031524 - Northern California Edition

IF you’re struggling to care for elderly or disabled friends or family, CalGrows has hundreds of free — and paying — online or in-person classes to help.

The state program allows home health workers, the backbone of California health care, to earn up to $6,000 for learning and using new skills. However, time is running out for caregivers to sign up, as the program ends in August.

At a March 7 briefing hosted by the California Department of Aging and Ethnic Media Services, speakers described the caregiving and healthcare program, and the paid incentives that go with it, adding a note of urgency.

Renita Polk, of the California Department of Aging, cited estimates that by 2030, a quarter of all Californians — 10.8 million people — will be at least 60 years old and require another 3.2 million caregivers and healthcare workers to provide “varying levels of care.”

“This is a tangible investment in caregivers, California attorney general boosts bill banning medical debt from credit reports

CALIFORNIA Attorney General Rob

Bonta announced Monday, March 11 that

Bonta is a sponsor of Sen. Monique Limón’s bill, which seeks to block health care providers, as well as any contracted collection agency, from sharing a patient’s medical debt with

“This is a broken part of our current system that needs to be fixed,” Bonta, a Democrat, told KFF Health News. “This is California’s opportunity, and we relish the ability to be up in front of key issues.”

delegation to the Philippines includes executives from 22 companies representing United Airlines, Alphabet’s Google, Black & Veatch, Visa, EchoStar/ DISH, United Parcel Service (UPS), Boston Consulting Group, KKR Asia Pacific, Bechtel, FedEx, Mastercard and Microsoft.

In a press conference at Solaire Resort and Casino in Pasay, Raimondo said, “These companies are announcing over a billion dollars of U.S. investments, including creating educational opportunities to over

Most Filipinos willing to ght for country – poll

by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

A MAJORITY of Filipinos — or about 77 percent — said they were willing to fight for the country should there be a war with a foreign entity, the latest Tanong ng Masa survey of independent research firm OCTA Research showed.

Among age groups, this was highest at 87 percent for ages 45 to 54.

Younger respondents followed, with 77 percent of those ages 25 to 34 and 35 to 44 saying they would be willing to fight.

Those in the youngest group, 18 to 24, were at 74 percent, while those ages 65 to 74 were at 69 percent.

The question was: “If there is a conflict between the Philippines and a foreign enemy, are you ready to fight for your country?”

A minority, or 23 percent of the respondents, said they would not fight.

The survey was commissioned by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) after a China Coast Guard tailed and fired water cannons at vessels of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, which were en route to the Scarborough Shoal.

“Across major areas, at least 60 percent of adult Filipinos are willing to fight for the country, with the highest percentage observed in Mindanao (84 percent) and the

MANILA — Vice President

Sara Duterte has defended controversial Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy amid measures by lawmakers to make him show up during their inquiries into the pastor’s involvement in alleged human trafficking, sexual abuse and those involving the franchise of his broadcast network Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

In a statement broadcast by

SMNI, Duterte called the attempts of the Senate and House of Representatives to hold the sect leader accountable an “injustice and outrageous.”

“My countrymen, I stand in solidarity with the call for the application of law and justice in the future issue of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and Sonshine Media Network (International). During the hearings, it seems that Pastor Quiboloy’s guilt has already been decided even though these hearings were based only on the allegations of witnesses who con-

30 million Filipinos in the form of digital upskilling, AI (artificial intelligence) training.”

The U.S. official said the expected deals also include the establishment of an electric vehicle education center as well as solar and nuclear projects to support the Philippines’ energy and climate goals.

“And we’re announcing a new airline route opening up travel and tourism to the beautiful beaches of Cebu among other projects,” she added.

Economic security United said last week it would launch new flights

US a strategic trading, investment ally - Marcos

by JEAN MANGALUZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. called the United States an essential trading and investment ally.

Speaking to U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission at Malacañan Palace, Marcos said that their visit was a manifestation of President Joe Biden’s promise.

“I have emphasized this before, and I will say it again: the United States is an essential strategic trading and investment ally for the Philippines,” said Marcos in his speech.

“In the coming months, I hope that we will be able to see our shared commitments come to fruition, driving robust economic growth because after all, an economically strong Philippines is a formidable ally,” he added.

Marcos called the trade mission proof of the U.S. and the Philippines’ enduring ties.

“Today’s gathering not only signifies a meeting of officials, but also celebrates the enduring relations between the Philippines and the United States—ties that have been built on shared sacrifices, mutual support and

MARCH 5 marked California's primary election and several Filipino Americans ran for various state and local seats.

Jessica Caloza, a women’s right advocate with extensive experience working for the federal, state and local government, continues to lead the race for Assembly District 52 with 29.8% of the votes (21,539), according to results from the California Secretary of State as of Tuesday, March 12. She will head to the general election in November and is another step closer to making history. If elected, Caloza, who previously served a Los Angeles Board of Public Works commissioner, would become the first Filipina American in the California state Legislature.

The 52nd Assembly District in Southern California includes Glendale, parts of East LA and neighborhoods of LA, such as East Hollywood, Los Feliz, Virgil Village, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Cypress Park, Elysian Valley, Echo Park, Eagle Rock and Highland Park.

There are about 13,000 Filipino American registered voters in this district.

“It’s a district that has never

been represented by an Asian American. And in the Assembly, we have never elected a Filipino woman ever. So if I make it, I would be the first,” said Caloza in a previous interview with the Asian Journal

Jed Leano — an immigration attorney, councilmemer and former mayor of Claremont, California — came in fourth with 15.41% of the votes (9,429) in the race for state Assembly's 41st District, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk results as of Thursday, March 7. The 41st District covers Los Angeles County cities, such as Pasadena, Altadena, La Cañada Flintridge, San Dimas, Sierra Madre, and San Bernardino County cities of Rancho Cucamonga, San Antonio Heights and Upland.

"Last night was a beautiful celebration of the mission that united us. This morning, I called John Harabedian to congratulate him on an excellent campaign and gave him my endorsement for AD 41. My deepest gratitude for all our amazing allies in journey" Leano wrote in a Facebook post. Republican candidate Michelle Del Rosario Martinez came out on top in that race with 34.95% of the votes, followed by Democrat John Harabedian with 31.98% of the

How Fil-Am candidates fared in the California...

votes.

In the race for state Senate District 3, Democrat Christopher Cabaldon, former mayor of West Sacramento, trails in second with 26.6% of the votes (52,484), as of

Tuesday, March 12.

In a statement issued Tuesday, March 5, Cabaldon said, “The initial results are indeed encouraging, and while we are optimistic, we recognize that every vote counts and every voice matters. We are committed to giving our election officials the time they need to ensure every ballot is counted and eagerly await the final tally.”

State Senate District includes parts of Solano, Yolo, Napa, Contra Costa, Sonoma and Sacramento counties.

Cabaldon was the first openly gay Filipino in the country to be elected mayor and was also the longest-serving LGBT mayor in the country.

Another Fil-Am, Rozzanna Verder-Aliga trails in third place in this race with 20.7% of the votes (40,708).

Verder-Aliga is a mental health care professional and the current vice mayor of Vallejo.

Kurt Jose, a lawyer, ran for a U.S. congressional seat for California's 31st District, which covers West Covina, El Monte, La Verne and other areas of the San Gabriel Valley. He garnered only 1.3% of the votes (883) in a crowded race of 10 candidates.

Also in Northern California’s San Mateo County, Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo and former Daly City city councilmember Ray Buenaventura are among the top four vote-getters among six candidates for the Democratic Party County Central Committee’s District 5 (fifth supervisorial district for the San Mateo County Democratic Party), according to the Monday March 11 semi-official results from the Registration & Elections Division of the San Mateo Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder’s office. Both are running for reelection to the fifth supervisorial district.

Buenaventura has so far received 6,910 votes, while Manalo has tallied 6,624 votes. Also in the top four are Daly City City Clerk Annette Hipona and Daly City Councilmember Pamela DiGiovanni. Filipina American Cheryl Cuasar-Catuar is in fifth place,

with 3,234 votes. GOP candidate Christina Laskowski placed third in the State Senator race for the 13th District, garnering 7,260 votes. Incumbent State Senator Josh Becker leads the race with 76,249 votes as of the March 11 semi-official results. Several Fil-Ams also ran for local Los Angeles races during this cycle.

As of Tuesday, March 12, FilAm housing rights lawyer Ysabel Jurado has taken the lead with 24.46% (7,965 votes) of the votes in the race for Los Angeles City Council District 14, which covers Eagle Rock, Highland Park, Downtown Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, and El Sereno. Jurado surpassed incumbent councilmember Kevin De León, who was bumped to second place with 23.49% of the votes (7,647).

In a statement, Jurado said she was “immensely grateful and honored” that her campaign is headed to the run-off election in November.

"This victory is a testament to the power of the people, the power of community, and the power of grassroots organizing,” she said in a statement. If elected, Jurado would be the first Filipino American in the LA City Council.

“I’ve always been an organizer

and I never thought I would run for office, it’s true. But I feel called for this by my community. We [Filipinos] are the second-largest Asian population in Southern California and yet we haven’t had a council member ever is wild to me,” Jurado told the Asian Journal in a 2023 interview.

Ely De La Cruz Ayao, a Filipino immigrant and retired real estate broker, ran for LA City Council's District 6, which includes the communities of Arleta, Lake Balboa, North Hills, North Hollywood, Pacoima, Panorama City, Sun Valley and Van Nuys. He came in second with 12.56% of the votes (1,820) and was defeated by incumbent councilmember Imelda Padilla, who garnered 77.46% of the votes (11,227).

Meawhile, in San Diego, current Mayor Todd Gloria is bound for a November runoff. Gloria had 50.9% of the vote, followed by 24.3% for San Diego police officer Larry Turner, as of Wednesday, March 6.

“Thank you San Diego! The preliminary primary election results exceeded my expectations and put us on a path to victory in November. I’m excited to continue to work hard for my beloved hometown with the vision of building a city that works #ForAllofUs,” Gloria wrote in a social media post. g

$1B investment deals seen...

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from Tokyo-Narita to Cebu starting July 31.

For his part, Philippine Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said the U.S. trade mission symbolizes Washington’s strong support for the country’s economic security through trade and investments.

“A stronger partnership between the U.S. and the Philippines cements our position as an economic force. This position benefits our country and fortifies our standing as an ally of the United States,” Pascual said during the same event.

Pressed for comment when they think the investments would materialize, the Philippine official said it would depend on the nature of the project, noting that it could take several weeks to years.

“The training, that would be immediate. In fact, we already have an agreement,” Pascual said, adding that investments that take longer to materialize include energy projects that normally materialize after five to seven years.

During their meeting, Pascual said they also raised other key issues, including a swift implementation of

U.S. government support in workforce development as part of the recently passed CHIPS Act, which mandates funding from the U.S. government to the Philippines and other developing countries to make the ecosystem of their local semiconductor industry more conducive to American investors.

Another issue in which the Philippines sought assistance from the U.S. delegation is the detention of apparel exports and shrimp paste shipments.

Pascual said the U.S. had banned apparel exports using cotton from a province in China where the Uyghur population is reportedly being persecuted.

“But the fact of the matter is that the cotton used by our apparel companies does not come from China but from Brazil, Turkey and the U.S. itself,” Pascual said.

Partner of choice

The White House in January said a trade mission would be sent to boost U.S. companies’ contribution to key Philippine sectors, including infrastructure, clean energy, critical minerals, agriculture and the innovation economy.

The Philippines and the United

States are long-standing allies bounded by a 73-year-old mutual defense treaty.

President Marcos has sought to deepen relations beyond defense cooperation to include economic partnerships.

“The U.S.-Philippine alliance is ironclad,” Raimondo said at the joint briefing with Philippine officials. “It is sustained over 72 years, and we remain steadfast friends and, increasingly, partners in prosperity.”

Security engagements between the Philippines and the United States have stepped up considerably under President Biden and Mr. Marcos, with both leaders keen to counter what they see as China’s aggressive actions in the South China Sea and near Taiwan.

Raimondo said she was often asked if the United States was asking countries in the IndoPacific region to choose between China and the United States.

“Absolutely not. But we want the United States to be the economic partner of choice,” Raimondo said. “For that to happen, we have to show up and show up in the country with money, with collaboration and consistently show up.” g

VOTE OF CONFIDENCE. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. referred to the first U.S. trade mission to the Philippines as a testament to the enduring partnership between the two countries. Marcos welcomed U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission (PTIM) delegates in Malacañang on Monday, March 11. He said the event is an opportunity for the Philippines to showcase diverse investment opportunities. Malacañang photo

Attorney Ysabel Jurado is currently in second place for the LA City Council, District 4 race, as of Friday, March 8.   File photos

Jessica Caloza, candidate for state Assembly, District 52  San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria is seeking reelection in the 2024 election cycle.

Christopher Cabaldon, former West Sacramento mayor, is eyeing a California state Senate seat.

Sara Duterte: Quiboloy deserves...

cealed their identity and could not prove their credibility,” the vice president said.

The KOJC is being investigated by the Senate for allegations of rape and acts forcing church members to beg or sell goods on the streets to fund Quiboloy’s lifestyle.

Meanwhile, SMNI is being investigated by the House of Representatives for alleged franchise violations.

Duterte and her family have strong ties with Quiboloy, who is a friend and “spiritual adviser” of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The vice president claimed that many believe that what Quiboloy is experiencing is a form of “persecution.”

“Many of us believe that what Pastor Quiboloy is suffering now is outrageous and unfair. Apart from the hearings that appear to be leading nowhere, it is also outrageous to indefinitely suspend the broadcasting network SMNI – an issue of media freedom,” the vice president said.

“Incidents and allegations like these are no joke. He deserves to be given a fair fight and in the right court… Justice and the truth cannot be achieved in trial by publicity, but by a day in court,” she added.

No 17 conditions

In a related development, Quiboloy’s camp on Tuesday, March 12 denied that the KOJC leader has imposed 17 conditions for him to attend the Senate hearing.

In a radio interview, Ferdinand Topacio, one of Quiboloy’s legal counsels, maintained that the sect founder has no intention to appear before the Senate women and gender committee chaired by Sen. Risa Hontiveros.

“A demand is not a demand if it is not officially addressed by the Senate through either Pastor Quiboloy or through his legal counsels since this is a formal proceeding of the Senate,” Topacio said in reaction to social media posts stating Quiboloy’s alleged 17 conditions.

“If it will be based on social media, why don’t they issue a subpoena on social media, and I don’t know why Sen. Hontiveros was furious,” Topacio added.

Quiboloy’s legal team will explain the side of the religious leader, according to Topacio.

“Sen. Hontiveros was too sensitive when she just read it on social media and yet she reacted. There were no demands. I don’t know about her claim that the Senate was ordered because there was no formal demand,” he said.

Topacio pointed out that no less than the Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the Senate cannot immediately issue a warrant of arrest against a resource person.

“There is no need yet for a warrant as what should come first is an explanation. This was according to none other than our Supreme Court,” the lawyer said.

He added that Quiboloy has no plan to attend the hearing of Hontiveros’ committee.

“This in relation to the aid of legislation of Sen. Hontiveros, but actually, in aid of persecution,” Topacio noted. Senators Robinhood Padilla, Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, Bong Go and JV Ejercito have signed a written manifestation objecting to Quiboloy’s arrest. Ejercito later withdrew his signature.

At least eight signatures are needed to block the issuance of an arrest warrant against the KOJC leader.

During the Senate women and gender committee’s fourth hearing, Hontiveros cited Quiboloy in contempt and asked Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri to order his arrest.

Show cause order

For Zubiri, however, the Senate should accord Quiboloy a chance to explain to the Senate why he should not be cited in contempt before being ordered arrested.

In an ambush interview on Tuesday, Zubiri said he would talk to Hontiveros about issuing first a show cause order against Quiboloy before citing him in contempt for snubbing her committee’s inquiry into the sexual abuses in the KOJC.

Zubiri cited the SC decision on the petition filed against the Senate by Linconn Ong and Michael Yang, when the upper chamber cited them for contempt in connection with its Blue Ribbon committee’s hearings on the allegedly overpriced Pharmally pandemic supply.

While the court upheld the power of the Senate to compel witnesses to appear before their hearings, the Senate should give witnesses an opportunity to explain why they should not be cited for contempt, according to the Senate president.

“My request to Senator Hontiveros is that she has to come up with another committee hearing to give a show cause order.

I don’t want to be in violation of the Supreme Court ruling on the Pharmally issue,” Zubiri said.

He added that only thereafter can the Senate panel request for an arrest warrant and for the Senate to release it to compel a witness to appear before the committee inquiry.

“Once there is a show cause order and the chairperson still does not find it satisfactory, then it is ministerial on the part of the Senate to release the warrant of arrest,” Zubiri said. g

Most Filipinos willing to fight for country...

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lowest percentage in Visayas (62 percent),” OCTA said.

areas, at 73 percent. In terms of gender, men ranked higher at 82 percent compared to women at 72 percent. The survey, conducted from Dec. 10 to 14, 2023, used a sample size of 1,200 adult

Filipinos with a ±3 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level. Estimates for the geographic areas covered in

survey had margins of error of ±6 percent at a 95 percent confidence level. g

US a strategic trading, investment ally...

unwavering respect,” Marcos said. During the meeting, the president encouraged U.S.

business leaders to invest in the Philippines. He touted his “Build Better More” project, which boasts the development of 198 high impact infrastructure

projects.

“We eagerly welcome participation by U.S. investors in these transformative initiatives,” he said. g

Free online training for California home health...

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acknowledging their vital role and representing California’s diverse communities and providing people with the quality care they deserve,” said Polk.

“This is a massive problem,”

Dr. V.J. Periyakoil, director of Stanford University’s GE Research Center and its School of Medicine’s Palliative Care Education and Training program.

“It’s not a ‘them’ problem, it’s an ‘us’ problem.”

Constantly improving medical care means sudden deaths are fewer and “most of us are eventually going to live for years with a chronic condition, and die of multiple causes,” she explained.

Already, people are surviving cancer diagnoses for years, living with diabetes, surviving strokes, lung disease, kidney problems and much more.

Just to get through the day, some will need help with simple, basic functions such as showering, dressing and toileting.

But asking people with no training or background in the work to provide such services, she said, is like giving an unlicensed driver the keys to an 18-wheeler. And those caregivers are also reporting the depression and burnout that can accompany being constantly on call.

So far, the Department of Aging’s Connie Nakano said that about 6,000 people have completed more than 25,000 courses and earned more than $2 million in incentives while becoming better trained and able to provide the support that seniors and their families need.

Those eligible for the program must be unlicensed caregivers, certified home care aids or certified nursing assistants who live and work in California.

Free career-advancement training is open to those providing unpaid care to older adults or people with disabilities — including friends and family — in a home or community setting, though incentives don’t apply.

Caregivers already paid by an employer which is not In-Home Supportive Services may receive

incentives for taking the courses.

IHSS employees with a second job elsewhere, or employees with an organization under a county contract to provide IHSS care, are also eligible.

CalGrows is “a comprehensive program,” said Anni Chung, CEO of San Francisco’s Self Help for the Elderly organization, which has been operating since 1966 and currently serves more than 40,000 clients annually with health, educational, social and recreational services.

“It allows us an opportunity to train our staff of 411 employees,” she said, and provide the training updates they need to recertify every two years. And, she said, “it’s an excellent opportunity for newly arrived immigrants to develop career paths,” by providing the knowledge they’ll need to pass state-administered licensing tests.

One such person, Mei Guo, arrived in 2005 and began working as an unlicensed caregiver almost immediately. “I was full of passion, but also felt confused and challenged,” she said through a translator.

But as she began taking courses through Self Help for the Elderly, “I quickly realized this would be a turning point in my career,” Guo continued. “After obtaining my license I was able to provide higher quality care service to the seniors I took care of, not only improving their quality of life but also giving their family members peace of mind.”

Programs such as this, she added, “Help monolingual, non-English-speaking job seekers, immigrants like me, for whom language barriers are a significant challenge … providing not only professional training, but a bridge for communication and learning, allowing us to find our place in this multicultural society in the United States. Through this training we not only improved our professional skills, but learned how to integrate into this society.”

The courses are offered in nine languages: English, Spanish, Armenian, Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Tagalog, Russian and Vietnamese. Topics include

Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, cultural diversity, food safety, infection control and selfcare for caregivers, but there are many, many more.

Caregivers can sign up for the program online at calgrows.org, by phone at (888) 991-7234 or by email at help@calgrows.org.

“There’s a course out there that can fit anyone’s schedule,” Polk said. They range from short, quarter- or half-hour onetime brush-ups to longer ones that can be completed online, with pauses as needed, to others that are considerably longer. “It’s really just dependent on how much time the student has.”

While the program remains available, one panelist, retired journalist Joe Rodriguez, said he’s signing up right away.

He’s currently caring for his sister, who devoted herself to their parents’ needs while Rodriguez was working for the San Jose Mercury News.

He’s single and his sister, who has no other family, can no longer walk, bathe or cook, and needs help getting almost anywhere, sometimes even at home.

“We’re going to be living together for a long time,” he said. “Her needs are going to be getting more profound. It’s quite scary.”

Years ago, Rodriguez said he wrote a column about his sister’s struggles taking care of their parents, and how she deserved a respite.

“I never got so much hate mail,” he recalled, more than for anything else he’d written, from people insisting elder care was a duty. “It’s going to be a tough haul to improve things, just as it’s going to be a tough haul for me personally.”

The CalGrows program in its current state will end at the end of August, due to the rules that came with the federal dollars that support it.

Polk and others expressed hope that somehow the educational opportunities will remain in place, even if the stipend funding dries up, but this remains to be seen. (Mark Hedin/Ethnic Media Services)

Religious leader Apollo Quiboloy Philstar.com photo

Bureau, but they have yet to be released. And should former President Donald Trump return to the White House, he would have the prerogative to undo the rules.

Limón said it’s important for the state to enshrine its own protections into law alongside the federal push. “We may be waiting for a very long time to see outcomes that California could potentially deliver in the next year,” said the Santa Barbara Democrat.

Bonta said he’s not sure what sort of opposition to the bill to expect, but he wonders if providers and collection agencies will be resistant.

collection tactic used by hospitals to get patients to pay their bills. A hospital, for example, might be concerned that a credit score ban might make it more difficult to get patients to pay for medical care they have already received.

The three largest U.S. credit agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — have said they would stop including some medical debt on credit reports as of 2022. Among the excluded debts are paid-off bills and those less than $500, but the agencies’ voluntary actions left out millions of patients with bigger medical bills on their credit reports.

Limón said she often hears from constituents about the impact medical debt has on their lives. Medical debt disproportionately affects lowincome, Black, and Latino Californians, according to the California Health Care Foundation.

that about 100 million people across the country are saddled with medical debt, which has forced some to give up their homes, ration food, and take on extra work.

Though the legislation wouldn’t forgive medical debt, Limón said she hopes it will encourage people to seek medical care when they need it.

“You hear so many people now that are concerned about getting medical care because they can’t afford it and instead wait to get worse,” Limón said. “If the bill passes, we’ll see less fear and more people going to get medical care.” (Molly Castle Work/KFF Health News)

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

IN A significant move towards digital transformation, UltraPass ID, under the leadership of CEO and Co-Founder Eric Starr, has announced its presence in Manila as part of the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission led by Secretary Gina Raimondo. Starr's participation underscores the company's commitment to pioneering decentralized identity solutions in the Philippines, a market burgeoning with potential and ready for technological innovation.

UltraPass ID, known for its comprehensive suite of decentralized identity infrastructure solutions – including UAuth for biometric authentication, TrustLink for privacy-preserving data sharing, and TrustLink Edge for secure data exchange withing critical infrastructure – has identified the Philippines as a dynamic market ripe for the adoption of advanced digital identity systems.

During the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission, UltraPass ID announced agreements with the Department of Budget and Management and NOW Corporation, highlighting the growing demand for robust digital identity infrastructure that prioritizes security, interoperability, and user privacy.

Echoing Secretary Raimondo's assertion that "economic security is national security," necessitat-

ing robust cybersecurity, Starr's vision for the Philippines is ambitious. He announced plans to establish an innovation hub in the country, aiming to make the Philippines a global beacon for decentralized digital identity innovation. This initiative seeks to attract international attention, drive job growth, and showcase the Philippines' capability in deploying cutting-edge technology. The Starr's call to action is clear: with the support of both the United States and Philippine governments, UltraPass ID's vision can transform the digital identity landscape, fostering a more secure, inclusive, and interconnected world. Highlighted by agreements with DBM and NOW Corp and advanced discussions with a number of other agencies, Starr's enthusiasm for the potential of the Philippine market and the urgent demand for UltraPass ID's solutions reflect a promising future for digital transformation in the country. As UltraPass ID continues to navigate the bureaucratic landscape and seeks to expedite agreements with numerous government agencies, the support from the administration remains crucial. Starr's commitment to “move fast and fix things”, sets a new paradigm for technological advancement in the Philippines, promising a future where digital identity solutions not only en-

hance security but also empower individuals with control over their information.

UltraPass ID's participation in the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission represents a significant step in collaboration between the United States and the Philippines. It aims at achieving unprecedented success in digital identity and beyond, firmly rooted in the belief that securing economic and national security begins with robust cybersecurity.

UltraPass ID's participation in the Presidential Trade and Investment Mission marks a significant step in U.S.-Philippines collaboration, emphasizing a mutual commitment to decentralized identity solutions for enhanced cybersecurity, data privacy and global interoperability. 

A KFF Health News analysis found that credit reporting threats are the most common

And, increasingly, people with healthy incomes who often carry medical insurance are incurring medical debt. A KFF Health News-NPR investigation found

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

Secretary Gina Raimondo (left) with UltraPass

CEO Eric Starr.

and

New election system provider

IT’S final: the country has a new automated election system provider. On Monday, March 11, the Commission on Elections signed a P17.99-billion contract with South Korean firm Miru Systems Co. Ltd. for the lease to the Comelec of a Full Automation System with Transparency Audit Count or FASTrAC

Editorial

Timothy Construction Corp. and Centerpoint Solutions Technologies Inc. will supply 110,000 new automated counting machines along with election management systems, secure and transparent ballot printing, 104,345 ballot boxes plus ballot paper as well as 2,200 canvassing system laptops and printers. Miru will also provide technical support for the machines, software and customizable systems.

Miru was the lone bidder for the supply deal, with its P17.99-billion offer lower than the approved budget of P18.82 billion for the project. The bidding was hounded by accusations that Miru services were marred by electoral fraud and cybersecurity issues in countries including Argentina, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iraq and South Korea itself.

Miru officials denied these accusations, dismissing them as rumors and attributing the stories to losing candidates. Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body also received

THE recent incident involving China Coast Guard ships and one of our supply boats is yet again another example of the disgraceful, dangerous and aggressive behavior that shows China’s propensity to doublespeak.

Last Tuesday, March 5, Philippine civilian vessel Unaiza May 4 was on a resupply mission carrying food, water and other provisions for troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal when two CCG vessels blasted it with water cannons, shattering the windows and injuring four crew members as well as Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos, who sustained some cuts and bruises.

Shortly thereafter, the Chinese Coast Guard dispatched a rigidhull inflatable boat that began to circle the damaged boat as if to obstruct the pathway of a vessel dispatched by the Philippine Coast Guard to provide medical assistance to the injured Filipino personnel.

“WHEN you strike at the king, you must kill him,” the great American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson counseled. Far from a mindless endorsement of violence, what Emerson emphasized were the stark choices facing anyone who sought to overturn a political order altogether. There are no halfways. No room for wavering. No perfect means, nor room for compromise. Once you directly challenge a monarch, you can’t second-guess yourself. After all, history is replete with examples of failed coups, half-successful regicides, and premature revolutions, which triggered an unfathomable torrent of vengeance by a besieged monarch. Think of the fate of the former Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who foolishly dared to march his army of disgruntled soldiers all the way to the gates of Moscow—shockingly facing minimal resistance along the way—just to raise the white flag at the eleventh hour. As practically everyone expected, the former chef-turned-mercenary general didn’t last long after his supposed “truce” with Russian President

certifications from the United Nations, vouching for Miru’s performance in the elections in Iraq, and from the Congo electoral commission. Some doubters remain unconvinced.

The Comelec has yet to award a service deal for the overseas online voting and counting system. In the meantime, the Comelec must move quickly to ensure that the 2025 polls will be as clean and glitch-free as possible. The Comelec has not yet sufficiently put to rest doubts raised by cyber experts regarding the integrity of the 2022 national races. The experts have questioned the use of a single private IP or internet protocol address, 192.168.0.2, which bypassed the networks of authorized telecommunications companies, and transmitted 20 million votes to the Comelec’s Transparency Server one hour after the polls closed. Election watchdogs have said the use of the IP address did not alter the vote results, which they counterchecked with raw data.

Smartmatic, which has been providing the system since the Philippines shifted to automated elections in 2010, has been barred by the Comelec

This latest incident is only one of the many aggravating moves heightening the tension in the West Philippine Sea, with Filipinos seething at the incessant bullying and harassment by Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels that are deliberately conducting dangerous and provocative maneuvers. Many are finding their voice in the statement of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who described the actions of China in the West Philippine Sea as “downright uncivilized” – and, I might add, disgusting. The hostile actions of the Chinese vessels were witnessed by Associated Press journalists aboard BRP Sindangan, who captured the moment when the CCG vessel sideswiped the Philippine Coast Guard ship in a “tense and dangerous moment.”

In typical fashion, China gave a version of the incident that was totally different, claiming that it was the Philippine vessels that were “illegally trespassing” in Ayungin Shoal – which is well within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone – saying that the China Coast Guard actions were “professional, restrained,

Vladimir Putin to avoid a civil war in the capital last year. Over the past two months alone, there have been multiple, public, and direct challenges to President Marcos by no less than his predecessor. In a whole series of public speeches, Rodrigo Duterte not only tagged his successor as a “drug addict,” but even threatened popular revolt and secession of his home island of Mindanao. Not to mention the call by his son, Sebastian “Baste” Duterte—who is clearly being groomed as an alternative successor—for the current president to resign.

If anything, the ex-president has called on the country’s armed forces to reconsider their loyalty to the president. Lest we forget, Mr. Marcos was forced to undertake a major reshuffle of top defense and security officials to nip any budding civil-military relations crisis. Amid rumors of agitations by ex-generals, no less than Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. publicly warned, “Some of them [are] former officers of the AFP, and I’ve spoken with some of them … Once we find out that any of our active personnel are involved in this, we will act swiftly.”

Well-informed insiders have told me that there are persistent

from poll biddings amid allegations of bribery involving former Comelec chairman Andres Bautista. Both Smartmatic and Bautista have denied the accusations. While this controversy continues, the new

election system must be put through its paces. The best proof that the Comelec made the right moves in the case of Miru and Smartmatic is the conduct of honest, orderly and credible elections in 2025. (Philstar.com)

reasonable and lawful” when in reality, the unprovoked actions and the dangerous maneuvers of the Chinese vessels have caused harm and endangered the lives of Filipino personnel, in blatant disregard of international law.

Secretary Teodoro blasted Beijing’s “propaganda mechanisms… to justify their illegal acts against Philippine vessels on their so-called ‘indisputable’ claim over most of the South China Sea” and taking great pains to mischaracterize their provocations as lawful under international law – a claim that no right thinking state in the world would agree with, he added.

Last year, China came out with their so-called standard national map that features a 10-dash-line – one additional dash more than its previous nine-dash line – just a week after Chinese president Xi Jinping said “hegemonism is not in China’s DNA” – which drew protests among nations that include India, Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines that rejected the sweeping claim.

And as I pointed out during my speaking engagement at the Consular Corps of the Philippines – no one really

threats of coups by elements loyal to the ex-president. In any functioning political system, whether democratic or authoritarian, the response by the incumbent would have been swift and decisive, either through the rule of law or the full force of the state.

For some reason, however, the farthest Mr. Marcos has gone in response to such a brazen challenge was to simply suggest that his predecessor was too unhinged to be taken seriously.

And this raises a major question: Is Mr. Marcos too soft and fainthearted in the face of direct and repeated challenge by one of the most powerful dynasties in the country? Or is he just being strategic by biding his time, especially with the 2025 midterm elections approaching?

It goes without saying that behind the scenes there are ongoing moves and countermoves. To begin with, there are allegedly ongoing “purges” of Duterte-era appointees in key government agencies. Moreover, key international allies seem to be willing to lend assistance in tracking and tracing potential “sharp power” operations by China, which is clearly banking on its proxies in the Philippines.

Nevertheless, Mr. Marcos, the

knows how far China will go in staking its claims in the South China Sea. Previously it was nine, and today it is 10 – then 11, 12? As claimant nations, we can talk about our conflicting claims but we absolutely cannot allow a single country to claim the entire area.

In my remarks during the recently concluded Track 2 Dialogue on Quad Plus Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific organized by the Center for New American Security, I said the Philippines has consistently maintained that the South China Sea dispute is not the sum of our bilateral relationship with China. We are close neighbors with hundreds, if not thousands, of years of exchanges between our two peoples. We must, therefore, be able to manage our dispute without resorting to the use of force. However, China’s actions for many years now – becoming more pronounced recently –have had destabilizing effects in the region and increased the risk of an outbreak of conflict among the claimants.

We are committed to fostering defense and security cooperation with like-minded partners, not

to confront China directly, but to deter our neighbor in the North from taking escalatory actions that could potentially usher in a third World War, spelling the end of the world.

But while the Philippines renounces war as an instrument of foreign policy, it does not mean that we will not defend ourselves. We will respond with everything we’ve got if another country attacks us. And as we modernize our armed forces to achieve a credible defense posture, we take comfort in the wisdom of our past leaders after World War II – the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States. Today, there are many other nations that share the same values and recognize that our sovereignty as a nation is indisputable. We have been working hard to strengthen relations and expand cooperation with many countries all over the world. We have elevated bilateral relations with Australia to a strategic partnership; we have convened our 5th Philippines-India Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation; we have agreed to accelerate negotiations on a Reciprocal Access Agreement

with Japan with whom we are enjoying particularly robust relations; and our relationship with the United States is on “hyperdrive” with great potential for more cooperation, especially in the economic sphere as seen in the U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission led by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

Instead of utilizing its significant resources to foster mutual economic prosperity, it’s unfortunate that a giant country like China resorts to aggressive behavior in order to assert its over-expansive claims that have spawned criticism from the international community. If there is anyone that is paying lip service to maintaining peace and stability in the region, it is unquestionably China.

Nothing could best describe it better than in one line: Actions speak louder than words.

(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

commander in chief, has three major cards to play. Tactically, the ruling establishment has the option of forcing the Dutertes into a rearguard action by supporting their rivals in the Deep South, especially ahead of next year’s elections. At some point, either the former president or the current vice president may be forced to reassume mayorship of Davao City in order to head off any robust challenge by their erstwhile rivals at home.

Moreover, they can also start

supporting viable contenders for the 2028 elections, most notably Sen. Rafael “Raffy” Tulfo, who is reportedly already leading in several unpublished yet authoritative surveys of future “presidentiables.”

But Mr. Marcos’ ultimate card is the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) impending warrants of arrest for Duterte-era officials allegedly involved in crimes against humanity. The ICC issue, however, is fundamentally about justice and the rule of law.

William Shakespeare once said, “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” It’s time for the incumbent to finally achieve something great on his own terms. (Inquirer.net)

* * * 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.

* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with former Prresident Rodrigo Duterte.

Malacañang file photo

Dateline PhiliPPines

Batanes seaport to be funded by US

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — A plan is underway to construct a United States-funded civilian port in Batanes, chosen for its strategic significance and proximity to Taiwan.

Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco said during a Philippine Navy event recently that the U.S. Army would arrive in April to further discuss the plan that aims to accommodate Filipino workers from Taiwan in the event of a crisis.

Located less than 200 kilometers from Taiwan, Batanes holds strategic significance should a conflict ensue between China and Taiwan.

On Saturday, March 9, the Philippine Navy held a ceremony in Batanes, one of the locations for annual military drills between the Philippines and the U.S.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. called for the development of more structures in Batanes to increase military presence.

A Reuters report in August 2023 said the U.S. military was in

talks to develop a civilian port in the remote northernmost islands of the Philippines, a move that would boost American access to strategically located islands facing Taiwan.

Cayco said she sought funding from the U.S. for the building of an “an alternative port” there, which was intended to assist the unloading of cargo from Manila during rough seas in the monsoon season.

The Philippines has recently ramped up its military ties with the U.S. and allowed greater U.S. access to local military bases. g

DBM chief cites PH gains in advancing women’s rights

MANILA — The Philippines has made significant strides in advancing women’s rights by ensuring that the national government is pushing gender equality in all aspects of development, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said on

Tuesday, March 12.

Delivering the Philippines’ statement during the 68th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW68) General Discussion in New York, Pangandaman noted that Republic Act 9710 or the Magna Carta of Women, a comprehensive anti-discrimination and gender-equality law, was further operationalized and translated into “meaningful and targeted” outcomes through the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Plan 2019-2025.

Pangandaman said the GEWE Plan 2019-2025 serves as the Philippine government’s guide in formulating Gender and Development (GAD) plans and budgets, adding that the country was able to spend an estimated USD18.9 billion on gender programs in 2022.

She added that all government agencies have been allocating at least five percent of their budget to support programs and activities on GEWE since 1995, as part of the country’s commitment to “financing with a gender perspective”.

A high percentage of GAD budget in relation to the total agency budget is one of the indicators of the depth of gender mainstreaming within the agency.

It reflects that the agency is not only implementing direct GAD programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) but also actively integrating gender perspectives throughout its planning and programming processes.

Leadership, political participation

Pangandaman said Filipino women play a crucial role in the country's politics, citing the key positions they hold in government.

“We continually celebrate women leaders in the country’s governance. The Philippines has the distinction of having had two female presidents, while our present Cabinet has five female secretaries, including yours truly,” Pangandaman said.

She is the only female member of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s economic team and the second woman to hold the position of Budget secretary.

Pangandaman stressed the women’s vital role in the peacebuilding and development process of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, which is home to Bangsamoro tribes, Indigenous Peoples, and settler communities in the southern part of the Philippines.

“We established the Bangsamoro Women Commission, the body responsible for mainstreaming gender into the implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, thereby ensuring the meaningful

participation of women in decision-making at all levels of governance,” she said. Social protection, financial inclusion

As the Budget chief, Pangandaman said she has undertaken “intersectoral and all-encompassing” initiatives to address the poverty experienced by women and girls in the Philippines.

“Through collaborative efforts and targeted interventions, we are determined to break the chains of poverty and empower them at all levels,” she said.

Pangandaman added that the Philippine government has mainstreamed gender into social protection initiatives through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (Bridging Program for the Filipino Family) or 4Ps, which is a conditional cash transfer program of the Philippine government under the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“We continue to strengthen our institutions and social protection programs to address women’s poverty. Our Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, a conditional cash transfer program with a budget that has exponentially increased from USD5.37 million in 2008 to USD1.9 billion this 2024, has benefitted 4.4 million Filipino households,” Pangandaman said.

She noted that cash grants under the 4Ps are given directly to mothers of eligible households to “[increase] their ability to invest in the well-being of their families, thereby improving the survival, health, and access to education of their children.”

The government is also committed to helping women improve their business skills by giving them access to business financing through programs such as Kapatid Mentor Me program, which offers women entrepreneurs coaching and mentoring, as well as government loans to promote women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises as “the driving force of the Philippine economy.”

Pangandaman added that the government is working hard to incorporate gender-responsive measures in the country’s climate action programs, considering the vulnerabilities of women during disasters.

More to be done

She, however, acknowledged that more needs to be done to attain a “genuinely inclusive and gender-fair Philippines and (the) world”.

“But this should only motivate us to continue to rise above the limitations we have experienced in the past and—in the true spirit of equality—make our voices even louder to achieve a future of empowered women and girls in a gender-equal world,” Pangandaman said.

Pangandaman heads the Philippine delegation to represent the country at the CSW68 at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York.

The CSW is the UN's largest annual gathering that aims to address women’s issues and

Marcos urges stronger relationships, forgiveness during Ramadan

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Sunday, March 10 that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan should be a time to build stronger relationships and encourage forgiveness.

“Today marks the beginning of the sacred journey of Ramadan, a time of reflection and spiritual growth where the virtues of compassion, empathy, and generosity are upheld and practiced fervently,” Marcos said in a message.

The president stressed that the celebration of Ramadan is a reminder of the rich diversity of the Philippines’ cultural and religious tapestry.

“It is with no doubt that our Muslim brothers and sisters have made invaluable contributions to our nation’s history and heritage, shaping our beloved motherland into the diverse and united country that it is today,” Marcos said.

“It is my hope that this month-long celebration will strengthen our kinship, open our hearts to forgive past grievances, and embrace a spirit of harmony that will redound to our collective progress,” he added.

Last week, the Official Gazette issued a public advisory debunking a fake news post claiming March 11, Monday, as a national holiday for Eid’l Fitr, a major Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan. (Philstar.com)

A first: Comelec to open to public ‘source code’ in 2025 polls

by William B. Depasupil ManilaTimes.net

MANILA — For the first time in the country's election history, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will make available to the public the so-called "source code," the human readable version of the voting software program, for anyone to see and test the customized automatic counting machines (ACM) that will be used in the upcoming 2025 midterm polls.

Chairman George Erwin Garcia on Tuesday, March 12 said that the joint venture of Miru Systems of South Korea has agreed to make the source code review to the public, leaving everything to the discretion of the Commission.

The EMS designs the configuration for the ACMs, like precinct number and the number of voters per precinct, among others.

It would be provided to the Comelec by the Miru System following the reviews of the software system by an international certification company agency to ensure that it is free of malicious lines.

Garcia said that the international certification for the system would be done for two months, and a month for the source code review.

He pointed out that opening the source code to the public would be an added transparency to the entire election process.

concerns including discrimination and violence against women, and promote gender equality, and female empowerment.

This year’s CSW will be held from March 11 to 22 with the priority theme, “Accelerating the Achievement of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of All Women and Girls by Addressing Poverty and Strengthening Institutions and Financing with a Gender Perspective”.

This year’s CSW is chaired by the Philippines through the Permanent Representative of the Republic of the Philippines to the UN Antonio Lagdameo. (PNA)

"They (MIru) are willing to gamble. They are willing to put it under public scrutiny so that it can be tested by anybody. This is the first time that Comelec received such an offer, meaning that they believe in the capability of their program," Garcia further said. The source code is basically an independent auditor to ensure that the system is running free from possible malicious lines. It is the human-readable version of the election management system (EMS) customized to Philippine elections that would be installed in the ACMs.

Garcia also disclosed that MIRU Systems has offered to place cameras in every polling place to monitor the voting process, adding that the Comelec is committed to full transparency in all stages of elections preparations to include the coming customization of the 110,000 ACMs that would be used in next year's national and local elections.

"It would take six months to customize the machines, two months for international certification and one months source code review," he pointed out. Comelec has awarded MIRU

Systems the P18 billion contract for the lease of the 110 counting machines.and other peripheral services that will be used in the 2025 elections. Included in the contract are the provision of 104,345 ballot boxes, 2,200 pieces server/laptop and printer, pens and ballot printing, ballot paper for 73,881,894 and ballot verification. Garcia further said that also part of Comelec's preparation is the setting up of 82 provincial repair hubs or one for every province in the country.

Previously, Garcia pointed out, the Comelec has only the Sta, Rosa, Laguna hub and was regionalized in the last 2022 polls.

"We will build 82 provincial hubs so that we would be able to repair whatever problems without bringing the machine to Manilka," he added. g

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia PNA file photo

Two-time Emmy award winner Marc Anthony Nicolas to ‘Make his Marc’ on GMA Pinoy TV

FILIPINO American producer Marc Anthony Nicolas has no less than two Emmy awards under his belt, and on March 24, he will officially be a part of GMA Pinoy TV, the Home of Global Pinoy.

Marc has worked with some of the best talk shows in the U.S. – The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tyra Banks Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, and The Talk – and with all the accolades he has received, he surely has made a mark in the American television industry. Now, he is about to make Filipino content for his global Pinoys around the world.

“Being part of GMA Pinoy TV is very special because my family always watches this network and it has become a platform where people can share their stories. I am so excited because it is going to be airing in Guam, Japan, North America, and all these amazing places and I am just so lucky and so blessed to have this team behind me,” he said.

“Working on this project, it is so nice to see people who look like me and talk like me and share that special bond and heritage and tradition and that is what makes it feel so special because I have that connection not only with the trailblazers who are Filipino but also the crew,” Marc added.

Christian Reyes, the director of Make Your Marc, has this to say: “Rarely do we meet a team or producers that trust us. So it is

always, do this, do that, you know, there is no collaborative thing. It is different now because both of you believe in us and you want to work with youngsters, for lack of a better term. And I thank you for that.”

Executive producer Chris Gordon believes in the talent but also in the passion of the team behind “Make Your Marc.”

“One, I have never been on a set or worked on a project where just about everybody is a person of color or a Filipino American or Filipino. And the production team, Christian and his crew are young and they are vibrant and they are fresh and they are hungry and you can feel it,” Gordon said.

Aside from that, Chris believes in the wit and brilliance of Marc as a host, and his passion for producing inspiring stories that move people.

“I also think that folks are going to be represented here. I feel as though with the trailblazers and people whom they have inspired, I feel as though there are a lot of people who will be inspired by these trailblazers stories and how they have become, how they have made their mark in the world,” he stated.

Watch out for the amazing stories of global Pinoys who have made a difference in their fields, including Ranella Ferrer, known for her excellent performances of the national anthem and who has been a mentor to many other young, aspiring singers; Filipino

fashion designer Kenneth Barlis, who has dressed global icons such as Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys, and Carrie Underwood; Maricris Lapaix, who has not only carved a name in sculpting bodies but have also inspired others with her health and wellness journey; acclaimed Filipino Chef, author, and TV host Alvin Cailan, who has made a name in the world of culinary; the prominent figures in the The Outstanding Filipino Awards (TOFA) including veteran host Boy Abunda, multi-awarded broadcast journalist Jessica Soho, and TOFA founder Elton Lugay; entrepreneur Sandro Roco, the founder of the first Asian-inspired sparkling water; Filipino teacher Joseph Alcario who was awarded as “California’s Teacher of the Year” because of his passion for teaching; and lastly, Dr. Audrey Sue Cruz, who was recognized for her contribution in healthcare during the pandemic and was honored with a Barbie figure. With Marc and his team’s passion for relevant and inspiring content, expect extraordinary narratives from trailblazers around the world with “Make Your Marc.” Catch it on March 24, 2024, 4 PM (Paficic)/7 PM (Eastern) on GMA Pinoy TV. To check the airing schedule in your area, visit www.gmapinoytv.com/programguide. For details on how to subscribe, visit www. gmapinoytv.com/subscribe.

Grateful Sarah G says Billboard award ‘came at a time when I was doubting myself’

by NATHALIE TOMADA Philstar.com

THIS Women’s Month, Sarah Geronimo brought pride to the country after becoming one of Billboard’s 2024 Global Force honorees.

Chosen alongside Sarah G by Billboard outlets around the world as Global Forces were Sherine Abdel-Wahab (Egypt), Annalisa (Italy), Maria Becerra (Argentina), Nini Nutsubidze (Georgia), Tia Ray (China) and Luísa Sonza (Brazil).

Billboard described the awardees as “visionaries” who are making groundbreaking contributions to the music industry as singers, songwriters, instrumentalists and producers.

Sarah flew to the U.S. to personally accept her award last March 7 (March 8, Philippine time) during the “Women in Music” ceremony, hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross at the YouTube Theatre in Los Angeles.

In her acceptance speech, the OPM queen, also known as Popstar Royalty to fans, said, “Thank you, Billboard, for celebrating women in music and of course, for giving our country this meaningful recognition. Maraming, maraming salamat to Billboard Philippines for your commitment to bring our music, the Filipino music, and more Filipino artists to a global audience.

“I humbly accept this award for every amazing and excellent Filipina and Filipino artist back home and all over the world.

“Allow me to also take this moment to thank God, Lord Jesus, for the gift of music. Hindi ko po inisip na mararating ko po yung ganito, that I’ll be able to deliver a speech in front of an international audience.”

The 35-year-old, who started in the entertainment scene as a teen vocal champion, also profusely expressed her gratitude to her parents.

“Thank you to my parents, to my Nanay and Tatay, maraming maraming salamat for your unconditional love, and for believing in me and for supporting me.”

The singer went to give credit to her manager, Viva big boss Vic del Rosario, and her management team Viva Artists Agency, and of course, her fans also called Popsters. She then gave a shout out to her husband, actor-host Matteo Guidicelli, “for always pushing me to be a better version of myself every day.”

Sarah pointed out that the recognition symbolized courage and hope for her.

“Courage to accept and embrace oneself. Courage to break boundaries and defy standards. Courage to rise above all the setbacks and challenges that one artist or one person has to face. And I hope one day, this recognition will bridge the Philippines and other nations to create change and positivity in the world through the power of music.”

In a separate statement sent to The Philippine STAR, Anne Bernisca, COO of MMGI and publisher of Billboard Philippines, shared the process for selecting Sarah for the award.

“Billboard Philippines nominated Sarah Geronimo to be the first homegrown and full-blooded Filipina to be recognized on stage to receive the Billboard Women in Music Global Force Award due to her incomparable influence and impact in the Filipino music industry. She is an all-around performer with consistently sold-out shows. She has entered the Billboard global charts and her songs have reached 110 on-demand million streams in 2023 alone,” she stressed.

“Sarah is known for her electrifying stage performances and her wide range of vocal versatility. She is a multi-talented artist who is able to successfully cross both the music and movie industries having starred in top-grossing movies and popular television shows all the while maintaining a stellar music career.

“She also serves as an inspiration to many aspiring young artists and actively participates in helping shape the next generation of Filipino talents by being a coach at ‘The Voice.’ Sarah’s

contributions to the music industry and unwavering commitment to effect positive change through her music make her an exemplary choice as Billboard Philippines’ Global Force Awardee.”

She also noted that Billboard Philippines’ participation in this year’s Women In Music Awards is in keeping with “our mission to bridge Filipino music and the world.”

The award, Bernisca further noted, was not only a recognition of Sarah’s achievements but also a celebration of Filipino music.

Meanwhile, in a brief exchange of online messages with Sarah G, through her team at G Productions, Sarah exclusively shared with The STAR some of her highlights from the event.

To be recognized on a global stage, what was your first reaction?

“A pleasant surprise! The first time they told me about it, I could not believe it. I am thankful to Billboard Philippines for giving me the honor to represent our country and our music.

“I see it as an important milestone not just for my career, but most importantly for our music industry.

“May this recognition serve as fuel and give us OPM artists more motivation and inspiration to continue loving and creating original Filipino music.”

What does this latest award mean to you as an artist? How special is this?

“It has given me a brand-new perspective of hope and inspiration. It came at a time when I was feeling low and doubting myself as an artist. This has motivated me to just keep going and keep my passion for music burning (heart and fire emojis).”

Lastly, what were your highlights from the awards event and to whom do you dedicate this award?

“Some of my highlights that night were seeing some of my favorite female artists, actors and performers… I saw Katy Perry, Ellie Goulding… Kylie Minogue, Kat Graham from the TV series, ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ Bailee Madison from the ‘Good Witch,’ Victoria Monet!!! She is an amazing artist! I love and admire her artistry! And she was also very nice that we got to share a quick chat! (Smiley).”

“I also met Thuy from Vietnam and Annalisa from Italy!!! They were both beautiful and nice! And of course, I got to meet Tracee Ellis Ross. I wanted to tell her that I enjoyed watching her movie ‘The High Note’ but was not able to because I was so nervous and overwhelmed.

“The recognition is dedicated to all the dreamers out there, to all my loved ones, to everyone who has been part of my journey as an artist, and of course, to the whole Filipino music industry.”

Piolo Pascual addresses continuing romance with Shaina Magdayao

by JESSICA ANN EVANGELISTA Inquirer.net

DESPITE not officially confirming their relationship, Piolo Pascual addressed the possibility of “rekindling” his romance with Shaina Magdayao now that they are set to work on a new series together.

Sitting down with Ogie Diaz, the “Mallari” actor said he’s more focused on working with the actress than dealing with “personal stuff” between them after he was asked if he’s willing to continue his “rumored relationship” with Magdayao. “Let’s cross the bridge. But I don’t wanna get ahead of myself. I’m more for the work. We wanna continue on his (Deo Endrinal) legacy. We wanna give it our best. So I’ll put aside the personal stuff first,” he said. Pascual affirmed that he is on good terms with the “Four Sisters and A Wedding” actress, saying, “Okay naman kami ni Shaina. (Me and Shaina are okay). We’re good.”

The “Esperanza” actor underscored that if there was something that would happen

between him and Magdayao, he had no intention to announce it publicly as people “would just see it.” Oo. Sa tanda nating ‘to. What you see is what you get. I’m not trying to hide anything or do something. If it’s there, if it’s happening, people are gonna see it. If there’s anything, people are gonna know, anyway,” he remarked.

When asked when he is willing to settle down, Pascual replied that his priority right now is his work as he aims to provide the audience with quality content. Masarap ‘yung tinatahak nating path ngayon. We’re

forging this path for the next generation. Maganda ‘yung demand ngayon for content. Nag-iiba ‘yung landspace ng entertainment,” he said. “I’m a sucker for good stories. I love what I do. I’m married to my job. I’ve been saying that for the last 25 years or so,” added the actor.

Pascual and Magdayao have been rumored to be dating since 2012. Despite not putting an official label on the status of their relationship, the actor said in a past interview that he appreciates the actress’ willingness to “put up” with him, and that they also enjoy each other’s company.

Rabiya Mateo recalls humble beginnings: I had nothing in life

by ARMIN ADINA Inquirer.net

KAPUSO actress and host Rabiya Mateo is grateful for all the breaks that came her way, and the doors that opened after she joined the Miss Universe pageant.

However, there are times when she would look back on her humble beginnings as a simple Iloilo lass trying to make ends meet, that buying new clothes was a luxury she could sometimes not afford.

“Looking back then, I would say that style was never my priority. Because I had nothing in life, hindi ko priority na bumili ng magagandang damit kasi ang priority ko was to survive life (it was never my priority to buy pretty clothes because my priority was to survive life),” she said in an interview with INQUIRER.NET during her launch as endorser of a clothing brand.

As one of the freshest faces on Philippine television, the 2020 Miss Universe Philippines titleholder has been introduced as Diwata in the new GMA afternoon prime series “Makiling.” She is also seen on the daily late afternoon variety show “TiktoClock.”

Mateo said her she was just happy with the way her career and her life is turning out to be, since being proclaimed as the first-ever Miss Iloilo, before she embarked on the national pageant stage. “I won with nothing. I had nothing.”

“This serves to remind myself to always be grateful and thankful for everything that is happening.

It’s not every day that a brand will come and give you their trust. And, of course, I also have my team with me, my photographers, videographers, to whom I say that since the brand trusts me, I really need the best output, and portfolio, so I can give back for the trust I received from them,” she said.

Regardless of her background, Mateo was able to develop her own sense of fashion, and it reflects in her style whether she is wearing a couture gown or a plain sundress.

Now that she is thriving in the entertainment industry, and with every article of clothing she would want at her disposal, the Ilongga beauty said she still goes for comfort over style.

“I have to make sure that I am comfortable in the clothes that I

am wearing, that it doesn’t show so much skin, that I can present myself in front of a lot of people while wearing that dress,” Mateo shared.

The 2020 Miss Universe semifinalist, however, revealed that she has a preferred hue if given the liberty to decide on it. “If it would be up to me, in terms of color, I always believe that red is power,” declared Mateo, who wore a heavily embellished scarlet gown with flowy cape sleeves when she won her the national crown. She also shared her thoughts on ladies who put an emphasis on fashion. “Now there are many who will choose to be stylish, even if they are no longer comfortable. And budget-wise, they choose really expensive pieces, it’s no longer practical,” she said.

Two-time Emmy winner Marc Anthony Nicolas Photo from Instagram/@marcanthonynicolas

Rabiya Mateo

Photo from Instagram/@rabiyamateo

Sarah Geronimo Photo from Instagram/@justsarahgph

Piolo Pascual and Shaina Magdayao Photos from Instagram/@piolo_pascual, @shaina_magdayao

Filipina American among appointments to key insurance-related boards, committees by Commissioner Lara

SACRAMENTO — Insurance

Commissioner Ricardo Lara on

Wednesday, March 6 announced several appointments to help advance the California Department of Insurance’s vision of insurance protection for all Californians.

Filipina American Imelda Alejandrino was reappointed to the Insurance Diversity Task Force, along with Linda Akutagawa, Annalisa Barrett and Cecil Plummer. Other appointments include naming Ronald Coleman Baeza as the newest member of the California Life and Health Insurance Guarantee (CLHIGA) Board of Directors, Samantha Tradelius as the newest member of the Curriculum Board, reappointed members Andrew Chick and Heather Pierce to the California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA) Board of Governors, reappointed member Debra Gore-Mann to the California Organized Investment Network (COIN) Advisory Board, and reappointed member Jeremy Smith to the California Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) Governing Committee.

Alejandrino, who is the youngest of nine children of immigrants from the Philippines, was first appointed to the Insurance Diversity Task Force in 2020, with subsequent reappointments in 2022 and on Wednesday. She is the CEO and creative director for AP42 Integrated Marketing, a company that has worked with countless leading brands and businesses, including LeapFrog, Roche, Genesys, Chevron, Wells Fargo, Jelly Belly Candy Company, Pacific Bell/SBC, San Francisco Opera, Cisco, Siemens, PG&E and Westin Century Plaza.

According to LinkedIn, Alejandrino’s other volunteer work includes positions within the Leadership Forum Chairperson Global Service Team and the San Ramon Arts Foundation Event Planning and Marketing division. Additionally, she is a parent volunteer on the Special Needs Committee and the Community Advisory Committee for the San Ramon Valley School.

“These appointments underscore our commitment to protecting consumer interests and promoting a robust insurance industry in California,” said Commissioner Lara. “The expertise and diverse viewpoints of these appointees will help complement our efforts to ensure a competitive and sustainable insurance market, ultimately benefiting consumers

and businesses statewide.”

CLHIGA consists of all insurance companies licensed to sell life and health insurance, and annuities in California, and it protects certain policyholders against a company’s financial failure. The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall oversight of CLHIGA, which includes approving contracts and reinsurance treaties, authorizing assessments, borrowing money, taking legal actions, and serving on committees that oversee audit and investment functions. The Board consists of up to thirteen member insurers who are selected by the board members and are subject to the approval of the Commissioner. AB 1104 (Chapter 236, Statutes of 2019) added two additional members to the board who represent the public generally and are appointed directly by the Commissioner.

The Curriculum Board oversees the development of pre-licensing and continuing education curriculum for agents and brokers to uphold professional standards that protect consumers. This includes a list of preapproved courses of study as well as courses of study for professional designations. This Board also develops standards for providers and instructors who offer courses and other training to licensed agents and brokers.

The CIGA Board of Governors oversees the guarantee association’s general operations and management in order to protect policyholders in the event of an insurance company insolvency. Established in 1969 by the Governor and California State Legislature, CIGA comprises all insurance companies admitted to sell homeowners, workers’ compensation, automobile, and other specified property and casualty lines of insurance in California.

The California Organized Investment Network (COIN) was established in 1996 within the Department of Insurance to guide insurers on making financially

sound investments that yield environmental benefits throughout California and social benefits within the State’s underserved communities. Commissioner Lara has prioritized COIN investments which drive affordable housing, support small businesses, combat climate change, and encourage investors to utilize diverse investment managers more. The COIN Advisory Board provides guidance to the Commissioner and the COIN program to meet its mission and chief priorities.

The Insurance Diversity Task Force oversees the Department’s Insurance Diversity Initiative, which encourages insurers to advance diversity of insurance company corporate boards and increase procurement contracts with diverse businesses owned by women, veterans and disabled veterans, members of historically disadvantaged communities, and LGBTQ+ people. Additionally, the Task Force makes recommendations to the Commissioner regarding innovative ways to increase diversity within the insurance industry. Last year, Commissioner Lara introduced the first-ever Insurance Diversity Index, a groundbreaking benchmarking tool for a more inclusive insurance industry.

The WCIRB Governing Committee sets policy, oversees WCIRB management, and reviews all issues involving pure premium rates, classifications, rating plans, rating systems, manual rules and policy, and endorsement forms. The WCIRB is a private organization licensed by the Department for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and compiling rating data, with funding coming from assessments of its insurance company members. All workers’ compensation insurance companies in California are required by law to be members of the WCIRB.

The next CLHIGA Board of Directors meeting will be held on May 7, 2024, the next Curriculum Board meeting is July 18, 2024, the next CIGA Board of Governors meeting is May 7 and May 8, 2024, the next COIN Advisory Board meeting is March 14, 2024, the next Insurance Diversity Task Force meeting was scheduled for March 7, 2024, and the next WCIRB Governing Committee meeting is April 17, 2024.

More details are available at: www.insurance.ca.gov/boards. All positions are uncompensated.

Sunday, March 17 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

JONAS grew up poor in Bacolod. He was one of 10 children raised by his father, who was a farmer. Jonas had big dreams and left for Manila to seek greener pastures.

While jumping from one odd job to another, Jonas realized that he enjoyed working in restaurants the most. His father used to teach him how to cook when he was still in Bacolod.

Jonas was already married and had one child when he brought his family to Pampanga and found a job as a janitor at a mall. Life was still hard, and Jonas struggled.

One day, Jonas saw a “Now Hiring Cooks” sign outside the Gerry’s Grill branch at the mall where he worked. He applied and prepared pinakbet when he was asked to show his cooking skills. He was hired right away and was asked to start the next day.

Jonas kept improving his kitchen skills and eventually he became Cook in Charge of the branch in Batangas. In 2016 and in 2017, Jonas became the cham-

pion of the company’s annual cooking competition. It was then that Gerry’s Grill owner, Gerry Apolinario, put Jonas in the short list of his staff who would be sent

to the U.S. to run the branch in Houston, Texas. Gerry hired leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael PAGE 10

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Exciting March promotions and Humidor grand opening at Sky River Casino

Grand opening of Humidor – a superb bourbon, cigar lounge; Lucky draws for a Porsche Macan & Jeep Wagoneer

SKY River Casino proudly announces the grand opening of The Humidor, a bourbon and cigar lounge for aficionados in the Sacramento region. This elegant establishment is the latest feather in the cap of the casino, which already boasts an array of 18 upscale bars, restaurants, and lounges, including SR Prime Steakhouse, 32 Brews Street, Dragon Beaux, and the dynamic culinary marketplace, The Market.

The Humidor stands as a haven for those who appreciate the finer things in life, featuring a meticulously curated selection of over 50 rare and sought-after spirits. The collection showcases prestigious names such as Macallan, Pappy Van Winkle Family, WhistlePig, and Louis XIII, which guests can savor in a setting that exudes luxury and comfort.

Sky River Casino is thrilled to roll out exciting March promotions including two guaranteed car giveaways! The “Table Games Exclusive Porsche Giveaway” invites guests to engage in the lively atmosphere of table games with the chance to win a 2024 Porsche Macan! Or you can get “Out on the Open Road” with a new 2024 Jeep Wagoneer, by simply playing Slots or Table Games with your Sky River Rewards Card. Earn entries all month long and join us on Friday, March 29 for the Porsche Giveaway and Saturday, March 30 for the Jeep Wagoneer Drawing. Adding to the allure of Sky River Casino's offerings is The Breakfast Counter, now serving up the comfort of breakfast around the clock. Located in The Market, the diner-style venue caters to patrons with any schedule, offering a scrumptious array of breakfast staples, including the opulent Million Dollar Stack, the hearty Three Pointer, and the classic Chicken Fried Steak. To complement these dishes, a selection of beverages from aromatic coffees to refreshing mimosas and Bloody Marys are available to enhance the dining experience. Join Sky River Rewards Sky River Rewards is one of the most hi-tech rewards programs among casinos in Northern California, allowing guests cardless play, cashless wallet, and more. The Sky River Rewards card is your key to receiving points for all your activities and those points can be redeemed for Free Play or dining

J.

credits. Become a Sky River Rewards member now to receive $15 Free Play. To activate your Free Play, visit any slot machine and place a bet. Sky River Rewards enrollment can be done online using a computer, tablet, or phone with a camera. Sky River Casino invites you to explore these latest ventures that further solidify its position as the leading entertainment destination in the Sacramento Valley. For additional information on The Humidor's offerings, the exciting March promotions, or the delightful fare at The Breakfast Counter, please reach out to Sky River Casino at 916866-0200 or visit their website at www.SkyRiver.com. Join us

for a taste of luxury, excitement, and culinary excellence.

Sky River Casino was built by the Wilton Rancheria in partnership with Boyd Gaming Corporation, which is building and managing the property for the tribe. The casino opened in August 2022 and includes 100,000 sq ft of gaming, 2,100 slot machines, 80+ table games, and 18 bars and restaurants. To learn more, visit www.SkyRiver.com.

[*Must be at least 21 years of age or older and a Sky River Rewards member. Visit Sky River Rewards Club for complete details. Management reserves all rights. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.]

a home, refinance your mortgage, and purchase things on credit. While the credit bureaus stopped reporting tax lien information on your credit report in 2018, the IRS still makes tax liens a matter of public information. If lenders, landlords and employers find out about the lien, they may use that negative information against you if you are applying for a loan, a house or apartment rental, or a job.

financial disclosures.

Another method is to ask for an installment agreement that allows you to pay off what you owe over time. If you abide by the terms of the agreement, the IRS may release the lien.

In some cases where the only way to pay what you owe is to refinance your property, the IRS may allow you to subordinate their tax lien to your new loan so that you can access the equity in your property to pay the IRS.

for his family.

and the public doesn’t know about it yet. But when the IRS makes the lien public by recording it, it puts creditors and everyone on notice that the government has a lien or a secured interest against your property. In other words, it tells everyone that you have an unpaid federal tax debt. Of course, filing the lien is not something that the IRS just does without prior attempts to collect. If you have received several collection notices and do nothing, this is the next step by the IRS to force you to pay. In other words, federal tax lien can be avoided by paying the tax in full before they are filed. But this is not always possible, especially if you owe a large amount.

The federal tax lien could have negative effect on your finances and your credit. Until the underlying tax debt is resolved, it would be difficult to remove the lien. By having a lien on your property, it would also be very difficult, if not impossible, for you to purchase

THERE is a pathway under U.S. immigration law for a person of exceptional ability to be approved for permanent residence – without going through the lengthy and challenging labor certification/PERM process of proving that there are no Americans who want your job. This is commonly known as the “EB-2 category.”

You must be able to show exceptional ability in the sciences, arts, or business. Exceptional ability “means a degree of expertise significantly above that ordinarily encountered in the sciences, arts, or business.” You must meet any requirements specified on the labor certification as applicable. Under United States law, a person of exceptional ability qualifies for permanent residence if they meet certain statutory and regulatory guidelines. Those guidelines require evidence in at least three of the following categories:

1) Documentation of the alien's receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;

2) Documentation of the alien's membership in associations in the field for which the classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members;

3) Published material about

If you have just received a notice of federal tax lien, the notice will tell you that you can generally apply for a “Collection Due Process” hearing where you can have your side of the story heard and possibly dispute the validity of the tax lien. And if the hearing does not work out in your favor, you can also typically have another chance to do so in tax court. However, the request for such a hearing needs to be filed in a timely manner. Read the letter carefully as it will tell you exactly how much time you have.

Now, you may ask: What are my options in resolving the federal tax lien once I get the notice from the IRS?

Of course, you can always pay the full amount of the tax debt and resolve it quickly. That’s a no-brainer. But what if you cannot afford to pay the full amount?

If you qualify for an Offer in Compromise, you will be able to settle the outstanding debt for less than full amount. If the IRS accepts your offer, the lien will be released. Whether or not you qualify for this program will depend on your income, the value of your assets, and the amount of time remaining under the IRS 10-year collection statute. The IRS uses a specific formula to determine eligibility and requires very detailed

the alien in professional or major trade publications/journals or other major media, relating to the alien's work in the field for which the Classification is sought;

4) Evidence of the alien's participation, either individually or on a panel, as a judge of the work of others in the same field of specification for which classification is sought;

5) Evidence of the alien's original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;

6) Evidence of the alien's publication of scholarly articles in the field;

7) Evidence of the display of the alien's work at artistic exhibitions or showcases;

8) Evidence that the alien has performed in a leading role for organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation;

9) Evidence that the alien has commanded a high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services, in relation to others in the field; or 10) Evidence of commercial successes in the performing arts, as shown by box office receipts or record, cassette, compact disc, or video sales.

If you or someone you know, without status in the U.S., can assemble such evidence to document their status as exceptional in their field, an application to the DHS for permanent residence should be considered. This is equally applicable for persons with careers in the sciences (such as physicist, chemist, biologist, doctor, computer scientist, inventor, etc.) as it is

SERVICES SERVICES SERVICES

All of the above is general information and my purpose is to simply provide you a quick overview of options that may be available. The tax lien is one of the most serious collection tactics used by the IRS because it gives the government rights to all your assets until they collect every penny that you owe. Therefore, DO NOT ignore the notice under any circumstances as doing so may cause you to lose legal rights that you perhaps didn’t even know existed.

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

* * *

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.

* * *

None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation.  Atty. Ray J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE  1-866-471-8272.

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for the arts (such as musician, artist, writer, etc.).

It is important to submit such application while the person is in the U.S. legally or if they live abroad; once the applicant is out of status here, the application – even if approved – will not put them back into legal status.

We have been successful in obtaining such status for a cellist, a Russian iconographer, a cardiologist, a graphic artist, a nuclear scientist, a painter, an inventor of computer software and many others in a wide variety of careers.

For those persons with considerable education and skills –particularly those on H-1B visas or those who have not won the H-1B lottery – this is an option that should be considered.

* * *

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

* * *

The foregoing is an article discussing legal issues. It is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice. We recommend that you get competent legal advice specific to your case. Atty. Christopher A. Kerosky of the law firm of Kerosky & Gallelli has practiced law more than 25 years and has been recognized as one of the top immigration lawyers in Northern California for 10 years by “Super Lawyers” (https://profiles.superlawyers. com/california-northern/san-francisco/ lawyer/christopher-a-kerosky/358dc9f1b1c2-46b5-80cc-6e9610b1cd43.html). He graduated from University of California, Berkeley Law School and was a former counsel for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington D.C.  His firm has offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles and six other locations in California.