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JUNE 3-9, 2022 Volume 15 - No.30 • 16 Pages

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Philippines files diplomatic protest vs DATELINE USA China’s fishing ban that covers West PH Sea Got long COVID? FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Medical expertise is vital, seniors should prepare to go slow

OLDER adults who have survived COVID-19 are more likely than younger patients to have persistent symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, muscle aches, heart palpitations, headaches, joint pain, and difficulty with memory and concentration — problems linked to long COVID. But it can be hard to distinguish lingering aftereffects of COVID from conditions common in older adults such as lung disease, heart disease, and mild cognitive impairment. There are no diagnostic tests

by KAYCEE

VALMONTE Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines has once again filed a diplomatic protest against China’s annual fishing moratorium in some areas of the South China Sea for three and a half months as it extends to some parts of the West Philippine Sea.

The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said it protested against China’s unilateral fishing ban in a diplomatic note dated May 30.

“The DFA reiterated its continuing protest of China’s annual practice of declaring a fishing ban over areas that extend far beyond China’s legitimate maritime entitlements under the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations

PNA photo

by MELVIN

GASCON Inquirer.net

NOVENA MASS. Catholic devotees attend the 8:30 a.m. Mass at Baclaran Church in Parañaque City on Wednesday, June 1. Religious gatherings are allowed at 70 percent seating capacity in the National Capital Region, which is under Alert Level 1.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Duterte counting days to retirement Nationwide survey seeks PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte is counting the days until he can step out of the public eye and revert to being a private citizen.

“He looks forward to his retirement in Davao City,” acting presidential spokesman and Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar said on Tuesday, May 31.

Andanar shared how the Chief Executive was “upbeat” during the last Cabinet meeting last Monday night, May 30 and how he mentioned that he could not wait to “spend time with his family and grandchildren.”

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Pharmally report vs Duterte awaits senators’ nod

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President Rodrigo Duterte

Convention on the Law of the Sea),” it said in a statement.

The department added that the ban “has no basis in law, and undermines the mutual trust, confidence, and respect that should underpin bilateral relations, as affirmed most recently by President Rodrigo Duterte and President Xi Jinping during their

to gauge Fil-Am attitudes on COVID-19 vaccines

A NEW nationwide survey is seeking to gauge how the Filipino American community feels about COVID-19 vaccinations.

The project is being launched by the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), through its Tayo project, the group announced

in a recent release.

The MAGPABAKUNA na Tayo (“Measuring and Gathering data on Pilipino/ a/x American Behaviors, Attitudes, and Knowledge Understanding the Novel Coronavirus vaccines”) study is a 20-minute survey

 PAGE 4

MANILA — The majority of the Senate blue ribbon committee members have not signed a report alleging misuse of state funds for pandemic supplies and recommending prosecution of President Rodrigo Duterte for his “betrayal of public trust” for allegedly defending those involved in the irregularities.

In a speech on Tuesday, May 31 committee chair Sen. Richard Gordon said the 113-page partial report that he authored gave a “painful, if not horrific, example of treason when there is no armed conflict.”

The committee held 18 hearings in a span

 PAGE 4

PH scraps COVID pre-departure test for fully vaccinated, boostered tourists MANILA — The Philippine government will no longer require a pre-departure COVID-19 test for incoming fully vaccinated passengers as part of its measures to revive the pandemic-hit economy starting May 30, 2022.

Following the recommendations made by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as a means to further ease the travel requirements and encourage more tourists to visit the country,

the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved Resolution 168 exempting all fully vaccinated and boostered foreign nationals from the RT-PCR test requirement. Based on the resolution, the visitor must be at least 18 years old and must have received the primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and at least one booster shot.

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Mayor Adams announces return of summer season on Governors Island Warm weather programming includes free arts, culture, and educational programs, alongside expanded food vendors and new visitor amenities

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Trust for Governors Island announced on Friday, May 27 a robust calendar of exciting and wideranging programs on the Island for this summer, including the return of late nights on Fridays and Saturdays — another critical step in New York City’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s programming highlights the breadth of activities, events, and cultural experiences that can be enjoyed during the warmer months on Governors Island.

“We cannot sit back and wait for our city to recover on its own — we need to showcase all New York City has to offer, and Governors Island should be on the must-see list for every New Yorker and visitor this year,” said Mayor Adams.

“There really is something for everyone on the Island, and I can’t wait to go experience it myself.”

“Governors Island attracts locals and tourists alike to its unique, 172-acre lands and award-winning park year-round — but especially during longer days and warmer weather,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “This year’s spring and summer programing offers wonderful experiences in the middle of New York Harbor and further signals that New York City is fully open for business, culture, and play.”

“As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, Governors Island is bustling with activity and is the perfect destination to spend a spring day,” said Clare Newman, president and CEO, Trust for Governors Island.

“From transformative arts and cultural experiences to singular environmental and educational programs, to delicious food vendors to brand-new amenities like pétanque, the Island has something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to see you on the ferry this summer.”

The announcement comes at a significant moment in Governors Island’s transformation and Mayor Adams’ ongoing work to bring back New York City’s economy from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlighted summer programs, activities, and visitor amenities announced today include: Governors Island arts Through public art commissions, the annual ‘Organizations in Residence’ program, and public events and programs, ‘Governors Island Arts’ creates transformative encounters with art for all New Yorkers — inviting artists and researchers to engage with the Island’s layered histories, environments, and architecture. ‘Governors Island Arts’ was a key commitment in Mayor Adams’ ‘Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery’ — this announcement marks the second set of new initiatives.

Sam Van Aken’s monumental ‘The Open Orchard,’ which opened to the public on April 29, 2022, welcomes

visitors to an orchard comprised of 102 fruit trees that acts as a living archive for antique and heirloom varieties that were grown in and around New York City in the past 400 years but have mostly disappeared due to climate change and the industrialization of agriculture.

Long-term public art installations — including Rachel Whiteread’s ‘Cabin,’ Mark Handforth’s ‘Yankee Hanger,’ Duke Riley’s ‘Not for Nutten,’ and Mark Dion’s ‘The Field Station of the Melancholy Marine Biologist’ — remain on view daily.

Shantell Martin’s ‘Church’ and ‘The May Room,’ commissioned for the 2019 season, have been extended through summer 2022, with the latter open to the public weekends from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Governors Island Arts will continue to announce new commissioned public art installations and projects to debut on the Island throughout the coming months.

Two dozen arts, culture, and education organizations utilize space inside the historic houses of Nolan Park and Colonels Row to present a robust calendar of free public programs, host artist residencies, and engage visitors in special activities for all ages throughout the summer months.

Free events and programs will continue to be announced throughout the season — including the return of outdoor films on the Parade Ground in partnership with Film at Lincoln Center and Rooftop Films with a screening of ‘Hedwig and the Angry Inch’ on June 3 and ‘The Wiz’ on August 5, a citywide dance party in August in partnership with Festival of New York, and more to be announced.

In addition to programs and commissions presented through Governors Island Arts, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council’s Arts Center at Governors Island will reopen to the public May 28 through October 31, 2022. Exhibitions presented this year include the return of the free ‘Take Care’ monthly public program series; ‘Sun Seekers,’ a new site-specific exhibition with performances by Amy Khoshbin and Jennifer Khoshbin; the first New York City presentation of Back and Song, a four-channel video installation by Elissa Blount-Moorhead and Bradford Young; and ‘Pillars,’ a participatory sculpture installation by Simon Benjamin.

Visitor amenitites and attractions Governors Island National Monument, including Fort Jay and Castle Williams, is open weekends from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for self-guided tours and information.

New this year is Carreau Club, which will bring the French sport pétanque to Governors Island. Their outdoor location on King Avenue will open in early June and include several courts alongside an outdoor beer garden featuring craft beer, wine, cocktails, and sandwiches

from Court Street Grocers.

The Urban Farm — home to GrowNYC’s teaching garden, Earth Matter NY’s Compost Learning Center and Soil Start Farm, and the Bee Conservancy’s bee sanctuary — is open weekends from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM with free programs and tours. Circular Economy Manufacturing’s MicroFactory — which turns post-consumer plastics into upcycled objects using only solar power — will also offer demonstrations to visitors on weekends.

Events Governors Island remains one of New York City’s most unique locations for events of all kinds — including, for the first time ever, Pride Island, New York City Pride’s weekend-long music festival in honor of Pride Weekend, featuring performances from Kim Petras, Papi Juice, Lil’ Kim, and more. See below for an additional selection of upcoming events, with more to be announced throughout the season.

• Outdoor Films presented by Governors Island Arts in partnership with Film at Lincoln Center – June 3, August 5 • Jazz by the Water – June 4, July 23, August 14 • New York Harbor Oyster Classic 5K – June 5 • Jazz Age Lawn Party – June 11-12 • Porch Stomp folk music festival – June 18 • FAD Market monthly pop-ups – June 18-19, July 16-17, August 20-21, September 17-18, October 15-16 • NYCRUNS Father’s Day 5K & 10K – June 19 • Pride Island – June 25-26 • Rite of Summer Music Festival – July 16, August 20, September 10 • Festival of New York Citywide Dance Party – August 5 Food vendors Governors Island is a culinary destination with a diverse blend of cuisines available daily. New additions for this summer include Gitano Island — a tropical restaurant and beach club opening in June — along with East Asian-inspired meals and snacks from Tokyo Drumstick; rotating weekly food trucks from the New York Food Truck Association; a mix of beer, wine, and cocktails paired with Court Street Grocers sandwiches at Carreau Club; and more to be announced.

Returning Governors Island vendors include Joe Coffee Company, Little Eva’s, Taco Vista, Fauzia’s Heavenly Delights, Island Oyster, Threes Brewing and the Meat Hook, Pizza Yard, Sea Biscuit, Malai, and more. In addition, the Foodie Spot — a partnership with the New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Office of Resident Economic Empowerment and Sustainability — is now open in Liggett Terrace, spotlighting small businesses owned by graduates of NYCHA’s Food

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Photo shows a 30-foot navigational buoy bearing the Philippine flag and deployed by the Philippine Coast Guard at the West Philippine Sea. Photo from Philippine Coast Guard

Philippines files diplomatic...

PAGE 1 Telesummit on April 8.”

The Philippines had always protested against China’s annual fishing ban as it covers some of the areas that have already been recognized as part of Philippine territory.

This year, China imposed the fishing moratorium on May 1 and is seen to continue until August 16 this year. The ban covers some areas of the South China Sea up to waters north of the 12 degrees north latitude.

Earlier this month, Vietnam also condemned the annual fishing ban for violating its sovereignty and territorial jurisdiction.

Back home, the DFA cited the 2016 arbitral ruling that provided that Manila has the right over the living resources over its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, which the South China Sea falls within.

The Philippines once again is urging China “to comply with its obligations under international law,” specifically the UNCLOS and the arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, and to stop illegal activities that violate Philippines’ sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its own waters.

Earlier on Tuesday, May 31, the DFA summoned a senior official of the Chinese Embassy in Manila following a reported harassment of a maritime research vessel by the Chinese Coast Guard. g

Duterte counting...

PAGE 1 Meanwhile, acting Cabinet Secretary Melvin Matibag said the President expressed satisfaction with the performance of his chosen officials throughout the six years of being under his watch.

“During the Cabinet meeting, I repeatedly heard him saying, “Hindi ako nagkamali sa mga pinili ko na miyembro ng Gabinete na ginawa talaga ‘yung trabaho (I wasn’t wrong in choosing the members of the Cabinet who really performed their duties),” Matibag said.

“Many of the Cabinet secretaries will graduate with honors and were able to accomplish a lot,” he added.

Matibag said Duterte also thanked the spouses of Cabinet members who were not selfish with their time.

Not much instruction was given during the meeting but the president’s commitment to work until his last day in office remains, he added.

“Even if, let’s say, it’s the last Cabinet meeting, it doesn’t mean that we will stop working from today until noontime ng June 30,” Matibag said.

“But as to the instructions, the general instructions have been to love and serve the Philippines. Nothing has changed.”

After the meeting, Duterte treated his Cabinet members and their spouses to a dinner that was filled with music from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.

Matibag said some former Cabinet members were also present during the event. (by Kristina Maralit/ManilaTimes. net)

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From the Front Page

Pharmally report vs Duterte awaits...

GOING HOME. A man and his two daughters pose for a documentation photo after his children receive tablet gadgets bought under the “Balik Probinsya” program during their departure from Multi Purpose court 2, BP2 depot, Quezon City on Tuesday, May 31. A total of 19 young beneficiaries were provided with a tablet gadget that they could use in their studies. PNA photo by Robert

Nationwide survey...

PAGE 1 that will be conducted online and via telephone by Tayo and community partners the Council of Young Filipinx Americans in Medicine (CYFAM).

The survey is open to all Filipino Americans over the age of 18 and will be conducted in English and Filipino. Participants can answer whether or not they have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Led by Tayo medical advisor Dr. Melissa Palma, a board certified preventive medicine and public health physician in Chicago, IL, the survey team includes CYFAM members Abigail Ahyong, Giana Apoderado, Neille John Apostol, Siegried Chen, Diana Del Rosario, Sheena Garcia, Samantha Sumait, Matthew Roces, Mericien Venzon, and Megan Yee, with additional support provided by FYLPRO board members and Tayo core leaders Mark Calaguas, Jobel Vecino and Leezel Tanglao.

Tayo hopes the survey will not only improve data collection on Filipino Americans specifically, but also assist in the disaggregation of data on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities at large.

“The longstanding practice of aggregating socioeconomic, public health, and other data under one broad AAPI category oftentimes obscures pernicious inequalities at the individual ethnic community level,” the group said in the release.

The survey comes as Fil-Ams continue to be underrepresented in medical research, despite being the second largest Asian ethnic group in the United States.

“Despite making up over 6% of the U.S. population, less than 0.2% of the National Institutes of Health budget is dedicated to studying the health of Asian American populations,” stated Dr. Palma.

“Oftentimes academic researchers label immigrant groups like Filipinos as ‘hard to reach,’ but in my experience it’s often that they aren’t sending the right people to ask and engage with us,” she continued.

Tanglao, FYLPRO president and Tayo project direct said, said the survey results will help create a deeper understanding of the pandemic’s effect on the Fil-Am community.

“The lack of disaggregated data has made it difficult to fully understand the impact of COVID-19 on the Filipino community. This is the first step in better telling our story,” she said.

The survey, which is supported by a grant from the CDC Foundation, can be accessed at redcap.link/ FYLPROTayoSurvey. Analysis of results is expected in late fall 2022. For more information about the survey, visit https://bit. ly/TayoVaccineSurveyInfo. (AJPress)

PAGE 1 of seven months ending in January this year to scrutinize the deals between the Department of Health (DOH) and the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) involving the health agency’s P42-billion pandemic fund.

The committee found that of this amount, P11.11 billion worth of supply contracts were awarded by the PS-DBM and DOH to a single entity, Pharmally Pharmaceutical Inc., a “severely undercapitalized” company run by executives with close links to Michael Yang, a Chinese businessman and a close friend and former economic adviser to Duterte.

The report said Pharmally sold supplies to the government under contracts that were marred by irregularities such as substandard deliveries and expired items, “ghost” deliveries or nondeliveries, and tampered expiry certificates. Its company executives also evaded paying the right taxes, it said.

The pandemic supplies included face masks and shields, COVID-19 test kits, and personal protective equipment.

‘Favorite supplier’ “Pharmally is undoubtedly the favorite supplier in these parts.

Organized only in September of 2019, with a measly paid-up capital of P625,000, the company and its partners garnered contracts with PSDBM in the mind-boggling billions of pesos,” the report said.

Sen. Imee Marcos, who participated in the hearings, said she was not inclined to sign the committee report.

This was the position taken by other blue ribbon committee members, she said.

“We wanted an investigation but there are so many inclusions that we do not think they are merited given the evidence,” she said.

Marcos said she would have signed with reservations, but was wary that her signature would indicate her assent to the overall report.

Plunder case pushed Without the approval of the majority of the 20 committee members, the blue ribbon committee report would be shelved or archived and its recommendations would not be acted upon or forwarded to relevant authorities in the justice and executive branches for them to take action.

The report recommended the filing of plunder, graft, estafa and perjury charges against several former government officials and private individuals, including Christopher Lloyd Lao and Warren Rex Liong, former officials of the PS-DBM; Pharmally executives Twinkle Dargani, Mohit Dargani, Linconn Ong, Krizle Grace Mago and Huang Tzu Yen. It also sought the deportation of Yang, Lin Weixiong and Qing Jin Ke. A touchy aspect of the report was the inclusion of the recommendation

Sen. Richard Gordon and President Rodrigo Duterte.

Composite image from Inquirer file photos

to prosecute the president for alleged betrayal of public trust, an impeachable offense.

According to the report, Duterte betrayed the public trust by appointing Yang, a foreign national, as an economic adviser in 2018, who afterward, introduced numerous Chinese suppliers with whom the government transacted “and in the process enriched himself immensely.”

“As the Senate investigation unfolded, revealing the participation of well-placed officials in government, the President took the surprising position of undermining the ongoing proceedings,” the report said.

It chided the president for “seeking to discredit” and threatening the Commission on Audit after it had flagged the irregular transactions.

The president also allegedly tried to discredit the credibility of the Senate by “publicly attacking, maligning and disrespecting” the institution and its members.

“The President, acting as selfappointed lead defense counsel, and without a modicum of inquiry, absolves all possible malefactors by sweepingly declaring that the purchases by the PS-DBM and DOH were all above board and that those were not tainted by graft and corruption,” the report said.

‘Waste’ of time In a statement in October last year, Duterte said he didn’t care what the senators would do with Pharmally and that as far as the government was concerned it obtained the supplies that it paid for. What he was more concerned about was the time “wasted” by his Cabinet members attending the hearings, preventing them from focusing on pandemic response.

Aside from Gordon, those who have signed the report were Senators Panfilo Lacson, Manny Pacquiao, Aquilino Pimentel III, Risa Hontiveros, Francis

Pangilinan, Leila de Lima, Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon and Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto.

Pimentel, Hontiveros, Lacson and Recto indicated that they wanted to propose amendments.

‘Make it clear’ In addition to Marcos, those who have not signed the report were Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senators Sonny Angara, Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Pia Cayetano, Christopher Lawrence Go, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Francis Tolentino.

“If you are voting for or against our report, let us make it clear in the record,” Gordon said in his speech, adding that he was giving other senators a chance to sign it without antagonizing or badmouthing them.

“But they cannot shirk from our responsibilities or our duty to act on a committee report by not signing, either in agreement or disagreement,” he said.

“I look forward to clarity on the respective positive or negative responses of our senators. I even looked at the possibility that they may say they will dissent or they will amend or they will interpellate which is had been the practice,” the senator said.

The Pharmally fund mess happened when the Filipino people expected their leaders to come up with a plan for a strong response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gordon said in his speech.

“As responsible citizens, we cannot sit idly by and say that this is not our problem. On the contrary; to not say anything, to not do anything is to be complicit in this heinousness,” the committee report said.

“Not to act is to indict ourselves as a people, who during a time of crisis, insecurity, poverty, and perdition chose not to confront and punish the corrupt, but tolerate brutal inhumanity,” it said. g

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OPINION

FEATURES

A continuing battle

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Philstar.com

It was his most remarkable campaign vow, and by his own admission, President Duterte overpromised: the drug scourge in the country was not eliminated within six months of his assumption to power, or even Now in the final weeks of his presidency, he is urging his successor to continue the battle against the drug menace. This goes without saying, since drug offenses are among the crimes that the state is tasked to fight. Still, the Philippine National Police has found it necessary to remind its personnel that the campaign will continue into the new administration.

What might need clarity is whether the campaign against illegal drugs will be carried out using the same brutal methods that have characterized the war waged by the Duterte administration. The President has lamented that the involvement of politicians and law enforcement officials themselves in the illegal drug trade hampered his campaign, and he has admitted underestimating the extent of the problem nationwide.

What the President did fulfill in his campaign promise is to kill: the PNP has reported that over 6,000 drug suspects have been slain in police operations since the start of the current

administration in 2016. The enormous profits from the illegal drug trade, however, continue to draw players, even at the risk of being shot dead while resisting police arrest.

The bigger dealers simply use drug money to buy protection. This has allowed them to run drug trafficking rings even while behind bars, or slip tons of prohibited drugs through Customs. The drug killings were also not accompanied by the same level of zeal in addressing the continuing demand, which is a social and public health problem.

Addressing the demand calls for a holistic approach, with parents, educators, health professionals, religious groups and the community working on preventive measures and helping drug abusers kick the habit even as law enforcers go after the suppliers.

It is a complex problem that even advanced economies have not completely eradicated, and the campaign now awaits a new direction from the incoming administration. (Philstar. com)

Editorial

Looking towards a Marcos Jr. presidency

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ THIRTY-TWO days from now, Filipinos and the whole world will witness the swearing in of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the 17th president of the Republic of the Philippines, proclaiming

to the world our flourishing democracy.

During my interview last Thursday, May 26 at CNN’s The Source with Pinky Webb, I said that the overwhelming mandate the president-elect received will be the biggest motivation for him to do well, and give back to the people his best service ever in earning their trust.

It made me recall what he

told me when he first joined government at the young age of 23 as vice governor of Ilocos Norte: “It’s time to give back to the people who put us here” – which undoubtedly is his mantra as he begins his presidency.

Those who are accusing Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of being a “revisionist,” or that he wants to “rewrite” history – they got it all wrong. History

is judged by those who write it – Bongbong Marcos is about to write history.

No doubt there will always be what I would call the hardliners who will never change their minds or their attitude towards BBM – perhaps as a matter of conviction or principle, but worse, out of vindictiveness or bitterness – even if he does well. One can continue

to argue about the things that happened in the past but whichever way one looks at it, the overwhelming majority of people – all 31 million of them who cast their votes for Bongbong Marcos – have made their judgment loud and clear: they are willing to give him the chance to prove his worth with hope and prayers for his success.

I have known the president-

elect for a long time and I know that when he puts his mind into it – he can do it.

How he worked very hard during the campaign is a preview of how hard he will work twice over as president.

As BBM himself said, “Judge me not by my ancestors, but by my actions.”

He promised to be a PAGE 10

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Dateline PhiliPPines

JUNE 3-9, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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Zubiri, Romualdez tackle legislative agenda, SONA with BBM SENATE Majority Leader Juan Miguel ‘Migz’ Zubiri and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Martin Romualdez on Tuesday, May 31 led the contingent of lawmakers from both Houses of Congress, in discussing legislative agenda with incoming President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos during a meeting in his headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

During the courtesy call, Zubiri, who is rumored to be vying for the top Senate post, led the senators in discussing legislative plans for the next six years of the Marcos administration while Romualdez, who is poised to become the next Speaker, presented programs on the part of the House.

The visit came after Zubiri was quoted in a report as saying that Marcos has already expressed his desire for congressional leaders to immediately “shape up” the legislative agenda for the next Congress.

“In my discussion with our incoming president, President-elect Bongbong Marcos, he wants to shape up the legislative agenda immediately,” Zubiri said in an interview at the Senate on Monday, May 30.

“He instructed me and incoming Speaker Romualdez to sit down and discussed possible legislative agenda for the Sona

[state of the nation address], discussions for the Sona,” he said.

In return, Zubiri said he committed to Marcos that he would help him whether or not he becomes the next Senate president.

“So, we have a series of meeting and we’ve been discussing how we can assist the President-elect on his legislative agenda for the 19th Congress,” he explained.

The lawmakers’ visit came a day after Marcos received ambassadors from Singapore, United Kingdom, France, and European Union during separate courtesy calls at BBM headquarters in Mandaluyong City last Monday, May 30.

This developed as Senate insiders also disclosed that there were strong indications that Migz is a cinch to bag the Senate presidency as he has the number to muster the majority against his closest rival Sen. Cynthia Villar.

Earlier, reports also indicated that Villar who was apparently aware that Migz could have her number had reportedly offered a term-sharing agreement with him.

Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa disclosed that Villar has discussed with him of her willingness for a term sharing with Migz.

“Open naman si Senator Cynthia ng term sharing. In fact, nag-offer siya noon pa,

nag-offer siya ng ganoon. I’m not sure with Migz kung okay sa kanya pero kay Ma’am Cynthia is okay naman siya mag-term sharing,” Dela Rosa, who is backing Villar’s Senate presidency bid, said in an interview with reporters.

Zubiri, however, did not discuss the possibility of term-sharing during his visit to BBM. He was accompanied by Senators Nancy Binay, Ronald Dela Rosa, JV Ejercito, Jinggoy Estrada, Lito Lapid, Loren Legarda, Ralp Recto, Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla, and Raffy Tulfo during the visit.

Romualdez was joined on the other hand

by Iloilo Rep. Janet Garin and Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano.

Zubiri who was re-elected as a senator in the recent election is inching closer to becoming the next Senate president after securing the support of the majority of the senators.

Romualdez, on the other hand, is also the sure and runaway winner as the next House Speaker for the next congress.

Observers also believed that the government will have a healthy relationship between the executive and legislative branches as the three major parts of the Philippines—Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao—are well represented. g

BI sees more tourist arrivals

by Rudy

SantoSS Philstar.com

MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is expecting more tourists to visit the country after the government lifted the reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction or RT-PCR requirement and travel insurance for arriving travelers.

Beginning Monday, June 30 negative RT-PCR tests are no longer required for arriving passengers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and other major airports, provided that they are fully vaccinated with at least one booster shot.

“With this development, travel will be easier amid the pandemic. We hope that this will boost the number of international arrivals

in the next few months,” Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said.

During the summer season, the BI posted an average of 15,000 tourist arrivals per day.

“Tourist arrivals have steadily increased since February,” Morente said.

Based on the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, children aged 12 to 17 and those below 12 can enter the Philippines regardless of their vaccination status.

“We hope that the international tourism sector will flourish again as we move toward the new normal,” Morente said. g

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7

Got long COVID? Medical... PH scraps COVID pre-departure test...

PAGE 1 or recommended treatments for long COVID, and the biological mechanisms that underlie its effects remain poorly understood.

“Identifying long COVID in older adults with other medical conditions is tricky,” said Dr. Nathan Erdmann, an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama-Birmingham’s school of medicine. Failing to do so means older COVID survivors might not receive appropriate care.

What should older adults do if they don’t feel well weeks after becoming ill with the virus? I asked a dozen experts for advice. Here’s what they suggested.

Seek medical attention.

“If an older person or their caregiver is noticing that it’s been a month or two since COVID and something isn’t right — they’ve lost a lot of weight or they’re extremely weak or forgetful — it’s worth going in for an evaluation,” said Dr. Liron Sinvani, director of the geriatric hospitalist service at Northwell Health, a large health system in New York.

But be forewarned: Many primary care physicians are at a loss as to how to identify and manage long COVID. If you’re not getting much help from your doctor, consider getting a referral to a specialist who sees long COVID patients or a long COVID clinic. Also, be prepared to be patient: Waits for appointments are lengthy.

At least 66 hospitals or health systems have created interdisciplinary clinics, according to Becker’s Hospital Review, an industry publication. For people who don’t live near one of those, virtual consultations are often available. For specialist referrals, ask whether the physician has experience with long COVID patients.

Also, more than 80 medical centers in more than 30 states are enrolling patients in a fouryear, $1.15 billion study of long COVID that is being funded by the National Institutes of Health and is known as RECOVER (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery).

Older adults who choose to participate will receive ongoing medical attention.

Pursue comprehensive care. At the University of Southern California’s COVID recovery clinic, physicians start by making sure that any underlying medical conditions that older patients have — for instance, heart

failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — are well controlled. Also, they check for new conditions that may have surfaced after a COVID infection.

If preexisting and new conditions are properly managed and further tests come back negative, “there is probably an element of long COVID,” said Dr. Caitlin McAuley, one of two physicians at the Keck School of Medicine clinic.

At that point, the focus becomes helping older adults regain the ability to manage daily tasks such as showering, dressing, moving around the house, and shopping. Typically, several months of physical therapy, occupational therapy, or cognitive rehabilitation are prescribed.

Dr. Erica Spatz, an associate professor of cardiology at the Yale School of Medicine, looks for evidence of organ damage, such as changes in the heart muscle, in older patients.

If that’s detected, there are well-established treatments that can be tried. “The older a person is, the more likely we are to find organ injury,” Spatz said.

At the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, a rehabilitation hospital, experts have discovered that a significant number of patients with breathing problems have atrophy in the diaphragm, a muscle that’s essential to breathing, said Dr. Colin Franz, a physician-scientist.

Once inflammation is under control, breathing exercises help patients build back the muscle, he said.

For older adults concerned about their cognition after COVID, McAuley recommends a neuropsychological exam.

“Plenty of older patients who’ve had COVID feel like they now have dementia. But when they do the testing, all their higher-level cognitive functioning is intact, and it’s things like attention or cognitive fluency that are impaired,” she said. “It’s important to understand where deficits are so we can target therapy appropriately.”

Become active gradually.

Older patients tend to lose strength and fitness after severe illness — a phenomenon known as “deconditioning” — and their blood volume and heart muscles will start shrinking in a few weeks if they lie in bed or get little activity, Spatz said.

That can cause dizziness or a racing heart upon standing

up.

In line with recent recommendations from the American College of Cardiology, Spatz advises patients who have developed these symptoms after COVID to drink more fluids, consume more salt, and wear compression socks and abdominal binders.

“I often hear that going for a walk feels awful,” Spatz said.

When returning to exercise, “start with five to 10 minutes on a recumbent bicycle or a rower, and add a couple of minutes every week,” she suggested. After a month, move to a semi-recumbent position on a standard bike.

Then, after another month, try walking, a short distance at first and then longer distances over time.

This “go slow” advice also applies to older adults with cognitive concerns after COVID. Franz said he often recommends restricting time spent on cognitively demanding tasks, along with exercises, for brain health and memory. At least early on, “people need less activity and more cognitive rest,” he noted.

Reset expectations. Older adults typically have a harder time bouncing back from serious illness, including COVID. But even seniors who had mild or moderate reactions to the virus can find themselves struggling weeks or months later.

The most important message older patients need to hear is “give yourself time to recover,” said Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn, director of the Mayo Clinic’s COVID Activity Rehabilitation Program in Rochester, Minnesota.

Generally, older adults appear to be taking longer to recover from long COVID than younger or middle-aged adults, he noted.

Learning how to set priorities and not do too much too quickly is essential.

“In this patient population, we’ve found that having patients grit their teeth and push themselves will actually make them worse” — a phenomenon known as “post-exertional malaise,” Vanichkachorn said.

Instead, people need to learn how to pace themselves.

“Any significant health event forces people to reexamine their expectations and their priorities, and long COVID has really accelerated that,” said Jamie Wilcox, an PAGE 10

PAGE 1 Also exempted from the pre-departure RTPCR requirement are foreign nationals aged 12 to 17 who have received their primary COVID-19 vaccine/s; and those aged below 12 and traveling with fully vaccinated or boostered parents or guardians.

The same exemption guidelines apply to Filipinos travellng to the Philippines.

“We are glad that the propositions we have worked on have been approved by the IATFEID and are now up for implementation. As we make it more convenient for tourists to visit the country, the public’s health and safety will remain the DOT’s priority.”, Tourism Secretary Berna-Romulo Puyat said.

“The DOT sees this development as a win for the local tourism industry as welcoming more tourists in the country will yield more revenues for our MSMEs and restore more jobs and livelihoods in the sector,” she added.

Meanwhile, travel insurance is no longer

required, but still highly encouraged, for arriving passengers. All types of vaccinations certificates, regardless of country of origin, will also be accepted.

Based on recent data, a total 517,516 foreign tourist arrivals have been recorded in the Philippines from 10 February to 25 May 2022.

A bulk of foreign tourists, totaling to 104,589 came from the United States, followed by South Korea with 28,474, and Canada with 24,337.

Australian nationals, British/English, and Japanese tourists came next on the list with 23,286; 20,846; and 13,373 respectively.

Other foreign visitors in the Philippines during the early months of the year include Vietnamese, Singaporeans, Malaysians, Italians, Irish and French.

Puyat said the Department is looking forward to an uptick in tourist arrivals in the coming weeks following the further easing of entry requirements into the country.

(DOT) g

Mayor Adams announces...

PAGE 2 Business Pathways program.

Open space and recreation Visitors can enjoy Governors Island’s 120+ acres of open space daily. The Island’s awardwinning park offers rolling lawns and plenty of room for New Yorkers to spread out for picnicking and recreation, including over seven miles of car-free bike paths. Hammock Grove’s 40+ public hammocks nestled into the foliage provide a relaxing retreat, and the Hills feature unparalleled views of the harbor and landmarks, like the Statue of Liberty as well

as the surrounding Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn skylines.

Popular year-round activities — like bike rentals with Blazing Saddles, including Free Bike Mornings every weekday between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM and CitiBike, guided Governors Island walking tours, self-guided digital walking tours with Urban Archive and Gesso, and more — will continue to be offered to Island visitors. Free kayaking with the Downtown Boathouse returns to Pier 101 on June 4, 2022, and will run every Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM through September. g

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Creating safe working environments: Rajeev Agarwal shares how Sales Rain thrived amid COVID-19

by RItCHEL

MEndIoLa AJPress

THE COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way businesses work. With the virus limiting social interaction, corporations across the globe were forced to close their offices and send their workers home. In turn, the demand for office spaces gradually decreased as employees adapted to remote work.

In the Philippines, a 13.9% office vacancy was recorded at the end of the third quarter last year, according to professional services and investment management firm Colliers. It also recorded the least office transaction volume, at around 69,000 square meters amid the Delta variant surge of COVID-19.

Still, some seat leasing services managed to avoid being severely impacted by the subdued office leasing activity in the country.

One of them was Sales Rain, a premier office space provider with multiple sites in Manila. Rajeev Agarwal, Sales Rain CEO, shared with the Asian Journal how his

company thrived and expanded despite the global health crisis.

One step back, two steps forward According to Agarwal, the pandemic was a “one step back, two steps forward” process for Sales Rain. While they lost some clients to the crisis, the company’s quick response and strategic decisions successfully created new growth opportunities.

“As everyone knows, office real estate was one of the hardest hit sectors during COVID,” Agarwal noted. “It was one step back, two steps forward for us… We did lose a few clients, but that make up was a very small portion of our business.”

“On the brighter side, we gained some new clients,” he added.

For this to happen, Agarwal said the company readily provided the “highest level of support” to its clients and helped them “with whatever we can during the tough times.” These include creating safe office spaces and assisting with vaccinations.

“We provided discounts, more flexible terms, social distancing,

Sales Rain CEO Rajeev Agarwal

sanitized facilities, work from home and hybrid setups, on-site and off-site support, and help with the vaccination program,” he enumerated.

Agarwal also attributed Sales Rain’s high retention rate to the sacrifices its own employees made amid the pandemic.

“The kind of sacrifice our employees made being physically present in the offices, overcoming little to no transportation, and

many other hardships were some of the key differentiators that helped us retain clients and win some new clients,” he stressed.

Keeping in mind the constant threat of infection while working at an office, Agarwal said Sales Rain compensated by paying all of its employees, getting them vaccinated, and extending concern to their families. And unlike other companies that decided to let go some of its workforce, Sales Rain retained all of its own.

Ushering growth and expansion Despite COVID-19 and its variants, Sales Rain remained a leader in providing premier seat leasing services, coworking spaces and private offices. Its client retention rate was more than 90%, and new offices and further expansions were welcomed before 2021 ended.

Agarwal pointed out that these are due in part to their existing clients growing during the pandemic.

“One of our existing clients added the entire new floor in

BGC,” he said. “Another client signed up for the entire new floor in Ortigas and additional floor again in Eastwood.”

In June last year, Sales Rain announced its expansion in BGC to house multinational organizations and startup businesses across various industries. The new floor accommodated over 250 workstations and various workspaces, like conference halls, interview rooms, and training facilities.

Likewise, Sales Rain expanded in Ortigas with the intent to provide outsourcing businesses with flexible and cost-effective workspace solutions. The new floor it acquired in One Corporate Center catered mostly to BPO and call center companies, having amenities such as common areas, meeting rooms, training rooms and sleeping quarters.

Additionally, Agarwal announced that Sales Rain is opening its first office in Palawan soon, and that it’s already fully occupied, indicating the company’s relentless pursuit of PAGE 10

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 3-9, 2022

9

Pahrump Balloon Festival is back!

By REaLtoR FELy QuItEVIS-BatEMan

THE 9th Annual Pahrump Balloon Festival is back on the table and will take place this fall, from November 11 to November 13.

According to an article in the Pahrump Valley Times, the event, which has generated keen interest from the town’s residents, is

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (extreme left) with (from left) Dr. Phil (the best dentist in Clark County), Atty. Bing Longakit and Mary Jane, who are all my investors in Pahrump at Turnberry Place Tower 1 in Las Vegas. We all had a celebration dinner at Benihana’s at Westgate Resort.

scheduled over the Veterans Day weekend at Petrack Park, and will feature a lot of activities for people of all ages.

Of course, the main feature of the Pahrump Balloon Festival will be the hot air balloons that will launch throughout the weekend.

Organizers said that they are expecting more brand-new balloons to launch and fly over

My son Primo and his cousin John are scouting for a commercial property for a project he wants to build in Pahrump.

Pahrump that will capture the attention of event-goers.

Also at the event, there will also be the ever-popular carnival and three bounce houses for youngsters, as well as food vendors on site and merchandise vendors for attendees to buy all sorts of gifts and souvenirs. Aside from these, a car show will take place on the north soccer fields after the balloon launches, corn hole and horseshoe tournaments, and music for entertainment.

As the Pahrump Balloon Festival happens over the Veterans Day weekend, organizers are arranging something special in honor of those who have served the country.

There will be a sunrise Veterans Day ceremony to be held on the first day of the event (Nov. 11, Veterans Day) that will feature more flair than usual. The planned ceremony “will see a hot air balloon rise over the field during the ceremony, from which a parachuter will jump and unfurl the red, white and blue glory of the American flag.”

Per the article, the local VFW Riders group will be taking part in the ceremony and will provide the color guard that will present the colors.

As an added attraction to the

Photo above shows a 3,000-plus square-foot building on Acoma Ave. that will be on the market soon.

event, a “turkey drop” (not a live turkey, mind you) will be done at the final day of the event, with balloon pilots scattering certificates for free turkeys over the park on Sunday morning. How exciting is that? Attend the event, and you may even get your Thanksgiving bird for free!

Many residents and supporters are glad that the Pahrump Balloon Festival is back on the calendar.

Earlier this year, the event had been canceled until Doug Dubin and Doug Campbell went before the Nye County Commission to request a festival permit. After

addressing concerns from the commissioners, including parking and location of the carnival, the organizers received unanimous approval for the permit.

Of course, this is just one of the many activities taking place year-round in Pahrump. The town has plenty to offer in terms of recreational activities for residents and visitors – the town is no longer the sleepy town it once was.

Golf, a popular sport across America and an activity that many Americans (and kababayans) take pleasure in, can be had at the PAGE 10

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JUNE 3-9, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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Pahrump Balloon Festival... Looking towards a Marcos...

PAGE 9 Mountain Falls Golf Club designed by famed acrchitecture firms Nicklaus Design Group and Cal Olson Design. The 18-hole golf course and country club with breathtaking views is also capable of hosting events of all types – weddings, holiday parties, corporate events.

Tennis, bowling, martial arts, horseback riding and cycling are just some of the recreational and sports activities that can be done in Pahrump. There are leagues and groups that cater to aficionados of these activities, and these groups are always welcoming more members to their fold.

Walking and hiking, whether by yourself or with friends/groups members, or even with the furry members of the family, are also big in Pahrump. There are many parks and areas that offer trails for the casual or the adventurous. These areas also offer an opportunity for bird-watching or just plain nature-tripping.

If you have the itch for the track (the racetrack, that is), go no further than the Spring Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, which hosts various driving schools, track rentals and is home to a private motorsports country club. It has North America’s longest racetrack at 6.1 miles, and that may soon expand to over 9 miles when expansion is completed.

Right next to the racetrack is Spring Mountain Estates, which features luxury trackside homesites and is minutes away from Lake Spring Mountain where more activities await the adventurer – paddle boarding, kayaking, flying on a jetpack, among others.

Homesite owners are welcome to all the amenities that the country club has to offer and that includes the lounge, workout facility and other services like massage therapist.

Whether you are visiting Pahrump or moving to the town as resident, there are many things to keep you occupied. And with Las Vegas just 62 miles away, the opportunities are endless for more activities on your to-do list.

Take a look at what Pahrump has to offer.

Real estate in the area is currently affordable,

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses.

For more information, call (702) 538-4948 or send email to fely@precious-properties.com.

and presents a great opportunity for the savvy buyer/investor. In fact, many of my clients are now reaping the benefits of their investments. Whether you are looking for a new home, a second home, an investment property (maybe for an Airbnb), or just the chance to own real etsate, I can help you look for the best opportunities in the area.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

Got long COVID? Medical...

PAGE 7 associate professor of clinical occupational therapy at the Keck School of Medicine.

“Everyone I see feels that it’s accelerated their aging process.”

Consider vulnerabilities. Older adults who have had COVID and who are poor, frail, physically or cognitively disabled, and socially isolated are of considerable concern. This group has been more likely to experience severe effects from COVID, and those who survived may not readily access health care services.

“We all share concern about marginalized seniors with limited health care access and poorer overall health status,” said Erdmann, of UAB. “Sprinkle a dangerous new pathology that’s not well understood on top of that, and you have a recipe for greater disparities in care.”

“A lot of older [long COVID] patients we deal with aren’t accustomed to asking for help, and they think, perhaps, it’s a little shameful to be needy,” said James Jackson, director of long-term outcomes at the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship Center

at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The implications are significant, not only for the patients but also for health care providers, friends, and family. “You really have to check in with people who are older and vulnerable and who have had COVID and not just make assumptions that they’re fine just because they tell you they are,” Jackson said. “We need to be more proactive in engaging them and finding out, really, how they are.”

We’re eager to hear from readers about questions you’d like answered, problems you’ve been having with your care and advice you need in dealing with the health care system. Visit khn.org/columnists to submit your requests or tips. (Judith Graham/California Healthline) This story was produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. g

PAGE 5 president for all Filipinos – which is in keeping with his core message of unity that has resonated very well with millions of Filipinos during the campaign. I know he was not merely paying lip service because as we are beginning to see, he is already looking for people from different political persuasions, who are prepared to work with him – certainly a good way to start as he charts the course of our country under his leadership.

One of the issues the president-elect tackled during his press briefing following his proclamation in Congress was foreign policy, particularly our country’s relationship with the United States and China.

It is obviously clear that we will continue to pursue a truly independent foreign policy that would truly benefit the Philippines. There is no question that a country should always look out for its own national interest while continuing to forge bilateral relationships with all nations.

“We have to find an independent foreign policy where we are friends with everyone; that’s the only way. We have to be good neighbors and ask them to be good neighbors to us as well.

It is of mutual benefit to us,” he affirmed.

People certainly welcomed BBM’s statement that we will not compromise our

sovereignty in any way. “We are a sovereign nation with a functioning government.

We do not need to be told by anyone how to run our country. There is no room for negotiation there. It is sacred, inviolable,” he said.

On the issue of the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, Bongbong Marcos assured that it will be used to continue to assert our country’s territorial rights. “It’s not a claim, it’s a territorial right. That’s what the arbitral ruling can do to help us,” he said, promising that we “will not allow a single square millimeter” of our maritime rights to be trampled upon.

That being said, I believe that our relationship with other countries that have conflicting maritime claims, among them China, will continue along the path started by President Duterte who reached out not only to resolve issues but to have strong economic ties with them.

While we value our friendship with old allies like the United States, we certainly want to reach out to other nations – and this is not a motherhood statement but a fact that we need to accept.

During our meeting with U.S. embassy chargé d’affaires Heather Variava who paid a courtesy visit to the president-elect at his campaign headquarters, BBM reiterated his continuing belief that the

United States, a longtime ally and friend of the Philippines, must continue to work together not only in regional security but more on economic cooperation for the recovery of the global economy. “No one country can do it alone,” he said.

Needless to say, the White House was very pleased with the telephone conversation between President Joe Biden and president-elect Marcos.

During my private meeting with him last week after I arrived from Washington, he requested me to stay on in Washington as his ambassador. Of course, I am more than honored to be his ambassador, but more than that – to do whatever I can in helping him succeed.

By noon of June 30, we will witness another historic occasion that should make us proud that our democratic system – while not perfect – is very much functioning. Once again allow me to reiterate: For those who have strong doubts about the incoming president, judge him not by the past but by what he intends to do for our beloved country. (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. *** Email: babeseyeview@gmail. com

Creating safe working...

PAGE 8 creating sustainable working environments to serve and accommodate clients better.

“So overall our retention rate was more than 90% and very satisfactory given the situation,” Agarwal said.

Office market recovery With the Philippines showing marked improvement in terms of handling the pandemic, property market experts have predicted the office space demand to grow in the next few months of 2022. Furthermore, the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector will remain as the country’s biggest demand driver in the local property market – something Agarwal himself has acknowledged.

“The Philippines is a growing economy with a thriving BPO industry. It’s also home for top-quality and hardworking people who are naturally hospitable and can speak good English,” he noted.

According to him, the country is an ideal destination for business professionals who can work from anywhere. Of course, this is a prospect that Agarwal admitted to being excited over.

“For those who are not required to be in

the office full time, [the] work from home [setup] will evolve into work from anywhere.

Now that travel restrictions are being lifted, digital nomads and some business professionals would want to explore the world and work from anywhere,” he explained.

“The Philippines is a perfect destination for those. We currently have many domestic and international clients from over 20 different countries. We are very excited about our future prospects,” he added.

For Sales Rain’s prospective customers, Agarwal assured that the company will continue to provide safe working environments that are both flexible and economical.

“They can continue to expect the same dedication, service, pricing, and wholesome inclusions,” he said.

Sales Rain is a renowned provider of worldclass offices in prime business districts of the Philippines. It provides access to adaptable workspaces, competitive rates, and prime locations that guarantee immense growth for numerous business process outsourcing companies and startup businesses.

(Advertising Supplement)

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

11

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Chicago on Part 1 of a series of Q&A on Citizen Pinoy LEADING U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel visited Chicago, where he answered questions from Kapamilya from the “Windy City” and neighboring areas. In Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” viewers will hear answers to the following immigration concerns: Maria’s mother petitioned her sister 15 years ago but passed away in 2018. Maria asks if she can bring her sister to the U.S. by submitting an Affidavit of Support and if so, how long would it take for the California Service Center to respond.

Dahlia’s mother tried to bring her children to the U.S. via her H1B visa 29 years ago.

Their mother also attempted to bring her granddaughter as well, pretending that she was her youngest daughter. Her mother was caught and her H1-B was revoked. Dahlia wants to know if she can petition her mother now that she (Dahlia) is an American Citizen.

Pauline wants to know the easiest way for

her to get a green card if she came to the U.S. as a tourist and then changed her status to an F-1 (Student).

Ann’s mother was petitioned by her sister (Ann’s aunt) years ago. By the time the petition was approved, only her youngest sister was able to come to the U.S. with their mother, since Ann and her other sister had aged out. Ann wants to know if there is still a chance for her other sister to immigrate to the U.S. via the Child Status Protection Act. Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from Chicago. Watch this brandnew episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 5 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT IN CHICAGO. Leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel (2nd from right) answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Chicago in Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot.” Among the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers are: From Ann (right): My mother was petitioned by her sister (our aunt) years ago. But by the time the petition was approved, only our youngest sister was able to come with our mother since my sister and I had aged out. Our aunt is still alive. Is there still a chance for my other sister to come to the U.S. via the Child Status Protection Act? From Mike and Maria (3rd and 4th from left): My mother petitioned my sister 15 years ago, but she passed away in 2018. I (Maria) submitted an I-864 (Affidavit of Support) in place of our late mother. How long would it take for the California Service Center to respond to our request for humanitarian reinstatement? Watch Part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Chicago on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 5 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

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JUNE 3-9, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS SENSELESS killings, especially mass shootings in schools, like the Uvalde massacre where innocent children were gunned down, always spark public and political knee-jerk clamor for gun control, almost neglecting “people control.”

Since the Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms and stipulates “it shall not be infringed,” gun control should only mean controlling – properly and strictly vetting (background check and all) – who should be allowed to own guns, and not infringing on law-abiding citizens’ right to own guns for personal/ family protection. I am all for taking away guns from all criminals and mentally ill people, if possible, but taking away guns from good people, and leaving only the bad ones armed, is unquestionably stupid.

Hypothetically, suppose we have an epidemic of people being killed by chainsaws, knives, icepicks, baseball bats, or hammers, is banning them the solution? Guns don’t go off or kill people by themselves; the criminal pulling the trigger is the guilty one, not the gun. Also, while AK 47 (Kalashnikov Model 1947) is an assault (automatic) weapon, which should be illegal for personal use, the usually “misunderstood” and maligned AR-15s are not automatic, not assault weapons, because they fire one bullet at a time like handguns. In view of this more explosive period in our history, an intense and comprehensive background check on individuals wanting to buy guns is obviously justified for public safety, people’s health and mental security, and peace in our society.

Food and cancer While science finds it hard to discover a direct link between the food we eat and the risk of cancer, a 2018 study of more than 100,000 individuals concluded that there is a correlation between consuming ultraprocessed foods and a more than 10 percent increase in developing certain cancers.

The researchers included the following highly processed food items in their clinical investigation: soft drinks, sugary drinks, instant soup, packaged bread

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Shootings and health and buns, packed sweets and salty snacks, processed meats (hot dogs, meatballs), ready meals, hydrogenated oils, modified starches, and protein isolates, items made mainly from sugar, oil, and fats.

Regular consumption of processed meats increases the risk for cancer of the bladder, stomach, and colon.

These meats are bacon, hot dogs, sliced turkey, ham, bologna, and other deli meats, all of which are processed. Other studies have revealed that eating more than 18 ounces, or three portions, of red meat per week, raises a person’s risk of developing cancer of the colon and rectum.

Strong evidence exists that drinking alcoholic beverages likewise increases the risk for cancer of the liver, mouth, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), breast, esophagus, and colorectum. Alcohol and smoking more than doubly increase the risk for cancer.

Excess body weight also raises the risk for cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses.

To minimize the risk of cancer, a healthy lifestyle with a diet that contains a lot of multi-colored vegetables (broccoli, green leafy veggies, carrots, beans, winter squash, and peas), and the following fruits are recommended: blueberries, blackberries, cherries, acai berries, grapes, raspberries, apples, cranberries, grapefruit, and avocados. Coffee, garlic, flaxseeds, tea, walnuts, oatmeal, barley, millet, and quinoa, instead of white rice, are also healthy items.

A high fiber diet also lowers the risk for colon cancer.

These natural antioxidants eaten fresh are ten-fold better than those in pills, which are advertised as enough but actually inadequate.

OSA and COVID Before the vaccines for COVID-19 were available, a study was conducted to find out if there was a link between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and COVID-19.

The researchers found that people with Sleep Apnea were at a higher risk for this viral infection and more likely to be hospitalized, more likely to need a ventilator, and had a greater mortality rate, compared to those without OSA. However, those using CPAP therapy daily faired a lot better. Vaccination for COVID-19 is expected to protect those with Sleep

Apnea on CPAP treatment as in the general population, all other co-morbidities factored in.

Immunity wanes!

A vital reminder: Protective immunity from the vaccines for COVID-19, the first two shots, and the boosters, all wane in about 4-6 months, the reason people are advised to be vaccinated and to get booster shots after that period. Unlike Flu shots which confer immunity for a full year, the protection from the current COVID-19 vaccines does not last a year.

Drug manufacturers are still working on vaccines for COVID-19 that would protect against more variants and last longer. In the meantime, after 6 months from the last shot you and I received (first or second booster), our immunity against COVID-19 and the current variants is greatly reduced and even lower or none for new variants. This is not safe. Let us not be a victim of a false sense of security. With only 67 percent of the population fully vaccinated (about 108 million unvaccinated potential spreaders in the U.S. and about 60 million in the Philippines), COVID-19 is expected to linger much longer and become endemic, for which vaccination (every 6 months?) would most likely be needed. Consult with your physicians for further information and advice.

COVID-19 updates As of Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 8:00 AM (EST), there were 532,220,279 cases of COVID-19, with 6,312,143 deaths worldwide: 85,730,597 cases with 1,031,286 deaths in the United States; and 3,690,581 cases with 60,455 deaths in the Philippines.

The 7-day daily average cases were 109,997 (a 21% increase in cases in 2 weeks), a daily average of 374 deaths (a 20% increase), and 7-day average daily hospitalizations of 26,804 (a 23% increase in 2 weeks).

With these statistics, it is still too premature to let our guard down, especially for seniors, those with health issues, and those immunocompromised.

Masking and social distancing in public are still prudent. Full vaccination is a must – if we are to defeat this deadly invisible killer and end this pandemic soonest.

Fentanyl and cyanide Illicit drugs on the streets are now laced with fentanyl, an opioid pain medication,

Meet Kyra, the Fil-Am wonder from Hawaii

By Ronnie

CaRRasCo ManilaTimes.net

iii

BIG things come in small packages so do people. Small but incredibly terrible, Kyra Pesebre is dubbed by her supporters as the “international girl wonder” of Hawaii and the Philippines. She just clinched the “Global Young Ambassador” Award held recently in Long Beach, California.

Kyra is the youngest awardee and the very first recipient of this legendary and noble recognition. This event coincided with the celebration of the International Women’s Month.

Now, let’s get to know her more.

Kyra was just six years old when her family moved to Hawaii in 2000.

The youngest in the family with two big brothers, even as a kid she already possessed a unique sense of humor and great memorization skills. Both charming and charismatic, it wasn’t difficult for her to earn love and admiration from people she’d randomly meet.

At the age of four when most girls are playing with their dolls, Kyra joined a beauty pageant in Hawaii and luckily bagged the title Tiny Miss Ewa Beach.

Kyra competed for the Hawaii State Queen and emerged as the grand winner.

She also bagged six out of nine awards including Miss Photogenic, Miss Elegance, “This is Me” Award, Miss Personality, Miss Community Spirit and Tiny Miss Hawaii.

Kyra also tops in doing Tahitian dance. In fact, she wowed her audience with her jawdropping grooves at the Neil S. Blaisdell Center.

Not only is she an artist, Kyra is also a socially responsible and soft- hearted girl who’s concerned with the plight of the underprivileged. Proof is her active involvement in the Hawaii community where she has performed in various occasions such as church activities and other gatherings all over the state.

During her reign, she became part of the American Cancer Society, American Breast Cancer Society, and The National Multiple Sclerosis of Hawaii. Since birth, Kyra and her family also pledged support for Bahay Aruga in the Philippines to assist the pediatric cancer patients.

A testimony to her wide gamut of talents is her expertise in playing the piano, doing hula, ballet and interpretative dance with a hoverboard, painting, doing clay art molding and sculpturing.

Kyra also stands out in acting in front of the which is 100 times more potent than morphine and quite lethal. About 105,752 people died of a drug overdose in 12 months ending October 2021 over the past two years, with fentanyl use showing a rapid rise, nearly twice, from 35,000 to 69,000.

While cyanide kills instantly, fentanyl, even an amount as small as the tip of a pencil, also kills expeditiously.

Taking either is suicide. And life is precious! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

The small but incredibly talented Kyra Pesebre Photo from Instagram/@shielapesebre

camera, does modeling and vlogging.

Trained as a model at Scott Cooper and Hawaii Best Models, at the age of five, Kyra had walked at the professional runway for well-known designers Danili Apparel/Designer Lisa Wright (Orlando, Florida). She was also a huge head turner at Ritz-Carlton Residences for Hawaii Fashion Week in October 2019 and became the Designer’s Choice for both Lani Lau Hawaii and Majun Okinawa Collection.

In between these activities, Kyra had the opportunity to fly to Disneyland in Orlando, Florida to continue her training for the Emotions in Acting USA with Rich and Amy Hersey of Manikin Agency, Acting for the Camera NY and LA with Craig Holzberg from Avalon Artists, Breaking the Bizz with Brett Zimmerman, Runway Workshop with Damon Rutland (Nomad Worldwide), and a lot more.

Three months after winning the State Crown, Kyra represented Hawaii in Talent Inc, Orlando, Florida. Out of more than 520 aspiring models, actors and talents, this then-five-yearold girl emerged number 1 and brought home the much-coveted title of “Overall Top Child Model and Talent for 2019-2020.”

As the United States of America commemorated its Independence Day in 2021, Kyra graced and sang the Star-Spangled Banner in Washington DC. She also sang God Bless America at the historical Basilica of the National Shrine of Immaculate Conception.

Moreover, during the Young Leaders Global Summit, Kyra made history as she earned recognition as one of the “Top 50 World’s Most Influential Young Leaders” who were carefully selected from a pool of over 200 young inspiring PAGE 13

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, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

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Meet Kyra, the...

Cannes-winning actress Jaclyn still feels ‘first-day jitters’ on set like any other actor

PAGE 12 leaders around the world. Her amazing accomplishments have since caught the attention of the selection committee.

On July 24, 2021, Kyra brought honor to the Philippines when she rocked and became the youngest celebrity head turner as she walked on the red carpet at the 12th La Jolla International Film Festival. Media representatives from different networks who interviewed her described her as a young ambassador of love and peace.

On November 20, 2021 at the Celebrity Center, Hollywood California where she performed live, the seven-year-old Kyra was awarded as “World Inspiring Youth Leader.”

The onslaught of the global pandemic did not deter Kyra from doing her humble share.

Kyra thought of making face shields out of her unused headbands, elastics and clear report covers. She donated dozens of DIY face shields to various health workers in Oahu.

The headbands bore handwritten phrases of encouragement to the health care workers. Her face shields were even featured in Hawaii’s KHON Channel 2.

Last January 29 at FilCom Center Hawaii, Kyra sang with the Doctors-On-Stage Musicale honoring COVID-19 survivors and frontliners. Impassioned with her singing career, Kyra came up with her own composition titled “I Love You, Dad” at the age of six, making her music available on Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music.

Specially dedicated to her father Ernesto, this is also Kyra’s tribute to all parents for their untiring and selfless sacrifices for their families.

As if all this may not be enough, Kyra takes pride in obtaining a “Front of the Line” audition pass at the America’s Got Talent and is currently working on a suspense film in Hollywood. Also, she is in the cast of “Peter Pan, The British Musical” and is excited to sing and play her role as the mermaid and fairy.

Truly a child prodigy, the small but terrible Kyra is sure to give our locally based child stars a run for their money.

Keep slayin’, Fil-Am girl! g

WHILE many actors— newbies, particularly—get intimidated by the thought of working with Jaclyn Jose, the internationally acclaimed actress said that, on the set, she’s just like any other actor trying to get the job done.

“I don’t know [why they feel intimidated]. Perhaps they think about the recognition I have received.

But let’s always remember that this is something we don’t allow to get into our heads. We set that aside,” she said in a virtual conference for the GMA 7 series “Bolera.”

“Once you have gotten an award, that’s it. Tapos na ‘yun,” added Jaclyn, who was hailed best actress in the 2016 Cannes Film Festival for her performance in the Brillante Mendoza film “Ma’ Rosa.”

And despite her almost 40 years of experience,

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By AllAn

PolicArPio Inquirer.net

Jaclyn Jose

Jaclyn, who also has five Gawad Urian acting awards to her name, admitted that she still gets first-day jitters on the set.

Sensitive “If they get rattled, I do, too. There’s always first-day jitters, to be honest. When I

GMA photo

work on whatever project, I get nervous just like them.

That’s something we all share,” she said, adding that she always tries her best to guide her younger costars who are still feeling their way in the industry.

“They think I’m scary,

SERVICES

but once they get to actually work with me, they will discover that I’m very sensitive toward others.

I try to help them and give what I can when I’m working with them,” she said.

The 57-year-old actress is also not one to get easily impatient when her coactor makes mistakes. “Walang problema kung nagkakamali sila dahil nagkakamali din ako. I try to make them comfortable.

We’re all human; we make mistakes,” she stressed.

“Minsan may pasok talaga tayo na sablay.”

And more importantly, she sees herself as a team player. “I don’t consider myself a pillar of a show.

There are the directors, writers and other veteran stars. It should always be a collaboration. No one tries to upstage anyone. We all work according to what our directors and writers require us to do,” she said.

“It’s all about teamwork.” g

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N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J U N E 3, 2 0 22

people events arts culture entertainment

Eva Noblezada on creating her legacy as a Filipino Mexican woman in America today T

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA / AJPress

HE Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) held its Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month event last week and Tonynominated and Grammy-winning performer Eva Noblezada.

The Filipino-Mexican Noblezada is no stranger to CACF. The nonprofit honored her in 2019 with their Catalyst for Change award.

“I think that CACF is doing such a good job at opening the conversation about anti-API hate and other inequities affecting our community that’s why I am so fiercely happy to be here tonight,” Noblezada told the Asian Journal. “I spoke to someone today saying that they’re trying to put forward to teach about Asian history in schools in New York State. That’s huge, I’m just hearing about this and I’m so excited.”

Currently the star of the hit Broadway musical Hadestown, Noblezada originated the lead role of Eurydice, where she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role and for which she won a Grammy.

The actress made her Broadway debut via Miss Saigon in 2017 where she received her first Tony nomination. She previously starred in Hadestown at the National Theatre in London after being a lead in the West End revivals of Miss Saigon and Les Miserables.

Noblezada made her film debut in the acclaimed Sony Pictures film Yellow Rose, playing the lead for FilipinoAmerican director Diane Paragas.

This year, her fans can catch her in Apple TV+ animated adventure film Luck this August and the upcoming Jo Koy film Easter Sunday.

“So yeah, my character plays a very unlucky human and she always thinks that she is cursed with bad luck and she finds out by the end of the movie that there is no such thing as always having bad luck,” she said. “And if anything is just like, that’s life. You know, it’s about how you deal with the cards that are dealt you.”

“I’m really excited for Easter Sunday because that’s a very important movie,” she said. “I’m proud and grateful to have been a part of both Yellow Rose

As special guest performer, Noblezada sang She Used to be Mine from the musical Waitress.

and Easter Sunday, two Filipino movies written, directed, produced, and starred

by Filipinos.”

Tracing Roots Noblezada grew up in San Diego down the street from both her Mexican and Filipino grandparents.

She feels lucky for that, knowing now that there are younger people who are just coming to terms with their Filipino culture and what it means for them.

“I love being Filipina. I f*cking love being Filipina,” she exclaimed. “I’m still learning every day. There are still things that I have to learn about like the colonialism in the Philippines and the imperialism, and the history.”

“I’m 26 years old and I’m the fruit of the privileges of being who I am in the States. But what did it mean for my family? What sacrifices did they make for us to be here,” she shared.

In her short speech, Noblezada paid tribute to her grandfather Ephraim Noblezada who passed away in Iloilo last year due to pancreatic cancer. He was the one who brought the family to the United

States in 1973. She said he “could grow anything and was the funniest person ever and made the best Filipino food.”

“I wasn’t able to go unfortunately because I was in a lockdown in Vancouver, and I would have literally gotten fined and arrested if I left my hotel room to go home. It sucked,” she shared.

“It makes me sad, but also like the second he passed away, I felt him on my side.”

Noblezada believes that it is absolutely important to understand who we are and where we come from.

“Being in Miss Saigon gave me such a f*cked up ‘myself identity’ because I didn’t know who I was. I was a Filipino playing a Vietnamese woman and everyone in the cast felt the same.

They’re like ‘I’m Chinese,’ ‘I’m Japanese and Korean,’ ‘I’m not Vietnamese’ and that show f*cks you up because it’s not right. You know?”

“The music is beautiful, but at the root of it, it does nothing but set us back, two steps back. And what I want to do is f*cking hurdle jump 18 steps forward,” she said sighing. “But that’s easier said than done.”

Asked about what her major takeaway so far since she started her career as a bright-eyed teen, she paused and got excited.

“I’m a woman now, I’m 26! I’m not 17, I’m new here today,” she said, singing a line from the musical. “I think what I’ll say is this might sound cheesy, but I just want to be honest about how I feel right now. Enjoy your life and dig deeper.

It’s not enough to enjoy the things that happen on - como si dice - the surface, it isn’t enough,” she explained.

“So the thing, the lesson I’ve learned is to understand who I am really, where I come from, and that will give me a direction of where to go from here. And then I’m in control of how I live my life.

I don’t have to play victim to things that aren’t actually more powerful than who I am,” she added. 

Eva Noblezada is a two-time Tony Award nominee and a Grammy-winning performer.

She is a part of Easter Sunday, a film starring comedian Jo Koy. Currently, she stars as Eurydice on the hit Broadway musical Hadestown. Photos by Lia Chang for CACF

Noblezada with her boyfriend and Hadestown co-star Reeve Carney

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Dolly de Leon gets Oscar buzz for superb acting in Cannes 2022 winning film

By Kristofer

Purnell Philstar.com

WORLDWIDE acclaim is expected to follow the admiration that Filipino actress Dolly De Leon gained at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival after her role in Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness” by Ruben Ostlund.

During its recent premiere at the festival, “Triangle of Sadness” received a standing ovation that lasted over seven minutes, and while many cheered for stars Woody Harrelson, Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean, even more were showing praise for De Leon.

“Triangle of Sadness” follows a group of wealthy individuals who are stranded on an island, where hierarchies are flipped when everyone is thinking of survival.

De Leon stars as the toilet manager of the ship that crashed on the island, and audiences at Cannes immediately adored the actress’ deadpan delivery and her distinction in Ostlund’s social commentary.

Because of her performance, several

Filipina actress Dolly de Leon plays Abigail, a toilet manager on a cruise ship who gets stranded on a deserted island in Ruben Östlund’s social satire Triangle of Sadness. The film won the Palme d’Or, the highest award at the 75th Cannes Film Festival in France.

Photo screengrabbed from “Triangle of Sadness”

the Oscars, but the sensation that was “Parasite” — also a Palme d’Or winner — followed by Yuh Jung Youn’s win for “Minari” is an indication that the ceremony is widening its market, opening up a chance for De Leon.

The actress admitted to Variety that she has no agent to represent her, and that she based her role on friends and relatives who are Overseas Filipino Workers.

De Leon’s acting experience mainly originates from the stage, but has found success on the big screen such as her 2020 FAMAS Best Supporting Actress win for her role in “Verdict,” which the Philippines submitted to the Academy Awards that year in the Best International Feature Film category.

The actress also received international recognition when she starred in an episode of HBO’s “Folklore,” one directed by veteran filmmaker Erik Matti.

The Swedish Ostlund previously won the Palme d’Or in 2017 for his film “The Square,” but this new movie is his English-language debut. g

Zanjoe Marudo

Photo from Instagram/@onlyzanjoemarudo

Why Zanjoe does not stop Lea performs ‘The Prayer’ at US Memorial Day Concert doing workouts

By Kristofer

Purnell Philstar.com

SINGER Lea Salonga was among the performers of the United States’ 2022 National Memorial Day Concert held in Washington D.C. where she gave a soulful rendition of “The Prayer.”

The United States commemorates Memorial Day every last Monday of May in honor of all American military personnel who died in service. The 2022 edition of the concert was held on May 29, Sunday.

The 2022 concert, hosted by actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, was the first one held live since 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; for 2020 and 2021, the concert was solely broadcast on PBS and streamed online.

Often sung as a duet as popularized by Canadian singer Celine Dion and

critics have pegged her as a frontrunner at the 2023 Academy Awards in the supporting actress category, as well as co-star Harrelson (who has three Oscar nominations to date).

Asian winners are still rare at

Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, Salonga held her own as she managed the song’s strong beats accompanied by the live orchestra.

During her performance, the PBS broadcast would occasionally cut to veterans in attendance at the Capitol Building’s west lawn and to video clips of fallen soldiers being grieved by their loved ones.

Salonga performed “The Prayer” with Josh Groban when he visited for his February 2019 “Bridges” concert in Manila, 12 years since his last Philippine apperance.

The Tony winner was then in a wheelchair due to a skiing accident, but she and Groban managed to wow the crowd after he sang her “Happy Birthday.” The two also performed “All I Ask Of You” from “The Phantom of the Opera.”

In a video posted on the

official Twitter account of the PBS National Memorial Day Concert, Salonga said her performance of “The Prayer” isn’t meant for entertainment.

“For me personlly when I pray... it kind of sets my mind in a good place, as well as my spirit,” the Broadway star explained. “So singing something like this, it feels the same.

She added that she hopes everyone will get to remember everyone who sacrificed their lives and pray that none of them did it in vain.

In a separate video, Salonga said she remembers all “those that have fought to protect the lands that they love.”

Backstage, Salonga was able to reunite with her “Les Miserables” co-stars Norm Lewis and Alfie Boe, who were also guests at the concert. g

By alex

Brosas Inquirer.net

Tony Award-winning actress Lea Salonga Philstar.com photo

‘Not really interested’: James quashes dating rumors

By Jan

Milo severo

Philstar.com

Singer-actor James Reid Photo from Instagram/@james

ACTOR and singer James Reid clarified that he is still single.

In his recent interview

with Chris Trondsen of Pacific Rim Video Press, James said he has no interest of having a relationship right now because of work.

“Oh, we’re single, yes,” James said.

“I’m not really interested right now. I’ve been trying to stay single for as long as possible just because there’s a lot that I’m trying to do right now,” he added.g

SINCE he started modeling when he was a teenager, actor Zanjoe Marudo has not stopped doing workouts and it is for a good reason.

“Kaya rin hindi ako nagstop mag-work out since noong teenager ako, noong model palang ako kasi iyon ‘yung way para mag-gain ako ng weight. Iyon ‘yung way para magkalaman ako, magkaroon ako ng muscle kasi kapag nagstop akong mag-exercise ay talagang nauubos ‘yung katawan ko, pumapayat ako. Bumabagsak siya kaya hindi ako tumitigil magexercise,” he said during the opening of Surge Fitness + Lifestyle (SFL) in Glorietta 3, Makati, last May 24.

(The reason I did not stop doing workout since I was a teenager, when I was a model, is because it is a way for me to gain weight. That is my way to beef up, to have more muscle because if I stop doing exercises, my body really is consumed, I get thin.

My body falls flat, that’s why I don’s stop exercising.)

Marudo, along with Baeby Baste, Sunshine Cruz and her three daughters Angelina, Sam and Chesca, attended the event as fitness ambassador.

Marudo said that as actors, it is important to really

work out. “Requirement na talagang physically and mentally (stable). Madalas akong mag-work out kahit nasa bahay ako kasi may Surge online na kahit wala kayo sa gym, busy kayo ay puwede kayong mag-work out sa bahay,” he said. (It is a requirement that we are physically and mentally (stable). I do workout even when I’m at home because there’s Surge online that even when you’re not in the gym, you can do workout at home.)

Marudo enjoys most the Play Zone at Surge. “After workout, perfect siya para mag-hang out, mag-cool down ka. May gaming tables, may gaming consoles. Ang sarap ng feeling na doon ka mag-relax,” he said. (After workout, it’s a perfect place to hang out, to cool down.

There are gaming tables, gaming consoles. You get a cool feeling when you relax there.)

Now that he’s nearing his forties, Marudo is particular about his food intake.

“Bawas na ako sa mga sweet, oily food kasi siyempre doon na lumalabas ang mga sakit kapag mali-mali na ang kinakain mo kasi hindi na rin tayo bumabata,” he said. (I now avoid sweet, oily food because, of course, different diseases afflict you when you eat the wrong food because we’re not getting any younger.) g

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