072223 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

SEN. Mark Warner, D-Virginia and cochair of the Community Development Finance Caucus, joined a venture capitalist, a community leader, and a young entrepreneur July 14 to lay out the challenges and solutions for starting and growing small businesses in a post-Covid 19 environment.

Over 33 million small businesses make up about 99.9% of businesses in the U.S., and employ almost half of its workforce. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 40% of Black and Latino-owned businesses shut down, many permanently.

Community Development Finance Institutions — CDFIs — were one of the keys to recovery, said Warner. “In a strange bedfellows kind of moment, I partnered strongly with then-Secretary Steve Mnuchin of the Trump administration during the COVID-19 pandemic to try to get a lot of capital into our minority depository institutions,” he said, at the news briefing organized by Ethnic Media Services. Warner and Mnuchin were able to distribute $12 billion in funding through CDFIs, Minority Depository Institutions — MDIs — and Tier 1 capital through a Treasury Department initiative known as the Emergency Capital Investment Program.

“Access to capital is a hugely important issue,” said Warner, noting that many minority entrepreneurs do not have relationships

Marcos, Sara get high approval, trust ratings

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte recorded high approval and trust ratings in a recent nationwide survey by the RP-Mission Development Foundation Inc. (RPMD).

Released on Thursday, July 20, the independent and noncommissioned "Boses ng Bayan" poll, conducted between June 25 and July 5, shows Marcos with an impressive 82 percent approval rating, and Duterte with 86 percent.

Dr. Paul Martinez of RPMD said the two leaders had exceptional trust scores, with Marcos notching 86 percent, and Duterte 90 percent.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez posted high ratings as well. Zubiri's approval rating was 69 percent, and Romualdez 70 percent.

Among Cabinet officials, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. led the ratings with 88 percent for approval and 93

percent for trust.

Other topnotchers were Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rexlon Gatchalian (76 percent approval, 85 percent trust rating), National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (75 percent approval, 87 percent trust), Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (75 percent approval, 70 percent trust), Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman (73 percent approval, 75 percent trust), Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual (71 percent u PAGE

by tetch torres-tuPas Inquirer.net

MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has agreed with “full disengagement” of Philippines from the International Criminal Court (ICC), Solicitor-General Menardo Guevarra said Thursday, July 20.

This comes after ICC Appeals Chamber upheld the authorization given by the Pre-Trial Chamber for ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan to continue with the investigation on the anti-drug war of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The probe covers the alleged extra-judicial killings and the reported existence of the Davao Death Squad. Voting 3-2, the chamber junked the appeal filed by the Philippines.

In its plea, the Philippines insisted the ICC no longer has jurisdiction over the country following its

THE Los Angeles County Health Officer has issued an excessive heat warning as high temperatures have been forecast for the following areas:

Antelope Valley: Thursday, July 20, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Western Antelope Valley: Thursday, July 20, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Eastern Antelope Valley: Thursday, July 20, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Northwest LA County Mountains/Interstate 5 Corridor:Friday, July 21, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

East San Gabriel Mountains: Friday, July 21, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Santa Clarita Valley: Friday, July 21, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

West San Fernando Valley: Friday, July 21, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

West San Gabriel Mountains/Hwy 14 Corridor: Friday, July 21, 2023 through

Duterte urged to

Strong PH economy to persist into 2024

by ronnel W. DoMingo Inquirer.net

MANILA – The Asian Development Bank (ADB) kept its growth forecast for Philippine domestic product at 6 percent this year and 6.2 percent next year amid a steady pace of recovery from the pandemic across the region.

In the quarterly update of its Asian Development Outlook 2023 report, ADB said domestic demand and services activity are driving growth in the region, while many economies are also benefiting from a strong recovery in tourism including the Philippines.

The multilateral lender noted that robust investment and private consumption

drove the Philippine economy to grow by 6.4 percent in the first quarter of 2023, supported by rising employment, expanding production and retail sales, and brisk private and public construction.

On the other hand, merchandise export declined, though partly offset by expansion in service exports. “Tourism bounced back, and growth remained strong for business process outsourcing and information services,” the ADB said.

Victor Abola, economist at the University of Asia and the Pacific, said in a midyear briefing hosted by First Metro Investment Corp. he expected a 5.6-percent growth in the second quarter and then “much more robust recovery” in

details of meeting with China’s Xi

by Beatrice Pinlac Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former Senate President Franklin Drilon on Friday, July 21 asked former President Rodrigo Duterte to reveal the details of his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Drilon pointed out the Duterte-Xi talks came as Senate is drawing up a “strongly worded” resolution urging Philippine government to elevate to United Nations General Assembly concerns about China’s harassment of Philippine vessels in West Philippine Sea.

"Out of respect and courtesy to the sitting president, I call on former President Duterte to either disclose or, at the very least, provide a briefing to President Marcos or Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo,” Drilon said in a statement.

He underscored the need to be transparent and accountable about “the outcomes of such a significant meeting, especially if it involves the country’s claims on the West Philippine Sea.” Drilon said Marcos should be “well-informed” about the meeting since the formulation of Philippines’ foreign policy is

in

World Cup debut

by luisa Morales Philstar.com

MANILA – The Philippine

women’s national football team stumbled at the hands of Switzerland in their Group A match, losing their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup debut, 2-0, at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand on Friday, July 21.

In the historic match, the Filipinas were unable to hold off the World No. 21 Swiss, who recorded the first of their two goals via a converted penalty kick close to the end of the opening half.

After video assistant referee (VAR) review, a challenge by

Jessika Cowart on Coumba Sow was deemed a foul with the Swiss awarded a penalty.

At the 45th minute, Ramona Bachmann slotted it past Olivia McDaniel to put Switzerland ahead, 1-0. The penalty doused a determined Filipinas side who also had a goal waved off earlier in the match.

Katrina Guillou was able to convert on a counterattack around the 20th minute mark but she was deemed offside, much to the chagrin of the Filipino fans watching in the stadium.

In the second half, the Swiss played with a renewed vigor with

Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte with Chinese President Xi Jinping Malacañang photo

Small business owners need access...

with banks to allow them to successfully apply for loans.

Gelat’OH!

Entrepreneur Sierra Georgia encountered this very issue as she tried to expand her small business, Gelat’OH, based in Washington D.C. “Like a lot of small business owners like myself, this started with just a team of one and it’s still not that much bigger than that,” she said.

Like a lot of women of color who want to start a business, Georgia did not own a house she could mortgage to raise capital. She got funding through a CDFI, but only received half of what she needed to expand her business. So she raised money through

LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LACMTA will receive Proposals for AE107697 - Program Management Support Services for the North Hollywood to Pasadena BRT at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

A virtual Pre-Proposal conference will be held on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, 11:00 a.m. All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Thursday, September 7, 2023. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. AE107697.

For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro. net or for further information email Anush Beglaryan at beglaryana@metro.net.

7/22/23

CNS-3721337#

ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

SMBX, a small business bonds marketplace connecting small businesses to local investors.

“It’s a real bond offering.

If you donate to somebody’s GoFundMe you’ll never see that money again, but if you buy a Gelat’OH bond, you get 11% back on your money in 2 years.

It’s a way to bring wealth back to the community and empower small business owners,” said Georgia, who raised $25K in four days via SMBX.

Empowering Black America

“As President Calvin Coolidge said, ‘the business of America is business,’” said Charles Phillips, co-founder of the Black Economic Alliance, who served on President Barack Obama’s Economic Recovery Board. “This is what generates a lot of wealth in our country and makes us different from other countries.”

“We have a lot of entrepreneurs who build businesses and build wealth and support their families. And they support their families that way and pass that down to their families. And so we laud entrepreneurs in this country as we should because it’s one of our big differentiators.”

“But not everybody has access to actually building a business,” said Phillips, citing a 2020 survey by the management consulting firm McKinsey which found most black families didn’t know anyone who could lend them $3,000 if they wanted to start a business.

Phillips is involved with the Center for Black Entrepreneurship on the campus of the historically black colleges Morehouse and Spelman, to train young entrepreneurs to be good business people.

The good news is, entrepreneurship is alive and well in the black community. “If you look at the last 5 years, it’s been growing about 34% on average, the fastest growing sector of the economy for new business formation. But they need more capital and training and access to these relationships,” said Phillips.

Warner noted that one of the fastest-growing segments of entrepreneurship are businesses owned by Black women.

Sexism still prevails

Shernaz Daver, Chief Marketing Officer at Khosla Ventures and a 35-year veteran of the tech industry, said the

playing field is not level for women who want to start up and grow businesses.

Daver relayed some of the experiences her acquaintances shared with her as they were trying to raise funding. “’I went to fundraise and was not taken seriously because I was a sole woman founder until I found a male co-founder.’ That probably resonates with a few of you,” she told reporters, many of whom had founded their news outlet.

“I went to get venture funding and I was asked when I was going to have kids. No guy was ever asked that. I was told I was too aggressive in my financial projections, yet when my male partner presented it, he was seen as confident,” Daver said, sharing the experiences of her acquaintances.

Importance of STEM education

“I have been in the industry for over 35 years and I heard the same thing 35 years ago. So it’s kind of bad. And if you’re black or Hispanic, it gets worse,” said Daver, noting that only 2% of VC dollars go into women-led founders. “It needs to change. Access to capital is key,” she said.

A lot of women are starting up their own investment firms, focusing on funding businesses that support women’s needs, said Daver. She noted that a lot of women-led startups are coming out of the biotech industry. “If you have the ability or the inclination to get into STEM or into biology, do it.”

“I have to believe the world is changing and we will continue to change it if we all do it as a community. And I think if we do that, we can have our own woman Steve Jobs or our own woman Jack Ma,” said Daver.

LIFT Act

Warner also spoke about the LIFT Act he had introduced a day earlier. The legislation would help first-time, first-generation home buyers — predominantly Americans of color — build wealth much more rapidly by offering a 20-year mortgage for roughly the same monthly payment as a traditional 30-year loan. “This effectively doubles the amount of equity that you accumulate in the first 10 years,” said Warner, noting that, for most Americans, their biggest asset is their home. (Peter White/Ethnic Media Services)

Marcos, Sara get high approval...

PAGE A1

approval, 65 percent trust), Information Communications and Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy (71 percent approval, 78 percent trust), Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla (69 percent approval, 66 percent trust) and Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno (68 percent approval, 70 percent trust).

In 6th to 10th place are Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople (66 percent approval, 68 percent trust), Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin (66 percent approval, 69 percent trust), Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo (66 percent approval, 67 percent trust), Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan (64 percent approval, 69 percent trust), Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra (64 percent approval, 69 percent trust), Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. (63 percent approval, 67 percent trust), Human Settlement and Urban Development Secretary Jerry Acuzar (61 percent approval, 64 percent trust), National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan (61 percent approval, 63 percent trust), Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (59 percent approval, 61 percent trust), Special Assistant to the

President Anton Lagdameo Jr. (59 percent approval, 63 percent trust), Press Secretary Cheloy Garafil (57 percent approval, 60 percent trust) and Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla (57 percent approval, 59 percent trust).

Among the senators, the top three survey leaders were Raffy Tulfo, Mark Villar, and Bong Revilla with 89. 4, 88.6 percent, and 88.5 percent approval ratings, respectively. They were followed by Francis Tolentino (86.1 percent), Maria Imelda Josefa "Imee" Marcos (80.5 percent), and Mary Grace Poe (85.8 percent), Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go (82.7

percent), Robinhood Padilla (82.3 percent), Francis Escudero (86.2 percent), Lorna Regina "Loren" Legarda (80.2 percent), Sherwin Gatchalian (76.5 percent), Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara (75.7 percent) and Cynthia Villar (75.3 percent). Alan Peter Cayetano had 72.4 percent, Ronald dela Rosa 71.8 percent, Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel 3rd with 68.7 percent, Ana Theresia "Risa" Hontiveros with 68.2 percent, Maria Lourdes "Nancy" Binay with 65.8 percent, Pia Cayetano with 64.7 percent, Emmanuel Joel Villanueva with 61.5 percent, and Joseph Victor Ejercito Estrada with 60.7 percent. n

Duterte urged to reveal details of meeting...

PAGE A1

under his scope.

He noted the possibility that the former Philippine leader and the Chinese president may have discussed matters concerning national sovereignty.

If this happened, “the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should be briefed on the details of the meeting, as it is not a matter of private concern, but one that affects the entire nation,” he said.

The former senator explained Duterte’s words and actions as

a former chief of state “carry weight and may be interpreted in various ways, particularly by President Xi Jinping.”

"This is not a simple private visit. The former president is not an ordinary Filipino. His views will always be taken seriously by Xi Jinping,” he said.

The Duterte administration was known for having appeased China despite the Asian giant’s firm rejection of the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The Court had rejected

Beijing’s sweeping claims in South China Sea, which overlap with Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Duterte had referred to the landmark decision as a “piece of paper” that can be thrown away. There was, however, a pivot in this position since the Marcos administration took over. Marcos is upholding the ruling, saying he would not “allow a single millimeter of our maritime coastal rights to be trampled upon.” n

Excessive heat warning issued for parts...

PAGE A1

Saturday, July 22, 2023. A heat advisory has been issued for the following areas:

West San Gabriel Mountains/ Hwy 14 Corridor: Thursday, July 20, 2023.

East San Gabriel Mountains: Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Santa Clarita Valley: Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Santa Susana Mountains: Thursday, July 20, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

West San Fernando Valley:

Thursday, July 20, 2023.

East San Fernando Valley: Thursday, July 20, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

San Gabriel Valley: Thursday, July 20, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Calabasas/Agoura Hills: Thursday, July 20, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

West Santa Monica Mountains: Thursday, July 20, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

East Santa Monica Mountains: Thursday, July 20, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Northwest LA County Mountains/Interstate 5 Corridor: Thursday, July 20, 2023.

Palos Verdes Hills: Thursday, July 20, 2023 through Saturday, July 22, 2023.

Public Health reminds everyone to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness, especially older adults, young children, outdoor workers, athletes, and people with a chronic medical condition who are especially sensitive to negative health impacts from extreme heat. Public Health offers the following recommendations

during high temperature days:

• Drink plenty of water and keep hydrated throughout the day.

• If you must go out, plan your day to avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothes, and wear a hat or use an umbrella.

• Cars get very hot inside, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open. Never leave children or pets in cars. Call 911 if you see a child or pet in a car alone.

• Beware of and know what to do for heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Call 911 right away if you see these symptoms: high body temperature (103°F or higher), vomiting, dizziness, confusion, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

• Check on those at risk for heat-related illness, like those who are sick or have chronic conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children, those who live alone, pets, and outdoor workers and athletes.

• If you are wearing a mask, avoid strenuous workouts wearing face coverings or masks not intended for athletic purpose

• Visit your power company’s website or contact them by phone to determine if you are scheduled for a rolling power outage.

“While it is very important that everyone take special care of themselves, it is equally important that we reach out and check on others, in particular those who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects

of high temperatures, including children, the elderly those who are sick or have chronic conditions, pregnant women, those who live alone, and pets,” said Muntu Davis, MD, MPH, Los Angeles County Health Officer. “High temperatures are not just an inconvenience; they can be dangerous and even deadly. But we can protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors if we take steps to remain cool and hydrated. It is critically important to never leave children, elderly people, or pets unattended in homes with no air conditioning and particularly in vehicles, even if the windows are ‘cracked’ or open, as temperatures inside can quickly rise to life-threatening levels. If you have an elderly or unwell neighbor or relative, I encourage you to check on them throughout the day to make sure they are safe and well.” County and City partners have planned ways to safely operate cooling centers during times of high heat. Residents who do not have access to air conditioning are encouraged to take advantage of these free cooling centers. To find a location near you, visit https://ready.lacounty.gov/heat/ or call 211.

Los Angeles County residents and business owners, including people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs can call 2-1-1 for emergency preparedness information and

referral services.

LOVE LOCAL. Tribal accessories are on display at the Matigsalug house in the Kadayawan Tribal Village in Davao City on Friday, July 21. The accessories are made by Angelie Benito, Hiyas sa Kadayawan 2023 beauty pageant candidate representing the Matigsalug tribe.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte ManilaTimes.net file photo

The painful legacy of ‘law and order’ treatment of addiction in jail

by Renuka Rayasam KFF Health News

JASPER — Megan Dunn, who has struggled with addiction since her teens, points to the moment her life went “deeply downhill.”

After dropping out of high school, she gave birth at age 19 to a son she named Preston. Six weeks later, Dunn said, he died of sudden infant death syndrome.

“From then on, I went into this, like, PTSD, depression,” said Dunn, now 28.

Shortly after the baby’s death, Dunn said, she started using pain pills again. Eventually, she said, she was arrested on charges related to her illicit drug use, such as trespassing. She said she has had more than 30 stays in Walker County’s jail, a brick building in downtown Jasper. And each time, Dunn said, she was forced into drug withdrawal in her cell without medical care.

“I was literally praying to God to end me,” Dunn said about the pain and despair she felt.

People with drug addictions fill U.S. jails and are often left to endure withdrawal in concrete cells rather than in medical facilities. That’s especially true in Alabama, which has some of the toughest drug laws in the country. More than 5,000 people were arrested in Alabama on drug charges in 2021, and more than 90% of those were for possessing drugs rather than selling them, according to state data.

Dunn survived her stay in a holding cell in Walker County’s jail that’s known, she said, as the “drunk tank,” a concrete room that lacks water, a bed, or a toilet. Others have not.

In January, Anthony Mitchell, 33, allegedly froze to death after spending 14 days in the tank, according to a federal lawsuit his family filed in February against Sheriff Nick Smith, his deputies, and other jail employees.

Mitchell had “spiraled into worsening drug addiction,” the lawsuit said, and his cousin called 911 to send an ambulance to his home because Mitchell “appeared to be having a mental breakdown.” Instead, sheriff’s deputies arrived and then a SWAT team, the lawsuit

said. On Facebook, the sheriff’s office posted that “Mitchell brandished a handgun” and, from the scene, a deputy published a photo of his arrest, the suit said.

In jail, Mitchell was “denied access to medical treatment,” the suit said, citing video footage from the jail, and he died in custody. His death has sparked a debate in Walker County about the treatment by law enforcement of people with addiction and mental illness.

Crime and punishment:

‘People are scared to say “I need help”’

Walker County, nestled in northwestern Alabama’s Appalachian foothills and dotted with coal mines, has one of the nation’s highest nonfatal overdose rates. The county was among the communities that pharmaceutical companies flooded with millions of pain pills in the 2000s. Addiction rates soared. Over time, people moved on to illicit drugs.

Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith, first elected in 2018, campaigned to keep his job in last year’s election, in which he was unopposed, by saying he’d “confronted the drug epidemic head on” by “taking criminals off the streets and putting them in jail where they belong.”

He also touted his drug arrests in a paid political announcement published in 2021 in the Daily Mountain Eagle, a newspaper in Jasper. He has deployed resources to boost the number of narcotics officers from two to five, and his staff has made about 2,500 drug arrests to date, Smith told KFF Health News.

Smith also said that his office helps people with addiction. It gives people a list of treatment resources when they’re released, he said, and has doubled medical supervision in the jail from eight to 16 hours a day.

Drug possession and distribution, Smith said, are crimes he’s tasked with enforcing. “We are going to do our job,” he said. With so many people addicted to illegal drugs in Walker County, the power of the sheriff’s office and threat of arrest loom large.

“People are scared to say ‘I need help,’” said Kayse Brown,

who added that she faced down her own addiction and then became a certified peer support specialist to help others.

According to the lawsuit, a sheriff’s deputy allegedly told Mitchell’s cousin words to the effect of: “We’re going to detox him and then we’ll see how much of his brain is left.” No one checked his vitals or gave him the medication he needed, the lawsuit said. Within days, Mitchell was without a mat or blanket and “had to lie naked on the bare concrete floor,” the suit said.

When Mitchell arrived at Walker Baptist Medical Center two weeks after his arrest, his internal body temperature was 72 degrees Fahrenheit, the lawsuit said. That’s more than 20 degrees below what is considered “dangerously low,” according to the Mayo Clinic.

In response to the lawsuit, Smith and other defendants said that Mitchell was a “drug addict” who was “arrested in a psychotic and delusional state.”

Court records show they don’t dispute what doctors reported about Mitchell’s condition in the medical records. But they deny most of the lawsuit’s other claims, including any liability for Mitchell’s death. They asked that the lawsuit be halted while the FBI and the state of Alabama consider filing criminal charges in the case, according to court records. A judge denied the request in June.

After Mitchell’s death, community activists called for Smith’s resignation, circulating a petition that has more than 4,000 signatures. Ryan Cagle, a pastor who started the petition, said the sheriff’s office doesn’t see addiction as a chronic condition. Instead, Cagle said, its officials shame people who use drugs by posting their mug shots and arrest details on Facebook.

“The people who are elected, the people who have the power, they do not see people suffering under substance abuse as human or worthy of dignity,” said Cagle, who runs a food pantry. Cagle’s brother is married to Brown. His father dealt with addiction, and earlier this year he lost a 20-year-old cousin to an overdose.

u PAGE A4

California launches campaign to protect ‘highest risk’ communities from extreme heat

by Klarize meDenilla AJPress

THE State of California this month launched “Heat Ready CA,” a new statewide educational effort to help Californians stay safe from this summer’s heat waves.

According to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s announcement, the $20 million campaign is designed to be a tool on how to stay cool and how to protect yourself and communities when temperatures skyrocket.

The announcement came amid a massive heatwave that impacted residents across the Southland.

“The impacts of climate change have never been more clear — the hots continue to get hotter in our state and across the West, putting millions of Californians at risk,” Newsom said in a press release.

According to the National Weather Service, this summer’s heatwaves across California and neighboring states “rival some of the worst heat waves this area

has ever seen.” The campaign targets “heat-sensitive” communities, groups of people who are more vulnerable to extreme heat, like senior citizens, disabled people, pregnant women, or workers who frequently work outside.

Heat Ready CA is part of Newsom’s larger $400 million Extreme Heat Action Plan, an overall response action plan to create immediate solutions — like setting up cooling centers — for communities facing extreme heat. (For a list of cooling centers across the state, visit the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services' website.)

Dr. Mark Ghaly, secretary for California Health and Human Services, said that “potentially dangerous effects of extreme heat” include “dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as respiratory problems.”

In a press briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services and the California Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications, local experts discussed the reality of climate

Congress considers easing regulations on air transport of donated organs

change’s impacts on various communities.

V. Kelly Turner, professor of urban planning at UCLA, noted that major cities and urban centers have “heat islands,” areas where green space and shade are fewer and farther between. She added that “most Californians are effectively living in shade deserts.”

Dr. Lucia Abascal of California’s Dept. of Public Health said that residents who can’t afford to run air conditioning in their homes are welcome to visit libraries, malls, and other public spaces that offer shade and air conditioning. Los Angeles has its own countywide extreme heat advisory and action plan, and during periods of extreme heat, all 73 libraries across LA County will be open to all. The City of LA is also expediting plans to implement more shade structures at bus stops and public transit hubs. Abascal also reminds all to stay hydrated and that the signs of heat stroke include dizziness, leg cramps, and disorientation. n

Pres. Marcos okays PH disengagement from...

withdrawal of its membership from the international tribunal.

The government’s withdrawal took effect on March 16, 2019.

Guevarra said he discussed the matter with the president.

“I advised him about the full disengagement, and he agreed,” Guevarra reported.

"No further steps as far as the state is concerned,” he added.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla also issued a similar statement on disengagement. He had warned that if ICC representatives tried to enter the country, it would constitute “usurpation of authority of the

Philippine government.”

Hence, this will be a violation of Philippine laws.

The Philippine government maintained it is doing its own investigation into the drug war and that the country’s judicial system is functioning.

Thus, there is no need for foreign intervention. n

Filipinas fall to Swiss in FIFA World Cup...

already a goal under the belt.

Their aggressiveness paid off when Seraina Piubel converted on the rebound after two great saves from McDaniel just past the hour mark.

Still, even down 0-2, the

Filipinas continued to push against a favored Switzerland side.

With fresh legs coming off of substitutes Bella Flanigan, Meryll Serrano, and Chandler McDaniel, the debutants were able to get a try on goal as Harrison got a run

on the ball at the 85th minute.

Harrison tried at an angle and finished just wide.

The Filipinas will attempt to get a breakthrough goal and win when they face co-hosts New Zealand on Tuesday, July 25, in Wellington. n

Strong PH economy to persist into...

regaining their footing,” Abola said.

the third and fourth quarters.

“For the next full year (2024), I expect an acceleration to 6.5 percent because a lot of the infrastructure projects are just

“These would come into play, apart from the fact that the housing program of [President Marcos] will go on full swing

by next year to address the 6 million backlog—at 1 million housing units per year compared to the 200,000 to 300,000 that we produce every year,” he added. n

by Colleen DeGuzman KFF Health News

WHAT do kidney and pancreas transplants have to do with airplane regulations?

Tucked into the hundreds of pages of legislative language to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration is a provision to change the life-or-death process by which human organs are flown commercially from donor to recipient.

But where on the plane organs are stowed during flights has been a long-standing issue for organ procurement organizations.

The sweeping measure, which is pending in Congress and faces a Sept. 30 deadline, aims to change regulations and move organs to the cabin from an aircraft’s cargo hold. Organizations managing organ transport consider it an opportunity to secure legislative relief from a system they say adds more hurdles to the task of shipping organs. It used to be that a member of a transplant team could take a packaged organ to a plane’s gate and hand it off to the aircraft’s crew, who would stow it in the cockpit or on the flight deck. This access “allowed us to really expedite the process,” said Jeff Orlowski, president and CEO of LifeShare Oklahoma, a nonprofit organ procurement organization in the state. But the terrorist attacks of 9/11 led to tighter security protocols, including a rule that permitted only people with tickets to go through Transportation Security Administration checkpoints.

“In our case, we don’t have a ticket,” said Casey Humphries, logistics service line leader of the United Network for Organ Sharing, the nonprofit contracted by the federal government to manage the

nation’s transplant system.

“We’re not booked as a passenger on a plane,” she said. Instead, they’re part of the relay network bringing the organs to people in need. Airport employees who work behind security checkpoints have an airport badge and usually get in through a designated entrance.

Another consequence of the 2001 policy changes was that donor organs flown on commercial airplanes — which are mostly kidneys — were stashed in cargo spaces below the wing along with boxes and luggage, said Humphries.

But shipping organs as cargo requires they be at the airport for loading one to two hours before takeoff. “That’s a significant time before the wheels go up for the plane,” said Orlowski. And that variable — the “hours that the organ is going to just sit, going nowhere” — has to be factored into decisions about where it can be sent, he said.

Donated organs can’t be treated like a golf bag or an Amazon box. They are delicate and have an imminent expiration date, which for kidneys is usually within 24 hours of surgical removal.

Since January 2022, around 80% of organs recovered in Oklahoma were sent to another state to be transplanted, Orlowski said. And of the organs

LifeShare recovers, about 35% of them are flown commercially.

Since kidneys can survive in a cooler longer than other organs, nearly all organs that travel on commercial flights are kidneys.

The first choice for transporting an organ, he said, is usually to drive it to its destination; it’s cheaper, and the transplant team can be more watchful.

But that’s not always an option, especially in rural areas. Orlowski said there are only two transplant centers within

driving distance of LifeShare’s Oklahoma City base, in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. So his team relies on commercial airlines for transportation.

The current air travel security rules also cause geographic disparities, as fewer cargocarrying planes fly in and out of smaller airports in rural areas, compared with airports in bigger cities.

“We need something that is available 24 hours a day because organs are available 24 hours a day,” Humphries said.

Charter planes can be a backup option, but one flight can cost organ procurement organizations thousands of dollars, whereas cargo shipping costs usually come in at less than $500 per flight, Orlowski said.

Although the security protocol has been in place for more than two decades, transplant advocates say this is the first time they have sought a legislative reversal, and they are optimistic about the outcome.

The provision to allow organs back in cabins is included in both the Senate and House versions of the reauthorization bill. Some hot-button parts of the bill, though, such as an increase in the mandatory retirement age for pilots, could stall progress.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved its version on June 14, and at press time it was being debated on the House floor. The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation is expected to consider its version this month, according to Senate staffers.

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

The painful legacy of ‘law and order’...

Smith wouldn’t comment on the Mitchell case because of the pending lawsuit and said that Dunn’s experiences happened before he took office. But, he said, “the burden of mental health is put on every sheriff in Alabama.” The shortage of mental health treatment and lack of early intervention means people who need help land in jail instead. In one case, he said, a person with mental health disorders faced an 18-month waiting list for space to open at the secure medical facility in Tuscaloosa.

Systemic change is not easy Walker County’s challenges are indicative of those faced across the country. People with addictions often end up incarcerated, and Stephen Taylor, a Birmingham-based doctor and president-elect of the American Society of Addiction Medicine, points to a failure of the public health system to create a sustainable and robust addiction care infrastructure.

“We know what to do to treat addiction,” Taylor said in written testimony to a Senate subcommittee in May. But systemic change and disruption of the status quo is “exceptionally difficult,” he acknowledged.

Sources inside the system say that more than half of the people placed on the Alabama Department of Mental Health’s waiting list for residential substance abuse treatment either die, drop off the list, or end up incarcerated, according to a 2020 report from the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, an advocacy group that says the state’s “prison system is broken.”

In Walker County, at least 2,800 people with a substance use disorder are not receiving treatment and existing treatment is limited, according to a September 2019 assessment conducted through a federally funded planning grant that helps rural communities respond to opioid overdoses.

Though treatment options are growing in the area, there are not enough to meet demand, some local recovery experts said. For example, the number of peer support specialists — those in recovery who are state-certified to help people before, during, and after treatment — increased to nine in 2022 from one in 2018, according to the Healing Network of Walker County, a group that organizes mental health and substance userelated resources in the county. A handful of providers offer medication-assisted treatment, including buprenorphine, which provides relief from severe symptoms of opioid withdrawal and, over time, reduces opioid cravings. A program now exists

to help pregnant and parenting women experiencing addiction.

The need for more treatment services is especially acute in Alabama, one of 10 states that have not expanded Medicaid, which has provided insurance coverage to people with substance use disorders in other states.

“We operate the whole addiction system in a crisis mode, as opposed to looking at it over the long term,” said Regina LaBelle, director of the Addiction and Public Policy Initiative at Georgetown University. Law enforcement officials with no health care training exercise almost total authority over the lives of inmates with addiction, and they are more likely to view substance abuse as a crime to be punished than a health crisis to be treated, say academic researchers, reform advocates, and formerly incarcerated people.

“Right now, our system is still so focused on punishing people,” said Leah Nelson, research director at Alabama Appleseed.

Dunn said she felt continually harassed by law enforcement officials because she was known to be a drug user. Because she once missed the jail’s 4:30 a.m. breakfast call, she said, she was put in the same “drunk tank” where Mitchell spent his final days.

Smith said that he’s exploring the idea of treating people with addiction in Walker County’s jail with medications, but that the final decision rests with the county commission. Even though some people in county leadership disagree with the idea of treating people at the jail, “we’re at the point where all options are on the table,” he said.

“That is huge for Walker County,” said Nicole Walden, an associate commissioner at the Alabama Department of Mental Health. She has had initial conversations with the Walker County Sheriff’s Office about the idea. “The stigma around substance use, in the South, it is a lot worse. Alabama is very much a law-and-order state.”

Fewer than a fifth of U.S. jails, and just 13% in the South, start people on medications to treat opioid use withdrawal, according to a U.S. Department of Justice report published in April. Only one Alabama jail currently offers medicationassisted treatment, Walden said.

Dunn checked into residential treatment outside the county about six times. Each time she relapsed. Eventually, after missing court dates and once trying to escape from jail, Dunn ended up in prison for nearly two years, where, she said,

“drugs were everywhere.”

The long road to recovery Nationally, police arrested more than a million people for drug possession in 2020. U.S. courts and police departments tasked with treating addiction have mixed results.

“Jails are not the most ideal place to treat them, but it’s the reality of where they end up,” said Andrew Klein, senior scientist for criminal justice at Advocates for Human Potential, a social services advocacy organization.

The Walker County Sheriff’s Office runs a program to help people find treatment. But it’s limited to those without an outstanding arrest warrant and with no more than two drug convictions, so few residents who are in need qualify. In its first two years, 20 people completed some sort of addiction treatment, according to the September 2019 assessment.

Nikki Warren benefited from the county drug court program, which requires participants to take drug tests and pay thousands of dollars in fees.

Warren joined the program at the recommendation of a judge. She was arrested in 2018 after she blacked out when she mistakenly took fentanyl instead of heroin.

“I needed that wake-up call,” said Warren, who is now an outreach supervisor at Recovery Organization of Support Specialists. After completing the program, her charges were dismissed, she said.

Dunn said the drug court program was “too hard.” But she was released from prison 3½ years ago determined to change her life. She recalled thinking to herself, “Dang, girl, all them years that I wasted.”

She spends time reading the Bible and singing, she said, but has struggled to find stable footing. She has lost several friends to overdoses, she said. Dunn said she would like to see a counselor but is uninsured. She relapsed for about a week this year, she said. She wants to work, perhaps at the front desk of a factory, but she goes to job interviews with a felony record and no high school diploma.

“Here I am — I quit school, my baby is dead,” Dunn said. She feels she is still being punished by the system. “I’m not perfect,” she said. But “they don’t give us a chance.”

(Kara Nelson of KFF Health News contributed to this report)

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

Still no blacklist

THE multibillion-peso corruption case at the height of the COVID pandemic involving Pharmally Pharmaceuticals is in limbo. And so is the recommendation of the Commission on Audit to blacklist the suppliers of what has been described as overpriced and outdated laptops that were distributed to public school teachers in the past years.

The Commission on Audit, in its 2022 report on the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management or PS-DBM, said the controversial office has yet to comply with the COA recommendation to blacklist the companies that had provided the laptops under a joint venture: Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., LDLA Marketing and Trading Inc. and VST ECS Philippines Inc.

Editorial

The COA said the PS-DBM had favored the joint venture even if it failed to meet the technical specifications for the supply deal that cost P2.4 billion for entry-level laptops. The PS-DBM management said a resolution for the blacklisting had been submitted for approval. But state auditors said actual proceedings to blacklist the suppliers in the laptop contracts had not yet been conducted by the blacklisting and termination review committee of the PS-DBM. No resolution on the contract termination and blacklisting of suppliers has been issued, the COA stressed.

The laptops were much needed particularly when the Department of Education was forced to shift to distance learning due to the pandemic lockdowns. Former DepEd officials had explained that they had

burden.”

outsourced the procurement of the laptops to the PS-DBM in the belief that the agency had the expertise for it and would speed up the process.

The memorandum of agreement between the DepEd and PS-DBM included the technical specifications for the laptops.

State auditors noted that the P58,300 price tag for each laptop exceeded the budget of P33,046.50 that was agreed upon by the two agencies. This reduced the number of laptops procured, from the target 68,500 to just 39,583, the COA said.

At the height of the pandemic in 2021, amid complaints from public school teachers who needed the laptops for blended learning, the COA recommended the blacklisting of the suppliers and the termination of the project. Until the blacklisting is completed, the suppliers can still do business with the government, particularly the PS-DBM, which several lawmakers have recommended for abolition.

What has happened to this recommendation?

The Marcos administration has promised a “principled, accountable and dependable government” under the “Bagong Pilipinas” program. It can start with the PS-DBM. (Philstar. com)

A bold step

THAT is how President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. calls the latest measure he signed into law, the Maharlika Investment Fund Act.

“The MIF is a bold step towards our country’s meaningful economic transformation,” BBM enthused July 18 at the presidential palace signing.

“Just as we are recovering from the adverse effects of the pandemic, we are now ready to enter a new age of sustainable progress, robust stability and broad-based empowerment,” he said, adding: “For the first time in the history of the Philippines, we now have a sovereign wealth fund designed to drive economic development.”

“Through the Fund, we will leverage on a small fraction of the considerable but underutilized investable funds of government and stimulate the economy without the disadvantage of having additional fiscal and debt

MIF has an authorized capital of P500 billion, less than $10 billion and much smaller than the seed money of most sovereign funds which is in trillions – of dollars. But it is a good start.

Initial capital is even smaller, P125 billion – P50 billion from the Land Bank, P25 billion from DBP and P50 billion from the national government.

Government corporations will subscribe in preferred shares. The BSP will contribute up to P50 billion, from its dividend earnings; PAGCOR, P3.2 billion and sale of government assets, P49.1 billion.

MIF eyes major projects and acquisitions. Previously, such efforts were funded by borrowings. Obviously, capital is short.

Explained BBM: “There are so many infrastructure developments, structural developments that we need to implement if we are going to be able to say that the Philippines can now compete in the world market, be it in labor, be it in manufacturing, be it in agricultural exports. If we are going to do that, there

are a great many investments that are going to be needed to be done for us to achieve that.”

He said, “The first part of this administration was spent on a very simple principle that we will go out to the world and we will do the changes that are necessary for the Philippines to become an investment-friendly nation.”

Marcos explained, “We now have an available fund that will provide us the seed money for investments and to attract other foreign investments and for us to be able to participate in those operations, in those investments without additional borrowings.”

The president vows a wellrun fund.

“Let us make sure that these are professionals. Let us make sure that decisions that are being made for the fund are not political decisions, that they are financial decisions because that is what the fund is. It is essentially a fund that we will continue to invest in.”

BBM does not discount failure. Having trained himself as a banker, the president knows the risk: “The fund will fail if we do not make money on the fund. It’s that

simple. But there are so many opportunities that we cannot allow to slip by and that is why we have put up the Maharlika Fund so as to be able to give us the capacity and the ability to join in those investments.”

So, he said, “instead of taking on additional borrowings and having to work to pay for the interest and roll over the principal every so often, we now have a fund which will itself make money and that will increase its capacity and capability to invest in all of these extremely important projects.”

What are these projects?

“We are talking about investments in agriculture. We’re talking about investments in infrastructure. We are talking about investments in digitalization. We are talking about the investments in the strengthening of our supply chains.”

“We are talking about all of those elements that the post-pandemic economy has shown us are necessary for us to be able to transform the Philippines into a country that not only is investment-friendly but also is competitive in the rest of the world. That is the

point of this fund.”

The president disclosed his team looked at other sovereign funds to address worries of MIF’s critics.

“What worked? What didn’t work? What were the mistakes so we don’t commit the same mistakes?”

“And the essential element that came back at us after that study was that every sovereign fund is unique, depending upon the purposes of that fund.”

In China, he noted, “they had this agency which started off as an agency looking for investments to be brought into China. As China grew wealthier, they changed the ambit of their operations. And it is now where can China invest outside of the People’s Republic.”

BBM noted: “There is an evolution. It does not mean that what we have made here is it. It will evolve. As the context such as the economic situation, the global situation, changes. And as the opportunities arise, and the risks are differently assessed, then that is what we will adjust to.”

And, “as long as we manage it properly and I contend that

The Good Filipino

in the ASEAN and Asia today?

we have some of the best economic managers both in government and in the private sector that we can count on to run this fund properly.”

The president was removed as MIF head. Also removed was the secretary of finance, because “inevitably, if you put me or the secretary of finance in the decision-making loop, those decisions will be colored by political considerations, and that must not be the case.”

He added: “We have to look at any potential investment. We have to look at any potential operation of the fund in a cold, calculating manner. That is the only way that it will succeed.”

“I’m confident that we will find all of the people who are so competent that we can rest easy that they will handle the fund properly.”

Structurally, “the fund is left to be a fund and operating on a sound and proactive financial basis.” (Philstar.com)

* * *

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

* * * Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com

FROM time immemorial, the call for good governance has dominated societies. There is always a good reason to push for good governance in a democracy where different ideas and sentiments free to flow and collide. Governance, then, whether it takes side or not, will be looked at and judged by that multiplicity of opinions. Even at its best, some sectors will always ask for more, or something different.

In the Philippines, the same has been true. Ever since I can remember as a schoolboy in elementary school, I have heard of demands for good governance. It seems that every election has to start with that. How else can new sets of leaders be chosen to replace current ones if there is no room for change and improvement?

When I could already vote and many elections thereafter, the refrain for good governance continued.

It is now 2023 or 59 years

when Filipinos began selfgovernance. All protestations to earlier independence were merely that – protestations –and yet national governance never had a chance to be implemented. Instead of 1898 or 125 years ago, let me just use 1946 to 2023 as Filipino governance that we can praise or criticize. And criticize we did as history has shown. The results have not been good. For the most part, if we are to consider the criticisms of people, the results of governance have been more a failure and with only a few instances of success. Many of the older generations who are still alive invariably point out that the Philippines was only second to Japan from after WWII until the 60s. Since then, beginning with martial law, has only been a slide that we cannot seem to reverse.

That is why the call for good governance can also never seem to run out of steam. The worse the country’s state is, the louder and more frequent is the call for good governance. It is not only the poverty of the majority on one end and the scandalous

corruption on the other that are the fundamental reasons for serious change, it is also the snail’s pace of economic and moral improvement wherever we can find them.

In the last 20 years, however, I have slowly realized that good governance is not possible in the situation we are in and the level of democracy that defines our governance and citizenship. Let us consider that our rise in Asia happened during the almost 50 years of American rule in the Philippines. When the United States left in 1946 and Filipinos finally governed, it was a slow and steady deterioration of everything that had made us second only to Japan in the region. In other words, the accomplishment was by the American rule of the Filipino, not by Filipinos of our own country.

Sadly, the slide continues. I hesitate to research what our status today is. I only know that the pattern of sliding downward is still there and maybe rock bottom is just around the corner. What other countries are lower than the Philippines

Those are the sorry results of 7 decades of calling for good governance. It was a failed desire – as results will show. Was it wrong, then, to want good governance? No. Not if we are an operational democracy. But, yes, wrong if we are still inside a feudal state. It is wrong for the people to ask for something that they do not deserve. In feudalism, though, only the elite who rule have a right to demand. And the elite, if we are to measure their lifetime of privilege, their dominance of power and authority, and their accumulated wealth are tremendously successful. Who rules the Philippines? Who owns the Philippines? The answer will tell us if we are in a democracy or in a feudal state, Because good governance is a democratic demand, a vital and necessary one. Because a democracy is of the people, by the people, for the people – not of the elite, by the elite, for the elite. In a democracy, the first call is good citizenship – the practice of the people,

by the people, for the people. Without democracy, the people have no right to demand good governance. Without democracy, only the ruling elite can demand, and will demand obedience. It looks like that we, the people, are precisely doing that – giving our obedience to those who rule.

Democracy is not a handme-down political system. Democracy is of, by, and for the people. It is us, the people, we, the Filipino citizenry, who must first do our work, build our democracy by the seat of our brow, by the blood of our veins, by the courage of our guts. It is a good citizenry that is the foundation of a good Philippines, and only second, a good government. We cannot have a good government until we build and mature our democracy. Only good citizens are productive, and will produce more. Only good citizens contribute, and will contribute more. Only good citizens can govern a government that submits to the people and the common good. Only

good citizens can govern a bureaucracy and castigate those who choke it with red tape. Only good citizens in a working democracy can demand good governance. And we are not yet that, our democracy is not yet that.

I know the path ahead will be extremely challenging, that democracy can hardly grow with 50% of Filipinos knowing they are food-poor, and another 30% are afraid that they can still be food-poor. What citizens can build a strong democracy, a strong nation, when its fears and attention are co-opted by being insecure about food? Yet, the same citizens are perfect people for the ruling elite of a feudal state.

To think that my generation had lived in an illusion of democracy, had assumed that public officials and employees are servants to the people, then realize that it has not been so. (Inquirer.net)

* * *

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

PH rises four spots in 2023 passport ranking

MANILA — The Philippine passport has climbed up by four spots in the third quarter of this year's Henley Passport Index, a global ranking that measures the most powerful passports in the world in terms of travel freedom of citizens from different countries.

According to the index, the Philippines has placed 74th this year, up from 78th place in 2022.

This could be due to the growing economy of the country, Henley & Partners managing director Scott Moore told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word on Wednesday, July 19.

Since the index began in 2006, the Philippines only obtained its highest ranking at 62nd in 2009.

The Philippines received its lowest rankings — 80th place — in the years 2015 and 2022.

Filipinos can currently travel visa-free to 67 countries, including Southeast Asian countries.

The Henley Passport Index is based on data from the

Laoag diocese starts sainthood bid for Filipino teenage girl

MANILA – The Diocese of Laoag has started the long process for a Filipino teenage girl to become a saint.

An article posted on the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website on Thursday, July 20 said Bishop Renato Mayugba presented to the bishops a request to open the sainthood cause of Niña Ruiz-Abad at the recently concluded plenary assembly held in Kalibo in Aklan.

The Laoag prelate said that at a very young age, Abad showed behaviors and acts that were unusual for her age.

“During her time, it is unusual that a young girl had already done acts to evangelize others,” he said.

“Niña’s life was a prayerful life full of reverence, worship and intimate relationship with God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” Mayugba added.

Abad died at the age of 13 on Aug. 16, 1993 after losing her battle against hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, an incurable heart disease she was diagnosed with at the age of 10.

She had a strong devotion to the Eucharist and devoted her life to distributing rosaries, Bibles, prayer books, holy images, and other religious items.

The teenager was also known for always wearing a rosary around her neck and white dresses.

She was laid to rest at a public cemetery in Sarrat.

The sainthood process normally begins on a local level in the diocese where a candidate died. In the case of Abad, it is the Diocese of Novaliches.

On the other hand, Mayugba obtained the approval of Novaliches Bishop Roberto Gaa for the transfer of the “forum of competence” to the Laoag diocese, which was also approved by the Vatican

Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.

The bishop said the young girl could serve as “a good model of piety and fortitude” for the youth.

“Knowing Niña’s character and traits and her strong faith in God will serve as a guide to the youth in handling their affairs towards a better Christian life,” Mayugba said. If Abad becomes a saint, she will be one of the youngest saints in history. (PNA)

FOREIGN nationals who graduate from Philippine medical schools may take the board exam in order to practice medicine in the country, according to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

The PRC has affirmed its certification issued last March 30 that allowed foreign nationals who have acquired medical degrees in the country to practice here if they manage to pass the Physician Licensure Examination (PLE).

"Foreign citizens conferred the

International Air Transport Association (IATA) and assesses 199 passports in the world. For 2023, Singapore has overtaken Japan in terms of having the most powerful passport in the world.

Germany, Italy and Spain share second place, with citizens in each country able to travel to at least 190 countries visa-free. Japan has slid down to 3rd

degree of Doctor of Medicine by a College of Medicine recognized by the Philippines’ Commission on Higher Education are eligible to take the Physician Licensure Examination,” the PRC said in an advisory dated July 17.

In taking the licensure exam, foreign medicine graduates have to comply with the requirements prescribed by the Philippine Medical Act of 1959, or Republic Act No. 2382, the regulatory agency added.

Numerous queries

“Foreign medical graduates may then apply to take the PLE and be eligible for registration to practice medicine in the

place, with its passport allowing visa-free access to 189 countries, less than last year’s 193.

The Philippines' tourism sector has seen a barrage of issues in recent months following the tourism department’s launch of new a campaign slogan marred with plagiarism and messaging mishaps, as well as incidents of domestic airport and air travel inconveniences. n

Philippines pursuant to [RA] 2382,” the PRC stressed.

The PRC said it issued the advisory after receiving “numerous” queries about its March 30 certification on whether foreign graduates of Philippine medical schools are allowed to be registered to practice medicine in the country. Under the Philippine Medical Act of 1959, a physician who wants to practice in the country should be at least 21 years old, should have passed the board examination and should be a holder of a valid certificate of registration issued by the Board of Medicine. n

With the bishops’ approval, it opened the door to the formal investigation of her life and witnessing, which may take years before a possible decision from Rome regarding her potential beatification and canonization.

The initial stages include gathering information about the candidate and interviewing witnesses who knew the person.

Abad was the daughter of a lawyer couple from Sarrat, a town in Ilocos Norte, but she was born and grew up in Quezon City.

Her remains were brought to her hometown in Ilocos Norte.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the P170-billion solicited publicprivate partnership (PPP) proposal to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief Arsenio Balisacan said on Wednesday, July 19.

Marcos, who chairs the NEDA Board, gave the nod for the project during a meeting in Malacañang on Wednesday morning.

Balisacan said the project, which will have a total cost of P170.6 billion, is expected "to address longstanding issues at NAIA such as the inadequate capacity of passenger terminal buildings and restricted aircraft movement."

He said the project aims to increase the current airport capacity from 35 million passengers to at least 62 million passengers per year and increase air traffic movement from 40 to 48 per hour.

"The project is also expected to improve the overall passenger experience and service quality to prevent long queues, lengthy waiting times, and other passenger inconveniences," Balisacan told reporters.

"We expect to have the winning bidder within the year, so as early as next year, we can have the project started," he added.

Balisacan said the project, under the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority, would involve private-sector funds.

The Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC) said it understands the NEDA's decision "to undergo a solicited bid process" for the NAIA rehabilitation project.

"The MIAC is one with the government in its infrastructure priorities and is aligned with the DoTr and NEDA's commitment to the urgent task of revitalizing NAIA given its importance as the country's main international gateway," the MIAC said in a statement.

"Regardless of the route, we believe that NAIA's modernization requires a long-term and comprehensive solution delivered by a credible and capable party at the quickest possible time. These criteria — regardless of the approach — would best benefit NAIA and the Filipino people," he added.

Meanwhile, the president also approved the P7.48-billion Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 project and the P12.75-billion Laguindingan international airport project.

"The NEDA board also confirmed the proposed adoption of a national policy and infrastructure sector master plans. The policy aims to harmonize and rationalize the formulation of master plans for the infra sector across the government," Balisacan said.

The Samar Pacific Coastal Road 2 Project involves the construction of two marine bridges, the Laoang 2 Bridge and the Calomotan Bridge, as well as the improvement of existing roads between Laoang Island and mainland Samar Island. The 15-kilometer infrastructure development is expected to improve connectivity in the

region and promote economic growth.

On the other hand, the Unsolicited Proposal for the Upgrade, Expansion, Operation, and Maintenance of the Laguindingan International Airport Project focuses on integrating sustainable and digitally advanced features into the design and operation of the Laguindingan International Airport in Misamis Oriental.

The project, which will be under the PPP, aims to enhance regional development, promote tourism, and provide a better travel experience for passengers.

In addition to the new projects, the NEDA Board also approved changes in scope, cost, design, and/or loan validity for four ongoing infrastructure projects.

This included the Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation, or IDRR-CCA Measures in Low-Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay Project; the Jalaur River Multipurpose Project Stage 2 project; the MalitubogMaridagao Irrigation Project Stage 2 or MMIP 2; and the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit Project.

Balisacan also confirmed the Proposed Adoption of a National Policy on Infrastructure Sector Master Plans, which aims to harmonize and rationalize the formulation of master plans for the infrastructure sector.

This policy will ensure the coordination, synergy and responsiveness of the sector to emerging issues. An executive order will be issued to strengthen the implementation of this policy nationwide, Balisacan said. n

Philippine passport Philstar.com photo

WKND

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more immigration questions from Kapamilya in Manila on Citizen Pinoy

but the priority date

JM takes a page from real-life religious leaders for new role

By Charmie Joy PaguLong Philstar.com

JM de Guzman recently shared how he prepared for his role in the new season of The Iron Heart. He portrays a religious leader named Bro. Joseph in ABS-CBN’s action-packed primetime series topbilled by Richard Gutierrez as Apollo. He defined his new character as someone who believes he has a “close connection” with the Higher Power and helps out other people.

Although he did not divulge further details on his role, he said in a virtual media conference that he did research on some religious leaders as references for his portrayal of Bro. Joseph.

“The way they talk, the way they move or how he becomes charismatic — that’s the requirement of my character, being charismatic. So I hope I portrayed it well,” he maintained. What he loves most about the series is the “unpredictability of the story.”

is 2007. She is worried that by the time the petition becomes current, her daughter might already age out. Can the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA) help her daughter when that happens?

Miraflor plans to marry her U.S. citizen boyfriend and then move to the U.S. How can she bring her 25-year-old son with her?

Elizabeth’s petition from her mother was finally current in 2019, after waiting for 24 years. Sadly, her mother also died that same year. What happens to her petition?

Victoria’s 93-year-old

By Leah SaLterio Philstar.com

Chiu included.

“You will really get to anticipate it,” Kim said. “Clearly, there’s no more network war. It’s love, love, love for everyone.

“It’s still going to be the same, only, the reach of the program

became much wider. I’m really very happy and very thankful about that because we’ll be seen in a lot of platforms, more free TV channels. We will make more madlang people happy.”

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers questions of Kapamilya from Manila – Charlene Mariano (left) and Miraflor Mirasol (right).

JM de Guzman Photo from Instagram/@1migueldeguzman

Kylie on ‘very public separation’ from Aljur: ‘Embarrassing, traumatizing’

by Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

KYLIE Padilla got candid about experiencing existential crisis, disclosing how she has been trying to move forward from being “stuck in a fight-or-flight” response since her separation from Aljur Abrenica.

The actress opened up about this while showing recent moments from her everyday life through her Instagram page on Tuesday, July 18.

“So, this is me lately fighting another bout of existential crisis. I am very open about my journey with my mental health and the fight goes on,” she said, noting how her “real life is different” from the highlights she shows on social media.

“These past few months I have been questioning my existence, my purpose and I have been asking myself a lot of whys,” she added.

Padilla then looked back on her separation from Abrenica and admitted that while they are now on good terms, having gone through their public split has had a huge effect on her.

“I have been stuck in fight-or-flight since my very public separation from my ex, oh no worries. He and I are good,” she stated. “But I think I’m ready to move forward from all of that.”

“Frankly, that whole ordeal was so embarrassing and might I say traumatizing,” she continued. “But here I am. Human. Imperfect. And yes, sometimes failing. But I think I’m ready to take risks again.”

Padilla affirmed that she is ready to “fail again and again” in her journey of trying new things, one of which is launching her own podcast.

“I’m done just being ‘kylie padilla’— whoever that is, [laughing out loud]. Come fail with me, and maybe we could somehow create a community,” the actress addressed her fans.

“For all the misfits, for all the people out there that sometimes feel like they have NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE DOING, this one is for you,” she concluded.

Julie Anne says birthday boy Rayver is the ‘man who makes my heart the happiest’

By DAle CAlAnog Inquirer.net

KAPUSO singer-actress Julie Anne San Jose sang nothing but praises for boyfriend Rayver Cruz, who celebrated his 34th birthday on Thursday, July 20.

San Jose took to Instagram to mark the actor-dancer’s special day, as she uploaded multiple snaps of them together and delivered a heartwarming message.

“You are simply amazing in the greatest ways I can ever imagine and I’m so proud of you,” San Jose told her “The Clash” cohost before she proceeded to list “blessings” Cruz has imparted to her and to others.

“The love and friendship we share, your willingness to walk through life with me, and the joy you bring to many are only few of the things I consider blessings[,] because you are a beaming ray of light that makes everything a whole lot better,” she said.

talent told her partner.

Never one too shy to profess his love for San Jose in front of others, Cruz — in the comments section — responded to his girlfriend’s greeting.

Forteza, Geneva Cruz, Jugs Jugueta, and Gardo Versoza, who worked with Cruz in the Kapuso series “Bolera.”

Padilla earned admiration and support not only from her fellow celebrities, but from fans as well who relate to the actress and her current circumstances.

Padilla and Abrenica, who got married in 2018, share two sons together, namely Alas Joaquin and Axl Romeo. The former couple confirmed their separation to the public in 2021.

Abrenica is currently in a relationship with actress AJ Raval. Padilla, meanwhile, has been speculated to be in a new relationship, although she has yet to confirm or deny this as of this writing. n

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more...

mother is sick, so she wants to know if her 2005 petition can be expedited so she can take care of her mother.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in Part 2 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Manila. Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 23 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET through select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

San Jose, in her birthday message, also described the former Kapamilya star as the “man who makes my heart the happiest.”

“Today is extra special and we’re celebrating you. Happiest birthday to the man who makes my heart the happiest! May God grant you your heart’s desires and unlimited blissful days yet to come. I love you @rayvercruz [emojis],” the longtime GMA

“Ikaw [ang] pinakamagandang blessing na natanggap ko sa buhay ko (You are the most beautiful blessing that I have received in life) I love you so much, my love, thank youuuu [emojis],” wrote Cruz, to which San Jose replied, “@ rayvercruz I love you so much, see you later [emojis].”

Several people flocked to the comments section of San Jose’s post to extend their greetings to the birthday boy. Aside from his older brother, Rodjun Cruz, the “All-Out Sundays” mainstay also received love from other celebrities such as Barbie

On her Instagram Stories, San Jose shared clips of the pair in a restaurant. In one of her Stories, the couple shared giggles as Cruz suspected his girlfriend of telling the restaurant staff about his birthday, thus the slice of cake with a lighted candle on top, which Cruz would eventually blow in another story. Last year, the pair revealed their relationship to the public during their “JulieVerse” concert, when they exchanged “I love yous.” The Kapuso stars, who both have recently performed on “It’s Showtime,” are set to star in the Rod Marmol-helmed “The Cheating Game.” n

Michael Pacquiao steps into the

business

By Dennis gutierrez Inquirer.net

ring with House of Franchise

MICHAEL Pacquiao, son of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, has decided to step into the ring. The ring of business, that is.

The 21-year-old Michael, who is also a successful rapper and a student-athlete, signed with House of Franchise.

Known for his musical talent, Michael gained popularity with his debut single “Only You” in May 2020. Since then, he has consistently churned out captivating hits, including the much-talked-about collaboration with his friend Michael Bars, titled “Pac-Man,” which is a reference to his father.

By joining forces with House of Franchise, Michael demonstrated his eye for opportunity and determination to create a future for himself and others.

The House of Franchise, founded by the duo Jonathan So and Carlito Macadangdang, stood out for its commitment to producing high-quality products and treats that cater to Filipinos and foreigners alike.

What set House of Franchise apart is its progressive

commission structure, encouraging distributors to build a loyal clientele that will pave the way for a secure and prosperous future. Through its franchising programs, the company has opened doors to countless Filipinos seeking new business opportunities. n

JM takes a page from real-life religious...

PAGE B1

He said, “When I watch it (especially) the intense scenes, I’m like, ‘How did they do this na ganun kabilis yung execution ng action scenes?’

The drama scenes as well. It’s really great.”

Besides running and stretching as his preparations for the scenes, JM meticulously studied his character. “It’s really more on reading the script and understanding the character and his back story. Actually, Sir Jay (Fernando, creative manager) and his team told me about the backstory of the character. Why is he like that? Where he is going? Saan yung pinanggalingan niya?

“I didn’t have any problems because our directors were very supportive bago kami isalang. They made sure that we all understood our characters and the nuances including how they act (and) how they speak. Hinimay po ng mabuti. The only thing that I need to do is to listen to my directors.”

JM’s background in mixed martial arts (MMA) would also serve him well in performing the action stunts. “To be honest, none yet (action parts) but I’ve already read the script na gagawin (fight scenes).”

“And maybe there’s a bit of an advantage if you have an MMA background because I used to train

in MMA. I used to fight (competitively) before when I was in college and it was really tough. It really requires mental and emotional focus. So I think it will help me to execute the major fighting scenes.”

The Kapamilya thespian likewise felt “very grateful” to be collaborating with the show’s lead cast such as Richard and Jake Cuenca (as Eros).

“I’m very grateful. I actually sent a message to Jake before I started and told him that I’m really excited to learn from him and to work with him.”

He further described Richard and Jake as “very generous” co-actors.

He shared, “They were welcoming on set, especially during our first day. Wala po akong masabi kundi I’m very grateful that I get to work with them.”

The Iron Heart is directed by Richard Arellano, Lester Pimentel Ong, Wang Yan Bin and Ian Loreños.

Besides The Iron Heart, JM just finished filming the ABS-CBN series Linlang with Paulo Avelino, Kim Chiu and Maricel Soriano.

He said that despite his busy schedule, he still has some time for his personal life. “Naisisingit naman po (laughs). Kaya naman isingit,” he said. n

Kim: I’m open to working...

PAGE B1

A number of GMA artists are now seen in It’s Showtime and even in ASAP, the ABS-CBN’s Sunday noontime show.

“That’s really exciting for our madlang people viewers,” Kim added. “Everything that we’re doing, that’s for our audience.”

Kim cannot be thankful enough that her It’s Showtime family has been very supportive through the years that she has been hosting the noontime show.

“They’ve been very, very supportive,” she attested. “They’ve seen my growth as an artist and as an endorser. Their support is always there. I can always feel it and the loyalty that they give back to you.

“When you really feel the support and loyalty that your family is giving you, you will really stay with them for a long time.”

With the so-called end of network wars, Kim still doesn’t want to give a definite conclusion.

“We really don’t know

For the second half of 2023, Kim assures it will be more exciting not just for It’s Showtime but for her personally.

Now that her boyfriend Xian Lim is also seen on GMA 7, she feels they can team up again on TV.

“Xian and I will see each other soon,” Kim said. “I’m open to working with anyone on GMA 7, not just Xian. As long as the project is good, I can work well with any artist.”

Kim recently came out to introduce the new product of Chowking, spicy chao fan.

“Rice is life,” she stressed. “Who doesn’t want rice? It gives you energy and happiness. Chao fan is my comfort food everywhere I go. From one activity or event to another. That is not a secret to the people around me.”

Kim has been endorsing Chowking for six years and the restaurant is very supportive of the things that the actress does, especially her charity program in the provinces, like feeding kids. n

Kylie Padilla

Photo from @kylienicolepadilla

Celebrity couple Julie Anne San Jose and Rayver Cruz Photo from Instagram/@myjaps

Michael Pacquiao

Photo from Instagram/@pacquiao.michael

Kim Chiu says that the second half of 2023 will be a more exciting time for her personally.

Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel is shown here with Elizabeth Sherman (left photo) and with Victoria Bertiz (right photo).

Multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter David Pomeranz to perform in LA for first time since pandemic

Beloved balladeer organizing charity concert; proceeds to benefit the Victory Life Foundation

LOS ANGELES – On Saturday, July

29, international recording artist David Pomeranz will appear at the 1000-seat Church of Scientology of the Valley community auditorium for a concert benefiting the Victory Life Foundation, a charity that works to improve the lives of jobless clients through job placement programs for the Los Angeles Filipino community.

Benj Pangilinan on showbiz advice from mom Maricel, brother Donny

by Charmie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com

MANILA — As someone who

hails from a showbiz clan, it was no surprise that Benj Pangilinan, brother of Donny and son of Maricel Laxa, also joined the entertainment industry as Sony Music Entertainment’s newest recording artist. Benj was also inspired by his uncle, Gary Valenciano, whose music he first learned when he had heart surgery as a kid.

The budding singer-songwriter just dropped the music video for his debut single “Love, That’s Rare,” which was co-produced by Grammy-nominated Xerxes Bakker (Imagine Dragons, Snoop Dogg). He conceptualized the music video with his sister, Hannah. It was helmed by Gilb Baldoza and is now available on YouTube via Sony Music Entertainment.

“We wanted to try our best to tell a story that made people see a different side of love and all that it brings,” the soft-spoken artist said during a press conference held recently.

Benj recalled that he wrote the electro-pop ballad out of those “random times.”

“I was feeling something and then I recorded myself and then ‘Love, That’s Rare’ came out. It’s just random times that, ‘Ahhh… I feel something.’ You don’t know. You’re curious what’s gonna happen.

“And sometimes some of the songs, to be honest, I don’t know why… I have an idea. But I don’t know specifically why. So I said what I said. So it’s hard for me also to give meanings on some songs because I don’t even know why I sang it.”

Benj grew up watching Gary V. perform, whom he considered as his biggest influence in music and would like to collaborate with him some day (and also with Moira dela Torre). “My family naman, we are all in the entertainment (business). So when I was a kid, I would be there in the front row while he was singing.”

Mr. Pure Energy’s “Warrior Is a Child” is his favorite song. “I

had a heart surgery when I was four,” he shared and added that he would watch his tito’s live performances on videos when he was a kid. “I came home and I had memorized that (Warrior Is a Child) and everything.”

“And I think that started (it). Just seeing how he moved and how he sang. Parang he could tell that he was singing bigger… It was bigger than him you know. It started the love (for music) and after a while, I got my first guitar. I started making music. But I never showed anyone because I never wrote it for anyone else. It was just for me.”

Benj had his first songwriting experience when he was a freshman. He bought his first guitar with his own money. He recounted, “I was learning different chords. I only learned two chords or something. And then after a couple of days, I was feeling something maybe strong or I don’t know how to explain it.

“I got my guitar. I went to the bathroom, (pressed) voice memos and I hit my phone and then I just sang. I just played two chords and I started singing. And after 15 minutes, I paused the voice memos, I typed on my yung notes what I said. And then I edited it a little bit and that was my first song. It’s really (about) emotions.”

Meanwhile, the young musician detailed how they discovered his heart problem at the tender age of four. He told The STAR in a separate interview, “The main vein connected to my heart was leaking the day I was born. And they only found out when I was four years old.”

As shared to him by his mom, “I was playing football and then I had a tummy ache. (It was) completely unrelated… So we went to the doctor. And I was playing with the device that scans the (heart)… and I wanted to try it. So OK, (I) tried it. And they found something.

“And they said you have to go to the hospital now. Of course my parents, they wanted the best so we went to San Francisco (for treatment),” he added.

Thankfully, Benj recovered

The auditorium has hosted numerous Filipino community events since its grand opening in 2017, including fashion shows, various concerts, a Filipino student choir and a performance from the Philippine Ballet Theater.

The concert by Pomeranz – whose recordings and songs have sold over 40 million copies worldwide with songs recorded by the likes of Barry Manilow,

Bette Midler, Freddie Mercury, Richie Sambora (of Bon Jovi), John Denver, Missy Eliott, Kenny Rogers, The Carpenters and scores more – marks the 40th anniversary of his intimate relationship with the Philippines which began in 1983 with his iconic hits, “Got to Believe in Magic” and “King and Queen of Hearts.” Both songs became part of the very social fabric of the country and appeared on Pomeranz’s landmark album, “Born for You – His Best and More,” which is the most successful international pop recording in Philippines history.

Here are concert details:

• Church of Scientology of the Valley Community Auditorium

11455 Burbank Bl, North Hollywood Parking available across the street.

For tickets go to filtix.com. n

Cristine deserves another chance at love

by ronnie CarrasCo iii ManilaTimes.net

THERE’S always another chance at love. If one fails the first time, it doesn’t mean he or she should stop falling in love all over again, let alone the end of the world. After all, being in love — no matter how many times — sets no limits. One credible celebrity

Bea, Dominic now engaged

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

ACTORS Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque are now engaged!

Bea announced the good news on her social media accounts, detailing how Dominic popped the question to her at Bataan’s Las Casas FIlipinas de Acuzar last July 18.

The actress shared that she was at Las Casas for a shoot when celebrity photographer Mark Nicdao kept telling her to turn around so he could shoot the back portion of her dress, and when Bea did she found Dom on one knee with a box ready in hand.

“I have done so many proposal scenes in my entire career, but nothing beats the real thing. I have been doing it all wrong!” Bea said with a laugh, noting that time stood still when Dom said his part.

Bea recalled feeling joy, excitement, love, and other emotions, and began to ugly cry.

“I didn’t want that moment to end. I want this real thing to happen forever… and right then there… In front of the people we love… we decided on forever,” Bea ended.

Dominic commented on Bea’s Facebook post “I love you very much” accompanied by a heart emoji, and Bea responded with “Can’t wait to do life with you,” also using the same emoji.

Several individuals congratulated the newly-engaged couple including Aga Muhlach, Maine Mendoza, Gabbi Garcia, Chito Miranda, Ellen Adarna, Khalil Ramos, Sanya Lopez, Miles Ocampo, Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, Jameson Blake, and Julie Anne San Jose. Bea confirmed she was in a relationship with Dominic in August 2021, and it was recently teased that an engagement might happen soon. And happen it did! n

authority to this is Ara Mina. Disregard all her past relationships before Bulacan Mayor Patrick Meneses came into her life (which produced a beautiful daughter), what would matter more now is the fact that Ara has finally found Mr. Right in the person of Dave Almarinez. It may well be said that Ara embodies the realization of what a life partner Dave has always dreamt of and prayed for.

As Ara puts it, not because her previous relationship was a failure means no better future awaited her. This is the same belief that Ara adheres to in the case of her younger sister Cristine Reyes.

At the moment, Cristine and Marco Gumabao have been going steady for nearly three months.

“So far, so good” may well best describe their romantic

relationship.

It’s no secret this side of showbiz that Cristine and Ali Khatabi were a couple before Mark came into the picture. Their liaison albeit short-lived produced a daughter they named Amarrah.

The first to have issued a stamp of approval to Cristine’s romance with Marco — who’s a couple of years her junior — was

PAGE B5

International recording artist David Pomeranz

Dominic Roque proposing to Bea Alonzo Photos from Instagram/@beaalonzo

Cristine deserves another chance at...

Ara. Coming from the same experience, Ara is aware of the fact that her younger sister after all deserves to find her own happiness — and yes, regardless of age difference.

Netizens, however, take it as Cristine having eaten her words.

Seemingly unhappy for Cristine — out of sheer resourcefulness — these naysayers have dredged up a video clip of the actress’ 2019 guesting on “Tonight With Boy Abunda.”

To spice up the interview, Boy subjected Cristine to a fun segment called ‘Jojowain o Totropahin.’ Boy rattled off such names of the actors while Cristine chose which ones she’d like to have for a possible boyfriend or simply as a friend.

Boy’s mere mention of Marco Gumabao’s name became a bit too unsettling for his guest, Cristine’s face hardly lit up.

Cristine swore she and Marco were friends, giving the viewers the impression she wasn’t a sucker for younger men.

“I am not a cougar, am I?” she retorted.

Fast forward. It was on April 24 when Marco made a public admission on social media that he and Cristine were already a couple. Next thing was, Ara told the press at a mediacon for her new lifestyle show on Net25 how she admired Marco for being forthright to say so.

The netizens have since taken

the short video clip against Cristine. We ought to remember that the video clip was culled from Cristine’s 2019 guesting, which was some three years or so ago. Between then and April of 2023, so many things inevitably happened.

Cristine’s spur-of-the-moment non-preference-for-youngermen statement didn’t mean she was lying through her teeth.

After all, she told on air there really existed friendship between her and Marco that time.

Perhaps, had Boy paraphrased his question by asking if there stood a chance that she and Marco could hit it off, at the very least, Cristine would have been honest to say “Possible” or “Let’s see” or “I’ll cross the bridge when I get there.”

Of course, Boy had to contend with too little time to shoot rapid fire questions.

As for Cristine having eaten her words is unfair to say — on Marco’s and on her part.

It’s all the more relieving to know that Cristine and Marco’s relationship is anchored on friendship. At least, they’re already well aware of each other’s quirks.

We all know that enduring relationships are a rara avis in showbiz — pray tell me, just how many celebrity couples — married or otherwise — gave themselves a chance to discover each other?

Here’s hoping Cristine has found a “Dave Almarinez” in her life. n

‘Oh my gosh!’: Belle Mariano thanks Regine Velasquez for praising her voice

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MANILA – Kapamilya young star Belle Mariano is on cloud nine after Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez praised her singing.

In an interview with the media recently, Belle said she was ecstatic when she saw Regine’s reaction to her singing her latest single “Somber and Solemn.”

“Oh my gosh! Actually nakita ko po ‘yon 12 midnight. Tumakbo po ako sa mom ko. Sabi ko, ‘Oh my gosh pinost ni Ate Reg. Hindi ako makapaniwala,’” Belle said.

“Like grabe, sobra, she’s one of my inspirations when it comes to music. Grabe, to be praised by Ms. Regine, my gosh, thank you so much,” she added.

Belle shared that she and

Ara Mina endured failed relationships before eventually finding husband Dave Almarinez. So why would naysayers take a jab at Cristine Reyes for admitting her new romance with Marco Gumabao? Photos from Instagram/@therealaramina, @gumabaomarco

Actress-singer Belle Mariano was ecstatic seeing Asia’s Songbird Regine VelasquezAlcasid reacting to her latest single. Instagram photo/@belle_mariano PAGE B6

On patience, resilience and hope

Pastor’s Notes

ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas

INCARNATION is blessed!

Our parish is vibrant, faith-filled, and active. Many people have returned to in-person Mass after the pandemic. New ministries have sprung up; old ministries have blossomed. Our liturgies inspire us, and the school ministry thrives with new students.

We have exciting plans to evangelize our children, youth, and young adults, thanks to the leadership and initiative of our priests, staff, volunteers, and the generous support of parishioners. Our church’s doors and hearts are open to all people of different cultures, languages, races, and backgrounds. This is because our earnest aspiration is to make everyone feel welcomed, loved, and cared for in our parish and beyond.

Indeed, we’ve had our share of challenges, but we’ve always kept and taken a positive outlook. We never succumb to pessimism and hopelessness. We believe in the potential that God has given

us and the power of working together towards a shared vision and goal.

As the famous lines in the movie Field of Dreams say, “If you build it, they will come.” Yes, we’ll keep rebuilding our church and faith community and not be discouraged by negative pew surveys, for we have the power of WE and not of ONE. We have God with us and one another.

Crises and challenges are always part of life, but as they tell us in leadership seminars, we take them as growth opportunities, not obstacles. We believe that there are times when God allows problems to arise to test our faith and strength. It’s what he conveys in the Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds in the Gospel this Sumday (July 23):

“The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a man who was asleep in his field. While everyone was asleep his enemy came and sowed weeds all through the wheat, and then went off. When the crop grew and bore fruit, the weeds appeared as well. The slaves of the householder came to him and said, “Master, did you not sow good seed in the field? Where have the weeds come from? He answered, “An enemy has done this.” His slaves said, “Do you want us to go and pull them up?”

He replied, “No, if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them. Let them grow together until the harvest time; then at harvest time I will say to the harvesters. “First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles for burning; and gather the wheat into my barn.”

Yes, my friends, various forms of evil and sinful tendencies within and around us grow like weeds. As we become aware of them, we put on the attitudes of patience, resiliency, selfkindness, compassion, empathy, and courage. We don’t let them dishearten us; we believe in God’s patience and forgiveness.

Hope in God is what keeps us strong and going. Without hope and vision, we will perish. We commit to sharing this narrative and legacy with our children and youth. As St. Paul tells us in Romans 12:12, “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”

* * *

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.

* * * Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

Janella pairs with F4 Thailand actor in new Asian romantic film

FILIPINA actress Janella Salvador and Thai actor Win Metawin will lead the upcoming Asian romantic film “Under Parallel Skies.”

Produced by 28 Squared Studios — headquartered in Manila and with footprints in Hong Kong — and co-produced with Two Infinity Entertainment, “Under Parallel Skies” will be directed by Filipina filmmaker Sigrid Bernardo.

No plot has been confirmed though earlier reports said the movie will follow Metawin’s character who is grappling with a painful past, and the woman (Salvador) he meets who might be connected to that past. The film will be set against the enchanting backdrop of Hong Kong.

The pair confirmed the news after months of speculation from their fans, with an announcement video shared via 28 Squared Studios’ Instagram account.

“We are so excited to announce to you guys that we will be teaming up for the upcoming movie Under Parallel Skies,” Metawin said.

“We are very excited to share this with you very soon,” Salvador added.

Metawin became a household name after starring

Employer must reimburse employees for necessary work-from-home expenses

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

atty. C. Joe sayas, JR

RECENT decisions from California courts remind us that California’s employee protections apply in this workfrom-home era we’ve found ourselves in since Covid.

When California issued its March 19, 2020 stay-at-home order due to the COVID-19 pandemic, IBM Corporation instructed its employees, including Paul Thai, to work from home. In order to accomplish their work duties, Mr. Thai and his co-workers needed internet access, telephone service, a telephone headset, and a computer and accessories, all of which they personally paid for themselves. Under California Labor Code Section 2802, employers are required to reimburse employees for all necessary expenditures…incurred by the employee in direct consequence “of the discharge of his or her duties.” But IBM refused to pay employees for their workfrom-home expenses, arguing

that these were the result of the California government’s stay-at-home order rather than anything done or decided directly by IBM.

In Thai v. IBM Corp., the Court of Appeal flatly rejected IBM’s argument, explaining that there is no requirement in the statutory language to prove that an employer had “directly caused” the job expenses at issue. “Instead, the plain language of section 2802(a) flatly requires the employer to reimburse an employee for all expenses that are a ‘direct consequence of the discharge of [the employee’s] duties.’”

The Court emphasized that the law requires reimbursement for “expenses that are the ‘direct consequence of the discharge of [an employee’s] duties,’ not to expenses that are ‘directly caused by the employer.’”

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California similarly ruled in the case of Williams v. Amazon.com Services, LLC where Amazon had likewise argued that work-from-home expenses incurred during the Covid pandemic “were the result of government stay-athome orders, not any action by Amazon.” The federal court explained that “even if true,

that does not absolve Amazon of liability. What matters is whether [the plaintiff] incurred those expenses ‘in direct consequence of the discharge of his or her duties…’”

The Court noted that the fact that “Amazon expected [the plaintiff] to continue to work from home after the stay-athome orders were imposed” was enough to trigger the requirement that employees be reimbursed for their work-fromhome expenses.

* * * 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 Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw. com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine for 12 years, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]

(Advertising Supplement)

Benj Pangilinan on showbiz advice...

from that and he is now pursuing what he loves most, which is music. As of the moment, he has no plans of entering the world of acting, like his brother and mother and just wants to “stick to my music.”

“I’m just focused on doing what I’m (supposed) to do. And everything that happens…I can’t control that anymore. I’m not God so… (I) can’t stop (that).”

There’s also no sibling rivalry, he stated.

First glimpse of Janella Salvador and Win Metawin in the upcoming romantic movie, ‘Under Parallel Skies.’ Photo courtesy HKTB

in the hit series “2gether: The Series” in 2020 and “F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers” the following year. Salvador, meanwhile, earned fame in the Philippines after her debut in the daytime drama

“Be Careful With My Heart.” Since then, the singeractress has done several TV shows and films. Her last role, the antagonist Valentina in “Darna,” earned her praises from fans and critics. (By Kristofer Purnell/Philstar.com) n

He admitted that he doesn’t really “worry too much about how to separate myself (from my family) or (what) people think how (I’m) gonna make (it), people think this way. That’s all reaction. None of it is in my control. The impression of me, the impression of me like doing that is out of my control.”

“Whatever people think if I’m trying to separate from it or not, I’m not worried about that. I’m just worrying about just being me. And whatever happens you know that happens right.”

He also doesn’t mind being compared to his brother, “He’s Into Her” star Donny. “Obviously that’s gonna be there (comparison). But that’s always been there. That’s why I think that’s never gonna leave but you just have to understand the bigger picture and for me personally I’m not so focused about what people think.

“We are all happy for each other. Why? What’s the point of comparing you know? My brother is doing really well now. My sister is doing well. We should be happy for people’s success. There should be no comparing. There’s no point in it, you know.”

The advice that he would receive from his mom and brother is to “just keep grounded.”

“That’s been a big value in the family. Always remember why you’re doing it. Always remember why you started it. Because you have to have a purpose bigger than it, especially in this industry, you know it’s hard… It’s easy to lose yourself because of all the things, of all the people.

“So, to remember who you are and what you are doing and why you are doing it. And I think with that mindset, when things happen and you remember that, you’re not gonna end up doing it (lose yourself) because you are thinking about happiness or…It’s bigger than you,” he added. n

IN the absence of a premarital agreement, the general community property presumption under California family code section 760 controls which provides “ ….all property, real or personal, wherever situated, acquired by a married person during the marriage while domiciled in this state is community property.” Family Code §760. This becomes a problem if you are the spouse that has the substantially higher income or the one who accumulates the majority of the assets during the marriage. You are called in family law lingo “the in spouse.” The other spouse (or in our lingo also called the “out spouse” gets a half interest on everything accumulated during the marriage even if the asset is under your name alone or it was accumulated solely due to your sweat and hard work. The out spouse, who stayed at home most of the marriage, gets a one half interest on all the accumulations during the marriage under California community property law. For example, if you opened a savings account during the marriage under your name alone for which you religiously and diligently stash away 25% of your earnings during the marriage while your spouse blows away his/her salary during the marriage, your spouse still

Do I need a premarital agreement before getting married?

gets a half interest in the money you saved in your savings account. Another example would be if you purchase a piece of real property during the marriage under “your name alone” and have your spouse sign a “quit claim” deed, your spouse may still have a claim for a half interest in your real property. Another example would be if you owned a business prior to marriage, but due to your hard work, long hours of labor, and efforts, the business grew exponentially during the marriage, your spouse may still have a claim for an interest in the business.

Signing a premarital agreement may serve as added protection to the future “in spouse” and a hurdle for the future “out spouse” by avoiding or altering the applicability of California community property law to assets 1) already owned by each and 2) to property and income to be acquired or earned during their marriage.

Marriage of Dawley (1976) 17 C3d 342, 349, 131 CR 3, 7;

Marriage of Grinius (1985) 166 CA3d 1179, 1186, 212 CR 803, 807 Premarital agreements may validly provide that the earnings and accumulations of each party during marriage will remain that party’s separate property, free of any claims, community property or otherwise, of the other party. Marriage of Dawley,

supra, 17 C3d at 350, 131 CR at 8; Cheney v. City & County of San Francisco Employees Retirement System (1936) 7 C2d 565, 569, 61 P2d 754, 756. Premarital agreements may also serve to preserve a person’s estate for his or her heirs, free of the other party’s inheritance claims. Estate of Wamack (1955) 137 CA2d 112, 115, 289 P2d 871, 872.

Pursuant to Family Code

§1612(c),“ Parties to a premarital agreement may contract with respect to all of the following:(1) The rights and obligations of each of the parties in any of the property of either or both of them whenever and wherever acquired or located. (2) The right to buy, sell, use, transfer, exchange, abandon, lease, consume, expend, assign, create a security interest in, mortgage, encumber, dispose of, or otherwise manage and control property.(3) The disposition of property upon separation, marital dissolution, death, or the occurrence or nonoccurrence of any other event.(4) The making of a will, trust, or other arrangement to carry out the provisions of the agreement.

(5) The ownership rights in and disposition of the death benefit from a life insurance policy.(6) The choice of law governing the construction of the agreement.

(7) Any other matter, including their personal rights and

obligations, not in violation of public policy or a statute imposing a criminal penalty. However, the right of a child to support may not be adversely affected. Family Code §1612(b)

Premarital agreements that are entered into voluntarily by parties who are each represented by independent counsel and aware of the effect of the agreement, a post 1985 premarital waiver of post dissolution support does not offend contemporary public policy and is not per se unenforceable. Fam.C. § 1612(c); Marriage of Pendleton & Fireman (2000) 24 C4th 39, 53–54, 99 CR2d 278, 288–289; Marriage of Facter (2013) 212 CA4th 967, 981, 152 CR3d 79, 90.

Under both the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act and prior law, the spouse claiming the agreement is invalid or not enforceable bears the burden of proof on that allegation. Family Code. § 1615(a); Marriage of Bonds, supra, 24 C4th at 27, 99 CR2d at 269; Marriage of Iverson (1992) 11 CA4th 1495, 1502, 15 CR2d 70, 74–75; However, the UPAA (as amended effective 1/1/02) deems that a premarital agreement was not executed voluntarily unless the court makes five prescribed findings provided for under Family Code. § 1615(c)

Feast of St. Anne, Taguig’s patron saint, celebrated with mass on July 26

SAN BERNARDINO – The Feast of Saint Anne, Blessed Virgin Mother, patron saint of Taguig City in the Philippines, will be celebrated by the Filipino Ministry in San Bernardino with a commemorative Mass at the Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, July 26.

The Mass for the feast day of St. Anne, who is also considered the patron saint and protector of Christian women and women in labor, will be celebrated by the Very Rev. Alex Gamino. Afterwards, there will be packaged breakfast for all attendees.

Those who can’t be at the cathedral for the Mass can still join as it will be livestreamed on the Our Lady of the Rosario Cathedral’s Facebook and/or YouTube.

The Filipino Ministry calls on all former Taguig residents to join the Mass and the festivities for the city’s beloved patron saint, the Poong Santa Ana de Taguig.

The more than 400-year-old statue of St. Anne and daughter Mary, Mother of God, which depicts St. Anne and Mary on their way to the temple where Mary would stay until she is to wed Joseph, is made of wood and venerated at the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Anne in Taguig City. n

‘Oh my gosh!’: Belle Mariano thanks Regine Velasquez...

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Regine became close when they met on the set of the Sunday musical variety show “ASAP Natin ‘To.”

“Several times actually whenever we perform sa ‘ASAP’ po... This one instance na I was given the chance to interview her, I asked for advice like how do you get the confidence on stage, siyempre hindi maiiwasan na magkakaroon tayo ng stage fright,” she said.

“Si Ate Reg po kasi super approachable niyang tao as in. Siya ‘yung hinihingian ko ng advice when it comes to music talaga like sa ‘ASAP.’ Kunwari may performance kami together, oh my gosh si

Regine Velasquez ba naman makaka-perform mo siyempre I’ll ask advice from her na, ‘Ate Reg, paano ba ito?’ Sa ganoon naging close na po kami,” she added. Belle announced that her upcoming concert “Beloved” is now sold out. It will be held on Saturday, July 22, at the New Frontier Theater in Cubao, Quezon City. It will be livestreamed on iWant. Siyempre nakakatuwa Like never ko siyang inexpect actually. Like ngayon kinakabahan ako, at the same time excited ako. My gosh, sold out. Parang ito ‘yung biggest celebration, biggest gathering na magaganap,” she said. n

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(1) The party against whom enforcement is sought was represented by independent legal counsel at the time of signing the agreement or, after being advised to seek independent legal counsel, expressly waived, in a separate writing, representation by independent legal counsel. The advisement to seek independent legal counsel shall be made at least seven calendar days before the final agreement is signed.

(2) One of the following:

(A) For an agreement executed between January 1, 2002, and January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and advised to seek independent legal counsel and the time the agreement was signed. This requirement does not apply to nonsubstantive amendments that do not change the terms of the agreement.

(B) For an agreement executed on or after January 1, 2020, the party against whom enforcement is sought had not less than seven calendar days between the time that party was first presented with the final agreement and the time the agreement was signed, regardless of whether the party is represented by legal counsel. This requirement does not apply to nonsubstantive amendments that do not change the terms of the agreement.

(3) The party against whom enforcement is sought, if unrepresented by legal counsel, was fully informed of the terms and basic effect of the agreement as well as the rights and obligations the party was giving up by signing the agreement, and was proficient in the language in which the explanation of the party’s rights was conducted and in which the agreement was written. The explanation of the rights and obligations relinquished shall be memorialized in writing and delivered to the party prior to signing the agreement. The unrepresented party shall, on or before the signing of the premarital agreement, execute a document declaring that the party received the information required by this paragraph and indicating who provided that information.

(4) The agreement and the writings executed pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (3) were not executed under duress, fraud, or undue influence, and the parties did not lack capacity to enter into the agreement.

(5) Any other factors the court deems relevant. A premarital agreement may be unenforceable if found to be unconscionable when it was executed and the requisite disclosures were lacking and not waived Additionally, a spousal support provision in a premarital agreement executed under the UPAA, whether before or after January 1, 2002, is not enforceable if found to be unconscionable at the time of enforcement. Family Code § 1612(c). If you are the higher earning spouse and have assets to protect, it is important to seek the representation of experienced counsel in drafting a premarital agreement to make sure that all statutory requirement are met which increases the likelihood that your premarital agreement will be deemed enforceable when attacked in court in case of a divorce.

* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC This article is not a solicitation.

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

Jeannie Mai Jenkins and Cheryl Burke to host Miss Filipina International 2023

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TV personalities

Jeannie Mai Jenkins (“The Real”) and Cheryl Burke (“Dancing with the Stars”) will host the 10th Miss Filipina International (MFI) on August 5, 2023, at the International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

Mario Lopez of “Access TV” will join as a special guest presenter along with the reigning Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee as cohost.

The exciting news was announced by Worldwide Media Entertainment Corp., headed by Geoffrey Jimenez, chairman of the board of directors, the new owner of MFI which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. He is also the executive producer of the MFI show.

“We are thrilled and honored to have Jeannie, Cheryl and Mario join us,” Jimenez said. “They will add excitement and glamour to the Miss Filipina International pageant. Jeannie’s experience as a host of top prestigious pageants like Miss Universe and Miss USA is unparalleled. And Cheryl’s record-breaking 26 seasons with ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is an outstanding experience which she will bring to a live show like the Miss Filipina International.”

A community leader and arts patron, Jimenez is passionately committed to elevating MFI as a showcase of the Philippines’ rich legacy in arts and culture and the beauty and talent of Filipina women. Proud of his immigrant roots, Jimenez staunchly supports Filipino talents in various fields, especially in entertainment.

Under Jimenez’s stewardship, MFI is the first ever Filipina beauty pageant to be held at The Beverly Hilton’s International Ballroom, the prestigious venue of the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy nominees luncheon, Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party and other high-profile events.

It’s the first time that the two Daytime Emmy Award winners, Lopez and Mai Jenkins, who have hosted Miss Universe in separate years, and Primetime Emmy nominee Burke, will be together at a Filipina beauty pageant. Forty candidates, all

Filipinas, are vying for Miss Filipina International 2023.

Mai Jenkins, who hosted Miss Universe 2023 in January this year, is the host of “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation,” executive producer of the antisex-trafficking documentary “Stopping Traffic,” and creator of the travel and lifestyle series, “Hello Hunnay.” Previously, she co-hosted the Daytime Emmywinning talk show, “The Real,” for eight seasons. Burke is a second-generation Filipina American TV personality, podcaster and mental health advocate. She is best known for the hit ABC reality show, “Dancing with the Stars.” Additional projects for Burke

Access

included her taking over “Dance Moms.” She has her third podcast, titled “Sex, Lies and Spray Tans,” with iHeart Media which will launch on August 21.

Lopez, is a New York Times bestselling author, nationally syndicated iHeart Radio host and co-host of NBC’s “Access Hollywood.”

Dee, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines, is the show’s special guest co-host. She is an actress, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate of various causes.

Lisa Lew, multiple Daytime Emmy winner (“Cristina’s Court” and “Judge Judy” and the groundbreaking “Last Shot with Judge Gunn”) is the producer of

MFI. Joseph Carolei, Daytime Emmy-winning director of “The Talk” and the 43rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, will direct MFI, which promises to be one of the best and most thrilling live events this year.

On the August 5 black tie coronation night, the 40 MFI candidates, representing various states across America and several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, will compete in the pageant which salutes the Filipina – multifaceted, talented, versatile and confident.

The candidates were revealed in a press presentation at the Oasis Terrace of The Beverly Hilton.

In the coronation night to be presided over by Mai Jenkins and Burke, a celebration of the Philippines and its people, rich culture, arts and fashion, the 40 women will vie for these titles: Miss Filipina International; Miss Tourism; First Runner-up; Second Runner-up; and Third Runner-up.

MFI is a Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) franchise, in partnership with Jonas Gaffud’s Empire Philippines. Three MFI winners will be eligible to compete next year in Miss Universe Philippines while two MFI winners will vie in The Miss Philippines pageant.

In addition to the previously announced top prize of a BMW 2 Series car, the winner will also receive a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills. Other prizes include $5,000 cash and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin for Miss Tourism; a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 gift certificate from iSkin for each of the First, Second and Third Runnersup. The winner will also get 20 restaurant-quality healthy meals from FlexPro Meals and a month’s supply of Celsius Beverages.

MFI’s sponsors include Philippine Airlines, BMW, Jojo Bragais Shoes, Narcisa Pheres (MFI crown designer), iSkin Beverly Hills, Biaggi Luggage, Bell Beachwear, The Beverly Hilton, See’s Candies Manila, FlexPro Meals and Celsius Beverages. n

MFI executive producer Geoffrey Jimenez

Photo by Ken Hugh

Reality TV/talk show host, documentary executive producer and travel/lifestyle series creator Jeannie Mai Jenkins

Dancing with the Stars alum, podcaster and mental health advocate Cheryl Burke

Photo by Sthanlee B. Mirador

Hollywood co-host and bestselling author Mario Lopez beautiful