SACRAMENTO Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California has officially overtaken Japan to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, according to newly released data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA).
“California isn’t just keeping pace with the world—we’re setting the pace. Our economy is thriving because we invest in people, prioritize sustainability, and believe in the power of innovation. And, while we celebrate this success, we recognize that our progress is threatened by the reckless tariff policies of the current federal administration. California’s economy powers the nation, and it must be protected.” Governor Gavin Newsom said.
According to the IMF’s 2024 World Economic Outlook data released on Tuesday,
Student loan collections resume in 2025: What borrowers need to know
WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a five-year pause initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Department of Education will resume collections on defaulted federal student loans starting May 5, 2025. This action affects over 5 million borrowers nationwide, including many in the Filipino American community.
Why now?
The collections pause, which began in March 2020, was part of the federal government’s emergency relief measures during the pandemic. With the expiration of these measures and ongoing concerns about the federal budget, the Department is reinstating collections to recover outstanding debts. Who is affected?
Approximately 5.3 million borrowers are currently in default on federally held student loans, including Direct Loans and Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) held by the government. Default occurs after 270 days of nonpayment. What borrowers should know:
1. Fresh Start Program Deadline Has Passed
Jean Mangaluz
MANILA — Malacañang on Friday, April 25, said it has ordered an investigation into China’s reported interference in the 2025 midterm elections.
The National Security Council (NSC) flagged possible signs that China has been conducting information operations in the Philippines that could interfere with the elections.
“Ito po ay talagang nakakaalarma at paiigtingin pa po natin, sa utos na rin po ng ating administrasyon, na imbestigahan nang malalim para malaman
Global South poised to shape the next Papacy
by AJPress
Marcos okays Digital Nomad Visas for short-stay tourists in PH
by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos
Jr. has authorized the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to issue Digital Nomad Visas to non-immigrant foreigners who want to enter or temporarily stay in the Philippines.
Marcos made the directive through Executive Order (EO) No. 86.
This order seeks to establish a legal framework to facilitate the entry of digital nomads or foreigners seeking to reside and work remotely in the Philippines for over a
po natin kung anuman ang katotohanan patungkol po dito,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
(This is alarming, and on the order of our administration, we will intensify our investigation to uncover the truth behind this.)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been informed of the issue, which prompted the investigation.
The Palace did not disclose further details, deferring to the National Security Council for more information.
Senators have also expressed alarm over the matter.
“Any Filipino also found to be
short period.
“The DFA is hereby authorized to issue Digital Nomad Visas to non-immigrant foreigners who desire to enter and/or stay in the country for a temporary period for the purpose of working remotely using digital technologies, and whose clients or employers are situated outside the Philippines,” the president stated in the EO.
The order was signed on April 24, 2025.
A digital nomad is a person who works remotely using technology, often relying on the internet and mobile devices for
MANILA — Beijing's foreign ministry dismissed on Thursday, April 24, accusations from a Philippine security executive that China is trying to covertly influence the upcoming May elections.
"China follows the principle of non-interference in other countries' domestic affairs. We have no interest in interfering in Philippine elections," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters at a press conference.
Guo's brief statement denying the allegation was in response
to a request for comment on the testimony of National Security Council (NSC) Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya at a Senate hearing on Thursday, April 24.
Malaya alleged during the Senate hearing that there were "indications" of China-sponsored "information operations" interfering in the upcoming midterm elections.
The NSC spokesperson explained that these information operations appear as narratives that third-party proxies amplify on social media, with the "script" supposedly originating from Beijing.
of the mandate of the European Union election observation mission (EU EOM), which is in the country to assess the upcoming midterm polls next month. Marta Temido, chief observer of EU’s EOM, made this known on Friday, April 25, amid fears of possible Chinese interference in the May 12 elections. In a Senate hearing on Thursday, April 24, National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya sounded the alarm on possible Chinese poll meddling.
During the same hearing, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino also said that China, through its embassy in Manila, allegedly paid for a “troll farm” under a contract with a private company to discredit the government and anti-China Filipino personalities. In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing follows the principle of non-
VP Sara keeps mum on confidential funds
by nEil Jayson sErvallos Philstar.com
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte declined to address questions raised about confidential funds and her impending impeachment trial by a party-list lawmaker she accused of being controlled by Speaker Martin Romualdez. Her statement came after Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre criticized Duterte for being confident about her chances of winning in the impeachment trial, questioning where the confidence was
coming from when she has failed to explain before lawmakers how she spent millions in confidential funds.
“It’s not that I can’t explain. What I do is I refuse to explain, especially to members of the House of Representatives. Because, I’ll give you an example, the owner of Tingog party-list is Martin Romualdez,” she told reporters on Wednesday, April 23. The vice president also called on the public to not vote for the party-list as she claims this gives Romualdez “three seats” at the
EU observers say mission includes checking...
interference, noting that it has “no interest” in meddling with the Philippine elections.
Nevertheless, Temido said the EOM’s core team contains units of social media analysts and data analysts that could unveil potential foreign interference.
“It’s made up of several analysts—eight I think—and they are covering with particular specific methodologies all those situations, namely foreign controls, foreign interference,” Temido said in a press conference in Makati City.
“Our reports will address those concerns because they are becoming more common concerns nowadays,” she continued.
‘They know what they are doing’
An election watchdog on Friday expressed confidence that the EU mission could conduct such an analysis effectively.
“There is no question that they know what they are doing as they have conducted election observer missions in other countries,” said Kontra Daya lead convenor Danilo Arao in a message to INQUIRER. net.
Arao urged the EU experts to launch a deeper investigation regarding troll farms and
“keyboard warriors”.
“The Chinese embassy’s alleged involvement in a controversial contract which uses the term ‘keyboard warriors’ bears deeper investigation so that those who get prosecuted would not just be confined to the particular PR firm but also the groups and individuals who hired the latter,” Arao said.
“Personally, I won’t be surprised if the money trail gets traced to certain politicians and government officials,” he added.
EU observers mum before poll wrap-up
Hence, Temido said the EOM’s initial report on the midterm polls will only be out by May 14, or two days after election day.
“You will not read or hear from us any assessment of the election until 14 May, when we will publicly present here in Manila our preliminary statement,” she said.
The EOM’s long term and short time observers will send the report to the 12-man core team stationed in Manila, who will come up with the full assessment that will only be published “around two months” after the elections, Temido also said.
Once finished, Temido said the EU will present its initial and final assessment to the Philippine government, which invited them
to conduct the mission for the first time.
“It’s up to each government to decide, it’s up to each society, up to each country, to decide to implement or not our recommendations,” Temido said.
“We think … as election observers, that this is important because this allows countries to improve and to develop, learning from each other and sharing from each other,” she added.
EU earmarks €40 million
The 200-strong EOM is entirely funded by the EU, which earmarked about €40 million for this mission, according to Temido.
All of the 72 long-term election observers arrived here last week and are now settled in their respective deployment posts in all regions of the country, according to Deputy Chief Observer Manuel Sanchez de Nogues. He said they are divided into 36 teams, or two observers each per team, in 18 regions nationwide.
So far, Sanchez de Nogues said that the 36 teams have visited 47 out of all 82 provinces in the country.
Meanwhile, the 104 short-term observers will arrive in the country next month, he also said.
“This is one of our greatest missions this year,” Temido said. n
California is now the 4th largest economy...
April 22, and BEA data California’s nominal GDP reached $4.1 trillion, surpassing Japan’s $4.02 trillion, and placing California behind only the United States, China, and Germany in global rankings. California’s GDP figure is based on the latest state-level GDP data from the BEA.
Outperforming the nation California’s economy is growing at a faster rate than the world’s top three economies. In 2024, California’s growth rate of 6% outpaced the top three economies: U.S. (5.3%), China (2.6%) and Germany (2.9%). California’s success is longterm –the state’s economy grew strongly over the last four years, with an average nominal GDP growth of 7.5% from 2021 to 2024. Preliminary data indicates India is projected to surpass California by 2026.
California is the backbone of the nation’s economy With an increasing state population and recent record-high tourism spending, California is the nation’s top state for new business starts, access to venture capital funding, and manufacturing, high-tech, and agriculture. The state drives national economic growth and also sends over $83 billion more to the federal government than it receives in federal funding. California is the leading agricultural producer in the country and is also the center for manufacturing output in the United States, with over 36,000 manufacturing firms employing over 1.1 million Californians. The Golden State’s manufacturing firms have created new industries and supplied the world with manufactured goods
spanning aerospace, computers and electronics, and, most recently, zero-emission vehicles. Protecting California’s economy Governor Gavin Newsom is protecting California’s economy, and last week filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the president’s use of emergency powers to enact broad-sweeping tariffs that hurt states, consumers, and businesses. The lawsuit seeks to end President Trump’s tariff chaos, which has wreaked havoc on the economy, destabilized the stock and bond markets, caused hundreds of billions of dollars in losses, and inflicted higher costs for consumers and businesses. These harms will only continue to grow, as President Trump’s tariffs are projected to shrink the U.S. economy by $100 billion annually. (Gov.ca.gov)
Global South poised to shape...
PAGE A1
humble departure from longstanding papal tradition. Yet even as the Church honors his legacy, attention now turns to the sacred process that will determine its next leader.
How the Conclave works: A step-by-step guide
The upcoming conclave — from the Latin cum clave meaning “with a key” — is the secret and sacred gathering of cardinal electors tasked with choosing the next pope.
Held in absolute confidentiality within the Sistine Chapel, the conclave is designed to ensure that the decision is made through prayerful discernment, free from outside influence.
The election of a new pope is governed by the apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis. It is a process steeped in tradition, bound by rules, and guided by the belief that the Holy Spirit inspires the choice.
1. Sede Vacante (Vacant Seat)
Immediately following the pope’s death, the Church enters a period called sede vacante Administrative authority temporarily passes to the camerlengo — currently Cardinal Kevin Farrell — while funeral rites and a nine-day mourning period known as the Novendiales are observed.
2. General congregations Cardinals gather in Rome for daily sessions of prayer and discussion. These General Congregations allow for informal dialogue about the Church’s priorities and the profile of the next pontiff.
3. The Conclave begins Roughly two to three weeks after the pope’s death, cardinal
electors under the age of 80 enter the Sistine Chapel. At the command Extra omnes — Latin for “Everyone out” — nonelectors leave and the doors are sealed.
4. Balloting and smoke signals
Each elector writes the name of his chosen candidate on a ballot marked Eligo in Summum Pontificem (“I elect as Supreme Pontiff”). Four votes are cast each day until a two-thirds majority is reached.
• Black smoke (fumata nera) signals that no pope has been elected.
• White smoke (fumata bianca) indicates that a new pontiff has been chosen.
5. Habemus Papam – “We Have a Pope”
Once elected, the new pope accepts the role, chooses a papal name, and changes into white vestments in the Room of Tears. From the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the senior cardinal deacon announces: Habemus Papam — “We have a pope.” The new pontiff then delivers his first Urbi et Orbi blessing. Who might be the next Pope?
While many names are circulating among Vatican watchers, the following cardinals are widely considered at the top of the list due to their theological stature, pastoral vision, or regional significance:
• Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle (Philippines), 67 – Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, Tagle is a compassionate, globally respected figure seen as a voice of the Global South.
• Cardinal Peter Turkson (Ghana), 76 – A champion of justice and environmental
stewardship, Turkson would be the first modern African pope.
• Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Italy), 69 – Archbishop of Bologna and Vatican peace envoy, Zuppi is a progressive leader aligned with Francis’s emphasis on mercy and dialogue.
• Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline (France), 66 – Recognized for advancing interfaith dialogue and social inclusion, particularly among immigrant communities.
• Cardinal Péter Erdo (Hungary), 72 – A theological conservative and canon law expert representing the European tradition.
Cardinal Christoph Schönborn of Austria, once regarded as a strong papal contender for his theological depth and leadership in Europe, turned 80 in January 2025 and is no longer eligible to vote or be elected in the conclave.
What’s at stake
This conclave unfolds amid serious institutional and spiritual challenges:
• Doctrinal questions over LGBTQ+ inclusion, women’s roles, and celibacy remain divisive.
• Secularization and disillusionment continue to rise in the West.
• A demographic shift has placed the future of the Church firmly in the Global South.
Why the Global South matters The Global South — comprising Latin America, Africa, Asia, and parts of Oceania — is now home to over two-thirds of the world’s Catholics. Unlike much of Europe and North America, these regions are experiencing:
• Growing Mass attendance and community participation
• Rising numbers of vocations
• Strong lay engagement and youthful congregations
• A vibrant pastoral focus on poverty, migration, and social justice
Leaders like Tagle and Turkson embody a Church that is more representative of this shift—one rooted in humility, proximity to the poor, and inclusive evangelization.
A global moment of discernment
As cardinals prepare to cast their votes beneath the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, the question facing the Church is not only who — but what kind of leader will rise.
This is not merely a transfer of power, but a turning of the page—where sacred tradition meets the weight of the present. And in the space between black smoke and white, the Church begins again, with hope in its heart, history at its feet, and the Spirit as its guide. n
PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG SA LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY PANUKALANG BUDGET PARA SA FY26 BUDGET
Ang Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig tungkol sa Panukalang Budget para sa FY26 (Hulyo 1, 2025 – Hunyo 30, 2026) sa ganap na ika-10 ng umaga sa Huwebes, Mayo 15, 2025. Ang pagdinig na ito ay gagawin nang personal o harapan. Ang publiko ay maaaring magbigay ng komento nang personal o sa pamamagitan ng telepono. Isasama sa agenda ng pampublikong pagdinig ang isang link upang mapanood ang pagdinig at makita ang mga presentasyong ipapakita na ipo-post nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras bago ang nakatakdang petsa ng pagdinig. Magkakaroon din ng link upang mapanood nang live ang pagdinig sa boardagendas.metro.net.
Ang mga interesadong miyembro ng publiko ay hinihikayat na lumahok at dumalo nang virtual sa nalalapit na pampublikong pagdinig upang magbigay ng testimonya. Ang mga indibidwal na hindi makakasali ay maaaring magsumite ng nakasulat na testimonya na naka-postmark o ipinadala hanggang 5pm ng Mayo 14, 2025. Ang mga komento ay maaaring isumite sa pamamagitan ng pag-email sa BoardClerk@metro.net; ang mga liham ay dapat ipadala sa sumusunod na address: Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority One Gateway Plaza, M/S 99-3-1
Los Angeles, CA 90012-2932
Attn: Board Clerk
Upang makalikom ng karagdagang pananaw mula sa publiko at iba't ibang stakeholder tungkol sa taunang budget, nakatakdang ganapin ang mga budget workshop/pulong sa Pebrero, Marso, Abril, at Mayo kasama ang Metro Regional Service Councils, Policy Advisory Committee, Community Advisory Council, San Gabriel Valley COG-Transportation Committee, Westside Cities COG, South Bay Cities COG-Transportation Committee, Gateway Cities COGs, Valley Industry & Commerce Association, Accessibility Advisory Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, Bus Operations Subcommittee, Streets & Freeways Subcommittee, at Local Transit Systems Subcommittee. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa proseso ng pagbuo ng Panukalang Budget para sa FY26, upang makita ang mga resulta ng FY26 My Metro Budget Activity, iskedyul ng mga pulong ng stakeholder, at iba pang detalye ng pagbuo ng budget, mangyaring bisitahin ang budget.metro.net.
Ang mga kopya ng dokumento ng budget ay makukuha para maipamahagi sa publiko, 15 araw bago ang pagdinig at maaaring makuha sa Records Management Center (RMC) sa pamamagitan ng paghiling sa email sa RMC@metro.net. Ang mga kopya ng dokumento ng budget ay maaari ding kunin sa RMC sa Plaza level ng Gateway Building o tingnan sa online sa www.metro.net.
Ang nalalapit na pampublikong pagdinig ay gaganapin alinsunod sa mga kinakailangan ng pederal na pampublikong pagdinig na nakabalangkas sa Seksyon 5307 (b) ng Titulo 49 U.S.C., at mga alituntunin sa pampublikong pagdinig na nakabalangkas sa Seksyon 2-50-025 ng Administrative Code ng Metro, na inamyendahan.
MGA KINAKAILANGAN NG ADA: Kapag hiniling, ang interpretasyon ng sign language, mga materyales sa mga alternatibong format at iba pang mga akomodasyon ay magagamit ng publiko para sa mga pagpupulong at mga kaganapan na inisponsor ng Metro.
LIMITADONG KAKAYAHAN SA INGLES: Kapag hiniling, ang mga interpreter ay available ng publiko para sa mga pagpupulong at mga kaganapan na inisponsor ng Metro. Ang mga agenda at tala ng pulong ay maaari ding makuha sa ibang wika kapag hiniling.
Ang lahat ng mga kahilingan para sa mga karapat-dapat na akomodasyon, mga serbisyo ng interpretasyon at mga materyales sa ibang mga wika ay dapat gawin nang hindi bababa sa tatlong araw ng trabaho (72 oras) bago ang nakatakdang petsa ng pagpupulong. Mangyaring magsumite ng mga kahilingan sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa (213) 922-4600 sa pagitan ng 8 a.m. at 5
711 + Metro. 4/12, 4/26/25 CNS-3900763#
Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle consistently appears on lists of potential future popes. Photo from Facebook/@ArchbishopTagle
Historical site honors Filipinos displayed
at 1904 World’s Fair
honoring
by MarissE G. abElGas Inquirer.net
CLAYTON
– The Mayor’s Commemorative Landscape Task Force, in partnership with the Clayton Community Foundation, has installed a permanent historical marker to honor the Filipinos and Indigenous Peoples from the Philippines who endured brutality and exploitation at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri.
The marker – unveiled on April 18, 2025 – acknowledges the resilience and vital contributions of Filipinos to the cultural fabric of Clayton and St. Louis, both historically and today.
Developed in collaboration with the Philippine Village Historical Site community and key stakeholders – including Indigenous tribe representatives, Filipino scholars, Filipino American community members and local educational institutions – the marker aims to preserve this important chapter of history.
Indigenous Peoples endured exploitation at 1904 World’s Fair
Located at Concordia Park in Clayton, the site spans 40 acres now occupied by the Wydown-Skinker and DeMun neighborhoods, adjacent to Forest Park.
The Philippine Village at the 1904 World’s Fair – also known as the Louisiana Purchase Exposition – was a propaganda-driven exhibit intended to justify U.S. colonization of the Philippines.
Over 1,200 Filipinos from various regions, mostly from the Igorot tribe of Northern Luzon, were brought to St. Louis, where they were forced to live in recreated villages within the exhibition site for eight months, enduring exploitation and public scrutiny.
Filipinos depicted as ‘savages’ They often wore traditional attire unfit for the extreme weather in Missouri, and were depicted by the fair’s organizers as “savages” or primitive.” At least 17 Filipinos died from pneumonia, malnutrition or suicide.
“For decades, this painful chapter of history was erased from public memory,” said Clayton Mayor Michelle Harris. “With
this marker, we acknowledge that history and ensure the stories of those affected are recognized and remembered.”
Janna Añonuevo Langholz, a Filipino American and caretaker of the Philippine Village Historical Site, has dedicated the past several years of her life to memorializing Filipinos, particularly Indigenous individuals, who died before and during the 1904 World’s Fair.
“By portraying native customs as primitive, the US government and fair organizers sought to prove Filipinos were unfit for self-rule,” Langholz writes on the site’s website. “Meanwhile, those in the Philippine Village did their best to live under public scrutiny – falling in love, getting married, giving birth and dying – on display for the American public.”
1904 World’s Fair portrayed Filipinos as ‘unfit for self-rule’
As an artist and the project’s driving force in installing a permanent marker to honor the Filipinos who lived and died during the 1904 Fair, Langholz firmly believes in the power of art to create meaningful change, “especially in addressing historical erasure.”
“I’ve always approached this project as an artist working with the community and public space,” she said. “Being an artist has allowed me to take on unexpected roles, such as engaging with local government,” she said. Langholz embarked on this
journey in 2021, during the pandemic lockdown, when she learned about “Maura,” one of the Filipinos brought to St. Louis from the Philippines, to participate in the 1904 World’s Fair. Maura died of pneumonia the day after the Fair opened.
“I can’t explain why her death, so long ago, affected me so much, but it became my goal to honor her,” Langholz said.
Langholz’s initial idea to plant a tree in Maura’s honor at the former site of the Philippine Village expanded into a project to honor all 1,200 people from the village. “I learned about Maura’s death through a coincidence – on April 20, 2021, an unusual spring snow in St. Louis caught my attention,” she explained. “I later found out that Maura had died from pneumonia the day after the snowstorm.”
As part of her research, Langholz explored archived newspapers from 1904, focusing on the days surrounding the unusual snow.
Growing up in the “ruins” of the Philippine Village site made the historical research more vivid for her. She pieced together the stories of the people involved, including Maura, a young Kankanaey woman, listed as 18 years of age but whom Langholz believes would have probably been in her mid-to-late 20s. Langholz explained, “American officials often underestimated Filipinos’ ages, and I suspect they did so u PAGE A4
Emma Malabuyo stuns on beam as UCLA Bruins secure NCAA runner-up
by Gavin MartinEz Inquirer.net
STICKING a season-high 9.975 beam routine under immense pressure, Filipino American Olympian Emma Malabuyo lifted the UCLA Bruins into their first NCAA gymnastics final in six years – then helped them finish second in the nation.
The 21-year-old Paris Olympics veteran proved her poise on one of the biggest stages of her life, anchoring a dramatic semi-final performance that secured UCLA’s ticket to the championship round. There, the fifth-seeded Bruins pushed the top contenders to the limit, ultimately settling for the runner-up spot with a score of 197.6125.
The team was narrowly edged out by the dominant Oklahoma Sooners, who clinched the title with a winning score of 198.0125, extending their reign as one of the most successful programs in NCAA gymnastics history.
Malabuyo, unfazed by the spotlight, continued her standout campaign in the final, executing a full-twisting double back with finesse and scoring 9.8875.
Following the competition, the UCLA Gymnastics program took to Instagram to celebrate the squad’s achievements,
posting, “The UCLA Bruins are your National Runner-Ups.”
The team added, “Forever proud of this Bruin squad!” and honored its graduating athletes in a separate tribute:
“A legendary senior class. They set out to restore the legacy, and they did just that. Thank you, seniors, for everything. #BruinsForLife.”
And while the competition marked the end of the season, it wasn’t the end of the road for one of UCLA’s brightest stars.
bar for the years to come. For Malabuyo, it was another chapter in an extraordinary journey. n
Student loan collections resume in 2025...
The Fresh Start initiative, introduced in 2022, allowed borrowers with defaulted federal loans to reenter good standing without penalties. However, the deadline to enroll in Fresh Start was October 2, 2024. Borrowers who did not take advantage of this program will now be subject to standard collection procedures.
2. Contact your loan servicer immediately Borrowers should determine their current loan servicer and explore options to resolve their default status. This can be done by:
• Visiting StudentAid.gov and logging in with your FSA ID.
• Calling the Default Resolution Group at 1-800-621-3115 for guidance.
3. Be aware of collection methods
Starting May 5, 2025, the Department of Education will resume involuntary collections through the Treasury Offset Program, which may include: Wage garnishment of up to 15% of disposable pay without a court order.
• Seizure of federal tax refunds.
• Offset of Social Security benefits.
Community impact In Filipino American communities, especially among first-generation college students, defaulted debt has been a significant burden. Community organizations are urging affected individuals to seek assistance and explore available options to manage their debt. With the resumption of collections on defaulted student loans, borrowers must act promptly to mitigate financial repercussions. Engaging with loan servicers and exploring repayment or rehabilitation options can help restore financial stability. (AJPress)
Emma Malabuyo (center)
Photo from Instagram/@uclagymnastics
Janna Añonuevo Langholz (3rd from left) – artist, historian and caretaker of the Philippine Village Historical Site – and Clayton Mayor Michelle Harris (2nd from left) with members of the Filipino American community during the unveiling of the permanent marker. Inquirer.net photo courtesy of Jenna Grissom/J Elizabeth Photography
Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles teased fans with a bold declaration on social media: “Yes I’m coming back,” hinting that the Bruin crowd hasn’t seen the last of her in blue and gold.
Although the championship slipped away by just fourtenths of a point, the Bruins restored pride and belief in the program, setting a high
Marcos okays Digital Nomad Visas for...
connectivity.
They travel and live in various locations while working.
EO No. 86 directs the DFA to coordinate with the Department of Justice, the Department of Tourism, the Bureau of Immigration, and the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
The agencies are instructed to “study and adopt measures to effectively implement the program aimed at attracting eligible foreigners.”
The president’s order also
mandates the DFA to create a database of all Digital Nomad Visa holders for monitoring purposes.
This action is in compliance with data privacy requirements under Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012.
Malacañang said foreigners applying for this type of visa must have the following qualifications:
• At least 18 years old
• Must show proof of remote work using digital technology and enough income generated
outside the Philippines
• Must have no criminal record
• Must have a health insurance valid for the duration of the Digital Nomad Visa period
• Must be a citizen of a country that offers a Digital Nomad Visa to Filipinos and where the Philippines has a Foreign Service Post
• Must not pose a threat to the internal or external security of the Philippines
• Must not be employed in the Philippines. n
Palace orders probe into alleged Chinese...
colluding with foreign powers must be held accountable. This is a serious national security concern that undermines the integrity not just of our national elections, but also of our democracy,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros urged the relevant agencies to investigate and called on Malacañang to summon the Chinese ambassador.
Likewise, Sen. Joel Villanueva
urged the NSC to further probe the issue.
“Any foreign interference, especially in our elections, is an affront to our democracy,” Villanueva said.
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada also said the government had already been fooled by dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, who has been accused of being a Chinese spy.
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino also said the Chinese Embassy of the Philippines contracted a local firm to run proBeijing narratives. n
“Any potential security threats and foreign interference in the May 12 midterm elections constitute a serious affront to our national sovereignty and the integrity of our electoral system. The sanctity of the ballot must be protected at all costs,” Estrada said.
China denies interference in Philippine...
During the same Senate hearing, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino presented what he described as a contract between the Chinese Embassy in Manila and a Makati marketing firm called Infinitus Marketing Solutions Inc.
According to Tolentino, the deal involved hiring "keyboard warriors" to spread pro-China messages and attack lawmakers and electoral candidates who are vocal about defending the Philippines' sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
Tolentino, who considers himself among the targeted antiChina candidates, said the alleged contract was between Wu Chenqi, the embassy's media relations director, and Myka Poynton from Infinitus.
The Chinese Embassy in Manila has yet to comment on the allegations made against it during the Senate inquiry.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said on Thursday the poll body is aware of a coordinated campaign on social media intended to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the May elections.
In August 2024, months before the start of the election campaign period, Philstar.com identified dozens of suspicious bot accounts amplifying corruption allegations against Comelec officials, displaying patterns consistent with coordinated influence operations.
Philstar.com also previously reported on a coordinated campaign by anonymous accounts on Chinese social media that sought to warn of a potential "civil war" in the Philippines after local politicians called for Mindanao to secede. n
PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Ang panukalang R na Independent Taxpayers Oversight Committee ng Metro (Oversight Committee) ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa ganap na 9:00 a.m., Hunyo 2, 2025. Maaaring makinig ang publiko sa pamamagitan ng pagtawag sa: (888) 978-8818 at ipasok ang Access Code na: 5647249# (English) o 7292892# (Español).
Ang Oversight Committee ay itinalaga sa ilalim ng Panukalang R, na kilala rin bilang Traffic Relief at Rail Expansion Ordinance, na nagpataw ng karagdagang 1/2 ng isang porsyentong buwis sa transaksyon at paggamit upang pondohan ang mga pagpapabuti ng transportasyon sa County, na inaprubahan ng mga botante noong 2008. Ang Oversight Committee at proseso ng pangangasiwa ay itinatag upang matiyak na ang Metro at lokal na mga subrecipient ay sumusunod sa mga tuntunin ng Ordinansa. Ang proseso ng pangangasiwa ay kailangan ang pagsasagawa ng taunang audit upang malaman kung sumunod sa mga probisyon ng Ordinansa na may kaugnayan sa pagpasok at paglabas ng mga kinita sa buwis sa pagbebenta sa fiscal year. Ang mga audit ay dapat ibigay sa Oversight Committee upang makagawa ito ng mga report kung ang Metro at mga lokal na subrecipient ay sumunod sa mga kinakailangan sa Panukalang R. Bilang pagsunod sa Ordinansa, nakipagkontrata ang Metro sa BCA Watson Rice, LLP (BCA) para isagawa ang independiyenteng audit ng Special Revenue Fund ng Panukalang R at nakipagkontrata sa Vasquez & Company, LLP at Simpson & Simpson para i-audit ang pagsunod ng County ng Los Angeles (County) at ng 88 lungsod (Mga Lungsod) sa loob ng county.
Ang layunin ng pagdinig na ito ay upang tumanggap ng mga komento ng publiko sa mga resulta ng mga independiyenteng audit na isinagawa sa Schedule of Revenues and Expenditures para sa Panukalang R na Special Revenue Fund at Compliance with Requirements na Naaangkop sa Panukalang R na Local Return Guidelines mula Hulyo 1, 2023 hanggang Hunyo 30, 2024, at ang taunang ulat ng Komite tungkol sa mga audit. Ang taunang ulat ay makikita sa: https://www. dropbox.com/scl/fi/z5671yrkoi34t8hk44ec6/Measure-R-Draft-Annual-Report-FY-2024-Audits.pdf?rlkey=bj5eo5xrnipw8pmgnt9zx5oub&e=1&st=esx4nytc&dl=0
MGA ULAT NG INDEPENDIYENTENG AUDITOR
Panukalang R Audit ng Special Revenue Fund Isinagawa ng BCA ang mga audit ng pagsunod alinsunod sa mga pamantayan sa pag-audit na karaniwang tinatanggap sa United States of America at ang mga pamantayang naaangkop sa mga audit sa pananalapi na nasa Government Auditing Standards, na inisyu ng Comptroller General ng United States of America. Ang mga pamantayang iyon ay nag-aatas na ang BCA ay magplano at magsagawa ng mga audit upang makatwirang matiyak kung ang mga Schedule ng mga kinita at ginastos ng Panukalang R ay walang materyal na maling pahayag. Nalaman sa mga audit na sumunod ang Metro, sa lahat ng materyal na aspeto, sa mga kinakailangan na naaangkop sa mga kinita at ginastos ng Panukalang R para sa taong natapos noong Hunyo 30, 2024.
Panukalang R Mga Audit sa Pagsunod ng County at mga Lungsod Ang Vasquez & Company, LLP at Simpson & Simpson ay nagsagawa ng mga pag-audit ng pagsunod sa Local Return Guidelines alinsunod sa mga pamantayan sa pag-audit na karaniwang tinatanggap sa United States of America at ang mga pamantayang nakapaloob sa Government Auditing Standards, na inisyu ng Comptroller General ng United States. Ang mga pamantayang iyon ay inaatas na ang Vasquez & Company, LLP at Simpson & Simpson ay magplano at magsagawa ng mga pag-audit upang makatwirang matiyak kung mayroong hindi pagsunod sa mga kinakailangan sa Ordinansa, na maaaring magkaroon ng direkta at materyal na epekto sa programa ng Panukalang R Local Return. Ang Vasquez & Company, LLP ay nagsagawa ng mga pag-audit ng County at 39 na Lungsod, at ang Simpson & Simpson ay nagsagawa ng mga pag-audit ng iba pang 49 na Lungsod. Ang mga audit ng pagsunod sa Panukalang R Local Return Guidelines ng County at 88 Lungsod ay nakakita ng sampung (10) pagkakataon ng hindi pagsunod sa loob ng sampung (10) hurisdiksyon. Ang mga natuklasan sa audit ay nasa tatlong pangunahing kategorya tulad ng sumusunod: - Hindi kumuha ng Pag-apruba Bago Magkaroon ng mga Paggastos: Limang (5) lungsod ang hindi kumuha ng pag- apruba bago gumastos. Ang mga lungsod ay kinakailangang kumuha ng pag-apruba ng proyekto bago ang paggastos ng mga pondo sa pamamagitan ng pagsusumite ng pangalan ng proyekto, halaga ng mga pondo ng Panukalang R Local Return na iba-budget para sa proyekto, paglalarawan ng proyekto, at pagbibigay-katwiran, na kinakailangan para masuri ng Metro ang proyekto para sa pagiging karapat-dapat ng Panukalang R Local Return ayon sa Local Return Guidelines. Ang mga natuklasan ay nalutas habang ang mga Lungsod ay nagsumite ng mga kinakailangang form at nakakuha ng mga retroactive na pag-apruba mula sa Metro. - Nasa Panahong Paggamit ng mga Pondo: Isang (1) Lungsod ang hindi ginastos ang mga pondo sa loob ng limang taon na inilaan. Ang natuklasan ay nalutas na dahil ang Lungsod ay binigyan ng extension para gamitin ang mga hindi nagamit na pondo. - Hindi maayos na mga accounting procedure, pag-iingat ng rekord, at/o dokumentasyon: Tatlong (3) lungsod ang nabigong makumpleto ang mga proseso ng pagsasara ng accounting sa katapusan ng taon. Hindi nagsagawa ng nasa panahong reconciliation process sa bangko ang isang (1) lungsod. Ang mga lungsod ay kinakailangang magpanatili ng mga wastong accounting record at dokumentasyon. Ang mga Lungsod ay nasa proseso ng pagwawasto ng kanilang mga procedure at titiyakin ng mga auditor kung ang mga pagwawasto ay naisagawa nang maayos ng mga Lungsod sa fiscal year ng audit sa 2025. Panukalang R Taunang Ulat ng Independent Taxpayers Oversight Committee Sinuri ng Komite ang anim na independiyenteng ulat ng audit at batay sa pagsusuring ito, bumuo sila ng taunang ulat. Nalaman sa ulat ng audit na: 1) ang mga pag-audit ay isinagawa alinsunod sa Ordinansa na inaprubahan ng mga botante noong 2008; 2) Sumunod ang Metro, sa lahat ng materyal na aspeto, sa mga kinakailangan na naaangkop sa mga kinita at ginastos ng Panukalang R para sa fiscal year na nagtatapos sa Hunyo 30, 2024; at 3) sumunod ang County at Mga Lungsod, sa lahat ng materyal na aspeto, sa Panukalang R na Ordinansa at mga alituntunin na naaangkop sa programa ng Panukalang R Local Return para sa fiscal year na nagtatapos sa Hunyo 30, 2024; gayunpaman, ang mga audit ng FY24 ay nagresulta sa 10 pagkakataon ng hindi pagsunod sa 10 lokal na hurisdiksyon kabilang ang dalawang (2) materyal na kahinaan at isang (1) malaking kakulangan sa mga internal control sa pagsunod. Ang mga nakasulat na komento sa usaping ito ay tatanggapin hanggang Hunyo 1, 2025 ng 5PM. Maaaring i-email ang mga komento sa BoardClerk@metro.net na may Subject na "KOMENTO NG PUBLIKO SA PANUKALANG R Hunyo 2, 2025" at isama ang item number na iyong binibigyang komento. Maaari ring ipadala ang mga komento sa: Board Administration, LACMTA, One Gateway Plaza, Mail Stop 99-3-1, Los Angeles, CA 90012-2952. Ang mga kopya ng Mga Ulat ng Independiyenteng Auditor at ang Taunang Ulat sa Oversight Committee ay makikita sa https://www.dropbox. com/scl/fi/z5671yrkoi34t8hk44ec6/Measure-R-Draft-Annual-Report-FY-2024-Audits.pdf?rlkey=bj5eo5xrnipw8pmgnt9zx5oub&e=1&st=esx4nytc&dl=0 at ang mga hard copy ay makukuha sa Metro's Records Management Center sa LACMTA
Fil-Am filmmaker named dean of UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television
Celine Parreñas Shimizu becomes the highest-ranking Filipina in academia at UCLA
by Gavin MartinEz Inquirer.net
UCLA has announced that award-winning Filipino American filmmaker, author and scholar Celine Parreñas Shimizu will take the helm as the next dean of its School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT), beginning July 1.
A proud UCLA alumna, Shimizu will return to her alma mater from UC Santa Cruz, where she currently serves as dean of the Division of the Arts and a distinguished professor of film and digital media. Her appointment marks a historic moment, as she becomes the highest-ranking Filipina in academia at UCLA.
During her tenure at UC Santa Cruz, Shimizu led notable advancements including the launch of the UC system’s first online undergraduate bachelor’s degree and the development of multiple cutting-edge facilities such as a media lab, an arts and AI lab and a climate-controlled collecting gallery.
“As the new dean of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, I bring a deep love for my alma mater and a commitment to ensuring that every
encounter with our institution is transformative – that is what happened to me here,” Shimizu said, as quoted from UCLA Newsroom. She earned her M.F.A. in film directing and production from UCLA in 1996. She reflected on her formative years at the school, where she learned the importance of valuing her own voice and understanding how the legacies of film and theater shape collective empathy.
“UCLA TFT shaped me,” she said, “and I possess a passion-
ate desire to help the institution achieve even greater eminence under my leadership.” Beyond academia, Shimizu’s body of work in film and media studies is widely recognized. Her films “The Celine Archive” (2020) and “80 Years Later” (2022) have earned multiple awards and international festival screenings. As an author, her scholarly contributions include “The Hypersexuality of Race” and “The Proximity of Other Skins,” texts that examine representation, race and gender in media. n
VP Sara keeps mum on confidential...
House of Representatives – his district in Tacloban and the seat of his wife Tingog party-list Rep. Yedda Romualdez and that of Acidre. Duterte had been criticizing Romualdez even before her falling out with President Marcos last year, accusing him of having ambitions to become president.
On Feb. 5, the House of Representatives impeached Duterte, with more than 200 lawmakers supporting the complaint. She was charged with betrayal of public trust, violating the Constitution, graft and
corruption, among other high crimes.
Meanwhile, Duterte hit Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro for saying fake news is to blame for the drop in Marcos’ approval and trust ratings in the latest Pulse Asia survey.
“All of us are victims of fake news, right? Everyone has been a victim of it,” she said.
She went on to say since Castro shares the same surname as that of ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro – one of the vice president’s fiercest critics –“nothing good ever came out” of their mouths.
Palace responds
Asked to react to Vice President Duterte’s statement that her lawyers were “more than confident” of winning the impeachment case against her, Malacañang’s response was: “Let them be.”
“If that is their strategy, let them be,” Castro said at a press briefing on Thursday, April 24.
“The impeachment trial is not in the hands of the president. Whatever happens there, that is in the hands of the Senate,” the Palace press officer added. (With reports from Alexis Romero)
Historical site honors Filipinos displayed...
PAGE A3 with Maura as well.”
Maura’s brains taken for research by the Smithsonian Maura, who had two children, traveled to St. Louis with her family. She fell ill with pneumonia on April 11 and passed away on April 21, 1904. Her final wish was to be buried in her hometown of Suyoc in the Cordillera mountains. However, her body was displayed as an attraction at the fair, alongside two young Igorot men who had also died. Fairgoers viewed their corpses over several months.
“It was one of the most horrific things I’ve ever learned,” Langholz said. She later discovered that Maura was one of four individuals whose brains were taken for research by the Smithsonian. The remains were incinerated due to poor preservation.
Four years ago, Langholz designed and created a temporary marker for the site. She began carrying this marker around her neighborhood daily, determined to ensure that Maura received proper recognition.
Community members joined her effort by helping to carry the temporary sign, attending events and donating money to install permanent grave markers at the cemetery.
Langholz expressed gratitude for the community’s support and for the strong turnout of fellow Filipino Americans at the mark-
er’s unveiling on April 18, calling it “a deeply emotional experience.”
“The years of work leading to the marker’s installation were challenging but worth it,” she said. “The unveiling gives closure to my efforts to honor Maura and the 1,200 Filipinos who
MANGO TREAT. Anisa Vinegar showcases its mango fruit vinegar during the Buwan ng Kalutong Pilipino (Filipino Food Month) kick-off at Ayala Malls Abreeza in Davao City on Friday, April 25. The locally made vinegar is sold for PHP70 per bottle.
PNA
photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
Filipino American filmmaker, author and scholar Celine Parreñas Shimizu
Photo from HERS/Facebook
DAteline PhiliPPines
BDO CEO Nestor Tan warns of economic uncertainty amid global challenges
by AJPress
MANILA – BDO Unibank Inc. President and CEO
Nestor V. Tan has urged the Philippine banking sector to brace for potential headwinds, cautioning that global economic uncertainties — particularly the impact of U.S. tariffs and trade policies — could weigh heavily on financial performance this year.
Speaking during a recent industry forum, Tan pointed out that while BDO posted a 7% growth in net income during the first quarter of 2025, this uptick was influenced by short-term factors such as foreign exchange volatility and declining interest rates. He stressed that the first quarter results should not be seen as reflective of the bank’s fullyear outlook.
“The 7% growth in the first quarter was actually affected by uncertainty,” Tan said, emphasizing that banks must not be lulled into complacency despite positive early figures.
Tan cited the ripple effects of U.S. tariff actions, warning that these could disrupt global supply chains and dampen investor sentiment, particularly in emerging markets like the Philippines. Although the domestic economy remains largely consumption-driven and resilient, he noted that external shocks could still indirectly affect key sectors.
In response, Tan encouraged fellow banking executives to strengthen their risk management measures, specifically by setting aside higher provisions for potential bad loans.
“In these unpredictable times, it is prudent to
expect the worst,” he said. “We must build buffers and prepare for any economic disruption that may come our way.”
Despite the challenges, BDO maintains a positive long-term view, highlighting its strong capital position and commitment to prudent financial management. The bank — the largest in the country by assets — continues to monitor global developments closely, ready to adapt strategies to sustain growth and protect stakeholders.
As the world economy navigates shifting trade dynamics and monetary trends, Philippine banks are expected to remain cautious while exploring opportunities to support the country’s domestic-driven recovery. n
Fake accounts, real impact: Lawmakers, experts warn of disinformation threat ahead of elections
by AJPress
MANILA – With the May 2025 midterm elections approaching, lawmakers, digital researchers, and civil society groups are raising concerns over coordinated disinformation campaigns designed to manipulate public opinion and distort democratic discourse online.
A recent report by Israeli cybersecurity firm Cyabra revealed that nearly one-third of social media accounts engaging in conversations around the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation of former President Rodrigo Duterte were likely inauthentic.
These accounts exhibited synchronized behavior—posting identical content with shared hashtags and engaging in aggressive resharing patterns—collectively generating more than 7,200 engagements and reaching an estimated 11.8 million users in a single month.
“This is digital warfare, plain and simple. And the battlefield is not just the internet—it’s the hearts and minds of millions of Filipinos,” said House Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez, reacting to the Cyabra report.
Suarez has called on major tech platforms, including Meta, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube, to take more aggressive action against disinformation networks.
“They have the tools, the data, and the responsibility. They cannot stay silent while democracy is under attack,” he added.
Push for digital literacy
While there has been no formal congressional resolution directly addressing the Cyabra findings, lawmakers have been advocating for stronger media literacy programs in schools and communities. Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., a proponent of digital education efforts, un -
derscored the need to prepare voters to navigate online content critically.
“Social media is a powerful tool for connectivity and information sharing, but it is also being used to spread malicious content that can incite violence, mislead the public, and erode trust in democratic institutions,” Gonzales said during a 2024 committee hearing on misinformation.
Gonzales previously backed legislation pushing for the inclusion of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in the national curriculum, in partnership with the Department of Education and Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Protecting rights, countering manipulation
The Foundation for Media
Alternatives (FMA), a digital rights group, reiterated that fighting online disinformation should not be conflated with censorship.
“Fighting disinformation doesn’t mean silencing dissent,” the group emphasized in a policy paper published on its website. “It means protecting the right of voters to make informed choices based on facts—not manipulation.”
FMA continues to partner with civil society organizations to promote community workshops and online campaigns aimed at educating Filipinos on how to identify false narratives, bot behavior, and manipulated content. Call for greater accountability Tech experts, including those from Cyabra, warn that without stronger regulatory oversight and platform accountability, fake networks will continue to shape public discourse and polarize communities.
“Fake accounts amplify certain voices while drowning out others, making it difficult for voters to access balanced information,” said Rafi Mendelsohn, Cyabra’s vice president of communications, in an earlier
interview.
While critics say platform transparency remains insufficient, companies like Meta and Google have pledged to enhance their automated systems and expand fact-checking partnerships ahead of the polls. n
ALYANSA CAMPAIGN IN PANGASINAN. Senatorial bets of the Alyansa
Center in Dagupan, Pangasinan on Friday, April 25. In photo (from left) are Senator Francis Tolentino, Manny Pacquiao, Panfilo Lacson, Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. Benhur Abalos, Abby Binay, Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Lito Lapid and Tito Sotto. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
OPiniOn FeAtures
Remembering Nora Aunor: A national tribute to the Superstar who redefined Philippine arts and culture
AS the Philippines laid to rest its beloved Superstar and National Artist this week, the nation paused—not only to mourn the passing of a cinematic icon, but to celebrate a life that redefined the very soul of Philippine cinema.
In honoring Nora Aunor, the country did more than say goodbye to a performer; it paid tribute to a woman who dared to challenge convention, who gave voice to the voiceless, and who carried the emotional weight of a people in every role she lived.
Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in Iriga City, Aunor rose from the humblest beginnings. She sold water by the train station, entered amateur singing contests with nothing but a borrowed dress and an extraordinary voice, and faced a world that measured beauty by foreign standards. She did not possess the fair skin or mestiza features idolized at the time. Yet it was precisely her ordinariness — her authenticity — that made her extraordinary.
Nora Aunor was not the star the industry created. She was the star the people chose. Her meteoric rise as “Ate Guy” marked not merely the arrival of a new celebrity, but the emergence of a new kind of Filipino heroine—one who looked, sounded, and struggled like the very audience she inspired. In a film career that spanned decades, Aunor did not simply act; she embodied the lives of the marginalized and the silenced. In Bona, she gave voice to obsessive devotion turned tragedy. In Himala she captured the fragile tension between faith and disillusionment. In Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo, she confronted colonial injustices with piercing clarity.
These were not roles of glamour. They were reckonings. Through her portrayals, the poor found dignity, women found agency, and the Filipino condition found its truth reflected with unflinching honesty.
EnRiquE dE la CRuz Commentary
DISCLAIMERS first. I am not a practicing Catholic, although I was baptized as one. Faith is a deeply personal matter, and I am suspicious and skeptical of organized religion, for I see it as primarily self-serving: i.e., its leaders see themselves as primarily charged with promoting the organization and insuring its long term survival. These are not unlike the mandate of a typical CEO. Except that religious organizations have a constituency, its faithful, who depend on it for spiritual and moral guidance, and thus, enlightened leadership.
Perhaps I am biased by the knowledge of friar abuses during the Spanish colonial period.
I understand that Pope Francis emerged as a viable candidate for the papacy, from his remarks during the conclave about the most pressing issues that should be addressed by the Catholic Church and the papacy. The conclave apparently agreed, and
OUTSIDE my house, the yard is thick with dry mahogany leaves. They fall continuously, carpeting the entire garden, reminding me of an inescapable truth—that decay precedes death, and death awaits all living things. “But to what end?” I often catch myself asking. The comforting message of Easter — that death is but a passage to eternal life — has not entirely soothed my anxieties about growing old. Perhaps I’ve spent too many years steeped in secular social science and philosophy, neglecting my spiritual growth. Seeking balance, I asked my brother, the Cardinal, if he could lend me one of his bibles. Without inquiring into my purpose, he gave me
Offscreen, her life mirrored the grit of her characters. Aunor weathered judgment, battled personal demons, endured exile, and staged comebacks marked not by artifice but by hard-won truth. Her journey was far from perfect—but it was profoundly human and therein lay her enduring connection to the people she represented.
Nora Aunor redefined not just beauty, but relevance. At a time when fame often dims with age, she grew only more luminous, her work deepening with every performance, her presence becoming a touchstone of resilience, artistry, and unyielding spirit.
In 2022, the Philippine government officially named her a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts — the highest cultural honor the country can bestow. It was a recognition not simply of her body of work, but of her role as the nation’s voice, conscience, and memory.
The ceremonies honoring Nora Aunor’s passing reflected the magnitude of her contribution to the nation. On April 22, 2025, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) held a necrological service at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Fellow National Artists, government leaders, artists, and admirers gathered in solemn tribute, honoring not just a superstar, but a national treasure whose life and work forever shaped Philippine arts and culture.
Following the service, Aunor’s flag-draped casket was escorted to the Libingan ng mga Bayani
in Taguig City, where she was laid to rest with full state and military honors—an extraordinary tribute rarely accorded to civilian artists. The funeral included a 21-gun salute, a mark of the highest respect the nation could offer to a citizen whose life had moved and mirrored a people’s journey.
In a final gesture of reverence, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared April 22 a “Day of National Mourning” across the Philippines, underscoring the profound loss and gratitude of a nation forever changed by Nora Aunor’s artistry.
These ceremonies were not simply rites of mourning; they were civic rituals, a national act of remembrance reserved for those who have shaped the spirit of the Filipino soul.
It was, at last, a grateful nation standing still to
Pope Francis: In memoriam
elected him pope. The news of Pope Francis’s passing, while not unexpected given his recent struggles with pneumonia – an opportunistic illness that pounces when one is tired and fatigued – is still sad and mournful. We have lost an exemplary human being, known for his humility and compassion, and a shining role model for everyone, regardless of creed, class, cultural or ethnic identity. Even as I distance myself from the church, I have friends within it, priests and parish CEOs whom I admire. I keep these relations personal and separate from their religious ministry. I respect them as individuals, and recognize their talents and achievements, even as I see them as advocates for a religion. But this is because I have met them personally, even breaking bread with them, so to speak.
Pope Francis is somehow different. I only know of him through press coverage as the CEO of the largest faith-based organization on Earth. It is thru these that I recognize his efforts to transform the Catholic Church
(e.g., his efforts to enlarge the role of women in the organizational hierarchy, and his recognition of LGBTQ individuals as rightful members of his congregation). While he did not extend the Sacrament of Marriage to them, he recognized civil unions among them.
Also notable are Pope Francis’ efforts to root out pedophilia covered up for decades by the church’s all-male hierarchy. I actually find it disgusting that the hierarchy has sought to hide these crimes from the faithful. For an organization to engage in coverup, when its claim to legitimacy is its moral leadership, demonstrates that it has lost its sense of direction and mission. Pope Francis, as the church’s CEO, sought reform, even rooting out corruption and entitlement in the Vatican. But these are acts normally expected of a CEO of any organization, including the Catholic Church. What I find surprising is the level of resistance that Pope Francis encountered in these efforts.
As the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has consistently championed the
less fortunate and disadvantaged in society. Lately, he has added immigrants seeking to escape political oppression and grinding poverty to this list. During his travels he has made it a point to highlight their condition while asking for compassion and mercy from those in power.
We are all familiar with the pope’s soft spoken and measured speaking style. Perhaps because he is most aware that as pope, his words are regarded as oracle, measured, and precisely weighted. Social media postings about encounters with the pope have actually been more revealing about this pope’s humility and humanity. These are his “unofficial” acts: The delight he takes in interacting with children, exhibiting genuine compassion for their fears and uncertainties, and yet able to offer reassuring wisdom. His humanity and total lack of affectation and ego are remarkably illustrated by an incident shortly after his release from the hospital, when he sought to mingle with the crowds at the Vatican square, incognito, seated on a wheelchair with his oxygen tank, and dressed
say: Thank you, Ate Guy. In every scene she brought to life, In every tear she drew from the audience, In every truth she dared to tell— Nora Aunor carved her place in the heart of the Filipino people. She did not merely play roles—she lived them. She did not simply act—she awakened. And though she has taken her final bow, her spirit continues to echo in the lives she touched, the stories she told, and the future artists she has inspired. Nora Aunor didn’t just make films. She made history. And in every Filipino story told with courage, honesty, and heart—her legacy endures.
only in a white shirt and a blanket on his lap, bereft of any identifying official vestments or accessories. Even though he exercises tremendous moral authority, he is non-judgmental, as shown by his openness to meet with anyone who seeks audience with him, even though he is well aware that many of these individuals are seeking to legitimize themselves via a photo-op with him. This is obvious in the recent visit of a high political official, known to be petty and vindictive.
Pope Francis’ efforts to be among the faithful in Vatican square during the holiest period of the Catholic year, and his efforts
to continue to perform duties expected of him during this period despite failing health and great physical difficulty are selfless and heroic.
It is a special privilege to be living in a period when a human being like Pope Francis also existed.
by
both the “Jerusalem Bible” and the “Little Rock Catholic Study Bible.” I interpreted this gesture as his gentle way of suggesting I might need guidance to find what I’m searching for. Several months later, I remain a hesitant learner, having made little progress in my private biblical studies. Instead, I’ve found myself returning to familiar philosophical companions—Alexander Nehamas’ “Nietzsche: Life as Literature” and Kierkegaard’s “The Concept of Anxiety.” As one might expect, these texts frequently disrupt my attempts to grasp the transcendent meanings of the scriptures. Beyond books, I have discovered equanimity in a simpler practice—daily walks. I used to bring binoculars, hoping to spot birds, but nowadays I prefer simply to look, letting whatever catches my attention stay with me. Certain im-
ages linger like memories that refuse to fade, quietly waiting to be understood.
One such memory was from a recent trip to Japan with my granddaughter Julia. In late March, we went to see the cherry blossoms, only to find unopened buds instead. Initially disappointed, I wrote about this experience in a previous column, (see “Looking for sakura, finding a samurai,” 3/30/25). I recalled our memorable encounter with a young Japanese man from a samurai lineage who tenderly cared for his elderly mother. This left an enduring impression on me.
Throughout that trip, Antonio Gramsci’s phrase, “The old is dying but the new cannot be born,” kept returning to my thoughts. Originally meant to describe the dangerous political transitions that give rise to authoritarianism, the phrase took on a more personal
meaning. I was supposed to guide Julia through a Japan I thought I knew intimately, but soon realized she was instead guiding me, gently navigating the dissonance between my aging memory and our present journey.
This realization crystallized during breakfast one morning at the International House of Japan, a place I used to frequent as a young academic attending conferences. At the next table sat an elderly professor and his young assistant or student. The professor spoke most of the time, barely noticing that he spilled scrambled eggs on his blazer. Without interrupting the flow of conversation, the young man quietly rose, knelt beside him, and gently cleaned the spill. Their dialogue continued uninterrupted. At once, I saw myself mirrored in that passing scene. I have always taken pride in self-reliance,
rarely asking for help. Yet, there, unmistakably reflected, was a truth I must now face—that age brings with it an inevitable dependence. The moment I had long dreaded finally occurred later, as we waited for our train to Narita International Airport. After visiting the restroom, I suddenly couldn’t find my way back. Disoriented and anxious, I went back to the toilet and retraced my steps. Each time, my effort led me either to the exit to the street or the automated ticket doors. Finally, I sought directions at the ticket counter. The language barrier and confusion compounded my anxiety until I finally surrendered and called Julia. Calm and reassuring, she quickly found me. “Sorry, I got lost,” I murmured, embarrassed. “Did we miss the train?” Her reply was gentle and comforting: “Don’t worry, Lolo. There’s another one in 10 minutes.”
On the plane home, still wondering how I got lost, and reflecting on the panic I felt at that moment, I recognized something instructive in my failure to help myself and my granddaughter’s patience and kindness. Perhaps this is what Nietzsche meant by embracing life unconditionally, or what Kierkegaard described as confronting anxiety by accepting our limitations. Perhaps transcendence begins by recognizing our humanity, acknowledging our vulnerabilities, and finding redemption not through doubt and denial but in the grace of love and care of those who succeed us. (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.
* * * public.lives@gmail.com
Taken by Prosy Abarquez-Delacruz, last September 23, 2015 when she was invited, along with 500 journalists to cover Pope Francis’ visit in the
Marcos: ‘Promise’ of cheap rice coming true in Visayas
MANILA — “P20 per kilo [of]
rice. That was the promise—and today, we begin to make it real, starting in the Visayas.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. posted this message on his Facebook and Instagram accounts on Wednesday, Apreil 23, recalling a promise he made in his 2022 campaign to bring down the price of the staple.
Marcos was supposed to announce it at an afternoon event at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, where he flew after a program in Laguna earlier in the day.
He instead held a closeddoor meeting at the capitol with the governors of the Visayas provinces, led by Cebu’s
Gwendolyn Garcia, to discuss the initial rollout of the plan next week, barely three weeks before the May 12 elections.
The day before, Vice President Sara Duterte was in Danao City, Cebu, where she thanked supporters of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is detained in The Hague, Netherlands, to face charges before the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity in over his brutal war on drugs.
Marcos was accompanied by Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
Speaking to reporters, Laurel said the program would be launched in Central, Western and Eastern Visayas as well as in the Negros Island Region because “there are more people in need in these regions.”
“But of course, the eventual intention of this program, once we sort out all logistical issues and figure out how to properly operate and manage it, is to launch it nationwide,” he added.
Excess rice stocks
Leyte Gov. Jericho Petilla, who was in the meeting with
President Marcos, admitted that launching the program in the Visayas, which has a voting population of about 13 million, may be perceived as politically motivated since the elections were just a few weeks away.
But he also noted that the Department of Agriculture (DA) had enough rice supply that could be sold at a cheaper price.
“Now people are asking if this is sustainable because it might be gone soon. But they have rice — just to quote (the DA) — they have 380,000 metric tons of rice. That’s more than enough. I don’t think we can consume that within the year,” he said.
“So they want to dispose of these. They were in a hurry (and asked us) ‘would you like to sign up now?’ We governors were all blank because this was the first time we heard this. They are accelerating the agreement and the purchase,” he said.
“Why? Are they in a hurry for politicking? No. They have warehouses full. They cannot buy palay from the farmers because they don’t have a place to put it. So they have to dispose of it right away. That is why they are in a hurry. That is the gist of the meeting,” Petilla said.
Aside from Petilla and Garcia, also present during the meeting with the President were Governors JC Rahman Nava of Guimaras, Jose Enrique Miraflores of Aklan, Edwin Ongchuan of Northern Samar, Manuel Sagarbarria of Negros Oriental, Jake Vincent Villa of Siquijor, Ben Evardone of Eastern Samar, Damian Mercado of Southern Leyte, Gerard Roger Espina of Biliran, and Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo.
Board Member Fe Tan Arcales represented Samar province.
Effective until 2028
Laurel said the president instructed the DA to implement the program up to 2028, or the tail end of the Marcos
No Pres. Marcos directive to amend Constitution – Palace
by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not issued a directive nor hinted at any bid to amend the Philippine Constitution, according to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace press officer Claire Castro.
At a Friday, April 25 Palace press briefing, Castro was asked to detail whether Marcos had already directed the Senate and Congress to act on Charter change.
This was after Vice President Sara Duterte’s supposed warning to the public, claiming that Marcos planned to amend the constitution.
“Wala pa po tayong nadidinig mula sa Pangulo kaya nagtataka po tayo kung bakit naging ganito po ang naging turan ni Bise Presidente. Sa ngayon po tatak fake news yan — walang ebidensya. Wala pa pong napag uusapan po,” said Castro.
(We haven’t heard anything from the President yet, so we’re wondering why the Vice President’s statement turned out like this. Right now, it’s labeled as fake news — there’s no evidence. Nothing has been discussed yet.)
Asked if the Marcos administration still plans to push for Charter change in the next congress, Castro said they have yet to discuss the matter.
At this point, the Palace officer was prodded to explain why the vice president had opened this topic during a campaign sortie, to which she answered that she had no idea.
“Kung ano man po ang kanyang adhikain at layunin sa mga ganitong klase ng pananalita, hindi po natin alam. Pero as far as we are concerned, tatak fake news yan,” she said.
(Whatever her goals are with these kinds of statements, we don’t know. But as far as we are concerned, it’s just fake news.)
Earlier, President Marcos requested the upper chamber to review the proposals to amend certain provisions of the Constitution.
Marcos saw the need to ease the Constitution’s restrictive economic provisions to allow more foreign direct investment in the country. n
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS127531(2) - Emergency Supplies Management and Replacement at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/ Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Virtual Meeting: Online. All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Proposals received after the
and time may be
and returned unopened. Each proposal must be
and
Proposal No.
administration, although it was initially designed to last only until this December or February next year.
According to the DA, each family availing of the P20-perkilo rice may buy a maximum of 10 kilos a week or 40 kilos a month.
Funding for the initial rollout is estimated at P3.5 billion to P4.5 billion, which will come from the national budget, he said.
He explained the program’s launch was also influenced by the need to release the surplus of rice supply from Iloilo.
“Then we also have to move out our stocks from other areas because the other reason that the DA needs to do this is that our warehouses are still really full of rice and palay (unmilled rice),” he said.
Although prevailing retail prices are far from the P20 per kilo level, Tiu Laurel said the DA “has been working day and night to bring this to reality.”
He acknowledged that the goal was unattainable last year as global rice prices hit a 15year high.
As of Tuesday, April 22, locally produced regular milled rice retailed from a low of P33 to a high of P43 a kilo in Metro Manila markets, lower than the P48-P52 range in the same period a year ago, according to the DA’s price monitoring.
Imported well-milled rice, meanwhile, was being sold at P42 to P48 a kilo. (Inquirer.net)
nulment and nullity cases, but other special proceedings remain excluded,” the SC said in a recent resolution.
The amendment took effect after publication of the resolution on April 24.
of marriage cases.
The Office of the Court Administrator recommended their inclusion, noting that these cases follow similar procedures to civil actions.
further information email Tina Hoffstetter at hoffstettert@metro.net. 4/26/25
For a copy of the Proposal/Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email Manchi Yi at yim@metro.net. 4/26/25 CNS-3918259# ASIAN JOURNAL
of Civil Procedure, which mandates electronic filing and service of pleadings, motions, and other papers in civil cases in first- and second-level courts.
“Section 1 of Rule 13-A has been amended to include an-
The high court said the move is part of its efforts to streamline court proceedings under the Strategic Plan for Judicial Innovations 2022-2027.
Before this change, Rule 13-A did not cover special proceedings like annulment and nullity
The SC has earlier ordered that all filing and service of pleadings, motions, outgoing court documents, and other papers in civil cases in the trial courts must be done electronically through email, except for initiatory pleadings beginning Dec. 1, 2024. (PNA)
Sponsored by JPMorganChase
Rent vs. own in today’s economy: Is now the best time to buy?
Homeownership has been long associated with the American Dream, yet the economic climate of recent years has left some potential homebuyers on edge. Many potential homeowners have put their dream of buying a home on pause – or even abandoned it altogether.
If you’re thinking of buying a home but aren’t sure if it makes sense for you right now, consider these pros and cons of renting versus buying:
Pros of renting
• Renting is a short-term commitment. You can sign a lease and have the flexibility to move somewhere else after the lease is over.
• Maintenance and repairs are typically handled by the landlord, saving you time and money. Additionally, taxes and other local expenses are also often covered by the landlord.
• If you live in a city with high property taxes, renting may be more affordable, helping to reduce the costs of your monthly payments.
• Move in costs may be less, often including a security deposit and/or first and last month’s rent vs. saving for a down payment and closing costs.
Cons of renting
• Your landlord or management company may increase the rent upon lease renewal.
• Renting may offer less stability. Besides the possibility of higher prices, your landlord could sell the property or change other lease terms during renewal.
• There’s an overall lack of control. For example, repairs are on someone else’s timeline and you can’t make major alterations without permission.
• Paying your monthly rent doesn’t contribute to building equity, which means it can’t be used as a longterm wealth building strategy or as a way to tap into your assets for a cash need.
Pros of buying
• You can build equity by making consistent payments on your mortgage. Your equity may be a potentially valuable appreciating investment and can be used for a cash-out refinance or a HELOC, which lets you borrow against the equity you’ve built up. Homeowners often use this cash for home renovations or to pay off higherinterest debt.
• Fixed mortgage rate options provide more predictability and stability for monthly payments, unlike rent which may be increased with renewal.
• Qualifying homeowners might be eligible for mortgage tax benefits.
• Homeowners are free to alter, decorate and renovate without landlord approval.
• Your home value may appreciate with time, offering a potential profit when you sell your home. You might also be able to rent out your property for extra cash flow.
• If you live in a city with low property taxes but high rent, buying might be more affordable in the long term.
Cons of buying
• Homebuying typically comes with significant upfront costs and fees, such as a down payment, closing costs, loan applications and more.
• You have to pay for all maintenance and repairs.
• Building equity takes time, requiring a longer commitment to see a potential for significant returns.
• Your home’s market value can fluctuate for reasons beyond your control, such as interest rates, economic factors, and other market conditions.
• Homeowners have to pay for property taxes and home insurance, adding to the costs of homeownership. Your property may also have condo or homeowners’ association fees.
Making your decision
There are many things to consider when deciding to rent or buy a home, including how much you can afford, the length of time you plan to live there and how much responsibility you're ready to take on. You’ll want to look into the current real estate prices and interest rates in your area to see if you can afford to buy a home now.
The bottom line is that the question of renting or owning is really a lifestyle choice. If you’re ready to stay in one location and have the financial stability to handle property ownership and home maintenance, consider setting a goal to buy a home. If you still crave flexibility or plan to move soon, renting may be your ideal solution. There are also a variety of local resources that can help you assess what makes the most sense for your personal circumstances, such as meeting with a local mortgage professional that can help you navigate the market as well as make suggestions based on your financial picture.
Your unique financial situation, goals and aspirations can help you make the best decision – for you.
Visit chase.com/afford to learn more about homeownership and what resources are available.
Filipino American powerhouse Nicole Scherzinger, a former pop icon who has transitioned into a Broadway star, has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people of 2025.
The Grammy Award-nominated, platinum-selling singer, actress and dancer has been recognized for her successful transition from pop music to Broadway stardom.
The magazine highlighted her riveting performance in “Sunset Boulevard,” noting her “courageous, audacious, mesmerizing, elegantly beautiful and ultimately heartbreaking” presence.
“The 2025 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people recognizes the leaders shaping the world today and defining its future,” said Time CEO Jessica Sibley in a press statement. The TIME100 list includes pairings of the list members and the guest contributors the magazine selects to write about them.
For Scherzinger, Time tapped actress and singer Patti LuPone to pen the tribute.
“Her mad scene alone is worth the price of admission,” LuPone wrote on Time’s website, applauding
by MARY VILLEGAS Inquirer.net
Superstar
Nora Aunor’s immigration journey revisited on a special tribute episode of Citizen Pinoy
Photo from nicolescherzinger/Instagram
Heart Evangelista receives Global Fashion Influencer award in Dubai
by Anne PAsAjol
Heart Evangelista spoke about gratitude and sincerity of the heart as she personally accepted the Global Fashion Influencer of the Year accolade at The EMIGALA 2025 in Dubai.
The actress-fashion personality flew to Dubai with her husband, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, as seen in a series of posts on her Instagram page. Evangelista served looks in several stunning ensembles by Filipino fashion designers Michael Leyva and Michael Cinco.
“Grateful to be part of a night that celebrates beauty in its boldest, brightest form—thank you, The Emigala, for the honor,” she said in one of her captions.
Evangelista also reposted a part of her acceptance speech through her Instagram Stories.
“[There’s nothing more] satisfying, freeing or liberating than to play my most important role which is playing myself,” she said. “Tonight, this is actually my testament that you just have to allow yourself to be.”
“Be confident with the kind of heart that you have; that no matter what happens, no matter where life takes you; that even if you do have
your insecurities and sometimes some downfalls, you have to believe that the sincerity of the heart will always win and you will bloom,” she continued. Evangelista then expressed her gratitude to her supporters, glam team as well as Escudero.
“To everybody who ever loved me for who I am, maraming salamat,” she concluded. Escudero, for his part, was all praises for his wife whom he described as an “inspiration to everyone who dares to chase their goals and dreams.”
“Words cannot express how proud I am of my incredible wife Heart Evangelista,” he said via his Facebook page. “It was a moment that celebrated the years of passion, dedication, and perseverance she poured into her dreams.”
“Heart has never just dreamed, she’s worked tirelessly to bring those dreams to life, and this recognition is a true testament to her unwavering commitment and love for fashion,” he continued.
Addressing Evangelista, Escudero said, “Watching you reach this milestone fills me with so much pride. I’m endlessly proud of you. Congratulations, my love—you deserve this and so much more.”
Dimples Romana celebrates best friend Angel Locsin’s 40th birthday
Actress Dimples Romana posted throwback photos of her Rome trip with her best friend and “favorite birthday girl” Angel Locsin, who turned 40 today.
In her Instagram account, Dimples posted throwback photos of their Italy trip back in 2019.
“Rome 2019. A bit of throwback for the time when I got to visit the Vatican, our @asapofficial family brought me here. Forever grateful for this special time getting to hear the holy Mass in Rome and also spending time with my fave people and my ultimate favorite birthday girl,” Dimples wrote.
“Happy birthday to my best friend @therealangellocsin love youuuu mars,” she added.
Fans of Angel were quick to comment on Dimples’ post, leaving birthday greetings for the actress.
Her X account was hacked last January but she was able to recover it.
Bimby Aquino to take up legal management in college, open to politics later on
by jessicA Ann evAngelistA Inquirer.net
After turning 18, Bimby Aquino, the youngest son of Kris Aquino, shared that he plans to take up legal management in college, even as he revealed that entering politics would be an “option” considering he comes from a family of politicians.
Sitting down recently with showbiz reporter Ogie Diaz and his daughter Erin Diaz, Bimby was asked about his career plans and he said he planned to pursue law because he believes it is a “diverse” pursuit.
“Legal management. Magiging lawyer na ako. Imagine mo, Atty. Bimb. Diverse eh. Let’s be honest, sa business, sa politics, show biz also,” he said.
Ogie then asked Bimby if he was open to entering politics considering his grandmother Corazon “Cory” Aquino and his uncle Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III were former presidents. His late grandfather Benigno “Ninoy”
Nicole Scherzinger named one of Time
Scherzinger’s performance in “Sunset Boulevard.”
“And it’s made all the more stunning by watching her transition from a pop singer to a bona fide Broadway star,” she continued.
Taking to Instagram, the former Pussycat Dolls lead singer expressed her gratitude for the honor. “Deeply honored to be named one of the #TIME100 most influential people,” she wrote.
“To be recognized in this way and by the legendary Patti LuPone, is a defining moment for me.”
In 2024, Scherzinger returned to
the stage in a powerful way, starring as Norma Desmond in the West End revival of “Sunset Boulevard.”
She received multiple midshow standing ovations from a star-studded audience during the opening night, including one that lasted six minutes.
The Time100 lineup features a stellar group of influential women, including Scarlett Johansson, Kristen Bell, Snoop Dogg, Demi Moore, Blackpink’s Rosé and Simone Biles.
See the complete TIME100 list on their website.
Superstar Nora Aunor’s
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
by jAn Milo severo Philstar.com
Dimples Romana posts her 2019 Rome trip with Angel Locsin on her Instagram on April 23, 2025, the day Angel turned 40.
Angel is currently in showbiz hiatus and has been inactive on social media.
OPM loses another icon: Hajji Alejandro dies at 70
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 Standard-Bearer
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 of the country’s most revered composers, including Cayabyab, Jim Paredes, and Willy
by aJPress
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 collegeaged 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. 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 with his contemporaries the late Rico J.
Nora, Pilita, Gloria to receive Presidential Medal of Merit
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 with state funeral honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Tuesday,
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.
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 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.
by Patricia Dela roca 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.
permanent menu item in the U.S. – available in all participating restaurants nationwide by May 5.
We’re raising the chicken game to a new level with McCrispy Strips: irresistibly craveable chicken strips made with juicy, 100% white meat, coated with crispy goldenbrown breading and bursting with a bold, new black pepper flavor. McCrispy Strips also come with a perfect pairing – Creamy Chili Dip, a savory, sweet and tangy sauce that unlocks the full Strips experience.
“Since stepping into my new role as a leader of the U.S. business this year, I’ve been excited for fans to get to experience our additional chicken offerings,” said Alyssa Buetikofer, chief Marketing and Customer Experience officer at McDonald’s.
“The demand for chicken strips has been remarkable to see across the industry, so we knew we had to deliver something so craveable that it was worth the wait. We took our time, listened to our fans and created a product we knew they would crave. And the best part is we’re just getting started.”
Fans can get their hands on McCrispy Strips in three- or four-piece
counts, served with one or two Creamy Chili Dip sauce cups, respectively. You can also zest up your Strips with your favorite McDonald’s signature sauces – like Tangy Barbecue, Spicy Buffalo, Creamy Ranch, to name a few – and discover your go-to combination.
“When we introduce a new menu item like McCrispy Strips, we know we have a big promise to fulfill to meet our customer’s expectations,” said Cesar Piña, senior vice president and chief Supply Chain officer at McDonald’s. “From the farms we source from to how food is prepared in our restaurants, bringing new products to our fans requires collaboration across suppliers, franchisees, and company staff. We hold ourselves to the highest standard and aim to bring fans nothing less than greatness.”
Stay tuned to McDonald’s socials for more juicy updates on how you can dip out and grab the new McCrispy Strips and Creamy Chili Dip via the McDonald’s App, inrestaurant, McDelivery, and the Drive Thru at participating restaurants. You may even see them in some locations today.
And that’s a wrap...at least for now!
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, and follow us on social: X, Instagram, TikTok, X and Facebook.
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 well-known 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)
How is a privately held business valued in a California divorce case?
Barrister’s Corner
Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes
DIVORCE cases involving entrepreneurs and business owners often poses challenges when valuing a community business. Some litigants are part owner of the business while others own the business entirely by themselves or sometimes with their divorcing spouse.
In California, there are several methods commonly used to value a business during a divorce. These methods help determine the fair market value of the business, which is crucial for equitable distribution of assets. The family code generally requires that assets be valued as close to trial date unless the court orders and alternate valuation date. Here are some common valuation
methods:
1. Market approach: This method involves comparing the business to similar businesses that have recently been sold. By analyzing comparable sales, market multiples, and other relevant factors, an appraiser can estimate the value of the business.
2. Income approach: This method considers the future income potential of the business. It involves evaluating the company’s historical financial performance and projecting future earnings. The appraiser then applies a capitalization rate or discount rate to determine the present value of expected future income.
3. Asset approach: This method focuses on the value of the company’s assets. It involves assessing the fair
market value of the business’s tangible and intangible assets, such as equipment, inventory, intellectual property, and goodwill.
4. Combination approach:
In some cases, a combination of valuation methods may be used to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the business’s value. This can involve considering multiple factors, such as market data, income projections, and asset values. The best method to value a business will depend on the specific nature of the business, its profitability, and its assets. It is important that both the forensic CPA and the divorce attorney have a thorough understanding of the business or businesses at issue in the case. Now, who values the business in a divorce case? There are several options.
1. The parties can try to value the business on their own. The parties may have an in-depth knowledge of the value of the business by virtue of being operators, but this can also result in undervaluation or over valuation. Also, if one spouse is the sole operator, it can place the other spouse in an extreme disadvantage.
2. Hiring a joint forensic accountant for the business valuation during the divorce either pursuant to Evidence Code Section 730 or informally.
A joint forensic accountant is one who both spouses trust to provide a proper valuation and on whom both spouses rely in negotiations that may lead to a settlement. A joint forensic accountant, like any forensic accountant, does not provide legal advice. Spouses who hire a joint forensic accountant can also utilize a separate forensic accountant to review the joint accountant’s work.
3. Each spouse can hire his and her forensic accountant for a business valuation.
Each spouse can hire their own forensic accountant for business valuation as their own expert. Typically, the court will order that the two experts do a side by side in their calculation of the business valuation in order to focus and isolate where the difference between the two expert valuations lie.
Dividing private businesses during the divorce poses challenges to divorce litigants where there is no readily available quote as to the value of the private business. As a result, heavy reliance is placed on the appraisal by forensic CPA who may have different valuations for the same business.
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Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation.
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Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com
reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAs
WE will miss Pope Francis. We will miss his courageous, compassionate, inclusive, and engaging leadership. He had a profound love and concern for those at the margins and peripheries of society. He challenged priests and bishops to embrace simplicity and humility. He inspired seminarians to find joy in ministry. Every Holy Thursday, he would wash and kiss the feet of those who are alienated and suffering, such as prisoners, migrants, and the homeless. His homilies were simple yet relatable and thought-provoking. He held babies, consoled children, encouraged youth, affirmed marriages, and urged everyone to treat LGBTQ+ individuals, the divorced, those in second marriages, and others with compassion and dignity.
He also confronted the structures and institutions within the Church and parish life that stifle creativity, openness, new avenues of leadership, management, and evangelization. He challenged international leaders, governments, and the business world to prioritize the human
Health @Heart
Pope Francis: Prophet of mercy
person over the worship of money. He wrote: “The current financial crisis can make us overlook the fact that it originated in a profound human crisis: the denial of the primacy of the human person. We have created new idols. The worship of the ancient golden calf (Ex 32:1-35) has returned in a new and ruthless guise in the idolatry of money and the dictatorship of an impersonal economy lacking a truly human purpose” (The Joy of the Gospel, § 55). He advocated for the care of the environment and the Earth by writing the encyclical Laudato Si, which received praise from various sectors of society, including scientists, other Christians, and nonChristian religions.
Until his last breath, he continued to bless us, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts that will remain forever.
Believing that God will receive him in peace and welcome him to His Eternal Home, let us now pray to Pope Francis. Let us ask for his intercession for the Church he loves so dearly, for the priests, bishops, religious women and men, seminarians, lay men and
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 life-saving 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 10fold 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 sex-obsessed states, demonstrating high engagement with 7,362 sexrelated 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 Follow-up Study,” has been collecting information about a large group (29,342) of medical professional
women, and all the faithful, that we may continue his legacy of mercy and compassion for the vulnerable and marginalized members of our society. We thank him for his twelve years of service as an unfaltering, fearless, and loving leader. May we overcome our fears and all divisions; may we all be one! The Cardinals under 80 years old, eligible to elect the next pope, have now convened in the Vatican. Let us pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon their assembly as they elect the next Shepherd of the Universal Church. As we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday this weekend, may we embody the spirit of Pope Francis — compassionate, merciful, courageous, and faithful to God, His Church, and one another until the end of our lives.
* 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.
* * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
CT: Cancer risk
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 pre-emptive 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 auto-inject 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.
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* * 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 Network-USA, 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.
