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Millions of low-income workers, immigrants, seniors could lose Medicaid under Trump-backed bill

A Trump-backed bill could slash Medicaid for millions — from caregivers and immigrants to part-time workers and seniors

WASHINGTON, D.C. — For millions of Americans who depend on Medicaid to see a doctor, fill a prescription, or care for an aging parent, that lifeline is now at risk. A House-passed budget bill backed by President Donald Trump would dramatically reshape the program nationwide, potentially stripping coverage from more than 8 million people through work mandates, intensified eligibility checks, and funding cuts to locally supported health initiatives.

Known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” the legislation represents the most sweeping overhaul of Medicaid in decades. Passed in the House and now under Senate review, the bill would require all states to enforce new rules

Marcos brushes off call to resign: `What good will that do?’

by Julie M. Aurelio Inquirer.net

calls for him to step down.

“I will not resign. Why will I do that? It’s not my nature to run away from problems. What good will that do?” Mr. Marcos told Malacanang reporters in a press conference here after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

Bruno Mars Reigns at 2025 American Music Awards

by AJPress

LAS VEGAS — At the 2025 American Music Awards, held at the Dolby Live Theater in Las Vegas, Filipino-Puerto Rican pop icon Bruno Mars once again proved why he's one of the most enduring and electrifying performers of his generation. Mars walked away with three major awards, reaffirming his dominance in the global music

scene and extending a winning streak that stretches from the studio to the Las Vegas Strip.

Race for Senate Presidency heats up: Marcos, Sotto, others floated as potential contenders

He was asked to comment on criticism that his call for Cabinet secretaries and heads of government to hand in their courtesy resignations was just “for optics.”

The criticism came from former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, who served under

From prime time to power: The Tulfo brothers’ disruptive rise in PH politics

by AJPress

RAFFY and Erwin Tulfo — two of the Philippines’ most recognizable broadcast personalities — are poised to serve side by side in the Senate for the first time. From their journey as media crusaders to elected lawmakers, to the narrow Senate loss of their brother Ben, the Tulfo brand has reshaped the country’s political landscape. Their ascent raises deeper questions about power, populism, and the shifting dynamics of public trust in Philippine politics.

In the storied halls of the Philippine Senate — long dominated by dynasties, technocrats, and ideological stalwarts — two brothers forged not in party politics but in the crucible of public outrage are about

KUALA LUMPUR — Saying it is not his nature to run away from problems, President Marcos on Tuesday, May 26 emphatically said he will not quit his post despite his detractors’ Pope Leo XIV appoints Cardinal Tagle as titular Bishop of Albano, His Former post before Papacy

by AJPress

Triple victory at the AMAs

Bruno Mars was awarded:

• Favorite Male Pop Artist

• Collaboration of the Year (with Lady Gaga for “Die With A Smile”)

• Favorite Music Video (also for “Die With A Smile”)

The emotional and stylistically bold duet with Lady Gaga

u PAGE 4 u PAGE 3

MANILA — As the 20th Philippine Congress prepares to resume its second regular session in July, political murmurs are growing over a potential shakeup in Senate leadership—a post often called “two heartbeats away from the presidency” due to its place in the constitutional line of succession. Currently held by Senator

Francis “Chiz” Escudero, the Senate presidency is a pivotal role in Philippine governance. The position not only ranks third in line to the highest office, but also exerts significant influence over legislative priorities, committee control, and executive-legislative negotiations. While no formal leadership challenge has emerged, several names are being floated within political circles as potential

by AJPress

In a move that signals renewed confidence u PAGE 2

RUSH. Workers at Atlas Super Flags in Sta. Cruz, Manila rush to meet orders on Tuesday, May 27, eve of National Flag Day. On May 28, 1898, the Philippine flag was hoisted for the first time in Imus, Cavite after Filipino revolutionaries led by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo defeated the Spanish forces in the Battle of Alapan. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has appointed Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle as the new titular bishop of Albano, one of the ancient suburbicarian dioceses that encircle Rome and are traditionally assigned to the highest-ranking members of the College of Cardinals.

Marcos brushes off call to resign...

the president for three months in 2022.

Last week, Rodriguez said there is no need for Mr. Marcos to demand the courtesy resignations of those under him and that the president should step down instead as he is the “problem.”

On Friday, May 23, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said the president did not accept his courtesy resignation and that the Chief Executive retained his economic team. Bersamin also announced movements in the Cabinet. That included Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla taking over the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Tess Lazaro replacing Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique

Manalo, who will now serve as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Asked about other movements in the Cabinet as a result of the performance review of Cabinet officials and heads of government agencies, Mr. Marcos declined to share any movements for now.

“Not yet. But I will share it with you, as we were doing the performance review, I don’t limit it to shortfalls in performance. I look into it and I ask, why is that the case? We ask the heads of agencies why,” the president said.

He assured that he is studying the performance of government officials deeply and carefully, and that his call for courtesy resignations is not just for show.

“We have to look deeper

because some of them have to be moved around. In any case, we are looking at them deeply. I don’t do things just for optics, and expect to be doing a rigorous performance review,” Mr. Marcos said.

The president also offered the same answer when asked about who will be the next chief of the Philippine National Police after Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Mr. Marcos already found a successor to PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil.

The Chief Executive said he already picked a new PNP chief but would rather talk to the chosen one first, instead of announcing it through the media.

“I would rather not use this forum to announce, I have to talk to them first, whoever it is. They should hear about it first from me,” Mr. Marcos added. n

Race for Senate Presidency heats up...

successors or future contenders—signaling that positioning may already be underway.

Among them is Senator Imee Marcos, who confirmed on May 23 that fellow lawmakers have approached her to consider the role. “Some senators have approached me with the proposal to be their candidate for Senate President,” she said in a statement. “Whoever will be elected by our peers—whether it is me or not—there are certain congressional reforms that need to be undertaken.”

Marcos, the eldest sister of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., is currently serving her second term and chairs the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms and People’s Participation. Though aligned with the ruling political family, she has at times taken independent positions on

matters such as foreign policy and budget transparency.

Also being mentioned is former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, who returned to the chamber after a successful bid in the 2025 midterm elections. While Sotto has not issued any public statements about a renewed leadership bid, his experience and longstanding relationships in the chamber make him a credible figure in any transition scenario.

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, aligned with the Duterte bloc, has stated that their coalition has yet to settle on a candidate but has emphasized the importance of “fairness and consultation” in any leadership negotiations.

Other names reportedly being watched include Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, known for his maneuvering across various administrations, and Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, who stepped down as

Pope Leo XIV appoints Cardinal Tagle...

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Senate President in May 2024 but remains an influential figure with bipartisan ties.

Despite these developments, Escudero maintains a firm grip on the position. Since assuming the Senate presidency last year, he has kept the chamber relatively stable and retains the backing of a majority coalition. His technocratic style and policy fluency continue to earn him support from various blocs.

Any shift in leadership would require a majority vote—at least 13 of the 24 senators—making a transition feasible only if a significant realignment occurs during the session break.

For now, the` speculation remains just that. But the quiet signaling from key figures, and the strategic silence of others, suggest that the race for one of the country’s most powerful posts may already be taking shape behind closed doors. n

in Asian leadership within the Roman Catholic Church, the Vatican announced the appointment on May 24, 2025—just days after the pope’s formal installation. The Diocese of Albano is especially significant: it was the same titular post held by Pope Leo XIV—then Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost—before his election to the papacy earlier this month.

The reassignment of this title to Cardinal Tagle underscores the pope’s trust in him and affirms his continued prominence in Vatican leadership. Albano is one of seven suburbicarian sees, each historically held by a cardinal-bishop, placing Tagle among the top echelons of Church governance.

A respected voice in the global church

Tagle, 67, is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in Catholicism today. Born in the Philippines, he previously served as Archbishop of Manila and later headed the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples. He was appointed Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, a central post under Pope Francis’ curial reform.

His theological depth, pastoral approach, and advocacy for the poor have earned him admiration across continents. Often described as the “Asian Francis” for his humility and reformmindedness, Tagle is seen as a key bridge between Rome and the rapidly growing churches

of the global south.

His appointment to a seat previously held by the pope himself not only reinforces their longstanding ecclesial alignment—it also signals a continuation of Vatican priorities under Pope Leo XIV.

Symbolic ceremony: A role in Papal inauguration

Just six days before the Albano announcement, Cardinal Tagle played a central role in Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration Mass on May 18, 2025, at St. Peter’s Square.

During the liturgy, Tagle was given the honor of presenting the Ring of the Fisherman—a traditional emblem of papal authority—placing it on the new pope’s finger in front of tens of thousands gathered in Vatican City.

The ring, engraved with an image of Saint Peter casting his net, is a centuriesold symbol of the pope’s role as the successor to the first Bishop of Rome. While ceremonial, the moment reinforced Tagle’s stature within the College of Cardinals

and his close relationship with the new pontiff.

A moment of national and global significance

Cardinal Tagle’s rise continues to inspire pride among Filipino Catholics around the world. With over 85 million Catholics, the Philippines is the third-largest Catholic country globally— after Brazil and Mexico— and its presence in Vatican affairs has never been more pronounced.

Observers say Tagle’s new post positions him to influence both the direction of global evangelization and the Church’s evolving relationship with Asia, home to a growing Catholic population and complex socio-religious dynamics.

As the Church continues to globalize its leadership, Pope Leo XIV’s elevation of Cardinal Tagle to his own former diocese of Albano sends a clear message: the future of Catholicism includes—and is being shaped by—the voices of the global south.

HEALTHY PRODUCE. Consumers pick from fresh vegetables at the covered walkway of Quezon City Hall on Wednesday, May 28.

The city government’s “Fresh Market” provides a venue for farmers to sell their harvest.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Senators Imee Marcos, Chiz Escudero and Tito Sotto

Photos courtesy of the Senators’ social media accounts

Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle with Pope Leo XIV

Photo from Cardinal Tagle’s Facebook page

Marcos: I never wanted Sara impeached

by Julie M. Aurelio Inquirer.net

KUALA LUMPUR – Even as the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is just a few days away, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, May 27, emphatically said he never wanted his former ally and running mate to be impeached by Congress.

In a press conference after the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit, the president maintained that the ball is in the Senate’s court.

“How many times do I have to say that? I didn’t want the impeachment. My allies didn’t file the complaint. And I could not order or tell those who filed the complaint what they should do,” Mr. Marcos said.

A slightly irritated chief executive went on: “Why do I have to keep explaining that I don’t want the impeachment?”

He made the remarks when asked to comment on Duterte’s looming impeachment trial at the Senate when Congress resumes session on Monday,

June 2.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Malacanang press officer has similarly repeated that the president will not meddle in the Senate’s conduct of the impeachment trial, but urged senators to fulfill their obligations to the country and not just to one person.

After agreeing to impeach Duterte – Mr. Marcos’ exUniteam ally – the House of Representatives transmitted the articles of impeachment to the Senate, which will then convene as an impeachment court.

It may be recalled that the president’s son, House senior deputy majority

leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, was the first to sign the verified impeachment complaint in the House.

Mr. Marcos expressed optimism that the impeachment trial of his former running mate will not end up in political chaos.

“I don’t think so. But you know, the legislators and the senators are going to decide on how to handle it. It’s up to them, and the House is also there. So they will have to decide on the rules,” he said, recalling that he was part of the impeachment of exSupreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona and that they made the rules as they went along. n

Bruno Mars Reigns at 2025...

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has captivated audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim and racking up over 250 million views online. Their haunting performance at the AMAs brought the audience to its feet, further cementing the track’s place in 2025’s cultural zeitgeist.

Although Mars did not make a formal speech at the AMAs, he had earlier shared heartfelt words at the 2025 Grammy Awards, where the same duet won Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. Reflecting on the collaboration, Mars said: "I'm so honored to be a part of this song with you. I'm so honored to have a small part in your giant musical legacy, and I really, truly believe that God gave us the song to sing together. So thank you so much."

Lady Gaga reciprocated the sentiment, calling Mars “an incredible human being and musician.”

A Las Vegas staple Beyond award shows, Mars continues to dazzle fans night after night with his highly successful Las Vegas residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, where

like “Uptown Funk,” “24K Magic,” and “When I Was Your Man” with live brass, funk choreography, and audience interaction, Mars’ Vegas shows offer a rare mix of spectacle and soul. As of late 2024, the residency has already grossed over $124 million with more than 410,000 tickets sold, making it one of the Strip’s most profitable live acts.

Celebrating Filipino excellence

from Instagram/brunomars

he has been a fixture since 2016. In 2025, he is scheduled to perform across May, June, August, and September, drawing thousands to his signature sold-out shows.

Known for blending his chart-topping hits

Mars’ wins and ongoing residency shine a light not only on his individual artistry but also on the broader cultural impact of Filipino heritage in global music. His continued presence in Las Vegas— home to a thriving Filipino American community— serves as a point of pride for many who see his success as a reflection of their own aspirations.

As he closes another chapter in his awardwinning career, Bruno Mars stands not only as a pop phenomenon but also as a bridge between cultures— proof that rhythm, soul, and showmanship know no borders. n

Vice President Sara Duterte

Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterte

Bruno Mars wins three major awards at the 2025 American Music Awards and continues to headline his blockbuster Las Vegas residency at Park MGM through September. Photo

Millions of low-income workers, immigrants...

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mandating that able-bodied adults work at least 80 hours per month or enroll in job training programs to keep their coverage. It also imposes semiannual income eligibility checks, doubling the paperwork for those trying to retain health benefits.

This effort to overhaul Medicaid strikes at the heart of a program that has long served as a safety net for low-income Americans.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to more than 87 million people across the country. It covers children, pregnant women, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income adults, many of whom would otherwise go without basic care.

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the proposed changes could result in up to 8.6 million people losing Medicaid coverage—not necessarily because they’re ineligible, but because of the complexity of the new requirements and frequent re-verification.

Who’s most at risk?

Health policy experts say the bill would disproportionately affect:

• Low-wage and gig workers with inconsistent hours, who may not consistently meet the 80-hour-per-month threshold.

• Undocumented immigrants, whose care is often funded through local programs that would lose federal support.

• Seniors and individuals with disabilities, who may not be able to meet work requirements or navigate

the added red tape.

• Unpaid family caregivers, many of whom stay home to care for children or aging relatives without compensation.

• People in rural and underserved areas, where access to jobs and digital infrastructure is limited.

Critics say these changes are not about reducing fraud, but about pushing people off the rolls through bureaucratic pressure.

D.C. illustrates the national stakes

In Washington, D.C., the potential impact offers a case study of the national threat.

The city already faces a $580 million Medicaid shortfall and would need to come up with another $715 million to continue its Healthcare Alliance Program, which provides care to over 27,000 undocumented and lowincome residents.

With federal funding in jeopardy, the program’s survival—and the health of thousands—is uncertain.

Meanwhile, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) that serve nearly 1 in 5 D.C. residents are preparing for a surge in uninsured patients.

Councilmember Christina Henderson, who has publicly opposed the bill, described the fiscal hole as unfillable.

“The amount of money that we’re talking about here cannot just be backfilled with something else,” she said. “There’s no amount of raising income taxes or other things to fill all of the Medicaid cuts, all of the SNAP cuts, all of the education cuts.”

She also called for collective pushback: “Email,

call, show up, knock on doors, go to the town hall meetings. Don’t let them get away with saying, ‘Oh, we didn’t know.’ You knew.”

Trump’s argument: Accountability and cost control

Former President Donald Trump, who has made support for the bill part of his 2025 platform, defended the changes as a step toward restoring fiscal responsibility.

“Too many people are on Medicaid who shouldn’t be,” he said at a recent  event. “We want to help those in real need—not those who choose not to work.”

Supporters of the bill argue it will curb dependency and make Medicaid more efficient. But studies have shown that most workingage Medicaid recipients already have jobs, and past state-level experiments with work requirements—such as in Arkansas—caused thousands to lose coverage due to missed deadlines and confusing rules, not fraud.

The Senate holds the final say

As of May 26, the bill is awaiting action in the U.S. Senate, where several lawmakers have expressed concerns about its unintended consequences. Advocates warn that if passed, the bill could dismantle one of the country’s core public health pillars—with fallout felt in every state.

For those relying on Medicaid, the uncertainty is growing. From pharmacies to emergency rooms, from small towns to major cities— the future of American healthcare access is now on the line. (AJPress)

From prime time to power: The Tulfo...

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to take their seats. Raffy and Erwin Tulfo, household names synonymous with blunt justice and on-air confrontation, have crossed from broadcast studio to legislative floor. What began as a brand is now political reality.

Their rise speaks to a restless electorate and to a political culture increasingly shaped by visibility and immediacy. They did not inherit power—they built it, call by call, case by case, before an audience of millions.

Raffy Tulfo: From “wanted” to winning Raffy Tulfo, 64, has been a fixture in Philippine media for decades. His public service program Wanted sa Radyo and its YouTube counterpart Raffy Tulfo in Action—with over 28 million subscribers— became digital lifelines for aggrieved Filipinos. His direct, often theatrical style positioned him not just as a broadcaster, but as an unofficial ombudsman for the everyday citizen.

In 2022, he ran for senator as an independent and finished third with more than 23 million votes.

Since joining the Senate, Tulfo has chaired key committees, including Energy and Migrant Workers. His legislative proposals have focused on consumer protection, workers’ rights, and OFW welfare. He remains one of the chamber’s most recognizable and unorthodox figures.

“I’m not here to impress fellow politicians,” Tulfo told reporters. “I’m here to fix what’s broken.”

Erwin Tulfo: A candidacy reclaimed Erwin Tulfo, 61, followed

a different, more circuitous route. Known for his own hard-hitting broadcast work on  Kilos Pronto and  Tutok Tulfo, he was appointed Secretary of Social Welfare and Development in 2022 under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. But his appointment was bypassed by the Commission on Appointments due to questions about his past U.S. citizenship.

He returned through the ACT-CIS party-list in 2023, then mounted a Senate run in 2025. On May 17, 2025, he was proclaimed senatorelect with more than 17 million votes.

“I’ve seen the system work and fail from both the inside and outside,” he said at his proclamation.

“Now I get a chance to help shape it for the better.”

When the 20th Congress opens in July, the Tulfo brothers will serve side by side—marking the first time two siblings from a media-driven movement hold concurrent seats in the Philippine Senate.

Ben Tulfo: A near miss

The 2025 election nearly delivered a third Tulfo to the Senate. Ben Tulfo, known for his investigative show Bitag, ran as an independent and initially polled well. But in the official count, he placed 13th with 11.8 million votes — just shy of the 12-seat cutoff.

His campaign faced a disqualification petition before the Commission on Elections over alleged violations of the constitutional prohibition on political dynasties. The case was dismissed, but the controversy may have dulled his momentum.

After the results, Erwin Tulfo remarked, “The people have spoken. They

only want two Tulfos in the Senate.”

Ben returned to broadcasting, continuing his work in media where the Tulfo brand was first born.

The Tulfo brand: Dynasty or disruption?

Critics argue the family’s rising political profile— bolstered by siblings Ramon (a columnist and former special envoy to China) and Wanda Tulfo-Teo (former tourism secretary) — bears all the signs of a modern dynasty. The brothers reject this characterization.

“This isn’t inheritance,” Raffy said in a 2025 interview.

“We built our support from years of solving problems. Voters know who’s real.” Their defenders point out that no single party machinery delivered them; it was their resonance with the disillusioned public that turned airtime into a mandate.

Two seats, one brand

When the Senate doors open this July, the Tulfo brothers will no longer be voices cutting through static—they will be lawmakers, measured not by audience share but by the durability of their reforms. Their journey is not just a twist in political narrative— it is a mirror of the moment. In an age when grievance spreads faster than governance and credibility is built outside the halls of power, the Tulfo brothers didn’t wait to be invited in. They answered calls. The public responded.

Now, in the quiet, deliberate business of lawmaking, they will be asked for something more enduring than outrage.

And history will watch — not how they entered — but how they stay. n

A House-passed budget bill backed by President Donald Trump would dramatically reshape the program nationwide, potentially stripping coverage from more than 8 million people through work mandates, intensified eligibility checks, and funding cuts to locally supported health initiatives. File photo from whitehouse.gov

Raffy (right) and Erwin (left) Tulfo — two of the Philippines’ most recognizable broadcast personalities — are poised to serve side by side in the Senate for the first time. Inquirer.net file photos

FeAtures OPiniOn

Action begins amid rising public discontent

WHEN public patience wears thin, a government must do more than listen — it must transform. The vote spoke volumes; now, action is expected from those in power.

The Philippine midterm elections of 2025 delivered more than a change in numbers — they prompted a national pause for reflection.

The message from voters, both at home and abroad, is unmistakable: the government’s stock of political capital is dwindling, and public patience is thinning.

For President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the electoral outcome was not just a referendum on his policies — it was a signal that the promise of unity, once compelling, now demands proof of performance.

In response, Malacañang initiated a sweeping reshuffle across the Cabinet and key government offices, accompanied by a call

PERCEPTIONS

OUR nation’s capital is supposed to be the crown jewel among all the cities in our entire archipelago. Manila is the center and seat of our government. And in the eyes of the world, this city is our standard bearer and the primary destination of tourists.

I’m not a resident of Manila but, like many amongst us, I have maintained my keen

for renewed accountability throughout the bureaucracy. These moves, while notable, are only the beginning. What the moment demands is not merely a change in personnel, but a shift in posture — one grounded in humility, urgency, and honest reflection.

Governments, like individuals, reach moments when they must stop and reevaluate their path. When systems stall, when outcomes fall short, when the people begin to disengage, the responsible course is to recalibrate. This is not weakness; it is the discipline of leadership.

Filipinos understand recalibration

interest in its developments and setbacks. After all, its success, or failure, is ours too. And the recent electoral victory of Isko Moreno ushered in a certain reasonable level of excitement and, to some degree, a sense of hope. I’m aware of the issues hurled against him as part of the fierce contest for the top executive position. They’re in the news. But he already won; hence, we can only wish him good luck and extend all the possible support for the city. I don’t know him personally

intimately, especially those living overseas. Leaving the country is rarely a matter of convenience. It is a decision born of necessity — made in the hope that what is rebuilt

Save Manila

but, along with many of my colleagues and friends, we want him to succeed.

Save our cultural heritage

The city must be the primary custodian and promoter of the remaining historical destinations and structures of Manila. The city is as old as many major cities of the world. Buildings, sites, parks and even the road network comprise the very essence of where we started as a country. There’s so many stories to tell – anecdotes that would make us proud, battles that flame our courage,

religious mysteries that keep the faith and the journey of a people that have experienced life at its barest and destiny at its grandeur.

Intramuros, for example, must be fully restored to its rightful claim in our past.

For me, the city can perhaps enter into a formal agreement with the national government so that Manila can take charge in relocating the informal settlers. Probably transfer them to Mayor Isko’s Tondotels. Give them the dignity that they deserve, too.

For those who cannot be

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of

abroad can sustain what remains at home. These migrants — workers, professionals, families — do not cling to broken systems.

transferred, or don’t like to go because they believe that they also have the legal claim to the properties since they stayed there shortly after World War II, must have homes that are well built and aesthetically appropriate inside the Walled City. Let’s stop embarrassing ourselves any further. I’ve seen tourists in the area for countless times. I could see and sense their disappointment while walking in the streets adorned with cobble stones. We are remiss in ensuring that our foreign guests

would have the best travel experience when they visited this Spanish enclave. The solutions to the travails of Intramuros is beyond the regular clout of the Intramuros Administration. Saving this Hispanic citadel which was founded during the time of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi in 1571 must be a collaboration between several national government agencies and the local government of Manila. The parent agency of the Intramuros Administration,

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DAteline PhiliPPines

Pope elevates Marikina church to minor basilica

THE Vatican has approved the elevation of a Marikina City church to the status of a minor basilica, making it the country’s first to receive the designation under the new Pope.

Granted at the request of Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos, the elevation of the Diocesan Shrine and Parish of St. Paul of the Cross to minor basilica recognizes the spiritual significance and active faith of its community.

The announcement followed the issuance of a Vatican decree dated May 13 by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments.

The parish-shrine is now among the 26 churches in the country recognized

by the Vatican as a minor basilica. Established as a parish in 1975, the shrine is the oldest church in the Philippines dedicated to St. Paul of the Cross.

The honor of minor basilica is given to churches around the world in acknowledgment of their historical or cultural significance, artistic beauty and importance in the life of the Church. (Inquirer.net)

Pampanga gubernatorial bet questions poll results, seeks manual count

surprised with the outcome of the elections,” Francisco said in an interview.

MANILA — Pampanga gubernatorial candidate Danilo Baylon is seeking to contest the 2025 midterm election results, claiming there were irregularities.

Atty. Ernesto Franciso, legal counsel of Baylon who filed the election protest before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday, said that Baylon’s camp wants to have a manual recount of votes and question the proclamation of Lilia Pineda.

Based on official and final results, Pineda won the gubernatorial race with 709,694 votes while Baylon ranked second with 476,642 votes.

Francisco said that the automated elections system did not perform well as the election results did not match with the pre-election surveys conducted in the province.

“We believe that if the elections have been clean and the automated election system has really performed, we believe that Danilo Baylon would have won. This is based on pre-election surveys that were repeatedly conducted. That’s why we were very

“We believe that if the elections have been clean and the automated election system has really performed, we believe that Danilo Baylon would have won. This is based on pre-election surveys that were repeatedly conducted. That’s why we were very surprised with the outcome of the elections,” Francisco said in an interview.

“We believe that if the elections have been clean and the automated election system has really performed, we believe that Danilo Baylon would have won. This is based on pre-election surveys that were repeatedly conducted. That’s why we were very surprised with the outcome of the elections,” Francisco said in an interview.

Francisco also mentioned that they are contesting all precincts in the province for the manual recount.

When asked why a manual recount is significant for the protest, Francisco said that “the province of the Pampanga should be the test case if the automated election system that was recently introduced really worked.”

Marcos pushes for PPPs to build more Ilocos Region classrooms faster

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed concerned government agencies to create more public-private partnerships (PPPs) to speed up the construction of more classrooms in the Ilocos Region. This came in a statement

from the Presidential Communications Office on Saturday, May 24, a day after the president attended the Regional Development Council meeting in Dagupan City.

“I think we need to accelerate that. I do not think we want to wait until 2030 for all of those classrooms,” Marcos said.

Meanwhile, Pineda’s daughter, San Fernando City mayoral candidate Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab, was the first to file an election protest before the Comelec for the 2025 midterm elections last Thursday. Pineda-Cayabyab lost to incumbent Mayor Vilma Caluag by 78,063 votes.

Appeal to Comelec chief

Francisco called on Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia to inhibit himself from any election matter concerning the Pampanga province as he said that the latter was a long-time lawyer of the Pineda family.

Garcia was Pineda’s lawyer when she asked for a recount for the gubernatorial race in 2007.

When asked to comment on the appeal, Garcia said that there is no need for the appeal to be asked.

“I always recuse/inhibit myself from any case of which I have previous professional relationships with a party/ ies,” Garcia told INQUIRER. net in a Viber message.

“Moreover, an election protest is lodged in a division which the [Chairman] is not participating,” Garcia added. n

The president further said partnering with the private sector meant that “public infrastructure and development projects can be implemented faster and at lower government costs.”

Around 3,000 classrooms were proposed by the Department of Education (DepEd) to be built in the Ilocos Region from 2025 to 2030. n

Save Manila...

the Department of Tourism, hopefully welcomes any initiative that would enjoin the different valuable efforts in rebuilding the image of this tourist destination. I’ll be the first one to wander inside the walled city once this is done.

Make the whole city safer

Achieving a full haven of safety and security for the city’s residents and visitors, similar to Singapore, is definitely more than mere police work. The challenge is much broader and more complex. It’s tied with the poor economic conditions that plague many parts of Manila, such as the depressed communities of Tondo, port areas towards Navotas and Malabon, sidestreets towards Caloocan and La Loma and many other areas deprived of decent housing and livelihood. In other words, poverty lurks

and breeds criminality.

Then it becomes a vicious cycle. Lack of safety further worsens poverty because businesses hardly thrive in such conditions.

The power of the city mayor is vast. He can make a huge difference if he can compel and inspire the city’s police force to again become Manila’s Finest –both respected and feared. After all, he was once their brother-in-arms. He must have the instinct, knowledge and skills that would convert the policemen into agents of growth by providing the needed sense of security to our business communities, especially in the vibrant Chinatown and the commercial hub in Malate.

This must be coupled with the ease of doing business in Manila. It will make financial wonders if the city booms because of the smooth processes

that would support, not hamper, businesses. I heard horror stories and in fact helped some of my friends who had some unpleasant experiences in City Hall before. I had to call Congressman Roland Valeriano for help. He promptly heeded the legitimate request.

The city must again be on top of the list in our country’s local government units. This can be done. I hope that the leaders of Manila will start moving forward as one team with the sole strategic objective of again making their city the pride and vanguard of our country’s progress and destination of choice. (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.

Action begins amid rising public...

They adapt. They rebuild. They move forward. That same resolve must now be expected from those who govern.

This midterm was a pulse check — and the results were instructive. The electorate is asking for more than symbolism. Economic anxieties, inflation, and a lack of services have underscored the need for policies grounded in reality, not rhetoric. The once-solid Marcos-Duterte alliance has fractured, reshaping political alignments and making space for alternative voices. Reform-oriented candidates

are gaining traction, signaling a desire for transparency, competence, and a break from the complacency of dynastic politics.

Meanwhile, electoral irregularities — votebuying, disenfranchisement — remain persistent and corrosive. If public trust is to be restored, reform must move beyond rhetoric into institutional action.

There is still time. The administration can still change course. But time, as many Filipinos already know, is a resource that cannot be squandered. If this moment is to mean anything, it must produce more than

headlines. It must deliver results.

Those outcomes will not be measured by slogans, but by functioning systems, amplified voices, and tangible improvements in people’s lives.

The country deserves a leadership that listens. A leadership that evolves. A leadership that governs not through entitlement, but through effort.

Millions of Filipinos — whether in Manila or Milan, Ilocos or Illinois — already know what it means to pivot, to rebuild, and to rise. Now it is time for those in power to do the same. (AJPress)

The newly declared Diocesan Shrine of St Paul of the Cross in Marikina City. Photo courtesy of the Diocese of Antipolo

PAGE 6

by JAson sigAles Inquirer.net

by DiAnne sAMpAng Inquirer.net

PAGE 6

The Filipino 14: Rising changemakers shaping Asia’s future

by AJPress

YOUNG, driven, and distinctly Filipino — these 14 visionaries are transforming industries and breaking boundaries across the region.

In a region defined by rapid change and innovation, a new generation of Filipino talent is rising — young leaders who are reshaping conversations around culture, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and social justice. Their work spans stages, boardrooms,

They’re more than a girl group — they’re a cultural movement. The eightmember P-pop sensation — Aiah Arceta, Colet Vergara, Gwen Apuli, Jhoanna Robles, Maloi Ricalde, Mikha Lim, Sheena Catacutan, and Stacey Sevilleja — has exploded in global reach with over 1 billion Spotify streams. Their rise marks a milestone in Filipino representation in pop music, blending sleek choreography, socially conscious lyrics, and unapologetic pride in their identity.

already shaping Southeast Asia’s startup ecosystem as Vice President of Forge Ventures. She represents a wave of female leadership in venture capital, focused not just on returns, but on backing ideas that can solve regional problems at scale.

Raya Buensuceso

From fintech to health tech, Buensuceso leads Kaya Founders with a vision to nurture Filipino-led innovation. As managing director, she oversees a $29 million fund that supports startups solving real-world

Abi Marquez recognized at World Influencers and Bloggers Awards in Cannes

by Anne pAsAJol Inquirer.net

FILIPINO food content creator Abi Marquez gained international recognition anew, winning an accolade at the 2025 World Influencers and Bloggers Awards (WIBA), which was held during the Cannes Film Festival in France. Marquez, popularly known as “Lumpia Queen,” was named the Food Creator of the Year, as per her Instagram post on Sunday,

PAGE 10

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After first-time poll loss, Revilla eyes cases vs fake news purveyors

by MArlon rAMos Inquirer.net

MANILA — Still smarting from his first loss in a national election, outgoing Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. said on Monday, May 26 he would file criminal charges against certain individuals who “orchestrated” a smear campaign against him and cost him his reelection bid in the May 12 midterm polls.

“I’m sad because I fell victim to fake news,” Revilla told reporters over the phone, his voice sounding dejected.

“They were able to convince the people that [those falsehoods] were true. So I said we have to do something. We need to file cases against those who should be held liable for this,” he said.

The actor-turnedlawmaker said he decided to take legal action to prevent unscrupulous netizens from spreading lies and unduly influencing the perception of voters about candidates like him.

“I’m not onion-skinned … I have already suffered when people believed the lies told about me in the past. This time, I will not allow it again,” he added.

Asked if the supposed attacks against him on various social media platforms were coordinated, Revilla said, “I believe yes, it was orchestrated.”

But he refused to say which political group or individuals were behind the campaign to prevent him from winning his fourth sixyear term in the Senate.

“That’s part of politics. That’s part of the election process,” he said. “But what’s inappropriate here is the spread of fake news.”

Revilla, the son of the late action superstar and former

Senator Ramon Revilla Sr., landed in the 14th spot in the final tally of the Commission on Elections with over 12 million votes.

This was quite a contrast from 2010, when he received the highest number of votes, earning him a second consecutive six-year term as senator.

Malicious post

In a separate press briefing, Revilla’s lawyer, Raymond Fortun, said they were readying the filing of as many as 10 cyberlibel complaints against vloggers, websites, and other personalities who allegedly fabricated damaging stories about his client.

Fortun said one of the malicious posts was the purported order of the Sandiganbayan for Revilla to remit P124.5 million to state coffers in connection with the cases filed against him over the P10-billion pork barrel scam.

He showed a social media art card that quoted Revilla as supposedly saying that he would not return the amount that he allegedly

pocketed from his pork barrel allotments, officially known as the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

In 2014, Revilla surrendered to authorities after he was indicted for plunder and graft. He spent nearly five years in jail before he was acquitted by the antigraft court in 2018.

“Revilla was falsely charged before the Sandiganbayan for having misused his PDAF. He was rightfully acquitted [of] these false charges in 2018 and 2021. He has no pending case in any court of law since then,” Fortun said.

“Notwithstanding such acquittals, certain individuals and groups … continued to vilify him … These evilminded individuals and groups succeeded in their plan, but they will be made to answer for their misdeeds before the courts of law,” he stressed.

According to Fortun, the attacks against Revilla intensified on May 7, or just five days before the elections. n

‘Nancy can’t order Makati department heads to resign’

MANILA — A Makati official on Monday, May 26 reminded mayor-elect and outgoing Sen. Nancy Binay that she could not order city department heads to resign as they hold permanent positions under the Civil Service Code.

Makati administrator Claro Certeza issued the statement following Binay’s announcement last week that she intends to ask city department heads to submit their courtesy resignations.

“We respect the prerogative of the incoming mayor to ask for the courtesy resignations of the city’s department heads,” Certeza said.

“However, she should be reminded that the position of a department head is a permanent one under the Civil Service Code,” he added.

Unlike Cabinet members, Certeza said department heads in local government units are not political appointees, but career officials whose appointments are reviewed and approved by the Civil Service Commission and ratified by the city council.

“It is not within the power of a mayor to order the

resignation of department heads,” Certeza said.

He said most department heads have served Makati for decades, some dating back to the administration of former mayor and vice president Jejomar Binay.

“They rose from the ranks based on merit, professionalism and performance,” Certeza said. n

DOJ moves to cancel Harry Roque’s

passports

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally sought the cancellation of the passports of former presidential spokesman Harry Roque, who is facing charges of qualified human trafficking.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said the DOJ petitioned the Angeles City Regional Trial Court in Pampanga to cancel Roque’s passports.

At the same time, the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has asked the International Criminal Police Organization to issue a red notice for Roque.

The Filipino 14: Rising changemakers...

Dr. Jasper Ruby Vijar

A young doctor and public health advocate, Vijar cofounded Team Dugong Bughaw, a youth-led NGO that has reached thousands with life-saving education on reproductive health and HIV prevention. His leadership blends science and social justice, focusing on those too often left behind.

A mind for mastery

Daniel Quizon Strategic, composed, and fiercely competitive, Quizon became the Philippines’ 17th chess Grandmaster in 2024. He has carried the nation’s flag into global tournaments and shown that excellence in sports isn’t always physical — it can be intellectual, patient, and quietly brilliant. Beyond a list — a national

moment

Recognition from Forbes Asia is not merely an accolade; it’s an affirmation that Filipino youth are not just part of the regional conversation — they’re helping lead it. Whether building companies, telling untold stories, or healing communities, these 14 individuals embody a future where talent meets purpose. n

CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III confirmed on Monday, May 26, that the request has been made, following the issuance of a warrant for Roque’s arrest.

Roque, who is seeking asylum in the Netherlands, has a pending arrest warrant issued by the Pampanga court over his alleged involvement in Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator in Porac, accused of trafficking and other scam activities.

“It would limit his options. He will be compelled to take accountability for his

actions and defend himself,” Remulla told reporters. “In our country, flight is an indication of guilt. So he should return home and face the charges.”

Remulla said if the court grants the cancellation of Roque’s passports, he would become an undocumented alien and be subjected to deportation proceedings.

Roque’s deportation, however, would depend on the outcome of his asylum application.

But Remulla said he doubts the Netherlands would grant Roque refuge

since it is “one of the countries that goes against human trafficking.”

Remulla said he received information that Roque has three passports.

The DOJ has asked the court to issue a holddeparture order for Roque’s co-accused, Lucky South 99 representative Cassandra Li Ong.

Roque has claimed that he is a victim of political persecution by

administration due

ties with

by Mark ErnEst VillEza Philstar.com

by DaphnE GalVEz Philstar.com

the Marcos

to his

the Dutertes. (With reports with Mark Ernest Villeza)

Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr. Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau

Makati Mayor-elect and outgoing Senator Nancy Binay announced during the Kapihan sa Senado in Pasay on May 22, 2025 STAR / Jesse Bustos

Harry Roque Jr. during a hearing at the House of Representatives. House of Representatives via Facebook

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

A success story for crewmen: Overstayed crewmember obtains

immigrant visa in Manila, through Obama-era provisional waiverregulation, on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

JULIE came to the U.S. as a crew member in 2004 and overstayed, leaving her eight-year-old daughter, Jolina, back in the Philippines. The years of separation broke Julie’s heart, but she believed her sacrifice would help build a better future for her daughter.

Julie had been watching “Citizen Pinoy” and she knew that the “Attorney-of-Last-Hope” Michael J. Gurfinkel might be able to help her. She had been consulting with him

in January 2008, August 2013, and January 2016 before the priority date on her mother’s petition became current.

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

When her mother’s petition PAGE 12

‘ATTORNEY-OF-LAST-HOPE’ MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL HELPED OVERSTAYED CREW MEMBER GET A VISA ON AN ENCORE SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! When Julie (above, left) completed her contract as a crew member in 2004, she planned on returning to the Philippines to her eight-year-old daughter. However, she unknowingly overstayed while visiting family, and then could not leave due to the 10-year ban. She consulted with Atty. Gurfinkel (above, right) on several occasions, until President Obama created the Provisional Waiver program. This was an answer to Julie’s prayer, as she was to return to Manila for her immigrant visa on an approved provisional waiver, and immediately return to the U.S. as a green card holder. Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, June 1 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Health@Heart Queries from readers

philip S. chuA, mD, FAcS, FpcS

CAN tubal ligation be reversed?

Ligation of the fallopian tubes, performed for birth control, can be reversed to allow pregnancy to take place, depending on how long a segment of the tubes were cut in the original operation. If the segments removed are too long to precluded reanastomosis (re-connection or bridging), then it can’t be done.

The factors that will affect the success rate of pregnancy, following “reversal,” are: how old and healthy the patient is, the pregnancy history of the patient, whether the tubes were initially cut by a knife or electrocoagulation (the latter burns and injures the cut ends of the tubes and lessens the success rate), and the experience and skill of the gynecologist in microsurgery, etc.

The highest success rate (65%), according to Ob-Gynecologist Anthony Gentile, M.D., Ph.D., of Flossmoor, Illinois, “is with reversal of tubes ligated with the thin Hukla clip, and the lowest (less than 40%) with electrocautery.” Practically the same medical facts and limitations apply to vasectomy reversal in men, which can be done by a urologist to enable vasectomized men to be fertile again. Of course, pregnancy can be achieved without the use of the fallopian tubes, but using IVF (In vitro – “test tube” – fertilization).

Can appendicitis recur?

No, once the appendix is removed properly, appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix) will not recur, because there is no more appendiceal tissue left to get inflamed. Sometimes, though, the patient may feel right lower quadrant abdominal discomfort similar to appendicitis pain days, or months, after appendectomy, but these pains could be due to post-operative adhesions or other causes brought on by other conditions. The prudent thing to do if pains recur is to visit the surgeon who performed the procedure. Why is it dangerous to shake babies?

Shaking or jarring infants and babies could lead to injury to the neck bones and disruption of the spinal cord in that area, leading

to sudden death (Shaken Baby Syndrome). The neck of infants and babies is quite limp, literally weak, and unstable, that jarring or shaking the baby often leads to fatal neck injury due to severe hyperextension of the neck and severing the cervical spinal cord at the base of the brain. When holding an infant or a child, the head and neck should always be supported as “one piece” with the hand holding the back of the head, the neck and the upper back, acting as a “brace” that prevents the heavy head from falling back. Can I take my friend’s blood pressure pill?

No, absolutely not, unless your physician, after interviewing and examining you, recommends the same pill to control your high blood pressure. It is not only illegal for your friend to “prescribe and dispense” medications if he was not a licensed physician but also very dangerous for you. What is good for him may not be good or tolerated by you. Your friend’s good intention may backfire and do disservice to you by causing serious complications from taking the pills he gives you or advise you to take without consulting with your physician. This caveat goes true with any and all medications, even as simple as aspirin. Do skin lotions cause cancer?

There is nothing in the medical literature that says skin moisturizing lotions or creams or gels can cause cancer. Some people may be sensitive or allergic to some form of moisturizing lotions, but we are not aware of any of these causing skin or other malignancies. We highly recommend these moisturizing skin aids for healthy skin. Each person should try to find one that suits their skin the best, and use it 2 to 3 times daily. Moisturizers for the face for women and men, and the whole body, used daily, are beneficial.

What can I do with “dryness pain” during sex?

This is a normal or physiologic condition that comes with menopause or with age, usually above 40, although even younger women could have decreased vaginal secretion to allow for a comfortable and pleasurable sex. Water-soluble lubricants, like KY Jelly, which is sterile (free of bacteria) helps tremendously in situations

like this. Some women may be allergic or sensitive to some lubricants. Oil is not safe to use. And neither is saliva, since it is full of bacteria and can cause infection. It is also a good practice for the partners take a shower before and, preferably also after, an intimate encounter to prevent infection.

Is heartburn a form of heart attack?

No, heartburn is a misnomer, misleading and confusing. It has nothing to do with the heart, so it is not a form of heart attack. Heartburn has been loosely used, even in medical circles, to denote stomach hyperacidity, gastric upset, or indigestion, especially following intake of spicy foods or drinking alcoholic beverages, or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Does exercise increase appetite?

Contrary to popular belief or what we call “common sense,” exercise does not increase the appetite. As a matter of fact, regular exercise reduces appetite to a healthy level. This is a proven finding among those trying to lose weight, where exercise plays a vital role in the success of the regimen and the long-term maintenance of healthier weight. Exercise also reduces the risk for metabolic and cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Can one get an infection from manicure?

Yes, most definitely, and especially in the toes, from pedicure. The Tinea Pedis can affect the fingernails, when a nail cutter and other instrument to remove cuticle are contaminated by the fungus in the toes or toenails of people with the infection. It is the responsibility of the beauty shops to prevent infection and the spread of infection among their customers. Washing the “instruments” and soaking them in recommended medical antiseptic solutions, or even in diluted form of chlorine, or UV-C lamp can minimize, if not prevent contamination. Chlorine solution, for one, also kills the AIDS virus on contact. When beauty shops do not follow these safe and hygienic procedures, it behooves any of us customers to report them to the company to protect the public. We must always be on our toes!

* * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author

Freddie Aguilar, ‘Anak’ Hitmaker and Filipino Folk Icon, Dies at 72

by AJPress

FREDDIE Aguilar, the trailblazing folk musician whose timeless anthem “Anak” touched millions around the world and helped define Original Pilipino Music (OPM), died on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. He was 72.

Aguilar passed away at the Philippine Heart Center due to cardiac arrest brought on by complications from kidney failure and pneumonia, according to hospital officials. His death was confirmed by Atty. George Briones, general counsel of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), where Aguilar had previously served as national executive vice president.

His wife, Jovie Gatdula Albao, had been providing updates during his hospitalization, expressing gratitude for the public’s continued prayers and support.

A voice for the people

Born Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar on February 5, 1953, in Santo Tomas, Isabela, he gravitated toward music early, composing songs by the age of 14. He briefly studied engineering in Manila before leaving school to pursue music full time— first as a street performer, then as a regular on the Manila folk music circuit.

That leap of faith gave rise to one of the most powerful Filipino songs ever written. Released in 1978, “Anak” (Child) is a poignant ballad of parental love, guilt, and redemption. It became a global phenomenon, translated into 51 languages and selling more than 30 million copies worldwide. The song not only launched

Freddie Aguilar

Aguilar to international fame but also introduced Filipino folk music to audiences far beyond the Philippines.

Protest, patriotism, and politics Aguilar’s influence extended beyond music.

His stirring rendition of “Bayan Ko” (My Country) became a rallying anthem during the 1986 People Power Revolution that ended the Marcos dictatorship. His songs gave voice to a generation’s longing for democracy and dignity.

In later years, Aguilar drew attention—and at times criticism—for his political stances, including his support for former President Rodrigo Duterte. While his affiliations shifted, Aguilar consistently maintained that music and politics were inseparable in a country still grappling with inequality and injustice.

A cultural legacy

Freddie Aguilar’s mark on OPM is unparalleled. Through songs like “Magdalena,” “Estudyante Blues,” and

“Katarungan,” he chronicled the lives of the working class, the overlooked, and the betrayed—with lyrics that were unflinching, poetic, and deeply Filipino. He earned numerous awards both locally and internationally, and was widely regarded as a cultural ambassador for the Philippines.

Aguilar is survived by his wife, Jovie, and his four children from a previous marriage—Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko. His daughter Maegan Aguilar followed in his footsteps as a musician.

“We have lost a national treasure,” one fan posted. “Freddie Aguilar gave us the soundtrack to our joys, regrets, awakenings, and revolutions.”

As the Philippines reflects on his life and work, Freddie Aguilar’s music will continues to echo in homes, jeepneys, and public plazas—proof that even in silence, a true artist's voice will live on.

A success story for crewmen: Overstayed...

PAGE 11

became current, she was able to file for and get her provisional waiver approved. Despite several hurdles, including the delays due to the pandemic, the embassy interview was finally set. Although the U.S. Embassy gave her a challenging time with multiple interviews and additional requirements, Julie was still able to get her visa issued in September 2022 without being charged with fraud or requiring a fraud waiver. She was

also able to bring her now 26-year-old daughter, Jolina, to the U.S. with her under the Child Status Protection Act. Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, June 1 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)

Philstar.com file photo

Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney

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

Filipina Chef Chrissy Camba brings heart and heritage to PBS’s The grocery list

Filipina-American Chef Chrissy Camba brings food, identity, and community together in a new PBS docuseries that honors the cultural heartbeat of immigrant grocery stores.

by AJPress

FOOD is never just food— it’s identity, tradition, and survival. And for FilipinoAmerican chef Chrissy Camba, it’s also joy.

That infectious spirit— along with her deep-rooted love for heritage—anchors

The Grocery List, a five-part PBS docuseries that does something quietly radical: it brings viewers into America’s immigrant-owned grocery stores and asks us to look again. To slow down. To really see the stories folded into banana leaves, nestled between cans of coconut milk, and stacked in boxes of SkyFlakes.

Each short, beautifully filmed episode follows Camba through a different market—Filipino, Palestinian, Caribbean, Italian, Latin American—where she shops, chats, and cooks with the people who’ve made these grocery stores cultural sanctuaries. The show blends food history, family narrative, and neighborhood heart in one deliciously grounded series.

A market of one’s own

The journey begins at Seafood City in Chicago, the

Midwest flagship of a Filipino grocery chain familiar to many diaspora families. On a quiet weekday afternoon, the store hums with life: aunties comparing rice brands, uncles filling bags of bangus (milkfish), shelves lined with bagoong (fermented shrimp paste) and SkyFlakes (Filipino crackers that bring back childhood memories for many).

Camba strolls the aisles like she’s never left. She greets customers playing Sunday bingo, shares stories of growing up Filipina in Chicago, and cooks tortang alimasag—a crab omelet passed down from her mother—back at home with her husband.

“This isn’t a cooking show,” she says. “It’s a people show. And the food just happens to be incredible.”

Chrissy Camba: Chef, Daughter, Storyteller

Before she was telling stories on camera, Camba was making waves in kitchens.

A graduate of the Illinois Institute of Art, she trained at fine-dining spots like Aria and Mirai Sushi, and later opened Laughing Bird in 2014—one of Chicago’s first restaurants to spotlight Filipino flavors with boldness and pride.

In 2012, she competed on Top Chef: Seattle, where her unfiltered charm and unapologetic celebration of Filipino dishes like longganisa (sweet sausage) and calamansiglazed pork won over fans nationwide.

Now, through The Grocery List, she shifts from fine dining to familial storytelling, amplifying the voices behind the shelves: the aunties, the bakers, the shopkeepers, and the grandmothers who’ve turned markets into memory banks.

From Brooklyn to Ridgefield, culture in every cart

In each episode, Camba visits a culturally distinct market and shares meals with those who steward its traditions. Her role isn’t to “discover” these places, but to honor them—learning and listening alongside cooking.

• Balady Market, Bay Ridge, Brooklyn – A halal market run by three Palestinian-American brothers, where Camba learns to prepare mansaf (lamb in fermented yogurt) with matriarch Ferial Masoud.

• Labay Market, Flatbush – A Grenadian-Caribbean grocery pulsing with spice, song, and stories of resilience.

• Piccolo’s Gastronomia Italiana, Ridgefield, NJ –A cozy Italian deli where Camba makes mozzarella and puttanesca pasta, sharing wine and laughter with coowner Nancy.

• La Placita de Brooklyn, Sunset Park – A Latin American market that bridges cultures, highlighting where Filipino and Latino flavors meet on the shelf and on the plate.

Language as seasoning

The show lovingly weaves in Filipino terms, letting language flavor the narrative

the same way garlic might enrich a pot of adobo:

• Lola – grandmother

• Adobo – meat stewed in vinegar, soy sauce, and garlic

• Lumpia – crispy spring rolls

• Pandesal – soft breakfast rolls

• Bagoong – fermented shrimp paste

• Sinigang – sour tamarind soup

• Tortang alimasag – crab omelet

• Sari-sari store – corner convenience shop, often run from one’s home

These aren’t just ingredients or vocabulary. They are cultural timestamps. And in Chrissy Camba’s hands, they become bridges—linking generations, communities, and kitchens.

Behind the lens

The Grocery List is directed by Emily Strong and produced by Diane Quon, the Oscarnominated documentarian behind Minding the Gap. The series is elegantly crafted, shot by cinematographer Sebastian De Silva, edited by Brent Bandemer, with production by Grace Sin and original music by Noah MacNeil.

Each episode is filmed with intimacy and care: warm kitchen lighting, close-ups of hands peeling garlic, elders telling stories between bites.

There are no flashy graphics or fast cuts—just deeply

human moments, captured in real time.

Where to watch

All five episodes of The Grocery List Show premiere May 28 on PBS Food’s YouTube channel, available for free streaming. Each runs under 15 minutes—a perfect pairing with your morning coffee or a shared dinner.

Final bite

Whether you’re from the diaspora, a lover of global cuisine, or someone who’s ever felt the power of a market to transport you to another

place, The Grocery List Show offers more than flavor. It’s a reminder that the most meaningful food journeys often begin not in a restaurant, but in the quiet intimacy of an aisle—and for many of us, in the first time we recognized ourselves on a label, a spice jar, or a grandmother’s recipe card.

Each episode may only last a dozen minutes, but the resonance lingers far longer— especially for anyone who has ever found home in the aisles of a neighborhood market.

Queries from readers...

PAGE 12

do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * *

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

* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS,

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

Former Top Chef contender Chrissy Camba.

Photo from thegrocerylistshow.com

Michael Joseph Lobusta: ‘The feeling of fatherhood is an unexplainable love for my children’

rogelio coNStANtiNo

meDiNA My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)

AS we celebrate Father’s Day on June 15, allow me to feature fathers from all walks of life. I asked seven fathers (first batch): (1) How does it feel to be a father? (2) Define fatherhood.

The respondents’ replies are as follows:

Fairfield-based physicist and former U.S. Navy member Michael Joseph Lobusta, who was with the U.S. Department of Defense: (1) “The feeling of fatherhood is an unexplainable love for my children. There is a sense of desire to provide, to protect, to support and to nurture for my children. Being a father feels overwhelming at times, but this creates an opportunity for me to call on the Heavenly Father to provide me strength and motivation to help my children live fulfilling lives.” (2) “I define fatherhood as a fundamental human role, whereas I, as a father, take on the responsibility of building a healthy relationship with my children, being present for them while I walk this earth with them. Fatherhood is being the role model of unconditional love and trust for my children.”

Quezon City-based driver Emmanuel Malasa: (1) “Para sa akin bilang isang ama na may pitong anak ang aking pakiramdam ay nag-uumapaw na kasiyahan. Masaya at puno ng pakikipagsapalaran sa buhay ang pagiging ama.” (2) “Dito ko nakikita ang pagiging tao, ama,

magulang sa kabila ng mga responsibilidad na nakaatang sa iyong mga balikat:  pagpapakain, pagpapalaki, paggabay at paghubog, pagdidisiplina, pagpapaaral ayon sa pagsisikap mong matugunan ilan lang sa mga obligasyon mo bilang Isang ama. Maligaya ako at nasusubaybayan ko ang kanilang paglaki sa kabila ng mga suliraning dumarating na aming nalalagpasan sa kabila ng mga pagsubok. Dasal lang sa Diyos ang aking panlaban, dumating man na kaya na nilang tumayo sa sariling mga paa. Masaya ako at kanila ring gagawin pag dumating na sila naman ang maging magulang at ama.”

Papua New Guinea-based forester Aristeo “Aldrin” Medina V: (1) “I feel grateful and so blessed for being a father.” (2) “Fatherhood is the actual and ultimate fulfilment of man’s sacred gift or blessing from God as a human being designed to lead, raise, guide, provide for, and mold his offsprings into productive individuals under His Divine wisdom.”

August Twenty One Movement leader Volt Bohol: (1) “Being a father changed the way I look at the world. It gave me a greater purpose to continue living in this world. I can be too selfless at times that I really don’t care for myself that much. Health-wise especially. Ever since I became a father I suddenly started eating healthy foods more because I wanted to live a longer life and spend more time with my son as long as I can.” (2) “Fatherhood is the ultimate high for me. It’s meant to make you more selfless.”

Japan-based Bryan I. Kato who works at the U.S. Naval

Ship Repair Facility and Japan Regional Maintenance Center: (1)  “It felt heavy (responsibilities, etc.) at first, but somewhere along the way things got better in life. As they grew older, I started to feel thankful for having this opportunity or privilege of being a father of two daughters.” (2)  “Though my two daughters are still in their early 20’s, they have left the nest and started living on their own. I’m not a perfect father but I feel that I have equipped them just enough knowledge to survive this world, and having faith that they would mature in God’s timing just as I did when I was at their place. Whatever I learned starting from their birth until they grew up, I feel responsible for helping them with what they need to know and how to apply it in their life. One day, they would go through this life’s cycle, and they would be making their own decisions when it is my time to go. Being a father is a blessing from our Creator and thinking about other people who are unable to be a father, I always feel thankful to God on what I am right now.”

Bulacan-based Paulo Xavier Ilano, married, father of two and client account manager of a BPO firm: (1) “Ang maging isang ama para sa akin is a blessing and an inspiration. It brings me happiness dahil parang mas nagkaroon ng purpose ang buhay ko, mas nagkaroon po ng direksyon.” (2) “Para po sa akin, fatherhood is a gift from God. Sa pamamagitan po ng pagiging ama, binigyan po ako ni God ng pagkakataon na maging kasangkapan sa paghubog ng buhay, nurture faith, and spread

goodness within the family. Ito po ay isang responsibilidad that comes with deep joy, sacrifice and incomparable reward.”

Arvin Tanjuaquio, a product of the University of Redlands (MBA and Masters in Information Systems): (1) “Being a father is tough but very satisfying — every challenge has meaning when you understand the purpose behind the hard work. It’s not just about providing; it’s about building something eternal. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home after a long, draining day, and seeing my four-year-old son runs into my arms and my wife gives you a warm embrace. That moment alone makes every sacrifice worth it. Raising a family isn’t just a responsibility — it’s a calling. Establishing a strong faith in the Lord as the foundation of our home is above all else. There’s no greater joy than seeing your family grow, not just in love, but in the fruits of the Holy Spirit — living each day to honor and glorify God. That’s the

kind of legacy worth building.”

(2) “Fatherhood is not just about providing — it’s about building a home grounded in love, rooted in God, and held together by genuine care for one another. It means leading with faith, serving with humility, and nurturing a space where love, trust, and the presence of the Lord are always felt. It’s the daily choice to raise a family not just in strength, but in spirit — shaped by grace, guided by truth, and united in purpose.”

* * *

Vocabulary word for today: Vulnerable.

To be vulnerable means being susceptible to harm or attack, either physically or

emotionally. Someone who is vulnerable is easily hurt, weak, and unprotected. It can also mean being open to criticism, temptation, or having weaknesses that make you more susceptible to being harmed or affected.

Vulnerability can also refer to the willingness to show emotion or allow one’s weaknesses to be seen, even if it’s uncomfortable.

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com

Physicist Michael Joseph Lobusta with his son Milokai.

Photos compiled by Rogelio C. Medina

Driver Emmanuel Malasa with his son King.

Paulo Xavier Ilano during his recent 40th birthday.

Japan-based Bryan I. Kato with his two daughters Soyoka Joyce (in floral green kimono) and Yumeka Charis.

ATOM leader Volt Bohol

The Medina family: (Clockwise, from top left) Aldrin, Liz, Aries Aldrin, Mary Elizabeth, and Prince Aldrin. Arvin Tanjuaquio with son Mattias.

Karla Estrada graduates college at 48, proving it’s never too late to learn

TV host and actress earns degree in Office Administration from Philippine Christian University

‘Final destination: Bloodlines’ breaks box office records and shines a spotlight on Filipino representation

by AJPress by AJPress

MANILA — Actress and television host Karla

Estrada has reached a new milestone — this time, not on stage or screen, but in the classroom. At 48, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Office Administration from the Philippine Christian University (PCU) through the Commission on Higher Education’s Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).

Designed for working professionals, ETEEAP allows individuals to earn academic degrees by validating their work experience, training, and competencies. For Estrada — who has spent more than three decades in the entertainment industry — it offered a long-awaited opportunity to formalize her skills and complete her college education.

On Instagram, Estrada shared her graduation photo wearing a traditional gown and cap. In her caption, she emphasized the importance of learning and personal growth, writing: “Develop a passion in learning, you will never cease to grow.” She also expressed gratitude to PCU and the ETEEAP program for giving her a second chance at academic achievement.

Estrada, who gained prominence both as a

dramatic actress and as a host of the morning talk show Magandang Buhay, has publicly emphasized the value of education. Her graduation has since become a personal triumph and a broader symbol of encouragement for adult learners across the country. She noted that completing her degree was a dream long delayed by life circumstances, including her early entry into show business and her role as a single mother. Estrada shared that her achievement is not just for herself but for others who may feel that time has passed them by. In her Instagram Stories, she encouraged others by saying: “If I can do it, you can do it! It’s possible. It’s never too late to learn and become what you always wanted to be.”

Estrada’s accomplishment

comes as more Filipinos turn to non-traditional educational pathways. ETEEAP, developed under Republic Act No. 7722 and administered by CHED, offers a flexible academic track for professionals, overseas Filipino workers, and adult learners who wish to earn a degree without starting from scratch.

Her story quickly went viral, drawing admiration from fans, fellow celebrities, and education advocates. Many commended her resilience and drive, particularly her ability to balance academic requirements with the responsibilities of motherhood and public life.

As the mother of actor and singer Daniel Padilla, Estrada has said she hopes to inspire others to return to school and continue learning, regardless of where they are in life. She acknowledged that many people, particularly women, set aside personal goals for the sake of family or work. Her success, she added, is proof that those goals can still be reclaimed.

As she marked her graduation, Estrada became more than a screen icon — she became a figure of persistence and possibility. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that the door to education never truly closes, and that every chapter, even the ones we think are over, can still be rewritten.

“FINAL Destination: Bloodlines” didn’t just dominate the box office — it made history by placing a Filipino American family at the heart of a major Hollywood horror franchise.

The sixth entry in the Final Destination series opened to $124.2 million worldwide, including $70.1 million in North America, according to Warner Bros. The film now holds the best opening weekend in franchise history, outperforming its predecessors and reigniting global interest in the 25-yearold series.

But what’s grabbing headlines beyond the numbers is the film’s authentic portrayal of a Filipino American family — represented onscreen by rising Fil-Am talents Kaitlyn Santa Juana and Teo Briones, who play siblings Stefani and Charlie Reyes.

“It replicates my actual family,” Santa Juana shared in an interview, describing how she worked closely with the directors to include Filipino traditions — from food and decor to the tsinelas rule (no shoes in the house!).

“Being able to bring my culture into this film means a lot to me,” she added in a separate interview. “It’s not just about the horror elements; it’s about showing a family that reflects my own.”

Marian Rivera approves Dingdong Dantes, Charo Santos’ May-December affair film

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPUSO star Dingdong Dantes revealed that his wife Marian Rivera approved his May-December affair movie with Charo Santos-Concio.

During the press conference of their upcoming movie "Only We Know", Dingdong said that Marian already watched the film.

“Very, very happy. In fact, isa siya sa pinakaunang nakapanood ng final cut. At nu’ng ipinanood ko sa kanya 'yun, sobrang nagustuhan niya 'yung pelikula," he said.

“Tinext niya si Direk Irene (Villamor) tapos sinabi niya she loves the film and maybe nakarelate raw siya as a woman.

Ganu’n kalakas 'yung naging portrayal ng character ni Betty (Charo),” he added.

Dingdong said that Marian wants everyone to watch the film as well.

“Nag-resonate sa kanya at ang wish nga niya ay sana mas maraming makapanood at sa cinema talaga siya ipalabas para iba 'yung magiging viewing experience,” he said.

Charo then explained the meaning of the movie.

“It is a story about love, however you want to define it. Love between two people – no labels. We learned how to not be afraid to go with the flow. It was about finding love in each other," she said.

“It is only Betty and Ryan who can define the beautiful

Meet the stars behind the roles

Kaitlyn Santa Juana, 28, is a Canadian actress of Filipino and Slovak descent. Born in Langley, British Columbia, she began her acting career in 2016 and is also a Broadway alum, having performed in Dear Evan Hansen in both Canada and New York. She has appeared in TV roles on The Flash and in indie films like The Friendship Game. Her performance in Bloodlines marks her breakout in a global studio release.

Teo Briones, 20, was born in Oxford, England, to Filipino actor Jon Jon Briones and American actress Megan Briones. Raised in Los Angeles, Teo has been acting since he was five. He is best known for his portrayal of Junior Wheeler in Chucky (Syfy) and has appeared in Pretty Little Liars, Wind River, and Ratched. His sister Isa Briones stars in Dune: Prophecy on HBO Max.

In media interviews surrounding the film’s release, Briones noted how meaningful it was to portray a Filipino family in a major Hollywood horror release. He shared his pride in being able to contribute to representation on a global platform and reflected on the importance of authenticity in the film’s cultural details.

Culture woven into the horror

Filipino life: crucifixes above doorways, family altars, sinigang on the stove, and slippers neatly lined up at the entrance.

The tsinelas rule — a noshoes-inside custom known across Filipino households — becomes both a visual cue and a subtle cultural anchor.

“This wasn’t just about casting — it was about storytelling,” Santa Juana explained. “The tsinelas, the food, even how the siblings argue — that’s all part of it.”

Audience connection and industry impact

For many first- and secondgeneration Filipino Americans, the film resonates far beyond its horror narrative. Its themes — intergenerational trauma, sibling sacrifice, and the role of faith — mirror the lived experiences of many in the diaspora.

Social media lit up over the weekend with hashtags like #FilAmExcellence, #FinalDestinationBloodlines, and #TsinelasCulture trending across platforms. Many young Filipino-American viewers praised the movie for its cultural authenticity and emotional relatability.

“We finally saw ourselves not as sidekicks or comic relief—but as the heart of the story,” one viewer posted. “And we weren’t explained. We just were.”

Breaking barriers at the box office

kind of relationship that they have,” she added.

“It’s also a story about redefining labels. Ang interesting sa pelikula na ito ay babasagin nito ang kahulugan ng label na ‘kailangan pa ba

natin ng label sa ganitong klaseng magandang samahan o kung ano man ang itatawag natin kung sa ano ang meron tayo?’,” Dingdong added.  "Only We Know" will be in cinemas on June 11.

Directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, Final Destination: Bloodlines follows the Reyes siblings as they uncover a dark legacy rooted in a 1968 catastrophe — triggering the familiar Final Destination formula of premonitions, narrow escapes, and death’s relentless return.

But unlike previous entries, this installment is grounded in cultural specificity. The Reyes family’s home features unmistakable touches of

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates the FilipinoAmerican population at over 4.4 million, making them the third-largest Asian American group in the country. Yet Filipino representation in major studio films — especially in lead roles — has remained rare.

Warner Bros. has yet to confirm a sequel, but with box office momentum and community support, a followup appears likely.

Karla Estrada Photo from Instagram/@ karlaestrada1121

Filipino-American actors Teo Briones and Kaitlyn Santa Juana star as siblings in Final Destination: Bloodlines, bringing authentic Filipino family dynamics to the forefront of the blockbuster horror franchise’s sixth installment.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Premiering on June 11 in cinemas nationwide, ‘Only We Know’ is topbilled by Charo Santos and Dingdong Dantes. Philstar.com photo