052325 - Las Vegas

Las Vegas faces a growing housing crisis as costs soar and affordable options vanish. State efforts are underway, but deeper land and infrastructure challenges raise doubts

LAs VeGAs — Long before the neon lights flicker on at night, thousands of Las Vegas residents are facing a daily crisis that is far from glamorous: finding—and affording—a place to call home.

In the past decade, Las Vegas has been one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the United states, luring new residents with promises of job growth, sunshine, and no state income tax. But this rapid expansion has also created a widening gap between housing supply and demand—one that is now pushing working families to the brink.

US firm offers

by AJPress

— the Commission on elections (ComeLeC) formally proclaimed the 12 winning senators of the 2025 midterm elections on saturday, may 17, in a historic and swift ceremony held at the tent City of the manila hotel. the proclamation followed the completion of canvassing across all 175 Certificates of Canvass (CoCs), certifying the vote totals that will shape the senate’s 20th Congress. the event was presided over by ComeLeC Chairman George erwin Garcia, who praised the speed and integrity of the canvassing process. eleven of the twelve senators-elect attended the ceremony in person, joined by family members and supporters. senator-elect Kiko Pangilinan was the only winner absent from the event, as he was in the United states attending his daughter’s graduation.

In keeping with tradition, the senators were proclaimed in reverse order of ranking — beginning

DeadlineNevada’s attempt to end daylight saving time fails to meet legislative deadline, keeping clock changes in place for the foreseeable future

IN a setback for advocates of a permanent time system, a bill that would have exempted the state of Nevada from observing daylight saving time (Dst) has failed to advance in the legislature, effectively halting momentum to end the biannual clock changes.

Assembly Bill 81 missed a key deadline for passage out of committee before the close of the 2025 session. As a result, Nevadans will continue to “spring forward” and “fall back” each year — despite growing public calls for consistency and clarity in timekeeping.

WAshINGtoN, D.C. – In a renewed effort to tackle the high cost of prescription drugs, President Donald trump on may 12 signed an executive order titled “Delivering mostfavored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients,” aimed at bringing U.s. medication prices in line with those paid in other developed countries.

Key provisions: Matching global prices the executive order directs the U.s

the Commission on elections (ComeLeC) has renewed its call for a comprehensive overhaul of the Philippine party-list system following the proclamation of 52 winning party-list groups in the 2025 midterm elections.

According to ComeLeC, 59 of the 63 available partylist seats in the house of representatives have been filled. the proclamation of groups such as Duterte Youth and Bagong

Department of health and human services (hhs) to implement a most-favored-Nation (mfN) pricing model, under which medicare and other federal programs will pay no more for select prescription drugs than the lowest price charged in economically comparable countries such as Canada, france, or Germany. the administration claims this pricing parity could cut drug costs by up to 90% for certain medications. Pharmaceutical

mANILA — With some groups blaming the defeat of administration candidates on the impeachment of Vice President sara Duterte and the arrest of her father, former President rodrigo Duterte, President ferdinand marcos Jr. said on monday, may 19, he is open to reconciliation with his political foes.

In a podcast posted on his Youtube channel, broadcaster Anthony taberna asked marcos whether he is open to restoring his relationship with the Dutertes. the president replied, “oo. Ako, ayaw ko ng gulo. Gusto

ko makasundo sa lahat ng tao. mas maganda (Yes. i don’t want trouble. i want to get along with everyone. That’s better).”

“marami na akong kaaway at hindi ko kailangan ng kaaway. Kailangan ko kaibigan (i already have many enemies and i don’t need enemies. i need friends),” marcos said.

the president said the country’s stability and peace are important so the government can continue its job.

“Kaya ako, laging bukas sa ganyan (That’s why i’m always open to it),” he said, referring to a possible reconciliation with his u PAGE 4

by AJPress

by Luisa Cabato Inquirer.net

by Helen Flores and alexis romero Philstar.com

US firm offers Philippine defense...

between the two countries. Philippine officials say the proposal aligns with their goal to modernize the armed forces while also investing in indigenous defense capabilities.

According to Lockheed martin, the proposed innovation hub would be modeled after its Center for Innovation and security solutions in Abu Dhabi. the facility would support collaborative research, technical training programs, and scholarship opportunities in aerospace engineering and defense logistics. Lockheed representatives have stated in public interviews that they aim to partner with Philippine institutions to develop long-term defense readiness and industrial support capacity, rather than limiting the deal to aircraft procurement.

Jess Koloini, director of business development for Lockheed martin’s Integrated fighter Group, has noted in media briefings that the Philippines is looking for “capabilities that extend beyond the platform,” including maintenance, skills development, and interoperability—a sentiment

that reflects the company’s broader approach to international defense partnerships. the f-16 Block 70 aircraft offered under the deal are equipped with modern avionics, conformal fuel tanks, and an advanced radar suite, giving them extended range and enhanced mission capability. Defense analysts say these features are particularly well-suited to the Philippines’ geography and security challenges in the West Philippine sea. the trump administration approved the proposed sale earlier this year, and if finalized, deliveries could begin in the latter half of the decade. the innovation hub and related training initiatives are designed to begin earlier, following bilateral coordination. Philippine defense officials familiar with the proposal emphasized that the country’s modernization strategy includes not only operating advanced equipment, but also building the capacity to sustain and maintain them domestically. this is consistent with the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept and the revised AfP modernization

Nevada clocks stay on the move...

If passed, the bill would have aligned Nevada with Arizona and hawaii — two states that do not observe Dst supporters of the measure had pointed to evidence suggesting that ending the time change could benefit public health, reduce workplace disruptions, and eliminate scheduling confusion for schoolchildren and shift workers.

According to public hearing records, legislators said they routinely hear from constituents about the disruptive effects of changing the clock, particularly in relation to children’s routines and early morning commutes. however, the bill failed to gain the necessary momentum to move forward before the procedural deadline.

Business groups, including stakeholders in Nevada’s $75 billion tourism industry, raised concerns about the potential economic impact of falling out of sync with other states. Las Vegas, a major entertainment and conference hub, depends on time coordination for national broadcasting, travel itineraries, and convention schedules.

Under current federal law, states can choose to stay on standard time permanently, but a shift to permanent daylight saving time requires congressional approval — something several states, including California and florida, have

Act, both of which prioritize indigenous capability and reduced dependence on foreign support. the innovation hub, still pending final agreements, is expected to include partnerships with Philippine universities, technical schools, and industry players. Lockheed martin’s package also includes technology transfer and in-country repair and maintenance capabilities— elements that could give it an edge over competing offers from sweden and south Korea.

the proposed deal arrives as the Philippines expands its defense ties with traditional allies amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific. the country has reaffirmed its alliance with the United states through joint exercises, enhanced maritime cooperation, and base access agreements under the enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA).

By coupling military sales with education, innovation, and training infrastructure, Lockheed martin’s proposal could serve as a model for future defense cooperation in southeast Asia— one that balances firepower with sustainable development. n

unsuccessfully sought in recent years.

Without new state or federal legislation, Nevada residents will again set their clocks back in early November under the Uniform time Act. While the bill did not pass this session, some lawmakers have suggested the conversation may be revived in 2027, when the legislature next meets.

Polling and testimony during the 2025 legislative session indicated continued public interest in time reform. the issue remains a recurring topic in both urban and rural communities across Nevada.

(AJPress)

Deserted by affordability: Working families left...

A shortage rooted in longstanding issues

At the heart of the crisis is a simple but stubborn math problem. Clark County, where Las Vegas is located, has a severe shortfall of affordable housing units—tens of thousands by the most recent estimates. this affects everyone from hotel workers and rideshare drivers to teachers and seniors on fixed incomes.

What complicates the picture even more is land. though Nevada is vast, roughly 80% of its land is federally managed. that means cities like Las Vegas cannot simply build their way out of the crisis without navigating a thicket of bureaucracy and red tape. the result? home prices and rents have outpaced wages for years. As of early 2025, the median price for a single-family home in Las Vegas hovered near half a million dollars. for many, homeownership has drifted out of reach. for others, even renting a one-bedroom apartment without going over budget has become unrealistic.

The politics of possibility

In response to mounting pressure, Nevada leaders have

started to act. Governor Joe Lombardo introduced a major housing initiative pledging $250 million in state funding— designed to attract more than $1 billion in public-private housing projects. the program combines grants, loans, and tax incentives to encourage affordable development.

But funding alone won’t fix the deeper structural challenges. many of the available parcels for future homes lie on federally owned land, requiring complex negotiations. recently, a proposal to open up over 90,000 acres for development was floated—but critics raised environmental and infrastructure concerns, questioning how new communities would be supported with water, roads, and services.

What happens next?

the state legislature has introduced a wave of housingrelated bills, touching on everything from zoning flexibility to eviction reform. Local governments are also exploring solutions like tiny home villages, adaptive reuse of commercial buildings, and incentives for landlords who offer belowmarket rents. still, the obstacles remain steep. Las Vegas lacks a

comprehensive regional housing authority. Infrastructure costs for new developments on raw land are high. And the booming investor market has pushed many would-be homeowners out of the competition. As the crisis deepens, so too does its impact on the social fabric of the city. housing advocates warn that more families are doubling up, living in extended-stay motels, or slipping into homelessness. teachers, nurses, and essential workers are commuting from further away or leaving the region entirely.

Hope in the desert?

Can Las Vegas truly solve its housing crisis? It depends on how the region defines “solution.” reducing the affordable housing gap will require years of sustained political will, smarter land use, and communitycentered development. It will also demand transparency in how public funds are used—and accountability in how results are measured. for now, many Nevadans are holding their breath—not just hoping for new homes, but for a plan that honors both the working families who built this city and the generations that will inherit it. (AJPress)

Nevadans will continue to “spring forward” and “fall back” each year

Pexels.com photo by Ola Dapo

CAR NO. 1. President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.’s 1980 Lincoln Continental Mark VI Signature Series is displayed at the Museo ng Pampangulong Sasakyan (Presidential Car Museum), located inside the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City, as photographed Wednesday, May 21. The museum with restored and maintained vehicles used by past Philippine presidents is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Philippine delegation showcases investment potential at 2025

by AJPress

premier foreign direct investment (fDI) promotion event. the summit, held from may 11 to 14 at the Gaylord National resort & Convention Center in National harbor, maryland, brought together global investors and U.s. economic stakeholders to deepen cross-border economic ties. the Philippine delegation includes a mix of high-level representatives from government agencies, private sector leaders, and business organizations who are exploring strategic partnerships and promoting the Philippines as a competitive investment destination in southeast Asia.

Now in its 11th year, the selectUsA Investment summit is hosted by the U.s. Department of Commerce and supported by the U.s. Department of state. It serves as a vital platform for connecting international investors with U.s. economic development organizations. the 2025 edition features over 80 international delegations and highlights emerging opportunities in technology, infrastructure, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C. welcomed the delegation’s participation and underscored the importance of strengthening economic cooperation between the two nations. In a statement, the embassy said the summit presents “a valuable opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ investment potential to American businesses while engaging

with international peers on best practices.” the embassy reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that foster “sustainable development, technology transfer, and inclusive economic growth.” the selectUsA summit includes plenary sessions, industry-focused roundtables, and personalized matchmaking between investors and U.s. states, cities, and regions. Delegates also have access to policy briefings and discussions on regulatory landscapes and innovation ecosystems across the U.s this year’s participation reinforces the Philippines’ strategic push to attract American investments that can support job creation, bolster innovation, and expand global market access for filipino enterprises. for more information about the summit, visit www.selectusasummit.us. n

mANILA — manny Pacquiao, now 46 years old and who last fought professionally four years ago, is about to officially announce his boxing comeback. the filipino sports icon, accompanied by his family and entourage, arrived in Los Angeles on monday, may 19 for a scheduled press conference this week to announce his fight with World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion mario Barrios.

Coming off a failed bid for a senate seat in the justconcluded midterm elections, Pacquiao has turned his attention to boxing once more, four years after announcing his retirement.

he last fought as a pro in August 2021, losing to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas via unanimous decision. But he did not totally leave the boxing limelight, figuring in a couple of exhibition bouts – against Korean vlogger DK Yoo and Japanese kickboxer rukiya Anpo in 2022 and 2025, respectively.

Now, Pacquiao is set to embark on his 73rd pro fight, this time against a fresher and more dangerous Barrios (29-21, with 18 knockouts), a mexican American who, at 30 years old

and standing 5-foot-9, will enjoy tremendous advantages with his youth, activity and height.

Pacquiao’s boxing return has received a stamp of approval from the WBC, which even installed Pacquiao as its No. 5-ranked contender for Barrios’ belt.

Videos that circulated on social media over the weekend showed Pacquiao sweating it out on the mitts and heavy bag. With the Barrios fight penciled for July in Las Vegas, he will

have over a month to get in shape. “We can train hard for this fight. Very important fight,” Pacquiao’s childhood friend and trainer Buboy fernandez told media members at the LAX upon their arrival. reports said Pacquiao will reunite with longtime head trainer freddie roach at the Wild Card Gym in hollywood to train. But neither the boxer nor roach’s camp confirmed it would be the case. n

Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel ‘Babe’ Romualdez meets with delegates at the Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he emphasized the summit as a valuable opportunity to showcase the Philippines’ investment potential to American businesses.

Manny Pacquiao with his wife Jinkee arriving at the Tom Bradley International Terminal in Los Angeles, California.

Contributed photo

Cardinal Tagle places symbolic Fisherman’s...

the fisherman apostle, the ring is referred to as the ring of the fisherman, or the Piscatory ring, symbolizing the

continuous lineage from the first pope. Pope Leo XIV, or robert francis Prevost, is the first pope from the United states of

America. Cardinal t agle was one of three f ilipinos who joined the conclave to elect the new pope. n

political foes.

marcos said he is “always open to any approach” and that even if he and his critics “don’t agree on policies,” they can always focus on work without stirring trouble.

“Let’s avoid, let’s get rid of bickering,” marcos said.

his interview came exactly a week after the midterm polls. only six senatorial candidates endorsed by marcos made it to the senate. they are former senate President Vicente sotto III, former senator Panfilo Lacson, former social Welfare chief erwin tulfo, re-electionists

Lito Lapid and Pia Cayetano and Las Piñas City rep. Camille Villar.

the Alyansa did not drop Villar from its slate even after the latter openly sought and gained the vice president’s endorsement.

“What can I do? Become a bad guy? I cannot change my attitude. But you know, I really have to be tougher. there is a need to make things more efficient and faster. Perhaps that is one of our lessons from the past election.”

an impeachment trial is a sacred constitutional process without drama and theatrics.

COMELEC certifies 2025 PH Senate results...

with 12th placer Imee marcos and culminating with top vote-getter Christopher “Bong” Go, who received over 27.1 million votes. Official 2025 senatorial winners (Term: 2025–2031)

1. Christopher “Bong” Go (PDP–Laban) –27,121,073 votes

2. Bam Aquino (Kilusang Bagong Lipunan) –20,971,899

3. ronald “Bato” dela rosa (PDP–Laban) –20,773,946

4. erwin tulfo (Lakas–CmD) – 17,118,881

5. Kiko Pangilinan (Liberal Party) – 15,343,229

6. rodante marcoleta (Independent) – 15,250,723

7. Ping Lacson (Independent) – 15,106,111

8. tito sotto (NPC) – 14,832,996

9. Pia Cayetano (Nacionalista Party) – 14,573,430

10. Camille Villar (Nacionalista Party) – 13,651,274

11. Lito Lapid (NPC) – 13,394,102

12. Imee marcos (Nacionalista Party) –13,339,227.

Senate’s 20th Congress now complete these new senators will join the 12 incumbents elected in 2022, who are continuing their terms until 2028:

• Robin Padilla

• Loren Legarda

• Raffy Tulfo

• Win Gatchalian

Marcos willing to reconcile with... COMELEC renews call for

marcos also said he may have to be tougher to get things done and to instill fear among wrongdoers and underperformers in government.

he acknowledged that the recently concluded midterm polls reflected the filipinos’ disappointment with government services.

“that’s what we are supposed to be doing. It’s good that the election is over. enough of politics. Let us work. Let us do what we are supposed to do,” the president told taberna.

“People are disappointed with the service of the government... the progress of projects is too slow and they cannot feel it,” he said.

“I said we have to change it. I looked at the huge and difficult projects for the long term and their effect. We will work on that.”

marcos said the administration’s priority projects include those in the tourism, health and transportation sectors. he noted some projects like the metro manila subway do not have problems but would take time to complete.

“But we need to do it. If we do not do it, what will happen? We will be stagnant. We have to do something new. there is a good saying, if not us, who? If not now, when? We need to do it,” he added.

marcos said he has realized that not enough attention was given to small things that would improve the daily lives of people, like the train queues and the traffic situation.

“We will now give attention to these,” he said.

Asked to react to claims that he is not accomplishing the things he wants to do because he is “too nice,” marcos said he could no longer change his attitude, but acknowledged that being tough has its advantages.

Pressed whether he prefers to be respected or feared, marcos replied: “I want to be respected but maybe feared is better.” marcos also attributed the slow movement of government initiatives to what he described as “contradictory” laws. he said unlike in a private corporation, where something is carried out once ordered by the chief executive officer, the president has to convince a lot of people to implement something. here in the government, if you have a new initiative, a new idea, you will relay it to the rank and file so it can be implemented. But the usual answer is ‘sir, that cannot be done. We might be flagged by the CoA (Commission on Audit),’ that’s true. We have a number of laws. sometimes, they are contradictory,” he said. marcos reiterated that the impeachment trial of Duterte is now in the hands of the senate. “there is a process for that. Let us allow the process to take its course. for me, what’s on my mind is that the election is over. Back to work,” he said.

Navotas rep. toby tiangco earlier insisted it was the impeachment of Duterte that caused the administration senate slate to lose votes, particularly in mindanao. tiangco was the campaign manager of Alyansa.

“there is a negative sentiment. If you’re running, will you take the risk? No candidate will take the risk! he will think first of his own (political) survival, especially if emotions are high,” he said in an interview on “Big story,” referring to allegations that the 215 house members who voted to impeach Duterte had been promised funds by the chamber’s leadership.

In Davao City last sunday, may 18, Duterte said she is ready to stand before a senate impeachment trial, and warned the proceedings would be a “bloodbath.” No chance for ‘bloodbath’

After their proclamation on monday as first nominees of Akbayan and mamamayang Liberal partylists, Chel Diokno and Leila de Lima said they won’t give Duterte the chance to make good on her “bloodbath” threat.

“I don’t know where she’s coming from. the impeachment trial is a civilized legal process. the whole country will know the truth,” Diokno said in filipino.

De Lima said the vice president is just courting sympathy, as she stressed that

“this is a serious undertaking where due process and rule of law are strictly followed,” De Lima said. for a member of the prosecution panel of the house of representatives, an impeachment trial is not a “bloodbath” but a forum for “truth and accountability.”

house Deputy majority Leader Lorenz Defensor, in an interview over dzBB, said he was rectifying Duterte’s take on her coming impeachment trial, which she revealed to reporters in Davao City last sunday.

“Perhaps it would be best if we say this impeachment trial is where the ‘winner takes it all,’ it doesn’t have to be a bloodbath. We want to be very clear in laying down the prosecution’s evidence, as well as the defense team,” Defensor, who is from Iloilo, said.

he stressed the impeachment trial is “not about spectacle or animosity,” as the prosecutors were buttressing evidence to make sure whatever decision the impeachment court makes would be acceptable to all parties.

“We want to see that VP Dutere is fully prepared so that, if in case she is acquitted, it would be easier for the people to accept the outcome, which includes the 215 house members who signed the impeachment complaint,” Defensor said.

“And for the record, it is our wish and our hope that the supreme Court will no longer interfere and meddle in the impeachment process, because this is purely a political process,” he said.

“I am confident our supreme Court will respect the separation of powers,” he added. the complaint accuses her of culpable violation of the Constitution and betrayal of public trust, citing among others her alleged misuse of confidential funds of the office of the Vice President and the Department of education, which she headed; as well as her alleged threat to have President marcos and his family assassinated.

Defensor pointed out that the impeachment of a highranking official is not a judicial proceeding, but a political one, as provided for under the 1987 Constitution and entrusted solely to the legislative branch.

“It is a political question that only elected senators and congressmen should answer, and should not be the subject of any interference by the sC, especially if there is no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the senate or the house,” Defensor explained. (With reports from Delon Porcalla, Mayen Jaymalin)

• Francis Escudero

• Mark Villar

• Alan Peter Cayetano

• Migz Zubiri

• Joel Villanueva

• JV Ejercito

• Risa Hontiveros

• Jinggoy Estrada. the 20th Congress of the senate will officially open its regular session in July 2025. Its legislative agenda is expected to focus on constitutional reforms, economic recovery, and the impending impeachment trial of Vice President sara Duterte.

Key takeaways: Speed, symbolism, and shifting power

ComeLeC’s proclamation this year was among the fastest in Philippine history. the ceremony’s setting in manila hotel’s tent City—rather than the traditional senate building—was symbolic of the transitional nature of the country’s evolving political alliances. the mix of veteran lawmakers, returning critics, dynastic names, and independents presents a chamber with no single majority bloc—signaling potential policy gridlocks but also space for broader coalitions and issue-based collaboration. for precinct-level data and full election documentation, visit the ComeLeC results portal at: https://2025electionresults.comelec.gov.ph. n

henerasyon was deferred due to pending disqualification cases. the newly elected partylist lawmakers will assume their roles alongside district representatives when the 20th Congress convenes in July.

ComeLeC Chairman George Garcia reiterated the agency’s appeal to amend republic Act No. 7941, or the Party-List system Act, citing loopholes that have allowed political families and interest groups to gain representation meant for marginalized sectors. the time has come to revisit the law and make it more consistent with the original intent of the Constitution,” Garcia said. “We continue to see party-list seats occupied by individuals and groups who do not have organic links to the sectors they claim to represent.”

Garcia also called for reforms in the computation of seat allocation and in defining what constitutes a “marginalized

sector.” the ComeLeC earlier flagged party-list groups that used names associated with government aid programs and television franchises, including 4Ps and fPJ Panday Bayanihan, for potentially misleading voters. the party-list system was introduced through the 1987 Constitution during the postmarcos era and was implemented via republic Act No. 7941 in 1995 under President fidel V. ramos. It was first applied in the 1998 elections. the system reserves 20 percent of seats in the house of representatives for sectoral representation. this year’s top party-list votegetters include Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party, tingog, 4Ps, and ACt-CIs. Critics such as watchdog group Kontra Daya have expressed concern over the increasing number of party-list groups with limited ties to marginalized communities. the group’s report claims that at least 60 percent of those

proclaimed do not meet the spirit of sectoral representation. former senator Leila de Lima, now the first nominee of the mamamayang Liberal Party-list, said the system must be reformed to restore public confidence. “this isn’t about personalities—it’s about safeguarding democratic spaces for real representation,” she said after her proclamation. Political analyst Aries Arugay also warned that unless structural reforms are enacted, the party-list system risks becoming “a mirror of the very inequality it was created to challenge.” the house of representatives currently consists of district and party-list representatives. senators are elected separately through a nationwide vote and do not include party-list members. ComeLeC officials said they hope Congress will prioritize discussions on party-list reforms as the 20th Congress begins its session. n

Trump signs order to lower drug prices...

companies are given 30 days to voluntarily reduce prices to meet mfN benchmarks. If they fail to comply, federal agencies may initiate regulatory enforcement, including formal rulemaking. the order also calls on hhs to establish pathways for Americans to purchase drugs directly from manufacturers at mfN prices. the U.s trade representative and Department of Commerce have been tasked with challenging foreign pricing practices that the administration argues contribute to inflated domestic costs.

Industry reactions and global impact the pharmaceutical industry has expressed significant concerns. roche, headquartered in switzerland, stated: “should the proposed executive order go into effect, roche’s ability to fund the significant investments previously announced in the U.s will be in question.”

this refers to roche’s $50 billion investment in U.s.-based research and manufacturing announced in April 2025. the company warned the policy could disrupt innovation and job creation if global pricing limits reduce revenue.

Brookings schaeffer Initiative

noted: “While unfortunately there does not appear to be any research to date testing for the presence of cost-shifting by drug companies empirically… researchers can empirically test for cost-shifting in the drug pricing context.”(Brookings) this indicates speculation about companies raising international prices remains unproven. Legal and implementation questions experts caution the executive order may face legal challenges.

implementing sweeping drug pricing reform without congressional backing.

A return to Trump-era healthcare strategy the order contrasts with Biden-era legislative approaches, such as medicare Part D reforms and the Inflation reduction Act. trump’s strategy reasserts executive power to push for price controls.

While no specific quote was offered in the official may 12 transcript, the White house emphasized the urgency of addressing high drug costs.

PhrmA also issued a strong warning: “Government price setting based on other countries’ prices is not the right solution for American patients. It would threaten access to medicines, discourage investment in new treatments and outsource decisions about the value of medicines to foreign governments.”

A similar mfN initiative in 2020 was blocked in federal court over procedural and executive overreach concerns.

President trump stated at the signing: “No American should have to choose between buying groceries or paying for medication.”

(PhrmA Policy Brief)

Dr. Loren Adler of the UsC-

Prof. rachel sachs, Washington University in st. Louis, stated: “It really does seem the plan is to ask manufacturers to voluntarily lower their prices to some point, which is not known… hhs shall take other actions with a very long timeline.” (AP News) sachs and other legal scholars emphasize the difficulty of

A bold promise, with hurdles ahead the may 12 order shows trump’s determination to deliver immediate relief on drug prices. But success depends on drugmaker cooperation, regulatory clarity, and legal viability. n

SUBSIDIZED

Briones

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. answers questions from broadcast journalist Anthony Taberna during the BBM podcast, which was uploaded on his

various social media accounts on Monday, May 19. Philstar.com file photo

DAteline PhiliPPines

Opposition regains ground: Hontiveros hails return of allies to Senate, partylist wins

by AJPress

mANILA – senator risa hontiveros, long regarded as the lone opposition voice in the Philippine senate, welcomed what she described as the resurgence of principled, prodemocracy voices in Congress following the results of the 2025 midterm elections.

In a press statement issued on may 13, hontiveros declared:

“this is not a simple return. this election proves that the filipino people still long for a government with heart, with principles, and the courage to stand its ground.” hontiveros served as the only member of the 2022 opposition coalition to win a senate seat, placing 11th in that year’s senatorial race under the team robredo-Pangilinan (troPa) slate. throughout the 19th Congress, she stood as a key critic of the marcos administration and was later joined in the senate minority bloc by senator Koko Pimentel. she was also named senate Deputy minority Leader in 2022. With the return of former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan to the senate in the 2025 polls, hontiveros is no longer a solitary voice.

“Welcome back to my friends, senator Kiko Pangilinan and

Bam Aquino,” she said. “Your voices are exactly what we need in the senate today.”

Both Aquino and Pangilinan, who had lost in the 2022 elections, surprised political observers with strong comebacks, finishing among the top 12 in the senatorial race—despite not appearing in most pre-election surveys’ “magic 12.” hontiveros also celebrated the top-ranked victory of Akbayan Partylist, a progressive group she has long been affiliated with. Akbayan topped the 2025 partylist race with 2,779,621 votes, securing three seats in the house of representatives, according to final official results from the Commission on elections.

“I am deeply grateful to Akbayan’s loyal supporters who carried our party across every corner of the country,” she said.

“And to the new faces who took a chance on our movement, thank you for the trust. A special shoutout to the youth vote—this election’s game-changer!”

she further expressed excitement over the congressional return of mamamayang Liberal (mL) Partylist, led by former senator and human rights advocate Leila de Lima. De Lima, who was imprisoned for nearly six years and later acquitted, will be serving as the mL Partylist’s first nominee in the house. her return is being viewed by many as a symbolic victory for the rule of law and justice reform.

“In Congress, I’m glad that Akbayan will be joined by mamamayang Liberal Partylist under Leila de Lima in the pursuit of justice, human rights, and clean governance,” said hontiveros.

summing up what she described as a historic moment for the democratic opposition, hontiveros underscored the electorate’s priorities: “raise wages. Lower prices. make education accessible. And hold those in power accountable.”

“With senators Kiko and Bam back in the senate, and with Akbayan and mL Partylist in the house, we will once again stand prouder, stronger, and more prepared for the challenges ahead,” she said. to the millions who have joined our cause: welcome. We can do this.” n

Mayor-elect Robredo vows to strengthen good governance and build on the legacy of her late husband, Jesse Robredo

by AJPress

former Vice President Leni robredo has been officially proclaimed as the new mayor of Naga City, securing a landslide victory in the may 12, 2025, local elections. robredo garnered over 84,000 votes, accounting for more than 91% of the total votes cast, defeating her three independent opponents.

her running mate, former Camarines sur representative Gabriel Bordado Jr., was also elected as vice mayor, obtaining 51.64% of the vote.

robredo’s return to local politics is seen as a continuation of the legacy of her late husband, Jesse robredo, who served as Naga’s mayor for nearly two decades and was renowned for his commitment to ethical governance. running under the Liberal Party-backed “An Bagong team Naga,” her campaign emphasized transparency, community engagement, and the revitalization of public services.

the overwhelming support for robredo and her slate underscores the enduring strength of the “Pink movement,” a grassroots campaign that emerged during her 2022 presidential bid. this movement continues to influence Philippine politics, as evidenced by the successful senate comebacks of her allies, Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, in the 2025 elections. As mayor, robredo has pledged to prioritize initiatives focused on good governance, infrastructure development, and social services, aiming to build upon the foundations laid during her husband’s tenure and her own previous public service. n

Earning the votes of an overwhelming majority, Leni Robredo becomes the first female local chief executive of Naga City, calling it a “full circle moment.” Robredo reflects on the chance

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legacy of her late husband, former Mayor Jesse Robredo.

Photo courtesy of Robredo’s daughters, Aika and Jillian

Sen. Risa Hontiveros

Photo from Facebook/@hontiverosrisa

Their wins are seen as part of a broader shift toward issue-based and reformist politics.

Photo courtesy of Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros Communications Team

RECYCLE. Commission on Elections Chairperson George Erwin Garcia (center) and Commissioner Ernesto Ferdinand Maceda Jr. (left) lead the inspection of discarded election campaign materials

OPiniOn FeAtures

A generation takes its turn: How Filipino Millennials and Gen Z voters shaped the 2025 midterms

In the 2025 midterm elections, Filipino Millennials and Gen Z voters did not just make up the numbers. They made a statement.

Born between the early 1980s and early 2000s, this generation now forms the majority of the country’s voting population. According to the Commission on elections, Millennials (ages 29–44) and Gen Z (ages 18–28) combined to make up an estimated 63% of registered voters and 68% of the total voting-age population—a demographic force too large to ignore. for years, political analysts questioned whether this digitally native, socially conscious generation would translate its online activism into meaningful turnout. this year, it did—with a level of clarity and intention that signaled a shift in the nation’s political tides. these voters are far from monolithic. some supported familiar names; others turned to independents, sectoral groups, or returned opposition figures. But regardless of political affiliation, one thing united their vote: purpose. this generation—shaped by economic precarity, climate anxiety, mental health challenges, a pandemic, and nonstop information warfare—has grown wary of performative leadership. In 2025, many voted for those who acknowledged their

Editorial

realities, not those who dictated narratives from above. their impact was measurable. former senators Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan, widely seen as longshots in early surveys, surged back into the senate with support rooted in youth and progressive circles. reform-driven partylist groups advocating education reform, clean governance, and human rights saw renewed momentum. In the local races, candidates who relied on grassroots social media engagement often outperformed better-funded dynasties. In many contests, legacy names were no longer an asset—they were a liability. this was more than a voter turnout story. It was a political coming-of-age—a generation refusing to be sidelined and no longer waiting for influence to be handed down. many of these young filipinos had spent the past decade watching older generations steer the country’s direction with little regard for those who would live with the consequences. In 2025, they took the wheel. And they did it differently. through tiktok explainers, reddit threads, twitter spaces, Discord debates, livestreamed town halls, and fact-checking

collectives, they bypassed traditional gatekeepers. they didn’t wait for mainstream media or political machines to validate their voices. they became the validators, the informers, and the organizers. But their influence now comes with a test. A vote is not the culmination of political engagement—it is the beginning. to maintain momentum, young voters must continue participating, questioning, and organizing. At the same time, leaders who

benefitted from this energized base must now show they were worthy of that trust—or risk losing it just as quickly. the 2025 elections will be remembered not only for who won, but for who made them win. for the first time in modern Philippine history, the nation witnessed what happens when a generation stops waiting for its turn and takes it instead. (AJPress)

for generations, the birth certificate has been the cornerstone of how Americans verify their citizenship. But that standard may soon be upended.

on Day 1 of his second term, President trump signed an executive order attempting to rewrite the 14th Amendment of the U.s. Constitution and end birthright citizenship as we know it. the order said that children of immigrants would no longer receive U.s. citizenship unless one of their parents had already been naturalized or had a green card. this meant that the children of Dreamers and many other immigrants who have lived their whole lives in the United states would no longer be born citizens.

Within 24 hours, multiple lawsuits were filed to challenge the order. on feb. 5, Judge Deborah Boardman of the U.s District Court in maryland issued

a nationwide injunction stopping the federal government from putting this unconstitutional policy into effect. since then, every court to consider this issue has ruled that mr. trump’s order should not go into effect. there have been several news stories about the birthright citizenship case, and the supreme Court was set to hear oral arguments in the case on thursday, may 22. the majority of these stories have focused on technical legal questions: whether and under what circumstances lower courts should be able to issue nationwide temporary injunctions and stop a federal policy from going into effect nationwide while the case winds its way through the courts. But the focus on this legal question has obscured what is really at stake: the definition of U.s citizenship and what it means to be an American. If the trump administration prevails in its crusade to overturn birthright citizenship, it will result in a population of newborns without legal status. since reconstruction, any

child born in the United states has been able to access citizenship, regardless of their parents’ nationality or race.

As more immigrants came to the United states, some argued that their children shouldn’t qualify for citizenship. In 1898 the supreme Court rejected that view, ruling that children born to immigrants are protected under the 14th Amendment. And the matter was considered settled until now.

In this case, the government sidestepped the core issue of birthright citizenship, instead focusing its argument on the narrower question of whether judges should be able to issue nationwide injunctions. As a result, the case will not provide a final resolution on the main constitutional question. the issue of birthright citizenship could again make its way to the Court as early as next year, challenging the executive order on constitutional and statutory grounds. At that point, the court could declare the basis of it unconstitutional. still, if the government prevails

in this case, mr. trump’s unilateral reinterpretation of the Constitution will, for now, be implemented in 28 states, and that suspension of birthright citizenship, even if it only lasts a few months, will have profound consequences.

Although the plaintiffs in this case will remain protected by the injunction, all families will still be required to prove that their children have a legal right to live in the United states – a process that could prove both costly and stressful. even U.s citizens would have to provide identification to confirm their children’s citizenship, or even prove their own legal status, as a birth certificate alone would no longer be sufficient.

Babies denied U.s. citizenship could be denied other forms of identification, making it difficult or impossible to receive essential vaccines or obtain a social security number. health insurers could refuse coverage for these stateless babies, meaning a premature infant in need of urgent care could be denied treatment. hospitals could also be forced to assess

the citizenship status of parents in delivery rooms, raising the risk of discrimination against those wrongly assumed to be immigrants.

rUmmAGING through my desk looking for a document, I found a New York Times article I had printed out and saved. the writer took a trip to finland in search of happiness, finland being number one on the World happiness report for the past eight years. taking advantage of that distinction, finland has built a tourism industry around happiness; Visit finland more than doubled its visitor count in 2024, to five million from two million in 2022. the filipino is usually portrayed as a happy people – always smiling, children laughing even if their toys are a tin can and wooden sticks and their swimming pool a flooded street. But in the 2025 World happiness report, the Philippines only ranked 57 out of 147 countries, the fourth happiest in southeast Asia, behind singapore (ranked 34), Vietnam (46) and thailand (49). We scored 6.107 out of 10,

in six key factors: GDP per capital, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity and corruption. With those categories, I can see why we didn’t score a lot higher; corruption alone probably dragged us way down. the happiest are the Nordic countries finland, Denmark, Iceland and sweden, despite long winter nights and bitter cold many months of the year. Good governance, good public policies such as free education and universal health care probably contribute to some significant degree to the population’s general happiness. Add to that, as the NYt writer noted, the finns’ closeness to nature (74 percent of the country is forest, conducive to long walks and their “happiness hackers” even recommend talking to the trees) and to the sauna (there are reportedly three million saunas for a population of 5.5 million). their ritual of alternating sauna and a plunge in frigid waters (the Baltic is cold even in summer) may also have something to do with their attitude.

We’re sorely lacking in forest cover, and especially in urban areas there is a lack of parks and green spaces, so going out and telling our troubles to a tree may not be so easy. the La mesa Dam eco-Park and the Ninoy Aquino Wildlife Park in Quezon City, the Arroceros Park in manila and even the Greenbelt Park in makati offer urbanites some respite. But in terms of natural forests, a December 2024 report of the Philippine statistics Authority put the country’s forest cover at 6.91 million hectares, or just 23.4 percent of our total land area of 29.588 million hectares. Another report showed that back in 1934, we had 17.8 million hectares of forest cover, or 57 percent of total land area. so I guess I’ll have to be content with talking to my rubber tree (ficus elastica) growing happily in a pot on my balcony. our free education is a mess of poor planning and anomalies (vouchers for ghost students, for example) and universal health care, although mandated by law, is a bad and often fatal joke. Philhealth is a colossal,

I have seen the wonders of care or “ alaga ” as we know it in the vernacular. When a friend was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease then had a bout with CoVID and had a few strokes, one may think it is the end. But continuous care, therapy and diet made a big difference. Not to sound like a medical journal but a shoutout to relatives who think they have reached the end of a patient’s journey, care is the most important ingredient in the healing journey.

one can have all the money in the world, but if care is left to outsiders, caregivers and other non-related persons, healing may take a longer time. I have seen this happen in at least two cases very close to me.

emily (not her real name) stayed by her older sister Gwen (not her real name) everyday along with caregivers, physical therapists and a whole slew of doctors – neurologists, nutritionists and lately even

a geriatric psychiatrist. emily checked on what each specialist had to say and asked that they explain to her in layman’s terms the condition of Gwen and if progress was being made, day after day, year after year. It has now been around four years and from a non-communicating status of Gwen, she now can sing, pray and communicate her needs to emily and the caregivers.

Annie, another friend, has watched over her sister elena who also has Parkinson’s and takes time to bring her along to out-of-town trips, to see new places and to get her to see other people and attend social functions.

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

Andrea Flores is a lawyer and the vice president for immigration policy and campaigns at FWD.us, a bipartisan political group that supports reforming immigration and criminal justice policies.

Children who have no legal status could be vulnerable to deportation. this is an alarming proposition, given that this administration is paying el salvador millions of dollars to imprison men indefinitely with no due process. It’s worth noting that this order will affect all types of immigrants, even those the government has no legal authority to deport. that includes people who have been granted temporary status, Dreamers and others who have been approved for immigration benefits but are stuck in immigration processing limbo. Immigrant parents with legal status may face the threat that their children could be deported. It is not hard to imagine a scenario where this administration pays another country to take in the growing number of stateless children –with or without their parents. If the supreme Court eventually hears a case on the merits of the executive order itself and finds it unconstitutional, then the federal government will have to create a process to ensure these potentially stateless children can access U.s. citizenship. If the trump administration refuses, it could create an underclass of children who have limited rights. We don’t yet know what that will mean in the long term. In the meantime, if the court allows this order to go into effect, even temporarily, the executive branch could be emboldened to go further in its attempts to undermine the constitutional rights that hold our imperfect democracy together. (Philstar.com)

with a complication or two that has since been resolved. the bottom line, she has an active social life with her husband, sister/s and family who regularly call, visit and entertain her. the bottom line in the success of these caring families is the simple act of ALAGA or care. When a family is struck with a medical condition of one member, our instinct is to look for a caregiver, nurse or some other companion who can attend to them. But more than that, the healing of a patient, as I have observed, comes more from the emotional bond between and among family members and the special attention one gives to an ailing relative. Like magic, attention and personal care plays a big part in the maintenance of the patient as well as their will to survive. It saddens me when people who can afford expensive medical treatments fail in one simple task: personal attention. the personal visits of family members, the social connection and the communication (even u PAGE 7 u PAGE 7

And then there is Wilma (not her real name) who calls her younger sister teresa every day via facebook, Viber and regular phone calls just to say hello, tell a few jokes and laugh together. teresa has a caring aging husband, a group of 24-hour caregivers and has been living with Parkinsonism (different from just Parkinson’s) and bipolar disorder for many decades now. she has had CoVID, too, but came out unscathed, albeit

Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres secure reelection in Leyte

by AJPress

ormoC CItY – representative

richard Gomez and mayor Lucy torres-Gomez were both reelected in the 2025 Philippine midterm elections, maintaining their leadership roles in Leyte’s 4th District and ormoc City.

Richard Gomez wins second term as 4th District representative Congressman richard Gomez secured his second term in the house of representatives after defeating former Court of Appeals Justice Vicente sofronio “Ching” Veloso. Gomez received 163,188 votes, while Veloso earned 121,615, based on official results from the Commission on elections (ComeLeC). since entering Congress in 2022, Gomez has authored and co-authored legislation focused on rural infrastructure, tourism development, education access, and anti-drug initiatives. During his term, he supported national housing programs in partnership with the Department of human settlements and Urban Development and pushed for the expansion of farm-to-market roads across western Leyte. As a former mayor of ormoc, Gomez also contributed to peace and order efforts that reportedly reduced drug-related incidents in the district.

Lucy Torres-Gomez re-elected as Ormoc mayor mayor Lucy torres-Gomez was

also re-elected, receiving 90,153 votes and defeating opponent Violy Codilla, who garnered 51,791 votes. her local slate, the ormoc Development team, also won a clean sweep of city council seats.

torres-Gomez previously served three terms as district representative before assuming the mayoralty in 2022. Under her leadership, ormoc City implemented digital governance reforms, upgraded health and education services, and expanded local livelihood programs. her administration also secured national funding for flood mitigation infrastructure, including drainage and riverbank projects following the city’s history of typhoon-related disasters. During the CoVID-19 pandemic and subsequent recovery period, she oversaw city-wide vaccination rollouts, food distribution efforts, and small business support measures. her administration prioritized infrastructure, urban cleanliness, and public safety through multi-sectoral partnerships.

Campaign-related disqualification case in Albuera

A separate campaign-related incident occurred in Albuera, a town within the same district. on April 30, 2025, Albuera mayoral candidate rolan “Kerwin” espinosa livestreamed a facebook video in which he challenged Congressman Gomez to a gunfight. he suggested police and

military personnel act as referees and proposed legal waivers between the parties. on may 6, 2025, mayor torresGomez filed a disqualification petition against espinosa before ComeLeC. the complaint cited sections 68(e) and 261(e) of the omnibus election Code, related to threats, coercion, and electionrelated intimidation.

Despite the disqualification case, espinosa was proclaimed the winner in Albuera, earning 10,939 votes. Vince rama received 7,081, while incumbent mayor sixto Dela Victoria received 2,761 votes.

As of this report, ComeLeC has not issued a final ruling on the disqualification petition.

Leyte’s 4th District and Ormoc City ormoc City, located along the western coast of Leyte, is a major urban center in the eastern Visayas region. It plays a central role in regional trade, agriculture, and power generation, particularly through the tongonan Geothermal field. With a population of over 230,000, ormoc is the secondlargest city in the province, following tacloban.

Leyte’s 4th District includes ormoc and adjacent municipalities, and is considered a strategic area for infrastructure and agricultural development. Both Gomez and torres-Gomez have prioritized flood control, digital modernization, and public safety in their respective jurisdictions.

San Juanico Bridge load limit may be increased

by HeLen FLores Philstar.com

mANILA — the Department of Public Works and highways may increase the load limit on san Juanico Bridge by the last quarter of the year once deteriorated sections of the structure are fully rehabilitated, according to DPWh secretary manuel Bonoan. the DPWh limited the use of the 2.16-kilometer bridge, which connects samar and Leyte, to vehicles weighing no more than three tons.

Pedestrians have been prohibited from crossing the bridge since sunday, may 18.

Bonoan said the Philippine Ports Authority has been identifying alternative routes for the transport of goods from Luzon to Leyte.

“the primary consideration here is to provide safety access. We don’t want to compromise the safety of motorists passing through san Juanico,” he said.

on tuesday, may 20, the province of samar was placed under a state of emergency as the bridge’s load limit disrupted the flow of commodities and other supplies coming from Leyte.

Looking for happiness

dismal failure; a recent episode of a family member needing hospitalization had Philhealth contributing less than five percent of hospital expenses, and nothing in terms of laboratory tests, doctors’ fees and medicines. the ordinary Pinoy asks for so little from the government – and gets even less. so we should just take government out of the happiness equation and find it on our own, even in small ways. the report found that sharing meals and trusting others are “strong predictors of well-being,” and on that score I think we’re on track.

Dining alone is an alien concept for us; “ Kain na tayo !” is more than a platitude, it is a gesture of inclusion, an offer of hospitality and an invitation to share. Post election my gang got together for a belated birthday celebration (there is always a birthday to celebrate) and a send-off for

one relocating to mindanao and one going off to Denmark for “apos-tolic” duties; it was a meal rambunctious, loud and long (almost three hours), with protestations of “I’m so full!” merely a prelude to another trip to the buffet table. Needless to say, all the cobwebs and the stresses and negativity of the past weeks were washed away by the halo -halo and affogato results of the recent election brought happiness to some because their candidates pulled major upsets, while they were also happy that other candidates – although survey favorites – lost. the fact that the surveys could get it so wrong is also reason to be happy; now will those “false-sters” get off their high horses?

I got to thinking of happiness and joy and whether they were the same thing. Dictionary definition aside, I see happiness as more dependent on external factors, on whether or not circumstances around you are positive and favorable

to a state of happiness. Joy, on the other hand, is like a wellspring from within, not just a feeling but a state of being, independent of and even in spite of external circumstances. In the Bible, joy is described as a state of being rooted in faith and a relationship with God, a deep sense of peace and fulfillment (“Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be complete.” John 16:24). Joy can be had even in trials and tribulations (“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…” James 1:2), hence the admonition to “rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4:4). so, while I hope you do find happiness, I wish you joy. (Philstar.com)

The magic cure of simple care

just virtually), all make a difference in the progress of a patient from a sorry state to a normal one. I have seen these developments in friends, parents of friends and even my own family members.

What other tips can we share from the healing secrets of friends?

Nutrition. there is nothing like proper nutrition to improve people’s health on the healing journey. I am checking if I can send turmeric to my friend who has developed dementia. I remember that even a famous chef halted the progress of his mother’s dementia by cooking up curries for her, which of course had turmeric, a natural food known to help dementia patients. fresh, whole foods also help a lot as opposed to processed food. fruits and vegetables have all the nutrients the nutritional drinks give but in a fresher unprocessed form.

medical breakthroughs. research and advances in medicine have made treatments more progressive and one should not miss getting second and third opinions on how to

cure and maintain lifestyle diseases. there are new ways to treat an old ailment, be it cancer, heart disease or mental illnesses. Be curious on how others are addressing the same disease your family member might have or is suffering from. socials. I have spoken to many aging people who prefer to live on their own than stay in a senior facility. though there are socials in a senior club, independent seniors who can afford to live on their own (with a caregiver or two) are more active and seem to be happier than being confined in a “home.” for patients who are bed-bound, the visits of friends and family is an important healing factor based on the experiences I have gathered. Purpose. Why does one want to get healed anyway? Why does a senior wish to live longer? Why do patients with dementia or Parkinson’s want to live longer? sometimes the reason is that they still have a purpose in life, but are frustratingly unable to express themselves. or maybe the Almighty has assigned them a purpose or mission they have not yet fulfilled.

family. At the end of the day, most if not all who have a lifethreatening disease want to stay as long as they can with family. sometimes the simple reason (and more often for grandparents) is to see the next generation and the future family members. oftentimes, it is simply to be around familiar people and stay happy for as long as we can.

Let us not forget how simple acts of kindness and attention can spell the difference in someone’s survival, healing and eventual progress into normalcy. Just a phone call or a visit may mean the world to someone trying to reach out, not for a cure, but for connection – a social connection.

I wish I could explain all these in medical terms, but for now, let us simplify the cure and healing through simple caring and attention. Care cures. Care is magic. (Philstar. com)

* * *

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

The DPWH limited the use of the 2.16-kilometer San Juanico bridge, which connects Samar and Leyte, to vehicles weighing no more than three tons. AJPress photo by Kendrick Tan

asian

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

tWo more filipinos are joining the cast of Netflix's live-action series adaptation of "Avatar: the Last Airbender" as members of the fire Nation. Award-winning actress Dolly de Leon will take on the dual role of Lo and Li, the non-firebending twin advisors of Princess Azula, portrayed by elizabeth Yu. filipino American thespian Jon Jon Briones, meanwhile, will play swordmaster Piandao in the show's third season. other newcomers to the series are madison hu, Dichen Lachman, Lily Gao, terry Chen, and tantoo Cardinal, who join previously announced cast additions miya Cech, Chin han, hoa Xuande, Justin Chien, Amanda Zhou, Crystal Yu, Kelemete misipeka, Lourdes faberes, and rekha sharma.

De Leon received global recognition for her scenestealing performance in triangle of sadness." she is also known for starring in iti Mapukpukaw," "Verdict," "A Very Good Girl," "on the Job: the missing 8," and the upcoming second season of "Nine Perfect strangers."

Briones' stage credits include miss saigon," "Into the Woods," "Little shop of horrors," "Les miserables," "the Wiz," "Joseph and the Amazing technicolor

Dreamcoat," and recently, hadestown" with his daughter Isa. the actor also starred in series, such as "ratched," "trese," "Class of '09," "American horror story: Apocalypse," and "the Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime story."

"Avatar: the Last Airbender" recently wrapped up production on its second season and immediately proceeded

with shooting the third and final season. season 2 will see filipino Canadian Gordon Cormier's Aang, the titular Avatar, and his friends explore the earth Kingdom, particularly the walled city of Ba sing se. Prince Zuko, played by Dallas Liu, continues his hot pursuit of the Avatar to appease his father, the fire Lord ozai (Daniel Dae Kim).

fILIPINo American actor tim-

othy Granaderos is embracing his heritage in a major way as he films the sacrifice,” a psychological horror movie currently in production in the Philippines. Best known for his role in “13 reasons Why,” Granaderos is working alongside an all-star filipino cast that includes Lovi Poe, Lav Diaz and enchong Dee in a chilling new project directed by Prime Cruz.

Granaderos, who has been enjoying his time in the Philippines, wrote in an Instagram post, feeling closer to my roots” with one photo showing him writing “I love Philippines.” the actor has also been sharing snippets of his time on set, including a humorous video with max Collins, who teased their lingo by captioning, “When your American friends say ‘petmalu’ and ‘lodi’ like they’re ordering off a secret menu at Jollibee.” talking about the film, according to the article by Deadline, “the sacrifice” centers on a group of travel vloggers who stumble upon a secluded village steeped in folklore, ancient rituals and a sinister legend that begins to consume their reality.

Poe, who also serves as a producer through her company C’est Lovi Productions, shared a collaborative Instagram post with her castmates, writing, “hot off the press @deadline: Currently filming ‘the sACrIfICe’ with this powerhouse team,” tag-

ging Granaderos, Diaz, Dee and members of the production crew including monty Blencowe and Louie Chapman. Granaderos chimed in with excitement, commenting, “Awwyaa, this one’s special,” accompanied by a Philippine flag emoji. Veteran comedienne marietta subong, known to many as Pokwang, also joins the growing en-

semble, with more cast members yet to be announced. As filming continues, “the sacrifice” promises not just to terrify audiences, but also to serve as a celebration of filipino talent and heritage which is a fitting homecoming for Granaderos, who is finding deeper connections both professionally and personally in the country of his roots.

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

BeAUtY queen-turned-actress

Kylie Verzosa walked the Cannes film festival red carpet for a third consecutive year, and in glowing fashion no less. for her Cannes return this year, Verzosa again opted for a design by mark Bumgarner: a strapless butter yellow gown with a corseted bodice, and lower-half shaped like a rose. miss International 2016 complemented her look with jewelry from tiffany and Co. and makeup by L'oréal, which invited Verzosa to this year's edition of the prestigious film festival.

In an Instagram post, Bumgarner said the gown's color was inspired by summer mornings, subtle, yet rich enough to stand out in the riviera sun." the silhouette is anchored by structure and minimalist lines. At the base of the dress is our signature style of repetition: waves of cut-out organza meticulously ar-

ranged to form a flower in bloom," he added. "A balance of effortless style and sophistication for Kylie's 3rd Cannes red carpet." Bumgarner designed the three outfits Verzosa wore for her Cannes debut in 2023, and two of her dresses last year. Verzosa walked the red carpet

ahead of the premiere of richard Linklater's "Nouvelle Vague," one of the 22 films competing for the Palme d'or.

earlier in the film festival, marina summers became the first filipino drag queen to walk the Cannes red carpet, also wearing a Bumgarner dress.

INterNAtIoNAL collaborations are proving to be a boon for the Philippine film industry as another movie co-produced by local studios was screened in the 2025 Cannes film festival over the weekend.

duced the film, saying it boosted her company's chances to strike more international partnerships and reach a wider market.

birthday in the european country, is raving about the fact that renoir" made it to the festival's main competition.

by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

DesPIte having made a name for herself in fashion circles, Pia Wurtzbach is not one to rest on her laurels, but she is quick to say that she is not out to compete with anyone.

In an interview with Preview magazine, the 2015 miss Universe titleholder said it is more apt to say that she is in competition with herself, and that her evolving career as a style influencer does not include a “battle plan.”

“I didn’t want this to be a competition. No, I didn’t want it to be… Like, come on, I just came from a competition a couple of years ago. I don’t want to be in another one,” she said in the cover story. Wurtzbach said her mindset whenever she takes on a fashion-related pursuit has always been that she is new in the industry, and that not everyone recognizes her as a beauty queen.

“[I was going to] have to introduce myself as who I was [at that moment]. Who am I outside of pageants? What am I doing here? how do I want to position myself? how do I want them to remember me?” she said.

During the interview, Wurtzbach also shared that she decided to take her husband’s surname, Jauncey, noting that it was meant to strengthen the foundation of their future family. “one day when we have kids, I would want them to see that we share the same last name as their dad. It’s a bit of a traditional move for Jeremy, but it doesn’t really bother me,” she said. Wurtzbach emerged as a fashion maven with a gleaming media mileage since 2023, and has

been appearing on multiple lists of influencers to look out for after her stints in Paris and milan.

In the early years of her fashion Week journey, Wurtzbach’s name would be entangled with that of heart evangelista, who had already made a name for herself in the industry ahead of the beauty queen. the two famously had a muted conflict owing to their supposed rivalry at various fashion Week events, allegedly precipitated by the transfer of evangelista’s glam team to Wurtzbach after their supposed “betrayal” of the former’s friendship and trust. evangelista clarified in october 2024 that she “never had a problem” with Wurtzbach.

“Woman to woman, I never had a problem with Pia [Wurtzbach]. I was one of those who cheered for her in the past. And I’d like to think that it was the same for her. she was so sweet enough to post the hashtag heart made do it.’ And at the time, I was so touched,” she said.

“But it’s the people she chose to surround herself with for specific reasons that make this whole thing problematic.”

Wurtzbach, on the other hand, remained silent on evangelista’s remarks since then.

Japanese art film "renoir" is a collaboration among Japan's happinet studios, france's Ici et Là Productions, singapore's Akanga film Asia, Indonesia's Kawan Kawan media, and the Philippines' Daluyong studios and Nathan studios.

It was directed by Japanese auteur Chie hayakawa, and co-produced with eiko mizuno Gray and Jason Gray, Christophe Bruncher, Yulia evina Bhara, Alemberg Ang, and sylvia sanchez, with international sales being handled by Goodfellas.

hayakawa's debut feature film "Plan 75" won the Caméra d'or — mention spéciale at the 2022 edition of the festival.

the producers of "renoir" graced the red-carpet ceremony at the Cannes film festival in france last may 17.

sanchez, chief executive officer of Nathan studios, beamed with pride for having co-pro-

"this international collaboration creates a massive positive impact to the filipino film industry, it also gives a lot of hope to filipino film producers to go to the global market especially here in Cannes," sanchez said.

Malaking impact ito the mere fact na three years pa lang kami nagpupunta sa Cannes as a producer, isa na kami sa nakapag-partnership sa international productions at nakapag-red carpet muli dito sa Cannes," the actress-producer added.

“I am hoping for more filipino film producers to enter the global stage whether it is solo or collaboration with other foreign producers.”

two of Nathan studio's previous projects — psychological thriller "Cattleya Killer" in 2022 and action flick "Topakk" in 2023, both starring actor and sanchez's son Arjo Atayde — also premiered at Cannes, gaining the attention of international film buyers and distributors.

sanchez, who celebrated her

"I'm still in disbelief and absolutely ecstatic that 'renoir' (was selected as part of the 2025 Cannes competition slate)," sanchez explained.

"When we were starting out with Nathan studios, this was only something we dreamt of and aimed for — and now, it is finally here. All the hard work, determination, belief, and prayers have borne fruit," she added.

A coming-of-age drama about a daughter coping with the illness of her father, "renoir" is vying for the coveted Palme d'or grand prize.

It tells the story of 11-year-old fuki — played by newcomer Yui suzuki — whose father is battling a terminal illness, and whose mother is already stressed out with their situation. she later becomes fascinated with telepathy and leads herself into her own fantasy world.

hikari Ishida and Lily franky also star in the movie, which will be released in Japan on June 20. (Philstar.com)

by Gavin Martinez Inquirer.net

Filipino girl travels the globe to St. Jude in Memphis to find first-of-its-kind cure for cancer

Aspen Tangonan became first pediatric patient successfully treated with a novel drug combination for high-risk refractory neuroblastoma

WheN 9-year-old Aspen tangonan was 22 months old, she was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma — an aggressive pediatric solid tumor arising from nerve tissues and cells. At the time, her family had no idea Aspen would become the first pediatric patient successfully treated with a novel drug combination for high-risk refractory neuroblastoma.

Aspen underwent lengthy treatment at st. Luke’s medical Center in Quezon City, using a protocol developed and shared by st. Jude Children’s research hospital doctors and researchers. But six months later, the cancer was spreading again.

Aspen’s care team wanted to try immunotherapy, but the treatment was unavailable in the Philippines.

“We trusted our doctors back home; they were the best of the best,” says stephanie Uy, Aspen’s mom. “But they told us it would be difficult to bring this treatment to the Philippines because they didn’t know if the facility could support it.”

Aspen’s oncologist, maria

Luz Del rosario, mD, found an opportunity for treatment at st. Jude, located on the other side of the globe in memphis, tN. st. Jude treats children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases regardless of their race, ethnicity, beliefs or ability to pay. families never receive a bill from st. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food, so they can focus on helping their child live,

regardless of the duration or the cost of care.

“When they told us that everything will be free, it was like a thorn was taken away. At first, it’s unbelievable. We didn’t expect anything like this. We were so grateful,” said her dad, mark.

Connecting across global borders to access care

Aspen, stephanie and mark flew to memphis in september 2019. for the next three months, the rest of the family stayed in the Philippines while maria and her parents met with pediatric oncologist sara federico, mD, solid tumor Division director, Department of oncology, and other care team members at st. Jude.

By January 2020, Aspen, her parents and her two siblings had fully relocated from the Philippines to memphis, and Aspen began treatment once again. federico treated Aspen for relapsed neuroblastoma using different combinations of therapies that stabilized her disease. But she was still a long way from a cure.

Aspen’s best chance at a curative therapy lay in the genomics of her cancer, so federico requested tumor tissue samples from maria’s initial surgery in the Philippines for genetic sequencing. When the samples arrived in memphis, st. Jude researchers identified a germline (inherited) mutation in the BArD1 gene, a finding that gave federico a new focus point for identifying potential treatments.

A decade of collaborative research in clinical genomics led to the discovery of Aspen’s BArD1 mutation. In 2010, st. Jude and Washington University school of medicine launched the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project (PCGP), a first-of-itskind collaboration to analyze the genetic underpinnings of pediatric cancer. their work resulted in a 2015 New england Journal of medicine publication that compiled a list of 60 pediatric cancer predisposition gene mutations that became recognized by the oncology community. BArD1 was one of those genes.

Jinghui Zhang, PhD, Endowed Chair of Bioinformatics in the Department of Computational Biology, played a pivotal role in the PCGP by helping to place sequencing findings into a meaningful context. the mutation of the BArD1 gene caused a problem in how the cell repairs its DNA. Cells have mechanisms for repairing DNA damaged by disease or other factors, but when these mechanisms do not work correctly, damage can pile up. Cancer cells accumulate a lot of DNA damage as they grow. If someone with cancer has a DNA damage repair defect, the tumor will not be able to repair the damage, which can ultimately lead to cancer cell death.

Blocking DNA damage repair by targeting genetic variants that affect the process is a potential treatment strategy for some cancers. Poly (ADPribose) polymerase (PArP) inhibitors act on mechanisms in the homologous recombination deficiency pathway and were first used as treatment in adult breast cancer, targeting BrCA1/2 mutations.

But could PArP inhibitors also be used against pediatric cancers to target germline mutations, including BArD1, that introduce DNA damage repair defects?

A mother’s love, a sister’s sacrifice: Citizen Pinoy shares the inspiring journey of a reunited family

thIs sunday on “Citizen Pinoy,” witness the moving story of a mother’s persistence and a sister’s sacrifice in the face of immigration challenges. Lolita, a devoted mother, petitioned both her children, Cristy and Julian, to join her in the United states.

Cristy’s green card was processed first, and she arrived in the U.s. in 2009. But only six months later, she made the painful decision to return to the Philippines to care for her younger brother, Julian, who had been hospitalized. Without filing a re-entry permit, Cristy stayed too long abroad, and the U.s embassy deemed her green card abandoned. In 2010, Julian’s immigration was finally processed, and he was able to fly to the U.s. But

Cristy, despite wanting to return with him, had her green card revoked. her mother Lolita immediately filed a new petition for Cristy that same year. By 2021, the National Visa Center confirmed that Cristy’s case was documentarily complete, but the family waited years with no word on an interview. meanwhile, Lolita became legally blind, and Julian’s heart condition worsened — both desperately needing Cristy’s help and presence. After being told by another attorney that nothing could be done, the family turned to leading U.s. Immigration Attorney michael J. Gurfinkel.

In may 2024, he took on the case and successfully requested the U.s embassy to expedite Cristy’s long-delayed visa. the

request was approved, and in march 2025 — more than 15 years after she first arrived — Cristy was finally reunited with her family in America. Now restarting her American Dream from the beginning, Cristy has no regrets. Giving up her green card in 2009 to care for her sick brother was, in her heart, the right thing to do. her story of compassion, perseverance, and a mother’s unwavering determination is one that will inspire and move many on this encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on sunday, may 25 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)

Aspen with pediatric oncologist Sara Federico, MD.

Aspen with mom Stephanie in a photo taken by St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Photos courtesy of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

CITIZEN

the current measles outbreak has targeted North Dakota, having its first case since 2011. the count went up to 1001 on may 9, 2025, more than 3 times in all of 2024, reports the CDC. more cases are expected. the 3-month outbreak in texas owns the vast majority of cases, with 702 confirmed. this viral infection has spread to New mexico, oklahoma, and Kansas. two unvaccinated children died from measles-related disease in West texas, the epicenter. And an adult in New mexico, who was unvaccinated, died from the complications of measles. many other states are reporting cases of measles. In 2019, there were 1,261 cases of measles in 31 states. Unvaccinated people, when exposed, are very prone to developing measles. misinformation, confusion, complacency all account for the lowered vaccination rate and for the outbreak. measles is a very contagious viral illness that mostly affects unvaccinated children but adults who are unvaccinated are also potential victims. It is more serious among adults and babies. measles, a potential killer, is easily preventable by a vaccine.

Shoes and backpain

A great news of relief to those with back pains. two studies presented at the 2025 World Congress on osteoarthritis in Incheon, south Korea, have this report: “A shoe-based biomechanical intervention worn for a short time each day may achieve greater improvements in low back pain and greater reductions in the risk for total knee replacement surgery than standard physical therapy, according to two studies.”

the U.s fDA has cleared this shoe-based intervention, “which alters the foot’s pressure points to reduce loads, minimize symptoms, and promote neuromuscular control training using adjustable, convex pods under the sole, according to the researchers.”

those special “biomechanical” shoes will be heaven-sent to those 619 million with back pain, 40 million with hip pain, or the 654 million with knee pain, around the world, all from osteoarthritis.

Simple urine test early detection of prostate cancer is still a huge clinical challenge today because of lack of reliable biomarkers. this disease is highly treatable when diagnosed in its early stage.

A new study, posted in the journal Cancer research, reports that early-stage prostatic cancer can be detected using a new simple urine test. the new set

Measles can kill

of urine-based biomarkers can accurately find both the presence and severity of prostatic cancer. “the study combined artificial intelligence and detailed genetic analysis and could potentially offer an alternative to current PsA testing,” said the report.

Cancer of the prostate is one of the most frequent cancers in men and early detection leads to high rate of surgical cure. this new simple urine test will lead to early detection which translate to saving maximum of lives, not possible before.

Plant-based diet there is no question that what we eat affects our health and longevity to a significant extent. for a healthy diet, half of our plate should have plantbased foods, such as colorful vegetables and fruits, a quarter with whole grain (rice, quinoa, bread, preferably non-wheat, and a quarter with protein (either plant-based or animal based). most veggies contain polyphenols, health antioxidants, which protects body cells from damages, reduces inflammation, has neuro-protection for the brain, and lowers the risk for common chronic diseases. It is also good for our microbiome, gut-health, especially some fermented foods. the less red meat we eat the better. Avoiding processed foods (like those in a deli like bacon, sausages, etc.) could lower our risk for cancers. And so with grilled foods (meat or veggies) with charcoal-burnt surfaces, which should be trimmed or scraped away. red meat consumption is linked to increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, stroke) and cancer. Plant-based diet, together with fish, is a healthy diet.

About 20-35 percent of our total calories should be fats –healthy fats from olives, extra virgin cold-processed olive oil, mild olive oil for cooking, avocados, seeds, and nuts. finally, diet-wise, let’s stay away from foods containing gluten and lectin, which increases the risk for gut issues and inflammation, creating havoc to our microbiome (bacterial balance in our gut), which is fundamental to our health and well-being.

We used to think oatmeal and soy products (tofu, etc.) are healthy food items for everyone. In some people, oatmeal causes blood sugar spikes, the phytic acid in oat hinders mineral absorption, and the oats has gluten in them and some could contain mold toxins.

Choose gluten-free oatmeal, soak them first for a few minutes before cooking to reduce phytic acid and buy whole, unflavored old-fashioned (not instant) oatmeal, preferably steel-cut.

Shingles vaccine thirty-three percent (one out

of 3) adults around the world will develop shingles, actually a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus in them, which causes chickenpox, to which they have been exposed to before, most during their childhood. shingles infection could lead serious, chronic, bothersome complications. those who are 50 and over can significantly benefit from the shingles vaccine, which provides 90 percent protection. Lately, studies revealed that shingles vaccine also lower the risk for dementia and cardiovascular ailments, like heart attack and stroke, which protection could last up to eight years.

Home apnea test medical, engineering and technological progress are not only mind-boggling but make life more comfortable and convenient for the world. for those with sleep apnea (prolonged breathholding, with oxygen deficient blood, and waking us gasping for breath), they no longer have to go to the sleep laboratory in hospitals for a sleep study, where dozens of sensors are connected to you while you spend the night in that hospital. the amazing miniaturization of sophisticated technological devices now allows people to conduct a basic sleep test in their own bed at home. Besides you, insurance companies and physicians love it too. the home sleep apnea test costs at least 20 times cheaper than the sleep study in a hospital. And definitely more convenient for everyone worldwide.

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

* * * The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people 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.

*

* * 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, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is 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, pugilist Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, distinguished educators, and renowned scientists. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

My encounter with Bam Aquino

by roGelio constantino Medina AJ Press

PAoLo Benigno “Bam” Aguirre Aquino IV is the youngest among the brood of three sons of Paul Aquino of Concepcion, tarlac and former melanie Aguirre of Davao.

Bam, or formerly Bambam, a name picked up from the flintstones cartoon, remembers he joined a cub scout, a media club and the Dulaan sibol theatre group, taught catechism in a depressed area in marikina, and became a student council president when he was in elementary and college at Ateneo de manila University where he graduated with a degree in management engineering with the highest honor, summa cum laude. he was then a part of the defunct Children’s hour tV show on Channel 2 when he was only 10 years old. Later in his life, he hosted a youth-oriented morning talk show on ABs-CBN’s studio 23, Breakfast, a youth-oriented debate show, Yspeak, also on studio 23, and a show for budding entrepreneurs, start-Up, on ABs-CBN News Channel. he used to be involved with ABsCBN foundation’s special projects group that focused on rehabilitation centers for abused and neglected kids, disaster management and relief operations, and volunteer recruitment.

“When Noynoy Aquino (his first cousin) became president, all the shows I had had to do with the enterprise to help those little businessmen in the Philippines. 97% of our entrepreneurs are micro-entrepreneurs, like the fishball vendors, sari-sari store owners, livestock raisers. iyon ang masang Pilipino,” he said.

Ninoy Aquino’s assassination Bam fondly remembers that he began visiting his uncle, former senator Ninoy Aquino, in prison when he was only 2 or 3 years old. When his uncle died, he was barely six years old. “I, together with my yaya (nanny), was the

one left in the house when my parents and two brothers (Paul Dennis and Paul Victor) went to the airport. I was small.” hours after, his nanny told him to pray to the altar because something bad happened in the airport. “When my parents came back in the afternoon, I saw the reaction on their face. they were shocked.”

he then joined rallies and he gave his first public speech on December 8, 1983, during the feast of the Immaculate Conception, in Biñan, Laguna. there were around 20 to 30 people.

“It was a children’s rally, but eventually it became a regular indignation rally. my mom prepared me a speech written in a yellow pad. We didn’t have a computer then, and I memorized it,” reminisced Bam, who was then a small fat kid with long flappy hair. he added, “We had been to over 200 places as far as mindanao, and I spoke. It was almost every night after I went home from school and did my homework.

Sa gabi ay umiikot na kami that was really my childhood. But it was a gift to be exposed during that time. to be able to see filipinos coming together for a cause larger than themselves is a blessing... We got a glimpse of something special. We got a glimpse of what we can do and what we can be.”

he is blessed that he is exposed to the struggle and also a blessing when he got into social enterprise.

iyon ang childhood memories ko that’s why I ran for student council, joined an NGo and later the government, and was involved in social enterprise. Kahit bata ako, I understood what was happening, at the time when you experience filipinos coming together. And you’re still trying to look for that time when we will come together again,” he said.

The pain transformed Was Ninoy’s assassination still painful to Bam, who had been

jolted to the events in the country at an early age?

When the eDsA revolution happened, it was, he thought, all over.

“Yes, I cried and felt the pain until about 1985. When he passed away, it was more painful and more personal. But now, it’s really more of an inspiration. At the end of the day, hindi ka ba natatakot na tatakbo ka. You’re putting yourself out there. Babatikusin ka People will hate you automatically because of your last name. my relatives had given so much more (of themselves). he gave his life. All of these seems very far from what Tito Ninoy and Tita Cory did. through the years, the pain has been transformed to an inspiration,” he said.

he does not tire talking about his uncle Ninoy’s struggle because it is a story of confirmation, he said. “one day, you’re thinking to be next president. then the next day, you’ll be in jail for 7 years and 7 months. Afterwards, you lived in the U.s for three years with your family, having a great time there until you decided to come back. he’s a different person before he went to jail and after he left jail.”

senator Ninoy Aquino was an excellent politician before he was incarcerated. After he left jail, he was an excellent leader. As to what his uncle Ninoy believed in that has been ingrained deep in Bam’s young mind, he mentions non-violence and democracy. his favorite quotation is Ninoy’s “the filipino is worth dying for.”

“But I also like Uncle Ninoy’s filipinos above all appreciate bravery.’ And that’s what I feel is what I am doing now. Tumataya. I am stepping up to the challenge. I want to serve,” he concluded with a sweet, wide smile. In the just-concluded Philippine general election, Bam Aquino placed number two among the 12 senatorial candidates. “Last year taught me to have no fear and only faith. to make that leap with a full heart and hope. to always fight the good fight, even if against the odds, as long as it’s for the right reasons. God-willing, I hope to see a return to public service this 2025!”

Filipino girl travels the globe to St. Jude in Memphis to find...

Research sets Aspen’s next treatment in forward motion At st. Jude, elizabeth stewart, mD, Department of oncology, had spent years studying potential treatments for ewing sarcoma, a pediatric solid tumor known to have DNA damage repair defects. In 2014, she published results that demonstrated an ewing sarcoma preclinical model with a DNA defect had a better therapeutic response to PArP inhibitors when the PArP inhibitors were used in combination with chemotherapy. Due to stewart’s work, federico recognized an opportunity to evaluate this combination therapy approach

in other solid tumors with DNA damage repair vulnerabilities.

federico developed a phase 1 clinical trial, BmNIrN, to determine the safe and effective dose of PArP inhibitors to use when given in combination with chemotherapies for pediatric patients with recurrent or treatment-resistant solid tumors. federico wrote a new treatment protocol specifically for Aspen. she began treatment with the PArP inhibitor talazoparib and the chemotherapy irinotecan. the cancer in Aspen’s bone marrow quickly responded. she was able to stop chemotherapy after six cycles of treatment, but she continued to receive the PArP inhibitor. she also received radiation therapy for three bone

lesions, all of which responded successfully.

When Aspen responded to treatment, she was the first child with refractory high-risk neuroblastoma to have a durable response to a PArP inhibitor and chemotherapy combination. she has been completely off therapy since october 2021.

the success of Aspen’s treatment shows the potential not only for PArP inhibitors as targeted treatments in pediatric refractory solid tumors but for the use of clinical genomics as part of regular clinical care.

Beyond Aspen’s success — moving forward, not stopping “I’m thrilled by these results because it’s so rewarding for me to see Aspen cured of her disease

due to the findings from clinical genomics,” says Zhang. “This is one of the most rewarding projects I’ve ever participated in.”

As data analysis capabilities continue developing, Zhang sees a future for clinical genomics that integrates germline and somatic variant data into therapeutic decision-making. Aspen’s case, published in 2024 by the New england Journal of medicine, stands as a first-of-its-kind feat in pediatric oncology and clinical genomics. But it will not be the last.

researchers continue to lead clinical trials of targeted therapies for difficult-to-treat solid tumors, using what they learned from clinical genomics

and Aspen’s care to inform the next generation of studies. While the science advances and research continues, Aspen and her family revel in a life without treatment. she has been healthy and off treatment for over three years. the family still comes to st. Jude for checkups every six months to monitor the disease and mitigate any treatment-related symptoms that may arise.

Aspen tangonan wants to continue to be a girl “who travels the world.” for a family whose only direction was forward as they traversed the globe in search of a cure, anything seems possible.

(St. Jude children’s research Hospital release)

A close-up photo of Aspen Tangonan.

Photos courtesy of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina with Bam Aquino

Bam Aquino with first cousin actress Jackie Aquino and Anna Ylagan (daughter of actor Robert Arevalo and actress Barbara Perez).

roGelio ConstAntino MedinA My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)

there is an advantage of being in the U.s. and being with my family, relatives and friends: I am reading the holy Bible once again and joining Bible study groups. one thing I learn is to practice humility, to trust in the Lord for proper guidance and to ask for the right decision.

You must have faith and avoid leaning on your own understanding. Do not doubt for if you doubt it is like a wave being driven and tossed by the wind.

I am inspired by the verses I read in Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1: 5-6.

* * * Wedding consultant henry roxas Ayson recently celebrated his surprise 65th birthday in hiddenbrooke, Vallejo, California. It was attended by members of his family, relatives and friends.

* * * With social media scams surfacing, especially coming from famous personalities in the past, I am always very careful since I am a journalist. there are so many alleged famous celebrities befriending me in facebook. It started with Prince Abdul mateen Bolkiah in 2024, then followed by American actor Jay harrington in early february 2025 and now elon musk in may 2025. With alleged elon musk, I felt doubt for how a busy man would ever befriend me in facebook. so, I replied simply that I felt

The advantage of being in the US

doubt that how a nobody like me in the U.s. could be given attention by famous elon musk. But some minutes later, after I finished sending my questions for sticker mule Ceo Anthony Constantino, I received a video call. I was surprised to see elon musk. I put out my pair of eyeglasses to gaze him nearer to my cellphone’s viewer as I heard him calling my first name rogelio and the voice was not clearer afterwards. I saw he was in an office.

* * * my heartfelt congratulations to the 2nd anniversary of media house express. A myriad blessings. It is a great honor to be always like a family member of media house express, home of news and entertainment.

* * * thanks to the staffers of the North Bay occupational health for the physical examination accredited by the United states Citizenship and Immigration services. It is located at 2470 hilborn road, suite 100 in fairfield, California. Dr. Yolanta Petrofsky is the contact civil surgeon.

*

* * first Lady melania trump recently honored military mothers at the White house.

“military mothers and America — together — have developed an extraordinary parallel journey. they are filled with stories of personal sacrifice, determination, loss, and healing,” said first Lady trump.

*

* * I really admire U.s. President Donald J. trump helping to bring back safely to their families the astronauts who were stranded in outer space for 9 months (thanks

to elon musk, spaceX and NAsA), an American ballerina who was imprisoned in russia, and an American teenager who had been held hostage.

* * * Cardinal robert francis Prevost (now Pope Leo XIV) deserves to be a pope. I met him in san Agustin Church in Intramuros, manila years ago.

*

* * singer Lae manego-franzani, sovereign seal of Business triumph and remarkable Achievers, Philippines’ finest Business Award and outstanding Achievers and southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award recipient, is married to businessman Querino franzani of Netherlands. she has been supporting her family in Davao.

“I am truly blessed to be surrounded by love in many forms. first and foremost, I am deeply in love with my family – my husband, kids, and parents. they are my rock, my support system, and my everything. their unwavering love and encouragement inspire

Angelica Panganiban to make theater debut with ‘Don’t Meow for Me, Catriona’

Panganiban is taking her acting prowess onstage as she is set to make her theater debut with the

“Don’t meow for me, Catriona.” Panganiban announced on her Instagram page on saturday, may 17, that she is one of the leads of the upcoming play, along with a poster of the play. this is an opportunity that I

never expected to arrive in my life. I hope you will wholeheartedly accept, and give me a chance on the theater stage. Working hard and working on it, Angge,” she said in the caption.

Panganiban’s theater debut was welcomed by her followers, including fellow celebrities Iza Calzado, ria Atayde, hershey Neri, Jasmine Curtis-smith, her friend film director Andoy ranay and theater actress Joanna Ampil, who left a comment on her post.

Also joining Panganiban in the play is Peewee o’hara. It is written by ryan machado and directed by toni Go-Yadao.

“Don’t meow for me, Catriona” will be staged from June 14, 19, 20, 25, to 29 at the tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez of the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City. It is part of the Virgin Labest festival, which aims to showcase “untried, untested and unstaged plays” to a wider audience.

me to be the best version of myself every day,” she said. In addition to her family, she is also passionate about giving back to her community. “I believe that love and kindness can transform lives and make the world a better place. through my music, philanthropy, and volunteer work, I strive to spread love, positivity, and empowerment to those around me. overall, I feel grateful to be living a life filled with love, purpose, and meaning.”

* * *

Possessing an adventurous spirit, entrepreneur David Isip immigrated to the United states at age 17 in 1976. he stumbled onto the window treatment business by accident in 1979 when his landlord mentioned she was going to be replacing the blinds in an apartment in san francisco. Wanting to be a good tenant, David told her that he could do all the leg work of ordering, picking up, and installing the blinds if she covered the costs. After finishing the job, he thought to himself, “I could do this for a living.” he officially created his window treatment business in 1980, and he has been providing his clients with the best customer service and fair prices ever since.

“We provide measurement, design, and installation services for all types of window treatments: plantation shutters (composite wood, real wood, vinyl), horizontal blinds (faux wood, real wood, aluminum), shades (roman shades, roller shades, honeycomb shades, cellular shades, cordless shades, remote control shades), and more. We serve the entire Bay Area,” said

founder David, who later passed on his business to his son miguel who manages the Budget Windows Coverings, a low-volume provider of window treatments. he continues: “We are a local father-and-son small business that prides itself in providing with the best possible customer service experience along with top-of-the-line products by hunter Douglas and Norman Window fashions. Because we are a home-based operation, we can make the process easy for our customers by coming to their home or office at their convenience. Additionally, our low overhead translates into greater savings for our customers who will notice the difference with us as compared to a chain or big-box store simply because we care. our customers are our family.”

CeLeBrItY doctor Dr. hayden

Kho celebrated his 45th birthday, with a post on social media about healing scars and in moving forward with a purpose.

In a video post on Instagram, Kho, facing his wife, Dr. Vicky Belo, said that the past 45 years have taught him not only about pain, about also healing with purpose.

“I think most people, when they look at scars, they find it as purely cosmetic, but in truth it has an emotional impact. I just felt that after several years with Belo, healing as many people, that we have a responsibility and capability to do something more meaningful, to help them,” he said in the video.

Kho said that now that he is in the “midpoint” of his life, he said that he did not just want to look back at the past that shaped him, but also look forward to possibilities.

“I want to look forward — to whatever time I have left, and ask: how can I make it count?

through the wounds I’ve carried and the healing I’ve received… through the influence, resources, and second chances God has graciously entrusted to me… I know I’m meant to use them for something more meaningful.

Kho said that they would soon start implementing a program that is “very close” to his heart. something that brings healing — not just to skin, but to souls… every scar has a story. this year, we’re helping rewrite them,” he said. Belo also left a short but sweet

message for her spouse on Instagram. “[forty-five] never looked so good,” she said in their joint post. she also shared several solo pictures of the two of them together, as well as their solo pictures. Kho’s milestone was also celebrated by their celebrity friends and followers, among them raymond and ruffa Gutierrez, karylle, Dimples romana, Gabbi Garcia, and Isabelle Daza. Kho and Belo wed in a lavish ceremony in Paris in 2018.

by anne PasaJol Inquirer.net

meGhAN markle’s estranged father, thomas markle sr., and her half-brother, thomas markle Jr, have reportedly moved to the Philippines and been living in an apartment in Cebu.

the 80-year-old mobilityimpaired father and his son’s relocation was first disclosed by an unidentified source to British tabloid newspaper the mirror, which then also released photos of the two walking in Cebu.

the two are reportedly renting an apartment that has a monthly cost of £500, or over P37,000.

“there are only two types of weather in Cebu: hot and humid, and hot and humid and raining. It’s brutal even for men half his age, but it’s still sad to see him looking as though he’s struggling,” the source was quoted as saying. “thomas and his son only recently moved into the property and they are still finding their feet in Cebu after the big move abroad, but they’re here together and are firmly supporting each other.”

meghan, a former hollywood actress, is now the Duchess of sussex after marrying Prince harry, son of Britain’s King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, and younger brother to the heir apparent, Prince William.

Prior to her wedding in 2018, meghan became estranged from her father after he supposedly sold paparazzi photos. their estrangement reportedly escalated into him not attending her wedding at the Windsor Castle in the United Kingdom, and the British and hollywood media feasted on the controversy

involving the new royal. Nor was the elder markle ever reported to have visited when the sussexes moved to California with their two children.

A book and a documentary thomas Jr. has been caring for his dad, a former hollywood lighting director, who suffered from two heart attacks and a stroke in the past years. thomas sr. has reportedly been struggling with his mobility and has been using a walking stick to help himself.

thomas Jr. immediately confirmed this, even revealing that he spends some of his time in the country writing a book about the Duchess of sussex‘s childhood.

“When my book is finished, ooh it’ll be swooped up real quick [because] it’s getting there. I’m working on it. It’s coming out,” he told the mirror. “When the book gets read, the documentary will follow,” he added. It can be recalled that thomas Jr. slammed meghan for the supposed “malarkey” stories in her series “With Love, meghan” released in march. In the series, the Duchess of sussex

by

shAroN Cuneta's daughter frankie Pangilinan has graduated from college in New York, United states. In her Instagram account, sharon posted photos of her with frankie, miel, miguel and newly-elected senator francis

"our fresh grad!!!" sharon captioned the post. In another post, sharon shared a photo of them in Chinatown in

claimed her family struggled financially and that she was a “latchkey kid.”

“I’m not a greedy person, it’s not about the money, it’s about the principle,” thomas Jr. stated. “of course it would be nice to have a nice little cushion from selling a book, sure.”

“everybody wants the book. I now have dedicated time. It’s not easy moving,” he added. thomas sr. had revealed last January his plans of relocating to southeast Asia, saying he had traveled there when he was younger. he also clarified that he is not running away but is “in search of a more positive life.” the people are so kind and welcoming, and they are respectful to older people,” he said. “It is a place of culture and beauty. At 80 it is time to go somewhere where the people are lovely and I can enjoy a quieter, friendlier existence.”

“every day I see something about meghan. I wish her no ill will. my dream is that one day I could bring my whole family together, like a ‘normal’ family,” he said.

New York.

f

in 2019

left the

York. In one of her vlogs, she said that she was considering to take a minor course in Anthropology. Kiko, meanwhile, skipped the proclamation of winning senators last saturday, may 17 to join sharon and his family for frankie's graduation. he was represented at the proclamation by his sister, maricel Pangilinan-Arenas.

Milo severo Philstar.com

Heidi Mendoza with her husband Roy First Lady Melania Trump (seated, first row, 5th from left) recently honored military mothers at the White House during Mother’s Day observation. and three children Albert, Atty. Paula and Miguel.

Birthday celebrant Henry Roxas Ayson (in shaded eyeglasses) with his family, relatives and

Bible fellowship in April Joy Samantha Ayson’s home in Hiddenbrooke, Vallejo, California. Photos compiled by Rogelio Medina

Wedding consultant Henry Roxas Ayson (left) with AJ columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.

Guia Cruz Buenaventura of Media House Express

Pope Leo XIV (middle) with his older brothers.

Lae Manego with her husband Querino Franzani.

Entrepreneur David Isip (left) with his son Miguel Isip.

AJ Columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina (middle) with North Bay Occupational Health staffers on Hilborn Road in Fairfield.

President Trump and freed American ballerina Ksenia Karelina in the White House’s Oval Office.

Meghan Markle

Photo from Instagram/@meghan

Pangilinan.

reunited," she said.

rankie

Philippines

to study in New