California AG Bonta warns cities: Enforce housing law or face fines under new SB
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 co-sponsored, 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
Senate
Marcos revamps government, extends cabinet shake-up to
by AJPress
mANILA — President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. has begun a sweeping shake-up of his Cabinet and top government agencies, retaining
only a core group of senior officials after midterm election losses signaled public dissatisfaction with the administration’s pace of reforms. Calling the move a “bold reset,” marcos initially ordered all Cabinet secretaries to submit courtesy
IN a rare display of bipartisan unity, the U.s senate on tuesday 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.”
by AJPress
rAffY and erwin tulfo — two of the Philippines’ most recognizable broadcast personalities — are poised to serve side by side in the senate for the first time. from their journey as media crusaders to elected lawmakers, to the narrow senate loss of their brother Ben, the tulfo brand has reshaped the country’s political landscape. their ascent raises deeper questions about power, populism, and the shifting dynamics of public trust in Philippine politics.
Cardinal Tagle places symbolic Fisherman’s Ring on finger of Pope Leo XIV
by Luisa Cabato Inquirer.net
mANILA — Luis Antonio
g. Cardinal tagle placed the symbolic fisherman’s ring on Pope Leo XIV’s finger during the mass of Inauguration at the Vatican on sunday, may 18. the ring shows an image of st. Peter and has meaning from the New testament.
In matthew 16:19, Jesus gives Peter the keys to heaven, and in Luke 22:32, he tells Peter to strengthen his fellow believers.
In the storied halls of the Philippine senate — long dominated by dynasties, technocrats, and ideological stalwarts — two brothers forged not in party politics but in the crucible of public outrage are about to take their seats. raffy and erwin tulfo, household names synonymous with blunt justice and on-air confrontation, have crossed from broadcast studio to legislative floor. What began as a brand is now political reality. their rise speaks to a restless electorate
Lockheed Martin proposal gains traction under Trump administration’s Indo-Pacific posture
by AJPress
mANILA — U.s. defense contractor Lockheed martin has proposed establishing a hightechnology innovation hub in the Philippines as part of its $5.6 billion bid to supply 20 f-16 Block 70 fighter jets. the proposal—cleared by the trump administration under the U.s foreign military sales (fms) program—signals a shift in U.s.Philippine defense cooperation, blending military hardware with long-term capacity-building. If approved, the initiative would mark one of the largest U.s
defense sales to southeast Asia and could significantly deepen strategic collaboration between the two countries. Philippine officials say 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,
— 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 com-
pete, 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.
Marcos revamps government...
leadership.
“the people have spoken, and they expect results — not politics, not excuses. We hear them, and we will act,” the president said in a televised address.
“Tama na ang pamumulitika ninyo at kami naman ang asikasuhin ninyo.”
According to malacañang, the expanded resignation order is intended to align agency performance with the administration’s renewed commitment to service delivery, infrastructure rollout, and post-pandemic economic recovery.
executive secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed that the president has directed a topdown performance audit, and that more agency heads may be replaced in the coming weeks. this directive now applies to all departments and agencies, not just the Cabinet. It is a clear message from the President that everyone is accountable,” Bersamin said.
Economic team, Bersamin retained
Despite the widespread resignation directive, marcos decided to retain his full economic team to preserve policy continuity amid fiscal and investment challenges. the retained officials include:
• Ralph Recto, Secretary of Finance
• Amenah Pangandaman, Secretary of Budget and management
• Maria Cristina Roque, Secretary of trade and Industry
• Frederick Go, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and economic Affairs
executive secretary Lucas Bersamin also remains in office.
Addressing rumors about his possible replacement, Bersamin confirmed the president’s continued confidence in his leadership.
“he communicated to me that I have his full backing for as long as I wish to work for him. that is a sign of his full trust and confidence in myself,” Bersamin told reporters at malacañang. Balisacan also thanked marcos in a public statement "for his continued trust and confidence."
Key changes and reassignments
Palace officials confirmed that 52 high-level officials have submitted their resignations. Among the confirmed departures and reassignments:
• Enrique Manalo, Secretary of foreign Affairs, will replace Antonio manuel Lagdameo as the Philippines’ Permanent representative to the United Nations starting August 1.
• Ma. Theresa Lazaro, DFA undersecretary, will become the new foreign Affairs secretary.
• Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, environment secretary, will be replaced by raphael Lotilla, who will concurrently head both the DeNr and Doe
• Jose Acuzar, Secretary of Hu-
• Arsenio Balisacan, Secretary of economy, Planning, and Development (NeDA)
man settlements and Urban Development, has been reassigned as Presidential Adviser for Pasig river Development.
• Engineer Jose Ramon Aliling, a former DhsUD undersecretary and private sector executive, will take over as housing secretary. Bersamin emphasized that Acuzar’s removal was not linked to corruption but to unmet housing targets.
he also clarified that Loyzaga had not been implicated in any wrongdoing and may be considered for future appointments.
Further changes expected
Until new appointments are finalized, most departments and agencies will be managed by undersecretaries and senior officials. Bersamin said more evaluations are ongoing and that additional announcements are expected by the middle of next week.
“there will be more careful evaluation in the other positions. this is only the beginning,” he said.
Cabinet-wide and agency-level resignations are not without precedent in Philippine politics.
Presidents Corazon Aquino in 1987 and gloria macapagal-Arroyo in 2005 both used similar tactics to reset their administrations during political crises.
As marcos reshapes his inner circle and expands accountability across all levels of government, political analysts say the success of this reset will depend on whether it delivers results — not just replacements. n
Marcos must oust ‘reckless allies who...
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 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
Pacquiao’s comeback: Cheers, caution...
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?
Cardinal Tagle places symbolic Fisherman’s...
since Peter is known as the fisherman apostle, the ring is referred to as the ring of the fisherman, or the Piscatory ring, symbolizing the continuous lineage from the first pope. Pope Leo XIV, or robert francis Prevost, is the first pope from the United states of America. Cardinal t agle was one of three f ilipinos who joined the conclave to elect the new pope. n
US firm offers Philippine defense innovation...
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 in-country 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
PAGE A1
AFFORDABLE STAPLE. Quezon City residents flock to the Kadiwa ng Pangulo store at the Bureau of Animal and Industry in Visayas Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, to
kg.
Thursday, May 22. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. assured the continuity of the “Benteng Bigas Meron Na” program despite submitting his courtesy resignation.
PNA photo by Ben Briones
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Malacañang file photo
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. n
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.
Photo from Manny Pacquiao’s Facebook page
Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Gokim Tagle puts the Fisherman’s Ring on a finger of Pope Leo XIV during a mass for the
From prime time to power: The Tulfo...
and to a
culture increasingly shaped by visibility and immediacy. they did not inherit power—they built it, call by call, case by case, before an audience of millions.
Raffy Tulfo: From “wanted” to winning raffy tulfo, 64, has been a fixture in Philippine media for decades. his public service program Wanted sa radyo and its Youtube counterpart raffy tulfo in Action—with over 28 million subscribers—became digital lifelines for aggrieved filipinos. his direct, often theatrical style positioned him not just as a broadcaster, but as an unofficial ombudsman for the everyday citizen.
In 2022, he ran for senator as an independent and finished third with more than 23 million votes. since joining the senate, tulfo has chaired key committees, including energy and migrant Workers. his legislative proposals have focused on consumer protection, workers’ rights, and ofW welfare. he remains one of the chamber’s most recognizable and unorthodox figures.
“I’m not here to impress fellow politicians,” tulfo told reporters. “I’m here to fix what’s broken.”
Erwin Tulfo: A candidacy reclaimed erwin tulfo, 61, followed a different, more circuitous route. Known for his own hard-hitting broadcast work on Kilos Pronto and Tutok tulfo, he was appointed secretary of social Welfare and Development in 2022 under
President ferdinand marcos
Jr. But his appointment was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments due to questions about his past U.s. citizenship. he returned through the ACt-CIs party-list in 2023, then mounted a senate run in 2025. on may 17, 2025, he was proclaimed senator-elect with more than 17 million votes.
“I’ve seen the system work and fail from both the inside and outside,” he said at his proclamation.
“Now I get a chance to help shape it for the better.”
When the 20th Congress opens in July, the tulfo brothers will serve side by side—marking the first time two siblings from a media-driven movement hold concurrent seats in the Philippine senate.
Ben Tulfo: A near miss the 2025 election nearly delivered a third tulfo to the senate. Ben tulfo, known for his investigative show Bitag, ran as an independent and initially polled well. But in the official count, he placed 13th with 11.8 million votes — just shy of the 12-seat cutoff.
his campaign faced a disqualification petition before the Commission on elections over alleged violations of the constitutional prohibition on political dynasties. the case was dismissed, but the controversy may have dulled his momentum.
After the results, erwin tulfo remarked, “the people have spoken. they only want two tulfos in the senate.”
Ben returned to broadcasting, continuing his work in media
time.
for
where the tulfo brand was first born.
The Tulfo brand: Dynasty or disruption?
Critics argue the family’s rising political profile—bolstered by siblings ramon (a columnist and former special envoy to China) and Wanda tulfo-teo (former tourism secretary) — bears all the signs of a modern dynasty. the brothers reject this characterization.
“this isn’t inheritance,” raffy said in a 2025 interview.
“We built our support from years of solving problems. Voters know who’s real.” their defenders point out that no single party machinery delivered them; it was their resonance with the disillusioned public that turned airtime into a mandate.
Two seats, one brand
When the senate doors open this July, the tulfo brothers will no longer be voices cutting through static—they will be lawmakers, measured not by audience share but by the durability of their reforms. their journey is not just a twist in political narrative—it is a mirror of the moment. In an age when grievance spreads faster than governance and credibility is built outside the halls of power, the tulfo brothers didn’t wait to be invited in. they answered calls. the public responded.
Now, in the quiet, deliberate business of lawmaking, they will be asked for something more enduring than outrage.
And history will watch — not how they entered — but how they stay. n
Senate unanimously passes bill...
$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 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 swiftly
With 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, could push implementation into 2026. (AJPress)
Raffy (right) and Erwin (left) Tulfo — two of the Philippines’ most recognizable broadcast personalities — are
San Diego jet crash claims six lives, including music industry figures
by AJPress
sAN DIego — A private jet crashed into a military housing neighborhood in san Diego early thursday morning, may 22, killing all six people on board and sparking fires that destroyed homes and vehicles in the densely populated murphy Canyon area. the aircraft, a 1985 Cessna Citation II, crashed at approximately 3:45 a.m. while on final approach to montgomery-gibbs executive Airport. It had departed from teterboro Airport in New Jersey, with a scheduled stop in Wichita, Kansas.
Victims identified
Among those killed was Dave shapiro, 42, a prominent music agent and co-founder of sound talent group and Velocity records. shapiro was piloting the jet, which was registered to his company, Daviator LLC. Also on board was Daniel Williams, 39, former drummer of the metalcore band the Devil Wears Prada, who had posted images from inside the plane on social media shortly before the crash. sound talent group confirmed the deaths of shapiro and two other colleagues, describing them as “visionaries who helped shape the music landscape.”
Neighborhood devastated the crash struck the murphy Canyon neighborhood — an area comprising housing for U.s Navy service members and their families. one home was completely destroyed, at least ten others sustained significant damage, and several vehicles caught fire from jet fuel runoff. About 100 residents were evacuated, with multiple people treated for smoke inhalation and minor injuries.
“It was terrifying. We woke up to flames and had to get out immediately,” said one resident, who fled with his children. emergency shelters were established at nearby miller elementary school.
Investigation underway the National transportation safety Board (NtsB) and the federal Aviation Administration (fAA) are investigating the crash. early findings suggest the aircraft clipped power lines before impact. heavy fog was present at the time, with visibility reported at less than half a mile. No distress call was made by the pilot.
An eight-member NtsB team has been deployed to the site. the wreckage is expected to be relocated by may 24 for further analysis. A preliminary report is anticipated within two weeks, with the final report due within 12 to 18 months.
Community impact the murphy Canyon neighborhood, a military housing community home to a large number of active-duty service members and their families, has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Local leaders have expressed condolences and are coordinating support for those displaced by the crash.
Councilmember Chris Cate stated, "We grieve with our military families and the entire community affected by this terrible event. this loss is deeply felt."
miller elementary school remains open as a shelter, and support services are being provided to affected families.
While it has not been reported whether any filipino families were directly impacted by the crash, the broader san Diego County is home to a significant filipino American population.
According to a report by Asian Americans Advancing Justice southern California, filipino Americans constitute the largest Asian American ethnic group in san Diego County — making up 45% of the county’s total Asian American population. many filipino Americans are also members of the U.s military and have long-standing ties to naval communities like murphy Canyon. n
L.A. County cancels $183 million in medical debt for over 134,000 residents
by AJPress
Los ANgeLes – Los Angeles
County has officially launched a landmark medical debt relief program, forgiving more than $183 million in medical debt for over 134,000 residents as of may 2025. the initiative — one of the largest of its kind by a local government — aims to reduce the financial strain on low-income residents and improve long-term health access. the program is a partnership between the County and Undue medical Debt, a national nonprofit that buys portfolios of unpaid medical bills at discounted rates and cancels them completely, with no cost to the recipient and no impact on their credit score.
How it works the Los Angeles County Board of supervisors approved a $5 million investment from the American rescue Plan Act to fund the program, which officially launched in December 2024. Using this funding model, Undue medical Debt purchases bundled medical debt — often for pennies
on the dollar — and then erases it entirely. the County estimates this investment could eliminate up to $500 million in medical debt, with as many as 250,000 residents expected to benefit as the program expands. Who qualifies residents are eligible if their income is up to 400% of the federal poverty level, or if their medical debt exceeds 5% of their annual household income. there is no application process. Instead, residents receive letters in the mail notifying them that their debt has been canceled. the first batch of debt relief letters was sent out in may 2025. Why it matters medical debt is a leading cause of financial hardship in the U.s A 2022 study by the Kaiser family foundation found that about 100 million Americans carry some form of healthcare debt. In California, more than 1 in 10 adults report delaying or avoiding care due to cost, according to data from the UCLA Center for
health Policy research.
County officials believe eliminating medical debt can remove a key barrier to accessing preventive care, filling prescriptions, and following up on treatment — especially in underserved communities.
“this initiative is about ensuring that no one has to choose between financial survival and their health,” said Allison sesso, Ceo of Undue medical Debt. “By relieving this burden, we’re helping people rebuild their financial futures and re-engage with the healthcare system.”
What’s ahead
Los Angeles County’s medical debt relief program is considered a model for other municipalities. County leaders are evaluating additional partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers to extend the program’s reach. more information about the program’s progress and future expansion is expected later this year.
To learn more about Undue Medical Debt, visit https://www. unduemedicaldebt.org. n
MEMoRIAL DAy WEEKEnD UPDATE:
New beach water warnings issued for Santa Monica and Topanga; Mother’s Beach cleared
by AJPress
Los ANgeLes – As the memorial Day weekend approaches, Los Angeles County health officials have issued new ocean water use warnings for two popular coastal sites: santa monica Pier and the Castlerock storm Drain at topanga County Beach, citing bacteria levels exceeding state safety standards. In a press release dated may 22, 2025, the Los Angeles County Department of Public health cautioned residents and beachgoers to avoid swimming, surfing, or playing in the ocean waters 100 yards up and down the coast from these areas. the warning comes as many southern Californians prepare to head to the beach for the long holiday weekend—the unofficial kickoff to summer.
Warnings currently in effect:
• Santa Monica Pier (Santa monica): 100 yards north and south of the pier
• Castlerock Storm Drain at topanga County Beach: 100 yards in both directions from the outfall
officials emphasized that the warnings are based on recent water quality test results showing elevated bacteria levelsin these locations. Direct exposure can pose health risks such as skin rashes, ear infections, respiratory illness, and gastrointestinal issues—particularly for young children, seniors, and immunocompromised individuals.
Cleared for use:
• Mother’s Beach in Marina del rey has been declared safe again after water samples showed bacterial levels within acceptable limits. Previous advisories for this location have been lifted.
Beach safety tips for Memorial Day Weekend to stay safe while enjoying the coast this weekend, public health experts recommend the following:
• Check official updates at publichealth.lacounty. gov/beach
• Avoid ocean water near storm drains or creek outflows, especially within 72 hours of rain
• Rinse thoroughly after swimming to remove any poten-
Alex Eala makes Grand Slam debut at French open
by AJPress
PArIs — filipino tennis sensa-
tion Alex eala is set to mark her 20th birthday with a career-defining moment: a debut in the main draw of the french open. When she steps onto the red clay of roland garros this sunday, may 25, eala will become the first filipina in the open era to compete in the women’s singles main draw of a grand slam through direct qualification — a historic achievement for Philippine tennis.
eala, now ranked World No. 69, will face Colombia’s emiliana Arango (World No. 88) in the tournament’s opening round. her spot was earned through her WtA ranking, not a wildcard — making this debut all the more significant.
A breakthrough year eala’s rise has been nothing short of spectacular. her breakout moment came at the 2025 miami open, where, as a wildcard, she stunned the tennis world by defeating three grand slam champions — Jelena ostapenko, madison Keys, and World No. 2 Iga swiatek — to reach the semifinals. though she eventually fell to Jessica Pegula in a tense three-set match, the performance catapulted her into the WtA top 70.
“that miami run was when the world really took notice,” said WtA analyst Catherine Whitaker. she played with the composure of a seasoned pro and the hunger of a newcomer eager to prove herself.”
that momentum carried into the clay season. eala reached the second round of the madrid open, where she pushed swiatek to three sets in a much-anticipated rematch. At the Italian open, she competed in doubles alongside American star Coco gauff,
with the duo reaching the quarterfinals before falling to Jasmine Paolini and sara errani.
A trailblazer for the Philippines
Born may 23, 2005, in Quezon City, eala trained at the rafa Nadal Academy in spain and quickly rose through the ranks of junior tennis. she is a former junior grand slam doubles champion — winning titles at the 2020 Australian open and 2021 french open — and now, as a pro, continues to break barriers for filipinos in the global tennis scene.
tennis in the Philippines has long taken a backseat to basketball and boxing in terms of popularity and investment. But eala’s success is helping to shift that narrative, sparking new interest in tennis clubs, youth programs, and national development efforts.
Eyes on Roland Garros
A win over Arango would
mark another first — advancing to the second round of a grand slam singles event. It would also bring additional WtA ranking points and further elevate eala’s global profile.
“she’s one of the most promising players of her generation,” said sports Illustrated analyst Jon Wertheim. “to do what she’s done — coming from a country without a major tennis tradition — shows her discipline, her talent, and her vision.” regardless of sunday’s outcome, eala’s appearance at roland garros is a milestone in Philippine sports. It proves that with vision, support, and relentless drive, filipino athletes can rise to compete — and thrive — on the world stage.
As she celebrates her 20th birthday, Alex eala is no longer just a rising star. she is a symbol of global ambition and national pride. n
Filipino teachers in Hawaii detained in immigration raid, prompting backlash and renewed scrutiny
by AJPress
tial contaminants
• Report signs of pollution— such as unusual odors, floating debris, or discolored water—to lifeguards or county officials
• Call the 24-hour beach conditions hotline: 1-800-525-5662
Heal the Bay flags persistent problems at Santa Monica Pier even as water quality conditions fluctuate, environmental nonprofit heal the Bay continues to rank santa monica Pier among the most problematic beaches in California. In its 2025 Beach report Card, released may 22, the pier ranked #2 among the state’s "Beach Bummers", a list of locations with chronically poor water quality. experts point to factors like urban runoff, proximity to storm drains, and waste from nearby activity as key contributors.
As Los Angeles County welcomes summer with parades, picnics, and shoreline celebrations, officials urge residents to stay informed and prioritize safety. Not all beaches are affected — many popular sites such as Dockweiler, Venice, Zuma, and manhattan Beach remain open and safe for swimming. n
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.” n
California AG Bonta warns cities: Enforce...
PAGE A1
— to enforce that mandate.”
the law’s core aim is to accelerate housing production by cracking down on local governments that use procedural 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 front-line 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)
Alex Eala
AJPress file photo by Troi Santos
DAteline PhiliPPines
House receives Senate notice on start of VP Duterte’s impeachment trial
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 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. that’s the only thing that we will do by June 2
because that is what was stated in their letter,” she added in a mix of english and filipino. 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 funds (Cf) of the office of the Vice President 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 one-third 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 would now be up to the 20th Congress to decide on Duterte’s impeachment.
But escudero has 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 Bon-
galon 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. Actually, we mentioned that earlier, that was tackled, and then we agreed that it’s only right to do so. It’s still the 19th Congress when June 2 comes.”
“And, in fact, as of that time, they haven’t been constituted as an impeachment court. It’s stated in the letter that they will be constituted as an impeachment court by June 3. so I guess we will present the articles of impeachment during their session, which will be the resumption of the session,” she added.
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 we will not, of course, do the exact same thing, there’s a reading of the articles of impeachment,” she noted.
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, may 21, 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
by Louise Maureen siMeon Philstar.com
mANILA — the economic team has committed to deliver results faster and ensure more inclusive and sustainable growth for filipinos after President ferdinand marcos Jr. rejected their courtesy resignations.
In separate statements following the announcement of executive secretary Lucas Bersamin, Budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman and finance secretary ralph recto both thanked marcos for his confidence and support.
Pangandaman and recto joined trade secretary Cristina roque, Department of economy, Planning and Development secretary Arsenio Balisacan and Presidential Adviser for Investment and economic Affairs frederick go who will all stay in their posts.
more than a vote of confidence, recto said marcos’ decision prompts the economic team to continue crafting policies that would be felt by filipinos.
“I take this as a marching order to push harder and deliver results faster, and thus we will also do our own recalibration within the department,” recto said.
Pangandaman, for her part, said this also reaffirmed her commitment to public service and her determination to work harder for the nation and the people.
“the entire economic team shares this vision, reinforcing our collective pursuit of a more prosperous economy,” Pangandaman said. the budget chief has vowed to pursue an economic transformation that is inclusive and sustainable. this is especially vital as the economic team reviews and recalibrates the country’s medium-term fiscal program as the administration enters budget deliberations.
Pangandaman and recto likewise thanked businessmen, economists, public servants and academicians who called for the economic team’s retention in the Cabinet.
In a related development, Bureau of Internal revenue (BIr) Commissioner romeo Lumagui yesterday tendered his courtesy resignation, saying he supports marcos’ call for accountability in public service.
Lumagui said his resignation would give marcos a free hand in evaluating his performance in pursuit of improving services
OPiniOn FeAtures
A generation takes its turn: How Filipino Millennials and Gen Z voters shaped the 2025 midterms
Editorial
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. 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
show they were
it just as quickly. the 2025 elections
of that
not only for who won, but for who made them win. for the first time in modern Philippine history, the nation witnessed what happens when a generation stops waiting for its turn and takes it instead. (AJPress)
On The Move How the midterms redrew the road to 2028
the may 2025 Philippine midterm elections stunned political observers and campaign strategists alike. What was widely expected to be a tepid checkpoint in the electoral cycle turned out to be a national reawakening. the results—marked by an 81-percent turnout, the highest since the eDsA era—signaled a seismic shift in voter behavior, party alignments, and political momentum.
Contrary to the linear trends projected by preelection surveys, the final senatorial tally revealed a last-minute upheaval—what might be called a political “parting of the red sea.” Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, once consigned to the margins of viability, surged into the top 5. Newcomers like heidi mendoza broke through the electoral noise with
Food for Thought
c hit u . J uan
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 shoutout 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
campaigns powered by integrity and grassroots connections — not dynastic machinery. these outcomes defied the myth of stable public opinion. In truth, voter sentiment in the Philippines remains VUCA: volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. filipinos are not passive respondents to surveys; they are alert political agents who pivot quickly in response to moral cues and political developments. the last days of the campaign — shaped by images of former President rodrigo Duterte being flown to the hague and the impeachment of Vice President sara Duterte — became catalysts for a collective reckoning. the mythology of Dutertestyle populism collapsed in real time. once buoyed by a sense of authenticity and strength, the Duterte brand is now weighed down by scandals, legal peril, and fatigue. While some loyalists like sens. Bong go and ronald dela rosa clung to senate seats,
they now represent nostalgia more than a future promise. sara Duterte, impeached and increasingly isolated, has failed to project a compelling national narrative or agenda. In contrast, the elections ushered in what might be described as a meritocratic renewal. Candidates like Aquino and Pangilinan were not simply “anti-Duterte” figures. they were seen as competent, credible, and principled—a rational middle ground between elitist detachment and populist spectacle. mendoza, who lacked political machinery but earned over 8 million votes, personified the electorate’s yearning for moral leadership. the Iglesia ni Cristo’s (INC) endorsement of Bam Aquino further illustrates this recalibration. often pragmatic in its choices, the INC sent a signal to voters and elites alike: Aquino represented stability without chaos, reform without rupture. his victory embodied a strategic
The magic cure of simple care
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 u PAGE A7
pivot toward governance over drama.
What’s emerging is not just an opposition revival, but a postpopulist reorientation. the Pink movement, once dismissed as moralistic and disorganized, has regained credibility. But it must evolve. Its future lies not in purity politics or spontaneous mobilization, but in building sustained, inclusive, and programmatic political infrastructure. the 2025 midterms also revealed a new kind of voter— particularly among the youth and first-time voters. these digital natives are not swayed by spectacle alone. they are tuned into meaning, not just noise. they respond to ethical narratives, and they act decisively when authenticity aligns with competence. they are reshaping politics not from above, but from within—quietly, persistently, and irreversibly.
this shift holds deep
implications for 2028. for the first time in a decade, there is no clear heir to the presidency. the oncedominant marcos-Duterte bloc is fractured. the private sector, weary of erratic leadership, is leaning toward stability, rules-based governance, and accountability. A rare alignment is emerging: moral voter energy, a discredited authoritarian camp, a directionless administration, and a reformist opposition coalescing around democratic values.
But this opportunity is fragile. momentum alone will not sustain it. to transform this moment into a genuine turning point, political actors must invest in civic infrastructure — recruiting new leaders, professionalizing party systems, and linking reformist energy with tangible legislative and executive strategies. Civil society must push for policy clarity on climate justice, education, innovation, and inclusive prosperity.
the lesson of may 2025 is not
simply that voters are awake. It is that they are discerning. they have shed their binary loyalties and transactional expectations. they are no longer choosing between evil and the lesser evil — but between chaos and competence, spectacle and substance. If the forces now stirring can hold together, may 2028 could mark more than another electoral cycle. It could inaugurate a new political era: democratic, grounded, and built on a foundation of integrity. the sea has parted — not forever, and not without risk — but enough for a narrow path to emerge. It is up to us whether we walk through it. (inquirer.net)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * doyromero@gmail.com
A mandate for accountability
the noise and frenzy of the elections and its immediate aftermath have now died down. As the fresh batch of leaders prepares to assume their posts, the filipino people can now pause and reflect on the results and what they are telling us. to be sure, much of the outcome were predictable. Candidates who showed a strong showing prior to may 12 did win. But there were also surprises — unexpected successes and failures which, aside from the electoral implications, may reveal what filipino voters truly want. the election of former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan easily come to mind. they are not new to the game — both have served in the same capacity in the past, so people are aware of who they are. In preelection surveys, however, other names were dominant, but Aquino and Pangilinan were not among the front-runners. And yet they placed among the top winners. In their case, the people have spoken, and we all must listen.
their success shows that the public is tired of corruption, empty promises, political drama, and toxicity. We want leaders who will prioritize gut issues like jobs, inflation, agriculture, food security, poverty, and education. most importantly, Aquino and Pangilinan, given their independence from today’s major political factions, push for accountability and genuine reform in government. the next three years, therefore, will be a test of whether filipinos would finally get what they have been looking for: good governance and people-centric leadership that address the most fundamental concerns of filipinos.
After the elections, the marcos administration has the opportunity to lay down its priorities that would effectively address people’s needs. the next courses of action are clear: recognizing the will of the people, boosting the economy, passing laws that matter, strengthening social support programs, and promoting unity and fairness. the question, however, lies on the ability of the administration to rally support from the full range of political spectrum.
After all, these concerns are shared by filipinos no matter
whom they are supporting politically. People, regardless of their affiliations, have expressed a strong need for improving their economic situation. thus, we need to go back to three pillars that would drive the people’s economic well-being. Public-private partnerships, the empowerment of small and medium enterprises, and the push for sustainability and innovation. the new senate, in particular, now has the opportunity to focus on laws that will improve the lives of filipinos. their priorities should include making life affordable, creating jobs, improving healthcare and education, helping farmers and fisherfolk, protecting the environment, and fighting corruption. With its call for transparency and reform, the Department of Budget and management (DBm) underscores the urgency of passing the freedom of Information (foI) bill in the 20th Congress. through the Philippine open government Partnership, the DBm has been working with government agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector to cocreate the foI bill and push it as a legislative priority. this bill aims to empower citizens by granting them better access to
Segundo eclar romero
energized base must now
worthy
trust—or risk losing
will be remembered
ManilaTimes.net photo
Marcos leads groundbreaking of Pangasinan dam
by
mANILA — President ferdinand marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking of the Lower Agno river Irrigation system (LArIs) Paitan Dam and turnover of P370 million worth of farm machinery, equipment and solar-powered irrigation projects in santa maria, Pangasinan on friday, may 23. the LArIs Paitan Dam will harness resources of the Agno river, one of the country’s largest river systems, to provide consistent and sustainable irrigation to farmlands in Pangasinan, tarlac and Nueva ecija.
“I hope it will be completed
by 2027 or earlier if possible, so our countrymen can immediately feel the benefits of the LArIs Paitan Dam,” marcos said in his speech. once completed, marcos said the dam would provide irrigation to more than 12,000 hectares of agricultural lands. “having water – whether during summer or rainy season – is no longer a dream. A bountiful harvest is now within reach,” marcos said. he said the dam would boost rice production and increase the income of farmers. During the ceremony, 7,645 agrarian reform beneficiaries and 292 ArB organizations received support packages, including or-
ganic plant supplements, tractors and multipurpose power stations. Up to 11 solar-powered irrigation systems were handed over to communities in various areas of Pangasinan. the irrigation system will provide clean, efficient and low-maintenance solution for offgrid farming areas.
“It can be used to water farmlands even without electricity – more cost-effective, and won’t harm the environment,” marcos said.
the president was joined by Agrarian reform secretary Conrado estrella III, National Irrigation Administration chief eduardo guillen and Pangasinan gov. ramon guico. n
mANILA – Local seaports facilitated heavier cargo volume in the first quarter, mostly accounted for by imported shipments as global trading activities continued to pick up, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).
According to the latest PPA data, cargo throughput in the first three months grew by 11 percent to 65.77 million metric tons (mt) from 59.52 million mt in the same period a year ago. the latest figure represents about 22 percent of the 301.47-million mt projection for the year.
Bulk or about 57 percent of the total cargo volume in the first quarter comprised foreign shipments, amounting to 37.49 million mt. Broken down, imported cargo stood at about 26.77 million mt, while the remaining goods were exported.
this notable improvement can be attributed in part to the
steady performance of anchorage operations, particularly bulk cargo handling, further contributing to the rise in total cargo tonnage at manila International Container terminal,” PPA general manager Jay santiago told the Inquirer.
In addition, the ports regulator said that the National Capital region-south and Palawan also handled a substantial amount of foreign shipments for the period. Crude minerals, petroleum drive growth “overall, this upward trend reflects a strengthening in global trade and shipping activities,” he said.
Domestic shipments, meanwhile, reached 28.28 million in the first quarter. About 15 million of the local cargo volume comprised outbound shipment. PPA said the growth was driven by increased shipments of crude minerals and petroleum products at the Bataan and Aurora ports.
Along with these, the ports regulator observed a “significant
rise in shipments of coal, sand and power-generating equipment” at the Northern Luzon ports.
overall, the majority or 29.55 million mt of the cargo volume passed through the ports in manila and Northern Luzon. the next busiest ports were in Visayas with 12.68 million mt and southern Luzon with 11.58 million mt
With cargo volume anticipated to grow, the PPA is crafting a master plan to establish 10 seaports across the country to improve connectivity and supply chain.
these terminals are located in: Davila, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; Puerto galera, oriental mindoro; taytay, Palawan; Buenavista, guimaras; san Carlos, Negros occidental; Dumaguete, Negros oriental; Lazi, siquijor; Catbalogan City, samar; and Zamboanga, Zamboanga del sur.
In addition, it has been working on 14 big-ticket port projects, which are targeted to be completed by 2028. n
Philippines seen attracting firms diversifying out of China
mANILA – the Philippines’ warm relationship with the United states makes it an ideal destination for investors that are looking to diversify their businesses outside of China amid ongoing global trade uncertainties, hsBC global research said.
But apart from friendlier ties with America, Aris Dacanay, economist at hsBC, said the potentially lower tariffs on the Philippines and the attractive demographic of the southeast Asian country “should give all the right signals to global investors.” the government’s aggressive infrastructure push should also increase the country’s appeal to foreign investors, Dacanay added. Amid the growing trends of “nearshoring” and “reshoring” due to global trade uncertain-
ties, the hsBC economist said that investors adopting the “China +1+1” strategy might find the Philippines interesting.
Trade relations
“While the first ‘+1’ is to diversify their businesses from China, the second ‘+1’ is to diversify to countries with favorable trade relations with the United states,” Dacanay said.
“Also, if the difference in tariff rates works in favor of the Philippines, exports to the United states would likely rise over time. We think there is scope to accommodate more, though the United states is already the second-largest trading partner and export market of electronics for the country,” he added.
In his “Liberation Day” announcement on April 2, U.s President Donald trump had unveiled a 17-percent “reciprocal” tariff on filipino goods coming to America, among the lowest in Asia.
But trump later announced
a 90-day tariff pause, while retaining the 10-percent universal duty on all trading partners of the United states. moving forward, hsBC’s Dacanay said the boost from within and the Philippines’ growing trade and investment ties globally should also help the country anchor its position in the global tech supply chain, while gradually shifting to more high-valued exports.
But he warned that this could be reversed if trump’s tariffs would target semiconductor imports of the United states, a crucial market for filipino electronic products.
“this has the potential to hit the entire tech supply chain of the region hard. the archipelago is not fully shielded from the broader cascading effect of tariffs,” Dacanay said.
“however, we see opportunities and think all eyes will be on how the Philippines can maximize them,” he added. n
A mandate for accountability
government information, thus fostering transparency, accountability, and public participation in governance. And indeed, citizen involvement in governance hinges on access to information. We cannot fully participate in government affairs if we are not sufficiently armed with information. over the years, there has been resistance to foI initiatives from various sectors of government, citing diverse reasons.
DBm secretary Amenah Pangandaman has become more vocal about the need for fiscal transparency. the people have
seen the damage brought by public officials doing as they please with government funds under the cloak of confidentiality. But governance demands just the opposite. the election of a new set of officials gives us hope and enthusiasm that more of our leaders would adhere to the principles of transparency and accountability. this is good because they could ensure that people’s taxes are being used prudently and with great care. Investors would similarly see that our fiscal and regulatory environments are stable and predictable. finally, this is good for democracy, because true gover-
nance thrives on openness. may the next three years usher in unprecedented change in governance. As citizens we must sustain our vigilance and demand accountability from our elected officials. In the end, we do get the government we deserve — and help put in power. (inquirer.net)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian
its management, editorial board and staff. * * * Dindo Manhit is the founder and CEO of Stratbase Group.
The magic cure of simple care
own family members.
What other tips can we share from the healing secrets of friends?
Nutrition. there is nothing 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
LACmtA will recieve Proposals for Dr131238 - m etro C (green) Line oCs Bare Conductors at the 9th floor recep-
LACmtA will receive Bids for oP1188888370(2) - BACKfLoW DeVICe testINg mAINteNANCe & rePAIrs at the 9th floor receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract management Department, one gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012. A Virtual Pre-Bid conference will be held on thursday, may 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (Pst). All Bids must be submitted to LACmtA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/Cm Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific time on tuesday, June 17, 2025. Please review IfB document for bid opening time and date. Bids received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. each Bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. oP1188888370(2). for a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro.net or for further information email John Platt at plattj@ metro.net.
5/24/25 CNs-3928108# AsIAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
Department, or (2) electronically via emeail to bids@metro.net, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific time on monday, June 23, 2025, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. each Bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. Dr131238. for a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro. net or for further information email Antranik Banalian at banaliana@metro.net 5/24/25 CNs-3928386# AsIAN JoUrNAL (L.A.)
ceSar ramireZ and Helen FloreS Philstar.com
by Tyrone Jasper piad Inquirer.net
by ian nicolas cigaral
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leads the groundbreaking ceremony for the P950-million Lower Agno River Irrigation System (LARIS), also known as the “Paitan Dam,” in Barangay Paitan, Santa Maria, Pangasinan on May 23, 2025. Philstar.com photo by Cesar Ramirez
Celebrating Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month with JPMorganChase’s Ansie Ting
Ansie Ting, a Commercial Banker at JPMorganChase, is passionate about supporting her clients through financial education and promoting an entrepreneurial mindset. Based in San Francisco, she focuses on helping individuals and small businesses build strong financial foundations while navigating an evolving market. As a working mom, Ansie also brings a personal understanding of balancing professional growth with family life.
We spoke with Ansie about the lessons she’s learned in her career, her financial tips for 2025 and how she is celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month.
1. What are you hoping to achieve this year in your role as Commercial Banker?
I hope to continue serving my community by sharing knowledge about the importance of financial literacy and encouraging an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age. Managing money is the foundation of success— whether you are a student starting out or an entrepreneur trying to grow your business. It’s about being proactive, adapting to change, learning continuously and taking calculated risks to turn ideas into reality.
2. Can you share your top financial tips for 2025?
The market is very volatile right now. Be patient, stay focused on your goals and always have a plan B in case things don’t go as expected.
3. What is a barrier you’ve faced in your career and how did you overcome it?
Returning to work after having my first child was one of the toughest challenges. Balancing work and family priorities was not easy, and required a lot of adjustment. I learned to
Ansie Ting
Commercial Banker JPMorganChase
prioritize and manage my time effectively, often finding creative solutions to meet both professional and personal obligations. It was a period of growth that taught me resilience, the importance of leveraging available support systems and maintaining open communications. This transition also inspired me to support others who are on similar journeys.
4. What advice would you give to a young professional looking to enter finance?
Failing is part of growing and learning. Have grit, be resilient and don’t be afraid to fail.
5. How are you and JPMorganChase celebrating Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year?
As the San Francisco site lead for our employeeled AsPIRE Business Resource Group, I will be volunteering at local non-profit organizations. We will also be co-hosting two events with our partner organizations—one focused on mental health awareness within the API community, and another featuring a panel of Asian women entrepreneurs sharing their journeys to success.
‘Final destination: Bloodlines’ breaks box office records and shines a spotlight on Filipino representation
by AJPress
“FINAL Destination: Bloodlines” didn’t just dominate the box office — it made history by placing a Filipino American family at the heart of a major Hollywood horror franchise.
The sixth entry in the Final Destination series opened to $124.2 million worldwide, including $70.1 million in North America, according to Warner Bros. The film now holds the best opening weekend in franchise history, outperforming its predecessors and reigniting global interest in the 25-year-old series.
But what’s grabbing headlines beyond the numbers is the film’s authentic portrayal of a Filipino-American family — represented onscreen by rising Fil-Am talents Kaitlyn
Santa Juana and Teo Briones, who play siblings Stefani and Charlie Reyes.
“It replicates my actual family,” Santa Juana shared in an interview, describing how she worked closely with the directors to include Filipino traditions — from food and decor to the tsinelas rule (no shoes in the house!).
“Being able to bring my culture into this film means a lot to me,” she added in a separate interview. “It’s not just about the horror elements; it’s about showing a family that reflects my own.”
Meet the stars behind the roles
Kaitlyn Santa Juana, 28, is a Canadian actress of Filipino and Slovak descent. Born in Langley, British Columbia, she began her acting career in 2016 and is also a Broadway alum,
having performed in Dear Evan Hansen in both Canada and New York. She has appeared in TV roles on The Flash and in indie films like The Friendship Game. Her performance in Bloodlines marks her breakout in a global studio release.
Teo Briones, 20, was born in Oxford, England, to Filipino actor Jon Jon Briones and American actress Megan Briones. Raised in Los Angeles, Teo has been acting since he was five. He is best known for his portrayal of Junior Wheeler in Chucky (Syfy) and has appeared in Pretty Little Liars, Wind River, and Ratched. His sister Isa Briones stars in Dune: Prophecy on HBO Max. In media interviews surrounding the film’s release, Briones noted how meaningful it was to portray a Filipino family in a major Hollywood horror release. He shared his pride in being able to contribute to representation on a global platform and reflected on the importance of authenticity in the film’s cultural details.
Culture woven into the horror
Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, Final Destination: Bloodlines follows the Reyes siblings as they uncover a dark legacy rooted in a 1968 catastrophe — triggering the familiar Final Destination formula of premonitions, narrow escapes, and death’s relentless return.
But unlike previous entries,
A mother’s love, a sister’s sacrifice:
Citizen Pinoy
shares the inspiring journey of a reunited family
THIS Sunday on “Citizen Pinoy,” witness the moving story of a mother’s persistence and a sister’s sacrifice in the face of immigration challenges. Lolita, a devoted mother, petitioned both her children, Cristy and Julian, to join her in the United States. Cristy’s green card was processed first, and she arrived in the U.S. in 2009. But only six months later, she made the painful decision to return to the
to care for her younger brother, Julian, who had been hospitalized. Without filing a re-entry permit, Cristy stayed too long abroad, and the U.S. Embassy deemed her green card abandoned. In 2010, Julian’s immigration was finally processed, and he was able to fly to the U.S. But Cristy, despite wanting to return with him, had her green card revoked. Her mother Lolita immediately filed a new petition for Cristy that same year. By 2021, the National Visa Center confirmed that Cristy’s case was documentarily complete, but the family waited years with no word on an interview. Meanwhile, Lolita became legally blind, and Julian’s heart condition worsened — both desperately needing Cristy’s help and presence. After being told by another
Filipino-American actors Teo Briones and Kaitlyn Santa Juana star as siblings in Final
Destination: Bloodlines, bringing authentic Filipino family dynamics to the forefront of the blockbuster horror franchise’s sixth installment. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Angelica Panganiban to make theater debut with ‘Don’t Meow for Me, Catriona’
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
ANGELICA Panganiban is
taking her acting prowess
onstage as she is set to make her theater debut with the play
“Don’t Meow for Me, Catriona.”
Panganiban announced on her Instagram page on Saturday, May 17, that she is one of the leads of the upcoming play, along with a poster of the play.
“This is an opportunity that I never expected to arrive
in my life. I hope you will wholeheartedly accept, and give me a chance on the theater stage. Working hard and working on it, Angge,” she said in the caption.
Panganiban’s theater debut was welcomed by her followers, including fellow celebrities Iza Calzado, Ria Atayde, Hershey Neri, Jasmine Curtis-Smith, her friend film director Andoy Ranay and theater actress Joanna Ampil, who left a comment on her post. Also joining Panganiban in the play is Peewee O’Hara. It is written by Ryan Machado and directed by Toni Go-Yadao.
“Don’t Meow for Me, Catriona” will be staged from June 14, 19, 20, 25, to 29 at the Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City. It is part of the Virgin Labest festival, which aims to showcase “untried, untested and unstaged plays” to a wider audience.
Philippines ranks No. 1 on list of countries with the best singers
Trailing behind the Philippines are Norway, Croatia and the United
by Gavin Martinez Inquirer.net
FILIPINOS have long been known for their remarkable vocal talent. From impromptu karaoke sessions at home to world stages, singing is deeply woven into the culture of the Philippines.
This truth echoes globally through generations of singers who have captured international audiences.
Take Broadway legend Lea Salonga, who made history as Kim in Miss Saigon and lent her voice to beloved Disney princesses Jasmine and Mulan. More recently, Filipino singer Sofronio Vasquez carved his name in music history as the
Carol
States
first Filipino and the only Asian to win “The Voice.”
In a fun global ranking by TheTopTens, which compiles over 220,000 top ten lists across countless categories, the Philippines has emerged as the No. 1 country in the world with the best singers.
One traveler shared on the site:
“When I visited the Philippines, I stayed there for a year to explore. I asked 15 people to sing at every place I visited, and not even one was bad at singing.
They’re kind and always smile.”
Another added, “In the Philippines, from when they are babies, their parents practice singing with them to become popular/famous singers in the world!”
“America’s Got Talent,” continue to inspire.
Trailing behind the Philippines are Norway (2nd), Croatia (3rd), the United States (4th) and England (5th). Meanwhile, India ranks 13th and South Korea, the home of K-pop, comes in at 16th. The Philippines’ top spot on this list might be “just for fun,” but for many, it rings true that Filipinos don’t just love singing, they live it. Filipinos sing with heart – sometimes off-key – but always with joy.
Banawa earns master’s degree in nursing in US
by anne Pasajol Inquirer.net
CAROL Banawa completed her master’s degree in nursing in the United States, underscoring how “dreams take time, sacrifice, and faith.”
The Filipino singer, who is based in the U.S., shared her educational milestone from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine, through her Instagram page on Monday, May 19.
“[On May 10, 2025], I received my Master of Science in Nursing – Family Nurse Practitioner degree. It’s hard to put into words what this moment means to me,” she said.
Banawa recalled how her nursing journey began in 2005 as a certified nurse aide in Arizona. She then earned her licensed practical nurse certificate in 2010, completed her associate degree in nursing in 2018, then finished her bachelor’s degree in 2020.
“When I began my master’s degree, the world was shutting down. The pandemic had just begun, and I was pregnant with Bella,” referring to her youngest child.
“Balancing pregnancy, parenting, and a rigorous academic program during such uncertain times was far from easy. There were sleepless nights, long study sessions, missed gatherings, and so many moments where I had to
this installment is grounded in cultural specificity. The Reyes family’s home features unmistakable touches of Filipino life: crucifixes above doorways, family altars, sinigang on the stove, and slippers neatly lined up at the entrance.
The tsinelas rule — a noshoes-inside custom known across Filipino households — becomes both a visual cue and a subtle cultural anchor.
“This wasn’t just about casting — it was about storytelling,” Santa Juana explained. “The tsinelas, the food, even how the siblings argue — that’s all part of it.”
Audience connection and
say, ‘not now, I have to study,’” she recalled. “There were also moments of doubt, exhaustion, and wondering if I could really keep going. But the dream was stronger—and I just kept going.”
“To my husband, Ryan, thank you for working so hard behind the scenes so I could focus fully on my studies. Your love, encouragement, and sacrifices made this possible,” she wrote.
“To my children Chelsea, River and Bella, thank you for your patience and for all the times you understood when mommy had to study instead of play… Your hugs and kisses were everything,” she continued.
She also thanked her mom for the encouragement and prayers, and for helping her care for her
industry impact For many first- and secondgeneration Filipino-Americans, the film resonates far beyond its horror narrative. Its themes — intergenerational trauma, sibling sacrifice, and the role of faith — mirror the lived experiences of many in the diaspora. Social media lit up over the weekend with hashtags like #FilAmExcellence, #FinalDestinationBloodlines, and #TsinelasCulture trending across platforms. Many young Filipino-American viewers praised the movie for its cultural authenticity and emotional relatability.
“We finally saw ourselves not
kids while she was juggling motherhood and her studies.
“It truly does take a village, and I am so grateful for each of you who stepped in when I needed you most,” she said. “And most of all, to God Almighty—thank You for this journey… You gave me strength when I had none, courage when I was afraid, and peace when I doubted.”
Addressing her followers, she added, “To anyone who is on a long, hard road—keep going. One step at a time. Dreams take time, sacrifice, and faith. But they are worth it.”
Banawa, who left show business and moved to the U.S. in the early 2000s, is best known for her songs “Muntik Na Kitang Minahal,” “Bakit ‘Di Totohanin” and “Iingatan Ka.”
as sidekicks or comic relief— but as the heart of the story,” one viewer posted. “And we weren’t explained. We just were.”
Breaking barriers at the box office
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the Filipino-American population at over 4.4 million, making them the thirdlargest Asian American group in the country. Yet Filipino representation in major studio films — especially in lead roles — has remained rare. Warner Bros. has yet to confirm a sequel, but with box office momentum and community support, a follow-up appears likely.
A mother’s love, a sister’s sacrifice...
attorney that nothing could be done, the family turned to leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel. In May 2024, he took on the case and successfully requested the U.S. Embassy to expedite Cristy’s long-delayed visa. The request was approved, and in March 2025 — more than 15
of compassion, perseverance, and a mother’s
This global recognition didn’t happen overnight. It’s also true when Filipino American artists like Olivia Rodrigo dominate charts and Grammy stages, and when young prodigies like Peter Rosalita, who wowed the world on
The Philippines has emerged as the No. 1 country in the world with the best singers. FILE PHOTOS/Inquirer.net
Carol Banawa Photo from Instagram/@iamcarolbanawa
Angelica Panganiban Photo from Instagram/@iamangelicap
Fashion designer Puey Quiñones launches new couture collection and opens new atelier in LA on June 20
FASHION designer Puey Quiñones will officially showcase his new couture collection at a private event on June 20, when he will also launch the opening of his new atelier in downtown Los Angeles.
The couture collection, Quiñones revealed, would “highlight an array of intricate designs that celebrate both contemporary and Filipino traditional aesthetics, blending luxurious and local fabrics from the Philippines with bold colors. Expect to see pieces that embody elegance and innovation.”
The soft-spoken and humble designer revealed where he gets inspiration for his designs and creations. He said, “Inspiration for my designs comes from various sources. I often find myself drawn to art, nature, and cultural history. Additionally, I draw inspiration from the people around me. Their stories and experiences shape the way I approach fashion. Traveling also opens my eyes to different styles and practices, which I then incorporate into my work.”
The PeopleAsia People of the Year 2024 awardee, who has an atelier in the Philippines and a Q Bridal collection shop in Los Angeles, is known for being the only Filipino fashion designer who has a couture dress purchased by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) as part of its heritage collection.
He described the dress that was acquired by LACMA in 2020 as part of the museum’s historic collection and is now preserved alongside the creations of fashion legends, including Christian Dior, Madame Gres and Alexander McQueen: “I am still in awe of this incredible recognition. The piece, a stunning
gown crafted from silk organza and adorned with intricate embroidery, was inspired by traditional Filipino textiles. When I received the news that it would be part of LACMA’s heritage collection, I was overwhelmed with joy and gratitude. It felt surreal to know that my work would be preserved alongside such iconic designers.”
He disclosed how he manages his shops in the U.S. and the Philippines: “Managing my two shops is indeed a challenge, but it’s a journey I embrace wholeheartedly. Each market has its own unique needs and preferences, so I make a concerted effort to tailor my collections accordingly. Balancing both locations requires a disciplined schedule, but it also allows me to explore diverse creative avenues.”
The 45-year-old designer, who was a guest designer for “America’s Next Top Model Cycle 21,” designed clothes using fabrics native to the Philippines for a runway challenge where the contestants had to walk in stilts.
Worn by celebrities, dignitaries and other VIPs, Quiñones admitted, “I have been fortunate to have my clothes worn by some incredible individuals. Celebrities like Melissa McCarthy, Dolly De Leon, and even dignitaries such as the President and the First Lady of the Philippines have donned my creations. It’s always an honor to see my designs being appreciated by such influential figures.”
Born and raised in Bobon, Northern Samar, Quiñones shared that growing up in the Philippines “has taught me the value of hard work and resilience. My humble beginnings instilled in me a strong sense of community and
an appreciation for craftsmanship, which I carry into every piece I create.”
He confessed that he realized he wanted to be a fashion designer “when I was just a child, watching my grandmother sew our clothes. The joy she found in creating something beautiful sparked a flame in me. I started sketching designs and experimenting with fabric when I moved to Manila and worked for designer Dennis Lustico, and it was clear that this was my calling.”
Due to the demands of his work and profession, Quiñones is aware that taking care of his physical and mental health is vital. “Taking care of my physical and mental health is crucial in this demanding industry. I make it a priority to meditate and pray regularly, practice mindfulness, and take time to recharge. I also find joy in cooking, which serves as a creative outlet for me.”
A very good chef as well, Quiñones shared that he learned how to cook from his grandmother.
“I love preparing traditional Filipino dishes like adobo and other Samar dishes, as well as experimenting with new recipes like vegetarian dishes because my husband Paul (Martineau, Curator of Photographs at The J. Paul Getty Museum) is vegetarian.”
Looking ahead, Quiñones said, “I have dreams of expanding my brand internationally and collaborating with other artists across different media. I’m also passionate about giving back to the community, so I hope to launch initiatives that support aspiring designers in the Philippines. The world of fashion is ever-evolving, and I’m excited to see what the future holds!”
Loren Legarda in a Filipiniana creation with fashion designer Puey Quiñones.
The couture dress by Puey Quiñones which was purchased by LACMA and is exclusively displayed in the museum as part of its heritage collection.
Puey Quiñones dresses up award-winning actress Dolly de Leon in an exclusive PQ couture dress. Dolly de Leon in a Puey Quiñones couture creation.
Oversized butterfly sleeved modern Filipiniana dress by Puey Quiñones.
One of Puey Quiñones’ creations showcased in a fashion show in Manila.
Puey Quiñones at work. Couture dress of Puey Quiñones showcased abroad.
Karen Davila in a Puey Quiñones red creation.
Filipina actress Maja Salvador attends the ABS-CBN Ball in a couture Puey Quiñones gown.
High fashion exclusive couture creation by Puey Quiñones.
Puey Quiñones at his atelier in Manila.
EDD’s ‘virtual assistant’ (chatbot) now available in eight languages
by abraHaM liu Information Officer/EDD
THE Employment Development Department (EDD) has made it easier for Californians to get helpful information about EDD programs and services from the EDD website by expanding the language offerings of its Virtual Assistant, or Chatbot, into California’s top spoken languages.
In addition to English and Spanish, the Chatbot can also provide support in Armenian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Together, these eight languages represent the top spoken languages of California’s workforce.
Getting in-language EDD support is as easy as following these three simple steps:
Step 1: Go to www.edd. ca.gov and click the “Help” button in the bottom-right corner, which will open up the Chatbot (see Step 1 photo)
Step 2: Select your preferred language in the drop-down menu (see Step 2 photo)
Step 3: Type in your question and get the answers you need.
The EDD chatbot is available 24/7 and accessible by phone, tablet, or computer to help customers find the information they need at their convenience. It’s fast and easy and provides
answers to commonly asked questions about EDD benefit programs and services. Through the Chatbot, customers can learn about:
• Unemployment, disability, and Paid Family Leave benefits.
• Job services, including job fairs and workshops, training, career guidance, and how to locate their local America’s Job Center of California.
• Business services, including payroll taxes, how to manage a tax account, hiring and training opportunities, and other employer support services.
Learn more by visiting www. edd.ca.gov and try the Chatbot feature for in-language support. (EDD Release)
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 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.
Karla Estrada graduates college at 48 through ETEEAP, proving it’s never too late to learn
TV host and actress earns degree in Office Administration from Philippine Christian University
by AJPress
MANILA — Actress and television host Karla Estrada has reached a new milestone—this time, not on stage or screen, but in the classroom. At 48, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration from the Philippine Christian University (PCU) through the Commission on Higher Education’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).
Designed for working professionals, ETEEAP allows individuals to earn academic degrees by validating their work experience, training, and competencies. For Estrada— who has spent more than three decades in the entertainment industry—it offered a longawaited opportunity to formalize her skills and complete her college education.
On Instagram, Estrada shared her graduation photo wearing a traditional gown and cap. In her caption, she emphasized the importance of learning and personal growth, writing: “Develop a passion in learning, you will never cease to grow.” She also expressed gratitude to PCU and the ETEEAP program for giving her a second chance at academic achievement.
Estrada, who gained prominence both as a dramatic actress and as a host of the morning talk show Magandang Buhay, has publicly emphasized the value of education. Her graduation has since become a personal triumph and a broader symbol of encouragement for adult learners across the country. She noted that completing her degree was a dream long delayed by life circumstances, including her early entry into show business and her role as a single mother. Estrada shared that her achievement is not just for herself but for others who may feel that time has passed them by. In her Instagram Stories, she encouraged others by saying: “If I can do it, you can do it! It’s possible. It’s never too late to learn and become
what you always wanted to be.”
Estrada’s accomplishment comes as more Filipinos turn to non-traditional educational pathways. ETEEAP, developed under Republic Act No. 7722 and administered by CHED, offers a flexible academic track for professionals, overseas Filipino workers, and adult learners who wish to earn a degree without starting from scratch.
Her story quickly went viral, drawing admiration from fans, fellow celebrities, and education advocates. Many commended her resilience and drive, particularly her ability to balance academic requirements with the responsibilities of motherhood and public life.
As the mother of actor and singer Daniel Padilla, Estrada has said she hopes to inspire others to return to school and continue learning, regardless of where they are in life. She acknowledged that many people, particularly women, set aside personal goals for the sake of family or work. Her success, she added, is proof that those goals can still be reclaimed. As she marked her graduation, Estrada became more than a screen icon—she became a figure of persistence and possibility. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that the door to education never truly closes, and that every chapter, even the ones we think are over, can still be rewritten.
Karla Estrada Photo from Instagram/@karlaestrada1121
Meghan Markle
Photo from Instagram/@meghan
Step 1 photo
Photos courtesy of EDD
Step 2 photo
THE current measles outbreak has targeted North Dakota, having its first case since 2011. The count went up to 1001 on May 9, 2025, more than 3 times in all of 2024, reports the CDC. More cases are expected. The 3-month outbreak in Texas owns the vast majority of cases, with 702 confirmed. This viral infection has spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas. Two unvaccinated children died from measles-related disease in West Texas, the epicenter. And an adult in New Mexico, who was unvaccinated, died from the complications of measles.
Many other states are reporting cases of measles. In 2019, there were 1,261 cases of measles in 31 states. Unvaccinated people, when exposed, are very prone to developing measles. Misinformation, confusion, complacency all account for the lowered vaccination rate and for the outbreak.
Measles is a very contagious viral illness that mostly affects unvaccinated children but adults who are unvaccinated are also potential victims. It is more serious among adults and babies. Measles, a potential killer, is easily preventable by a vaccine.
Shoes and backpain
A great news of relief to those with back pains. Two studies presented at the 2025 World Congress on Osteoarthritis in Incheon, South Korea, have this report: “A shoe-based biomechanical intervention worn for a short time each day may achieve greater improvements in low back pain and greater reductions in the risk for total knee replacement surgery than standard physical therapy, according to two studies.”
The U.S. FDA has cleared this shoe-based intervention, “which alters the foot’s pressure points to reduce loads, minimize symptoms, and promote neuromuscular control training using adjustable, convex pods under the sole, according to the researchers.”
Those special “biomechanical” shoes will be heaven-sent to those 619 million with back pain, 40 million with hip pain, or the 654 million with knee
Measles can kill
pain, around the world, all from osteoarthritis. Simple urine test
Early detection of prostate cancer is still a huge clinical challenge today because of lack of reliable biomarkers. This disease is highly treatable when diagnosed in its early stage.
A new study, posted in the journal Cancer Research, reports that early-stage prostatic cancer can be detected using a new simple urine test. The new set of urine-based biomarkers can accurately find both the presence and severity of prostatic cancer.
“The study combined artificial intelligence and detailed genetic analysis and could potentially offer an alternative to current PSA testing,” said the report.
Cancer of the prostate is one of the most frequent cancers in men and early detection leads to high rate of surgical cure. This new simple urine test will lead to early detection which translate to saving maximum of lives, not possible before.
Plant-based diet
There is no question that what we eat affects our health and longevity to a significant extent. For a healthy diet, half of our plate should have plantbased foods, such as colorful vegetables and fruits, a quarter with whole grain (rice, quinoa, bread, preferably non-wheat, and a quarter with protein (either plant-based or animal based). Most veggies contain polyphenols, health antioxidants, which protects body cells from damages, reduces inflammation, has neuro-protection for the brain, and lowers the risk for common chronic diseases. It is also good for our microbiome, gut-health, especially some fermented foods.
The less red meat we eat the better. Avoiding processed foods (like those in a deli like bacon, sausages, etc.) could lower our risk for cancers. And so with grilled foods (meat or veggies) with charcoal-burnt surfaces, which should be trimmed or scraped away. Red meat consumption is linked to increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke) and cancer. Plant-based diet, together with fish, is a healthy diet.
About 20-35 percent of our total calories should be fats –healthy fats from olives, extra virgin cold-processed olive oil, mild olive oil for cooking,
avocados, seeds, and nuts.
Finally, diet-wise, let’s stay away from foods containing gluten and lectin, which increases the risk for gut issues and inflammation, creating havoc to our microbiome (bacterial balance in our gut), which is fundamental to our health and well-being.
We used to think oatmeal and soy products (tofu, etc.) are healthy food items for everyone.
In some people, oatmeal causes blood sugar spikes, the phytic acid in oat hinders mineral absorption, and the oats has gluten in them and some could contain mold toxins.
Choose gluten-free oatmeal, soak them first for a few minutes before cooking to reduce phytic acid and buy whole, unflavored old-fashioned (not instant) oatmeal, preferably steel-cut.
Shingles vaccine
Thirty-three percent (one out of 3) adults around the world will develop shingles, actually a re-activation of the varicellazoster virus in them, which causes chickenpox, to which they have been exposed to before, most during their childhood.
Shingles infection could lead serious, chronic, bothersome complications. Those who are 50 and over can significantly benefit from the shingles vaccine, which provides 90 percent protection.
Lately, studies revealed that shingles vaccine also lower the risk for dementia and cardiovascular ailments, like heart attack and stroke, which protection could last up to eight years.
Home apnea test
Medical, engineering and technological progress are not only mind-boggling but make life more comfortable and convenient for the world. For those with sleep apnea (prolonged breathholding, with oxygen deficient blood, and waking us gasping for breath), they no longer have to go to the sleep laboratory in hospitals for a sleep study, where dozens of sensors are connected to you while you spend the night in that hospital. The amazing miniaturization of sophisticated technological devices now allows people to conduct a basic sleep test in their own bed at home. Besides you, insurance companies and physicians love it too. The home sleep apnea test costs at least 20 times cheaper than the sleep
Reimbursement for community contribution towards a spouse’s education and student loan during marriage
Barrister’s Corner
Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes
ONE of the biggest problem of millenials and Gen Z are educational cost and student loan debt. This eats up a large part of a households budget even among married couples. However, what happens to all the money paid towards one spouse’s education and student loans if the marriage fails and leads to divorce. Well, California Family Code Section 2641(b) (1) provides that upon divorce or legal separation, the community “shall be reimbursed” for its “contributions” to a spouse’s education or training that “substantially enhances” the spouse’s earning capacity. Under Family Code Section 2641(a), reimbursable community “contributions” means pay-
ments made with community or quasi-community property for a spouse’s education or training or for the repayment of a loan incurred therefor, no matter where the parties resided when the payments were made. Family Code § 2641 reimbursement is not limited to education or training received during marriage. Rather, by its terms, application of the statute is governed solely by whether community funds were used to pay for the education or training. Thus, educational costs and loans paid with community funds are within the ambit of § 2641 reimbursement even if the education occurred before marriage. Marriage of Weiner, supra, 105 CA4th at 239-240, 129 CR2d at 291; In Marriage of Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil (2020) 51 CA5th 604, 607-608, 265 CR3d 285, 288, the court held that the community is entitled to reimbursement where spouse paid off student loans for education she attained before marriage with funds from her salary
earned during marriage. In Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil, the trial court erroneously held § 2641 did not apply because, among other things, the student spouse (Wife) repaid her premarital education with her own earnings during the marriage, and the nonstudent spouse (Husband) failed to contribute to Wife’s education/ loan repayments and family expenses. “[B]ut nothing in [§ 2641] contemplates denying reimbursement to the community where the student spouse pays for her own education or where the nonstudent spouse did not somehow earn an entitlement to an equal share of the community. Indeed, the statute refers to community contributions to education, and makes no reference to the source of the community contribution.” Marriage of Mullonkal & Kodiyamplakkil, supra, 51 CA5th at 615-616, 265 CR3d at 294. At a minimum, reimbursable community expenditures include amounts paid for the student spouse’s tu-
On the power of the Holy Spirit
Pastor’s Notes
reverenD
roDel G. BAlAGtAs
IT is remarkable to consider how the Holy Spirit guided and enlightened the College of Cardinals in choosing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the next Pope. Their minds and hearts led them to select this humble servant of God from the Order of St. Augustine, who spent many years in service as a missionary and a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru. Not only does he have extensive missionary experience, but he also possesses the administrative and leadership qualities needed for the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Vatican State, having previously served as the Prior General of the Order of St. Augustine and as Secretary
General of the Dicastery for the Bishops. I have no doubt that the power of the Holy Spirit descended upon the Conclave. We have much to learn from this recent experience of the Universal Church. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our lives. Bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and laity must seek her gifts of wisdom and courage during critical times when making decisions for the Church. Parents and families should practice praying to the Holy Spirit to help them discern the best choices in caring for their loved ones. Young people must also ask for her guidance in choosing their vocations, and they should do so with patience and persistence. We all face challenging decisions in our lives, and it often requires courage to confront them. However, by listening to the voice of God in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, we can make leaps of faith as we navigate these difficult choices. We must rely on the words of
Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel (John 14:23-29):
“I have told you this while I am with you. The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give it to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid.”
We must also imitate the early apostles and elders of the Church as we navigate the challenges of ministry. They turned to the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they preached the Gospel and shared their faith in the Risen Christ in distant lands.
During the Mass of Inauguration of his Petrine Ministry at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV invited all Christians to be illuminated by the Holy Spirit, so that we might build a Church “founded on God’s love, a sign of unity, a missionary Church that opens
Hayden Kho celebrates 45th birthday with
Vicky Belo, talks about ‘healing’
by evanGeline valderraMa Inquirer.net
CELEBRITY doctor
Dr. Hayden Kho celebrated his 45th birthday, with a post on social media about healing scars and in moving forward with a purpose.
In a video post on Instagram, Kho, facing his wife, Dr. Vicky Belo, said that the past 45 years have taught him not only about pain, about also healing with purpose.
“I think most people, when they look at scars, they find it as purely cosmetic, but in truth it has an emotional impact. I just felt that after several years with Belo, healing as many people, that we have a responsibility and capability to do something more meaningful, to help them,” he said in the video.
Kho said that now that he is in the “midpoint” of his life, he said that he did not just want to look back at the past that shaped him, but also look forward to possibilities.
“I want to look forward—to whatever time I have left, and ask: How can I make it count? Through the wounds I’ve carried and the healing I’ve received… through the influence,
resources, and second chances God has graciously entrusted to me… I know I’m meant to use them for something more meaningful.
Kho said that they would soon start implementing a program that is “very close” to his heart. “Something that brings healing—not just to skin, but to souls… Every scar has a story. This year, we’re helping rewrite them,” he said. Belo also left a short but sweet message for her spouse on
Instagram. “[Forty-five] never looked so good,” she said in their joint post. She also shared several solo pictures of the two of them together, as well as their solo pictures.
Kho’s milestone was also celebrated by their celebrity friends and followers, among them Raymond and Ruffa Gutierrez, karylle, Dimples Romana, Gabbi Garcia, and Isabelle Daza. Kho and Belo wed in a lavish ceremony in Paris in 2018.
Reimbursement for community...
ition, fees, books, supplies and transportation. Fam.C. § 2641, Law Rev. Comm’n Comment, 23 Cal. L.Rev. Comm’n Reports 1 (1993) Beyond this, however, community expenditures are a reimbursable “contribution” only if directly related to the educational experience. Ordinary living expenses that would have been incurred regardless of whether one spouse was attending school such as rent, food and clothing, health care and entertainment, are not reimbursable under § 2641. Marriage of Watt (1989) 214 CA3d 340, 354, 262 CR 783, 791-792.
* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation.
* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a
Board Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH U. REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com (Advertising Supplement)
On the power of the Holy Spirit...
B5
its arms to the world, proclaims the word, allows itself to be made ‘restless’ by history, and becomes a leaven of harmony for humanity.” May we respond to this plea so that our Church may
serve as an instrument of peace and unity in the world. In Christ and Mary, Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas * * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not
necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. * * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
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 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 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-itskind feat in pediatric oncology and clinical genomics. But it will not be the last.
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.
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.
(St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Release)
Aspen with pediatric oncologist Sara Federico, MD.
Aspen with mom Stephanie in a photo taken by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Photos courtesy of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
A close-up photo of Aspen Tangonan.
Photos courtesy of St. Jude Children’s
Doctor to the Stars Vicky Belo and Hayden Kho Photo from Instagram/@dochayden
(818) 937-9981
AS we celebrate Father’s Day on June 15, allow me to feature fathers from all walks of life. I asked seven fathers (first batch): (1) How does it feel to be a father? (2) Define fatherhood.
The respondents’ replies are as follows:
Fairfield-based physicist and former U.S. Navy member
Michael Joseph Lobusta, who was with the U.S. Department of Defense: (1) “The feeling of fatherhood is an unexplainable love for my children. There is a sense of desire to provide, to protect, to support and to nurture for my children. Being a father feels overwhelming at times, but this creates an opportunity for me to call on the Heavenly Father to provide me strength and motivation to help my children live fulfilling lives.” (2) “I define fatherhood as a fundamental human role, whereas I, as a father, take on the responsibility of building a healthy relationship with my children, being present for them while I walk this earth with them. Fatherhood is being the role model of unconditional love and trust for my children.”
Quezon City-based driver
Emmanuel Malasa: (1) “ Para sa akin bilang isang ama na may pitong anak ang aking pakiramdam ay nag-uumapaw na kasiyahan. Masaya at puno ng pakikipagsapalaran sa buhay ang pagiging ama .” (2) “ Dito ko nakikita ang pagiging tao, ama, magulang sa kabila ng mga responsibilidad na nakaatang sa iyong mga balikat: pagpapakain, pagpapalaki, paggabay at
Michael Joseph Lobusta: ‘The feeling of fatherhood is an unexplainable love for my children’
paghubog, pagdidisiplina, pagpapaaral ayon sa pagsisikap mong matugunan ilan lang sa mga obligasyon mo bilang Isang ama. Maligaya ako at nasusubaybayan ko ang kanilang paglaki sa kabila ng mga suliraning dumarating na aming nalalagpasan sa kabila ng mga pagsubok. Dasal lang sa Diyos ang aking panlaban, dumating man na kaya na nilang tumayo sa sariling mga paa.
Masaya ako at kanila ring gagawin pag dumating na sila naman ang maging magulang at ama.”
Papua New Guinea-based forester Aristeo “Aldrin” Medina V: (1) “I feel grateful and so blessed for being a father.” (2) “Fatherhood is the actual and ultimate fulfilment of man’s sacred gift or blessing from God as a human being designed to lead, raise, guide, provide for, and mold his offsprings into productive individuals under His Divine wisdom.”
August Twenty One Movement leader Volt Bohol: (1) “Being a father changed the way I look at the world. It gave me a greater purpose to continue living in this world. I can be too selfless at times that I really don’t care for myself that much. Health-wise especially. Ever since I became a father I suddenly started eating healthy foods more because I wanted to live a longer life and spend more time with my son as long as I can.” (2) “Fatherhood is the ultimate high for me. It’s meant to make you more selfless.”
Japan-based Bryan I. Kato who works at the U.S. Naval Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center: (1) “It felt heavy (responsibilities, etc.) at first, but somewhere along
the way things got better in life. As they grew older, I started to feel thankful for having this opportunity or privilege of being a father of two daughters.” (2)
“Though my two daughters are still in their early 20’s, they have left the nest and started living on their own. I’m not a perfect father but I feel that I have equipped them just enough knowledge to survive this world, and having faith that they would mature in God’s timing just as I did when I was at their place. Whatever I learned starting from their birth until they grew up, I feel responsible for helping them with what they need to know and how to apply it in their life. One day, they would go through this life’s cycle, and they would be making their own decisions when it is my time to go. Being a father is a blessing from our Creator and thinking about other people who are unable to be a father, I always feel thankful to God on what I am right now.”
Bulacan-based Paulo Xavier Ilano, married, father of two and client account manager of a BPO firm: (1) “Ang maging isang ama para sa akin is a blessing and an inspiration. It brings me happiness dahil parang mas nagkaroon ng purpose ang buhay ko, mas nagkaroon po ng direksyon .” (2) “ Para po sa akin , fatherhood is a gift from God. Sa pamamagitan po ng pagiging ama, binigyan po ako ni God ng pagkakataon na maging kasangkapan sa paghubog ng buhay, nurture faith, and spread goodness within the family. Ito po ay isang responsibilidad that comes with deep joy, sacrifice and incomparable reward.”
Arvin Tanjuaquio, a product of the University of Redlands (MBA and Masters in Information Systems): (1) “Being a father is tough but very satisfying — every challenge has meaning when you understand the purpose behind the hard work. It’s not just about providing; it’s about building something eternal. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home after a long, draining day, and seeing my four-year-old son runs into my arms and my wife gives you a warm embrace. That moment alone makes every sacrifice worth it. Raising a family isn’t just a responsibility — it’s a calling. Establishing a strong faith in the Lord as the foundation of our home is above all else. There’s no greater joy than seeing your family grow, not just in love, but in the fruits of the Holy Spirit — living each day to honor and glorify God. That’s the kind of legacy worth building.” (2)
“Fatherhood is not just about providing — it’s about building a home grounded in love, rooted in God, and held together by genuine care for one another. It means leading with faith, serving with humility, and nurturing a space where love, trust, and the presence of the Lord are always felt. It’s the daily choice to raise a family not just in strength, but in spirit — shaped by grace, guided by truth, and united in purpose.”
* * * Vocabulary word for today: Vulnerable.
To be vulnerable means being susceptible to harm or attack, either physically or emotionally. Someone who is vulnerable is easily hurt, weak, and unprotected. It can also mean being open to criticism, temptation, or having weaknesses that make you more susceptible to being harmed or affected.
* * 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.
Vulnerability can also refer to the willingness to show emotion or allow one’s weaknesses to be seen, even if it’s uncomfortable.
* * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
The Medina family: (Clockwise, from top left) Aldrin, Liz, Aries Aldrin, Mary Elizabeth, and Prince Aldrin.
Japan-based Bryan I. Kato with his two daughters Soyoka Joyce (in floral green kimono) and Yumeka Charis.
Paulo Xavier Ilano during his recent 40th birthday.
Physicist Michael Joseph Lobusta with his son Milokai. Photos compiled by Rogelio C. Medina
Arvin Tanjuaquio with son Mattias.
Driver Emmanuel Malasa with his son King. ATOM leader Volt Bohol
