California AG Bonta warns cities: Enforce housing law or face fines under
new SB 1037
SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta is stepping up pressure on local governments to comply with the state’s housing laws, issuing a legal bulletin this month that warns city and county officials they could face significant financial penalties if they unlawfully delay or deny new housing developments.
The move follows the implementation of Senate Bill 1037, a law Bonta cosponsored, which took effect January 1. The law strengthens the state’s Housing Accountability Act by allowing courts to fine jurisdictions between $10,000 and $50,000 per month for each violation tied to obstructing legally compliant housing projects.
“Every community in California must do its part to address the housing crisis,” Bonta said. “We now have the tools—and the will— to enforce that mandate.”
The law’s core aim is to accelerate housing production by cracking down on local governments that use procedural
Senate unanimously passes bill granting $25,000 tax break for tipped workers
IN a rare display of bipartisan unity, the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, May 20 unanimously approved the “No Tax on Tips Act,” a bill that would exempt up to $25,000 in annual cash tips from federal income taxes for workers in traditionally tipped occupations. The legislation marks a significant shift in federal tax policy affecting millions of service industry workers.
The measure now moves to the House of Representatives, where it may be considered as part of a broader tax and spending package. If enacted, the new deduction would take effect for taxable years beginning January 1, 2025.
“This legislation will have a lasting impact on millions of Americans by protecting the hard-earned dollars of blue-collar workers,” said Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), who introduced the bill. “The very people who are living paycheck-to-paycheck will now have some much-needed relief.”
$25,000 tip deduction for eligible workers
The bill allows qualifying workers to deduct up to $25,000 in cash tips from their taxable income annually, provided the tips are reported to employers for payroll tax purposes. The deduction applies only to individuals earning less than $160,000 per year. Within 90 days of enactment, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is required to publish a list of recognized tipped occupations. While restaurant servers, bartenders, and hotel workers are expected to qualify, inclusion of newer roles—such as app-based service workers—remains uncertain.
The bill also broadens the federal tax credit available to employers for payroll taxes paid on tips, expanding it to include businesses in barbering, nail care, esthetics, and similar personal service industries.
Political momentum and industry support
Endorsed by both major 2024 presidential contenders—Donald Trump and Kamala Harris—the bill garnered wide appeal across party lines and among business groups. The
by AJPress
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong”
Marcos Jr. has called for the courtesy resignation of all Cabinet secretaries, a sweeping political maneuver that underscores his effort to reassert control following the administration’s weak performance in the May 2025 midterm elections. The unprecedented move, announced Tuesday, May 20 and described by the Presidential
Communications Office as a “bold reset,” reflects the administration’s intention to realign its priorities and leadership midway through Marcos’ six-year term.
“This is not about personalities—it’s about performance, alignment, and urgency,” Marcos said in a televised address. “Those who have delivered and continue to deliver will be recognized. But we cannot afford to be complacent. The time for comfort zones is over.”
The announcement comes as Marcos faces mounting political pressure from both within and outside his coalition. His allies won only six of 12 contested Senate seats in the May 12 elections, with many victories going to opposition and independent candidates affiliated with Vice President Sara Duterte’s faction. Duterte, who resigned from her Cabinet post as Education Secretary in June 2024, has since maintained a strong political presence. Her impeachment last December—viewed by
Lockheed Martin proposal gains traction under Trump admin’s Indo-Pacific posture
by AJPress
by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
MANILA — The House of Representatives has received the Senate’s notice of the convening of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with the prosecution team expected to present the articles on June 2. The confirmation was made by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, and San Juan Rep. Ysabel Zamora, a member of the 11-member House prosecution team. Romualdez, in a statement, said that they have received Senate President Francis Escudero’s letter regarding the
impeachment trial, saying that they have already replied to the Senate leader to confirm their receipt.
“This will be transmitted to the Panel of House Prosecutors,” Romualdez said in the letter. Velasco, in a separate message to INQUIRER.net, answered in the affirmative when asked if they have received a notice about the Senate convening as an impeachment court.
Meanwhile, in an online interview on Thursday, May 22, Zamora said that several members of the prosecution team met earlier to discuss matters related to Duterte’s impeachment trial, including Senate
Homelessness declines in San Diego county: regional collaboration, investment drive progress
San Diego County sees a 6.6% drop in homelessness from 2024 to 2025, with family homelessness down 72% and veteran homelessness down 25%, thanks to strategic investments and regional collaboration.
by AJPress
most persistent humanitarian crises.
According to data from the 2025 Point-in-Time Count—an annual census conducted in January to assess the scale and nature of homelessness—San Diego’s homeless population dropped from 10,605 individuals in 2024 to 9,905 in 2025, a 6.6% decrease. While the reduction may appear modest on the surface, officials say
by luisa cabato Inquirer.net
u PAGE 4 u PAGE 4
Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle puts the Fisherman’s Ring on a finger of Pope Leo XIV during a mass for the beginning of his pontificate, in St Peter’s square in The Vatican on May 18, 2025. Screenshot from the Vatican News Youtube channel
Marcos demands courtesy resignations...
1
power struggle within the ruling coalition—has only heightened the rift.
The latest Pulse Asia survey places Marcos’ approval rating at 25 percent, down sharply from 42 percent in late 2024. Duterte, meanwhile, continues to hold strong with a 59 percent approval rating.
High-profile resignations
As of May 22, a total of 33 Cabinet secretaries have submitted their resignations, according to Malacañang. The list includes key figures from the administration’s economic and defense teams:
• Executive Secretary Lucas
Bersamin
• Finance Secretary Ralph Recto
• Education Secretary Sonny Angara
• Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian
• Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.
• Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro
• Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III
• Human Settlements
Secretary Jose Acuzar
• Tourism Secretary Maria Esperanza Christina Frasco
In public statements, most officials affirmed that they respect the president’s prerogative to reorganize his team. “This is the president’s prerogative. We serve at his pleasure,” Recto said Wednesday.
While no officials have publicly questioned the directive, the shakeup comes amid growing concerns about the administration’s ability to respond to ongoing economic challenges. Rising prices, persistent energy supply issues, and delays in agricultural modernization have drawn criticism from policy observers. A test of political capital Analysts have framed the resignations as a test of Marcos’ political capital and his ability to steer the second half of his presidency toward concrete results. In commentaries published in leading Philippine newspapers, political observers warned that failure to appoint capable replacements could reinforce public skepticism.
Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed that the Palace is reviewing candidates and that Marcos will personally interview
nominees for Cabinet positions in the coming weeks.
Sources within the administration expect changes in departments perceived as underperforming, including Energy, Agriculture, and Health. There is speculation that the President may bring in new faces from the private sector or regional governments to inject fresh momentum into lagging programs.
Several governance advocates have emphasized that any reshuffle must be rooted in competence and accountability—not political accommodation.
Government in transition
For now, the day-to-day operations of government continue under the oversight of undersecretaries and career officials until new Cabinet members are confirmed.
The President has not set a firm deadline for announcing replacements but has signaled urgency.
The administration’s ability to rebuild public trust may hinge on the outcome of this reset. The coming weeks are expected to be a critical period for determining the direction—and durability— of Marcos’ leadership. n
RECYCLE. Commission
2025. The materials
Cardinal Tagle places symbolic Fisherman’s...
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lineage from the first pope. Pope Leo XIV, or Robert
Francis Prevost, is the first pope from the United States of America.
Cardinal Tagle was one of three Filipinos who joined the conclave to elect the new pope. n
Homelessness declines in San Diego county...
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the gains in specific categories are nothing short of dramatic.
Family homelessness in the county plummeted by 72%, a statistic county leaders and advocacy groups credit to expanded shelter capacity and more aggressive housing placement programs for families. Additionally, homelessness among veterans decreased by 25%, a shift that local VA partners have been working toward for years through targeted outreach, housing vouchers, and wraparound support services.
“These numbers reflect the power of what we can achieve when we align goals, funding, and accountability across all sectors of our community,”
said Tamera Kohler, CEO of the Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH), which oversees the annual count and coordinates policy efforts across San Diego County’s 18 cities.
The data reinforces what officials describe as a “pivot in strategy”—one that places more emphasis on permanent supportive housing, diversion programs, and collaboration across government agencies, nonprofits, and service providers. In the past year, the
county launched several new housing projects, expanded mental health crisis response teams, and adopted a more aggressive “housing first” approach that prioritizes stable housing as a foundation for recovery.
“It’s not just about more beds—though we need those too—it’s about investing in people and their futures,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who noted that the city opened hundreds of new shelter beds in 2024 and streamlined access to services through newly established “safe sleeping sites” and navigation centers.
The annual Point-in-Time Count is conducted by over 1,600 volunteers, many of whom fan out before dawn to survey individuals living in shelters, encampments, vehicles, and on the streets. The count is a federal requirement tied to funding allocations but also serves as a vital planning tool for local governments.
Still, officials caution that the county’s unsheltered population remains high and that structural challenges—especially the lack of affordable housing—continue to place vulnerable residents at risk. Roughly half of the 9,905 individuals counted in 2025
were still living without shelter, with many citing rising rents, job instability, and untreated mental illness as underlying causes.
Advocates also emphasize the importance of sustained momentum. “One year of progress doesn’t mean the crisis is solved,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, a leading homeless service provider in the region. “But it gives us something we haven’t had in a while—hope and a roadmap.” San Diego’s regional model may also provide lessons for other California cities struggling with homelessness. With the state allocating billions toward housing and behavioral health in recent years, local execution and accountability have become the difference-makers.
As the county moves into the second half of 2025, RTFH leaders say their focus will shift toward scaling successful models, expanding eviction prevention services, and ensuring that the most marginalized—especially those living in cars or facing long-term homelessness—aren’t left behind.
“Every person off the street is a life changed. And every life changed helps restore the fabric of our community,”Kohler said. n
House receives Senate notice on start of VP...
President Francis Escudero’s letter formally inviting the panel to appear before them.
“We discussed the letter of the Senate President sent to the House of Representatives that we will present the Articles of Impeachment on June 2, before the Senate […] We discussed how it will proceed, I believe that our Office of Secretary General has been in contact with the Secretariat’s Office of the Senate,” Zamora told reporters covering the House.
“So first they told us their communications with the Senate as regards how they expect us to present, or what they expect us to do. So we will follow the lead of the Senate President. We will be there, as stated in his letter, and we will read the articles of impeachment. ‘Yon lang po ‘yong gagawin namin sa June 2 kasi ‘yon lang naman po ‘yong nakalagay doon sa sulat nila,” she added.
(That’s the only thing that we will do by June 2 because that is what was stated in their letter.)
Duterte was impeached on February 5 after 215 House lawmakers filed and verified a fourth impeachment complaint, which centered on issues such as the alleged misuse of the confidential fund (CF) within the vice president’s office and her assassination threats to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.
The articles of impeachment were immediately transmitted to the Senate, as the 1987 Constitution requires a trial to start forthwith if at least onethird of all House members—in this case, just 102 out of 306 — have signed and endorsed the petition.
However, the trial has yet to start as the articles of impeachment were not
forwarded to the Senate plenary before the session ended on February 5, which means that Congress would have to reconvene first after the election season, or through a special session to discuss the matter.
Senate President Francis Escudero previously said it will now be up to the 20th Congress to decide on Duterte’s impeachment.
But Escudero has now formally invited the House prosecution panel to appear before them for Duterte’s impeachment trial. Based on a copy of a letter from Escudero’s office, the Senate president informed Romualdez that the Senate “shall be ready to receive the House of Representatives’ panel of prosecutors” at 4 p.m. on the afternoon of June 2.
All prosecutors present According to Zamora, all 11 prosecutors who were elected by the House members last February 5, after Duterte was impeached, will be present since the 19th Congress is still in effect.
“Yes, that has been agreed upon,” Zamora said when asked if all 11 members of the prosecution panel — including Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon and General Santos City Rep. Loreto Acharon.
Bongalon, who ran for representative of the first legislative district of Albay, and Acharon, who sought reelection, both failed in their bids. With this, both lawmakers would no longer be members of the House prosecution team when the 20th Congress convenes.
“Yes po, actually, we mentioned that earlier, that was tackled, and then we agreed that tama nga naman (it is only right to do so), it’s still the 19th Congress pagpasok sa (come) June 2.”
“And in fact, as of that time, they haven’t been constituted
as an impeachment court, nakalagay po do’n na on June 3 palang sila mag-constitute as an impeachment court. So I guess we will present the articles of impeachment during their session, which will be the resumption of the session,” she added.
(And in fact, as of that time, they haven’t been constituted as an impeachment court; it is stated in the letter that they will be constituted as an impeachment court by June 3.)
Zamora said the Senate even sent a video sample on how similar trials are done in the United States.
“In fact, the Senate, I believe it was the Senate, who sent Congress a video of how it is done in the States. So while hindi naman namin, siyempe, eksaktong magagaya ‘yon, there’s a reading of the articles of impeachment,” she noted.
(So while we will not, of course, do the exact same copy, there’s a reading of the articles of impeachment.)
Aside from her, Zamora said that the following members of the prosecution team were present during the meeting: Antipolo 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop, 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez. Bukidnon 2nd District Rep. Keith Flores, and Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Arnan Panaligan. On Wednesday, Zamora also assured that the prosecution team will pursue a conviction with the “same vigor” even as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. offered the hand of reconciliation to Vice President Duterte’s family.
Zamora, in an interview, said that they are even excited to work with the two new members of the prosecution team — former senator Leila de Lima and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno, both of whom were recently elected as party-list representatives. n
US firm offers Philippine defense...
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the proposal aligns with their goal to modernize the armed forces while also investing in indigenous defense capabilities. According to Lockheed Martin, the proposed innovation hub would be modeled after its Center for Innovation and Security Solutions in Abu Dhabi. The facility would support collaborative research, technical training programs, and scholarship opportunities in aerospace engineering and defense logistics. Lockheed representatives have stated in public interviews that they aim to partner with Philippine institutions to develop long-term defense readiness and industrial support capacity, rather than limiting the deal to aircraft procurement.
Jess Koloini, director of business development for Lockheed Martin’s Integrated Fighter Group, has noted in media briefings that the Philippines is looking for “capabilities that extend beyond the platform,” including maintenance, skills development, and interoperability — a sentiment that reflects the company’s broader approach
to international defense partnerships. The F-16 Block 70 aircraft offered under the deal are equipped with modern avionics, conformal fuel tanks, and an advanced radar suite, giving them extended range and enhanced mission capability. Defense analysts say these features are particularly well-suited to the Philippines’ geography and security challenges in the West Philippine Sea. The Trump administration approved the proposed sale earlier this year, and if finalized, deliveries could begin in the latter half of the decade. The innovation hub and related training initiatives are designed to begin earlier, following bilateral coordination.
Philippine defense officials familiar with the proposal emphasized that the country’s modernization strategy includes not only operating advanced equipment, but also building the capacity to sustain and maintain them domestically. This is consistent with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept and the Revised AFP Modernization Act, both of which prioritize
indigenous capability and reduced dependence on foreign support. The innovation hub, still pending final agreements, is expected to include partnerships with Philippine universities, technical schools, and industry players. Lockheed Martin’s package also includes technology transfer and incountry repair and maintenance capabilities—elements that could give it an edge over competing offers from Sweden and South Korea. The proposed deal arrives as the Philippines expands its defense ties with traditional allies amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific. The country has reaffirmed its alliance with the United States through joint exercises, enhanced maritime cooperation, and base access agreements under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).
By coupling military sales with education, innovation, and training infrastructure, Lockheed Martin’s proposal could serve as a model for future defense cooperation in Southeast Asia— one that balances firepower with sustainable development. n
(center)
Trump signs order to lower drug prices for Americans
President Trump signs a bold new executive order to lower prescription drug prices in the U.S
by AJPress
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-FavoredNation 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-FavoredNation (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 companies 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 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 USCBrookings 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. n
Pacquiao’s return to the ring: Applause, warnings, and a test of time
by AJPress
Las Vegas — The boxing world is bracing for the return of Manny Pacquiao, who at 46 will fight for a world title four years after announcing his retirement. The eight-division champion and former Philippine senator is set to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at the MGM Grand.
The World Boxing Council has confirmed Pacquiao’s eligibility, ranking him fifth and sanctioning the bout. Nevada’s athletic commission has cleared him to compete, following routine licensing and medical evaluations.
“At this time, Mario Barrios is going to face Manny Pacquiao in July. That’s a tremendous fight,” said WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman in an interview with Boxing King Media.
Pacquiao’s last official bout was in August 2021, when he lost to Yordenis Ugás by unanimous decision. He later pivoted to politics and mounted an unsuccessful presidential bid in 2022. Since then, he has appeared in exhibition matches, most recently going the distance with Rukiya Anpo in July 2024.
A comeback against a dangerous opponent
Barrios, 29, carries a record of 29 wins and 2 losses and has held titles in both the junior welterweight and welterweight
divisions. He recently claimed the WBC title with a commanding performance against Ugás and was elevated to full champion earlier this year.
Amir Khan, a former world champion who previously sparred with Barrios under trainer Virgil Hunter, acknowledged the matchup’s complexity. “He’s a very good boxer,” Khan told Sky Sports. “I don’t know how much Manny’s got left in him… this could be a tricky fight for Pacquiao.”
Khan added, “He’s been out of the ring for a long time, and has he still got the fire in his belly? Barrios, I’m sure he’s going to come in wanting to win this fight because it can change his life.”
Criticism over title shot
Not all reactions have been celebratory. Spencer Oliver, a former European champion and boxing analyst, voiced strong opposition to Pacquiao’s immediate return to the title scene.
“Pacquiao looked a shell of his former self in his last fight against Ugás,” Oliver said on TalkSport.
“The biggest disgrace of this is that the WBC are sanctioning the fight for a world title… He’s been retired for four years. It’s wrong in so many ways.”
Oliver emphasized that while Pacquiao’s legacy is secure, bypassing active contenders for a title shot raises fairness concerns in the sport.
Expert analysis: Style and age Andreas Hale of ESPN has written that Pacquiao’s trademark attributes—speed, awkward angles, and relentless motion— were central to his dominance in the ring. However, Hale expressed concern that such a style, dependent on reflexes and timing, may not be sustainable for a fighter in his mid-40s.
Recent training footage from Wild Card Gym has drawn mixed reactions. While Pacquiao’s hand speed remains sharp, some fans noted signs of fatigue and diminished footwork. He is once again training under the guidance of longtime coach Freddie Roach. A family affair on fight night
Adding a personal touch to the July 19 card, Pacquiao’s eldest son, Emmanuel Jr., is scheduled to make his professional debut in the super lightweight division. Also training with Roach, the younger Pacquiao’s appearance further builds the emotional weight of the night.
Legacy on the line
This comeback follows Pacquiao’s recent election to the International Boxing Hall of Fame, with his induction scheduled for June. A win would make him the second-oldest world champion in boxing history, behind Bernard Hopkins, who won a title at 49. As the world watches, the question remains: Will the legend rise again—or is this one last round with time itself? n
Philippine delegation showcases investment potential at 2025
SelectUSA Summit in Washington, D.C.
by AJPress
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A 30-member delegation from the Philippines were in the United States 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, brought together global investors and U.S. economic stakeholders to deepen cross-border economic ties. The Philippine delegation includes a mix of highlevel 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 practices.” 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
Filipino teachers in Hawaii detained in immigration raid, Prompting backlash and renewed scrutiny
AN early morning immigration raid that briefly detained more than a dozen Filipino teachers in Maui has sparked an outpouring of criticism from Hawaii’s elected leaders, educators, and immigrant advocates, who say the federal government’s actions sowed fear in a community of legally present international workers and raised questions about racial profiling.
The raid, carried out on May 6 by agents from Homeland Security Investigations, occurred at a multi-family residence in Kahului occupied by public school teachers working in the United States under the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program. The agents were searching for a man with a criminal record who had not lived at the address in over a year, according to immigration officials.
Though the teachers were not the targets of the operation, many were ordered outside in their pajamas and questioned for nearly 45 minutes while agents verified their immigration status. No arrests were made.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which oversees Homeland Security Investigations, said the operation was conducted under a valid federal search warrant and described the teachers’ detention as “brief” and performed “for safety reasons.”
But officials in Hawaii say the impact went far beyond procedural enforcement.
“This is racial profiling and a shameful abuse of power,” said Senator Brian Schatz, Democrat of Hawaii, in a May 7 press release. “We are a nation of laws, but the broad ICE raids this week are clearly designed just to instill fear. Our teachers, our visitors, and our neighbors deserve dignity
and safety, not fear of seemingly arbitrary harassment.”
On the Senate floor, Senator Mazie Hirono said the teachers, despite being legally present, were detained and interrogated. “That is called terrorizing people, plain and simple,” she said during remarks on May 8.
The Hawaii State Teachers Association, which represents public school educators statewide, expressed support for the affected teachers. HSTA President Osa Tui Jr. criticized what he described as the agents’ lack of acknowledgment of the harm caused.
“In this case, with educators roused from their beds at gunpoint, there was no public apology for the harm that was done,” he said in a May 9 statement. “What was lacking was any remorse for the trauma that these educators were subjected to.”
The teachers involved were recruited through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program, which allows foreign educators to work temporarily in U.S. schools.
Hawaii has increasingly turned to the Philippines to fill teacher shortages. According to state officials, over 120 Filipino teachers were hired in 2024 alone.
The Hawaii Department of Education confirmed that the teachers affected remain in good standing and continue working in their assigned schools. In a public statement, the department said it is committed to supporting international educators who serve Hawaii’s students.
The Philippine Consulate General in Honolulu confirmed that none of the teachers were arrested and that it had reached out to them following the raid. Consul General Arman Talbo told
GMA News that the teachers were safe and in good condition, and that the consulate was monitoring the situation. The May 6 raid was part of a broader immigration enforcement operation across Hawaii from May 5 to 8, which led to the arrest of 50 individuals, most with prior criminal convictions, according to ICE.
In response to growing concerns, Representative Jill Tokuda, the ACLU of Hawai‘i, the Hawaii State Teachers Association, and the Hawaii Coalition for Immigrant Rights hosted a virtual “Know Your Rights” seminar on May 20. The webinar, titled “Know Your Rights for Educators: Immigration Enforcement,” was designed to educate international teachers on their legal rights when encountering immigration agents. Nathan Lee, a policy fellow with the ACLU of Hawai‘i, reminded educators during the seminar that “ICE agents require a judicial warrant signed by a judge to enter and search a home,” adding that individuals have the right to remain silent and should not answer questions about immigration status without legal counsel.
While ICE has stated that its agents do not target individuals based on race or profession, civil rights advocates have raised broader concerns that incidents like the Maui raid could create a chilling effect on foreign teacher recruitment and community trust.
“We need to get every teacher we can to fill every single classroom,” Tui said. “We’re concerned that, if this was a mistake, what other mistakes are being made or will be made affecting other innocent people.” (AJPress)
Senate unanimously passes bill granting...
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National Restaurant Association and other trade organizations applauded the measure, citing its potential to boost retention in service jobs and provide relief amid inflationary pressures. Analysts: Impact may be more political than practical Policy experts, however, have questioned the bill’s tangible benefits. Research from the Tax Policy Center shows that a large share of tipped workers already pay little or no federal income tax due to their low earnings. As such, the new deduction may have limited direct impact for
many in the target group. The Tax Policy Center also estimates that the exemption could reduce federal revenue by $6.5 billion in 2025. If payroll tax exclusions were expanded to match, that figure could exceed $13 billion—raising concerns about implications for Social Security and Medicare funding.
Critics also warn that the bill may deepen income disparities between front-of-house tipped workers and back-of-house employees—such as kitchen staff—who do not receive tips and would see no tax benefit.
House faces pressure to act
unanimous Senate backing and support from the White House, House passage appears likely but not assured. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about revenue loss and equity, and may seek to revise the bill before advancing it to the president’s desk. If the House acts before the summer recess, service workers could begin claiming the deduction in the 2025 tax year. Delays or amendments, however,
California AG Bonta warns cities...
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barriers, drawn-out reviews, or technicalities to block new developments, particularly those that include affordable housing. Cities are also required to adopt state-approved Housing Elements—long-term planning documents that detail how they intend to meet their housing obligations.
According to the Attorney General’s office, the legal alert issued in May is intended to eliminate ambiguity and ensure that local officials understand what’s required under the law. The bulletin warns that failure to comply could result in lawsuits and mounting civil penalties.
The bulletin is part of a broader push from Bonta, who in 2021 launched the Housing Justice Team within the Department of Justice to oversee enforcement of housing mandates. The team has already taken action against cities like Huntington Beach, Elk Grove, and Coronado, which the state alleges violated housing laws through project rejections or failure to adopt valid housing
plans. In one high-profile case, Huntington Beach refused to accept or process builder applications after missing deadlines to update its housing element. The state filed a lawsuit, alleging the city’s refusal amounted to a clear violation of state housing law. That case is ongoing, but Bonta has cited it repeatedly as a warning to other jurisdictions.
The state’s housing shortage remains among its most pressing challenges. California must build 2.5 million new homes by 2030, according to state housing officials, nearly 1 million of which must be affordable to lowand moderate-income residents.
Without significant production increases, experts warn that housing costs will continue to soar, homelessness will rise, and working families will be pushed further from job centers.
SB 1037 was authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2024. It builds on a wave of pro-housing
reforms aimed at dismantling exclusionary zoning and streamlining the construction process across California.
“Housing shouldn’t be a privilege available only to the few,” Bonta said. “This law is about making sure every city does its part to ensure housing is a reality for all.”
The law marks a significant shift in how California enforces its housing goals. For decades, the state has set ambitious housing targets but had few tools to compel local compliance. SB 1037 changes that by introducing financial consequences for jurisdictions that fail to meet their obligations—a move Bonta and housing advocates say was long overdue.
With housing now a frontline political issue in many California communities, Bonta’s enforcement strategy signals that state officials are no longer willing to accept local inaction.
“We’re no longer asking nicely,” Bonta said. “We’re making it clear: the law must be followed.” (AJPress)
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.
COMELEC certifies 2025 PH Senate results: Christopher ‘Bong’ Go tops official list
by AJPress
MANILA — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) formally proclaimed the 12 winning senators of the 2025 midterm elections on Saturday, May 17, in a historic and swift ceremony held at The Tent City of the Manila Hotel.
The proclamation followed the completion of canvassing across all 175 Certificates of Canvass (COCs), certifying the vote totals that will shape the Senate’s 20th Congress.
The event was presided over by COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia, who praised the speed and integrity of the canvassing process.
Eleven of the twelve senatorselect attended the ceremony in person, joined by family members and supporters.
Senator-elect Kiko Pangilinan was the only winner absent from the event, as he was in the United States attending his daughter’s graduation.
In keeping with tradition, the senators were proclaimed in reverse order of ranking — beginning with 12th placer Imee Marcos and culminating with top vote-getter Christopher “Bong” Go, who received over 27.1 million votes.
Official 2025 senatorial winners (Term: 2025–2031)
1. Christopher “Bong” Go (PDP–Laban) – 27,121,073 votes
2. Bam Aquino (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan) – 20,971,899
3. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa (PDP–Laban) – 20,773,946
4. Erwin Tulfo (Lakas–CMD) –17,118,881
5. Kiko Pangilinan (Liberal Party) – 15,343,229
6. Rodante Marcoleta (Independent) – 15,250,723
7. Ping Lacson (Independent) – 15,106,111
8. Tito Sotto (NPC) –14,832,996
9. Pia Cayetano (Nacionalista Party) – 14,573,430
10. Camille Villar (Nacionalista Party) – 13,651,274
These new senators will join the 12 incumbents elected in 2022, who are continuing their terms until 2028:
• Robin Padilla
• Loren Legarda
• Raffy Tulfo
• Win Gatchalian
• Francis Escudero
• Mark Villar
• Alan Peter Cayetano
• Migz Zubiri
• Joel Villanueva
• JV Ejercito
• Risa Hontiveros
• Jinggoy Estrada.
The 20th Congress of the Senate will officially open its regular session in July 2025. Its legislative agenda is expected to focus on constitutional reforms, economic recovery, and the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Key takeaways: Speed, symbolism, and shifting power COMELEC’s proclamation this year was among the fastest in Philippine history. The ceremony’s setting in Manila Hotel’s Tent City—rather than the traditional Senate building— was symbolic of the transitional nature of the country’s evolving political alliances.
The mix of veteran lawmakers, returning critics, dynastic names, and independents presents a chamber with no single majority bloc—signaling potential policy gridlocks but also space for broader coalitions and issue-based collaboration. For precinct-level data and full election documentation, visit the COMELEC results portal at: https://2025electionresults. comelec.gov.ph. n
Opposition regains ground: Hontiveros
return of allies to Senate, partylist wins
by AJPress
MANILA – Senator Risa Hontiveros, long regarded as the lone opposition voice in the Philippine Senate, welcomed what she described as the resurgence of principled, prodemocracy voices in Congress following the results of the 2025 midterm elections.
Both Aquino and Pangilinan, who had lost in the 2022 elections, surprised political observers with strong comebacks, finishing among the top 12 in the senatorial race—despite not appearing in most pre-election surveys’ “Magic 12.”
Hontiveros also celebrated the top-ranked victory of Akbayan Partylist, a progressive group she has long been affiliated with. Akbayan topped the 2025 partylist race with 2,779,621 votes, securing three seats in the House of Representatives, according to final official results from the Commission on Elections.
In a press statement issued on May 13, Hontiveros declared: “This is not a simple return. This election proves that the Filipino people still long for a government with heart, with principles, and the courage to stand its ground.” Hontiveros served as the only member of the 2022 opposition coalition to win a Senate seat, placing 11th in that year’s senatorial race under the Team Robredo-Pangilinan (TRoPa) slate. Throughout the 19th Congress, she stood as a key critic of the Marcos administration and was later joined in the Senate minority bloc by Senator Koko Pimentel. She was also named Senate Deputy Minority Leader in 2022. With the return of former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan to the Senate in the 2025 polls, Hontiveros is no longer a solitary voice. “Welcome back to my friends, Senator Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino,” she said. “Your voices are exactly what we need in the Senate today.”
“I am deeply grateful to Akbayan’s loyal supporters who carried our party across every corner of the country,” she said. “And to the new faces who took a chance on our movement, thank you for the trust. A special shoutout to the youth vote—this election’s game-changer!”
She further expressed excitement over the congressional return of Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Partylist, led by former senator and human rights advocate Leila de Lima. De Lima, who was imprisoned for nearly six years and later acquitted, will be serving as the ML Partylist’s first nominee in the House. Her return is being viewed by many as a symbolic victory for the rule of law and justice reform.
“In Congress, I’m glad that Akbayan will be joined by Mamamayang Liberal Partylist under Leila de Lima in the pursuit of justice, human rights, and clean governance,” said Hontiveros.
Summing up what she described as a historic moment for the democratic opposition, Hontiveros underscored the electorate’s priorities: “Raise wages. Lower prices. Make education accessible. And hold those in power accountable.”
“With Senators Kiko and Bam back in the Senate, and with Akbayan and ML Partylist in the House, we will once again stand prouder, stronger, and more prepared for the challenges ahead,” she said.
“To the millions who have joined our cause: welcome. We can do this.” n
TOPNOTCHER. Commission on Elections Commissioner Aimee Ferolino raises the hand of top vote-getter Senator Christopher Go during the proclamation of 12 winners in the midterm elections at The Manila Hotel Tent City on Saturday, May 17. Go garnered 27,121,073 votes and will serve for another six years following his first election in 2022.
photo by Avito Dalan
Sen. Risa Hontiveros
Photo from Facebook/@hontiverosrisa
Their wins are seen as part of
Photo courtesy of Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros Communications Team
A generation takes its turn: How Filipino Millennials and Gen Z voters shaped the 2025 midterms
IN the 2025 midterm elections, Filipino Millennials and Gen Z voters did not just make up the numbers. They made a statement.
Born between the early 1980s and early 2000s, this generation now forms the majority of the country’s voting population.
According to the Commission on Elections, Millennials (ages 29–44) and Gen Z (ages 18–28) combined to make up an estimated 63% of registered voters and 68% of the total voting-age population—a demographic force too large to ignore.
For years, political analysts questioned whether this digitally native, socially conscious generation would translate its online activism into meaningful turnout. This year, it did—with a level of clarity and intention that signaled a shift in the nation’s political tides. These voters are far from monolithic. Some supported familiar names; others turned to independents, sectoral groups, or returned opposition figures. But regardless of political affiliation, one thing united their vote: purpose. This generation—shaped by economic precarity, climate anxiety, mental health challenges,
a pandemic, and nonstop information warfare—has grown wary of performative leadership. In 2025, many voted for those who acknowledged their realities, not those who dictated narratives from above. Their impact was measurable. Former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, widely seen as longshots in early surveys, surged back into the Senate with support rooted in youth and progressive circles. Reform-driven partylist groups advocating education reform, clean governance, and human rights saw renewed momentum. In the local races, candidates who relied on grassroots social media engagement often outperformed better-funded dynasties. In many contests, legacy names were no longer an asset—they were a liability. This was more than a voter turnout story. It was a political coming-of-age—a generation refusing to be sidelined and no longer waiting for influence to be handed down. Many of these young Filipinos had spent the past decade watching older
generations steer the country’s direction with little regard for those who would live with the consequences. In 2025, they took the wheel. And they did it differently. Through TikTok explainers, Reddit threads, Twitter spaces, Discord debates, livestreamed town halls, and fact-
checking collectives, they bypassed traditional gatekeepers. They didn’t wait for mainstream media or political machines to validate their voices. They became the validators, the informers, and the organizers.
The birthright citizenship case could split the country in two
FOR generations, the birth certificate has been the cornerstone of how Americans verify their citizenship. But that standard may soon be upended.
On Day 1 of his second term, President Trump signed an executive order attempting to rewrite the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and end birthright citizenship as we know it. The order said that children of immigrants would no longer receive U.S. citizenship unless one of their parents had already been naturalized or had a green card. This meant that the children of Dreamers and many other immigrants who have lived their whole lives in the United States would no longer be born citizens.
Within 24 hours, multiple lawsuits were filed to challenge the order. On Feb. 5, Judge Deborah Boardman of the U.S. District Court in Maryland issued
a nationwide injunction stopping the federal government from putting this unconstitutional policy into effect. Since then, every court to consider this issue has ruled that Mr. Trump’s order should not go into effect. There have been several news stories about the birthright citizenship case, and the Supreme Court was set to hear oral arguments in the case on Thursday, May 22. The majority of these stories have focused on technical legal questions: whether and under what circumstances lower courts should be able to issue nationwide temporary injunctions and stop a federal policy from going into effect nationwide while the case winds its way through the courts. But the focus on this legal question has obscured what is really at stake: the definition of U.S. citizenship and what it means to be an American.
If the Trump administration prevails in its crusade to overturn birthright citizenship, it will result in a population of newborns without legal status.
Since Reconstruction, any
child born in the United States has been able to access citizenship, regardless of their parents’ nationality or race.
As more immigrants came to the United States, some argued that their children shouldn’t qualify for citizenship. In 1898 the Supreme Court rejected that view, ruling that children born to immigrants are protected under the 14th Amendment. And the matter was considered settled until now.
In this case, the government sidestepped the core issue of birthright citizenship, instead focusing its argument on the narrower question of whether judges should be able to issue nationwide injunctions. As a result, the case will not provide a final resolution on the main constitutional question. The issue of birthright citizenship could again make its way to the Court as early as next year, challenging the executive order on constitutional and statutory grounds. At that point, the court could declare the basis of it unconstitutional. Still, if the government
Looking for happiness
generosity and corruption. With those categories, I can see why we didn’t score a lot higher; corruption alone probably dragged us way down.
RUMMAGING through my desk looking for a document, I found a New York Times article I had printed out and saved. The writer took a trip to Finland in search of happiness, Finland being number one on the World Happiness Report for the past eight years. Taking advantage of that distinction, Finland has built a tourism industry around happiness; Visit Finland more than doubled its visitor count in 2024, to five million from two million in 2022. The Filipino is usually portrayed as a happy people – always smiling, children laughing even if their toys are a tin can and wooden sticks and their swimming pool a flooded street. But in the 2025 World Happiness Report, the Philippines only ranked 57 out of 147 countries, the fourth happiest in Southeast Asia, behind Singapore (ranked 34), Vietnam (46) and Thailand (49).
We scored 6.107 out of 10, in six key factors: GDP per capital, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom,
The happiest are the Nordic countries Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden, despite long winter nights and bitter cold many months of the year. Good governance, good public policies such as free education and universal health care probably contribute to some significant degree to the population’s general happiness. Add to that, as the NYT writer noted, the Finns’ closeness to nature (74 percent of the country is forest, conducive to long walks and their “happiness hackers” even recommend talking to the trees) and to the sauna (there are reportedly three million saunas for a population of 5.5 million). Their ritual of alternating sauna and a plunge in frigid waters (the Baltic is cold even in summer) may also have something to do with their attitude.
We’re sorely lacking in forest cover, and especially in urban areas there is a lack of parks and green spaces, so going out and telling our troubles to a tree may not be so easy. The La Mesa Dam Eco-Park and the
Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Park in Quezon City, the Arroceros Park in Manila and even the Greenbelt Park in Makati offer urbanites some respite. But in terms of natural forests, a December 2024 report of the Philippine Statistics Authority put the country’s forest cover at 6.91 million hectares, or just 23.4 percent of our total land area of 29.588 million hectares.
Another report showed that back in 1934, we had 17.8 million hectares of forest cover, or 57 percent of total land area.
So I guess I’ll have to be content with talking to my rubber tree (ficus elastica) growing happily in a pot on my balcony.
Our free education is a mess of poor planning and anomalies (vouchers for ghost students, for example) and universal health care, although mandated by law, is a bad and often fatal joke. PhilHealth is a colossal, dismal failure; a recent episode of a family member needing hospitalization had PhilHealth contributing less than five percent of hospital expenses, and nothing in terms of laboratory tests, doctors’ fees and medicines.
The ordinary Pinoy asks for so little from the government – and gets even less. So we
prevails in this case, Mr. Trump’s unilateral reinterpretation of the Constitution will, for now, be implemented in 28 states, and that suspension of birthright citizenship, even if it only lasts a few months, will have profound consequences.
Although the plaintiffs in this case will remain protected by the injunction, all families will still be required to prove that their children have a legal right to live in the United States – a process that could prove both costly and stressful. Even U.S. citizens would have to provide identification to confirm their children’s citizenship, or even prove their own legal status, as a birth certificate alone would no longer be sufficient.
Babies denied U.S. citizenship could be denied other forms of identification, making it difficult or impossible to receive essential vaccines or obtain a social security number. Health insurers could refuse coverage for these stateless babies, meaning a premature infant in need of urgent care could be denied treatment. Hospitals could also be forced to
assess the citizenship status of parents in delivery rooms, raising the risk of discrimination against those wrongly assumed to be immigrants.
Children who have no legal status could be vulnerable to deportation. This is an alarming proposition, given that this administration is paying El Salvador millions of dollars to imprison men indefinitely with no due process. It’s worth noting that this order will affect all types of immigrants, even those the government has no legal authority to deport. That includes people who have been granted temporary status, Dreamers and others who have been approved for immigration benefits but are stuck in immigration processing limbo. Immigrant parents with legal status may face the threat that their children could be deported. It is not hard to imagine a scenario where this administration pays another country to take in the growing number of stateless children – with or without their parents.
If the Supreme Court eventually
hears a case on the merits of the executive order itself and finds it unconstitutional, then the federal government will have to create a process to ensure these potentially stateless children can access U.S. citizenship. If the Trump administration refuses, it could create an underclass of children who have limited rights. We don’t yet know what that will mean in the long term. In the meantime, if the court allows this order to go into effect, even temporarily, the executive branch could be emboldened to go further in its attempts to undermine the constitutional rights that hold our imperfect democracy together. (Philstar. com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Andrea Flores is a lawyer and the vice president for immigration policy and campaigns at FWD.us, a bipartisan political group that supports reforming immigration and criminal justice policies.
The magic cure of simple care
I HAVE seen the wonders of care or “alaga” as we know it in the vernacular. When a friend was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease then had a bout with COVID and had a few strokes, one may think it is the end. But continuous care, therapy and diet made a big difference. Not to sound like a medical journal but a shout-out to relatives who think they have reached the end of a patient’s journey, care is the most important ingredient in the healing journey.
One can have all the money in the world, but if care is left to outsiders, caregivers and other non-related persons, healing may take a longer time. I have seen this happen in at least two cases very close to me.
Emily (not her real name) stayed by her older sister Gwen (not her real name) everyday along with caregivers, physical therapists and a whole slew of doctors – neurologists, nutritionists and lately even a geriatric psychiatrist. Emily checked on what each specialist had to say and asked that they
explain to her in layman’s terms the condition of Gwen and if progress was being made, day after day, year after year. It has now been around four years and from a non-communicating status of Gwen, she now can sing, pray and communicate her needs to Emily and the caregivers.
Annie, another friend, has watched over her sister Elena who also has Parkinson’s and takes time to bring her along to out-of-town trips, to see new places and to get her to see other people and attend social functions. And then there is Wilma (not her real name) who calls her younger sister Teresa every day via Facebook, Viber and regular phone calls just to say hello, tell a few jokes and laugh together. Teresa has a caring aging husband, a group of 24-hour caregivers and has been living with Parkinsonism (different from just Parkinson’s) and bipolar disorder for many decades now. She has had COVID, too, but came out unscathed, albeit with a complication or two that has since been resolved. The bottom line, she has an active social life with her husband, sister/s and family who regularly call, visit and entertain her.
The bottom line in the success of these caring families is the simple act of ALAGA or care.
When a family is struck with a medical condition of one member, our instinct is to look for a caregiver, nurse or some other companion who can attend to them. But more than that, the healing of a patient, as I have observed, comes more from the emotional bond between and among family members and the special attention one gives to an ailing relative. Like magic, attention and personal care plays a big part in the maintenance of the patient as well as their will to survive.
It saddens me when people who can afford expensive medical treatments fail in one simple task: personal attention. The personal visits of family members, the social connection and the communication (even just virtually), all make a difference in the progress of a patient from a sorry state to a normal one. I have seen these developments in friends, parents of friends and even my own family members. What other tips can we share from the healing secrets of friends?
Nutrition. There is nothing
Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres secure reelection in Leyte
by AJPress
– Representative
ORMOC CITY
Richard Gomez and Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez were both reelected in the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, maintaining their leadership roles in Leyte’s 4th District and Ormoc City.
Richard Gomez wins second term as 4th District representative
Congressman Richard Gomez secured his second term in the House of Representatives after defeating former Court of Appeals Justice Vicente Sofronio “Ching” Veloso. Gomez received 163,188 votes, while Veloso earned 121,615, based on official results from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Since entering Congress in 2022, Gomez has authored and co-authored legislation focused on rural infrastructure, tourism development, education access, and anti-drug initiatives. During his term, he supported national housing programs in partnership with the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and pushed for the expansion of farm-to-market roads across western Leyte. As a former mayor of Ormoc, Gomez also contributed to peace and order efforts that reportedly reduced drug-related incidents in the district.
Lucy Torres-Gomez re-elected as Ormoc mayor
Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez was
also re-elected, receiving 90,153 votes and defeating opponent Violy Codilla, who garnered 51,791 votes. Her local slate, the Ormoc Development Team, also won a clean sweep of city council seats.
Torres-Gomez previously served three terms as district representative before assuming the mayoralty in 2022. Under her leadership, Ormoc City implemented digital governance reforms, upgraded health and education services, and expanded local livelihood programs. Her administration also secured national funding for flood mitigation infrastructure, including drainage and riverbank projects following the city’s history of typhoon-related disasters. During the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery period, she oversaw city-wide vaccination rollouts, food distribution efforts, and small business support measures. Her administration prioritized infrastructure, urban cleanliness, and public safety through multi-sectoral partnerships.
Campaign-related disqualification case in Albuera
A separate campaign-related incident occurred in Albuera, a town within the same district. On April 30, 2025, Albuera mayoral candidate Rolan “Kerwin” Espinosa livestreamed a Facebook video in which he challenged Congressman Gomez to a gunfight. He suggested police and
military personnel act as referees and proposed legal waivers between the parties. On May 6, 2025, Mayor TorresGomez filed a disqualification petition against Espinosa before COMELEC. The complaint cited Sections 68(e) and 261(e) of the Omnibus Election Code, related to threats, coercion, and electionrelated intimidation.
Despite the disqualification case, Espinosa was proclaimed the winner in Albuera, earning 10,939 votes. Vince Rama received 7,081, while incumbent Mayor Sixto Dela Victoria received 2,761 votes.
As of this report, COMELEC has not issued a final ruling on the disqualification petition.
Leyte’s 4th District and Ormoc City Ormoc City, located along the western coast of Leyte, is a major urban center in the Eastern Visayas region. It plays a central role in regional trade, agriculture, and power generation, particularly through the Tongonan Geothermal Field. With a population of over 230,000, Ormoc is the secondlargest city in the province, following Tacloban.
Leyte’s 4th District includes Ormoc and adjacent municipalities, and is considered a strategic area for infrastructure and agricultural development. Both Gomez and Torres-Gomez have prioritized flood control, digital modernization, and public safety in their respective jurisdictions. n
Marcos must oust ‘reckless allies
who squandered
MANILA — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero sees President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to reset his cabinet as an opportunity to “distance himself from reckless allies who squandered his goodwill.“
Escudero’s pronouncements on Thursday, May 22 came after Marcos called for the courtesy resignation of all his cabinet secretaries.
In his statement, the Senate leader commended the president and tagged his move a “good start,” as it signals the need for the government to recalibrate according to the public’s expectations.
“I view this revamp as a midgame substitution—a reshuffling of key players based on their performance,” Escudero said.
“But via their ballots, our countrymen told us they want more than just a personnel adjustment,” he noted.
“The president’s course
his goodwill’ – Escudero
correction must include his entire political house, starting with his own backyard,” the lawmaker pointed out.
“The president’s course correction must include his entire political house, starting with his own backyard,” the lawmaker pointed out.
“He must distance himself from reckless allies who
squandered his goodwill and burned through his political capital for selfish ends,” Escudero said.
The Senate president predicts the reset is just the first step. He reiterated that the entire government must work together—regardless of political leanings—for the country’s sake.
San Juanico Bridge load limit may be increased
by Helen Flores Philstar.com
MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways may increase the load limit on San Juanico Bridge by the last quarter of the year once deteriorated sections of the structure are fully rehabilitated, according to DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
The DPWH limited the use of the 2.16-kilometer bridge, which connects Samar and Leyte, to vehicles weighing no more than three tons.
Pedestrians have been prohibited from crossing the bridge since Sunday, May 18.
Bonoan said the Philippine Ports Authority has been identifying alternative routes for the transport of goods from Luzon to Leyte.
“The primary consideration here is to provide safety access. We don’t want to compromise
a state of
A generation takes its turn...
But their influence now comes with a test. A vote is not the culmination of political engagement—it is the beginning. To maintain momentum, young voters must continue
participating, questioning, and organizing. At the same time, leaders who benefitted from this energized base must now show they were worthy of that trust— or risk losing it just as quickly. The 2025 elections will be
modern Philippine history, the nation witnessed what happens when a generation stops waiting for its turn and takes it instead. n
Looking for happiness...
should just take government out of the happiness equation and find it on our own, even in small ways.
The report found that sharing meals and trusting others are “strong predictors of wellbeing,” and on that score I think we’re on track. Dining alone is an alien concept for us; “Kain na tayo!” is more than a platitude, it is a gesture of inclusion, an offer of hospitality and an invitation to share. Post election my gang got together for a belated birthday celebration (there is always a birthday to celebrate) and a send-off for one relocating to Mindanao and one going off to Denmark for “apos-tolic” duties; it was a meal rambunctious, loud and long (almost three hours), with protestations of “I’m so full!” merely a prelude to another trip to the buffet table. Needless to
say, all the cobwebs and the stresses and negativity of the past weeks were washed away by the halo-halo and affogato Results of the recent election brought happiness to some because their candidates pulled major upsets, while they were also happy that other candidates – although survey favorites – lost. The fact that the surveys could get it so wrong is also reason to be happy; now will those “false-sters” get off their high horses? I got to thinking of happiness and joy and whether they were the same thing. Dictionary definition aside, I see happiness as more dependent on external factors, on whether or not circumstances around you are positive and favorable to a state of happiness. Joy, on the other hand, is like a wellspring from within, not just a feeling but a state
of being, independent of and even in spite of external circumstances.
In the Bible, joy is described as a state of being rooted in faith and a relationship with God, a deep sense of peace and fulfillment (“Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.” John 16:24). Joy can be had even in trials and tribulations (“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…” James 1:2), hence the admonition to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). So, while I hope you do find happiness, I wish you joy. (Philstar.com)
The magic cure of simple care
like proper nutrition to improve people’s health on the healing journey. I am checking if I can send turmeric to my friend who has developed dementia. I remember that even a famous chef halted the progress of his mother’s dementia by cooking up curries for her, which of course had turmeric, a natural food known to help dementia patients. Fresh, whole foods also help a lot as opposed to processed food. Fruits and vegetables have all the nutrients the nutritional drinks give but in a fresher unprocessed form. Medical breakthroughs. Research and advances in medicine have made treatments more progressive and one should not miss getting second and third opinions on how to cure and maintain lifestyle diseases. There are new ways to treat an old ailment, be it cancer, heart disease or mental illnesses. Be curious on how others are addressing the same disease your family member
might have or is suffering from.
Socials. I have spoken to many aging people who prefer to live on their own than stay in a senior facility. Though there are socials in a senior club, independent seniors who can afford to live on their own (with a caregiver or two) are more active and seem to be happier than being confined in a “home.” For patients who are bed-bound, the visits of friends and family is an important healing factor based on the experiences I have gathered. Purpose. Why does one want to get healed anyway? Why does a senior wish to live longer? Why do patients with dementia or Parkinson’s want to live longer?
Sometimes the reason is that they still have a purpose in life, but are frustratingly unable to express themselves. Or maybe the Almighty has assigned them a purpose or mission they have not yet fulfilled. Family. At the end of the day, most if not all who have a life-threatening disease want
to stay as long as they can with family. Sometimes the simple reason (and more often for grandparents) is to see the next generation and the future family members. Oftentimes, it is simply to be around familiar people and stay happy for as long as we can.
Let us not forget how simple acts of kindness and attention can spell the difference in someone’s survival, healing and eventual progress into normalcy. Just a phone call or a visit may mean the world to someone trying to reach out, not for a cure, but for connection – a social connection.
I wish I could explain all these in medical terms, but for now, let us simplify the cure and healing through simple caring and attention. Care cures. Care is magic. (Philstar.com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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The DPWH limited the use of the 2.16-kilometer San Juanico bridge, which connects Samar and Leyte, to vehicles weighing no more than three tons. AJPress photo by Kendrick Tan
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs into law the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA) and the New Government Procurement Act during simple rites held on Saturday morning at the Ceremonial Hall of Malacañang. Among those who witnessed the event were Senate President Chiz Escudero (left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9006406
Herrera Sport 18 located at 530 East H St., Apt 56, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Registrant: Jonathan A. Herrera Herrera, 530 East H St., Apt 56, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/01/2025. Signature: Jonathan A. Herrera Herrera. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/01/2025. AJ 1679 05/02, 05/09, 05/16, and 05/23/2025. AJSD 1679
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9007700
The Actor’s Path located at 670 Hawthorne Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020. Registrant: Camille Thornton-Alson, 670 Hawthorne Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Camille Thornton-Alson. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/18/2025. AJ 1684 05/09, 05/16, 05/23, and 05/30/2025. AJSD 1684
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9008345
BioGreen Solutions LLC located at 9640 Mission Gorge Rd., Suite B #214, Santee, CA 92071.
Registrant: BioGreen Solutions LLC, 9640 Mission Gorge Rd., Suite B #214, Santee, CA 92071. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/28/2025.
Signature: Jazmine Riego de Dios. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/28/2025.
AJ 1680 05/02, 05/09, 05/16, and 05/23/2025. AJSD 1680
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9008471
Guanatos Deli located at 101 North Highland, Suite D, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Guanatos Inc., 1526 E 18th Street, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Corporation.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/30/2025.
Signature: Leanor Castellón. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/30/2025. AJ 1686 05/09, 05/16, 05/23, and 05/30/2025. AJSD 1686
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9009432
Cultura Consulting Services located at 3821 Via De La Bandola, San Ysidro, CA 92173.
Registrant: Alberto Catano, 3821 Via De La Bandola, San Ysidro, CA 92173.
This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/12/2025.
Signature: Alberto Catano. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/14/2025.
AJ 1690 05/23, 05/30, 06/06, and 06/13/2025 AJSD 1690
EMPLOYMENT
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9008317
Vero’s Flowers located at 274 Third Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910.
Registrant: David Figueroa, 3306 Stockman St., National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: David Figueroa.
Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/28/2025.
AJ 1681 05/02, 05/09, 05/16, and 05/23/2025. AJSD 1681
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9008913
Pristine Property Services located at 8949 Valencia St, Spring Valley, CA 91977.
Registrant: Claudia Monroy, 8949 Valencia St, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/06/2025.
Signature: Claudia Monroy. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/06/2025. AJ 1687 05/09, 05/16, 05/23, and 05/30/2025. AJSD 1687
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9009777
Zeus Painting located at 6007 Chadwick Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.
Registrant: Zeus Manuel Angeles Rebolledo, 6007 Chadwick Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.
This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/16/2025.
Signature: Zeus Manuel Angeles Rebolledo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/16/2025.
AJ 1691 05/23, 05/30, 06/06, and 06/13/2025 AJSD 1691
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9007560
College Grove Apartments located at 3511 College Ave., San Diego, CA 92115.
Registrant: PW Inc, 244A Palomar St., Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by A Limited Partnership. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2012.
Signature: Robert Pennell. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/17/2025. AJ 1682 05/09, 05/16, 05/23, and 05/30/2025. AJSD 1682
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9009049
Type-C Composites located at 835 Maria Ave, Spring Valley, CA 91977.
Registrant: Javier Jorge, 835 Maria Ave, Spring Valley, CA 91977. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/08/2025.
Signature: Javier Jorge. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/08/2025. AJ 1688 05/09, 05/16, 05/23, and 05/30/2025. AJSD 1688
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9008414
Ezra Martinez-Rodriguez located at 3403 E. Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Ezra MartinezRodriguez, 3403 E. Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/29/2025. Signature: Ezra MartinezRodriguez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/29/2025. AJ 1692 05/23, 05/30, 06/06, and 06/13/2025 AJSD 1692
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9008097
E&G Pool & Spa Services located at 149 E. 31st Street, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Edgar Escobar, 149 E. 31st Street, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Edgar Escobar. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/23/2025.
AJ 1683 05/09, 05/16, 05/23, and 05/30/2025. AJSD 1683
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9008118
Cornerstone Church of San Diego located at 1914 Sweetwater Rd., National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Heart Revolution Church, 1914 Sweetwater Rd., National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/01/1999.
Signature: TJ Anglin. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/23/2025. AJ 1689 05/16, 05/23, 05/30, and 06/06/2025. AJSD 1689
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2025-9009850
R.S. Drywall located at 4521 G Street, San Diego, CA 92102. Registrant: Roberto Sendolla Morales, 4521 G Street, San Diego, CA 92102. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/19/2025. Signature: Roberto Sendolla Morales. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/01/2025. AJ 1693 05/23, 05/30, 06/06, and 06/13/2025 AJSD 1693
Victoria @COMM22 Apartments, a quality affordable housing community, is accepting pre-applications for its waiting list starting Monday, May 12th 2025 This established property offers 30 HUD-subsidized 1-bedroom units to individuals and households with at least one-member aged 62+.
The pre-application period to be placed on the waiting list for Victoria @COMM22 Apartments is open 05/12/2025 – 06/09/2025. Applications are available on our website at www.victoriaatcomm22apartments.com or in-person at our Leasing Office located at 690 Beardsley St. #100, San Diego, CA. Office hours are Mon-Fri 9AM-5PM.
Amenities include a community room, laundry facilities, library, and elevators. The community is adjacent to the San Diego Trolley. For more information, call us at (619) 241-2427. Income, age, and other restrictions apply. Equal Housing Opportunity.
SAN DIEGO
Sylvia Sanchez celebrates Filipino co-produced ‘Renoir’ competing in Cannes
INTERNATIONAL collabora-
tions are proving to be a boon for the Philippine film industry as another movie co-produced by local studios was screened in the 2025 Cannes Film Festival over the weekend.
Japanese art film "Renoir" is a collaboration among Japan's Happinet Studios, France's Ici et Là Productions, Singapore's Akanga Film Asia, Indonesia's Kawan Kawan Media, and the Philippines' Daluyong Studios and Nathan Studios.
It was directed by Japanese auteur Chie Hayakawa, and coproduced with Eiko Mizuno Gray and Jason Gray, Christophe Bruncher, Yulia Evina Bhara, Alemberg Ang, and Sylvia Sanchez, with international sales being handled by Goodfellas.
Hayakawa's debut feature film "Plan 75" won the Caméra d'Or — Mention Spéciale at the 2022 edition of the festival.
The producers of "Renoir" graced the red-carpet ceremony at the Cannes Film Festival in France last May 17.
Sanchez, chief executive officer of Nathan Studios, beamed with pride for having co-produced the film, saying it
boosted her company's chances to strike more international partnerships and reach a wider market.
"This international collaboration creates a massive positive impact to the Filipino film industry, it also gives a lot of hope to Filipino film producers to go to the global market especially here in Cannes," Sanchez said.
Malaking impact ito. The mere fact na three years pa lang kami nagpupunta sa Cannes as a producer, isa na kami sa nakapagpartnership sa international productions at nakapag-red carpet muli dito sa Cannes," the actress-producer added.
“I am hoping for more Filipino film producers to enter the global stage whether it is solo or collaboration with other foreign producers.”
Two of Nathan Studio's previous projects — psychological thriller "Cattleya Killer" in 2022 and action flick Topakk" in 2023, both starring actor and Sanchez's son Arjo Atayde — also premiered at Cannes, gaining the attention of international film buyers and distributors.
Sanchez, who celebrated
her birthday in the European country, is raving about the fact that "Renoir" made it to the festival's main competition.
"I'm still in disbelief and absolutely ecstatic that 'Renoir' (was selected as part of the 2025 Cannes competition slate)," Sanchez explained.
"When we were starting out with Nathan Studios, this was only something we dreamt of and aimed for — and now, it is finally here. All the hard work, determination, belief, and prayers have borne fruit," she added.
A coming-of-age drama about a daughter coping with the illness of her father, "Renoir" is vying for the coveted Palme d'Or grand prize.
It tells the story of 11-year-old Fuki — played by newcomer Yui Suzuki — whose father is battling a terminal illness, and whose mother is already stressed out with their situation. She later becomes fascinated with telepathy and leads herself into her own fantasy world.
Hikari Ishida and Lily Franky also star in the movie, which will be released in Japan on June 20.
(Philstar.com)
Meghan Markle’s dad, half-brother move to PH, live in Cebu apartment
by anne Pasajol Inquirer.net
MEGHAN Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle Sr., and her half-brother, Thomas Markle Jr, have reportedly moved to the Philippines and been living in an apartment in Cebu.
The 80-year-old mobilityimpaired father and his son’s relocation was first disclosed by an unidentified source to British tabloid newspaper The Mirror, which then also released photos of the two walking in Cebu.
The two are reportedly renting an apartment that has a monthly cost of £500, or over P37,000.
“There are only two types of weather in Cebu: hot and humid, and hot and humid and raining. It’s brutal even for men half his age, but it’s still sad to see him looking as though he’s struggling,” the source was quoted as saying. “Thomas and his son only recently moved into the property and they are still finding their feet in Cebu after the big move abroad, but they’re here together and are firmly supporting each other.”
Meghan, a former Hollywood actress, is now the Duchess of Sussex after marrying Prince Harry, son of Britain’s King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, and younger brother to the heir apparent, Prince William.
Prior to her wedding in 2018, Meghan became estranged from her father after he supposedly sold paparazzi photos. Their estrangement reportedly escalated into him not attending her wedding at the Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom, and the British and Hollywood media feasted on the controversy involving the new royal. Nor was the elder Markle ever reported to have visited when the Sussexes
moved to California with their two children.
A book and a documentary Thomas Jr. has been caring for his dad, a former Hollywood lighting director, who suffered from two heart attacks and a stroke in the past years. Thomas Sr. has reportedly been struggling with his mobility and has been using a walking stick to help himself.
Thomas Jr. immediately confirmed this, even revealing that he spends some of his time in the country writing a book about the Duchess of Sussex‘s childhood.
“When my book is finished, ooh it’ll be swooped up real quick [because] it’s getting there. I’m working on it. It’s coming out,” he told The Mirror. “When the book gets read, the documentary will follow,” he added.
It can be recalled that Thomas Jr. slammed Meghan for the supposed “malarkey” stories in her series “With Love, Meghan” released in March. In the series, the Duchess of Sussex claimed her family struggled
Fil-Am actor Timothy Granaderos embraces Filipino roots
He joins Lovi Poe and Enchong Dee in ‘The Sacrifice’
by Gavin Martinez Inquirer.net
FILIPINO American actor
Timothy Granaderos is embracing his heritage in a major way as he films “The Sacrifice,” a psychological horror movie currently in production in the Philippines.
Best known for his role in “13 Reasons Why,” Granaderos is working alongside an all-star Filipino cast that includes Lovi Poe, Lav Diaz and Enchong Dee in a chilling new project directed by Prime Cruz.
Granaderos, who has been enjoying his time in the Philippines, wrote in an Instagram post, “Feeling closer to my roots” with one photo showing him writing “I love Philippines.”
The actor has also been sharing snippets of his time on set, including a humorous video with Max Collins, who teased their lingo by captioning, “When your American friends say ‘petmalu’ and ‘lodi’ like they’re ordering off a secret menu at Jollibee.”
Talking about the film, according to the article by Deadline, “The Sacrifice” centers on a group of travel vloggers who stumble upon a secluded village steeped in folklore, ancient rituals and a sinister legend that begins to consume their reality.
Poe, who also serves as a producer through her company C’est Lovi Productions, shared a collaborative Instagram post with her castmates, writing, “Hot off the press @deadline: Currently filming ‘THE SACRIFICE’ with this powerhouse team,” tagging Granaderos, Diaz, Dee and members of the production crew including Monty Blencowe and Louie Chapman. Granaderos chimed in with excitement, commenting, “Awwyaa, this one’s special,” accompanied by a Philippine flag emoji. Veteran comedienne Marietta Subong, known to many as Pokwang, also joins the growing ensemble, with more cast members yet to be announced. As filming continues, “The Sacrifice” promises not just to terrify audiences, but also to serve as a celebration of Filipino talent and heritage which is a fitting homecoming for Granaderos, who is finding deeper connections both professionally and personally in the country of his roots.
financially and that she was a “latchkey kid.”
“I’m not a greedy person, it’s not about the money, it’s about the principle,” Thomas Jr. stated. “Of course it would be nice to have a nice little cushion from selling a book, sure.”
“Everybody wants the book. I now have dedicated time. It’s not easy moving,” he added.
Thomas Sr. had revealed last January his plans of relocating to Southeast Asia, saying he had traveled there when he was younger. He also clarified that he is not running away but is “in search of a more positive life.”
“The people are so kind and welcoming, and they are respectful to older people,” he said. “It is a place of culture and beauty. At 80 it is time to go somewhere where the people are lovely and I can enjoy a quieter, friendlier existence.”
“Every day I see something about Meghan. I wish her no ill will. My dream is that one day I could bring my whole family together, like a ‘normal’ family,” he said.
Timothy Granaderos Photo from Instagram/@timothygranaderos
From left: Art Atayde, his wife and Nathan Studios producer Sylvia Sanchez-Atayde, Yui Suzuki, Filipino film producer Alem Berg of Daluyong Studios, Lily Frankly, Hikari Oshida and Japanese co-producer Eiko Mizuno Gray of Loaded Films.
Contributed photo
Meghan Markle
Photo from Instagram/@meghan
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
Filipino girl travels the globe to St. Jude in Memphis to find first-of-its-kind cure for
cancer
Aspen Tangonan became first pediatric patient successfully treated with a novel drug combination for high-risk refractory neuroblastoma
WHEN 9-year-old Aspen
Tangonan was 22 months old, she was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma — an aggressive pediatric solid tumor arising from nerve tissues and cells.
At the time, her family had no idea Aspen would become the first pediatric patient successfully treated with a novel drug combination for high-risk refractory neuroblastoma.
Aspen underwent lengthy treatment at St. Luke’s Medical Center in Quezon City, using a protocol developed and shared by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital doctors and researchers. But six months later, the cancer was spreading again.
Aspen’s care team wanted to try immunotherapy, but the treatment was unavailable in the Philippines.
“We trusted our doctors back home; they were the best of the best,” says Stephanie Uy, Aspen’s mom. “But they told us it would be difficult to bring this treatment to the Philippines because they didn’t know if the facility could support it.”
Aspen’s oncologist, Maria Luz Del Rosario, MD, found an opportunity for treatment at St. Jude, located on the other side of the globe in Memphis, TN. St. Jude treats children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases regardless of their race, ethnicity, beliefs or ability to pay. Families never receive a
bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live, regardless of the duration or the cost of care.
“When they told us that everything will be free, it was like a thorn was taken away. At first, it’s unbelievable. We didn’t expect anything like this. We were so grateful,” said her dad, Mark.
Connecting across global borders to access care
Aspen, Stephanie and Mark flew to Memphis in September 2019. For the next three months, the rest of the family stayed in the Philippines while Maria and her parents met with pediatric oncologist Sara Federico, MD, Solid Tumor Division director, Department of Oncology, and other care team members at St. Jude.
By January 2020, Aspen, her parents and her two siblings had fully relocated from the Philippines to Memphis, and Aspen began treatment once again. Federico treated Aspen for relapsed neuroblastoma using different combinations of therapies that stabilized her disease. But she was still a long way from a cure. Aspen’s best chance at a curative therapy lay in the genomics of her cancer, so Federico requested tumor tissue samples from Maria’s initial surgery in the Philippines for genetic sequencing. When the samples arrived in Memphis, St. Jude researchers identified a germline (inherited) mutation in the BARD1 gene, a finding that gave Federico a new focus point for identifying potential treatments.
A decade of collaborative research in clinical genomics led to the discovery of Aspen’s BARD1 mutation. In 2010, St. Jude and Washington University School of Medicine launched the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP), a first-of-itskind collaboration to analyze the genetic underpinnings of pediatric cancer. Their work resulted in a 2015 New England Journal of Medicine publication that compiled a list of 60
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
pediatric cancer predisposition gene mutations that became recognized by the oncology community. BARD1 was one of those genes.
Jinghui Zhang, PhD, Endowed Chair of Bioinformatics in the Department of Computational Biology, played a pivotal role in the PCGP by helping to place sequencing findings into a meaningful context. The mutation of the BARD1 gene caused a problem in how the cell repairs its DNA. Cells have mechanisms for repairing DNA damaged by disease or other factors, but when these mechanisms do not work correctly, damage can pile up.
Cancer cells accumulate a lot of DNA damage as they grow. If someone with cancer has a DNA damage repair defect, the tumor will not be able to repair the damage, which can ultimately lead to cancer cell death.
Blocking DNA damage repair by targeting genetic variants that affect the process is a potential treatment strategy for some cancers. Poly (ADPribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors act on mechanisms in the homologous recombination deficiency pathway and were first used as treatment in adult breast cancer, targeting
* * * 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
City Council approves plan to turn former East Village skydiving facility into fully affordable housing
164 new homes will provide hope for those experiencing or near homelessness
SAN DIEGO
– A city-owned
former skydiving facility in East Village is set to be transformed into 164 new affordable homes after Tuesday’s (May 20) City Council approval of an agreement with Father Joe’s Villages outlining the terms of its sale and future redevelopment. The building, located at 1401 Imperial Ave., currently serves as the city’s Homelessness Response Center (HRC).
Last year, the city issued a Request for Proposals seeking a developer to buy and turn the building into a 100% affordable housing development. Two responses were received, and Father Joe’s Villages was selected based on the higher number of affordable homes proposed and their successful track record in the development of affordable housing.
“We’re transforming city-
owned property into affordable homes, because that’s what this moment demands,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “By partnering with Father Joe’s Villages, we’re turning this underused city asset into 164 affordable apartments for people most at risk of homelessness, tackling our housing crisis head-on using every tool we’ve got.”
Father Joe’s Villages, through its established 1401 Imperial Limited Partnership, will acquire the building in its current condition for $7.9 million, which includes a $2.9 million loan from the city. The development will create 108 studios, 54 one-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom homes. These homes will be incomerestricted for 55 years, serving households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income – those considered most at risk for homelessness.
“Today’s action moves us closer to transforming an underused building in my district into urgently needed affordable housing,” said Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents Downtown. “I pushed to convert this site to affordable housing because that’s what our city needs to reduce homelessness. I’m pleased to support Father Joe’s Villages’ plan to create deeply affordable, innovative housing in the heart of East Village.”
Father Joe’s Villages says it plans to offer wrap-around services, such as physical and behavioral health care, social supports and employment services, which will help residents attain self-sufficiency and success.
“This project, and the many other affordable housing units Father Joe’s Villages has built, is critical to helping people exit
More than $916,000 owed to individuals and businesses
SAN DIEGO — The City of San Diego is reaching out to businesses and individuals who may be owed money in the form of refunds or vendor payments. More than 800 businesses and individuals are eligible for unclaimed monies and the deadline to submit claims is fast approaching, on June 16, 2025. Unclaimed monies are refund or vendor payment checks owed to individuals or businesses. The city sends these checks to the addresses on record. If a check is returned, due to an address change, for example, or is not cashed within six months, it’s considered unclaimed.
According to the city’s Unclaimed Monies Report, $916,418 is available to be returned to more than 800 individuals and businesses, with check amounts ranging from $1 to $28,000. The report is updated quarterly and is available to the
public free of charge, allowing anyone to review it and file a claim at any time.
“Returning unclaimed money is part of our commitment to financial transparency and responsibility,” said Roma Nichols, Disbursements Manager with the Department of Finance. “We invite everyone to take a quick moment to search for their name or business – it’s a simple process that helps ensure every dollar is returned to its rightful owner.”
Last year, the city returned approximately $888,059 to 118 recipients listed on the Unclaimed Monies Report, representing only 53% of the total unclaimed money. The average claim was $6,041.
Recipients are reminded that they typically have about one year from when the check was issued to claim their money. For checks issued before April 1, 2024, the deadline for claims is
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.
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 ABS-CBN’s Studio 23, Breakfast, a youthoriented debate show, Yspeak, also on Studio 23, and a show for budding entrepreneurs, StartUp, 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 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.
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 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!”
City of San Diego lifeguards and police encourage beach safety during busy holiday weekend
San Diego Police Department and San Diego Fire-Rescue lifeguards educate public on safety precautions
THE county’s annual “Summer Movies in the Park” season kicks off this Saturday, May 24, at the Waterfront Park with a sunset showing of Disney’s “Moana 2,” and fun activities starting at 6 p.m. The movie will begin about 15 minutes after the sun sets, which is expected to be about 7:45 p.m. Families and folk are encouraged to wear warm clothes and bring blankets as the weather can turn chilly when the sun goes down.
To help celebrate the opening event, a variety of fun events are scheduled to start at 6 p.m.
There will be lawn games, an inflatable slide, music, and even opportunities for kids to get their pictures taken with Maui and Moana — characters from the movie “Moana 2.”
There will also be a food truck, a dessert truck, and the Waterfront Park’s snack bar to buy refreshments. This year marks the eighteenth
year for the Summer Movies in the Park Program. The schedule includes 128 movie events to be held between May and early November at dozens of parks across the county — neighborhoods stretching “from the beach to the desert.”
The events give people a great way to enjoy county and city parks at night, under the stars when they are normally closed — and a chance to see a great movie outdoors as well.
This year’s list of movies includes something for everyone — animated and live-action films ranging from comedies to musicals, action-adventure, superhero, science fiction, and romance. There are old-time classics including “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Sound of Music,” “Hocus Pocus,” “City Slickers” and “Goonies.” And there are dozens of recent releases, from “The Wild Robot,” to “Mufasa:
Filipino girl travels the globe to St. Jude...
BRCA1/2 mutations.
But could PARP inhibitors also be used against pediatric cancers to target germline mutations, including BARD1, that introduce DNA damage repair defects?
Research sets Aspen’s next treatment in forward motion
At St. Jude, Elizabeth Stewart, MD, Department of Oncology, had spent years studying potential treatments for Ewing sarcoma, a pediatric solid tumor known to have DNA damage repair defects. In 2014, she published results that demonstrated an Ewing sarcoma preclinical model with a DNA defect had a better therapeutic response to PARP inhibitors when the PARP inhibitors were used in combination with chemotherapy.
Due to Stewart’s work, Federico recognized an opportunity to evaluate this combination therapy approach in other solid tumors with DNA damage repair vulnerabilities.
Federico developed a phase 1 clinical trial, BMNIRN, to determine the safe and effective dose of PARP inhibitors to use when given in combination with chemotherapies for pediatric patients with recurrent or treatment-resistant solid tumors.
Federico wrote a new treatment protocol specifically for Aspen. She began treatment with the PARP inhibitor talazoparib and the chemotherapy irinotecan. The cancer in Aspen’s bone marrow quickly responded. She was able to stop chemotherapy after six cycles of treatment, but she continued to receive the PARP inhibitor. She also received radiation therapy for three bone lesions, all of which responded successfully.
When Aspen responded to treatment, she was the first child with refractory high-risk neuroblastoma to have a durable response to a PARP inhibitor and chemotherapy combination. She has been completely off therapy since October 2021.
The success of Aspen’s treatment shows the potential not only for PARP inhibitors as targeted treatments in pediatric refractory solid tumors but for the use of clinical genomics as part of regular clinical care.
Beyond Aspen’s success — moving forward, not stopping “I’m thrilled by these results because it’s so rewarding for me to see Aspen cured of her disease
due to the findings from clinical genomics,” says Zhang. “This is one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever participated in.”
As data analysis capabilities continue developing, Zhang sees a future for clinical genomics that integrates germline and somatic variant data into therapeutic decision-making. Aspen’s case, published in 2024 by the New England Journal of Medicine, stands as a first-of-its-kind feat in pediatric oncology and clinical genomics. But it will not be the last.
purchase the property, the HRC must continue operating in the building until at least December 2025. With the Council’s approval, Father Joe’s Villages can now begin to move forward with their next steps to acquire the building. This includes securing funding, completing design plans and obtaining necessary permits.
The Lion King,” “Inside Out 2,” “Despicable Me 4,” “The Incredibles 2” and “Arthur the King.”
The list of movies can be seen on the Summer Movies in the Park website at https://www. summermoviesinthepark.com. Movies, dates and locations are subject to change. The 2025 Summer Movies in the Park series is presented by San Diego Foundation and sponsored by the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, Live Well San Diego, the Child and Family WellBeing Department, First 5, the San Diego County Parks Society, Bill Howe, Empower Language Academy, the San Diego Mojo Volleyball team, Project Clean Water and Rose Tausaga Realty. For more information about all County of San Diego Parks and Recreation Department, its parks and events, go to sdparks.org. (City of San Diego Release)
“We are excited to see this building take on a new life and provide much-needed affordable homes for San Diegans,” said Economic Development Director Christina Bibler. “This isn’t just about walls and roofs – it’s about giving people a real chance to feel like they belong, to thrive and build a future.”
Once finalized, proceeds from the sale of the property will go back into the city’s CDBG funding, which can be used for housing, public infrastructure, economic development, public services, neighborhood revitalization and the purchase of real property for public use. These development activities are to benefit low- and moderate-income San Diegans. (City of San Diego Release)
While the science advances and research continues, Aspen and her family revel in a life without treatment. She has been healthy and off treatment for over three years. The family still comes to St. Jude for checkups every six months to monitor the disease and mitigate any treatment-related symptoms that may arise.
Aspen Tangonan wants to continue to be a girl “who travels the world.” For a family whose only direction was forward as they traversed the globe in search of a cure, anything seems possible.
Researchers continue to lead clinical trials of targeted therapies for difficult-to-treat solid tumors, using what they learned from clinical genomics and Aspen’s care to inform the next generation of studies.
Hospital Release)
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).
(St. Jude Children’s Research
A close-up photo of Aspen Tangonan. Photos courtesy of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
