071522 - New York & New Jersey Edition

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JULY 15-21, 2022 Volume 15 - No.36 • 16 Pages

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Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

New York faces another COVID surge DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Note may show location of missing Fil-Am woman’s body, but search fails POLICE in Oakley, California on July 7 gave the parents of missing 27-year-old Filipino American woman, Alexis Gabe, copies of notes handwritten by her exboyfriend that could indicate the location of her body, according to ABC7 News.

Gabe’s ex-boyfriend, Marshall Curtis Jones, wrote directions on where to dispose of her body in Pioneer, California, an area 60 miles east of Sacramento.

Investigators and hundreds of volunteers reportedly searched acres of land in Pioneer for any sign of Alexis’s body, including draining more than eight million gallons of water in a nearby

Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams announce launch of new COVID-19 treatment hotline

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

THE sixth wave of COVID-19 has started, with the highly contagious omicron variant – the BA.5 variant – now the most transmissible and dominant strain of COVID-19 in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In New York City, COVID-19 cases are rising and the current positivity rate has reached an average of 15%. Because of this,

the New York City Health Department issued new guidance asking that people wear a high-quality mask, such as an N95, KN95, or KF94 in all public indoor settings and around crowds outside.

The BA.5 variant is an intensely contagious COVID variant that some health experts have called it the “worst version” of omicron yet as it is highly infectious and largely resistant to the current vaccines. Those who have come down with the virus already are also more susceptible to reinfection.

MANILA — The Court of Appeals (CA) has resolved that 15 years after a story is posted online, a cyberlibel lawsuit can still be filed in court.

In a decision affirming the cyberlibel conviction of Nobel Laureate and Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and former researcherwriter Reynaldo Santos Jr., the CA said that a one-year prescription for libel cannot apply to cyberlibel cases.

The CA explained that the penalty imposed for cyberlibel – imprisonment for up to eight years – is classified as afflictive which under Article 90 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), the prescription should be 15 years.

Libel, under Article 355 of the Revised Penal Code, is punishable only by imprisonment of six months up to four years and two months and belongs to a different classification of penalties.

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United States backs PH on West Philippine Sea, warns that it will support Manila on armed attacks

by KAYCEE

VALMONTE Philstar.com

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How the PH Court of Appeals ruled on Maria Ressa’s cyber libel case

According to experts, this variant which fuels higher infection rates is also the dominant strain in the CDC’s New York region.

Early this week, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a new free hotline in New York for those who test positive for COVID-19 but don’t have a health care provider, as part of ongoing efforts to keep New Yorkers protected throughout the

FREE RIDE. Passengers board a bus at the EDSA Carousel busway in Monumento, Caloocan City on Wednesday morning, July 13. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. approved the extension of the free ride program on EDSA Carousel until December this year and free rides for students in the Light Rail Transit-2 for the resumption of classes in August.

PNA photo by

MANILA — On the 6th anniversary of the 2016 Hague ruling, the United States reaffirmed its commitment to the Philippines and warns that it will back Manila should there be armed attacks.

“We also reaffirm that an armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft in the South China Sea would invoke the U.S. mutual defense commitments under Article IV of the 1951 U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty,” U.S. Secretary of State

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Hontiveros, Padilla Suspect pleads not guilty after alleged unlikely allies in reviving hate attack against Fil-Am family discussion on divorce AJP by

by XAVE

GREGORIO Philstar.com

MANILA — Sens. Risa Hontiveros and Robin Padilla are finding themselves on the same side of the fence as they have both identified the legalization of divorce in the Philippines among their priority measures for the 19th

Congress.

Hontiveros and Padilla filed different versions of the measure that is deemed rather controversial in the Philippines, where majority identify as Catholic and which

 PAGE 4

RESS

THE suspect accused of physically assaulting and throwing racist slurs toward a Filipino American family has pleaded not guilty on Monday, July 11 to two battery charges.

Nicholas Weber, a 31-year-old Sylmar, California resident, is charged with one felony count of battery with serious bodily injury and a misdemeanor count of battery. The

charges carry hate crime allegations.

This comes after a May 13 incident wherein Patricia Roque, 19, and her mom Nerissa, 47, were getting latenight snacks at the McDonald’s drivethru on Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood when a dark blue jeep, driven by Weber, hit their car from behind.

The younger Roque got out of the car and started taking cellphone videos of the damagers. That’s when the suspect

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Note may show location... US vows to ‘stand united’ with PH on multiple fronts PAGE 1 pond. They didn’t find anything.

Gabe’s parents, however, say they believe she’s still alive and hidden somewhere.

Jones was killed last month when police tried to arrest him near Seattle, Washington. He allegedly charged at officers with a knife.

After Jones’ death, a friend of his gave police a note from two weeks before Gabe

disappeared. The note says Jones told the friend he was “thinking about killing Alexis and wanted to know where the best place to hide a body would be.”

Investigators said that Marshall and the friend decided “the best place to dispose of a body would be by placing it in a septic tank or burying the body in a forest area.”

For any information that could help investigators, call the Alexis Gabe tip line at 925-625-7009. (Inquirer.net)

United States backs PH on West Philippine Sea, warns that it will...

PAGE 1 Antony Blinken said in a press statement dated July 11.

The Permanent Court of Arbitration, a United Nations-backed tribunal, ruled in 2016 that China’s claims over the South China Sea is invalid as the claims already exceeds Beijing’s maritime entitlements.

It also ruled that some of the areas are already within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

Six years since the ruling, the Philippines has filed over 200 diplomatic protests as China refuses to

recognize the ruling.

This was also backed by a recent U.S. study on coastal state maritime claims, as noted by Blinken, that China’s claims over the disputed waters remain “plainly inconsistent with international law.”

“We call again on the PRC to abide by its obligations under international law and cease its provocative behavior. We will continue to work with allies and partners, as well as regional institutions like ASEAN, to protect and preserve the rules-based order,” Blinken said.

PH commemorates historic ruling In a separate statement, Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo asserted that “these findings are no longer within the reach of denial and rebuttal, and are conclusive as they are indisputable.”

“We firmly reject attempts to undermine it; nay, even erase it from law, history and our collective memories.”

Manalo also said that the Philippines welcomes the support of more countries backing Manila in asserting its rights over the waters. g

by Beatrice

Pinlac Inquirer.net

MANILA — The United States has committed to “stand united” with the Philippines in a mutual pursuit of development, especially under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava, during the U.S. Embassy in Manila’s commemoration of the 246th anniversary of the declaration of U.S. Independence on Friday, July 8 stressed the U.S.’ promise to continue strengthening ties with the Philippines by “working closely” with the Marcos administration in ensuring “a prosperous, healthy, and safe future for the peoples of both our nations.”

This sentiment echoed the earlier statement of U.S. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, husband of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who said that the U.S. is looking forward to working with the Philippines’ new leadership on a variety of issues.

“We firmly stand united with the Philippines moving to greater heights. And together, we look forward to moving on to greater heights,” Variava said.

U.S. Embassy in Manila

“Together, we look forward to developing new trade and investment opportunities that create jobs and spur economic growth. Together, we look forward to partnering on clean energy solutions, protecting marine and terrestrial resources, and tackling the climate crisis.

Together, we look forward to supporting peace and security throughout the Indo-Pacific region. And together, we look forward to creating educational and leadership opportunities for youth, to offer them, and their communities, a brighter future,” she added.

Variava also recalled the bolstered relationship of the U.S. with the Philippines

Inquirer file photo

especially during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The U.S. and the Philippines have come so far in confronting the pandemic and related challenges over the past two years.

Americans and Filipinos around the world have worked hand-in-hand and stood united as we tackled these challenges,” she underscored.

The Philippines has been on the receiving end of millions worth of COVID-19 vaccine donations from the U.S. government.

The U.S. likewise extended assistance when Typhoon Odette battered parts of the Philippines in 2021.

(By Beatrice Pinlac/Inquirer. net)

New York faces another COVID surge...

PAGE 1 pandemic.

The hotline, 888-TREAT-NY, was launched by the New York State Department of Health after reaching an agreement to utilize the Virtual ExpressCare platform operated by NYC Health + Hospitals.

“Every New Yorker deserves access to quality, accessible health care, regardless of their insurance status,” said Mayor Adams. “NYC Health + Hospitals’ Virtual ExpressCare has helped connect thousands of New Yorkers to COVID-19 resources and I’m proud that, through this partnership with Governor Hochul and Commissioner Bassett, New Yorkers across the state, regardless of whether they have a health care provider, will now have access to critical and lifesaving treatments.”

“We’ve made real progress in our fight against COVID-19, but as new variants continue to spread it’s important to continue to adapt and expand our efforts to protect New Yorkers,” said Governor Hochul. “Our new COVID-19 treatment hotline will provide New Yorkers with better access to early treatments that help prevent severe illness.”

New York City residents, regardless

of income or health insurance coverage who test COVID-19 positive, are eligible to be evaluated for treatment by calling 212-COVID-19 or completing an evaluation on the New York State COVID-19 ExpressCare Therapeutics Access website, which includes a telemedicine visit. New Yorkers outside of New York City should call 888-TREAT-NY (888-873-2869).

The hotline is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week, and is operated by experienced Health + Hospitals professionals who have the clinical training to prescribe treatment and referrals if needed. The ExpressCare platform is a service that allows New Yorkers to receive virtual care from an NYC Health + Hospitals provider.

The telemedicine visit will include a clinical assessment by medical providers who will identify the appropriate COVID-19 treatment plan, which may include a prescription for Paxlovid or Molnupiravir. These oral antiviral medications have both been proven to decrease hospitalization for those that are at risk for severe disease. When given soon after a positive COVID-19 diagnosis these antivirals also help fight infection and shorten recovery time. g

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From the Front Page

How the PH Court of... Hontiveros, Padilla unlikely allies...

PAGE 1 Santos wrote the article in May 2012 claiming that businessman Wilfredo Keng lent his sports utility vehicle to then Chief Justice Renato Corona.

The story also cited an intelligence report that said Keng had been under surveillance by the National Security Council for alleged involvement in human trafficking and drug smuggling.

The article was re-posted in February 2014.

Ressa’s camp argued that they could not be prosecuted for cyberlibel because the law, at that time, was subject to a restraining order by the Supreme Court.

However, the CA said the Cybercrime Law was signed into law in September 2012 and became effective on October 9 that year. Although there was a restraining order, the CA said only the implementation was enjoined but the effectivity remains in place.

“The TRO issued by the Supreme Court only enjoined the implementation of the Cybercrime Law, but not its effectivity. As the law remained effective, the lifting of the TRO consequently meant that the acts committed during the effectivity of restraining order was in effect can be subsequently charged and prosecuted,” it said.

Elements of libel Is the article subject of the cyber libel case defamatory?

“Without a doubt, upon reading the subject article, one would understand in its plain and ordinary meaning that the author thereof painted Keng as someone involved in several illegal activities…thereby besmirching his reputation and casting him dishonor, discredit and public ridicule,” the CA said.

When it comes to malice, the CA said the Cybercrime Law imposes a stricter standard to convict someone if the offended party is a public figure.

But if the offended party is a private person, “the prosecution need not prove the presence of malice as the law explicitly presumes its existence.”

In this case, since Keng is a private person, “the law is clear that malice is presumed from the defamatory and libelous character of the statements rendered in the subject article.”

The CA also noted an unpublished story written by another Rappler reporter about Keng’s side. It wasn’t published because other news was more urgent.

The appeals court deemed such a reason as “flimsy.”

Regarding publication, the original article was posted in May 2012. The February 2014 update to the previous article corrected the spelling of the word “evasion.”

But the appeals court said, “a single defamatory statement if published several times, gives rise to as many offenses as there are publications.”

A novel implementation of Cybercrime Law The CA said public officers and private individuals who are wronged in the inordinate exercise of freedom of speech and the press “have every right to avail themselves of the legal remedies for libel.”

It said the case against Ressa involves a novel implementation of the Cybercrime Law which seeks to curb, if not totally prevent, “the reckless and unlawful use of the computer systems to commit traditional criminal offenses.”

But the CA clarified that the strict implementation and imposition of penalties of cyberlibel do not aim at curtailing freedom of expression but serve “as a major deterrent to the damaging and defaming of a person’s reputation that could be easily and successfully carried out at one’s fingertips.”

The decision affirming the cyberlibel conviction of Ressa and Santos was penned by Associate Justice Roberto Quiroz and concurred by Associate Justices Ramon Bato Jr. and Germano Francisco Legaspi.

The case is not yet final.

However, Ressa’s counsel said they would exhaust all legal remedies, including elevating the case to the Supreme Court. (by Tetch Torres-Tupas/Inquirer.net)

PAGE 1 is the only state aside from the Vatican that has not yet legalized divorce for the entire population. Divorce is only legal in the Philippines for Muslim couples who were married under Muslim rites.

Hontiveros has been identified by former Vice President Leni Robredo as the new leader of the opposition as she is now the highest-ranking elected official from their ranks, while Padilla has been a vocal supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

But Hontiveros said she is willing to work with any senator on common issues they are pushing for.

“We are ready to cooperate with any senator with the same advocacies for women and the Filipino family,” Hontiveros said Monday, July 11, in Filipino in a reply to media queries.

“As in the past six years, I am always able to cross party lines and unite with other senators to push important laws.”

Different, but not irreconcilable Hontiveros said she is hopeful that there is a better chance for the divorce bill to hurdle Congress this time around as the Senate panel on women, children, family relations and gender equality already tackled the proposal in the 18th Congress. The committee report from those hearings can be a basis for new discussions on the measure, she said.

While both Hontiveros’ and Padilla’s bills seek to legalize divorce in the country, the two proposals are markedly different from each other.

For one, Hontiveros’ divorce bill provides an extensive section on “guiding principles,” which recognize that the family should be provided protection and assistance and provide what a divorce decree should have, among others.

Padilla’s version, meanwhile, has an “interpretation” clause which states that the measure should be “applied and interpreted in favor of the protection and strengthening of the family.”

Proposed grounds for divorce Hontiveros’ bill provides that couples

Senators Robin Padilla and Risa Hontiveros

can get a divorce after five continuous years of separation even without a judicial decree of separation, but couples who are legally separated for at least two years can already get divorced.

Padilla’s bill, meanwhile, has a blanket provision stating that couples who have been separated in fact for at least two consecutive years can get divorced.

Both measures reference grounds provided under the Family Code for legal separation as grounds for divorce, but Hontiveros’ version provides that physical violence or grossly abusive conduct does not have to be repeated and that homosexuality in itself is not a ground unless either or both spouses commit marital infidelity.

Both proposals also provide that couples can divorce when they have divorced overseas or when they have irreconcilable differences.

Unique to Padilla’s version is a provision which states that having a child with another person other than one’s spouse during a marriage is a ground for divorce, unless both spouses agree to this, or a child is born to them in vitro, or when the wife becomes pregnant after getting raped.

Also unique to the Padilla bill is the mandatory six-month “cooling off” period which will be observed between

Philstar.com file photos

the filing of the divorce petition and the start of court proceedings, except in the following cases: • Summary judicial proceedings • Sexual infidelity • Attempt by the respondent on the life of a common child or a child of the petitioner or the petitioner themself • Or acts involving violence against women and their children Will it finally hurdle Congress?

The farthest that a divorce bill has gotten in Congress was in 2018, when it was passed by the House of Representatives in a 134-57 vote under the speakership of pro-divorce lawmaker Pantaleon Alvarez (Davao del Norte).

The measure, however, got stuck in the Senate where it did not progress beyond the committee level.

It remains to be seen whether incoming congressional leaders — often elected with the imprimatur of the president — would shepherd divorce, which is seen by advocates as a pro-women legislation.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said when he was still campaigning for the top elective post that he is open to “take the next step” and legalize divorce, but urged that the process should not be made easy. A common argument against divorce is that it would devalue marriage by making it “too easy” to end one. g

Suspect pleads not guilty after alleged...

PAGE 1 went to the side of their car and started throwing racial slurs with a mock Asian accent. The suspect threatened them by saying, “I’ll kill you,” Patricia recounted.

While waiting for the police to respond to their 911 call, Patricia called her dad, Gabriel, who arrived in time to stop Weber who was trying to enter the car to get to Patricia.

In the process of stopping the suspect from hurting his daughter who was seated in the passenger’s seat of the car, the 62-year-old father was pushed down to the pavement by the suspect. Gabriel suffered injuries, including a broken rib and bruises on his arms.

“My family and I were victims of anti-Asian hate. What initially started off as a minor traffic collision quickly escalated to verbal and physical assaults. We were taunted, ridiculed, and belittled because of our appearance as Asian Americans. Specifically, the suspect called us ‘ching chong’ and made squinting eye motions as he verbally threatened us,” Patricia Roque told the Asian Journal in a previous interview.

After attacking her father, Weber reportedly turned to her mother and strangled her.

“My mom tried to intervene to stop the attack on my dad. At that point, the suspect turned his anger and hate towards my mom and started strangling her with his bare hands. We all screamed for help. We all pleaded for the suspect to stop,” Patricia said.

She said a bystander helped stop Weber from further attacking her family.

When the police finally arrived, Weber was taken by an ambulance to the hospital and later on, was released with a citation to appear in court last June 8 but he never did.

The court issued a bench warrant for Weber after he failed to appear for arraignment on June 8. He was arrested for an unrelated matter in Orange County and held on the warrant.

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, North Hollywood Division.

Weber is due back in court Aug. 19, when a date for a hearing will be scheduled to determine if the case will go to trial.

Filipino American community members are continuing to call on the District Attorney’s Office to fully prosecute the case.

The Filipino Migrant Center has created a fundraiser on its website for the Roque family’s physical and emotional recovery. g

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OPINION

FEATURES

Weak deterrence

5

Philstar.com

Penalties are imposed to serve as a deterrent against crime. The deterrence is inevitably weakened when it takes an eternity for justice Snail-paced justice is among the biggest hindrances to the development of a society where the rule of law prevails.

This glacial pace is again being seen in the corruption case filed against retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia, who was indicted for illegally amassing P303 million when he was military comptroller from 1993 to 2004.

Garcia was originally charged with plunder and money laundering in 2005 and 2009, respectively. Under a deal he struck with then ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, Garcia pleaded guilty to the lesser offenses of direct bribery and facilitating money laundering before the Sandiganbayan in December 2010.

The Office of the Solicitor General challenged the validity of the plea deal before the Supreme Court, which issued a temporary restraining order that halted the Sandiganbayan proceedings. The TRO was lifted only in 2020, when the SC upheld the plea bargain.

Last week the Sandiganbayan finally

convicted Garcia and sentenced him to eight to 14 years for direct bribery and facilitating money laundering.

He has been serving his sentence for two corruption cases at the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa since 2011.

The anti-graft court also ordered Garcia to pay a total fine of P407.8 million, with corresponding imprisonment if he cannot pay.

Perhaps his co-defendants who are at large – his wife Clarita and their sons Carl, Juan Paulo and Timothy Mark – can come up with the enormous amount. Upon his retirement from the military, Garcia also reportedly received a “pabaon” or send-off money amounting to a whopping P165 million.

After nearly two decades of litigation, this case could still go to the SC for a final ruling.

It’s the same with other high-profile cases involving billions in public funds, among them the 2004 fertilizer scam and the pork barrel scam, which involve multiple defendants.

It shouldn’t be impossible to speed up the

Editorial

administration of justice. Other countries can rule quickly with finality on court cases, even if prominent or notorious personalities are involved.

Apart from speeding up adjudication, the judicial system can use a merit-based system of appointment and promotion,

insulated from politics and influence peddling. Owing favors to politicians and expecting help in career advancement from parties in court cases have seriously undermined the administration of justice in this country. The damage should not prove to be irreversible. (Philstar.com)

‘Maritess’ in Malacañang

CTalk

CITO BELTRAN “MARITESS” in Malacañang is currently sharing information that several factions are beginning to form among supporters of BBM and the division of sorts is happening as a result of nominations and endorsements for

positions inside the PBBM administration.

“Maritess” suggests that there are now rings around PBBM much like the rings on a bullseye and PBBM in the center. The outer rings are politicians and friends, the inner rings are kamag-anaks and serous supporters during the campaign and the closest tightest ring to get through would be the president’s working team in Malacañang.

Things have apparently gotten touchy because of the nominations and announcement of certain individuals that were challenged in media and business circles last week while other and better nominees were “dropped.”

While some Malacañang officials blamed it on poor screening or too much work, Maritess claims that some of those individuals were no

strangers to the working team.

This sort of thing is nothing new and has existed in other administrations and previous tenants of Malacañang.

Perhaps PBBM should keep a score card on nominators and people who regularly make recommendations and impose a one-strike policy where a bad or poor nomination results in endorsers and team members losing future opportunities

to recommend or screen people.

PBBM might find it beneficial to learn from Albert Speer who wrote the book “Inside The Third Reich,” particularly about what he observed in the inner circle of Adolf Hitler. In the book, Speer referred to the formation or evolution of a “Court” composed of people who intentionally stroked the ego of Hitler while creating

a tight grip on power and access to Hitler. Speer pointed out that Hitler knew about it and made the mistake of condoning or tolerating the court as it eventually led to his isolation and delusion.

In current history, the same thing is being said about Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is surrounded by a similar court composed of oligarchs and generals.

PAGE 10

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Romualdez refiles bill creating US-type CDC Taming inflation

by Delon

Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA — Incoming speaker Martin Romualdez has refiled the bill previously passed by the House of Representatives seeking to create a United Statestype Center for Disease Control (CDC) medical facility to better prepare the country for future pandemics.

“We hope that with the opening of the 19th Congress, this important measure will again be prioritized by our chamber and finally be passed into law, so that the country will be better equipped should another pandemic hit us,” Romualdez said.

“We have learned our lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and this measure will ensure our stronger response and preparedness to any public health emergency,” he added.

Among the reelected Leyte congressman’s co-authors in House Bill No. 9 are his wife Yedda Marie and neophyte Jude Acidre, who both represent Tingog party-list.

The proposed “Philippine Center for Disease Prevention and Control Act” is a consolidation of 13 House bills

establishing the CDC that were referred to the House committee on health during the previous 18th Congress (July 2019-June 2022).

Romualdez, the majority leader in the previous Congress, said the proposed measure would better prepare the country against public health emergencies, through health modernization and institutional reforms.

Reelected Reps. Mikee Romero of 1Pacman party-list and Paolo Duterte of Davao City have also filed their advocacy bills in the chamber, among them the putting up of a specialty hospital for poor cancer patients and e-learning centers nationwide, respectively.

“There is a need to establish a specialty hospital at the national level to further enhance the noble undertaking of the government and likewise complement the already existing cancer control law,” Romero said.

In filing HB 340, he explained that while there were provisions stipulated in the National Integrated Cancer Control Act to establish cancer centers on the regional health care level, there is still a need to create a “specialty hospital on the national level dedicated to cancer.”

Meanwhile, the lawmaker-son of former president Rodrigo Duterte believes in the necessity of establishing e-learning centers across the country, especially since the movements of students have been restricted due to the two-year global pandemic.

“It shall serve as a venue wherein people from all walks of life could have access to information and communication technologies. This shall benefit not just the youth but also adults who seek to gain further knowledge and develop new skills,” the younger Duterte said.

He recognized the imminent need for accessibility and availability of alternative modes of learning to at least alleviate the repercussions of the pandemic not only in terms of the quality of the educational system, but also to the well-being of the students and teachers.

“To eradicate these hindrances in our educational system, this bill seeks to establish at least one e-learning center in every municipality and city in the country,” Duterte said in filing HB 453.

Legislative agenda PAGE 7

a Marcos priority by catherine

S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

FIGHTING inflation is a top economic priority for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., anticipating it as a “potential problem” for the country, a Malacañang official said on Tuesday, July 12.

Press Secretary Rose Beatrix “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles made the statement upon the release of the latest Pulse Asia survey results showing that the topmost urgent national concern that the majority of Filipinos want Marcos to address is controlling inflation.

“We actually discussed inflation at the last Cabinet meeting and the President himself reported this, so he is actually ahead of the publication of the survey

having anticipated this as a potential problem,” Cruz-Angeles said in a text message.

The Pulse Asia survey results released also on Tuesday showed that 57% of the respondents are concerned about the need to control the increase in the prices of basic goods and services.

It said inflation was the most urgent national concern of those from Metro Manila (67%), those from Mindanao (69%), and those belonging to socioeconomic classes D and E (58 and 62%, respectively).

In contrast, those residing in the rest of Luzon and the Visayas are most concerned about inflation (46% and 62%, respectively) and workers’ pay (43% and 52%, respectively) while the leading PAGE 8

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7

DOH: BA.5 most dominant Omicron subvariant

by Rhodina

VillanueVa Philstar.com

WELCOME PLANT. Vendors firm up the soil of a plastic pail containing a Welcome plant at a stall inside the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Tuesday, July 12. Welcome plants are easy to care for as they are low maintenance houseplants since they require minimal sunlight and water.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

Romualdez refiles bill...

PAGE 6 Amid these developments, a former House official on Monday, July 11 underscored the need for both houses of Congress to support the legislative agenda of President Marcos in the next six years.

“Congress ought to support the President’s economic agenda by passing laws essential to rebuilding the economy, spurring the creation of jobs, encouraging MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) and reducing poverty,” former deputy speaker Isidro Ungab said.

Ungab emphasized the significance of having a “well-crafted economic framework and fiscal program geared toward achieving inclusive and sustainable development, responsive to the aspirations of the Filipino people.”

The Davao City lawmaker, who used to head the powerful House appropriations committee, made the remarks as he lauded the Department of Finance’s recent launching of its Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF), describing it as “very promising.”

“I believe this will be our country’s pivotal point towards the trajectory of resilient economic recovery. This MTFF and the government’s updated medium-term macroeconomic assumptions and fiscal program are what we need to guide us during these difficult times,” he said.

“I fully agree with the PBBM administration that this is a good game plan in facing the challenges wrought by the pandemic, the ongoing geopolitical conflicts and the high inflation rate, among others,” he added.

This developed as four lawmakers from Camarines Sur, led by reelected Rep. LRay Villafuerte, supported Romualdez’s “priority plan” to accelerate the Marcos administration’s digital transformation.

Villafuerte, his son Miguel and fellow CamSur Congressman Tsuyoshi Anthony Horibata, along with neophyte Rep. Nicolas Enciso VIII of party-list Bicol Saro, filed HB 277 aimed at enhancing further the e-government project.

The bill will “further improve the ease of doing business and brush-up the country’s image as a top investment haven, while letting Filipinos continue transacting business without actually having to go to various government agencies themselves in the post-COVID 19 scenario,” according to Villafuerte Villafuerte first filed an e-government bill way back in the 17th Congress (2016-2019), or even before the pandemic struck in 2020, to improve the ease of doing business, promote greater transparency and do away with corruption in official transactions.

In HB 277, Villafuerte said “the Marcos government ought to fully utilize the newly created DICT to integrate Information and Communications Technology development in all state offices instead of having agency-specific applications.”

The four Bicol authors said the adoption of these six components of the master plan would enhance the access to and delivery of government services to bring about efficient, responsive, ethical, accountable and transparent government service. g

MANILA — The most dominant Omicron subvariant in several regions is now BA.5, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday, July 12.

“Based on our sequencing results, we can really see more of the BA.5 as compared to other variants,” DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in an online briefing.

However, Vergeire noted that “we cannot conclude for all because we know that our sequencing is quite limited.”

“That depends only on who submitted samples. Thus, it is not giving us a complete picture of the entire country,” she added.

Latest available data from the DOH showed there were 60 additional BA.5 cases detected in the country, 58 from Region 6 and one each from Region 11 and Region 12.

One individual is vaccinated while the vaccination status of the other 59 are still being verified.

Of the infected, 43 are now tagged as recovered, 14 are still in isolation while the rest are being verified.

The DOH also reported that 17 more BA.2.12.1 cases were detected – six from Region 6, 10 from Region 11 and one returning overseas Filipino. Two presented mild symptoms, one was asymptomatic while the status of the remaining 13 is still being verified.

Of these infections, 15 were tagged as recovered while the two are in isolation.

Data from the DOH also noted the detection of two additional BA.4 cases – one each from Region 11 and 12 – one fully vaccinated while the other is unvaccinated.

Both cases presented mild symptoms and have now recovered. At the moment, the exposure of these individuals is still unknown and travel histories are being verified.

So far, the country has recorded a total of 293 BA.5 cases, 87 BA.2.12.1 cases and 12 BA.4 cases.

“No matter what type of variant you have of COVID-19, and you are vaccinated and boosted, you can still get the infection because the promise of vaccination is not to block transmission of the disease but to protect us against severe and critical infections and, of course, protection from dying from these diseases,” Vergeire said.

‘Close to peaking’ The surge of new COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR) may be close to reaching its peak, OCTA Research Group fellow Guido David said on Tuesday.

“The indicators show a slowing down of the growth rate in cases and there is a chance that cases in the NCR are peaking or have already peaked. The trends should be clearer after a week,” David said, noting that the region’s growth rate decelerated from 57 percent on July 4 to just 32 percent on Monday, July 11.

David earlier clarified that a positive growth rate means that the average number of new cases is still increasing.

It will only decrease once the surge has reached its peak and the indicator is already negative.

According to OCTA, NCR had an

average of 710 new cases per day from July 5 to 11, equivalent to an average daily attack rate of 4.93 new infections per 100,000 people. Health care utilization in the region is still at “low” 28 percent, while 20 percent of intensive care units for COVID-19 cases are occupied.

Warning Those getting re-infected with COVID-19 should not be complacent, as it may take some two to three months before complications start to manifest, infectious diseases expert Dr. Rontgene Solante warned.

“The impact of this reinfection and breakthrough infections, it will not be felt at once. We will see the effects two to three months from now, those infected not because of COVID, but because of the long-term effect of COVID which will affect the heart, lungs and other vital organs,” Solante said on Monday’s episode of The Chiefs on One News.

“We have already seen a lot of data especially with reinfection, those getting more risks for long COVID and developing complications, and with breakthrough infections, there is also the possibility of more long COVID cases,” he added.

“Right now, we are getting, although in small numbers, we are getting people who are now required for high mechanical ventilation in some of the hospitals I’m affiliated with. We are not yet safe, and that is why we are seeing people on the ground, having severe COVID. Even if we say, there are now less cases compared to when Delta was dominant, which is expected. That severe form of COVID is not zero even with these new variants,” Solante stressed.

“It is high time for health experts and policy makers to really give a good look on how we can improve our vaccination, that is why I’m telling you, probably, the most important pathway, if there is no updated definition of the full vaccination, then let’s have it mandatory, especially for the general public to get the first booster,” he said.

The expert added that receiving booster shots is very important. “Yes, the symptoms now can be mild, because you had the primary series but then if you don’t want to get sick more, you better get the booster.”

Earlier, Solante called for booster shots to be made mandatory amid the continuing increase in COVID-19 infections and the higher positivity rates recorded in the past weeks.

Wall of immunity The optional wearing of face masks will have to wait until such time that the country has achieved a stronger “wall of immunity,” Vergeire said on Tuesday.

Vergeire said they have already discussed the matter with experts and even with the Office of the President, specifically on making it optional when a person is outdoors.

“But there are conditions for us to reach that point wherein we can already afford to allow a little leniency on the wearing of face masks when people are outside or in open areas, and that is only when our ‘wall of immunity’ has been strengthened,” Vergeire said at virtual press briefing.

“So now, how do we improve that wall of immunity, that is by increasing the

uptake of booster shots for the general population, that is when we can say that that the population is protected,” she added.

“There is a need to go back to that principle we advocate and that is population protection. When you say you have protected your population, you have protected the priority population which is the vulnerable and this is what we want to achieve in the coming months. When you say vulnerable, they are the ones most vulnerable to severe and critical infections of COVID-19, and these are our senior citizens, those with comorbidities, our healthcare workers and the youth sector,” the DOH spokesperson said.

Vergeire added that for this to happen, there is a need to intensify the uptake of boosters and that, according to experts, the target they’ve set is enough and most feasible until the time that we reached the 100 days of the current administration.

“This is also because we want that our efforts will have a high impact and positive effect for the country’s population,” she added.

The OCTA Research Group earlier said that the possibility of optional wearing of face masks in the country could happen once endemicity is reached and if COVID-19 metrics are in good shape.

No mandatory boosters The DOH on Tuesday brushed off the idea of making the third vaccine or first booster dose against COVID-19 mandatory.

At a press briefing, Vergeire said they do not see the necessity yet of making booster shots mandatory for the public.

“There is a need for such a proposal to be studied carefully. At this point in time, we don’t see the need to adopt such a strategy,” Vergeire said.

She said previous vaccination strategies have been successful despite not being mandatory.

“We saw that it was effective for the primary series. Hopefully, we can do this again in the coming weeks for us to be able to improve our booster uptake,” she added, noting that there is no law in the country that permits mandatory vaccination.

For their part, senators prodded Filipinos to get booster shots for COVID-19 but bucked calls to make the follow-up jabs mandatory.

“While we have to respect the right of each Filipino to choose whether to get vaccinated or not, we should also provide them all the right information they need to make the right decision for their safety and the safety of their communities – especially now that science shows the need to get inoculated again with booster shots,” Sen. Bong Go said.

“What should be done is to continue public health education to convince those who have not been vaccinated to get those shots freely for their sake, their family and society,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said in Filipino.

Sen. Loren Legarda strongly urged all those qualified and eligible, based on age and comorbidities, to avail of the booster shots “to ensure our health and that of our workforce and families.”

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III was not too enthusiastic about the rollout of booster PAGE 10

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Philippines commemorates Taming inflation a...

6th anniversary of Hague ruling

by Kaycee

Valmonte Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines commemorates the 6th anniversary of the historic 2016 Hague ruling that “upheld the Philippines’ sovereign rights and jurisdiction” over the West Philippine Sea. The Hague-based international tribunal invalidated China’s so-called nine-dash claims over the disputed waters and ruled that it is under the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

“These findings are no longer within the reach of denial and rebuttal, and are conclusive as they are indisputable,” Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo said in a statement on Tuesday, July 12.

“We firmly reject attempts to undermine it; nay, even erase it from law, history and our collective memories.”

Manalo also said that the Philippines welcomes the support of more countries backing Manila in asserting its rights over the waters.

While China has repeatedly ignored the ruling, the Philippines has filed over 200 diplomatic protests against Beijing since 2016 over its illegal activities within Philippine waters.

Manalo maintained that the tribunal award together with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea allow the Philippines to assert its rights over the West Philippine Sea. “Compliance with UNCLOS, which represents a delicate balance of the rights and obligations of all State Parties, in its entirety is key to ensuring global and regional peace and the fair and sustainable use of the oceans,” Manalo said.

This Philstar file photo shows Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo.

Photo from the Department of Foreign Affairs

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously said that the country’s sovereignty will not be compromised under his leadership. “We will not allow a single square, and maybe make it even more smaller, single square millimeter of our maritime coastal nd up to 200 kilometers rights to be trampled upon,” Marcos Jr. said on May 26.

However, the president’s recent remarks on the issue hint that his stance is similar to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s.

Just last week, Marcos Jr. said he would be focusing on looking for “ways to resolve the conflicts” by increasing the scope of the Philippines’ relationship with China aside from the dispute. g

PAGE 6 national concerns in Class ABC are inflation (48%), workers’ pay (43%), poverty reduction (31%), and job creation (29%), the pollster added.

Earlier, the Philippine Statistics Authority said the country’s headline inflation rate in June 2022 reached 6.1% — a three-year high since November 2018’s 6.1% and October 2018’s 6.9%.

On July 5, the President said he disagreed with the most recent report because “we are not that high [where inflation is concerned],” but Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno later clarified that Marcos was “referring to it as a full-year figure.”

The year-to-date inflation stands at 4.4%, which is within the 4.5% to 5.5% target set for 2022 by the Development Budget Coordination Committee last week.

Meanwhile, around 20% of the 1,200 respondents want the new administration to fight graft and corruption in the government, while next on the list are the need to enforce the law (15%), fight criminality (14%), promote peace (14%), provide assistance or subsidy to those who lost their livelihood and jobs because of the COVID-19 pandemic (14%), and address the problem of involuntary hunger (12%).

Marcos’ first executive order abolished the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission, deeming that it only duplicates and overlaps official functions as the country faces health and fiscal crises.

Other issues identified as urgent by less than 10% of the adult population are those related to taxes (9%), environmental degradation (7%), support for the restoration of small businesses (7%), national territorial defense (7%), welfare of overseas Filipino workers (5%), and terrorism (3%).

The Pulse Asia survey noted that two years after the first lockdown triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, only 7% of those polled said it is urgent for the Marcos administration to control the spread of the virus.

Pulse Asia conducted face-to-face interviews with 1,200 adults nationwide for the survey, where they asked participants to identify the top three concerns they believe the new administration should urgently address.

The results have a ±2.8% error margin at the 95% confidence level for national%ages, and a ±5.7% error margin at the 95% confidence level for sub-national areas of Metro Manila, the rest of Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. g

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9

Tentative map approved for ‘Beckham Heights’ subdivision in Pahrump

By REALTOR FELY QUITEVIS-BATEMAN

A PROJECT inked years ago by a company with the Nye County Commission continues to show signs of

development in Pahrump, Nevada.

Recently, a tentative map was approved for a small

Celebrating the close of escrow in Pahrump are Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (left) and her client, Dr. Philip Paleracio, who plans to build a medical building in the town.

subdivision that is dubbed “Beckham Heights” which will see a build of 246 homes on approximately 51 acres, according to the Pahrump Valley Times. The proposed

A cannabis dispensary, The Source+, is one of the new businesses opening in town along Homestead Road.

map was approved by the commission on a vote of 4-1, per the article.

Adaven Management, the company behind the project, had inked the development agreement known as Mountain Falls South with the commission about 15 years ago that will ultimately build out a total of 5,160 single family dwelling units.

Beckham Heights is a tiny portion in that agreement.

Beckham Heights’ location will be off Hafen Ranch Road, just north of Thousandaire Boulevard. According to the article, the subdivision density will be about 4.8 homes per acre. Lots in the subdivision will have an average lot size of 5,639 square feet, or about 0.12 acres.

Per the proposed plan, the subdivision will have four unique four plans, with each model offering three unique elevations. Homes will range in size from 2,078 square feet to 3,030 square feet. Three

Another new business that will open along Homestead Road in Pahrump is a Circle K, which is currently under construction.

of the models are two-story, while one is a single-story.

The approval of the tentative map is one more step in the process for Beckham Heights to become a reality. However, before any construction can happen in the area, a final subdivision map must be approved and recorded, which will go before the commission at some time in the future.

There is also the question

of which utility will service the water needs in the Adaven Management project.

This must be verified with the Nevada Division of Water Services and the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection before a final map can be approved.

It is interesting to note that the commissioners have had to work with the conditions in the agreement, PAGE 10

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Tentative map approved for...

NATIONAL ID. Philippine Statistics Authority personnel assist residents in registering for the National ID at the Barangay Pinyahan covered court in Quezon City on Tuesday, July 12. A total of 2,572 residents of the village have registered for the National ID. PNA photo by Robert

DOH: BA.5 most dominant Omicron...

PAGE 7 shots, which he warned was costing the country billions of pesos but is not effective against emerging variants.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, however, expressed support to make booster shots mandatory for the adult population, as vaccines have been

proven to protect people against the worst effects of COVID infection.

Sen. Nancy Binay said she supports the experts’ recommendation for a third shot but “the DOH must be aggressive with those in the priority groups, intensifying vaccination in isolated and remote areas.” g

‘Maritess’ in Malacañang...

PAGE 5 In his first week as President, PBBM gained cautious approval for selecting the highest caliber of people for his economic team.

Into his second week, people noted lapses, gave mixed reviews and ultimately raised questions. This early in the game, President Bongbong Marcos needs to widen the circle around him and prevent those he trusts from creating a “court” or, worst of all, a Cordon Sanitaire that will strangle his leadership.

Whether it’s in the kitchen with mothers or with friends facing complicated situations, some people who’ve tried to give unsolicited advice or help have ended up being told: “You’re not helping” or “You’re just making things worse.”

The same could be said for people who are giving unsolicited praise or building unwelcomed monuments for the Marcoses just because BBM has become the 17th President of the Philippines. A classic example of such suck-up-ism would be the proposal to rename the Ninoy Aquino International Airport into the Ferdinand Marcos International Airport.

The suggestion or attempt to rename NAIA is a clear example worthy of the phrase “You’re not helping” or “Just making matters worse.” While PBBM is clearly trying to prove himself through wise and prudent first moves in governance, particularly in the selection of his Cabinet members, the unsolicited act to rename NAIA stirs up controversy and places the Marcoses once again under the spotlight of criticism for something they did not initiate.

Instead of “helping” to smoothen things out for PBBM’s reentry into Malacañang, the unsolicited suggestion has placed him in a bad light and made the Marcoses targets for a slew of memes and insults on social media. The legislator or legislators who came up with the bad idea obviously did not think of consequences before making the suggestion because if they did, they might have considered the aftermath.

Some of the points raised are: 1. Renaming NAIA would be “Double Murder” because after being murdered on the tarmac at NAIA

1, removing Ninoy Aquino’s name would be tantamount to murdering his memory and sacrifice for the nation. 2. If NAIA is renamed to FMIA, nothing can stop people from referring to it as FMIA “where Ninoy Aquino was murdered.” Last weekend, someone came out with a dark and derogatory jumble of letters where he named the airport as the “Marcos Family International Airport” or MAFIA. Funny for some but certainly insulting or injurious to the family concerned, and all because of some people’s unsolicited attempt to curry favor or trying to do the Marcoses a favor they did not ask for.

On the other hand, it might be a good idea for officials in Malacañang to look into the matter in terms of ulterior motives. There is a possibility that the suggestion to rename NAIA goes beyond suck-up-ism and may be a veiled attempt to ensure that current suggestions or future possibilities of selling the NAIA complex never happens. At the moment, there is a growing move to partition and sell NAIA to property developers and create new townships and commercial centers.

The presumption is that it will never happen during the term of PBBM if NAIA is renamed into FMIA. It is public knowledge that certain business groups and aviation-related operators want to preserve the status quo and power bloc in Philippine aviation by preserving their hold on large properties inside the huge area of the Manila International Airport. The current tenants on government land inside MIAA are paying some of the cheapest rent per square meter in all of Metro Manila and the overlords of Imperial Manila love the fact that MIAA/NAIA is just a few minutes away from their offices and residential palaces. If MIAA/NAIA is chopped up into blocks and sold, they would all have to move to different airports and hangars outside Metro Manila.

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

PAGE 9 which was approved by a different set of commissioners years ago. This agreement expires in 2029. Although the current commissioners have had apprehensions over the proposed lot sizes and have had to answer to criticism from the public about regarding the continued development of tiny subdivision lots in Pahrump Valley, they are moving forward with proposed developments as covered within the agreement.

It can be recalled that a couple of months ago, Adaven went before the commission to get approval for the construction of a roundabout that on Highway 160 at Manse Road that will change the eastern entrance into the town. That planned roundabout will provide access to the Mountain Falls South project of Adaven.

Over the years, some activities have taken place within the agreement which include donation of a 12-acre site for Floyd Elementary School, donation of water rights and necessary sewer connection, and coordination with the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints to help establish a church on Manse Road.

Additionally, there has been paving and curb and gutter work done on Manse Road, and installation of a fiber-optic line, which is in line with stipulations in the development agreement that called for certain improvements to be made to Manse Road from the highway to Hafen Ranch Road.

At that time, the estimate for the investments done by Adaven on infrastructure was pegged at $17 million. The roundabout is expected to add another $1.5 million to that figure.

This piece of news continues to enhance the image of Pahrump, which was originally inhabited by the Southern Paiute and mostly dotted with ranch-style holdings over 400 hectares in size. The town has grown into an area that major retailers and real estate developers are taking a look at due to its proximity to Las Vegas.

Broader acceleration for areas like Pahrump is seen by industry analysts in order to address the needs of homebuyers as real estate and property developers eye new regions where they can set up potential projects. That means more housing in the future, and perhaps an exodus

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 5384948, or send email to fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@

of people looking for the right opportunities in newer markets.

Although land prices in Pahrump may not be as low as it was decades ago, it is still an affordable alternative to the rising real estate prices in Las Vegas. A recent slowdown in real estate sales may offer additional benefits to buyers who are looking for the right conditions to buy a piece of property.

Real estate in Pahrump has appreciated about 155% over the last ten years alone, according to latest data available, which puts the unincorporated town in the top 10% nationally for areas whose real estate values have appreciated exponentially.

Due to this, many observers see Pahrump as being one of the best long-term investments that people can make in the United States over the past decade and into the future.

Millions of dollars in projects are being infused in infrastructure which will benefit the town in the long run, and many big projects are being developed for the town, including the first horse racing track in the state of Nevada.

While prices are still affordable, now is the time

to look for opportunities in Pahrump and neighboring communities. Whether you are looking to settle in a new place, finding your own piece of retirement heaven, or just looking to own land or another property as an investment, Pahrump is a great find and I will help look for the best opportunities available in the market. I have been a Realtor since the 1980s and I will use that experience and knowhow to help you the right piece of real estate for your budget and needs.

Many of my clients have reaped the benefits of their investments in land and property – you could be one of the many individuals and families who can grow their real estate portfolio and net worth by looking at what’s on the market.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company serving its clientele since 1992 and you can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702-5384948 for more information, or by sending me an email at fely@precious-properties. com or fely.precious@gmail. com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

11

Love found on Friendster ends up fulfilling a dream, this Sunday on Citizen Pinoy

THIS week’s episode of Citizen Pinoy has love at the center of it all, as we introduce viewers to Wendel, a lonely and depressed person, until he met Allen on Friendster, a social networking site, and they became boyfriend and girlfriend.

What started as simple chats and jokes, ended up in something serious. Both Wendel and Allen started having strong feelings for each other and they were ready to take their relationship to a more serious level. Wendel decided to visit Allen in the Dominican Republic where she was working, so they could meet in person.

As soon as they met, sparks flew, hearts pounded, and they both knew that each

was THE one for the other.

Shortly after his return from the Dominican Republic, Wendel consulted with the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, in order to bring her to the U.S. on the K-1 “love” visa. He wanted to make sure that all the documents were properly handled, as he was excited to start a life together with his one true love, Allen.

Watch this success story featuring the K-1 or fiancée/ fiancé visa on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 17 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers). Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the app for free.

(Advertising Supplement)

K1 – THE “LOVE” VISA: THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Wendel (left) met Allen (center) on Friendster, after he went through a period of loneliness and depression, looking for true love. They soon knew they had found “the one.” Before they officially became a couple, they wanted to see each other in person, to make sure that how they felt online, was the same in real life. So, Wendel flew to the Dominican Republic to meet Allen, where she was working. Seeing each other just strengthened the feelings they had for one another. Shortly after Wendel left the Dominican Republic, he consulted right away with leading Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) in order to bring Allen to the U.S. on a K-1 (fiancée) visa. The couple wanted to make sure they did everything correctly. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 17 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

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Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS IN the continuing saga of the SARS-CoV2 virus, which has mutated into various strains since it was first discovered in Wuhan, China, on December 8, 2019, to the vicious killer Delta, then Omicron, and its super-contagious substrains, BA.4 and BA.5, the current dominant variant, a newly spawned mutant, BA.275, has evolved and invaded numerous countries including the United States.

Scientists believe that BA.2.75 may be a more efficient super-spreader and get around immunity from vaccines and previous infection.

The clinical virology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, says “the rates of transmission are showing kind of that exponential increase,” and “whether it will outcompete BA.5 is yet to be determined.”

Could BA.2.75 be a more deadly strain than other Omicron variants? That is still unclear since it is so new, and greater clinical observation is needed to know more about its eventual clinical behavior and impact on our health.

As to be expected when the full-vaccination rate of a nation is only 67 percent like the United States, with 33 percent (about 110 million) unvaccinated and the most likely target of the virus and become potential spreaders of COVID-19 infection, the coronavirus will continually replicate and mutate in the bodies of these 110 million unprotected people, to churn out new variants, ad libitum.

So, it is possible that the 24 Greek Alphabets, from Alpha to Omega, could all be used up before this pandemic truly comes to an end – if it ever leaves us at all.

Universal vaccine Since the protective immunity conferred by all current vaccines for COVID-19 wanes in about 6 months or less, Pfizer and BioNTech mounted a new clinical trial for universal COVID-19 vaccine candidates. The study is led by a research team from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. They will include T-cell enhancing shots and pan-coronavirus shots that “protect against the broader family of viruses and its mutations.”

The major

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BA.2.75 – A killer? challenge for this vaccine is “whether or not it will be able to maintain efficacy as the virus mutates.” Even with a universal vaccine, no doubt a life-saver, the greater dilemma, as the past couple of years have shown, is some people’s hesitancy, reluctance, and rejection of the COVID-19 vaccines.

An analogy: We may develop superior and more protective state-of-theart bullet-proof vests (a metaphor for the universal vaccines) in our war against this invisible enemy, with billions of stealth “virusbullets” flying all around us, but if people refuse to “wear” them because they have the constitutional freedom of choice to refuse them and behave the way they want regardless of potential harm to other people, the advances in science and technology and expensive resources would be greatly wasted.

More than 1,046,232 have died out of the total 90,491,960 COVID-19 cases in the United States as of July 12, 2022, with 7-day average cases of 108,652 and 323 deaths a day. In the Philippines, the total is 3,721,413 (1362 new cases) and 60,640 deaths. There have been greater than 12 billion COVID-19 vaccines administered around the world, proving how safe and effective they are.

Monkeypox winning Experts have commented the monkeypox outbreak should have been easy to contain because the virus, unlike the COVID-19 virus, does not spread efficiently except through intimate contact, and tests and vaccines were at hand before the current outbreak.” The United States has fallen short at every turn as it did with the COVID-19 pandemic, which raises great concern about the nation’s ability to battle future national health crises.

The global toll of monkeypox (in more than 58 countries) has gone beyond 8,100 cases (mostly men who had sex with men), the largest international outbreak the world has seen. So far, there is no report of monkeypox in the Philippines. There are now at least 700 cases in the United States and the number is expected to go much higher.

This is evidently the failure in this country to take public health seriously as it did with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Seemingly a sexually

transmitted disease like syphilis, which is associated with genital sores and lesions in the groin, monkeypox, with similar wounds, could also be transmitted through body fluids from these infected areas. There were more than 130,000 new cases of syphilis in 2020 alone, among heterosexuals too, more than 50 percent were among those ages 15 to 24.

Aggressive testing for syphilis is vital and helpful even in the diagnosis and management of monkeypox.

Since it only requires one shot of penicillin to treat syphilis, the successful treatment of syphilis and elimination of the genital sores will help in the diagnosis of monkeypox, which will not respond to penicillin and retain its lesions in the groin. There is no cure for monkeypox but there are several antiviral medications for smallpox that may help patients with monkeypox.

Masks, isolation, vaccines The COVID-19 pandemic has been with us for 949 days (more than 2.6 years) and yet some people, (disappointingly, including some physicians and nurses) still do not believe in quarantine (like isolating an infected spouse from the other at home, or an infected mother from her healthy child). And there are countless individuals, in spite of their education, who do not accept the protective value of masks, distancing, and the COVID-19 vaccines.

With the predicted fifth wave, as new strains of the virus evolve, it is sad to see people putting their guards down this early. Some even curse those who are vaccinated, still masking (which protects others also) and distancing, being careful, trying to evade the virus for a wise reason.

The failure of the government in educating the public about the SARSCoV2 virus promptly and adequately (in vivid, understandable detail) is one of the reasons why the COVID-19 pandemic was able to kill more than one million in the United States alone and why it will be with us for more years to come. The misinformed antivax, anti-mask, civil rights protestors and the political correctness spewed by some of our public officials, with their own agenda, are the other reasons for the unrelenting COVID-19 infections in the country.

The PAFIOO awardees with CFO Secretary Francisco P. Acosta and Undersecretary Abdulgani Matua Macatoman.

Screen capture from www.cfo.gov.ph

Honoring the best of the Filipino diaspora amidst the global pandemic

THE prestigious Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) were presented recently to 56 recipients in simple ceremonies at the Manila Marriott Hotel.

Presented by the Office of the President of the Philippines through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), PAFIOO is the highest honor given by the Philippine government for the exemplary deeds and philanthropic initiatives of foreignbased individuals and associations that contribute to nation-building and Philippine development, promote the welfare and wellbeing of Filipinos abroad and bring honor to the country because of their achievements and excellence in their fields or professions.

PAFIOO was instituted in 1991 by Executive Order No. 498 issued by the late President Corazon C. Aquino.

CFO Secretary Francisco P. Acosta presented the awards on behalf of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. He was assisted by CFO Executive Director and Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman.

In his keynote speech, Secretary Acosta praised the new additions to the roster of elite members of the Filipino diaspora by saying, “Let this day be a mark of your victories that are, of course, products of sacrifices and efforts, as you labored for decades in constant pursuit of enhancing and developing your skills – and eventually generously giving back to your fellow Filipinos here and abroad without expecting anything in return.”

Highlighting the contributions of the Diaspora, Undersecretary Macatoman praised the awardees for their steadfast Public education (thorough and comprehensive) about this virus is vital if we are to thwart more infections and elude more preventable deaths.

How many more COVID-19 deaths do we need to wise up and accept the fact that the vaccines, masking, and social distancing will safely and effectively reduce our risk?

Like ignorance or misinformation, arrogance and bravado could be deadlier than the virus. We need humility and wisdom to defeat this invisible enemy.

contributions to the development of the country as well as Filipino communities overseas. He also expressed gratitude to the foreign awardees for their continuing service to overseas Filipinos and for ensuring their welfare.

PAFIOO recipients represented a wide range of professions and fields of interest.

They included philanthropists, scientists, engineers, medical and healthcare professionals, athletes, artists, and public servants. They were cited for selfless deeds, pro bono services, and exemplary acts of kindness and generosity. For most, their selfless devotion to duty and willingness to go the extra mile for others especially shone through when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic was devastating almost every country in the world.

The awardees uplifted the lives of many of their kababayans across the world, brought honor to their people and country, and catalyzed progress and development in Filipino communities overseas and in the motherland.

The PAFIOO recipients and award categories are: Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) The term LINKAPIL translates to “service to fellow Filipinos” and celebrates the enduring Bayanihan spirit of Filipinos even if they have settled in other countries. The award is conferred on Filipino individuals or organizations for exceptional or significant contributions to progress and development in the Philippines.

Recipients of the Presidential LINKAPIL Award are Batangas Association United PAGE 13

*** 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. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate

for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 15-21, 2022

Is your child prepared to have a fun & safe summer?

By

We Can Do This CoViD-19 PubliC eDuCaTion CamPaign

WHETHER it’s participating in a summer learning program, going to camp, or joining a new sports team, summer is an exciting time for children to learn, play, and grow through new experiences. However, if your child has not yet received their COVID-19 vaccine, they may not have the chance to enjoy this special time of year.

COVID-19 remains a public health concern and the long-term effects on children remain unknown. But, there is good news. Parents and caregivers can now get their children 6 months through 5 years of age vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to better protect them from COVID-19.

All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your child summer ready. COVID-19 vaccines are safe. They have undergone — and will continue to undergo — the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history.

Distribution of pediatric vaccinations for these younger children has started across the country, and will be available at thousands of pediatric practices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local health departments, clinics, and other locations this week.

Here are some simple steps parents can take to ensure that their children are safe this summer, especially as they participate in programs with other kids: Get your child vaccinated. Vaccination is the best defense against severe illness. Children 5 years or

younger can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available (either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech). Everyone 5 years or older should also get a COVID booster when eligible. Parents can reach out to their doctor, nurse, local pharmacy, or health department, or visit vaccines. gov to see where vaccines for children are available.

Practice general safety measures. Make sure your child knows about good handwashing techniques and maintain a supply of hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. As many young children have yet to receive a vaccine, they should continue to wear the most protective, best-fitting mask available for them.

Reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Keep your child home if they are exposed to COVID or show symptoms of illness. Before participating in any group activity, or if you suspect your child might be ill, get your child tested. In case of a positive test, follow the CDC’s quarantine and isolation guidance and notify the group, team, or program being attended by your child.

Keep your child home if they are exposed to COVID

or show symptoms consistent with COVID. If your child has been in close contact with someone who has COVID, keep them home from their summer program for five days, get them tested, and take precautions (such as wearing a mask around others) until day 10. If your child has any of the following symptoms, you should keep them home, get them tested, and notify camp staff: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.

Take extra precautions if your child is at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Children with certain health issues — such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, and sickle cell disease — have a greater chance of getting very sick from COVID. Talk with your child’s health care provider to learn your options to help protect your child.

For more information on how COVID vaccines can make this the best summer yet for your family, visit vaccines.gov.

(Advertising Supplement)

Krista Ranillo, husband get married again after 12 years of marriage

Actress Krista Ranillo, husband Niño Jefferson Lim with their children Photo from Instagram/@

TWELVE years since their Jewishinterfaith ceremony, Krista Ranillo and husband Niño Jefferson Lim once again tied the knot in a Catholic Church wedding.

According to a GMA News report, the wedding was held in St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Santa Clarita, California last Saturday, July 9.

The reception was attended by the PAGE 15

13

Honoring the best of the Filipino...

PAGE 12 Kingdom (United Kingdom), Roxanne Racquel A. Cajigas (United States of America), Kayumanggi Chorale, Inc. (USA), Vivian Kiefer-Vargas (Switzerland), Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Qatar Chapter (Qatar) and The Filipino Association in the Isle of Man (Isle of Man).

Banaag “Banaag” means gleam or glimmer, a ray of light that advances the welfare of overseas Filipinos and/or Filipino migrant communities. The award is conferred on Filipino individuals or organizations whose significant contributions have benefited a sector of the diaspora or advanced the cause and interest of overseas Filipino communities.

Recipients of the Presidential Banaag Award are Mario A. Balboa (Saudi Arabia), Bella Aurora P. Belmonte (USA), Ariel C. Bernardo (South Korea), Roy G. Betinol (Chile), Vanda Marie M. Brady (Ireland), Alex Chiu (+) Posthumous Award (Canada), Aurora B. Dacanay (Canada), Nancy S. de Jesus (France), Rose Cheryl P. EclarinalMurdock (UK), Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, Inc. (Canada), Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (USA), Fernandico Q. Gonong, Jr. (USA), Igorot UK Charity (United Kingdom), Kapatiran at Ugnayan ng Natatanging Sining at Talento (Germany), Venecio V. Legaspi (Saudi Arabia), London Filipino Centre CIC (UK), Bennette E. Misalucha (USA), National Alliance to Nurture the Aged and the Youth (USA), Rolando M. Nicolas (Saudi Arabia), Linda Nietes-Little (USA), Philippine Bayanihan Association of Alberta (Canada), Philippine-American Friendship Community, Inc. (USA), Dennis N. Rata (Kuwait), Jannelle So-Perkins (USA), Cristy M. Vicentina (Singapore), and Elija Paul G. Villanueva (UK).

Pamana ng Pilipino “Pamana,” which means legacy and heritage, showcases the honor and recognition that Filipinos bring to the homeland through outstanding performance, expertise, skills, and world-class talents.

The award is conferred on overseas Filipino individuals who, exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought honor and recognition to the country through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

Recipients of the Presidential Pamana ng Pilipino Award are Russ Patrick P. Alcedo (Canada), Glenda Lynna Anne T. Bonifacio (Canada), Josefino C. Comiso (USA), Sheila Maria A. Conejos (Singapore), Danilo M. Favor (UK), Glenn F. Fernandez (China), Laura D. Garcia (USA), Pamela D. Gotangco (Switzerland), Aurtenciano R. Miranda, Jr. (Italy), Ronaldo B. Nilo (Qatar), Caroline B. Ong (China), Glenn D. Pascual (USA), Lord Leomer B. Pomperada (USA), Karen Graciles L. Remo (United Arab Emirates), Albert Remus R. Rosana (Canada), Leorey N. Saligan (USA), and Walter S. Villagonzalo (Australia).

Kaanib ng Bayan A “Kaanib” is an ally or partner. For Filipinos, a person who merits the title is like a member of the family. The title shows the country’s appreciation for and honoring foreign citizens or groups that assist the Philippines and its people. The award is conferred on foreign individuals and organizations for their exceptional or significant contribution to Philippine progress and development, or for advancing the cause or promoting the interests of

overseas Filipino communities.

Recipients of the Presidential Kaanib ng Bayan Award are Issa Mohammad Ahmad (Jordan), Yasonna H. Laoly (Indonesia), Montero Medical Missions (USA), Philippine Bayanihan Society – Singapore (Singapore), and Temasek Foundation, Ltd. (Singapore).

A Special Presidential Citation was given to the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (USA).

Most of the recipients personally accepted their awards. A few sent representatives to receive their awards.

Each presidential awardee shared their inspirational stories and expressed their gratitude for the honor during the testimonial dinner. They said they were thankful to be part of the elite roster of PAFIOO recipients, the crème de la crème of the Filipino diaspora, and the Filipino community overseas.

All recipients said the honor would inspire and motivate them to do more for overseas Filipinos and the Philippines. One of the awardees said, “I salute the values and the spirit that this award embodies, but it also brings great responsibility to continue to be a beacon of Filipino excellence in every corner of the world.”

CFO Head Executive Assistant Atty.

Wendell Dimaculangan formally closed the event by proposing a toast to and congratulating all the awardees. He also gave recognition to the excellent public service of Secretary Acosta, whose last day in office under the Duterte administration coincided with the PAFIOO Awarding Ceremony.

The event was live-streamed via the official Facebook Page of the PAFIO and CFO, and hosted by Dr. Finesse Evangelista and Carlo Suzara.

Since it was instituted more than three decades ago, the PAFIOO has been presented to 541 individuals and entities based abroad.

This year is particularly exceptional for having the most number of honorees who successfully passed the rigorous four-level multi-sectoral screening process.

The selection process started with the Awards Committee at the Philippine Embassies/ Consulates, Awards Technical Committee, and Awards Executive Committee chaired by the CFO and, finally the Office of the President. Also, members of the screening committees include the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Science and Technology, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Department of Health, De La Salle University, Center for Migrant Advocacy, Dynamic Outsource Solutions 1, GMA Network, Inc., and Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerant People.

The PAFIOO serves as a continuing symbol of the government’s recognition of the selfless and immense contributions of Filipinos and private organizations overseas as dependable partners in national development efforts, exponents of Filipino talent and skills, and promoters of the interests of the Filipino diaspora. The PAFIOO is managed by the Policy, Planning, and Research Division of the CFO. For more information on the awardees, visit the PAFIOO Facebook page Gawad ng Pangulo https://www.facebook.com/ gawadpangulo or visit the PAFIOO official website www.presidentialawards.cfo.gov. ph. (CFO Release)

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N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J U LY 1 5, 2 0 22

people events arts culture entertainment

FROM TONY AND GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER JHETT TOLENTINO

‘Asian Persuasion’: An Ode to Culture and A Love Letter to NYC

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA / AJPress

HERE’S one film to watch out for when it is shown next year.

Asian Persuasion, Tony & Grammy Award-winning producer, Jhett Tolentino’s directorial debut wrapped up production in May and immediately went to postproduction last month. The team also launched a crowdfunding campaign to help recover funds lost during a 12-day pause due to COVID.

Asian Persuasion stars Fil-Am celebrities Dante Basco and Paulo Montalban, KC Concepcion, Yam Concepcion, and Bling Empire’s Kevin Kreider, among others.

Producer and director Jhett Tolentino is proud to have created a diverse Asian American cast and production staff. The Tony and Gray Award-winning producer’s directorial debut will be shown in 2023.

Photos courtesy of Asian Persuasion

Written by first-time screenwriter Mike Ang, Asian Persuasion tackles the subject of divorce and relationships in the Asian-American community seen from the lens of the modern Asian American experience.

Set in New York City, the film is Tolentino’s homage to the Big Apple, celebrating not just the iconic landmarks but also the lesser-known, less frequented neighborhood and cultural enclaves which includes Asian-Americanowned hangout places.

“Yes, it is my love letter for New York City and its minority communities, including where they live whether it’s in Queens, Brooklyn, or the Lower East Side. We are also showcasing Asian American and Filipino American businesses to show their contributions to the city,” he told the Asian Journal.

Tolentino wants the project to be a true Asian American collaboration and he has succeeded in that aspect.

From direction to design to decision-making, it’s all Asian.

The cast and production feature collaborators from Indonesia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Nepal, Tibet, Singapore, and Japan.

Asian Persuasion tells the story of a down-on-hisluck chef, Mickey de Los Santos (played by Dante Basco), who cooks up a

Dante Basco

KC Concepcion

Director Jhett Tolentino preparing a scene with Dante Basco and KC Concepcion.

AJPress photos by Momar G.

crazy scheme to marry off his ex-wife, Avery Chua (KC Concepcion), by setting her up with a fake internet dating profile in an attempt to find her a suitor to re-marry to avoid his substantial alimony obligations.

Rounding up the cast are Paolo Montalban, Kevin Kreider, Scarlett Sher, Geneva Carr, Yam Concepcion, and Tony Labrusca, with notable cameos and appearances by

Apl.de.Ap, Fe de los Reyes, Rex Navarrete, Rachel Alejandro, and Broadway stalwarts Marc dela Cruz, Devin Law, and Cyn Casasola.

Basco is best known for his groundbreaking role as Rufio, the leader of the Lost Boys in Steven Spielberg’s Hook, and for his many voice acting roles, most notably as Prince Zuko from Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, Jake Long from Disney Channel’s

Paolo Montalban

American Dragon: Jake Long, and Spin Kick from Carmen Sandiego.

The actor met Tolentino a few years ago at a film festival in San Francisco. They kept in touch, and Tolentino mentioned the project and sent him Ang’s script.

“When I read the script written by Mike Ang it spoke to me because I got to play a grown-up. Mike is from our generation, he wrote a voice that I connected with as far as just a Filipino dude that grew up same time,” Basco said.

Having been in the film industry since he was a kid, Basco respects the whole filmmaking process and believes that every film is a minor miracle to make. He has also been producing films for the last 10 years and last year, he directed his first film, The Fabulous Filipino Brothers.

“This feels great. I feel very happy and very relieved PAGE 15

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15

Comedian-director Young Filipino student receives US President’s award Philip Lazaro dies for academic excellence

By Iza IglesIas Philstar.com

Fernando Tarriela Valderrama

FERNANDO Tarriela Valderrama was given the Gold President’s Honor Roll Award in May 2022 for Outstanding Academic Excellence.

Conferred by the President’s Education Awards Program in the United States, this award is the highest recognition given to graduating elementary, middle, and high school students for their outstanding efforts to meet challenging standards of excellence.

Valderrama, an incoming ninth grader at Harvest Christian Academy in Guam, is part of the school’s National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) that encourages high academics along with strong character and leadership.

His extra-curricular activities also include taking Orchestral classes and being part of the Running Club/Cross Country. Outside of school, Valderrama is a grey and white belter in Jiu-Jitsu and goes to CrossFit. His parents are Tom and Tricia Valderrama. His maternal grandmother is Philippine National Bank’s first Chairwoman Flor Gozon Tarriela, sister of GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon. g

‘Asian Persuasion’: An ode to...

PAGE 14 we got through it because there were so many hurdles to jump over,” he said. “But I’m excited to get this one done and excited for everyone to see what we did.”

Basco also excitedly shared that The Fabulous Filipino Brothers is also streaming through Hulu and that he is looking forward to sharing stories like this to a wider audience stateside. He mentioned Jo Koy’s Easter Sunday opening this year and other films such as Yellow Rose.

“So we’re in a definitely golden era for Asian Americans. And pop culture and us as being Filipinos being a part of this whole rising tide of Asian stories is very important to me and close to my heart and I love that,” he said.

Montalban, best known for his groundbreaking performance in the 1997 Disney television film, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella as Prince Christopher, opposite Brandy as Cinderella, takes on the role of Lee Prince, the unwitting suitor thrust into the lives of the divorced couple.

“Well, it’s a huge honor to be a part of this talented group. I mean, getting to work with Dante Basco, the guy’s a legend. We knew each other back in LA years ago, and we never thought that we’d ever get the chance to work with each other,” Montalban shared.

“I hope it highlights AAPI joy and laughter, and love and friendship. I think that’s the way to people’s hearts is through entertainment and once they that our stories are just kind of similar to their

Dante Basco and KC Concepcion in a scene shot at the courtyard of the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens.

AJPress photos by Momar G.

own lives, maybe we can have a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures,” he added.

KC’s Experience “I’ve been doing other things for around four years or maybe five years now so to be back doing movies is a big thing tapos may support and blessing pa ni mama which is a really, really big deal for me,” Concepcion said.

A big fan of rom-coms and films shot in New York, Concepcion said she had the time of her life doing the film and she looks forward to letting the world watch this Filipino American story.

“To see different Asian businesses that are succeeding and have something to offer is something, it is similar to what I did before in my travel vlogs on YouTube. It’s my way of sharing all the hotspots and nice places to go, dito sa New York for example,” she shared.

Everything was going well in the shoot and she was having the time of her life with co-stars Dante Basco, Paolo Montalban, and the rest of the cast. Then they faced a hurdle when she was exposed and she got COVID. Fully vaccinated and boostered, she recalled downing about 30 antiviral pills

in five days as recommended

by Dr. Albert Recio and she believes that saved her life.

“Nawalan ng puwersa yung mga kamay ko for some reason, maybe because what hit me had an updated strain.

Never akong nagka-fever or sore throat although may ubo and then may headache and colds,” Concepcion shared. “It was very scary that time, thank God, may COVID treatments na tayo ngayon.”

The shooting was paused and they resumed immediately when producers got the green light.

M o n t a l b a n , acknowledging the production team’s hard work and the great vibe they had while shooting, praised Tolentino for leading the way.

“Jhett Tolentino is not just a heck of a director, as a producer, he’s tops,” he shared. “You can always tell the merit of a producer or director not just during happy times, but really when they’re under stress, or like when the chips are down and the fact that he has been able to steer our ship through stormy waters with calmness is amazing.”

“It has been such a roller coaster ride,” Tolentino said, adding that since he wears two hats in the film, as a

director and a producer, he trod the fine line between the two. He admitted he devoted more time to the producing part.

While this is his feature film directorial debut, Tolentino is not necessarily a novice. He previously wrote, produced, and directed the autobiographical short documentary “Life Is What You Make It” which was released in 2017. He also served as a producer on Isabel Sandoval’s critically-acclaimed “Lingua Franca” which premiered at the 76th Venice Film Festival and was nominated for the Independent Film John Cassavetes Award.

He hopes to hold the film’s world premiere in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2023 before moving to Europe and Asia, leading to the Philippine rollout at the Metro Manila Film Festival. The film is currently in post-production with an expected completion date of September 2022.

Like Basco and Concepcion, Montalban is looking forward to showing this film to viewers around the world.

“When people see the movie, they won’t just see like Filipino Americans on the screen. They will see themselves there and I think that’s how we can build connections between each other. Maybe then we can start getting some Asian love,” he said.

If you want to donate to the film’s crowdfunding campaign, visit https:// seedandspark.com/fund/ asian-persuasion#story.

All donations to the are 100% tax deductible as the producers have partnered with their fiscal

THE week has started on a sad note for local showbiz with the passing of actor-director and standup comedian Philip Lazaro on Monday, July 11. He was 52 years old.

A GMA News report said Lazaro died of multiple organ failure.

His family has yet to release an official statement but his nephew, Chico Lazaro Alinell, told GMA News that he noticed that his uncle had a hard time breathing when he visited him on Sunday, July 10.

“From that moment, I kissed his forehead and said my goodbye, told him to always pray, and how much I love him,” Alinell recalled.

“I never saw Tito Phi breathing again. Seeing him so helpless was my last memory of him and it breaks me apart,” he added.

Lazaro’s friends from the industry immediately paid tribute on social media.

Jillian Ward, whom he got to work with when he became assistant director of “Prima Donnas” on GMA Network, posted a photo of her with Lazaro on Facebook and said, “Rest in peace, direk Philip Lazaro.”

Tuesday Vargas also shared a fun clip of him with Eugene Domingo and said, “Direk! Bakit mo naman kami iniwan agad? Gagawin pa natin itong Baklakula na serye di ba? Sobra akong nabigla sa nabalitaan ko. Mamimiss kita Mama Phi. Rest in Power. I love you.”

Performing artist Gene Javier Berbenzana also posted on his Facebook account a video of their last performance together singing “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

“We praise and lift your soul to our creator, God Almighty. Kuya/Direk Philip, you will always be remembered and I will always cherish those days. You can now sing happy in heaven.

And I am so happy I’ve met you,” Berbenzana wrote.

Lazaro started his career as a stand-up comedian at a comedy bar called The Library in Manila. Among the shows he starred in are “Villa Quintana” and “Anna Karenina.”

He was an assistant director for “Full House Tonight” (2017), “Bawal Na Game Show “(2020), “Nagbabagang Luha,” (2021) and “Widow’s Web” (2022). n

Actor-director and standup co median Philip Lazaro

GMA photo

Krista Ranillo, husband...

PAGE 13 couple’s family and friends held in Bridgeport Clubhouse.

Krista was blooming in her off-shoulder gown while Niño wore Barong Tagalog.

Donita Rose, emcee of the wedding, took to her Instagram account to congratulate the couple.

“Congratulations @ninojeff on your church wedding! @ kristaranillo was so funny from start to finish. This is it! Am so honored to emcee your very special day… and nervous,” she wrote.

The couple first tied the knot in August 2010. They already have five children. (By Jan Milo Severo/Philstar.com)

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