WAshINGtoN, D.C. – In a renewed effort to tackle the high cost of prescription drugs, President Donald trump on may 12 signed an executive order titled “Delivering most-favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients,” aimed at bringing U.s. medication prices in line with those paid in other developed countries.
Key provisions: Matching global prices the executive order directs the U.s. Department of health and human services (hhs) to implement a most-favored-Nation (mfN) pricing model, under which medicare and other federal programs will pay no more for select prescription drugs than the lowest price charged in economically comparable countries such as Canada, france, or Germany. the administration claims this pricing parity could cut drug costs by up to 90% for certain medications. Pharmaceutical compa-
Homeownership premiums soar in West Coast cities
A new redfin report reveals that the gap between renting and owning a home has reached record highs in several major U.s cities, especially in California and other techheavy regions. the disparity underscores the growing difficulty for households— particularly middle-income earners—seeking to transition from renters to homeowners.
San Jose leads the nation in housing premium At the top of the list is san Jose, where a homebuyer must earn an annual income of $408,557 to afford a typical home. In contrast, the income required to rent the average apartment in the city is only $128,580. this marks a staggering 218% premium—the highest among all U.s. metro areas analyzed by redfin.
Other high-cost cities: San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles other major cities with significant homebuying premiums include: • San Francisco – 176% higher income
by AJPress
Palace: No more ‘political colors’ after 2025 elections for Marcos
Chairman George erwin Garcia said on thursday, may 15 that this percentage is among the 68 million registered voters for this year’s polls. Comelec Chairman George erwin
said
thursday that this percentage represents
out of the 68,431,965 registered voters for this year’s polls. “We are happy because, despite it being a midterm election, the voters still cast their ballots—this is the highest [voter turnout] in a midterm election,” Garcia said in a press conference in manila hotel tent City. In the last 2019 midterm elections, the Comelec recorded around 75 percent voter turnout. Comelec spokesperson John rex Laudiangco said
by AJPress
DAVAo CItY — former Philippine President rodrigo Duterte has been declared the winner of the 2025 mayoral race in Davao City, marking a dramatic return to local office despite his ongoing detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the hague. Duterte secured more than 660,000 votes — an overwhelming majority — cementing the enduring dominance of the Duterte political dynasty in the southern mindanao stronghold. his victory was widely anticipated but nonetheless raises complex legal and polit-
mANILA – the Commission on elections (ComeLeC), sitting as the National Board of Canvassers (NBoC), has officially completed the canvassing of votes for the 2025 Philippine senatorial elections, confirming the 12 new members of the senate who will serve until 2031. the final tally, completed late thursday, may 15, showed senator Christopher “Bong” Go of PDP–Laban leading the race with over 27.1 million votes. the canvassing covered all 175 Certificates of Canvass (CoCs), concluding what officials described as one of the fastest national tabulations in Philippine electoral history.
ComeLeC-Certified top 12 senators (2025–2031)
• Christopher “Bong” Go (PDP–Laban) – 27,121,073
• Bam Aquino (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan) – 20,971,899
• Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (PDP–Laban) – 20,773,946
• Erwin Tulfo (Lakas–CMD) – 17,118,881
• Kiko Pangilinan (Liberal Party) – 15,343,229
• Rodante Marcoleta (Independent) – 15,250,723
• Ping Lacson (Independent) – 15,106,111
by AJPress
mANILA — former senators
Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan have officially secured seats in the Philippine senate following the completion of the 2025 midterm vote canvassing — marking a striking political comeback for two stalwarts of issue-based, independent reform. According to final figures released by the Commission on elections (ComeLeC) on may 15, Aquino ranked second overall with 20,626,012 votes, while Pangilinan placed fifth with 15,087,920 votes—defying early survey projections that had excluded both candidates from the so-called “magic 12.”
Profiles in resilience
Bam Aquino, who previously served in the senate from 2013 to 2019, is known for his legislative work on youth entrepreneurship, digital jobs, and education reform. he was the principal sponsor of the Universal Access to Quality tertiary education Act, which provides free college tuition in state universities and colleges, and the Go Negosyo Act that boosted micro-enterprise development across the country. A graduate of harvard University, Aquino brings both academic and grassroots credentials to his role. he is a nephew of former President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and a member of
by AJPress
may 12, 2025, local elections. robredo garnered over 84,000 votes, accounting for more than 91% of the total votes cast, defeating her three independent opponents. her running mate, former Camarines sur representative Gabriel Bordado Jr., was also elected as vice mayor, obtaining 51.64% of the
former Vice President Leni robredo has been officially proclaimed as the new mayor of Naga City, securing a landslide victory in the
vote.
Former Vice President, now Naga City mayor Leni Robredo Photo from Leni Robredo’s Facebook page
Palace: No more ‘political colors’...
“this is for the people, after all. hopefully, it won’t always be about politics because we won’t be able to act or move forward if all we do is politicize and sow intrigue within the government,” he added.
Asked how the election of only six Alyansa senators would affect marcos’ legislative agenda, Castro said the president would prefer his programs to be supported, but would not necessarily oppose their suggestions. the president will not stand in the way of their suggestions, even if these do not align with his programs. If there is a valid reason behind them, the president will listen,” she said.
“But hopefully, whatever the president and the administration are requesting for the benefit of the people will not be obstruct-
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ed just because of politics,” she added.
Among the Alyansa
al candidates who made it into
Homeownership premiums soar...
needed to buy than rent
• Seattle – 145%
• Austin – 143%
• Los Angeles – 141%
these regions have long faced affordability challenges due to high housing demand, limited inventory, and restrictive zoning laws. the current mortgage environment—with interest rates remaining above 6%—has further widened the ownership gap.
Where housing is still attainable
In contrast to the West Coast, several cities in the midwest and Northeast offer relatively affordable paths to homeownership:
• Pittsburgh, PA – 14.4% premium
• Cleveland, OH – 29.7%
• Detroit, MI – 30.7%
• Cincinnati, OH – 38.9%
• Philadelphia, PA – 40.9% these cities show a far narrower gap between renting and owning, offering more feasible options for first-time homebuyers and families seeking stability without relocating to high-cost markets.
Broader trends and economic impact the report highlights a nationwide trend in which homeownership is becoming less attainable, especially in areas with strong job markets and limited housing development. this growing divide may further impact migration patterns, with Americans — particularly younger workers — opting to relocate to more affordable regions.
redfin’s data suggests that the typical homebuyer in high-cost metros now needs to earn over 50% more than in previous years just to meet mortgage qualification thresholds. With fewer affordable homes available and limited new construction in urban cores, the pressures on renters and aspiring homeowners continue to build.
Policy conversations ongoing
While some city and state governments have proposed zoning reforms and down payment assistance programs, significant legislative action is still required to bridge the affordability gap. experts note that increasing housing supply and improving financing access could ease the strain, but policy momentum has been uneven across regions. (AJPress)
Comelec logs highest-ever midterm...
the 81.65 percent projection is an initial unofficial estimate and is still subject to finalization based on the completion of canvass by the National Board of Canvassers (NBoC). the NBoC is poised to finish
Leni Robredo makes history as first...
robredo’s return to local politics is seen as a continuation of the legacy of her late husband, Jesse robredo, who served as Naga’s mayor for nearly two decades and was renowned for his commitment to ethical governance. running under the Liberal Party-backed “An Bagong team Naga,” her campaign emphasized transparen-
cy, community engagement, and the revitalization of public services.
the overwhelming support for robredo and her slate underscores the enduring strength of the “Pink movement,” a grassroots campaign that emerged during her 2022 presidential bid. this movement continues to influence Philippine politics, as evidenced by the successful
senate comebacks of her allies, Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, in the 2025 elections. As mayor, robredo has pledged to prioritize initiatives focused on good governance, infrastructure development, and social services, aiming to build upon the foundations laid during her husband’s tenure and her own previous public service. n
Duterte wins Davao mayoral race while in...
ical questions about governance, accountability, and the resilience of political patronage in the Philippines.
Governance from detention
Under Philippine election law, candidates under criminal investigation or even international detention are not barred from seeking office unless convicted with finality. While Duterte’s legal team has not confirmed how he intends to perform his duties as mayor from the hague, his son, outgoing mayor sebastian “Baste” Duterte, was elected vice mayor and is expected to assume acting mayoral duties.
the Commission on elections (Comelec) has affirmed the legitimacy of Duterte’s candidacy and victory, stating that “there is no legal impediment at this time preventing his proclamation.”
Duterte family sweep the Dutertes further consolidated their grip on power in Davao:
• Sebastian Duterte won as vice mayor
• Paolo Duterte retained his seat as congressman
• Two of Rodrigo Duterte’s
Aquino,
grandsons secured councilor positions this sweep reflects a broader resurgence of the Duterte political machine, signaling enduring public support in their regional base and strong name recall despite mounting legal controversies.
ICC detention and drug war
charges Duterte remains in ICC custody, facing crimes against humanity charges stemming from thousands of deaths linked to his controversial war on drugs. he was apprehended earlier this year during a visit to a southeast Asian nation that honors ICC warrants. his legal team is currently contesting the ICC’s jurisdiction, calling the charges “politically motivated.”
Sara Duterte faces Senate trial meanwhile, Vice President sara Duterte — rodrigo Duterte’s daughter—is undergoing an impeachment trial in the Philippine senate over accusations of misusing public funds and plotting to undermine President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. the outcome of the 2025 mid-
term elections, which saw five Duterte-aligned senate candidates leading in the vote count, could shift the political balance and influence the senate’s impeachment decision.
Political observers suggest that the Dutertes’ continued electoral success could pose a formidable challenge to the marcos administration, potentially reigniting dynastic rivalries ahead of the 2028 presidential race.
National implications Duterte’s re-election as mayor — while detained and awaiting trial before the ICC — underscores the complexities of Philippine democratic processes. While critics argue that his win undermines international rule of law and sends troubling signals about accountability, supporters view it as a reaffirmation of his leadership and legacy in mindanao.
As Davao prepares for a new political chapter, the implications of this electoral outcome are expected to ripple beyond the city—impacting legal discourse, political alliances, and the country’s trajectory heading into the next national election cycle. n
Pangilinan secure surprise Senate...
the prominent Aquino political lineage, which includes democracy icons Ninoy and Cory Aquino. for the 2025 race, he ran under Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP), a party he now leads after formally parting ways with the Liberal Party in 2024.
Kiko Pangilinan, a lawyer by profession, is a long-time advocate for agricultural development, rural modernization, and judicial reform. he served multiple senate terms starting in 2001 and once held the role of Presidential Assistant for food security and Agricultural modernization. his return to the senate
follows an unsuccessful bid for the vice presidency in 2022.
Pangilinan is married to sharon Cuneta, one of the Philippines’ most celebrated entertainers, and is part of a well-known showbiz family. his 2025 candidacy under the Liberal Party emphasized inclusive growth and food system sustainability—issues that strongly resonated with both rural and urban constituencies.
Significance of their wins Aquino and Pangilinan’s victories are widely viewed as a rejection of political complacency and dynastic dominance, and a resurgence of reformist, independent
voices in a senate increasingly split along partisan lines. their electoral success—without the backing of a unified national slate—underscores a shift in voter sentiment, particularly among youth voters and issue-oriented constituencies. Both campaigns focused on substance over spectacle, using ground-level mobilization and digital outreach to gain traction late in the campaign season. Political analysts note that their comeback could reshape the legislative balance and influence key debates on education, agriculture, and democratic governance in the 20th Congress. n
SARI-SARI TRADE. Customers line up for the “Tindahan ni Aling Puring” Sari-Sari Store Convention at World Trade Center in Pasay City on Friday, May 16. The event empowers micro-entrepreneurs, especially of retail stores, to become resilient in a fast-evolving consumer landscape. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
senatori-
the magic 12 were former senators Panfilo Lacson, tito sotto, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, erwin tulfo, and Camille Villar. n
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. no longer distinguishes “political colors” among winning candidates now that the 2025 elections are over, as he believes that they should all come together for a common goal. Malacañang file photo
Former Senators Kiko Pangilinan (left) and Bam Aquino (right) have officially secured
completion of the 2025 midterm vote canvassing
US-China tariff truce: What it means for everyday consumers
by AJPress
foLLoWING months of rising tensions and economic uncertainty, the United states and China have reached a 90day agreement to drastically scale back tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars in traded goods. Announced after intensive negotiations in Geneva, the deal represents the most substantial pause in their long-running trade war and is expected to bring short-term relief to global markets, importers, and consumers.
Tariff cuts take effect May 14
Under the agreement, the U.s. will lower tariffs on Chinese imports from an average of 145% to 30%, while China will reduce duties on American goods from 125% to 10%. these cuts were set to begin on may 14 and will remain in place through midAugust, allowing both sides time to negotiate deeper resolutions on long-standing disputes, including technology transfers and synthetic drug trade. the agreement temporarily halts 91% of active tariffs and shelves an additional round of
planned levies that were due to impact a wide range of consumer and industrial products. What consumers can expect for households, the impact may soon be felt in the form of lower prices on everyday items— particularly electronics, clothing, kitchenware, and tools. retailers that source products from China are preparing to adjust pricing strategies as reduced costs filter through supply chains. While the change won’t be immediate, economic analysts suggest consumers could begin seeing modest price drops by summer, especially on goods that have seen steady price hikes over the past two years. Business relief and lingering exemptions the temporary rollback is being welcomed by businesses that depend on cross-border supply chains. Importers, wholesalers, and manufacturers may see operating costs ease, especially in tech, construction, and consumer goods sectors. however, not all categories were included in the rollback. tariffs of up to 120% will remain on low-value e-commerce
shipments under the “de minimis” category—frequently used by online shoppers buying directly from overseas platforms.
Financial markets respond the markets responded swiftly to the news. the Dow jumped over 1,000 points, while the s&P 500 and Nasdaq posted gains of 2.9% and 4%, respectively.
Positive momentum extended to global exchanges, and currency markets also reacted with the U.s. dollar strengthening while gold prices dropped.
Investors see the truce as a signal that both governments are willing to step back from confrontation, at least in the short term.
Temporary pause, lingering tensions the tariff truce offers temporary relief in an otherwise contentious trade relationship.
While the agreement has halted some of the economic strain, the underlying issues remain unresolved. the next 90 days will be a key test of whether negotiators can make meaningful progress—or whether tariffs will snap back into place, reigniting uncertainty. n
FTC’s ‘junk fee’ rule takes effect, requiring upfront pricing for hotels and event tickets
by AJPress
A new federal trade Commission (ftC) rule banning deceptive “junk fees” officially took effect on may 12, 2025, marking a significant shift in how hotels and event ticket sellers are required to display prices to consumers. the rule mandates that businesses disclose the total price, including all mandatory fees, at the outset of any offer or advertisement — a move aimed at ending pricing practices that confuse or mislead buyers.
the rule applies to short-term lodging providers (such as hotels and vacation rentals) and companies that sell tickets for live events.
“People deserve to know upfront what they’re being asked to pay — without worrying that they’ll later be saddled with mysterious fees that they haven’t budgeted for and can’t avoid,” said FTC Chair Lina M. Khan in
an official statement. “By ensuring businesses disclose total prices up front, the ftC’s rule will help consumers make informed choices and create a level playing field for honest businesses.”
Key provisions of the rule
Under the new regulation, businesses must:
• Clearly display the total price, inclusive of all mandatory fees, wherever pricing is presented.
• Show this total price more prominently than any partial or base price.
• Provide clear information on any optional or additional fees before the consumer agrees to pay.
• Refrain from misrepresenting the nature, amount, or purpose of any fee.
Violations of the rule may result in civil penalties enforced by the ftC under its authority in the ftC Act. Impact on consumers the Commission estimates
that the rule will save consumers over $10 billion during the next decade and eliminate more than 53 million hours per year in wasted time spent comparing incomplete price listings across platforms.
Industry adjustments many companies in the travel and ticketing sectors began adapting their systems earlier this year in anticipation of the change. the ftC noted that the rule’s purpose is not only to protect consumers but also to encourage fair competition among businesses that already practice transparent pricing.
Enforcement the ftC has opened channels for consumers to report potential violations through its official site at www.ftc.gov/ complaint. the agency says it will prioritize enforcement in industries where hidden fees have been a long-standing issue. n
SSA warns of payment suspensions starting May: New compliance rules could affect millions
by AJPress
WAshINGtoN, D.C. –
As of may 2025, the social security Administration (ssA) is rolling out a series of stricter compliance measures that could lead to automatic payment suspensions for millions of beneficiaries—particularly those receiving supplemental security Income (ssI) or social security Disability Insurance (ssDI). these changes come as part of the agency’s effort to prevent overpayments and ensure that benefits are distributed only to eligible recipients. While the ssA has long issued automatic monthly payments, officials say this long-standing system is now contingent on beneficiaries’ adherence to updated reporting and verification requirements. Who is at risk?
According to official guidance and recent public reports, automatic payments may be suspended under the following conditions:
• Unreported income and employment: ssI and ssDI recipients who return to work or earn income above program limits must promptly report it to the ssA. failure to do so may result in suspension or reduction
of benefits.
• Life changes not reported:
Beneficiaries are required to notify the ssA about significant life events, including marriage, divorce, change of address, inheritance, or the death of a qualifying member. Delayed or omitted reports may trigger payment halts.
• Extended stay outside the U.s.: ssI recipients who leave the United states for more than 30 consecutive days without notifying the ssA may have their payments interrupted.
• Lack of response to SSA requests: Ignoring official notices or failing to submit requested documentation may lead to a pause in disbursements.
New identity verification measures the ssA has also introduced enhanced security protocols requiring beneficiaries to verify their identities via the online mysocialsecurity portal or in person at a local ssA office. this change ends the longstanding option of making certain account updates—such as changing direct deposit information— over the phone.
Beneficiaries who do not comply with these verification procedures risk delayed or suspended payments until
proper identification is confirmed.
What you can do to avoid disruption in your monthly benefits, the ssA recommends the following:
• Report changes promptly in income, work status, living arrangements, and family structure.
• Read and respond to all communications from the ssA. Notices may contain critical deadlines or requests for updated records.
• Verify your identity using the secure online portal or at your nearest ssA office, especially if making changes to your payment method or address.
• Check your bank account regularly to confirm deposits, and report any missed payments immediately.
A call for vigilance With over 70 million Americans depending on social security programs, these new policies represent a significant shift in how benefits are administered. the ssA urges beneficiaries to stay vigilant, organized, and engaged to avoid unintended loss of support. for more information or assistance, visit www.ssa.gov or call the ssA’s national toll-free line at 1-800-772-1213. n
FESTIVE. A dancer in colorful costume joins the street parade during the celebration of the Feast of San Isidro Labrador in Barangay
Marikina
PNA
photo by Joan Bondoc
PH delegation showcases investment potential at
SelectUSA Summit
by AJPress
WAshINGtoN, D.C. – may 14, 2025 — A 30-member delegation from the Philippines is in the United states this week to participate in the 2025 selectUsA Investment summit, the country’s premier foreign direct investment (fDI) promotion event. the summit, held from may 11 to 14 at the Gaylord National resort & Convention Center in National harbor, maryland, brings together global investors and U.s. economic stakeholders to deepen cross-border economic ties. the Philippine delegation includes a mix of high-level representatives from government agencies, private sector leaders, and business organizations who are exploring strategic partnerships and promoting the Philippines as a competitive investment destination in southeast Asia.
Now in its 11th year, the selectUsA Investment summit is hosted by the U.s. Department of Commerce and supported by the U.s. Department of state. It serves as a vital platform for connecting international investors with U.s. economic development organizations. the 2025 edition features over 80 international delegations and highlights emerging opportunities in technology, infrastructure, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C. welcomed the delegation’s participation and underscored the importance of strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations.
In a statement, the embassy said the summit presents “a valuable opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ investment potential to American businesses while engaging with international peers on best prac-
in Washington,
D.C.
tices.” the embassy reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that foster “sustainable development, technology transfer, and inclusive economic growth.” the selectUsA summit includes plenary sessions, industry-focused roundtables, and personalized matchmaking between investors and U.s. states, cities, and regions. Delegates also have access to policy briefings and discussions on regulatory landscapes and innovation ecosystems across the U.s this year’s participation reinforces the Philippines’ strategic push to attract American investments that can support job creation, bolster innovation, and expand global market access for filipino enterprises. for more information about the summit, visit www.selectusasummit.us. n
Nurse alleges Filipino coworkers bullied her over race, sues LA hospital
Los ANGeLes – A former Cedars-sinai medical Center nurse is suing the hospital, alleging harassment and bullying by filipino supervisors and co-workers and that a false excuse was used to justify firing her for complaining about the mistreatment.
Camyle meier’s Los Angeles superior Court lawsuit alleges gender discrimination, retaliation, breach of contract and the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, failure to prevent harassment, discrimination and retaliation, failure to take corrective action and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
meier, who is half-white and half-Japanese, seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in the suit brought Wednesday, may 14. A Cedars representative said the hospital does not comment on pending litigation.
Camyle Meier ‘stood out like a sore thumb’ meier was assigned to a section
made up almost entirely of filipino women who had worked together for approximately 12 years and the plaintiff “stood out like a sore thumb,” the lawsuit states.
meier’s filipino co-workers poured coffee into her backpack her first day and in later days her personal belongings were tampered with, according to court documents.
the message of racial animus was clear,” the lawsuit states. this was the beginning of plaintiff’s constant harassment, ostracization, abuse, intimidation, marginalization, bullying and undermining by the filipina staff in her section at work.”
meier alleges her filipino colleagues subjected her to falsified complaints and unreasonable scrutiny and assigned her to work with the heaviest and most difficult patients, setting her up to fail by not giving her the proper training.
When meier resisted actions she believed to be unlawful, she
allegedly was retaliated against with more harassment.
she was put on leave two days before her six-month probationary period was up and she was terminated based upon an allegedly falsified time recording policy violation, which she says was different from the policy given to her previously, the suit states.
meier maintains the allegedly discriminatory conduct she suffered violated Cedars’ own policy that forbids disparate treatment of employees on such bases as race, gender and age, while also banning retaliation against workers who file good-faith complaints.
meier contends she has suffered both lost income as well as emotional distress because of losing her job.
“Plaintiff did nothing to create the extremely stressful situation that the defendants … caused her,” according to the suit, which does not state the year she was fired. (inquirer.net)
nies are given 30 days to voluntarily reduce prices to meet mfN benchmarks. If they fail to comply, federal agencies may initiate regulatory enforcement, including formal rulemaking. the order also calls on hhs to establish pathways for Americans to purchase drugs directly from manufacturers at mfN prices. the U.s trade representative and Department of Commerce have been tasked with challenging foreign pricing practices that the administration argues contribute to inflated domestic costs.
Industry reactions and global impact the pharmaceutical industry has expressed significant concerns. Roche, headquartered in switzerland, stated:
“should the proposed executive order go into effect, roche’s ability to fund the significant investments previously announced in the U.S. will be in question.”
this refers to roche’s $50 billion investment in U.s.-based research and manufacturing announced in April 2025. the company warned the policy could disrupt innovation and job creation if global pricing limits reduce revenue.
PhrmA also issued a strong
• Tito Sotto (Nationalist People’s Coalition) – 14,832,996
• Pia Cayetano (Nacionalista Party) – 14,573,430
• Camille Villar (Nacionalista Party) – 13,651,274
• Lito Lapid (NPC) –13,394,102
• Imee Marcos (Nacionalista Party) – 13,339,227 the official proclamation of the winners is scheduled for saturday, may 17, according to ComeLeC spokespersons.
Senate’s 20th Congress: A political crossroads the newly elected senators will join 12 incumbents elected in 2022, whose terms run until 2028. they are: robin Padilla, Loren Legarda, raffy tulfo, Win Gatchalian, francis escudero, mark Villar, Alan Peter Cayetano, migz Zubiri, Joel Villanueva, JV ejercito, risa hontiveros, and Jinggoy estrada. this completes the senate’s 20th Congress, which is set to convene in July. Lawmakers are expected to face high-stakes leg-
warning:
“Government price setting based on other countries’ prices is not the right solution for American patients. It would threaten access to medicines, discourage investment in new treatments and outsource decisions about the value of medicines to foreign governments.”
(PhrmA Policy Brief)
Dr. Loren Adler of the UsC-Brookings schaeffer Initiative noted:
“While unfortunately there does not appear to be any research to date testing for the presence of cost-shifting by drug companies empirically... researchers can empirically test for cost-shifting in the drug pricing context.” (Brookings) this indicates speculation about companies raising international prices remains unproven. Legal and implementation questions experts caution the executive order may face legal challenges. A similar mfN initiative in 2020 was blocked in federal court over procedural and executive overreach concerns.
Prof. rachel sachs, Washington University in st. Louis, stated: “It really does seem the plan
is to ask manufacturers to voluntarily lower their prices to some point, which is not known... hhs shall take other actions with a very long timeline.” (AP News) sachs and other legal scholars emphasize the difficulty of implementing sweeping drug pricing reform without congressional backing.
A return to Trump-era healthcare strategy the order contrasts with Biden-era legislative approaches, such as medicare Part D reforms and the Inflation reduction Act. trump’s strategy reasserts executive power to push for price controls.
While no specific quote was offered in the official may 12 transcript, the White house emphasized the urgency of addressing high drug costs.
President trump stated at the signing: “No American should have to choose between buying groceries or paying for medication.” A bold promise, with hurdles ahead the may 12 order shows trump’s determination to deliver immediate relief on drug prices. But success depends on drugmaker cooperation, regulatory clarity, and legal viability. (AJPress)
islative debates as well as early maneuvering ahead of the 2028 presidential election. Mixed mandate and political signals the final senate composition reflects a blend of administration allies, returning opposition voices, and veteran independents. Political observers view the results as a “mixed mandate” from voters—sustaining dominant political families while also reviving the national roles of critics like Aquino and Pangilinan, who previously lost their senate bids.
With the marcos administration pushing key legislative priorities and the impeachment trial of Vice President sara Duterte on the horizon, the senate is expected to play a central role in shaping the country’s political future. n
Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel ‘Babe’ Romualdez meets with delegates at the Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he emphasized the summit as a valuable opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ investment potential to American businesses.
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go
Photo from Facebook/@SenatorBongGo
Filipino Cardinals reflect on Conclave and the
by AJPress by AJPress
rome — following the election of Pope Leo XIV — the first American-born pontiff — the three filipino cardinalelectors, Luis Antonio tagle, Pablo Virgilio David, and Jose Advincula, shared their reflections on the conclave and the future of the Catholic Church.
Cardinal Tagle: “Very human, very humble, but very discerning”
Cardinal Luis Antonio tagle, currently serving as Pro-Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for evangelization, described Pope Leo XIV as “very human, very humble, but very discerning,” affirming the new pope’s thoughtful leadership style and humility.
“he listens well. he studies deeply before making a decision,” tagle said, in an interview with Inquirer.net. the two had worked closely within the roman Curia, and tagle shared light moments from the conclave, including their morning coffee jokes and informal conversations, made easier by their shared proficiency in english.
Despite speculation that tagle could emerge as the next pontiff—a hope echoed by many filipino Catholics—he appeared at peace with the outcome. “this is not about personal ambition. the conclave is an encounter with the holy spirit,” he added.
Cardinal David: “A spiritual journey focused on the margins”
Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David, known for his outspoken stance on social justice and human rights, particularly during the Philippine drug war, shared that the conclave was “a spiritual journey.”
In a separate interview with America magazine, David emphasized that the conclave called the Church to renew its commitment to those on the peripheries. “there was a deep sense of unity among us. I hope this new papacy continues the path of inclusivity and compassion Pope francis set,”
DAteline PhiliPPines ANG SUPORTANG INYONG KAILANGAN
he said. David’s ongoing efforts in the Philippines and his emphasis on synodality—the inclusive, consultative governance style promoted under francis— signal his broader hopes for the Church under Pope Leo XIV. Cardinal Advincula: “We journey forward with renewed faith”
Cardinal Jose Advincula, Archbishop of manila, expressed optimism for the Church’s direction under its new leader. While he spoke less during the press briefing, he underscored his belief in the new pope’s capacity to lead a diverse, global Church.
“We journey forward with renewed faith,” Advincula said. “his [Pope Leo XIV’s] background as a missionary and leader in various parts of the world shows he understands the needs of the Church in both developed and developing regions.”
A viral moment and global reaction
one striking image from the conclave—showing Cardinal tagle standing just ahead of Cardinal Prevost during the oath-taking—went viral online. many viewed the photo as symbolic of tagle’s stature in the Church and the public’s expectations. social media reactions ranged from admiration for tagle’s humility to light-hearted commentary on the “almost pope.” filipino Catholics worldwide, while expressing some disappointment, rallied behind
the outcome with pride, celebrating the visibility and influence of the Philippine Church on the global stage.
Filipino cardinals in a new era of leadership
All three filipino cardinals continue to hold influential roles: Cardinal tagle remains in the Vatican as ProPrefect of the Dicastery for evangelization; Cardinal David serves as president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and a leading pastoral voice in Asia; and Cardinal Advincula leads the Archdiocese of manila, the country’s most prominent ecclesiastical seat.
While Vatican appointments such as tagle’s technically concluded upon the death of Pope francis—as is customary for all dicastery heads— he continues to serve in a provisional capacity pending confirmation or reassignment by Pope Leo XIV. this transitional period is a normal part of Curial procedure, and decisions on reappointments are expected in the coming weeks. their collective presence is widely seen as vital to shaping the Church’s priorities in the global south, particularly in areas of evangelization, social justice, and pastoral outreach.
As Pope Leo XIV begins his pontificate, the filipino cardinals’ voices—grounded in faith, marked by humility, and rooted in service—continue to reflect the spiritual depth and dynamism of the Catholic Church in Asia. n
the National Capital region (NCr) of the Philippines — ushered in a mix of returning leaders, political families, and reform advocates in the 2025 midterm elections, shaping the future of the country’s most influential region.
Composed of 16 cities and one municipality, NCr is home to nearly 13 million filipinos, hosts the national government, and contributes over 31 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). It is the Philippines’ nerve center — politically, economically, and culturally — making the outcome of each local race critical not just to its own constituents but to national governance.
As of may 15, 2025, the Commission on elections (ComeLeC) officially proclaimed the winners for all 17 mayoral and vice mayoral posts:
• Manila: Former mayor Francisco “Isko moreno” Domagoso reclaimed his seat, defeating incumbent honey Lacuna. his running mate Chi Atienza, daughter of fomer manila mayor Lito Atienza, also won the vice mayoral race.
• Quezon City: Joy Belmonte
secured her third term as mayor, while Gian sotto retained the vice mayoralty.
• Caloocan: Dale “Along” malapitan was re-elected alongside Vice Mayor Anna Karina teh-Limsico.
• Makati: Nancy Binay triumphed over her brother-in-law Luis Campos. Kid Peña won the vice mayoral race, defeating former representative monsour del rosario.
• Taguig: Lani Cayetano won a second term with Vice mayor Arvin Alit.
• Pasig: Vico Sotto secured his third and final term, continuing his platform of transparency and good governance. Dodot Jaworski remained as vice mayor.
• Mandaluyong: Carmelita “menchie” Abalos, wife of former mayor and DILG secretary Benhur Abalos Jr., was elected mayor. Anthony suva retained the vice mayoralty.
• Marikina: Maan Teodoro, wife of outgoing mayor marcelino “marcy” teodoro, defeated Congresswoman stella Quimbo in a closely contested race. meanwhile, forner mayor Del de Guzman won as vice mayor.. Pasay: emi Calixto-rubiano was re-elected as mayor, while mark Anthony Calixto won the vice mayoral race.
• Parañaque: Edwin Olivarez won the mayoral race, succeed-
ing his brother eric olivarez, who ran for Congress. Benjo Bernabe defeated incumbent Vice mayor Joan Villafuerte for the vice mayoralty.
• Las Piñas: April Aguilar-Nery was elected mayor, succeeding her mother Imelda Aguilar, who won the vice mayoralty.
• Muntinlupa: Ruffy Biazon was re-elected mayor of muntinlupa, while Phanie teves won the vice mayoralty, defeating incumbent Artemio simundac.
• Valenzuela: Mayor Wes Gatchalian and Vice mayor marlon Alejandrino were both re-elected.
• Malabon: Mayor Jeannie sandoval was re-elected, defeating Jaye Lacson-Noel. her running mate, edward Nolasco, also won the vice mayoralty
• Navotas: John Rey Tiangco and tito sanchez were re-elected unopposed.
• San Juan: Mayor Francis Zamora and Vice mayor Angelo Agcaoili secured fresh mandates.
• Pateros (the lone municipality in NCr): Gerald German was elected mayor and Vice mayor Carlo santos won.
A region that shapes the nation metro manila’s leaders play an outsized role in setting the tone for national development. As the epicenter of commerce, policymaking, education, and media, the capital region’s governance model often becomes a template — or a cautionary tale — for the rest of the country.
With new and returning city executives now set to govern from 2025 to 2028, they face high expectations to address urgent issues such as traffic congestion, climate resilience, housing, public health, and local economic revitalization. these elections not only reflect the continued strength of political dynasties in many areas, but also highlight voter support for reform-driven leadership in cities like Pasig, marikina, and manila. the challenge now shifts from campaigning to delivering— building cities that are not just functional, but future-ready. n
Mula sa mga benepisyo sa kawalan ng trabaho hanggang sa kapansanan at May Bayad na Leave para sa Pamilya. Tutulungan ka naming makarating sa gusto mong abutin. Magagamit na ngayon ang direktang deposito.
Left to right: Archbishop of Manila Jose Cardinal Advincula, Pro-Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelization Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio Cardinal David Contributed photo
YORME RETURNS. Mayor- and vice mayor-elect Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso and Chi Atienza (2nd and 3rd from left) are proclaimed
photo by Yancy Lim
mANILA — Voters across metro manila —
OPiniOn FeAtures
Why AAPI Heritage Month matters — especially now
Each May, the United States observes Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a national recognition of the generations of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental to its future. But in 2025, this celebration arrives at a moment of cultural and political tension — where Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are being challenged, and race-conscious efforts to remedy past injustices are under scrutiny.
for millions of Asian Americans — including the deeply rooted filipino community — this month is not just about cultural pride. It’s about reclaiming visibility in a country where our presence has too often been misrepresented, stereotyped, or erased. From proclamation to platform: The evolution of AAPI recognition AAPI heritage month has its roots in a hard-fought legislative effort. In 1978, U.s representatives frank horton and Norman mineta introduced a resolution to designate a week of may as Asian/Pacific American heritage Week. It passed Congress and was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on october 5, 1978. the effort to expand the observance gained traction in the following decade. In 1992, with bipartisan support and senate leadership from Daniel Inouye, President George h. W. Bush signed a bill officially designating may as Asian/ Pacific American heritage month—a milestone for a community long excluded from national narratives. that institutional visibility deepened in 1999, when President Bill Clinton established the White house Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (WhIAAPI) to improve access
It seemed straight out of a teleserye, a plot twist one might see only on local prime time tV or while watching an edge-of-yourseat Netflix drama.
In the soap opera, a political family falls from grace as it loses its grip on power after decades of lording it over a certain population or locality. this time, however, it happened in real life after some 70 million people went out to vote on monday, may 12. And this time, it’s not just one family but several entrenched political dynasties in the country – from north to south, who saw their destinies change overnight. While some dominant political clans extended their control in many of the local races, many filipinos opted not to put back in power the ruling political dynasties in key regions. some examples: the Velascos
IN the recently released Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University rankings by subject, three nursing schools from Asia proudly entered the top 20. It’s a powerful affirmation that the region is gaining recognition in the global academic stage. But while our neighbors are ascending, the Philippines—long known as a global producer of top-tier nursing talent—remains absent from even the top 100. It’s a reality that’s both sobering and telling. Why has no Philippine nursing school made it into the list, despite our reputation as one of the world’s leading exporters of highly competent, compassionate nurses? the answer lies not in the capability of our nurses, but in the structure of the sys-
to federal programs and services for underserved AAPI populations. this policy platform provided a vital mechanism for interagency coordination and community advocacy.
In 2021, President Joe Biden reestablished and expanded this structure as the White house Initiative on Asian Americans, Native hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WhIAANhPI) under executive order 14031. Its mission was to coordinate federal efforts to advance equity, opportunity, and inclusion for AANHPI communities. however, in January 2025, executive order 14031 was rescinded through a new executive order, resulting in the conclusion of the initiative and the disbanding of the President’s Advisory Commission. this marked a significant shift in how the federal government engages with AANhPI communities.
As of this writing, there is no active, centralized White house platform dedicated to these communities in the same form that existed in previous years. From exclusion to empowerment: The arc of the Asian American story the history of Asian Americans in the U.s is complex — defined by both extraordinary contributions and systemic exclusion. Chinese
of Marinduque, the Garcias of Cebu and the Bernos of Abra. In Las Piñas, the Villars also lost their congressional seat. What do these results tell us?
I see it first, as a ripple effect of the bitter feud between the marcoses and the Dutertes.
After months of becoming unwitting spectators to the ugly break-up between the two political clans, filipinos, it seems, realized how political dynasties want nothing but to tighten their grip on power.
We witnessed how both camps showed that their main priority was political survival, not the people or their constituents. It was all about self-preservation and not the everyday concerns of filipinos.
In a way, as the senate results showed, the Dutertes and the marcoses cancelled out each other, with just an equal number of candidates from both sides making it to the senate.
As manuel Quezon III said in Asia sentinel, in the end, the warring camps ended in a draw with five senators each.
tem that produced them. our nursing education remains anchored in a colonial-era model of workforce production. for decades, our programs have been designed not to develop scholars, researchers, or policy leaders, but to meet foreign licensure standards and labor demands. this legacy, while historically significant, has come at a cost: the stifling of homegrown academic innovation and leadership.
Global ranking systems like Qs and times higher education use metrics such as research output, institutional reputation, and internationalization. these are valid, but they are not neutral. they reward institutions in high-income countries with long-standing access to funding, publishing platforms, and global research networks. Philippine nursing schools, like many in the developing world, suffer from chronic underinvestment, fragmented policy
in
immigrants helped build the transcontinental railroad in the 19th century, only to face the Chinese exclusion Act of 1882, the first federal law to bar immigration based on race.
Japanese Americans were forcibly incarcerated during World War II. South Asians, Koreans, Vietnamese, hmong, and Cambodians fled political turmoil, only to face new forms of marginalization in America. the term “Asian American” itself was born out of activism. Coined in the late 1960s by students and organizers in California, it was a political identity meant to unify diverse communities in the fight against racism, war, and colonialism. It was not about erasing differences, but about forging solidarity among groups who, despite their varied languages and cultures, faced similar patterns of exclusion and invisibility.
Asian Americans have contributed across every
confront the enduring “perpetual
Filipino Americans: A legacy hidden in plain sight filipino Americans — now numbering approximately 4.6 million — make up about 19% of the U.s.
population, making them the third-largest Asian origin group, following Indian and Chinese Americans. their presence
When dynasties (slowly) crumble
As a result of the two camps’ visible hatred against each other, filipinos saw through political dynasties elsewhere in the Philippines, and opted to choose other candidates.
The power of social media the dizzying power of social media, with netizens posting just about anything and everything on our timelines, also played a key role in the shifting political landscape in the Philippines.
Now, information spreads so fast that it can make or unbreak a candidate.
everyone can easily capture just about anything under the sun with their mobile phones – whether it’s a lady politician lashing out at security guards, a trapo handing out cash to a drenched flood victim or a lawmaker threatening somebody in a bar. And those washed-out celebrities who want to join the political circus? they’ve also been captured many times on social media making a fool of themselves. they’re either just throwing jackets, singing and dancing in campaign sorties or crying on na-
support, and undervaluation of nurse-led knowledge production. What’s often overlooked is the richness of practice-based knowledge, culturally responsive pedagogy, and community health innovation happening every day in our classrooms, barangay health stations, and rural hospitals. Unfortunately, these forms of excellence don’t translate into citations or publication counts in scopus or Web of science. As a result, our contributions remain largely invisible in global academic spaces, despite being deeply impactful on the ground. some may say rankings don’t matter. But they do. rankings influence institutional funding, attract partnerships, and shape perceptions of academic credibility. When Philippine nursing schools are excluded, we lose opportunities to lead, to publish, and to influence the global narrative of what nursing excellence looks like.
tional tV.
No newbie celebrities made it to the senate’s magic 12. one can also blame first termer senator robin Padilla who showed filipinos what a celebrity-turned-lawmaker can do – or cannot do – at the esteemed chamber.
In fact, there’s a meme going around on social media thanking the ex-action star for the fact that no newbie celebrity made it to the senate: “Salamat robin Padilla sa tulong mo, natuto ang Pilipino…” there are also many organizations now demanding accountability and transparency through posts on social media. this resonated among the voters. for stratbase Group president Dindo manhit, the surprisingly strong performance of former Senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan in the 2025 senatorial elections “is a clear reflection of the filipino people’s renewed demand for accountability and reform-oriented leadership.”
Revenge vote
It was also a revenge vote of sorts because the two candidates ran outside the shadows of the
to move forward, reforms must be systemic and systematic. the Philippine nursing sector must take ownership of its intellectual and cultural capital. this means establishing nurseled research centers focused on community health, building writing and publication capacity among faculty, and creating regional collaborative efforts that foster coauthorship and knowledge sharing.
the Commission on higher education must pivot from a compliance-based approach to one that invests in capacity and creativity. A national research and publication fund for nursing is long overdue, along with faculty mobility grants and incentives for scholarly work. Accreditation systems must also evolve to recognize innovation and real-world impact, not just paperwork.
the Board of Nursing must help lead the shift by reassessing licensure frameworks,
polarized marcos and Duterte factions and became symbols of principled, reformist alternatives.
“for many filipinos, their votes for Aquino and Pangilinan served as a ‘revenge vote’ against political toxicity, corruption and empty promises,” he said.
Young voters the real heroes in this year’s elections are the Gen Zs and millennials who voted against the trapos. they made up a significant portion of the electorate – more than 60 percent – and shifted the scales in their favor.
I hope that in the coming 2028 elections, we see even better results, especially because Gen Zs who were born in 2008 to 2010 will be able to vote by then. on monday morning (may 12), I braved the scorching heat to walk to my precinct, located on the fourth floor of a public school in our city.
It was like a furnace in one of the classrooms where we waited.
I wondered how students could actually hold classes in the unbearable heat.
endorsing continuing professional development that emphasizes systems thinking and evidence-based practice, and codeveloping an academic career pathway for nurse educators. these are practical, doable actions that can change the game.
Global ranking bodies must also be challenged to expand their definitions of excellence. they must account for diverse contributions and contextual realities—especially those coming from low- and middle-income countries. the current frameworks risk reinforcing inequality, rather than measuring true merit. Ultimately, we need to stop thinking of ourselves as merely a source of labor. the persistent migration of our nurses is not just about foreign opportunity— it’s also about the absence of viable pathways for growth and recognition at home. If we want to retain our brightest minds, we
the voting was very slow, at least in our precinct. I wanted to give up many times because a long day awaited me, including a long-haul flight in the evening.
But I desperately wanted to vote. I wanted to vote for candidates I believed in, even if some of them didn’t show in the surveys. I wanted to vote and be counted.
At last, after an hour, I was finally able to cast my ballot.
I left the precinct drenched in sweat and sun-baked in the summer heat but I was proud and happy to add my voice in this year’s midterm polls. And when the results started coming in – better-than-expected and way better than the surveys –I heaved a big sigh of relief. there is hope. there is so much hope. (Philstar.com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Email: eyesgonzales@gmail.com. Follow her on X @eyesgonzales. Column archives at EyesWideOpen on FB.
must create spaces for filipino nurse leaders, scholars, and innovators to thrive. We have the talent. We have the dedication. What we need now is the will to transform. Let’s move from being a country proud to produce world-class nurses, to a country that nurtures and celebrates world-class nurse scholars. We may not be in the rankings yet, but the journey toward meaningful recognition begins with how we choose to value ourselves. (inquirer.net) * * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
Jerome Babate,
sector:
science (Dr. David ho’s pioneering work on hIV/AIDs), literature (Amy tan, Viet thanh Nguyen), activism (Yuri Kochiyama, Grace Lee Boggs), politics (Vice President Kamala Harris, senator mazie hirono), the arts (sandra oh, Ali Wong, Daniel Dae Kim), and public service (rob Bonta, the first filipino American attorney general of California). Yet the community remains underrepresented in leadership roles and continues to
foreigner” stereotype.
Asian
Court order arrest of Roque for trafficking
mANILA — A trial court in Angeles City, Pampanga has ordered the arrest of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque and Filipino-Chinese businesswoman Cassandra ong, among others, on charges of qualified trafficking over their alleged involvement in the operations of an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator (PoGo) in the province.
Angeles City regional trial Court Branch 118 Judge rene reyes issued the warrants for ong and Roque for violation of Section 4(1) in relation to section 6 (c) of republic Act No. 9208 or the Anti-trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. the warrant was signed on may 8.
will be included in his application for asylum in the Netherlands.
“I will seek all available legal remedies to secure my life and liberty which are currently under threat. I reiterate: this is not flight as evidence of guilt but the exercise of a human right to asylum,” he said. sought for comment, Presidential Anti-organized Crime Commission executive director Gilbert Cruz said law enforcement authorities were instructed to carry out the arrests with professionalism, restraint and adherence to human rights protocols.
Jean fajardo did not identify the casinos which stopped the operations of the junket operators. An investigation report seen by The STAr identified the casinos, three of which are in Pasay and one in Parañaque. the other gaming strip is in Clark in Pampanga while the other casino is in Cebu City. fajardo said around $1.36 million or P75.77 million of the ransom money was cashed out from huione Pay, a financial firm based in Cambodia.
Around $205,942 or P11.43 million, also believed to be part of
by AJPress
BAtANGAs — Veteran actress and respected public servant Vilma santos-recto has officially reclaimed her post as Governor of Batangas, marking a political comeback after nearly a decade. the Commission on elections (ComeLeC) confirmed her victory with 640,073 votes, defeating former board member mike rivera, who received 487,251 votes. santos-recto previously served three consecutive terms as governor from 2007 to 2016, then later as representative of the 6th District. her return marks a renewed chapter in Batangas’ evolving political narrative. Sons in politics: Ryan wins congressional seat, Luis concedes vice gubernatorial bid her younger son, ryan Christian recto, was also proclaimed representative of Batangas’ 6th District, succeeding his father, finance secretary ralph recto, who vacated the seat in 2024 to join President marcos Jr.’s Cabinet. With solid voter support, ryan becomes the latest member of the recto political line to enter Congress.
In contrast, Luis “Lucky” manzano, a household name in en-
tertainment, was unsuccessful in his bid for vice governor. Despite a strong campaign, manzano received 564,816 votes, losing to outgoing Governor hermilando “Dodo” mandanas, who garnered 820,999 votes. following his defeat, manzano expressed gratitude to his supporters in a heartfelt social media message: mga kababayan kong Batangueño, hindi man tayo pinalad sa resulta ng halalan, panalo pa rin ako dahil sa inyo. sa bawat ngiti, kwento, at yakap na ibinahagi n’yo sa kampanya, mas naramdaman ko ang tibok ng puso ng Batangas. mas napalapit ako sa inyo. mas nakilala ko kayo, at iyon ay habang buhay kong babaunin.”
(“To my fellow Batangueños, even if we did not win the election, i still consider myself a winner because of you. Through every smile, story, and hug shared during the campaign, i truly felt the heartbeat of Batangas. i became closer to you. i got to know you better—and that is something i will carry with me for life.”)
Addressing the political dynasty debate the presence of three family members on the ballot revived
familiar questions about political dynasties. santos-recto, however, responded directly during a televised interview:
“hindi lang naman kami ang gumagawa. We are offering our services, and it’s still the people who decide.”
(“it’s not just our family doing this. We are offering our services—and it’s still the people who make the decision.”)
Anchoring a legacy amid mixed results the 2025 Batangas elections reaffirmed Vilma santos-recto’s enduring influence, with voters entrusting her once again with the province’s top post. her son ryan recto’s successful congressional bid adds another layer to the family’s political standing.
At the same time, Luis manzano’s defeat offered a more humbling chapter — one marked not by victory, but by visible connection with constituents and a gracious concession that resonated deeply with supporters.
In a province known for balancing tradition with change, the santos-recto family’s electoral journey reflects both the strength of political legacy and the growing discernment of Batangueño voters. n
Manny Pacquiao falls short in Senate bid as son Michael rises in GenSan politics
by AJPress
GeNerAL sANtos CItY
Boxing icon and former senator Manny Pacquiao fell short in his attempt to return to the Philippine senate in the 2025 midterm elections, finishing outside the winning circle. But the Pacquiao family still found cause to celebrate — his 23-year-old son, Michael Stephen Pacquiao, won his first term as a councilor in their hometown of General santos City. Pacquiao, who served in the senate from 2016 to 2022 and ran for president in 2022, placed 18th in the unofficial tally of senatorial candidates, not enough to reclaim a seat in the upper chamber. he ran under the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition. speaking after the results, michael admitted the family was surprised by the outcome. “for me personally, I thought he would make it to the top 12,”
he told reporters. “But overall, he said he was fine and that he’s accepted it.”
While his father was unsuccessful on the national stage, michael made a successful political debut. A first-time candidate and recent college graduate, michael filed his candidacy in october 2024 under the People’s Champ movement (PCm), a local party founded by his father. he finished seventh in the city council race, earning over 108,000 votes. following his proclamation, michael thanked voters for their support and underscored his commitment to serving the people of General santos City. he has expressed interest in advancing youth-focused initiatives and community development. his victory came alongside the reelection of General santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao, michael’s aunt and a key figure in the PCm slate. Lorelie is married to manny’s brother, Alberto “Bobby” Pacquiao, a former congressman. The Pacquiao family
has built a strong political base in the region, holding local offices for nearly two decades.
Manny Pacquiao’s Senate comeback was hindered by criticisms over his attendance record during his previous term and controversy surrounding some campaign statements. Despite his high national profile and name recognition, he was unable to secure enough votes to reenter the senate.
Still, Pacquiao’s public life remains active. he is scheduled to be inducted into the International Boxing hall of fame this June in Canastota, New York, as part of the Class of 2025 — a crowning achievement in his storied boxing career. he has also announced a comeback fight against WBC welterweight champion mario Barrios, scheduled for July. following the election, Pacquiao stated: “The fight continues. service continues. for God. for the country. for each filipino.” n
Why AAPI Heritage Month matters...
in America dates back to 1763, when filipino seafarers settled in Louisiana. During the early 20th century, filipinos arrived as laborers — classified as “U.s nationals” under American colonial rule — working in California’s fields, Alaska’s fish canneries, and serving disproportionately in the U.s military. Yet their contributions were rarely honored. In fact, it wasn’t until 2009 that filipino World War II veterans were officially recognized with the Congressional Gold medal, after decades of being denied full benefits and acknowledgment. today, filipino Americans continue to shape American life as nurses, teachers, engineers, artists, and civic leaders. rob Bonta’s historic appointment as California Attorney General marked a breakthrough for the community, reflecting how far filipinos have come in asserting their leadership in American public life. his advocacy on racial equity, gun safety, and immigrant rights offers a powerful example of how filipino Americans are helping shape a more just society. A celebration amid backlash the celebration of AAPI heritage month in 2025 occurs against a backdrop of growing backlash to DeI initiatives, ethnic studies programs, and race-conscious policymaking.
In some states, efforts to ban curriculum that teaches about racism or systemic inequality have gained traction. Programs meant to elevate underrepresented voices are being dismantled under the claim that they create “division” or “discrimination.” But without DeI, there would be no AAPI heritage month. there would be no recognition of Vincent Chin, whose 1982 murder galvanized the Asian American civil rights movement. No teaching of the 1992 LA riots from the perspective of Korean American storeowners. No space for understanding why Asian Americans have some of the highest income inequality of any racial group — despite being misrepresented as a uniformly “successful” model minority. the removal of DeI policies also narrows the lens through which the nation examines its past and builds its future. It reduces the complexity of American history to a onesize-fits-all narrative, silencing stories that have shaped—and continue to shape—the nation. Why this month still matters AAPI heritage month is not a festival of exotic food or fashion. It is a month of remembrance, reflection, and renewal. It asks America to look deeper into its own story—a story that cannot be told honestly without Asian Americans.
“After careful evaluation of the 11 separate information, the resolution and the supporting documents attached to each and every case record, this Court finds probable cause to hold all the aforenamed accused for trial for the offenses for which they are respectively charged,” the order read. reyes refused to grant bail on the cases Roque is facing.
Aside from Roque and Ong, the alleged “godfather” and “big boss” Duanren Wu was also ordered arrested. Wu owns real estate firm Whirlwind, the company that leased to the Lucky south 99 PoGo the charges stemmed from the raid of Lucky south 99 in Porac, Pampanga, which allegedly operated a massive scam farm that trafficked workers.
Roque has admitted to lawyering for Whirlwind in an ejectment case and to helping ong arrange meetings with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to renew its PoGo license.
Roque, however, said none of these acts amounted to human trafficking. the filipino incorporators, employees and a consultant were also ordered arrested, including former government official Dennis Cunanan.
Cunanan is also charged in the qualified trafficking case in the Bamban, tarlac PoGo, over which Alice Guo is currently being tried.
Aside from Roque, Ong and Wu, there are 46 others also ordered arrested.
‘Unjust prosecution’
In a statement, Roque, who claimed he was a victim of political persecution, said the issuance of the warrant “forms part of the unjust prosecution,” which he said
Guo plea denied Pasig rtC Branch 167 has denied the motions for leave to file a demurrer to evidence filed by Guo and her co-accused, effectively requiring them to present their defense in court.
A demurrer to evidence is a motion to dismiss a case on the ground of insufficient evidence, filed after the prosecution rests its case. the defense must first seek leave of court before filing such a motion to avoid waiving their right to present evidence should it be denied.
Guo’s defense was scheduled to begin presenting evidence on Wednesday, but the hearing was reset to may 19.
Pasig Assistant City Prosecutor robinson Landicho confirmed the postponement but did not disclose the specific reason for the rescheduling.
Guo’s legal counsel declined to give a statement, citing their client’s request for silence. the hearings were originally set for may 14 and 15. When asked about Guo’s current condition at the Pasig City Jail, Landicho said the Bureau of Jail management and Penology continues to monitor and care for detainees under their custody.
six major casinos in the country have terminated the operations of junket operators 9Dynasty Group and White horse Club after an investigation showed their connection with the kidnapping and murder of filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que, the Philippine National Police reported on thursday, may 15. the PNP earlier reported the P200-million ransom paid by Que’s family to his captors ended up in 10 different e-wallet accounts and was converted to cryptocurrency after passing through the junket operators. PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen.
for filipinos and all communities within the Asian American fabric, this is a time to tell our stories on our own terms. to honor the farmworkers of Delano, the immigrant nurses who kept hospitals afloat during a pandemic, the teachers and union organizers, the artists and authors, the young leaders redefining what it means to be Asian and American.
In a recent interview, Lea salonga, the tony Awardwinning Broadway star, reflected on how far the community has come: “I never imagined I would see this many performers of filipino descent on Broadway in this lifetime.” her message that - there is room for all of us.” - captures the very spirit of AAPI heritage month: expanding the stage, elevating voices, and affirming that belonging is not a privilege, but a right. may is not just heritage month. It is a time to remember, to reflect, and to shine. It pays homage to the generations who cleared the way so others could pass through freely, and it amplifies voices too often left unheard.
Asian Americans, including filipino Americans, are not footnotes or afterthoughts in the American story. We are part of its very fabric—woven through its history, shaping its present, and actively guiding its future.
(AJPress)
(L.A.)
My encounter with Bam Aquino
by Rogelio Constantino Medina AJ Press
PAOLO Benigno “Bam”
Aguirre Aquino IV is the youngest among the brood of three sons of Paul Aquino of Concepcion, Tarlac and former Melanie Aguirre of Davao. Bam, or formerly Bambam, a name picked up from the Flintstones cartoon, remembers he joined a cub scout, a media club and the Dulaan Sibol theatre group, taught catechism in a depressed area in Marikina, and became a student council president when he was in elementary and college at Ateneo de Manila University where he graduated with a degree in management engineering with the highest honor, summa cum laude. He was then a part of the defunct Children’s Hour TV show on Channel 2 when he was only 10 years old. Later in his
life, he hosted a youth-oriented morning talk show on ABSCBN’s Studio 23, Breakfast, a youth-oriented debate show, Yspeak, also on Studio 23, and a show for budding entrepreneurs, Start-Up, on ABS-CBN News Channel. He used to be involved with ABS-CBN Foundation’s special projects group that focused on rehabilitation centers for abused and neglected kids, disaster management and relief operations, and volunteer recruitment.
“When Noynoy Aquino (his first cousin) became president, all the shows I had had to do with the enterprise to help those little businessmen in the Philippines.
97% of our entrepreneurs are micro-entrepreneurs, like the fishball vendors, sari-sari store owners, livestock raisers. Iyon ang masang Pilipino,” he said. Ninoy Aquino’s assassination Bam fondly remembers that he
began visiting his uncle, former Senator Ninoy Aquino, in prison when he was only 2 or 3 years old. When his uncle died, he was barely six years old. “I, together with my yaya (nanny), was the one left in the house when my parents and two brothers (Paul Dennis and Paul Victor) went to the airport. I was small.”
Hours after, his nanny told him to pray to the altar because something bad happened in the airport. “When my parents came back in the afternoon, I saw the reaction on their face. They were shocked.”
He then joined rallies and he gave his first public speech on December 8, 1983, during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, in Biñan, Laguna. There were around 20 to 30 people.
“It was a children’s rally, but eventually it became a regular indignation rally. My mom prepared me a speech written in a yellow pad. We didn’t have a computer then, and I memorized
Told she must leave, Marie was
to receive her green card in
IN 2002, Marie and her three children visited the U.S. as tourists. They planned to visit family and then return home to the Philippines. However, Marie later decided to remain and became out of status.
In 2009, Marie’s mother, a green card holder, petitioned Marie in the F2B category.
When the priority date on her petition became current, she consulted with at least four attorneys, all of whom told her that because she was out of status, she
had to go back to the Philippines to apply for her immigrant visa. But Marie did not want to go back, because she was worried about the uncertainty of applying in the Philippines, and that she might not be able to return to the U.S.
She finally decided to consult with the “Attorney of Last Hope,” Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who was able to find a way for Marie to apply for a green card (adjust status) in the U.S.
After retaining Attorney
AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina with Bam Aquino
Bam Aquino with first cousin actress Jackie Aquino and Anna Ylagan (daughter of actor Robert Arevalo and actress Barbara Perez).
John Arcilla upset at shabby desks used in precincts: Where’s budget for education?
by HannaH MalloRCa Inquirer.net
AFTER supposedly voting in the 2025 midterm elections, John Arcilla didn’t hide his dismay after seeing the dilapidated classroom desks at a public school that served as voting precincts, saying government officials should put the education budget to good use. The “Heneral Luna” star expressed disappointment on his social media platforms on Monday, May 12, after seeing the shabby desks in one of the classrooms, which was converted into a “waiting room.”
“So I’m here inside a classroom that was converted into a waiting room to accommodate the long lines of voters. I saw that the desks of the students look like this. Where is the budget for education?” he said.
Arcilla pointed out that the rundown school furnitures are
manifestations of the voters’ failure to vote wisely during the elections.
“And then we would vote for the corrupt ones when the evidence of our wrong choices are before us? How about our youths? Let’s make sure to vote wisely next time, even if its last minute,” he said. Arcilla is one of the many celebrity voters who exercised their right to vote in the 2025 midterm elections. The Department of Education has yet to comment of Arcilla’s post. Elections are mandated to be held in public schools, to be manned by public school teachers, who will serve as members of the electoral boards.
Filipino American leadership shines at LA Honda World, committed to serving the community with excellence
DOWNEY – In the heart
of Downey, a dynamic and dedicated Filipino American team is making waves in the automotive industry by putting people first. Under the leadership of General Sales Manager Dennis Alejo, this dealership is more than just a place to buy a car — it’s a hub of community, culture, and care.
Working alongside Sales Manager Vincent Santos, Finance Manager Mel Cabalar, and Sales & Leasing Consultants Venny Cruz and Kate Salao, the team brings a wealth of automotive experience and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. With deep roots in the Filipino American community, they understand the values, traditions, and service expectations that truly matter.
“We’re not just here to sell cars — we are here to build relationships and uplift our community,” says Alejo. “It’s an honor to serve a diverse customer base and to represent our heritage with pride.”
Serving not only Downey, but also neighboring cities like Cerritos, Lakewood, Norwalk, and Bellflower, the dealership
has become a trusted name among car buyers seeking honesty, transparency, and a warm, personalized approach. With Memorial Day weekend sales in full swing and a special celebration of Philippine Independence coming this June, customers can expect exceptional deals and heartfelt service. Whether you’re in the market for a new vehicle, looking to trade in, or just need expert guidance, the Filipino American team is ready to assist with professionalism and a smile. Visit us today at 10645 Studebaker Rd., Downey, CA 90241. Or call us at (562) 888 5804.
L.A. Honda World is an awardwinning automotive dealership offering vehicle sales, service, and parts in Downey, California. Privately-owned and operated, the dealership provides careers for over 140 dedicated professionals and is an integral partner in the local community. Visit the
Philippine American Friendship Day to be celebrated on July 12 in Artesia
by Dan E. niño Contributor
ARTESIA — For the fifth time in a row, Los Angeles’ largest Philippine American Friendship Day celebration will be staged on July 12 (Saturday) at Artesia Park on 18750 Clarkdale Ave. corner South Street in this city from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Organized by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) of Greater Los Angles, a nonprofit 501 C-3 public benefit organization in collaboration with the City of Artesia, this year’s theme is “Celebrating Friendships Through Cultural Diversity.”
This annual friendship festival, a week after the 4th of July American Independence Day, had its roots in the City of Carson in 2021. It was hosted by the City of Cerritos at Don Knabe Park for three years before it moved to Artesia this year. The Philippines also used to celebrate its Independence Day every 4th of July from 1946 until 1962 when its Independence Day was reverted to June 12 to reflect its original date of independence from Spain in 1898.
Among the pop and cultural entertainers under consideration to reprise their performances that left indelible imprints among the revelers are Robin Nievera and his Band, the Club Magkaisa of Cerritos High School, the Maranao Tata Malong Iligan-Maranao/Lanao Del Norte Dance Troupe, and the heart-stopping hip-hop Junior New Systems, a finalist in “America’s Got Talent” from the Philippines with their elevated shoes, and many more. Stay tuned for entertainer updates as the event date gets closer.
“It is a fun-filled day of free entertainment, free admission with food and specialty vendors
it,” reminisced Bam, who was then a small fat kid with long flappy hair. He added, “We had been to over 200 places as far as Mindanao, and I spoke. It was almost every night after I went home from school and did my homework. Sa gabi ay umiikot na kami. That was really my childhood. But it was a gift to be exposed during that time. To be able to see Filipinos coming together for a cause larger than themselves is a blessing... We got a glimpse of something special. We got a glimpse of what we can do and what we can be.”
He is blessed that he is exposed to the struggle and also a blessing when he got into social enterprise.
Iyon ang childhood memories ko. That’s why I ran for student council, joined an NGO and later the government, and was involved in social enterprise. Kahit bata ako, I understood what was happening, at the time when you experience Filipinos coming together. And you’re still trying to look for that time when we will come together again,” he said.
as well as informational and game booths,” the NaFFAA executive committee said in a statement.
A fun parade will kick off the festivities that will be participated in by community organizations that will snake through and around the vendors’ booths. Among the early groups who have signified their interest again are the Filipino American Catholic Community of the Holy Family Church, the joint APOGLA and APO South Bay and Lanao Del Sur-Iligan Association which won the Largest Delegation, the Liveliest Delegation, and the Most Colorful Delegation, respectively. Other community organizations who have signified their intention to participate include Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA, FilipinoAmerican Chamber of Commerce of Cerritos & Gateway Cities and Filipino American Association of Los Angeles (FACLA), among others.
Elected officials from various mainstream and local communities to be led by Filipino American public officials and Philippine consular officials will be on hand to inspire, greet, and mingle with the throng.
Los Angeles County under the auspices of Supervisor Janice Hahn said, “Los Angeles County is not only home to the largest community of Filipino Americans in the country.
It is the home to the largest concentration of Filipinos in the world outside of Manila!
And that is why this event is so important. This festival is an opportunity to enjoy so many of the wonderful things Filipino American culture has to offer.
But it is also an opportunity to lift-up the Filipino Americans who work to improve our community every day.”
The pain transformed Was Ninoy’s assassination still painful to Bam, who had been jolted to the events in the country at an early age? When the EDSA Revolution happened, it was, he thought, all over.
“Yes, I cried and felt the pain until about 1985. When he passed away, it was more painful and more personal. But now, it’s really more of an inspiration. At the end of the day, hindi ka ba natatakot na tatakbo ka. You’re putting yourself out there. Babatikusin ka. People will hate you automatically because of your last name. My relatives had given so much more (of themselves). He gave his life.
All of these seems very far from what Tito Ninoy and Tita Cory did. Through the years, the pain has been transformed to an inspiration,” he said. He does not tire talking about his uncle Ninoy’s struggle because it is a story of confirmation, he said. “One day, you’re thinking to be next president. Then the next day, you’ll be in jail for 7 years and 7 months. Afterwards, you lived in the U.S. for three years with your family, having a great time
NaFFAA Vice President for Administration MaryAnn, is this year’s overall event chair, succeeding Cerritos Mayor ProTem Lynda Johnson.
To assure that the huge crowd are fed and hydrated, food booths and food trucks serving Filipino and international cuisines are on hand for the thousands of attendees. As an added attraction, get to explore the exquisite and colorful Philippine jeepney, a gaily Philippine tricycle and the newest Toyota car models on display at the Toyota Gold Sponsor Display Area. Other sponsors in our early lineup include: Comprehensive Community Health Centers (CCHC), California Credit Union, VistaLand. Media sponsors include So Jannelle Productions, GMA, Philippine Post, Asian Journal, Weekend Balita, Los Cerritos Community News, Philippine News Today, and others to be announced shortly. Social media and digital partners include SoCal Filipinos, Adobers, and others soon to follow.
According to NaFFAA Greater Los Angeles Region President Noel S. V. Omega, proceeds will be used to fund the friendship festival and the rest will be added to the organization’s funds for charitable purposes, youth leadership development, community empowerment and civic engagement programs, such as a $3,600 charitable donation made earlier this year to Caritas Caceres in the Philippines on behalf of the Bicol Region flood victims. For vendor reservations, sponsorship, and further information, interested parties may call event chair Mary Ann Omega at 747-777-9811, Erlinda Granada-Sabah at 562682-9576, or Dan E. Nino at 562-508-8099. (denino1951@ gmail.com)
there until you decided to come back. He’s a different person before he went to jail and after he left jail.”
Senator Ninoy Aquino was an excellent politician before he was incarcerated. After he left jail, he was an excellent leader. As to what his uncle Ninoy believed in that has been ingrained deep in Bam’s young mind, he mentions non-violence and democracy. His favorite quotation is Ninoy’s “The Filipino is worth dying for.”
“But I also like Uncle Ninoy’s ‘Filipinos above all appreciate bravery.’ And that’s what I feel is what I am doing now. Tumataya. I am stepping up to the challenge. I want to serve,” he concluded with a sweet, wide smile. In the just-concluded Philippine general election, Bam Aquino placed number two among the 12 senatorial candidates. “Last year taught me to have no fear and only faith. To make that leap with a full heart and hope. To always fight the good fight, even if against the odds, as long as it’s for the right reasons. God-willing, I hope to see a return to public service this 2025!”
John Arcilla
Photos from Facebook/JohnArcilla
After election loss, Luis Manzano hints at return as game show host
by anne PasaJol Inquirer.net
FANS are abuzz as it appears that Luis Manzano is set to return to TV hosting, after his failed bid for the Batangas vice governor’s post. The actor-TV host sparked speculations after he made a poll on his social media pages on Thursday, May 15.
“Ano mas trip ninyo bumalik?
‘Rainbow Rumble,’ ‘Deal or No Deal,’ or ‘Minute to Win It’?” he asked his followers, referring to the now-defunct game shows he hosted.
(Which do you prefer to return to television? “Rainbow Rumble,”
“Deal or No Deal,” or “Minute to Win It”?)
Manzano’s fellow celebrities gamely answered via the comments section, with his wife Jessy Mendiola and fellow TV host Melai Cantiveros voting for “Rainbow Rumble.”
Actor-model Daniel Matsunaga exclaimed “Minute to Win It,” while both actor-director John Prats and courtside reporter Aiyana Perlas said all three should be revived.
Manzano’s fellow host Robi Domingo, meanwhile, suggested “It’s Your Lucky Day,” the noontime show they hosted in
2023 as a temporary replacement for then-suspended “It’s Showtime.”
Some netizens also suggested “Game Ka Na Ba?” and “I Can See Your Voice” which he also hosted. A few gave unsolicited advice to Manzano as well,
discouraging him to enter politics.
Manzano lost the Batangas vice gubernatorial race to incumbent Gov. Dodo Mandanas. Despite this, the TV host declared that this is just the “start of his journey” with the Batangueños.
Winners’ circle: Celebrities who won the 2025 local elections
by JessiCa ann evangelista Inquirer.net
AIKO Melendez, Alfred Vargas, and Joaquin Domagoso were among the celebrities who emerged victorious in the 2025 midterm elections, securing seats in local offices.
Melendez secured her second term as one of the councilors in the 5th District of Quezon City after ranking second in the tally.
Joining her in this victory was fellow councilor Vargas, who claimed the third spot. The duo ran under the slate “Serbisyo sa Bayan Party.” They were proclaimed winners on Tuesday afternoon, May 13.
Meanwhile, Domagoso is set to gain a seat as a first-time
councilor of the 1st District of Manila in Tondo after he led the partial and unofficial ranking.
Joaquin is the son of Isko Moreno, who is poised to return as Mayor of Manila as he leads the mayoral race in the partial and unofficial tally.
Beauty queen turned politician Leren Bautista marked her second term as she was officially declared one of the winning councilors in Los Baños, Laguna, on Tuesday morning.
The 2025 elections also saw Vilma Santos-Recto’s return to local governance as governor of Batangas. Her son, Ryan Christian Recto also secured the numbers to gain a congressional seat in the 6th District of Batangas.
Ormoc City congressional race, 4th District
Couple Lucy Torres-Gomez and Richard Gomez both triumphed in this year’s polls after Lucy led the mayoral race in Ormoc City, while Richard is expected to claim a seat as the 4th District Representative of Leyte.
Based on the initial tally, Jolo Revilla is poised to retain his post as vice governor of Cavite, while his mother Lani Mercado is expected to keep her position as 2nd District congresswoman.
Jestorni Alarcon, on the other hand, won as Provincial Board Member of the 1st District of Rizal, while Angelu de Leon secured another term in Pasig’s 2nd District as Kiko Rustia earned a seat in the city’s 1st
Pechanga Resort Casino welcomes global Pinoy Pop sensation BINI for world tour stop
TEMECULA — Pechanga Resort Casino, Southern California’s premier destination for world-class entertainment, is thrilled to announce an electrifying addition to its 2025 concert lineup: Filipino pop sensation BINI will headline the Biniverse World Tour at the Pechanga Summit on Saturday, June 15, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this must-see event are already on sale at pechanga.com and at (888) 8108871.
BINI, the dynamic eight-member girl group known for hits like “Karera” and “Pantropiko,” has captivated global audiences with their infectious energy, powerhouse vocals, and genre-blending performances. Their Biniverse World Tour marks their first major U.S. arena tour, promising fans an unforgettable night of high-energy choreography, dazzling visuals, and fan-favorite tracks from their latest album.
Composed of eight immensely talented members – Aiah, Colet, Maloi, Gwen, Stacey, Mikha, Jhoanna and Sheena – BINI has skyrocketed to international stardom since their 2020 debut. The octet’s sisterly bond, forged during intense training after being discovered on reality show Pinoy Big Brothers, fuels their creative collaboration and dynamic stage presence.
Fresh off three sold-out homecoming shows at Manila’s Araneta Coliseum, the Biniverse World Tour promises to be a dazzling showcase of the group’s powerhouse vocals, mesmerizing choreography and high-energy performance style. Don’t miss your chance to experience the Filipino pop music revolution live as BINI makes their Temecula debut at the 3,000-seat Pechanga Summit.
Pechanga Summit features a 40,000-square foot area for entertainers, concerts, live sporting events, trade shows, weddings, or any large groups to book.
In total, Pechanga now offers 274,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor contemporary meeting and event space, which significantly enhanced the amenities, space and visibility of Pechanga’s event offerings.
Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest
District.
Meanwhile, Arjo Atayde topped the ranking in Quezon City’s 1st District, securing his second term as congressman, while Ervic Vijandre is expected to earn a seat as a 1st District Councilor in San Juan City.
Bulacan also saw sweeping victories for entertainersturned-public servants as Daniel Fernando is poised to maintain his post as Governor, while actor Alex Castro is expected to secure the Vice Governorship.
JC Parker Aguas is slated to be proclaimed as one of the councilors in the Lone District of Angeles City after claiming the second spot in the ranking, while film actor Lou Veloso topped the partial ranking for the councilor race in Manila’s 6th District.
Alfred Vargas, Aiko Melendez, and Joaquin Domagoso among winners of 2025 midterm polls. Images from their official Facebook pages
Leren Bautista Images from Instagram/@ lerenmaebautista
Luis Manzano
Photo from Instagram/@rainbowrumbleph
Screengrab from Instagram/@luckymanzano
Maja Salvador prioritizes motherhood
by CHRistina alPad ManilaTimes.net
BEFORE Maja Salvador went on hiatus to focus on her latest role — motherhood — she was the ray of sunshine that held together TV5's hit emoji-powered game show, "Emojination" for four seasons. As the show's host from the very beginning, she felt it was only fitting that her return to work would be via the show's upcoming fifth season.
"When I returned to the Philippines, I had a meeting with my APT family and we discussed the return of this show. My TV5 family asked if I am ready to work. I asked for a little bit of time to prepare physically because of course, for a comeback you want to look fresh... and so we're here. It's so exciting," Salvador said during the media conference. She admitted there had been offers since she gave birth, but she felt most comfortable
committing to Emojination not only because it's familiar but also because it complements her current situation.
"The show allows me to take care of Maria and at the same time work. We have short working hours, so I'm only away from her for almost eight hours and in some days, I can even bring her to work because we shoot in a studio.
"I can bring her crib and, in fact, she has already invaded my dressing room," she continued in jest.
Additionally, the 36-year-old said Emojination was the perfect back-to-work project because she enjoys spending time with her co-hosts so much that it doesn't feel like work.
"We just have really good energy. We laugh a lot, to the point that I know our editors are having a hard time figuring out how to cut our episodes. We lose track of time when we do our spiels."
Most of all, Salvador did not hesitate to return to Emojination because she admitted she enjoys hosting more right now.
"It's challenging, for sure, because you need to connect with the players. I miss acting too, but when you host, there's a different fulfillment. You get to talk to different people, relate to their stories and learn from them."
Joining Salvador as co-hosts this season are "Last One Laughing (LOL)" Season 1 grand winner Chad Kinis and Chamy Aguedan. Together, Chad and Chamy — a.k.a. the ChaCha Duo — are ready to deliver a different kind of fun.
"The all important chemistry
LA County UbeFest shines bright: Over 50,000 celebrate inaugural cultural festival despite rain; 2026 return to Cerritos announced
by Dan E. niño Contributor
CERRITOS – The first-ever LA County UbeFest triumphed over a rainy start to deliver a spectacular and joy-filled celebration of Filipino American and Asian culture. Held at Don Knabe Park in Cerritos, the event welcomed around 50,000 people who came from near and far to experience a day of unity, pride, and community spirit.
Co-organized by Long Beach UbeFest founder James Oreste, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn’s Office through Special Assistant and Cerritos Mayor Pro Tem Lynda Johnson, and the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Cerritos (FAC3) under the leadership of Demeven Quirino, Ellen Rodriguez-Swing, Christine Consunji, and Ron Dizon, this festival marked a historic milestone as the inaugural countywide UbeFest for LA County. All three collaborators played equally vital roles in making the vision a reality.
What started as a local popup concept grew into something much more powerful. In late 2024, Oreste presented the idea to Johnson, who elevated it to the county level by forging a strategic partnership with FAC3 – recognizing their strong reputation for impactful cultural and business engagement, and their proven capability to take the event to the next level.
“There was so much heart behind this,” said Mayor Pro Tem Johnson. “Seeing the park full of people celebrating culture, enjoying food, and supporting small businesses was a proud moment for Cerritos and LA County.”
“This event was a win for the community,” said Quirino, FAC3 president. “The turnout speaks volumes about the pride our people have in their culture. It was beautiful to see everyone come together – rain or shine – to celebrate not only ube, but what it means to be Filipino American.”
“This was never just about ube,” said Oreste. “It was about building something bigger that honored our identity, created economic
opportunities, and brought people together. And thanks to this incredible collaboration, we did just that.”
As the morning rain cleared, families, friends, and community groups filled the park. Elected officials from neighboring cities joined the festivities, showing strong regional support for the event and its mission to spotlight Filipino American excellence. The event featured over 100 well-curated food and merchandise vendors, showcasing the best of Filipino American and Asian creativity, flavor, and entrepreneurship. From ube and other delicacies to cultural apparel, attendees were immersed in a marketplace rich in pride and tradition. With live cultural performances, a vibrant atmosphere, and booths selling out by mid-afternoon, the event exceeded expectations
Community partners of the event were Philippine Consulate General Los Angeles, FILAM ARTS, PNASC (Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California), Pilipino Workers Center (PWC) and Queen Diane “Didi” Caneda. Media partners included Los Cerritos Community News, ABSCBN Global, Asian Journal, Balita Media Inc., US Asian Post and Philippine Post. FAC3 and its co-organizers express deep appreciation to the performers, volunteers, elected officials, and attendees whose energy made UbeFest
unforgettable. The overwhelming community support has
this event’s place in LA County history. For sponsorship or vendor opportunities for LA County UbeFest 2026, contact: James Oreste (vendors) | (562) 6074660 and Ellen Rodriguez-Swing (sponsors) | (310) 800-6997.
Let’s
Aerial view captures a portion of the vast LA County UbeFest 2025 layout at Don Knabe Park in Cerritos.
LA County UbeFest 2025 organizers being recognized with a proclamation by the City of Cerritos.
Elected officials and Ube Queen Didi Caneda: (from left) Wildomar Councilmember Joseph Morabito, Hawaiian Gardens Mayor Dandy De Paula, Artesia Mayor Pro Tem Rene Trevino, Artesia Mayor Ali Taj, Cerritos Councilmember Sophia Tse, Cerritos Councilmember Mark Pulido, Cerritos Mayor Frank Yokoyama, and Supervisor Janice Hahn’s Special Assistant and Cerritos Mayor Pro Tem Lynda Johnson who led the LA County UbeFest Team.
The UbeFest Organizers (from left) FAC3 Immediate Past President Ellen Rodriguez-Swing, FAC3 Ambassador Edward Lago, Supervisor Janice Hahn’s Special Assistant and Cerritos Mayor Pro Tem Lynda Johnson, Long Beach
James Oreste, Long Beach UbeFest
Lilybeth Karganilla, FAC3
Christine Consunji, and FAC3
Demeven Quirino.
The UbeFest supporters: Elected officials from the cities of Cerritos and Artesia. From left:
LA County UbeFest 2025 vendor showcasing ube
An overwhelming sea of attendees filled Don Knabe Park for UbeFest 2025, showcasing the community’s incredible support for LA
biggest Filipino cultural celebration. PAGE B6
While Maja Salvador enjoys motherhood, she also can’t wait to go back to work. Photo from Instagram/@maja
Governor Newsom’s budget calls for fasttrack of critical water infrastructure project
SACRAMENTO —
Governor
Newsom on Wednesday, May 14
announced, as part of his May Revise, a significant proposal to streamline one of California’s most important water management and climate adaptation projects, the Delta Conveyance Project, advancing much-needed and long-overdue improvements to the State Water Project.
“For too long, attempts to modernize our critical water infrastructure have stalled in endless red tape, burdened with unnecessary delay. We’re done with barriers — our state needs to complete this project as soon as possible, so that we can better store and manage water to prepare for a hotter, drier future. Let’s get this built,” Gov. Newsom said in a release sent out by his office.
A project Californians depend on
No piece of infrastructure is more fundamental to California’s water supply and economic success than the State Water Project. It captures, moves, and stores water used by 27 million people and 750,000 acres of farmland. If the service area of the State Water Project were its own country, its economy would rank eighth largest in the world, generating $2.3 trillion in goods and services annually.
In other words, California depends upon State Water Project deliveries. Abandoning or neglecting investments in this vital water system would put extraordinary financial pressure on ratepayers, including nearly 8 million people living in disadvantaged communities, to replace this water with more expensive, less reliable options.
Preparing California’s water infrastructure
Over the last few decades, the California climate has warmed, with the effects felt strongly in water resources. The state has already experienced a marked increase in the variability of precipitation, with wild swings from drought to flood.
Most major water systems — including the State Water Project — were built for a more predictable bygone pattern of precipitation and are not equipped for the stronger storms, deeper droughts, and abrupt swings driven by climate change. The system simply cannot
capture the type of big flows now becoming more common, and that must change. Without action, the ability of the State Water Project to reliably deliver water to homes, farms and businesses will decline.
Protecting California’s water supply California is expected to lose 10% of its water supply due to hotter and drier conditions, threatening the water supply for millions of Californians — and the reliability of the State Water Project could be reduced as much as 23 percent. Extreme weather whiplash will result in more intense swings between droughts and floods – California’s 60-year-old water infrastructure is not built for these climate impacts.
The Delta Conveyance Project will help offset and recover these future climate-driven water losses, and yet, it has been plagued by delays and red tape.
The Delta Conveyance Project would expand the state’s ability to improve water supply reliability, while also maintaining fishery and water quality protections. During atmospheric rivers last year, the Delta Conveyance Project could have captured enough water for 9.8 mIllion people’s yearly usage.
Removing unnecessary red tape
Governor Newsom first announced his commitment to the project during his first State of the State, modernizing the previous administration’s plans to address seismic and reliability issues and ensure that this critical piece
of infrastructure could be built quickly and without delay. The governor has advanced efforts to move the DCP forward, including certifying a final environmental impact report in December 2023 and securing financial support from water agencies throughout the state serving a majority of Californians. And while the project has received some necessary permits, its path forward is burdened by complicated regulatory frameworks and bureaucratic delays. On Wednesday, the governor is proposing to streamline and strengthen the project’s path forward, to protect the state’s water supply for future generations.
The importance of protecting the reliability of the State Water Project is too great to allow the Delta Conveyance Project to be mired by unnecessary and extensive delays.
The governor’s proposal would streamline the project by:
• Simplifying permitting. The proposal would simplify permitting for the project by eliminating certain deadlines from existing State Water Project water rights permits — recognizing that the State Water Project should continue serving Californians’ water needs indefinitely. The proposal would also strengthen enforcement of the Water Board’s existing rules for permit protests.
• Confirming funding authority. The proposal confirms that the Department of Water Resources has the authority to issue bonds for the cost of the DCP, to be repaid by participating public water agencies.
• Preventing unnecessary litigation delays. The proposal narrows and streamlines judicial review of future challenges to the Delta Conveyance Project, building on models that have served other large public works projects.
• Supporting construction. The proposal streamlines the authority to acquire land, supporting ultimate construction of the Delta Conveyance Project.
Building water infrastructure is a key part of the Governor’s build more, faster agenda delivering infrastructure upgrades and thousands of jobs across the state.
(CA Governor’s Office Release)
Do I need to file for a domestic violence restraining order?
Barrister’s Corner
Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes
HAS your spouse or significant other abused you and or your minor children? If so, then you may seek protection by filing for a domestic violence restraining order in court against the abuser. If you are seeking protection from abuse perpetrated by your spouse or partner towards you and or your children, you may apply for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. This can be filed on an emergency basis (Ex Parte) if you need immediate protection. This is usually filed using form DV-100, DV-101, DV-109, DV-110, CLETS-001, along with an extensive declaration and supporting evidence. The court will make a decision whether to grant you an emergency restraining order protection. Whether or not the court grants the emergency restraining order protection, the court will set a trial for your DVRO. The papers will have to be personally served on the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence at least 5 court days or more prior to the trial. The respondent will then have an opportunity to file a response, declaration, and evidence in opposition to your allegation. At the DVRO trial, both parties will have the opportunity to testify, present witnesses, and introduce evidence.
Under California law, “domestic violence” is defined broadly to include a pattern of abusive behavior used by one intimate partner against another to gain or maintain power and control. It’s not limited to physical violence and encompasses a wide range of abusive behaviors. Here are the main types of abuse recognized under California’s domestic violence statutes:
Physical abuse
This is the most visible form of abuse and involves intentional physical harm or injury. This includes Hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, biting,
shoving, or choking, Pushing, grabbing, or restraining, using weapons or objects to inflict harm, depriving someone of necessary medical care, Physical intimidation or threats of physical harm.
Emotional or psychological
abuse
This type of abuse aims to control and manipulate someone’s emotions and sense of self-worth. It can be just as damaging as physical abuse and includes:
1. Verbal abuse: Insults, name-calling, yelling, criticizing, and belittling.
2. Intimidation: Threats of harm, destroying property, stalking, and displaying weapons.
3. Isolation: Controlling who someone sees, where they go, and what they do.
4. Humiliation: Publicly embarrassing someone, making them feel ashamed or worthless.
5. Mind games and manipulation: Gaslighting, twisting reality, and making someone doubt their own perceptions.
Sexual abuse
This involves any unwanted sexual contact or activity without consent. It includes rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, pressuring someone into unwanted sexual acts, withholding sex as a form of control, sexual exploitation or degradation.
Financial abuse
This type of abuse involves controlling someone’s finances and limiting their access to resources. It includes controlling all the finances and not allowing someone access to money, preventing someone from getting or keeping a job, exploiting someone’s financial resources , forcing someone to sign financial documents against their will, running up debt in someone else’s name.
Stalking
This involves a pattern of unwanted attention, harassment, or contact that causes fear or emotional distress. It includes following or spying on someone, repeatedly contacting someone against their wishes, sending unwanted gifts or messages, monitoring someone’s online
activity such as Instagram or Facebook, threatening someone or their loved ones. Domestic violence is usually a pattern of multiple abusive behaviors used to exert power and control. A single incident can be serious, but it’s important to recognize the overall pattern. Many forms of abuse involve coercive control, which is a pattern of acts designed to take away someone’s liberty and independence. This can include isolating someone, regulating their daily behavior, and monitoring their activities. All forms of domestic violence can have severe emotional, psychological, and physical consequences for victims.
In addition to a restraining order, you may also ask for child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and attorney’s fee order within the domestic violence restraining order application. The evidentiary burden of proof in court is a preponderance of the evidence. It means that it is more likely than not that a fact is true.
* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general,
California Gov. Gavin Newsom File photo/www.gov.ca.gov
shAron Ann BAthAn-sAn PeDro
SHORT-TERM rentals like Airbnb have become a popular option for overseas Filipinos wanting to generate income from their Philippine properties. The idea of earning in dollars or pesos while living abroad is tempting — but it’s important to understand both the opportunities and challenges that come with it.
The upside: Airbnb can generate more income than traditional long-term leasing — especially in hotspots like Makati, BGC, Ortigas, and Cebu. Tourists, balikbayans, and business travelers often prefer short-term rentals over hotels for flexibility, lower costs, and homelike amenities. You also retain control over when the property is rented — handy if you visit the Philippines periodically.
Costs to consider: However, Airbnb is far from passive income. You’ll need a property manager or team to handle bookings, checkins/outs, cleaning, and maintenance. This can cost 20 to 30% of your revenue. Plus, not all buildings allow short-term rentals. Condominium associations may
Can you really earn from Airbnb in the Philippines? A reality check
prohibit or restrict Airbnb use. Always check building policies before investing.
Hidden expenses: There are also furnishing costs, utility bills, Wi-Fi, repairs, and platform service fees. Your property must be consistently cleaned and wellreviewed to stay competitive. You might also face high vacancy rates during off-seasons. Local laws and taxes: Philippine local governments are starting to regulate short-term rentals. Some require business permits and may impose taxes. Ignoring these can lead to fines or closure.
Real-life tip: Some overseas property owners hire fulltime caretakers or work with professional Airbnb management services that handle everything from pricing strategy to maintenance. These services add cost but can greatly reduce the stress of managing from abroad. It's also important to factor in the competitiveness of your area — too many similar listings can push rates down.
Verdict: Airbnb works best for those who:
• Have a trusted local team
• Invest in high-demand areas
• Are ready for ongoing
operational expenses
• Stay on top of guest experience and property reviews. If you plan well, Airbnb can be a viable income source. But it’s not a hands-off investment — it needs effort, legal compliance, and strategic planning. For overseas Filipinos seeking extra income or a future vacation home that pays for itself, it can be worth it — with the right preparation. Contact us for property management today.
* * * 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.
* * * At SAB Realty, we are committed to providing professional, personalized guidance to help you make informed decisions — whether you’re purchasing your dream home, expanding your investment portfolio, or planning for a secure retirement. Sharon Ann Bathan-San Pedro, a licensed real estate broker in the Philippines for over a decade and a proud member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United States, offers her expertise to both local and overseas clients. For inquiries, consultations, or assistance with buying or selling property, feel free to reach out – Email: sab.sanpedro@gmail. com; PH contact (Viber/WhatsApp): +63 917-8237796; USA contact (Viber): +1 (951) 367-6840.
Diana Zubiri renews vows with husband to celebrate 10th anniversary
by HannaH MalloRCa Inquirer.net
DIANA Zubiri and her FilipinoAustralian husband, Andy Smith, had an unforgettable 10th wedding anniversary celebration following the renewal of their vows in Parañaque.
Zubiri and Smith reaffirmed their commitment to each other at a ceremony held at Okada Manila in Parañaque, to mark 10 years as husband and wife, as seen in photos posted by event stylist Badang Rueda on Instagram.
The “Encantadia” star looked radiant in an off-shoulder white wedding dress lined with beadwork on the bodice, while her husband was handsome in his classy dark gray tuxedo.
“Mr & Mrs Smith,” Rueda captioned his post. The couple also did a solo photoshoot where they showed
John Arcilla
off their respective shoes for the ceremony. Zubiri earlier announced that she and her husband will renew their vows, while sharing glimpses of her intimate bridal shower at an aesthetic clinic
sometime in May. The couple married in 2015, and have two children together: Aliyah Rose and Amira. Zubiri has another son, King, from her first husband, Alex Lopez, who died in 2010.
Grateful to God for our new Pope
reverenD roDel G. BAlAGtAs Pastor’s Notes
AS I write this message, I cannot still help but feel the joy and hope in my heart at recognizing God’s grace in giving us a new pope, Leo XIV. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit guided the hearts and minds of the Cardinals in electing him during the Conclave. Thank God, with Pope Leo XIV’s leadership, we continue to walk together as pilgrims of hope, armed with the power of the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Gospel of Love, Life, and Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to all people, near and far, reaching out to the “peripheries” of the world, as Pope Francis urged us to do.
In his first Mass as pope in the Sistine Chapel on the Friday morning following his election, Pope Leo XIV shared this message with the Cardinals: “I want to repeat the words from the Responsorial Psalm: ‘I will sing a new song to the Lord, because He has done marvels,’ and indeed, not just with me but with all of us. My brother Cardinals, as we celebrate this morning, I invite you to reflect on the marvels the Lord
Health @Heart
PRIOR to the introduction of colonoscopy, colorectal cancer was the leading cause of cancer deaths. Colonoscopy screening can lower the risk of dying from colorectal cancer by 20 to 60 percent.
From the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF): “Colonoscopies are generally recommended for routine colorectal cancer screening from age 45 to 75. While some individuals may continue to have them after 75, the decision to continue screening should be made on a case-by-case basis with a healthcare provider, and screening is generally not recommended for those over 85.” The American Cancer Society recommends stopping screening for those 85 and over.
About 50,000 to 53,000 people in the United States are estimated to die from colorectal cancer each year, in spite of the advances in medicine. Human neglect of their body, unhealthy lifestyle, undisciplined behavior and attitude about regular medical check-up, and misinformation on the social media are some of the reasons why modern medicine has not been able to cut down those statistics.
Colonoscopy today is a lot more comfortable using a 1 cm. fiberoptic flexible tube with a camera, a source of light, and ability to take minute biopsies, compared to the larger bore, rigid, tube in the past. Light sedation eliminates anxiety and discomfort, and the patient wakes up feeling good with the wonderful side-effect of the opioid propofol.
Cologuard, which needs a prescription, is a non-invasive, FDA-approved stool test for screening colon cancer is about 92 percent accurate in detecting colon cancer, but not as effective as colonoscopy in detecting colon polyps, where are precancerous, and Cologuard also has a higher false positive rate (detecting cancer when there is actually no cancer). Colonoscopy is preferred for a more definitive diagnosis, at the same time the patient can enjoy the “high” from propofol.
For those 85 and over, Cologuard may be the option for those who are concerned. The best is to consult with your physician.
Sleep and inflammation
Not getting enough good quality sleep, called sleep deprivation, is associated with markers of inflammation, such as increase in inflammatory molecules, including cytokines, interleukin-6, c-reactive protein (the marker that is elevated in
has done, and the blessings that He continues to pour out on all of us through the Ministry of Peter.”
This is the same sentiment I would like to share with you, my dear parishioners. I urge you to recognize God’s marvelous works in your lives so that, with deep gratitude, you can respond to His call to know, love, and serve Him. You are not just called to succeed in any profession and to make money, but also to serve your family, the Church, and especially those in need and marginalized in our society. You are called to spread His love and mercy, and to share your faith and hope in Him with a world beset by deep division, war, greed, materialism, and corruption. God calls us to this greater mission, and I hope we all keep reminding ourselves and one another of it.
I have great hope for our Church, especially as I see more young people recognizing their thirst for God and for something deeper and more meaningful in life. They understand that it’s the Joy of the Gospel, the Person of Jesus Christ—the Pearl of Great Price—that can fill their “hunger” and quench their “thirst.”
Therefore, I ask you, families, to foster our Christian faith by following God’s commandments, living the Gospel, and proclaiming it without hesitation, shame, or fear. Do not get lost in the materialistic illusions of this
world. Respond to the hungers of your heart, and, as Pope Leo XIV proclaimed from the balcony of the Vatican on his election, let us be courageous in bringing peace and unity among us. His words must reverberate in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, churches, and society:
“Therefore, without fear, united hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we move forward. We are disciples of Christ. Christ precedes us. The world needs His light. Humanity needs Him as the bridge to allow it to be reached by God and His love. Help us, too, and help each other to build bridges, with dialogue, with meetings, uniting us all to be one people, always in peace.”
The plea of Jesus in today’s Gospel is also one that we must always keep in mind:
“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. This is how all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
In Christ’s love, Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas
* 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.
On Colonoscopy
people risk for heart disease and diabetes,) and others. While lack of restful sleep negatively affects the clarity of mind, mood, memory and energy, the inflammation sleep deprivation causes is of major importance. Inflammation is a big factor in the causation of many diseases, even cancer.
Listen to your body
Without pain, persons would burn their hand touching a hot stove, much like people with severe diabetes and nerve damage to the feet who could have a nail in their foot and not even knowing. I saw one such patient.
Pain and other bodily discomfort are helpful warning signal that alert us that something needs to be checked, sometimes by physicians. Some of the other symptoms, besides aches and pains, could include toothache, headaches, thirst, stomach upset, dizziness, sleeplessness, loss of appetite, loss of weight, frequent tiredness, feeling of being unwell, unease. We must listen to our body because it is an existential ally, which has its own “intelligence,” a preference for a healthy lifestyle, and a warning system.
Keto for cognition?
The keto diet is a high-fat (70 percents of the total calories), moderate protein, and very low carbohydrates dietary plan that aims to induce ketosis, where the body primarily burns fat for energy, instead of carbohydrates.
A new study suggests that the keto diet might protect age-related cognitive decline, which is very common among seniors and super seniors. The mechanism is still a concept: using ketones as an alternative brain fuel, and ketosis may help protect against cognitive decline by providing neurons with energy when glucose metabolism is impaired. Normally, glucose is the main fuel of the body for energy.
This initial finding needs large scale studies “to confirm if, indeed, a ketogenic diet can consistently be maintained and offer long-term protection, particularly in individuals at risk for Alzheimer’s and whether it can be effectively incorporated into a broader treatment regimen,” according to researchers.
The keto diet, while usually effective for weight loss, has several potential dangers, including nutritional deficiencies, digestive problems, and increased risk for certain ailments. It can also lead to keto flu symptoms and long-term health issues. It is prudent to consult with your physician or dietician before you embark on any new diet regimen.
MS and microbiome
Around 2.9 million people around the world have multiple sclerosis, a chronic neurological
disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system. It is a disease that worsens as time passes by, termed MS exacerbation.
The risk factors for MS includes genetics, which is nonmodifiable, and those which are modifiable, like smoking, unlight exposure (vitamin D deficiency), viral infection, diet, and gut health (imbalanced microbiome).
MS reduces longevity by 6 to 7 years on average, a 2-fold increased risk for death. But the more concerning are the symptoms neurologic symptoms due to brain volume and grey matter loss, cognitive issue, pains, tremors, muscular cramping, inability to walk, poor balance, fatigue, dizziness, excessive urination at night, persistent urge to urinate, blurred vision, and others.
A new study in mice showed that the ratio of two types of bacteria in the gut microbiome may be able to predict the severity of the MS, and that bacteria among persons with MS differ from those healthy individuals. The composition of those bacteria varies across different studies. Bacterial balance is essential to health. More independent research is needed to pinpoint what bacteria and the ideal ratio would be conducive to harmony and balance needed to prevent, minimize, or treat Multiple Sclerosis and other illnesses as well. Microbiome (gut bacteria) health is vital to our general well-being.
* * * 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 to live a healthier lifestyle, to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a
PhiliP s . ChUA, MD, FACs , FPCs
Photos from Facebook/JohnArcilla
THERE is an advantage of being in the U.S. and being with my family, relatives and friends:
I am reading the Holy Bible once again and joining Bible study groups.
One thing I learn is to practice humility, to trust in the Lord for proper guidance and to ask for the right decision.
You must have faith and avoid leaning on your own understanding. Do not doubt for if you doubt it is like a wave being driven and tossed by the wind.
I am inspired by the verses I read in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1: 5-6.
* * *
Wedding consultant Henry Roxas Ayson recently celebrated his surprise 65th birthday in Hiddenbrooke, Vallejo, California. It was attended by members of his family, relatives and friends.
* * * With social media scams surfacing, especially coming from famous personalities in the past, I am always very careful since I am a journalist.
There are so many alleged famous celebrities befriending me in Facebook. It started with Prince Abdul Mateen Bolkiah in 2024, then followed by American actor Jay Harrington in early February 2025 and now Elon Musk in May 2025. With alleged Elon Musk, I felt doubt for how a busy man would ever befriend me in Facebook. So, I replied simply that I felt doubt
that how a nobody like me in the U.S. could be given attention by famous Elon Musk. But some minutes later, after I finished sending my questions for Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino, I received a video call. I was surprised to see Elon Musk. I put out my pair of eyeglasses to gaze him nearer to my cellphone’s viewer as I heard him calling my first name Rogelio and the voice was not clearer afterwards. I saw he was in an office.
* * * My heartfelt congratulations to the 2nd anniversary of Media House Express. A myriad blessings. It is a great honor to be always like a family member of Media House Express, home of news and entertainment.
*
* * Thanks to the staffers of the North Bay Occupational Health for the physical examination accredited by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is located at 2470 Hilborn Road, Suite 100 in Fairfield, California. Dr. Yolanta Petrofsky is the contact civil surgeon.
* * * First Lady Melania Trump recently honored military mothers at the White House.
“Military mothers and America — together — have developed an extraordinary parallel journey. They are filled with stories of personal sacrifice, determination, loss, and healing,” said First Lady Trump.
*
* * I really admire U.S. President Donald J. Trump helping to bring back safely to their families the astronauts who were stranded in
The advantage of being in the US
outer space for 9 months (thanks to Elon Musk, SpaceX and NASA), an American ballerina who was imprisoned in Russia, and an American teenager who had been held hostage.
* * * Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV) deserves to be a pope. I met him in San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila years ago.
* * * Singer Lae Manego-Franzani, Sovereign Seal of Business Triumph and Remarkable Achievers, Philippines’ Finest Business Award and Outstanding Achievers and Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award recipient, is married to businessman Querino Franzani of Netherlands. She has been supporting her family in Davao.
“I am truly blessed to be surrounded by love in many forms. First and foremost, I am deeply in love with my family –my husband, kids, and parents. They are my rock, my support system, and my everything. Their unwavering love and
encouragement inspire me to be the best version of myself every day,” she said. In addition to her family, she is also passionate about giving back to her community. “I believe that love and kindness can transform lives and make the world a better place. Through my music, philanthropy, and volunteer work, I strive to spread love, positivity, and empowerment to those around me. Overall, I feel grateful to be living a life filled with love, purpose, and meaning.”
* * * Possessing an adventurous spirit, entrepreneur David Isip immigrated to the United States at age 17 in 1976. He stumbled onto the window treatment business by accident in 1979 when his landlord mentioned she was going to be replacing the blinds in an apartment in San Francisco. Wanting to be a good tenant, David told her that he could do all the leg work of ordering, picking up, and installing the blinds if she covered the costs. After finishing the job, he thought to himself, “I could do this for a living.” He officially created his window treatment business in 1980, and he has been providing his clients with the best customer service and fair prices ever since.
“We provide measurement, design, and installation services for all types of window treatments: plantation shutters (composite wood, real wood, vinyl), horizontal blinds (faux wood, real wood, aluminum), shades (Roman shades, roller shades, honeycomb shades, cellular shades, cordless shades, remote control shades), and
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
more. We serve the entire Bay Area,” said founder David, who later passed on his business to his son Miguel who manages the Budget Windows Coverings, a low-volume provider of window treatments. He continues: “We are a local father-and-son small business that prides itself in providing with the best possible customer service experience along with top-of-the-line products by Hunter Douglas and Norman Window Fashions. Because we are a home-based operation, we can make the process easy for our customers by coming to their home or office at their convenience. Additionally, our low overhead translates into greater savings for our customers who will notice the difference with us as compared to a chain or big-box store simply because we care. Our customers are our family.”
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
Heidi Mendoza with her husband Roy First Lady Melania Trump (seated, first row, 5th from left) recently honored military mothers at the White House during Mother’s Day observation. and three children Albert, Atty. Paula and Miguel.
Birthday celebrant Henry Roxas Ayson (in shaded eyeglasses) with his family, relatives and friends after a Bible fellowship in April Joy Samantha Ayson’s home in Hiddenbrooke, Vallejo, California. Photos compiled by Rogelio Medina
Wedding consultant Henry Roxas Ayson (left) with AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina. Guia Cruz Buenaventura of Media House Express
Pope Leo XIV (middle) with his older brothers.
Lae Manego with her husband Querino Franzani. Entrepreneur David Isip (left) with his son Miguel Isip.
AJ Columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina (middle) with North Bay Occupational Health staffers on Hilborn Road in Fairfield.
President Trump and freed American ballerina Ksenia Karelina in the White House’s Oval Office.
