051223 - Northern California 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 brightyellow envelope containing a roughly 20-page form about six weeks before the

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 or has your lived experiences,” said Harris.

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

MANILA — Discussions on the specifics of the joint maritime activities between the United States and the Philippines are still ongoing, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines said on Tuesday, May 9. Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose

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’ ar-

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

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

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, May 10 said the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) should take decisive and responsive action on geo-political issues concerning the region to be a “master of its future.

During his intervention at the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with the High-Level Task Force on the ASEAN Community’s post2025 vision (HLTF-ACV), Marcos said the regional bloc must continue improving its efforts to

advance its welfare.

“The ASEAN of today must be better than the ASEAN of yesterday. For ASEAN to succeed, ASEAN must be the master of its future,” he said in the forum held in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia.

“The work of the High-Level Task Force requires sober deliberation of the potentials and the possibilities of the evolving regional and global architecture. It is imperative that we be decisive, it is imperative that we be responsive,” Marcos added.

The President added that ASEAN must show the world that it is “able to respond ef-

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. g

Vice President Kamala Harris headlines...

“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 Indo-Korean 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 Administration,” said Erika

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

FESTIVE. Colorful umbrellas, along with entangled wires, hang above Antonio Rivera Street in Barangay 234, Tondo, Manila on Tuesday, May 9. The village is preparing for its fiesta on the third Sunday of the month (May 21).

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Marcoses meet Charles at Buckingham...

rival as well as his meeting with airport officials. 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

must take decisive, responsive steps...

fectively to geopolitical and geo-economic challenges as a cohesive force.”

“Today, ASEAN faces a complex geopolitical environment which includes rivalries amongst great powers, climate change, and technological disruptions, amongst others. ASEAN itself is not immune to its own challenges as we continue

to navigate our differences in the region towards a general consensus of action,” he said.

ASEAN also has to be agile, Marcos said, as the regional bloc has to adapt to the diverse, meaningful interventions needed for the complex challenges of the times.

“Regionalism should mirror our collective interests, for our strength relies on our united

voice,” Marcos said.

As for the Philippines, the President said the country continues to underscore the need “to strengthen our institutions, enhance existing ASEAN mechanisms such as the East Asia Summit, and streamline processes for ASEAN to better translate our Community-building efforts towards achieving concrete results.” g

Medi-Cal enrollees in California: Here’s how...

start of your renewal month.

trade, investment and cultural exchanges for the Filipino people,” he said.

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

Vice President Kamala Harris headlines...

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 mostbanned 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)

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. 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 MediCal, 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 Medi-Cal 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-year-old 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 employer-sponsored 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 onethird 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 MediCal 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 PH has...

change a little 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 Acero-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 brand-new boat without weapons? We are pushing for more budget for surfaceto-air missiles, surface-to-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 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

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

Dateline PhiliPPines

Marcos to reiterate pardon request for Mary Jane Veloso in Indonesia

by Daphne Galvez Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, May 9 said he will continue to ask for a commutation or even a pardon for Mary Jane Veloso, who is convicted of drug smuggling and condemned to death row.

Marcos issued the statement in Labuan Bajo, Indonesia where he is to attend the 42nd Summit of the Association

of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

"The impasse is we continue to ask for a commutation or even a pardon extradition back to the Philippines, and that is constantly there,” he said when asked if he would raise Veloso’s case if he meets with Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

“But the Indonesians answer us that this is the law,” Marcos added.

In September last year, the

Department of Foreign Affairs sought executive clemency for Veloso.

Veloso was convicted of drug trafficking after she was caught with 2.6 kilos of heroin in Yogyakarta in 2010. She was meted out to the death penalty in 2010.

“They’ve already given us postponement but that doesn’t mean it’s done, I’ll always at least bring it up. Baka sakaling magbago [ Maybe it will change ],” Marcos said. g

Pacquiao vows to shoulder expenses of boxer in coma

MANILA – The medical needs of Kenneth Egano, the Sarangani bantamweight who slipped into a coma after winning his eightround fight late Saturday, May 6 in Cavite, will be shouldered by boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.

Egano collapsed while he was awaiting the official result of his bout against Jason Facularin in Imus and was brought to the hospital after paramedics attended to him on top of the ring.

“There is nothing more precious than human life,” Pacquiao said from General Santos City upon learning Egano’s condition.

Pacquiao, whose boxing program Blow-By-Blow staged

the Egano-Facularin match, has instructed his staff in Manila to make sure Egano receives all the help he needs.

Egano, 22, is now confined at the Imus Doctors Hospital and was scheduled to undergo an on operation last Sunday, May 7. The fighter’s parents were scheduled to arrive on Monday, May 8 on a flight from General Santos City after Blow-By-Blow staffers sent them flight tickets. Watching over Egano at the hospital is his trainer, Dexter Benatero.

Egano and Facularin was the night’s most exciting fight and talks were already under way that they would be paired again sometime in July.

Egano, who made his BlowBy-Blow debut last February in General Santos City, entered the fight armed with a 6-1 win-loss record with three knockouts.

The Davao City-born Facularin, 23, came into the showdown with an unblemished mark of 4-0 with 4 wins inside the distance.

Pacquiao, who also fought in Blow-By-Blow when he was still on the way up, swears “boxing is truly a dangerous sport and the boxers deserve nothing but respect as they put their lives on the line.”

“Other sports you play, but you don’t play boxing,” added the eight-division champion. (Philstar.com)

photo

Egano, 22, is now confined at the Imus Doctors Hospital.

Kenneth

Philstar.com

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 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

Editorial

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

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

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

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

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)

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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.

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Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com

Filipino among new Pontifical Swiss Guard recruits

MANILA – A 24-year-old Filipino was among the 23 new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard at the Vatican.

An article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website on Monday, May 8 said the Davao City-born Sebastian Esai Eco Eviota together with the other new Swiss Guards joined their ranks in an elaborate swearing-in ceremony at the Courtyard of Saint Damasus on Saturday in Rome.

The men were also joined by their families and delegates of the Swiss Confederation and Swiss Bishops.

The ceremony is held every May 6 to commemorate the heroic sacrifice of 147 Swiss Guards who died protecting Pope Clement VII during the Sack of Rome in 1527.

Prior to the ceremony, the new Swiss Guards celebrated Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, followed by a meeting with Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace.

76% think Philippine headed in right direction – poll

by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — A large majority of Filipinos, although fewer than last year, think the country is headed in the right direction, the latest survey by OCTA Research group showed.

Results of the March 24 to 28 survey released yesterday found that 76 percent of the respondents believe that the Philippines is heading in the right direction.

However, the figure is down by nine points from the 85 percent obtained in a similar survey held in October last year.

Meanwhile, those who thought that the country is moving in the wrong direction increased from six percent last October, to 10 percent in the latest poll.

The remaining 13 percent said they do not know, up from nine percent.

OCTA said the decline from last quarter among those who thought that the country is

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — Fifty-one percent of Filipino families consider themselves poor, according to a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.

The nationwide survey conducted among 1,200 adults from March 26 to 29 revealed that 51 percent of Filipino families rate themselves as “mahirap” or poor.

Thirty-one percent rated themselves as “borderline” by placing themselves in a horizontal line dividing poor and not poor, while 19 percent rated themselves as “hindi mahirap” or not poor.

“This is similar to (the survey conducted in) December 2022, when poor families were at 51 percent, borderline families at 31 percent and not poor families at 19 percent,” SWS said.

It noted that the estimated number of self-rated poor families was at 14 million last March, rising from the 12.9 million in December last year.

“Self-rated poor rose in Metro Manila from 32 percent to 40 percent, and from 58 percent to 65 percent in the Visayas. However, it fell in Balance Luzon from 49 percent to 43 percent while it was statistically steady in Mindanao, moving from 59 percent to 62 percent,” the polling agency said.

Borderline respondents did not statistically change in Metro Manila from 29 percent to 26 percent, in balance Luzon from 30 percent to 32 percent and in Mindanao from 30 percent to 33 percent, but fell in the Visayas from 34 percent to 26 percent.

Filipinos who considered themselves not poor rose in

It was lowest among those in Metro Manila at 59 percent (from 70 percent), followed by those in Mindanao at 75 percent (from 84 percent), rest of Luzon at 77 percent (from 87 percent) and the Visayas at 87 percent (from 91 percent).

It was 65 percent among those belonging to classes ABC (from 79 percent), 63 percent among class E (from 81 percent) and 78 percent among class D (from 86 percent).

Meanwhile, those who thought that the country is headed in the wrong direction was highest among respondents in Metro Manila at 19 percent (from 10 percent), followed by those in Mindanao at 15 percent (from eight percent), the Visayas at nine percent (from six percent) and rest of Luzon at five percent (no change).

SWS: 51% of families feel poor

balance Luzon from 20 percent to 25 percent, but fell in Metro Manila from 39 percent to 33 percent and in Mindanao from 11 percent to six percent. It did not change in the Visayas at nine percent.

The minimum monthly budget that self-rated poor families said they need for home expenses to not consider themselves poor has remained sluggish for several years despite considerable inflation.

“This indicates that poor families have been lowering their living standards, i.e., belttightening,” SWS said.

The average poor families lack about half of what they need to not consider themselves poor.

Of the families who rated themselves poor, 6.5 percent are considered “newly poor” as they were not poor one to four years ago.

Another 6.7 percent were nonpoor five or more years ago, and 37.9 percent were considered “always poor.”

Of the estimated 14 million self-rated families in the March survey, 1.8 million were newly poor, 1.8 million were usually poor and 10.4 million were always poor, according to SWS.

The same survey also found that based on the type of food they eat, 39 percent of Filipino families rated themselves as “food-poor,” 35 percent rated themselves as “borderline foodpoor” and 26 percent rated themselves as “not food-poor.”

Compared to December 2022, the percentage of food-poor families rose from 34 percent, while borderline food-poor families hardly moved from 38 percent and not food-poor families barely changed from 28 percent. g

Across socio-economic classes, those who thought that the country is headed in the wrong direction significantly increased among class E at 17 percent (from three percent), followed by classes ABC at 11 percent (no change) and D at eight percent (from six percent). OCTA’s independent Tugon ng Masa survey had 1,200 adult respondents and a margin of error of +/- three percent for national percentages. g

The Holy Father urged them to make “good use of the time” of service at the Vatican to deepen and put into practice their Catholic faith.

“Every situation, every meeting can represent an opportunity to put the Gospel of Christ into practice, to learn from him and to live fraternal love in his name and with his Spirit,” the pope said.

“Your mission here in the Vatican is a path that the Lord has opened for you to live your Baptism and bear joyful witness to your faith in Christ,” the Holy

Father added.

Born in 1998, Eviota moved to Switzerland in 2009 together with her elder sister on a family reunion visa. He joined the Youth for Christ, the youth ministry of the Couples for Christ (CFC). His father Diomedes is from Surigao City while his mother Editha, who passed away in 2000, was from Esperanza town, Agusan del Sur province.

He was a second lieutenant at the Swiss Army before he was admitted to the Swiss Guards in January 2022 to complete his

basic training.

Eviota is the second Filipino to be included in the Swiss Guards after Swiss-Filipino Vincent Lüthi, whose mother is from Cebu.

photo headed in the right direction was due to decreases that were consistent across all major areas and socioeconomic classes.

Founded by Pope Julius II in 1506, the Swiss Guards is a military body made up of Swiss citizens, whose main task is to protect the pope and his residence.

Among their duties are also to accompany the pope on apostolic journeys and to protect the College of Cardinals during the vacant see. (PNA)

Sebastian Esai Eco Eviota (center). CBCP

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

BY KLARIZE MEDENILLA / AJPRESS

FROM media to sports, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) continue to make an impact across all global industries. Just in time for Asian Pacific American History Month, the AAPI advocacy and fundraiser group Gold House released its

2023 A100 List, a coveted catalog of a hundred members of the Asian and Pacific Islander community who made the biggest impact over the past year.

“In the past year, from

Everywhere All At Once’ at the Oscars to IPOs on the NYSE and NASDAQ, we’ve

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 lm

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

Tesa Aragones

Claudine Barretto, Judy Ann Santos

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

Celebrate spring! Visit Graton Resort & Casino and enjoy incredible

ROHNERT PARK – Excited to try your luck this blooming spring?

Time to visit the Bay Area’s favorite gaming destination, Graton Resort & Casino.

Join our exclusive $100,000 Bloomin’ Riches Giveaway on Saturday, May 27. Drawings are at 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., with one (1) winner of $50,000 cash guaranteed!

Plus, there will be 100 winners of $500 Free Slot Play. Come share your luck!

And, from now to June 29, every Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., the “Up To $300,000 Spring Bling Slot Tournaments” will be held, with a top prize of up to $10,000 cash, and 50 winners guaranteed at each tournament!

All reward members get one free entry into each tournament.

In addition to these, the pool is opening in May! Come soak up the sun at Graton’s resort style pool. Sip on ice-cold drinks, enjoy delicious food, and listen to poolside tunes all summer long with DJ performances every weekend. Day passes, cabanas

and daybeds are available daily. See you at poolside!

Graton Resort & Casino offers a full gaming experience with 3,000 slot and video poker machines, more than 130 table games including Blackjack, Baccarat, and Pai Gow Poker, and a live poker room. The high limit lounge is a luxurious getaway tucked off the main casino floor where players enjoy a VIP experience. Breathe easy in the casino’s popular 9,000 square feet non-smoking gaming area which offers 300 slot machines and video poker.

Graton Resort & Casino’s award-winning hotel ensures a first-class experience during your stay. The AAA 4-diamond hotel boasts 200 premium rooms and suites filled with modern luxuries and a full house of amenities, including our awardwinning full-service Spa & Salon, fitness center and more.

Dining options at the casino include 630 Park Steakhouse for luxury dining, Tony’s of North Beach for authentic

Italian cuisine, and Boathouse

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Located in Sonoma County, Graton Resort & Casino has a commanding presence among the rolling hills of Northern California's wine country.

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(Advertising Supplement)

PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

JULIE came to the U.S. as a crew member in 2004 and overstayed, leaving her eightyear-old daughter, Jolina, back

in the Philippines. The years of separation broke Julie’s heart, but she believed her sacrifice would help build a better future for her

daughter. Julie had been watching “Citizen Pinoy” and she knew that the

ACTOR, director, and writer Coco Martin commended his "FPJ's Batang Quiapo" co-star McCoy de Leon for growing as an actor and tapping into more "unpredictable" territory.

At the media conference for the show held last May 4 at the Luxent Hotel, Coco acknowledged that McCoy — who plays David, the younger brother of Coco's Tanggol — was a good actor.

Siyempre sa bawat character na ginagawa mo, ayaw mong predictable ng character sa artista," said Coco, using McCoy as an example because of his "cute, mabait" roles in the past and his "ability to carry a love story."

Coco compared the unpredictability of a story to that of characterization, so that both can become new experiences for viewers.

In response, McCoy confirmed the changes that Coco asked him to make and expressed his gratitude for allowing him to try new things.

Coco Martin and McCoy de Leon Philstar.com photos

ConGen Ferrer meets with Miriam College delegates to Model UN of the Far West

SAN FRANCISCO – A delegation of students from Miriam College in the Philippines who participated in the Model United Nations of the Far West (MUNFW) Conference called on Consul General Neil Ferrer on April 20 at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco.

The MUNFW with this year’s theme, “A Force for Good: Global Health and Technology for a Sustainable Future,” was held on April 21-25 in Burlingame, California.

The delegation was composed of 8 students and 1 professor: students Sofia Merced Adasa, Daphne, Baje, Justine Marian Beato, Mary Ruth Joyce Fajardo, Jeryka Len Lapidario, Nerhema Oliva, Tyzcia Andrai Plateros, Isabelle Milyn Mendoza; and faculty member Melanie Reyes.

The students, led by Reyes, were warmly received by the Consul General, together with Consul Rowena R. PangilinanDaquipil and Vice Consul Adrian Audrey L. Baccay.

During the meeting, the students had the opportunity to exchange views with consular officials and ask questions about life in the foreign service. Consul General Ferrer took the time to address their questions and emphasized the importance of education in pursuing a career in the foreign service.

In a related development, on April 21, the Philippine

Consulate

Philippines’ participation in

On belonging, attitude

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.

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,

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 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.

A success story for crewmen:

Overstayed crew member...

“Attorney-of-Last-Hope” Michael J. Gurfinkel might be able to help her. She had been consulting with him in January 2008, August 2013, and January 2016 before the priority date on her mother’s petition became current.

A change in the law that Julie had been praying for happened when then President Obama issued the Provisional Waiver regulation in 2016, enabling Julie to avoid the 10-year bar if she left the U.S. for her visa.

When her mother’s petition became current, she was able to file for and get her provisional waiver approved. Despite several hurdles, including the delays due to the pandemic, the embassy

interview was finally set. Although the U.S. Embassy gave her a challenging time with multiple interviews and additional requirements, Julie was still able to get her visa issued in September 2022 without being charged with fraud or requiring a fraud waiver. She was also able to bring her now 26-year-old daughter, Jolina, to the U.S. with her under the Child Status Protection Act. Watch this success story on an

was able to get a visa for his client, Julie (left) and her daughter, on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy.

Consul General Neil Ferrer meets with Miriam College delegation to the Model United Nations of the Far West (MUNFW) Conference which was held in late April. San Francisco

Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona (3rd from right) engaged students from Heidelberg University, Ohio. Also in the photo is the group’s mentor, Prof. Marc O’Reilly.

was invited by a delegation of students from Heidelberg University Ohio who represented the Philippines in the MUNFW to talk about the

the UN. Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona represented the Consulate at the opening ceremony of the MUNFW. (PCGSF Release)

Canepa to tobacco sellers: Break the law and face stiff fines

DALY CITY – San Mateo County

Supervisor David J. Canepa made the following statement on Tuesday, Maty 9 after the Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance imposing mandatory fines and compliance checks for retailers who sell tobacco products to minors and banned and prohibited products such as e-cigarettes and flavored vape cartridges.

“Big Tobacco has preyed on our youth with flavored products like bubblegum and cotton candy for years,” Canepa said. “What we’ve done today is to tell our retailers that if you are caught selling to minors or selling banned flavored tobacco products you will be fined heavily. Because we know tobacco is a highly-profitable killer, the county will now conduct two mandatory compliance checks every year at every retail establishment that sells tobacco products. This is another huge step toward sav-

ing lives and creating a world free from harmful tobacco products that are purely poison.”

The ordinance updates definitions to align with similar model ordinances across California. For example, the “Tobacco Product” definition will now include synthetic nicotine, and align language, where appropriate, with the new statewide ban of flavored tobacco products. It also restricts where new retailers may be located: no new Tobacco Retailer Permit will be issued to a location within 1,000 of a Youth-Populated Area, or within 500 feet of a location already occupied by another tobacco retailer.

“Youth-Populated Areas” is updated to include college campuses.

It prohibits posting of advertisements offering tobacco products unless the retailer has a valid permit to sell tobacco products.

It increases the age for those

who sell tobacco products to match the minimum age allowed to purchase tobacco under State law, currently 21 years old.

It increases fines up to five hundred dollars ($500) for the first violation, and up to one thousand dollars ($1,000) for all subsequent violations within a sixty (60) month period.

It requires that a permit be suspended if a business is found to have sold tobacco products to persons under the age of 21.

It requires two inspections per year of each tobacco retailer by an enforcement designee to monitor compliance with applicable laws.

It increases the permit suspension and revocation escalation period for cumulative violations from 12 months to 60 months.

It mandates a fine, at a minimum, for any violations pursuant to the ordinance. (Supervisor Canepa’s Office Release)

USF int’l business students pay courtesy visit to PH consulate

SAN FRANCISCO – A group of international business students from the University of San Francisco (USF) recently paid a courtesy visit to the Philippine Consulate on April 25 to learn about the economic and business landscape in the Philippines.

Consul General Neil Ferrer welcomed the group, accompanied by Associate Director Monika Hudson, Director of Gellert Family Business Center, School of Management at USF.

Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona and Trade Commissioner Celynne Layug also met the group to discuss the students’ interest in understanding the work of the Consulate in terms of economic and trade and investment promotion.

Consul General Ferrer briefed the students on the Philippine economy, which recently posted a GDP growth rate of 7.6%. He underscored the robust bilateral relations between the Philippines and the U.S. as highlighted in the recent Philippines-U.S. 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, and an upcoming official visit of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the U.S. He also un-

derscored structural reforms that aim to pave way for more foreign investments, such as amending the Public Service Act, allowing 100% foreign investments in public services.

Trade Commissioner Layug noted the Philippines’ strategic location in Southeast Asia and ASEAN, whose population totaled 668 million with a GDP of $3.38 trillion, and increasing economic opportunities, especially with the Philippines’ ratification of the free trade agreement Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

The students were briefed about the work of the Consulate and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley in terms of growing the Philippine startup ecosystem by connecting startups in the Philippines for mentorship under the ambit of the first Filipino American co-working space, Dynamico, and highlighting the country as a Southeast Asia launchpad, especially for businesses expanding in the region; investments promotion in ITBPM, healthcare, electronics manufacturing and the creatives

PH Consulate in SF approves 1,118 overseas voting applications during first RERB hearing

SAN FRANCISCO – The Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco convened on April 17, 2023 at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Center, to hear Overseas Voting (OV) applications filed at the Consulate from 9 December 2022 to 31 March 2023.

The RERB, composed of Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano, Vice Consul Adrian Baccay and Ms. Genevieve Ferrer, approved a total of 1,118 applications during the

hearing.

The Consulate, along with other Philippine embassies and consulates worldwide, resumed OV registration on December 9, 2022, and will continue registering voters until September 30, 2024.

All Filipino citizens who will be outside the Philippines, are at least 18 years of age on May 12, 2025, and are not otherwise disqualified by law, may register with the consulate as overseas voters for the 2025 Philippine National Elections. The consulate’s method of

overseas voting is postal voting, where official ballots are sent to the overseas voter’s residence via mail.

Registered overseas voters of previous elections who moved to a new residence within the consulate’s area of jurisdiction, are also urged to visit the Consulate and apply for change of residential address. Additional information on the ongoing overseas voting registration is available on the Consulate’s official website (https://pcgsanfrancisco.org). (PCGSF Release)

Kapwa Gardens and KOHO present ‘Yum Yams: Ube Meets Matcha’

YUM Yams celebrates all things ube. Ube is a Filipino sweet potato that is taking over the world of desserts. It’s unique flavor and striking deep purple color ignites excitement in the food world. Ube is flexible and can be used as a flavoring ingredient or a food color.

Kapwa Gardens is excited to announce that “Yum Yams” is back for the fourth time.

To celebrate AAPI month, it’spartnering with Japantown's

KOHO SF for a special collaboration – Ube Meets

Matcha!

KOHO SF is the latest member of the Kultivate Labs family. As a fiscally sponsored organization, KOHO SF hopes to revitalize its cultural district, Japantown, through arts and culture. This event signals a new wave of collaboration between our communities.

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that has been an integral part of Japanese culinary culture for centuries.

industry; and promoting sustainable products.

During their visit, the students had the opportunity to ask the Consul General on various topics, including the current state of the Philippine economy, local business trends, and training opportunities in the region.

The USF is one of the oldest institutions for higher learning located at the heart of San Francisco. Its School of Management offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in business, including entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing.

(PCGSF Release)

Matcha's unique flavor, color, and texture have inspired Japanese chefs to create a wide variety of dishes, including traditional sweets, savory dishes.

Much like matcha, ube is a signature component of Filipino culture. Ube is a purple yam that has become a beloved ingredient in Filipino culinary culture. Its vibrant color and sweet flavor make it a popular ingredient in desserts, such as cakes, pastries, and ice cream. Its significance in Filipino cuisine reflects the country's rich agricultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions.

“Yum Yams” has grown from one sell-out event at Kapwa Gardens, to a full on food festival crawl with multiple areas encompassing over 25 vendors.

Tickets for “Yum Yams: Ube Meets Matcha” are FREE but we are accepting sliding scale donations.

For tickets, go to https://www. kapwagardens.com/events/ubemeets-matcha.

San Francisco PCG photo

Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer, together with Consul Vanessa G. Bago-Llona and Trade Commissioner Celynne P. Layug, meets with University of San Francisco International Business Students and Associate Professor Monika Hudson. San Francisco PCG photo