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DATELINE USA

Attacker of elderly Filipino in Las Vegas charged with hate crime

A MAN accused of brutally assaulting an elderly Filipino man will be tried on hate crime-related charges, Clark County, Las Vegas District Attorney Steve Wolfson announced on Friday, June 16.

Christian Lentz, 44, accused of beating up Amadeo Quindara, 75, had been detained for felony residential burglary but was released a week after the May 30 incident.

Quindara was left with deep cuts on his head, a black eye and an emotional suffering that he says cannot be treated.

Lentz’s release triggered protests from the public. Lentz now faces charges including

New York City celebrates Philippine Independence Day with Flag Raising Ceremony at Bowling Green

by MoMar G. Visaya AJPress

IN a symbolic gesture of recognition and appreciation, Mayor Eric Adams and city officials gathered at Bowling Green on Friday, June 16 to host a flag-raising ceremony commemorating the 125th anniversary of Philippine Independence.

“We consider this flag-raising ceremony

in this hallowed grounds as a recognition of the many contributions and achievements of Filipinos to New York City. And for that, we are very grateful,” said Consul General Senen Mangalile expressing his gratitude to Mayor Adams and his administration for hosting the ceremony.

He highlighted the importance of looking back to the date of June 12, 1898, when the Philippines proclaimed its independence and

honoring the sacrifices made by the ancestors for freedom and self-determination.

Mangalile also celebrated the presentday heroes represented by the Filipino community in New York City, emphasizing their contributions in various fields such as healthcare, military service, law enforcement, entrepreneurship, and the arts.

He acknowledged the resilience of Filipino

PH, China make headway on ‘fishing ban’ – Marcos

by nesTor Corrales Inquirer.net

MANILA — Manila and Beijing were “making some progress” toward a breakthrough in resolving their dispute over China’s annual fishing ban in the South China Sea that had been the bane of Filipino fisherfolk for over two decades, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told reporters in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 20.

The president said the two sides had reached the point of having “coordination” on fishing activities despite China’s unilateral imposition of a fishing ban in the resource-rich waterway.

“We already have coordination with them (China) when there is a fishing ban so there won’t be a sudden fishing ban. At least we can

Romualdez assures American businesses of investor-friendly policies

MANILA — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez assured American businesses on Wednesday, June 21 of the commitment of Congress to support the initiatives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. aimed at making the Philippines a more investor-friendly environment.

Speaking to members of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines (AmCham) at their June General Membership Luncheon Meeting at the

Top PH CEOs push P267-B Naia rehab proposal

by Tyrone Jasper C. piad Inquirer.net

MANILA — The leaders of some of the country’s top conglomerates, along with their New York-based partner Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), came out in full force on Monday, June 19 to pitch their P267-billion unsolicited proposal to rehabilitate Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), while reiterating the

No backlash on ties if PH declines US request on Afghans – envoy

by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net

MANILA — Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez is seeing no consequence on the country’s relations with America if the Philippines declines its ally’s request for the accommodation of 50,000 Afghans.

need for 25 years to realize the big-ticket project. During a press briefing in Makati City, the Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC) shared its strategy—to be implemented in phases—to expand the capacity of the congested airport, ultimately increasing it to 70 million passengers annually from the current 31 million. u

In an interview on Wednesday, June 21, Romualdez was asked if Manila-Washington ties will be

affected if the Philippines do not grant such a request of the U.S. “Not at all,” he replied over ANC. “There are many more things that we need to make with the US. There is mutual respect, in my view, between the U.S. and the Philippines, especially now [that] they know that the Philippines is a sovereign nation and that we have our own laws, we have things that we want.”

He, however, pointed out that sheltering the distressed Afghans is

Consul General Senen Mangalile (right) presents a special token to Mayor Eric Adams at the Bowling Green flag raising ceremony which marked the celebration of the 125th anniversary of the Philippine Independence. Filipino artist Ronald Cortez

(left) painted Mayor Adams wearing a Barong Tagalog, from a photograph taken last October 2022 when the Philippine flag was raised at Bowling Green for the first time ever.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez assures members of the American Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines of Congress’ commitment to fostering international trade and collaboration. Inquirer.net photo

Romualdez assures American businesses...

Fairmont Hotel, Romualdez emphasized the partnership between the Executive and Legislative branches in the nation’s economic growth and investment attraction.

“The 19th Congress, in partnership with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., is committed to creating an environment that fosters economic growth and attracts investments,” Romualdez said.

“As Speaker of the House of Representatives, it is my duty to promote policies that enhance the growth and prosperity of our nation, and I believe that our partnership with the American business community is vital to achieving these goals,” he added.

Romualdez said that Congress is committed to addressing infrastructure development, a key driver of economic growth. He noted that their efforts aim to rectify issues that have been stalling progress. The government’s “Build Better More” program, he said, stays at the forefront of development initiatives.

“We aim to strengthen our infrastructure through the passage of landmark bills. Congress would push for

legislation that streamlines the permitting process, promotes public-private partnerships, and ensures the sustainable financing of infrastructure projects,” Romualdez said.

Romualdez also emphasized the commitment of Congress to enhancing the country’s education and skills development systems to remain competitive in the global economy. He said that they would prioritize measures to improve the business environment, including tax reforms promoting simplicity, fairness, and competitiveness.

“We will also work towards easing regulatory burdens and enhancing transparency to create a more businessfriendly climate that attracts both local and foreign investors,” he said.

Romualdez also said the 19th Congress would focus on sustainable development, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and addressing climate change. They also plan to enhance the justice system’s efficiency, tackle corruption, and safeguard citizens’ rights and freedoms.

He said that before adjourning its First Regular

New York City celebrates Philippine...

Session this month, the 19th Congress had approved 33 out of the 42 priority measures of the Marcos administration, three of which have been signed into law.

He cited the Maharlika Investment Fund bill, which seeks to create the country’s first-ever sovereign investment fund, as an example of approved measures. This fund, Romualdez noted, “is designed to promote economic development by making strategic and profitable investments in key sectors including public road networks, tollways, green energy, water, agroindustrial ventures, and telecommunications.”

As the bill awaits Marcos’ signature, it is expected to become a major funding source for the administration’s large-scale infrastructure projects.

Romualdez noted that the ongoing global conflicts and the pandemic have caused financial disruptions and reversed the country’s economic gains, necessitating an aggressive approach to expanding the country’s revenue sources.

(By Antonio Iñares/Inquirer. net) n

No backlash on ties if PH...

the “morally right thing to do.”

According to Romualdez, humanitarian acts such as this help boost the nation’s relationship with foreign countries, citing as an example former President Manuel Quezon’s decision to house more than 1,000 Jewish refugees in the 1930s.

“At the end of the day, this is purely humanitarian in nature. They are really distressed Afghan residents. We’ve had history of this type of humanitarian act in the past. I see the goodwill that it creates, if we help other countries, especially those in distress and need our help,” he stressed.

But the ambassador likewise defended the

Americans in overcoming adversity and their positive impact on American society.

“Fil-Am history is replete with so many stories of overcoming adversity, enduring discrimination, being shortchanged when it comes to federal benefits such as our veterans of the Second World War and basically having to pull themselves up by their bootstraps,” Mangalile said. “Filipino Americans have triumphed over these challenges and have proven themselves a positive contribution to the fabric of American society.”

The event was attended by Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, Sr., Consul General Mangalile, Deputy Mayor Maria TorresSpringer, Commissioner Anne del Castillo of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, Commissioner Manuel Castro of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, Commissioner Edward Mermelstein of the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs, Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga of the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection, Bowling Green Chairman Arthur Piccolo, and various officials, and members of the Filipino American community.

Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer also expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the ceremony as she emphasized the significance of the event in celebrating the rich history and extraordinary contributions of the Filipino community in New York City.

“We are here to celebrate the very rich history of the Philippines, the extraordinary contributions of Fil-Ams, and the amazing community of Pinoys here in this great city,” Torres-Springer said. “Now, I come from a long line of very proud Filipinos, strivers, doers, survivors in their own right and my father Manny used to tell me that every bloodline runs in the Filipino.”

important symbolically but just as or even more important is the fact that there is a representation of Filipino Americans within the administration, both at City Hall and that leadership across the different agencies,” Torres-Springer said. “And that’s critical because Filipino Americans should not just be seen, but their voices, their needs, their challenges, and their potential should be represented in how city government runs and its aspiration.”

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), emphasizing that it is equally necessary to critically examine the Afghans before they are allowed to enter the Philippines as it is part of the country’s immigration laws.

He previously clarified that the U.S. government’s request is for the Philippines to accommodate its former employees and their families “whose lives are in danger” in Afghanistan.

“DFA wants to vet this out or bring this out to all different security agencies to be able to get their inputs before having an announcement, [but] now that it’s out in the open, all the more that we will be able to vet this even more,” Romualdez added.

The Palace, for its part, said it is still evaluating the U.S. request. Romualdez said the Philippine government should be able to make a decision on the matter by mid-July. n

Torres-Springer also highlighted the diverse backgrounds that make up the city and acknowledged the importance of ensuring representation and shared power for all communities.

In his speech, Mayor Adams reiterated the importance of symbolism and substance in acknowledging the contributions of the Filipino community.

“The raising of the flag here at Bowling Green is a symbolic gesture of stating that we acknowledge you, we see you, we know your commitment, your dedication, and how much you have played such a crucial role in the city,” he said.

Adams, emphasizing the need for substantive actions to accompany symbolic gestures, mentioned the appointment of Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer and Commissioner Anne del Castillo as example of empowering and uplifting Filipino Americans in positions of influence and decision-making within his administration.

The mayor also highlighted the significance of the Filipino community’s contributions to various sectors of the city’s economy, including healthcare, small businesses, law enforcement, and the arts. He emphasized the strength and resiliency of New York City and the importance of embracing diverse cultures while upholding the American Dream.

”As the mayor mentioned during his remarks, the raising of the flag is

The flag-raising ceremony served as a moment of gratitude, celebration, and unity, and by honoring the past and recognizing the present achievements of the Filipino American community, city officials aim to strengthen the ties that bind communities together and promote a future of inclusivity and shared success.

“Today as we hoist both flags of the United States of America and the Philippines, we honor the great City of New York that has made the American dream a reality for many Filipinos,” Mangalile said.

Commissioner Del Castillo, who heads the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment echoed Mangalile’s words, adding that she is grateful to the mayor to serve in this capacity.

“I don’t even have the words to describe the feeling of pride that I have, that my home city is honoring my ancestral homeland on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of Philippine independence, that level of recognition from the greatest city in the world just sends such a signal to the people all over the world of the place that Filipinos have here in New York,” Del Castillo told the local Fil-Am media moments after the event.

As New York City continues to evolve and embrace its diverse communities, events like the flag-raising ceremony serve as reminders that inclusivity and shared power are fundamental to the city’s success. The celebration of Philippine independence serves as a reminder of the importance of heritage, history, and the contributions of all communities that have shaped the vibrant tapestry of New York City. n

Mayor Eric Adams delivers his speech and recognized two of the highest-ranking Filipino Americans in his cabinet - Deputy Mayor Maria Torres Springer and Commissioner Anne del Castillo of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment.

AJPress Photo by Momar G. Visaya

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez.

Photo from Inquirer/Marianne Bermudez

Top PH CEOs push P267-B...

At the briefing to represent the conglomerates in the consortium were Ayala Corp. president Cezar Consing, Aboitiz InfraCapital president Cosette Canilao, JG Summit Holdings treasurer Bach Johann Sebastian, LT Group chief financial Jose Gabriel Olives, Filinvest Development Corp. president and CEO Josephine Gotianun-Yap and Alliance Global-InfraCorp Development Inc. chair and president Kevin Tan.

GIP vice chair Jim Yong Kim, a former World Bank president, stressed the need for Naia to undergo an extensive rehabilitation so the Philippines can take advantage of the resurgence in tourism activities.

“The Philippines, with the most beautiful beaches, the warmest hospitality and a deep pool of welltrained English-speaking talent cannot be allowed to fall behind because of an underperforming gateway airport,” he said.

Upfront payment

Of the P267-billion proposal, about P210 billion is allocated for capital

investments in airfield and runway upgrades, terminal expansion, new cargo facilities and taxiway extension.

The remaining P57 billion is the upfront concession payment to the government, which is touted to be the “largest ever” payment for a transportation public-private partnership project in the country.

Given the massive investment required to complete the project as envisioned, a minimum contract period of 25 years is being sought.

“The amount the consortium will be investing will only work under a 25year concession period so

that we can have an airport that we can be proud of,” stressed Gotianun-Yap.

But based on the P141billion solicited proposal by the government, the chosen private concessionaire will only be given 15 years to rehabilitate Naia and recoup investments. The proposal is under review by the National Economic and Development Authority.

“A 15-year concession period will not really do much in terms of transforming the airport. We’ve already studied that before,” said Tan on the sidelines of the event.

Asked if MIAC was open to revising their bid, if ever, Tan said: “Right now, it is 25.” n

Passengers line up at the entrance of the departure area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. The Department of Transportation took a step closer to rehabilitating the “stressful” airport. File photo

PH, China make headway on ‘fishing...

have a plan,” Marcos said.

“We are making some progress in that regard,” he added.

Since 1999, Beijing has imposed a yearly fishing ban in the vast South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, or the parts within the country’s 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ), despite a 2016 arbitral ruling recognizing the Philippines’ sovereign right to fish and explore for resources in those waters.

Other income source

“When they say there will be a fishing ban in two months’ time, we can make a plan,” Marcos said.

“What will our fishermen do? So let’s give them another livelihood or another source of income.”

In May, the president said Beijing had agreed to discuss the fishing rights of Filipino fisherfolk in the South China Sea, as many of them often experience harassment from Chinese vessels even in their traditional fishing grounds.

“These things do not come very quickly… but we are slowly making progress because the key to that is the improved communication between the Philippine government and the Chinese government,” the president said.

Marcos had ordered the Philippine Coast Guard and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to create a map of the Philippines’ fishing grounds in the West Philippine Sea, which he planned to present to China.

In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, ruled in favor of the Philippines by invalidating China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea and recognizing the right of Filipinos to fish in those waters.

Beijing has refused to acknowledge that decision.

On June 16, a Chinese navy ship reportedly shadowed the Philippine civilian patrol vessel BRP Francisco Dagohoy as it was heading back to Palawan from the Philippine-occupied Pag-asa Island.

Asked to comment on the incident, Marcos suggested that Beijing was actually becoming less hostile.

International rights group calls out US for allowing hospitals to push millions into debt

by Noam N. Levey KFF Health News

‘A little progress’

“The latest report is that they were just tailed, unlike before [when] they were being blocked. So there’s a little progress there,” he said. “That is because we are continuing to talk to the Chinese government, President Xi (Jinping), in every way.”

Marcos said he had pressed the matter during his bilateral meeting with Xi in Beijing in January.

“Let’s not talk about the territory because we can’t decide [on] it now that we are talking. Let’s prioritize the fisheries, because I say, the people are innocent, why should we punish them,” he recalled telling China’s leader.

China says the fishing ban, which lasts from May to August, is intended to promote sustainable fishing and improve marine ecology. The Philippines has repeatedly protested the imposition.

The May 1 to Aug. 16 fishing ban covers waters north of the 12th parallel and two of the 12 fishing management areas of the Philippines — designated as Zones 5 and 6 by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

These zones include waters surrounding the provinces of Antique, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, and Batangas.

The ban roughly covers waters west of Palawan’s Busuanga Island all the way north past Panatag (Scarborough)

Shoal, also called Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales.

In 2019, Malacañang said the Chinaimposed fishing moratorium was against the sovereignty of the Philippines.

In May 2021, the DFA filed a diplomatic protest against China’s fishing ban in the South China Sea, saying the prohibition encroached into parts of the country’s EEZ and put Filipino fishers at risk of attack.

Bigger fish haul

A year later, the DFA filed a new diplomatic protest against the ban, which it said covered areas in the West Philippine Sea over which the Philippines enjoyed “sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”

But China rejected the Philippines’ diplomatic protests. At a press conference in Beijing on June 1, 2022, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said China could not accept the DFA’s “unwarranted accusation.”

On Tuesday, Marcos said the improving ties with China had already led to a BFAR projection of a bigger haul for Filipino fishers.

BFAR spokesperson Nazario Briguera said on Saturday that the West Philippine Sea had contributed 6 percent to the country’s total fisheries production, as of 2022.

Data from BFAR showed there were 376,733 fishers in the West Philippine Sea as of January this year.

—with a report from Inquirer researchn

Attacker of elderly...

PAGE 1

residential burglary and elder abuse, perpetrated as hate crimes.

Quindara was reportedly having a conversation in Tagalog with a friend in his own garage when Lentz allegedly intruded and told him to “speak English.” He then came back the next day and pushed Quindara to ground and punched him several times.

With the new charges, Lentz could face a burglary sentence of a minimum oneyear; maximum of 10 years,

HUMAN Rights Watch, the nonprofit that for decades has called attention to the victims of war, famine, and political repression around the world, is taking aim at U.S. hospitals for pushing millions of American patients into debt.

In a new report, published June 15, the group calls for stronger government action to protect Americans from aggressive billing and debt collection by nonprofit hospitals, which Human Rights Watch said are systematically undermining patients’ human rights.

“Given the high prevalence of hospital-related medical debt in the US, this system is clearly not working,” concludes the report, which draws extensively on an ongoing investigation of medical debt by KFF Health News and NPR.

The report continues: “The U.S. model of subsidizing privately operated hospitals with tax exemptions in the hope that they will increase the accessibility of hospital care for un- and underinsured patients allows for abusive medical billing and debt collection practices and undermines human rights, including the right to health.”

human rights issues,” he said. “But on medical debt, the U.S. is a real outlier. What you see is a system that privileges a few but creates large barriers to people accessing basic health rights.”

Hospital industry officials defend their work, citing hospitals’ broader work to help the communities they serve. “As a field, hospitals provide more benefit to their communities than any other sector in health care,” Melinda Hatton, general counsel at the American Hospital Association, wrote in a response to the Human Right Watch report.

Federal law requires private, tax-exempt hospitals — which make up more than half the nation’s medical centers — to provide care at no cost or at a discount to low-income patients. But reporting by KFF Health News and others has found that many hospitals make this aid difficult for patients to get.

At the same time, thousands of medical centers — including many tax-exempt ones — engage in aggressive debt collection tactics to pursue patients, including garnishing patients’ wages, placing liens on their homes, or selling their debt to thirdparty debt collectors.

plus a consecutive sentence of 1 to 10 years.

For elder abuse, he faces a minimum sentence of one year; maximum of 5 years, plus a consecutive sentence of 1 to 5 years. That charge could also result in a maximum fine of $10,000.

Wolfson noted that the court can also treat elder abuse with a hate crime enhancement as a gross misdemeanor, which would carry a maximum jail sentence of 364 days and a maximum $2,000 fine.

(Inquirer.net) n

Nationwide, about 100 million people — or 41% of adults — have some form of health care debt, a KFF survey conducted for the KFF Health News-NPR project found. And while patient debt is being driven by a range of medical and dental bills, polls and studies suggest hospitals are a major contributor.

About a third of U.S. adults with health care debt owed money for hospitalization, KFF’s polling found. Close to half of those owed at least $5,000. About a quarter owed $10,000 or more.

The scale of this crisis — which is unparalleled among wealthy nations — compelled Human Rights Watch to release the new report, said researcher Matt McConnell, its author. “Historically, Human Rights Watch has been an organization that has focused on international

Overall, KFF Health News found that most of the nation’s approximately 5,100 hospitals serving the general public have policies to use legal action or other aggressive tactics against patients. And 1 in 5 will deny nonemergency care to people with outstanding debt.

“Medical debt is drowning many low-income and working families while hospitals continue to benefit from nonprofit tax status as they pursue families for medical debt,” said Marceline White, executive director of Economic Action Maryland. The advocacy group has helped enact tighter rules to ensure Maryland hospitals make financial assistance more easily accessible and to restrict hospitals from some aggressive debt collection tactics, such as placing liens on patients’ homes.

ALL FUN. Colorful costumes, stilt walkers, street party, music festival, dancing, food bazaar and community games mark Barangay Kamuning’s Festival in Quezon City on Sunday, June 18. Residents said the celebration that started Saturday, June 17 wasalso their way of honoring the community’s resilience, especially after the tough years of the pandemic. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

TRADITIONAL FISHING GROUND. In this November 2016 photo, a Filipino fisherman catches fish as the China Coast Guard patrols Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, a traditional fishing ground for Zambales and Pangasinan fishers. File photo by Richard A. Reyes / Philippine Daily Inquirer

Features OpiniOn ‘Filipino mentality’

IN interviews throughout the pandemic, those who were hit hard by the COVID-19 lockdowns expressed a common sentiment: while they appreciated emergency dole-outs or ayuda from the government, they wanted to be self-reliant, to have regular jobs and sustainable livelihoods

So President Marcos is correct in saying the “Filipino mentality” prefers work to dole-outs in improving one’s plight. The president issued the statement in a vlog entry last Saturday, in which he gave a recap of his activities for the week. Among these were the provision of emergency relief aid to those affected by the restiveness of Mayon Volcano as well as the distribution of farm equipment and launch of livelihood and internship programs.

In times of need, the president observed, Filipinos prefer not to wait for assistance, but to find work and a sure source of income to improve their plight. “That’s the Filipino mentality,” he declared. “They prefer to work than to rely on aid.”

But Filipinos need the proper environment for meaningful employment and livelihood

opportunities. Beyond providing dole-outs, the bigger challenge for the government is to create that environment. It should foster enough income opportunities that will stop the continuing exodus of Filipinos for greener pastures outside their own homeland. The overseas Filipino workers’ phenomenon is the biggest manifestation of the lack of opportunities in this country.

The government cannot stop anyone from going abroad for better employment. And the massive remittances from OFWs fuel the Philippines’ consumer-driven economic growth. But with a tenth of the working population overseas, the country is also feeling the impact of the brain drain and the lack of skilled manpower required in many sectors for growing the economy.

Among the worst affected are front-line services such as health care and education, where the quality of services has steadily deteriorated. The education crisis in turn has affected the quality of the Philippine workforce and overall national competitiveness.

Studies in the past years have pointed out that meaningful income opportunities can be

created to make it unnecessary for Filipinos to find work overseas or in urban centers. The studies noted that among the sectors where such opportunities can be generated onsite are agriculture, tourism and the creative industries. With the proper environment, the “Filipino mentality” can thrive in these sectors. (Philstar.com)

A Filipino legacy of humanitarian compassion

chairperson, Senator Marcos was extremely helpful in bringing out all the concerns we may have on this very important issue.

WE were pleased that Senator Imee Marcos called for a Senate inquiry last Friday, June 16 to shed light on the proposed temporary housing in the Philippines of Afghan nationals applying for a U.S. special immigrant visa (SIV). As Senate foreign relations committee

There is no doubt that such a request from an important ally should be thoroughly vetted so that all issues and concerns would be studied, with the pros and cons carefully weighed and considered.

The Senate inquiry gave us an opportunity to provide

details regarding the request that was made by the United States in October last year via a “concept note” outlining the proposal for the Philippines to temporarily host Afghan nationals – specifically those who were formerly employed by the U.S. government and their qualified dependents –while they wait for their SIV applications to be processed by the U.S. embassy in Manila.

As was explained during

the Senate foreign relations committee hearing last Friday, the proposal was then cascaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs – acting as the lead agency – to relevant government agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their comments and inputs, with representatives from more agencies also added as the

discussions went underway.

There is absolutely nothing “secret” about the proposal since different agencies involved in assessing the security implications of the proposal would be consulted. Precisely, intelligence and security agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and others were invited in reviewing the process to assess the

background of the Afghan nationals who will be applying for the SIV and provide their important evaluation on the risk of infiltration by extremist and terrorist groups.

The United States has made it clear: the Afghan nationals applying for the SIV will only be housed in the Philippines on a temporary basis, with all costs of the entire process to be shouldered by the U.S.

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

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Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

Dateline PhiliPPines

Consortium touts ‘fastest’ way to upgrade NAIA

by ed PAOlO SAlting ManilaTimes.net

THE Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC)

on Monday, June 19 touted its P267-billion proposal as the “fastest route” to modernizing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

During a press briefing, the MIAC said its unsolicited proposal (USP) has already completed the necessary technical, economic and financial studies.

The consortium is made up of six of the Philippines’ biggest conglomerates — Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corp., Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corp., Alliance GlobalInfracorp Development Inc., Filinvest Development Corp. and JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corp.

It said that if awarded the concession this year, its master plan can be implemented soon after.

The USP “represents the fastest route to the rehabilitation and modernization that NAIA urgently needs,” Cosette Canilao, president and chief executive officer of Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc., said.

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) already

Phivolcs: Mayon eruption ‘quiet, gentle’ but alert level 3 remains

submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) a P141billion solicited proposal to upgrade the airport under a public-private partnership (PPP) setup.

The proposal gives the private concessionaire 15 years to operate the airport and recover its investment.

For Canilao, “the unsolicited procurement mode of the BOT Law is a powerful tool of the government to fast track infrastructure development provided the proposal is properly prepared, backed by credible and qualified proponents, and adheres to the rules, policies and guidelines of the government.”

She said MIAC’s unsolicited proposal “unequivocally meets all those criteria. We have done the homework; it is a turnkey proposal ready for government evaluation and has the financing to get boots and shovels on the ground.”

MIAC’s P267-billion package includes P211 billion in capital investments, P57 billion of which will be rolled out over the first five years, with the remaining P154 billion to be invested over the remainder of the proposed 25-year concession period.

It also includes an unprecedented P57-billion concession payment to the

government — the largest ever upfront concession payment offered for a transportation PPP project in the country, whether solicited or unsolicited.

Beyond the P267 billion of upfront payment and capital investments, the government is also projected to receive an additional P280 billion over the course of the concession period from revenue sharing and taxes.

Kevin Tan, chairman and president of Alliance GlobalInfraCorp Development, said the consortium “recognizes the immense task of transforming NAIA to meet the exponentially growing demands of Mega Manila air travel, not only in the here and now but also in the future.”

He said the consortium aims to more than double the airport’s declared capacity from 31 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to about 70 MPPA in the long term.

Dr. Jim Yong Kim, vice chairman and partner of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), said the rehabilitation of NAIA is essential “if Manila is to become the regional economic hub we know it can be.”

GIP is one of the world’s leading infrastructure investors and airport operators, whose portfolio

International rights group calls out...

Similar efforts are underway in other states, including Colorado, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington. But many patient and consumer advocates say stronger federal action is needed to expand patient protections.

The Human Rights Watch report — titled “In Sheep’s Clothing: United States’ Poorly Regulated Nonprofit Hospitals Undermine Health Care Access” — lists more than a dozen recommendations. These include: Congress should pass legislation to ensure that hospitals provide at least the same amount of charity care as they receive in public subsidies.

The IRS should set uniform national standards on patients’ eligibility for financial assistance at nonprofit hospitals. Currently, hospitals are free to set their own standards, resulting in widespread variation, which can confuse patients.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau,

a federal watchdog agency, should crack down on debt collectors that do not ensure that patients have been screened for financial assistance before being pursued.

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which administers the two mammoth public insurance programs, should penalize hospitals that do not provide adequate financial assistance to patients.

“Nonprofit hospitals are contributing to medical debt and engaging in abusive billing and debt collection practices,” McConnell said. “The reason this keeps happening is the absence of clear guidelines and the federal government’s inadequate enforcement of existing regulations.”

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

by Arlie O. CAlAlO ManilaTimes.net

MAYON Volcano continues to erupt

“in a gentle and quiet” mode as alert level 3 remains, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Tuesday, June 20.

Phivolcs director Teresito “Toto” Bacolcol told The Manila Times via Viber that the agency is still closely monitoring Mayon’s behavior, especially its parameters which are the bases for downgrading or raising its alert status.

At present, Bacolcol said Level 3 stays over the volcano which means that there remains a relatively high unrest and an increased tendency toward hazardous eruption.

“What we see are low-level parameters, largely similar to its 2014 effusive eruption,” he said.

An effusive eruption is dominated by the outpouring, fountaining or ejection of fluid lava, the magma has low viscosity or it is runny, making gas escape easily, according to Phivolcs.

“Effusive eruption involves the gentle

release of lava on the edifice of the volcano,” Bacolcol said.

In the past 24 hours, the Mayon Volcano Network (MVN) said that very slow effusion of lava from its summit crater continued to feed lava flows and collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies.

The MVN said that a total of two domecollapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) that lasted two to three minutes, 301 rock fall events, and one volcanic earthquake were recorded.

“Continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 800 meters before drifting to the general west,” it said.

Meanwhile, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 389 tons/day on June 19, 2023 as compared with June 18’s 889 tons/day.

Bacolcol said affected residents living within the permanent danger zone, who have since been evacuated when Phivolcs raised the alert level to its current status last June 8, must remain at the evacuation centers.

He said the volcano may still have a violent eruption or PDCs, landslides or rock fall events may occur. n

Global competitiveness: PH drops 4 spots to 52nd

by Catherine talavera Philstar.com

MANILA — Despite posting improvements in its overall economic performance, the Philippines has dropped four steps in this year’s World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) due to declines in the infrastructure, government and business efficiency factors.

Based on the WCY prepared by the International Institute of Management Development (IMD), the Philippines ranked 52nd among 64 economies after suffering declines in three of the four main factors or dimensions of competitiveness.

The country ranked 48th last year.

The Philippines posted declines in all the sub-factors under government efficiency. These include public finance (from 51st in 2022 to 55th in 2023), tax policy (from 13th to 14th), institutional framework (from 53rd to 56th), business legislation (from 52nd to

57th) and societal framework (from 50th to 53rd).

The country also posted a decline in the business efficiency factor, ranking 40th from 39th, as well as in the infrastructure factor to 58th from 57th in the previous year.

In contrast, the Philippines surged 13 notches higher in the economic performance factor, emerging at 40th from 53rd last year.

Among the sub-factors under the economic performance factor that saw improvements are domestic economy (from 48th in 2022 to 30th in 2023), employment (from 19th to 9th in 2023) and prices (from 58th to 39th).

“Some of the challenges that the Philippines faces in 2023 include sustaining economic recovery and growth momentum amidst global downside risks, strengthening social protection and health care systems for inclusive development, addressing learning gaps to improve local

education system, investing in sustainable infrastructure to reduce climate change vulnerability and reinforcing efficient public management strategies to support fiscal responsibility,” said the Asian Institute of Management Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness, the IMD’s Philippine partner institute for producing the WCY.

The report noted that the Philippines continues to rank 13th among 14 economies in the Asia-Pacific region, the same ranking for the past six years.

The WCY ranks economies using 255 ranked criteria spread across four Competitiveness Factors: Economic Performance, Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency and Infrastructure.

Of the indicators, 162 are based on hard data gathered from national sources, while the remaining indicators are perception-based ones

Marcos: Filipinos want livelihood, not dole-out

by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com workers.

HEAVY TRAFFIC. Motorists experience heavy traffic along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) in front of Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 20 due to the strong rains and wind. In its 4 p.m. forecast, the weather bureau said this was due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone and localized thunderstorms. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Consortium touts...

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includes international hubs such as London Gatwick Airport, Sydney Airport and Edinburgh Airport.

The consortium’s NAIA master plan has three key phases of development.

Phase 1, also called Quick Wins, will be implemented in the first two years and is intended to raise the capacity of the airport to 54 million passengers per annum (MPPA) by 2025 and improve reliability while reducing queuing times.

Phase 2 will increase the airport’s capacity to 62.5 MPPA by 2028 by expanding the terminal floor area and adding airfield facilities and improvements in crossterminal transportation.

Phase 3 will further increase NAIA’s capacity to approximately 70 MPPA by 2048 and consists of long-term expansion and development projects to further expand terminal space and airfield capacity.

The consortium projects the rehabilitation of NAIA to generate P446 billion in gross economic value. This

includes, in gross value basis, P100 billion from gross value-add in tourism activities, P152 billion from increased passenger comfort, P60 billion from passenger time savings, P65 billion from aircraft decongestion savings, and P65 billion from new local jobs.

“We will spend around P267 billion in order to get this airport up to speed,” Ayala Corp. president and CEO Cezar Consing said. “Now out of the said figure, around P57 billion is just the concession figure. Afterwards, another P57 billion will be the capital expenditures (Capex) for the rehabilitation of NAIA for the first 5 years. Finally, around P154 billion will be the Capex for year 6 to year 25.”

In 2019, NEDA’s Investment Coordination Committee approved a P102billion unsolicited proposal from Ayala Corp., Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Alliance Global Group Inc., Asia Emerging Dragon, Filinvest Development, JG Summit and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. to rehabilitate the NAIA. n

Global competitiveness...

PAGE 9

derived from an Executive Opinion Survey of mid- and upperlevel managers in each country covered.

This year’s results reflect the impact of different crises such as global inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Arturo Bris, director of the World Competitiveness Center.

“Political fragmentation is a result of COVID-19 and the Ukraine war, and a major upshot is that more and more countries – Singapore, Saudi Arabia and India, for example – are pursuing their own interests. With inflation pressures easing and uncertain stock markets, we are now able to see winners and losers in a context where multiple crises overlap,” Bris said.

Denmark ranks as the top competitive economy in the 2023 WCY rankings, followed by Ireland and Switzerland.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the top three most competitive economies are Singapore (4th), Taiwan (6th) and Hong Kong (7th).

Russia and Ukraine were not assessed for this year’s report due to limited data reliability.

MANILA – President Marcos has vowed to sustain his administration’s livelihood programs, citing the “Filipino mentality” which he said is not reliant on dole-outs.

In his YouTube vlog on Saturday, June 17, Marcos gave a recap of his activities last week, which included his Independence Day celebration attendance, the launching of various development programs and the distribution of different types of government assistance to residents affected by the restiveness of Mayon Volcano.

Marcos said giving of immediate relief to the needy would continue, but clarified that the distribution program goes beyond doling out cash.

“The quest for freedom from poverty is a struggle that the government continues to face. So the distribution of aid that temporarily assists our countrymen will not be stopped. It provides immediate relief to thousands of Filipino families. But our distribution program is different because

He reiterated his call for unity, saying it is the only way to free Filipinos from any trial they are facing as a nation.

The Philippines’ friendship with countries that became part of its history would provide more opportunities to diligent and talented Filipinos, Marcos added.

In contrast, Kuwait joined the list of surveyed economies for the first time and was ranked 38th among 64 economies. n

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo it does not only provide financial aid. We also provide livelihood means,” Marcos said in Filipino. He cited the distribution of farm equipment like harvesters and rice seeders, the government’s integrated livelihood and internship programs and scholarships.

“These are not just cash assistance, but an opportunity for Filipinos to find livelihood. They are not just relying on aid. What we are seeing is in times of need, Filipinos do not just wait for assistance. Filipinos are diligent and it would be better for Filipinos if they

work, if they have a sure source of income and if there is hope that they will be able to improve their plight,” the President said.

“That’s the Filipino mentality. They prefer to work than to rely on aid. This is an example of freedom from lack of opportunities to earn a living,” he added. Marcos said other countries play a role in the Philippines’ goal to achieve economic development, specifically through trade and investments that create jobs and efforts to maintain peace in the region and to take care of overseas Filipino

In the same vlog entry, he gave assurance that the government is ready in case the restiveness of Mayon Volcano drags on for months. He said the evacuees in Albay are in good condition and have received assistance.

“Even if their evacuation is prolonged, the government is ready to give aid to those who were evacuated from the six-kilometer radius of the Mayon Volcano,” Marcos said.

Last Thursday, June 15, the President said the government has enough funds to assist those who were displaced by the volcano’s activities. However, he reminded agencies to study the needs of the evacuees and to consider issues that are not quantifiable, like their mental health and the education of their children. n

A Filipino legacy of humanitarian...

PAGE 5

government.

The Afghan nationals are not refugees, although the nature of the request in many people’s view is humanitarian in nature because these are individuals whose lives and that of their loved ones could be in peril because they worked for the U.S. government before the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan.

Just to put it in the right perspective, the U.S. request is based on two points that need to be highlighted. One, the U.S. looks at the Philippines as an ally and friend, and two, we have in the past showed compassion for people in need, with history demonstrating that we have a strong humanitarian tradition of providing relief for displaced individuals.

This became very evident in 1934 when President Manuel L. Quezon allowed Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis to come to the Philippines, providing a safe haven for a persecuted race at a time when many countries turned their backs and shut their doors. Despite strong criticism, President Quezon issued Proclamation No. 173 on Aug. 21, 1937 known as the “Open Door Policy” that saved at least 1,300 European Jews.

It is no surprise therefore that there are monuments in Israel, such as the Open Doors monument in Rishon Lezion’s Holocaust Memorial Park, that

stand as a symbol of friendship between Filipinos and the Jewish people. The Open Doors monument also serves as a reminder of President Quezon’s act of compassion that happened decades ago, and yet continues to resonate strongly to this day.

I have personally experienced the impact of this shared history with the American-Jewish community in Washington, DC that are frequently in touch with us. The members tell me they look at the Philippines and Filipinos with deep affection because of what President Quezon did for them during a dark period in their history, at a time when they needed friends the most.

Another well-known act of humanitarian compassion involved the Vietnamese refugees – known as the “boat people” – who were displaced during the Vietnam War. Thousands of Vietnamese rode in small boats, many of them dying along the way. One of the countries that granted them asylum on the basis of humanitarian grounds was the Philippines under then President Marcos Sr.

“Granting temporary asylum meant that the government took on the responsibility of protecting refugees,” wrote refugee historian Ria Sunga in “Exploring the foundations of Philippine refugee policy towards Vietnamese refugees,” adding that the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, “noted that the

government upheld the principle of nonrefoulement – no refugees were turned away or repatriated back to Vietnam.”

When I was in California before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, two Vietnamese businessmen approached me to express their gratitude. As it turned out, they were among a batch of Vietnamese “boat people” who landed in the Philippines. They eventually ended up in the United States where they are doing extremely well, with their businesses flourishing.

Like Senator Francis Tolentino, many of us believe that this U.S. request for the temporary stay of Afghan citizens in the country while their SIVs are being processed is humanitarian in nature because potentially, these people and their families may be in danger if they remain in Afghanistan.

Like most Filipinos, I take pride in the legacy of humanitarian compassion that we have demonstrated many times in the past – opening our doors to those in need not only because it is the right thing to do but more importantly – it is morally correct. (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

Success story: A life was saved on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

IN an earlier episode of Citizen Pinoy, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael Gurfinkel helped Allen obtain her fiancée visa through U.S. citizen Wendel, who is now her husband. Since then, Allen has become a U.S. citizen herself, and she petitioned her

parents. Nanay had no problem with her case. But Tatay Florentino encountered several obstacles when the family tried to handle it themselves.

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

Apparently, the arrest warrant was issued against Tatay Florentino for the traffic violation of having a broken taillight, which he never had the chance to take care of. Consequently, he pled guilty for the offense charged and paid the P8 fine. He thought the case had been settled, until it surfaced some 40 years later, preventing him from joining his family in the U.S.

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

SEE HOW A LIFE WAS SAVED ON A BRAND-NEW SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Janice (bottom photo) was diagnosed with myelofibrosis and was in desperate need of a critically urgent stem cell transplant. Her sister, Jerrimee (top photo, center), who is in Cavite in the Philippines, is the perfect match. However, the U.S. Embassy refused her application for a medical visa. Desperate, Janice’s husband, Jeff, took to Facebook and was posting and pleading in hopes that the U.S. Embassy would see the urgency and grant Jerrimee her visa. The pleas on social media reached leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (top photo, right), who was able to file for Humanitarian Parole and had the process expedited. Watch this life-saving success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 25 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/ Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

Janice, a frontliner from Florida who dedicated her life saving others, now needed a life-saving bone marrow transplant for herself.

Halitosis: Reputation killer

What are the types of bad breath?

Success story: A life was...

11

WHAT is halitosis?

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Dental reports in the United States say there are about 40 million (around 13 percent) Americans who have bad breath. In the Philippines, as in other regions in Asia, the incidence, conservatively speaking, may be as high as 30 or higher. This is a rough guesstimate, and the figure, of course, varies in different subgroups in the community.

Halitosis, as a rule, is less among those who live in the city, compared to rural areas, those who are more affluent, higher in socio-economic status, those who are more educated or professional, and those in the younger generation. Obviously, the financially handicapped could ill afford the luxury of toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, regular dental check-up, and proper dental care. They may also be not as well-nourished, and as healthy, as those who can afford.

What causes halitosis?

There are a variety of causes of bad breath. Eating food that causes foul breath (like garlic, onion, etc), poor dental hygiene, decayed tooth or infection of the gums, tonsils, or oral cavity, diseases like diabetes, esophageal diverticulum, esophageal reflux, sinusitis, emphysema, etc. But the commonest underlying cause is poor dental hygiene where care of the teeth and mouth is neglected. There are people who do not brush their teeth at all and go to bed at night with food particles stuck in between their teeth. They may gargle and rinse their mouth with water (or water and salt) after each meal, or even use mouthwash, but the food caught in between their teeth (especially meat and fish) rot and stink. This is putrefaction and the foul-smelling odor is from the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced by the decaying meat, which usually results in bacterial infection (and more bad odor), and this makes the cycle a vicious one.

Transitory halitosis is caused by food like onions and garlic and generally lasts from one day to a day-anda-half. Some people develop halitosis after drinking pop or eating sweets, like dessert. The individual “oral metabolism” may have something to do with this observation. The other form of bad breath is the chronic halitosis, which does not diminish or improve with time. It is permanently present until the cause is abolished.

Can tooth infection cause infection in the heart?

Yes, tooth infection can cause the bacteria in the mouth to circulate in the blood stream to infect the heart valve, causing bacterial endocarditis, most especially in people who may have had rheumatic heart disease when they were young. This condition affects and weakens the heart valves, making them susceptible to infection. And those with artificial heart valves are even more prone to infection originating from tooth decay or infection in the mouth.

What can be done for stubborn halitosis?

If there is no tooth decay or any infection in the mouth or throat, the bad breath may be coming from sinusitis, emphysema or from the stomach (as in esophageal reflex, where the controlling valve between the stomach and the food pipe is not closing – watertight – properly). A dental, or even medical, evaluation may be needed to ascertain the specific cause of this persistent halitosis.

Can mouthwash eliminate bad breath?

No, mouthwash alone cannot do the trick. First, the food particles that can rot must be removed from in-between the teeth immediately after each meal (by dental flossing, since toothpick alone will not do the job). Then, brushing teeth and the tongue, using toothpaste (that contains fluoride and other ingredients like Poly (methylvinylether) maleic acid coplymer and triclosan) for added tooth protection, is essential at least 3 times a day, after each meal.

Mouthwash with stabilized Chlorine can be used as a last step in this routine as an added regimen. A study

made on 15 mouthwashes showed that most only masked the bad breath for a few minutes, only a few were still effective after a few hours. Most of the products sold over the counter do not eliminate halitosis. The effective ones are those with stabilized chlorine.

What are the other bacterial dental problems?

Besides bad breath, the other problems caused by germs in our mouth include cavities, gum problems, plaques and tartar formation, and heart problems. Yes, cardiac problems. Therefore, the routine regimen of dental flossing (to eliminate food particles that will rot and harbor bacteria), tonguescraping, toothbrushing (to scrub food elements, juices and stains from the teeth, and protecting the teeth and gums with those ingredients in the toothpaste), and gargling (with mouthwash that contain bacteria killing, and plaque-and tartarpreventing ingredients –stabilized chlorine), and visiting your dentist at least every 6 months will not only eliminate bad breath but lead to a healthier dental and oral state and cardiac health.

Can rinse containing alcohol cause cancer?

Yes, according to a 1991 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, which stated that mouthwashes “containing more than 25% alcohol could increase the risk of oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancer by 50%”. Fortunately, most, if not all, mouthwashes in the market contain less than 15% alcohol.

How effective are breathfreshener capsules?

If taken as directed, and as a part of the comprehensive regimen we have discussed above, these breathfreshener capsules could be of help, especially for those with gastrointestinal reflux.

How about chewing gum?

Not by itself, but if added to the daily oral hygiene regimen we recommended above, chewing (sugarfree) gum can be of help in achieving a fresher and kissable breath.

Do you have bad breath?

It is odd but most people with chronic halitosis do not even know they have it. Their own sense of smell is so conditioned to the bad breath in their mouth to the

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

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 18 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)

Achievement unlocked: Lea Salonga debuts as Broadway producer for ‘Here Lies Love’

By EvangElinE valdErrama Inquirer.net

FILIPINO pride Lea Salonga just unlocked another achievement in her decades-long career as she announced her debut as a Broadway producer with the staging of the musical “Here Lies Love.”

Salonga made the announcement on Instagram after the first preview of the show’s revival in New York on June 17. The singeractress, however, said that she was in Dallas, Texas for another show.

A screenshot of what appeared to be a Broadway playbill gave a brief introduction to Salonga being a “co-producer” of the show.

“Speaking of debuts, I’m making my own tonight as a BROADWAY PRODUCER! I blame this squarely on the mighty shoulders of @clintramos

point that they do not even perceive it. And their friends and relatives (including most spouses) will not even tell them, to “spare” them from the embarrassment (which actually leads to greater embarrassment because other people are offended by this offensive odor.) So, the next time you see your lover or friend, or relative, beg him or her to be candid with you. This honesty might change your reputation and love life forever.

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities

and @joseiswriting. What have you gotten me into?!?”

Salonga said in the caption, tagging Filipino-American set designer Clint Ramos and theater producer Jose Antonio Vargas.

Salonga earlier revealed that her upcoming participation in the musical is “special” to her as a Filipina artist, since audiences will witness its importance on

and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * *

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

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in

the stage where she made her Broadway debut as Kim in “Miss Saigon” in 1991.

“And it’s very special to me for a few reasons. Number one: As a Filipina artist, I’m incredibly excited that audiences will finally see on Broadway this beautiful, impactful, and important musical. Two: I get to go back to Broadway theater,

PAGE 13

Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, bestowed to him by then Indiana Governor, later a Senator, and a presidential candidate, the late Honorable Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, and other celebrities (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

Lea Salonga Photo from Instagram/@msleasalonga

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel (left) was able to acquire a Humanitarian Parole visa for Jerrimee (3rd from left) so she can donate her bone marrow to her sister, Janice.

Holy Mass & Santacruzan at the 2023 Fiesta In America in American Dream

FILIPINO American families can look forward to an exciting summer weekend on Saturday, August 19th, starting at 10 am at the spectacular American Dream Mall (Court A) in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The not-for-profit Fiesta In America, the largest Philippine indoor event on the U.S. east coast, will host a full-regalia Santacruzan right after a Catholic Mass in Court A of American Dream (1 American Dream Way).

The event is expected to attract thousands of Filipinos and over 50,000 visitors from the east coast area. Admission is free for this familyoriented extravaganza, which will feature Original Pilipino Music (OPM), a variety show by talented Filipino performers, health screenings by PNA-NJ, alumni gatherings, and community efforts by UniFFied for children’s arts and crafts. Various sponsors and exhibitors from corporations in the

Philippines and the U.S. will also be present.

The festivities will begin with a holy Mass at 10 am in Court A. Following the Mass, a vibrant Santacruzan will be organized by the Catholic Action of Mary, led by Freddy Burke. This traditional

First-time dads share Father’s Day 2023 celebrations

By Kathleen a. llemit Philstar.com

EVEN celebrities were not spared from getting emotional last Sunday, June 18 for Father’s Day celebrations.

First-time parents John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano, Markus Paterson and Angelica Panganiban shared their sentiments on being parents to their first offsprings.

Luis made a video of him with his daughter, Isabella Rose.

“I love being your Papa Peanut!” wrote the actor-host on his Facebook video post.

Peanut is the nickname he and his wife, actress Jessy Mendiola, gave to their daughter.

Cruz, meanwhile, simply posted a gallery of his photos with Elias, his son with actress Ellen Adarna.

as they can relate to her pouring her heart out.

“

procession, which is the highlight of every fiesta in the Philippines, will include a Reyna Elena representing St. Helena, who discovered the remnants of the true Cross, as well as various “reynas,” their consorts, and “constantinos” portraying the young Emperor Constantine.

On Sunday, August 13, at 12pm, Fiesta In America will be preceded by its companion-gala, the People’s Ball, held at the Marriott Newark International Airport. For over 13 years, the People’s Ball has been a gathering place for the Who’s Who in the Fil-Am community of New York and New Jersey. Guests will enjoy a sumptuous luncheon, thrilling live entertainment, and ballroom dancing.

To sponsor, exhibit, attend either or both events, or for more information, please call 212-682-6610 or 917612-8861, email info@ fiestainamerica.com, or visit www.fiestainamerica. com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Achievement unlocked: Lea...

PAGE 12

which is where I made my Broadway debut over 30 years ago, which is wild for me to think about,” she said.

“Here Lies Love” tells the rise and fall of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, who was once dubbed the “Iron Butterfly”. Incidentally, she is the wife of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and the mother of the current Philippine president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

The Broadway production has an all-

Filipino cast, featuring Arielle Jacobs as Imelda Marcos, Jose Llana as Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and Conrad Ricamora as Ninoy Aquino.

Salonga will appear in the musical on a limited run, playing the role of Aurora Aquino for five weeks. Meanwhile, Grammy-winning musician H.E.R. is part of the producing team, alongside Ramos and Vargas.

Prior to this post, the Tony awardee also announced on Instagram that the Broadway Theatre sold out on its first night. n

Angelica shared how lucky she and her daughter Amila to have her husband Gregg Homan by their side.

The actress’ colorful life is no secret, and her post

Mula noon pa, kung saan saan ako naghahanap ng ibig sabihin ng pagmamahal ng isang ama. Madalas napapanood ko lang sa mga pelikula, nababasa sa mga libro, o paminsan nakikita ko sa mga kaibigan ko. Hindi ko akalain na magiging mapalad ako ngayon, na nakikita at nararamdaman ko na siya. Napaka swerte ni Amila at ikaw ang una nyang pag ibig, kalaro at dada. Maraming

salamat sa pag ganap ng buong buo at higit pa. Mahal na mahal ka namin. Happy Father’s day daddy,” Angelica wrote on Instagram.

Markus Patterson posted a photo of him with Jude, his son with actress Janella Salvador. He also posted a photo of his father.

“The best role I’ve ever had #fatherhood. To all the fathers out there (new and seasoned) wishing you the best. Special shout-out to the king on the second slide,” the actor wrote. n

John Lloyd Cruz with his son Elias (left) and Luis Manzano with his daughter Isabella Rose (right). Photos from Instagram/@johnlloydcruz83, @luckymanzano generated many likes

Geena Rocero’s transcendent book ‘Horse Barbie’ inspires authenticity and empowerment

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

GEENA Rocero, the multi-talented and award-winning producer, director, model, public speaker, and trans rights advocate has added the title of book author to her impressive list of accomplishments.

In this extraordinary exploration of self-discovery, authenticity, and ancestral spirit, Rocero unleashed her literary masterpiece called “Horse Barbie,” and she fearlessly ignites a revolution of acceptance and empowerment, inspiring not only the trans community but also society at large to challenge the status quo and embrace the beauty of diversity.

“Horse Barbie” represents a culmination of Rocero’s personal experiences and artistic vision. In discussing her new book, she revealed, “This project is a deeply intimate journey of self-discovery and acceptance. It embodies the struggle, the resilience, and the beauty of being true to oneself.”

In an interview with the Asian Journal, Rocero opened up about the significance of the book’s title and how it became a symbol of empowerment.

Reflecting on her experiences in transmedia pageants during her teenage years, Rocero shares the hurtful comments she received about her appearance.

“I was 15 years old and still in high school when I started joining trans beauty pageants. I reached the top so quick, I became the most famous and most prominent and I won every single trans pageant that we have in the Philippines,” she recalled. “So you could imagine the other trans pageant contestants and their clans and fans saying that I look like a horse because of my protruding profile, my long neck, and my dark skin and my weight.”

The negative remarks deeply affected her, with people whispering and gossiping about her backstage. However, a turning point occurred when her trans mom Tiger Lily noticed Rocero’s elegance on stage and off, particularly when she was wearing her iconic red evening gown and exclaimed that Rocero resembled a “Horse Barbie.”

From that point forward, the label became a source of strength, a moniker she embraced as part of her identity, transforming from an insult into a spirit and a symbol of resilience.

As Rocero embarked on her journey to New York City, she carried the spirit of “Horse Barbie” with her, turning it into a powerful force that empowered her to embrace her uniqueness.

The memoir “Horse Barbie” is not just a title; it represents Rocero’s journey of reclaiming her identity and finding empowerment in the face of adversity. It is a testament to her resilience and serves as an inspiration for others facing similar challenges.

Over the course of two years, Rocero dedicated herself to writing every day, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic, the rise of anti-Asian hate, and the global reckoning on racial issues.

Through her book, she was able to delve into deeper desires and explore the world from a unique perspective.

As a now-published author, she expressed her desire to continue directing and further expand her creative endeavors. She envisions writing more while collaborating with inspiring individuals on her list, such as Clair Denis, Pedro Almodovar, and Ryan Murphy.

She believes readers will be able to find something in her story that would resonate with them.

“This is a story of a Filipino American, a young trans woman her experiences may not resonate directly but it’s a human story, a unique journey of finding your truth, sticking to your truth,” she shared. “You know, challenging these notions of assimilation, while at the same time not losing yourself.”

Rocero’s book has already sparked conversations and garnered widespread attention.

“Packed with grit, ferocity, and grace, Geena Rocero’s story proves that embracing who you are—in all your complexity, and in a world that often seems to think you’re simply not allowed—is a truly revolutionary act,” said actor Gabrielle Union-Wade.

Filipino-American Jia Tolentino, the author of Trick Mirror, described the book as “Vivid, hilarious, exhilarating... thrillingly perceptive and honest” while Ronan Farrow, journalist and author of the Pulitzer Prize–winning Catch and Kill said, the book is “A propulsive read, animated by the author’s honesty, wit, and indomitable spirit of self-acceptance.”

The book stands as a testament to Rocero’s artistic brilliance and her unwavering commitment to authenticity and empowerment. Through the pages of her book, she invites readers on a transformative

journey, encouraging them to embrace their true selves and challenge societal norms.

“Horse Barbie” delves into the intersectionality of identity, exploring themes of race, gender, and culture. Drawing from her own experiences as a Filipina trans woman, Rocero skillfully weaves together narratives that shed light on the complexities of navigating multiple facets of identity. By centering her own story and those of other marginalized communities, Rocero aims to create a more inclusive dialogue that challenges the traditional understanding of gender and beauty.

One of the key messages conveyed throughout “Horse

Barbie” is the importance of selfacceptance and self-love. Rocero opens up about her journey towards embracing her identity and the struggles she faced along the way.

“I had to learn to love myself unconditionally and dismantle the internalized transphobia that society had ingrained in me,” she shared. By sharing her vulnerabilities and triumphs, Rocero hopes to inspire readers to embark on their journeys of self-discovery and embrace their unique identities.

Rocero’s book also delves into the notion of ancestral spirit of the babaylan and how cultural heritage can inform one’s understanding of

Geena Rocero

AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Geena Rocero reads from her book ‘Horse Barbie’ at her recent book launch in New York. Rocero also had a conversation with chef and author Angela Dimayuga where she discussed the inspirations behind the book.

Miss Filipina International 2023 Candidates Announced

FORTY candidates, all stunning Filipinas, are vying for Miss Filipina International (MFI) 2023, it was announced Sunday, June 18, in a glamorous press presentation at the Oasis Terrace of The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

Representing various states across America and several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, the 40 candidates will compete in the pageant which salutes the Filipina – multi-faceted, talented, versatile and confident.

Tributes pour for ‘90s teen heartthrob Patrick Guzman

By Aric John Sy cuA ManilaTimes.net

TRIBUTES poured in for former 1990s teenage heartthrob Patrick Guzman whose death in Canada was announced on social media by friends. His family has yet to make a statement.

Comedian-singer Ogie Alcasid was among the first to pay tribute to Guzman, in now-deleted posts from his Facebook and Instagram pages.

De Guzman was said to have died of a heart attack in Toronto on Friday, June 16.

“So shocked and sad that you have gone to heaven so suddenly. Rest now brother. I will always remember the wonderful times we had while filming so many movies together,” wrote Alcasid on Saturday, June 17, showing a photo of himself, Guzman, comedian Michael V., and Anjo Yllana during their photo shoot of the 1993 movie “Mama’s Boys 2: Let’s Go Na!”.

Other celebrities like Michael V., Amy Perez, Dennis Padilla, Gelli de Belen, and Dingdong Avanzado have also paid tribute to Guzman in Alcasid’s original post on Instagram.

Veteran actress-director Beverly Vergel, sister of late actor Ace Vergel, who is also based in Canada, was shocked at Guzman’s passing and in a separate post, honored him after starring as the lead actor in the film “BROmance the Movie”, which she wrote

and directed.

“You are one of the kindest, most sincere, gentlest of souls of a gentleman. You deserve all the superlatives and more,” Vergel wrote on Saturday on her social media platforms.

“I’m sure all who know you will be so sad that you’re back in heaven joining your league of angels because a man like you is so rare.”

Filipino Canadian community journalist Tess Cusipag has also mourned the death of a “dear friend.”

“Another beautiful soul has gone to the great beyond. A dear friend, a former famous actor in the Philippines, Patrick Guzman. You are now at peace and may it comfort the family and relatives that others care and deeply sympathized,” she wrote on Facebook on Saturday.

Filipino Canadian photographer Jemelyn Dela Cruz sent condolences to Guzman’s family.

“I remember when you used to come to our store in and out and just happy to be around Filipinos,” she wrote.

“ I was shocked the first time I met you was in our kitchen. My family loved you and we know you are in a better place now. My condolences to the whole family.”

As of posting time, no further details were revealed on Guzman’s death.

Guzman was the leading man of Sharon Cuneta in three movies: Una Kang Naging Akin (1991), Ikaw (1993), and Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003). n

by the contestants in a raffle) in the pageant:

1. Hannah Pearcey

2. Matea Smith

3. Alexia Reign Hernandez

4. Jesse Grace Felix Soriano

5. Raphaella Del Rosario

6. Rylen Steinbuch

7. Brooke Barredo

8. Claudia Vidanes

9. Denisse Nicole Samaniego

10. Patricia Bianca Tapia

11. Janessa Gwen Rubio

12. Amanda Russo

13. Keilin Tankiamco

14. Alyanna Joelle Santos

15. Katie Mcilroy

16. Sandra Irene Goff

37. Kawena Kanhai

38. Sabrina Pajarillo

39. Mary Ann Monda

40. Issha Rose

The candidates were revealed in the press presentation hosted by two talented Filipino Americans – TV personality and “Inside Edition” correspondent Victoria Recaño and performance artist Alex Maarte.

The women will vie for these titles: Miss Filipina International; Miss Tourism; First Runner-up; Second Runner-up; and Third Runner-up.

sensation.

Another Filipino American, Juls King, also livened up the press presentation with his song, Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits.” King, considered a heartthrob, demonstrated why he is known as a total performer.

The lovely candidates wore platform heels by Jojo Bragais Shoes at the presentation and will also wear shoes by the pioneering young shoe designer when they compete during the coronation night.

MFI climaxes with an exciting and elegant black tie coronation night on August 5 at the famous International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton. The night will celebrate the Philippines and its people, rich culture, arts and fashion, gathering Filipinos and guests in the prestigious ballroom, the venue of the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy nominees luncheon, Clive Davis’ preGrammy party and other high profile events.

After months of the selection process, the following are the MFI official candidates, listed by their numbers (randomly drawn

17. Aira Lei Maigue

18. Angelique De la Cruz

19. Princess Caventa Reyes

20. Caroline Luce

21. Mia Valdes

22. Alexandria Bollier

23. Heather Casigna

24. Lauren Skeoch

25. Hope Corpus

26. Hannah Angelica Marte

27. Samantha Gavin

28. Sarah Lizaso Obal

29. Beatriz Mclelland

30. Jessica Zemanek

31. Bryanna Vasquez

32. Aliza Orjalo

33.Ronniedith Dimapasoc

34. Skylar Vasquez

35. Dakota Swart

36. Kelly Mcilroy

MFI also announced in the media presentation that in partnership with Jonas Gaffud’s Empire Philippines, three winners will be eligible to compete next year in Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) while two winners will vie in The Miss Philippines pageant.

Manila-born Tiana Kocher, a rising singer-songwriter in America, performed her two songs, “Por Tiempo” and “Take Over,” which raised the energy level at the presentation. Kocher took over and commanded the stage with her self-penned hits. The candidates and guests were carried away by the infectious upbeat music and performance of the R&B

In addition to the previously announced top prize of a BMW 3 Series car, the winner will also receive a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills. Other prizes include $5,000 cash and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin for Miss Tourism; a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 gift certificate from iSkin for each of the First, Second and Third Runnersup.

MFI’s sponsors include the Philippine Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, BMW, David Tupaz Couture, Narcisa Pheres (MFI crown designer), Belle Beachwear and The Beverly Hilton. For sponsorship inquiries, email: missfilipinainternational@ gmail.com. n

Geena Rocero’s transcendent book...

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self. As a Filipina, she draws upon her rich cultural background to explore the interconnectedness between her transgender identity and her heritage.

“My cultural roots have played a significant role in shaping my identity and giving me the strength to embrace who I am,” she explained, Through “Horse Barbie,” she aims to ignite conversations about the diversity of transgender experiences and how culture can provide a source of empowerment.

The release of “Horse Barbie” marks a significant milestone in Rocero’s journey as an artist and activist. By sharing her personal story and the

stories of others, she continues to break down barriers and challenge societal norms. Through her unwavering commitment to authenticity and representation, Rocero is leaving an indelible mark on the art world and beyond.

Rocero has embarked on a nationwide tour to engage with readers and spark meaningful conversations. Through book signings, panel discussions, and public appearances, she aims to foster a sense of community and provide a platform for dialogue and reflection.

“I want to create spaces where individuals can share their stories and feel seen and heard,” she emphasized. By connecting with audiences directly,

Rocero hopes to create a ripple effect of acceptance and empowerment that extends far beyond the pages of her book.

In the end, “Horse Barbie” is more than just a book; it is a transformative journey that challenges societal norms, celebrates diversity, and empowers individuals to embrace their authentic selves. Through her artistry, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to the transgender community, Rocero continues to push boundaries and create spaces for meaningful conversations.

As “Horse Barbie” finds its way into the hands of readers, it has the potential to ignite a movement of acceptance, empathy, and social change.

Photo from Instagram/@ogiealcasid