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MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2023 Volume 16 - No.31 • 16 Pages

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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

‘We adapt or we suffer’ – Marcos

by KriStina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

Missing Fil-Am teen found PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on May 22 said the government will dead in Riverside County Monday, have to implement programs addressing climate change or the country will suffer from A FILIPINO American teenager, who was previously reported missing in Moreno Valley, was found dead, according to police.

The Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Bureau announced that the remains of 16-year-old Jordan Caoile, a student at Vista Del Lago High School, were discovered on Thursday, May 18 in an open field in Moreno Valley.

The cause of his death has not been announced, but foul play is not suspected and no suspects are being sought, according to Sgt. Wenndy Brito-Gonzalez.

Caoile was reported missing on May 15, dressed in light grey sweatpants, a blue/

its whiplash.

Marcos said the government will ramp up cooperation with the Asian Development Bank

(ADB) to effectively implement the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, with emphasis “on climate and its intimate relation to the people” and the country’s future.

Citing data from the 2022 World Bank report, he said that “climate change will continue to pose a threat to the Philippines.”

“Our country recently topped the World Risk Index 2022 which means that we have been found to have the highest disaster

risk among the 193 countries on the planet.

A highly undesirable distinction that we somehow have come into,” he said during the reception hosted by the ADB in his honor at its headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

“Set against the backdrop of all these worries from realities and statistics, the whole point is the climate change agenda is compelling, not only for the Philippines but

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China sends buoy vessel to West PH Sea

by FranceS MangoSing Inquirer.net

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Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Frasco at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay, May 24, 2023.

Inquirer.net photo by Ryab Leagogo

NATIONAL DISASTER. Firefighters continue to check on the Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio after the famous landmark and Important Cultural Property was razed before midnight Sunday, May 21. First built in 1926 and restored in 1946 after World War II, the neoclassicial building sustained damage and losses estimated between P300 to P500 million while at least 15 firefighters and volunteers sustained injuries.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

DOT’s new tourism slogan to feature PH as ‘treasure trove’ of culture, history Napoles cleared in one MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday, May 24 said that its new tourism slogan – which will focus more on showcasing the country as a “treasure trove” of culture and history — is still under development.

The campaign will succeed the current “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” slogan, which was launched back in 2012.

“We’re grateful for the gains that have been made by the previous administrations in terms of pushing for the existing slogan,” Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco said in

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pork barrel case but convicted in another

by Krixia SubingSubing Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Sandiganbayan cleared businesswoman Janet LimNapoles of 16 counts of graft in connection with the alleged anomalous use of Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla

Jr.’s pork barrel fund, but convicted her on separate charges for the misuse of a former Davao del Sur lawmaker’s discretionary fund.

The decisions, promulgated separately by the anti-graft court’s first and

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CHINA has deployed a buoy vessel to the West Philippine Sea, according to ship tracking data, just days after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) placed navigational buoys at Philippineclaimed features in the contested waters.

It was not immediately clear why China deployed its largest beacon vessel, the 73-meter-long Haixun173, to the area.

According to a state-run report by China Global Television Network during the ship’s commissioning in 2020, the vessel is mainly responsible for setting up buoys and conducting patrols and inspections in the South China Sea. The PCG, which recently dropped buoys as sovereignty markers over some features in the

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Attorney General Rob Bonta ‘seriously considering’ run for California governor

by AJPress

COULD California see its first Filipino American governor?

Attorney General Rob Bonta is “seriously considering” a run for the Golden State’s top office, according to a recent interview with the San Francisco Chronicle.

“Quite a few folks have reached

out to me encouraging me to run for governor,” Bonta told the Chronicle.

The 50-year-old Democrat, who served as a state assemblymember for five terms, was appointed to the attorney general post by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2021 after thenattorney general Xavier Becerra was appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services. With the

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From the Front Page

China sends buoy vessel to West...

PAGE 1 West Philippine Sea, has yet to respond to requests for comment.

“Why would China send a buoy tender to the Spratlys a week after the Philippines deployed its buoys,” NO LIMITS. Bigay Buhay Multipurpose Cooperative in Caloocan City helps persons with disabilities (PWD) fend for themselves by providing gainful employment. On Monday, May 22, the Philippine News Agency witnessed some PWD go about their daily tasks, unmindful of their physical limitations.

PNA photos by Joan Bondoc

‘We adapt or we suffer’...

PAGE 1 for the rest of the world. Our options are limited, we must mitigate, we must adapt, and if we don’t do that we must suffer,” Marcos warned.

Addressing the impact of climate change is one of the president’s priorities, having repeatedly issued reminders to various government agencies to intensify climate change planning and programming.

The inclusion of the climate agenda in the PDP was also proof of the government’s ramped up efforts to combat global warming.

The program is anchored on three main strategies: increasing climate and disaster risk resilience of communities and institutions; enhancing ecosystem resilience; and enabling transition to a low-carbon economy.

“As the ‘climate bank’ of the Asia and the Pacific, the ADB has proven its reliability in extending strategic financing and technical assistance for climate-responsive projects,” the president said.

He added his administration has strategically integrated the climate agenda into its plan, boosting annual public infrastructure spending to 6 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), consistent with its Build Better More agenda.

The government aims to incorporate the elements of sustainability, climate resilience and disaster-proofing in all phases of societal and infrastructural planning, design and construction, up to operation and maintenance.

“It will be implemented in our water sector, in our sanitation, energy and transportation systems, including agriculture and food production, and many other essential areas. Climate change will be the lodestar for our integral national policies and investment decisions,” Marcos explained.

The ADB has extended developmental assistance programs for decades.

Marcos said that in his nine-month tenure, three strategic programs were signed with the ADB, and there are “many more” in the pipeline, all calculated to strongly support the pursuit of high-priority developmental goals.

The Marcos administration is awaiting the release of the Country Partnership Strategy for 2024-2029, which shall clearly spell out the ADB’s recommended medium-term development agenda for the Philippines.

It is guided by the theme, “Investing in Climate, Filipinos and the Future,” consistent with the Philippine Development Plan.

The ADB was the Philippines’ top source of Official Development Assistance (ODA) among 20 development partners in 2022, accounting for 34 percent ($10.74 billion for 31 loans and 28 grants) of the $31.95 billion of the total active ODA. From 2010 to 2022, ADB’s annual loan financing for the Philippines averaged at $1.4 billion.

Three loans amounting to $1.10 billion were signed with the Bank in the first nine months of the Marcos administration.

The additional loan assistance in the pipeline amounting to $11.55 billion for 2023-2025 is for the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project ($1.07 billion), Malolos-Clark Railway Project Tranche 2 ($1 billion) and South Commuter Railway Project Tranche 2 ($1.75 billion). n

Stanford University’s Project Myoushu (South China Sea) lead Ray Powell, who has been monitoring the developments, said on Twitter.

“Alternatively, does China intend to place its own buoys

as sovereignty markers to counter the Philippines’ buoys?” he asked.

The PCG installed the buoys early this month off the Philippine-occupied islands of Patag (Flat), Kota (Loaita), Panata (Lankiam

Cay), and the fishing grounds of Balagtas (Irving) Reef and Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef for maritime safety and to further assert the country’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction in these waters. n

Napoles cleared in one pork barrel...

PAGE 1 second divisions, were made public at the same time on Monday, May 22.

Napoles is presently serving multiple sentences at the Correctional Institution for Women from two earlier convictions in relation to the pork barrel scam, including life imprisonment imposed by the Sandiganbayan in 2018 for plunder.

In the 223-page decision in the Revilla case, Napoles was found innocent after state prosecutors failed to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt in all 16 charges of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The case accused Revilla of allocating P224 million from his Priority Development Assistance Fund to bogus nongovernment organizations (NGOs) owned

by Napoles. He was one of many lawmakers who reportedly allotted their discretionary funds to ghost projects in exchange for kickbacks.

The anomaly came to light when Napoles’ cousin and bagman, Benhur Luy, blew the lid on the scam after he was supposedly detained by the businesswoman. The Inquirer broke the story in 2013, prompting several investigations that led to the indictment of then Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Revilla for plunder and multiple counts of graft.

In clearing Napoles, the First Division mainly argued that the graft charges were the same predicate acts of plunder, for which Napoles and Revilla’s chief of staff, Richard Cambe, had been convicted in 2018.

Both were raffled off to the First Division, which acquitted Revilla of all charges in 2021.

Same accusations “The acts imputed to the accused charged in the two

Janet Lim-Napoles

sets of cases are the same,” according to the decision written by Associate Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang.

“Moreover, the testimonial and documentary evidence adduced by the prosecution were essentially the same in the trial of both cases.”

Citing jurisprudence, the court said it was clear that the legislative intent in passing the anti-plunder law was “to address the procedural nightmare of filing separate charges for the different predicate acts.”

“In other words, the prosecution can incorporate all the predicate acts in one charge of plunder instead of preparing a multitude of information and proving all of them in court,” it noted.

“Since the predicate acts were already used as basis [for] the crime of plunder, then the accused could no longer be charged separately for violation of the antigraft law.”

It did note that the prosecution was able to substantiate evidence that Cambe and Napoles received

Inquirer.net photo

kickbacks in the ghost projects, “similar to the conclusion reached in the plunder case as it involved the same acts charged here.”

But in allowing both cases to prosper in court, the First Division noted that the prosecution “was simply made to present the same evidence against Revilla, Cambe, and Napoles twice, and the latter were made to defend themselves for the same action twice.”

The division also again upheld that Revilla’s endorsement of Napoles’ NGOs was merely recommendatory and that he was “performing acts that were customary at the time.”

Nevertheless, Napoles’ acquittal effectively cleared her in the criminal cases related to the misuse of Revilla’s pork barrel funds.

The alleged mastermind behind the plunder of P10 billion in public funds still faces a slew of cases before the Sandiganbayan, including those related to the discretionary funds of Senator Estrada and now

presidential counsel Enrile.

Guilty verdict In the decision promulgated by the Second Division, Napoles was found guilty of two counts of graft and two counts of malversation of public funds for conspiring with former Davao del Sur lawmaker Douglas Cagas and several other public officials to implement ghost projects in exchange for kickbacks.

This particular case accused Cagas of unilaterally choosing and endorsing Countrywide Agri and Rural Economic and Development Foundation, one of Napoles’ NGOs, to implement a fake livelihood project worth P8 million.

Also convicted were Technology Resource Center (TRC) officer Belina Concepcion and Napoles’ liaison Mylene Encarnacion for the graft charges, and TRC staff Maria Lacsamana and a certain Evelyn de Leon for the malversation charges.

‘Appalled’ They were all sentenced to serve six to 10 years in prison for the graft cases, and 12 to 17 years for the malversation charges. They were also asked to return P7.7 million to the government and pay the same amount as fine.

Sought for comment, House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro said she was “appalled” upon learning that the Sandiganbayan has acquitted Napoles in 16 criminal cases.

In a statement, Castro said this was shocking as she hoped that it would not set a precedent for the junking of the other cases against Napoles.

“I hope this acquittal of Napoles won’t be a prelude for the fate of other cases and I hope that this won’t be used to cover up other people involved in the pork barrel scam. If this happens, they might end up pocketing trillions of pesos,” Castro added. n

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Attorney General Rob Bonta...

PAGE 1 appointment, Bonta became the first Fil-Am to hold the

Attorney General Rob Bonta

office, and subsequently was elected to a full four-year term last November 2022.

Photo from Facebook/@RobBonta

If he throws his hat into the governor race after Newsom terms out in 2026, Bonta would join current Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and former State Controller Betty Yee who have announced their intentions to run for governor.

Despite the consideration to run for governor, Bonta told the Chronicle that he will continue to be focused on “being attorney general” and that the decision to run for the state’s top office is not “something that I’m making a decision on today.” n

Missing Fil-Am teen found dead in...

PAGE 1 black sweater and an Adidas backpack. A search subsequently was launched for the teenager with flyers being shared on the ground and on social media.

His parents, Randy and Karen Caoile, took to social media to announce their son’s passing.

“We want to thank everyone who has been helping with our search for Jordan. The support we received from the community and social media has been tremendous. We cannot thank you all enough,” they wrote in a post.

They provided the update that “he has been found but with a heavy heart unfortunately he is no longer with us.”

The post added,”Please continue to keep Jordan in your thoughts and prayers. We ask as a family if you could please assist with removing any posters or flyers you come across.”

“Please respect our privacy as we come to terms with our loss,” they wrote.

A GoFundMe (www.gofundme.com/f/ caoile-family-fundraiser) has been started to help the Caoile family with expenses associated with their loss. (AJPress) n

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Asian American Voter Empowerment Project launched to increase voter turnout in LA

by AJPress

SEVERAL Asian American community and civil rights organizations recently announced the launch of the Asian American Voter Empowerment Project (AAVEP) in an effort to increase voter education and registration in Los Angeles.

Officially launched on Saturday, May 20 at Eagle Rock Plaza, the project from the Pilipino Workers Center of Southern California (PWC), LEAD Filipino, and Asian Business Association Foundation, with the support of CAUSE, AAPI’s for Equity, Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAAJ), brings together a major and comprehensive site-based voter registration program across Los Angeles.

The launch of AAVEP is a non-partisan and sitebased voter registration program to be spearheaded

Aquilina Soriano Versoza, executive director of the Pilipino Workers Center (front center), is joined by community leaders and members on Saturday, May 20 at Eagle Rock Plaza for the launch of the Asian American Voter Empowerment Project, a comprehensive site-based voter registration program across Los Angeles.

Photos courtesy of the Asian American Voter Empowerment Project

by multiple Filipina/x/o and Asian American serving nonprofit organizations that will aim to register eligible Asian American voters historically excluded from voter registration and education efforts with the

densely populated and often hard-to-reach areas of Los Angeles.

Asian Americans are among one of the fastest growing ethnic groups, with more than 18 million living in the United States today,

Fil-Am community leader Jessica Caloza speaks during the launch of the Asian American Voter Empowerment Project.

and represent the country’s fastest-growing voting bloc.

In California, Asian American communities hold a 16.3% share of the electorate with the citizen voting age population in Los Angeles standing over 1 million. Despite these statistics, gaps in voter contact with Asian communities continues to create disparities. In the 2022 Asian American Voter Survey, 56% of Asian Americans reported receiving no contact or were unsure if they received contact about the election.

“The voice of Asian American Angelenos must be an equitable part of the decision making process of Los Angeles to be a successful and thriving city. The Asian American Voter Empowerment Project will support our community to overcome language and other barriers to participation through outreach and education that is designed for the specific cultures and diversities of our community,” states Aquilina Soriano Versoza, Executive Director of PWC. AAVEP organizers began registering hundreds of eligible voters in Los Angeles, particularly focused on engaging Asian Americans ahead of the 2024 elections. The voter registration program efforts will strive to register a majority of eligible voters that identify as Asian American or with an Asian ethnic background. n

UP IN SMOKE. Court documents, letters and parcels are among the items charred and rendered useless after a fire destroyed the historic Manila Central Post Office in Liwasang Bonifacio before midnight Sunday, May 21. The Bureau of Fire Protection said on Tuesday, May 23 that the gutted part of the neoclassical building was made of antique hardwood while the estimated cost of damage was between P300 million and P500 million.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

DOT’s new tourism...

PAGE 1 the public forum Kapihan sa Manila Bay. “But at the same time we would like to give our country an opportunity to reintroduce itself to the world not just as a fun destination, which it will continue to be, but also as a treasure trove of culture, of heritage, of history, of love and warmth and the sheer talent of our artisans, makers, small and medium enterprises, as well as the burning private place of our fellow Filipinos regionally,” she added.

“The stories of Filipinos have yet to be told in full, and we intend to do that with an enhanced branding campaign,” Frasco added.

According to Frasco, the DOT is still conducting a “white market study” on the existing tourism campaign and is still in the process of enhancing the campaign — which she stressed would not be launched without consulting stakeholders.

“So this is literally in the works right now,” said Frasco.

However, Frasco clarified that the country’s tourism would not hinge on the DOT’s branding campaign alone, highlighting the importance of product development and improving aspects of the Philippine tourism industry, especially when compared to its neighbors in Southeast Asia.

She also recognized the necessity of tourism investments, reiterating that the country remains open for such, especially after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opened the country to investment and pledges. (By Zacarian Sarao/Inquirer.net) n

US keen on upping support to Philippines’ creative industry

by Ramon Royandoyan Philstar.com

MANILA — The head of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is eyeing opportunities on how they could boost their support to the Philippines’ creative industry, which is still reeling from pandemicinduced woes.

Kathi Vidal, the director of the USPTO and Commerce undersecretary, lauded the Philippine government’s efforts to pass legislation to support the country’s creative industry.

“The ability to grow jobs in the Philippines through the creative industry is

phenomenal, given your workforce, given how young they are, given how talented they are in that space,” she told Philstar.com in a limited engagement with the news media on Monday, May 22.

Republic Act 11904 or the Philippine Creative Industries Development Act lapsed into law on July 27 last year. The measure is geared towards aiding the development of the creative industry sector.

This sector contributed 7.3% to the country’s gross domestic product last year.

This is equivalent to P1.6 trillion, leapfrogging 12.1% year-on-year as the creative industry largely benefitted

from the easing of mobility restrictions towards the end of 2022.

Vidal’s three-day tour in the Philippines, alongside a meeting with the head of the country’s intellectual property office, marked a first of sorts. This was her first visit to the Philippines as director of the superpower’s patent office, part of a broader initiative of the United States to strengthen its economic alliances amid the backdrop of regional tensions against China.

The USPTO has been active in the region since the mid-1970s.

“What we plan to do in the next meeting is a listening

session, I wanna hear how we can support the Philippines more, how we can support artists in the Philippines, not just the larger organizations that might show up to a meeting like this but all the artists out there that are not showing up,” she said.

“That’s something we’re solving for in the U.S. as well,” Vidal added.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding with the USPTO in 2021.

Intellectual property woes As it is, the creative industry sector’s prominence could grow larger in the

coming years, as the Marcos Jr .administration believes so. In the Philippine Development Plan 20232028, the government trained its sights on this sector to fatten its contribution to economic growth and drive innovation.

Vidal spotlighted that the Philippines could attract more investments provided the country fosters growth in its intellectual property (IP) ecosystem.

Data provided by the USPTO revealed the United States is the top patent filer in the Philippines, with patent filings growing 9.3% in 2022.

“The fact that you’re

not on the 301 list, the fact that you’re committed to IP, creative industries, makes it a very ripe area for investments,” she said.

The Philippines has stayed out of the U.S.’s watch list of countries with IP violations for a decade now.

As it is, counterfeiting and piracy remain a perennial problem across the world, as the Philippines has made considerable efforts to curb them.

The European Commission flagged four markets in the country, Greenhills Shopping Center and Divisoria counting tagged as two, as hotspots of counterfeit goods. n

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OpiniOn

Features

A gutted national heritage

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This National Heritage Month, a century-old landmark in the city of Manila was gutted by fire. Only the concrete shell of the Central Post Office was left after the conflagration was finally put out on Monday, May 22 seven hours after the fire started at 11:41 p.m. on Sunday, May 21 in the basement reportedly housing the General Services Office.

Apart from letters and parcels, the fire destroyed the Philippine Postal Corp.’s entire library of antique and commemorative stamps – a national heritage – along with artworks used for designing stamps. PhilSys National ID cards that were being readied for delivery were also destroyed.

With such precious but highly combustible items, it is disheartening to find out that the building lacked fire alarms and water sprinkler systems, as noted by Bureau of Fire Protection personnel who responded to the blaze. Firefighting capability was also reportedly hampered by the lack of water.

While about 80 fire trucks responded, it took more than seven hours to put out the inferno. BFP personnel said the enclosed space quickly dried up water. Fire trucks had

to get additional water from the nearby Pasig River and even from the water fountain system in Liwasang Bonifacio across the building.

The five-story structure with soaring ceilings was designed by architects Juan Arellano and Tomas Mapua. Built in the neoclassical style in 1926, it was destroyed during the Battle of Manila during World War II, but was rebuilt in 1946. On Nov. 24, 2018, the National Museum declared the building as an Important Cultural Property. This designation obviously failed to inspire efforts to boost fire safety measures in a heritage building that houses so many precious items made of paper and other highly combustible materials.

The landmark managed to rise from the ashes of World War II, but was then

Editorial

At Ground Level Satur C. OCampO THE U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, nearly 75 years old now, is being dusted off in the light of “current and emerging threats” to the two countries – read: China’s increasing belligerence about Taiwan

ManilaTimes.net photo

allowed to gradually fall into disrepair. Other countries pour resources into preserving such structures or enclaves. Countries with high awareness of the economic importance of travel and tourism almost always have “old towns” where significant investments are poured into the preservation, restoration and proper maintenance of heritage structures.

In the Philippines, the focus is on razing such structures to give way to mixed-use property development where the concrete jungle is the favored model. Perhaps this tragedy that has befallen the postal office building for the second time will serve as an eye-opener on the importance of preserving the nation’s heritage. (Philstar.com)

US, Philippines update defense guidelines and its own maritime claims over almost the entire South China Sea. Last May 3, newly-crafted Bilateral Defense Guidelines (BDG) were released by the U.S. State Department, which assert the treaty’s “enduring relevance” by “modernizing alliance cooperation in the service of the… shared vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

Specifically, the BDG reaffirm that an armed attack in the Pacific, “including anywhere in the South China Sea,” on either of their public vessels, aircraft or armed forces – which include their Coast Guards – “would invoke mutual defense commitments under Articles IV and V of the (MDT).”

Such attack threats include land, sea, air, space

and cyberspace – through “asymmetric, hybrid and irregular warfare and greyzone tactics.” Big words that need to be explained by experts, for which the guidelines would “chart a way forward to build interoperability in both conventional and nonconventional domains.”

To strengthen U.S.Philippine “combined deterrence in an evolving

security environment,” the guidelines set the following objectives: • Foster common understanding of roles, missions and capabilities within the alliance framework to face regional and global security challenges (which are mainly U.S. concerns); • Unify efforts across all areas of bilateral security and defense cooperation to

sustain focus on principal regional security concerns; and • Guide priority areas of defense cooperation to address both conventional and non-conventional security challenges of shared concern.

To advance these objectives, the guidelines say they need to: • Modernize defense PAGE 10

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Immigration modernization bill in line with PBBM economic agenda MANILA – The House of Representatives on Tuesday, May 23 approved on second reading a priority bill of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) that proposes to modernize the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

During her sponsorship speech, Committee on Justice chair Juliet Marie Ferrer said the passage of the proposed immigration modernization law under House Bill 8203 is in line with the economic agenda of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. “The improvement and modernization of our immigration system -- making it more efficient and effective -- will boost economic growth, attract more foreign investments, encourage tourism and create more jobs,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer said it is imperative for the government to provide the BI and its personnel with the necessary funding and tools in order to improve their services and enhance their capabilities as the country’s first line of defense on Philippine borders.

“Our immigration officers are the frontliners in our country’s fight against terrorism, human trafficking, illegal

recruitment and other illegal activities perpetrated by foreigners on our soil and against Filipino citizens,” she said.

Ferrer recognized the hard work of immigration officers during the pandemic as they made sure that Filipinos were safe while traveling to and from the country, while minimizing the effects of the global pandemic on Philippine shores.

“We have seen our immigration officers exert herculean efforts to protect our citizens from human trafficking and illegal recruitment, as well as preventing terrorists, sex offenders, and other undesirable foreign nationals from entering the country,” she said.

She pointed out that the immigration officers are among the lowest paid employees in government service with the entry level IO-1 position holding Salary Grade 11.

The measure, she said, seeks to upgrade the salaries of immigration officers and other BI employees, as well as provide additional benefits and incentives.

Ferrer said an Immigration Trust Fund PAGE 7

China harassment continues in WPS

by Bernadette e. tamayo ManilaTimes.net

THE China Coast Guard (CCG) continues to harass Filipino troops in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) which has sometimes resulted in the delayed delivery of provisions to soldiers stationed at the Ayungin Shoal in the Kalayaan Island Groups (KIG).

Brig. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deputy chief of staff, confirmed the “continuous harassment” by the CCG when he faced the Commission on Appointments (CA) for the deliberation of his ad interim appointment on Tuesday, May 23.

The CA later on approved his appointment and of 49 other senior AFP officers.

“There’s always continuous harassment of our troops at [the]

Kalayaan Island Groups and sometimes the provision of our troops there is always delayed, depending on the situation,” he said.

“When there is lots of news about the conflict at the WPS that’s the time also that they usually are very aggressive and not allowing some of our ships to go there,” Gaerlan said.

He added, “Nevertheless, our ships continue to attempt to go there until such time that they are able to pass through.”

“However, sometimes these maneuvers are very dangerous, especially to our Navy men, who are using the ships and it may cause damage or even loss of lives if there will be a lot of miscalculation,” Gaerlan said.

The Philippine military in 1999 ran the BRP Sierra Madre aground at the Ayungin Shoal or Mischief

Reef, some 196 kilometers from Palawan, in response to China’s illegal occupation of the area.

The CCG last February 8 beamed a military-grade laser light on a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ship also in Ayungin Shoal which was on a resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre. The incident caused temporary blindness to the PCG personnel.

The PCG had also reported the presence of a People’s Liberation Army Navy, CCG, and 42 suspected Chinese maritime militia vessels within the surrounding waters of the Pag-asa Island.

Senate concurrence Meanwhile, Sen. Francis Tolentino said the potential defense agreement between the Philippines and Japan may need the concurrence of the Senate.

The senator noted PAGE 7

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‘War on drugs’ victims’ kin ‘unanimously’ China harassment continues in... support International Court investigation MANILA — Families of the victims of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” unanimously support an investigation by the International Criminal Court into alleged crimes against humanity committed in the country.

The ICC’s Victims Participation and Reparation Section (VPRS) has submitted to the Appeals Chamber a report on May 22 on victims’ representation on whether the investigation into the Philippines should be confirmed, amended or reversed.

Drawing from five victim representation on behalf of 350 individual victims and 165 families, the VPRS said it found that “victims unanimously support an ICC investigation into crimes against humanity allegedly committed in the context of the [“war on drugs”] in the Philippines.”

“As a result, victims request the Chamber to confirm the Article 18(2) Decision,” it said.

The chamber recently denied the Philippines’ request to suspend the international court’s investigation on the drug war.

Principal counsel for the victims Paolina Massidda has earlier echoed the request of ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan in asking the Appeals Chamber to dismiss the Philippine government’s plea and uphold the Pre-Trial Chamber’s decision to resume investigation into the Philippines.

In the report, the VPRS illustrated how local institutions still fail to serve justice even under the new administration. “In the words of the victims, ‘justice and accountability in the Philippines remain largely elusive and victims and victims’ families face enormous

difficulties in seeking accountability using available domestic legal remedies,” it said.

From police refusing to authenticate documents their offices have previously issued to stories of how authorities would make them sign a document agreeing to close the case of their loved ones because they do not know who the perpetrator was—families of those killed under Duterte’s “war on drugs” recounted their difficult experiences in trying to seek justice back home.

“If they had helped us here in the Philippines, if we had felt their care, assistance, support, this wouldn’t have escalated and reached a court outside the country,” one statement from a victim read.

The victims also reported feeling unsafe as there are still instances where police intimidate them even in their communities, while others say they have been pressured not to file cases—affecting their morale.

They also raised that even with the new administration under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., “inaction continues” and no prospect to obtain justice at domestic level is seen in the current government.

The UP Third World Studies Center’s latest report showed there have been 294 total reported drug-related killings under Marcos Jr., with 11 recorded just last May 8 to 15.

“President Marcos has not eschewed Operation Tokhang and has made no overt action to prosecute or hold accountable any of the top officials or to review the policy,” one of the victim representations said. (Kaycee Valmonte with Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar. com) n

Fitch revises PH credit rating outlook to stable

by Lawrence agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA — Debt watcher Fitch Ratings has upgraded the credit rating outlook of the Philippines from negative to stable due to improved confidence that the country is returning to strong medium-term growth after the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the same time, it noted sustained reductions in government debt that substantially increased in recent years.

Fitch retained the country’s credit rating

at BBB or a notch above minimum investment grade.

A stable outlook means the rating is likely to stay over the medium term of 12 to 18 months.

“The revision also reflects our assessment that the Philippines’ economic policy framework remains sound and in line with ‘BBB’ peers, despite its low scores on World Bank Governance indicators,” it said.

According to the credit rating agency, the revision comes despite some relative deterioration over the last years in credit metrics that previously had been

strengths, including in government debt, to gross domestic product and net external debt to GDP. The country’s economy would continue to be resilient with a GDP growth of above six percent over the medium term despite the slowdown in the first quarter to 6.4 percent from 7.1 percent in the fourth quarter and eight percent in the first quarter of last year, Fitch said in a statement.

“We forecast real GDP growth of above six percent over the medium term, considerably stronger PAGE 10

Immigration modernization bill in...

PAGE 6 shall be created for the modernization and professionalization of the bureau, including new equipment and facilities.

“With this bill, we will be giving the bureau and its personnel the resources to perform their functions to the best of their abilities,” she said.

The bill seeks to harmonize existing immigration laws, such as the Commonwealth Act No. 613 or the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, in order to make them more responsive and in touch with international developments in the 21st century.

The chamber approved House Bill 8203 through voice voting. (PNA) n

PAGE 6 that Manila and Tokyo are reportedly preparing preliminary consultations before starting the formal negotiations for a Reciprocal Access Agreement or (RAA) or a visiting forces deal.

Tolentino said that if the agreement will be in a form of a treaty, then it must be done precisely in accordance with the 1987 Constitution, and “must be ratified” by the Senate.

Once approved, the proposed RAA would allow Filipino and Japanese forces to deploy troops on each other’s territory for training and other operations.

Tolentino said the supposed deal will boost defense cooperation in the Indo-Pacific zone amid concerns over escalating tensions in the South China Sea region, particularly along the disputed territories located in the WPS. Tolentino, vice chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security, had this year proposed the conduct

of a multilateral show of maritime security cooperation with the United States and neighboring countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) amid a series of reported escalations near the WPS. He said that expanding the conduct of joint patrols — to include other claimant countries in Southeast Asia — will help ensure the freedom of navigation, exercise of fishing rights, and, somehow, pacify existing tensions due to territorial disputes hounding the South China Sea region.

Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito expressed concern over the continued aggression experienced by Filipino soldiers stationed at the Ayungin Shoal.

“We are trying to shore up, we cannot fight China, of course, but at least, we can put up the minimum credible defense posturing that we all aspire for,” Ejercito said.

Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada on Monday, May

7

22 called on fellow senators to support the cause of the brave men and women of Pag-asa Island in the KIG and help uplift their living condition.

Estrada, who personally visited the island on May 18, maintained that it is their moral obligation, as public servants, to ensure that Pagasa Island residents have access to basic necessities such as education, health care and livelihood.

A total of 350 civilians are currently living on Pag-asa Island, 73 of them children.

Ejercito said the Senate has been very supportive of the AFP modernization, especially now that the focus of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is already external defense.

He added, “Rest assured that we will support our men and women in uniform, especially the Marines and the Navy who are stationed there.”

“We commend them.

My salute for holding the ground, for fighting for our sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Ejercito said. n

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US awards P240-M No end to smuggling as Customs grapples with solutions grants for biodiversity conservation in PH

by William B. Depasupil ManilaTimes.net

MANILA – The United States government has awarded P240 million worth of grants to support the biodiversity conservation efforts of 11 select civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy in Manila announced Tuesday, May 23.

The amount will fund grants under the U.S. Agency for International Development’s Investing in Sustainability and Partnership for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems (USAID INSPIRE) project, some of which would focus on wildlife protection and implementation of natural climate solutions.

The Mabuwaya Foundation, one of the recipients, plans to use their grant to protect the intact forests of the Sierra Madre mountain range in Cagayan by addressing illegal logging and conversion of forest lands for agricultural use.

Xavier Agricultural Extension Service Foundation’s grant, on the other hand, will strengthen community-based initiatives to restore and protect the mangrove forests and other marine ecosystems in Zamboanga Sibugay.

The nine other recipients are BaiAni Foundation, CBCP Caritas Filipinas Foundation, Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation, Diliman Science Research Foundation, Impl. Project Philippines, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, Surigao Economic Development and Microfinance Foundation, Tanggol Kalikasan, and University of Santo Tomas Research and Endowment Foundation.

U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson affirmed the critical role that CSOs play in translating PAGE 10

WHILE the Bureau of Customs (BoC) is making big strides in curbing smuggling as it moves closer to full computerization of its system, it remains clueless though on how to completely put a stop to “undervaluation, misdeclaration, misclassification and underdeclaration,” problems that have stuck with the bureau since its inception.

Assistant Commissioner Philip Maronilla, concurrent Customs spokesman, admitted to The Manila Times on Sunday, May 21 that undervaluation and misdeclaration were the most common schemes used by unscrupulous importers and brokers to evade payment of correct customs duties, resulting in billions of pesos in tax losses that could have otherwise been used by the Marcos administration in vital government projects and assistance to the poor and marginalized sectors of society.

On a yearly basis, the BoC is losing billions of pesos in foregone duties and taxes due to technical smuggling like undervaluation and misdeclaration as shown in a 20-page report of the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI).

The FPI report indicated that from 2002 to 2011, the government lost

more than P1.33 trillion in revenues due to technical smuggling committed in BoC’s 17 collection districts across the country.

Aside from undervaluation and misdeclaration, there are two other types of technical smuggling — underdeclaration and misclassification.

The problem of technical smuggling is not only the concern of the Philippines but also of neighboring country Indonesia which was recently rocked by a gold bar smuggling scandal that prompted its House of Representatives to conduct a special hearing.

The alleged gold bar smuggling, according to a report by the Jakarta Post in Indonesia on May 16, 2023, could have been prevented had a crossborder electronic invoicing system (e-invoicing) been in place, something, it pointed out, that many businessmen have been recommending since early last year.

According to the paper’s report, the alleged gold bar smuggling was done through the use of a falsified harmonized system (HS) code, which involved suspicious transactions and alleged money laundering amounting to $12.85 billion.

FPI Chairman Jesus Lim Arranza agreed that the HS Code has been brazenly and repeatedly abused by unscrupulous importers and some

corrupt Customs officials to avoid the right payment of duties and taxes.

He said that undervaluation was the most prevalent and common type of technical smuggling and has first hand experience how technical smugglers circumvent Customs guidelines, particularly the HS Code, to avoid import restrictions and lower dutiable values.

Arranza said that when he was head of the Coconut Industry Investment Fund (CIIF), the group of government sequestered coconut oil mills, he caught importers toying with Customs laws.

“A good example of misdeclaration was the container van of imported onions from China, which we caught after getting suspicious of its declaration. How could such stupidity of declaring hand tools in a refrigerated van skip the watchful eyes of Customs officials?” Arranza said.

Arranza also cited how the HS Code was played with in the importation of steel products, which have different HS codes. Payment of duties and taxes is based on the classification of the steel products, whether these are hot rolled steel sheets and coil, cold rolled steel sheets and coil, and coated galvanized steel and coils.

The hot and cold rolled steel sheets and coils have a 3 percent tax rate PAGE 10

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US, Philippines update defense...

PAGE 5 capabilities – Closely coordinate on the AFP modernization program by completing a Security Sector Assistance Roadmap; identify priority “defense platforms and force packages” that would bolster combined deterrence and capacity to resist coercion [presumably from China]; prioritize procurement of interoperable defense platforms (weaponry) “sourced from U.S. programs” and the Philippines’ national defense procurement and funding initiatives and expand investments in non-weaponry defense capacity-building, via education and training exchanges, exercises and other operational activities.

• Deepen interoperability – Orient bilateral exercises and activities around improving/combining ability to counter armed attacks on either country as well as threats in space and cyberspace, while expanding the scope, scale and complexity of exercises; expand cooperation on maritime security and maritime domain awareness, by continued conduct of maritime activities, including but not limited to joint patrols (in the SCS/WPS); under the EDCA, strengthen interoperability, through infrastructure improvements, enhanced joint use of facilities, advancing additional maritime security, maritime domain awareness and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities; and rotational U.S. access to EDCA sites.

• Enhance bilateral planning and information sharing – Conduct coordinated analysis, tabletop exercises and training/exercises to reinvigorate bilateral planning and coordination efforts; assess bilateral requirements and advance common objectives and approaches to shared challenges; develop adaptable decision-making processes and communication procedures to support flexible, timely, whole-of-government bilateral coordination and action to respond to conventional and nonconventional warfare.

Broaden information-sharing on early indications of threats to the peace and security of both countries,

to ensure preparations to address principal challenges confronting the alliance; strive toward real-time information-sharing in collaboration with other departments and agencies to support deeper interoperability and operational coordination; enhance information security via consultations on policies, practices and procedures to protect classified defense and military information.

• Combat transnational and nonconventional threats – Improve cyber defense and cyber security cooperation to secure critical infrastructure and protect against attacks emanating from state and non-state actors; pursue capacity-building activities to respond to chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-related attacks and to counter the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

Prior to the adoption of the guidelines, the U.S.-Philippines 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue held in Washington (involving the two countries’ defense and foreign affairs chiefs), issued a joint statement on April 11, 2023.

The two sides committed to do the following: • Strengthen bilateral planning and interoperability through conducting “high-impact and high-value” joint military exercises. These characterized the largest-ever Balikatan live-fire war games held in April involving more than 17,000 American and Filipino troops, including a few Australian soldiers.

• Accelerate the implementation of EDCA projects and increase investments in U.S. facilities inside Philippine military bases to further support combined training exercises, interoperability and civilian-led Philippine disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

• By the end of fiscal-year 2023, the U.S. is expected to have allocated $100 million toward infrastructure investments at the five existing EDCA sites and to support the “swift operationalization” of the four additional sites approved by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last month.

• Complement combined military

training exercises with USAID community-based activities in EDCArelated projects, including increasing access to safe water supply, education and health care.

• Expand cooperation, exchange best practices and increase “strategic convergence” in counter-terrorism and addressing grey-zone challenges, including protecting strategic infrastructure against attacks emanating from state and non-state actors; fostering “civilian-led, nonmilitary counter-terrorism initiatives, where feasible and effective, using an inclusive, rights-based, victim-centered and whole-of-society approach.”

These are so many propositions needing to be fleshed out, thoroughly examined and critiqued – from the perspective of Philippine national security, economic and social wellbeing.

Regarding U.S. funding support for the “swift operationalization” of the four additional EDCA sites, none so far has been reported onstream.

AFP chief Gen. Andres Centino admitted Wednesday that no “EDCArelated construction” has started neither on the Balabac, Palawan site (140 nautical miles from Panganiban Reef, now a Chinese military outpost), nor on the two sites in Cagayan and one in Isabela.

However, the AFP has begun building a three-kilometer runway and a concrete pier with beaching ramp in Balabac, which Gen. Centino checked on recently. The runway project is funded by the Philippine government at P700 million, for joint use by the Philippine Air Force and the Balabac municipality, while the pier (cost: P305 million) is being built at the Narciso del Rosario Naval Station.

Both projects will be offered for further development by the Americans as part of their EDCA site facilities in Balabac. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

No end to smuggling as Customs grapples with...

PAGE 8 based on its HS Code, while the coated galvanized steel sheets and coils have a 10 percent tax rate based on its HS Code.

“Some importers, however, declare their coated galvanized steel and coils importation as steel sheets and coils and/or steel sheets and coils of secondary grade as both steel products have no HS Codes. This is to avoid paying the 10 percent tariff of coated galvanized steel coils based on the HS Code.

Arranza proposed that

the BoC should make public all reference values, which should be regularly updated by posting them on its website and “cross-linking” these reference values with the BoC computers for assessment, such that the evaluator is alerted when the declared values fall below their references so that a subsequent valuation query can be undertaken.

Arranza added that the reference value information will help enhance consultation between the BoC and concerned private industry associations

relative to the prevailing and current values of goods and products, and also help enable the citizenry to be involved in the campaign against technical smuggling.

He also pointed out the need to link up in real time the recording system of both the BoC and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to enable the government to compare the declared values of imported goods at the time of their importation visa-vis the importers’ income tax declarations, which they submitted with the BIR. “This measure will help

correct undervaluation as both the BoC and BIR would be able to track down importers and taxpayers who failed to pay the correct taxes and duties. And also through this measure, importers who grossly undervalue their import declarations to pay less for duties and taxes, but grossly overvalued the same importation in filing their income tax returns with the BIR to raise the cost of goods and lower their taxable income, can immediately be checked and identified,” Arranza further said. n

BREAK TIME. Employees at an office in Manila spend lunch time with their mobile phones on Tuesday, May 23. Data by statista.com 2022 showed the Philippines ranked 12th globally in 2022 among nations with the most number of mobile phone users at 69.7 million, with China (974M), India (659M) and the United States (276M) occupying the top three spots.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

US awards P240-M...

PAGE 8 conservation agreements into actions.

“Through these grants, we are advancing sustainable local solutions that will help communities address the unique climate challenges they face. These grants contribute to our shared goal of a more resilient future where both people and nature thrive,” she said in a ceremony announcing the grant on Monday, May 22.

For more than six decades, USAID has partnered with the Philippine government and local organizations to conserve the country’s rich biodiversity and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Since 2021, the embassy said it has provided more than PHP620 million to CSOs to amplify their efforts in achieving environmental sustainability and uplifting the lives of Filipino communities.

The grants were announced in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity, also on Monday.

The ceremony was also attended by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna and Gerry Roxas Foundation Executive Director Glen de Castro. (PNA) n

Fitch revises PH...

PAGE 7 than the ‘BBB’ median of three percent, after a record outturn of 7.6 percent in 2022, reflecting normalization of activity after the pandemic and the government’s investment program,” it added.

The slowdown in the first quarter was attributed to the fading post-pandemic recovery.

Fitch said the ongoing reforms to the business environment and investment regulations create upside potential for growth.

The credit rating agency expects the general government deficit to narrow to 2.8 percent of GDP in 2023 and 2024 from an estimated 3.3 percent of GDP in 2022 and 4.6 percent of GDP in 2021.

Finance Secretary

Benjamin Diokno said the revision is testament to the strong macroeconomic fundamentals of the country, “as evidenced by the economy’s strong growth performance in 2022 at 7.6 percent and 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023.”

The Philippines incurred higher debt and wider budget deficit at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the GDP shrinking by 9.6 percent as the economy stalled due to strict quarantine and lockdown protocols.

The Marcos government is projecting a central government deficit of 5.1 percent of GDP by 2024, with most of the consolidation coming from spending efficiency gains and capital spending reductions. n

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

11

A CSPA victory after several lawyers said the case was hopeless, on an encore of Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

Ricky (left) was the building superintendent at the New York City office of the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel.

He consulted about his brother-in-law’s case with leading U.S. immigration attorney Michael Gurfinkel (right) on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy.

RICKY is the building superintendent for the building where the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel are located in New York City, and he always saw clients coming to Atty Gurfinkel for immigration advice.

Ricky had his own family immigration matter, where his brother-in-law was refused his visa in Albania because he had aged out. Ricky’s wife, Florida, was devastated and was about to lose hope, especially after three lawyers the family had consulted all said there was nothing they could do, since Florjan had already aged out.

One day, Ricky was cleaning the air conditioning unit in Atty. Gurfinkel’s office and reached out to the leading U.S. immigration lawyer about his brother-inlaw’s case.

In reviewing the case, Atty. Gurfinkel PAGE 12

Olivia Rodrigo celebrates 2 years of ‘Sour,’ teases an upcoming album OLIVIA Rodrigo seems to be cooking up something new for her fans, as she teases about a new song and a second album that are coming soon.

The 20-year-old breakout star posted an email newsletter to her fans on May 20. The newsletter

contains a handwritten note about the two-year anniversary of her debut album, Sour. The note also includes a hidden message.

“I cannot believe it’s been 2 years since Sour came out. That album will always be so so special to me & I’m so grateful to you guys for embracing it the way you have,” wrote Rodrigo.

It can be observed that

Olivia Rodrigo

Photo from Instagram/@oliviarodrigo

By Ryan Del RosaRio Inquirer.net

“forward” and “2” are emphasized.

She also capitalized the letters “O” and “R” and then made the number “2” bolder. That somehow hints that a new music and a second album are in the works.

Back in January, Olivia gave Livies a sneak peek into the process of creating new music through a short clip that shows her with music producer Dan Nigro.

The caption read, “Working on so many new songs I’m excited to show u. Thank u for everything.”

Olivia won her first Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album. The critically acclaimed ‘Sour’ album was famously known for singles such as “driver’s license,” “good 4 u,” “deja vu,” and “traitor.” Some of the singles gained popularity on the short-video platform app TikTok. The new music and the new album might be out there anytime soon. But for now, we could say that it’s ‘good 4’ us to be happy and healthy while waiting for it to come. n

CSPA VICTORY! After the Embassy denied his visa, Atty Gurfinkel (extreme right) proved that Florjan (2nd from left) was eligible under the CSPA! After previously consulting with about three or four other lawyers, who all said that there was no hope for Florjan to come to the U.S. because he had already aged-out, his sister, Florida (3rd from left) had almost given up.

Fortunately, Florida’s husband, Ricky (extreme left), was the building superintendent at the New York City office of the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel and he asked the leading U.S. immigration attorney to review their case. Atty. Gurfinkel saw that Florjan was eligible under the CSPA and was able to appeal his case and get the visa issued in record time. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 28 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

12 MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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Microbiome and Alzheimer’s

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS THE health of your microbiome (gut bacterial flora) can affect your overall health. Past research has shown the correlation between microbiome and diseases like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Recently, clinical investigators from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, have identified 10 specific types of bacteria in the gut of individuals linked with the likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

A well-balanced gut microbiome (having the proper amount of good bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract) helps with proper absorption of nutrients from the food we eat which helps keep our immune system healthy and ward off diseases like inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.

Other studies have also shown the link between microbiome and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity and neurodegenerative illness like Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. There must be an overall balance (good and bad organisms in our gut) in order to achieve gut health, and therefore, general health.

The discovery of specific types of bacteria associated with Alzheimer’s will expedite the development of new strategies to aid in reducing the risk for developing Alzheimer’s and expedite finding its cure.

The study was posted in the journal of Scientific Reports.

Role of microbiome The gut microbiome consists of trillions of microscopic organisms living in our intestinal tract.

They are bacteria, fungi, viruses, and others, which assist with our body’s ability to absorb nutrients, recover energy from food metabolism, break down fiber, and maintain gut health and safety. Poor and imbalanced microbiome leads to inflammation, which is a precursor of diseases.

Each person’s gut microbiome is different,

depending on the individual’s genetics, diet, medications being taken, behavior, lifestyle, and their respective surrounding environment.

Unhealthy gut The signs of an unhealthy microbiome could include bloating, gassy feeling, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, sleep problem, food intolerance, skin issues, heartburns, mood changes, anxiety, depression and sugar cravings.

Oligomeric tau New discovery: Researcher’s found a particular type of harmful protein, called “oligomeric tau,” which may have a key role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. This is different from the amyloid plaques found in autopsies of the brain of Alzheimer’s victims. Studies on this new discovery continue.

There are about 55.2 million people around the world with Alzheimer’s; more than 6 million in the United States (10.17 % of Americans 65 and over) have Alzheimer’s, and more than 4 million of those 65 years and older in the Philippines have some form of dementia.

Gut-brain link The gut microbiome “modulates brain function and behavior via the microbiota-gut-brain axis, a bi-directional communication system connecting neural, immune and metabolic pathways.” Changes in the gut bacteria can affect the immune system, “causing inflammation throughout the body, including the brain.” This could lead to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. The gut bacteria could produce chemicals that cross the blood-brain barrier, act as neurotransmitters and impact brain functions, like cognition, behavior and mood. The microbiome could also produce shortchain fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory effects on the central nervous system.

Microbiome aids Fortunately, there are current practical strategies within our power to improve our gut microbiome: eating a healthy diverse diet (like the Mediterranean Diet), including prebiotic food items, eating fermented foods, taking probiotic supplements, exercising daily, skimping on sugary food items (sweets, soft

drinks, carbs in general); getting enough sleep, avoiding antibiotics as much as possible, and staying away from tobacco and alcohol. Our general health, including our gut health, is, indeed in our hands.

M-Diet is # 1 Recent research findings concluded that a Mediterranean Diet “was best for overall cardiovascular health, followed closely by a lowfat diet.” The “M-Diet” emphasizes fish, vegetables, fruits, and monosaturated fats, like olive oil. Seven diets were analyzed: Mediterranean, the Ornish diet, Pritikin diet, lowfat diet, very-low fat diet, modified fat diet, combined low-fat and low-sodium diet.

The randomized, controlled trials found that for people at risk for cardiovascular diseases, the Mediterranean Diet or low-fat diet are the healthiest options. The M-diet, according to this large-scale study reduced the likelihood of all-cause deaths, cardiovascular, stroke, and non-fatal heart attacks.

Life to 100+ As medicine and the global environment improve because of all the mindboggling advances in various technologies, so with people living to a ripe old age of 100 and older!

Studies showed that these centenarians have a unique immune cell composition and activity, providing them an immune system that enables them to live longer.

These findings may be used to develop healthy aging therapeutics for all of us.

Since 1900, our planet has more than doubled in population. From 31 years in the 1900, global life expectancy has increased to 73.2 years in 2023, and is more likely to go up to 77.1 in 2050. The 2015 figure of 450,000 centenarians is projected to go up to 3.7 million in 2050, 27 years from now, a more than 8-fold increase. What is still unknown is why some people live to their 100s and others don’t. This study was published in the journal Lancet eBioMedicine.

Deep brain stimulation The 55.2 million people with Alzheimer’s around the world experience both cognitive (understanding, confusion, memory loss) and non-cognitive symptoms

BIRTHDAY AND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ON MOTHER’S DAY. Roberto M. Garcia, with wife Gloria Biala Garcia, of New Jersey, celebrated his 75th Birthday and their 48th wedding anniversary with family, relatives and friends at Elan Catering and Events in Lodi, NJ on Mother’s Day.

A CSPA victory after several lawyers...

From left: Ricky, Florjan, Florida (Ricky’s wife), with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.

(depression and anxiety).

Clinical investigators from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill “were able to generate new neurons in the brain and stimulate them using deep brain stimulation (DBS) via a mouse model.” This process helped restore both cognitive and non-cognitive functions in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease; the procedure (DBS) could someday be found to be effective for human patients.

Posted in the journal Stem Cell, this discovery would inspire clinical evaluation of DBS among human patients.

To date, there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s. ***

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** 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.

PAGE 11 saw that Florjan was eligible for age-out protection under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA). He was able to identify where the U.S. Embassy made their mistake in the calculations for eligibility. Within days, the case was reconsidered, and the visa was issued.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, May 28 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 26 - JUNE 1, 2023 13

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American Dream to Host 26th Year of Fiesta In America

The grandest annual indoor Filipino event on the U.S. east coast is set to captivate audiences once again, taking place at America’s second-largest mall. Fiesta In America will celebrate its historic 26th anniversary on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Court A of the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Fiesta In America’s founder, President, and CEO Nanding Mendez expressed excitement about the event, stating, “Our second year at American Dream is tailored for a live audience eager to experience the vibrant showcase of Filipino culture, high-quality native products, Philippine tourist attractions, delectable Filipino cuisine, and, of course, performances by renowned Filipino superstars and emerging artists.”

The management of American Dream Mall

Nanding Mendez, president and Dr. Laura Garcia

anticipates an audience of over 10,000 Filipinos hailing from New Jersey, New York, and neighboring states, ranging from Connecticut to Virginia. This year’s attendance estimate will be further amplified by an additional 50,000 visitors from diverse backgrounds, who are expected to explore American Dream’s theme

Philippine Nurses Association of New Jersey provided last year’s health screening to thousands visitors at Fiesta In America

parks, retail outlets, and dining establishments during the summer weekends. Both entry to the mall and admission to Fiesta In America are free of charge.

Mendez also revealed ongoing discussions with show organizers to feature performers for the concert.

However, for the thousands of non-Filipino attendees, Fiesta In America’s full-day musical program serves as a virtual gateway to experience the Philippines’ multicultural heritage in music.

Ogie Afable, the show’s producer, hinted at an even more diverse musical lineup than anticipated at traditional Filipino events. “While the festival predominantly caters to a Filipino audience,” stated Afable, “we will

also showcase Hispanic folk dance troupes and exhilarating Latino dance bands, paying homage to the Philippines’ long-standing ties with Spanish culture.”

Preceding Fiesta In America, the annual community tribute gala known as the People’s Ball will commence on Sunday, August 13, at 12 pm at Marriott Newark International Airport, New Jersey. For over 13 years, the People’s Ball has served as a gathering place for the influential figures of the Filipino-American community in the New YorkNew Jersey area.

The gala will feature a lavish luncheon, captivating live entertainment, and enchanting ballroom dancing. Dr. Laura Garcia, the People’s Ball Honorary Chairperson for 2023, emphasized that the festivities will be “highlighted by the presentation of this year’s Empowerment Awards, recognizing Filipino achievers in various fields such as business, industry, professional endeavors, governance, public service, culture, and the humanities.”

To sponsor, exhibit, advertise, or attend Fiesta In America and the People’s Ball, please call 212682-6610; email info@ fiestainamerica.com or visit www.fiestainamerica.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Kris opens up anew about health, love life

By ChristinA AlpAd ManilaTimes.net

“THE battle is far from over” were Kris Aquino’s words which she posted in Filipino on her Instagram account.

Aquino shared the latest on her health as it has been almost a year since the erstwhile Queen of All Media flew to the US to seek advanced medical care for autoimmune diseases.

On her Instagram account, Aquino shared that she started her first “baby dose” of methotrexate, which she said is used to treat cancer by slowing its cell growth.

A chemotherapy agent and immune-system suppressant, medlineplus.gov noted that it is also used to treat psoriasis and possibly rheumatoid arthritis by decreasing the activity of the immune system.

Aquino said she had been hesitant to take the strong medication because she knew her immune system wasn’t ready. But after finding out that her blood panel numbers were bad,

that she has developed scarring and micro nodules in her right lung, and that her inflammatory numbers were high, she finally agreed to start taking methotrexate at a smaller dose.

Aquino had revealed that she has been diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases: chronic spontaneous urticaria, autoimmune thyroiditis, and Churg Strauss or EGPA, a rare and life threatening form of vasculitis.

Her update, however, said “it’s definite” that she has “5, possibly 6 autoimmune conditions.”

“How badly I wanted to keep this private because I’m scared baka mawalan kayo ng gana to keep praying for me & my doctors, my sons, and my sisters. Hindi ako sumusuko, sana wag rin kayo sumuko? Please? (How badly I wanted to keep this private because I’m scared that you will get tired of praying for me, my doctors, my sons and my sisters. I’m not giving up and I hope you won’t either. Please?)

In the middle of her ongoing health

battle, Aquino took the time to thank people in her life who have supported her and her sons.

She thanked friends and relatives who have been keeping an eye on her eldest son Josh who already flew back to the Philippines because he “loves Tarlac and Makati.” The proud mom revealed Josh already lost weight since his return to the country.

Aquino then divulged that her son Bimb — who has been with her in the U.S. — will fly home by the end of July.

“I want him to experience what I didn’t, a regular high school and college life.”

Love and friendship Finally, Aquino also thanked a certain “Marc” for all the both the love and friendship they shared.

“I’ve been so unfair in not thanking you enough for all your effort to be here whenever I need you, for all the times my past has made me so jaded that I keep breaking up with you all because I didn’t believe a PAGE 15

Comic troupe of Lassy, MC & Chad goes from stage to screen

By Boy ABundA Philstar.com

IT’S not easy to tell what comedy exactly means, but we know it when we see or hear it, especially from people who have the talent to bring that feeling of happiness and make us leave our worries behind.

Lassy, MC Muah and Chad Kinis are among those who can put everyone in stitches without trying too hard. Those who have seen them perform on stage or act in films and on television would agree that there is something in the way they tell their stories that makes you want to listen and laugh and enjoy the moment.

The trio’s style of delivery is oftentimes in a deadpan manner with Lassy leaning towards selfdeprecating humor with deeply personal material, borrowing heavily from personal life experiences and relationships.

The comic troupe has been performing standup for many years now in comedy bars Punchline and Laffline that introduced them to comedy circles.

MC said the success of their show can easily be gauged on the kind of response they get from the audience.

“Sa stage, may response agad mapa-comedy bars man yan, concert abroad o raket sa probinsya. Alam mo

na agad ‘pag nagustuhan ‘yung show,” said MC, who also revealed that there are those who sometimes get offended by their jokes.

He went on to tell how Lassy, whose comedy material once touched our politics, offended someone who threatened his dear life.

“May napikon sa joke ko at inabangan ako sa labas tapos lalo kong inasar.

Sabi ko, ‘O, napikon ka, inaabangan mo ko d’yan sa labas. Sorry ka, dito ako matutulog,’” recalled Lassy, who does and says what most of us wish we had the courage to do.

“The bar owner advised Lassy not to go home and spend the night inside the bar, instead. Kaya kami naman ni Chad, sinamahan namin siya. We were able to get home around five in the morning of the following day,” MC added.

Chad said they write their materials but more often than not, their humor comes out naturally on stage. “Mas marami ‘yung bigla na lang nangyayari.

I don’t know how because, for us, comedy is magic. I cannot read what’s on the minds of Kuya MC and Lassy, but once they start talking, I would right away know what to say next.”

Lassy and Chad agreed how MC described the big difference between doing PAGE 15

Lassy, Chad Kinis and MC Muah come together for their first movie, Beks Days of Our Lives, as lead stars and bring the Beks Battalion’s brand of comedy on the big screen. Released under Viva Entertainment, the movie, which also happens to be Chad’s directorial debut, tells the story of three close friends, Richard (Chad), Melvin (MC) and Reggie (Lassy). When one of them is diagnosed with a serious illness, the trio embarks on a vacation to experience what they described as ‘beks days of our lives.’

Philstar.com photo

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people events arts culture entertainment

Paolo Montalban embraces new opportunities on Broadway and beyond

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

10 years of being away from the Broadway stage, actor Paolo Montalban is AFTER back in the limelight on the musical Funny Girl.

Montalban at a recent interview with Asian Journal as he wrapped up shooting his scenes in the upcoming film Asian Persuasion. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Montalban with some of his Cinderella co-stars like Bernadette Peters (left) and Jason Alexander (right).

The actor recently posted this photo last week as he celebrated his milestone 50th birthday.

Photos courtesy of Instagram/@itspaolomontalban

A veteran known for his captivating performances on stage and screen, Montalban’s comeback onstage was unexpected.

“The opportunity to join the cast of Funny Girl came out of the blue!,” he told the Asian Journal. “I was in the middle of pre-production for the Descendants movie, when I got the call from my agent. I honestly haven’t been able to connect the dots yet on how the offer for Florenz Ziegfeld came about.”

As he took on the role of Ziegfeld, Montalban reflects on his initial thoughts, his experience of performing with the cast, and his personal connection to the character.

The actor, who recently turned 50, strongly believes in the power of the behind-the-scenes angels who make life-changing opportunities possible.

Expressing immense gratitude to the creative team for considering him, Montalban considers this chance to be truly transformative.

Upon learning about his possible involvement in Funny Girl, Montalban’s initial thoughts were filled with curiosity and excitement. This was his first experience replacing an actor in a long-running show, raising questions about the expectations placed upon him.

The actor had a few questions running through his mind.

“How could I build a sense of trust quickly with my fellow actors, so they could feel secure and continue to be the best versions of their characters with a new actor working opposite them?” he shared. “I was excited to use the historical resources about Ziegfeld, coupled with my imagination and personal essence, to guide me in plumbing the personality and motivations of this legendary Broadway impresario.”

Montalban discovered the importance of infusing his interpretation and bringing a fresh perspective to the role. Building trust quickly with his fellow actors became a priority, allowing the cast to maintain their

Montalban posted on Instagram when it was announced that he was joining the cast of Funny Girl as Florenz Ziegfeld.

Montalban and Brandy will be reunited in Disney’s “Descendants: The Rise of Red”

strong performances while embracing a new addition to the team.

Performing with the Funny Girl cast for the past couple of months has been an exhilarating journey for him and he feels incredibly fortunate to witness it all from the stage, surrounded by kind and talented individuals who create a dream-like atmosphere every night.

“I have never experienced being in a Broadway show that feels like all the best parts of a rock concert.

A bona fide superstar in our leading lady, Lea Michele? Check. A bevy of supporting acts from some of the most thrilling performers to grace the Broadway stage, like Ramin Karimloo, Tovah Feldshuh, and Jared Grimes and our gorgeously talented cast? Check.

Moving music and storytelling that takes you on a visceral and emotional journey enhanced by unparalleled stagecraft? Check.

To witness this firsthand from this side of the footlights, knowing that I’m also working with some of the kindest people in the business, has been a “pinch me, I must be dreaming” moment every night,” he said.

Ziegfeld’s impact on American theater and popular culture was

immense. He played a pivotal role in shaping the modern Broadway musical, elevating it to a new level of sophistication and glamour.

He revolutionized the Broadway entertainment industry, introducing a new style of production that combined elaborate costumes, beautiful chorus girls, comedic sketches, and memorable musical numbers.

“We both have an affinity for beauty in various forms. We’re also both stubborn perfectionists when it comes to doing things,” he shared. “I’ve read that Ziegfeld would often continue to find fresh and better moments to put into his long-running shows. I also believe that a piece of art is never truly finished. It can always be interpreted by the eye of the beholder or the audience differently in perpetuity.”

This is why Montalban resonates with Ziegfeld’s continuous search for fresh and better moments in his long-running shows because he firmly believes that art is never truly finished.

This connection fuels his dedication to delivering an authentic and captivating portrayal of this legendary Broadway impresario.

PAGE 15

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Paolo Montalban embraces new...

PAGE 14 Montalban made his Broadway debut in 1996 in the Broadway revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “The King and I.” The following year, he was cast as the Prince in the Rodgers and Hammerstein TV movie version of “Cinderella.” His portrayal opposite Brandy in the title role received widespread praise and helped solidify his reputation as a talented actor and singer.

In 2004, Montalban joined the Off Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s musical “Pacific Overtures.” He also appeared in Broadway shows such as Two Gentlemen of Verona at Shakespeare in the Park and The Romance of Magno Rubio with Ma Yi Theater.

His last Broadway show was Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which opened on March 20, 2013, and he officially joined the cast of Funny Girl on March 28, 2023.

Returning to Broadway feels incredibly rewarding, yet Montalban anticipates the bittersweet feeling of missing it when this chapter comes to an end.

‘I miss the sense of community the most. Not just amongst the Funny Girl cast and crew, but the entire Broadway community as a whole. It’s so cool to run into friends on the way to their Broadway shows, and know that you’ll be telling different stories that night,” he shared. “It feels so good to be back that I’m already anticipating the feeling of missing it in September.”

Keeping it fresh Most Broadway shows run eight shows a week with one or two days offering matinee performances.

To keep his performances fresh,

unique, and compelling Montalban adopts several strategies.

Before each show, he makes it a point to thoroughly read his scenes, delving into them to uncover any untapped truths or potential tactics that can enhance his portrayal.

“As long as they remain within the parameters of what’s on the page and what has been directed and rehearsed, I have my character strive to get what he wants in subtly different ways,” he shared.

This means finding subtle nuances and approaches that keep the performance dynamic and engaging, which can only be done by actively listening to truly absorb and process what his scene partner is offering him at the moment.

It is a collaborative effort, where each interaction and exchange onstage contributes to the overall chemistry and believability of the performance and it can only be done by being fully present and receptive so he can respond most authentically and truthfully possible.

Lastly, the audience’s role is paramount in shaping the actors’ performances. Their reactions, whether through laughter, applause, or silence, provide valuable feedback to the cast.

“The way the audience hears and reacts to the story at any given performance is extremely informative to the performers on a day-to-day basis,” he said.

Cinderella revisited Montalban shared that the scenes for Disney’s “Descendants: The Rise of Red,” the highly anticipated project from Disney have already been filmed.

The project reunited him with Brandy in an experience that the actor said [he] felt like coming home and that

he is thrilled and extremely excited.

Despite the passage of 26 years since the 1997 TV movie version of “Cinderella”, there was an immediate sense of trust and comfort between the two.

While technically not reprising their exact same roles, as the Descendants movie delves into the “ever after” of Disney villains and heroes from the cartoons, their original portrayal of Cinderella and the Prince from Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella feels like another dimension in a vast fairytale multiverse.

“I feel so incredibly lucky and blessed to be able to explore Cinderella’s Prince as a loving father and husband in King Charming. I’m also very excited to give the fans a peek into what happens to Cinderella and the Prince after the Royal wedding, how they are as parents, and how their children learn to make their own way in the world,” he shared.

The Descendants movie, which will be streamed on Disney+, allows them to explore new dimensions and present the enduring legacy of Cinderella and the Prince, captivating audiences with their ongoing fairytale adventure.

Through this new exploration, Montalban and Brandy hope to inspire and entertain, reigniting the magic and wonder that Cinderella and her Prince have always embodied.

Another upcoming project that is in post-production is the Jhett Tolentinohelmed Asian Persuasion, where he is co-starring with Dante Basco and KC Concepcion.

Funny Girl is at the August Wilson Theatre on Broadway and the production will close on September 3, 2023, after 599 performances. n

Kris opens up anew about health...

PAGE 13 long distance relationship stood a chance because of your job obligations, and because I need at least two cycles of 9 months each before I can hope to reach remission.

“Marc, I’m sorry for punishing you for what others have done to me. You are 100 percent correct, you’re not them.”

Aquino then thanked Marc for not posting about them and for keeping their “new relationship” private.

“We are proof that love comes when you least expect it. Thank you for your 12 years of perseverance.

Whatever God decides for us, let’s please end up best friends for the rest of our lives?”

Netizens speculated that Aquino was referring to Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, even though the spelling of his first name is different. It can be

Kris Aquino with Dr. Sudhir Gupta, a specialist in Allergy and Immunology.

remembered that Leviste flew to the U.S. in February to celebrate Aquino’s birthday.

The following post on Aquino’s Instagram on Thursday night, May 18 seemingly confirmed this speculation.

The video featured Itchyworms’ Jazz Nicolas,

in support of Conrado Antonio “C2”Leviste 2nd’s student council campaign at La Salle Greenhills (LSGH).

The younger Leviste is the governor’s son.

“Hi. I’m Jazz of Itchyworms. A mutual friend asked me to do a favor for Kris Aquino who’s now in LA getting her medical

Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino

treatment. Someone close to Kris said C2 Leviste, who’s running for La Salle Greenhills’ 11th grade batch rep, could become Ms. Aquino’s stepson,” Nicolas introduced.

In her caption for the video, Aquino related that C2 has called her “mommy Kris.” n

Comic troupe...

PAGE 13 comedy on stage and on screen.

“It’s tough to do comedy on screen — whether in film or on TV — because there are restrictions when it comes to throwing your punchlines because there are many young viewers, may mga bata,” MC remarked.

They are also required to follow instructions from the directors “kaya may kaba lagi na hindi namin nararanasan sa comedy bars,” he added.

MC, Chad and Lassy shared that directors have preferences in the manner they do their comedy acting.

They recalled how director Wenn Deramas would like them to make a significant move “na acting na parang malaki ang galaw,” MC ruminated.

Director Cathy GarciaMolina, they disclosed, is a fan of natural acting talent.

“Gusto niyang comedy ay yung natural lang, walang big movement,” Chad pointed out.

Although they enjoy a higher pay in comedy bars, their onscreen visibility is a great advantage for them to be easily recognized by the public.

Outside of stand-up, MC, Lassy and Chad have successfully positioned themselves on the digital platform.

They are collectively known as Beks Battalion on their YouTube channel, now with over two million subscribers.

“We first worked together in Punchline and Laffline comedy bars, pero kami ni Lassy talaga ‘yung noon pa magkasama. Si Chad naging anak-anakan namin, lalo na ako kasi madalas ako ang nag-didirek ng anniversary shows ng Punchline at Laffline.

Siya ‘yung laging writer ko kasi ‘yung mga hindi ko naiisip, naiisip niya,” MC enthused.

“Chad really has a brilliant mind. He was second runner-up in Miss Q&A (one of the popular segments of It’s Showtime).

And then, Chad is also into vlogging and it was him who convinced me to try it because according to him, I’m so talkative,” he added.

MC was initially not interested because he was occupied with many projects back then. But with much prodding from Chad,

he agreed to do it only if the three of them would be together in one channel.

“I asked him what our name would be and Chad suggested that we call ourselves the Beks Battalion. So, a month before the pandemic, we uploaded our first video which became a trending topic. Kami ang kaunaunahan sa comedy bar na nag-YouTube,” MC offered.

The trio then convinced their friends in comedy bars to also try vlogging after they were left without work during the height of the lockdown.

Chad couldn’t be any happier at the way things have gone so far in their careers. “When we celebrated our first anniversary, we dreamt of having a concert, and it became a reality. Then while we were in Singapore, I had this story concept in mind and I told MC about it. Last thing we knew, we were both crying. But it took two years for it to be translated into a movie due to funding. Syempre, hindi basta-basta makakahanap ng taong magtitiwala sa‘yo at first time ko pa mag-didirek, ” he stated.

Chad was referring to their first movie, Beks Days of Our Lives, which also happens to be his directorial debut.

Released under Viva Entertainment, Beks Days of Our Lives tells the story of three close friends, Richard (Chad), Melvin (MC) and Reggie (Lassy). When one of them is diagnosed with a serious illness, the trio embarks on a vacation to experience what they described as “beks days of our lives.”

Chad said he almost gave up on his dream of directing a movie. He would try getting into different film productions but luck seemed to be elusive.

However, director Roman Perez Jr. encouraged him to hold on to his dream.

“Noong nagkita kami sa isang party, sabi niya, ‘Huwag kang tumigil. Pitch lang ng pitch hanggang may makuha,’ kasi for a time hindi ko na binalikan ‘yung concept.”

Chad’s winning moment can serve as a good reminder for everyone to just keep on going no matter what because success truly comes to those who dare and act. n

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