFF report estimated, insurers, employers, and other payors would shell out $12.4 billion to $14.8 billion. That’s up to nearly twice as much as what it would have cost for every adult in the U.S. to get a bivalent booster at the average price paid by the federal government.

As for COVID treatments, an August blog post by the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response noted that governmentpurchased supplies of the drug Paxlovid are expected to last through midyear before the private sector takes over. The government’s bulk purchase price from

manufacturer Pfizer was $530 for a course of treatment, and it isn’t yet known what the companies will charge once government supplies run out.

How much of that pinch will consumers feel?

One thing is certain: How much, if any, of the boosted costs are passed on to consumers will depend on their health coverage.

Medicare beneficiaries, those enrolled in Medicaid — the state-federal health insurance program for people with low incomes — and people with Affordable Care Act coverage will continue to get COVID vaccines without cost sharing, even when the public health emergency ends and the governmentpurchased vaccines run out. Many people with job-based insurance will also likely not face copayments for vaccines, unless they go out of network for their vaccinations. People with limited-benefit or shortterm insurance policies might have to pay for all or part of their vaccinations. And people who don’t have insurance will need to either pay the full cost out-of-pocket or seek no- or low-cost vaccinations from community clinics or other providers. If they cannot find a free or low-cost option, some uninsured patients may be forced to skip vaccinations or testing.

Coming up with what could be $100 or more for vaccination will be especially hard “if you are uninsured or underinsured; that’s where PAGE 10

SWS: Satisfaction with Marcos...

PAGE 1

previous survey, net satisfaction was at +63.

Respondents who were undecided fell to 18% from 21% while those who said they were dissatisfied went to 7% from 8%.

Marcos got the highest net satisfaction in Mindanao at +72 (excellent) but got ‘very good’ ratings in Metro Manila (+65), Balance Luzon (+60) and the Visayas (+67). Satisfaction with the president’s performance was higher in rural areas at an ‘excellent’ +74 against a ‘very good’ +62 in the cities.

Ratings were an ‘excellent’ +73 among respondents aged 25-34, followed by +71 among 35-44-year olds. The lowest rating, still a ‘very good’ +64 was among respondents who were 55 or older.

“Compared to October 2022, the president’s net satisfaction rating rose

by six points from +67 among those who either had no formal education or some elementary education,” SWS said in its release on the survey.

The rating was unchanged at +64 among those who either finished elementary or had some high school education but rose by eight points to +64 for graduates of vocational school and junior and high school. Among college graduates and those who took graduate students, satisfaction with Marcos rose by five points to +50.

Among the top news stories on December 10-14, 2022, when the survey was conducted were related to the contentious Maharlika Investment Fund and to updates on the investigation into the killing of Percy Lapid (Percival Mabasa), including the filing of raps against suspended corrections chief Gerald Bantag. (Philstar.com) n

NO TO VIOLENCE. Students, teachers and employees of St. Scholastica’s College in Malate, Manila participate in the “One Billion Rising” movement on Tuesday, Feb. 14. The global campaign aims to expand awareness on and end all forms of violence against women. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Features OpiniOn Rise for freedom

VALENTINE’S Day is not just a day of hearts. On Valentine’s Day in 2012, a global mass action was launched to end violence against women. The call to action was made amid reports that one in three women worldwide would be beaten or raped in her lifetime. In 2012, the global population stood at seven billion – meaning over one billion women and girls were expected to experience various forms of violence in that year. The One Billion Rising movement was born.

The Philippines, which has elected two female presidents and two vice presidents, recognized the problem much earlier. Republic Act 9262, the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act, was enacted in 2004 when the country was led by a woman. RA 9262 has tough provisions against domestic violence.

As in most laws in this country, however, the problem lies in the implementation. Since the passage of RA 9262, there have been numerous complaints about barangay officials who refuse to carry out their mandate stipulated in the law to serve as front-liners in assisting victims of domestic violence. Many women especially in impoverished communities are also unaware of the law and the protection it offers to victims.

The pandemic lockdowns aggravated the problem, with advocacy groups saying

reported cases nationwide tripled in 2020. In 2021, over 12,000 cases of violence against women and their children were recorded nationwide, with 5,339 more reported in the first six months of 2022 alone. Advocacy groups believe the actual numbers are much higher as many women are unwilling or unable to report their ordeal and seek help.

An 18-day campaign was launched last year, from Nov. 25 – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – to Dec. 12, Human Rights Day, to promote mass action in ending the problem. The United Nations is supporting the One Billion Rising campaign. With united efforts globally, the UN aims to curb the problem significantly by 2030.

Beyond “flash mobs” and other creative forms of political activism, ending violence

against women and children calls for concerted action among multiple government agencies and sectors of society. Filipino women who work overseas face heightened risk of physical, sexual and psychological violence. Domestic helper Jullebee Ranara was just the latest in an ever-growing list of Filipino migrant workers who were abused and brutally murdered by their foreign employers.

For 2023, the call to action of One Billion Rising is “rise for freedom.” Despite some progress in fighting violence against women, confronting the problem remains challenging in the Philippines, and even more so in other parts of the planet where women are still treated like second-class citizens. A more aggressive, pro-active approach is needed for this freedom to be attained. (Philstar. com)

90% of Filipinos agree on EDCA expansion and joint maritime patrols

of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with four new locations to be added to the current five sites and the conduct of joint maritime patrols in the South China Sea reverberated so well worldwide, with 90 percent of Filipinos welcoming this latest development in the relationship between two longtime allies.

Filipinos across the globe

– in particular FilipinoAmericans – were extremely pleased, lauding the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in reaffirming and further solidifying U.S.-Philippines relations. I received hundreds of messages and emails expressing their full support for the President’s decision.

The meeting between our Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez and U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was extremely substantial, with the discussions delving on shared security challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, and how both nations can address these challenges. The decision to restart joint maritime patrols in the South

China Sea is not only seen as a positive development in helping the Philippines tighten its security strategy but an important step in securing our borders.

Filipinos are very patient people. We don’t want any conflict. But when push comes to shove, we will staunchly defend ourselves and those that we hold

precious. Filipinos are convinced that our strategy of boosting defense ties and enhancing security cooperation with major allies like the United States will build up our capacity and capability to defend our territory and exercise our sovereign rights.

The headline news on

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.

(“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an a greement to continue publication.

Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd

Glendale, CA 91204

Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854

e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com

http://www.asianjournal.com

New York and New Jersey: 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 Tel.: (212) 655-5426 • Fax (818) 502-0858

With offices in Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

THE announcement by the Philippines and the United States about the expansion

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

Dateline PhiliPPines

DFA: More PH rescue teams to be sent to help quake-hit Turkey, Syria Maharlika fund, 9 other bills on fast track to approval by June 2

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday, February 14 said more rescue teams from the Philippine government will be sent to give assistance in Turkey and Syria following the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck there.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose De Vega said the Philippine embassies in Ankara, Istanbul, and Lebanon will send teams to help with residents and Filipinos who were affected by the strong temblor.

“May parating pang team, kasi meron tayong embahada sa Ankara at konsulado sa Istanbul ang involved, may darating pa na team from Lebanon para magbigay rin ng tulong so yun ang importante,” he added.

(There is another team coming because we have an embassy in Ankara and a consulate in Istanbul involved. There is also a team coming from Lebanon to provide help as well, so that is the important thing.)

The DFA official assured the 64 Filipinos who lost their homes due to the earthquake that they will be given aid and that supplies of relief goods are still enough.

De Vega said that the government is also handing assistance to Filipinos who chose to

stay in Turkey and Syria.

According to the DFA, there are a total of 248 affected Filipinos and two casualties in Turkey, while 60 Filipinos in Syria were recorded to have been affected by the quake.

De Vega added that a six-man team from the Philippines will be heading to Lebanon.

“May six-man team sa Pilipinas papuntang Lebanon galing Damascus para magbigay tulong (There is a 6-man team in the Philippines going to Lebanon from Damascus to provide assistance),” De Vega said.

De Vega said anyone who wants to go home to the Philippines will be assisted by the government while some need to acquire their Philippine citizenship first under R.A. 9225 or the Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003

“Kung gusto umuwi ifufund lang, madaling lang, ang iba kasi sa kanila Turkish citizens, kailangan muna iacquire ang kanilang philippine citizenship according to R.A. 9225, kung magagawa natin within several days magsisiuwian na rin ‘yan,” the DFA official said.

(If they want to go home, it will be funded,

PAGE 7

by Xave GreGorio Philstar.com

MANILA — Malacañang and legislative leaders on Monday, February 13 identified 10 priority bills that Congress should aim to pass before it adjourns sine die on June 2, including the controversial measure that seeks to create the Maharlika Investment Fund.

The Maharlika fund, which the House of Representatives approved just 17 days after it was filed, was selected as one of the priority measures during the meeting of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council in Malacañang.

The proposal to create a sovereign wealth fund, which is typically capitalized with excess state revenue that the Philippines does not have, is currently pending before the

Senate banks panel chaired by Sen. Mark Villar.

The committee of Villar, one of the authors of the bills in the Senate alongside Sen. Raffy Tulfo, was set to resume hearings on the measure on Wednesday, February 15.

While the LEDAC has identified the Maharlika fund as a priority which may grease the legislative mill and hasten its passage in the Senate, it is not a guarantee that it will be swiftly approved.

During the committee’s first hearing on the measure two weeks ago, senators raised concerns about investment gains and the proposed fund’s governance structure.

It also faces stiff opposition from the two-member Senate minority bloc, whose leader Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III vowed to block passage.

But the potency of the minority is in question given their lack of numbers in the chamber dominated by allies of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

This was seen when they tried and failed to pry the Maharlika fund from Villar’s panel and send it to the government corporations committee chaired by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.

CDC, VIP, mandatory ROTC

Another measure identified during the LEDAC meeting as a priority is the bill that seeks to create the Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) and the complementary proposal to establish the Virology Institute of the Philippines (VIP).

The bill creating the CDC, a technical authority on

PAGE 7

Marcos backs peaceful resolution on Ukraine in call with Zelenskyy

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a phone call on Monday, February 13 that he supports Ukraine’s effort to reach a “peaceful resolution” to its ongoing conflict with Russia.

“I had the pleasure of talking to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy yesterday (Monday),” Marcos said on his official Twitter account on Tuesday morning, February 14 after the Ukrainian leader tweeted about it the previous day.

He also expressed admiration for the nationalism shown by Ukrainians.

“I told him that we in the Philippines are watching with admiration, the bravery and the nationalism that has been displayed by the Ukrainians during this crisis and that we join in his effort to reach a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in his country. Mr. President, we are with you in your search for peace,” he added.

Zelenskyy, who has long been seeking a phone conversation with Marcos, was the first to tweet about their call on Monday night.

“Had the first phone call in the history of bilateral relations with President of the Philippines @bongbongmarcos,” he said.

“Thanked him for supporting sovereignty and territorial

integrity of Ukraine. We discussed further deepening of cooperation, in particular on international platforms,” he added.

Last month, Ukrainian Charges D’Affaires of the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia Denys Mykhailiuk said they have been trying to have the two leaders speak to each other since Marcos assumed office in June 2022 but failed to receive a response.

Marcos later clarified that he did not snub Zelenskyy’s request for a phone conversation and has always been willing to talk with him.

Mykhailiuk then apologized to his Philippine counterparts for the “misunderstanding.”

In November last year, Marcos described the RussiaUkraine war as “unacceptable” and reiterated his call for both nations to end the conflict diplomatically.

“...War is unacceptable and we ask all parties involved, there were several speeches that I made, urging that peace be brought back to Ukraine and that the confrontation be brought to the diplomatic space,” he said.

Ukraine has been in conflict with Russia since February 2022, leading to the death of thousands and driving millions of Ukrainians to flee the country. (PNA) n

Bill classifies hoarding, profiteering as economic sabotage

by PaoLo romero Philstar.com

MANILA — Hoarding and profiteering of vegetables, fruits, fish, meat and poultry will be punishable as economic sabotage under the proposed amendments to the Agricultural Smuggling Act, its principal author Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito said.

The Senate deputy majority leader filed Senate Bill 1688, seeking to add more teeth to Republic Act 10845, saying Filipinos continue to be battered by high prices of basic farm produce, poultry, meat and fish while farmers are losing income due to smuggling.

“Our ultimate goal is safeguarding our farmers, consumers and the

OCTA: Nationwide

COVID-19

positivity rate at 1.6%

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — The risk of contracting coronavirus in the National Capital Region (NCR) is now at “low” level as the OCTA Research group noted a positivity rate of only 1.6 percent from Feb. 9 to Feb. 11.

Nationwide, OCTA also reported a COVID-19 positivity rate of only 1.6 percent on Saturday, February 11. This was recorded after the Department of Health reported 174 new cases and

9,282 active cases.

The NCR still has the most number of COVID-19 cases at 59 as of Saturday, followed by Rizal (9), Cebu (8), Davao del Sur (8), Cavite (7) and Negros Occidental (7). The nationwide positivity rate on Feb. 9 and 10 was also at 1.6%.

“As predicted two weeks ago, NCR improves to low risk as of Feb. 9, 2023,” OCTA Research fellow Guido David tweeted on Wednesday, February 15. n

agricultural sector, and attaining the goal of food security for the country,” said Ejercito.

He said the country’s food security “was made worse by reports of smuggling and price manipulations by unscrupulous people.”

Aside from smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartels of sugar, corn, pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots, fish and cruciferous vegetables in the amount of P1 million, or rice in the amount of P10 million, will be considered economic sabotage, according to the bill.

SB 1688 punishes hoarding, profiteering, and the cartels involved in agricultural products with imprisonment of no less than 17 years.

Those found guilty of the offenses will also be fined twice the fair market value of the profiteered, hoarded and cartelized agricultural product.

The aggregate amount of the taxes, duties and other charges avoided, on the other hand, shall be imposed on the officers of dummy corporations, nongovernment organizations, associations, cooperatives, or single proprietorships that knowingly sell, lend, lease, assign, consent or allow the unauthorized use of their import permits for purposes of profiteering, hoarding and cartels.

“The difficulty of the country to cope with other countries in terms of food security is apparent in the rising prices of basic

commodities and the scarcity and shortage of such,” Ejercito said.

In the recent Economist’s 2021 Global Food Security Index, the Philippines ranked 64th out of 113 countries in terms of four dimensions of food security: food availability, food accessibility, food utilization and stability.

Meanwhile, Sen. Lito Lapid filed SB 1812 seeking to include tobacco and cigarettes in the list, composed of essential food items like rice, onions, sugar and meat.

However, Malayang Konsumer opposed Lapid’s proposition. The NGO said tobacco products should not be considered as a basic commodity since smoking is a vice. n

Plight of informal settlers concerns Tulfo in case ‘Big One’ happens

by Daniza FernanDez Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed concern on Tuesday, February 14 over the plight of informal settlers, should the “Big One” jolt Metro Manila.

The “Big One” refers to a scenario in which a magnitude 7.2 earthquake occurs in the capital region.

During the Senate committee on public works hearing on the structural

integrity of buildings and infrastructures, Tulfo asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) if they inspected the homes of informal settlers.

DPWH Undersecretary Maximo Carvajal answered: “Ang mandato po kasi ng Department of Public Works and Highways ay ang mga public buildings po. ‘Yung mga private po, ang incharge po diyan, ‘yung mga building officials ng mga

LGU (local government units) po.”

(The DPWH’s mandate covers public buildings. LGUs’ building officials are in charge of private structures.)

Tulfo then lamented the potential situation of informal settlers during disasters.

“Kasi concerned ako. I have so many experience pagdating po sa mga tirahan ng mga informal settlers natin, dikit-dikit at wala

Maharlika fund...

PAGE 6

forecasting, analysis, strategy, and standards development for the prevention and control of all diseases of public health importance and health security events, reached the Senate plenary on Monday as Sen. Pia Cayetano sponsored the measure.

Bills establishing the VIP remain pending at the committee level in the Senate, while a similar proposal and the CDC bill has been passed by the House in December 2022.

The LEDAC also identified the proposal to make the Reserve Officers Training Corps program mandatory again as a priority.

po silang madadaanan. Importante po ‘yung distance,” he said.

(I’m concerned. I have so many experiences when it comes to the homes of our informal settlers, those are close to one another and there is no proper path.)

“Tapos ‘yung iba sinasabi nila, hindi sila binibigyan ng right of way, ‘yung iba umaakyat ng bakod para makadaan. So, in the event of an earthquake, marami

Like the VIP bills, mandatory ROTC is pending at the committee level,

although the panel chaired by Sen. Ronald dela Rosa which is handling it is preparing to send it for plenary deliberations.

The House approved a bill making ROTC mandatory again in December 2022. Other bills identified as LEDAC priorities are amendments to the BuildOperate-Transfer law, the creation of the Medical Reserve Corps and the condonation of unpaid amortization and interests of loans of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Also identified as priorities are the Internet Transactions Act, amendments to the law that fixed terms for Armed Forces officers and the Salt Industry Development Bill. n

DFA: More PH rescue...

PAGE 6

it’s easy. But some of them are Turkish citizens, so they have to first acquire their Philippine citizenship according to RA 9225; if we can do it within several days, then they will be going home.)

On February 6, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said that the Philippines will send an 85-man team to help Turkey after the nation experienced a magnitude 7.8 earthquake. The said team was already deployed on Wednesday last week. (Inquirer.net) n

Scenes in the streets of Marikina City during the rush hour on February 9, 2023.

Photo from STAR / Walter Bollozos

Filipina found alive after 3 days under quake rubble

by Bernadette tamayo and Vince JacoB Visaya ManilaTimes.net

A TEAM from the Philippine Embassy in Turkey on Tuesday, February 14 visited in the hospital a Filipina earthquake survivor who was rescued after three days under the rubble from a 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria last week.

The Philippine Embassy,

on Facebook, said its Mersinbased team checked on the condition of Juliva Benlingan, 33, a native of Lagawe, Ifugao, who was previously reported missing.

According to her sister Maribel, Benlingan sustained wounds on her face, head and feet, and was dehydrated

when rescued.

“As she recovers well at an Adana hospital, she thanked God for a second chance at life and the embassy for their well wishes,” the embassy said.

The team provided Benlingan with financial assistance and gave her doctors and nurses “tokens of our appreciation.”

Maribel said Juliva, mother

to a 12-year-old girl, endured 60 hours under the rubble of a collapsed building before she was rescued.

In its continuous evaluation on the ground, the Philippine Embassy said it is “focusing on management of its resources toward the welfare, recovery and return to normalcy of Filipino evacuees.”

Displaced Filipinos continue to arrive at the shelter in Ankara, transported by the embassy and on their own volition, it added.

The embassy said its team in Mersin “is also in contact with a set of volunteers from the hospitality industry who have offered to provide food assistance to FilipinoTurkish families who chose to remain in Antakya and to [the] Philippine humanitarian contingent in Adiyaman province.”

“We deeply appreciate the charity of kababayan (fellow Filipinos) and our Turkish brethren,” it added.

CALLING IT A DAY. A view of sunset amid the high-rise buildings in Metro Manila can be seen from Cogeo, Antipolo City in Rizal province on late Monday afternoon, Feb. 13. Visitors often troop to the city’s overlooking spots to get a glimpse of the beautiful sunset. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Julieva Benlingan with her Turkish wards

Contributed photo

PAGE 10

Love your heart this love month - health group

MANILA – A group of health advocates urged Filipinos on Valentine’s Day to show extra love for their hearts by keeping them in shape this heart month.

In a statement on Tuesday, February 14, the Healthy Philippines Alliance (HPA) emphasized that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains to be the leading cause of death nationwide and worldwide.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority shows ischemic heart disease or coronary heart disease, caused by narrowed arteries, was the top cause of death in the country from January to September 2022.

It claimed the lives of more than 77,000 or 18.5 percent of total deaths.

Meanwhile, CVD is the leading cause of death globally killing over 18 million people each year or 33 percent of total deaths in the world.

The HPA noted that the risk factors are diverse which include poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol usage.

Persons with pre-existing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure are at higher risk.

Meanwhile, Philippine Alliance of Patient Organizations President Karen Villanueva said there is no cure for

Couples ditch church weddings due to cost, requirements - survey

heart disease and only the factors that contribute to it can be treated.

“That’s why some patients struggle with adjusting to a new normal lifestyle after their diagnosis. So as early as now, change your unhealthy habits and don’t wait for a heart scare before putting your heart health first,” she said.

“Prevention is always better than cure and it is our responsibility to help manage our heart condition in partnership with our health provider.”

In line with this, the HPA encouraged everyone to destroy years of unhealthy eating and commit to more wholesome nutrition by knowing which foods to eat more or limit to prevent CVDs.

“Diet matters when it comes to heart health. It is best to choose homecooked meals versus fast food or junk food which is high in unhealthy fat,” HPA technical adviser Maria Fatima Villena said.

“Incorporate more fiber like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. This can help combat plaque build-up that can clog the arteries,” she said.

The HPA is a network of noncommunicable diseases (NCD) prevention and control organizations. (PNA) n

MANILA – Financial burden and tedious requirements are the main reasons why couples opt to skip church weddings, a Church-based survey revealed.

Based on the latest results of the Veritas Truth Survey (VTS) released on Tuesday, February 14, 32 percent of the respondents answered “cost”, while 24 percent replied with “requirements”, when asked what is the “utmost obstacle in doing a church wedding.”

The survey added that for those who answered “cost,” there were more male respondents at 38 percent compared to 28 percent for female respondents.

For those who reasoned “requirements,” 24 percent were females as against males with 23 percent.

The other reasons given are process/interview at 16 percent; attire, 8 percent; and conflict of faith, 6 percent.

The remaining 14 percent are still undecided.

The survey was conducted between Jan. 5 to Feb. 10, involving a stratified random sample of 1,200 respondents nationwide, through a text-based and online data gathering process.

On the other hand, VTS head Bro. Clifford Sorita noted that church weddings need not be extravagant.

“The real reason for a church wedding is to celebrate a solemn Sacrament, and as a religious ceremony. Weddings may be celebrated in a simple yet meaningful and blessed manner,” said Sorita in a statement.

He added that the people should be reoriented

“A church wedding is more than just the perceived extravagance but a spiritual ceremony that gives the bride and the groom the seeds of faith in God, which, in turn, helps them develop faith in each other,” the VTS head said. (PNA) n

PNA photo by Joey Razon on the true meaning of making vows in a religious ceremony.

Era of ‘free’ COVID vaccines, test...

these price hikes could drive additional disparities,” said Sean Robbins, executive vice president of external affairs for the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Those increases, he said, will also affect people with insurance, as the costs “flow through to premiums.”

Meanwhile, public policy experts say many private insurers will continue to cover Paxlovid, although patients may face a copayment, at least until they meet their deductible, just as they do for other medications. Medicaid will continue to cover it without cost to patients until at least 2024. But Medicare coverage will be limited until the treatment goes through the regular FDA process, which takes longer than the emergency use authorization it has been marketed under.

Another complication: The rolls of the uninsured are likely to climb over the next year, as states are poised to reinstate the process of regularly determining Medicaid eligibility, which was halted during the pandemic. Starting in April, states will begin reassessing whether Medicaid enrollees meet income and other qualifying factors.

An estimated 5 million to 14 million people nationwide might lose coverage.

“This is our No. 1 concern” right now, said John Baackes, CEO of L.A. Care, the nation’s largest publicly operated health plan with 2.7 million members.

“They may not realize they’ve lost coverage until they go to fill a prescription” or seek other medical care, including vaccinations, he said.

What about COVID test kits?

Rules remain in place for insurers, including Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans, to cover the cost of up to eight in-home test kits a month for each person on the plan, until the public health emergency ends.

For consumers — including those without

insurance — a government website is still offering up to four test kits per household, until they run out. The Biden administration shifted funding to purchase additional kits and made them available in late December.

Starting in May, though, beneficiaries in original Medicare and many people with private, job-based insurance will have to start paying out-of-pocket for the rapid antigen test kits. Some Medicare Advantage plans, which are an alternative to original Medicare, might opt to continue covering them without a copayment. Policies will vary, so check with your insurer. And Medicaid enrollees can continue to get the test kits without cost for a little over a year.

State rules also can vary, and continued coverage without cost sharing for COVID tests, treatments, and vaccines after the health emergency ends might be available with some health plans.

Overall, the future of COVID tests, vaccines, and treatments will reflect the complicated mix of coverage consumers already navigate for most other types of care.

“From a consumer perspective, vaccines will still be free, but for treatments and test kits, a lot of people will face cost sharing,” said Jen Kates, a senior vice president at KFF. “We’re taking what was universal access and now saying we’re going back to how it is in the regular U.S. health system.”

KHN correspondent Darius Tahir contributed to this report.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. n

Plight of informal settlers...

PAGE 7

sa kanila mamamatay. ‘Pag nagkaroon ng sunog, marami sa kanila ang matatrap,” the senator added.

(Others say that they are not given a right of way; others climb fences to pass through on their way to their

houses. So, in the event of an earthquake, many of them will die. Likewise, when there is a fire, many of them will be trapped.)

Based on a 2004 study conducted by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

90% of Filipinos agree on...

our recent decision for the expansion of EDCA and maritime patrols with the United States has actually precipitated more inquiries from U.S. companies looking at how they can invest or, at the very least, expand their operations in the Philippines. The Philippines was at the front and center of international news – that is, until the Chinese balloon incident came into the picture.

the way for the conduct of disaster relief assistance by the Australian Defense Force when Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) hit the Philippines in November 2013.

and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, several structures in greater Manila would not withstand the “Big One.”

Some 52,000 are projected to get killed, while half a million are foreseen to get hurt by the “Big One.” n

Filipina found alive after...

PAGE 8

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) also on Tuesday said it will repatriate the remains of one of the two Filipinas who died in the devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake in Turkey.

DFA acting Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo Jose de Vega said the Philippine government will also repatriate other Filipino survivors who wish to return home.

The Filipina fatality was already buried in Turkey based on the decision of her Turkish husband, de Vega said during a Laging Handa press briefing.

He, however, added that Filipinos who are already citizens of Turkey, being married to Turks, should first re-acquire their Filipino citizenship to qualify for repatriation.

“Some of them are already Turkish citizens.

They need to re-acquire [first] their [Filipino] citizenship under Republic Act 9225 to avail [of the repatriation service],” de Vega said in Filipino.

“So, madali po ‘yan (So, it’s easy). Kung magagawa natin (If we can do [that] within the next several days, dapat magsisiuwian na ‘yan (they would be expected to come home),” he added.

De Vega noted that there are about 248 Filipinos who were affected by the earthquake, with 64 of them staying at a temporary shelter in the country’s capital Ankara.

On the other hand, 70 others sought financial assistance from the embassy, he said.

De Vega added that there is no definite schedule yet on the repatriation of the distressed Filipinos and the body of the Filipina fatality. n

Clearly, the U.S. and the Philippines must also boost economic ties and increase trade and investment cooperation to strengthen the economic backbone, and therefore resilience, of our country. As I have mentioned on several occasions, the Philippines can become a stronger ally that can significantly contribute in advancing a more secure and prosperous region if it is also economically strong. At the end of the day, this is what we all want.

To reiterate, the EDCA is not directed at, or against, any country. Rather, this agreement with the United States is aimed at ramping up our defense capabilities, especially in light of the global security challenges – both traditional and non-traditional – that are emerging, and which all nations must take into account.

Let’s not also forget, the Philippines also has a defense agreement with Australia via the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) signed in 2007 and which took effect in September 2012 following its ratification in July of that same year. The agreement was very timely as it paved

President BBM’s recent visit to Tokyo is also expected to boost economic as well as security ties between the Philippines and Japan. No less than the President underscored this when he said prior to his departure that the bilateral visit is essential as it is “part of a larger foreign policy agenda to forge closer political ties, stronger defense and security cooperation” in addition to “lasting economic partnerships with major countries in the region amid a challenging global environment.”

In a recent brief written by our friend Gregory Poling with Andreyka Natalegawa and Danielle Fallin titled, “Building a U.S.-JapanPhilippines Triad” published at the Center for Strategic and International Studies’ online site, the authors underscored Japan’s growing role in the Indo-Pacific, and why Tokyo and Washington should collaborate more closely in “engaging with other alliance partners, including the Philippines. Japan is uniquely suited to this role given its extensive and longstanding security partnership with the Philippines, creating a robust level of security cooperation between Tokyo and Manila.”

In fact, having security alliances that show we are part of a coalition of likeminded countries can serve as a deterrent and can promote peace in the IndoPacific region.

As usual, pseudo-

nationalists are looking at it from a negative perspective, saying we may be sucked into the maelstrom if a conflict between the U.S. and China breaks out. In the first place, if there is a conflict in the region over Taiwan for example, the Philippines would not be able to remain a fence sitter for long because of its very strategic location as well as its proximity to Taiwan. We would feel the impact and would be involved in one way or another. In this global world, there is no such thing as an “island nation.” Fortunately, we have enlightened senators like Win Gatchalian, Chiz Escudero and Francis Tolentino who clearly see the significance of the EDCA expansion and the resumption of joint maritime patrols as good for the country. Even Senate President Migz Zubiri and many key legislators that include Congressman Rufus Rodriguez see the importance of our alliance with the United States.

Some may have an axe to grind against the U.S. but they know very well this latest development is a positive step for our country’s security. And more importantly, this decision by President Marcos is appreciated and supported by 90 percent of Filipinos not only here but in many parts of the world, who continue to look at the United States as our most trusted ally and partner. (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

VALENTINE’S LOVE. A man gives flowers to police personnel in celebration of Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 along San Pedro Street in Davao City. The female police officers thanked the man who made their day. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Success story: A terminated case is reinstated and visa issued, on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

JOSEPH was petitioned by his mother in 2007 and waited 12 long years for his Nanay Pilar’s petition to become current. Unfortunately, Joseph was in Zurich, Switzerland for work and was unable to attend his embassy interview in April 2019.

Despite Joseph’s attempt to contact the National Visa Center to reschedule his interview date, he received a termination letter, where the Embassy said Joseph failed to contact them within the allotted one-year

Janella wants son to be proud of her

by Charmie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com

BEING a mother to twoyear-old son Jude Trevor, Janella Salvador described motherhood as “the best thing, experience of my life so far.”

“I am happy. It’s nice to see… I have a two-year-old now. It’s nice to see him growing into the person that he is turning out to be,” she said during the finale media conference of the recentlyconcluded ABS-CBN series Mars Ravelo’s Darna where she played the role of Darna’s nemesis, Regina/Valentina.

“Actually ‘pag Valentina, he doesn’t recognize me. Pero when I play Regina, nakikilala niya ako, ‘Mama.’ Gumaganun siya,” she shared when asked about the reaction of Baby Jude whenever he would see her on screen.

When further queried if she will support Jude if he decides to join showbiz in the future, just like his parents, she answered, “If he wants to. Only if he wants to but I’m not going to push it. But if I see that he has the talent, maybe I will bring him to workshops. But hindi ko ipipilit.”

She also keeps Jude in mind whenever she accepts acting projects. “Actually, pipiliin ko pa rin, of course, yung mga roles. Hindi naman pwede na bastabasta lang na tatanggap lang ako ng tatanggap. It really depends on how the role is portrayed, if there’s redemption or if it is

Janella Salvador on motherhood: ‘It’s the best thing, experience of my life so far.’ ABS-CBN photo

properly portrayed. I want my son to be proud of me like, ‘My mom did this,’ even it is a daring role. I want him to appreciate my craft.”

Portraying Regina/ Valentina in Mars Ravelo’s Darna is Janella’s first role after motherhood and it boosted her confidence in her craft. “I’m not sure if it’s because of (me being a) mother or the role is so well-written, but as what I’ve said I’ve really grown as an actress. I have gained more confidence to take on different roles. I loved my craft even more because of this role. I am excited to essay other roles that will give me more challenge.”

The character Regina likewise inspired Janella to “fight for what is right.” She said, “I really look up to her and I really wanna be like

her. I really wanna fight for what is right. I wanna be able to have a voice and be the voice of the generation.”

Janella also recalled feeling “discomfort” while taping due to her costume every time she would transform into snake-haired Valentina, who wore a head cap and a blue and green body suit. “My costume kasi hindi nag-flo-flow yung blood ko, especially the head part because I’m wearing a head cap most of the time. So, I’d get chronic headaches all the time. It’s tight (suit). Yung costume nga restricted siya, it’s not stretchy. So, it’s very difficult (to move) and discomfort lang talaga.”

She told the wardrobe team about it, but “they couldn’t do anything about PAGE 12

A

petitioned her son, Joseph (left) in 2007, it took some 11 years until his F-2B petition became current in 2018. His embassy interview was scheduled in April 2019, but Joseph was in Zurich, Switzerland for work and he asked to have his interview rescheduled. Unfortunately, the embassy sent a termination letter, based on Joseph’s supposed failure to contact them within a year. Joseph consulted with Atty. Gurfinkel (right), who got the case reinstated and visa issued in record time. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, February 19 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Nanay Pilar

LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL SUCCESSFULLY REINSTATES A TERMINATED CASE ON

BRAND-NEW SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! After

(center)

Health@Heart Magic memory pill

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

IN these troubling times of wokeness, extremely radical ideologies, and confusing state of people’s minds, remembering wonderful memories and retrieving decades-old cherished joys and happy events could be a beneficial antidote to these challenges today. Unfortunately, even in our 40s and 50s, remembering old memories and recalling previous knowledge in our younger years hidden in our brain may be difficult, if not impossible, for some. But there is good news on the horizon!

A drug already in use for bronchial asthma, previously approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), has been labelled recently as a “magic pill” for its ability to restore lost memories and recall previously hidden knowledge.

The same could be achieved with optogenetic therapy, but the “magic drug” is comparatively safer, non-invasive and equally effective.

“If proven effective, this novel approach could offer a new ray of hope for millions suffering from conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s, or simply help everyday people remember critical elements of their lives lost to the passage of time,” according to the research team from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.

The research is ongoing and a most promising potential in keeping the brain of billions around the world youthful, with healthier memory maintenance and more efficient retrieval of old data. All these with a safe “magic pill.”

Drug ‘stops’ aging

Infusing older patients with blood of younger and healthier individuals shows promise at “turning back the clock on aging,” but new studies show that scientists may be able to achieve the

same without using another person’s blood.

Researchers from Columbia University in New York reported that “an anti-inflammatory drug can rejuvenate the system which manufactures blood in the body and possibly increasing the human lifespan by decades!”

The investigators, scientist Passegue and graduate student Carl Mitchell, discovered “the anti-inflammatory drug anakinra, approved for use in rheumatoid arthritis cases, reverses some of the effects of aging on the hematopoietic system. The drug is available under the brand name Kineret… Administering the drug returned aging blood to a younger and healthier state.” And this means extending lifespan!

Published in the journal Nature Cell Biology, this wonderful and exciting discovery, when worldwide clinical trials confirm its effectiveness, might just be the fountain of youth Ponce de Leon and all of us have been searching for.

Manicures and cancer

Many women prefer gel manicure because it lasts longer and do not easily chip. However, ultraviolet light from nail lamps has been associated with increased risk for cancer, according to some studies. The long wavelengths of ultraviolet light (UVA) from the UV nail dryer can damage the DNA and cause mutation in human cells that elevates the risk for skin cancer.

In other studies, using a strong sunscreen prior to gel manicure appear to lessen the risk. Having gel manicure, without UV dryer, appears to be a logical, safer, alternative.

Coffee and liver disease

There is a dual epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus around the world. Obesity increases the risk for diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Losing 30 to 50 percent of body weight among the severely overweight by strict dieting

have been founds to cure diabetes, even to the point of stopping insulin for good. This is no longer a theory but a proven scientific fact.

New studies found that coffee “helps protect against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among people with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D)… caffeine intake was correlated with decreased liver fibrosis in NAFLD and other chronic liver-related illnesses.”

Portuguese scientists discovered that caffeine and polyphenols in coffee may reduce the severity of NAFLD among those with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The research was sponsored by the Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) and was reported in the journal Nutrients.

* * *

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 2recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Her sewing machine, his nonstick pan

By Raoul J. Chee Kee Inquirer.net

LONG-TIME partners

Marina Benipayo and Ricardo “Richard” Cepeda have a full and creative life outside show biz. When they aren’t in front of the camera, they’re meeting up with friends and family, indulging in their hobbies, fostering pets or simply chilling together at home.

Veteran fashion model Marina can still give the younger models a run for their money and is sometimes tapped by designers to take a twirl down the runway. Her favorite thing? Still fashionrelated.

“Sewing is my therapy,

so my favorite thing is my sewing machine. It’s my best stress reliever and gives me the chance to stay productive. I used to work on my mother’s machine, but then she needed it back. Richard got me a new one para hindi ko siya kulitin kapag bored ako (laughs).”

When she was growing up, she recalled seeing her mother sewing. “She was very skilled at it and I always wished I could be as skilled as her. It never happened (laughs), but I never want to stop using my sewing machine because a lot of my fondest memories of my mom are of watching her sew.”

Interspersed among her

recent Facebook posts of get-togethers with friends and pictures of stray cats are some of her newly sewn creations. There’s an upcycled black tote made with fabric scraps “para walang sayang at walang tapon” and a denim bag that she crafted out of a pair of Richard’s old jeans.

Marina has had the white Brother sewing machine for eight years now and said it’s the “star” of her work table at home.

Richard is a known foodie and sometimes makes a big batch of lip-smacking pork adobo that he sells to friends with Marina’s help. His favorite thing is a 30-inch Tefal pan for deep frying. n

Success story: A terminated...

PAGE 11

period, and his file had now been destroyed. Joseph consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel to get his case back on track. After writing to the Embassy, arguing for Joseph’s eligibility, Atty. Gurfinkel convinced the Embassy to reinstate the case. Joseph’s new interview was scheduled in March 2022 and Joseph’s visa was issued, to the joy of Nanay Pilar who was finally reunited with her son after such a long time. Watch this success story on a brandnew episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, February 19 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)

Janella wants son to be proud of...

it,” said Janella. “Maybe because of a lot of factors. Maybe they were not that prepared. Maybe that was the cause of the problem. But as an actress, wala na yun sa part ko.

As an actress, I just gave my best.”

On her Valentine’s Day plans, Janella said she will celebrate “self-love.” “I will spend time with myself and my son. He is my Valentine.”

Janella and ex-boyfriend Markus Paterson called it quits more than a year ago, but they have maintained a good co-parenting relationship for their son Jude. “OK naman. We are co-

parenting ng maayos. Wala namang problema,” said Janella and added that they follow a “system” as co-parents. “He borrows Jude when he is free but he (Jude) stays with me talaga.”

She is also open to be working with Markus, saying, “Maybe in the future, why not? Yeah.”

The 24-year-old actress is also open to try a new relationship, “Yes, I guess.” n

Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to reinstate Joseph’s (left) terminated case, on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy.

Marina Benipayo and Ricardo Cepeda

Photo from Facebook/Marina Benipayo

Will the Queen of Marte in ‘Darna’ be the start of Celeste’s acting career?

By HAnnAH MAllorcA Inquirer.net

CELESTE Cortesi may have failed to bring home the 71st Miss Universe crown last January, but at least she still got to be called queen — Queen Kevnar of the fictional planet Marte, that is — following her surprise appearance in ABS-CBN teleserye “Mars Ravelo’s Darna” during its finale episode, which aired on February 10.

Cortesi, it would be recalled, took inspiration from the Filipino female superhero for the national costume competition of Miss Universe, a move that was lauded by “Darna” actress herself, Jane de Leon, as well as the family of the late Mars Ravelo and the producers of the show.

Her appearance on the show, however, gave rise to the question: does this mark the start of Cortesi’s acting career?

Cortesi, in her speaking role in the finale episode, expressed her gratitude to Darna (Jane De Leon) for protecting the Marte.

“Nagtagumpay ka sa misyon mo. Tunay kang anak ng magiting na mandirigmang si Zorra, matapang at maaasahan. Nararapat kang maging protektor,” she said, as seen in a video uploaded by ABS-CBN Entertainment on Feb. 11, “Maraming salamat sa mga sakripisyo mo. Dahil sa ginawa mo, nailigtas mo hindi lang ang mundo kundi ang buong kalawakan.”

(You have succeeded in your mission. You are truly the child of the defender Zorra, who is brave and reliable. You are meant to be the protector. Thank you very much for your sacrifices. Because of what you’ve done, you did not just save the world but also the universe.)

While it’s unclear whether Cortesi would pursue acting after Miss Universe 2022, she revealed on her personal Instagram account that her surprise debut role was an opportunity “to learn and to grow.”

“Taking on the role of Kevnar, The Queen of Marte is definitely a new experience and challenge. Just like any other challenge, I take it as an opportunity to learn and to grow.

It is true that when one door closes, another one opens, it’s all about seizing the moment and being grateful for the chance to work hard and to learn more about myself. Here is to new beginnings and to new adventures,”

said the beauty queen on Instagram.

“Thank you to everyone at ABS-CBN and Darna for allowing me to be a part of this iconic show that celebrates women empowerment,” she added.

During the national costume event of the 2023 Miss Universe, Cortesi donned the twopiece red-and-gold suit with matching kneehigh boots and arm cuffs that resembled the Filipina superhero.

De Leon, during a press conference after the global beauty tilt, said Cortesi had more to show to the world even if she did not win the crown.

“I believe kay Celeste na meron pa siyang ipapakita sa ating lahat. Hindi lang sa ngayon, but soon. I really believe in it (I believe that Celeste has more to show to everyone. It might not be now, but soon. I really believe in it.),” she added.

Should Cortesi pursue acting, she would not be the first beauty queen to enter show business after pageantry.

Some of the most notable beauty queens turned actresses include Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman, Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza, Miss Universe 1969 Gloria Diaz, Miss Universe Philippines 1994 Charlene Gonzales, Miss Universe Philippines 2009 Bianca Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2016 Maxine Medina, and Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, among many others.

Does the Queen of Marte exist?

While the Queen of Marte’s origins were not explored throughout the run of “Mars Ravelo’s Darna”, it was known that the female superhero indeed originated from Marte.

The planet, according to Mango Comics’ “Darna Comicbook 3” in 2022, is a land inhabited by the Adranikans and Anomalkans where the former was described as lovers of peace ruled by Queen Adran, until they were overtaken by serpent-like beings who are followers of Queen Braguda.

The backstory of Cortesi’s surprise role in the TV series is unknown, however, her lines indicate that she is part of the Adranikan tribe.

On the other hand, Darna was described in the comics as an extraterrestrial warrior coming from the Planet Marte who was manifested through Narda after swallowing the titular white stone. n

Only for reel: Barbie Forteza and David Licauco set love team boundaries

By AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

BARBIE Forteza used to think that she would already be married by the age of 28; her screen partner, David Licauco, at 27. But as they near—or reach—those stages in their respective lives, they’ve realized that settling down is something that will have to wait.

The two actors are riding the wave of success of their love team in the hit fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra (MCI).” And they intend to strike while the iron is hot. With a growing list of things they want to achieve in show biz, they agreed that prioritizing work is the logical step for now.

Barbie, who’s in a fiveyear relationship with Jak Roberto, said: “Back then, I hoped I could settle down at 28, so I could still have a couple more years to enjoy our marriage as a couple, before starting our own family. But now, with what has been happening every year, I feel like I want to maximize my career first. Nag-iisip ako kung kailan bubwelo.”

Besides, the 25-year-old actress said, marriage is a life-changing decision—not some stunt to elicit “kilig” from fans.

“It’s something that you have to be ready for. Marriage is no joke. I know this from my sister, who has her own family. You have to be physically, mentally and financially prepared. It’s a new chapter in life that shouldn’t be rushed,” she said at her and David’s recent launch as endorsers of the beauty brand Ishin.

David is now 28—a year past his initial target. Still, no wedding ring in sight. He’s single, he revealed, but not actively seeking a partner.

“When I was 22, I said I would get married at around 27. But now, parang hindi pa!” he said, laughing. “I’m at an age where almost all my friends are either getting engaged or married. Of course, that can make you feel pressured. But everyone has his own box,” he said.

“The kind of opportunity I have now in show biz isn’t something everyone gets. I’m trying my best to maximize

Not yet ready

Aside from acting, David also runs multiple businesses, from restaurants to gyms to online stores. He has so much on his plate and there’s no space for romance at the moment.

“My time is limited… And when you have a girlfriend, you have to devote enough time to her. And I don’t think I’m ready for that,” he said. David and Barbie’s tandem is called “FiLay” —from their respective “MCI” characters, Fidel and Klay. While they have already worked together in previous projects, it wasn’t until recently that viewers got to fully appreciate their rapport. Their characters’ initial cat-and-mouse dynamic was endearingly funny. They got hooked and have since followed Fidel and Klay’s development.

And as the series wore on, Barbie became more comfortable with David.

“Even if we’re shooting scenes where we’re not the focus, even offcam… inaalalayan niya ako. Ramdam ko ‘yung alaga niya as leading man,” she said of David, whom she described as having that oppa or Korean actor look. “He’s shy and reserved, which adds to his appeal.”

David, meanwhile, finds Barbie “pretty, bubbly and lively.” “Barbie has already proven a lot as an actress, so I was a bit shy with her at first. I didn’t know how to approach her. I’m an introvert, so I was grateful that she was the one who opened up to me,” he

said.

But as charming Barbie and David are together, the fans understand that FiLay is just a screen partnership— nothing more. And for that, the two actors are grateful. “They respect our respective personal lives outside the love team. It’s good to know that a lot of fans these days are smart. They’re just happy for FiLay and don’t expect anything else,” Barbie said.

Barbie and David are the first celebrity ambassadors of Ishin, which offers whitening, immunity-boosting food supplements, as well as skincare products. The company was founded by Shirleen and Miguel Bautista. While they’re not overly conscious about their looks, the GMA 7 stars said that, as public figures, it’s important that they put an effort into taking care of themselves and looking presentable, despite their busy schedules.

“Lack of sleep is part of our job. And of course we still want to look like we didn’t just cry for five hours!” Barbie said. “I’m very grateful that brands are noticing and putting their trust in our love team.”

Boundaries

Because of Barbie and David’s undeniable chemistry, some observers couldn’t help but wonder about Jak’s thoughts on FiLay and if he ever get jealous. “It’s a big thing that we’re both actors. We’re in the same industry, so he knows how things work,” Barbie said of Jak. “I don’t have to explain anything to him. He understands.”

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi Photos from Instagram/@celeste_cortesi

David Licauco (left) as Fidel and Barbie Forteza as Klay GMA photo my career. And only then will I be ready to settle down,” David added.

Jose Llana, Conrad Ricamora to reprise original roles on ‘Here Lies Love’ on

Broadway

International casting search for other company members now underway

THE producers of “Here Lies Love,” the groundbreaking musical from the minds of Grammy®, Oscar®, and Tony Award® winner David Byrne (concept, music and lyrics) and Grammy Award® winner Fatboy Slim (music), announced on Wednesday, February 15 that Jose Llana (“The King and I,” “The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee”) and Conrad Ricamora (“How to Get Away with Murder,” “The King and I,” “Soft Power” –Grammy nominations) will join the show’s Broadway company, recreating the critically acclaimed roles they originated off-Broadway.

“Here Lies Love,” which tells the story of former Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos’ rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution, will begin

performances Saturday, June 17 ahead of an official opening night on Thursday, July 20.

Developed & directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, with choreography by Olivier Award nominee Annie-B Parson and additional music by Tom Gandey and J Pardo, the show’s home at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53rdStreet) will be transformed into a dance club where the audience is immersed in the story.

Jose Llana portrays Ferdinand Marcos, the tenth president of the Philippines whose 20-year dictatorship spanned from 1965 to 1986. He was the husband of Imelda Marcos. He lived in exile in the United States until his death in 1989.

Llana returns to this role after creating it at the

Fil-Am Vanessa Hudgens confirms engagement to pro-baseball player Cole Tucker

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

Theater off-Broadway

nom).

Broadway credits include “The King & I” (Lincoln Center and US/ UK tours), “The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee” (Drama Desk Award), “Wonderland,” “Flower Drum Song,” “Rent,” “Streetcorner Symphony” and the 1996 revival of “The King & I.”

Additional New York theater credits include his many collaborations with the Public Theater including “Saturn Returns,” “On The Town” and “Twelfth Night.”

Appearing on numerous cast albums, Jose is also a bestselling recording artist with the VIVA Philippines label. He has made two appearances with American Songbook at Lincoln Center, which led to the release of his second solo CD, “Altitude.” Find Jose Llana on Twitter/Instagram: @thejosellana.

Conrad Ricamora portrays Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, a Philippine senator, opposition leader and the Marcoses’ primary critic. His assassination in 1983 ignited the People Power Revolution which finally ousted Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos from power.

Ricamora’s television and film credits include six seasons opposite Viola Davis in “How To Get Away With Murder” (Oliver), recurring role on “The Resident,” “Fire Island,” “Over The Moon,” “Talladega Nights,” “The Light of the Moon,” “Raising Christopher” (writer/ producer/actor). He has appeared on Broadway via “The King And I” (Lincoln Center - Grammy Nomination), as well as OffBroadway with “Little Shop of Horrors,” “Here Lies Love”

FILIPINA American actress Vanessa Hudgens has confirmed that she and professional baseball player Cole Tucker are engaged.

Rumors of Cole popping the question during the latter part of 2022 circulated last week and was picked up by media outlets like TMZ and People.

Vanessa confirmed the engagement when she posted on her Instagram account a photo of her with the Colorado Rockies player as she showed off the diamond ring on her finger.

“YES. We couldn’t be happier,” Vanessa simply placed in the caption, accompanied by a white heart emoji.

Among those who congratulated the couple were actresses Lily Collins, Monique Coleman, Sarah

Hyland, Ashley Benson, Nina Dobrev, Brittany Snow, Ashley Park, and Vanessa’s sister Stella.

Vanessa had previously dated Oscar-nominated “Elvis” actor Austin Butler for over eight years but broke up in 2020; later in the year she was linked with Cole whom she had met over Zoom, as she had shared on “The Drew Barrymore Show.”

Since then Vanessa has been attending Cole’s Major League Baseball games while Cole has frequented as Vanessa’s plus-one to events and companion on social media posts.

She is best known for her role in the “High School Musical” franchise and will next be seen in the upcoming film “Downtown Owl” and a voice role in “Army of the Dead: Lost Vegas.” n

Filipina American actress Vanessa Hudgens with professional baseball player Cole Tucker Photo from Instagram/@vanessahudgens

Jose Llana plays the role of Ferdinand Marcos in “Here Lies Love.”

Photo by Billy Bustamante

Conrad Ricamora portrays the role of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino in “Here Lies Love.” Photo by Billy Bustamante Public

(Lortel

His

Jose Llana, Conrad Ricamora to...

PAGE 14

(Public Theater - Theatre World Award, Lortel nomination), and “Soft Power” (Public Theater - Drama Desk, Lortel, Grammy Nominations); His other stage credits include “Soft Power” (Ahmanson Theatre); “Tartuffe,” “Woyzeck,” “Fuddy Mears” (Clarence Brown Theatre); “Romeo and Juliet,” “Richard III,” “Midsummer” (Utah Shakespeare Festival); “The Taming of the Shrew” (North Carolina Shakespeare Festival). Ricamora receieved the 2016 Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award and the 2017 Equality California Award. Find Conrad Ricamora on Twitter/Instagram: @Conradricamora.

Both actors received Lucille Lortel Award nominations for their performances at the Public Theater off-Broadway. Ricamora previously reprised his role in the show’s Seattle Rep production.

Pressure on for Francine-Seth tandem

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

YOUNG stars Francine Diaz and Seth Fedelin, whose onscreen partnership— “FranSeth”—was launched via the mystery-drama “Dirty Linen,” admitted to feeling nervous about how the audience would react to their new tandem. They confessed that they expected to receive hate comments, too.

“Yes, we have been feeling the heavy weight on our shoulders since we joined this project’s story con. We were expecting to get a lot of negative comments or bashing from the audience, but thank God, there was none. Also, we chose to deal with the pressure by working hard to portray our characters well,” Francine told Inquirer Entertainment during a recent interview.

Francine and Seth used to be part of the nowdisbanded The Gold Squad of ABS-CBN. They were first seen as a team in the drama series “Kadenang Ginto,” but Francine was paired with Kyle Echarri, while Seth was partnered with Andrea Brillantes.

“It helps that Francine and I are good friends. I actually asked her first if it was OK with her to work with me in a love team. We are determined to make this partnership work. We are aware that people are watching us to see what we will do,” added Seth.

The actor said the pressure is actually coming from the fact that the network, particularly

Dreamscape Entertainment, invested in them and the project. “The company thought that pairing us up was worth a try. They’re observing us because this is our first project together. It’s up to us to turn this team-up into something big that will benefit the show and the network. We’re pressured because we want to prove that we deserve this opportunity,” he pointed out.

Francine agreed with Seth and added: “I feel that people have their eyes on us, waiting to see if we will fail or commit any mistakes. Seth and I talked about this—our goal is to play our characters well and give justice to the story because ‘Dirty Linen’ is not your ordinary teleserye. It doesn’t just tell one story. It has many layers, and each of these layers makes up the whole project. Seth and I would like to think that our characters’ storyline—the layer that we’re part of—is also important.”

Fortune and influence “Dirty Linen,” which also stars Janine Gutierrez and Zanjoe Marudo, began airing on the Kapamilya Channel on Jan. 23. However, the pilot week was all about introducing the main story arc and the major characters. Francine and Seth’s characters, Chiara and Nico, respectively, will be seen more frequently in the coming weeks.

Chiara is the youngest of the powerful Fiero clan. In spite of the family’s fortune and influence, Chiara feels alone and unwanted by her parents. She rebels as a

way to get their attention and acceptance. Nico, meanwhile, is smart and hardworking. He receives a scholarship grant in the city that eventually paves the way for him to meet Chiara.

Asked how she was able to relate to her character, Francine said: “It’s true that, unlike Chiara, I’m surrounded by love at home, but there was a time when I also felt so alone and was desperate for other people’s company. I was looking for someone to listen to me and understand what I was going through, but no matter how I tried to explain my situation to friends, it still felt like they didn’t get me.

“I’ve managed to overcome that phase in my life, I’m OK now. It’s just that, in order to play Chiara, I had to return to that time and sort of open wounds that had already healed. I had to do this to portray Chiara more realistically,” Francine explained.

Meanwhile, Seth described Nico as “the purest character in the entire series.” When we asked him to explain what he meant, Seth said it’s hard to share details that will not spoil the story for its audience. “Nico grew up not knowing anything about the plans of his father (Joel Torre) and sister (Janine) to exact revenge on the Fieros.

He is also unaware that other members of what he considers his family are in on the plan, as well. In the beginning, he appears to be a typical student who studies hard to fulfill his dreams and help his family financially.” n

Jose Llana said, “This is a dream: to be a Filipino actor, playing a Filipino character, telling a crucial part of Filipino history, which is also part of American history. I’m honored to return to Here Lies Love. We built a family creating this show 10 years ago, and now we get to do it again on Broadway. See you on the dance floor!”

For his part, Conrad Ricamora said, “Working on Here Lies Love allowed me to embrace my Filipino heritage––all that Pinoy pride! This is a huge moment for increasing representation on stage, and I’m so excited and proud to bring this revolutionary show to Broadway.”

An international casting search is now underway for the remaining company of 20+ actors.

Ticket information

As the official card sponsor of “Here Lies Love,” American Express® card members have Early Access to exclusive presale tickets before the general public, from Monday, March 13 at 10 a.m. EST through Monday, March 20 at 9:59 a.m. EST at Telecharge.com.

Presale tickets for “Here Lies Love” are available exclusively to Audience Rewards® members from Monday, March 20 at 10 a.m. ET through Wednesday, March 22 at 9:59 a.m. ET. It’s free and fast to join at www. AudienceRewards.com.

Audience Rewards is the Official Rewards Program of Broadway, providing membership benefits and rewards for more than 2.7 million members and representing more than a quarter of all Broadway tickets purchased through Ticketmaster and Telecharge. Free and easy to join, Audience Rewards allows buyers to earn Show Points on every ticket purchase, to be redeemed for free tickets, theater collectibles, unique experiences, and more. Founded in 2008 by a unique coalition of prominent theater owners, including Nederlander, Shubert, and Jujamcyn, major

national presenters, and key performing arts centers from across the country, Audience Rewards has offered members first access presales to more than 100 Broadway shows and 200 VIP experiences and events, which have included a meet and greet with Jake Gyllenhaal, a walk-on role in Rock of Ages, a cooking class with Gavin Creel & Celia KeenanBolger, celebrity Q&As, backstage tours and much more.

Tickets are on sale to the general public beginning Monday, March 27 at 10 a.m. EST online at Telecharge.com or by phone at 212239-6200.

For information on groups of 10+, contact Broadway Inbound at broadwayinbound. com or call 866-302-0995.

More information about the wide variety of standing and seating options available throughout the theater’s reconstructed space will be announced soon. Sign up now at HereLiesLoveBroadway.com for early access to tickets.

Additional show information

From its world premiere at The Public Theater in 2013, “Here Lies Love” has enjoyed popular and critical acclaim. The show returned to The Public in 2014-2015, debuted at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2014, and most recently opened at Seattle Repertory Theatre in 2017.

The creative team for Here Lies Love on Broadway includes three-time Tony Award® nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award® winner Clint Ramos (costume design), Tony Award® winner Justin Townsend (lighting design), M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design), and three-time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design), with casting by Tara Rubin CSA, Xavier Rubiano CSA, Gail Quintos and general management by Foresight Theatrical. Additional creative team members include ATW Jonathan Larson Grant recipient J. Oconer Navarro (music director), Billy Bustamante (assistant director), Renée Albulario (assistant choreographer), Bobby Garcia (casting consultant/Philippines), Gregory T. Livoti (production stage manager), and Ryan Gohsman and Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage managers). Giselle “G” Töngi is the show’s Cultural and Community Liaison.

“Here Lies Love is produced” by Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna for Plate Spinner Productions, Clint Ramos, and Jose Antonio Vargas, with Aaron Lustbader serving as Executive Producer. They are joined by Giselle “G” Töngi, Celia Kaleialoha Kenney, Bobby Garcia and Girlie Rodis, Miranda Gohh, Rob Laqui, Georgina Pazcoguin, Yasuhiro Kawana, Triptyk Studios, Shira Friedman, and Hunter Arnold/TBD Theatricals. n

Only for reel: Barbie Forteza...

PAGE 13

“I never felt the need to reassure him. He trusts me. He’s patient,” she added. “I’m lucky to have him.”

And despite the love team’s success, the fact remains that Jak has been by her side for years and has held her hand through ups and downs. “Success won’t just make me forget that one person who has been making me happy for the past five years and counting; the person who was with me during the pandemic; the person I can share my

struggles and victories with,” she said.

Besides, David isn’t one to make a move on women in committed relationships. “I was never like that. I know my boundaries. I respect their relationships. Barbie and I are good friends, and we know our boundaries. Work is work. And we love our work,” said the actor, who’s also on good terms with Jak. “I have big respect for Jak. He’s a kind person. I have worked with him and found him to be a genuine and hardworking man,” David added. n

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi

Photos from Instagram/@celeste_cortesi