042723 - Las Vegas Edition

Judge rules no hate crime in attack on Filipino family in LA fast food lane

A CALIFORNIA judge ruled that the alleged attacker of a Filipino family in a Los Angeles fast-food drive thru lane a year ago will be tried for two counts of felony battery, but he will not be charged with a hate crime.

A video from the May 2022 incident showed suspect Nicholas Weber hurling anti-Asian remarks against the Roques and threatening to kill Nerissa Roque and her daughter Patricia, after Weber’s jeep rearended their vehicle.

Marcos to discuss ‘evolution’ of

PH-US military pacts with Biden

Biden next week, including the Philippines’ military agreements with the United States that need to “evolve” amid the changing geopolitical situations.

“We will clarify again, really, these treaty agreements between the Philippines and America and we will look into them because of the many

changes [that have occurred],” the president said in a video interview over state-owned Radyo Pilipinas. Marcos particularly mentioned the 1951 Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty and the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement.

Marcos witnesses ‘Balikatan’ 2023 drills, hopes PH could benefit from enhanced cooperation with US

by CAtherine S. VAlente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, April 26 expressed hope that the Philippines will benefit from the “enhanced cooperation” with the United States as the two countries’ armed forces demonstrated the joint littoral live firing and sinking of a mock enemy vessel in the coastal town of San Antonio in Zambales, facing the disputed South China Sea.

After meeting with legal team, Nicanor Arriola (in his hospital bed) decided not to settle with suspected assailants to teach them a lesson. Contributed photo

Injured Filipino couple won’t settle with assailants in violent attack in Sacramento

THE Southern California Filipino couple who was assaulted while strolling and taking pictures near the California State Capitol last February vowed not to settle with their assailants to help discourage similar attacks from being perpetrated on other people.

Photographer Nicanor Nikki Arriola and his wife, Julienne Ochengco, made the decision after meeting with prosecutors.

The couple believes they are victims of a hate crime, as the attackers specifically targeted them, the only Asians among other tourists in the vicinity.

Ironically, Arriola had been covering the rise of anti-Asian attacks in California as a photojournalist particularly the case of the

Record 89% satisfied with how PH democracy works – poll

by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — Almost nine in every 10 adult Filipinos said they were satisfied with how democracy works in the country, according to a survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) more than six months after the 2022 elections.

Results of the Dec. 10-14 survey released last Friday night, April 21 showed that 89 percent of the respondents were satisfied with the country’s democracy, 11 points

above the 78 percent recorded in a similar survey conducted in April 2021.

The latest survey results surpassed the previous record of 86 percent, which was obtained in September 2016, a few months after that year’s presidential elections.

SWS explained that satisfaction with the way democracy works in the country often increases after national elections.

Previous records were set in September 1992 and July 1998, both election years, when satisfaction with the country’s u PAGE 2

DOT: Philippines welcomes over 1.7 million foreigners

by Ghio onG Philstar.com

A TOTAL of 1,715,757 foreign tourists have arrived in the Philippines from January to April 22 this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced as it continues to welcome travelers amid the government’s efforts to ease some travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Of this number, an estimated 320,294 visitors came from the United States, it added.

The agency has yet to provide complete figures of tourist arrivals.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco revealed the data during the recent launch of the agency’s “Bisita Be My Guest”

or BBM-G program, a referral and incentive program, at the Philippine Travel Fair in Los Angeles, California.

The program aims to bring in more foreigners by tapping Filipinos, especially those based abroad, who have foreign spouses or friends. Those who will be able to bring foreign visitors can win condominium units, airplane tickets and holiday packages in select destinations.

Frasco said the agency, along with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Tourism Promotions Board, brought the BBM-G program to the U.S. “to give opportunities to fellow Filipinos to become ambassadors for the Philippines.” n

The exercise, watched live by the President, was part of the annual Balikatan drills, which are scheduled to run until April 28 and involve more than 17,600 military personnel.

The President “witnessed the live-fire sea drills involving the sinking of an old Philippines Navy ship, hoping the country could benefit from enhanced cooperation with the United States,” Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a

What we know so far about COVID-19 variant Arcturus

by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — The XBB.1.16 subvariant, a fast-growing version of Omicron, has been detected in the Philippines, the Department of Health reported on Tuesday, April 25.

The country’s first confirmed case of XBB.1.16 was detected in Western Visayas. The DOH provided no additional details about the individual.

Here’s what we know and don’t know about the new COVID-19 subvariant.

What is XBB.1.16?

Also known as “Arcturus,” XBB.1.16 has now been spotted in 33 countries. It was first detected in India, where it is believed to have fueled a recent surge in COVID-19 infections.

The World Health Organization elevated XBB.1.16 as a variant of interest last week.

Variants of interest show an increasing prevalence and a number of cases over time in more than one WHO region, or other epidemiological impacts that suggest an emerging risk to global public health. The WHO is also tracking another variant of interest: XBB.1.5.

What are the characteristics of Arcturus?

According to the WHO,

XBB.1.16 “may spread globally and contribute to an increase in case incidence” due to its estimated growth advantage and its ability to evade the immune system.

Does Arcturus cause more severe illness?

There is no early signal of an increase in severity, the WHO said.

Should we be worried?

In a message to reporters on Wednesday, April 26, the DOH said that while there have been slight increases in bed occupancy in India and Indonesia, levels are still “much lower compared to the effects of the previous variants.

“Overall, risk assessment is said to be low,” it said.

The Philippines is seeing an increase in COVID-19 cases as more people go out and as the economy continues to reopen. Despite the rise in infections, the country’s healthcare utilization rates remain low

What should Filipinos do?

The DOH reminded the public to continue practicing minimum public health standards such as:

• Wear masks

• Isolate when sick

• Ensure good airflow, especially when mobile in public places

• Get vaccinated and boosted. n

Passengers crowd the counters as they troop early to the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on April 2, 2023 to avoid the influx of passengers heading to their respective provinces for the Holy Week break. Philstar file photo by Miguel de Guzman

Marcos to discuss ‘evolution’ of...

“We have to evolve it. It has to evolve because there is a need to adjust them because there is really an evolution, there are also changes in the situations we are facing here — in the South China Sea, amid the events in Taiwan, North Korea, all of these [where] the situation is a bit simmering,” he said.

Marcos said he would also speak with Biden on “what should we do to lessen the rhetoric because nowadays the exchange of words is a bit serious, [and] offensive words are already being uttered somewhat, so, of course, we worry about that.”

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) last week announced that Marcos would leave the country on April 30 and his itinerary would begin on May 1 with a meeting with Biden.

This will be Marcos’ second trip to the United States as president. He first met with Biden on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September last year.

After the U.S. trip, President Marcos will attend the coronation of King Charles III in London on May 6 and will travel to Indonesia for the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit from May 9 to May 11.

Assistance

During the video interview, Mr. Marcos said he would also discuss climate change with his

American counterpart and seek help on what strategies should be adopted.

“They’re giving something that’s called green bond, meaning they will give funds to help us fix [the ill-effects of climate change]. For example, the no-build zones [wherein homes] will be moved away from the seas so that they won’t be hit by strong typhoons,” he said.

“We will ask for plenty of help because [we] are recovering from the pandemic. And like in the other trips that I made, [we will pursue] what partnerships can we forge, what new technologies can we bring back to the Philippines that we can use,” he added.

Marcos said the country’s “special relationship” with the United States did not always involve military matters, but also economic affairs and cultural exchange.

“We should look at what good partnerships we can have with the U.S.. We will talk with President Biden on how we can be continuously assisted. And it covers so many subjects, not just the military that is being discussed nowadays because of the EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement), but also the economy, tourism, health care, all of them,” he pointed out.

The PCO earlier said Marcos’ visit would help advance his priorities in such areas as

agriculture, energy, climate change, digital transformation and technology, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, supply chains, and infrastructure.

At the same time, the president said the Philippines became “well-known” during the pandemic because of its healthcare workers, and recalled that during his overseas trips, foreign leaders would always ask him if their countries could get Filipino nurses, doctors, and medical technologists.

“Because we really became well-known during the pandemic, and we remain their number one preferred source of health-care workers—that’s one of the things we’ll talk about because there is a problem on immigration, training, all of those things. We want to give a chance to those who want to go abroad to find a good job,” he added.

Marcos said he was looking into his schedule with Biden to see if they could talk about all the matters that he wanted.

For items that would not be tackled, he said these would be done through “contacts” in the American government and private sector.

“It’s not only President Biden and me. We have businessmen, we have [officials] from different departments with us so that can really clarify what is really the partnership of the Philippines and the United States,” he said. n

Marcos witnesses ‘Balikatan’ 2023 drills...

statement.

During the drills some 2.8 kilometers from the Naval Education Training Doctrine Command, Garafil said U.S. and Philippine combat units participated in a combined joint littoral live-fire exercise, culminating the field training event for Balikatan 2023.

Approximately 1,400 Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Coast Guardsmen from both

National Security Adviser

Eduardo Año, Zambales 2nd District Rep. Doris Maniquiz and Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.

LIVE-FIRE DRILLS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. uses binoculars as he witnessed the livefire sea drills of the Philippines and the United States to culminate the field training event for this year's Balikatan Exercise in San Antonio, Zambales on Wednesday, April 26. The 2023 Balikatan Exercise kicked off last April 11 with over 17,600 participating Filipino and American military personnel. PNA photo by Alfred Frias countries took part in the Combined Joint Littoral Live Fire Exercise, which involved detecting, identifying, targeting and engaging a target ship using a variety of ground and air-based weapons systems, Garafil said.

The exercise featured U.S. and Philippine weapons platforms delivering coordinated fires on a target ship, a decommissioned Philippine Navy corvette towed into Philippine territorial waters, she added.

Among key Philippine officials who attended were Armed Forces Chief Andres Centino,

From the U.S. side, the attendees were U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey Ford, and U.S. Exercise Director Lt. Gen. William Jurney.

“The Philippines is a key U.S. ally and the largest recipient of U.S. military assistance, equipment, and training in the region,” Garafil said. n

Record 89% satisfied with...

democracy peaked at 70 percent.

It again peaked in September 2010, a few months after the election of the late Benigno Aquino III, at 69 percent.

Satisfaction, however, fell to a disappointing 44 percent in June 2004, a month after the controversial polls that re-elected Gloria MacapagalArroyo.

As reported earlier, some 60 percent of the survey respondents said that “democracy is always preferable to any other kind of government,” up from 54 percent recorded in April 2021.

SWS data showed that it is five points below the record-high 65 percent recorded in June 2013 and 13 points above the recordlow 47 percent in June 2014.

Preference for democracy has been above 50 percent since June 2015.

Meanwhile, those who said that an authoritarian government can be preferable to a democratic one “under some circumstances” rose from 20 percent in April 2021 to 26

percent in December 2022, a point shy of the record 27 percent obtained in a September 2010 survey.

The remaining 15 percent of the respondents said it did not matter for them whether the Philippines has a democratic or non-democratic regime, down from 26 percent in the April 2021 survey.

The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percent.

In January, London-based think tank The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) classified the Philippines as a “flawed democracy” in its Democracy Index 2022.

From 54th in 2021, the country improved to 52nd out of the 167 countries and territories included in the annual index. “Flawed democracies” are those that have free and fair elections and where basic civil liberties are respected, but there are significant weaknesses in some aspects, including governance, political culture and participation. n

Judge rules no hate crime in attack on Filipino family...

Despite the footage, Judge Neetu S. Badhan-Smith ruled that while Weber made “offensive and vulgar statements” against the family, the incident remained a “general intent crime,” according to a San Fernando Valley Sun report.

Badhan-Smith cited the 10- to 15-minute span between the use of racial slurs and the physical assault, and noted that Weber no longer used such slurs during the attack itself. She noted, however, that the attack cause significant injuries to the victims.

The victims expressed disappointment at how they’ve “been so far by the justice system.” Patrick Roque, a family member, said. “It’s really obvious from the video that it was a hate crime.”

The assault has triggered outrage in the Asian community, and the Roque family’s

supporters vowed to keep protesting until they get a full measure of justice. The videoed incident occurred on May 13, 2022 at a McDonald’s drive-thru lane on Victory Boulevard. After Weber rear-ended the Roques’ vehicle, he allegedly hurled racial slurs and threats, using a mock Asian accent.

Weber then allegedly tried to physically attack Patricia. Her father, Gabriel Roque, 60, tried to stop him but was allegedly pushed or punched to the ground, leaving him with a broken rib. Weber also allegedly choked Nerissa. He was arrested on June 16, 2022 but thrice refused to attend his arraignment.

Weber pleaded not guilty to two counts of battery, but as of the judge’s April 18, he is facing two counts of felony battery without the hate crime charges. (Inquirer.net)

CULTURAL PERFORMANCE. Members of the Tagudtud National High School and the Iduntog Cultural Dance Group performed a cultural dance at the Kudal People’s Park in Sitio Santol, Bagulin, La Union for the “MAY-KAN: Discovering flavors of the North through Gastronomic Experience” on Thursday, April 27. Tribes see ritualistic dances as a form of spiritual and social expression, and celebrate thanksgiving, birth, wedding, and even victory in war, among others, through the art of dance. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

‘Bisita, Be My Guest’ program launched in LA to invite Fil-Ams, travelers to PH

LOS ANGELES — Hundreds

of Filipino American travel enthusiasts and tourism industry players recently flocked to the official launch of the Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG) program of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT).

This was the first-ever Philippine tourism fair of the Marcos administration in the United States after the twoyear hiatus from the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. has consistently been on the top list of international travelers to the Philippines with about 500,000 arrivals in 2022.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco told reporters on the sidelines of the BBMG launch in Burbank on Saturday, April 22 that the current administration is optimistic that the U.S. market would continue to be one of the leading countries with the highest number of international arrivals to the Philippines.

“I am extremely delighted to know that the Philippines continues to be a top of line destination for our friends here in the United States. The United States has continued to be a very strong source market for us having been number one last year and number two (as of the first quarter of 2023) this year so we are very excited to welcome more of our Filipino and foreign

by Donnabelle GatDula-arevalo AJPress

friends to the Philippines,” Frasco said.

“Last year, it was the United States market that really sustained Philippine international tourism, having been number 1 and having garnered 500,000 international arrivals. As we have just closed out the first quarter, we have already received over 300,000 visitors from the United States,” she noted.

Frasco reiterated President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ call for all Filipinos (including those who live in the U.S.) around the globe to become Philippine tourism ambassadors.

“I’m here, together with our team from the Department of Tourism, carrying with us the love and warmth of the Filipino people as we champion Philippine tourism. We are here to invite our fellow Filipinos to become tourism ambassadors for the Philippines by inviting a foreign friend, guest or spouse to visit any of our beautiful islands in the country in exchange for prizes such as a house and lot, condominium units, free airline tickets and holiday packages and tours,” Frasco said, while explaining the mechanics of the BBMG program. She described the various destinations that overseas Filipinos and foreigners alike can enjoy, such as Cebu, Palawan and

Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco attends the launch of Bisita, Be My Guest — a new program inviting travelers back to the Philippines — in Burbank, California on Saturday, April 22.

Photos courtesy of the Philippine Department of Tourism

Bohol, for its beaches and water activities like diving. For surfing, she recommended Siargao and La Union; the Cordilleras and Baguio for nature adventures.

“If you want to experience Filipino food, of course, we have the very delicious offerings of Pampanga, as well as in many other places where the delicacies are actually quite distinct regionally,” the secretary added.

“The Philippines is now the world’s leading beach destination

LAS VEGAS – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) toured the Healthy Asians & Pacific Islanders (HAPI) Medical Center with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community leaders to highlight her efforts to expand access to affordable health care for all Nevadans, including legislation she’s leading to hold Big Pharma accountable and lower drug prices by penalizing drug companies for raising prices faster than the rate of inflation.

“HAPI is doing great work to help ensure our AAPI communities in Nevada have access to affordable, quality care they deserve, and I’ll continue fighting to expand funding for community health centers and lower prescription drug costs for all Nevada families,” said Senator Cortez Masto.

The AAPI population is the fastest growing demographic in Nevada, making up about 12% of Nevada’s population. The HAPI Medical Center is a non-profit organization offering comprehensive health care to the AAPI community in Las Vegas, including those uninsured or underinsured. The center

provides quality health services without language barriers to better serve the medical needs of the underserved AAPI community.

“Our growing AAPI communities across Nevada are already benefiting from Senator Cortez Masto’s work to lower health care costs. Approximately 81 percent in our AAPI communities are uninsured, so I was glad to join the Senator today at HAPI Medical Center, which provides critical services to our communities, to hear about her efforts to make health care more accessible for

everyone in our communities and bring down drug prices,” said Vida Lin, President & Founder of ACDC. Senator Cortez Masto has fought to lower health care costs, and she’s been a champion for AAPI Nevadans. Last year, she met with AAPI community leaders in Las Vegas to discuss how the Inflation Reduction Act that she passed into law will make health care more affordable by giving Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices, capping drug costs, and limiting egregious price hikes by drug manufacturers. n

Cortez Masto joins AAPI community leaders at HAPI Medical Center and highlights her efforts to expand affordable health care access and lower drug costs

Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (center) is joined by officials of the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board on Saturday, April 22 during the launch of Bisita, Be My Guest in Southern California.

‘Bisita, Be My Guest’ program launched...

and the world’s leading dive destination as well as Asia’s leading tourist attraction,” she added.

The tourism chief also called on Filipino Americans to be part of their endeavor in achieving a goal of a 100% turnaround of the country’s tourism industry by next year.

“The target for the Philippines last year was set at 1.7 million international arrivals but because of the strong interests that continue for the Philippines, we received over 2.65 million international arrivals therefore surpassing our targets. This year, overall by the end of 2023, we will able to garner over 4.8 million international visitors and anticipate a 100 percent recovery for international travel next year,” she said.

This projection, she said, is earlier than what was projected before she assumed office that the country would reach the pre-pandemic travel numbers by 2025. The country recorded 8.26 million visitors in 2019.

She likewise expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response they got from the U.S.based Filipinos.

“Thank you so much for continuing to champion the Philippines by showing your love for our country and your great interests across our islands. As we are very excited to launch this program here in the United States and we are very hopeful that with the help of our fellow Filipinos here in the United States, we could continue to herald the good news about Philippines, the love and warmth of the Filipinos await you,” she said.

Frasco also assured that the

DOT, consistent with its mandate to help in the government’s sustainable growth, is doing its best to come up with various programs like the BBMG, to give not only the country’s tourism sector a boost but also the entire Philippine economy.

She recognized the tourism revenue contribution coming from the domestic front.

“Domestic tourism continues to help our regions and provinces greatly in terms of its contribution to the economy. And that is why we fully foresee, a 100 percent recovery of domestic tourism this year with no less than 122 million domestic trips taken by our fellow Filipinos. All of these translate to the most important purpose of pushing for Philippine tourism and that is the livelihood and employment of our fellow Filipinos. The tourism industry generated no less than 5.2 million for employment jobs for Filipinos last year,” she noted.

Prior to the U.S. launch, the DOT met with various travel stakeholders and Filipino communities in Japan and Germany to continuously promote the Philippines as a prime tourist destination.

“Since the start of the Marcos administration, we have begun the work of aggressively promoting the Philippines worldwide. As a matter of fact, I just returned from ITB Berlin, having brought the biggest Philippine delegation. Thankfully, with the support of our friends from various places in Europe, that particular exhibition generated for the Philippines $250 million in negotiated sales,” she said.

“We are also very grateful for the opportunity to have pitched for the Philippines in various

jurisdictions including the United Kingdom as well as Saudi Arabia.

We’ve also been to Thailand as well as Japan and many other jurisdictions by maintaining our positive relationship with fellow government ministers as well as our government-to-government relations, country to country,” she added.

To be able to attain their goal of 100 percent recovery by 2024, she said aside from BBMG and other tourism development initiatives, the DOT head said the Marcos administration is seeing to it that it would maintain friendly relationships with other nations.

“We are blessed by the fact that our president maintains a stance to be a friend to all and enemy to none and that has benefitted Philippine tourism greatly because our dual partnerships with countries that share our interests and the push for tourism continues to be sustained,” she said.

When asked about peace and order concerns, Frasco said while she has not encountered any from her meetings with the tourism stakeholders, she assured that the Philippine government, coinciding the implementation of these tourism promotion strategies, is making sure that security and peace and order in the country’s tourism destinations are of utmost priority.

The BBMG event in Southern California also highlighted exhibition booths from various travel agencies, aviation and airline firms, real estate and Filipino American entrepreneurs. Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano was also a guest performer at the launch.

BBMG was officially launched by DOT last December 13, 2022. Aside from the DOT, the campaign, which will run from January 2023 to April 2024, will also include participation from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Under the incentive program, registrants will be provided with a travel passport that they can use to go across key destinations, get stamps, and claim a prize at the airport. This will also give them a privilege card featuring discounts at accredited establishments across the country. There are also raffle prizes for qualified sponsors. For more details about the program, you can go to http:// bbmg.philippines.travel. n

Injured Filipino couple won’t settle with...

Roque family who were verbally and physically assaulted at a McDonald’s restaurant drive-thru in North Hollywood last year.

“What we are sure at the moment is that we will push through with the case,” Arriola stressed. “Even those who will handle case for us claim that is a big strong case.”

The Arriolas met with Deputy District Attorney Emilee Divinagracia and Assistant Deputy D.A. Rochelle Beardsley who, incidentally are both Filipinas, and will handle our case, happily shared Arriola.

Detained suspect

One of the suspects, Keylen Xavier Lee Farley, who is now detained at the Sacramento County Main Jail, was arraigned last March 15 before the Department 62 of the Sacramento Superior Court. The other suspect, still unidentified, is at large.

An investigation led to Farley’s arrest and the subsequent filing of three felony counts by the Sacramento District Attorney: two counts for robbery of the second degree and aggravated assault and a third count for elder abuse.

Farley allegedly attempted to steal a professional camera in broad daylight from Arriola who then had two large cameras on his shoulders. In the struggle captured on video, Arriola is seen being knocked to the ground.

In the same video, Farley is seen dragging Arriola on the pavement and kicking him in the chest multiple times. Ochengco was also reportedly pushed to the ground as she tried to restrain the man from attacking her husband.

Farley then rushed to a getaway car driven by the other suspect while the victims were taken to the University of California Davis Medical Center.

Traumatic injuries

The elderly Arriola says he and his wife are still suffering from physical injuries, psychological trauma and are unable to work as caregivers as before.

“I suffered six broken ribs apart from bruises

abrasions. My wife’s knees suffered even more after the incident as she was already using a cane due to weakened knees for a month before the attack. She also had a lot of bruises even in her chest,” Arriola says. His wife, he says, suddenly burst into tears at the memory of the attack.

“We really need all the help and support we can get as bills kept piling up through the days that we cannot got to work and even had to attend to the case hearings,” Arriola appealed.

NaFFAA is raising funds for the couple at https:// www.gofundme.com/f/vf6zak-fight-for-justiceelderly-filams-attacked, as well as NAFCON at tinyurl.com/helpthearriolas.” (Inquirer.net)

ART IN THE CITY. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte (center) and Jay Ruiz, project manager of Sentro Artista Art Hub, led the inauguration of the newly painted Elliptical Underpass in Quezon City on Wednesday, April 26. Among the species in the murals are the Philippine eagle, tamaraw, pangolin, warty pig, Negros bleeding-heart pigeon, tarsier, waling-waling and alocasia, painted by A.G. Sano, Art Atak team, Cosmic Clint and RKTRS Art Collective. PNA photo by Ben Briones

Trying to keep a brave face, couple Nicanor Arriola (left) and wife Julienne Ochengco comfort each other in the hospital despite still suffering from the physical and psychological injuries they sustained from assault at the State Capitol in Sacramento. Contributed photo

and

Dateline PhiliPPines

President Marcos counting remaining days in his presidency

by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — He is just about to enter his second year in office, but President Marcos said he is already counting the remaining days of his administration, describing everything he does as “urgent.”

Marcos said being a president is a “real privilege” that allows him to help a lot of people, so he is trying to maximize his time.

“It’s like a countdown in six years. I do not count the years. I do not count the months. I count the days, how many days left before it ends so I want to ensure that I will finish everything I need to accomplish within those

days,” the President said in an interview with state-run Radyo Pilipinas last Monday, April 24. According to Marcos, he needs to set priorities and address concerns that require immediate action.

“Before you know it, your schedule is already full because you need to do all these things and you really need prioritization, you need to choose what to prioritize,” he said.

“That’s the way it is. You cannot do anything. You need to do it. As I said, you cannot just postpone. One thing I learned since I assumed office is that everything is important, everything is urgent.”

NCR positivity rate rises to 10.6% – OCTA

by JAnvic mAteo Philstar.com

Marcos said he needs to be aware of new developments both here and abroad in the morning so he would know the issues to ponder on as well as matters to discuss at meetings.

“That’s what we are doing now. So far, we have been efficient somehow,” the Chief Executive said, adding that some work cannot be rushed.

The presidency requires a lot of planning and things can get complicated, Marcos stressed, adding that such scenarios are expected.

“I am lucky because I have been watching the events and activities of the president because of my father,” Marcos said. n

Oscar M. Lopez passes at 93

MANILA — Oscar Lopez, businessman and patriarch of the Lopez clan, has passed away at age 93.

“He was our North Star, the inspiration, and guide for succeeding generations of Lopez Group executives and employees who learned to treasure and practice with him the Group’s distinct core values: a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit, business excellence, unity, nationalism, and social justice,” First Philippine Holdings, where Lopez sat as chairman emeritus, said in a statement on Sunday, April 23.

Lopez was the chairman emeritus of local conglomerate, Lopez Holdings Corp. The Lopez family incorporated the conglomerate in 1993 as the holding company for its major investments.

Lopez Holdings Corp. has stakes in various business sectors: power and energy through First Gen Corp. and Energy Development Corp., media via ABS-CBN and Sky Cable, the property sector through Rockwell Land Corp. and First Philippine Industrial Park, as well as in manufacturing via First Philec Corp. It was ABS-CBN that first reported on his death.

ABS-CBN News was first to report his passing on late Saturday night, April 22.

Apart from First Philippine Holdings and Lopez Holdings Corp., Lopez was also the chairman emeritus of First Gen, EDC, First Balfour, Rockwell Land, among others.

Forbes listed Lopez as 45th in its 2022 edition of Philippines 50 Richest, with a net worth of $245 million.

While he is known for his contributions across the business sector, First Philippine Holdings said his legacy will be being among the pioneers in putting into consideration the environmental and community impact of business dealings. He founded a climate think-tank, which is now named

use of communities.

Lopez studied at Harvard College and graduated cum laude in 1951 and finished his graduate degree – a Masters of Public Administration – in 1995. He received a Doctor of Humanities honoris causa from De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University as well as a Doctor of Laws honoris cause from the Philippine Women’s University and the University of the Philippines. (Philstar.com)

MANILA — The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in the National Capital Region (NCR) further increased over the past week, according to monitoring conducted by the OCTA Research group.

Citing data from the Department of Health, OCTA fellow Guido David said the region’s seven-day positivity rate increased from 7.3 percent on April 16 to 10.6 percent on April 23.

The positivity rate measures the percentage of positive results out of the total number of RT-PCR tests conducted. The World Health Organization recommends a positivity rate of five percent or below to effectively manage the pandemic.

As of Monday, April 24, David said the nationwide positivity rate is at 10 percent. In a post on his Twitter

account, he noted that the NCR has an average of only 3,120 RT-PCR tests per day, down from around 11,000 in April 2022.

Official government data only take into account RT-PCR tests and not the antigen tests that have become a common way of testing for COVID-19 infection.

While this means that cases could be higher than the official count, David earlier said that looking at positivity rates and other indicators could still show trends in the number of cases.

Over the past weeks, positivity rates in various areas have seen a steady rise.

On Monday, the DOH reported 429 new cases, with 180 in NCR. He said the positivity rate in the region is on track to hit 15 percent before possibly plateauing by mid-May.

Hospital occupancy remained low at 21 percent.

QC still ‘low risk’

While the number of new cases has slightly increased, the

Quezon City government said the city remains at low risk for COVID-19.

Citing an assessment from OCTA Research, the city government said the number of average daily new cases increased from 17 last week to 22 this week.

The positivity rate, meanwhile, increased from 5.9 percent to 8.3 percent.

“The city remains at low risk level,” it said in an advisory in Filipino. “But the local government continues to remind everyone to stay safe and follow minimum health protocols to protect yourself from the virus and other contagious diseases.”

The city government said it has administered over 6.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 2.6 million adults and minors are considered fully vaccinated, while almost 1.6 million first and second booster doses have been administered. n

10 Philippine banks in Forbes’ World’s Best Banks list

by lAwRence AgcAoili Philstar.com

MANILA — Prominent business magazine Forbes has included 10 financial institutions from the Philippines in its recently published list of The World’s Best Banks for 2023. The 415 banks that earned a spot on Forbes ranking were evaluated in categories, such as digital services, customer services, financial advice and trust.

“If you cannot trust your financial institution, all other perks and services dwindle,” Parijat Banerjee, global head of business services at LatentView Analytics, said.

Forbes’ World’s Best Banks 2023 reflects trust and other industry trends especially after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in the U.S.

Compiled in partnership with market research firm Statista, the list is based on a worldwide survey of 48,000 banking customers in 32 countries.

The Top 10 banks in the Philippines include CIMB

Bank, Lucio Tan’s Philippine National Bank (PNB), Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands, Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines, and Sy-led BDO Unibank.

Completing the list were state-run Land Bank of the Philippines, Metrobank Group’s Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), Maya Bank of PLDT’s Voyager Innovations, and Gokongwei-owned Robinsons Bank Corp.

According to Forbes, the biggest banks were not necessarily the best as online banks are at the top in many countries, reflecting the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on customers’ digital comfort.

Over the past two years, Banerjee said that banks rapidly adopted new digital technology that made customers’ experiences more robust, swift and personal – all necessary to appeal to Millennial and Gen Z customers.

CIMB Bank is the 31st largest lender in the Philippines in terms of assets at P30.26 billion as of

end-2022, while PNB is the seventh largest bank with total resources amounting to P1.17 trillion.

BDO, owned by the family of the late retail and banking magnate Henry Sy, continued to dominate the industry with assets of P3.92 trillion and capital of P459.82 billion.

BPI is the country’s third largest bank with assets of P2.6 trillion and capitalization of P316.07 billion. The 171-yearold bank aims to complete its merger with Robinsons Bank , the country’s 16th largest bank with resources of P183.25 billion.

UnionBank is the country’s 9th largest bank with resources amounting to P961.58 billion, while RCBC is ranked sixth with P1.18 trillion.

On the other hand, PSBank – the thrift banking arm of the Metrobank Group – is the country’s largest mid-sized bank with assets of P263.37 billion and capitalization of P35.74 billion.

Maya Bank is one of the six entities granted digital banking licenses by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. n

Oscar Lopez ABS-CBN photo after him. The Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation, Inc. was created to look for solutions and technologies that develop climate risk information for

A new man in the PNP

THE Philippine National Police changed leadership on Monday, April 24 amid an ongoing purge targeting officers linked to drug trafficking. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin bowed out of the PNP just days after finding himself entangled in controversy over a raid that yielded 990 kilos of shabu, of which 42 kilos were allegedly pilfered by the police raiders.

The PNP also continues to face unresolved accusations of serious abuses in the so-called war on drugs waged by the previous administration. Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., the new PNP chief, will have to carry out the preferred approach of the Marcos administration to the drug scourge, which is less bloody and does not openly encourage police to shoot first and ask questions later.

Editorial

with reports of simmering unrest over a proposal to cut and overhaul the retirement pensions and benefits of military, police and other uniformed personnel. President Marcos, for his part, reportedly instructed Acorda to exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with government critics.

Acorda, a native of Ilocos Norte who reaches the retirement age of 56 this December, will also have to allay public concerns about a seeming deterioration of peace and order amid a string of brazen assassinations targeting mostly politicians and, in one daring attack in Metro Manila, a broadcaster. An encouraging aspect is that perpetrators have been arrested or identified in several of the cases including the murders of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and radio commentator Percy Lapid. But much more is needed to end the impunity in committing murder in this country.

Within the PNP, Acorda will also have to deal

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe roMualdez

THE announcement that U.S. President Joe Biden will be hosting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House during their bilateral meeting on May 1 definitely underscores the special friendship and the ever-strengthening ties between the United States and the Philippines.

President Marcos will be bringing key Cabinet members who will engage with their counterparts to cover many aspects of the bilateral relations between our two countries. As Malacañang put it, this allimportant visit to the U.S. will “substantively progress efforts to further deepen relations and political ties, to bring about lasting socio-economic partnerships, as well as to enhance defense and security cooperation.”

The bilateral meeting between President Marcos and President Biden will also reaffirm the ironclad commitment of the United States to the defense of the Philippines, with the discussion expected to touch on how the two nations can further deepen economic cooperation, promote inclusive prosperity and expand the special peopleto-people ties that have been in existence for so many decades – underpinning the close friendship between the Philippines and the U.S..

I received so many messages expressing elation over this latest development, and I responded by telling them the stars seem to be fully aligned

Acorda, whose last posting was as PNP intelligence chief, is aware of the long festering problems in the police organization. Since its creation, the PNP has become tainted by scandals linking its members including former PNP chiefs to large-scale corruption. Lower ranking cops, meanwhile, have been implicated in a wide range of criminal activities including protection rackets and murders related to e-sabong, jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling.

Housecleaning is a constant challenge within the PNP, even as it carries out its principal mandate of keeping the public safe. These are best carried out with public trust and confidence in the PNP, from its chief down to the new recruits. (Philstar.com)

Philippines-US relations: Stars fully aligned

because the timing seems to be very opportune, with recent events and activities leading up to this auspicious state of affairs.

As we had mentioned in our column last Sunday, April 23, the economy of the Philippines is on an upward trajectory, with growth expected to be sustained this year.

In the most recent World Economic Outlook Report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the projection for the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth was upgraded to 6 percent from the previous 5 percent forecast issued last January. The Philippines is also expected to register the fastest growth in Asia, outpacing India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand whose economies are also projected to expand this year.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) also gave a similarly positive outlook for the economy, with growth also projected at 6 percent. While the Philippines will also be facing challenges like the rest of the world, ADB Philippines country director Kelly Bird sees the country growing “at its potential this year and next, and is on track toward its goal to become an upper middleincome country.”

During the Philippine Economic Briefing we hosted in Washington, DC last April 12, the country’s economic managers led by Finance Secretary Ben Diokno, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan

were able to deliver a clear message to all the attendees composed of American business executives, U.S. government officials, think tanks and those from the business, financial and investment community that the Philippines is open for business and is ready to engage the United States to further strengthen trade and investment ties as well as deepen publicprivate sector collaboration.

The participants were impressed with the presentations and the succeeding Q and A that highlighted how “the Philippine economy managed to weather the storms and stay the course towards sustainable economic growth” amid a challenging global environment, as Secretary Diokno put it. Among the sectors that generated a lot of interest include energy, information technologybusiness process management (IT-BPM), semiconductor and agribusiness. There are also tremendous opportunities in logistics, transportation, manufacturing, tourism, health, education and digital connectivity.

Aside from the IMF-World Bank Annual Spring Meetings and the Philippine Economic Briefing, there was also the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ricky Manalo and Defense OIC Charlie Galvez with U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue recognized the important role of the alliance in maintaining peace and stability in the IndoPacific region and put forth a shared vision that supports an international rules-based order

and deeper economic ties, along with an “enduring commitment to stand shoulder-to-shoulder as allies to bring greater security, prosperity and stability to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.”

Speaker Martin Romualdez – who was at the Philippine Economic Briefing – also led a delegation of congressmen to Washington and engaged with members of the U.S. House of Representatives that included Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana. The visit was capped by a meeting between Speaker Romualdez and his American counterpart, the new Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy of California. As described by Speaker Martin, the meetings were very fruitful and engaging, with legislators from both countries recognizing

the important role they play in ensuring that the benefits of the “dynamic relationship” between the two nations would become even more tangible.

“Our message to the U.S. legislators was clear. The U.S.Philippine relation is strong, and is reaching new heights and levels of understanding under the administrations of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Joe Biden,” Speaker Romualdez said, explaining that the delegation of Filipino congressmen managed to impress upon Speaker McCarthy the need to ramp up discussion between legislators from both countries in order to boost bilateral relations.

In other words, the whole Philippine government’s relationship with the United States is on an upswing. But

what is most significant is that all these interactions do not solely address concerns regarding defense and security but, more importantly, also focus on the economic aspect of the relationship as our nations seek mutual prosperity and economic security. I hope those naysayers who continue to carp about our defense agreements with the United States would look more closely on the positive side of having more opportunities for trade mainly due to peace and security. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

Month

NEVADA’S Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities make up an essential part of our state’s economy and our culture. As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we’re recognizing the rich heritages and honoring the contributions of Nevada’s AAPI communities.

The district where I live in Las Vegas has the largest AAPI population in the whole state of Nevada, and last year we elected our district’s first AAPI state Assembly member to represent us in Carson City, Duy Nguyen.

AAPI communities throughout Nevada have expanded so much since I was growing up in Las Vegas, and it’s important for AAPI Nevadans to be represented by people who actually reflect what the community looks like. That’s partially why I was excited to join my AAPI colleagues in calling for and supporting the nomination of Julie Su to be the next Secretary of Labor and the first AAPI Cabinet Secretary in the Biden Administration. I know she’ll do an excellent job for Nevada’s working families. In the Senate, I’ve spoken with AAPI community members in every corner of our state; attended Kamayans, Night Markets, and other local events celebrating AAPI heritage; and worked with Nevada’s

AAPI leaders to ensure their communities have access to the resources they need.

Today, there are close to 22,000 Asian-owned businesses in Nevada across all industries, and that number continues to climb higher. I’m doing what I can to support small business owners throughout our state, making it easier to start a business, encouraging entrepreneurship, and protecting small businesses in our communities. Earlier this year, I introduced legislation to provide law enforcement with resources to crack down on organized retail crimes like flash mob robberies and cargo theft.

Bills like this will help ensure AAPI small business owners can continue their operations safely and more easily. Just

a few weeks ago, I met with members of the Asian Chamber of Commerce and was proud to receive an award from them for my support of the AAPI small business community.

On one of my recent trips home to Nevada, I toured the Healthy Asians & Pacific Islanders (HAPI) Medical Center, which is working to help uninsured and underinsured AAPI Nevadans get access to quality, affordable health care. Lowering prescription drug costs for all Nevada families has been a top priority of mine, and I’m meeting with organizations like HAPI to find the best solutions for our state’s AAPI communities. Last year, we took a big step in that direction when I passed sweeping legislation

to cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin at $35 per month for seniors and to guarantee free vaccines for people on Medicare. But I’m not done bringing those costs down – I introduced legislation this year to punish drug companies for raising prescription drug prices faster than the rate of inflation increases. That’s going to help a lot of Nevada families.

We have more work to do to support Nevada’s small businesses, lower costs, and protect our families, and I’m working with our state’s AAPI communities to ensure I’m doing all I can to prioritize their needs.

So this AAPI Heritage Month, I’m celebrating not only the contributions of AAPI Nevadans to our state, but also the ways

we’ve worked together to deliver for our AAPI communities. I look forward to continuing to listen to and learn from AAPI community members in Nevada, and I will continue working with the entire community to make Nevada a better state to live in.

* * * 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.

* *

*

Born and raised in Las Vegas, Catherine Cortez Masto has spent her career fighting for Nevada’s working families. She served two terms as Attorney General of Nevada and in November 2016, she made history by becoming the first woman from Nevada and the first Latina ever elected to the United States Senate.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with U.S. President Joe Biden during the second bilateral of the president on his six-day working visit to New York City. Malacañang file photo

New PNP chief Acorda vows to maintain cleansing of ranks

by Frances Mangosing, Jerome Aning Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has picked Police Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. as the new chief of the 228,000-strong Philippine National Police, a move hailed by lawmakers and colleagues.

In his acceptance speech during the change-of-command ceremony led by the President on Monday, April 24 at Camp Crame, Acorda, the former chief of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence, promised to continue his predecessor’s campaign to cleanse the police organization of scalawags.

“My stand on [illegal] drugs is clear—no police should be involved in pushing, using or whatever means of illegal drug trade,” he pointed out.

“You will be charged and removed from the service. This is my warning to each and everyone of you, our fight will be holistic in prevention and aggressive in operations,” he told policemen. “Under my leadership, rewards and punishment will be quick and decisive, it shall be fair and impartial and due process shall be observed.”

Acorda vowed that the PNP would be transparent under his watch: “To the media, our long-time partners, we welcome critics as our independent source of check and balance. We are allies in bringing out the truth… We will be transparent.”

He is expected to lead the PNP for almost eight months, with his retirement set on Dec. 3 when he turns 56 years old, the mandatory retirement age.

Acorda replaced now retired Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., whom the President thanked for his leadership and service to the country.

‘Dependable’

Explaining his choice of Acorda, Mr. Marcos said in an interview over state-owned Radyo Pilipinas: “There are many things happening in our police, we’re looking at them. We’re having problems so there is a need for us to place a dependable commander [and Acorda] is somebody who is well-known to me.”

The president said he knew

the abilities and reputation of Acorda inside the PNP and that Acorda’s name was “always part of the shortlist” for PNP chief.

“He is well-recognized within the police force and even in our civilian leadership, especially in the places he’d been in— he became a PD (provincial director) and RD (regional director). We heard his name and the report about him is good so I said, maybe, he is the one most fit [to be PNP chief] now,” he said.

Ilocano roots

Just like his predecessor, Acorda traces his roots back to Mr. Marcos’ home province of Ilocos Norte where he grew up and finished his elementary and secondary education at Gabaldon Elementary School’s Special Education Center in the capital city of Laoag and Bacarra National Comprehensive High School in Bacarra town, respectively, before moving to the Philippine Military Academy where he graduated in 1991. He also has a Master’s Degree in Management from the Philippine Christian University.

Acorda’s father and namesake served as a lawyer for the Citizen’s Legal Assistance Office, now known as the Public Attorney’s Office, in La Union province. His mother, Purificacion Casuga Acorda, was a government nurse in La Union.

Prior to becoming PNP chief, he widely served in his home province of Ilocos Norte as chief of operations and plans, intelligence officer and assistant provincial director for operations in 2008, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group deputy chief of operations in 2010. He headed the Palawan provincial police and the regional police office in Northern Mindanao before he headed the Directorate for Intelligence in August 2022.

The low-profile Acorda has no known baggage and will be stepping into the PNP leadership without major controversies linked to his name in a career spanning more than three decades.

The new PNP chief also earned numerous accolades, including the Bronze Cross Medal, a prestigious single-

grade military decoration of the AFP awarded for heroism involving risk of life, and several presidential citations, awards and decorations.

Acorda served as the chief of staff of the PNP Civil Security Group and was one of the officials who pioneered the creation of the PNP AntiCybercrime Group.

Right choice

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. welcomed Acorda’s appointment and assured him of his agency’s support.

Senators on Monday also lauded the appointment of Acorda, with Sen. Ronald dela Rosa saying that he was the “best choice” to lead the PNP.

Dela Rosa, himself a former PNP chief, described Acorda as a “silent operator” and a “very professional officer” who knows how to stand his ground despite “pressures from selfish politicians.”

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri was also elated over Acorda’s designation as he noted the police general’s accomplishments when he led the Northern Mindanao regional police.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said she received information that Acorda was “well-meaning and idealistic,” qualities that would help him implement reforms in the police organization.

In the House of Representatives, dangerous drugs committee chair Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said Acorda should continue cleansing the PNP’s ranks amid controversies surrounding its antinarcotics drive.

In Pangasinan province, Arturo Lomibao, also a former PNP chief, said he believed Acorda was prepared to assume the post with his “experience, knowledge and skills” despite “jumping over” three senior officers occupying three-star positions.

Retired Police Col. Paterno

Orduña, a former intelligence officer of the Pangasinan police, described Acorda as a “hardworking” and “low-profile” junior officer in Pangasinan when Lomibao served the Ilocos regional police. (With reports from Marlon Ramos, Julie M. Aurelio, Yolanda Sotelo and John Michael Mugas)

Fil-Am skater, partner make history for PH in world ice figure skating

by Charmaine rodriguez Inquirer.net

A FILIPINA American figure skater and her partner made history as the first pair from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to qualify for the world championships this year.

Although they finished 18th among the 20 pairs who competed in the 2023 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Saitama, Japan, it was no small feat for the team of Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin who had to work hard and win in smaller competitions to secure a spot in the prestigious competition.

For a tropical country like the Philippines, qualifying in skating or any other winter sports will always be one for the books.

The last time the Philippines sent a competitor to the World Championships was back in 2017 with Michael Martinez.

Filipinos in Canada might have a chance to wave the Philippine flag for the first time and support the duo next year when Montreal hosts the world figure skating championships again.

The ISU World Figure Skating Championships is an annual event that moves around the globe, attracting more than 300 million television viewers worldwide and showcasing the 200 best athletes from 50 countries in four disciplines: men, women, pair and ice dance, its website reads.

The 2024 World Championships will mark Canada’s 11th time hosting, and a second for Montreal. Montreal last hosted the Championships in 1932, the very first time Canada hosted the event. Canada last hosted the event in London, Ontario, in 2013, it added.

But this is not the first that the Florida-born Gamez will be in Canada.

In 2017, she moved to Montreal for her training and her new coaches hooked her up with Spanish skater Tón Cònsul, according to Myles A. Garcia in PositivelyFilipino.com.

“Because of her family’s Fil-Hispanic connections, it was easy enough to switch and skate with Cònsul for

ISU World

Skating Championships

Spain. At the 2018 Junior World Championships, the young Spanish-Filipino pair finished in 13th place. Cònsul, however, quickly decided to retire from competitive skating thereafter. Having spent time and vacations with family in the Philippines, Isabella always knew that she wanted to skate for her parents’ country—but how and when could it happen?” Garcia writes.

According to Rappler, Gamez eventually partnered with Canadian David-Alexandre Paradis, where they competed in the 2020 Four Continents Championships.

However, the two went their separate ways at the conclusion of the season due to the pandemic and subsequent retirement of Paradis.

It was only in 2021 with Korovin paired up with Gamez but could not compete since he still represented Russia and had to wait for the ISU’s go signal. He is also currently applying for a Filipino citizenship.

“Together, we both had different techniques coming from that he has a very strong European-Russian technique, and I had a very bold North American technique which we had to find a common ground,” Gamez told Rappler.

“We really took the time for those two years to meet in the middle for our skating and we really wanted, we really had to be patient for our techniques so that is where we are standing,”

she continued. We still have a lot to learn from each other especially that this was our first competition competing together and we had to understand each other’s nerves and emotions and what we’re like, she added.

In October 2022, the skating pair gave the Philippines its first medal in international figure skating — a second place finish at the 2022 Trophée Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur in France.

Born to Gerardo Gamez and Marivic Ramirez, who were both born and raised in the Philippines, Gamez was not shortchanged of Filipino culture and heritage. Her mother is also related to Filipino sports icon Freddie Webb.

Philippine mall developer, SM Supermalls, is one of the pair’s sponsors. The pair aims to qualify for the Winter Olympics happening in 2026 in Milano, Cortina.

“We would like to congratulate our homegrown talents who have all glided their way to the world championships. These two major wins are definitely one for the books as once again, we will be able to show the world how talented Filipino skaters are. And we at SM Supermalls will always be proud that you have brought pride to the country,” said Joseph V. Silva, AVP for Operations for SM Lifestyle Inc. Sports & Leisure Centers, when the pair won inthe Challenge Cup held in Tilburg, Netherlands on February 26, 2023. n

The Philippines’ representatives Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin perform during the 2023

Figure

in Japan. Photo courtesy of Yonhap News

VEGAS&STYLE

Fil-Am actor Arielle Jacobs to lead Broadway cast of ‘Here Lies Love’

by AJPress

FILIPINA American actor

Arielle Jacobs will lead the Broadway cast of “Here Lies Love” in the role of former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos. The musical, written by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, will begin preview performances at the Broadway Theatre in New York on June 17 ahead of opening on Thursday, July 20.

“I’m so honored to be able to tell this story and to step into

the shoes of Imelda Marcos, literally and figuratively,” said Jacobs said in a statement.

“Here Lies Love is a very transformative and powerful opportunity for everyone involved, and I think will also be the same for everyone who comes to experience the production.”

“Here Lies Love” tells the story of Imelda Marcos’ rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine

People Power Revolution.

Director Alex Timbers said, “Arielle blew us away in the casting process. She combines such charisma, wit, strength, and fierce intelligence that it was immediately clear to all of us she should lead our Broadway company.”

Jacobs has starred on Broadway as Princess Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin,” in the hit musical “Wicked,” and played Nina Rosario in the final cast of the four-time Tony Award and Grammy Award winning musical “In The Heights.”

She joins Jose Llana (“The King and I”), who will play his original role of Ferdinand Marcos, and Conrad Ricamora (“How to Get Away with Murder”), who will reprise his role as Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino.”

Tony Award winner Lea Salonga also joins the cast in a special five-week-only guest engagement from July 11-August 13. Additional casting will be announced soon.

Tickets are on sale now at Telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200. The Broadway Theatre box office will open on Saturday, May 20. “Here Lies Love” transforms the Broadway Theatre’s floor space into a dance club environment, where some audience members will stand and move with the actors, and others will enjoy from seats located around the theatre.

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

The creative team for “Here

Lies Love” on Broadway includes three-time Tony Award® nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award® winner Clint Ramos (costume design),

Tony Award® winner Justin

Townsend (lighting design),

M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design), and threetime Tony Award® nominee

Peter Nigrini (projection design), with casting by Tara

Rubin CSA, Xavier Rubiano

CSA, Gail Quintos and general management by Foresight Theatrical. Additional creative team members include ATW Jonathan Larson

Grant recipient J. Oconer

Navarro (music director), Billy Bustamante (assistant director), Renée Albulario

(assistant choreographer), Bobby Garcia (casting consultant/Philippines), Gregory T. Livoti (production stage manager), and Ryan Gohsman and Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage managers). Giselle “G” Töngi is the show’s Cultural and Community Liaison.

“Here Lies Love” is produced by Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna and Plate Spinner Productions, Clint Ramos, and Jose Antonio Vargas, with Aaron Lustbader serving as Executive Producer.

Five Negrenses win int’l book award

FIVE Negrense bookmakers won the 2023 Gold Quill Award bestowed by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) based in Chicago. In collaboration with Impress Quality Printing Philippines Inc. and Media Wise Communications Inc., their winning entry was the pioneering coffee table book titled “Sugar & Smiles: The Negrense Legacy Beyond 2020.” The team that produced Sugar & Smiles was led by Conrado Gen Tomas, Jose Kilayko Montalvo III, Benjamin de Leon Torre, Ma. Teresa Quebrar-Manalili, and J. Albert Araneta Gamboa. Together with 30 writers and creative staff, they launched the book in November 2021 at the main activity center of Ayala Malls Capitol Central. Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson supported the book project along with several local government units and congressional districts as well as major corporations and private enterprises. This 320-page heirloom collectible is the first coffee table book about Negros Occidental. Its cover was designed by graphic artist Nikki Solinap and the inside pages contain original artworks from watercolor painter Edbon Sevilleno. The book’s main chapters were written by historians Modesto Sa-onoy and Roque Hofileña; lawyers Rayboy Pandan and Eli Gatanela; culturati Cecilia Locsin-Nava and Lloyd Tronco; chefs Richard Ynayan and Mia Lizares-Gonzaga; veteran journalists Carla Gomez and Cedelf Tupas; tourism official Christine

Mansinares and advertising executive Nikki Golez. The book project’s beneficiary was Kalipay Negrense Foundation under Anna Claparols Balcells. IABC is the foremost global community of communications professionals representing diverse

industries and disciplines. For more than 40 years, IABC’s Gold Quill Awards program has recognized excellence in strategic communication worldwide and is acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the industry.

Arielle Jacobs

Photos by Harold Julian

Jose Llana, Arielle Jacobs, and Conrad Ricamora

Who really owns ‘Eat Bulaga’? Tito Sotto explains

by Deni AfiniDAD-BernArDo Philstar.com

WHO owns “Eat Bulaga” – its producer Television and Production Exponents Incorporated (TAPE Inc.) or its pillars Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and Tony Tuviera?

When GMA host Nelson Canlas specifically asked Sotto in an exclusive interview premiered on YouTube on Tuesday, April 25, “Who owns ‘Eat Bulaga’,” Tito explained: “If it’s a copyright issue, definitely, it’s owned by Joey de Leon and the three of us (Tito, Vic and Tony). Kami, s’ya ang nag-imbento ng pangalan.”

When Canlas clarified if the four of them had “Eat Bulaga” copyrighted, Sotto said: “Uncontestable! Copyrighted or not, may copyright din sila ng merchandising, ‘yung TAPE eh. Meron din kaming mga nakafile eh. Immaterial ‘yun. Ask the lawyers. There’s no such thing na ikaw ang may pagmamay-ari nito pero itong mga nag-imbento, hindi sila? Hindi pwede ‘yun.

As the show’s brains, Tito said they have also committed themselves to keeping the show’s integrity, which is why he also distances himself from the show whenever he’s elected in office.

“You know ‘Eat Bulaga,’ the three of us and Tony, we’ve always tried our best to keep the image of ‘Eat Bulaga’ as ‘Eat Bulaga.’ Gan’un ‘yun eh. Kaya nga iniiwasan namin ‘yung mga controversial na tao, political, ganyan. As a matter of fact every time I’m elected into a

major position in government, I leave. Hindi ako nakiki-alam.

At umaattend lang ako kapag inimbita nila ako kung merong anniversary, kapag merong birthday,” enthused Sotto, adding that he never campaigned in the show and even paid for political ads.

“We’ve tried our best to avoid getting ‘Eat Bulaga’ contaminated with political issues or controversial issues. We were very successful eh… With all the controversies that surrounded ‘Eat Bulaga,’ we were able to preserve ‘Eat Bulaga’.”

Sotto clarified that the Jalosjos family and their corporation owns TAPE Inc. As senate president for four and a half years, Sotto said he has gained access to official records that show who’s behind TAPE Inc.’s ownership.

“If you’re talking about ‘Eat Bulaga,’ it’s owned by Tito, Vic and Joey. And now, if you’re asking about TAPE, TAPE is owned by them (Jalosjos family),” he said.

“Seventy-five percent Jalosjos family, 25% si Tony,” Sotto bared. “I don’t know what they plan to do with that 25%. In fact, mali pa nga ‘yung sinabi ng (TAPE) Board member, 20% percent lang daw. Hindi, 25% si Tony. Tig-8% ‘yung iba. We have the records eh, we can check the records.”

According to him, that 8% belongs to “someone not born in 1981” or when TAPE was founded and started producing the show. He does not think that it is accurate that TAPE gave Tony’s

Enrique Gil denies breakup with Liza Soberano: ‘I love her to death’

by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

LIZQUEN fanatics may now heave a sigh of relief.

After years of speculations, Enrique Gil finally opened up about his relationship with longtime girlfriend Liza Soberano as he declared that it is still going strong even if they’re busy with their respective careers.

Gil made the clarification about the status of his sevenyear romance with Soberano on ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol on Tuesday, April 25, after he signed a two-year exclusive contract with the network on Wednesday. The actor said that by now, they are already “used” to break-up rumors hounding their relationship.

alleged 20% of the shares as the show’s producer.

“

Kasi itong registration nila ngayon, nasa 25% si Tony at ‘yung family nila ay 75%, bago lang ‘yan eh. Iba noong araw ‘yan eh.”

In fact, according to Sotto, TAPE Inc.’s forerunner, Production Specialists, still owes them money and as payment, they were promised with shares in TAPE.

Nu’ng nagdeklara na ‘yung

Production Specialists na wala na at tinayo ‘yung TAPE, malaki pa ang utang sa’min nu’ng Production Specialists, katulad n’ung utang nila sa labas, pero may utang sa aming tatlo,” he claimed.

“

Ang ipinangako sa’min nu’ng itinayo ‘yung TAPE, meron kaming share du’n tatlo. For 43 years, all of a sudden we found out, wala pala… Kaya hindi accurate na pina-produce kay Tony, binigyan ng 20%. Hindi ko alam kung saan galing ‘yung kwento na ‘yun.”

Tito said that the show’s credits, including its portions, are owned by the show’s production team, but TAPE is allegedly “creditgrabbing.”

Yun ang sinasabi ng production sa’kin, they (TAPE) are credit-grabbing all of a sudden after 44 years,” he said.

“

Sila (production team) ang may-ari ng portions, sila ang nagiimbento ng portions. ‘Pag may icle-clear na portions, all the way, from 1979 to the present, ‘pag merong icle-clear na portions, PAGE 10

“We’re good, we’re good,” he said, when he was asked about his relationship with the actress. “She’s just really busy with her stuff there. I am going to be visiting her maybe when my schedule clears up. I think she’s coming back here. But yeah, we’re good.”

“There” meant Soberano’s fledgling Hollywood career under her new management, Careless, and she had been

spending the most parts of the year in the United States for work.

Nonetheless, the “ Dolce Amore ” star said that he’s fully supportive of his girlfriend’s career move “no matter what,” because he loves her “to death.”

“Because Hope [Soberano] is in the U.S., she is doing her own thing which I am going to support no matter what. I love her to death,” he said.“I just really support her no matter what. I know it’s hard to go on a new path but I support her nonetheless. And who knows? You might be seeing her coming back in the near future.”

Despite their long-distance relationship, Gil shared that they make it a point to check in on each other no matter what.

“It’s hard [being in a longdistance relationship], we don’t talk like we used to due to different time zones. But we still keep in touch and she’s good there. She has a team with her there which is really good,” he said.

After he showed up during his contract signing with ABSCBN executives with his yearold Bichon Frisé in tow, he

said that the pup would be his companion for the moment while Soberano is in the US. “I need dogs, and Hope is in the U.S., so Millie keeps me company. This is my new baby,” he said, while cradling his furbaby during the report. During the contract signing, Gil said he is going to be focusing on his career as a solo artist for now.

“It is about me coming back to doing my own path as a solo artist. What we’re going for is a multi-level genre, so pwedeng may pagka -romance, action, and a lot of comedy in it as well,” he said.

The “Forevermore” star will reportedly star in an upcoming film and series with the network, although details are yet to be disclosed, as of this writing.

The celebrity couple — also known as LizQuen — have been in a relationship since 2014, although they went public with their romance only in 2019. Aside from Dolce Amore,” the sweethearts have worked together in several films and teleseryes including “Alone Together,” “Forevermore,” “Bagani,” “My Ex and Whys,” and “Dolce Amore,” among many others.

Enrique Gil and Liza Soberano

Photo from Instagram/@enriquegil17

Photo courtesy of TAPE, Inc.

ABOUT 33 percent of men have experienced premature ejaculation at one time or another. If it occurs rarely or occasionally, it is not a permanent issue to be seriously concerned about. If persistent, this condition could be devastating to the couple.

What is premature ejaculation?

The most satisfying lovemaking is when orgasm of the partners occurs exactly at the same time. Normally, the timing does not have to be perfect for a couple to have an enjoyable sex, but if the male ejaculates before penetration or just one minute or less after penetration, it is called premature ejaculation. In some cases, premature ejaculation could also happen during masturbation. When male climax occurs too soon, the man feels inadequate and the woman, unfulfilled and disappointed. But there is hope.

How long should intercourse last?

There is no set rule for this. In a survey of 4,400 heterosexual partners, the act lasts for an average of 19 minutes, 10 minutes of foreplay, and 9 minutes of actual penetrating intercourse. Other studies show the average vaginal sex lasts about 5 minutes. Some women want longer foreplay before orgasm is possible. Certain positions make some men ejaculate later or sooner. Being candid with each other and exploring various techniques will help the couple find the best strategy.

What causes prejaculation?

The exact cause is not known.

It was previously thought to be psychological, but science now knows the cause is a complex interaction between psychological and biological factors. The psychological role includes sexual abuse, early sexual experiences, depression, poor body image and selfesteem, the guilt of rushing through sexual encounters, and the actual worry about premature ejaculation itself. The other factors are stress, anxiety, problem in the relationship, and erectile dysfunction. The biological factors are inherited traits, abnormal levels of the hormones, infection of the prostate or urethra, abnormal levels of brain chemicals (the neurotransmitters).

When should a physician be consulted?

If premature ejaculation happens most of the time, it is time to see a physician, no matter how embarrassing. In some cases, talking to a physician could be so reassuring it could help. Some men think ejaculation after 5 minutes of sex

On premature ejaculation

is premature. Actually, as I have stated above, 5 minutes is, on average, normal for most people; occasional prejaculation is not a problem. Ejaculation outside the vagina, results in no pregnancy.

How is prejaculation diagnosed?

Premature ejaculation is confirmed if the man always or nearly always discharges his semen within 60 seconds of penetration; unable to delay ejaculation during the sex act all the time or most of the time; when he feels frustrated and depressed over it and usually avoids sex because of it. The two types of prejaculation are:

Primary (life-long), when the man experiences premature ejaculation his whole life, from the very first sexual encounter; Secondary (Acquired), when it develops after having no ejaculatory problems in the past.

Besides asking about the details of your sexual life, the physician will also ask about your personal, medical, and family history, and some info about your partner. This is followed by a complete physical examination. If erectile dysfunction is also present, a male hormone (testosterone) level and other tests might be ordered. A referral to a urologist might be needed.

What is the treatment for prejaculation?

The management for this condition includes behavioral modification, medications, topical anesthetics, and counseling. Each man varies in response to the treatment.

Behavioral therapy combined with a drug could be a most effective option. Masturbation an hour or two before sexual intercourse to delay ejaculation sometimes helps. Another is abstinence from intercourse for a period of time and performing other modes of sexual play with the woman to reduce anxiety and pressure before the actual intercourse.

Doing Kegel pelvic floor exercise to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles that can cause prejaculation helps. When one holds back on passing gas (sort of puckering, tightening the anus), the muscles involved are the pelvic muscles. To do the Kegel exercise, hold the contraction for 3 seconds and then relax for 3 seconds, repeating this same cycle (3 sets of ten) a day. This can be done while sitting, standing, or even walking.

What is the pause-squeeze technique?

This is another maneuver that can help treat prejaculation. Start the sexual encounter the usual way until the urge to ejaculate starts. Have the woman squeeze the end of the penis at the area between the head of the penis and the shaft, maintaining the vaginal squeeze for several seconds, until the urge to

Who really owns ‘Eat Bulaga...

PAGE 9 so pinag-uusapan, they clear it with Tito, Vic and Joey and Tony Tuviera. No one else. And then all of a sudden… they’re saying it has always been clear with them (TAPE).”

TAPE never actively managed the show’s production, Sotto said, so he was surprised why the company is all of a sudden allegedly “credit-grabbing.”

“It was always Tony and the three of us. And we would always consult production heads, more particularly (Head Writer and Creative Director) Jenny Ferre, Poochie Rivera, the director.”

Sotto revealed that TAPE wanted Ferre and Rivera to also retire. Bakit? May gusto silang

ejaculate wanes or stops. Repeat as often as needed. Make this your routine strategy with your sex partner. After repeated use, the man eventually feels he is in control of his ejaculation better.

Another option is to stop sexual stimulation or withdraw the penis out of the vagina, and wait until the arousal has declined, and then start again, a technique called start-stopstart. Available in the drug stores are special condoms that could help delay ejaculation, with benzocaine or lidocaine numbing anesthetic agent in them. Some of them are Lifestyles Everlast Intense, Trojan Extended, and Durex Performax Instense. The anesthetic agent (like EMLA, a prescription drug, or Licdocaine spray) could be applied to the penis 10 minutes before sex to minimize sensitivity and aid in delaying ejaculation. Sometimes these could reduce arousal in either partner.

How about pills?

Although these drugs have not been approved by the FDA specifically for premature ejaculation, the following have been tried by physicians: antidepressants (Paroxitine), analgesics (tramadol), clomipramine, phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (Viagra, Cialis, Levitra); and the following which are still being tested: modafinil, dapoxetine, and silodosin. Counseling combined with medication has also been found effective among many patients.

The most important first step is to openly acknowledge the problem, and then seeking medical consultation. Premature ejaculation is treatable. The more candid, positive, and openminded the man is, the more effective the therapy is.

* * *

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

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

ipasok na iba,” Sotto said. “Bakit? Are they (Ferre and Rivera) doing something wrong? Are they doing something bad for the program? No! Ang ganda ng takbo ng programa dahil sa kanila saka kapa nila ‘yun. Bakit ka kukuha ng bagito? Why, ‘di ba? All because you want certain portions or two portions to change? Because gusto mo ikaw ang pumasok sa portion na ‘yun? I don’t know.” Fortunately, according to Sotto, TAPE agreed to retain their production staff.

“Hindi naman sila naging active sa production itself kasi sa usapan namin, ‘wag na nila pakiki-alaman ‘yun kasi nga ‘yun ay doing well.”

Sotto, nevertheless, admitted that TAPE has been actively talking to the employees.

Ken Chan bares what went wrong in romance with Rita Daniela

THE Ken Chan most of his followers know looks squeaky clean and well-scrubbed. He never smeared his body as Rita Daniela’s love team partner in various drama series and movies.

But there comes a point in any serious actor’s life when he has to leave his comfort zone and venture into the untried. That turning point came when award-winning director Louie Ignacio came up with a film that casts Ken as a sixyear-old girl’s devoted father in the touching drama "Papa Mascot," now showing in Metro Manila theaters.

This time, the 30-year-old actorentrepreneur has no love team. The target of his affection is his ailing daughter (played by Erin Rose Espiritu). As a loving but impoverished dad, Ken mirrored the face of want and struggle. He is unshaven. His face glistens with sweat. He’s a fugitive.

It’s a far cry from the real Ken who owns a string of businesses (e.g. Café Claus restaurant, Aromagicare Therapy Oil, Wide International). It’s the opposite of the real Ken who takes a bath for two hours

thrice a day.

Soaked in mud

Adjusting to the role was like climbing a steep mountain. Ken admits closing his eyes when Ignacio ordered him to soak his foot in mud. He couldn’t wash the mud all throughout the day. Ken had to stay in character.

“Moviegoers must feel your stench,” Ignacio told Ken.

He was able to impress the director, who disdains actors averse to being deglamorized.

Ken, on the other hand, dreams of shedding his pretty boy image. He watched father-son movies like "I Am Sam" and "Doll House" to do

justice to the role. Speaking of grown-up roles, Ken won’t refuse daring roles in three months’ time, during which he will work on his body at the gym. After all, at 30, he thinks it’s time to take on mature roles.

Breadwinner

Besides, in real life, Ken has been playing the mature role of breadwinner for some time. The role is so consuming, Ken admitted giving up his then blooming romance with Rita to build what he describes as his empire.

“I sacrificed my love for her. I hurt her feelings. I chose my family and my dreams for them,” he admitted.

He has not sacrificed in vain. Ken and his fellow millennial partners in Wide International are lining up more films, among them collaborations with foreign celebrities. Café Klaus, originally located in Tandang Sora, Quezon City, has opened three branches in just one year. The future beckons. And all because Ken paid the price to see his dreams come true. (Philstar. com)

“We had two or three meetings before the program… It was never been that way,” Sotto said.

“With Tony Tuviera, wala kaming problema. With the new officers, we’re trying to get along. That’s why ang pinag-usapan naming nitong huli sa mga pinagusapang status quo, let’s give it a try. ‘Yun ang ending namin Nothing is written in stone.”

According to him, Atty.

Felipe Gozon, Chief Executive Officer of GMA Network that carries the show, knows that the show addresses everyone as “Dabarkads” because the show has evolved into “a public service program masquerading as an entertainment show” and therefore, now belongs to the people.

Ken Chan Philstar.com photo