062823 - Southern California Midweek Edition

WHILE COVID relief grants have phased down nationwide since the end of the federal health emergency declaration, California has announced a new one.

Through June 30, small nonprofits and businesses with 26 to 49 employees in 2021 or 2022, and who paid COVID sick leave, are eligible for a grant ranging from $5K to $50K through the state’s Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) program, outreach partner CalNonprofits has announced.

The program, created by California Assembly Bill 152 and administered through the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA), offers grants funded to match sick leave provided, on small businesses’ payroll records, between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022. Eligible businesses and nonprofits must have a physical presence in California.

No longer just for ‘fun’: DOT launches new ‘Love the Philippines’ campaign

by ROSETTE

June 27, the Department of Tourism introduced the new tourism campaign "Love the Philippines" that is eyed to promote the country and its tourism offerings

IN recent basketball news, the spotlight was often directed to Filipino Kai Sotto. Still, there’s one Filipino-American basketball player who is also determined to establish his name in the NBA, Kihei Clark.

Despite being undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft, Clark’s journey took an exciting turn when he received an invitation from the Utah Jazz to show his basketball skills in the next Summer League.

This considerable opportunity gave the talented Fil-Am player to prove his skills and secure a spot in the league. The Salt Lake City Summer League, happening on July 3-6, will be his opportunity to impress NBA coaches and scouts.

After the summer league, he will continue playing in the Las Vegas off-season on July 7 until July 17. As mentioned earlier, he will join the Utah Jazz, a team that has promising first-round drafts.

Jazz’s picks include Keynote George (no.16), Taylor Hendricks (No.9), And Brice Sensabaugh (no. 28). After the summer league, they will head to Las Vegas for a

health emergency lifted

by

MANILA — With COVID no longer a serious national health issue, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa is planning to recommend to President Marcos the lifting of the state of public health emergency, but with the alert level system retained.

In an interview, Herbosa said Proclamation No. 922 issued by former president Rodrigo Duterte may now have to be lifted, with “COVID-19 being no longer different from the other diseases the Department of Health (DOH) is monitoring.”

“With the World Health Organization

by

(WHO), there is no longer an emergency. So I would actually ask (for) the lifting of the public health emergency,” Herbosa said.

“Actually, it really seems that it is no longer a public health emergency. There is no more public health emergency... So we want it lifted,” he said. “It is now just one of the diseases that we monitor, like influenza, cough, colds, etc.”

However, he said he is in favor of retaining the alert level system for COVID-19.

“The alert level system will stay. That’s a system like the typhoon signal,” he said.

The WHO declared COVID-19 as a “public health emergency of international

MANILA — The U.S. government’s request for the Philippines to temporarily host 50,000 former Afghan employees and their families has not reached President Marcos yet and is still being studied by the Department of Justice (DOJ), the defense department said on Monday, June 26.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said while the government would study all the implications of the request, it has to determine first whether it is allowed under the law, particularly the Immigration Act.

“This issue has not reached him (Marcos) yet because we are still studying it. We are still waiting for the opinion of the DOJ on whether it is legal because if it is not allowed under the law of the republic, what else will we talk about?” Teodoro told reporters after the celebration of the 160th anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service in Quezon City. He said no specific timeframe has been set for the DOJ to finish its opinion on the matter.

“As soon as possible, but there is a need to scrutinize all issues,” the defense chief said in Filipino. Teodoro said officials have not

Poll: Most Filipinos satis ed with Marcos administration

by RED MENDOZA

“It’s More Fun in the Philippines” was launched in 2012, during the tenure of Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. by the DOT and BBDO, one of the country’s award-winning advertising agencies. In August last year, Tourism Secretary Christina u PAGE 2 MORE than seven out of 10 Filipinos are satisfied with the performance of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a survey commissioned by OCTA Research showed.

In its Tugon ng Masa first quarter survey conducted from March 24 to 28, 72 percent of Filipinos said they were satisfied, while 8 percent said they were not satisfied with the performance of Marcos.

The 72 percent is a "nominal decrease" from the previous OCTA survey last October, where the administration got a 76 percent satisfaction rating. Marcos' satisfaction rating was highest in the Visayas at 83 percent, followed by Balanced Luzon at 77 percent and Mindanao at 67 percent.

The National Capital Region (NCR or Metro Manila) reported the lowest satisfaction rating at 51 percent. It was also the region where the highest percentage of adult Filipinos were dissatisfied with the current administration at 13 percent.

The NCR too was the region with the highest percentage of those who said they were ambivalent

MAYON Volcano in Albay province continues to discharge lava and spew rocks "in a gentle and quiet manner," but experts have not ruled out an explosive eruption in the coming weeks or days.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology

(Phivolcs) Director Teresito

"Toto" Bacolcol told The Manila Times that the parameters recorded by the Mayon Volcano Network (MVN) have been changing every day.

"Sometimes, the parameters like the sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas emission, volcanic tremors and rockfall events would increase, then the next day they would decrease, so we can say that they are still low-rate parameters,"

Bacolcol said Monday, June 26.

"The recorded low-level parameters reflect what is happening on the vent, which is an effusive eruption," the Phivolcs chief added.

Phivolcs explained that an effusive eruption is dominated by the outpouring, fountaining or ejection of fluid lava, and the magma has a low viscosity or is runny, wherein gas can escape easily.

"Effusive eruption involves the gentle release of lava on the edifice of the volcano," it said.

In the past 24 hours, Phivolcs said the lava slowly oozing out of the volcano's crater reached 1.3 kilometers and 1.2 kilometers along the Mi-isi gully in Daraga

The Philippines is bidding goodbye to its longtime tourism slogan, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines.” On its 50th anniversary celebration on Tuesday,

beyond fun. The tourism agency retired the popular slogan that replaced “Wow Philippines” after 11 years.

Mayon Volcano ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto

Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. holds his first press briefing as the newly appointed secretary of the Department of National Defense (DND) in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on June 7, 2023. Philstar.com photo by Ernie Penaredondo

No longer just for ‘fun...

Frasco, however, said it’s about time to “evolve” and “move on” from the campaign.

She thanked those who developed the tagline which she said earned merits and successes.

The tourism chief said the new tagline now takes into consideration “everything that we’ve been through,” referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We must evolve and we must move on taking into consideration everything that we have been through,” Frasco said.

“So, the Philippines will continue to be fun. But now also it will have a very substantial approach to its branding campaign,” she added.

'Change in traveler preference'

In a presentation, Marie Adriano, marketing firm DDB Group Philippines’ brand and strategic planner, cited that there was a change in the preference of travelers who are now going beyond leisure.

Adriano said that given this shift, “brand enhancement is imperative to stay competitive and relevant.”

She said the group conducted social listening that showed the change in travelers' associations with the Philippines.

“Love is the positive theme they associate with our country, frequently mentioned in high volumes globally,” Adriano cited.

“And while fun remains a positive thing and certainly part of the Pinoy DNA, there’s less volume of mentions,” she added, explaining the new enhanced tourism campaign.

Not the first attempt

This was not the first try to replace the eleven-yearold slogan. In 2017, former Undersecretary Kat De Castro, said there were also plans to revamp the slogan as a study found that it was not enough to attract tourists from Europe and the United States.

“The new campaign under Secretary Wanda Teo will be more specific in terms of destination and what activities tourists can do,” De Castro was quoted by Spot.PH as saying in 2017.

That plan did not push through and Teo’s admin instead launched an international video campaign dubbed “Experience Philippines.”

The video campaign, featuring a blind Japanese tourist enjoying the Philippines, however, drew flak after allegations that the concept of the video was copied from a tourism campaign in South Africa.

Marketing firm McCann World addressed the plagiarism allegations and took full responsibility for it, saying it was inspired by a real story of a visually-impaired foreigner who found home in the Philippines.

“We take full responsibility

as ALL ideas and storyboards presented were conceptualized by McCann Worldgroup Philippines. However, we underscore that there has never been any intention to copy others’ creative work,” it said.

Fast forward to 2023, the DOT once again made headlines after a campaign featuring Filipina nurse May Parsons, with the tagline “We give the world our best,” was spotted in the United Kingdom and went viral.

Frasco, however, said the bus ad was not an official slogan of the DOT that would replace the “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” campaign. The ad is a project by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications (OPACC) as part of its branding campaign led by Presidential Adviser on Creative Communications Paul Soriano.

Meanwhile, the move to launch a new tourism campaign is in line with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s pronouncement during his first State of the Nation Address when he mentioned his vision to enhance the Filipino brand of tourism.

It is also part of the government’s push to make Philippines a “tourism powerhouse” in Southeast Asia, in accordance with the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023 to 2028. n

The Department of Tourism announces its new campaign slogan on June 27, 2023. Philstar.com photo by Rosette Adel

Teodoro: Government studying hosting...

looked into the security aspects of the issue, reiterating that there is nothing to discuss if the request is not permitted under the law.

“We have not gone that far.

With regard to claims that there is an agreement already, we are not yet there,” he said. “All our actions should have a legal basis.”

Earlier this month, Sen. Imee Marcos, sister of the president, questioned why the U.S. wanted to house the Afghans in the Philippines instead of the American mainland or countries closer to Afghanistan.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Afghans are not refugees but people “who have worked with the U.S. government and their qualified members.”

The Afghans worked for the American government before the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021 and are in the final stage of their U.S. special immigration visa application.

Some sectors and personalities, including Vice President Sara

Duterte, are against the request, fearing the arrangement might worsen the situation as regards the local terrorists in some places and violate Philippine sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Teodoro said on Monday that proposals to bring the West Philippine Sea issue before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have to be carefully studied first, even as he stressed that the Philippines’ rights under international law must be asserted.

Some senators have backed retired Supreme Court justice Antonio Carpio’s suggestion for the government to elevate the WPS issue to the UNGA, the highest policymaking body of the UN, as China continues to ignore the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in favor of the Philippines.

Teodoro agreed that the WPS issue must be brought before the international community to reassert the rights of the country under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

“We must bring to the consciousness of the entire world the right of the Republic of the Philippines under the UNCLOS. We really need to transfer the debate on the WPS from our country to the rest of the world so they know our cause and if this should be done through the UNGA, the DFA has to weigh on that and study the matter,” he said.

In Senate Resolution 659, Sen. Risa Hontiveros called on the Philippine government through the DFA to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA that will call on China to stop its harassment of Filipino vessels in the WPS.

“Despite the Hague ruling, China continues to harass our navy, remain hostile to our fisherfolk and put the fishing industry in the area in jeopardy. This is nothing but a constant rejection of the basic tenets of international law. Beijing’s blunt refusal to accept her legal fate should have serious consequences. The UN General Assembly should be able to tell China to behave,” Hontiveros said. (Helen Flores, Cecille Suerte Felipe)

DOH chief wants COVID-19 health...

concern” on Jan. 30, 2020. It lifted the global emergency status for COVID-19 on May 5 this year.

In the Philippines, Proclamation No. 922 issued on March 8, 2020 shall remain in effect until the President lifts it.

Proclamation 929, issued on March 16, 2020, declared a COVID-related state of calamity nationwide. It remained in effect until Dec. 31, 2022.

The country recorded close to 3,500 COVID-19 infections in the past week, the DOH reported. The latest COVID-19 Bulletin issued by the DOH showed 3,442 new cases logged from June 19 to 25.

The DOH also recorded 37 patients in severe and critical condition, and no COVID-19 death from June 5 to 18.

The daily average number of new COVID-19 cases is 492, which is 20 percent lower than the figure recorded from June 12 to 18.

Last Sunday, June 25, the health department recorded 325 patients who sought admission to hospitals due to severe and

critical COVID-19. The number was 10.7 percent of the total COVID-19 admissions in the country.

Out of the 1,564 ICU beds intended for COVID-19 patients, 204 (13 percent) were occupied while 17.7 percent or 2,274 of 12,855 non-ICU COVID-19 beds were being used.

The DOH also reported that as of March 19, more than 78 million individuals or 100.44 percent of the target population have been vaccinated against COVID-19. The figure included 5,371 individuals vaccinated from March 13 to 19.

Furthermore, more than 23 million individuals have received their booster shots, including 10,177 individuals boosted in the same week.

The DOH likewise said that 7.1 million senior citizens or 82.16 percent of the target A2 population were able to receive their primary vaccine series.

The health department has advised the public to continuously observe minimum public health standards.

The DOH said the elderly, as well as those with comorbidities and the immune compromised

California’s homelessness crisis is homegrown, study finds

by AngelA HArt KFF Health News

SACRAMENTO — California’s homelessness crisis is a homegrown problem that is deepening amid a shortage of affordable housing and emergency shelter, and it’s often the brutal conditions of living on the street that trigger behavioral health problems, such as depression and anxiety, researchers found in a comprehensive study on homelessness.

The new findings by leading researchers at the University of California show that at least 90% of adults who are experiencing homelessness in the state became homeless while living in California due primarily to the dire lack of affordable housing.

“This idea that homeless people are rushing into California is just not true,” said Margot Kushel, a physician who treats homeless people and the lead investigator of the study for the UC-San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative. “There’s so much myth-making around this magnet theory that people who are homeless flock to California, but this is our own problem.”

are highly encouraged to still wear face masks.

Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday announced it had granted the Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 vaccine a certificate of product registration (CPR).

“The FDA is pleased to announce the approval of the application and grant of CPR for Tozinameran + Famtozinameran (15 mcg/15 mcg)/0.3 mL Dispersion for Injection with a brand name, Comirnaty Original/ Omicron B.A.4-5,” the agency said in a statement.

“The FDA has granted the CPR with five years validity after a comprehensive evaluation process, extensive clinical trials and thorough assessment of all available scientific data and information provided by the vaccine manufacturer and comprehensive evaluation process,” it added.

Last Feb. 21, Pfizer submitted a CPR application under monitored release for their COVID-19 vaccine to FDA, whose director general Dr. Samuel Zacate has urged pharmaceutical companies to apply and complete requirements for other SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. n

“These are our own policies,” Kushel added, referring to the state and federal governments.

“We did this to people.”

An estimated 172,000 people are homeless in California, the largest homeless population of any state in the U.S. and 30% of the nation’s total, even though California has just 12% of the population. Researchers believe the way the state measures homelessness, though important, represents an undercount because cities and counties tallying their homeless populations in just one day miss people who may be hidden and living in their cars, for instance.

The homelessness study went further than annual point-intime counts by analyzing the experiences of 3,200 homeless adults age 18 and older from October 2021 to November 2022, then conducted in-depth interviews with some participants to gain a better understanding of the state’s overall crisis.

California Health and Human Services Secretary Mark Ghaly, who asked for an analysis of the state’s homelessness crisis, said the findings underscore where it

must improve. The study could inform the state’s approach to expanding its behavioral health system.

“As we drive toward addressing the health and housing needs of Californians experiencing homelessness, this study reinforces the importance of comprehensive and integrated supports,” Ghaly said in a statement. “California is taking bold steps to address unmet needs for physical and behavioral health services, to create a range of housing options that are safe and stable, and to meet people

where they are.”

Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and state health officials are steering initiatives that include a 2024 ballot measure to expand treatment for mental health and addiction, including building more residential treatment facilities. Newsom is also leading a new program under the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment Act, known as CARE courts, to move people into court-ordered treatment. And the administration is seeking to add rent payments as

Southern California Regional Rail Authority Paunawa ng Pampublikong Pagdinig / Pagpapatupad ng LCTOP Low Income Fare Discount Program

Ang Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) ay magpapatawag ng pampublikong pagdinig sa Board of Directors Meeting nito, sa Biyernes, Hulyo 28, 2023 hinggil sa pagbuo at pagpapatupad ng Low Income Fare Discount Program ng Metrolink na pinondohan ng Low Carbon Transit Operations Program ng estado ( LCTOP). Ang layunin ng LCTOP, isang programang pinondohan ng Caltrans, ay bawasan ang mga greenhouse gas emissions at pagbutihin ang pagpapanatili ng mga transportasyon sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay ng bago at pinalawak na serbisyo ng bus at tren para sa mga komunidad na mahihirap at may mababang kita.

Ang Metrolink ay naglalayong lumikha ng mga oportunidad para sa pagsasama at pakikipag-ugnayan sa komunidad sa pamamagitan ng pag-imbita sa publiko na suriin at magbigay ng feedback sa bagong iminungkahing serbisyo.

Ang pampublikong pagdinig ay ililista sa agenda ng SCRRA Board of Directors Meeting sa: Biyernes, Hulyo 28, 2023 10:00 a.m. https://metrolinktrains.com/about/board-meetings/agendasdocuments/ Ang impormasyon tungkol sa programang ito ay available para sa pampublikong inspeksyon sa website ng Metrolink sa www. metrolinktrains.com o sa lobby ng gusali ng opisina ng punongtanggapan ng SCRRA, na matatagpuan sa 900 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90017 sa mga regular na oras ng opisina Lunes hanggang Biyernes, mula 8 a.m. hanggang 4 p.m. Ang mga komento at mungkahi ay maaaring isumite nang sinasabi o nakasulat sa pampublikong pagdinig, o i-post bago ang pampublikong pagdinig sa pamamagitan ng pag-click sa opsyong “eComment” upang magsumite ng instant electronic na komento sa www. metrolinktrains.com/ecomments, o sa pamamagitan ng koreo kung natanggap bago ang pampublikong pagdinig na naka-attention sa Metrolink Fares sa SCRRA headquarters office, o i-fax na nakaattention sa Metrolink Fares bago ang pagdinig sa (213) 452-0421. Ang lahat ng pampublikong komento, anumang paraan ng komunikasyon, ay dapat isumite at matanggap nang hindi lalampas sa Hulyo 6, 2023. Ang paksang ito ay maaaring ipagpatuloy ng Lupon sa ibang pagkakataon o petsa sa kanilang pagpapasya. 6/28/23

CNS-3709772#

ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

Mayon continues ‘quiet’...

town and the Bonga gully in Legazpi City, respectively. The MVN also recorded 263 rock fall events, 102 volcanic earthquakes and eight pyroclastic

density currents, which are avalanches of volcanic ash, rock and gases. The S02 gas emissions averaged 925 tons per day on June 25, Phivolcs said.

Continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 100 meters before drifting to the west, MVN said. n

Undrafted Fil-Am Kihei Clark joins Utah Jazz...

match with Denver, Minnesota, and Phoenix. Kihei Clark’s notable collegiate performance and impressive achievements Clark started his basketball career at the University of Virginia in 2018. He played a significant role in leading the Virginia Cavaliers to the NCAA National Championship in 2019.

He showcased his remarkable ball-handling skills, ability to control the game’s tempo, and court goals. Despite not having a towering height, Clark makes up for his defensive tactics.

The move often frustrates opponents due to his unwavering on-ball pressure. In addition, his court skills also extend beyond the U.S. basketball courts.

Born from a Filipino mother and a Chinese AfricanAmerican father, Clark had already graced the Philippine courts in 2018. He played with another Fil-Am player Jalen Green in the prominent NBTC All-Star Game.

Kihei Clark’s exceptional performance in the game led him to win the title of All-Star Game MVP. Philippine basketball legend Robert Jaworski himself awarded him the recognition.

Overall, this Filipino-American basketball achiever’s journey is proof of his determination and perseverance. From his exceptional college career to his remarkable performance in the Philippines, Kihei Clark has proven himself as a vital force

COVID relief grants open to CA small...

Robert Gibbons, director of education and advocacy at CalNonprofits, said the bill “was a tailwind piece of legislation for COVID aid toward the end of the pandemic. We were very involved in advocating for this legislation to include small nonprofits, who were previously not given the opportunity to apply for statereimbursed grants. This issue has become cumbersome in the sense that small nonprofits now have to go back and identify their COVID sick leave with payroll providers and apply for funds, and we’re here to make that process as easy as possible.”

Since being informed in very late May that small nonprofits would be eligible for SPSL alongside other businesses, Gibbons has spearheaded CalNonprofits’ advocacy work at the community and legislative level in collaboration with the

small business lending platform

Lendistry, which the state chose to execute the program and vet applicants.

“One of the most potentially confusing aspects of the grant application for small businesses is employee headcount, given that it shifted drastically for many companies during the pandemic,” he added.

The challenges that may arise during the SPSL filing process do not owe to a lack of interest on the part of nonprofits — “the Lendistry folks were impressed to see that our webinars have turned out more than three times the numbers of small businesses,” said Gibbons — but rather to the limited bandwidth of many small nonprofits.

“CalNonprofits is the only partner working with Lendistry in California to identify eligible nonprofits, and advocate for them through the application process. This sets a precedent for more inclusivity with the way that we think about helping nonprofits in the context of state legislation,” Gibbons added.

An FAQ page for SPSL written by CalNonprofits and geared specifically toward nonprofit applicants is available here.

inside basketball courts.

As he joins the NBA summer league, he can establish his name in the professional league and continue inspiring other new basketball players, particularly in the Filipino-Am community. (Mary Villegas/Inquirer.net)

California’s homelessness crisis is...

a health care benefit available to low-income Californians on MediCal. Kushel said the findings point to the increasing demands for adequate mental health and addiction treatment — and more low-income housing. While some people reported heightened mental health and substance use problems before becoming homeless, the trauma of being on the streets, Kushel said, can lead to, or amplify, behavioral health

“That’s where CalNonprofits comes in,” he continued. “Call us, email us, and we will advocate on your behalf as the go-between between you and your payroll provider.”

An informational webinar on the grant program, hosted by CalOSBA, will take place on Monday, June 26 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., PST. The recording of a previous webinar, livestreamed on June 12, is available here. Eligibility requirements, an application guide, FAQs, and an application portal for the program is available at the California SPSL website. (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services) conditions, including drug use and depression.

A staggering 82% of people experiencing homelessness said they had a mental health condition or substance use challenge in their lifetime. And 66% said they were currently experiencing mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety, hallucinations, or trouble remembering things.

“I think that speaks to the despair that people experience,” Kushel said.

Sage Johnson, 28, was homeless in Los Angeles and lived for years in shelters before getting into lowincome housing. Despite working graveyard shifts at Walgreens and other minimum-wage jobs at the time, she said, she couldn’t find anything affordable and experienced heightened depression and anxiety while homeless.

“Being out there unmedicated, without therapy, you spiral out of control,” Johnson said, who was among the formerly homeless who helped guide the research.

The report also found:

• Of California’s adult homeless population, 75% became homeless in their county of residence. Nearly 40% reported being homeless for the first time.

• The median length of homelessness was 22 months. In the six months before becoming homeless, people had earned a median monthly income of $960.

• Roughly 1 in 5 became homeless after leaving an institution such as jail. Most people, 78%, reported spending the most time homeless in the prior six months in unsheltered settings: 21% in a vehicle, 57% without a vehicle.

• Before experiencing homelessness, 32% had a mortgage or rental lease agreement; roughly 50% did not.

• Researchers believe many unhoused people have encountered violence, contributing to the crisis: 72% reported physical violence in their lifetime and 24% said they had experienced sexual violence. Sexual violence was more common among women and transgender or nonbinary individuals.

• The homeless population is aging; 47% of all adults surveyed were 50 or older. And Black and Native Americans are disproportionately homeless. For example, just 6% of the state’s population is Black, yet 26% of homeless people surveyed identified as Black.

The findings show the limits of California’s unprecedented spending to combat its homelessness crisis. Newsom’s administration has poured more than $20 billion into the crisis since he took office in 2019, much of that distributed to local governments to provide services and build housing.

That’s on top of billions the state is pouring into improving its mental health system and a $12 billion social services-based initiative called CalAIM, which offers housing security deposits and sobering centers to help vulnerable populations, including homeless people.

But the study found that expanding health coverage and adding social services isn’t serving all those in need.

Specifically, 83% of homeless people surveyed said they had health insurance mostly through Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program for low-income people. Yet more than half relied on the emergency room for care and nearly a quarter said they couldn’t access the care they needed. A majority who said they were experiencing mental health problems either weren’t being treated or got care through emergency rooms.

In some ways, the policies Newsom is steering may make the problem worse. For example, his administration has backed removing homeless encampments in exchange for shelter and services. But homeless people say those promises are often unmet.

Forced displacement, the report found, and confiscation of belongings when clearing encampments can hurt the state’s ability to find housing for people, Kushel said.

“It sometimes feels like one part of government is working against the other part,” she said. “We’re frantically trying to get people their documents so they can move into housing, and then somebody else throws it all away. That’s not helpful.”

This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

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

Poll: Most Filipinos satisfied...

PAGE 1

about the performance of the administration at 35 percent.

Class D respondents comprised the highest percentage of adults who were satisfied with the performance of the Marcos administration at 74 percent, followed by classes ABC and E at 68 percent.

Class ABC's percentage is a 6-percent increase from the previous survey, while it is a 5-percent decrease for Class E.

The highest percentage of the dissatisfied came from Class ABC at 11 percent, and the ambivalent from Class E.

By regions, the administration had satisfaction ratings ranging from 51 percent to 96 percent, with the highest in the Cordillera Administrative Region at 96 percent and the lowest in the NCR at 51 percent.

Both Zamboanga Peninsula and Northern Mindanao reported the highest levels of dissatisfaction at 18 percent.

From the 55 to 64 age group came the highest satisfaction rating for the Marcos administration at 81 percent, and the 75 and above group the lowest satisfaction rating at 81 percent.

Seventy-seven percent of adult Filipinos with no formal or elementary education were

More than seven out of 10 Filipinos are satisfied with the performance of the administration of Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a survey commissioned by OCTA Research showed. Malacañang file photo

satisfied with the current administration.

OCTA said the 4-point decrease was caused by a drop in all major areas except for Balanced Luzon, which reported an increase of 4 percentage points. The survey had 1,200 respondents with a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent across the country and plus or minus 6 percent in the NCR, Balanced Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. n

Kihei Clark

Photo from Instagram/@kihei.clark

Filipinos in Russia unfazed by mutiny, opted to stay – DFA

by Beatrice Pinlac Inquirer.net

MANILA — No Filipino in Russia has asked to be repatriated after the recent power struggle between the military and a mutinous paramilitary group, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported on Monday, June 26.

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said there are 10,000 Filipinos in Russia. At least 8,000 of them are in the capital Moscow, he added.

“In Rostov-on-Don, taken over by the Wagner group momentarily, there are 10

Filipinos. All indicated they were safe,” de Vega reported through a message to INQUIRER.net.

“The crisis has been resolved due to Belarus’ intervention. But even during the crisis, no Filipino asked for repatriation,” he said.

De Vega added that should anyone seek repatriation, assistance funds would be available.

In the meantime, he is urging Filipinos in Russia to stay indoors.

“Filipinos are advised not to undertake unnecessary travels outside their region,” he said. Last Saturday, June 24, the

embassy urged Filipinos to adhere to Russia’s rules.

It had also asked them to refrain from posting “political comments on social media.”

The advisory came after Wagner, a para-military group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, took control of two cities south of Moscow and began an advance toward the capital.

The situation was defused by evening after Belarus could broker a truce between Russia and Prigozhin. This included his safe exile.

Prigozhin has a long-standing rivalry with two top officials in the Russian military. n

Clemency for Veloso sought after UAE pardons 3 Pinoys

by Nestor Corrales Inquirer.net

MANILA — After United Arab Emirates (UAE) President

Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan pardoned three convicted Filipinos at the request of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., calls were renewed to again ask Philippine ally Indonesia to grant clemency to death row convict Mary Jane Veloso.

The renewed calls were made after the President telephoned the Emirati president on Friday, June 23 to thank him for responding positively to the appeal Marcos made in April.

Presidential Communications

Secretary Cheloy VelicariaGarafil said, in a statement on Friday night, that Marcos called the sheik on Friday after Emirati Ambassador to the Philippines Mohamed Obaid Salem Al-Zaabi informed the government that the requested pardons were granted.

Two of the three pardoned Filipinos were sentenced to death for drug trafficking while the third was serving a 15-year sentence for slander.

Aside from the pardons, Marcos also thanked Al-Nahyan, also the crown prince and de facto ruler of Abu Dhabi, for sending 50 tons of food and medicine to families displaced by

Mayon Volcano’s unrest.

For his part, the Emirati leader noted the valuable contribution of about 600,000 Filipinos working in the UAE and reiterated his invitation to Marcos to attend the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Dubai in December.

Veloso case

As Garafil announced the pardons, the local workers’ group Migrante International repeated its call for the president to continue asking the Indonesian government to pardon Veloso.

“We challenge President Bongbong Marcos Jr. to take more proactive actions to appeal to the Indonesian government to grant clemency for Mary Jane,” said the group’s chair Joanna Concepcion.

Marcos already asked President Joko Widodo to “reexamine” Veloso’s case on the sidelines of the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Indonesia last year. But the Indonesian leader answered that that is their law and they had already given Veloso a “postponement” of her sentence.

Veloso was convicted of drug smuggling in 2010 after 2.6 kilograms of heroin were found hidden in her suitcase upon her arrival at Yogyakarta’s Adisucipto International Airport.

US, China pour aid into Batanes, PH island closest to Taiwan

by Frances Mangosing Inquirer.net

BASCO — Rival superpowers

United States and China are pouring aid into Batanes, the Philippines’ northernmost island closest to Taiwan, which Beijing considers its territory.

sought China’s help for food security.

“The Chinese consulate in Laoag (City in Ilocos Norte) has pledged more than P3 million worth of assistance to develop a production farm in [the municipality of] Itbayat.

Analysts have said that selfruling Taiwan is a potential flashpoint in U.S.-China relations, with Washington as its most important backer.

She was later sentenced to death by musketry, but the sentence was suspended after new evidence emerged, suggesting that she was also victimized by a drug trafficking syndicate.

“I know my mother is just a victim and she is a good person and a good mother,” said Veloso’s son Mark, who was able to visit her in detention at Wonosari in Yogyakarta.

“I hope she will be given clemency at the soonest possible time, so we can be together. Our life in the Philippines may be simple, but what’s important is that we are together,” said Mark, who last saw his mother in 2019. n

Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco announced the new forms of assistance pledged by Washington and Beijing during the island province’s 240th founding anniversary on Monday, June 26.

Cayco said the United States Agency for International Development and the Philippines’ Department of Information and Communications Technology would set up a Starlink premium service for a faster internet service across Basco, the provincial capital.

U.S. Embassy officials are also scheduled to visit next month, she added.

“They said they will bring some good news about our requests for assistance,” she noted in her speech, without offering other details.

But Cayco said she also

Chinese officials were here last month and vowed to continue helping us,” she said.

Food sufficiency has been a priority for the far-flung island province, especially during typhoons and earthquakes, as well as concerns over a possible Chinese military action against Taiwan. Farming and fishing are the main sources of food and income for the Ivatans.

Strategic location

An island chain and the country’s northernmost province where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea, Batanes is located less than 150 kilometers from its nearest point to the south of Taiwan. It has six municipalities and a population of 18,000.

Both the United States and China have been actively helping the strategically located province in recent years.

Beijing considers the island a part of its territory and has not ruled out taking it by force if necessary.

In April, Filipino and American troops trained to defend Batanes from potential aggressors as part of the “Balikatan” military exercises. Cayco said at the time that their residents were worried that the island would get caught in the crossfire amid the tensions between China and the United States over Taiwan.

The repeated calls to the national government from local officials to build bigger seaports and airports in anticipation of hosting thousands of Filipino repatriates in the event of a crisis over Taiwan appeared to be finally making headway.

Cayco said in the same speech that the Philippine Ports Authority would help in planning the construction of a seaport and their architects would soon start training for its planning. n

Mary Jane Veloso

Photo courtesy of the Veloso family

Gun culture

IN Cebu last week, police armed with a court warrant raided the home of the barangay captain of Baclayan in Boljoon town, and arrested Elderson Han Baldezamo Mabalatan on gun charges. The police reported confiscating from the village chief two .45-caliber pistols and a hand grenade.

Earlier on March 20, another village chairman who is president of the local association of barangay captains, Angelito de Mesa of Barangay Masaya in Bay, Laguna, was arrested following a police search of his home. The raiders reported seizing an M16 rifle equipped with a silencer and telescope, a 9mm machine pistol, ammunition and magazines for the guns.

The country has tough laws against illegal gun possession, with stiff penalties as provided under Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act passed in 2013. Yet loose firearms continue to proliferate, promoting deadly violence that has marred politics and elections.

In this part of Asia, the Philippines has the second highest intentional homicide rate, ranking only behind Myanmar. Apart from thousands of drug suspects killed in the previous administration, the country has a long string of murders targeting activists, journalists and legal professionals.

Every electoral exercise in this country is marked by lethal violence, with candidates seeing murder

Babe’s Eye View

BABE ROMUALDEZ

“BY preserving the Philippines’ diplomatic relationship with China, while strengthening ties with the United States and regional allies, Marcos Jr. is performing a delicate balancing act.”

This was how Tokyo University of Foreign Studies lecturer Jenny Balboa described the foreign policy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in her article titled, “Marcos Jr.’s delicate balancing act between China and the United States” published last April at the East Asia Forum, an Australia-based international policy forum centered on the Asia Pacific region.

Being virtually at the center of the intensive competition between the United States and China, we obviously have to deal with both nations even as we also need to thresh out individual issues with them. However, there have been developments that indicate the willingness of both nations to continue to restart the conversation with each other, as seen in the recent visit of U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken to Beijing, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who described the meeting as “very good,” saying that both sides “made progress and reached agreements on some specific issues.”

As President Xi himself

Human Face

AS we face the issue of whether or not the Philippines should accept some 50,000 refugees from Afghanistan that the United States government would be processing before they can become U.S. residents, one cannot help recalling the times our country became a halfway house, a foster home, so to speak, for those fleeing their homelands to seek friendly shores, if not the land oozing with milk and honey of their dreams.

The Philippines was never their country of choice as a final destination, and that sort of hurts the Pinoy ego. Well, but had they stayed, they would have contributed to this country’s population explosion. (No offense meant.) Nonetheless, refugees fleeing their respective countries

as the ultimate tool for eliminating political rivals. The massacre of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others at his home has been linked to his family’s feud with the rival Teves clan. Deadly violence is employed even in races for the smallest unit of government, the barangay.

With the elections for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan set this October, the Philippine National Police says it is monitoring at least 49 active and potential private armed groups across the country. Whether the PNP can actually crack down on those groups is another story. Many private armies are maintained by influential politicians who are themselves keepers of large arsenals.

If a barangay captain can have an unlicensed grenade in his possession, think of what higher ranking officials are keeping. The alleged mastermind in Degamo’s murder, Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., his two sons and his brother, Bayawan town Mayor Pryde Henry Teves face charges over a cache of guns and explosives found in his property. Arnolfo Teves

said the weapons were planted by the raiders.

The easy availability of all sorts of guns and even grenades plus the weakness of the criminal justice system have created a culture of violence

PBBM: Balancing US-PH-China relations

acknowledged, the world needs the relationship between the two giant nations to be “generally stable.”

I personally saw how China has developed into the economic giant it is today, and marveled at the progress it has achieved over the decades, having first visited Beijing in 1974 just before we opened formal diplomatic relations with China in 1975.

I was then a news reporter for Channel 9 when I joined our basketball team, led by Basketball Association of the Philippines president Lito Puyat and the country’s top basketball players that included Ramon Fernandez, Sonny Jaworski and Francis Arnaiz, embarking on our “basketball diplomacy.”

My uncle, then-Philippine Ambassador to the United States Eduardo Z. Romualdez, was appointed by President Marcos Sr. to head the delegation.

At that time, China was nowhere near what it is today. We stayed at the only major hotel in Beijing – the Friendship Hotel with big rooms and only one restaurant – which was more like a guesthouse for official visitors.

We had the opportunity to meet Deng Xiaoping, the architect of China’s modernization and economic transformation. Subsequently, we were formally received by Premier Chou En-lai at the Great Hall of the People. In 1983, I was back in Beijing with then-Ilocos Norte Governor Bongbong Marcos and several local leaders then, like Olongapo

found a temporary haven in our shores, never mind that their stay was not always problem-free or their accommodation first class.

As I had written in the past, we Filipinos are so accommodating. We always have an extra room and we say there will be enough, we can add water to the soup. But these welcomed aliens eventually leave because they think there are places better than our 7,641 islands. So much for our hospitality. As to those who’ve stayed behind and for good, we could only hope they have found treasures they were not looking for.

Why the Philippines and not our more affluent neighbors as their foster home? In the case of the Vietnamese who fled by boat after the so-called Fall of Saigon in 1975 that ended the decadesold U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War, the Philippines was just across the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) and an ally

mayor Richard Gordon, TawiTawi governor Nur Jaafar and Laoag City mayor Rudy Fariñas. My next trip to China was in 2005 when we visited Shanghai with the late Philippine STAR publisher Max Soliven. We were hosted by businessman Carlos Chan. The changes were remarkable, with five-star hotels and bustling shopping centers indicative of the economic transformation that was happening in China.

In September 2011, I was part of the business delegation of the late president Noynoy Aquino during his official visit to China, and it was apparent that our neighbor had become very prosperous, with the Chinese becoming the second biggest consumers of luxury items.

Contrary to misconceptions that we are pivoting towards one country at the expense of another, President Marcos Jr. has definitely made it clear that he is balancing the relationship with the two superpowers, and I think he is doing an excellent job – improving our country’s relationship with the United States while continually reaching out to China.

In the Q &A session at the ASEAN Leadership Forum organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies during his official visit to the U.S., PBBM was asked: How can he maintain a stable relationship with Beijing while still defending Philippine sovereignty?

The president’s reply was on point: “The same way that we maintain our relationship with the U.S. We constantly consult with our allies. We constantly keep our lines of communication open.”

Indeed, China is talking with us and as the president noted, he is seeing some progress in the situation regarding fishing rights in the West Philippine Sea. He knows, however, that desired results don’t happen overnight. “These things do not come very quickly… but we are slowly making progress because the key to that was really the improved communication between the Philippine government and the Chinese government.”

We do have a lot of serious issues with China regarding our territorial waters, but we continue to squarely face them head on. Our nation has faced so many challenges, especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but we have also received help from our partners. For my part, President Rodrigo Duterte gave clear instructions that we needed to get life-saving vaccines for Filipinos. It was a great honor when President Duterte awarded me with the Order of Sikatuna for our efforts to procure Moderna vaccines and subsequently received substantial vaccine donations from the United States.

Upon instructions of President Marcos, we continue to make strengthening economic ties our number one priority in the

and impunity. As the barangay and youth council elections approach, the PNP will have to do more than merely monitor private armed groups. (Philstar.com)

U.S. Our defense strategy is already obviously being handled by our Department of National Defense, especially now with the appointment of Gilbert Teodoro as the new defense secretary.

This week, Senate President Migz Zubiri came to Washington, D.C. for a working visit. He had extensive interaction with U.S. lawmakers such as Senators Mike Lee of Utah, Ted Cruz of Texas and Tim Scott of South Carolina. I am pleased that SP Migz is very much into energy development, knowing fully well that our country’s energy

PH as refugees’ halfway house

of the U.S. Theirs were perilous boat rides on choppy waters but when they landed, they were not shooed away but were brought to several refugee camps set up by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. I had written stories about their plight, among them about the ones who had nowhere to go after almost two decades (“Citizens without a country,” 4/16/95) because of factors too lengthy to mention here. And then a happier one about a permanent village in Palawan built by the Catholic Church for those who stayed (“Former Viet refugees say, Thank you, RP” 4/20/98, 4/21/98). I asked about the place the last time I was in Palawan and I was told it was no longer what it used to be. That says a lot.

The Afghan refugees, if we host them, might be different from other refugees the Philippines had hosted in the past. The

refugees of yore were mostly ordinary fearful citizens fleeing an oppressive situation, the Jews from Europe, for example, who found a temporary home here during World War II upon the invitation of former president Manuel L. Quezon. Then there were the Vietnamese and some from their neighboring countries, many of whom stayed for almost two decades before they could be settled in another country.

The Afghan refugees would be fleeing extremist Taliban rule and unlike the many Vietnamese who braved dangerous waters, these Afghan refugees would be bodily brought here by the U.S. government. Straight from where? Afghanistan? Or are they already in another country waiting to be transported first by land, then sea or air? What is the process like? Will the 50,000 or so come all at once or by batches? How long will they stay and where? We are in the

dark regarding this. And what is the Philippine government’s involvement?

Philippine ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez told CNN that the U.S. “will pay for everything, including the food, lodging. The reason why the Philippines is a logical place is because, number one, we are obviously an ally of the United States. Number two, the U.S. has a fairly big embassy in the Philippines. It will be a quick processing.” This may sound impertinent, but why not Guantanamo? It is closer to the U.S. mainland. Now comes the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ episcopal commission for the pastoral care of migrants and itinerant people, saying that the Philippines should come to the aid of the refugees.

The Philippines, commission vice chair Bishop Ruperto Santos said, is a signatory to the

photos

requirements are growing. Together with Senator Tolentino, SP Migz discussed a number of issues that include the reauthorization of the General System of Preferences and the defense procurement for our AFP modernization program. (Phiilstar.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

United Nations 1951 Refugee Convention and, as Filipinos, it is our duty to extend acts of charity and compassion. He quoted Jesus: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”

The Afghan refugees are surely mostly Muslims coming from a very, very restricted society, so unlike Muslim societies in Southeast Asia. Some may be assets of the U.S. forces who have no choice but to run for their lives. We, hospitable Christians and Muslims of this woebegone country, had not experienced dealing with the likes of them. It would be interesting to see how hosting these Afghans will unfold. (Inquirer.net)

* * *

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.

* * * Send feedback to cerespd@gmail.com

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with U.S. President Joe Biden

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with Chinese President Xi Jinping Malacañang file

GETTING READY. Muslim women shop for new dresses and head coverings (hijab) in Quiapo, Manila on Tuesday, June 27.

June 28, they will celebrate Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice which is

after Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan).

PH remains top investments hub

by Jenica Faye Garcia ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines remains the top investment hub in the region in spite of tough competition from neighboring countries and the growing tension with China, Tereso Panga, the director general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), said.

He said the country remained competitive through the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

"Currently, we have companies in the economic zones that are already coming from the RCEP member countries, but we [also] have non-traditional sources of investments that are part of the RCEP, the likes of Australia, New Zealand," he said.

"These are the exciting economies that we'd like to tap for investments as well as exports. So, right now, we are doing well with our investment promotions," he said.

Panga said the country has been luring more investments because of its high labor productivity and the incentives it offers, such as value-added tax (VAT) exemption on importation and VAT-zero rating on local purchases of goods and services.

"I can say that there is a very stiff competition when it comes to [attracting] foreign direct investment because we are up against other Asean economies. They try to give all concessions, from incentives [to] infrastructure development, just so they are

able to bring in more investments into their economy," he said.

Panga said the country's biggest selling point "is our labor, the high productivity of our labor."

The setting up of green lanes for strategic investments will also fast-track the processing of documents for investors, he said.

"This has been the selling point of PEZA whenever we invite investors to locate in the economic zones," he said.

He said he believes the dispute in the West Philippine Sea between China and the Philippines will not affect investment growth, since China is among the Philippines' top investors.

"Our thinking is that if we are able to bridge Chinese investments coming to the Philippines to invest, somehow it [will] mitigate the tension ... going on [at] the geopolitical side," he said.

"With our entry into RCEP, we are anticipating more investments, especially coming from China. Some of the big tickets of investments are coming from China," Panga said.

In 2022, China's investment pledges reached approximately $25 million, or P1.43 billion, making it the country's ninthbiggest source of investments.

Panga said he is inviting investors in the energy sector to locate in the country's economic zones and help bring down the cost of electricity, which is among the highest in Southeast Asia.

"The number one concern of

PH eyed as Asia’s tourism powerhouse

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, June 27 vowed to transform the country into a "tourism powerhouse" in Asia as the Philippines launched its enhanced tourism campaign, "Love the Philippines."

Marcos led the launch of the new campaign slogan during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Department of Tourism (DoT) at the Manila Hotel. The new campaign succeeded the present slogan, "It's more fun in the Philippines," which was conceptualized during the time of President Benigno Aquino III and was sustained by the Duterte administration.

Marcos affirmed his commitment to advance the country's tourism industry, saying that "this prioritization goes deeper than merely stimulating economic activities and generating job opportunities."

our locators is the cost of power. We are trying to address that by subscribing to the principle of a distributed energy system where we are able to invite investors to actually set up facilities in the economic zones," he said.

"If we have embedded power [in the ecozones], it [will] be able to provide energy for our locator companies," Panga said. There are 20 ecozone projects throughout the country waiting for presidential approval.

He said he met recently with the Antique provincial officials who want to go into ecozones.

"They want to replicate the Bali, Indonesia, type of ecotourism," he said.

An American Taiwanese investor with solar dish technology wants to put up a renewable energy facility in Suyu, Ilocos Sur. Another investor is interested in building a second barge terminal in Tanza, Cavite, to decongest the harbor there, Panga said.

PEZA is an agency attached to the Department of Trade and Industry. It is the biggest ecozone authority and one of the top investment promotion agencies in the Philippines. There are 420 ecozones hosting 4,372 locator companies, mostly exportoriented.

The ecozones have generated 1,809,217 direct jobs. The National Economic and Development Authority said for every direct job created in the ecozones, five more jobs are created outside, resulting in 9,046,085 indirect jobs. n

"It springs from the genuine love, me and all of us have for the Filipinos. And what better way to express that love than directly incorporating it into our country's newest tourism campaign slogan, Love the Philippines," Marcos said.

"This is new branding which we unveiled today. It will serve as our guidepost for the Philippine Tourism Industry moving forward," he added.

The president thanked Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and the DoT for conceptualizing the new slogan, which, he said, is not only promoting the Philippines as a tourist destination but also enhancing the overall experience of every traveler.

"Included in the list of targets are to promote regional products, build more infra for ease of travel, and champion green movements, amongst others," he said.

Marcos said these plans are laid out in detail in the National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028, which was approved in May.

"The five-year plan stemmed from this administration's determination to implement programs that will positively transform our country towards being a tourism powerhouse in Asia in the coming years," Marcos said. "Let us therefore strive to translate our golden vision into reality, which also encapsulates this year's milestone theme of Ginto, or Greater Innovations, New Tourism Opportunities."

Citing the latest data on the

status of the country's tourism sector, Marcos said the country continues to see improving figures in tourism revenues, employment, international arrivals and domestic trips.

"All of these are encouraging signs that the tourism industry in our country as a whole is headed well towards full recovery. It also conveys a strong message to the world that we are ready and fully equipped to welcome tourists, travelers as well as investors," he said.

The president called Filipinos to be the country's "tourism ambassadors."

"Let us take pride and celebrate the love we have for our country and our people, for it is the same love that gave meaning to the establishment of the DoT and the same love that will propel our tourism industry moving forward into the future," he said.

Earlier, Frasco said the "main change" in the Philippines' marketing strategy will be the shift in focus to "highlight the heart and soul of the Filipino." She said the transformation is evident in the country's culture, festivals, food and products.

"Everything that makes us diverse and unique and a proud Filipino people... gives us pride of place. We are putting forth the best of the best of the Philippines to the world because it cannot be denied that we do give the world our best," Frasco said.

The Philippines ranks sixth on the list of top tourism magnets in Southeast Asia.

The Philippine tourism industry made P1.74 trillion from domestic and foreign tourist receipts and generated 5.2 million jobs for Filipinos in 2022, based on data from the DoT. (Catherine Valente/ ManilaTimes.net)

KEY INDUSTRY. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers a speech during the celebration of 50 years of Philippine tourism at the Tent City of The Manila Hotel on Tuesday.June 27. PNA photo by Alfred Frias

The Asian Journal MDWK

Wednesday JUNE 28, 2023

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.

Continued on Page 9

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.

“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 selfacceptance.”

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 self-acceptance 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 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.

The only thing Arjo wishes to happen at his wedding to Maine

By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

“SHE is on top of everything,” said actor Arjo Atayde of his fiancée, actressTV host Maine Mendoza, when Inquirer Entertainment asked how things are coming along in the preparations for their wedding that’s reportedly set for July.

“Of course, the women are always on top of things. I’ve already accepted that,” quipped Arjo, who is the son of actress Sylvia Sanchez and sister of Ria Atayde.

“It’s her day. I’m just here to support whatever Maine wants to happen on that day,” he stressed. “But what I love is that she really considers my suggestions, even the minimal ones. Obviously, to us guys, whatever our women or partners want, we’re OK.”

As to what he wished to personally experience on that special day, Arjo said:

“It’s going to sound very cheesy, but again, I just want to see her happy. Also, I want to see our loved ones there, my

friends, the people who matter in our lives, and the ones we care for the most. They all have to be there as their gift to us.”

‘Savor every moment’

He continued: “I just want to savor every moment with her because I know that, for every wedding that I’ve gone to for a friend, it’s just one day and it’s all done.”

Arjo said that apart from praying for a better tomorrow for the country, he also prays “for everyone in my family to be healthy, as well as for my marriage with Maine to last a lifetime and for us to have healthy children.”Arjo said he noticed that his prayer has gotten “more mature” compared to before. “I used to just wish I could get a car,” he said, laughing. “I have to admit, I don’t pray every day. I’m no saint, but I definitely pray as much as I can just to say ‘thank you’ and to ask for guidance for my goals. Obviously, hard work should be supplemented with prayers.”

‘Tayo na magpugay’: Bruno Mars composes new Filipino song as thanks for fans

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MANILA — Award-winning Filipino-American singer Bruno Mars had a funky and entertaining two nights back in the Philippines, and he left something special for his Filipino fans.

A day after his second concert at the Philippine Arena — Bruno performed back-to-back nights on June 24 and 25 — he uploaded on his social media accounts a special song thanking fans for coming out to see him after five years.

The video see Bruno teaching some of the Hooligans, his band, the words Tayo na magpugay ” or in English “Let’s pay tribute,” which they all sang as clips of Bruno’s concerts played. Bruno was on the guitar as they sang “ Tayo na magpugay ” and “Dancing

in Manila,” and it felt like an extension of his concerts where everyone in attendance were enamored by his vocals.

As a clip of confetti raining down inside the Philippine Arena ended the video, Bruno still managed to yell out Mahal kita, Manila!”

On both nights, Bruno sang a number of his hits from across the years

including “Treasure,” “Marry

You,” “When I Was Your Man,” “Locked Out of Heaven,” and “Just The Way You Are.”

Bruno also performed songs from his Grammywinning album “24 Magic,” such as “Versace on the Floor,” “Finesse,” “That’s What I Like,” “Calling All My Lovelies,” and the album’s

eponymous lead single. Toward the end he even sang a medley of hits he was involved in: “F**k You” by CeeLo Green, “Young, Wild & Free” by Wiz Khalifa, “Grenade” where he asked for more dramatic smoke; “Talking to the Moon,” “Nothin’ On You” by B.o.B., and Silk Sonic’s “Leave the Door Open.”

Arjo Atayde (left) with fiancee Maine Mendoza Inquirer.net photo

Photo from Twitter/@BrunoMars

Business owner needs Chapter 13 to reorganize

Debt

Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng

CLIENT is a young senior.

At 65, in my book, she’s a young senior. She has been living by herself since she divorced 20 years ago. Her adult children have their own lives and families. She prefers to have the privacy of living by herself. Most seniors prefer to live in their own house living their own lifestyle whatever that might be. Especially here in LA where home values are unreasonably high, even if you cash out your equity by selling your house, where will you move to? You won’t be able to buy another house in LA because houses here are so expensive, you’d have to look at moving out of state to say to AZ or TX, where houses are still reasonably priced.

In Houston, you can still buy a new house with 2500 S.F. for $400K. With the equity generated by the sale of your house in LA, you can pay for the brand new house in TX in cash, carrying no mortgage. Or, if you insist on staying near LA, you can look at houses in Rialto or Fontana in San Bernardino County where $400K for a house is still well within reach. But who wants to live in Rialto anyway, it’s in the boondocks. It would be a couple of notches down your

LA lifestyle. Fortunately for client, her condo is fully paid off. It’s now worth close to $600K. The problem is that she operates two retail outlets in the food industry. Both outlets were doing great before the pandemic. 4 years of pandemic killed one of the outlets. The other outlet is still surviving and provides a source of regular income for client. In addition, she enjoys doing that business so she wants to continue doing that business.

The outlet that died as it could no longer pay the rent of $10K a month owes $180K of rent. So obviously, the landlord wants to get paid. Client did not borrow from the SBA for the PPP loans to keep this outlet going, unlike many business owners who did resort to that alternative which did help to survive the pandemic, but it’s a fact that businesses have not yet been able to get back to income at levels before the pandemic so there’s that dilemma, that many businesses have to contend with. Client only owes unpaid rent of $180K and unsecured debt of $20K. Landlord now wants to sue client for $180K.

Her initial desire is to file for Chapter 7 for a fresh start with no debt. Although theoretically her condo is totally exempt under current exemption of $630K, there is a significant risk that she could lose her condo to the Chapter 7 trustee. You never know,

Division of a business in a California divorce

Corner

the trustee might have an interested buyer willing to pay $700K for her condo. Home prices are supposed to have dropped a little bit, but why even assume the risk of losing her condo with Chapter 7?

In Chapter 13, we can submit a plan that say, pays only $300 a month for 60 months, or a total of $18K without interest. This is only 9% of her total debt of $200K. Is she makes all plan payments timely, the court will discharge or wipe out $182K. And more importantly, in Chapter 13, there is zero risk of losing her condo to the trustee. Chapter 13 trustees do not have the power, unlike Chapter 7 trustees, to sell debtor houses. Being a businesswoman for 40 years, client immediately sees the wisdom of using Chapter 13 in her situation. If you have too much debt and need relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally.

* * * Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal advice for anyone. There is absolutely no attorney client relationship established by reading this article.

* * * Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California. Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803. (Advertising Supplement)

WHEN a married couple decides to divorce in California, one of the most significant issues they will face is dividing their assets and debts. If the couple owns a business together, this can be particularly complicated whether it is operated by only one spouse or both spouses jointly. In this article, we will discuss how property division works in a California divorce when a business is involved.

California is a community property state, which means that property acquired during the marriage is generally considered community property and must be divided equally between the spouses upon divorce. This includes businesses and business assets. However, the division of a business in a divorce can be complex, especially if the business was started before the marriage or if only one spouse was involved in its creation or operation.

One option for dividing a business in a divorce is for one spouse to buy out the other’s share of the business. This can be done through negotiation or mediation, or it may require a court order through trial.

If the spouses cannot agree on a buyout price, the court may order a valuation of the business to determine its worth. Typically, this is done by having a forensic CPA perform a business valuation.

If the parties are in agreement on who they want to use as an expert, the parties can stipulate that a certain forensic CPA be appointed as the court’s expert to value the business pursuant to evidence code section 730. If the parties are not in agreement in the appointment of a 730 expert or if one of the parties are not in agreement with the valuation of the 730 expert, each party can retain their own forensic CPA to value the business. Typically, the court will order that each party’s forensic CPA meet and confer and do a side by side evaluation of their calculation to isolate where they differ. This is typically done in preparation for trial.

Another option is for the spouses to continue to co-own the business after the divorce. This is rare, but it can work if the spouses are willing to continue working together and can establish a clear plan for managing the business. However, this option is usually

not recommended, as it can lead to ongoing conflict and legal disputes. If the business was started before the marriage or if only one spouse was involved in its creation or operation, the court may consider these factors when determining how to divide the business.

For example, if one spouse started the business before the marriage and the other spouse made no significant contributions to the business, the court may consider the business to be the separate property of the spouse who started it. However, if the other spouse contributed significantly to the business during the marriage or if the business has grown significantly during the marriage due to the hard work of the owner spouse during the marriage, the court may still award them a portion of the business or its profits.

In order to determine what percentage of a business is community property versus separate property, there are two methods used based on two cases, Van Camp v. Van Camp, (1921) 53 Cal.App. 17 and Pereira v. Pereira, (1909) 156 Cal. 1, 103. These formulas are used to determine the value attributed to the community and separate property interests.

The Pereira case involves a married couple who ran a profitable business. Although the husband claimed that he had started the business before the marriage with separate capital, the Court found that a share of the earnings was community property. The Court, however, emphasized that the success of the business was largely due to the husband, who ran the company. The Pereira method of analysis is typically applied when business profits are mainly attributed to the efforts of the “community.” The concept of a Pereira analysis is to allocate a fair return to the separate property investment in the business and principally apportion the remainder of the value to the community property. As a result, the Pereira analysis is usually applied to small businesses where the efforts of the owner are significant in the success of the business, and it is assumed that the business would not have had such success without the business owner’s efforts.

The Van Camp case resulted from a successful family business. The son of the business owners ran a successful packaging company in California. When the son married, the son’s wife ultimately relied on the holding of the Pereira case and argued that the community interest

in the business was due to its successful management. The Court, however, found that the success of the business was also due to the investment of capital into the corporation.

As a result, the business increased in value due to the initial investment and various assets rather than the son’s efforts during the marriage. The Van Camp method is used when the increase in the value of a business is primarily the result of the unique nature of the particular asset, and not necessarily the efforts of the community. The goal of a Van Camp analysis is to obtain the reasonable value of the community’s services and then to allocate that amount to the community property and the remainder to the separate property. In some cases, the court may order the sale of the business and the division of the proceeds between the spouses. This is usually only done if the spouses cannot agree on any other division method or if the business is not profitable.

In conclusion, dividing a business in a California divorce can be complex and requires careful consideration of all factors involved. It is essential to work with an experienced divorce attorney who can help you navigate the legal process and protect your interests. By working together with your spouse and your attorney, you can find a fair and equitable solution for dividing your business and other assets in your divorce..

* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation.

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association for 2005. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. Mr. Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com; visit at www.kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Joey de Leon slams critics saying TVJ are old, should give way to younger hosts

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

MANILA — Veteran comedian Joey de Leon called out bashers asking him, Tito Sotto and Vic Sotto to give way to younger hosts because they are old. In a recent Facebook live on the TVJ fan page, Joey said that he’s angry to those who are saying that they are old.  Ito para sa’yo to. Ikaw

pwede ka na palang ilibing.

Tumahimik ka na. Ito may galit na ko e kasi pakialamera o inggetera kayo,” Joey said.  “Ang tao kung gustong gumalaw, pabayaan mong gumalaw. Kung gustong magtrabaho, pabayaan mong magtrabaho. ‘Pag nagkakaedad kayo, malalaman niyo ‘yan ‘pag tanda niyo,” he added.

Joey said that they are not just working for themselves.

“Kaya ka nagta-trabaho ‘pag tanda mo, hindi na para sa sarili mo ‘yon. Ito lecture lang to, para na ‘yan sa ibang tao, para na ‘yan sa pamilya mo, sa kamag-anak mo,” he said.

Kaya ‘yung mga basher na sinasabing ‘Oy pagbigyan niyo naman ‘yung iba,’ ulol! ‘Yan ang pwede kong sabihin sa’yo. Alam mo ‘pag naranasan mo ‘yung nararanasan namin na

Continued on Page 11

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

Barrister’s

Ricci Rivero says he didn’t try to win back Andrea Brillantes after split: ‘Sobrang puno na’

RICCI Rivero revealed that he didn’t try to win back his ex-girlfriend Andrea Brillantes after their split, saying that he was doing his best to not give up on their relationship “for the longest time.”

Fil-Am magician Anna De Guzman impresses

‘America’s Got Talent’ judges, gets 4 yeses

MANILA — Filipino-

American magician Anna De Guzman wowed the judges and the crowd in “America’s Got Talent.”

In one of the episode recently, judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel voted “yes” to Anna as she did “cardistry” or “manipulation of playing cards.”

“Growing up as an only child with a single mother, I spent a lot of time learning how to entertain myself,” she said on stage.

“When I found my first deck of cards, I was instantly captivated by the magic they

seem to possess,” she added.

The judges were impressed with Anna’s magic tricks.

“It was the most adorable, fun, magical thing I’ve seen so far this season,” Howie said.

“I agree with Howie. You’re totally a breath of fresh air. You showed us some magic we haven’t seen before and you have a million-dollar smile on your face,” Heidi added.

Before joining the show, Anna already showcased her talent in different TV shows such as “MTV’s Amazingness,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” and “CW’s Penn & Teller: Fool Us.”

During the second part of his interview with Boy Abunda on Tuesday, June 27, Rivero said that while he did his part to make his relationship with the actress work, he eventually got tired of fighting for their romance.

“Did you try to win her back?” Abunda asked the basketball player.

“No,” he said in response. “Kasi Tito Boy, siguro for the longest time, I was trying to not give up on the relationship. And sabi ko, for me to give up, siguro sobrang puno na.”

(Perhaps for the longest time, Tito Boy, I was trying to not give up on the relationship. I told myself, for me to give up, it might have been too much.)

While Rivero has no regrets about his romance with Brillantes, he hoped that the latter wouldn’t be upset upon finding out that he brought their relationship woes into the open.

“I’m hoping na hindi siya magalit kasi I’m just stating kung anong nangyaring totoo sa side ko. Kasi ‘yung mga nariring sa ibang shows lately ay ‘yung side niya. And ‘yung akin, tina-try kong hindi magsalita pero sobra na talaga sa family ko,” he said, hinting that his family was also affected by their break-up.

(I’m hoping that she wouldn’t be mad at me because I’m just stating my truth on what happened. Because what people

(From

hear from other shows is her side. And for me, I’m trying to speak up but the effects of our separation is too much for my family to bear.)

The “Gen Z” star then claimed that the actress should be aware why he felt the need to speak up about our relationship, as he pointed out that the latter supposedly received more sympathy during the height of their split.

“She knows why I’m speaking up right now kasi ang tagal ko nang sinasabi sa kanya na maayos kaming nag-uusap eh. Maayos ko ring sinasabi sa kanya na, ‘Wait lang, bugbog na ako, diba? Ikaw, hindi ka nahihiyang magsalita kasi lahat ng sympathy na sa’yo,’” he said.

“Okay, naiintindihan ko. Hindi gan’un kahirap. Pero ‘yung sakin, bugbog na ko

eh. Parang dadating din siguro ako sa time na mag-speak up for what really happened, kung hindi man maabot sa time na magspeak up ka for what really happened [sa atin], siguro magsasalita rin ako,” he continued.

(She knows why I’m speaking up right now, because I’ve been saying for a long time that we remained civil. I’ve properly mentioned to her that, “Wait, I feel bruised with this, right? You’re not scared to speak up because all of the sympathy has gone to you. Okay, I understand. It wasn’t hard. But for me, I’m very bruised with this. There will certainly come a time that I will speak up for what really happened. If you’re not going to reveal what really happened between us, then it’s my time to talk.)

The basketball star earlier confirmed in the first part of his interview with the veteran host that Brillantes saw him with a mystery woman at his place, although he clarified that she was just a companion of one of his friends.

On the other hand, Brillantes admitted at a “Magandang Buhay” appearance that she hasn’t fully moved on from the heartbreak because she loved a certain someone with all her heart.

“Ako po kasi, aminado ako na since ang bago-bago pa lang po talaga ng lahat, at alam mo ‘yon naging totoo kasi sa akin lahat. Ako nagmahal ako nang totoo, hindi ko ‘yon male-let go agad-agad,” she said.

(I’m aware that things are very new right now, and for me those moments were real. I loved someone truly. I can’t let go of that right away.) (by Marinel Cruz/Inquirer.net)

Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon in an episode of “Eat Bulaga.” The trio, collectively known as TVJ, hosted the show since 1979. Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon via Facebook

Joey de Leon slams...

From Page 10

44 years ha nag-eenjoy kami, kung pwede lang mag-request ng another life para maranasan pa, ma-extend pa ‘yung enjoyment mo sa trabaho na ‘yon. Iba ‘yung trabaho namin e. ‘Wag mong pakialamanan ang tao ‘pag gustong magtrabaho,” he added.

Tito, Vic and Joey revealed at their recent TV5 press conference that they will surprise viewers with the title of their TV5 noontime show on July 1.  “Basta ako ‘Eat Bulaga’ ako,” Vic said.  “Ayon nga masaya dito e

First time ‘to. ‘Yung show na maraming title,” Joey added.

Tito said that they believe that they will use the name again soon because history and law back them up.

“We are definitely working on the legal side for ‘Eat Bulaga.’ Si Joey ang nag-imbento no’n e. History and the law back us up. So therefore it may take some time, but we will be able to use ‘Eat Bulaga.’ I’m sure of that,” he said.

Ngayon, paano sa July 1? Ang usapan namin kanina, isusurprise namin kayo sa July 1,” he added.

Filipino-American magician Anna De Guzman Screengrab from America’s Got Talent YouTube Channel

left) Ricci Rivero, Andrea Brillantes. Photo from Instagram/@ricciiirivero would