MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. outlined on Monday, July 24 his administration’s grand plan to secure the country’s food supply, focusing on expanding the number of government-backed food
AFTER much speculation that brought uncertainty in recent weeks, Utah Jazz star Jordan Clarkson is set to reinforce Gilas Pilipinas in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
“Confirmed,” was Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Al Panlilio’s brief response to the Manila Times’ query on Tuesday, July 25.
The presence of the 31-year-old NBA star meant Clarkson taking the spot of naturalized player for Gilas, which is shooting to be the best finishing team in Asia that would mean securing an automatic slot in the Paris Olympics next year.
The Filipino-American guard out of
MANILA — A day after he announced in his second State of the Nation Address that he would let go of “unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. accepted the courtesy resignations of 18 officials of the Philippine National Police, including three generals, for their alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.
A statement released on Tuesday, July 25 by Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil identified two of
stores, boosting agricultural production, and pursuing a relentless campaign against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural goods whom he blamed for the escalation in the prices of basic food items.
During his State of the Nation Address (Sona) marking the end of his first year in office, Marcos said the “Kadiwa stores”
— centers that directly link farmers to consumers thus leading to higher incomes for producers and lower prices for buyers — were essential in bringing down the prices of rice, meat, fish, vegetable and sugar.
The Kadiwa program was first introduced during the term of his father, Ferdinand Sr., and was revived in 2022 as part of
Lucas Bersamin on Tuesday, July 25 said the Philippine government is considering all options, including bringing this to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), to address the country’s issues with China in the West Philippine Sea.
Bersamin made the statement after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. failed
to mention some issues during his second State of the Nation Address (SONA), including the several reported instances of harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard against Filipinos in the disputed waters.
“It was very clear that his speech was referring to this issue. But even if I said diplomacy is the approach
his strategies as concurrent head of the Department of Agriculture to make basic food items more affordable to the masses.
“Malaking tulong ang mga Kadiwa stores, na ating muling binuhay at inilunsad. Ang layunin ng Kadiwa ay pag-ugnayin ang magsasaka at ang mamimili. Walang iba
MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) echoed his father, particularly his plans on agriculture, economy and infrastructure. His speech lasted for an hour and 11 minutes, bearing a mix of English and Filipino depending on the subject matter at hand.
Below are the highlights of Marcos’ second SONA.
• The Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or growth rate accelerated to 7.6% in 2022 from 5.7% in 2021 – the highest registered since 1976. This, however, went down to 6.4% in the first quarter of 2023, still within the 6 to 7% target of the administration. Growth rates represent the economic expansion of a country.
THE Philippine women’s national football team won their first match in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup as they nipped co-hosts New Zealand, 1-0, in Group A action at Sky Stadium in Wellington on Tuesday, July 25.
Sarina Bolden made it the dream match for the
Missouri is coming off a solid NBA season that saw him register a career-high 20.8 points, to go along with 4.0 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 61 regular season games.
The sweet-shooting Clarkson brings versatility to a Gilas side that will kick off its FIBA World Cup group stage match against Dominican Republic on Aug. 25 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
The Philippines, then takes on Angola,
followed by Italy in its last two group stage assignments.
Clarkson saw action for Gilas during the fourth window of the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers, where the Filipinos split their two games.
The NBA star teamed up with young big man Kai Sotto for the first time in that window in August 2022, but Gilas fell short, 85-81 against Lebanon in Beirut.
Days after, Gilas came back with vengeance, blasting Saudi Arabia, 84-46 at the Mall of Asia Arena as Clarkson went on to post averages of 25 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.5 assists.
Gilas coach Chot Reyes has been managing the pool since June after a number of players sustained various injuries.
Bobby Ray Parks, Calvin Oftana and Roger Pogoy failed to join the team in its Europe training camp recently. But the trio managed to rejoin the team when Gilas resumes its practice in Manila over a week ago.
As of the moment, Scottie Thompson is still undergoing rehab on his shooting hand.
Gilas will join the pocket tournament in China from Aug. 2-5 as it faces Iran, Lebanon and Senegal.
The Filipinos have also secured a friendly match against Mexico a week before the national squad makes its FIBA World Cup debut against Dominican Republic. (Richard Dy/ManilaTimes.net) n
pang namamagitan. Walang dagdag na gastos at patong,” Marcos said during his televised national address.
[Translation: “Kadiwa stores, which we have revived and launched, have been a huge help. The purpose of Kadiwa is to connect farmers and consumers. No middlemen. No added cost and markup.”]
The President said they launched more than 700 Kadiwa stores nationwide which benefited 1.8 million families.
“The results were good so we will expand Kadiwa to the whole country,” he said in Filipino.
Smuggling
The President also reiterated his commitment to go after smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products, vowing to prosecute these criminals behind high prices of basic goods.
“Napapahamak hindi lamang ang mga magsasaka, kundi tayo na ring mga mamimili. Kaya hindi natin papayagan ang ganitong kalakaran. Bilang na ang mga araw ng mga smugglers at hoarders na iyan ,” he said.
[Translation: “It’s not just the farmers who get in trouble, but also us consumers. So, we will not allow this trend. The days of these smugglers and hoarders are numbered.”]
The bravado failed to impress a farmer’s group that instead urged the Marcos administration to actually put these smugglers and hoarders behind bars.
“These smugglers and hoarders need to actually be brought to justice this year because they are the main reasons why the prices of agricultural products are high,” said Jayson Cainglet, executive director of Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag).
Danilo Fausto, president of the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc., agreed, saying that “stopping and penalizing smugglers, hoarders, and price manipulators are necessary and a must for the government in order to protect farmers, fair trade, and the economy.”
Fausto and Cainglet lamented that to this day, none of the supposed smugglers and hoarders had
been found guilty.
According to Cainglet, evidence presented by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) during congressional hearings were often deemed insufficient, thus halting further investigations.
“None have proceeded beyond the preliminary investigations. All [of the cases] have been dismissed,” he said.
Nevertheless, Sinag welcomed the proposed amendments to the AntiAgricultural Smuggling Act that lawmakers claimed would help the President’s drive against “unfair practices that hurt consumers and local farmers alike.”
Like Sinag, Marikina Rep. and House appropriations panel vice chair Stella Quimbo cheered Mr. Marcos’ stand against smuggling and hoarding.
“It is a manifestation of his conviction that smuggling, hoarding, cartels are huge problems and that curbing these will have a huge impact on food inflation. These have been systemic, decades-old problems. First time, as far as I recall that a President has made such strong pronouncements.”
Inflation
Marcos also pointed out in his Sona that the biggest problem that confronted his young administration was inflation, with global events such Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic leading to high prices of basic commodities.
Nevertheless, it has been decelerating for five straight months, putting the Marcos administration closer to its target of containing inflation to between 2 and 4 percent.
Marcos stressed that inflation was “stabilizing” and “moving in the right direction.”
This bolsters his claim that the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals remained strong.
He touted the Philippines’ economic growth in 2022, his first year in office, saying that the country achieved its fastest growth rate in 46 years despite the lingering impact of the pandemic.
“While the global prospects were bleak, our economy posted a 7.6-percent growth in 2022 — our highest growth rate in 46 years. For the first quarter of the year, our growth registered at 6.4 percent. It remains within our target of 6 to 7 percent for 2023. We are still considered to be among the fastest-growing economies in the Asian region and the world,” he said.
Marcos also said that higher revenue collections will be critical in his administration’s bid to boost public investments, citing that they project the government’s tax and revenues by 2028 to increase up to 16.9 percent and 17.3 percent, respectively.
From January to May, the Bureau of Internal Revenue said it posted record collection amounting to P1.05 trillion, an increase of almost 10 percent from last year, while the BOC collected P476 billion during the first seven months of the year, an increase of 7.4 percent during the same period in 2022.
However, it must be noted that the Philippine economy had barely recovered what it lost at the height of the
Filipinas when she headed in a cross from Sara Eggesvik built off a set piece at the 24th minute.
Bolden soared above two Kiwi defenders and put just enough power behind it to get it past the keeper’s gloves, etching her name in Philippine sports history.
The game’s only goal was enough to propel the Filipinas to their first ever win in the Women’s World Cup.
But the home team didn’t give up the win without multiple scoring attempts — particularly in the second half where there were many close calls.
devastating pandemic in 2020 with gross domestic product growing to P19.94 trillion in 2022, just 3 percent higher than the prepandemic level in 2019 of P19.38 trillion, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
Think tank Ibon Foundation also pointed out that while the inflation rate indeed lowered, this only meant that prices “only rose slower recently.”
In reality, the group said rice prices, for example, rose
from P42 to P45, more than double Mr. Marcos’ famous promise to bring down rice prices to P20 a kilo. Indeed, almost all commodities — onions, garlic, sugar, meat, fish and vegetable prices, water, electricity, and transport rates — increased under his administration, Ibon claimed.
“[Marcos] confirms his position as the country’s premier superspreader of hyperbolic and fantastic narratives, after a tedious Sona that struggled to give even flimsiest evidence of
any progress,” said Ibon executive director Sonny Africa.
The president of the country’s largest business organization, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said they were “generally satisfied” with the plans outlined by Mr. Marcos during his Sona, noting, in particular, the plans to bring in more renewable energy investments and recalibrating the K-12 curriculum.
—with reports from Julie M. Aurelio and Krixia Subingsubing n
The closest one was Jacqui Hand’s header a little past the hour mark that actually got past Olivia McDaniel, who was a brick wall all throughout.
But after VAR review, the Football Ferns were deemed offside in the buildup. After celebrations in Wellington, the goal was waved off and the Filipinas were ahead once again.
McDaniel also provided some crucial saves well into added time to preserve the scoreline.
The Filipinas thus put themselves in a good position to move on to the knockout rounds when they face World No. 12 Norway on July 30 in Auckland.
They now have three points, tied with New Zealand, and Switzerland.
The Football Ferns triumphed over Norway in their World Cup opener last Thursday, July 20 in Auckland, 1-0, while the Filipinas absorbed a fighting 0-2 loss to
The Philippines and New Zealand previously engaged in a tightly-fought friendly in Fullerton, California in 2022. There, the wide-eyed Filipinas, then ranked 56th in the world, pushed the No. 22 Kiwis to the limit before conceding, 2-1, on account
that this administration will take, I am sure that the President is very firm that he will not surrender any inch of our territory or sovereignty to any foreign power,” Bersamin said on television.
Bersamin also responded to calls asking the Marcos government to raise the issue of Beijing’s aggression to the UNGA in September.
the three officials as Brigadier Generals Remus Medina and Randy Peralta.
Both served as chief of the PNP’s primary anti-drug unit, the Drug Enforcement Group (DEG), under the previous administration. Medina headed the DEG from April 2021 to February 2022 and was succeeded by Peralta who served until July 2022. Both belong to the PNP Academy’s Tagapaglunsad Class of 1993.
The third official was Brig. Gen. Pablo Labra II, who was among the Top 3 graduates of PNPA Class of 1993. He served as Caraga regional police office director until he was put on floating status last week during the latest revamp implemented by PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.
Based on PNP records, the three are far from the compulsory retirement age of 56: Medina was supposed to serve until Oct. 6, 2026; Peralta, March 16, 2026; and Labra, Aug. 4, 2024.
The 15 other police officials whose resignations were also accepted by the President were Colonels Rogarth Campo, Rommel Ochave, Rommel Velasco, Robin Sarmiento, Fernando Ortega, Rex Derilo, Julian Olonan, Rolando Portera, Lawrence Cajipe, Dario Menor, Joel Kagayed Tampis, Michael David, Igmedio Bernaldez, Rodolfo Albotra Jr. and Marvin Sanchez.
“So what will happen is, once we get the official word of the President and our PNP chief has been informed, they (the 18 police officials) will now be informed that their resignation has been accepted, so they will now be severed from the service,” Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos told reporters during an interview at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.
“All that I will say is this, it has been accepted, and once it has been accepted, you can already conclude what has been the basis for this,” he said.
Abalos added that the PNP and his department would study whether to file charges against the police officers who, according to Acorda, were “continuously being monitored.”
The PNP chief said the necessary orders for the officers’ relief from their present positions would be immediately issued. They would then be placed on floating status and reassigned to the Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit of the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management “to preclude them from exerting further influence and/or performing illegal activities
using their positions.”
The 18 were among 953 PNP officers who underwent screening by a five-man independent panel between February and April for their possible involvement in the narcotics trade.
The screening followed an appeal from Abalos in January for all police generals and colonels to submit their courtesy resignations to give way to a “cleansing” of the PNP.
In May, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) recommended that Marcos refuse the courtesy resignations filed by 917 of the 953 officers. As for the rest, Abalos said more investigations were necessary to prevent innocent officers from being wrongly implicated.
Backers
Among the 18 police officers, only Olonan was among the 50 PNP personnel charged by Napolcom before the Office of the Ombudsman in July over their alleged involvement in the controversial antidrug operation in October 2022, which led to the confiscation of 990 kilos of “shabu” or crystal meth worth P6.7 billion.
Of the 50 respondents, 12 were commissioned officers. Two were generals: Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos Jr., formerly the PNP’s third highest-ranking official as deputy chief for operations, and Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo, former DEG director.
Medina and Peralta were previously implicated as backers of dismissed Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo Jr., the owner of the Wealth and Personal Development Lending Inc. office in Tondo, Manila, where the DEG officers seized the drugs that were hidden in Chinese tea packs.
Mayo had managed to be recruited as an intelligence officer for the DEG’s Special Operations Unit in the National Capital Region despite the fact that he was sent to Mindanao in 2016 as punishment for his alleged involvement in illegal drugs.
He is currently detained while charges against him are being heard in court.
While looking through footage of the raid taken by a closed-circuit TV camera, the PNP discovered that several DEG officers took some of the drugs before an inventory was conducted.
The stolen 42 kilograms of shabu, which were supposedly meant as a “reward” for police informants, were later recovered in an abandoned car parked on Boni Serrano Avenue in San Juan City, near the PNP headquarters. (By Dexter Cabalza, Nestor Corrales/Inquirer.net) n
If the issue is brought to the UNGA or the UN Security Council, he said that the most the Philippines can get is a resolution, which may still be ignored by China.
“We can bring that to the attention of the UN General Assembly, but all we can hope for is a resolution,” Bersamin said.
“But we are not ruling out
anything because that is also part of our diplomatic tact, bringing this to the attention of the UNGA or the Security Council. Nothing is given up there, nothing is abandoned. All these options are open to us,” he added.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri had said that the upper chamber will pass a resolution urging the government to raise the issue of Beijing’s aggression to the UNGA.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros backed this possible move.
She filed Senate Resolution 659 in June, calling on the government, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA that will call on China to stop its harassment
of Filipino vessels in the West Philippine Sea.
This development came after several reports on the China Coast Guard allegedly putting at risk the lives of Filipinos who were in a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal this year.
Early this month, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported more than 50 Chinese vessels have swarmed the vicinity of Iroquois Reef and Sabina Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.
In his SONA on Monday, July 24, Marcos remained mum on the Philippines’ claim over the West Philippine Sea, but maintained that the country’s independent foreign policy has been effective. n
• The digital economy of the country contributed about P2 trillion, nearly making up a tenth of the GDP.
• Marcos owed this growth to the lifting of pandemic restrictions, the steady flow of remittances, the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry and job generation. “The economy is revived and rejuvenated,” he said.
Inflation
• The significant drop in the country’s inflation rate from 8.7% in January to 5.4% in June was said to stabilize prices of important commodities.
• Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects inflation to further ease by the end of the year, projecting a 2.9% inflation rate by 2024.
Investments
• Economic and social services comprise 70% of the national budget, Marcos said as his top priorities are food security, education, health, jobs and social protection.
• The Board of Investments approved P1.2 trillion investment projects for the administration’s first year.
• P230 billion for the newly established Green lanes for Strategic Investments that hopes to hasten the process of securing licenses and permits.
• Marcos wants more structural tax reforms.
Revenue generation
• Marcos aspires tax and revenue generation to reach up to 17.3% by 2028.
• Bureau of Internal Revenue - collected P1.05 trillion, a 10% increase from 2022.
• Bureau of Customs - collected P476 billion, a 7.4% increase from 2022.
• Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) - a 47.9% increase in revenue.
• Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) - a 20% increase in revenue.
Kadiwa stores
This program was originally introduced by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to lower the prices of agricultural commodities. Just as it was then, the present Kadiwa stores aim to empower farmers with a direct farm-toconsumer food supply chain.
Marcos promises that the Kadiwa stores will not have any additional fees and middlemen.
He says that the existing ones have increased the earnings of farmers and lessened the cost for consumers.
1.8 million families were said to have benefited from the 7,000 Kadiwa stores in the Philippines.
The profit of Kadiwa stores has reached about P700 billion and provided employment opportunities for members of over 3,000 cooperatives and organizations.
Marcos envisions making Kadiwa stores permanent, as well as building more across the country.
Fisheries and Agriculture
Marcos said that the methods of the Department of Agriculture, which he chairs, are “more guided by science” in hopes for sustainable production.
The president urged Congress to revisit and amend the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 (R.A. No. 8550) with science-based analysis to better determine appropriate fishing areas.
Three hundred farm and fisheries clusters have been determined and are composed of 900 cooperatives and over 200,000 hectares of arable land.
Marcos called for the support of Congress to amend the Philippine Cooperative Code of 2008 to speed up the formation of cooperatives.
New technologies such as Philippine-based bio-fertilizers and balanced fertilizer strategy were said to help farmers reduce costs on fertilizers.
Marcos said the government distributed more than 28,000 new and “quality” machines and equipment for farmers to use.
Fuel and fertilizer discount vouchers were also said to provide relief for farmers amid high prices of the commodities. Marcos said the government distributed fertilizers donated by China.
Geo-Agri map of farm-to-market roads was developed to push for the farm-to-consumer supply chain.
About 4,000 fabrication labs, production and cold storage facilities were built.
Meanwhile, 24 multi-species hatcheries were constructed to increase fish production
Over 70,000 titles of land have been awarded
The “new Philippines” or Bagong Pilipinas is here, President Marcos said at the conclusion of his State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 24. As he had promised, his second SONA was a performance report on the “successes and challenges” in his first year in office.
It was a year during which the nation received a boost from the improvement in the COVID health situation, which allowed the lifting of pandemic restrictions and paved the way for a revival of the global economy. On the other hand, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine seriously disrupted global supply chains and caused fuel prices to surge, driving inflation that was worse than during the pandemic. Still, the president sounded a positive note in summing up his first year, describing the state of the nation as “sound and improving” and marcoeconomic fundamentals strong. He reiterated his commitment to “build better and more” critical infrastructure, to continue expanding affordable housing, social safety nets and Kadiwa outlets. He set a target of 100 percent household electrification by the end of his term.
education, the president said the K-10 program is being “recalibrated” and the jobs-skills mismatch is being rectified. Science and technology and “a culture of innovation” are being given priority.
He warned that the days of agricultural smugglers and hoarders “are numbered,” and he would accept the resignation of rogue police officers, as he stressed that “we cannot tolerate corruption and incompetence in government.” Addressing concerns about his pet project, the Maharlika Investment Fund, the president vowed transparency and accountability in its management.
Renewing the commitment that no Filipino will be left behind in terms of
He then enumerated 17 priority measures that he wants Congress to pass during its second regular session. These include the controversial reforms in the pension system of military and other uniformed personnel as well as new or higher taxes on single-use plastics and digital services.
The president also wants to rationalize the mining fiscal regime and create a water resources management agency. He wants amendments in the road user’s tax, the Cooperative Code, the Fisheries Code and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act. He wants a new government procurement law, Government Auditing Code and Philippine Immigration Act, and a law on “Tatak Pinoy”
and the blue economy.
Other priorities are income classification of local government units as well as laws to ease tax payments and fight financial accounts scams.
That’s a long to-do list, for both the president and the legislature. At the start of the second regular session of the 19th Congress, everyone should hit the ground running. (Philstar.com)
THERE is absolutely no doubt that the intense competition between the United States and China in the Indo-Pacific highly impacts countries in the region and even beyond.
The Philippines’ strategic
location – which “sits squarely at the heart of the Indo-Pacific region” as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. described it – makes it a key stakeholder with a central role to play in the power dynamics in the region, with the U.S. and China engaged in a rivalry for economic, military, political and even technological supremacy.
Despite the escalating
tension between the two giants with the rhetoric heating up once again, the U.S. and China “need each other,” analysts say, pointing to the continued economic cooperation between the rivals with bilateral trade reaching $690.6 billion in 2022, and the fact that their economies are complementary. While their battle for dominance
continues, there are many indications that both nations seek to mitigate the tension, such as the recent visits of Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and State Secretary Antony Blinken to Beijing.
Both U.S. president Joe Biden and Chinese president Xi Jinping also acknowledge the need to responsibly manage the competition between their countries
as seen during the G-20 summit in Bali, Indonesia, with President Biden saying he absolutely believes “there need not be a new Cold War,” while President Xi recognizes they share an interest in “no confrontation and peaceful coexistence.”
Being pragmatic, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. knows that the Philippines has to squarely deal with the United
States and China – both of which are our major trade partners – while keeping true to the commitment to uphold our national interest and defend our sovereignty.
From the onset, he has adopted a balanced foreign policy that seeks to engage with traditional allies and pursue relationships with new partners – espousing the
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A TOTAL of 4,554 families or 16,888 individuals from across five regions in the country have, so far, been affected by Super Typhoon “Egay,” according to the latest situational report issued by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Council (NDRRMC).
Regions currently being affected by the onslaught of Egay are Ilocos, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon), Bicol, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao
The NDRRMC reported that of the total number of the affected population, 79 persons from Western
Visayas were preemptively evacuated.
On the other hand, 100 persons have been displaced due to the effects of Egay. At least three evacuation centers have also been set up.
At least one person was reported injured.
Meanwhile, a total of 21 rain-induced landslides and floods were reported in Calabarzon, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Northern Mindanao, the NDRRMC said.
At least eight houses were damaged by the super typhoon with an estimated cost of P195,000.
Three damaged infrastructures were also reported.
On the other hand, classes in 128 cities and municipalities from the affected regions were suspended. Work was also suspended in 87 cities and municipalities.
The NDRRMC said a total of six domestic flights were canceled in Ilocos, Bicol, and Metro Manila.
Around 70 seaports also suspended operations in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Western Visayas, and Eastern Visayas.
A total of 4,743 passengers, 644 rolling cargoes, and 22 vessels were stranded.
So far, eight houses were reported damaged, seven partially and one totally, due to Egay and the Southwest Monsoon effects. n
MANILA — More than 105 million or more than 60% of the total number of active SIMs in the country are now registered with the government, the Department of Information and Communications Technology said on Tuesday, July 25.
As of Sunday, July 23, the DICT has recorded around 105 million registered SIM cards, 49 million of which are from Smart, 48 million from Globe and around seven million from DITO.
July 25 or Tuesday marks the last day of the extended deadline for SIM registration.
The DICT in April extended the deadline for the registration of SIM cards by three months after only 49.3% or 82.8 million of 168 million active subscribers enlisted their SIM cards.
The DICT has said there will be no more extensions of the July 25 deadline given that the government has met the “lower end” of its targets, National Telecommunications
Commission Deputy Commissioner John Paulo Salvahan said in an interview with GMA News’ Unang Balita
Unregistered SIM cards are set to lose connection at July 26 midnight and affected users are given a five-day grace period to apply for reactivation, the DICT said last week.
With deactivated SIMs, users will not be able to send and receive calls, texts and lose access to e-wallets and other mobile applications linked to their SIM cards.
Critics of the SIM Card Registration Act or Republic Act 11934 previously cited concerns with its unconstitutionality, saying that mandatory SIM registration “restricts the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of speech and violates the right against unreasonable searches and seizures and the right to substantive due process.”
The Supreme Court junked their request to temporarily stop the registration of SIM cards in April. (Cristina Chi/Philstar.com) n
to the beneficiaries of the administration’s agrarian reform, Marcos said.
According to Marcos, Executive Order No. 4 implemented the Agrarian Emancipation Act where the total P57 billion debt of 600,000 beneficiaries has been erased.
El Niño
• Marcos said the country will prepare buffer stocks and reserved water supply. Should the need arise, he added, the government will conduct cloud-seeding to induce rain.
• Six thousand rainwater collection systems have also been installed across the country.
Water
• “Considering its fundamental importance, water security deserves our special focus. Our efforts must not be scattershot, but rather, cohesive, centralized and systematic,” Marcos said.
• Created the Water Resources Management Office
• Urged Congress to pass the bill on the creation of a Department of Water Resource Management. It is unclear, however, as to what will be the difference between the two agencies.
Applications are now being accepted through October 31, 2023 for Studios, 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom apartments
At: 1041 Findlay
Qualification will be based on Section 8 Federal Guidelines and the Low-Income Rental Marketplace Program (LAMP) of the NYC Housing Development Corporation
Apartment Size Monthly Rent Household Size1 Maximum Income Range2 Maximum Income Range2 Maximum Income Range2 Studio Tenants pay 30% of adjusted annual gross income 1 $29,650 $49,450 $59,340 2 $33,900 $56,500 $67,800 1 Bedroom 1 $29,650 $49,450 $59,340 2 $33,900 $56,500 $67,800 3 $38,150 $63,550 $76,260 2 Bedroom 2 $33,900 $56,500 $67,800 3 $38,150 $63,550 $76,260 4 $42,350 $70,600 $84,720 5 $45,750 $76,250 $91,500 3 Bedroom 3 $38,150 $63,550 $76,260 4 $42,350 $70,600 $84,720 5 $45,750 $76,250 $91,500 6 $49,150 $81,900 $98,280 7 $52,550 $87,550 $105,060 4 Bedroom 4 $42,350 $70,600 $84,720 5 $45,750 $76,250 $91,500 6 $49,150 $81,900 $98,280 7 $52,550 $87,550 $105,060 8 $55,950 $93,200 $111,840 30% AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) 50% AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI) 60% AREA MEDIAN INCOME (AMI)
1041 Findlay Ave., Office Bronx, NY 10456 Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 930AM –
By emailing: apply@progressivemgmt.net (be sure to reference Morrisania W/L)
Completed applications must be sent to the address shown on the application form via regular mail only, (no priority, certified, registered, express or overnight mail will be accepted).
Applicants who submit more than one application may be disqualified. Qualified applicants will be required to meet income guidelines and additional selection criteria.
The Fair Housing Act Prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Federal law also prohibits discrimination on the basis of age. This apartment community does not discriminate on the basis of handicap/disability status. The management coordinates com compliance with the non-discrimination requirements contained in HUD’s Regulations implementing Section 504 (24 CFR part 8 dated June 2, 1988)
No Broker’s Fee. No Application Fee Eric Adams, Mayor ERIC ENDERLIN, PRESIDENT – NYCHDC
• P14.6 billion have been allocated for water supply projects. An example that Marcos provided is the Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project in NCR and Rizal. Build-Better-More program
• About 83% of the program is to build roads, bridges, seaports, airports and mass transports.
• Infrastructure spending is expected to be at 5 to 6% of the country’s GDP.
• Travel time from Ilocos to Bicol will be reduced to just 9 hours from 20 hours with the Luzon Spine Expressway Network Program.
• Twelve bridges will be constructed for the Mega-Bridge program that aims to connect islands and areas separated by waters. Among the bridges included will link the following lands: BataanCavite, Panay-Guimaras-Negros and Samal-Davao City.
• Over 4,000 km of roads and 500 bridges have been constructed, maintained and upgraded as of June 2023, Marcos said.
• Cebu Pier 88 smart port, Clark Airport and Calapan Port have new passenger terminal buildings.
• Marcos said that the North-South Commuter Railway System is already fully operating. This is part of his railway project covering over 1,000 km.
• Marcos wants to use the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) to partially fund the Build-Better-More program.
“In pooling a small fraction of the considerable but underutilized government funds, the MIF shall be used to make high-impact and profitable investments, such as the Build-BetterMore program,” he said.
Energy
• Eight new additional power plants have been built, increasing energy production by 1,174 megawatts.
• Marcos said 500,000 homes were provided with electricity. He claims that a 100% electrification of households is “within our reach.”
• There are 299 active solar projects, 187 wind projects, 436 hydroelectric projects, 58 biomass projects, 36 geothermal projects and 9 oceanpowered projects.
• Marcos claims the Malampaya project has benefited the country, providing 20% energy for Luzon.
• To push for more gas exploration in the country for energy sources.
• The Unified National Grid is said to “enable more efficient transfers and competitive pricing” of electricity. Sixty-eight projects under this program, however, is “much delayed.”
Employment
• Marcos said there are sufficient funds to train those without a livelihood.
• The government’s Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Social Equity, Cash-for-Work for persons with disabilities and Integrated Livelihood Program-Kabuhayan for small businesses are among the programs Marcos lauded. No relevant figures or findings on these programs were mentioned in the report.
• Increased employment rate to 95.7% as of May 2023.
• Marcos wants to “nurture the
growth” of services from the Information Technology-Business Process Management and tourism industries.
Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) Pension
“Efforts are underway to make it fully functional and financially sustainable,” Marcos said.
He added that the pension reforms will have no impact on MUP. According to the proposed bill, the pension of retirees is tied to that of an active personnel of the same rank. Should the latter experience an increase in salary, so will the retired personnel.
Marcos did not elaborate on specific plans for the MUP pension.
Education
• Nine in ten newly created teaching positions have been filled and more administrative personnel have been hired.
• Adopt blended learning permanently.
• Build more classrooms and facilities, including climate-ready schools.
• Recalibrate the K to 10 curriculum to strengthen literacy and numeracy skills.
• More higher educational institutions have been included in the World University Rankings in 2023.
• Nearly 50% of the 4.1 million enrolled college students benefit from the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education program for free tuition.
• Science and technology-related scholarships are made available from high school all the way to graduate school, Marcos said.
Science and Technology
• Forty-four Filipino scientists have returned to the Philippines under the Balik-Scientist Program to produce research in various fields.
• Two additional satellites have been launched into space for meteorological, geological, risk and security assessments.
• Improved maritime education
• Expanding medical and nursing education programs
Healthcare
• The Food Stamp Program was launched. This will provide beneficiaries who are “food poor” with P3,000 worth of food credits in the latter half of 2023.
• “As of this year, more than 80% of our eligible children have been vaccinated against measles, rubella, and polio,” Marcos said.
• Marcos mentioned the “alarming rise” of tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), a first in all Philippine SONAs.
• Sixty specialty centers opened to the public in 2022, while 3,400 projects to construct more public health facilities were completed.
• Marcos claimed that prices of essential medications have decreased by about 40%.
• The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation’s Konsulta Package has increased the number of free dialysis sessions to 156 from 90 in 2022.
• Marcos only mentioned that the government is working on addressing the shortage of nurses and doctors. He did not lay down any concrete plan.
Foreign relations
• Marcos touted the total estimated investments from his “economic
missions” abroad, which amounts to US$71 billion or P3.9 trillion investment. It was said to have the potential to generate 175,000 jobs.
Tourism
• For the first half of 2023, the country has received three million international visitors.
Digitalization
• About 42% of total retail payments were made digitally in 2022.
• E-Government Philippines (eGov PH), the government’s super app, was launched to integrate all key government services in one mobile app. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) also launched its own DMW Mobile for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs)
• Internet speed was said to have improved, with the country ranked 83 out of 142 countries, eight places higher than in 2022.
• Marcos urged the Department of Information Communications Technology (DICT) to establish the National Government Portal and Philippine Business Databank alongside the eGov PH app.
OFWs
• OFWs contributed US$32.5 billion or P1.8 trillion pesos through remittances in 2022.
• Seventy thousand OFWs were deployed to Saudi Arabia for employment.
• The unpaid salaries of 14,000 OFWs who worked in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic are currently being processed. Housing
• Over 100,000 availed of a housing loan from Pag-IBIG amounting to P117 billion in total.
• Over 148,000 houses and 30,000 certificates of eligibility for lot award have been distributed across the country.
• The government launched the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Housing Program (4PH)
Climate change
• Marcos said that the Philippines is sometimes “over-prepared” for natural hazards and calamities.
• More evacuation centers are to be built, 55 have already been completed.
• Marcos only mentions reducing carbon footprint and protecting forests, with no concrete plans included.
Government
• Marcos called on Congress to enact a new Government Procurement Law and a new Government Auditing Code.
• Marcos said, “almost all of the required Devolution Transition Plans” of the local government units are complete.
Marawi
• “Former adversaries are now partners in peace,” Marcos said.
• Marcos said the rehabilitation of Marawi City is in the phase of providing financial support for victims of the Marawi siege.
Illegal drugs
• The government will follow a community-based treatment, rehabilitation, education and reintegration.
• An additional 102 Balay Silangan Reformation Centers have been established. (Philstar.com) n
position that the Philippines is “a friend to all and an enemy to none.”
But the reality, however, is that more than 80 percent of Filipinos remain distrustful of China, mainly because of what is happening in the West Philippine Sea, with Chinese Coast Guard vessels’ incessant harassment and obstruction of Philippine Coast Guard patrol vessels on routine supply and humanitarian missions, conducting dangerous maneuvers that could result in a collision. China built artificial islands within our territorial waters, resulting in the destruction of coral reefs and causing marine species to lose their habitat. Worse, the bullying and harassment by Chinese vessels have deprived Filipino fishermen of their livelihood.
A lot of Filipinos approve of the proposal by the Department of Education to include the West Philippine Sea and the maritime territorial issues in the Grade 10 curriculum, with a lesson on the 2016 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to be included as well. Senator Risa Hontiveros also filed a resolution to declare July 12 every year as the “National West Philippine Sea Victory Day” to commemorate the 2016 PCA ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims over the South China Sea.
The Department of Foreign Affairs also put up a microsite titled “Not One Inch” to document and commemorate the landmark PCA ruling, serving as a repository of information on the arbitral award and its contributions to the rule of law and peaceful settlement of disputes through the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and international law.
As one high level government official told me, “If China would only leave our territorial waters alone, we would have an extremely better relationship with them than any other country, with them being our neighbor.”
The reality is – China’s harassment and bullying is the main cause of the animosity of 90 percent of Filipinos, making us turn to our treaty ally, the United States, as “trustworthy and reliable” – an ally that is undoubtedly aligned with the
Philippines’ firm resolve to protect its sovereignty.
Not surprisingly, the meeting of former president Rodrigo Duterte with President Xi has elicited extreme anxiety and agitation among many Filipinos. But as President Marcos said, any new line of communication between China and the Philippines is welcome, more so if the discussion included the shadowing by Chinese vessels and other issues surrounding the West Philippine sea.
Clearly, China is looking for “microphones” –meaning personalities who are willing to speak out about their position, like former U.S. State Secretary Henry Kissinger, another “old friend” who also visited China recently. But there also seems to be an increased activity by paid bloggers, hackers and China sympathizers out to discredit personalities who consistently speak out about China’s aggressive behavior.
But no matter which way it goes, the Philippines will remain focused on engaging with China because it is in our mutual interest to have good economic relations with our neighbor, just like what the Philippines is doing with the U.S. We just hope that those who profess love of country or who may have personal ill feelings about the United States or China – regardless of whether they are more inclined to favor one country over the other – what is important is to remember that deep inside, he or she is a Filipino, and will think long term on the effects of his or her actions one way or another.
One thing is certain: I know for a fact that PBBM may have some issues with the United States – most especially stemming from what happened in the past –but he has undoubtedly made it clear that as the president, he will never allow whatever personal feelings or issues he may have to cloud his sworn duty to defend and preserve the best interest of the Republic and the Filipino people. (Philstar.com)
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com
GROWING up, Rina missed her parents, who immigrated to the U.S. in search of greener pastures. Rina believed that being a nurse would be the fastest way for her
to be reunited with her parents and other siblings in the U.S. So, immediately after she passed her NCLEX Board Exam in 2005, her parents found a company willing to sponsor Rina for a green card. Unfortunately, there was a retrogression of priority dates, and Rina’s petition could not move forward. In the meantime, she had already found a job as a nurse in Singapore and had to leave her daughter to be raised by her relatives in the Philippines. This situation was difficult because it was a déjà vu of how Rina’s life was growing up when she was separated from her parents, and she did not want this for her child. After six years, the retrogression was lifted, and Rina tried to revive her petition from the facility. Unfortunately, the new management was no longer offering employment and had to withdraw the sponsorship.
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Exam in 2005, a convalescent facility was willing to sponsor Rina to come to the U.S. All went well until there was a retrogression of priority dates. After the retrogression, Rina found out that the facility was under new management and was no longer interested in pushing through with the case, so they withdrew her petition. Fortunately, Rina’s family found another facility who was willing to sponsor her. The family retained Atty. Gurfinkel, who championed Rina’s case, was able to transfer/retain the original 2006 Priority Date of the previous employer’s petition to the new employer’s case. Rina’s American Dream finally came true. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 30 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
passed her
THE epidemic of childhood obesity, which obviously parallels the incidence among adults, has contributed to the explosion of metabolic syndrome, the most common cause of major illnesses our society faces today. The word “metabolic” refers to the biochemical processes and physiology governing the body’s normal functions to achieve homeostasis (balanced, healthy state).
What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is also called Insulin resistance Syndrome or Syndrome X. This is a cluster of medical risk factors – high blood pressure, high fasting blood sugar and cholesterol/ triglyceride levels, and excess body fat around the waist –that increase the likelihood of heart attacks, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. This syndrome, which is usually without symptoms, except for an expanding waistline, might someday overtake smoking as a leading cause of cardiovascular diseases and deaths.
How common is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is very common in the United States. About 35 percent of all adults and 50 percent of those aged 60 and over have this syndrome. The “seeds” for this condition are planted while the fetus is in the womb and continue during childhood, where the children’s DNA are gradually damaged by unhealthy diet, habits, and behavior of the mother and the children themselves, starting from the crib. Children drinking soft drinks, diet or regular, cola or uncola, are 40 percent more prone to develop metabolic syndrome, starting with weight gain and then childhood obesity, later, hypertension (high blood pressure), arthritis, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Soft drinks are also toxic to adults as well, with 40 percent risk also, according to the US National Institute of Health.
What are the metabolic risk factors?
Excess body weight, obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol excess are all risk factors for developing metabolic syndrome, besides
damages in the genes. With metabolic syndrome, there is also increased insulin resistance, where the hormone called insulin produced by our pancreas is having difficulty getting into the cells to perform its normal job in sugar metabolism. As a result, the blood glucose (sugar) is not metabolized and absorbed by the cells properly (to provide us energy) and its level goes up (high blood sugar and A1C levels), resulting in type 2 diabetes.
Excessive caloric intake (overeating, especially rice and other non-vegetable carbohydrates) and lack or absence of exercise, leading to overweight condition or obesity, are the main factors that contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome. While heredity is a factor, it is outweighed by lifestyle, behavior, and habits. Filipinos have 11.3 percent incidence of diabetes compared to Chinese, 4.4 percent, because of rice consumption and other carbohydrates (including bread, ice cream, sweets, etc). Chinese eat smaller amount of rice, and they also eat a lot of vegetables, tofu, and nuts daily. Many of them are vegetarians. Low carb is healthier.
Are chubby kids healthy?
Absolutely NOT! While growing up, I remember society’s concept that a chubby child was a healthy child. Medically, it could not be farther from the scientific truth. Even today, television shows feature chubby kids as actors, which sends a bad signal to the viewers. Children who are overweight, who are not guided and disciplined to portion their caloric intake, especially from rice and other carbohydrates (bread, sweets), will become obese adults and face all the disease consequences of obesity, including cancer. Obesity is a significant risk factor in the development of cancer. The earlier the appropriate dieting starts, the better for the child’s health and longevity as an adult.
Are snorers prone to this syndrome?
Those who snore and do not get a restful sleep should undergo a Sleep Study. If the test shows they have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which could sometimes cause prolonged breath-holding and cardiac arrest, they could benefit
from the use of a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) machine every time they go to sleep.
OSA increases the risk for metabolic syndrome and the cluster of diseases listed above, including cancer.
How do we prevent metabolic syndrome?
As with any illnesses, prevention is the key. In my book, “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our Children” (www.philipSchua.com), I have highlighted the fundamental principle that disease prevention must be a proactive and pre-emptive strategy starting from the cellular level (in the womb and in the crib) to protect the child’s DNA from any damages that will lead to diseases. Maternal lifestyle, habits, and health during pregnancy are essential in shielding the DNA of the fetus from toxic substances in its time in the womb and in the crib after delivery. The protection includes dieting for the baby starting from the crib and onward to teen years and adulthood. By protecting the DNA, these children (future adults) will not have to be saddled with the illnesses most of us have today, heredity considered, as I have alluded to earlier.
What is the treatment?
Greater awareness of the metabolic syndrome and its health consequences is the key and a major part of the management of this serious condition. Since this is a cluster of diseases, the treatment is tailored to the individual’s presenting illness(es), like high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problem, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, etc. The single most essential one is lifestyle changes to a healthier one: proper weight maintenance by caloric control (especially rice, bread, and other carbohydrates restriction), daily physical exercise, abstinence from tobacco, minimal alcohol use, if any, stress management by having adequate restful sleep, relaxation, regular vacation, and regular medical-dental check-up.
While this will be a life-long endeavor, the reward is great and worth all the effort –much less illnesses, better health, and longevity.
The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve
Desperate to find a way to reunite with her parents and to be able to bring her children, Rina and her family explored other possibilities. They found another place who was willing to sponsor Rina.
The family had also retained leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel to help with Rina’s case, and he was able to transfer/ retain the original 2006 Priority Date of the previous employer’s petition to the new employer’s case.
In July 2019, Rina’s visa was issued together with her two kids. Her husband’s visa followed soon after. Rina’s American Dream was finally
fulfilled.
Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 30 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)
OPPORTUNITIES for Fil-Ams to invest in Philippine franchising businesses will be a focus of Fiesta In America’s 26th Anniversary on Saturday, August 19 in Court A of American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Led by the Elite Club Pinoy, a leading group of local franchisers, a special section of American Dream’s Court A will be devoted to more than 15 Elite Club Pinoy membercompanies that represent a considerable swath of Philippine franchising operations throughout the country. The contingent will be headed by their President, Sonny “Mogs” Angeles, who states that the club’s mission as a community-focused group is
a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not
“to share and care for our community while effectively creating abundance among our members.”
Admission to American Dream and Fiesta In America, the biggest annual indoor Filipino event on the east coast, is free and open to the general public. Attendees will be able to engage with owner-managers of Elite Club Pinoy franchisers on the wide range of businesses in which to invest for themselves and their families back home; how to start, sustain and grow a local franchise; how much capital and skill is required; the rewards and drawbacks of the business; and other related topics.
necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in
the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, bestowed by then Indiana Governor, later a Senator, and a presidential candidate, the Honorable Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
According to the International Trade Administration, the Philippines’ growing middle class makes the country a good market for franchises, ranging from beauty and wellness to restaurant chains, and from fashion to automotive and home furnishings.
MANILA — Move over Margot Robbie, there’s a new Barbie in town painting it pink.
Actress Janella Salvador has become the latest celebrity to join the Barbie craze by holding a photoshoot recreating some of Margot’s looks from the new summer blockbuster
“Barbie” directed by Greta Gerwig.
In a series of posts on Instagram, Janella shared some of her photos taken by Claude Villahermosa and makeup by Carissa Cielo Medved and Corra Dela Rosa as she went into Barbiemode.
These include a recreation of Margot’s first scenes in the movie as Janella wore a pink-
“The Philippines is considered one of the largest franchise markets in Southeast Asia,” the ITA observed. “Metro Manila alone, with a population of 20 million during the day, is a target market for foreign franchises. The key to success would be identifying a capable local partner and bringing a unique concept that can be priced according to Philippine standards.”
Fiesta In America’s President and CEO, Nanding Mendez, notes that the fullday festival intends not only to promote investments in Philippine franchisers through reliable partners such as Elite Club Pinoy, but also to shine a bright light on the social benefits of
the business model. Sonny “Mogs” Angeles, founder and President of the Elite Club Pinoy, concurs. “The Elite Club mindset goes beyond financial wealth and beyond acknowledging the valuable skills that contribute to business growth,” says Angeles. “A portion of the profits from successful transactions is allocated to the club’s social responsibilities, such as community services, scholarships, and healthcare support.” As part of its social-good partnership with Fiesta In America, the club will bring the cast of Hatid Saya! Sa Fiesta In America (Cesar Montano, Jay Manalo, Boobsie Wonderland plus many more) to entertain the thousands of expected attendees.
Fiesta In America’s huge audience will provide a direct-marketing and sales platform for Philippine and U.S. exhibitors who wish to tap into the lucrative Fil-Am market. To date, exhibitors include Asian Journal Publications, Vista Land International, Bayani
Pay, Alveo Land, Ayala
Land International Sales Inc., Delicacies by Sheree, Eastern Gems Corp., Eva Air, Filipino Homes, IAm Worldwide IBC NYC, Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, C-Mobility Special Home Care Services, Provincial Government of La Union, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, PAL, PNB, Sendwave, Supreme Health System LLC, Saladmaster, The Elite Club, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority of the Philippines (TIEZA), UniFFied, PNA-NJ, Caring Partners, Wee, Fiesta in America Handicrafts, and Philippine Weddings/ ZoomBox Videos.
Fiesta In America will treat attendees to a full day of festivities that will start at 10am with a fullregalia Santacruzan and Holy Mass. The festival’s high point will be a concert featuring singer-actress Tuesday Vargas; rising FilAm and multicultural artists from the New York area, including exciting Latino performers; a Street Food
Fiesta at American Dream, and more.
In a related development, Fiesta In America’s companion-gala, the People’s Ball, will celebrate its 14th Anniversary on Sunday, August 13 starting at 12noon at the Marriot Liberty International Airport Hotel in Newark, New Jersey. The gala will be highlighted by this year’s Empowerment Awards for individuals and organizations whose bodies of work reflect the best of Filipinos in the United States.
For more information on Philippine franchising opportunities through the Elite Club Pinoy ahead of the August 19 festival, contact Nanding Mendez of Fiesta In America by email at sepmgzn@yahoo.com or by phone at 917-612-8861.
To sponsor, exhibit, advertise or attend Fiesta In America and the People’s Ball, call 212-682-6610 or email info@fiestainameica. com. Other event details are available at www. fiestainamerica.com.
(Advertising Supplement)
IN a groundbreaking and historic feat, Broadway is witnessing the rise of “Here Lies Love,” an immersive theater spectacle that boldly shatters boundaries with an allFilipino cast. With each captivating performance, this musical delves into the complex story of Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines, and the tumultuous events surrounding the 1986 People Power Revolution.
From its powerful portrayals to its innovative immersive format, “Here Lies Love” is not just another Broadway production; it is a trailblazer that proudly embraces Filipino talent and history, making waves and etching its name in the annals of theater history.
With its innovative approach to immersive theater, the show transports spectators into the glitzy world of the 1980s, bringing them face-to-face with historical figures and heart-pounding moments. Led by a stellar all-Filipino cast, including the legendary Lea Salonga, this production has become a milestone in Filipino representation on Broadway and a celebration of a rich cultural heritage.
The show stands as a daring and innovative musical, drawing inspiration from the controversial life of Imelda Marcos, the wife of former Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos. While the show possesses moments of brilliance and creativity, it also grapples with a few shortcomings that hinder its overall impact.
David Byrne, the mastermind behind “Here Lies Love,” rightfully marvels at the show’s continued relevance nearly a decade after its off-Broadway premiere. “I had no idea that the politics would be so relevant not just in the Philippines, but all around the world, including this country,” he told AP.
With music by Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award-winning artists Byrne and Fatboy Slim, this immersive production invites the audience to become part of the show’s captivating narrative.
Under the direction of Tony Award winner Alex Timbers and featuring choreography by Olivier Award nominee Annie-B Parson, “Here Lies Love” transforms the Broadway Theatre into a vibrant dance club where the story of Imelda Marcos unfolds. The audience is given a range of standing and seating options that allow them to experience the
performance from various perspectives, from the dance floor to elevated seating areas.
The production’s immersive concept, which envelops the audience in the world of the Marcos regime, is a commendable attempt at engaging theater-goers uniquely and dynamically. Props to set designer David Korins who transformed the orchestra of the Broadway Theater into a discotheque complete with ledges and a giant 42-inch mirror ball. The use of satellite stages, a 360-degree lighting design, and video screens add an interactive dimension that captivates the audience and fosters a sense of connection to the characters’ lives.
However, the musical’s bold take on some of the crucial historical events, while compelling, blurs the lines between fact and fiction. This has left some viewers questioning the accuracy
of the purported romantic relationship between Benigno Aquino and Imelda Romualdez as graphics on the screen showed “Imelda’s boyfriend” when Aquino’s character was introduced. This creative license can be divisive, as some audience members may prefer a more historically accurate portrayal, while others appreciate the artistic interpretation.
The cast’s performances are nothing short of extraordinary.
Lea Salonga’s portrayal of Aurora Aquino, the mother of opposition leader Ninoy Aquino, is nothing short of sublime and an absolute show-stopper. Her remarkable vocal prowess and emotive delivery breathe life into the character, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. Salonga’s talent shines brightly, and her presence on stage is truly a high point of the production.
On the evening we watched, the audience exploded the moment Salonga emerged onstage. Kudos to the lighting director (and the moving stage) for creating an appropriately haunting and moving atmosphere.
Although her one-month stint in the production is set to conclude on August 13, the producers have hinted at even more surprises in store, including the possibility of enlisting other eminent stars from the Philippines to offer their unique interpretations of the poignant ballad, “Just Ask the Flowers,” performed by the character Dona Aurora Aquino at her son’s funeral.
Among the many unforgettable moments in the show, one particular scene stands out, signaling the start of the Marcoses’ fall from power. As Arielle Jacobs retakes the spotlight, belting out “Why Don’t You Love Me” from the elevated mezzanine level, the rest of the cast led by Salonga gathers below, flashing the iconic Laban sign—a powerful visual representation of
MANILA —”It’s Showtime” co-hosts Anne Curtis and Vice Ganda looked radiant, while GMA-7’s most popular screen goddesses Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista and Jennylyn Mercado owned the red carpet at last night’s GMA Gala 2023 held in Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.
The biggest stars of ABS-CBN and GMA-7 partied the night away in their best looks as the gala and the stars dominated social media trends, particularly Twitter.
Vice Ganda lived up to his moniker “Unkabogable” as he walked the red carpet in a sparkly gown with a white feather boa.
His “Showtime” sestra, Anne Curtis, looked simply elegant in a white Saint Lauren gown, complimented by clip-on bangs and accessories from Tiffany. Her look is obviously inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s famous movie character, Sabrina.
Marian Rivera was another effortless beauty in a white plisse gown as she walked down the red carpet with her equally gorgeous husband, actor Dingdong Dantes.
Jennylyn Mercado was a vision in green as she strutted with her husband, actor Dennis Trillo.
Heart Evangelista lived up to her chic fashionista vibe by donning a Schiaparelli creation.
Newly engaged couple Bea Alonzo and Dominic Roque walked the red carpet together, looking genuinely happy to attend the gala.
Kylie Padilla channeled her famous character, Amihan, from the 2016 fantasy show “Encantadia” in a custom Ehrran Montoya gown. Her TV sisters, Glaiza de Castro, Gabbi Garcia and Sanya Lopez, also made their presence known on the red carpet. (By Kathleen A. Llemit/Philstar.com) n
and-white gingham dress and hair ribbon, a necklace with white flowers, and heels as she waves at Barbie Land and floats down to her car.
Another is Janella’s own take of Margot’s first image as Barbie released last year in a blue and white dress and polka dot headband while driving a car, which Janella joked in her caption “This Barbie can drive (you crazy),” and was also assisted by Jerald Ignacio and Jac Pequeña.
Janella’s most recent recreation was her paying homage to the very first Barbie ever released — a black-and-white swimsuit, pony-tailed, black open-toe heels, and styled by white sunglasses.
The backdrop for the
resistance and unity.
This back-to-back juxtaposition of performances amplifies the impact of the narrative and further solidifies the show’s immersive nature, delivering a powerful one-two punch.
Jacobs, in the role of Imelda Marcos, definitely gives her all, leaving a lasting impact with her powerful vocals and emotional delivery. The start of the musical traced Imelda’s humble beginnings as a barrio lass who slowly evolved into a resolute and formidable figure – a steel butterfly if you will, as the show progressed. She was captivating in both.
Her crisp delivery of “Put*ng ina mo!” while degrading her husband’s genital size made Filipinos in the house roar as she sang “It takes a woman to do a man’s job” when she found out about his affair with American actress Dovie Beams.
The performances by Conrad Ricamora, Jose Llana, and Melody Butiu, who are part of the original cast at The Public Theater from a decade ago, showcase growth and maturity in their nuanced performances. Ricamora and Butiu reprised these roles at the Seattle Repertory in 2017, with Filipino singer Mark Bautista stepping in as Ferdinand.
Having had the privilege of witnessing their earlier portrayals, I didn’t think they could top their performances back then. However, the passage of time and the wealth of experiences gathered over the last decade seem to have breathed new life into their characters, rendering them more vivid and compelling than ever before.
Llana’s depiction of his role exuded a newfound sternness and a palpable sense of menace, particularly evident in the first half of the production. As the ailing despot, he masterfully embodied the essence of a once-powerful figure whose prime years have now waned. His rendition of “Perfect Hand” hit all the right notes, resonating with precision and conviction.
the drama unfold around them. Whether seated ring-side, in the front or rear mezzanine, or dancing among the 300 people on the main level, every spectator is engaged and becomes part of the story.
And this is where experiencing FOMO comes in.
Audience members find themselves torn between the excitement of the dancefloor and the curiosity about the view from the mezzanine. Those dancing on the main level can’t help but wonder if they are missing out on a different perspective, while those watching from the mezzanine can’t help but envy the infectious energy and fun happening on the dancefloor. The show’s unique format leaves viewers pondering which vantage point offers the bigger picture of this groundbreaking production.
Before the resident DJ Moises Villarama sang “God Draws Straight” with the rest of the cast, he talked briefly about history repeating itself, telling the audience that Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. was elected as the president last year. There were scattered boos and hisses in the theater and it was broken by a solitary scream of a woman who said, “He’s my president!”
claim that the show, created by a white man, offers a sanitized version of the dictatorship’s history, attempting to humanize a figure known for corruption and violence.
These critics question whether the show trivializes the crimes committed by the Marcoses and overlooks the suffering they inflicted upon countless Filipinos. They worry that the artistic interpretation may inadvertently erase the painful realities endured by the victims of the regime. It raises the question of whether the pursuit of art and entertainment should come at the expense of historical accuracy and sensitivity.
On the other hand, the producers firmly assert that “Here Lies Love” is far from glorifying the Marcoses; instead, they argue that the show takes a firm stance against their actions and serves as a reminder of the dark chapter in Philippine history. They contend that the immersive experience allows audiences to connect emotionally with the narrative, evoking empathy and understanding of the consequences of dictatorship.
The show has added an insert to the Playbill showing a historical overview from the time the United States colonized the Philippines in 1898 to the People Power Revolution in 1986 when the Marcoses were airlifted out of the country by U.S. Marines.
As the controversy rages on, the show continues to make waves, breaking boundaries with its all-Filipino cast and confronting the complexities of history head-on. The production’s impact is undeniable, sparking essential conversations about the intersection of art, history, and the responsibility of storytelling.
Ultimately, we believe it is up to each audience member to grapple with the layers of meaning in the show and draw their conclusions. As theatergoers leave the performance, they carry with them not only a powerful theatrical experience but also profound questions about the portrayal of history on stage.
latest photoshoot was, like the “Barbie” movie in its opening scenes, a reference to Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Janella recently wrapped up shooting in Hong Kong for the movie “Under Parallel Skies” opposite Thailand’s Win Metawin of “2gether: The Series” fame.
There was Filipino representation in “Barbie” with Ana Cruz Kayne as Supreme Court Barbie — who wore a terno in both the film and its premiere — and Miss Universe Philippines 2022 contestant Julia Saubier as Hippie Barbie during the film’s intro.
“Barbie” continues to break records at the global and local box office, and is still showing in Philippine cinemas. n
Ricamora, on the other hand, delivered a bouncy rendition of “Child of the Philippines,” pouring his soul into the fast-paced number. Despite its rapid tempo, his emotive performance left a lasting impact.
The costumes, designed by Tony Award-winner Clint Ramos, are a visual feast.
The lavish and intricate outfits, especially those worn by Imelda Marcos, successfully transport the audience to the glamour and opulence of the era. Ramos’ attention to detail is praiseworthy, and his contribution significantly enhances the overall visual appeal of the musical as he masterfully showcased the former First Lady’s glamorous terno dresses and humble dasters from her early days in Tacloban.
The dichotomy between Ferdinand Marcos and Ninoy Aquino is subtly portrayed through their distinct costumes, with the dictator dressed in black and the opposition senator garbed in white.
The show’s immersive nature means the audience members are always in the thick of the action, as they witness
As the applause continues to echo in the theater, “Here Lies Love” stands as a powerful testament to the talent, passion, and creativity of its cast and creators.
However, amidst the praise and accolades, a heated debate ensues about the show’s portrayal of Imelda Marcos and the controversial history of the Marcos dictatorship.
In a CBS interview, Elaine Quijano asked, “Some people think that in 2023, there should not be this kind of show devoted to a figure Imelda Marcos, what’s your response to that?’
“Oh goodness, gracious. It’s great for audiences to look at it and learn from it because it’s still happening in other parts of the world. Our offering is, it’s happened to us but this is what happened in the end. Basically, it’s a story about how a people regained the power for themselves and it’s kind of an inspirational thing to think about if you look at it that way,” Salonga replied.
Some critics argue that the production may unintentionally glorify Imelda and romanticize the heinous acts committed during their oppressive rule. They
The ongoing debate surrounding its portrayal of Imelda and the dark era of the Marcos dictatorship highlights the significance of presenting history responsibly while delving into the complexities of human nature.
“Here Lies Love” is doing its part, serving as a poignant reminder that theater has the unique capacity to ignite conversations, challenge perceptions, and keep the collective memory of a nation alive. As the curtains fall on this groundbreaking production, its echoes will linger, urging us all to confront the past and reflect on the present.
It is an audacious and imaginative musical that fearlessly delves into the controversial life of Imelda Marcos. Its immersive concept and innovative staging elevate the theatrical experience, allowing the audience to be part of the historical narrative.
Salonga’s exceptional performance, along with the stunning costume design, contribute to the musical’s high points making the show a commendable and bold effort to bring an important chapter of Philippine history to the Broadway stage. n
