060923 - New York & New Jersey Edition

Historic Philippine Independence Day celebrations held in New York FILIPINO PRIDE FROM ALBANY TO MADISON AVENUE

by MoMar G. ViSaya AJPress

NEW York City witnessed an early but grand commemoration of the 125th Philippine Independence Day last week, marked by a series of memorable events that showcased

US, ASEAN defense leaders commit to expanded training programs

DEFENSE chiefs of the United States and of members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have committed to working together for more training opportunities — from fellowships for emerging leaders to expanded regional maritime law enforcement programs.

Austin met with Southeast Asian defense leaders on the sidelines of the International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue held in Singapore recently.

Pension, military modernization are new Defense chief Teodoro’s priorities

MANILA— As Gilberto Teodoro Jr. returns to the helm of the Department of National Defense, the new chief will be focusing on ironing out the issues on the pension fund of military personnel as it was President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s “marching order.”

“I can review it and see because we want

the rich heritage and unity of the Filipino American community.

The celebrations kicked off with an event at the State Capitol in Albany, led by Assemblymember Steven Raga, who made history as the first elected Filipino American in the state of New York. More than a hundred

Filipino Americans, some traveling from as far as New York City and New Jersey, joined the gathering which was also attended by the growing population of Filipinos in Albany and neighboring cities.

Adding to the significance of the celebrations was the inaugural Independence Cruise along

Eligible Filipinos may now travel to Canada visa-free

by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net

MANILA — Canada has added the Philippines to its electronic travel authorization (eTA) program, effectively allowing Filipinos who held a Canadian visa in the last 10 years, or those who currently hold a U.S. non-immigrant visa, to travel to the country visa free.

Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Sean Fraser made the announcement on Wednesday, June 7.

He added this expansion is effective immediately.

“This exciting development means that more individuals from around the world can now embark on unforgettable adventures, explore our

the Hudson and East Rivers sponsored by the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDC). Distinguished personalities such as Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros, Mayor Alfred Benitez of Bacolod City, and notable celebrities like Cesar Montano and Xian

Bongbong Marcos tells PH envoys:

neutrality

by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed Filipino ambassadors to look for non-traditional partners in terms of trade, security, and defense, saying that the country needs to cope with the changes that the pandemic has brought.

However, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Wednesday, June 7 that Marcos clarified that the Philippines should remain independent and neutral in terms of foreign policy, which means not siding with the views of other countries.

“We do not subscribe to any notion of a bipolar world. We only side, of course, to the Philippines, not to the U.S., not to Beijing,

New research sheds light on healthcare challenges faced

by LGBTQ Asians

in NYC

by MoMar G. ViSaya AJPress

A RECENT study has provided valuable information about the health needs, challenges in accessing care, and availability of services for LGBTQ Asian communities in New York City.

After a year-long study, Apicha Community Health Center has unveiled the results of its

groundbreaking research focused on the health and wellness needs of New York City’s LGBTQ Asian, Asian American, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander communities. This comprehensive needs assessment has not only highlighted the urgent healthcare needs within these communities but has also shed light on the barriers

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez (right) led the the ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the official start of the 125th Philippine Independence Day festivities in New York City. Among the dignitaries at the event were (from left) Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, PIDC President Nora Galleros, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Harry Go, Grand Marshall Dely Po Go, and Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros. AJPress Photo by Troi Santos

Go find foreign partners but observe

Bongbong Marcos tells PH envoys...

not to Moscow. That’s very much being independent in what we do,” Marcos said.

PCO said that Marcos met with recently appointed chiefs of mission and ambassadors in Malacañang earlier. Among the envoys present are the following:

• Chief of Mission Carlos Deymek Sorreta, Permanent Representative of the Philippines to the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland

• Ambassador Henry Sicad Bensurto Jr. (Republic of Turkiye)

• Ambassador Renato Pedro Oabel Villa (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

• Ambassador Raul Salavarria Hernandez (Sultanate of Oman)

• Ambassador Paul Raymund Pasion Cortez (Portuguese Republic)

• Ambassador Joel Francisco Ignacio (Republic of India)

• Ambassador Maria Angela Abrera Ponce (Malaysia).

“We are constantly now, after all the changes that have been imposed upon us, like the pandemic economy and the world situation, looking for what we sometimes referred to as non-traditional partners in trades, in any kind, in security and defense issues,” Marcos said.

“All these things, we are always looking for partners,” he added.

The chief executive also urged the ambassadors to be open in discussing with

him any opportunities that can be beneficial to the country.

“I’m sure you have heard that we are prioritizing agriculture, energy, all of the infrastructure development, and digitalization. Now, if there are opportunities that would come up, you should explore them and if they’re promising enough, then we’ll take it up. We’ll try to see if something can come up. There’s no harm in trying and kung anuman ang mangyari (whatever happens), at least we tried,” he said.

“So let us keep looking at those areas. And also what I found many times, you go there and you talk about agri and something else comes up,” he added.

Marcos has maintained that his administration would implement an independent foreign policy, saying that the Philippines would be a friend to all and an enemy to none. Experts however believe that such a vision would be hard to implement, as the Philippines cannot be neutral.

But within a year of his presidency, Marcos was able to restructure ties with the United States (U.S.), which was seen by experts to have weakened under his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte — who openly preferred ties with China rather than the western superpower.

This was evidenced by the identification

Historic Philippine Independence Day...

Lim graced the occasion. This unique event allowed attendees to revel in the scenic beauty of New York City’s iconic waterways while celebrating their shared heritage.

On Sunday, June 4, Filipino Americans took over Madison Avenue in midtown Manhattan.

The 125th Philippine Independence Anniversary Commemoration Parade traversed Madison Avenue from 38th to 26th Street, captivating the attention of hundreds of spectators. The parade showcased an impressive array of almost 150 floats and marching groups, including the enthralling MassKara group of dancers who journeyed from Bacolod City in the Philippines.

Bedecked in vibrant and captivating costumes, the performers brought the spirit of the MassKara Festival to the Empire State – from the State Capitol in Albany to the waterways of the Hudson and East Rivers to the bustling streets of New York.

A noteworthy presence in the parade was Miss Universe R’Bonney Gabriel, the first Filipino American to be crowned Miss Universe. Riding atop a float, Gabriel proudly waved the Philippine flag and displayed her Filipino heritage, serving as an inspiration to the Filipino American community and beyond.

Onstage later on, Gabriel expressed her gratitude to the Filipino American community for supporting her journey.

“I just want to thank everybody and we need to continue to share our stories about how amazing Filipinos are; we need to continue to write the narrative. I am so thankful to be standing on this stage to be able to represent our culture,” she

said. “Y’all have supported me through Miss Texas, Miss USA and now Miss Universe so maraming, maraming salamat sa support.”

Homegrown beauty queens – Miss Universe 2010 4th runner-up Venus Raj and Miss World 2013 Megan Young – attended the festivities as well.

Among the dignitaries who graced the parade’s opening ceremonies were Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez, Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, New York Senator Charles Schumer, Mayor Eric Adams, Consul General Senen Mangalile, Senator Risa Hontiveros, Governor Christian Noveras of Aurora Province, Mayor Arvin Amatorio of Bergenfield, New Jersey, Mayor Alberto Benitez of Bacolod City, Mayor Erick Cañosa of Gingoog City, PIDCI President Nora Galleros, and Grand Marshall Dr. Dely Go. Their presence symbolized the strong bonds between the Philippines, the city of New York, and the Filipino American community, reinforcing the significance of the occasion.

“My biggest message, like that of ConGen Mangalile, is let’s take pride in our history, let’s never tire of trying to build yung pagkakaisa and bayanihan among each other now, in spite of the challenges,” Sen. Hontiveros told the Fil-Am media at the sidelines of the event on Saturday, June 3. “And let’s look forward with hope and commitment to the better future that our whole country deserves,”

For the past 33 years, PIDC and the Philippine Consulate General New York have been running the parade and festival along Madison Avenue. The Philippine Independence Day parade has been a cherished tradition

held on the first Sunday of June.

Widely regarded as the largest celebration of its kind outside the Philippines, the parade serves as a platform for Filipino Americans to proudly showcase their culture, traditions, and national pride.

Complementing the parade is a vibrant street fair, where participants can indulge in authentic Filipino dishes from various vendors and purchase traditional attire such as Barong Tagalogs, ternos, and other Philippinemade accessories.

The street fair witnessed an overwhelming response, with eager attendees forming long lines at food stalls even before their booths opened. Savory delights from renowned vendors like So Sarap (classic street food like barbecued pork, isaw (pork and chicken intestine, and the most trending of all in the homeland today, grilled balut served with chili garlic), Patok By Rach (known for their delectable lechon bell), Daniel Corpuz (offering delightful desserts and chocolate treats), Kape’t Torta (serving pan de sal, ensaymada, and torta), and Fritzie’s and Sisig ng Bayan (offering beloved Filipino dishes like sisig, adobo, and pancit) attracted many, offering a taste of Filipino street food nostalgia and classic home-cooked dishes.

Aside from indulging in culinary delights, spectators also flocked to the stage to witness the cultural festival which featured captivating performances by local and Philippine-based talents.

The all-Filipino cast of Here Lies Love, a Broadway musical portraying the rise and fall of Imelda Marcos, enthralled the audience. The powerful voice of The Voice

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Dignitaries and guests sing the Philippine national anthem at the first Independence Day cruise event sponsored by the Philippine Independence Day Council Inc. (PIDC). AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

New research sheds light on healthcare...

hindering access to quality care.

At the press conference, Apicha CEO Therese R. Rodriguez emphasized the importance of mental health and the involvement of parents in the healing process for LGBTQ individuals.

“This study contributes to the larger body of literature and studies that assess the health and wellness of LGBTQ AAPI communities and it adds a more precise intersectional analysis,” Rodriguez said. “It also builds off of and addresses needs that might have been missing in the New York City Department of Health Mental Hygiene acclaimed 2021 report.”

Glenn Magpantay, a civil rights attorney and principal investigator of the study, said that the survey results indicated a need for more education and awareness among participants, as some expressed a desire for additional STI testing, even though free testing is already available through organizations like Apicha. Other needs identified in

the survey included family planning, contraception, pregnancy testing, and addressing mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and addiction treatment.

These study findings provide essential insights that will guide Apicha and other organizations in better understanding and meeting the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQ API individuals in New York City.

Key recommendations

The report’s key

recommendations to address the most prevalent health and wellness needs of New York City’s LGBTQ API community are the expansion of mental health services and psychiatry, more publicity about free testing for STDs/ HIV/AIDS, health education on sexual health and hygiene, dermatology, and culturallycompetent, bilingual, LGBTQsensitive, and nonjudgmental healthcare providers.

The study involved surveys taken between June and October 2022 and PAGE 4

From left: Melanie Dulfo, director of Community Health Education; Therese Rodriguez, CEO and Glenn Magpantay. AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Pension, military modernization are new Defense...

a self-sustaining pension system as [much as] possible but it needs a couple of years to load it up in order for that to be self-sustaining,” Teodoro told the ABS-CBN News Channel’s “Headstart” on Wednesday, June 7.

Teodoro cited his experience as an independent director of a “big financial institution” in his comments on the pension for military and uniformed personnel. In 2014, he was elected to in the board of directors of BDO Unibank.

Proposed reforms are being taken up by Congress. Then President Rodrigo Duterte hiked military and police salaries in 2018 and pensions for retired uniformed personnel are pegged to current salaries. Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, who was also part of Duterte’s economic team, has warned that the current pension system is “not sustainable” and may lead the country to a “fiscal collapse.”

While the department supports ways to resolve the issue, Defense Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez Jr. has asked lawmakers that “the morale and welfare of our soldiers be given due weight in this deliberation.”

said he wants to make sure that there are “prudential standards” in place to govern that fund.

Modernization, budget plans

Among Teodoro’s other priorities are the modernization plans for the Armed Forces of the Philippines as well as preparing to appear before Congress to set the 2024 budget for the department.

The military is now going into Horizon 3, entailing the procurement of defense equipment such as missile systems, submarines, and multi-role fighters. The phase will be the department’s priority until 2028 or until the end of the Marcos Jr. administration.

In eyeing the “selfsustaining fund,” Teodoro included responses from 344 LGBTQ Asian individuals who spoke different languages. There were also discussions with local LGBTQ API organizations aside from focus groups of specific underserved high-risk groups. The report also includes professional assessments from Apicha CHC staff, physicians, and other healthcare providers.

Teodoro said he will be continuing the programs

already underway for the military’s modernization.

“The job of the [department] really is to build up its capabilities in order to be ready as much as possible to foresee, predict, and to react to defend the Philippines from any geopolitical happening,” Teodoro said.

‘Peace talks’ a hard no

The new defense chief is not supportive at all for holding peace talks with rebels. This is a turnaround from the position of Galvez, who pointed to localized peace talks as an effective way of resolving issues between the government and rebels.

“I have always been against that… You can’t take up arms and just violate the constitution, the same way

that we don’t want rightists also to take up arms against the government,” Teodoro said. The Philippines saw military coup attempts during the presidency of Corazon Aquino, and mutinies during the Arroyo administration. Troops who joined the 2003 Oakwood and 2007 Manila Peninsula Siege were drummed out of the military but later granted amnesty.

“I have never been convinced that it is ideological. It is all getting, taking power for whatever reason,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro also took note of the “gains” made by National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, where Vice President Sara Duterte is also now a co-vice chairperson.

“We cannot also deny the gains made by the NTF-ELCAC in dismantling communist fronts and I have always been consistent in the position that rebels are welcome to go back to the fold of government,” he said.

Rights groups have called out the government’s anti-communist task force for somehow equating human rights work with terrorism. with reports from Xave Gregorio, Cristina Chi, and Neil Jayson Servallos/The Philippine STAR newspaper (By Kaycee

Valmonte/ Philstar.com)

n

Eligible Filipinos...

PAGE 1

diverse landscapes, reunite with family and friends, and immerse themselves in our vibrant culture without the hurdle of visa requirements,” said Fraser.

Apart from the Philippines, other countries included in the program are Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Costa Rica, Morocco, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Seychelles, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay.

“This expansion not only enhances convenience for travelers. It will also increase travel, tourism and economic benefits, as well as strengthen global bonds with these 13 countries,” said Fraser.

To apply for an eTA, travelers need a valid passport, a credit card, an email address, as well as access to the internet.

Meanwhile, those who are not eligible for an eTA will still need a visitor visa before traveling to the country.

Canada says it expects 200,000 visitors from these 13 countries in 2024, garnering about $160 million in revenue within a decade.

In a separate statement, Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) welcomed Fraser’s announcement, tagging it as an “important milestone and a striking indication” of the country’s friendship with Canada.

“The Philippines considers Canada as a close partner due to its well-established people-to-people ties and looks forward to charting a new era of engagement under this new policy,” said DFA. n

The study not only focused on medical needs but also highlighted the significance of addressing mental health and social needs within the community.

Rodriguez encouraged members of the Filipino American community to utilize Apicha’s services and actively provide feedback to help expand and improve the services already being offered.

“We are part of your family and we want you to come and use the services and tell us as well what you need so that

we can figure out how can we expand the services that we are already providing,” Rodriguez said.

Magpantay and Rodriguez also talked about a surprising aspect identified during the survey - the complexity of dermatological issues within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly concerning gender identity and selfperception.

Dermatology was ranked as a new emerging need in the survey, ranking behind mental health, STD/HIV/AIDS testing, and sexual health. It was identified from a list of services that Apicha does not address in-house but makes referrals for.

Rodriguez stressed the importance of paying attention to these specific issues faced by the community, saying that certain STI-related concerns may be disguised as common ailments like rashes or eczema, but the trust and

New research sheds light on healthcare challenges... Bongbong Marcos tells PH envoys...

Marcos clarified though that reviving ties with the U.S. does not mean closing doors to China. Earlier

understanding between provider and patient can be a significant barrier to seeking appropriate care, especially for individuals who may be closeted or face language barriers.

Apicha CHC’s pioneering needs assessment has provided a comprehensive understanding of the health needs and priorities within the LGBTQ API community. The insights gained from this study will play a pivotal role in shaping the programs and services offered at Apicha CHC’s new Center in Jackson Heights, Queens.

By addressing these identified needs, Apicha CHC aims to deliver tailored and effective healthcare solutions that meet the unique requirements of LGBTQ API individuals. This groundbreaking study marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and responsive healthcare environment for the LGBTQ API community in New York City. n

Historic Philippine...

PAGE 2

this year, the president visited China for a state visit — marking the Asian powerhouse as the first country he visited in 2023. n

Philippines winner Mitoy Yonting and the presence of actors Cesar Montano and Xian Lim and comedians Boobsie & Tekla further added to the entertainment. These performances served as a testament to the immense talent within the Filipino community.

The historic Philippine Independence Day

celebrations in New York highlighted the profound pride, unity, and cultural significance of the Filipino American community. Through events like these, community members not only commemorate their homeland’s independence but also underscored their valuable contributions to the multicultural fabric of American society. n

File picture of people with the Canadian flag Inquirer.net photo

This photo posted on June 5 shows President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. with new Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and DND Senior Undersecretary Carlito Galvez. Presidential Communications Office, handout

Assembly Member Steven Raga with Deputy Speaker Phil Ramos welcome the members of the Filipino American community to the State Capitol to celebrate the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain. AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Features OpiniOn

OFWs deserve better

IN a country where overseas Filipino workers have been raped, tortured, mauled and bitten by their employers’ pet lion, murdered and the bodies burned and stuffed in a freezer, it would be the height of negligence if Philippine embassy personnel fail to help any OFW fleeing from abusive circumstances.

Yet the government of Kuwait has suspended the issuance of new visas to Filipinos and demanded an admission of infractions and an apology from the Philippine government for providing shelter to OFW runaways in the Gulf state. Kuwait apparently remembered that in 2018, Manila had apologized after the Philippine embassy not only provided shelter to runaway OFWs but also for encouraging them to escape from abusive employers.

Editorial

This time, the Department of Foreign Affairs has stood its ground and refused to apologize, although it has not closed the door on negotiations with Kuwait. There are, after all, some 268,000 Filipinos working in the Gulf state, remitting about $597 million to their home country last year.

On the other hand, the grievous abuses suffered by OFWs in Kuwait also cannot be overlooked. The Overseas Workers Welfare

Administration counts 196 OFWs who have died in Kuwait since 2016, with close to 80 percent of the deaths attributed to physical abuse. In 2017 alone, the Philippine embassy in Kuwait recorded 6,000 cases of OFW abuse, sexual harassment and rape. Rodrigo Duterte, during his presidency, openly lamented reports of OFW abuse, disappearances and suicides in Kuwait. In February 2018, following the discovery of the body of Joanna Demafelis in a freezer, he ordered a ban on OFW deployment to Kuwait, and urged Filipinos in the Gulf state to come home. Despite these developments, Filipino maid Constancia Lago Dayag was murdered in Kuwait in May 2019. In December 2019, Jeanelyn Villavende was raped by her male employer and beaten to death by his wife.

Following negotiations, the deployment ban was eventually lifted. But on Jan. 21 this year, domestic worker Jullebee Ranara was raped

and brutally murdered. Reportedly pregnant, her remains were found in the Kuwaiti desert, burned and the head smashed. The suspect is her employer’s 17-year-old son, who has been arrested.

After Ranara’s murder, the Philippines stopped the first-time deployment of domestic workers to Kuwait. Within days of the murder, at least 114 Filipino maids left the Gulf

state. Kuwait then announced the indefinite suspension of all new visas for Filipinos. During this stalemate, the Philippines should review its deployment policy and consider finding new destinations for OFWs other than Kuwait. There are many other countries without the notoriety of the Gulf state in treating migrant workers. OFWs deserve better. (Philstar.com)

Biden: ‘It’s never a good bet to bet against America’

Representatives passed the measure.

THE United States averted an unprecedented crisis after the U.S. Senate passed on Thursday, June 1 the “Fiscal Responsibility Act” that suspended the debt ceiling to 2025, a day after the House of

The passage of the bill, which received strong bipartisan support, came just a few days before the June 5 deadline set by U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who implored legislators to swiftly act before the United States runs out of money to pay for its debt and other financial

obligations, which could lead to a potentially catastrophic default because of its global impact.

Created by the U.S. Congress in 1917 under the Second Liberty Bond Act, the debt ceiling sets the limit on the amount of money that the U.S. government can borrow to pay for its bills and other obligations, among

them payment for federal employees, the military, Social Security, Medicare, interests on national debt and others. Under the compromise bill – which will be signed by President Biden the minute it reaches his desk – the debt ceiling has been suspended until 2025, allowing the government to borrow more.

It’s evident that the United States continues to face many challenges, among them the situation in the Indo-Pacific region with China’s continuing aggression as demonstrated in a recent incident just last week. According to the account by the U.S. IndoPacific Command, a U.S. Air Force RC-135 aircraft

was conducting routine operations in international airspace over the South China Sea when a Chinese J-16 jet “performed an unnecessarily aggressive maneuver” in its intercept when it flew “directly in front of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the U.S. aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence.”

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Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

Dateline PhiliPPines

Passage of ‘Sogie’ bill vs sexual, gender discrimination not urgent – Villanueva

by BeatriCe PinlaC Inquirer.net

MANILA — Senate Majority Leader

Joel Villanueva sees no urgency in passing a proposed measure penalizing discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression (SOGIE).

The Sogie bill has made little headway since it was first filed 23 years ago.

Now in the 19th Congress, it remains pending in Senate committee level for nearly four months.

This was since it was referred back to the Rules committee panel headed by Villanueva.

This situation takes place, despite the fact that the measure already secured the approval of the chamber’s committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality.

Asked on Tuesday, June 6 to flesh out the developments of the Senate bill, Villanueva said, “I don’t know who is following it up or saying it is a priority measure because it is not, to begin with.”

The legislator pointed out members of his committee had also submitted letters and aired reservations about the Sogie bill.

“I don’t see any urgency for that particular measure,” he said.

Villanueva then began listing measures that Congress would prioritize for the second regular session in July.

Among these bills are the proposed Philippine Salt Industry Development Act,

the Automatic Income Classification of Local Government Units Act, and the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.

All of these bills are listed as priority bills of the Marcos administration, but these are not referred to the Senate rules committee.

“These are all in plenary, and I believe, like what I hear from my colleagues as their majority leader, these are the priority measures we need to act upon once Congress returns,” Villanueva said partly in Filipino.

He also renewed the push for an antidiscrimination bill that would cover all sectors under its umbrella, instead of limiting it to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) community.

Villanueva said seven lawmakers, including Senator Imee Marcos, are already pushing for this approach.

“And I am supportive of it. It doesn’t need to be just one sector. Why not include everyone when you talk about anti-discrimination? Other people get discriminated against too,” he added.

Villanueva is the son of Jesus Is Lord Church founder and incumbent Cibac party-list representative Eddie Villanueva, who had also previously disrupted House deliberations on the Sogie bill.

Unlike the measure’s journey in the Senate, Sogie bill is already inching forward in the House of Representatives.

It has already secured the nod of the House women and gender equality panel. n

Gov’t urged to refocus on pre-pandemic economic goals

MANILA – Economists from the academe and financial markets on Tuesday, June 6 urged the government to set its sights back to pre-pandemic targets now that the economic effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) contagion have waned.

Roberto Galang, dean at the Ateneo de Manila’s (ADM) John Gokongwei School of Management (JGSM), said the government needs to “refocus efforts on fundamental problems that were glossed over by the pandemic.”

“The Philippines has fully recovered from the pandemic and has returned to a comfortable growth path,” he said in an interview.

Galang said high on the administration’s “to-do list” should be the rehabilitation of the country’s congested transport infrastructure.

“Manila airport (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) is suffering from intense congestion, which three years of limited travel has allowed us to forget,” he said.

More investments are needed in power plants and bulk water supply, which were also put in the backburner during the pandemic, he added.

Mayon, Taal volcanoes acting up - Phivolcs

by Bella Cariaso Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised Alert Level 2 over Mayon Volcano in Albay amid increased sulfur emissions and rockfalls from the summit’s lava dome.

Phivolcs also monitored increased activity in Taal Volcano in Batangas, but said raising the alert level is not yet warranted.

In its Monday bulletin, June 5, Phivolcs said rockfall events in Mayon have increased in frequency since the last week of April.

These increased from an average of five per day to 49 events per day recorded from 5 a.m. of June 4 to 5 a.m. of June 5 – along with a total of 318 rockfall events and 26 volcanic earthquakes since April 1, 2023.

“The electronic tiltmeter monitoring shows the upper slopes to be inflating since February 2023 and electronic tilt monitoring indicate that Mayon is still inflated, especially on the northwest and southeast, since 2020,” Phivolcs added.

According to Phivolcs, it also recorded 576 tons per day of sulfur dioxide emission on April 29,

compared to an average of 162 tons per day on May 23.

“These low-level volcanic earthquakes, ground deformation and volcanic gas parameters are overshadowed by recent steep increases in rockfall events which may possibly lead to further dome activity,” Phivolcs added.

“This means that there is current unrest driven by shallow magmatic processes that could eventually lead to phreatic eruptions or even precede hazardous magmatic eruption,” Phivolcs added.

State volcanologists said PAGE 10

Galang, a noted expert on agricultural logistics, also called for a revitalization of the agricultural sector, by stimulating more investments in better farming technology and building a more efficient system for moving produce from the farm to consumers.

“The country’s economic outlook for the rest of the year is positive, although the risk of food inflation remains possible due to El Niño,” he said.

Galang’s appeal came on the heels of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) latest projection on the country’s medium-term inflation path.

“The May 2023 inflation outturn of 6.1 percent is within the BSP’s forecast range of 5.8 to 6.6 percent, consistent with the overall assessment that inflation will remain elevated over the near term before gradually decelerating back to target range in fourth quarter of 2023, in the absence of further supply-shocks,” the BSP said in a statement on Tuesday.

Alan Tan, chair of ADM’s economics department, said “the economy is poised to grow at its average pace of 6.5 percent this second quarter. This is supported by

US, ASEAN defense leaders commit to...

PAGE 1

They discussed “priorities for expanding cooperation in support of regional stability, security, and prosperity” after the U.S.-ASEAN relationship was elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership last year.

This means enhancing programs in areas like trade, the maritime sector, and addressing transnational crimes.

“[Austin] emphasized the vital role the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM)-Plus continues to play in driving multilateral cooperation to address regional challenges,” a readout from the U.S. Department of Defense said.

“Southeast Asian defense

ministers and heads of delegation reaffirmed their support for United States cooperative activities in the region, including in key forums such as the ADMMPlus.”

Washington has been supporting Southeast Asian peers through an ADMMPlus Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security and the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness Initiative.

The initiative is part of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy to help partners through training and through familiarity with new technology.

Austin also highlighted the U.S. Coast Guard’s expanded regional maritime

law enforcement programs.

The USCG is currently holding their first-ever trilateral exercises with counterparts from Japan and the Philippines that focus on search and rescue operations as well as countering piracy and smuggling of weapons.

The trilateral exercises also open professional exchange opportunities for experts and to improve women’s role in the maritime space.

The U.S. and ASEAN will be launching their first fellowship program in September for up and coming defense leaders in the region. (Kaycee Valmonte/Philstar.com) n

This undated file photo shows Mayon Volcano in Albay. Philstar.com photo

China, PH eye space partnership

by Bernadette e tamayo ManilaTimes.net

COOPERATION in space exploration between China and the Philippines could lead to a Filipino astronaut joining Chinese astronauts manning a space station, a ranking Chinese Embassy official in Manila said on Monday, June 5.

China Embassy Counselor Dr. Ji Lingpeng pondered such a possibility in a press briefing following the announcement of the six Awards for Promoting Philippine China Understanding (Appcu) laureates for 2023.

Lingpeng was one of the resource speakers at the ceremony.

China recently sent three astronauts to space. Beijing also reportedly plans to send its astronauts to the moon to space. Beijing also reportedly plans to send its astronauts to the moon before 2030, and is interested in bringing along foreign partners.

Lingpeng said China’s

Easing of inflation to 6.1% encouraging – Marcos

by alexis romero Philstar.com

space technology has developed rapidly the past years.

He noted that of the 17 active astronauts in the world, six are Chinese. “Yesterday (Monday), three Chinese astronauts have come back to the earth safely.”

“I think... this [Appcu] aims to promote people-to-people exchanges and mutual understanding between our two countries. I think that with this, we make potential cooperation between our two countries,” Lingpeng said.

He said that early this year, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had “a very successful visit to China, and President Xi Jinping and him have emphasized the importance of the cooperation in wide areas.”

Lingpeng said Manila and Beijing can “explore many ways to enhance our cooperation, including space cooperation.” n

MANILA — The easing of inflation to 6.1 percent in May is “encouraging” as it indicates that the administration is heading in the right direction in terms of keeping the prices of goods affordable and stable, President Marcos said on Tuesday, June 6.

“Today we received encouraging news that our inflation rate has now gone down – our headline inflation rate has gone down from 6.6 percent to 6.1 percent and our employment figures are also improving,” Marcos said in a video message released by Malacañang.

“And so, it would seem that we have started off in the right direction, on the right foot. It seems that we have implemented the right policies to revive our economy and to make it vibrant again,” he added.

In a Facebook post, Marcos said efforts to strengthen the economy are underway.

“We are aware of your goal to achieve a better life, that’s why we are continuously strengthening the economic measures of the government,” the president said.

“We are gradually achieving that as inflation has been decreasing for four successive years and in May, it was at 6.1 percent. It indicates that

we are continuously treading the right direction towards more affordable prices of goods.”

Claiming that the Philippines has one of the best growth rates in the world, Marcos gave assurance that his administration would continue to undertake measures to bring the economy back to good health.

Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said there is a need to eliminate bottlenecks to ensure that food products are reaching consumers.

“Actually, the solution to that (inflation) is you remove the bottlenecks... With regard to food inflation, one source of increases in prices is because of bottlenecks in the supply chain,” the trade chief said.

“For example, there is a big harvest in a certain area but the harvest does not reach the area where the demand is. The solution there is to make sure that the logistics are available to be able to deliver the harvest where the demand is,” he added.

Earlier Tuesday, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced the easing of the country’s inflation rate for the fourth straight month in May due to slower increases in transport and food prices.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa said at a briefing, headline inflation or the rate of increase in prices of goods and services slowed down to

6.1 percent in May from 6.6 percent in April. This is the lowest inflation rate since the 5.4 percent in May last year.

Export Development Plan

Meanwhile, President Marcos approved on Tuesday the Philippine Export Development Plan (PEDP) for 2023 to 2028 designed to transform the Philippines from a laggard to an “agile export powerhouse.”

The plan, which aims to capitalize on export growth opportunities and develop local industries, was approved during a sectoral meeting held at Malacañang, DTI’s Pascual said.

“The PEDP aims to address challenges that we face in various sectors of the economy, particularly those sectors that are involved or potentially could be involved in exports,” Pascual said at a press briefing.

“It seeks to undertake an industry development-centric approach to make the Philippines a major player in the global economy and achieve sustainable development goals,” he added.

Marcos is expected to sign a memorandum circular defining the roles of agencies in the export development plan.

“Before we can export, we need to produce. So the first challenge is helping industries produce products

Gov’t urged to refocus on pre-pandemic...

softening inflation and lowering global oil prices.”

Meanwhile, market analyst Astro Del Castillo, president and managing director of First Grade Holdings, said he is more optimistic about the second semester of the

year because “the worst of the inflation surge is now behind us.”

With all the pandemic restrictions gone, he said, the economy is once again poised to resume its forward momentum.

However, Del Castillo warned that food security

and the energy situation in portions of the country must be addressed sooner rather than later.

It was noted that provinces like Occidental Mindoro, and to a lesser extent, Oriental Mindoro, have been suffering from rotating brownouts since

the onset of the dry season. Del Castillo said the government should lay the groundwork to enhance domestic food production to avoid situations like the recent onion supply crisis, which began late last year and extended to the opening weeks of 2023. (PNA) n

Biden: ‘It’s never a... PAGE 5

A similar incident was also reported by the U.S. INDOPACOM in December last year when a Chinese J-11 fighter flew in front of and within 20 feet of the nose of an RC-135 reconnaissance plane that was flying over the South China Sea, almost causing a collision, with the American pilot forced to take evasive maneuvers.

that can compete in the market – this requires input of technology, it requires the raising of productivity, training of the people that they employ,” the trade chief said.

According to Pascual, the plan outlines three strategic actions to develop the export clusters, namely, addressing production

constraints, developing a strong innovative export ecosystem and increasing the Philippines’ mindshare in the global market.

“The export competitiveness of the Philippines lies in the competitiveness of the firms themselves. It’s not, we say, competitiveness of the country but actually the competitiveness is being

materialized or realized at the firm level. That’s why the firm-level intervention. So we must develop reliable, design-driven, technologydriven, sustainable and forward looking exporters to become or to make the Philippines an agile export powerhouse,” Pascual said. He admitted some firms can’t produce enough export quality products.

“There are many firms in the country that we need to help, so we need to stratify them. So we are able to focus on those that require more significant support over others. That’s why we came up with the three classifications – one, the breakers and then those that are at the crest and those that are creating ripples,” the trade chief said. n

Mayon, Taal volcanoes acting up...

PAGE 7

the public is strongly advised to be vigilant and desist from entering the six kilometer-radius Permanent Danger Zone to minimize risks from sudden explosions, rockfall and landslides.

“In case of ash fall events that may affect communities downwind of Mayon’s crater, people should cover their nose and mouth with a damp, clean cloth or dust mask. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft,” the Phivolcs added.

Taal under monitoring

There is no need yet to raise Alert Level 2 at Taal Volcano, Phivolcs said.

“This is not yet an indication to increase the alert level from Alert Level 1 to Alert Level 2. There are other parameters that we are looking at before we raise the Alert Level to 2, including the increase in seismicity, another is the volcano is inflated, among others,” Phivolcs director Teresito Bacolcol said.

According to Bacolcol, Phivolcs will continue to monitor Taal Volcano in case its heightened activities will result in another eruption. “Again we are closely monitoring the volcano. If there is an increase in the parameters, we will inform the public,” Bacolcol said.

On Sunday, June 4, Phivolcs reported that Taal released at least 5,831 tons per day of sulfur dioxide and an upwelling of hot volcanic fluids has been occurring at the main crater.

“The degassing we experienced yesterday (Sunday) is decreasing. Degassing is the interplay of magma, water and gas movement. This happens when volcanic materials are mixed with water. The degassing is accompanied by sulfur dioxide,”

Bacolcol said.

Phivolcs said the volcano’s plume emissions reached 3,000 meters high.

Bacolcol added that the plumes produced volcanic smog or vog affecting municipalities of Balete, Laurel and Agoncillo, Batangas.

“The vog was accompanied by sulfur dioxide. We cannot see this but we can actually smell it. That is why on Sunday, residents in Balete, Agoncillo and Laurel were affected by the foul smell,” he added.

“Based on the reports that we received, some residents experienced difficulty in breathing, throat and eye irritations. This is an indication of the prevalence of sulfur dioxide. We are advising the public to stay indoors and close their doors and windows or if necessary move to a safer place,” Bacolcol said.

The official noted the possibility that the vog will reach Tagaytay City cannot be ruled out.

“It will depend on the winds. There was a time that the vog reached Metro Manila, I think that was last year,” Bacolcol said.

Entry into Taal Volcano island –especially the main crater and Daang Kastila fissures – is prohibited, as there is always a danger of sudden phreatic explosion.

Stockpile Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary

Rex Gatchalian has directed their field offices in the southern Tagalog and Bicol regions to prepare for the possible eruption of Taal and Mayon volcanoes, respectively.

“The concerned regional field offices have been directed to stockpile on their family food packs (FFPs) and ensure that they have sufficient standby funds as part of the preparation for both the Taal and Mayon volcanic unrest,” he

said.

Gatchalian ordered their local officials to get the “historic data” in their respective regions to include the number of families affected, number of municipalities affected and the duration of the volcanic unrest.

“The historic data will be very helpful in determining the approximate number of FFPs that need to be stockpiled. It is very important to closely monitor the activities of Taal and Mayon and updates be sent in real time,” Gatchalian told department regional directors.

Phivolcs reminded that Taal Volcano is a permanent danger zone. It also observed a slight increase in sulfur dioxide emissions in the past two weeks.

DSWD Bicol regional director Norman Laurio reported that they have already alerted the provincial Quick Reaction Team and the chiefs of the Municipal Action Teams.

“We have instructed the QRTs and the MATs to have close coordination with their respective LGUs and provide updates if necessary. We will coordinate with PDRRMO (Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office) for any updates or advisory,” he said.

No flights

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued a notice to airmen (NOTAM) on Monday barring aircraft from flying 10,000 feet from the surface of Taal and Mayon volcanoes due to unrest.

Flights are also advised to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit, “as ash from the sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft.”

In Bicol, CAAP operates seven airports: Bulan, Sorsogon, Daet, Masbate, Naga and Virac, and the Bicol International Airport. n

The biggest challenge that the U.S. faces – in fact the whole world – is the war in Ukraine. Since the Russian invasion began in February 2022, the U.S. has led western nations in providing humanitarian, financial and military support for Ukraine. According to the data collected by the Ukraine Support Tracker of the Germany-based Kiel Institute for the World Economy, the U.S. has earmarked over 73.1 billion euros (or more than $78 billion) for Ukraine. A few days ago, the U.S. also announced another $300-million arms package that includes air defense systems and tens of millions of rounds of ammunition with the caveat that these should not be used for attacks inside Russia.

There is absolutely no doubt that U.S. military might continues to be formidable and as strong as ever – as it should be, considering the challenges they are facing worldwide. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) report, the U.S. had a record-high military spending of $877 billion in 2022. In terms of technology, there is no doubt that America is still leading the race, with technologically advanced military equipment continually being developed, many of them being deployed and tested in the Ukraine war.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin recently established the Office of Strategic Capital that would provide long-term financing to U.S. technology companies, including startups engaged in critical technologies considered to be vital to U.S. national security. These include advanced materials, next-generation biotechnology and quantum science.

“We are in a global competition for leadership in critical technologies, and the Office of Strategic Capital will help us win that competition and build enduring national security advantages,”

Secretary Austin said during

the launch last December of the OSC, which aims to bridge that critical gap between the laboratory and full-scale production, which is referred to as the “valley of death” in the industry. Secretary Austin said he is determined to give emerging technologies the support they need to develop sophisticated military hardware that would enhance the defense capabilities of the U.S.

The U.S. is also at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) – considered as the “bold new frontier” of technology – as it dabbles in AI-directed drones or bots that can pilot modified F-16 fighters, thereby lessening the risk or threat to human lives.

Last March, for instance, the U.S. Air Force said it would field a “nominal quantity” of 200 Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighters and 1,000 collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) drones that would serve as wingmen that would be operating alongside the piloted NGAD fighters. This development certainly showcases that U.S. technology is still very much superb.

While some pundits predict that the 2024 U.S. presidential election would be even more divisive than ever, history has shown that no matter how polarized U.S. politics may seem at the moment, at the end of the day, Americans will close ranks to fight any kind of threat. This is evident in their recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic that was faster than any other major economy in the world, and the passage of the debt ceiling bill despite months of acrimony between Republicans and Democrats.

During his second State of the Union speech in February, President Biden acknowledged that indeed, they “face serious challenges across the world,” but he also emphasized their progress and resilience as a nation and people, emerging from every crisis stronger than when they entered it.

And the U.S. president issued this warning: “Those who bet against America are learning just how wrong they are. It’s never a good bet to bet against America.” (Philstar.com)

* * *

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya

in the ‘Big Apple’ on Citizen Pinoy

IN this episode, leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel and the Citizen Pinoy team return to New York City to answer some (immigration) inquiries from Kapamilya in the city.

Kenneth, the brother of Filipino actor Gerald Anderson, would like to know why their mother is always denied a tourist visa every time she applies at the U.S. Embassy.

Mommy Evangeline used to have a green card,

YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT IN NEW YORK. Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel (bottom photo, right) answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in New York City in a brand-new “Your Tanong, My Sagot.” Among the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers are: 1) From Florida (top left): What can I do so that I can bring my sister who lives in England here to the U.S.?; 2) From Ricky (top right): Do you have any pointers for my sister who wants to apply for U.S. citizenship?; 3) From Kenneth (bottom): Why is the U.S. Embassy always denying my mother’s application for a tourist visa, even if she was previously a green card holder? Tune in for the answers on “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in New York City, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 11 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

(Clockwise, from left) Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel with Florida, with Kenneth, and with Ricky.

How to ruin your health in just seven easy steps!

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

SOME of us may already be doing a good job at wrecking our heart, besides other organs in our body, but for the others who may not be as innovative and cunning, here are eight easy and simple ways to accomplish the job more efficiently and effectively.

• If you are not a cigarette smoker, start smoking or inhale as much secondhand smoke as possible. If you are, continue this very dangerous and expensive habit. Out of the 1.3 billion smokers around the world, one dies from smoking every 6.5 seconds. Smoking kills 5.4 million each year. This is projected to rise to 6.5 million by 2015, and 8.3 million by 2030. One billion will die from tobacco use in this century alone. Besides heart disease, smoking causes cancer of the lungs and other organs, besides causing emphysema and air-hunger. Secondhand smoke is no less a brutal killer. People who quit smoking lower their risk of heart disease to the level of nonsmokers in just 2 years and protect their loved ones from secondhand smoke.

• Binge daily, 3 times a day or more, on saturated animal fats like red meats (pork, beef, especially processed foods like bacon, hamburgers, ham, hotdogs, sausages, etc.), french fries, junk food, and foods with trans-fats. Do not eat any vegetables, fruits, nuts, oatmeal, bran, and other hi-fiber foods because these lower cholesterol, are good for our immune system, and lower our risk for cancer. Besides, these are healthy foods, good for our body. They will not damage but protect our heart, colon, brain, kidneys, liver, etc. So, stay away from Mediterranean diet and other health diets, and binge on fast foods and other unhealthy diet. Your aim is to wreck your heart (body, life) anyway.

• Throw away the scale. Just take in all the calories you can grab, especially carbohydrates (rice, bread,

cookies, candies, ice cream, sweets, and many people’s favorite beverage, the mega sugar-loaded soft drinks, which I call the ‘liquid candy,’ the poisonous potion). Allow yourself to put on as much weight as possible. Forget about the gorgeous body curves, ladies. The fatter, the heavier, the faster we can damage the heart, and obesity will also give you the privilege of getting diabetes, heart stack, stroke, and even cancer. So, do not read food labels and learn about the calorie-fat-sodium-trans-fat contents. Just don’t watch your diet, because losing 10 pounds alone will lessen the risk for heart attack by 50 percent and help lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and the risk of cancer too.

So, stay heavy. Fat is cute, anyway.

• Be a couch potato. Be lazy. Live a sedentary life. Do not exercise. Do not move a muscle, except the fingers needed to click on the TV remote control, as we gorge on junk food while watching the soaps, sports, or game shows, comfortable in a couch; or doing social media on your laptop or cell phone. Lack of exercise weakens not only our body but our heart and brain. Believe it or not, it also impacts our psyche. For those who are overweight, dieting and counting calories would be more effective with daily exercise in achieving the target more effectively. So, why exercise? It will only help bless you with a healthy body lengthen your life.

• Eat more salt. Don’t listen to your doctor. Add salt to everything you eat, even before tasting the food. Just keep on shaking. This will raise your blood pressure and cause damage to the arteries in your body, including those that supply blood to your heart. The higher the blood pressure, the greater the risk for stroke and heart attack. If you lower the salt intake, it will help lower your chances of developing high blood pressure, and among those already with hypertension, it will greatly help in maintaining a normal blood pressure. Eating a lot of salty foods also increases the chances of developing cancer of the stomach. For flavoring, go the natural way and use pepper, garlic, onion, oregano and other

no-sodium food seasoning. But I want to warn you that this will NOT damage your heart.

• Sleep and rest as little as possible. The TV shows are exciting and worth the time. You can nap while you drive, anyway, and you can also snooze on the job. If you want to harm your heart, why even have rest and relaxation, which are simple and natural pleasures that are healthy. Those who lack sleep are prone to heart attack, high blood pressure, and stroke. These conditions and diabetes become harder to manage and control when sleep and rest are not adequate. Why even sleep? And if you are suspect to have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), do not have a Sleep Study, because this will clinch the diagnosis of OSA, and require CPAP to prevent you from holding your breath for a long time, hundreds of times at night depriving your brain, heart, and other organs of oxygen, and increasing your risk for high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack, strokes, Alzheimer’s and even cancer. Remember, sleep is not important unless you want to be healthy and well.

• Do not pay attention to stress or depression. Both have adverse impacts on the heart, besides the mind and, actually, on the whole being. The earlier they are managed, the easier they are to cure. Stress and depression increase the risk for heart attack by more than 30 percent and also lead to weakened immune systems, which predisposes these people to other illnesses as well. So, why prevent stress and depression? Allow them to overwhelm and control you.

Almost 1.6 million people die from heart attack (or 3 every minutes), 136,000 from stroke, about 75,000 from diabetes, and about 263,000 from cancer each year.

Those seemingly effortless 7 steps are, indeed, very tempting. But since they are obviously dangerous alternatives that only guarantee sickness and misery, the more prudent and wiser “one-step” option is living a healthy lifestyle and growing self-reliant and happily to as close to a hundred or so.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers...

but she gave it up when she decided to return to the Philippines and live in General Santos City. She has been applying for a tourist visa to visit Kenneth in New York, or even to watch Gerald in one of his U.S. shows, but she keeps getting denied.

Ricky, the building superintendent where the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel is in New York, asks Atty. Gurfinkel if he has any pointers to share for Ricky’s sister who would like to naturalize.

Florida, Ricky’s wife, has a sister who lives in England. She wants to know what options are available so they can bring her sister to

Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in “Your Tanong, My Sagot.” Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 11 at 6:30 PM PT

(9:30 PM ET through select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

Actor John Regala passes away

By Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com

SEASONED screen actor John Regala died on Saturday, June 3. He was 58.

His wife, Victoria Scherrer, told ABS-CBN News of the actor’s passing.

“He died at 6:28 a.m. of cardiac arrest due to liver and kidney complications at the New Era General Hospital,” said Scherrer.

She added that Regala had been “under critical care for three weeks until he expired.”

Regala is a known character actor who starred in a number of ‘90s films.

Born John Paul Guido Boucher Scherrer to actors Mel Francisco and Ruby Regala, Regala’s first showbiz foray was the

However challenging and often frustrating growing older might be, the blessing of a long and fairly healthy life is a privilege. While getting old is a problem, growing old is a solution, in spite of all the aches and pains that come with the package. Life is tough, and more especially so for the seniors. Growing old is, indeed, not for sissies or the faint of hearts.

But let’s be realistic and face it, we’ve got only one other option. That option is to stop aging. And the only way to achieve that alternative is to die young. Not a palatable nor a more attractive alternative, indeed. Since we cannot control and direct the winds in our voyage through this sometimes-harsh ocean of

‘80s youth show “That’s Entertainment.”

In the 1990s, he became known as the antagonist of mostly action films. His film credits include “Alyas Baby Face,” “Primitivo

life, we can at least, to quote a wise man, “adjust our sails,” and find happiness and peace during our journey and wherever fate takes us.

* * *

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

* * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions,

Ebok Ala: Kalaban Mortal ni Baby Ama,” “The Vizconde Massacre: God, Help Us!” and “Batas Ko ay Bala.” His most recent films in the 2000s include “Zombading:

beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * *

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

Ricky (left) shares a light moment with Atty. Gurfinkel (right) at the latter’s law office in downtown New York City.

Actor John Regala Philstar.com photo

America.

Fiesta in America 2023 set on August 19 in New Jersey

FIESTA in America, the biggest indoor trade and culture exposition in the U.S. East Coast, will mark its 26th anniversary at Court A of American Dream (the 2nd largest mall in the USA), East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 10 a.m.

Over 10,000 Filipino-Americans and 50,000 additional mall visitors are expected to attend.

“If you’re thinking of capitalizing on the growing Philippine market and the strong household income of Filipinos in the United States, this is the event to go to,” said Fernando Mendez, founder and CEO of not-for-profit Fiesta In America.

The indoor festival, popularly known as Philippine Fiesta, has been attended by more than 250,000 consumers, primarily Filipinos, since its inception.

The festival is also supported by hundreds of brands from the Philippines, the U.S., and other countries eager to tap into the lucrative Filipino-American market in the New York-New Jersey area.

“Stewarding Fiesta in America is my little way of promoting our culture, our products, and the beauty of our land as Fil-Ams’ beacon of pride,” said Mendez.

“Our mission has always been to connect Filipino entrepreneurs with mainstream business and Fil-Am consumers through a festival that highlights immigrant-centered services, Filipino products, heritage, and talent,” he added.

Fiesta in America brings together big-name brands in the U.S. and the Philippines, along with local small businesses, all under one roof. The event has grown so much that it has become one of the most effective platforms to promote micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as Philippine tourism. Over the years, it has evolved into a melting pot for Filipino and multicultural engagement.

Mendez and his partner, Laura Garcia, are also organizing the People’s Ball Gala on Aug. 13 at the Marriott Newark International Airport, New Jersey. The gala will be attended by over 400 influential leaders, movers, and shakers in the Fil-Am community in the U.S. East Coast.

“Fiesta is uniquely located at the junction of Filipino culture and U.S. diversity marketing,” said Mendez,

He explained that concerts by

Philippine artists and young talents from the New York metro area “actually comprise only half of what Fiesta In America is all about.”

The consumer expo segment commands equal attention, Mendez asserted. “Nostalgic immigrants and non-Filipinos intrigued by what the Philippines can offer pack the Trade Pavilion to load up on products not available in U.S. stores. Many are on the lookout for hot spots in less-touristy Philippine towns and provinces. Motivated by the dollar’s strength, they look out for real estate to invest in or for retirement, as well as medical, dental and eye-care services whose rates are a fraction of comparable U.S. healthcare services. Beyond the product showcase, attendees avail themselves of free health screenings and free workshops on various subjects from small business to start-ups to healthy food preparation. They dine on Philippine regional specialties in the food court, and enjoy artistic as well as fun activities for all age groups throughout the venue.”

For his civic engagement, Mendez received the 2016 Phoenix Award from the JCI Philippine-New York (Jaycees) in recognition of Exemplary Community Leadership. He has also been profiled several times in the Fil-Am Who’s Who. In 2021, he received the 5th Dr. Jose Rizal Circle of Excellence Awards for his ability to get people to work together through the annual Fiesta in America. He was also “knighted” in 2022, with the Order of the Knights of Rizal, Long Island, Chapter (KORLI).

Speaking from his midtown-

Manhattan office, two blocks from Grand Central Station and Pershing Square, Mendez, CEO and President, says he did not come from nowhere or just about anywhere. He had just finished a four-year stint as Art Director in an advertising agency in Billings, Montana, when the urge to move to the biggest city of them all nagged at him like the heckling sound of a hundred chickens at his grandfather’s backyard poultry farm in Caloocan, where he grew up.

In Billings, he established himself as an award-winning graphic artist, with a portfolio that boasts the rare distinction of having won a competition to design the logo of the city of Montana in 1984. It’s an unimaginable feat that a Filipino designed the seal of Billings.

Mendez also designed the winning logo of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI) in 2003 upon incorporation from being a Committee. Winning art contests is nothing new to Mendez, who started his apprenticeship and future career in design as art editor of The Varsitarian, the student newspaper of the University of Santo Tomas, where he graduated with a Fine Arts degree, majoring in Advertising.

Back then, Mendez won a number of in-and-out-of-campus art competitions that served as his passport to key positions in Manila’s advertising industry upon graduation in 1974. Notable among these was his last position as art director at Philippine Advertising Counselor (PAC), a leading ad agency in the Philippines, prior to moving to the United States.

He became the youngest art director at the agency, where he worked on blue-chip accounts, including San Miguel Beer, Marlboro, Singer, and Scott Paper. Among the many logos he designed were those for Insular Bank of Asia & America. He also won awards as art director of these multinational accounts on top of many other distinctions won in numerous art competitions in illustration, painting, graphic design, and print advertising.

‘Fiesta in America’ organizers are inviting sponsors, exhibitors, advertisers, and attendees to participate in the 2023 Fiesta In America and the People’s Ball Gala.

For more information, email info@ fiestainamerica.com or visit www. fiestainamerica.come n

Where do we go from here: Jodi, Joshua and Gabbi on ABS-CBN-GMA 7 collab

more beautiful.”

Jericho returns to acting ‘in front of the camera’ after four-year hiatus

By HannaH MallorCa Inquirer.net

JERICHO Rosales

couldn’t contain his excitement to return to acting, as he unveiled a sneak peak of his character, Cenon Santiago, in the upcoming prison series “Sellblock.”

Rosales took to his personal Instagram page on Sunday, June 4, to share some behind-the-scenes photos of himself as Cenon Santiago, where he was seen wearing a prison uniform while getting a mugshot at what appears to be a police station.

“I’m just very happy to be acting in front of the camera again. Hi to my #SellBlock fam. You all are amazing,” he said. “I’m honored… and happy I’m not waking up at 3am tomorrow. [tongue out emoji] Sweet meme.”

Rosales’ last teleserye was “Halik” with Yen Santos and Sam Milby, which ended in 2019, while he made the romantic-comedy film “The Girl in the Orange Dress” with Jessy Mendiola in 2018.

Fellow celebrities including Iza Calzado, Piolo Pascual, and Dimples Romana also expressed support for Rosales’ acting

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

SOMETIMES, there are events in our lives that need to happen no matter how painful because it’s going to redirect us to something

Thus said actress Jodi Sta. Maria, referring to the controversial nonrenewal of broadcast network ABS-CBN’s franchise in 2020 that eventually led to a groundbreaking

collaboration with rival channel GMA 7: The romantic drama series “Unbreak My Heart.”

The series, currently streaming on the Viu app and airing on the Kapuso network, also features

Joshua Garcia, Richard Yap and Gabbi Garcia.

“ABS-CBN was hit with a double whammy at the time. A few months into the pandemic, it was announced that our franchise would

comeback, as seen in the comments of the latter’s post.

Reports of Rosales headlining “Sellblock” was confirmed by U.S.-based media outlet Variety in March 2022, which will be produced by ABS-CBN and Manila-based BlackOps Studios Asia.

The actor will be joined by Cherry Pie Picache, Tirso Cruz III, Ronnie Lazaro, Rosanna Roces, Mon Confiado and RK Bagatsing. However, details about the premiere date and plot are yet to be disclosed.

“Sellblock” marks the actor’s return to showbiz after a four-year break from showbiz, sharing to Philippine Daily Inquirer that he’s set to open up his own production outfit. However, he didn’t reveal the name of the company in the report.

“The projects I’m working on take time, patience and a lot of effort. I’m determined to make them happen. My dream is to make excellent projects here, then showcase them abroad. That’s what we’re working on. It takes a lot of time to write and produce stuff, but I’m patient enough,” he was quoted as saying. n

Actor John Regala...

Patayin sa Shokot si Remington,” “The Road” and “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story.”

He won Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the latter 2011 film starring Jeorge E.R. Estregan. On TV, he appeared on “Captain Barbell,” “Encantadia (2005)” and “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.” n

Jericho Rosales Photo from Instagram/@jerichorosalesofficial

Laura Garcia and Nanding Mendez of Fiesta in America

Kim on sister’s miraculous recovery, dealing with fake friends

By marinEl cruz Inquirer.net

IT’S as if nothing happened to her,” said actress-TV host Kim Chiu about her big sister, Lakam, who was hospitalized last month.

According to Kim’s Instagram updates on her sister, Lakam was brought to the hospital on April 19 and was in the intensive care unit (ICU) until April 23. She regained consciousness on April 25 and was discharged days later. However, Kim chose not to share what Lakam’s illness was.

“I have been a devotee of Padre Pio. He really works miracles. It’s true! This is another one for me. I didn’t know what to do. I really thought my Ate wouldn’t be able to pull through. I

Julia replaces Bea in upcoming film with Alden

By HannaH mallorca Inquirer.net

BEA Alonzo’s loss is Julia Barretto’s gain once again after the latter agreed to take the Kapuso actress’ place in the upcoming film “Special Memory,” which also topbills Alden Richards.

Alonzo had begged off from the project due to her “full schedule.”

Barretto’s decision to join the cast of “Special Memory” has been confirmed by Viva president and CEO Vincent del Rosario III last Thursday, June 2, per Inquirer Bandera.

“Dating Alden-Bea, tapos nag-issue na naman kami ng statement (VIVA) and GMA na magpapahinga ata muna si Bea. So, si Julia na,” del Rosario said. “Ito ‘yung remake ng isang hit Korean movie ‘A Moment To Remember’ local version.”

(The film used to star Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo, then Viva and GMA announced in a statement that Bea stepped back from the project to rest. So, Julia will take over. This will be a

local remake of the film, “A Moment to Remember.”)

Del Rosario was further quoted as saying that Barretto is excited to start working with Richards, who has already costarred with several other Kapamilya in some movies.

Barretto is also set to start working on another project with Aga Muhlach initially labeled “Forgetting.”

“Well excited siya, hindi

lang dito pati ‘yung movie nila with Aga Muhlach ‘yung ‘Forgetting.’ Siyempre isa si Julia sa mga importanteng artista ng Viva so binibigyan siya ng magaganda at malalaking projects,” he said.

In May 2023, Alonzo’s management confirmed in a statement released to “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” that the actress had “respectfully beg[ged] off from the movie”

due to her “full schedule.” Talks of the project started as early as December 2020, and contracts for the film were signed in March 2021. The original movie stars South Korean actors Son Ye-jin and Jung Woo-sung, as it revolves around the hardships of a couple, where the former’s character Sujin suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. n

was really scared for her. I couldn’t do anything but pray,” Kim told reporters during her launch as the newest brand ambassador of the sanitary napkin brand, Sisters.

Asked what was going through her mind at the time her beloved sister was fighting for dear life, Kim said: “I went blank. My energy was so low that I also got sick. I didn’t know where I would get strength from, because my Ate has always been the person I run to when I’m feeling down. I just stayed at the Padre Pio chapel in Libis for a whole day.”

Right and left hand Thankfully, Lakam is now OK. In fact, Kim was already able to return to work, as host of the

Kris pens emotional birthday greeting to son Joshua amid separation

by EvangElinE valdErrama Inquirer.net

AS she is physically unable to be with her firstborn son Joshua on his 28th birthday, Kris Aquino will miss out his celebration and would just shop for new clothes for him to be delivered by a visiting “super special someone.”

In an Instagram post, Aquino said Josh’s birthday is a mix of happiness and sadness for her because she would be absent on the special day of her son, who is staying in the Philippines with some relatives, while she continues her stay in California in the United States for treatment of her autoimmune diseases.

“

Kuya, I miss you, and I love you so much… You’re where you want to be, surrounded by so many who love & care for you,” Kris shared, capturing her initial message.

“Yesterday was only the 4th time in 1 year of being in the (American flag) that mama went to a mall because I wanted to be the one to choose your new clothes. I’m so proud of you! Because of your discipline, jogging & swimming every

Kris Aquino with Josh

Photo from Instagram/@krisaquino

Kim Chiu with sister Lakam Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess

Julia Barretto, Alden Richards, Bea Alonzo Photos from Instagram/@juliabarretto, @aldenrichards02, @beaalonzo

Where do we go from here: Jodi, Joshua... Kim on sister’s miraculous recovery, dealing with...

not be renewed. What happened was that nadapa ka na nga, nasubsob ka pa nang sobra. I believe most of us thought, ‘Where do we go from here?’ ‘How do we move forward?’ It’s hard to refer to it as a ‘blessing in disguise.’ If you will try to look back, you will realize that there were things that you couldn’t find any logical explanation for,” Jodi told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent interview to promote the series that was shot on location in Switzerland and Italy.

“If ABS-CBN was still on free TV, I don’t think this partnership with GMA 7 would be possible at all. There will still be that rivalry. I also don’t think the partnership with other streaming platforms would happen. I’m just so thankful that I’m part of this redirection,” the actress pointed out.

‘No more competition’

“Today, there’s no more competition. Everyone is considered an ally. We are doing this for the audience and for the people working in this industry. This was the best thing that came out of a painful past experience,” Jodi declared.

Meanwhile, Gabbi Garcia, the Kapuso network’s main figurehead in the landmark project, agreed with Jodi and said: “I also didn’t think it was a ‘blessing in disguise’ because a lot of people got displaced as a result of what happened. I’m friends with a lot of people in ABSCBN. Nobody wanted that to happen.

“I’m just so grateful that, at least, something good came out of it. Let’s pray that more doors will open for everybody. I also hope that there will be more partnerships because, after all, we’re all in one industry,” Gabbi pointed out.

Discussions

In December 2022, executives of both networks began discussions for

the collaboration. ABSCBN’s production unit, Dreamscape Entertainment, was tasked to develop the show. In February 2023, the cast and crew flew to Europe to shoot the series.

In “Unbreak My Heart,” romance blossoms between a young man (Joshua) and a woman (Jodi), who is incidentally searching for her estranged daughter in Europe. After their relationship fails, a twist of fate brings him and her daughter together.

Asked what viewers can expect from the series, Joshua, who plays the lonely and troubled Renz, said: “This features different stories of love. It is also about how a number of characters try to ‘unbreak’ their hearts, meaning heal from previous experiences. You can learn a lot from the

with Papa Chen (Richard).”

An interesting promotional teaser for the program described it as such: “Destiny finds its way to show you a love that’s beyond ordinary.” When asked whether or not she believes in the idea of destiny, Gabbi replied: “My character, Alex, doesn’t believe in destiny but, as Gabbi, I do. My mom would always tell me when I was younger, ‘Kung para sa ‘yo, para sa ‘yo.’ That’s destiny for me. I would always get frustrated when I was a kid, especially when my contemporaries in the industry—those I see doing VTRs with me—are already professional actors. She would always say to me: Your time will come.”

Destiny

Josh agreed with Gabbi and said: “Everything that’s happening in our lives is part of a bigger story. This will all lead to what is meant for us in the future.”

noontime gameshow, “It’s Showtime!,” on April 28. “Sobrang OK na siya. God is good, indeed. My sister and I have been through a lot while growing up. She sacrificed so much for me. She’s my right hand, and also my left hand. That’s why when that happened to her, I felt lost,” Kim admitted. “I will always be here for her. I promised her that we will grow old together.”

The actress then told reporters: “It happened in a snap of a finger. That’s why you should all take care of your health. If your body is telling you that it’s already tired, then get some rest. Matindi ang inabot ni Ate I’m very thankful that she survived it.”

know what happened. These days, we’re friends again.”

Kim was referring to the quarrel she had in 2013 with actress Maja Salvador over ex-beau Gerald Anderson. The two girls have reconciled since. “Life is too short to dwell on awful things. I realized this during the pandemic lockdowns. I’d rather dwell on matters that I consider important to me. You’ll never know where you’ll end up tomorrow or next week. Let’s just work on ensuring our happiness. For me, being happy is part of living a healthy lifestyle.”

Kim is currently beaming with pride because she has just finished a “vacation house” that she had built especially for her 63-yearold father, William.

series, depending on which perspective you hold. It tells the struggles of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) in Europe, as well. It also shows the undying love of a parent, a partner and a friend.”

Not the typical boymeets-girl story

For Gabbi, “Unbreak My Heart” is not the typical boymeets-girl story. “A lot of twists are going to happen. As one of the actors, I get to read the script first. I tell you, every time there’s a fresh one, we always look forward to reading it. There’s always something new and exciting in terms of character development of all the leads in the series. This definitely offers a different flavor to the audience. They should watch out for the crazy love story that happens among our characters, as well as

While Jodi claimed to believe in destiny, too, she offered this interesting thought to mull over. “I have been thinking about the idea for days now. Has everything really been written for you and you’re just walking the story of your life, or do we have some sort of freedom to control the narrative of our stories? If you’re going to ask me now, my answer would be, I believe that even before we were conceived in the minds of our parents, there has already been something that’s laid out for us.

“But we cannot negate the fact that we have to be responsible also for the choices we make in life. Yes, maybe life has destined you to be a writer, for example, but if you don’t act on the opportunities given to you or if you don’t take care of the gifts meant for you, then how will this materialize? For me, it’s 50-50. Yes, you’re destined for something, but you also have to do something to achieve it,” she explained. n

Kris pens emotional birthday...

day, you’ve already lost more than 20 pounds,” added the TV host-actress.

The Queen of Talk further revealed her strong desire to personally give Joshua the gifts she bought and prepared for him, but it may take a while before she can return to the Philippines. She said that she would need to semi-isolate in three weeks because her immunity went down.

“Some people who love & miss you from here + 1 super

special person will arrive in a few days to personally bring home all your gifts,” Aquino said. “You promised me you’ll spend Christmas up to my birthday here. Please keep praying for all of us? Happy Birthday to our super guapo Kuya, I love you so much & yes I’m taking care of myself.”

Aquino did not say who the “super special person” she was referring to, but she recently confirmed that she is in a new relationship with a certain “Marc,” referring to Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, who has been visiting her in the U.S. n

Kim said her longtime boyfriend Xian Lim also showed emotional support. “He was always at the hospital. He would drop by after taping,” she said, adding that they are “very happy” when asked to describe the status of their romantic relationship.

When asked to share pointers on how to maintain a harmonious relationship with siblings, Kim said: “Misunderstandings and quarrels with your sisters are unavoidable. You should both learn to compromise. If one is extremely annoyed, the other should leave the room first and return when everyone is a lot calmer and less angry. As they say, ‘Don’t fight fire with fire.’ It’s similar to how you deal with a boyfriend, mas matimbang nga lang.”

True friend

Kim was also asked to share the traits she looks for in a “true friend.” To this, she replied: “It’s difficult to find true friends in show biz. We’re all busy and hardly see each other. Also, show biz is an environment where people could sometimes become bitter and envious of others. So consider yourself lucky if you have people you consider true friends here; those you can share secrets with, those you can laugh and be silly with.”

She continued: “It’s not a secret that Bela (Padilla) and Angelica (Panganiban) are the people I run to when I need advice about my personal problems. As for friends who eventually became traitors, that’s an old story. It’s as if you don’t

“I want him to be able to breathe fresh air. I want him to feel relaxed all the time. It’s cold there. I’m so happy because I’m able to fulfill one of my dreams for him and for my family. Actually, everything I do is for my family. I also want to be able to reward myself with something new for all the times I was away because of work. This inspires me and gives me the energy to work some more,” she pointed out.

Kim, who is involved in several business ventures, claimed she has no mentor to consult with in relation to her investments. “However, I know how it feels to not have money, that’s why I know how to save up now that I have more. The idea that I would return to having nothing is a terrifying thought for me. That’s why I work hard.”

She then recalled a memory of when she was younger and was still struggling financially. “I lived in different provinces while growing up. I went to school in cities such as Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Mindoro, General Santos, Zamboanga, Ormoc and Tacloban. My siblings and I were sent to different places because we have relatives there who were willing to finance our schooling. Every year, from April to May, we would feel lost and confused because we don’t know yet where we would be sent to so we could study,” she said. “That’s why when I finally had work, I told my siblings, ‘You will finally be able to graduate. We’ll all be OK.’” n

Jodi Sta. Maria as Rose

Gabbi Garcia as Alex GMA photos