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APRIL 25 - MAY 1, 2025 133-30 32nd Ave., Flushing, NY 11354 • Tel. (212) 655-5426
Volume 19 - No.10 • 16 Pages
DATELINE USA
SCOTUS to hear arguments over Trump’s birthright citizenship ban
The U.S. Supreme Court announced on Thursday, April 17, that it will hear oral arguments regarding President Donald Trump’s plan to end automatic birthright citizenship—one of the current administration’s latest efforts to crack down on immigration.
The announcement followed the Trump administration’s attempt to challenge three injunctions, wherein federal judges in Washington state, Massachusetts and Maryland attempted to override the president’s order for federal agencies to overlook the citizenship status of those with birthright citizenship.
In response to SCOTUS’s plan to hear arguments, Trump told reporters that he is “so happy” and, “I think the case has been so misunderstood.”
Cardinal Tagle is a leading candidate for Pope
Filipino cardinal consistently appears on lists of potential future popes
by AJPress
In the hushed, marbled halls of the Vatican, as whispers swirl about the twilight of a papacy, one name rises softly—yet insistently—above the rest: Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle.
With his signature smile and a gaze that
evokes both humility and depth, the Filipino cardinal is not just a possible successor to Pope Francis. To many, he is the emotional and spiritual bridge between the global South and the Holy See—an embodiment of a Church yearning to remain grounded in compassion
as it reaches toward a divided world.
A Global Son of the Church Born on June 21, 1957, in the quiet city of Imus, Cavite, Cardinal Tagle’s roots are deeply Filipino, yet unmistakably universal.
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Birthright citizenship allows anyone born in the U.S. to automatically become a U.S. citizen, a mandate that applies to children of undocumented immigrants, tourists or those with temporary visas. The PAPAL TRIBUTE. The Immaculate Conception Cathedral of Cubao in Quezon City sets up a tribute corner for Pope Francis at its altar on Monday, April 21. Pope Francis died at age 88 after suffering from prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis, according to a Vatican statement. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler u PAGE 4
Francis’ funeral: These are
VP Sara says lawyers 'more than confident' in winning impeachment trial
by AJPress
VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church and a transformative figure in modern religious life, passed away on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The first Latin American pope and the first Jesuit to hold the papacy, he died peacefully at his Vatican residence, Casa Santa Marta, after a prolonged battle with pneumonia. His passing marks the end of an era defined by humility, inclusivity, and a deep concern for the marginalized.
From Buenos Aires to the Papacy
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis was the son of Italian immigrants. Before his priestly vocation, he trained as a chemist. He joined the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1958, was ordained in 1969, and served as Provincial u PAGE 2
the world leaders set to attend Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Humble Reformer Who Redefined the Papacy
by InquIrer.net
PARIS — Numerous world leaders have announced they will travel to Rome for Pope Francis’s funeral on Saturday, which is expected to draw a huge crowd in the square in front of St Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. Here is a list of the expected VIP guests.
— US President Donald Trump and his wife Melania will attend.
Trump said in a social media post:
“We look forward to being there!”
— President Javier Milei of Argentina, where the pope was born in 1936, will attend, his office said. The pope had a delicate relationship with politics in his homeland, but Milei hailed his “wisdom”.
— Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will attend with his wife Janja, his government said.
Lula has said Francis “vigorously criticized the economic models
by C r I st
I n A CHI
Philstar.com
MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte said on Tuesday, April 22, that her lawyers are "more than confident" that they will prevail against the impeachment case filed against her.
Duterte also told reporters at a chance interview in Cebu that she had met with her legal team upon returning from her stay in The Hague, Netherlands, where
her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is detained on International Criminal Court charges.
"Hindi ko naman masabi kung ano 'yung preparations ng mga abogado sa impeachment. Pero nung pag-uwi ko galing The Hague ay nag-meeting kami dahil isa din 'yun sa mga inaasikaso ko," Duterte said.
(I can't really say what the lawyers' preparations are for the impeachment. But when I got
by AJPress
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has appointed British national and airline industry executive Richard Nuttall as its new President effective 29 May 2025, signaling the Philippine flag carrier’s commitment to strengthening its leadership team and a bolder push in the international market. Nuttall will report directly to Dr. Lucio C. Tan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and Lucio C. Tan III, President and Chief Operating Officer of PAL Holdings Inc., the parent company of Philippine Airlines. Nuttall joins PAL after leadership stints in
by KlArIze MedenIllA
Cardinal Tagle is a leading...
Of Chinese descent on his mother’s side and formed by theological rigor in Rome’s Pontifical Gregorian University and The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., his biography reads less like a clerical résumé and more like a map of the modern Catholic world.
Ordained in 1982, he rose through the Church not with pomp, but with presence. As Bishop of Imus, he refused a car with tinted windows, preferring to be seen—and to see.
As Archbishop of Manila, he became known for his deep empathy and stirring homilies, delivered without notes, but always with soul.
The Vatican’s Heart in Asia
When Pope Francis appointed Tagle as Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples in 2019, it was more than a bureaucratic shift. It was symbolic.
Asia—home to more than half of the world’s population, but a fraction of its Catholics— was now front and center. In Tagle, Rome was signaling that the Church’s future might lie not in its grand basilicas, but in the swelling faith communities of the peripheries.
In 2020, Tagle’s stature rose further when Pope Francis elevated him to the rank of cardinal bishop, the highest title within the College of Cardinals. It was a rare distinction—and a powerful affirmation of the Church’s trust in his leadership.
Now, as Pro-Prefect of the restructured Dicastery for Evangelization, Tagle oversees the Church’s most vital frontier mission: reaching hearts that have never heard the Gospel— and reawakening those who have forgotten it.
The “Asian Francis”?
Tagle’s pastoral ethos mirrors that of the pope who elevated him. Like Francis, he speaks of a Church that listens before it teaches, that heals before it judges. He has spoken candidly about LGBTQ+ persons, urging the Church to avoid “harsh words.” He has advocated discernment for divorced and remarried Catholics, stressing that “every situation is unique.”
F ro M t H e F ront P A ge
Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Humble Reformer...
Yet, he’s no doctrinal radical. His theology is orthodox, his methods tender. In essence, Tagle doesn’t push the Church forward with force—he gently invites it to walk in the shoes of the faithful.
Inside the Conclave
When the next conclave convenes—behind locked doors and beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes— Cardinal Tagle will be one of the most watched figures.
At 67, he stands at that perfect crossroad: young enough to bring longevity, old enough to command reverence. But what truly sets him apart is his ability to speak not just in Vatican Latin or theological code, but in the shared language of suffering, joy, and hope.
The Church today is wounded—by scandal, division, and the modern world’s skepticism. Tagle, a man shaped by colonial memory, poverty, and multifaith realities, understands this pain viscerally.
Fluent in Tagalog, English, Italian, and conversant in French, Chinese, and Latin, Tagle is as comfortable delivering a homily in Tondo as he is addressing bishops in Rome. His message, however, remains the same: “Be near the people. Smell like the sheep. Love with the heart of Christ.”
A Consistent Contender
Since the last conclave in 2013, and particularly following his elevation to the Roman Curia, Cardinal Tagle has been a fixture in conversations about papal succession.
Analysts and Vatican
Pope Francis’ funeral: These are...
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that have brought so much injustice to humanity”.
UN — United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres will attend the funeral, his office said.
Europe
— EU Commission chief
watchers have consistently placed him on lists of papabili—those considered most likely to be elected pope. His visibility is not born of political maneuvering or geographical novelty, but of what he represents: a deeply pastoral, intellectually grounded, and globally resonant figure.
His leadership in the Evangelization Dicastery, alignment with Pope Francis’ vision, and deep roots in the Global South all reinforce his viability as the Church’s next shepherd.
The Global South refers to regions in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Oceania, often characterized by lower levels of industrialization, development, and income. These areas also carry a history of colonization and economic exploitation, and face challenges such as poverty, political instability, and limited resources. However, the Global South is also a source of emerging influence in global politics, culture, and faith.
From La Croix to The Tablet, Crux to America Magazine— and even secular outlets like The New York Times—Tagle is often described as “the face of a compassionate Church” and “a credible voice for Catholicism in the global South.”
While the Holy Spirit ultimately guides each conclave—and surprises are always possible—Tagle’s regular appearance on these shortlists is no coincidence. It reflects the deep respect he commands, both inside and outside the Vatican.
ceremony, his office said, along with Prime Minister Micheal Martin.
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Superior of the Jesuits in Argentina, then Archbishop of Buenos Aires, and later became a cardinal in 2001.
He was elected pope on March 13, 2013, following the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI—becoming the first pope from the Americas and the first non-European in over a millennium. He chose the name Francis in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, known for his devotion to peace, poverty, and care for creation.
The Papacy of Pope Francis Pope Francis’s tenure was defined by sweeping changes in tone and emphasis within the Catholic Church. He called for a Church of inclusion rather than condemnation, repeatedly urging Catholics to focus on mercy over judgment.
In a widely quoted 2013 interview, Francis described his vision of the Church:
“I see the Church as a
Richard Nuttall...
field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol… You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else.”
His 2015 encyclical, Laudato Si’, positioned environmental protection as a moral and spiritual imperative, earning praise from both faith leaders and scientists. He also championed the rights of migrants, the poor, and the socially excluded.
Known as “The People’s Pope,” Francis favored simple living, refused the papal palace, and rode in modest cars. He touched millions with his direct, down-to-earth approach and willingness to address difficult global issues.
Illness and Final Days
In early 2025, Pope Francis was hospitalized for double pneumonia, leading to a 38day hospital stay, the longest
of his papacy. Despite his frailty, he made one final public appearance during Easter Sunday Mass on April 20, blessing thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square. He died quietly the following morning, surrounded by members of his household and medical staff.
A World in Mourning Pope Francis’s death prompted a global outpouring of grief and tributes:
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who met him just a day before his death, called him “a shepherd to the world and a conscience for our time.” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said he “inspired millions, far beyond the Catholic Church, with his humility and love so pure for the less fortunate.”
Indian Prime Minister
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In addition, Nuttall served as an Executive Board Member of the SkyTeam Alliance, where he helped reform the Alliance’s governance structure to accelerate decision-making and deepen airline collaboration.
— UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attend, and Prince William will also go to represent head of state King Charles III.
— Ireland’s President Micheal Higgins and his wife will travel to Rome for the
Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa, head of the European Council, will both travel to Rome.
— Spain’s King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia will attend, the royal palace said. Felipe called the pontiff “an enormous ethical beacon of our world, of our time”.
— French President Emmanuel Macron, who cut short a visit to the Indian Ocean region after the pope’s u PAGE 4
airlines across Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently he served as Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines, where he led a successful turnaround that saw the carrier return to operational profitability and significantly contribute to the growth of Sri Lanka’s tourism sector.
“Philippine Airlines has always been committed to working with the best people across all levels, and I welcome Richard Nuttall as a worthy addition to an already formidable team. I am confident that he will create and develop sustainable growth for PAL,” said Dr. Lucio C. Tan.
“Appointing Richard Nuttall to Philippine Airlines is an important part of our mediumterm and long-term strategy of building a robust management team and growing our business internationally. As President, he will play an active role in bringing a global dimension to the Heart of the Filipino, and I look forward to
working closely with him in the days and months ahead,” said Lucio Tan III. Nuttall will succeed Captain Stanley Ng, who has served as PAL President and Chief Operating Officer since January 2022. Ng will take on new responsibilities within the Philippine Airlines Group as Vice President of PAL Holdings Inc. and as a member of the airline’s Board of Directors. In these roles, he is expected to provide strategic direction and oversight to bring the flag carrier to a new level of service and profitability.
“I warmly welcome Mr. Nuttall to the PAL Group. I believe that under his leadership, we will sustain the momentum we’ve built over the past years. Now, I’m ready to take on this new role with renewed focus and commitment,” said Ng. Nuttall will be supported u PAGE 4
Photo Credit : From the Official Facebook page of His Eminence Luis Antonio G. Cardinal Tagle
The People’s Pope, Pope Francis, visited Typhoon Yolanda survivors in Palo, Leyte on January 17, 2015.
Photo by Benhur Arcayan / Malacañang Photo Bureau
Pope Francis Dies at 88: A Humble...
Narendra Modi praised him as “a beacon of compassion, humility, and spiritual courage.”
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored the pontiff as “a man of profound faith and humility” who led the Church “with wisdom and a heart open to all, especially the poor and the forgotten.” Marcos added, “As we mourn his passing, we honor a life that brought hope and compassion to so many, and inspired us to love one another as Christ loved us.”
In the Philippines, the largest Catholic nation in Asia, cathedrals filled with faithful for memorial Masses, recalling the pope’s beloved 2015 visit and his support for Filipino overseas workers.
Richard Nuttall...
by
Carlos Luis Fernandez, who assumes the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, also effective 29 May 2025.
“I am honored to join Philippine Airlines at such a pivotal time. The airline has accomplished so much in recent years, and I look forward to building on that progress as we explore new
Pope Francis’...
death, told reporters: “We will attend the pope’s funeral as we should.”
— Germany’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz is also expected, along with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who will lead Germany’s delegation.
Incoming chancellor Friedrich Merz will not attend.
— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who said Francis had “prayed for peace in Ukraine”, will attend with his wife, Olena Zelenska.
— Russian leader Vladimir Putin, who is subject to an International Criminal Court arrest warrant over his invasion of Ukraine, will not attend, the Kremlin said.
— Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, who declared a national day of mourning for Saturday, will be among the mourners with his wife.
— Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever will attend, as will King Philippe and Queen Mathilde.
— The Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima — who also has Argentine nationality — will not make the trip due to the
In Argentina, the government declared three days of national mourning, and churches held vigils.
Funeral and Succession
The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will be buried at Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he often prayed before apostolic journeys. His funeral will take place in St. Peter’s Square later this week, expected to draw global dignitaries and millions of faithful.
The College of Cardinals will convene in early May for the conclave to elect a new pope. Observers expect growing influence from cardinals from Africa, Asia, and Latin America—regions where Francis’s message of justice and inclusion resonated
avenues for growth,” said Nuttall.
Even as the global aviation industry faces increased volatility and uncertainty, PAL remains focused on long-term growth and fleet modernization. The airline is expected to receive this year the first of nine Airbus A350-1000s, which will serve as PAL’s flagship long-haul aircraft. PAL is also rolling out newly refurbished A321ceos with upgraded cabins this
deeply.
A Legacy of Compassion and Courage
Pope Francis leaves behind a Church more open to dialogue, less defined by hierarchy, and deeply engaged with the world’s wounds. He reminded Catholics that leadership begins with listening and that the Gospel calls for solidarity with the most vulnerable.
“The thing the Church needs most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful,” he once said. “It needs nearness, proximity.”
His life—marked by simplicity, sincerity, and service—touched people of all faiths. And while his voice is now silent, his message of mercy endures.
year, and will take delivery of 13 brand-new A321neos starting 2026.
Backed by the leadership of Tan and Nuttall, PAL is optimistic about sustaining its momentum in 2025. The airline posted a net income of PHP10.01 billion in 2024, following record earnings of PHP21 billion in 2023. This consistent performance solidifies PAL’s position as a resilient and competitive force in the airline industry.
king’s birthday celebrations despite being “deeply moved” by Francis’s passing, the royal family said. The country’s Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp will go to the funeral.
— Portugal’s President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and Prime Minister Luis Montenegro will lead a delegation to the ceremony.
— Hungary’s President Tamas Sulyok confirmed his attendance, as did Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker, and Slovenian President Natasa Pirc Musar, who will be there with Prime Minister Robert Golob.
— The presidents of all
back from The Hague, we had a meeting because that's also one of the things I'm handling.)
"At sinabi nila that they are more than confident in winning the impeachment trial — impeachment case. So 'yan lang 'yung masasabi ko," she added.
(And they said that they are more than confident in winning the impeachment trial — impeachment case. So that's all I can say.)
The House of Representatives voted to impeach Duterte on February 5, sending the articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial.
Senate President Chiz Escudero has scheduled the trial to begin after the May 2025 elections. According to the timeline he proposed in February, the actual impeachment trial is set to start on July 30, after pre-trial proceedings and the swearingin of newly elected senators who will also serve as judges in the case.
Public opinion on the impeachment remains divided, according to a February survey by WR Numero. The poll found that 46.7% of Filipinos oppose the impeachment, while 33.3% support it, with approximately 20% still undecided.
According to the survey, Mindanao, Duterte's bulwark, shows the strongest opposition to the impeachment at 65.6%, compared to just 16.6% in favor.
The upcoming impeachment trial for the vice president has loomed over senatorial bets of the PDP-Laban slate — of which her father is chairperson — as they have repeatedly called on their supporters to vote for them to prevent Duterte's conviction.
Recap: What's VP Sara Duterte accused of?
The impeachment charges against Duterte encompass seven allegations, with the most grave being an alleged plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. This accusation stems from Duterte's statements during a late-night press conference last year when she claimed to have arranged for someone to kill the president, the First Lady, and the House speaker should she herself be assassinated.
The articles also charge the vice president with improperly using confidential funds,
SCOTUS to hear arguments...
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practice has been in place for decades.
three Baltic states will attend: Gitanas Nauseda of Lithuania, Edgars Rinkevics of Latvia and Alar Karis of Estonia.
— Monaco’s royal family announced three days of mourning and a palace source said Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene would go to the funeral.
Other European states sending leaders include the Czech Republic, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania and Slovakia.
Asia
— Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and first lady Liza Marcos will attend the funeral, according to the palace press officer.
On Sunday, April 13, Trump told the hosts of “Meet the Press” that he “absolutely” wants to end birthright citizenship altogether “because it’s ridiculous.” Opponents of birthright citizenship argue that birthright citizenship encourages “birth tourism,” which involves pregnant women entering the U.S. illegally to give birth to U.S. citizens.
Trump signed the order on his first day in office, and it was to take effect starting Feb. 19, but multiple federal judges have blocked the order.
Back in January, 22 state attorneys general—as well as dozens of immigrant rights groups—argued that
the order to end birthright citizenship violates the Fourteenth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution, which states that all “persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.”
It also stated, “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.” The Trump administration argues that the amendment—ratified in 1868 after the Civil War and assured citizenship to all regardless of race—didn’t apply to everyone.
However, the 22 state attorneys general filed lawsuits against the administration, including
totaling at least P254.898 million in alleged "ghost expenses." Additionally, Duterte is accused of corrupting former highranking Department of Education officials by allegedly distributing cash envelopes containing tens of thousands of pesos.
The impeachment articles also resurrect longstanding claims regarding her connection to extrajudicial killings through the so-called Davao Death Squad during her tenure as Davao City mayor. The complaint further alleges that Duterte accumulated "hidden wealth" that was reportedly unexplained in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth filed from 2013 to 2016.
The sixth and seventh articles accuse Duterte of inciting sedition and rebellion, as well as "gross faithlessness against trust and tyrannical abuse of power."
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who in a statement in January referenced the 1898 case of Wong Kim Ark, a Chinese American born in California who was denied re-entry into the country after a trip abroad.
“The President’s executive order attempting to rescind birthright citizenship is blatantly unconstitutional and quite frankly, unAmerican,” said Bonta, who is of Filipino American descent. “As home of Wong Kim Ark, a San Francisco native who fought–successfully–to have his U.S. citizenship recognized, California condemns the President’s attempts to erase history and ignore 125 years of Supreme Court precedent.”
Vice President Sara Duterte answers some queries from the members of the Committee on Appropriations during the deliberations on the proposed 2025 budget for the Office of the Vice President at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Aug. 27, 2024.
EDITORS NOTE: Graphic content / This photo taken on April 21, 2025 and handout on April 22, 2025 by The Vatican Media shows Pope Francis in his open coffin during the rite of the Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff at the Chapel of Santa Marta in The Vatican. (Photo by Handout / VATICAN MEDIA / AFP)
EDITORIAL - Requiem for Pope Francis
From his first day as leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Roman Catholics, Pope Francis signaled his desire to break from tradition. He walked around in his old orthopedic shoes rather than switching to the iconic red loafers of the pope. He moved into the Vatican hotel rather than the Apostolic Palace, and made his own phone calls. He was driven around in compact cars.
Conservative critics scoffed at the moves, but many others saw the gestures to be in keeping with the man who rose from humble beginnings in his native Argentina and became the first pontiff to pick Francis for his papal name, after St. Francis of Assisi, who renounced wealth and dedicated his life to the poor.
It soon became clear that the changes Francis wanted went beyond his personal arrangements. The man who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio 88 years ago to Italian immigrants in Buenos Aires reinvigorated the Catholic Church with his compassion for the downtrodden and his inclusive policies, which resonated among those who were dismayed by the remoteness and rigid conservatism of his predecessor Pope Benedict XVI.
Francis’ policies, however, including his
“THE test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function,”
F. Scott Fitzgerald famously argued, emphasizing the inherently dialectical nature of genuine intellect. More importantly, however, genius is ultimately about “the ability to put into effect what is on your mind.”
By all indications,
FeAtures oPInIon
Editorial
efforts to address the financial and other scandals rocking the Vatican bureaucracy, also drew increasing criticism from traditionalists in the Church. And despite his sincere efforts to address clergy sexual abuse scandals that have driven away the faithful from the Church, Francis fumbled in his handling of a case in Chile. Although he later moved to make amends, other cases remain unresolved and the sex scandals have festered.
Still, Pope Francis’ efforts, combined with his natural warmth, gained him global admiration as he addressed problems troubling not only Catholics but all of humanity, from armed conflict to climate change and the many forms of social injustice.
In the Philippines, which he visited in January
Duterte, demagogues, and the middle class
Fitzgerald’s fellow Princetonian, Walden Bello, exhibits “genius” in ways unparalleled by any fellow Filipino intellectual since Isabelo de los Reyes. Author of a dozen global bestsellers, including one that coined the very term ”deglobalization,” Bello’s impressive range of indepth political analysis over the past half-century covers much of the world. But what makes him even more compelling as a public intellectual is his praxis, namely the unparalleled courage to repeatedly risk his life for a greater cause, both in
his home country and beyond.
The newly published “Global Battlefields: My Close Encounters with Dictatorship, Capital, Empire, and Love” (Ateneo de Manila University Press) provides a precious insight into the works, life, and loves of one of the most prolific thinkers in the postcolonial world. It’s a surreal combination of literary elegance, personal reflections, and political analyses. On one hand, it’s an excellent overview of his oeuvre—a “Walden Bello for Dummies.” Moreover, it reads like a
“Forrest Gump” drama, except one told from the perspective of an activist-sociologist, who happened to repeatedly find himself in the middle of some world-historical event, either by chance or design.
From his accidental entry into the world of activism at the height of the Indo-China Wars to his decade-long engagement with the antiMarcos resistance movement, and, ultimately, pivotal role in various anti-globalization movements across much of the post-colonial world, Bello’s soulful memoir is a
peerless panoramic view of our contemporary world and its discontents.
Arguably, the most trenchant element of the book, and Bello’s overall oeuvre, is his pioneering analysis of the reactionary side of the middle class, beginning with his doctoral work on the tragic demise of the Allende administration in Chile. Contrary to standard political science literature, Bello found that, “when the poorer classes were being mobilized with a revolutionary agenda, the middle classes could become a mass base for counterrevolution” as in early 20th-century Germany and Italy, and, a century later, in
places as varied as Thailand, Türkiye, Brazil, India, and Indonesia.
Comparative empirical evidence shows how “middle classes were not necessarily forces for democratization” but instead a “Janus-faced class,” which could be a force for good when “fighting elites defending their power and privileges” but also a reactionary force “when confronted with lower classes seeking a revolutionary transformation of society.” Throughout the book, Bello repeatedly returns to this theme, since it explains both the failures of the Philippine Left and, crucially, the rise
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Horizons
rICHArd HeydArIAn
Duterte, demagogues,...
PAGE 6
During both the 2016 and 2022 elections, pre-election surveys and exit polls clearly show that a far larger share of the “ABC” voters fell for the “strongman” rhetoric of the victorious candidates than the most marginalized sections of the society. Inquirer.net file photo
of what my fellow columnist Randy David has described as “Dutertismo.”
The facts speak for themselves. During both the 2016 and 2022 elections, preelection surveys and exit polls clearly show that a far larger share of the “ABC” voters fell for the “strongman” rhetoric of the victorious candidates than the most marginalized sections of the society. It’s quite telling that per a privately commissioned authoritative survey last month, liberalprogressive candidates, such as former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, enjoy the highest support among E (35.4 percent) and D voters without property (33.5 percent) — but lowest support among ABC voters (25.3 percent).
The reactionary sections of the Philippine middle class
not only supported oligarchic “liberals” who supplanted the Marcos regime, Bello observes, but also served as the most eloquent apologists of the Duterte dynasty in the past decade. Perhaps better than any other social scientist, Bello has shown that time and again, the Filipino middle class either failed to sustainably coalesce around progressive candidates or, worse, served as the resourcerich backbone of authoritarian demagogues. The “bobotante myth” therefore, masks a far starker reality: the dark legacy of the elitist sections of the Filipino middle class, which clearly lacks both political critical thinking and class consciousness. Arguably, the fate of our democracy hinges on politically educating and effectively organizing our
middle classes.
Above all, “Global Battlefields” shows what makes Bello most admirable as an intellectual: genuine humility and constant selfexamination against the rough texture of complex social reality. No wonder then, his ultimate hero is Albert Camus, who once lamented: “Everyone wants the man who is still searching to have already reached his conclusions.” (Inquirer.net)
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com. ph
Requiem for Pope Francis...
2015, Pope Francis prayed for the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda, which killed thousands and devastated much of the Visayas in 2013. He also memorably highlighted the social costs, especially to the family, of Filipinos who found it necessary to work overseas.
While he fell short of allowing the ordination of women, Francis gave women a greater role in the Vatican and Church life. He allow ed divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Holy Communion, and approved “blessings” for same-sex couples as well as baptism for transgender believers.
Pope Francis stressed that homosexuality is not a crime. Asked to comment on gay Catholics, he famously said, “Who am I to judge?”
How 2025 Tariffs Are Disrupting the Housing Market – What Buyers & Sellers Must Know
by AJPress
What was expected to be the strongest spring homebuying season in years has turned uncertain, as a new round of tariffs introduced by the Trump administration in March ripples through the U.S. housing market.
The tariffs, targeting construction materials like lumber, steel, and aluminum, have pushed up costs and sparked caution among both buyers and sellers.
Across the country, the impacts are being felt— from rising mortgage rates and inflationary pressure to a sudden spike in housing inventory and a decline in consumer confidence.
A Market in Transition –Mortgage Rate Volatility
After a steady climb through much of 2024, mortgage rates briefly dropped in early April 2025, with the average 30-year fixed rate falling to 6.55%, according to Freddie Mac.
Analysts attribute the dip to investor demand for safer assets amid trade uncertainty. But experts warn the reprieve may be short-lived. As tariffs drive up material costs, inflation could surge again— causing rates to rise once more.
Tariff-Driven Construction Costs
Tariffs have added approximately $9,200 to the cost of building a typical new single-family home, according to the National Association of Home Builders.
Builders are slowing projects, and fewer new homes are hitting the market— especially in high-growth regions like the Southwest and Southern California.
Inventory Up, Buyer Caution Grows
National housing inventory is up nearly 29% compared to last spring. While this gives buyers more choices, it also reflects a growing hesitation to commit to longterm purchases in a volatile economy.
Homes are lingering on the market longer, and price reductions are becoming more common in formerly competitive areas.
Filipino American Families Navigating the Shift
In major Filipino American hubs such as Carson, Daly City, Jersey City, and Las Vegas, the shifts in the market
are especially pronounced.
These communities have long been home to multigenerational households and first-time buyers—groups particularly sensitive to rising costs and shifting lending conditions.
Recent research shows that multigenerational families had a 74.2% homeownership rate as of 2022, surpassing the national average.
Pooled resources and shared expenses allow these households to better absorb price shocks—providing some insulation against the current volatility (NAHB, 2024).
Still, challenges persist— especially for Filipino Americans entering the housing market for the first time.
FHA mortgage delinquencies have increased, a trend closely linked to inflation and higher debt burdens among first-time buyers. With fewer starter homes available and stricter lending conditions, many young families are pressing pause.
What Buyers Can Do Lock in Rates Early: Interest rates remain volatile. Buyers should seek pre-approval and secure financing as soon as possible.
Leverage the Inventory Surge: With more homes on the market, buyers now have stronger negotiating power.
Consider Multigenerational Solutions: Combining household incomes and resources can expand buying options and offer long-term financial resilience.
For Sellers: Realignment is Key Price Competitively: Homes priced to meet current market conditions are moving faster than those holding out for 2021 peak values.
Invest in Presentation: Staging, repairs, and curb appeal improvements can make a major difference in a crowded market.
Offer Incentives: Consider closing cost credits or rate buydown offers to attract budget-conscious buyers.
A Season of Caution and Strategy
The 2025 housing market is not collapsing—but it is recalibrating. Tariff-driven inflation, rate swings, and buyer hesitancy have altered the spring landscape.
For both Filipino American families and the broader market, success now hinges on adaptability, strategy, and timing.
In this evolving climate, careful planning and an informed approach remain the best tools—whether you’re looking to buy your first home, sell your current one, or support your family’s next chapter.
For Filipinos, he was not just a pontiff — he was Lolo Kiko, the evergentle, smiling figure who walked among the poor and street children, and spoke the language of compassion and love. Philstar.com photo
dAtelIne PHIlIPPInes
Joint PH-US drills a ‘full battle test’
by FrAnCes MAngosIng Inquirer.net
MANILA, Philippines —
The Philippines and the United States kicked off their biggest military exercises on Monday to conduct for the first time a “full battle test,” where the capabilities of both forces will be measured in multiple scenarios.
The exercises come as regional tensions simmer in Asia over China’s activities in the South China Sea and around Taiwan, which neighbors the Philippines.
The annual “Balikatan,” or “shoulder-to-shoulder,” drills, which will run until May 9, will involve more than 17,000 Filipino and American troops
ACTIVITY.
during the conduct of a multilateral maritime cooperative activity (MMCA) in the West Philippine Sea on March 28, 2025. The MMCA aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen the combined capabilities of the Philippines, Japan, and the United States. —Photo courtesy of LTC
NBI files raps vs vloggers outside PH for disinformation
by JAne bAutIstA
MANILA, Philippines —
Four vloggers based abroad are facing multiple complaints at the Department of Justice (DOJ) for allegedly spreading disinformation through spliced videos of National Bureau of Investigation director Jaime Santiago, misrepresenting his statements about the potential arrest of overseas Filipino worker (OFW) vloggers spreading false information.
In a complaint affidavit filed by NBI Intelligence Service agent Mikhail Sebrio on Tuesday, Maricel Tondi, Jennifer dela Cruz, Jacinta Cayme Antasuda, and Cherry Lyn David Capanas were charged with violations of several provisions of the Revised Penal Code, namely the Anti-Alias Law under Article 178, unlawful use of means
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of publication and unlawful utterances under Article 154, intriguing against honor under Article 364, and inciting to sedition under Article 142. These charges are all in relation to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10175, or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
According to the complaint, Tondi, who is currently in Saudi Arabia, was identified as the originator of the spliced video
that falsely implied Santiago was threatening all OFWs with arrest.
Dela Cruz, who is based in New Zealand, allegedly shared the same spliced video on her OFW-focused Facebook page, which has more than 202,000 followers, amplifying its reach and influence.
Antasuda, reportedly in the United Kingdom based on overseas voter records, was found to have a verified Facebook badge and an established public persona, and the complaint said that her online presence may have “lent credibility to the content, despite its misleading nature.”
Lastly, Canada-based Capanas’ post was said to have gone extremely viral, garnering millions of views and thousands of shares, with the NBI alleging that she profited from the content.
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The view from the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) as the Philippine Navy vessel sailed with the USS Shoup (DDG-86) and JS Noshiro (FFM-3)
Salgado PA/AFP
Inquirer.net
NBI director Jaime Santiago
DepEd to launch summer learning programs to boost student literacy
by zACArIAn sArAo Inquirer.net
MANILA, Philippines —
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday said it will be launching summer learning programs meant to boost literacy and foundational skills of students nationwide.
According to a statement from DepEd, four summer learning programs will be launched in May: the Bawat Bata Makababasa Program (BBMP), Literacy Remediation Program (LRP), Summer Academic Remedial Program, and Learning Camp (LC).
All four programs, said DepEd, are designed to provide “targeted support and instruction” involving reading abilities for students across various grade levels.
Education Sec. Sonny Angara said the four programs are meant to “rebuild the foundations of learning, one reader at a time.”
“We call on our partners and stakeholders to stand with us in this mission,” Angara said.
“Every Filipino child
NBI files...
The investigation began after Sebrio, while conducting cyber patrol on April 8, came across several TikTok posts that linked to a user named “wild.flower269 Bae Lebon Blaan.”
The account had uploaded “what appears to be a legitimate full statement of NBI Director Jaime Santiago in an interview, if unknown to viewers of the original statement.”
In the original video, Santiago said he had directed the NBI’s technical intelligence and cybercrime divisions to take action against trolls, including US-based Maharlika, who he said may face charges in the Philippines.
“We will ask for help from Interpol—arrest that fool there, bring her here to the Philippines. Those who are here in the Philippines, we will arrest; those who are abroad, we will file cases… they will not be able to return home here, they will not be able to visit their families, as soon as they arrive at [Ninoy Aquino International Airport], we will arrest them,” Santiago said.
However, Sebrio noted that the edited video was transcribed as follows:
PHOTOS: Official Faacebook page of DepEd and Senate PRIB deserves the chance to read, to understand, and to succeed— and it will take all of us working together to make that happen,” he added.
DepEd said the pilot test for BBMP will be in Zamboanga Peninsula, targeting around 75,000 Grades 1 to 3 students identified as struggling readers.
From May 8 to June 6, 2025, the BBMP will feature daily reading tutorials and engaging activities led by about 7,500 teachers and volunteer tutors.
Pre-service education students can volunteer for relevant experience, receive training, and help implement
“’Yong mga andito sa Pilipinas arestuhin namin! Yung mga nasa abroad, [we] will file a case ’di na sila makakauwi dito, hindi na sila makakadalaw sa kanilang mga pamilya nila, pagdating palang sa Naia aarestuhin na namin sila!” (Those who are here in the Philippines—we will arrest them! Those who are abroad— we will file cases against them so they won’t be able to return, they won’t be able to visit their families. The moment they arrive at Naia, we will arrest them right away.)
Targeting trolls Sebrio emphasized that the NBI director’s original statement referred only to OFWs who are actively engaged in spreading false information, not all overseas workers.
He said the manipulated version “tends to cause discredit, dishonor or contempt,” and noted that the viral content also carried a remark indicating that the government is threatening OFWs who are helping the economy.
He added that thousands reacted to the post and that the misleading video has caused confusion, drawing over 12,000 negative comments from Filipinos around the world, many of whom rely on social media for news about the
support like free snacks and vision screening for learners.
Meanwhile, the LRP will be conducted nationwide, targeting 59,627 Grade 3 learners identified as “Low Emerging Readers in English.”
The students will undergo two-hour daily remediation sessions from May 13 to June 6 under 14,023 trained teachers.
“A cascade of training activities for educators is scheduled from late April to early May. Participating teachers will receive service credits and a daily meal allowance for their involvement,” DepEd said.
Philippines.
“Clearly the intention of the viral video post was maliciously published to cause disinformation to the public, which tends to cause hate and to discredit the government and its duly constituted authorities,” Sebrio said.
On the Anti-Alias Law violation, Sebrio said aliases are allowed only for economic, entertainment, or athletic purposes, or when authorized by a court.
“Here, the respondents demonstrated an intention to conceal their true identity by using different social media accounts with a name that cannot be linked to their personal circumstances and to achieve an evil purpose, to malign, discredit and cause hatred to their intended target [the NBI director] by spreading false information/news. Their true identities were only revealed due to the joint efforts of this office to discover the same,” the complaint noted.
As for inciting to sedition, Sebrio said the respondents’ acts violated the law because the viral video led to the circulation of “scurrilous libels against the government and/or the duly constituted authorities thereof,” particularly the NBI director.
Joint PH-US drills a ‘full ...
PAGE 9 and our preparedness and responsiveness to any eventuality,” the Philippines’ Balikatan exercise director Maj. Gen. Francisco Lorenzo said in a briefing after the event.
Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, the guest of honor at the opening ceremony, said that when he attended the opening event in 2009, the focus of the exercises was counterterrorism.
“Times have indeed changed. The geostrategic environment is more complex and increasingly vulnerable to miscalculation,” he noted.
Officials did not identify China by name in its exercises, but Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier called Beijing as “the biggest disruptor” of peace in the region, with its increasing aggression in the South China Sea.
“Balikatan is not against any nation, but it is joint training with the forces to increase our capability in securing our territory. And of course, it will increase our capabilities
His American counterpart, Lt. Gen. James Glynn, said the design of this year’s exercise was more for the South China Sea rather than Taiwan.
“We’re looking at elevated tensions in regional security in the larger region, in this case focused on the South China Sea,” he said.
Advanced weapons
This year’s exercises will see many firsts on top of the inaugural deployment of the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System antiship missile launchers in the Luzon Strait close to Taiwan as part of “maritime key terrain security operations” (MKTSO) or
island retaking from an enemy force.
A similar MKTSO exercise will be held in Balabac, Palawan, facing Philippine and Chinese outposts in the West Philippine Sea, or Manila’s exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea.
The United States will also send overseas for the first time the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (Madis), a sophisticated air defense system designed to counter drones and other unmanned aerial systems.
The Madis will be used in the integrated air and missile defense system live-fire in Zambales, another exercise taking place for the first time, where combined forces will shoot down an outlaw drone while at sea.
President Marcos will witness the event from an undisclosed location.
BI records over 800K passenger arrivals, departures during Holy Week
by FerdInAnd PAtInIo pna.gov.ph
MANILA – Over 800,000 inbound and outbound passengers were recorded during the Holy Week, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Tuesday.
There were 371,092 arrivals and 432,763 departures in the country’s international airports during the period, according to a news release.
At Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) alone, daily arrivals peaked at
51,000 while daily departures reached 61,000.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the smooth flow of passengers was due to the deployment of more than 40 additional immigration officers at the NAIA, ensuring that all counters remained fully manned throughout the holiday period. He also highlighted the positive impact of the newly operational overseas Filipino workers’ wing at NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City,
which helped decongest immigration queues and provided more convenient processing.
"In line with our Bagong (New) Immigration vision, we continue to modernize our systems, enhance our manpower capacity and improve frontline service delivery," Viado said.
"These improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to contribute to the President’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines)." (PNA)
COMMUNITY EFFORT. Parishioners and volunteers decorate Easter eggs at the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice, located at the University of the Philippines-Diliman campus in Quezon City, on Black Saturday (April 19) The Church reminds the faithful that Christ’s Resurrection is the real celebration on Easter Sunday. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
Superstar Nora Aunor’s immigration journey revisited on a special tribute episode of Citizen Pinoy
THIS Sunday, “Citizen Pinoy” airs a heartfelt tribute to one of the Philippines’ most revered icons — National Artist and legendary actor Nora Aunor — who passed away on April 16, 2025.
The episode re-airs a powerful and emotional segment first shown in 2008, where the superstar candidly shared her immigration story and how she achieved her American Dream with the help of leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.
Nora Aunor arrived in the U.S. in 2004 to quietly begin a new chapter in her life. Far from the glitz and glamour of her showbiz
PAGE 12
A SUPERSTAR’S JOURNEY: “CITIZEN PINOY” PAYS TRIBUTE TO NORA AUNOR. This Sunday, Citizen Pinoy honors the late National Artist and Philippine icon, Nora Aunor, with a special reairing of her inspiring immigration journey. Known for her legendary career in showbiz, Nora quietly moved to the U.S. in 2004 to pursue her green card — choosing a simple, humble life far from the spotlight. Despite public judgment and personal challenges, Nora sought help from leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel in 2006. Though she briefly turned to another lawyer, she returned to Atty. Gurfinkel, asked for forgiveness, and together they worked to secure her legal status. In 2008, she was granted her green card and shared her story on “Citizen Pinoy” to inspire others chasing their own American Dream. This special episode is a moving reminder that even superstars face struggles — and rise above them. Be sure to watch this success story on Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, April 27 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
CT: Cancer risk
Health@Heart
PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS
CT (Computerized Tomography), also referred to as CAT scan, one of the most valuable discoveries for diagnosis, was invented by British engineer Godfrey Hounsfield in 1967. This lifesaving tool is used about 375 million times each year around the world, increasing 3-4 percent a year, with 93 million CT scans having been performed in the United States alone in 2023.
A new study, involving 61.5 million patients and funded by the NIH, revealed that CT scans “could account for 5 percent of all cancer cases a year,” according to clinical research at the University of California, San Francisco. The ionizing radiation from imaging (a known carcinogen) “could lead to cancer of the breast, lungs, colon, leukemia, bladder, etc., with a 10-fold increased risk for babies, followed by infants, children and adolescents.”
Nearly 103,000 cancers are predicted to result from the 93 million CT scans in the U.S. in 2023, as reported in the April 14, 2025 issue of JAMA Internal Medicine
This finding also highlights the overuse and overdosing of CT scans, which “abuse and malpractice” by clinicians worldwide must stop. This diagnostic imaging has more than 90 percent accuracy and is beneficial to early diagnosis and treatment.
Top sexy states
Nevada, where the City of Lost Wages, I mean, Las Vegas is, has been ranked by a study “second among America’s most sexobsessed states, demonstrating high engagement with 7,362 sex-related internet searches per 100,000 residents.” It is a state that stands out with the highest percentage of single households, with 53 percent of residents living alone. The Silver State’s residents also maintain an active intimate life, averaging 1.02 sexual encounters per week,” according to a recent study by Lion’s Den.
Another study shows New York to be “the most-sexually inquisitive” state, and two states that have higher than national average reported sex frequency per week are Alaska (2.8) and New Mexico (2.06). Those in their 20s have sex about 80 times a year, once every 4 to 5 days.
Ejaculation and cancer
A Harvard study, “The
Health professionals Followup Study,” has been collecting information about a large group (29,342) of medical professional volunteers since 1986, aged 46 to 81, about their average ejaculations per month. These included masturbation, sexual intercourse, and nocturnal emissions. There was no evidence that frequent ejaculations were unhealthy or increased the risk for cancer. Actually, frequency of ejaculations was linked to reduced risk for prostatic cancer. Men who ejaculated 21 or more times a month enjoyed a 31 percent lower risk for cancer of the prostate.
In another study (Australia) shows a 36 percent reduced risk. Sex or masturbation among men and women is a part of a healthy lifestyle, as I have alluded to in my book, “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our Children,” a proactive and preemptive guide to living a healthy lifestyle and disease prevention from the cellular level (available on Amazon.com).
Acid in cola drinks
A can or bottle of cola soft drinks contain an average of 58 milligrams of Phosphoric acid (H3PO4), 50-70 mg per 100 cc, which is unhealthy, especially for bone health. H3PO4 is also toxic to the kidneys, increasing the risk for stone formation, and negatively impacts the microbiome (gut health). Overall, soft drinks in general, increase the risk for metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health issues that increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, and T2 diabetes. Soft drinks are poison to the body.
This is what coke is good for: The phosphoric acid in coke could be used as a powerful household cleanser/stain and odor remover, with the following formula – 250 cc coca cola, 1 teaspoon of tooth paste. Cap the bottle and shake very well, then very slowly open (to allow gas to dissipate) and pour into a bowl. Add 3 tablespoonful of dish soap, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1 cup of water. Mix well and pour into a spray bottle. Voila!
An inexpensive, very effective and safe, home cleanser. I have also used coke as a sink drain unclogger, left overnight, and flush with hot water in the morning. Refrigerator odor
Instead of using a “flowthrough” baking soda box for the refrigerator to remove the odor, its lesser expensive to buy regular baking soda of any brand and divide the content into 4 bowls. Add finely crushed charcoal and mix well. Cut one lime into halves and insert 3 pieces of cloves into each half, and place each half into each bowl. Repeat for the remaining two bowls. You
place two bowls into the freezer and two bowls in the refrigerator or however you wish.
Foods not to ref
Most of us refrigerate all food items to extend their “shelf-life,” or for better taste. Scientifically, though, refrigerating some food items could alter or reduce their nutritional value or quality. Foods not to refrigerate include the following: coffee, avocados, potatoes, tomatoes, melons, hot sauce, honey, basil, nuts, bananas., bread, garlic, onions.
Nuts to avoid
My wife, Farida, a pediatrician, warns parents about children’s allergies to some nuts and some food items, like cow’s milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, edible seeds, tree nuts, and sesame. She suggests children with allergies to know how to administer and carry with them at all time Epi-pen or other autoinject epinephrine to prevent severe allergic reaction and anaphylactic shock.
The following is her list (for adults) of healthy nuts to eat and nuts to avoid: Recommended nuts – walnuts, pistachios, almonds, and Brazil nuts. Nuts to avoid because of their potential unhealthy effects include peanuts, cashew, macadamia, and pine nuts. Occasional indulgence on these last four nuts poses no significant harm to those without allergies.
The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle, to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, health advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, Astronaut Gus Grissom, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
Filipino business leaders from around the world will gather at FPACC 2025 conference in Orlando, Florida
ORLANDO – The Federation of Philippine American Chambers of Commerce (FPACC) is inviting Filipino entrepreneurs, professionals, and business leaders from around the world to the 2025 FPACC International Trade and Business Conference, happening on June 19-22, 2025, at the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, Florida.
The four-day event will bring together people who want to grow their businesses, meet new partners, and help their communities. Filipino business leaders from the U.S., the Philippines, Latin America, and Europe will come together to share ideas and build strong connections.
“This conference brings together the best of East and West,” said Marie Cunning, FPACC president. “It’s more than just business — it’s about celebrating Filipino identity, culture, and community while creating global opportunities. By joining one of our member chambers, you become part of a powerful network that opens doors to resources, partnerships, and success across borders.”
This year’s conference theme is “One Global Filipino: Building Bridges for Trade and Growth.” It shows FPACC’s dream to help Filipino businesses grow across the world.
Highlights of the conference will include:
• Business talks from wellknown Filipino and international experts
• Trade sessions with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI)
• Special meetings with Spanishspeaking chambers like those from Mexico and Spain
• Workshops on how to expand your business globally
• Youth and women entrepreneur forums
• A grand cultural night to honor Filipino values and success.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) will bring a special delegation of business leaders from the Philippines. They will help connect local U.S. businesses with suppliers and investors from the Philippines. Spanish-speaking chambers from Mexico, Spain, and Latin America will also take part in trade and tourism discussions.
This year’s event builds on FPACC’s history of strong international work. Since 1996, FPACC has signed many agreements with chambers and government agencies to create more business opportunities for Filipinos. They have also led trade missions and humanitarian efforts to different parts of the Philippines.
The Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel, the event’s venue, is a luxury resort close to major Orlando attractions. Guests will enjoy world-class service, comfortable rooms, and plenty of space to network, relax, and have fun.
Early registration is now open until April 30, 2025. Business owners, professionals, students, and community leaders are all welcome. Everyone who wants to make a difference through business is encouraged to attend.
For tickets and more information, visit www. fpaccunited.com or email info@fpaccunited.com. For information about membership and participation, contact info@sffilamchamber.org (SFFACC Release)
Superstar Nora Aunor’s immigration journey...
PAGE 11
career, she was often spotted doing everyday errands — at laundromats, on trains — sparking criticism from some who claimed the Superstar had “fallen.” But what many did not know was that Nora had chosen a humbler life while pursuing legal residency in the U.S., with determination and dignity.
In 2006, she first approached Atty. Gurfinkel for assistance. Despite warnings from others that she might be a difficult client; Michael took her case. Though she briefly left to collaborate with another lawyer, she later returned, asked for forgiveness, and resumed her journey with Atty. Gurfinkel — who never turned his back on her. By 2008, she received her green
card and appeared on “Citizen Pinoy” to inspire others with her story of perseverance.
As Attorney Gurfinkel shares in the episode, “Nora was a fighter. She overcame adversity and never gave up. I am honored to have helped her, and even more honored to share her journey once again with our viewers.”
Be sure to watch this heartfelt story on this special episode of
Pinoy on Sunday, April 27 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
Citizen
Nora Aunor Laid to Rest at Libingan ng mga Bayani with State Honors
National Artist Nora Aunor, the iconic voice of Philippine cinema and culture, was laid to rest on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani with full state and military honors.
It marked a historic moment not only for the entertainment industry but for the country at large, as the nation bid farewell to one of its most transformative artists.
The solemn ceremony included a 21-gun salute—an honor rarely accorded to cultural figures—and was attended by government officials, fellow artists, and thousands of fans.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared April 22 a “Day of National Mourning,” recognizing Aunor’s unparalleled contributions to the Filipino soul.
“She was more than a star. She was a national treasure who reflected the hopes, struggles, and stories of our people,” President Marcos said in his official message.
A Life That Shaped a Nation
Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Aunor’s rise to stardom began in the late 1960s.
Her remarkable talent—both as an actress and singer—broke
barriers and elevated the voices of the marginalized. From her early days as a singing champion to her era-defining performances in Himala, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Bona, and Thy Womb, she challenged the norms of beauty and fame, favoring substance, truth, and emotional depth.
Her body of work reflected the struggles and resilience of everyday Filipinos, and she became an enduring symbol of integrity and authenticity in art.
A Nation Mourns
On the morning of April 22, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) hosted a necrological service titled “Raising the Nation for Nora Aunor” at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
The event brought together fellow National Artists, cultural leaders, and longtime collaborators in a solemn tribute to the Superstar’s artistic legacy.
Through heartfelt eulogies and stirring performances, the program traced the arc of Aunor’s influence across decades.
The Metropolitan Theater stage—adorned with wreaths and a large portrait of Aunor—
by AJPress
served as the nation’s symbolic altar for collective remembrance.
Final Honors
Following the service, Aunor’s flag-draped casket was escorted in a funeral cortege to Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, where she was laid to rest with full state honors. Crowds lined the streets, waving flags, holding candles, and placing flowers in tribute.
As members of the Armed Forces rendered a 21-gun salute, the country stood still in reverence—honoring not just a cultural icon, but a woman whose life and art elevated the Filipino spirit.
A Legacy That Lives On
Nora Aunor was conferred the title of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022, but her influence had long been woven into the nation’s creative fabric.
Her voice, presence, and fearless pursuit of truth shaped Philippine cinema—and gave voice to the voiceless.
While the ceremonies have drawn to a close, her influence remains—alive in classrooms, echoed in film retrospectives, and in every Filipino story still waiting to be told.
The National Commission for Culture (NCCA) and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) honored National Artist Nora Aunor in a necrological service held April 22, 2025, at the Metropolitan Theater.
Photo Courtesy of NCCA and CCP
Together with the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts celebrated the life and legacy of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor through a necrological service at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Officials from the NCCA, led by Chair Victorino Mapa Manalo and Executive Director Eric Zerrudo, and CCP President Kaye Tinga and Board of Trustees Vice Chairperson Ma. Carissa Coscolluela also graced the event. Photos by: Mervin Vergara and Saidee Hadjerel (NCCA PAIO), Mark Herald Ocampo and Jeferson Cadacio (NCCA ONA)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos paid their respects to National Artist Nora Aunor during her wake, honoring her enduring legacy in Philippine arts and culture. Photo Credit : Philippine Information Agency
Family, friends, loved ones, and fans bore witness to the full military honors given to the National Artist before being laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. Photos courtesy of NAAC and CCP
(People, Events,Places)
Rogelio ConStantino MeDina My P.E.P.
THE late Jaime M. Fernandez Jr., popularly known as Jim Fernandez, was a native of Masbate City. He was a Philippine comics writer, novelist, and illustrator. He was considered one of the greatest Philippine comics book writers. He began his comics illustration career in the early 1950s and was mentored by Filipino illustrator Tony S. Velasquez.
The first Philippine comics he illustrated was the “Batas ni Sumakwel,” published by Marte Komiks. Later, Jim also drew comics novels. The first comics novel he illustrated was “Mga Haragan,” published by Liwayway Magazine.
Jim illustrated many comics novels from various publishers and drew famous works by known graphic novelists, including Mars Ravelo’s Darna Series, Captain Barbel, Flash Bomba, Haydee and Tiny Tony. In 1967, he made cartoon strips for the Manila Times newspaper titled “Feathers.” A year later, he wrote and illustrated his comics narrative, “Reverend Fr. Romano Guerrero, the Fighting Priest,” published in Hiwaga Comics, and it became wellknown among comics book enthusiasts.
Jim discovered at this point that he could also write engaging novels. In 1970, he began focusing on them. He produced many novels and established himself as a prolific writer. He also collaborated with various Philippine comics book illustrators. He developed another engaging comics novel narrative, the “Zuma” series which became popular with readers and it was eventually made into a film. His novels like Nunal sa Balikat, Farida, The Dormitory, Life Everlasting, Kingpin, Brutus, and Kambal sa Uma had been adapted into films. ABS-CBN aired an adaptation of his novel “Galema, Anak ni Zuma” in 2013.
Certainly, Jim Fernandez made substantial contributions to the Philippine comics industry and left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of comics fans.
* * *
Basketball coachsportscaster Frederick Francisco often joins a “senakulo” presentation in Cainta, Rizal during Holy Week, enacting the role of Pontius Pilate in Samahang Nazareno, Inc., the only senakulo group in the Philippines bestowed by the Gawad CCP Award for Arts
Jim Fernandez, a great Filipino comics writer
and Culture.
Frederick Francisco is the founder of NXT LEVEL Basketball Academy.
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Philippine President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos attended recently a thanksgiving mass, officiated by Cardinal Jose Advincula, for D. Edgard Cabangon’s 61st birthday at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City.
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The White House held an observation of Holy Week with U.S. President Donald Trump participating in a number of events to celebrate and honor the holiday “with the observance it deserves.”
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Advanced birthday (April 24) greetings to Michael Isip, Lapu Films photographervideographer, who is based in Hawaii.
For as long as he can remember, it has been his passion and aspiration to capture fleeting experiences and spontaneous moments that he has able to go back and share with friends and family. This also translates into his wedding photography and videography, where he aims at giving each couple an authentic experience and delivering a wedding photo album and wedding film they can truly call their own.
“My main goal is to bring timeless and elegant wedding photos and films which allow couples to relive their special day. I have a great and professional team that’s all dedicated and committed to capturing every important detail and moment in its raw and honest form, and translating those moments into a cinematic masterpiece,” he says.
He further says, “We take pride in our passion. We revel in our growth. As a team, we are in a relentless quest to raise the bar higher. We are a group of dedicated artists who thrive in your love stories, and we consider it a great honor to be a part of them.”
For further details, you may see https://www.lapufilms.com or email him at michaelisip@ gmail.com.
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A pre-mature miracle baby Franklin Racelis, son of Francis and Abigail Racelis, recently turned one year old in Suisun City, California.
This amazing little warrior has given his parents’ strength and so much joy to this child’s grandparents Wally and
I am joyful and praise the almighty Father for this miraculous God’s handiwork. Indeed, it is stated in Hebrews 13:5: “I will be with you.” God said He will never leave us. He is with you always. You are never alone.”
In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, it says, “I will be your strength.” So when I am weak, He is strong.
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There are some 9 accredited civil surgeons by the USCIS in Northern California: Dr. Yolanda Petrofsky at North Bay Occupational Health in Fairfield and Vacaville; Dr. William T. O’Connor Jr. at William T. O’Connor Jr. M.D. in Vacaville; Dr. Luis Cousin at OLE Health in Napa; Dr. Jeffrey Brooks at California Medical Center in Napa; Dr. Daniel Andrews at Heart & Health Center in
Dr. Clifford Hoffman at Clifford Hoffman DO MPH in Benecia; Dr. Biqi Gao at Dr. Gao Medical Clinic in Concord; Dr. Jose Arias-Vera at J. Arias Medical Group in Concord; and Dr. Mubasher Rana at Pacific Health Clinic Inc. in Antioch.
April Joy Samantha “Sam” Ayson, 24, was surprised when a group of his friends in a Bible fellowship threw her a simple birthday celebration in Hiddenbrooke in Vallejo, California.
As Proverbs 17:17 says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” *
Thanks to La Visual Corp. (especially to Ms. Lalaine), Janice Israel Delima and Alegre De Pilipinas for including me in the New York City Time Square billboard this April 2025 for
three forthcoming awards: 2nd Sovereign Seal of Business Triumph & Remarkable Achievers; 3rd Philippines Finest Business Awards and Outstanding Achievers; and 3rd Southeast Asian Prewmier Business and Achiever Award. Others included are as follows: Edwin Lisa Brows and Aesthetics, Phisavong World Travel and Tours, SCPM Trading & Roofing Solutions, Bhylinns Modern Fashion, JP Catering Services, Gown and Events Management by Touting, Jamin Lim, Renaissance Credit Collection and Recovery Solutions Corporation, Sheanne Roll Up Construction Service, Gabriel John Rimando, Genuine Diamonds PH, Pink Muhly Beauty and Cosmetics, White Jade Glutathione Film Strip, Jammybox’s BBC Geoinstruments, Audrey Gorriceta, Alfonso delos Santos,
“Salvie” Collado Paparon, Saleha Pangarungan Sacar, Gilbert de Los Santos, Shirley B. Belangel, Jigo Postolero, Marc Logan, Earlo Bringas, Annabelle Surara, Wej Cudiamat, singer Lae ManegoFranzani (now in Netherlands), Ambet R. Nabus, and Nirro Marcelo.
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Erratum: It should be the late Tax Commissioner Ricardo (not Elpidio) O. Isip in the March 2025 (with former VP Leni Robredo in the banner heading) issue of my column. There will be a brief feature about Ricardo O. Isip on Father’s Day in June this year.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Josephine Racelis.
AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina in New York City’s Time Square billboard. Photos compiled by Rogelio C. Medina
Napa;
Jim Fernandez (right) with son Jay in Canada.
Salvacion
The White House Faith Office and faith leaders from across the country joined President Trump to pray in the Oval Office.
UCAL (Universities and Colleges Athletic League) broadcast panel: (from left) veteran sportscaster Benjie Santiago, court side reporter Avia Zunic and basketball coachsportscaster Frederick Francisco.
(From left) Sharon Tan, celebrant D. Edgard Cabangon, Cardinal Jose Advincula, Pres. Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.
(Seated, from left) Victoria Isip, Rosita Medina, Victoria Toribio, and Anna Toribio Isip; (standing, from right) Al Marquez, Henry Roxas Ayson, Claire Beltran, Cheeya Isip, Arvin Tanjuaquio with child Matti, celebrant Sam Ayson, Anita Marquez, David Isip, Rogelio Constantino Medina, Roland Isip, Vincent Isip, and Hermin Bernardo.
Michael Isip, a product of Los Angeles Film School, owns Lapu Films, a photography and videography business in Honolulu, Hawaii.
The Racelis Family: (from left) Francis, Franklin and Abigail.
AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina (extreme left) is blessed to be with the members of the Racelis family (from right) Wally, Josephine, Francis with child Franklin and Abigail in Suisun City.
OPM LOSES ANOTHER ICON:
HAJJI ALEJANDRO DIES AT 70 Nora, Pilita, Gloria to receive Presidential Medal of Merit
Just a little over a week since the passing of Pilita Corrales, Asia’s Queen of Songs, and days after the world bid farewell to Superstar Nora Aunor, the Philippine music industry is mourning the loss of another pillar: Hajji Alejandro, the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala” and one of the founding voices of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). He passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 70 following a battle with stage 4 colon cancer.
His family confirmed his passing on April 22. The news came as a heavy blow to fans and artists alike, many of whom had been following updates on his recovery after he was hospitalized earlier this year.
In January, during a trip to Vigan, Alejandro began experiencing bloating and shortness of breath. Tests revealed advanced colon cancer, leading to emergency surgery in February. Though he suffered complications including seizures and infection, he returned home and was said to be regaining strength. In early April, daughter Rachel Alejandro shared that her father had begun singing again.
He died peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, including his longtime partner Alynna Velasquez.
From Stage to StandardBearer
Born Angelito Toledo Alejandro on December 26, 1954, in Alaminos, Pangasinan, Hajji Alejandro rose to prominence in the 1970s as the original lead vocalist of the Circus Band, a pioneering music group that helped shape Manila’s live performance scene.
In an interview, he recalled that it was veteran balladeer Basil Valdez who discovered him and brought him into the group. He soon found himself performing alongside future icons such as Tillie Moreno and Pat Castillo.
In 1978, Hajji’s solo career soared after performing “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” a Ryan Cayabyab composition that won the inaugural Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (Metropop). The song became a cultural milestone, helping launch what would become the golden age of Original Pilipino Music—a period in the late 1970s and 1980s when Filipino songwriting, performance, and identity flourished on the mainstream stage.
Many of Hajji’s best-known songs were written by some
by AJPress
of the country’s most revered composers, including Cayabyab, Jim Paredes, and Willy Cruz, who penned “May Minamahal” for Hajji’s 1977 album Magic. The romantic ballad would later inspire the 1993 hit film of the same name starring Aga Muhlach and Aiko Melendez.
He followed with other enduring hits, including:
• “Panakip Butas”
• “Nakapagtataka”
• “Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan”
With his smooth vocals and emotionally resonant ballads, Hajji became known as the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala,” captivating college-aged fans across the country.
Personal Life and Private Battles
In the 1980s, Alejandro married actress and former Mutya ng Pilipinas Rio Díaz.
The couple relocated to Los Angeles and opened a Filipino restaurant on Melrose Avenue.
The late National Artist Nora Aunor, Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales and movie queen Gloria Romero will be posthumously honored with the Presidential Medal of Merit, Malacañang confirmed yesterday.
The honorees will also include internationally acclaimed chef Margarita Forés.
The awarding ceremony, to be spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will be held at Malacañang Palace on May 4, as reported by ABS-CBN News’ report from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
Established under Executive Order 236, the Presidential Medal of Merit is awarded to individuals — Filipino or foreign — for achievements that bring “prestige for the country in an international event, in the fields of literature, the sciences, the arts, entertainment, and other civilian fields of endeavor that foster national pride and artistic excellence.”
Personalities and artists from the Philippine showbiz that received the Presidential Medal of Merit in the past included Broadway and West End star Lea Salonga, Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.ap and classical pianist Cecile Licad.
Nora, dubbed as the Philippine entertainment industry’s “Superstar,” passed away on April 16 at the age of 71 due to acute respiratory failure. She was laid to rest
They had a son, Ali Alejandro, who later became the drummer for the band DeLara. After their separation, Díaz returned to the Philippines and married politician Charlie Cojuangco before passing away from colon cancer in 2004.
From his first marriage to Myrna Demauro, Hajji had two daughters: Rachel Alejandro, a singer and theater artist, and Barni Alejandro, a professional chef. He also had another daughter, Michelle Alejandro.
In recent years, Hajji shared his life with longtime partner Alynna Velasquez, who remained by his side throughout his illness. Enduring Influence
In his final years, Hajji remained active in tribute concerts and legacy performances, continuing to represent an era when Filipino ballads carried both artistry and depth. He maintained a youthful energy and toured frequently
by PAtriciA DelA rocA
with state funeral honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Tuesday, April 22, which was also declared as by President Marcos Jr. as a Day of National Mourning.
In 2022, through Proclamation 1390 signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte, Nora became the first female actor to be inducted to the Order of National Artists, the highest honor given to Filipinos who have made distinct contributions to Philippine arts.
Just a few days before Nora’s passing, the nation mourned the death of Pilita, dubbed the “Asia’s Queen of Songs.”
Known for her signature “liyad” or backbend pose while performing, Pilita captivated audiences with timeless hits such as Kapantay ay Langit and A Million Thanks to You, and a career that spanned over
with his contemporaries the late Rico J. Puno, Rey Valera, Nonoy Zuñiga, and Marco Sison as part of the retro pop group Hitmakers.
He also reunited occasionally with former colleagues from the Circus Band and New Minstrels, and performed in solo concerts—often joined onstage by his daughter Rachel, who inherited not only his voice but his passion for music and performance.
His music—especially songs like “Panakip Butas” and “Nakapagtataka”—remains part of the Filipino musical canon, played across generations, reinterpreted by younger artists, and cherished by fans at home and abroad.
As his fans bid farewell to Hajji Alejandro, they do so with the same quiet sorrow found in “Nakapagtataka”—a song that captures the kind of parting too painful to put into words.
60 years, during which she recorded over 100 albums in various languages.
In January, the entertainment industry also bid farewell to Gloria, often referred to as the “Queen of Philippine Cinema.” She starred in films now regarded as classics, such as “Kasintahan sa Pangarap” (1951), “Dalagang Ilocana” (1954), “Nagbabagang Luha” (1988), “Tanging Yaman” (2000) and Rainbow’s Sunset (2018). With a successful TV and movie career spanning seven decades, she received multiple acting and lifetime achievement awards.
Chef Forés, who passed away in early February, was a known figure in the local culinary scene, recognized for promoting Filipino cuisine globally and honored as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.
The Philippine Star
Hajji Alejandro, the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala” and a pillar of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), passed away following a battle with colon cancer. His timeless hits, helped define a generation of Filipino ballads.
Hajji and daughter Rachel Alejandro, an accomplished singer/actress All pictures from Hajji Alejandro Official Instagram Page
The Hitmakers : Marco Sison, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera and Nonoy Zuniga
From left: National Artist Nora Aunor, Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales and movie queen Gloria Romero.
