051123 - Las Vegas Edition

Medi-Cal enrollees in California: Here’s how to verify your eligibility

IF you are enrolled in Medi-Cal, as more than one-third of Californians are, make sure your county knows how to reach you, or you could lose your health coverage unnecessarily.

You will likely hear and see public messages over the coming weeks urging you to update your contact information. Heed them.

Then, sometime between now and next spring, you’ll probably receive mail from the agency that administers Medi-Cal in your county telling you if you are still eligible for the safety-net health insurance program or asking for more information about your employment status, income, and household size. An information request would likely come in a bright-yellow envelope containing a roughly 20-page form about six weeks before the start of

Vice President Kamala Harris headlines White House celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month

WASHINGTON, D.C. — A packed auditorium stood up and cheered for a long moment as Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage May 3 at George Washington University here, during the White House celebration kicking off Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

The theme of the event was “Visible Together.” AANHPIs have long been in the shadows of American society, though they are the fastest-growing immigrant population.

In her remarks onstage, Harris said that at many junctures in her career, she has felt like the only person of color in the room.

“My mom used to say to me: ‘Kamala, you may be the first to do this, but make sure you’re not the last,’” said Harris, who is the first Indian American, Black, and first female Vice President in the U.S.

“You may find when you walk into a room that you are the only one who looks like you

US: Talks on details of possible joint maritime activities still ongoing

Manuel “Babe” Romualdez told CNN Philippines on Monday, May 8 he expects that the exercises may begin as soon as third quarter this year.

“Our conversations on combined maritime activities with the Philippines are continuing, and our planners are working hard on specific

WHO’s declaration on COVID-19 to help sustain PH economy’s growth – Romualdez

by FAITH ARGOSINO Inquirer.net

MANILA — The World Health Organization (WHO) declaring that COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency would help the country boost its economic activities and sustain its growth, House Speaker Martin Romualdez said on Sunday, May 7. “The decision shows that countries around the globe, including the

Philippines, have succeeded through a collaborative effort in fighting the highly infectious novel coronavirus and its variants, though they remain a threat to public health,” said Romualdez in a statement. However, he said that locals should still practice minimum public health and safety protocols such as wearing their masks, washing their hands, and observing physical distance.

Marcoses meet Charles at Buckingham Palace

by

HELEN

FLORES Philstar.com

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos was among the world leaders who witnessed the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla at Westminster Abbey in the United Kingdom on Saturday, May 6 highlighting the deep ties between the Philippines and the European nation.

Marcos, who was accompanied by First Lady Liza AranetaMarcos, arrived at the Gatwick Airport on Friday, May 5 from Washington D.C.

The president and his

delegation were welcomed by Richard Kleinwort, special representative of King Charles, and Georgina Butler, special representative of the foreign secretary, at the airport.

“Honored to have been greeted by a representative of the royal court upon our arrival in the UK for the coronation of King Charles III,” the president said in a post on Twitter.

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) also shared on Facebook photos of Marcos’ arrival as well as his meeting with airport officials.

issues such as timing, assets, and logistics,” the embassy said in a statement on Tuesday. Manila and Washington “agreed to restart joint maritime patrols” in the South China Sea when U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visitied  PAGE 2

President’s trip to US shows PH has ‘powerful friends’ – expert

by FRANCES MANGOSING, JEROME ANING Inquirer.net

THE reaffirmation of Manila’s ties with Washington during President Marcos’ visit to the United States last week sends a “stronger message” to China that the Philippines has “powerful friends” it could count on, a maritime law expert said at a government briefing on Monday, May 8.

“Of course, China will be concerned because they will see that we are not just a small country, but a country with many powerful friends. And, hopefully, because of that, they might think a bit that we cannot just be cast aside, especially when it comes to the West Philippine Sea,” lawyer Jay Batongbacal said at the Laging Handa public briefing.

Yet China is still “expected” to continue testing the Philippines’ resolve in defending its maritime claims, said Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines-Institute of Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea.

“But because the message has become stronger that we have powerful friends, maybe they will change a lit-

Marcos: ‘There were abuses’ in Duterte’s ‘drug war’

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. acknowledged that “abuses” did happen during the course of the “war on drugs” waged by his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Marcos said Thursday, May 4 in Washington that these abuses happened because of the Duterte administration’s focus on law enforcement in combating illegal drugs, which the incumbent president said has been taken “as far as we can.”

“What had happened in the

previous administration is that we focused very much on enforcement. And because of that, it could be said there were abuses by certain elements of the government that has caused some concern in many quarters about the human rights situation in the Philippines,” Marcos said at a forum hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Domestic processes on ‘drug war’ cases While this is the farthest that Marcos has come in acknowledging the reported abuses in Duterte’s “war on drugs,” his administration still

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Malacañang photo

MEETING WITH KING CHARLES. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos met King Charles III in Buckingham Palace in London ahead of the monarch’s formal coronation on Saturday, May 6. The encounter between the Macroses and King Charles III happened during the reception for heads of state and other visiting dignitaries in Buckingham Palace on Friday, May 5. Malacañang photo

US: Talks in details of...

Manila to meet his counterpart, Carlito Galvez Jr., in February.

A month later, the Department of Foreign Affairs said that the government already kickstarted creating guidelines for combined maritime activities in the West Philippine Sea. DFA Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza told reporters in March that “operational details, including on the possibility of engaging other regional partners, will be part of Philippine-U.S. discussions

within the framework of the [Mutual Defense Board and Security Engagements Board].”

The DFA has yet to respond to Philstar.com’s request on Tuesday for an update on the guidelines. Officials have floated that a trilateral mode of cooperation may be pursued for joint maritime activities, engaging countries such as Japan and Australia.

The U.S. Embassy on Tuesday pointed out that the end-goal of the planned

combined maritime activities “would be to support the Philippines [in] exercising its lawful sovereign maritime rights under international law.”

Among key issues faced by Manila is Beijing’s constant harassment in the West Philippine Sea. China considers a 2016 ruling at the Permanent Court of Arbitration “illegal, null, and void” as it invalidates its claims over areas within its so-called nine-dash line, which includes parts of Philippine waters. (Philstar.com)

WHO’s declaration on COVID-19 to help...

He also urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) to prescribe health protocols to help WHO strengthen its move to lift the global health emergency declaration.

DOH and IATF-EID on Saturday said they would meet to discuss and reassess pandemic policies and guidelines.

“I think our people have

learned to live with the virus. Though there is no wear-facemask mandate, many of them continue to wear masks and observe physical distancing. They are aware of the residual threat, and they are not letting their guard down,” he said.

Romualdez also pointed out that WHO’s move “should pave the way for us to sustain our economic growth or even take the economy to a higher growth path for the benefit of our people, especially the poor.”

“It should translate to

increased mobility, more economic activities, and therefore additional job and income opportunities for our workers and their families,” he explained.

Romualdez added that the decision could also result in more tourist arrivals in the country.

“Let the concerned government agencies and sectors of the economy prepare for this possibility, which will benefit tourist destinations and local communities,” he said.

Vice President Kamala Harris headlines...

PAGE 1

or has your lived experiences,” said Harris. “My message is: walk in with your chin up, shoulders back, knowing that you are representing the voices of so many people who are proud that you’re in that room.”

“We are all in that room with you. You are not walking in that room alone,” she said, to cheers from the audience of more than 1,300 people. United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai, who also delivered remarks onstage, noted that the gathering was the largest participation of AANHPIs of any administration. “Bigotry and violence have threatened to ravage our communities for decades. Many of us feel like we are invisible. But our administration sees you. Your voices help drive our agenda,” she said. Before beginning her onstage conversation with Harris, actress Poorna Jagannathan — who plays a doctor coming to terms with the unconventional lifestyle of her teenage daughter in Mindy Kaling’s hit television series “Never Have I Ever” — shared her story of invisibility. “My heritage always made me feel like a bit of an outsider, yet suddenly it is a thing. So many incredible

stories of the diaspora come from it. And it has brought me all the way to you today. So what a gift.”

Also sharing the stage was Jerry Won, producer of the popular podcast “Dear Asian Americans.”

Many of the most visible members of the community attended the star-studded event, including actors Daniel Dae Kim — Lost, Hawaii Five-O — and Kevin Kreider, whose credits include The Ugly Model and Bling Empire. Singer Eric Nam shared a videotaped conversation with U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy: in a lighthearted moment, the two pondered the name of their possible IndoKorean fusion band.

Other singers included MILCK — who sang her emotionally-raw anthem “I Can’t Keep Quiet,” which focuses on sexual abuse — Wolftyla, Sonny Singh of the Red Baarat Band, and Keilana.

News anchors Lisa Ling of CNN and Richard Lui of MSNBC moderated panels during the daylong event. Several members of the Biden-Harris administration were also featured, including Neera Tanden; two days later, President Joe Biden announced that Tanden will serve as the next head of his domestic policy

council, replacing Susan Rice, who is stepping down June 1. The crowd also went wild as Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, spoke of the need to confirm Julie Su as Labor Secretary. Su — who would be the first AAPI woman to serve in that role — is facing an uphill battle for confirmation. Sen. Joe Manchin, D-West Virginia has said he will not vote for Su, who has faced opposition from several corporations for her pro-worker stance. Rep. Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, Sethuraman Panchanathan, director of the National Science Foundation, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, appeared via video. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra took to the stage to advocate for disaggregated data, and inlanguage access for all public documents. “On behalf of all of us working in this administration, we want you to understand that, with you, we will make a difference,” he said.

“Thanks to President Biden, our community has become more visible than ever before. We have an unprecedented AANHPI representation in the PAGE 4

hike. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Vice President Kamala Harris headlined the White House daylong celebration kicking off Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders Heritage Month. To her left is actress Poorna Jagannathan. Photo from Twitter/@VP

Marcoses meet Charles at Buckingham...

PAGE 1

According to reports, Marcos’ children, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos, Simon and Vincent were also in London.

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, the president’s cousin, and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista were among the officials in the president’s delegation to the UK.

The president and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak were expected to have a “very casual” meeting on the sidelines of Charles’ coronation as part of efforts to deepen Manila and London’s trade partnership.

“I can’t think of a single instance where the Philippines and the UK ever disagreed. It’s been a continuing friendship and now I hope under a president, who to some extent had his character formed with the British experience, will go deeper,” Philippine Ambassador to the UK and Northern Ireland Teodoro Locsin Jr. said in a media interview in London on Friday.

Marcos received a special diploma in social studies from the Oxford University in England in 1978. He also went to Worth School, also in England, from 1970 to 1974.

On Twitter, British Ambassador Laure Beaufils posted a photo of the First Couple chatting with Charles during a dinner at the Buckingham Palace on Friday for overseas representatives.

The president wore a barong, while the First Lady donned a Filipiniana outfit.

“Deeply honored to attend the royal reception with First Lady Liza Marcos at Buckingham Palace,” Marcos tweeted on Saturday, May 6.

“We underscore the thriving relationship between the Philippines and the United Kingdom, which has been promising in increasing trade, investment and cultural exchanges for the Filipino people,” he said.

President’s trip to US shows PH has...

tle in their attitude and position when it comes to us,” he said.

“They will see that they should not ignore us, they should really treat us seriously when it comes [to the West Philippine Sea],” he added.

According to Batongbacal, the Philippines is now “catching up” on key areas in its security and defense, including its approval of more sites for U.S. forces in line with Manila’s Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement with Washington.

He hoped that “China will see that it really has to change its policies and let [Filipino fishermen] peacefully fish in our own waters. That’s very important for us which is why it is good that we got assurances because we can really stand [up] to our [sovereign]… and legal rights there [in] the West Philippine Sea.”

Senate support

Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has committed legislative support to procure “more ships and more planes” for the Philippine Navy as part of the military’s modernization program, amid renewed tensions with China in the West Philippine Sea.

“We commit to pursue Horizon 2 and Horizon 3 projects,” Zubiri said at the christening on Monday of two brand-new Ace-

ro-class patrol gunboats built by Israel Shipyards Ltd.

He was referring to the two of three stages of the modernization or capability upgrade program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“All the 24 senators are 101 percent committed to support the modernization of the Navy, particularly for more ships, more planes. We’re looking at antisubmarine planes… and warships, larger base ships for the West Philippine Sea,” the Senate leader said. “We’re ready to fund this.”

Zubiri said he had scheduled a meeting with Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman next week to discuss several issues, including the procurement plans for the Horizon 2 and 3 projects to be included in the national budget.

He also said the senators would ask the help of the Israeli government to supply the Philippines with armaments and missile systems. “What good is a brandnew boat without weapons? We are pushing for more budget for surface-to-air missiles, surfaceto-ship missiles and other armaments that can be utilized by our Navy assets.”

‘Bully’ vessel Zubiri paid tribute to the Navy’s “selfless service to the country, … especially in these times

of brewing conflict in our seas.”

He also recalled an incident last year when a “foreign nation” forcibly seized a rocket debris, apparently from China, being towed by the Navy off Pag-asa (Thitu) Island. “I was aghast and I told myself this must be exposed to the world… to show the bravery of the men and women of our Navy. They were just on a rubber boat going up against a foreign vessel, which was a bully,” he said. He said he had taken up with the president the proposed submarine programs for a more capable Navy. The Philippines is currently looking at offers from France, South Korea and Spain to fulfill the Navy’s requirements for two diesel-electric submarines, he said.

In November last year, the Department of National Defense briefed lawmakers that it needed almost P300 billion to fund the backlog in the military’s modernization program. The military failed to meet its Horizon 2 target acquisitions between 2018 and 2022. It entered the third stage or Horizon 3 this year, which should be ideally completed by 2028.

‘Credible defense posture’ Zubiri said his colleagues were “willing to make adjustments… to push for our advocacy for a u PAGE 4

Marcos’ visit to the UK followed a five-day official visit to the U.S., where he met with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and top military officials.

In an interview in Washington on Thursday, May 4, Marcos said he personally knows Charles. The King is the UK head of state although his powers are symbolic and ceremonial.

The president failed to attend the funeral of Charles’ mother, Queen Elizabeth, in September last year and was represented by his sister Irene. g

“Deeply honored to attend the royal reception with First Lady Liza Marcos at Buckingham Palace,” President Marcos tweeted on Saturday, May 6. Malacañang photos

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos Malacañang photo

SAVING ON WATER EXPENSES. Rina Fe Carcaylas does her laundry at a river near her residence in Toril District, Davao City, on Thursday, May 11. She said she does not normally worry about her water bill since the river provides all the water they need for sanitation and maintaining a healthy home.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Medi-Cal enrollees in California...

your renewal month. Be on the alert: Medi-Cal is warning about scammers who have been contacting enrollees and requesting a fee to help people renew coverage. Don’t fall for it. No payment is required to renew your coverage.

But be sure to open your mail and respond to any official request for personal information. And be aware that updating your information could push you off Medi-Cal if your income has risen or if you have access to other insurance.

If you need help with any of this, especially that daunting renewal form, keep reading.

Marcos: ‘There were abuses’ in...

refuses to cooperate with the International Criminal Court that is investigating crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the anti-drug campaign.

The Marcos administration, however, has sent communications with the ICC including appeals against decisions it deems unfavorable to the Philippines and requests to suspend and scrap its investigation altogether.

But that was until Marcos said in March that the country is “disengaging” with the international tribunal.

No submissions from the

Philippine government have come forth since then, but the Department of Foreign Affairs, in a letter to the Senate justice committee, cited Marcos’ statement as basis for not sending out invites to ICC probers on behalf of the panel.

New strategy Marcos said in the forum that illegal drugs continue to be “the source of much criminality” in the Philippines, remarking that “syndicates have grown stronger and wealthier and more influential.”

“But instead of going after everyone, we have tried to identify the key areas that we have to tackle, the key areas

that we have to attend to so that we can see a diminution of the activity of the drug syndicates,” Marcos said. He said this includes a purge among the top brass of the police force who were asked by the government to submit courtesy resignations and be subject to investigations on their links to the illegal drug trade, which has so far led to the dismissal of two police generals and two police colonels.

Apart from this, Marcos also stressed the need for rehabilitation of people who use drugs and a “reeducation” campaign aimed to steer the youth away from drug use. g

Medi-Cal, the state’s version of the Medicaid health insurance program for low-income residents, has embarked on a 14-month effort to reexamine the eligibility of its nearly 15.8 million members. It is part of the massive “unwinding” being undertaken by all state Medicaid programs after three pandemic years during which their rolls swelled. States had agreed, in exchange for extra funding from the feds, not to boot anyone except in cases such as fraud, death, or a move out of state.

On April 1, Medicaid restarted the annual eligibility checks that had been the norm before the pandemic. It will be the biggest shake-up in U.S. health coverage since the Affordable Care Act, though it cuts the opposite way: Between 8 million and 24 million people will likely be bounced from Medicaid nationally, including an estimated 2 million

to 3 million in California.

To minimize the number of enrollees dropped unnecessarily, California’s Department of Health Care Services, which runs Medi-Cal, has launched a $25 million advertising and outreach campaign that will send messages in 19 languages. The department is enlisting the assistance of nearly everyone who has contact with Medi-Cal enrollees: county offices, health plans, medical providers, advocacy groups, and volunteers. And it got $146 million in supplemental funding to help counties cope with the unprecedented number of renewal decisions.

But some patient advocates, health plan executives, and community clinic administrators worry it will not be enough to help all enrollees who could lose coverage if they can’t be reached or don’t respond — especially transient and homeless people and those with language or cultural barriers.

Less than two months before the start of the unwinding, multiple counties, including Fresno and Sacramento, reported staffing shortages and the need to train eligibility workers.

Laura Sheckler, deputy director of policy at the California Primary Care Association, which represents about 1,300 community clinics statewide, says the nearly $60 million in state funds earmarked for “navigators” to assist MediCal enrollees is not enough for her group’s members to provide all the help that will be needed. The association has asked lawmakers for another $60 million.

Some Medi-Cal members already know where they stand.

Anthony Kelley, a 53-yearold single dad, is one of them.

Kelley, who lives with his 14-year-old son, Nicholas, in Pacifica, California, temporarily lost his job as a driver for a concrete company in the early days of the pandemic and signed up for Medi-Cal. He got his job back about a month later, along with access to employersponsored health coverage, but he has stayed on Medi-Cal for the past three years. His son has been on Medi-Cal since he was born.

When San Mateo County sent Kelley a renewal form, he called and was told his $58,000 annual income likely meant he and his son would lose Medi-Cal coverage. Now, he’s waiting for that to happen.

“It sucks for my son,” Kelley says, adding that he fears Nicholas could lose his doctors.

“But we’ll deal with it.”

If you are anxious or uncertain about what you need to do, don’t fret. Help is available.

You can call or visit your local Medi-Cal office to update your personal information or ask for assistance. The Department of Health Care Services (www. dhcs.ca.gov) lists on its website all county Medi-Cal agencies, with addresses, phone numbers, and links. You can also call Medi-Cal’s help line (800-5415555).

If you want to avoid potentially long lines or telephone hold times, consider signing up for an account at www.benefitscal. com or www.mybenefitscalwin. org. Doing so will allow you to update your personal and financial information online and find your renewal date.

Another great resource is the Health Consumer Alliance (888-804-3536 or www. healthconsumer.org), which can help you navigate the complexities of renewal, or contest a termination decision you think is unwarranted. Community clinics, which provide care for nearly one-third of Medi-Cal enrollees, often have navigators on-site who can help fill out forms and answer questions. L.A. Care, the largest Medi-Cal health plan, has 11 centers across Los Angeles County that will offer help to anyone who needs it, not just its members. Fresno County has 14 such centers. Check with your health plan for similar resources.

Under a state law, SB 260, if you are bumped off Medi-Cal but still have income low enough to qualify for an insurance subsidy through Covered California, the state’s insurance marketplace, you will be auto-enrolled in a plan the exchange deems to be the best value at the lowest cost. Once notified of the plan selection, you will have 30 days to accept it, choose another plan, or decline coverage altogether.

“This doesn’t need to be all doom and gloom for people who have Medi-Cal,” says David Kane, a senior attorney at the Western Center on Law & Poverty. (Bernard J. Wolfson/ KFF Health News)

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

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

President’s trip to US shows has...

PAGE 1

more modern Navy,” in case the modernization projects would not be accommodated in the budget.

“We really need a minimum credible defense posture. This means we need to have equipment that can credibly defend our sovereignty not only in the West Philippine Sea but also due to internal factors,” he said.

Zubiri said the Senate was also hoping to pass the proposed Philippine Defense Industry Development Act “in a year’s time,”

to give “preferential contracts” to companies in the defense sector that were willing to build plants for manufacturing arms, aircraft and vessels.

Such a contract was required in the P10-billion acquisition of nine Shaldag Mk. V fast-attack interdiction craft from Israel Shipyards.

Up to three Acero-class boats are expected to be built in the Philippines also as part of the contract, after the company upgraded the shipbuilding center at the naval base in Cavite City. g

Vice President Kamala Harris headlines...

PAGE 1

Administration,” said Erika Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President and AANHPI Senior Liaison at the White House.

Gautam Raghavan, Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office, said during a panel discussion: “President Biden has comprised the most diverse administration in history.

Half of our appointees are people of color, and 14% are AAPIs.”

“He has said: ‘build me an administration that looks like America. And across America, people who thought they could never serve at the White House have joined the administration,” said Raghavan, who also served in the Obama administration and as Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s chief of staff.

In her onstage conversation with Jagannathan and Won, Harris spoke about abortion rights, noting that 74% of AANHPIs believe abortions should be legal. “We need to have a Congress that will put the protections of Roe vs. Wade into law,” she said, adding: “My mom always fought for women’s health.”

The late Dr. Shymala Gopalan, Harris’ mother, was a breast cancer researcher who worked with the National Institutes of Health for much of her career. “We cannot be telling women what they cannot do with their bodies. It’s immoral,” said Harris. Harris also spoke about the

need for a ban on assault rifles. She noted the spate of mass murders at primary schools and said kids are afraid to attend classes. “We need to have the courage to end gun violence,” she stated.

The Vice President also spoke about the alarming spike in hate crimes against the Asian American community. The web portal Stop AAPI Hate has logged over 11,000 self-reported hate incidents and crimes over the past three years.

Vanita Gupta, Associate Attorney General at the Justice Department, noted that hate crimes against Asian Americans have risen by 167%, but are nevertheless under-reported. “Under collection is a real problem,” she said.

“Enforcement is just one piece of this puzzle. We are training law enforcement to be more responsive, helping to create greater access to anti-hate hot-lines, and creating better methodology for data collection,” she said.

In a deeply-moving moment, Canadian poet Rupi Kaur read her poem “Broken English,” which she dedicated to all immigrants. Kaur’s book of poetry, “Milk and Honey,” is one of this year’s most-banned books, according to a list released by PEN America. “They had no family, they had no friends…two university degrees that meant nothing,” chanted Kaur. (Sunita Sohrabji/ Ethnic Media Services)

PH PRIDE. Marlon Tapales (center), World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation unified world super bantamweight champion, receives a Senate commendation on Wednesday, May 10. The Lanao del Norte boxer dethroned previously unbeaten Murodjon Akhmadaliev of Uzbekistan via split decision in San Antonio, Texas on April 9. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

PH economic growth ‘outstanding’ - DBM chief Dateline PhiliPPines

MANILA – The Philippines' economic performance is becoming "outstanding," Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said on Thursday, May 11, after the country posted a 6.4-percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the first quarter of 2023.

"With all these data coming in, I can say that the Philippines’ 6.4 percent is actually outstanding. It would be excellent if it reached 7 percent, but 6.4 percent, or even six percent, is already outstanding,” Pangandaman said in a statement.

The 6.4 percent economic growth in the first quarter of 2023 is well within the government’s target of 6 percent to 7 percent for this year.

Pangandaman said the latest expansion in the economy is an indication that the country now has a "dynamic domestic economy."

"This means that even if the regional and global economic environment would worsen, ours has its own momentum and own dynamism to sustain growth," she added.

Citing the latest available data from countries that have released their real GDP growth from the January to March 2023 period, Pangandaman said the Philippines "grew the fastest" among major emerging economies in the region, followed by Indonesia (5 percent), China (4.5 percent), and Vietnam (3.3 percent).

Pangandaman said the Philippines also displayed a "more rapid" growth compared to the projected first-quarter growth rates for Malaysia (4.9 percent), India (4.6 percent), Thailand (2.8 percent), Korea (0.8 percent), Singapore (0.1 percent), and Taiwan (-3 percent).

“Compared to other major emerging economies in the region, I think we are doing better," she said.

“This quarter’s GDP performance indicates that the Philippines is returning to its high growth trajectory," Pangandaman added, noting that the government now projects a 6.6 to 7.5-percent growth from the second quarter to the fourth quarter of 2023 and 7.1-percent

full-year growth.

Pangandaman expressed confidence that the country will reach its growth projection, which remains at 6.5 to 8 percent for 2024 to 2028.

The growth target, she said, is attainable despite various risks posed by geopolitical and trade tensions, possible global economic slowdown, and weather disturbances in the country.

"Rest assured that the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. remains committed to implementing priority programs and strategies in line with our eight-point Socioeconomic Agenda and the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 to attain an inclusive and sustainable growth for our country, and the Filipino people, " she added.

In a separate statement, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) director general Arsenio Balicasan said the economic outlook for the Philippines in the near and medium term "remains solid." (PNA)

KEEPING IT COOL. These kids beat the summer heat by taking a dip in a makeshift pool in Barangay Pinyahan, Quezon City on Tuesday, May 9. The day’s highest heat index was recorded by the weather bureau at 46°C at 2 p.m. in Ambulong, Tanauan, Batangas.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Not yet over

THE World Health Organization has announced that COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, but stressed that the pandemic is not yet over. This announcement could prove to be as confusing as the WHO’s declaration of COVID as a public health emergency of international concern or PHEIC on Jan. 20, 2020.

The PHEIC is supposed to be the highest alert level that the WHO can declare, but the term and the acronym were gobbledygook for many governments, which waited for a clear pronouncement about

Editorial

a pandemic. This came only on March 11, over a month after the Philippines recorded its first two COVID-19 patients. These were tourists from the Chinese city of Wuhan, Ground Zero of the disease, with the man becoming the first COVID-19 fatality outside China and the first in the Philippines. Days later, the Duterte administration placed Metro Manila, and then the entire Luzon, under strict lockdown. No one wants to return to those lockdowns, meant to prevent the spread of the lethal virus at a time when there was still no vaccine in sight, but which put the economy on the path to its worst recession since World War II. Today there is a debate even over continued masking in public places. While the InterAgency Task Force has said there is no need to restore mask mandates, it still bears noting

Babe’s Eye View

BABE ROMUALDEZ

THE last time a sitting Philippine president visited Washington, D.C. was more than a decade ago. Being fortunate to be in the front seat as the Philippine Ambassador to the United States, we were all extremely pleased that the visit of President Marcos Jr. was highly successful on behalf of the country and our national interest. Neither the president nor anyone of us are expecting accolades for the visit’s success; everyone who participated in this event simply believed in just how important the relationship is between the Philippines and the United States.

The four-day official visit was highlighted by the bilateral meeting between President Marcos Jr. and President Joe Biden at the Oval Office, which turned out to be fruitful and cordial. It was only natural that both leaders recognized the importance of such a meeting in revitalizing the alliance between our two nations, and the need

Virtual Reality

IT is now clear as a hot summer day the United States won’t pay direct compensation for the use by the U.S. armed forces of what is now nine Philippine military bases located from north to central to south of the 7,600-island archipelago.

The reason maybe is that some generals or naughty politicians could fritter away such sums ($500 million a year when President Ferdinand Edralin Marcos was in power), if they join the wrong side of history.

Instead, the U.S. government will invest money, by itself or jointly with large American companies or institutions, in people, in their wellbeing, education, livelihood, infrastructure, in their communities. The result is a better life for many Filipinos.

The May 1-4, 2023 official visit of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., 65, and the deals he wangled from the administration of President Joseph Biden, 80, certify him as an American boy. But it does not mean BBM

that confirmed COVID cases and positivity rates have been steadily rising in the past weeks amid the detection of highly transmissible strains of the Omicron variant.

While Omicron has produced mostly mild symptoms especially among the vaccinated and boosted, it can still lead to infections that are serious enough to require hospitalization. It can still lead to death. Health experts have warned of waning immunity from vaccines and previous infection.

From May 1 to 7, daily COVID cases nationwide surged to an average of 1,352 – 112 percent higher than the 637 daily cases recorded from April 24 to 30, according to the Department of Health. In the first week of May, the DOH recorded 9,465 cases – the highest since November last year. As of May 7, the country had 410 severe and critical cases, with 346 occupying beds in intensive care units. Another 3,766 were in regular hospital beds. Nine COVID deaths were recorded in the first week of May, along with 50 additional and severe critical cases. Health officials previously said masking and

other minimum health protocols such as hand and respiratory hygiene are minor sacrifices in avoiding a disease that can still cause hospitalization and its attendant expenses,

debilitation through long COVID and even death.

The WHO has said the pandemic is not over. The past three years have shown that it’s better to be safe than sorry. (Philstar.com)

A decade later: PBBM visit revitalized PH-US relations

for the relationship to evolve as we face “the challenges of this new century,” in the words of President Biden as he echoed the statement made by President Marcos during their first face-toface meeting in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in September last year. With remarkable candor, the U.S. president said he “can’t think of any better partner to have” than the Philippines.

The bilateral meeting at the Oval Office was followed by an expanded meeting at the White House Cabinet Room with key U.S. Cabinet secretaries and our own Cabinet secretaries led by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ricky Manalo, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual, Defense OIC Charlie Galvez and ICT Secretary Ivan Uy. Clearly, there was a lot of enthusiasm on both sides, underscoring the multifaceted nature of Philippines-U.S. relations.

The result of such meetings is the expectation of a lot more economic activities between our two countries, underscored by President Biden’s announcement

that he will be sending a firstof-its-kind, high-powered trade delegation with perhaps 100 or 200 top American companies to the Philippines, to be headed by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. Secretary Raimondo is very enthusiastic at the prospect of visiting the Philippines and exploring investment opportunities in several sectors that include renewable energy, infrastructure and mineral processing. President Marcos Jr. and the First Lady were invited by the White House to be their guests at the Blair House but the president politely declined, opting instead to stay at a nearby hotel. Nonetheless, the White House graciously allowed us to use the historic landmark residence for meetings and events during the entire stay of the president and his delegation. The Blair House, or more popularly known as the President’s Guest House, is a complex made up of four separate homes, among them a property that was constructed in 1824 and named after its second owner, Francis Preston Blair, who was a journalist. Blair House has been described as

American boy

is now anti-China. Such disengagement (from Beijing), “is not an option,” he clarifies. Our president is practicing what his father espoused, a bold foreign policy. Some of the projects promised BBM by Biden himself:

• The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is launching a new partnership to scale up infrastructure development in the Philippines and support the construction of high-quality railways, ports and transport systems.

• In 2023, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency will leverage over $3 billion of public and private financing to strengthen the Philippines’ critical mineral supply chains, advance smart grid technologies and clean energy solutions, promote secure 5G deployment, strengthen airport security and maritime safety and support health care infrastructure across the Philippines.

• U.S. will spend $70 million to develop a new generation of PH leaders – 2,000 in 10 years.

• It will spend $30 million to improve the quality of PH universities.

Best of all, the South China Sea, or West Philippine Sea,

is now reckoned as part of the Philippine metropolitan territory in the implementation of the PHU.S. Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951.

Under the MDT, if the Philippines or any part of its territory, vessels, boats, including those of the Philippine Coast Guard, is attacked with force, it will trigger an armed attack from the U.S. because such attack is as if the U.S. itself was attacked.

Biden reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines, and the leaders discussed efforts to strengthen the longstanding U.S.-Philippines alliance.

On May 1, 2023, at the White House, President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ ironclad alliance commitments to the Philippines. An armed attack in the Pacific, which includes the South China Sea, on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft, including those of the Coast Guard, would invoke U.S. mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 MDT.

Biden and BBM agreed to deepen economic cooperation and promote inclusive prosperity, expand our nations’ special people-to-people ties, invest in the clean energy transition and

“the world’s most exclusive and luxurious hotel” because it is where many heads of state have stayed like Queen Elizabeth, Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, among many others.

Following the meeting with the Filipino community was the dinner at the Blair House with Philippine Cabinet officials, State Secretary Antony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, NSA Director Jake Sullivan, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Dr. Kurt Campbell of the National Security Council and American and Filipino businessmen that included Jaime Zobel de Ayala, Enrique Razon, Sabin Aboitiz, among several others.

It was the perfect setting for President Marcos Jr. to have an informal but substantive conversation with Secretary Blinken. I sat down with Secretary Austin and our good friend, Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the U.S. Senate foreign relations committee. The ceremonial activities

address the climate crisis and ensure respect for human rights. The leaders discussed regional matters and coordinated on efforts to uphold international law and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Biden and Marcos announced a number of new arrangements and initiatives to expand on the historic momentum in U.S.Philippine relations, including the adoption of Bilateral Defense Guidelines, President Biden’s dispatching of a Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines, the launch of an Open RAN 5G interoperability lab in Manila and the establishment of a bilateral Labor Working Group.

The Philippines is the U.S.’s oldest ally in the Indo-Pacific. Since 1951, the U.S.-Philippines alliance has advanced peace, prosperity and security for the United States, the Philippines and the broader Indo-Pacific region, said a White House briefing paper.

The U.S. and the Philippines are modernizing the alliance and building a strong and resilient architecture that is designed to meet emerging challenges, while routinizing joint planning and improving interoperability.

On April 28, 2023, their armies concluded the largest-ever iteration of their flagship bilateral military exercise, Balikatan. “We

and subsequent meetings of the president were equally substantial and significant.

Needless to say, the full military honors he received –with a 21-gun salute and the playing of the Philippine and U.S. national anthems – at the Pentagon before the bilateral meeting with Secretary Austin was very impressive. I have to admit that even after seeing such events countless of times, I still get goosebumps. The visit to Arlington Cemetery was an especially touching ceremony where the president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Capping the official activities of the president during his fourday visit to Washington was the policy speech he delivered at the ASEAN Leadership Forum of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a prominent think-tank which he described as “one of the world’s foremost policy institutions on national security and foreign policy issues.”

In his very well received speech, President Marcos Jr. spelled out how he sees the relationship between the

are also expanding cooperation among our coast guards to better address the challenges posed by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and other unlawful maritime activities; when Vice President Harris visited Palawan in November 2022, she announced $7.5 million in new assistance to enhance the capabilities of Philippine maritime law enforcement agencies, as well as a new program to upgrade the Philippine Coast Guard’s vessel traffic management system,” said the White House paper. PH and U.S. have identified four new sites pursuant to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which “will strengthen Philippine security and support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization goals, while driving U.S. investment to local communities across the Philippines and improving our shared ability to rapidly deliver humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.”

Other initiatives:

• Bilateral Defense Guidelines that institutionalize key bilateral priorities, mechanisms and processes to deepen alliance cooperation and interoperability across land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.

The Guidelines support the continued modernization of the alliance and ongoing efforts to

Philippines and the U.S. to be like in the next five to 10 years at the very least, underscoring the need to evolve the alliance and “make it more responsive to present and emerging challenges” because “national security is no longer about territorial defense. Economic security is national security.”

He was very specific on issues of vital importance regarding the economic aspect of the relationship, making a case for “forging closer economic ties because creating prosperity and realizing human potential will not only make the Philippines a more reliable partner for the United States” – but will also strengthen both countries’ democracies. Being in the front seat, I can confidently say that this was an extremely successful and fruitful visit of the president – not to bask in the glory for himself but for our country. (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

adapt alliance coordination to respond to the evolving security environment. The two countries will advance efforts to deepen interoperability, particularly through enhanced bilateral planning; informationsharing; accelerated defense capability development and collaboration on emerging security challenges.

• The U.S. will transfer to the Armed Forces of the Philippines two Island-class patrol vessels, two Protector-class patrol vessels and three C-130H aircraft, pending applicable congressional notification requirements. Additionally, two Cyclone-class coastal patrol vessels were transferred to the Philippines in late April and are now en route to Manila. These transfers will support AFP’s modernization program by enhancing its maritime and tactical lift capabilities.

• At the nine EDCA sites, the U.S. will support health, education, environmental protection, economic growth and disaster preparedness. (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.

* * *

Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com

STREET ART. San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora takes a selfie with Makati Business Club Executive Director Coco Alcuaz (fifth from right, back) and other guests at the launching of the Asphalt Art Street Project at the San Juan City Hall on Wednesday, May 10. The project included artworks featuring national heroes Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto and the modern-day heroes who helped the country during the pandemic.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Equitable distribution of doctors, nurses sought

by Delon Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA — While there is an obvious shortage of health workers in the country, a doctorlawmaker has stressed the need for an “equitable distribution” of doctors and nurses, especially in the grassroots.

“Almost all doctors are in urban areas,” Rep. Anthony Golez Jr. of party-list Malasakit at Bayanihan said, citing the need for “underserved areas” to be filled up to achieve a genuine Universal Health Care (UHC) Law that will benefit all Filipinos.

“The most important thing about this bill is we will equitably distribute our doctors to areas that do not have them,” he said, noting the reality about the “insufficiency of medical professionals in the country despite the UHC’s Mandatory Medical Service Bill.

“For Universal Health Care to be successful, we need to have doctors in far-flung places, in our barrios and rural communities, so we can equitably provide our services,” Golez said. Golez is a former barrio doctor who served the public for more than 20 years.

Sources from the Department of Health and the House of Representatives told The STAR that Golez might be appointed by President Marcos as chief of the Department of Health, which is currently headed by Maria Rosario Vergeire in an acting capacity.

Meanwhile, former senator Richard Gordon stressed the need for foresight and preparedness in dealing with diseases to prevent a COVID pandemic-like situation from happening in the future.

During the Kapihan sa Manila Bay press briefing, Gordon said

authorities should be on the lookout for diseases, both old and new, that could trigger a pandemic.

“Moving forward, you really have to practice and practice your intelligence gathering for whatever diseases there are that can be of pandemic proportions,” Gordon said.

“That should be dealt with, this early,” he added.

He pushed for the establishment of a center for disease control.

“A bill has been filed before the Congress. What it will do is it will set us up for protection for new diseases,” Gordon said.

He said the government should learn from past mistakes and be better moving forward.

Gordon said the country should not be complacent even as the World Health Organization has lifted the global health emergency on COVID-19. n

47% say ‘dangerous’ to publish anything critical of government

by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — Several months into the second Marcos administration, about one in every two adult Filipinos still thinks that it is dangerous to publish or broadcast anything critical of the government, a survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) at the end of 2022 showed.

Results of the Dec. 10 to 14, 2022 survey released a week after World Press Freedom Day on May 3 showed that 47 percent of respondents agreed with the statement, “It is dangerous to print or broadcast anything

critical of the administration, even if it is the truth.”

This figure is comprised of 19 percent who said they “strongly agree” with the statement and 28 percent who said they “somewhat agree.”

Some 26 percent of respondents disagreed (14 percent “somewhat disagree,” 12 percent “strongly disagree”), while 27 percent were undecided.

Those who believe it is dangerous to publish information critical of the administration barely moved from the 46 percent obtained in a similar survey December 2021 (13 percent strongly agree, 34 percent

somewhat agree), when the government was still headed by former president Rodrigo Duterte.

SWS data showed that it went as high as 65 percent in November 2020, before dropping to 42 percent in May 2021 and 45 percent in June and September 2021.

Meanwhile, the number of those who think that it is not dangerous to publish information critical of the government increased from 19 percent in September 2021 (12 percent somewhat disagree, six percent strongly disagree) to 22 percent in December 2021 (16 percent somewhat disagree, five percent strongly disagree). g

Political parties vow to pass priority bills

by Ma. Reina TolenTino ManilaTimes.net

POLITICAL parties represented in the House of Representatives committed to supporting the passage of priority bills of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. which remain pending.

Leaders of the political parties Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), PDPLaban, Nacionalista Party (NP), National Unity Party (NUP), and Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) gave the commitment during an all-party caucus late Monday afternoon presided by House Speaker and Lakas-CMD President Martin Romualdez. The Party-list Coalition Foundation Inc. (PCFI) also gave the commitment.

Romualdez thanked his colleagues for supporting his goal to have the House approve most, if not all, of the 13 remaining priority bills on third and final reading before session adjourns sine die.

"We will try to achieve that objective on a best-efforts basis.

The bills on deck will complement those that we have already passed and which support the Agenda for Prosperity and eight-point socioeconomic roadmap of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.," he said.

Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio "Dong" Gonzales Jr., Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel, and San Jose del Monte City Rep. Florida "Rida" Robes represented PDP-Laban in the party leaders' caucus.

Romblon Rep. Eleandro Jesus Madrona, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin represented the NP. Antipolo City 1st District Rep. Roberto Puno and Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund "LRay" Villafuerte Jr. represented the NUP. Quezon 1st District Rep. Mark Enverga and Ilocos Sur 2nd District Rep. Kristine SingsonMeehan represented the NPC. Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, PCFI president, spoke for his

group.

Navotas City Rep. Tobias "Toby" Tiangco, BHW Party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co, and Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Brian Yamsuan also joined the meeting.

Romualdez convened the caucus shortly after presiding over the resumption of session on Monday following a scheduled break that started in late March.

He told his colleagues they had just four weeks to approve the remaining priority bills, asking them to maximize the time so that the House could pass all the urgent measures which were identified in Marcos's State of the Nation Address (SONA) and later adopted by the LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council (Ledac).

Gonzales said he and other party leaders responded positively to the House chief's appeal.

"We hope we could do it in the short time we have before our annual mandatory adjournment. We are ready to go the extra mile to accomplish the task," Gonzales said.g

Escudero wants intensified tax collection, not new tax measures

MANILA – At a time when the country is still recovering from the effects of the pandemic, the government should run after tax evaders, cut unnecessary expenditures, and intensify its campaign against corruption instead of introducing new tax measures, Senator Francis Escudero said on Thursday, May 10. “Taxation should be the last resort, not the first option. You reduce unnecessary expenses to cancel the need for unreasonable taxes,“ Escudero said in a statement.

According to the lawmaker, a new tax measure is not advisable at this point as we have yet to recover from the pandemic.

He said aside from the pandemic, the past six years have been “a very taxing season” as a train of revenues was passed, referring to

the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

“Paano sila babangon kung hihilahin sila pababa ng bagong buwis (How will they get back on their feet if they are dragged down by new taxes)? Choked by the pandemic, the last thing they deserve is to be choked by taxes this time,“ Escudero said.

Rising inflation, he said, also provides the “wrong timing” to hike taxes because it reduces purchasing power. “May kasabihan na (We have a saying that) inflation is a form of taxation imposed without legislation,” Escudero said.

“Adding high taxes to high prices of goods is like pouring gasoline on fire.“

He noted that if new tax proposals are being assembled, he would “ask the President to please press the ‘pause’ button.”

Escudero’s statement came after the Department of Finance said it would push for new and higher taxes on sugary drinks and motor vehicles, among others, to generate PHP81.9 billion annually in its first year of implementation.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) plans to impose a creditable withholding tax of 1 percent on one-half of the gross remittances of online platform providers to their partner sellers or merchants.

“In addition to what I have proposed, we can sell nonperforming assets that cost money to maintain. We should have more public-private partnerships to fund infrastructure. We should also be careful in accepting loan proposals. We do not just take hook-line-sinker each and every ODA (Official Development Assistance) which comes our way,“ Escudero said. (PNA)

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

Several influential Filipinos honored on Gold House’s annual A100 list of most impactful APIs

moved from Asian Pacific community firsts to global industry firsts. This is no longer about just having a seat at the table or belonging–the A100 and the powerful Gold Gala are about building new houses by breaking established ceilings for all communities.” said Bing Chen and Jeremy Tran, CEO and COO of Gold House, respectively.

“By distilling and punctuating the Asian Pacific community’s essential impact on culture, we reimagine what’s possible for our community and redefine how we’re seen in society.”

The diverse group of listees includes several individuals of Filipino descent, including Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra, whom Gold House included in its A100 Hall of Fame for being recognized on the list in prior years.

Recognized as a Gold Legend was Tony winner and Disney legend Lea Salonga, who is currently in rehearsals for “Here Lies Love,” which is set to be Broadway’s first all-Filipino cast.

“Here Lies Love” producer and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas was also honored on the list under the Activism & Journalism category. Joining Vargas in that category are California Attorney General Rob Bonta and author, producer, and transgender activist Geena Rocero.

“I can’t help but look back when I was a 15-year-old Trans Filipina traveling to rural provinces, traversing mountains to get to Catholic Fiesta celebrations so I could join hundreds of pageants, dreaming and hoping that one day… somehow…” Rocero wrote wistfully on Instagram in response to her inclusion on the list.

Among the long list of artists and entertainers in the Entertainment and Media category included rapper Saweetie and Grammy-winning musician Steve Lacy.

The Fashion and Lifestyle category included two Pinays: actor and founder of BEIS Shay Mitchell and R’Bonney Nola Gabriel, who won Miss Universe 2022 and Miss USA 2022.

In honor of APAHM, Gabriel wrote on Instagram, “My childhood of growing up in Texas as a Filipina American helped shape the woman I am today, from memories of family gatherings eating lechon, overpacking all my cousins into one hotel room for vacations, and

watching my titos play Tong-its until the sunrise.”

She continued, “I also saw firsthand how to build your vision or dream with the resources you have. Many Asian Americans have been able to achieve what they want by just working with whatever cards they were dealt.”

In the Sports and Gaming category, the award-winning host and commentator for ESPN Pablo Sison Torre was honored as was Jason Robertson, a professional ice hockey player for the Dallas Stars and the third-ever Filipino American to play for the National Hockey League.

Melanie Perkins, the founder of the popular online design and publishing platform Canva, was also recognized in the

Business and Technology category. Tesa Aragones, a veteran digital branding expert, was also honored in the Arts and Entertainment category for her work as president of AKQA, a global design and innovation agency.

Claudine says she dreams of working with Judy Ann in a film

by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

CLAUDINE Barretto has expressed her desire to work with Judy Ann Santos in a film as she admitted that it has always been on her bucket list.

Barretto made the confession during an interview with Boy Abunda during an episode of the show “Fast Talk With Boy Abunda” on Friday, May 5, saying that they’ve always been good friends behind the scenes. The topic was brought up after Abunda asked the actress if she wanted to work with Santos in a film in the future.

“Ohmigod, [working with Judy Ann Santos], that’s one of my bucket list,” she began. “Judy Ann and I, people think that we don’t get along or we never [get] along. But the truth is that, you know, even noong debut niya, right after, I remember that it was a Sunday and everything was closed, the after-party was in my condominium.”

The seasoned actress shared that she and Santos have been through a lot together during the height of their careers, describing their relationship as something of a “boyfriend and girlfriend” because of the circumstances at the time.

“Ang dami naming pinagdaanan ni Judy Ann. During that time, para kaming mag boyfriend-girlfriend ni Judy Ann. Bawal kami makita sa labas kasi ayaw ni Tito Alfie [Lorenzo] kasi dapat daw à la Nora [Aunor]-Vilma [Santos],” Barretto said, as she noted the supposed rivalry between Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos back then. Meanwhile, Lorenzo was Santos’ former manager who passed away in August 2017.

(Judy Ann and I have been through a lot together. During that time, Judy Ann and I were like boyfriend and girlfriend. We’re not allowed to be seen together because Tito Alfie Lorenzo didn’t want to. We were supposed to be like Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos.)

During the interview, the “Milan” star also thanked Santos for standing by her during the “lowest point” of her life.

“I would never forget what Judy Ann did for me, that is why she is who she is. That is why Judy Ann Santos is Judy Ann Santos. At my lowest point, when I also transferred from channel 2 to channel 7, and they said in one of her interviews, they said she was the teleserye queen. She said, ‘No.

Claudine and I share this title,’” she said.

“I will never forget that until the day I die. And that our dream is to be able to do a movie together. I will forever

be grateful to Judy Ann Santos. And queens support queens,” she further explained.

The veteran actress also revealed in the interview that she made a promise to her estranged husband Raymart Santiago that she has no plans of marrying again.

“I think I already gave my promise to my ex-husband and I think that’s enough. I mean, I have my children — I have four. Parang that alone takes so much of my time, my energy, my strength so I will focus on that,” she said.

Barretto is one of the most prolific actresses in local showbiz from the 1990s to 2000s, where her first major role was in the TV series “Ang TV.”

Among her most popular films and teleseryes to date include “Milan,” “Dubai,” “Sukob,” “Kailangan Kita,” “Got 2 Believe,” “Marina,” and “Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan,” among many others.

Erik Spoelstra

Jose Antonio Vargas

Geena Rocero

Lea Salonga

California Attorney General Rob Bonta

Saweetie

R’Bonney Nola Gabriel

Steve Lacy Shay Mitchell

Jason Robertson Melanie Perkins Pablo Sison Torre

Claudine Barretto, Judy Ann Santos

Photos screengrabed from YouTube/GMA Network, Instagram/@officialjuday

Tesa Aragones

City of Las Vegas offers additional youth summer camps

THE city of Las Vegas is offering additional summer camps at the new Ernest & Betty Becker Family Technology Community Center.

The additional camps include Drone Soccer Camp June 20-23, Esports Teen Camp June 12-16, Esports Camp featuring Minecraft and Roblox June 20-23, and 3D Print Camp June 12-16. Click here to register for Becker Technology Camps and other activities at this new community center, located at 2221 N. Maverick St. The new camps include:

Drone Soccer Camp (ages 12-15)

Tuesday-Friday, June 20-23, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. daily, plus a Drone Soccer demonstration and competition June 24, 8-11 a.m.

Cost: $290 for the week.

Dive into the world sport of Drone Soccer! Build and program your own drone, learning to fly, and obtaining an FAA Trust Certification. Work as a team to compete and win matches and become an air sports champion!

We will include a Drone Soccer demonstration and competition for participants and spectators Saturday, June 24, from 8 to 11 a.m.

Esports Teen Camp (ages 1215)

Monday-Friday, June 12-16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.

Cost: $290 for the week.

Explore various roles and topics in the world of esports, such as careers in esports, sports casting, broadcasting, how to set up an esports tournament, and essentials to running an esports tournament, while also getting to play some of the newest games!

Esports Camp featuring Minecraft and Roblox (ages 6-11)

Tuesday-Friday, June 20-23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, plus an esports competition Saturday, June 24, 1-4 p.m.

Cost: $290 for the week.

Play some of the newest games while exploring the world of esports and learn about careers in esports, sports casting, broadcasting, team building, gameplay strategies, and more! Learn about game design through Roblox Studio and explore the world of Minecraft Education. We will include an esports competition for participants and spectators

Saturday, June 24, 1-4 p.m.

3D Print Camp (ages 6-11)

Monday-Friday, June 12-16, 8

a.m.-3 p.m. daily

Cost: $290 for the week.

Get an in-depth experience in the world of 3D printing! Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop more complex designs and be able to print larger-scale projects. Learn CAD software, slicing, converting files, and various other skills essential to understanding the world of 3D printing.

Online registration is available for all city of Las Vegas summer camp options, with walk-in registration also available at city community centers and cultural centers during regular open hours. There will be no camps on Saturday, Sunday or holidays — Memorial Day May 29, Juneteenth June 19, and Independence Day July 4. There are several camp options for youth ages 3-15, and Adaptive Recreation Camp for ages 6-21. For details and registration, visit www.lasvegasnevada.gov/Camps.

Recreation Summer Day

Camps

Day camps will be offered for ages 3-15 for 11 weeks — from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays, May 23-Aug. 4, 2023. Camp activities will include arts and crafts, sports, games, music, life skills, physical fitness and fun, all with trained staff supervision. Tot Camp is for ages 3-5 who have not completed kindergarten; Kids Camp ages 5-11 (must have completed kindergarten); and Teen Camp ages 12-14. The Counselor-in-Training program is available for those age 15.

The Counselor in Training (CIT) Program is designed for youth, 15 years of age, who have an interest in developing strong leadership skills and a sense of community in a seasonal camp environment. Essential camp counselor duties will be introduced in an effort to prepare the CIT participant for future employment opportunities. Development of leadership skills, planning skills, skills to manage children, and customer service will be emphasized. Those who wish to apply for CIT will need to fill out an application and be interviewed; online registration is not available for CIT. Please contact the center you are interested in attending to schedule an interview. There is a $10 nonrefundable transportation fee per week for Teen Camp and Kids Camps; the

Scam the scam with Social Security

by Annie WAlters Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Nevada

fee funds trips to a swimming pool, field trip or camp special event. Other costs vary by location. Veterans Memorial Community Center is offering specialty camps; see the details of Veterans Memorial specialty camps here. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Financial assistance is available for those families that meet the qualifications. Call 702.229.PLAY (7529) for more information.

Recreation Camp Locations and Costs

Cimarron Rose Community Center, 5591 N. Cimarron Road, (702.229.1607) offers Kids Camp at $125/week, Teen Camp at $150/ week (Tuesday-Thursday only), and CIT at $35/week. Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J. St., (702.229.6374) offers Kids Camp at $75/week, Teen Camp at $100/week and CIT at $35/week.

Adaptive Recreation Camp at Dula Community Center, 451 E. Bonanza Road (702.229.6307) is offered for those ages 6-21 with developmental disabilities at $100/ week.

East Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. Eastern Ave. (702.229.1515) offers Kids Camp at $75/week, Teen Camp at $100/ week and CIT at $35/week. Mirabelli Community Center, 6200 Hargrove Ave., (702.229.6359) offers Tot Camp at $150/week, Kids Camps at $150/ week, Teen Camps at $125/week (Tuesday-Thursday only) and CIT at $35/week. Stupak Community Center, 251 W. Boston Ave., (702.229.2488) offers Kids Camp (ages 5-11) at $75/week, Teen Camp at $100/ week and CIT at $35/week. Veterans Memorial Community Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive, (702.229.1100) offers specialty Kids Camps at $150/week, Teen Camp at $200/week and CIT at $35/week.

Junior Lifeguard Camps

Junior Lifeguard Camp is offered to ages 11-14 June 5-9, June 19-23, July 3-7, July 17-21 and July 31Aug. 4 at Pavilion Center Pool, 101 S. Pavilion Center Drive. The cost is $150 each five-day week; camp hours are 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday. Participants will learn essential pool lifesaving skills and upon successful completion of the PAGE 10

THE Social Security Administration and its Office of the Inspector General (OIG) continued to raise public awareness about Social Security imposter scams during the fourth annual “Slam the Scam” Day held in March. Social Security scams — where fraudsters pressure victims into making cash or gift card payments to fix alleged Social Security number problems or to avoid arrest – are an ongoing government imposter fraud scheme. For several years, Social Security impersonation scams have been one of the most common government imposter scams reported to the Federal Trade Commission. We’ve made concerted efforts to address this issue, through extensive outreach and investigative initiatives. These efforts have made a significant impact, reducing money reported lost to Social Security scams by 30 percent from 2021 to 2022.

“I am proud of the work we have done to combat Social Security imposter scams and raise public awareness,” said Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security. “We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect the public and their critical benefits. We urge Americans to remain vigilant, do not give out personal information or money, and report any scam attempts.”

Scammers use sophisticated tactics to trick potential victims into disclosing personal and financial information. Typically, they use the five P’s – Pretend, Prize or Problem, Pressure, and Payment. For example, scammers pretend they are from Social Security in phone calls or emails and claim there is a problem with the person’s Social Security number. The scammer’s caller ID may be spoofed to look like a legitimate government number. Scammers may also send fake documents to pressure people into complying with demands for information or money.

Other common tactics include citing “badge numbers” and using fraudulent Social Security letterhead to target individuals for payment or personal information.

We will never:

• Tell you that your Social Security number is suspended.

• Contact you to demand an immediate payment.

• Threaten you with arrest.

Matteo moves to GMA Network

MATINEE idol Matteo Guidicelli is officially a Kapuso after signing a contract with GMA Network on Thursday, May 11.

In a press conference, the 33-year-old said negotiations started last year but did not continue as he was doing other shows, including the now-defunct noontime show "Tropang LOL," which ended on April 29.

"It did not happen last year because it was not at the perfect timing. I was doing another show and all other things aside so the negotiations were held back. But finally Ms. Anette Gozon (GMA Senior Vice President) said, 'you know what, let's sit down with boss Vic (del Rosario, Viva Communications Inc. president and CEO), and let's finish this," Guidicelli said, quoting Gozon.

"So we did, and after three hours, it was a done deal. As I've said, it's like love. Good things happen to those who wait. I'm just very happy and blessed that GMA welcomed me here," he added.

As the newest Kapuso, Guidicelli will be part of the morning show "Unang Hirit" beginning Monday, May 15 where he will have his own segment.

The actor, triathlete, and host will also be part of GMA Public Affairs' upcoming action-drama primetime series "Black Rider" with Ruru Madrid and soon, a documentary special about nature.

Viewers should also watch out for Matteo's upcoming shows in GMA, including exciting projects with GMA Regional TV and Synergy.

Asked for his wife Sarah Geronimo's reaction regarding this new chapter of his career, Guidicelli shared "[She] was happy. She said 'Love, public affairs suits you. When

• Ask for your credit or debit card numbers over the phone.

• Request gift cards or cash.

• Promise a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information or money. Our employees do contact the public by telephone for business purposes. Ordinarily, we call people who recently applied for benefits, are already receiving payments and require updates to their record or requested a phone call from us. If there is a problem with a person’s Social Security number or record, we will mail a letter.

“Working with our law enforcement and private sector partners to inform consumers about scammers and their deceptive practices remains a priority for my office. We will continue promoting National Slam the Scam Day to help protect consumers from these predators. Slamming the scam begins with consumers quickly taking a step to hang up the phone, or delete suspicious texts and emails, without responding to the scammers,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the Social Security Administration. “That remains the easiest and most effective method to avoid falling prey to these vicious scams.” To report a scam attempt, go to oig.ssa.gov. For more information, please visit www. ssa.gov/scam and www.ssa.gov/ antifraudfacts.

I joined the army four years ago, I said I'll pick every project given to me meticulously. In the future, I want my projects to represent the Filipino people. So she said our prayers are answered."

Matteo Guidicelli

Photo from Instagram/@matteog

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

YOU and I, and the 8 billion people around the world, are social animals. Our two-legged and four-legged friends are also “social” creatures. Like us humans, these animals also value, long for, and enjoy companionship. The loners among them usually do not survive long. Most obviously, social life, a sense of belonging, a comfortable feeling of security in numbers, a natural mental sense of community, are essential to health, mental and otherwise.

That social nature starts the day we are born, in the arms of our mother, nurtured in the crib, and developed into a complete positive mental state through interactions with both our parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends. All these enable us to develop lasting relationships and a rewarding mental health, which affects and influences all other lives we touch. Human beings’ capacity to live a stable and happy life and our survival as a species heavily depend on our culture, education, social skills, attitude, and social behavior.

The history of man on earth shows that cavemen started forming small groups, literally for security and for survival against the harsh and unforgiving environment, and vicious attacks from animals preying on them.

That dependency on each other is still very evident even today, in this modern, technologically advanced society of ours. Indeed, no man is an island, and a loner is, comparatively, at a much graver risk of ill-health and attrition.

A sense of belonging keeps us, humans, connected with our fellowmen, within our own circle, our community, conferring upon our being the reward of acceptance, a gratifying inner satisfaction that we are “in,” and “one of them,” akin to being a member of a club or a fraternity/ sorority or a party. This sense of belonging is fundamental for our emotional and physical wellbeing, a powerful prescription that effectively enables each of us to cope with the sometimes unfriendly and harsh environment and social order.

Attitude

Our social skills, which are vital to our acceptance as a member of a group or community, are developed or impeded by our attitude, which, like social prowess, also significantly impacts our life and our health.

Both are pre-requisites to health, happiness, and inner peace in each of us human beings. A good attitude compliments and boosts our social skills and acceptability

On belonging, attitude

to “belong.” Here are some quotes of wisdom I have come across which are inspiring philosophical parachutes in life for those who, like many of us, sometimes find themselves falling towards the pit of discouragement and despair:

• Anthony J. D’Angelo, in The College Blue Book, said, “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

• To quote Oscar Wilde, “If you don’t get everything you want, think of the things you don’t get that you don’t want.”

• Voltaire expressed it beautifully when he stated, “Life is like a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.”

• An ancient Persian saying puts a great perspective on our daily aches and pains in life – “I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet.”

• And as some of us may curse some bad days we encounter and wish they never came, Cavett Robert offers these poignant words: “If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one.”

Indeed, every day is a good day, although others are better, and others not as good. But each day is a gift. Not waking up to another day is a deadly waste, but not appreciating another day as we open our eyes each morning in our journey through life is a tragedy. How each of us greets the day depends greatly on our attitude. Indeed, attitude impacts our health, our life, and our everyday happiness and success. A person with a chip on his shoulder, with a negative attitude or pessimistic view of life, will obviously be miserable most of the time. And the opposite is true, as Annette Goodheart brilliantly points out: “Just because you’re miserable doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life.”

Happiness is basically an attitude. Gaining inner peace is an attitude. We have that Godgiven power to feel what we want to feel. And we can even psyche ourselves.

In a world where global peace is still a dream, a world beset with an economic crisis, with terrorism, with greed and corruption, with energy, food and water shortage, global warming and its devastating side-effects on typhoons, earthquakes and flooding, good social skills and attitude, in the midst of all these disasters, are the best weapons against helplessness, despair and depression. They, indeed, impact our health and life.

With all these complex problems confronting us, we often find ourselves in the gutter of hopelessness, wherefrom, Oscar Wilde suggests, we can

look up at the heavens and “see the stars.” Indeed, a positive attitude, a happy outlook in life, especially these days, can help us tremendously in conquering our fears, insecurities, and dilemmas.

Without total surrender, when we sometimes lose or fail, we should remind ourselves to get up and fight even harder. After all, “defeat is not bitter unless you swallow it,” as Joe Clark states.

To this, I will add my own: “No one can succeed in life who does not have the courage to fail”; and, “The greatest risk in life is in not taking any risk at all.”

Someone said, “You cannot adjust the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails.”

Very true, indeed. Simple words of wisdom that could make our day, if not our life.

But, of course, we should not simply leave everything to God. We must do our share. He promises to help those who help themselves. As I live my life each day, I remind myself of an ancient proverb that says, “To everyone is given the key to heaven; the same key opens the gates to hell.” It’s indeed a matter of personal choice. And that choice inevitably depends on our attitude in life. Some people believe their fate is predestined, and that they can’t do anything about it. Others, inspired by good attitude and a positive social frame of mind, design, create, and charter their own destiny.

Finally, I strongly believe that leaving this world after this life is not a tragedy. Dying without significance, without making a difference, without leaving behind a good legacy, certainly 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.

Cox awards $35,000 in diversity scholarships to 10 graduating seniors

OVER the past decade, Cox Las Vegas has presented $350,000 in scholarships to college-bound, high school seniors in Clark County as part of its annual Cox Diversity Scholarship program, including $35,000 to 10 members of the Class of 2023. The scholarships are $3,500 each and awarded in partnership with the Public Education Foundation and Southern Nevada-based diverse nonprofit organizations. The Cox 2023 Diversity Scholarship recipients include: Juliana Castrillon Brome, Sports Leadership & Management of Nevada (SLAM Academy), Cox and Chicanos Por La Causa Diversity Scholarship; Nashiah BarnesChilds, Las Vegas High School, Cox and Gentlemen By Choice Diversity Scholarship; Patrick Donn Dimasin, West Career and Technical Academy, Cox and Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) Diversity Scholarship; Jack Kim, Adelson School, Cox and Las Vegas Hawaiian Civic Club Diversity Scholarship; Natalie Marquez, CSN High School West, Cox and the Latin Chamber of Commerce Diversity Scholarship; Samantha Reagan, Coronado High School, Cox and the Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Nevada Diversity Scholarship; Natalie Stevens, Southeast Career and Technical Academy, Cox and Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada Diversity Scholarship; Tyler Thatcher, Shadow Ridge High School, Cox and The LGBTQ Center of Southern Nevada Diversity Scholarship; Kayla Washington, Cheyenne High School, Cox and 100 Black Men Diversity Scholarship and Lauren Yee, Coronado High School, Cox and Junior League of Las Vegas

Diversity Scholarship

“These diversity scholarships are an important part of our commitment to youth, education and diversity, as well as our social commitment to this community,” said Cox Las Vegas Vice President and Market Leader Janet Uthman.

“We’re proud of our 2023 scholarship recipients and the 100 local graduates we’ve supported over the past decade.”

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful

by Annie WAlters Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Nevada

YOUR personal my Social Security account is here for you at every stage of your career. You don’t have to be retired or even close to retirement to take advantage of it. With an account, you can conduct much of your Social Security business online. For example, you can request a replacement Social Security card (in most states and the District of Columbia) whether you receive

benefits or not.

If you are not currently receiving benefits, you can use your personal my Social Security account to:

• Review your earnings history.

• Estimate your future benefits to help plan for retirement.

• Get instant proof that you do not receive benefits.

• Check the status of your Social Security application, if you decide to apply for benefits.

If you already receive Social Security benefits, use your account to:

moments of human connection through technology. The largest private broadband company in America, we proudly serve nearly seven million homes and businesses across 18 states. We're dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.

• Change your address.

• Get instant proof that you receive benefits.

• Set up or change your direct deposit.

• Get an instant copy of your Social Security 1099 (SSA-1099) or SSA-1042S.

• Opt out of receiving certain notices by mail and instead receive them in the secure Message Center. Please encourage your family and friends to create their personal my Social Security account at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

City of Las Vegas offers additional youth...

camp will earn a Junior Lifeguard certificate. This fun camp is a great environment for kids that may want to become a lifeguard. Participants must bring a swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, lunch, snacks, and drinks each day to camp. Call 702.229.1488 for more information on Junior Lifeguard Camp.

Cultural Arts Summer Day Camps Space is limited; advance registration is required. For questions on cultural arts summer camps, please call 702.229.ARTS (2787).

2023 Performing & Visual Arts Summer Camp for Kids (ages 10-15)

Monday-Friday, June 5–July 29, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cost: $400 for the full eightweek program; scholarships are available.

West Las Vegas Arts Center, 947 W. Lake Mead Blvd., 702.229.4800.

The 27th annual Performing & Visual Arts Summer Camp for Kids (PVAC) will offer art instruction in the disciplines of dance, music, theatre, video production and

photography. The final presentation will be at 2 p.m. July 29 at the West Las Vegas Library Theatre.

PVAC offers life skills instruction through arts education. The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District has been an active partner with the city of Las Vegas West Las Vegas Arts Center PVAC since its conception in 1996. Registration is by application only; call to request an application packet at 702.229.4800 or request a packet at the West Las Vegas Arts Center.

Rainbow Company Youth Acting Workshop Summer Camp (ages 8-12)

Monday-Friday, June 5-June 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; final presentation Friday, June 16, at 6 p.m.

Cost: $299 for the two-week program; Register online or by calling 702.229.ARTS (2787).

Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702.229.6383.

Rainbow Company Youth Acting Workshop is a highly concentrated theatrical experience for students ages 8-12. This two-week, full-day workshop will spark imagination by diving into theatre arts expe-

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

riences. Your student will build confidence, increase self-esteem, discover hidden talents, develop teamwork, and foster creativity. This summer theatre intensive is a meaningful arts experience that challenges students with age-appropriate theatre exercises that build trust, self-confidence, communication and social skills. This theatre intensive culminates in a presentation at the Charleston Heights Arts Center.

Contemporary West Dance Theater Summer Dance Intensive (ages 8-25)

Monday-Friday, July 17-28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $500.

Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 S. Brush St., 702.229.6383.

The two-week program is taught by world-renowned, highly trained instructors providing Ballet, Horton, Graham, African, Jazz and Hip-Hop classes. Registration available April 4-May 17. More information can be found at www.lvdance.org, or email artslasvegas@lasvegasnevada.gov or s.mcrae@lvdance.org.

Philippine Cardinal Antonio Luis (Chito) Tagle, who was recently appointed by Pope Francis to a top post in the Vatican, smilingly tells Asian Journal columnist and cardiac surgeon Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, (left), in their meeting in Rome, Italy, on Saturday, May 6, 2023, that the rumor he would be in line to be the next Pope was “fake news.”

Jack Kim of the Adelson School with Cox’s Tamar Hoapili

Patrick Don Dimasin (center) with his West Career and Technical Academy Counselor Lisa Lanza and Cox’s Peter Arsaga