060223 - New York & New Jersey Edition

DATELINE USA

NYC’s Fil Am Deputy Mayor assumes expanded role

Workforce

by MoMaR G. Visaya AJPress

“THROUGHOUT her career in public service, Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer has shown clearly that she is ready to take bold action to tackle the city’s affordable housing crisis. I’m proud to announce her expanded role as Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce.”

New cultural landmark rises in LA’s Historic Filipinotown

LOS ANGELES – A longstanding nonprofit serving the Filipino community will inaugurate its new offices, meeting rooms, community kitchen, and event space with a grand opening Friday, June 9, from 3-7 p.m.

Since 1972. Search To Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) has been providing programs for youth and families including mental health education, counseling, youth programs, small business support, cultural

With that statement, Mayor Eric Adams made an important announcement on Tuesday, May 30 regarding the appointment of Deputy Mayor Maria Torres Springer to an enhanced position.

In her newly expanded role, Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer will be responsible for overseeing housing, economic development, and workforce matters. This includes spearheading initiatives to enhance the

New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), facilitating the transition of homeless individuals into secure housing, and driving Mayor Adams’ ambitious mission to construct 500,000 new homes for New Yorkers within the next ten years.

“Having grown up in Section 8 housing, I know firsthand that safe and affordable housing is about more than mere brick and

MANILA — President Marcos expressed optimism on Monday, May 29 that the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) would further simplify government procedures through mandatory digitalization and contribute to efforts to lure investments and promote economic activity in the country.

In a speech read by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin during ARTA’s fifth anniversary celebration in Manila, Marcos said the agency has been “relentless” in implementing its mandate to curb red tape

Arroyo firm: I did not plot speaker’s ouster

by Ma. Reina TolenTino ManilaTimes.net

HOUSE Deputy Speaker and Pampanga Second District Rep. Gloria Macapagal

Arroyo on Sunday, May 28 reiterated that she did not plot to unseat Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

“A report is going around that I was ‘duped’ by a

congresswoman into thinking that the alleged House coup had the blessings of the first lady Marie Louise ‘Liza’ Araneta-Marcos,” Arroyo said in a statement. “I am truly sorry that she should even be dragged into this political fantasy of a House coup — it is disrespectful to her and to her intelligence.”

by MelVin Gascon, nesToR coRRales Inquirer.net

MANILA — Opposition senators on Tuesday, May 30 raised “grave concerns” over the impending passage of the law creating the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), alleging that this venture was not driven by the need to pump-prime the economy but by the interest of “crony capitalists.”

In his turno en contra speech, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III detailed 12 grounds on why they should not approve Senate Bill No. 2020 that seeks to put up the MIF, flagging the measure for constitutional and procedural issues.

Pimentel wondered who broached the idea of creating the MIF, as it was never mentioned by then-presidential candidate and now President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the campaign and

CA Attorney General Rob Bonta seeks to improve hate crime reporting, solutions

by Donnabelle GaTDula-aReValo AJPress

CALIFORNIA Attorney General

Rob Bonta has vowed to pursue broader and concrete measures to improve the reporting system on racial-related hate crimes.

Bonta recently hosted a roundtable with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) press in the state to provide updates on his statewide initiatives in line with the celebration

of May as AAPI Heritage Month.

As the first Filipino American attorney general of California and the second Asian American to occupy the post after now Vice President Kamala Harris, who served between 2011 to 2017, Bonta underscored the need to improve the way hate crimes are being handled, especially in California, a state home to nearly 6 million AAPIs.

A former state assemblymember,

NYC Mayor Eric Adams has expanded the portfolio of Maria Torres Springer who is now Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, Workforce Photo from New York City Mayor’s Office

‘Grave concerns’ raised over...

even in his first State of the Nation Address.

“Where did this idea come from? Is it possible that we are doing this as a favor to a businessman who has access to the ears of the powers that be, whose business or bottom line has been hit by the downturn in the world economy and thus would need a new client?” the senator asked.

The MIF was also not cited in the Marcos administration’s Medium-Term Fiscal Framework, or the initial list of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac), according to Pimentel.

“We will hopefully know the identity of this big-time influencer in due time,” Pimentel added.

Crony capitalism

Interpellations on SB 2020 wrapped up past midnight on Tuesday just as Pimentel pressed to continue his questioning on other issues, to which the sponsor, Sen. Mark Villar, objected.

Villar said all issues on the bill that might be raised by Pimentel could be addressed in the period of amendments. In his speech, Pimentel warned that the MIF, which would be run by a Maharlika Investment Corp. whose board members are handpicked by Malacañang, was prone to the “evil of crony capitalism.”

“Since the MIC can invest in the domestic market, it can therefore choose the ‘winners and losers’ among our domestic industries, enterprises, and business people,” he pointed out.

Pimentel said creating the MIF posed a great risk for the country because of its history of corruption, citing the 2022 Global Corruption Index which ranked the Philippines 105 out of 196 countries.

“It even mentioned that financial aid programs during the pandemic created opportunities for corruption and bribery. Here in the Philippines, the misery and poverty of the people is taken advantage of for profits,” he

said.

He also cited the constitutional requirement of a certification on the economic viability of establishing the MIF.

Pimentel also questioned the “clever maneuver” that proponents did when they took out the provision requiring the pension institutions from the original bill but inserted a substitute provision allowing voluntary investment.

“I thought they listened to the concerns of the public, but they executed a clever maneuver and the danger is still there that the conservatively managed pension and retirement funds of our retirees from the government and the private sectors, will be entrusted to the [MIF] for riskier placements, or in other words, for gambling,” he said.

No need to panic

In Malacañang, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Tuesday dismissed

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NYC’s Fil Am Deputy Mayor assumes...

PAGE 1

mortar — it’s about creating opportunity and improving lives,” said Deputy Mayor TorresSpringer.

Since January 2022, Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer has played a crucial role in advancing the Adams administration’s endeavors to expedite the development of much-needed housing.

She has provided oversight to the New York City Department of City Planning and the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), demonstrating exceptional leadership. As a co-chair of the Building and Land Use Approval Streamlining Task Force, she has contributed significantly to Mayor Adams’ “Get Stuff Built” plan, which aims to accelerate housing construction. Furthermore, she has been instrumental in driving the “City of Yes” citywide zoning text amendments, which seek to support small businesses, foster the creation of new housing, and promote sustainability.

Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer has also been involved in transformative initiatives such as the construction of 2,500 affordable homes in Willets Point and community planning efforts in various areas, including the East Bronx, Central Brooklyn, the North Shore of Staten Island, Midtown South, and Jamaica.

“In a year and a half with this administration and throughout her career in public service, Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer has shown clearly that she is ready to take bold action to tackle the city’s affordable housing crisis,” added Mayor Adams. “She has a proven record of creating affordable housing and economic opportunity for New Yorkers, and her leadership of our economic recovery efforts has delivered real results. She is the right person at the right time to create and preserve the safe, high-quality, affordable housing New Yorkers so desperately need, and I congratulate her on this expanded role that will allow her to serve even more New Yorkers.”

“Under Mayor Adams’ leadership, we came in with a bold agenda to change the paradigm for how we grow equitably as a city. I am incredibly humbled to further serve New Yorkers as we strive to provide stable housing for our neighbors, protect our existing affordable and public housing, and identify new ways to make housing

affordable for all New Yorkers at this critical moment in our city’s history,” the deputy mayor added.

As deputy mayor, Torres-Springer has overseen “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery” and the city’s strong jobs recovery, efforts to support small businesses with the “Small Business Forward” executive order, commercial district recovery and the “New” New York panel’s “Making New York Work for Everyone” action plan, and transformational projects in Willets Point and on Governors Island.

She was previously vice president of U.S. programs at the Ford Foundation, where she oversaw the foundation’s domestic grantmaking and made historic investments in support of racial equity, workers’ rights, voting rights, and arts and culture across the country.

Proud Fil-Am

Torres-Springer was born and raised in California a year after her parents moved to the United States from the Philippines. Her father, Manuel, is from Pampanga, and her mother, Elsa, is from Batangas. She is the second of six siblings (she has four sisters and a brother).

“I belong to a very traditional and tightlyknit Filipino family,” shared Torres-Springer in an interview with the Asian Journal shortly after her appointment in 2014 as the head of the Department of Small Business Services. Reflecting on her cultural background, she mentioned that she retains some knowledge of Tagalog, but humorously added, “I believe my Kapampangan is even better.”

“I’m very proud of my ancestry and Filipino culture and my background. I’ve always hoped to take the values that I learned growing up and apply that to my work and I think more generally to ensure that people and businesses of diverse backgrounds have a fair shot in New York City. If I’m able to do that in this role given my background, that would bring a lot of motivation,” she added.

Torres-Springer spent some of her formative years in the Philippines. From age 9 to 13, she lived in Betis, Pampanga, her father’s hometown. She moved back to the States around high school and then she visited a couple of times as an adult.

“I miss the food, and how much family

KADIWA FOR WORKERS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (center) inspects the GSIS Kadiwa para sa Manggagawa at the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) head office in Pasay City on Wednesday, May 31. Marcos also joined the GSIS celebration of its 86th anniversary, commending the social insurance agency for its digitalization efforts.

PNA photo by Rey Baniquet

New cultural landmark rises in LA’s...

enrichment, and affordable housing in Historic Filipinotown.

A mixed-use space, with permanent supportive housing, replaces SIPA’s headquarters in its 3200 W. Temple St. location for 30 years. SIPA entered into a partnership with nonprofit Linc Housing in June 2020 to develop the property into community center on the ground floor commercial space.

Local design firm Theoforma, was brought on to the project, incorporating natural elements like bamboo and rattan into the design. The aesthetic of the Philippine islands can be found throughout the space, from the fabrics and artisanal items, to furniture from Cebu, and Los Angeles based Filipinx American artists decorating the walls. Every detail was chosen to bring pride and heritage into the space.

The permanent supportive housing portion of HiFi Collective opened in fall 2022 with Linc Housing providing the supportive services to

residents, thanks to funding from Los Angeles County.

Now at 100% occupancy, HiFi Collective is home to 63 formerly unhoused people, with SIPA and Linc working in close partnership to ensure the entire community thrives together in their new shared space.

“We are beyond excited to re-open our doors and physically root ourselves back in the very neighborhood that SIPA has served for decades,” stated SIPA Executive Director Kimmy Maniquis in a release.

Maniquis added: “SIPA will remain committed to serving youth and families, and are prepared to bring back our after school programs, cultural programming, mental health services and basic needs support to the community of Historic Filipinotown.”

SIPA was founded in 1972 by a group of young Filipino American activists including founders and early leaders – Royal Morales, Al Mendoza, Helen Brown, Paul Chikahisa, Joe Abella and Jeanie Abella, who were inspired by the Civil Rights

and Anti-War movements of the 1960s.

The founders wanted to address the lack of resources and opportunities for the Filipino American community in Los Angeles, particularly in the areas of education, employment, and social services.

In its early years, SIPA focused on organizing community events and cultural activities to promote Filipino heritage and identity. However, as the organization grew, it began to offer a wider range of services to the community, including job training, youth development programs, health education, and social services. Today, SIPA is one of the largest and most wellrespected Filipino American organizations in the country, serving 3,800 people every year.

SIPA’s legacy continues to be felt in Los Angeles and beyond, as it has inspired many other Filipino American organizations and businesses to emerge and thrive across the state of California, and beyond. (Inquirer.net) n

CA Attorney General Rob Bonta seeks to improve...

Bonta was first appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom as attorney general in March 2021, before being elected to a full term last November 2022. He was sworn in and delivered his inaugural address in Sacramento last January 6.

During the discussions with AAPI reporters, the state’s chief legal counsel said that amidst the alarming and continuing rising level of anti-Asian hate crimes over the past years, his office is very keen on implementing some definitive short-term and longterm programs to address these concerns.

He said short-term solutions may involve an immediate and effective way to resolve a hate crime as it happens.

“We need accountability for hate crimes when they occur and in my view charging hate crimes as hate crimes when elements are there and making sure that there’s an appropriate and proportionate accountability for those who commit hate crimes,” Bonta said.

According to Bonta, providing relatively prompt help to assist hate crime victims could also be a part of a short-term scheme.

“We provide victims with the services that they need to heal in the way that they need for them to heal, could be trauma form of care, it could be culturally competent care, could be in-language care like programs and services that allow and assist and expedite the healing of victims,” he said.

For long-term solutions, he said there is a need to implement a strategic plan of action involving education, crosscultural awareness, and ethnic studies.

The government official also admitted that pushing for solid steps in tackling hate crimes is tedious as it entails a more complex approach in terms of implementation and execution of legislative measures and law enforcement.

“We need to have a lot of guidance on this with local enforcement on how to identify, investigate and how to build a hate crime case when the evidence is there,” he said.

He likewise underscored the need for the active participation of all concerned individuals to have an effective reporting system for these hate crimes.

“We also need a reporting system that people consistently and in a high percentage participated so we could understand the problem, its nature, the hotspots, who’s been targeted, why, and we can get to, address the root process,” he said.

One main dilemma of coming up with an effective reporting system, he noted, is the victims’ inability to come out in the open.

“Not everyone reports. Some folks do not report to law enforcement because they do not trust the law enforcement. Some people don’t report because they could be retaliated against, for example, an undocumented individual victim of a hate crime may not want to report to law enforcement because they might be worried about any potential adverse immigration consequences

and so the people will report when they think something might be done and they won’t be retaliated against,” he said.

Bonta called on community leaders and groups and social services agencies to assist his office in addressing these concerns.

“We need to create those systems but I think that largely lies with community groups who are trusted, who’ve earned the trust, who have deep roots and deep histories with communities like to Stop AAPI Hate, a lot of folks call them because of their reputation and they have good data that helps us understand the problem better,” he said.

Stop AAPI Hate, a coalition of community organizations that started in May 2020, tracks and responds to incidents of hate, violence, harassment and discrimination against the AAPI community.

Over the last two years, anti-AAPI hate crimes went up 107% followed by an additional 177% increase the year before. The next updated data on hate crimes will be released in coming months, Bonta said.

With this unprecedented rise of hate crimes, Bonta also spearheaded the creation of a Racial Justice Bureau a few weeks after assuming office in 2021.

“We want to take a very strong stance against the forces of hate to push back. So I created a Racial Justice Bureau to stand against racial justice in all its forms, including hate crimes, hate violence, hate incidents,” the attorney general earlier said.

Asked about the role of the Racial Justice Bureau and its goal, Bonta said “we created Racial Justice Bureau to call out racial injustice in the state of California in all its forms and we plan of fighting the ground and say we are going to fight the racial injustice and fight against the forces of hate, and organizations that are organized around hate and violate other people’s rights or commit crimes.”

“We’re going to take on racial injustice in our schools where our children were submitted to unfair disciplinary process, suspensions, expulsion, unwillful defiance, and discipline. So from children, to hate groups, to hate crimes to any civil rights issues where race and ethnicity are being used as a way to target to hurt or harm people, we will be involved and that’s our racial bureau has done,” he elaborated.

Putting up a Racial Justice Bureau, he said, would enable them to have a dedicated set of personnel within his office to facilitate and focus on racial injustices.

“It has taken resources from across our office and brought them into a team with a common goal to take on racial injustice. We are largely focusing on hate crimes given the environment and the landscape and the pain and hurt and the harm that Californians are suffering when it comes to hate crimes and so but it is to fight for racial justice and all its forms and what’s happening in California will define the work that we prioritize and what we do but right

now what we do are on hate crimes,” he added.

Aside from hate crimes, Bonta also wants to address other equally significant and socially-relevant issues, such as human trafficking, housing access, home care affordability, education, elder abuse, reproductive freedom, gun safety, the rights of LGBTQ communities, climate change, and among others.

2026 plans

During the virtual media roundtable, when asked about his apparent plan to run for governorship in 2026, Bonta said right now his priorities are set on addressing critical concerns of the state.

“Quite a number of people are reaching out to me asking me to run, encouraging me to run, and for that, I am honored and flattered and humbled. I will make a decision about running for governor for 2026 but the time for that decision is not now. I am focused on my work and role as an attorney general now and at an appropriate time in the future, I’ll make a decision and it will be known,” he said.

Bonta, whose parents Cynthia and Warren are both advocates of social justice, was also asked by reporters if he has plans to meet Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. who will be in California in November this year.

“I would like to spend time with President Marcos at some point [and] have a dialogue. I am open to a son not being the father and trying a different course and being different and I know that if you share a name as he does, there are assumptions and presumptions,” Bonta explained.

The attorney general added, “I hope he’ll go in a completely different direction and free himself of the reputation of his father and be someone who can lift up the people of the Philippines who needed him so much, who are wrestling with so many challenges from poverty to inequality, to natural disasters and lack of necessary infrastructure, there are so much that can be done by a leader who loves their people and I hope he could be that leader.”

Bonta was also asked to comment on earlier reports about Marcos’ apparent plans to rewrite Philippine history.

“Part of being a good leader is building and working from the facts and the truth and not erasing the history. History is what it is — you can’t change it, you can’t go back and change it, but you can change where you go next,” he said.

“It is painful today when you erase the history of yesterday when people have been hurt, family members have been taken away, killed, tortured and then you say it didn’t happen, that is harmful today so that is not something any leader should be doing,” Bonta said. “Who knows when will I spend time with him, what our discussions will be but I hope I would have a productive discussion about how to move the Philippines forward and most importantly lift up every people of the Philippines.” n

Mandatory digitalization...

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and bolster ease of doing business since it was established through Republic Act 11032 in 2018.

“In just five years, the men and women of ARTA have definitely proven that change in the way we serve in government is possible. It is possible to do things now to empower the improvement of processes and make transactions easier and more convenient for our clients, the Filipino people,” the president said.

“As the work is not finished, I look forward to even more accomplishments for ARTA in the years to come. I am confident that with your undiminished and steadfast dedication to serve the people and given your passion to advance the mandates of RA 11032, ARTA will be ready and equipped to lead over the hurdles the future holds,” he added.

Marcos also lauded ARTA for being a “disruptor of negative norms and practices in the bureaucracy.”

The president cited the agency’s streamlining of regulations and processes in the telecommunications sector, which he said paved the way for smoother operations and enhanced connectivity in the Philippines. He said the number of required permits for the sector has been reduced from 13 to eight while that of the documentary requirements has been cut from 86 to 35. The turnaround time has also been cut drastically from 241 to 16 working days, he added.

“ARTA has effectively facilitated the rapid deployment of telecommunication infrastructure across the land,” Marcos said.

Marcos said through a joint memorandum circular, ARTA reduced the number of permits from 11 to five, simplified documentary requirements from 62 to 26 and slashed the turnaround time from 868 to 74 working days.

The reduced requirements have resulted in an increase in the number of permits to 36,264 in 2020-2021 from 9,363 permits in 2019-2020, the president said.

“These improvements in telecommunications have not gone unnoticed on the global stage. According to the Ookla speed test global index report released in March 2023, the Philippines has significantly improved its rankings. In mobile internet speed, our country climbed from 93rd to 79th place, while in fixed broadband, we went to 60th to 41st place,” Marcos said.

“This progress has enhanced communication infrastructure, facilitated economic growth and generally improved the lives of our citizens. It has hastened the digitalization of government services, thereby enabling the government to deliver timely and accessible services to the citizens in this rapidly evolving digital era,” he added.

Marcos also mentioned the implementation of the e-BOSS, which he said has slashed the time required for

MANGO BUSINESS. Balong Villamor buys mango wholesale for P1,000 per tree in Barangay Estrada, Digos City, Davao del Sur on Monday May 29. Villamor says a tree usually produces around 500 kilos of ripe mangoes, sold at P12 per kilo. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Features OpiniOn Desaparecidos

AS the country faced a super typhoon last weekend, there are families that are counting the days, weeks and years since their loved ones disappeared, never to be seen or heard from again.

The last week of May is marked as the International Week of the Disappeared. And there are still too many victims of enforced disappearances who remain unaccounted for in this country. Apart from activists, 34 online cockfight enthusiasts were kidnapped between April 2021 and January 2022. Their whereabouts are unknown, despite surveillance camera footage showing some of them being dragged into vans by armed men.

Editorial

led to the conviction of the perpetrators. In June last year, the Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of retired Army Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan Jr. and two other military officers for the kidnapping and serious illegal detention of University of the Philippines students Karen Empeño and Sherlyn Cadapan.

The ranks of the desaparecidos were highest during the Marcos dictatorship, when causeoriented groups counted 926 activists who were victims of enforced disappearances. The restoration of democracy did not end the disappearances. The advocacy groups count 206 activists who went missing during the nine-year presidency of Gloria MacapagalArroyo, 29 in the time of Benigno Aquino III and 20 under Rodrigo Duterte.

Accountability has been abysmal in the cases. One high-profile case at least has

While Palparan was sentenced in 2018 to life in prison without parole together with Lt. Col. Felipe Anotado and Staff Sgt. Edgardo Osorio, the two victims remain missing. Empeño was a 22-year-old sociology student while Cadapan, 29, was pursuing a course in human kinetics and was reportedly two months pregnant when gunmen seized them from a house the students were renting in Hagonoy, Bulacan on June 26, 2006.

Palparan, dubbed “The Butcher” by human rights advocates, has maintained his innocence and is seeking the reversal of his conviction. To this day, no one knows the fate of the two UP students.

Under the new Marcos administration, rights advocates are looking for missing activists Ariel Badiang, Dexter Capuyan, Gene Roz Jamil de Jesus, Lyn Grace Martullinas, Denald Laloy Mialen, Elgene Mungcal, Ma.

Elena Pampoza, Leonardo Sermona Jr. and Renel delos Santos. Rights groups say the nine were kidnapped.

The second Marcos administration is getting relatively better assessments in the human rights department compared with the martial law regime and the Duterte administration. Perhaps this can translate into justice for the missing, or at least information on what happened to them, if not a complete end to enforced disappearances. (Philstar.com)

The sad fate of the iconic Post Office building

FILIPINOS worldwide were dismayed to learn about the massive fire that gutted the Manila Central Post Office building, a 97-year-old structure considered to be an architectural treasure and declared as an “Important Cultural Property” by the

National Museum of the Philippines in November 2018. It was similarly heartbreaking to watch videos of the burning building which took 80 firetrucks and 30 hours before the firemen declared a “fire out” – with damage initially estimated at P300 million.

News about the fire was carried in the United States by the New York Times, Bloomberg, the Los Angeles

Times and other media because the building carries a significant place in the relationship and shared history of the United States and the Philippines.

Designed in the neoclassical style by Filipino architects Juan M. Arellano and Tomas Mapua (who were both sent to the United States as pensionados or scholars under the 1903 Pensionado Act of the Philippine

Commission) and American architect Ralph Doane (who was appointed as consulting architect to the Philippine government in 1916), the Manila Central Post Office became a fierce combat zone during the Battle of Manila in 1945.

According to an account by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, Japanese forces were using the “earthquake-

proof and heavily reinforced concrete” building that was “practically impervious to direct artillery, tank, and tank destroyer fire” as a garrison – forcing American soldiers to “enter the building and engage the Japanese in roomto-room combat.”

The Japanese were initially able to repel the American forces because the rooms and corridors have been heavily barricaded with sandbags

and barbed wire. But on Feb. 22, 1945 the Americans “managed to enter the building through a second story window and eliminated the Japanese who retreated to the Post Office’s large, dark basement,” the NHCP account went.

The war severely damaged the iconic building due to heavy bombardment, but it was restored a year later

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

Dateline PhiliPPines

Keep ‘It’s more fun in the PH’ tagline – it’s more fun

by Margie T. LogarTa ManilaTimes.net

TOURISM Secretary

Christina Garcia Frasco is making sure the industry — and travelers alike — is not identifying the new country branding, “We Give the World Our Best,” recently introduced by the Office of the Presidential Advisor on Creative Communications, as her department’s tourism brand for the Philippines.

NYC’s Fil Am Deputy Mayor assumes...

surrounded us when we were there. My dad is one of 23 kids. He’s the youngest. Being surrounded by family was a very special experience,” she said.

When asked about the valuable lessons instilled by her parents, Maria emphasized the importance of not taking things for granted and the value of hard work in achieving one’s goals. Gratitude and giving back were core principles ingrained in her upbringing, thanks to the mentors, supporters, and her own family who taught her the significance of acknowledging those who helped her along the way and extending a helping hand to those in need.

The deputy mayor grew up at a time when her parents were still trying to adjust to their newfound lives in America. Their story, she said, is typical of the immigrant experience, where parents make a lot of sacrifices to immigrate to the United States with the hope of providing their children a better opportunity.

Track Record

Torres-Springer has a long track record of public service in New York City, having led three city agencies with over 3,000 employees and approximately $2 billion in annual operating budgets, addressing some of the

city’s most significant public policy challenges.

As commissioner of the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, she oversaw the financing of approximately 60,000 affordable homes — the most over any two-year period in the agency’s history. She also helped develop comprehensive plans for investments in Inwood, Downtown Far Rockaway, Jerome Avenue, and other neighborhoods; advanced initiatives to promote innovations in design and construction; and launched several new programs to protect tenants’ rights. She has served as board chair of the New York City Housing Development Corporation and as a board member of the New York City Housing Authority.

As the first woman to serve as president of NYCEDC, she led the implementation of the citywide NYC Ferry service and oversaw major investments in key sectors of the city’s economy. Working closely with community leaders, she also spearheaded several neighborhood revitalization plans across the city.

As commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services, she prioritized efforts to raise wages and support women- and immigrant-

owned businesses. She also launched Women Entrepreneurs NYC and worked to prepare New Yorkers for 21st-century jobs through the Tech to Talent Pipeline program.

Torres-Springer earned a bachelor’s degree in ethics, politics, and economics from Yale University and a master’s degree in public policy from the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Deputy Mayor TorresSpringer will continue to report to First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright.

“Maria Torres-Springer has been one of the primary drivers of our administration’s efforts to build more of the housing New Yorkers so desperately need and build it faster in every corner of our city,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “She has a long record of delivering results at the highest levels of city government and of partnering with impacted communities to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are being met. There could not be a better choice to continue the work started by the chief housing officer and her team, and I am excited to continue working with Deputy Mayor TorresSpringer to keep this city affordable for working- and middle-class families in all five boroughs.” n

She said the latest initiative “translates to everything that permeates our sense of hospitality and service as a tourism industry. ‘We give the world our best’ is a statement of fact. It is a rallying call.

“And it is [an] aspiration for those who may still face a host of challenges and through government intervention will finally have the opportunity to be developed and fully maximized.”

In a recent engagement with local tourism frontliners, she said, “The DoT (Department of Tourism) will subsequently come out with a tourism brand for the Philippines, aligned with the country brand, and enhancing the present tagline.”

Bob Zozobrado, current president of the Tourism Congress of the Philippines, said, “She (Secretary Frasco) assured me and all the other travel organizations that this is not a tourism slogan.”

He added, “She would

consult us first before crafting a new tourism slogan.”

The concept of launching a fresh tourism branding initiative, however, did not appear to stir strong interest nor build excitement among industry professionals and stalwarts.

Well-known chef Myrna Segismundo said, “There’s going to be a new tagline again?

“Everything changes every time a new administration comes in. Since there is no continuity, everything is always just beginning.”

Jojo Clemente, president of Rajah Tours Philippines, echoed the popular sentiment of the private sector, which saw no need to abandon the immensely successful “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign, a brainchild of the then-Tourism chief Ramon Jimenez Jr., and launched in 2012. Clemente observed, “It’s a slogan that works and continues to do so. It put the country on the radar of foreign markets. It

encapsulates the country, its people and what’s best about the Philippines.”

Zozobrado agreed with his colleague, saying, “It’s more fun” gave us the arrival numbers we needed. The momentum is already there. If we come up with a new slogan. We may start from scratch all over again.”

Alejandra Clemente, who founded Rajah Tours Philippines and is a pioneering pillar of their trade, has this to say: “I don’t think it’s the right time for a new slogan. DoT should focus on tourism recovery. With their meager promotion and marketing budget, they shouldn’t plow this into a branding campaign that entails billions of pesos and takes years to be accepted in the international market.

“I can’t understand the logic of changing the ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ slogan now and shelving its promotional materials. As it is, the DoT has no campaign tagline, only Philippines.” n

Arroyo firm: I did not plot...

PAGE 1

“Whoever is spreading these pathetic rumors... should now move on to the serious business of making positive contributions to national progress,” the former president said.

She said she made “a humble contribution to the joining of forces that became the UniTeam, and the resulting supermajority in the House is a major force for delivering President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s agenda.

“Thus, I would never take any action to destroy it,” she said.

She added she “did not have any conversation, here or abroad, with any congressman or congresswoman, or any other politician active or retired, to plot, support, encourage or participate in any way in any

alleged House coup.”

Rumors of a conspiracy to overthrow Romualdez circulated after Arroyo was demoted from senior deputy speaker to deputy speaker last May 17.

She was replaced by Pampanga Third District Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. Arroyo said in a May 18 statement that she aspired for the House speakership when Marcos won the presidential election last year, but that she was no longer interested in the position.

She said her political objectives now were to represent her district, support the legislative agenda of Romualdez and President Marcos, and use her experience as a former president to help out when called upon to do so. n

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. Forty-four former rebels and members of communist front organizations pledge their allegiance to the government at the National Capital Region Police Office hall in Taguig City on Tuesday, May 30. The rebel returnees, who also surrendered 11 firearms, will undergo medical evaluation, livelihood training, and other activities to assist them in reintegrating into society. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco. ManilaTimes.net photo by J. Gerard Seguia

Mandatory digitalization... ‘Grave concerns’ raised over...

registering a business and has encouraged entrepreneurs to establish and grow their enterprises.

He noted that out of the 17 local governments assessed, only seven have achieved full implementation of the e-BOSS. Five of the seven local governments that have fully implemented the e-BOSS “have witnessed a collective increase in business registration and revenue collection for the year 2022,” the chief executive said.

“The success of e-BOSS is a testament to the power of digital transformation in promoting ease of business and stimulating economic development,” Marcos said.

Marcos also cited ARTA’s partnership with the 888 citizens complaint center, a move that he said has provided a channel for citizens to voice their concerns and initiate complaints against agencies that fail to deliver efficient, timely and effective public services.

Marcos ended his speech by emphasizing the

importance of digitalization in the bureaucracy.

“While we say that digitalization is no longer a mere option but already a mandatory requirement in the rendition of government services, we do not impose undue burdens on the shoulders of our fellow servants. As we shorten the lines, cut the steps and simplify the procedures, we assure everyone that doing so can only be the next best way to enable our stakeholders to reach their goals,” the president said.

In a video message, First Lady Liza Marcos thanked ARTA for its contributions in improving the delivery of government services.

“I was told that this year’s theme, SPEED, stands for streamlining the Philippines for effective and efficient digitalization... So SPEED is aligned with the president’s priorities in the delivery of government services,” Liza said.

“Thank you for all you do to make our country a better place to live in,” she added. (by Alexis Romero/ Philstar.com) n

Pimentel’s warning that the failure of the MIF might lead to the collapse of banking institutions, particularly the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines, “if we lose everything” to the fund.

“That’s just panic. There’s no basis for that,” Diokno told reporters.

He explained that Landbank would invest only 3 percent of its total available fund in the MIF.

“Actually, its investible fund is more than P1 trillion. It will only contribute P50 billion and it will probably get higher returns compared to its current fund. That’s it,” he said.

The finance chief added that board members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and Social Security System (SSS) should not be “precluded” from investing in the MIF.

“That’s a board decision, right?” Diokno said, referring to the possible decision of GSIS and SSS board members to invest in the MIF.

Not enough safeguards

“It’s a decision of the board, that’s why there are boards, right? While they are presidential appointees, they act in the best interest of the company,” he added.

Pimentel also played down the supposed safeguards that the proponents have set up in the measure against possible fund embezzlement, such as the setting up of external and internal auditors, citing the recent experience of

the Philippine Gaming and Amusement Corp., which entered into a P6-billion consultancy contract and tapped a flyby-night audit firm to check its collection from online gaming operations.

Pimentel also proposed that all current and future lawmakers should be disqualified from taking “direct and indirect” benefits from the MIF.

Despite proponents’ assurance of sufficient safeguards, Pimentel noted that the bill did not impose jail time for any fund misuse by MIF officers, but a fine of only P5 million.

“If we realize that frauds in investment schemes can amount to billions of U.S.

dollars, then the amount of our fines now looks puny. Will the possibility of a P5million fine deter the criminal mind from taking advantage of an illegal payout to the tune of $5 million? How about $50 million?” he said.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros called on her colleagues to carefully study the possible implications of the fund, which would exist for generations.

“Without robust safeguards, there is a risk of mismanagement, corruption, and the misuse of public funds. We must prioritize transparency and accountability in any financial endeavor of this magnitude,” she said. n

Senators Aquilino Pimentel III and Mark Villar. Inquirer.net file photos

Lawyer says De Lima acquittal final, prosecution appeal futile

MANILA – The camp of former senator Leila De Lima said on Tuesday, May 30 it will ask the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) to disregard the motion for reconsideration (MR) filed by prosecutors asking for a second look on her acquittal.

The MR is a “mere scrap of paper” because the proceedings in the criminal case have already been concluded with finality with the judgment of acquittal, de Lima lawyer Boni Tacardon told reporters through Viber.

“De Lima’s defense team will be filing a motion to expunge the MR,” Tacardon

said.

“Nothing short of a Supreme Court decision reopening the case can vest the judge with jurisdiction anew to alter a judgment of acquittal which is final and executory immediately, hence unappealable, whether by MR with the trial court or appeal to a higher court.”

The De Lima camp is awaiting a ruling on their request for bail in another Muntinlupa court trying the remaining charge -- tolerating the drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City when she was still justice secretary.

On May 12, the Muntinlupa RTC dropped the case of conspiracy to commit illegal drug trading against De Lima, related to her alleged involvement in shady deals at the NBP.

After key witness and former Bureau of Corrections deputy director Rafael Ragos recanted his testimonies last year, presiding judge Joseph Alcantara of Branch 204 said reasonable doubt was cast on the guilt of the 63-year-old De Lima, who has been under detention since February 2017.

“Under the circumstances of this case, the testimony of

witness Ragos is necessary to sustain any possible conviction. Without his testimony, the crucial link to establish conspiracy is shrouded with reasonable doubt,” the court said.

The prosecution claimed proceeds from the sale of illegal drugs were delivered to de Lima in two tranches of PHP5 million on Nov. 24 and Dec. 15, 2012.

Ragos and intelligence agent Jovencio Ablen were initially presented as witnesses but the judge noted that only the former claimed knowledge of the supposed source of the money. (PNA)

29% of Filipinos say quality of life got better in past 12 months

MANILA – Twenty-nine percent of adult Filipinos said that their quality of life improved over the past 12 months, according to a survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

The survey, conducted from March 26 to 29, 2023, revealed that 25 percent of the respondents felt that their lives got worse, while 46 percent said their lives remain “unchanged” compared to a year ago.

SWS said this resulted in a net gainer score of +5, which was computed by subtracting the percentage of losers from gainers and was classified as “high”.

The pollster pointed out that the March 2023 net gainer score was 3 points below the “high” +8 recorded in December 2022.

SWS further added that the current national net gainer score is also 13 points below the” very high” +18 in December 2019,

noting that it still has not recovered to pre-pandemic levels. In Metro Manila, net gainers dropped from very high to high, down by 16 points from +18 in December 2022 to +2 in March 2023.

The net gainer score also fell from very high +10 to high +6 in Mindanao, and from fair -4 to mediocre -14 in Visayas. Balance Luzon, on the other hand, slightly climbed by two points from +10 to +12.

The First Quarter 2023 Social Weather Survey was conducted using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults aged 18 and above nationwide -- 300 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

The sampling error margins are ±2.8 percent for national percentages, ±5.7 percent each for Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. (PNA) n

The sad fate of the iconic Post Office...

in 1946. In fact, a photo of the post office building is featured in the Harry S. Truman Library and Museum with an explanatory note that the photo is “part of a collected group of photos belonging to Francis P. Mathews as Secretary of the Navy and associated with the United States Philippine War Damage Commission.” The photo showed the damaged building prior to its reconstruction under the Philippine Rehabilitation Act of 1946.

There are growing calls for the restoration of the building from private groups as well as our legislators. Senate President Migz Zubiri and Senator Sonny Angara, who is chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, said they will be working with the Department of Budget and Management “towards finding funds to help restore the Post Office.”

Describing the building as a “cultural treasure that deserves national attention and support,” Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco has vowed to help in its rehabilitation, noting that an attached agency, the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, “has long lent assistance in terms of rehabilitation of heritage structures.”

There are a number of NGOs in the US that are prepared to help in the restoration efforts, with recommendations that while the neoclassical style is retained to preserve the historic legacy of the building, perhaps the government

PH, Japan, US to hold maritime exercises

by Franco Jose c. Baroña ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines will, for the first time this week, hold maritime exercises with two of its closest allies — the United States and Japan.

The trilateral exercises, to be conducted off Mariveles, Bataan from June 1 to 7, will involve around 400 personnel from the three countries, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Monday.

The PCG will deploy BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), BRP Gabriela Silang (OPV-8301), BRP Boracay (FPB-2401) and one 44-meter multi-role response vessel for the activity.

On the other hand, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) will dispatch its third Legend-class cutter, the USCGC Stratton (WMSL-752), while the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) will send Akitsushima (PLH32).

Coast guard personnel who will participate in the weeklong event will demonstrate a scenario involving a suspected vessel involved in piracy, the PCG said.

can turn it into a more multifunctional structure rather than limiting it into a mail sorting and distribution center, especially since technology has changed the way documents and parcels are delivered.

What happened to the Post Office building is definitely a wakeup call on how we need to conduct regular monitoring and inspection of these old buildings to make sure that the wirings are updated and kept in good condition. According to reports and interviews with officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection, the building had no fire alarm system and did not have water sprinklers –ironic considering that it contained mail and parcel that could turn a small fire into a conflagration.

There is also a strong indication that an aggravating factor may have been climate change, contributing to the rising heat in Metro Manila that has become an “urban heat island” – a phenomenon wherein materials like asphalt and concrete absorb and trap more solar energy, thereby increasing the risk and intensity of fires according to experts.

I received hundreds of emails from loyal readers expressing their sadness at the destruction of the Post Office building, sharing the memories it played in their lives. One recalled the excitement he felt when he received a package and a letter from his girlfriend – now his wife of 50 years.

It would certainly be a good idea to

modernize these old buildings in a way that would not compromise their original architectural designs, but would enable them to withstand threats such as fires, earthquakes and natural disasters that are now increasing in intensity due to climate change.

We have precisely been doing that here in Washington, DC with the recent renovation of the Ambassador’s Residence, which was in disarray and neglected for so many years. We also finished the previously uncompleted renovation of the Old Chancery Building. We made sure both were declared as national historical landmarks to ensure that some “wise guy” will not have ideas of selling them like what happened in 1986 when the GSIS/PAL Union Square building in San Francisco was sold for a song. Today, that property would be worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Government buildings belong to the people. They should be properly maintained and duly respected as such. We should preserve these structures that are priceless; often, they are reminders of our history as a nation and as a people.

(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. * * *

babeseyeview@gmail.com

Meanwhile, the joint law enforcement team from the coast guards of the three participating countries will conduct a boarding inspection followed by a search and rescue operation.

The PCG said the trilateral maritime exercises aim to strengthen interoperability through communication and maneuvering drills, maritime law enforcement training, searchand-rescue and passing exercises.

PCG officer in charge, Vice Admiral Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr., said the activity will also improve maritime cooperation and understanding.

“The U.S. Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard have been assisting us in our human resource development program, particularly in law enforcement training,” said Punzalan. “This is a good opportunity to thank and show them what our personnel learned from their programs.”

PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said the trilateral exercises are not related to the West Philippine Sea dispute between the Philippines and China.

“This is search and rescue, and law enforcement. It has nothing to do with the West Philippine Sea [dispute],” Balilo said.

“We’ve always had separate exercises with the U.S. and Japan,” he pointed out. “But this is the first time that all three countries will be conducting exercises together.”

Last month, the 38th iteration of the Balikatan exercise was held in different parts of Luzon that involved more than 17,000 Filipino and U.S. soldiers training side-by-side in a spectrum of military operations, considered the largest joint military exercise so far between the Philippines and the U.S.

The PCG said an arrival ceremony scheduled on Thursday, June 1 at Pier 15 of Manila’s South Harbor will welcome the U.S. and Japanese contingents.

Expected to attend the ceremony that will also signal the start of the maritime exercises are Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo, Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Japanese Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Kenichi Matsuda, and Japan International Cooperation Agency Chief Philippine Representative Takema Sakamoto. n

SAFE SPACE. A cat named CT sits comfortably on a table at mall entrance in Cubao, Quezon City on Tuesday, May 30. CT and other community cats are under the care of City Cats Cubao. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Visa issued despite a criminal record, a traffic violation, and an eightpeso fine, on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy

IN an earlier episode of Citizen Pinoy, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney helped Allen obtain her fiancée visa through U.S. citizen Wendel, who is now her husband. Since then, Allen has become a U.S. citizen herself, and she petitioned her parents. Nanay had no problem with her case. But Tatay Florentino encountered several obstacles when the family tried to handle it

themselves.

He had worked in Iraq, which created issues. He also had to go through three sputum tests. But most importantly, his NBI records showed a criminal matter and arrest warrant from over 40 years ago.

Apparently, the arrest warrant was issued against Tatay Florentino for the traffic violation of having a broken taillight, which he

AN 8-PESO CRIMINAL CASE

1979

HIS

petitioned her parents, Nanay (2nd from left) had no problems, but Tatay Florentino (left) had several problems when the family tried to handle it themselves. His NBI records showed a criminal matter from over 40 years ago – a traffic violation for a broken taillight, to which he pled guilty and paid the P8.00 fine. Tatay believed this case had been settled and terminated, until the U.S. Embassy refused to issue his visa due to “administrative processing.” Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (center) instructed Tatay to provide documents establishing his identity and other court records. After a thorough process and submission of key documents and evidence, Tatay Florentino’s visa was finally issued. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 4 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

FROM

ALMOST PREVENTED TATAY FLORENTINO FROM JOINING

FAMILY IN THE U.S. When U.S. citizen Allen (4th from left)

The ‘Ionizer’ scam

system.

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

AS far as health is concerned, the majority, if not all of us, want the best health minus the sacrifices needed to achieve it effectively and safely. We want to be healthy without exercising, dieting or abstaining from smoking and without disciplined alcohol intake. We want to have good blood pressure and good cholesterol level without skimping on our salt and fat intake and quitting cigarettes. We want to lose weight without cutting down on our calorie intake and exercising daily.

For expediency, any pill or juice or gadget that comes along with the claim that it is good for our health becomes a “must-buy” crutch, believing it will confer upon us good health and longevity, without lifting a finger, moving a muscle, or getting off the couch and putting down the remote control and the potato chips.

Unfortunately, the manufacturers of these “health” lotions, potions, pills, juices and gadgets are mostly interested in making their bank accounts healthy, and least interested in the health of its consumervictims. Otherwise, they won’t continue to prey on the unsuspecting public and sell their useless products, which may even have severe long-term side-effects. And organ-failure and cancer are some of those possibilities!

It is one thing to pay for a very expensive pill or juice or machine and find out years from now that it was not effective. It is another to discover years down the line that its use has caused a debilitating or deadly disease.

Now comes the water ionizer, the “ionized” alkaline water it produces, the “special drinking water.”

Not only are these marketed waters and the ionizing machines expensive, but they are, according to scientists, “medically baseless and worthless.”

Most of the good effects these manufacturers claim for their products are available in healthy food items, like fish, fruits, bran, wheat, nuts, vegetables, and water purified by the most advanced multiple-stage reverse-osmosis filtration

It might come as a surprise to many but boiled water, minus its sediments, is safer than some of this expensive drinking water. Using the commercially available home water filtration pitcher or the below-the-sink multiplestage reversed osmosis filtration system, and then boiling the water will even double the protection. This will certainly not cost $1,500 to $2,500 like the ionizers.

When it comes to health, there is no better guide than modern science, where extensive and rigidly controlled laboratory testing, and double-blind, randomized, human clinical trials are the standard before any medication or device gets official approval and goes out to the market.

Anecdotal reports (usually solicited) or testimonials (usually from paid endorsers) are not scientific proofs. These are misinformation used to market the product with some semblance of “truth.”

Candidly, these are nothing but lies. If not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), RPBFAD or any other similar national health agencies, any product is a potential suspect. So, public, beware!

As far as the water ionizer is concerned, here is “the bottom line” as objectively explained in a detailed scientific paper, which aims to educate and protect the public:

“Here, in a nutshell, are few basic facts that anyone with a solid background in chemistry or physiology would concur with: (1) “Ionized water” is nothing more than sales fiction; the term is meaningless to chemists; (2) Most water that is fit for drinking is too non-conductive to undergo significant electrolysis; (3) Pure water can never be alkaline or acidic, nor can it be made so by electrolysis;

(4) Ground waters containing metal ions such as calcium and magnesium can be rendered slightly alkaline by electrolysis, but after it hits the highly acidic gastric fluid in the stomach, its alkalinity is gone; (5) The idea that one must consume alkaline water to neutralize the effects of acidic foods is ridiculous; we get rid of excess acid by exhaling carbon dioxide; (6) The claims about health benefits

of drinking alkaline water were not supported by credible scientific evidence;

(7) There is nothing wrong with drinking slightly acidic waters such as rainwater. Body pH is a meaningless concept in this context because different parts of the body (and even individual cells) can have widely different pH value;

(8) If you really want to deacidify your stomach (at possible cost of interfering with protein digestion), why spend hundreds of dollars for an electrolysis device when you can take calcium-magnesium pills, Alka-Seltzers or Milk of Magnesia?; (9) Electrolysis devices or ionizers are generally worthless for treating water for health enhancement, removal of common impurities, disinfection and scale control.”

To protect our health and pocketbook, we must use our wisdom and due diligence.

* * *

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

* * *

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

* * *

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

never had the chance to take care of.

Consequently, he pled guilty for the offense charged and paid the P8.00 fine. He thought the case had been settled, until it surfaced some 40 years later, preventing him from joining his family in the U.S.

Lost records and damaged files due to fire, flood, or termites did not help Tatay Florentino’s case either. Fortunately, Atty. Gurfinkel handled the case, gathering documents and requesting court records, and guiding

the client every step of the way, until his visa was finally issued.

Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 2 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)

Get to know these newly-crowned Binibinis: Angelica Lopez and Anna Valencia Lakrini

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

ANGELICA Lopez and Anna Valencia Lakrini are no strangers to vying for a beauty pageant title several times, with their recent triumphs a testament to the stars aligning at the right time.

Lopez and Lakrini are set to represent the Philippines at the Miss International and Miss Globe pageants, respectively.

And while the titles haven’t been in the country’s hands in a long time, these stunning Binibinis hope they clinch it this time around.

Angelica Lopez

The moment Lopez was declared as Binibining Pilipinas International 2023, shock was evidently written on her face as she expected that she’s more of a Miss Globe prototype.

“Everyone’s telling me that I’m fit for Miss Globe and they called me [as] Miss International,” she explained to broadcast journalist Mario Dumaual, when asked about her notable reaction to her win.

“I’m so proud because I’m the second Palaweña to be crowned after Janicel Lubina [in 2015]. I really want to break the stereotype that Miss International should be a pristine lady.”

But it’s clear that the Palaweña stunner’s coronation is akin to a Cinderella story — but hers is a reminder that she doesn’t need a man to succeed on her own.

Before entering pageantry, Lopez started working as a waitress and dishwasher at the age of 14, which she mentioned in multiple interviews.

“I didn’t have a golden childhood, I had to start working very hard at an early age to help lessen my mothers’ pain from the stress of her job,” she said on Instagram in January 2023.

“When I was around 8 years old I made a promise to myself that whenever I had the opportunity to help, I would do so since I understand what it’s like to have nothing. I’m incredibly grateful that during the years I’ve fought, God has heard my prayers, seen me cry, and guided me when I feel lost and in pain,” she continued.

Despite the hardships, the beauty queen finds strength in her mother and manager whom she describes as her role models.

Lopez, who’s passionate about inspirational books, philosophy of life, and documentaries, believes that children deserve to have access to quality education, which is her advocacy.

“I am in pursuit of inspiring, empowering, and educating the less fortunate children to be resilient and limitless amidst life challenges.”

The determination to prove herself as a shining example of resilience can be seen in her steely-eyed expression throughout her pageant journey.

From being named as Miss Asia Global 2022 first runner-up, advancing to the Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Top 16, and eventually becoming the reigning Binibining Pilipinas International, her journey is one of the many proofs of Catriona Gray’s familiar anecdote: “To everyone with

Angelica Lopez, Anna Valencia Lakrini Photos from Instagram/@angelicalopezofficial, Instagram/@annavalencia_

Joshua on Julia-Gerald wedding rumors

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

WHILE Joshua Garcia admitted that he’s unaware of the engagement rumors about his ex-girlfriend Julia Barretto and Gerald Anderson, he expressed his support for the couple nonetheless.

Garcia appeared visibly shocked when he was asked about Barretto and Anderson supposedly planning to settle down soon during an ambush interview with reporters, saying that he was not aware of such rumors hounding the celebrity couple.

“Oh, they’re planning to get married?” he said in response. “‘Di ko alam. Bago sa akin ‘yan, ngayon ko lang narinig ‘yan. Pero kung saan sila masaya, support ako doon (Oh, they’re planning to get married? I didn’t know that. That’s new to me, I just heard about that now. But if they’re happy, I support that).”

The actor also shared that he hasn’t been in touch with Barretto since the pandemic, saying that they have been busy with their respective careers.

“Medyo matagal na kaming hindi nag-uusap after the pandemic and all. Busy na kasi kaming parehas ngayon eh. Busy na kami sa iba naming mga ginagawa (We haven’t been in touch after the pandemic and all. We’re both busy now. We’re busy with our own thing),” he said.

When the “Unbreak My Heart” star was asked if his heart is happy, he said

that he’s “very in love” with his career.

“Masaya ako ngayon. In love ako sa trabaho ko ngayon, [I’m] very in love. I’m just working on myself (I’m happy right now. I’m in love with my job right now, I’m very in love. I’m just working on myself),” he said.

During the press conference for “Unbreak My Heart,” Garcia revealed that the craziest thing he did while heartbroken was to stay in front of a computer for two days without taking a bath. The actor, however, didn’t reveal who was the cause of his heartbreak.

“Base sa natatandaan ko n’un, nagpandemic kasi [noong time na ‘yun] so the craziest thing is ‘yung inabot ako nang dalawang araw sa computer nang walang liguan. Crazy ‘yun, diba?

Jillian Ward says no to having a boyfriend for now

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

TEEN star Jillian Ward revealed that she has no plans to have a boyfriend any time soon.

In an interview with the media after her Pretty Secret meet-and-greet with her fans at SM The Block, the recently turned 18-year-old said that her family is her first priority.

sa sarili ko,” she added.

She, however, admitted that her parents are still not allowing her to accept suitors.

“

Pinagbabawalan nila ako pero mas pinagbabawalan ko ‘yung sarili ko,” she said.

“Choice ko naman po kasi darating naman ‘yung tamang tao sa tamang panahon,” she added.

Walang tayuan at all,” he said.

(Based on what I remember, it was the pandemic at that time, so the craziest thing that I’ve done was to stay in front of the computer for two days without taking a bath. It’s crazy, right? I didn’t stand up at all.)

Garcia’s statement comes a day after he revealed during a “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview that he’s willing to work with Barretto in future projects.

The Kapamilya actor was in a relationship with the “Expensive Candy” star from 2017, and their split was confirmed two years later.

Barretto and Anderson have yet to confirm nor deny the rumors regarding their alleged engagement, as of this writing. n

Michelle comes out as bisexual

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MISS Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee revealed that she is bisexual.

In a Mega Magazine special issue released on

Monday, May 29, Michelle said that she has identified herself as bisexual for the longest time, stressing that telling her story now is her way of taking control of her narrative.

“I definitely identify myself as bisexual. I’ve

identified with that for as long as I can remember,” Michelle said.

“I’m attracted to all forms of beauty, all shapes and sizes,” she added.

Dee is aware of her old photos that resurfaced at the height of the Miss Universe Philippines 2023 competition.

“I want to come out with this story because I know that those photos were spread with malicious intent — to kind of distract me, make me feel I’m not worthy of the crown,” she explained. “I acknowledge that it was so malicious that I felt — and this applies to everyone — when somebody takes away your story, then you should take control of that narrative. Turn it around and make it an empowering story.”

The actress-beauty queen said that she grew up with “empowered and strong individuals” liker her mother, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez.

“My mom would say, ‘O, anak, when I was young, I had five girlfriends.’ She’d teased

“Ngayon po talaga mas iniisip ko ‘yung family ko at work ko po talaga. Wala nga akong time makatulog tapos mag love life pa ko?” Jillian laughed.

“Sa tamang panahon po talaga. Sinasabi ko nga parati na gusto ko munang ibigay sa family ko kung ano ‘yung deserved nila bago po ‘yung

Pretty Secret has officially launched its newest Hello Sea! Limited Edition Mermaid Collection, which features liquid foundation, eyeshadow palette, mascara and lip tint. The collection is available in Watsons and SM Beauty Stores nationwide.

It is owned by Filipino beauty and wellness brand Lifestrong Marketing Inc. n

me sometimes because I had a very boyish demeanor. I liked doing sports; my sister did ballet. So I grew up in an environment where we’d appreciate pogi, maganda,” Michelle said.

“You know, anak, for your girlfriend, she’d better be prettier than you.” Another time, Melanie asked her, “That girl you introduced to me, is she your girlfriend?” When Michelle said no, Melanie replied, “Buti na lang, ’cause she doesn’t meet the standards,” she added.

Michelle also said that she is an advocate of the LGBTQ community before coming out.

“Even before coming out, I’ve been attending pride marches. I have too many friends and best friends in the community,” she said.

“I’ve been a loud and proud ally. It’s just that I never gave a confirmation [of my sexuality],” she added.

Michelle was named Miss Universe Philippines 2023 earlier this month. She was also crowned Miss World Philippines 2019. n

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a dream, know that your dreams are valid, and on your path you are never denied, and only redirected.”

It’s clear that perseverance was one of Angelica’s greatest weapons in clinching one of the national tilt’s coveted crowns. And this time, she would make sure that it would guide her to win the country’s sixth Miss International crown.

Anna Valencia Lakrini

Another shining testament to winning the crown after multiple attempts is Anna Valencia Lakrini, who was crowned as Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2023 in her second try.

While it’s clear that Lakrini has what it takes to be crowned, her seeming growth from her first Binibining Pilipinas attempt to the present has been massive — as if she’s been mindful of what she needs to take note of before competing.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the beauty

queen is her advocacy, as she revealed during the pageant’s question-and-answer portion that she is passionate about ensuring proper nutrition.

“My cause that is dear to my heart is nutrition. As a nutrition scientist [and] as an advocate for proper nutrition, I know that [by] advocating with this platform from Binibining Pilipinas, we can inspire so many people. A politician can inspire a whole community, and so can we,” she said.

It can also be noted in the Binibining Pilipinas website that she spoke about the country having the means to “accessible and affordable nutrition,” which can be noted in her job as a nutrition scientist.

Although Lakrini’s journey can be loosely related to her idol, Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, her journey is proof that first tries are not always as lucky. But if destiny allows you to fulfill your dreams, you are truly unstoppable. n

Miss Universe Philippines 2023 Michelle Dee Photo from Instagram/@michelledee

Joshua Garcia, Gerald Anderson, Julia Barretto Photos from Instagram/@garciajoshuae, Instagram/@andersongeraldjr

Jillian Ward is now 18.

Photo from Instagram/@jillian

Rodel Gonzalez shares journey from Side A member to Disney artist

By Boy ABundA Philstar.com

SIDE A band original member and Disney’s first and only officially licensed Filipino artist to paint Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars artworks Rodel Gonzalez wishes to see more Filipinos being recognized in international platforms. Filipinos, he said, have the talent we can show and boast to the world.

Nora Aunor topbills horror flick ‘Mananambal’

MANANAMBAL is a new horror film of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor. Principal photography starts this June in Siquijor island in Central Visayas.

At 70, the legendary icon of Philippine Cinema continues to essay lead roles in film, as long as she believes in the story material and finds it interesting to do.

From La Aunor’s own words, “Maganda ang istorya. Mababait rin ang mga tao sa production,” that’s why BC Entertainment Productions, a new independent movie company, got Nora’s nod to accept the offer.

Mananambal will be directed by Philip Daffon, his directorial debut. For the record, direk Philip has been a seasoned thespian in the production industry for 33 years now. His background is doing work in advertising, documentary films and projects, and the likes.

Screenplay is from the collaboration of the creative minds of Bel Paquiz, Gabriel Divina, and Veronica Reyes.

Director of photography is Peter Frac (who did camera work in Way Of The Cross and Traslacion: Ang Paglakad Sa Altar Ng Alanganin).

Producers are Alvin Anson and GWard, Inc. (headed by its CEO Gorio Vicuna) with executive producer Karen Ortua (whose initial movie venture was Lagaslas).

Mananambal is a Filipino practitioner of traditional medicine, who is also capable of performing sorcery, as common knowledge puts it.

Like the general albularyo, a mananambal obtain his or her status through ancestry, apprenticeship, or through an epiphany and is generally performed by the elders of the community, regardless of gender.

The practice, called panambal, has a combination of elements from Christianity and sorcery which appear to be opposites since one involves faith healing while the other requires black magic and witchcraft.

The supporting cast members of Mananambal will be announced soon. (Philstar.com) n

“As far as shows are concerned, I just want the Filipino people to feel proud because sometimes we are misrepresented in America. They thought Filipinos are just for domestic (service). We are connoted or we are connected to being contract workers. There were those who would look down on us and sometimes there’s this racial slur,” Rodel expressed his feelings when I asked what he wanted right now.

“It makes me feel proud for Arnel Pineda, Manny Pacquiao, Lea Salonga and also other well-known artists, who have Filipino blood like Bruno Mars. They are able to show to the world how talented Filipinos are. Kaya gusto ko rin na mas marami pa tayo na maitaguyod ang bandera ng Pilipinas. And even if I have been living in the U.S. for 20 years now,

I want Filipinos to know that the Philippines is still home to me,” added Rodel, who is currently back in the country for the Side A repeat performance, Then and Now The Repeat, today, June 1, at

the Newport Performing Arts Theater and for his first oneman art show dubbed The Fine Art of Rodel Gonzalez, on June 3, at COLLAB Sheraton Manila at Hotel Newport World Resorts.

I have known Rodel for many years even before he and his brother Naldy formed the OPM band Side A. The brothers started as members of The FM Band that had music gigs in pizza parlors and folk music bars. If I am not mistaken, it was at the Manila Hilton, where I first met them. I remembered they stood out in the auditions as back-up band for Joey Albert, Isay Alvarez, Juno Henares and Lerma dela Cruz, who were regular performers then at the hotel.

Rodel amusingly recalled how surprised I was when I found out that they could actually sing because as a back-up band, they were instructed by the F&B manager to strictly play instrumentals.

“Naldy told me to sing after hours of playing instruments while waiting for the singers to come on stage. Natugtog na kasi namin lahat kaya sabi ni Naldy kumanta na ko (laughs),” Rodel ruminated.

After that, the F&B manager and I agreed to also assign Rodel and his band in the first set of the show. But even on the second set, the audience would request their songs.

“So, the singer would pass the mic to me kasi ‘yung

National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor will start shooting for “Mananambal” this June in Siquijor. Philstar.com photo

Rodel Gonzalez will stage a one-man show dubbed The Fine Art of Rodel Gonzalez on June 3 at COLLAB Sheraton Manila Hotel at Newport World Resorts.

Rodel with Side A members Mar Dizon, Joey Benin, Pido Lalimarmo and Naldy Gonzalez for ‘Then and Now The Repeat’ at the Newport Performing Arts Theater.

The exhibition will feature some of his works like Escaping the Pit, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and The Chase.

Photos from Philstar.com

Moi Bien still enjoys strong bond with Piolo

By Ronnie CaRRasCo iii ManilaTimes.net

VERY rarely in showbiz do we stumble upon a male celebrity and a personal assistant as tightly bonded as Piolo Pascual and Moi Bien.

Moi may no longer be under the actor’s employ but their relationship has become one of family.

The 46-year-old actor has become so at home with Moi that even to this day, the latter is Piolo’s favorite masseuse who feels honored if not giddy whenever she wipes his drenched face after every strenuous exercise.

Moi is always ready with videotaping such sessions much to the envy of shrieking female fans who look up to Piolo as their object of fantasy.

Then there goes Moi’s threat.

“You will soon be 50, Piolo (Piolo is now 46),” she would jest in Filipino, “When you reach that age and you are still single, you’ll be mine!”

It should be noted that Moi

To this day, Moi Bien, Piolo Pascual’s former assistant, is still like family to the actor and his son, Iñigo.

is simply grateful that even if she’s his personal assistant no more, Piolo is always at her beck and call.

Proof is that whenever Moi needs to pay for her child’s

tuition fees, Piolo is around to hand her the money.

But wait, theirs is a “conditional love” as there exist strict no-nos that Moi has to comply with at all

times.

Moi shares how constantly her former employer keeps an eye on her, making sure she’s doing perfectly well in life.

“He monitors my Instagram posts. I can’t post anything unpleasant,” she reveals, perhaps taking a cue from Piolo himself who’s not exactly a soc-med junkie.

Restricted are Moi’s posts regarding her love life, “I can’t also post any update about my partner so I keep everything in that aspect a secret.”

Well, take it from Piolo who — in the first place — is consistent with not letting the public into his inner sanctum. Piolo values his sense of privacy so much despite being a public figure.

Moi realizes Piolo’s wellmeaning advice to reserve something for oneself to keep the mystery.

All said, Moi can’t be any happier that if it were not for Piolo, showbiz doors wouldn’t have swung open for her. n

Sharon urges netizens to just ‘be happy’ for Coco, Julia

By HannaH MalloRCa Inquirer.net

AMID the backlash drawn by Coco Martin over his admission of having started dating Julia Montes when she was just a minor, Sharon Cuneta finally spoke about the couple’s secret relationship.

Martin earlier revealed that he’s been with Julia Montes for 12 years, during which he let slip in an interview with ABS-CBN’s TV Patrol that the actress was only 16 years old when she got into a relationship with the then 29 year old actor back in 2011. This prompted observers to criticize Martin not only their huge age gap, but also on wooing her at such a young age, while some even accused him of allegedly grooming his reallife partner.

On Instagram, Sharon Cuneta expressed happiness for the couple, as she also urged netizens to just support her “Batang Quiapo” co-stars for their love to last.

The veteran actress said that she became close to the “Walang Hanggan” stars when she joined the cast of

“Ang Probinsyano” in 2021.

“Umamin na ang mga anak ko yaayyy!!! Happy si Mommy ‘mysha! [emojis] I became close to Coco [and] Julia when Coco asked me to join FPJ’s ‘Ang Probinsyano’ towards the end of 2021. Whatever they may have gone through together, well, it all seems to have been for the best because they are so good to and for each other.” she wrote in the caption.

The seasoned actress said that being her personal friends, she is protective and

supportive of Martin and Montes, adding that people “should focus on what is and what will be.”

“They are happy and that makes me and so many others happy. I love them both very much — and no matter what, my friends know that I am protective and loyal and supportive — and that certainly will not change,” she said. “I believe people should focus on what is and what will be rather than what was. Let’s all be happy with our own lives and be happy

kinakanta ko ang madalas ma-request. Naalala ko ‘yung unang kinanta ko, I Keep Forgettin’ (Every Time You’re Near) by Michael McDonald, si Richard Merk napalingon bigla at sabi, ‘Saan galing ‘yun?,’” he quipped.

However, Rodel and Naldy left for Singapore to perform and when they returned in 1985, they co-founded Side A, along with other original members Kelly Badon, Joey Benin, Pido Lalimarmo and Mar Dizon.

In 2002, Rodel migrated to Hawaii and began pursuing his art career. His cousin, Roy Gonzalez, a well-known seascape artist in Hawaii, introduced him to different galleries and invited him to join in art shows.

“I was around seven or eight years old when I began painting because my Lolo and my father were painters. We had art galleries in Mabini when I was young. But, of course, I also wanted to try something different, so I shifted to music,” shared he.

“My dad was not completely sold (on) the idea but he still supported me. Of course, I wanted to prove that making music is good,” said Rodel, who wrote the songs Eva Marie and ‘Di Pa Huli when he was in his 20s.

But fate brought him back to the art scene when Rodel began receiving many invites from different galleries outside of Hawaii — most of them were in Los Angeles.

“In 2008, we decided to transfer to L.A. because it’s difficult for us to travel from Hawaii so often. I was already in L.A. when James Coleman, the background artist of Beauty and the Beast and Winnie the Pooh, asked if I wanted to become a Disney artist. We would often meet in art shows,” said he.

“James told me that the CEO of Disney Fine Art is a fan of mine. So, ako naman s’yempre natuwa ako, pero I said that I’m not an animator. In the end, I accepted the offer because he said that I excel in background art because I do a lot of seascape and landscape paintings and I could still do them by incorporating them (into) the Disney characters, basta consistent lang sa movie plot. They also provided me with some guidelines and also, I tried to immerse myself and study the craft, ‘yung the Disney world, so that I can easily come up with a concept at para hindi rin nakakahiya if ever may Disney fans na makausap (laughs),” added he.

His works appealed to many art lovers to the point that most of his Disney artworks can be seen not just in the children’s bedroom but also in the living rooms or dining rooms.

“Dahil sa background, parang naging fit for all ages ‘yung kinalabasan. Naging formula ko kasi ay 80 percent background and 20 percent Disney characters,” shared Rodel who, by the way, majored in painting at the University of Santo Tomas.

American filmmaker George Lucas also admired Rodel’s creative talent that he bought four of his artworks and added them to his collections.

“That was the time when Walt Disney (Company) acquired Lucasfilm. At first, I thought it was just a prank when someone called me up and said that he’s calling from George Lucas’ office, but later on, I was informed that George Lucas wanted to buy my works. To be collected by the man himself is a privilege and an honor. So, nag-thrive rin ‘yung mga gawa ko at kinuha rin ako to do Star Wars (artworks). And then last year, Disney also had Marvel and I was also offered to work on them (characters).”

for them.”

Cuneta’s post caught the attention of eagle-eyed observers, as seen in the comments of her post, with some pointing out that Martin supposedly took back the admission of his relationship with Montes.

While the couple has yet to disclose how their romance began, they first worked together in the 2008 show “Ligaw na Bulaklak” and were then launched as a love team in “Walang Hanggan” four years later. n

Art connoisseurs can expect some of Rodel’s Disney artworks in his one-man art show aside from his seascape and landscape paintings, and his artworks with NBA stars Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James and Stephen Curry as subjects.

Rodel shared that it was Kingson Sian, president of Newport World Resorts, who broached the idea of holding an exhibit in the country so that more Filipinos will get to know that we have a kababayan who is famous for his artworks in the U.S.

“I’m so blessed that at my age, I’m turning 64 this year, I am still able to do the two things that I love the most — art and music. So, this is really a ‘Wow’ feeling for me.”

In spite of what he has achieved in the art and music scenes, Rodel remains the same — humble and kind.

“Each one of us can aim high. Hindi imposible mangarap at maabot ang tagumpay. So, I hope that more Filipinos will shine. For me, I thank God for blessing me with the things that I love doing. All I want now is to continue and just live without any worries, ‘yung maganda ang pag-iisip natin because once the Lord tells us, our time is up, then, there’s nothing we can do,” he concluded. n

Photo from Instagram/@moibienne

Sharon Cuneta, Julia Montes, Coco Martin Photos from Instagram/@ reallysharoncuneta, Instagram/@sparklegmaartistcenter