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JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 Volume 15 - No.38 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Immigration advocate, journalist Jose Antonio Vargas appointed to CSU Board of Trustees FILIPINO journalist and immigration advocate Jose Antonio Vargas was appointed to the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees, the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday, July 22 as part of a new class of higher education appointments in the state.

As founder of the immigrant education and advocacy group Define American, Vargas, 41, has also been a vocal proponent of undocumented students’ rights and the destigmatization of being undocumented.

“As a proud graduate of San Francisco State University—Class of 2004, before

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

Marcos’ first SONA: ‘The state of the nation is sound’

by NEIL

ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), giving a

glimpse of his first few days in office and his plans for the next six years.

Unlike his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos generally did not deviate from his written speech – mostly following each word and line to a T.

Bongbong Marcos, new US envoy discuss economy, food security MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and new United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson discussed Friday, July 22, cooperation between the two countries in the economic and food security sector.

Carlson, who presented her credentials to Marcos, expressed goals to strengthen further the relationship between the

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Magnitude 7 earthquake jolts Abra, other parts of Luzon

by NEIL

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United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson presents her credentials to President Ferdinand Photo courtesy of Marcos, Jr.

Marcos’ first SONA lasted for one hour and 13 minutes. In the end, Marcos said: “The state of the nation is sound.”

Economic goals Marcos began his address by defining the

VITAL MEASURES. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urges Congress to pass 19 priority measures of his administration during his first State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 25. Also in photo were Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

PNA

NY man accused of punching elderly Filipina 125 times indicted on hate charges A SUSPECT seen in surveillance video punching an elderly Filipino woman 125 times and stomping on her body in Yonkers, New York, has been indicted on multiple hate crime charges.

Tammel Esco, 42, was arraigned on the indictment Wednesday, July 20 on attempted murder in the

second degree as a hate crime, attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree as a hate crime, assault in the first degree, three counts of assault in the second degree as a hate crime and three counts of assault in the second degree, according to CNN.

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ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net

MANILA — A magnitude 7 earthquake struck inland in the northern province of Abra Wednesday morning, July 27 killing at least one person and badly damaging buildings and roads, and sending strong tremors through Metro Manila.

The strong quake centered two kilometers northeast of Langilang, Abra, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported.

Its magnitude was initially placed at 7.3.

A 25-year-old man was killed by falling debris, said Abra Vice Governor Joy Bernos, when the quake struck at 8:43 a.m. at a depth

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‘Just use Filipinos’: San Diego Comic-Con page draws flak for using ‘Filipinx’ term

by CATALINA

RICCI S. MADARANG Philstar.com

SAN Diego Comic-Con‘s social media handlers received criticisms online after their use of the controversial term “Filipinx” on their posts.

The San Diego Comic Convention (Comic-Con International) or SDCC is an annual entertainment event

dedicated to celebrating the culture and history of comic books, their adaptations, and their fans.

This year’s convention took place from July 21 to 24 in San Diego in the United States.

The event’s official social media accounts posted on July 22 a group photo that showed guests for its

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Immigration advocate, journalist... Marcos’ first SONA: ‘The state of the...

PAGE 1 there was DACA, when the Dream Act was 3 years old, when there was little vocabulary and support for undocumented students—I am honored, humbled, and excited,” Vargas said in response to the appointment.

The CSU Board of Trustees is a 25-member group that oversees “regulations and policies governing the entire CSU system,” the largest four-year university system in the United States.

The CSU serves nearly a half million students within its 23 campuses and “are home to thousands of immigrant students and students of immigrant families of all backgrounds,” Vargas wrote.

Vargas, who published his memoir “Dear America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen,” is a Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist, having worked as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle from 2000 to 2004 and the Washington Post from 2004 to 2009, and as a senior contributing editor for the Huffington Post from 2009 to 2010.

In addition to Vargas, Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, an author and consultant in the mass media

Jose Antonio Vargas

space, was appointed to the CSU Board of Trustees.

Newsom also announced the appointments of Elaine Batchlor, Carmen Chu, Ana Matosantos, and Mark Robinson to the University of California Board of Regents.

“These leaders from diverse backgrounds, walks of life and California regions bring a broad swath of expertise and experience to our world-class colleges and universities at a pivotal

File photo

time for our state,” Newsom said in a press statement. “I look forward to continuing our work in partnership with the state’s higher education leaders to expand access to more students, create debtfree pathways, eliminate equity gaps and increase opportunities for the next generation of leaders to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future for our state.” (By Klarize Medenilla/ AJPress)

PAGE 1 economic targets the administration has set for the next six years—echoing the figures his economic team previously presented.

According to Marcos, the administration’s goal is to have a 6.5 to 8 percent real gross domestic product growth annually between 2023 to 2028 and reduce the country’s poverty rate to 9 percent by 2028.

Further, Marcos said tax administration reforms would be in place to increase revenue collection.

Among the initiatives the administration will push, Marcos said, is the levying of a value-added tax on digital service providers.

“The initial revenue impact will be around P11.7 billion in 2023 alone,” Marcos said.

Agriculture Marcos, who serves as the concurrent agriculture chief, also focused on the critical issue of food security and the welfare of farmers and fishermen.

He said the loans and financial assistance for farmers and fishermen would be an “institution” in his administration.

Aside from institutionalizing loan programs, Marcos also vowed that the government would seek to provide cheaper farm inputs, fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and feeds while modernizing the agriculture and livestock industry through science and technology.

Further, Marcos also disclosed his plans to impose a one-year moratorium on the payment of land amortization and interest payments.

“A moratorium will give the farmers the ability to channel their resources in developing their farms, maximizing their capacity to produce, and propel the growth of our economy,” Marcos said.

Marcos also asked Congress to craft a law condoning the loans of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Tourism, infrastructure, and digitalization Marcos said he would implement basic developments such as road improvements for easier access to tourism spots for the tourism sector.

“We will also upgrade our airports and create more international airports to help decongest the bottleneck at the Manila International Airport,” Marcos said.

In terms of digitalization, Marcos said 30-million physical national IDs and 20-million digital IDs are expected to be issued by the end of the year.

Marcos also bared his order to the Department of Information and Communications: To establish the “Broad Band ng Masa” project.

For infrastructure, Marcos said he would expand former president Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program.

“Once again, I will not suspend any of the ongoing projects as those have already been shown to be of benefit to the public that they serve,” Marcos said.

Health and social welfare Marcos said no more lockdowns will be imposed in the country despite the increase in COVID-19 infections.

The President also promised to establish the Philippines’ own Center for Disease Control and Prevention and a vaccine institute while stressing the need to establish more health centers and hospitals across the country.

“One of the cornerstones of a strong healthcare system is the provision of competent and efficient medical professionals. We will exert all efforts to

improve the welfare of our doctors, nurses, and other medical frontliners,” Marcos said.

Marcos also made his order to the Department of Social Welfare and Development clear: Implement faster response for calamity victims.

“Ang mga field office nila ay inatasan na maagang maglagak ng family food packs at non-food essentials sa mga LGU, bago pa man manalasa ang anumang kalamidad,” Marcos said.

Marcos said there should also be better coordination between the DSWD and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for the improved implementation of the “Emergency Shelter Assistance Program” for calamity victims.

Marcos also echoed his earlier order to cleanse the list of beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Education Marcos backed the return to full face-toface classes, saying Education Secretary and Vice-President Sara Duterte, is now preparing for its implementation in the next school year.

“This is one of the reasons I have directed the Department of Health and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to undertake another rollout of booster shots,” Marcos said.

The President also took note of the discussions on the K-to-12 education system, saying it is being carefully reviewed.

“As for the ‘horror’ stories that we have heard about the poor quality of educational materials and supplies that are being given to our schools — this must end!” Marcos said.

The country must also do better in the international rankings, especially regarding the STEM subject, said Marcos.

Marcos said it is up to the country’s educational system to develop and refine its incredible talent pool.

Foreign policy and migrant workers Regarding foreign policy, Marcos said he would “not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of the territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power.”

“With respect to our place in the community of nations, the Philippines shall continue to be a friend to all. And an enemy to none,” Marcos said.

“The Philippines has always been open and welcoming to all our foreign friends and visitors. That is our world view, and that is our culture,” he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos said the government would launch a command center that mainly focuses on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in distress and needing to be repatriated back to the Philippines.

Marcos also vowed to remove red tape in pursuing digital empowerment, noting plans to automate the verification of contracts and issue secure Overseas Employment Certifications that can be kept in smartphones.

He called on the Department of Migrant Workers to make this initiative a top priority.

The President also said the Philippine government is coordinating with the government of Saudi Arabia to open deployment to the mid-eastern country.

Priority measures In the latter part of his speech, Marcos laid down his priority measures which are as follows: • National Government Rightsizing

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From the Front Page

Magnitude 7 earthquake jolts Abra, other parts...

Filipino-American guests at the San Diego Comic-Con on July 22, 2022 Photo from Facebook/Comic-Con International

‘Just use Filipinos’...

PAGE 1 program “Filipinx Voices in Pop Culture.”

The activity took place at the Omni Hotel in San Diego on July 21.

“The Filipinx Voices in Pop Culture was a fun and educational all Filipinx panel discussing Filipinx influences behind your favorite media!” the post reads.

Based on SDCC’s website, the panel discussed the FilipinoAmerican influences on pop culture.

“Filipinx/Filipinx-American influences can be found in every facet of pop culture. But have there been times when this culture has been pushed away from representation? Does the general population know how many Filipinx people are behind their favorite media?” the description reads.

The panel guests are the following: • Alix Catherine (content creator, “The Welcome Party”) • Earl Baylon (voice actor, “Tomb Raider” series) • Mitch Narito (actor, “The Good Place”) • Andrea A. Walter (film director and cinematographer) • Law Sharma (senior content producer, Cinemablend) • JPG (pop-culture consultant, InterMyth) Amid the Filipino-American representation, the use of “Filipinx” to refer to the Filipino-American panelists in the photo received the most buzz online.

The keyword once again trended on Twitter Philippines with over 3,000 tweets under its belt.

Social media users told off the handlers to stop using “Filipinx” to call Filipinos.

They pointed out that “Filipino,” the correct term as stated in the Constitution and in Philippine history, is already genderneutral.

“UTANG NA LOOB, don’t ever call us Filipinx. No one uses that. We do not recognize that term. The term ‘Filipino’ is already gender-neutral,” one Twitter user said.

“Please just use ‘Filipinos’ like a normal person, stop with the ‘Filipinx’ nonsense already. ‘Filipino’ or ‘Pilipino’ is already gender-neutral,” another Facebook user commented.

A few users quipped that they should have just called them “mamser,” a vernacular coined name that combined “ma’am” and “sir.”

“Sorry. I’m born and raised in the Philippines, and I only identify with Mamser,” another Facebook user wrote.

One Twitter user lamented that what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for Filipino voice actors turned into a topic of debate.

“What was meant to be a celebration of Filipino Voice Actors has turned into complete hate because of the use of the stupid made-up word ‘Filipinx’. Again, Filipino is already gender neutral so please stop making it a thing,” one user said.

Filipino-Americans or Filipino immigrants who use “Filipinx” previously stated that they adapted it from the “Latinx” society to refer to people in Latin America who are also members of the LGBTQ community.

Dictionary.com, a widely-used English language platform, also added “Filipinx” to its database in September 2020.

It is defined as “of or relating to natives or inhabitants of the Philippines (used in place of the masculine form Filipino or the feminine form Filipina).” g

PAGE 1 of 25 kilometers.

“Despite the sad reports about the damages caused by the earthquake, we are assuring quick response to those in need and affected by this calamity,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Facebook.

According to officials, a hospital in Abra was evacuated after the building partially collapsed following the quake, but no casualties were reported.

Bernos posted photos of the damaged Abra hospital on her Facebook account, which showed a gaping hole in its facade.

Other photos showed hospital beds, including one with a patient being wheeled across a road and evacuated hospital staff.

Renato Solidum, director of the state seismology agency, told DZRH radio station, strong aftershocks were expected.

“The focus of attention is on Abra and nearby provinces. This is a major earthquake,” Solidum said, adding that landslides had been reported in some parts of Abra, particularly in the town of Manabo.

Abra, home to nearly 250,000 people, is a landlocked province in the northern Philippines. Rugged mountains enclose its deep valleys and sloping hills.

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters and is located on the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a band of volcanoes and fault lines that arcs round the edge of the Pacific Ocean. As a result, earthquakes are frequent and there are an average of 20 typhoons each year, some triggering deadly landslides.

Eric Singson, a congressman in Ilocos Sur province, also in the north, told DZMM radio station the quake had been felt strongly there and lasted 30 seconds or more.

“I thought my house would fall,” said Singson. “Now, we are trying to reach people …. Right now there are

Photo courtesy from Grace Teaza/Philippine Information Agency – Abra Information

aftershocks so we are outside our home.”

The quake damaged heritage buildings in the city of Vigan, known for its old Spanish colonial architecture, on the west coast of Luzon.

Tourist Edison Adducul told the radio he was taking photos of the Bantay Church Bell tower in Vigan when the quake struck, shaking the tower for up to three minutes.

Senator Imee Marcos said several churches were damaged.

“The antique bricks and coral stones fell down from the Bantay Bell Tower,” she said.

The quake was also felt in Metro Manila where several buildings were evacuated, with some people forced to flee from the 30th floor of one building, and the capital region’s metro rail systems were halted at rush hour.

Following are the reported intensities: • Intensity VII – Bucloc and Manabo, Abra • Intensity VI – Vigan City, Sinait, Bantay, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur; Laoac, Pangasinan; Baguio City; • Intensity V – Magsingal and

Photo courtesy of PIA Abra

San Juan, Ilocos Sur, Alaminos City and Labrador, Pangasinan; Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya; Mexico, Pampanga; Concepcion, and Tarlac City, Tarlac; City of Manila; City of Malabon • Intensity IV – City of Marikina; Quezon City; City of Pasig; City of Valenzuela; City of Tabuk, Kalinga; Bautista and Malasiqui, Pangasinan; Bayombong and Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya; Guiguinto, Obando, and San Rafael, Bulacan; San Mateo, Rizal • Intensity III – Bolinao, Pangasinan; Bulakan, Bulacan; Tanay, Rizal • Intensity II – General Trias City, Cavite; Santa Rosa City, Laguna Below are the instrumental intensities: • Intensity VII – Vigan City • Intensity V – Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Peñablanca, Cagayan; Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Baguio City • Intensity IV – Gonzaga, Cagayan; Baler, Aurora; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Ramos, Tarlac; Ilagan, Isabela; Basista, Pangasinan; Claveria, Cagayan; San Jose, Palayan City and Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Madella, Quirino; Tabuk, Kalinga; Santiago City, Isabela • Intensity III – Quezon City; Iba, Zambales; Navotas City, Malabon City, Metro Manila; Magalang & Guagua Pampanga; Bolinao, Sison & Infanta, Pangasinan; Bulakan, San Ildefonso, Guiguinto, Plaridel, and Malolos City, Bulacan; Tarlac City, Tarlac • Intensity II – Dona Remedios Trinidad, Angat & Santa Maria, Bulacan; Tagaytay City, Cavite; Pasig City Metro Manila; Polillo, Gumaca & Infanta, Quezon • Intensity I – Tanay, Taytay, Morong, Antipolo City, Rizal; Marilao,Bulacan; San Juan City, Las Pinas City, Metro Manila; Lucban, Quezon; Subic, Zambales; Mercedes,Camarines Norte; Olongapo City, Zambales; Carmona, Cavite Phivolcs said damage and aftershocks were expected. g

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OPINION

FEATURES

Wish list

5

Philstar.com

THE new administration inherited a deadly and economically crippling pandemic, a heavy debt that was incurred to respond to the health crisis, surging fuel prices, a much weakened peso as well as crises in On Monday, July 25 President Marcos was expected to expound on the broad strokes that he painted in his inaugural address, enumerating specific policies to carry out his priorities in his first year in office. This being his first State of the Nation Address, he is also expected to bare his longterm goals for the next six years.

In the light of fiscal constraints, he has said he would rely more on public-private partnerships to carry out key infrastructure and development projects. As he draws up his roadmap, local business groups and foreign chambers have released a wish list of sorts, pushing for the passage of 24 measures under the 19th Congress.

Since the President wants stronger partnerships with the private sector, he can urge his super majority in Congress to consider many of the proposed measures.

Seven reached advanced stages of approval in the 18th Congress. These are the bills on the liberalization of foreign equity restrictions in

the Constitution, open access in data transmission, ease of paying taxes, promotion of digital payments, and reforms in property valuation and assessment reforms as well as capital income and financial taxes.

A push for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience may have to take a backseat as the Department of Budget and Management pursues rightsizing in the bureaucracy, which is expected to involve cutting jobs.

A test of the new administration’s commitment to transparency will be the passage of a Freedom of Information Act – a measure that has been kicked around by lawmakers for many years now. Also likely to be contentious is the proposed measure, backed by the Department of Finance, to ease bank deposit secrecy laws.

Other measures pushed by the six major business groups and six foreign chambers are amendments of two laws to promote hybrid or flexible work schedules in economic zones,

Editorial

and amendments of laws on the PPP and build-operate-transfer scheme. Also pushed are amendments to the E-Commerce Act, Intellectual Property Code and the charter of the Philippine Ports Authority.

The groups also seek laws on national unemployment insurance and pandemic protection, the repeal of the Flag Act, creation of a Philippine Airports Authority, rationalizing holidays, reforming the apprenticeship

program, easing of ownership rules in agricultural lands, promoting satellite-based technologies and international maritime trade competitiveness, and strengthening the pension system.

There’s a lot on everyone’s plate, apart from these proposed economic measures. With Congress officially beginning its session, both Malacañang and the legislature must buckle down to work. (Philstar.com)

Life expectancy among Asian populations dropped three years during COVID-19 Commentary

DR. DALI FAN, UC DAVIS HEALTH LIFE expectancy has dropped for all Californians during the pandemic, including Asian populations

Getting vaccinated provides best defense to staying safer and keeping life expectancy higher

who have historically had the longest life expectancy among all racial groups in the U.S., according to a new study released by the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study, which analyzed 1.9 million deaths from 2015 to 2021, shows that the life expectancy for Asian

populations in California fell by three years—from 86.6 years in 2019 to 83.5 years in 2021—with life expectancy dropping for Hispanic populations by 5.7 years, Black populations by 3.8 years, and white populations by 1.9 years.

While “life expectancy” is not an actual measure of life

spans, researchers use this hypothetical measure of how long those born in a specific year will live based on that year’s mortality rates to better understand loss of life within populations. Many factors contribute to life expectancy, including socioeconomic status, ethnicity, access to healthcare, and in this case,

vaccination rates.

The study correlates the drop in life expectancy with exposure to COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death rates, suggesting that getting vaccinated significantly impacted life expectancy outcomes. The highest rates of vaccination are among the Asian and

white populations, which the study found had led to the lowest drops in life expectancy.

Given the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our lives and the countless lives it has taken, the drop of life expectancy isn’t entirely unexpected. The reality is— PAGE 10

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez PH House names Rep. Sandro Marcos senior deputy majority leader is new House speaker

by Xave

GreGorio Philstar.com

MANILA — An overwhelming majority of 283 members of the House of Representatives on Monday, July 25 elected Rep. Martin Romualdez (Leyte) as the chamber’s next speaker, a position that he ran for unopposed.

There were four abstentions, and one nay vote. Another 22 members of the House did not vote, but were reqeusted to attend a meeting on the composition of the minority bloc later in the afternoon.

A shoo-in even during the early stages of the speakership battle, Romualdez is expected to easily lead the House and pass laws prioritized by him and his cousin, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., as a supermajority has pledged support for the new administration.

Romualdez was nominated by his nephew, Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos, who echoed his father’s pitch for unity in stressing that the House needs “a leader that embodies inclusivity, possesses unquestionable competency and feels genuinely for the people.”

The younger Marcos recognized Romualdez as a “consensus-builder,” which he credited

for his being able to pass the two Bayanihan bills which aided the country through the pandemic.

Ferdinand Alexander said Romualdez’ qualifications are “beyond sufficient to lead us to great heights” and appealed to look beyond the new speaker’s familial ties with the Marcoses.

Reps. Ralph Recto, Isidro Ungab, Roberto Puno, Camille Villar, Kristine SingsonMeehan, Raymond Democrito Mendoza and Aurelio Gonzales seconded the nomination of Romualdez.

House members cited Romualdez’s leadership, work ethic and his consensusbuidling as qualities that make him an ideal speaker.

There were no other nominations for speaker of the House.

The lower chamber of Congress has typically been controlled by the sitting administration, as House leaders — who are usually allies of the president — regulate funding for lawmakers’ projects for their constituents.

Romualdez had prior experience in this, having been the majority leader throughout the 18th Congress despite serving under two PAGE 10

MANILA — The majority bloc at the House of Representatives has elected rookie legislator Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos (Ilocos Norte) — the president’s son and House speaker’s nephew — a senior deputy majority leader.

The younger Marcos nominated his uncle, Rep. Martin Romualdez, for the House speakership at the opening of the 19th Congress’ first regular session at the Batasang Pambansa on Monday, July 25.

Romualdez was mentor to Rep. Marcos, who was on his staff when he was majority leader in the 18th Congress.

Romualdez said during the campaign that the younger Marcos is ready to join the House because he “spent two years working in my office doing his congressional training, with no less than

This detail from the House of Representatives stream shows Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos nominating his uncle, Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, to the speakership of the House of the 19th Congress on July 25.

Photo courtesy the House of Representatives

myself supervising and overseeing him.”

Under the Constitution, each chamber of Congress chooses such other officers it may deem

necessary for its operation.

The president’s son is now senior deputy to Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe (Zamboanga City, 2nd PAGE 10

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Bongbong Marcos, new...

Embassy hosts FYLPRO 10th year anniversary: Reconnect and reunite WASHINGTON D.C. – In commemoration of its 10th anniversary, the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) held a reunion dinner at the Philippine Embassy Chancery Annex last July 22. The event was attended by FYLPRO Officers, members, alumni, partners, Embassy officials, FYLPRO mentees, and other supporters.

Chargé d’Affaires a.i.

Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr. congratulated FYLPRO for their milestone achievements and for its positive impact in the Philippines and on the Filipino community in the United States. “I had

Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr. (left) and former FYLPRO President Louella Rose Cabalona during the turnover of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Embassy, FYLPRO, and the Ayala Museum Foundation, Inc.

Family photo of FYLPRO and its partners. Seated left to right - Embassy Vice Consul Mark Dominic E. Lim, FYLPRO President Leezel Tanglao, Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr., Embassy Consul General Iric C. Arribas, and Ms. Nancy Hsiung from the Booz Allen Foundation

the privilege of witnessing how FYLPRO evolved from the time of its launching to when its members started addressing existential questions and challenges such as whether or not it should apply for 501(c)3 organization status or encouraging active participation among the alumni. And here you are now, a 501(c)3 organization celebrating its 10th anniversary!”

In response, FYLPRO President Leezel Tanglao thanked the Embassy for its continued support for FYLPRO, its programs, and initiatives. She said “I was part of the last batch that went (to the Philippines) in 2019 and if you ask every single

(Seated left to right) Embassy Vice Consul Mark Dominic E. Lim, FYLPRO President Leezel Tanglao, Embassy Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr., Embassy Consul General Iric C. Arribas, and Booz Allen representative Ms. Nancy Hsiung with the current FYLPRO executive committee officers.

alumni that has gone through the immersion program of FYLPRO, they will tell you how life changing this program has been and even more so how we’ve been able to pivot and really dig deep into who we a00re as Filipinos and what it means to be a Filipino American both from the global sense and domestically.

Even a pandemic could not stop us from serving our community in so many ways.”

Ms. Tanglao also announced the resumption of the FYLPRO Immersion program which is scheduled for November 2022.

As part of the celebration, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Ascalon and former FYLPRO President Louella Rose Cabalona concluded the formal turnover of the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Embassy, FYLPRO, and the Ayala Foundation Inc (AFI) extending our partnership until December 2025. The MOU was signed via a virtual ceremony last December 2021.

Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO) is a 501c3 organization comprising a network of high-performing, next-generation leaders who advance the Philippines and

the Filipino people through their advocacy and expertise in various industries. They continually expand the pipeline of Filipino young leaders in the diaspora.

By connecting them to the motherland, they foster collaborative multinational relationships that create innovations and support the socio-economic progress of the global Filipino community.

FYLPRO has partnered with the Philippine Embassy and the Ayala Foundation Inc. (AFI) to annually identify outstanding young professionals in the Filipino communities across the United States and provide the delegates with invaluable community, business, and government insights and access to distinguished network captains of industry and government.

FYLPRO supports various causes and civic engagement initiatives such as the Caretaker Project, funded by a Booz Allen Foundation Innovation grant, and the Project Ligtas Bata.

The Caretaker Project is intended to connect Filipinos with vital, culturally relevant services; debunk misinformation; and improve collection of data to better serve the community. This project aims to fill gaps in services for the most vulnerable social groups — seniors, frontline workers, and the unemployed. Meanwhile, Project Ligtas Bata, a webbased international campaign to combat the commercial and online sexual exploitation of Filpino children. The aim of this campaign is to promote awareness, prevention, and support for child victims in the Philippines.

For further information on FYLPRO and their projects, please visit https://fylpro.org/ and https://ligtasbata.com/. g

NY man accused of punching elderly...

PAGE 1 Esco pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail, a spokeswoman for Westchester District Attorney’s office said. He is due back in a New York courtroom August 2.

Graphic surveillance video posted by Yonkers police shows the brutal March 11 attack on the 67-year-old woman of Filipino descent. Prosecutors said Esco called her “Asian b*tch” shortly before attacking.

The woman was in her apartment

building vestibule and putting her keys in the door as Esco entered the building behind her and allegedly punched her in the head, knocking her to the ground. Esco punched her more than 100 times as she lay on the ground, stomped on her body repeatedly and spit on her, according to the felony complaint.

The victim suffered brain bleeding, multiple facial fractures, among other injuries, prosecutors said.

Bottom of Form A witness, Yvette Crespo, said she saw

the attack as it happened. As Esco saw her knocking on doors to alert neighbors, he allegedly stopped. “He went out that door, went to the corner, put his hands up,” she said.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of people in the U.S. have been victims of anti-Asian verbal abuse and physical attacks.

The Philippine Consulate in New York says its recorded 26 attacks on Filipinos in the New York area in the last year.

(Inquirer.net)

PAGE 1 Philippines and the United States.

“I am deeply honored to work with the Philippine government led by President Marcos and our #FriendsPartnersAlliesacross this great country to further strengthen U.S.-Philippine ties,” Carlson said in a tweet.

The meeting between Marcos and Carlson lasted for 45 minutes, according to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, who was also present.

Romualdez said during the meeting, Marcos expressed his appreciation to the United States for helping the Philippines with vaccines in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The President expressed his appreciation to the United States in helping the Philippines with the vaccines and that our long historical ties will take us to the future of our strong relationship,” Romualdez said in a text message.

“PBBM (President Bongbong Marcos) said we should have more trade not aid from the US,” he added.

Meanwhile, Romualdez said Carlson expressed readiness to work with the Philippine government.

“Ambassador Carlson told the president that the United States is ready to work with his government on

all areas of cooperation like climate change, pandemic response and of course food security and the economy,” Romualdez said.

For his part, Romualdez thanked Carlson for her kind words in relation to him being selected to continue as Philippine envoy to the U.S. New U.S. envoy In a statement released by the US Embassy in the Philippines, Carlson said she is “thrilled to be in the Philippines and honored to represent the United States in this important relationship.”

“With the Philippines, our oldest treaty ally in Asia, we have a long history of shared sacrifice and incredibly close people-to-people ties,” Carlson said.

“I look forward to working with the new government and our partners to upgrade and modernize our alliance to face new challenges, expand bilateral trade and investment, and promote democratic freedoms and good governance,” she added.

Carlson succeeded Ambassador Sung Kim, who led the U.S. Mission from 2016 to 2020.

Prior to arriving in Manila, Carlson was Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Buenos Aires in Argentina.

(By Neil Arwin Mercado/ Inquirer.net)

Marcos’ first SONA: ‘The...

PAGE 2 Program (NGRP) • Budget Modernization Bill; • Tax Package 3: Valuation Reform Bill • Tax Package 4: Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (PIFITA) • E-Government Act • Internet Transaction Act or E-Commerce Law • Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) • Medical Reserve Corps • National Disease Prevention Management Authority • Department of Water Resources • Unified System of Separation, Retirement and Pension • E-Governance Act • National Land Use Act • National Defense Act • Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and National Service Training Program (NSTP) • Enactment of an Enabling Law for the Natural Gas Industry • Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act or EPIRA • Amendments to the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law “We have assembled the best Filipino minds to help navigate us through this time of global crisis,” Marcos said.

“We will endure. Let our Filipino spirit ever remain undimmed. I know this in my mind, in my heart, in my very soul that,” he added. g

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A solar field in western Pahrump?

By REALTOR FELY QUITEVIS-BATEMAN

THERE is no doubt that the way the world is consuming its natural resources, we are in for catastrophic results down the road. Whether it’s in a couple of decades, half a century or a century from now, the world’s burgeoning population needs to manage

the Earth’s resources more efficiently, or look for ways to harness what nature gives us.

In terms of energy usage, that can include harnessing the sun’s power, which is exactly what a company wants to do in the western side of Pahrump.

Consolidated Edison Development Inc. recently went before the Nye County Commission to talk about its proposal for its Basin Solar project – a 20-megawatt photovoltaic solar field that will be set on 100 acres in western Pahrump, according to a news report from the Pahrump Valley Times. The project is set

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman drove around in Pahrump recently with her good friend and Philippine Realtor Nida Santos.

to be located on land bounded

by Basin Avenue to the south, Bannavitch to the west, and Betty Avenue to the north.

It is one of the many multiple solar farms that have been proposed in the State of Nevada and areas like Pahrump, Amargosa and Beatty. The difference with this project is that Basin Solar is being put on private land, unlike majority of proposals which are being planned on public lands administered by the Bureau of Land Management.

According to officials attached with ConEdison, once complete and fully operational, Basin Solar can produce energy to power an estimated 6,000 homes. The company is the second-largest solar developer in the country and operates about 30% of the solar capacity in the state.

During the presentation, officials debunked the myth that a photovoltaic solar field will raise the ambient temperature around the site.

The technology, according to officials, is designed to absorb the heat.

Realtors Fely Quitevis-Bateman and Nida Santos drove by near the proposed solar project in Pahrump, which will provide cheap electricity to the town’s residents.

Realtor Nida Santos, a friend of Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman for over 40 years, has been amazed at the big progress in Pahrump during her second visit

As for noise, there will be the typical noise generated during the construction, but once operational, the field will not produce noise.

Traffic in and out of the facility will be kept to a minimum as there will only be one truck visiting the site on a weekly basis, per officials, adding that “the site largely operated itself from remote communications.”

On the question of water usage in the project, ConEdison does not intend to drill any wells to service the site, but instead will have

the necessary water trucked in after being purchased from a local municipal water provider. During the construction phase, about 20 acre-feet of water would be used primarily for dust control, and would go down to about two acre-feet or less per year when the field is operational.

ConEdison revealed that if everything goes according to plan, construction should be able to begin early 2023, with the site commercially operational by the end of the PAGE 10

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A solar field in western...

AFTER THE RAIN. Members of militant groups in Tandang Sora along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City disperse amid light rains on Monday, July 25 ahead of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA). Based on their agreement with the Philippine National Police, protesters were only allowed to hold their activities in the area until noon.

PNA photo by Jess

Life expectancy among Asian...

PAGE 5 it could have been much worse.

As scientists learn more about the devastating effects the COVID-19 illness has had on our society, especially the effects of long COVID in children and adults, taking critical steps to stay healthy with vaccination, boosters, testing and masking in high-risk situations can help protect your longevity.

As of early July, 38 of California’s 58 counties were experiencing high case rates and hospitalizations. Highly infectious variants of Omicron are now accounting for most cases nationwide, many being reinfections of those who have already had COVID-19.

There is no reason to delay getting vaccinated, as this study emphasizes what we already know—COVID-19 vaccines remain the safest and most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Free COVID-19 vaccines for the entire family, and everyone ages 6 months and older, are now available everywhere,

making it easy and convenient to provide your family with this layer of protection.

Public health officials are continuing to monitor COVID-19 community-level and statewide data to protect the health and wellbeing of all Californians, keep schools safe for in-person instruction, and allow California’s economy to remain open and thrive.

By getting vaccinated, boosted and taking proper precautions such as masking, hand washing and watching your distance while encouraging others to do the same, you are keeping yourself safe and doing your part to help Californian recover. There is no time to delay, schedule your vaccination appointment today.

Vaccination or booster appointments can be made by visiting Myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255. *** 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 House names Rep. Sandro Marcos...

PAGE 6 District), whose primary function, aside from being the spokesman of the majority bloc, is to direct the deliberations on the floor.

“In the present setup of the House, the majority leader is concurrently the chairman of the Committee on Rules. As such, all matters relevant to the Rules of the House, specifically the calendar of bills, preparation of Order of Business and Calendar of Business are within his responsibilities,” House rules read.

Rep. Marcos has filed the following bills at the House so far: • HB No.3, or the proposed E-Governance

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

Act; • HB No.4, or the Internet Transactions Act; • HB No.8, or the Free legal assistance for police and soldiers; • HB No.10 , or the Creation of the Virology Institute of the Philippines • HB No.11, or the National Defense Act; • HB No.12, or Rightsizing the national government; • HB No.14, or the SIM Card Registration Act; • HB No.18, or the Government Procurement Act; • HB No.20, or the Apprenticeship bill.

(Philstar.com)

PAGE 9 year.

As for how the project will benefit the town, aside from aiding in the quest for renewable energy and helping alleviate the drain on the electric grid, positives will come from the taxes and purchase of regional goods and services, as well as up to 150 construction jobs associated with the project.

Once the project is finished, two full-time jobs within the community will be the endresult.

A total investment of about $40 million is expected to be made for the Basin Solar project, with roughly 37% to 50% of the amount invested directly in Nevada.

In examining the plans and the private land that will be used for the project, Nye County Commissioner Debra Strickland posed an observation, asking what the highest and best use for a 100acre parcel of land would be.

She opined that the benefits of the project being situated in private land versus public land managed by the BLM would be significantly higher.

The advantages would include not having to take away the people’s land, using an area that is located in a flood zone which creates a different set of challenges for other kinds of development, and potential homeowners not having to deal with expensive flood insurance should the land be developed into homes.

This project will be a great addition to Pahrump, and just one of the many well thought out endeavors being planned in the town, which is only 62 miles west of Las Vegas.

It is a perfect project for the town as it located in what is known as the sun belt; in fact, much of Nevada is in such an area.

With a lot of developments being proposed in Pahrump, including a huge gaming/ entertainment hub that will house the first peri-mutuel horse racetrack in Nevada,

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

servicing the energy needs of the community will of utmost importance. Having an additional source of renewable energy will keep the town in good stead and allow it to thrive.

Areas like Pahrump are generating huge interest, not just for businesses but for many would-be homeowners and investors. The affordability of land and property prices, when compared to other areas in the United States, is a huge plus, as well as its proximity to a big city like Las Vegas. One can, indeed, have the best of both worlds – live within the peaceful, unencumbered, beautiful surroundings of the town for the most part, and head for the lights, extravaganza, glitz and

glamour of the big city when it beckons.

My decades of experience in real estate will help you, my kababayans, in your quest for your piece of the American Dream – whether it’s your first or second home, a rental property, or an investment.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is new House speaker...

PAGE 6 different speakers — now Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and then Rep. Lord Allan Velasco (Marinduque).

The two were his opponents for the heated speakership fight at the beginning of the previous Congress, where then President Rodrigo Duterte had to intervene and broker an agreement where Cayetano and Velasco split the term and Romualdez sat as majority leader.

The battle for the speakership this time around was far less dramatic as Romualdez clinched early on the support of the major political parties that compose the House. It also helped

that he is president of Lakas-CMD, which is emerging as one of the dominant parties in the chamber.

As speaker, Romualdez said among his priorities are next year’s national budget, a new stimulus package aimed at helping the country recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls scheduled in December.

Members who vote for the winning candidate for speaker become part of the majority and can elect their majority leader.

Meanwhile, Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe (Zamboanga City) was elected majority leader, a post which essentially serves

as the speaker’s right hand in shepherding measures in the chamber.

Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, former president and House speaker, was elected senior deputy speaker, while Reps. Isidro Ungab (Davao City), Roberto Puno (Antipolo City), Camille Villar (Las Piñas City), Kristine Singson-Meehan (Ilocos Sur) and Raymond Democrito Mendoza (TUCP party-list) were elected deputy speakers.

The deputy speakership is a plum post which comes with an additional annual budget for their respective offices and voting powers in all committees in the chamber. g

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

11

Told she must leave, Marie was able to receive her green card in the US IN 2002, Marie and her three children visited the U.S. as tourists. They planned to visit family and then return home to the Philippines. However, Marie later decided to remain and became out of status.

In 2009, Marie’s mother, a green card holder, petitioned Marie in the F2B category.

When the priority date on her petition became current, she consulted with at least four attorneys, all of whom told her that because she was out of status, she had to go back to the Philippines to apply for her immigrant visa.

But Marie did not want to go back, because she was worried about the uncertainty of applying in the Philippines, and that she might not be able to return

to the U.S. She finally decided to consult with the “Attorney of Last Hope,” Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who was able to find a way for Marie to apply for a green card (adjust status) in the U.S. After retaining Attorney Gurfinkel, Marie got her green card in October 2021 in the U.S., and can now get healthcare, find a better job, and enjoy the other benefits of being a green card holder.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 31 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

GREEN CARD ACQUIRED AFTER BEING TNT FOR NEARLY 20 YEARS, THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Marie was petitioned as single by her father in the ‘90s, but she got married in 1998, revoking her father’s petition. The marriage did not last, and in 2002, Marie and her three children went to the U.S. as tourists. Since then, they had been overstaying and living in fear. Marie’s mother, a green card holder, petitions her daughter this time. Marie had consulted with four attorneys who all told her she had to go back to the Philippines once her priority date becomes current. Marie refused to go back to the motherland for fear that she might not be able to return to the U.S. She consults with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel who was able to find a way for Marie to remain in the U.S. and be interviewed here, and eventually get her green card in October 2021.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 31 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

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On power nap, COVID Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS COVID still kills As of 10:28 AM (EST), Tuesday, July 26, 2022, the total global COVID-19 cases stood at 576,333,448 and 6,405,539 deaths. The numbers for the U.S. were at 92,339,925 cases, with 1,052,467 deaths, while total cases in the Philippines stood at 3,757,762 (2,360 new cases), with 60,694 deaths. On that day, there were 167,463 news cases, 512 deaths, and 40,906 hospitalizations in the United States.

Elon Musk has had COVID-19 infections twice, Dr. Fauci had his recently, as did President Biden.

China and some European countries have reintroduced COVID lockdowns. With the dominant subvariant BA.5, which is super-contagious and deadly to some highrisk people, it is obvious the pandemic is far from over. It is wise for all of us, including those who have gotten the second booster, to continue being careful, masking in public and doing social distancing, even if others don’t. Not one has died from masking; more than 6.4 million have been killed by COVID-19.

Think about it. Just plain common sense.

Power nap “Most American adults sleep poorly,” according to a study by the National Sleep Foundation on 1,506 adults. The findings are obviously applicable to most of us in general.

Lack of sleep translates to lesser mental acuity and concentration, poorer health, greater driving hazards, reduced productivity, and diminished sex drive.

Sleep experts recommend a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of sleep in 24 hours. The survey showed that adults sleep an average of 6.9 hours a night. Three hours of sleep deprivation is enough to cause problems.

Seventy-five percent of adults reported they frequently have difficulty in sleeping, like problems in initiating sleep, waking up often during the night, and/or snoring, waking

up too early, and feeling unrefreshed and always tired. Many also stated that they ignored the problem, and some do not even think they actually have any sleep deficit. Only about 50% of those surveyed stated they were able to sleep well most of the time. Twenty-five percent thought their sleep problem had adverse effects on their daily routines. The Sleep Foundation said “there’s a link between sleep and quality of life… People who sleep well, in general, are happier and healthier.

The commercial world of today stretches business to 24 hours a day, with 24-hour pharmacies, restaurants, casinos, supermarkets, etc., so people tend to stay up late, watch late-night shows on television, surf the web on the internet, etc.

All these reduce people’s time to sleep. And some people even need more than 9 hours of sleep to feel refreshed and rested.

The study also showed: (1) Sixty percent of adults stated they have driven a vehicle while drowsy from lack of sleep in the past year, and 4 in 10 reported they have had an accident or near accident because of tiredness or falling asleep at the wheel; (2) Seventy-five percent claim their partner has a sleep problem, with snoring as the most common complaint; (3) Four out of ten of those surveyed reported lack of sleep adversely affected their sexual relationship, having lost interest in sex, having poorer performance or having sex less often; and (4) Seventy percent claimed that their physician never asked them about their sleep.

The recommendations of the National Sleep Foundation and experts in the field are abstinence from any stimulant, coffee and alcohol before bedtime, and to seek medical help if they think they are having sleep problem and/ or snoring, or not getting enough rest at night.

Lack of sleep reduces the normal “recharging time of our body battery, our energy source” causing a chain of reactions in our physiology and body chemistry. This “lo-bat” condition leads to physical and mental stress to our system. All these alter the PAGE 13

Why is Yellow in the Middle of the Rainbow? By Kidlat Tahimik will be screened at the Asia Society on August 6 at 12:00 noon. This screening is part of the series, “Selective Memory Has No Bounds: Yes, Martial Law Did Actually Happen.” For tickets, visit www.aaiff.org

‘SELECTIVE MEMORY HAS NO BOUNDS: YES, MARTIAL LAW DID ACTUALLY HAPPEN’

Martial Law documentaries take the spotlight at AAIFF45 in New York

By MoMar

G. Visaya

AJPress

THE 45th Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF45) is back as a hybrid festival, both in-person at Asia Society and streaming online globally, and runs from August 3-13, 2022.

This year’s full lineup includes 18 World Premieres, 32 East Coast Premieres, and 31 New York Premieres. The films represent a total of 24 countries and 20 languages, featuring 73 directors.

The festival will kick off on August 3 with an exclusive in-person screening of its Opening Night film Free Col Soo Lee, directed by Julie Ha and Eugene Yi, at the Asia Society and Museum, with a reception to follow.

Rounding out the festival’s special presentations is the “Selective Memory Has No Bounds: Yes, Martial Law Did Actually Happen” program, guest-curated by visual and media artist, educator, and curator Angel Velasco Shaw.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ declaration of martial law and the program includes two documentary films to educate and remind global citizens of this dark era in Philippine history.

“AAIFF played a big role in raising my consciousness about racial and ethnicbased identity issues. Selfidentification as an Asian American artist, filmmaker, and cultural activist became the greatest source of power from which I create from,” Shaw said, reflecting on her association with Asian CineVision (ACV), which organizes the AAIFF. “Over the 37 years of working with ACV, AAIFF has continued to nurture and showcase talent

Portraits of Mosquito Press by JL Burgos will be shown on August 7 at 2:15 p.m. at the Asia Society’s Rose Room. This screening is part of the series, “Selective Memory Has No Bounds: Yes, Martial Law Did Actually Happen.” For tickets, visit

from diverse Asian American independent filmmakers, actors, and producers generation after generation.”

The program showcases two documentaries: Portraits of Mosquito Press (directed

by JL Burgos) and Why is Yellow in the Middle of the Rainbow? (directed by Kidlat Tahimik) Portraits of Mosquito Press is director JL Burgos’ compelling documentary film that looked at the plight of his late father, journalist

Jose Burgos, Jr., the publisher of the alternative newspaper We Forum and later, the founder of Malaya newspaper.

Under the Marcos dictatorship, many journalists were either jailed or silenced. Decades after the fall of the strongman, members of the alternative press recount the dark times and how they braved dangers to publish real news.

The film adeptly recounts the struggles that Burgos,

his wife, and colleagues endured because they dared to write the truth about the Marcos dictatorship and the atrocities committed during the Martial Law Era. JL Burgos will provide an introduction to his film, followed by a postscreening talk about the film’s reception and its relevance to the continuance of Philippine press freedom being under siege with the passing of presidencies from Rodrigo Duterte’s draconian rule to Bongbong Marcos, the son of dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Why is Yellow in the Middle of the Rainbow? on the other hand is National Artist Kidlat Tahimik’s “cups-of-gas” documentary film, a visual essay that tells interconnecting stories about Spanish and American colonialism/imperialism and their impact on the Philippines, the Martial Law era, and the People’s Power Yellow Movement through humorous, personal, and political lenses.

Inspired by a trip to Monument Valley and the Navajo Nation while en route to the Telluride Film Festival, Tahimik and his eldest son Kidlat Gottlieb Kalayaan use the “spaghetti machine” (Tahimik’s nickname for his Bolex camera) to make their own “spaghetti western.”

The decade-long path of the film encompasses the assassination of Benigno Aquino and the subsequent Yellow Revolution that brought Corazon Aquino to power in 1986, the decommissioning of the US air base Camp John Hay, and the younger Kidlat’s trajectory through school, all shown through a Third World Projector salvaged PAGE 13

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Fiesta In America now at American Dream

A STREET Food Showcase, free concerts by Original Pilipino Music (OPM) legends, and a fashion show by innovative Filipino couturiers are just some of the expected highlights of Fiesta In America’s re-launch this summer.

After a two-year pause following a 22-year run, Fiesta In America will reopen on Saturday, August 20 starting at 10am in Court A of American Dream (1 American Dream Way, East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073). Admission is open to the general public.

Not-for-profit Fiesta In America is recognized as the biggest and longestrunning indoor Philippine event on the U.S. east coast. Hundreds of micro and small Filipino businesses as well as major U.S. brands have exhibited at the event since its inception; the cultural show has also revived the careers of Philippine entertainment idols and launched new talents into the spotlight.

Founded in 1996 in New York by awardwinning art director Nanding Mendez, the event was held annually for more than 20 years at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus, New Jersey.

“The lockdown-imposed hiatus gave us the opportunity to re-assess Fiesta In America’s business model, our audience, programming and even the venue,” said Mendez. “Opened just a couple of years ago, American Dream is New Jersey’s newest and largest center for total family fun and entertainment.

And ‘family’ is the key word here.” More than 50,000 visitors of all ages and all cultures are expected at the venue on summer weekends. The projected foot traffic provides Fiesta In America’s sponsors and exhibitors a large, builtin audience that is family-oriented, multi-generational and upscale.

The three-story-high Court A on the ground floor will be the staging ground

Florante

Fe de los Reyes

for Fiesta In America’s exhibitor and sponsor pavilion as well as the cultural show. The daylong program will start with a Mass at 10am, and will feature the original compositions of folk-music icon Florante as well as the comedic talents of versatile singer Fe De Los Reyes, the pageantry of a

fashion show mounted by Asia Pacific Fashion Week, New York-area Filipino American bands, performances by Latino American musicians as well as a Hispanic Pavilion in recognition of the enduring impact of Spanish culture on Philippine society.

“Plans are also underway,” Mendez added, “to convert a large wing of American Dream’s third floor into a special section for a Philippine Street Food Showcase, a Made in the Philippines exhibition area, a Fil-Am Associations Pavilion, an art and photo gallery, demonstrations of native Filipino games, chess matches, and glimpses of village life.” The third floor is where the venue’s various family-friendly restaurants are located ensuring that event attendees would enjoy the full gamut of Fiesta In America’s features that, collectively, will put the Philippines on center stage.

Part of the fashion show’s proceeds will help underwrite scholarships for fashion students in the Philippines. In addition, Fiesta In America regularly earmarks a portion of its revenue for a yearly initiative to promote Philippine tourism and small Filipino exporters.

Fiesta In America will be preceded and complemented by the 14th annual edition of its companion gala, the People’s Ball. This year’s gala luncheon, which will be highlighted by the Empowerment Awards for achievers’ body of work in public service, business and the humanities will be held on Sunday, August 14 at the Marriott Liberty International Airport Hotel.

To sponsor, exhibit, attend (admission is free) and for more event information, please call 212-682-6610, 917-6128861 email info@fiestainamerica.com or visit www.fiestainamerica.com. g

Pen Medina asks for prayers after successful spine surgery

Veteran actor Pen Medina Photo from Instagram/@penmedina

VETERAN actor Pen Medina continues to ask for prayers after the successful spine surgery for his degenerative disc disease.

On his Instagram account, Pen thanked all the people who supported and prayed for him.

“Praise God for making my Spinal Surgery safe and successful. Hindi pa po tapos ang aking laban. I will be needing more prayers as my medical team addresses the accompanying infection,” Pen said.

“Marami pong salamat sa lahat ng nagdasal at patuloy na nagdadasal para sa

akin,” he added.

Pen’s family called for help last week following the actor’s hospitalization due to degenerative disc disease.

“Our dad, 71-year-old actor Pen Medina, has been in the hospital for three weeks now and currently cannot sit or stand up due to Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD). He is scheduled for a major spine surgery on Tuesday, July 19,” the post read.

Pen was last seen in the web series “Viral Scandal” and the TV drama “La Vida Lena.”

(By Jan Milo Severo/Philstar.com)

Martial Law docus hit the spotlight...

PAGE 12 from a junk pile on Navajo land.

This decolonizing narrative focuses on these histories told to Tahimik’s oldest son, Kidlat de Guia in the form of “history lessons.” The film chronicles Kidlat’s (and his two younger brothers’) labyrinthine journey over the span of 10 years.

This program is dedicated to the memory of Kidlat de Guia, a visual artist, photographer, and cinematographer who died last March 9 in Madrid where he was visiting his father Kidlat Tahimik’s exhibition at the Palacio de Cristal in Retiro Park.

Following the screening, there is a 15-minute taped conversation between

Kidlat Tahimik and independent filmmaker Raymond Red, moderated by Angel Velasco Shaw.

(Why is Yellow in the Middle of the Rainbow? will be screened at the Asia Society on August 6 at 12:00 while Portraits of Mosquito Press will be shown on August 7 at 2:15 p.m. at the Asia Society’s Rose Room.)

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On power nap...

PAGE 12 normal homeostasis (internal balance) within us, weakening our immune system, and increasing our risk of developing metabolic diseases, hypertension (high blood pressure), stroke, and heart attack, among others, or aggravating existing illnesses.

Here is where power naps come in if you have the luxury and opportunity to enjoy one every day. Power napping is like “tricklecharging our battery.” A power nap is usually taken between 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the primetime, lasting between 10 minutes and 30 minutes. Many countries of the world close up shops in the afternoon and reopen after 4:00 PM to enjoy that tradition and practice of having a power nap.

However, a power nap longer than half an hour increases the risk of “sleep inertia,” which gives one the uncomfortable groggy sensation which lingers.

Those with sleep problems, those who wake up in the morning feeling tired and unrested should consider a Sleep Study to rule out Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), where the persons suffer from prolonged breath-holding dozens of times while asleep (resulting in hypoxia, decreased oxygen in their system), which is treatable with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.

OSA, if untreated, increases the risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. CPAP does wonders for these individuals.

Without exception, all those “quickpick” devices advertised are useless, since they do not address the “collapsing airway pathology.” CPAP keeps the obstructed airway open.

Power naps provide a healthy opportunity to reset the system and get a “power surge” and burst of alertness and physical strength, amazing energy, and memory boost, which even helps in decision-making and problem-solving.

Naps reduce crankiness, increase cognitive skills, performance, and creativity, and lead to a more pleasant outlook for the remainder of the day. It also reduces accidents and

mistakes, lowers stress, and even lowers the risk for cardiovascular diseases.

A NASA study among military pilots and astronauts revealed “that a 40-minute nap improved performance by 34% and alertness 100%.” A nap is superior to coffee or any “energy drink” because caffeine decreases memory performance, contrary to what people think.

One must be consistent in their power nap routine, keeping a regular schedule and not napping for more than 30 minutes. Naps are most especially good and beneficial for young children and, actually, for all of us.

Popular historical figures who were “nappers” include, among others, Leonardo DaVinci, Napoleon Bonaparte, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, Salvador Dali, Margaret Thatcher, John D. Rockefeller, and Yogi Berra.

Prevent a “lo-bat.”

Trickle-charge your system daily. Take a power nap if you can. It does wonders!. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States.

Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.

SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail. com.

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N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J U LY 29, 2 0 22

people events arts culture entertainment

FROM MANILA TO MASSACHUSETTS

The Islander’s Creamery: Bringing Filipino Flavors to New England T

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA / AJPress

HE heatwave is on, and the summer of 2022 is turning out to be quite a scorcher.

For the past week or so, the temperature has been steady, hovering above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Many families take this chance to make beach trips while others go to parks and have picnics.

These warm and sunny summer days have us in the mood for something to cool us down. It could be that cold drink or maybe a pint or two of ice cream. Anything to beat the heat, right?

In the northeast, there’s an up-and-coming Filipinoowned ice cream brand called The Islander’s Creamery that has been spreading Filipino flavors across New England states.

Rowena Sy-Santos, who used to run a bakery in Massachusetts called Keyks, is a self-described lover of food and ice cream.

At the start of the global pandemic in 2020, she asked her childhood friend Irene if she wanted to start an ice cream business with her.

The idea was to use Filipino ingredients and flavors for their ice cream, mixed with whatever seasonal flavors are available, like one of their bestsellers: Maple Leche Flan.

“We try to put something Filipino in our flavors not just to cater to the Filipino market, but to broaden it because we already have the big brands so we want to cater to the local markets,” Santos said.

Small-batch and artisanal, The Islander’s Creamery

Childhood friends Rowena and Irene started The Islander’s Creamery to introduce the Filipino flavors they love to the New England states.

Photos courtesy of The Islander’s Creamery/@the_islanders_creamery

offers fixed, rotating flavors and a few seasonal flavors depending on the season.

“For Valentine’s, we have the Strawberries and Chocolate and for Christmas and the wintertime, we have the Quezo de Bola, Maple Leche Flan, and Churros con Chocolate,” she shared, adding that they use cocoa nibs from Malagos Chocolate in Davao.

On top of Islander’s Creamery’s bestseller list is their ube ice cream, perhaps the most recognizable Filipino ice cream flavor there is.

“Ube is our bestseller, definitely. Hindi lang Filipinos and market namin for the ube,

many non-Filipino customers order it as well,” Sy shared.

She recalls having new customers get enthralled and intrigued by the flavor.

“I remember we had a kid who said it tasted like Froot Loops and then we had one who told us that the flavor was hard to describe but something was definite, it was good and it’s not like something they’ve had before,” she added. “When they ask me, I tell them that ube has this sweet and earthy tone.”

Their ube ice cream uses ube from the Philippines which is made into halaya, which they then incorporate into the ice cream and put a

dollop on top of the pint.

They have been doing pop-ups at different locations in the northeast including their non-Filipino retail outlets, and the small, momand-pop stores. She wants to go mainstream and sell in big Asian and mainstream supermarkets, but the flavors will remain, with roots in the Philippines.

“You know, in New England we have the highest per capita of ice cream parlors,” she quipped.

Her dream is to showcase their unique and distinct flavors, and Santos’ interpretations of well-known Filipino ingredients, treats, or snacks. These are not what one would find commercially in the ice cream aisle of Philippine grocery stores.

“I just love ice cream talaga, I’m a big ice cream and dessert eater. Ice cream is always fun. When you think of ice cream, you think of the fond memories, birthday parties,” Santos shared. “And when you go to an ice cream shop, it’s always a fun and happy place.”

The partners are doing the ice cream business on the side since both of them have jobs. Santos works as a procurement manager for a manufacturing company while her business partner Irene is in finance.

Santos says she enjoys coming up with the flavors.

Her mind is always working, thinking of the possible PAGE 15

Classic Filipino flavors like avocado, queso de bola and chocnut are among the flavors they offer.

AJPress Photo by

The Islander’s Creamery’s bestselling Philippine purple yam (ube) ice cream with freshly made ube halaya (jam), and crushed Oreos.

Their Choc&Nut ice cream flavor is inspired by the popular Filipino snack ChocNut. The Islander’s Creamery’s version is a light peanut butter & chocolate ice cream with mounds of peanuts, chocolate chips, ChocNut chunks and topped with more ChocNut!

In a recent interview, Rowena Sy-Santos told the Asian Journal, “When you think of ice cream, you think of the fond memories, birthday parties nd when you go to an ice cream shop, it’s always a fun and happy place.” AJPress Photo

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022

Why Darren finds it surreal that he’s cast in his first series By

Alex BrosAs Inquirer.net

SINGER Darren Espanto finds it still hard to believe that he has been cast in “Lyric and Beat” as Jazz, an aspiring choir singer.

“I never really imagined myself going into acting. My dream is really to become a singer. This is so surreal to me [that I even have a] series and it’s finally coming out,” he said during the face-toface press conference for the series, last Tuesday, July 19.

Espante admitted that ever since he joined “The Voice Kids,” his dream has been to become a singer and performer. But he never imagined that he would be able to juggle showbiz and studies at the same time.

Nonetheless, he was able to graduate from high school, something he acknowledges

Carlos Alde

Darren Espanto Photo from Instagram/@

that not everyone can do. To finish his studies is really one of his dreams, he said.

Meanwhile, as he was doing the series, Espanto realized that all major cast members were graduates of reality-based shows like him.

He therefore concluded that he and his fellow reality TV graduates really have dreams in life, and he is happy to know this. g

Photo from Facebook/Rhoda

Comedian Carlos ‘Ogag’ Alde passes away at 60

COMEDIAN Carlos (Caloy) Alde passed away on Friday, July 22, a few days before his 61st birthday on July 28, his family confirmed.

Alde, also referred to as “Ogag” and the Philippines’ Mr. Bean, suffered from a massive heart attack, as per an exclusive statement of the comedian’s wife Rhoda to Philippine Entertainment Portal on Monday, July 25.

“We rushed him to the hospital kaya lang wala na. They tried to revive him sa hospital pero talagang wala nang electric impulse ang heart niya,” his wife was quoted as saying.

(We rushed him to the hospital but it was too late. They tried to revive him in the hospital but his heart already had no electric impulse.)

Rhoda stated that Alde has been taking maintenance medicines after he was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and chronic kidney disease two years ago.

Alde’s fellow actor Alwyn Uytingco paid tribute to the comedian by remembering his humor, through Uytingco’s Facebook page last Saturday, July 23. “‘I love nature.’ Ang joke mo na di ko malilimutan. Salamat, kuya Caloy,” Uytingco said. (“I love nature.” Your joke that I will never forget. Thank you, brother Caloy.)

Alde starred in numerous films including “Mr. Suave” (2003), “Mang Kepweng: Ang Lihim ng Bandanang Itim” (2020) and the ABS-CBN TV series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.” (By Anne Pasajol/Inquirer.net)

Sid relishes being an actor

By Jerry

DonAto Philstar.com

SID Lucero belongs to that company of screen performers who relish a role and disappear in it. This perhaps can be attributed to his clear perspective of his profession.

“I think I’m just an actor,” described Sid in a recent virtual one-on-one with The STAR. “In Tagalog, kasi dalawa lang naman yan, it’s either artista or aktor (In the vernacular, the word actor connotes two things: Star and actor), ‘coz, to me, artista means celebrity, and I don’t think I am. I don’t do commercials or wave at people at shows… I think I’m an actor.”

His almost two-decade career is a testament to that, and his passion for the craft.

Sid simply enjoys being and becoming an actor.

That’s why even in the new normal, he continues to embody characters on the small and big screens.

Among his recent dramatis personae are Eric and Mark of The World Between Us, which had its finale early this year, and The Fake Life, now airs on GMA Afternoon Prime after Raising Mamay, respectively.

“There’s a sense of pride,” said Sid of learning and watching that his work, like The World Between Us, is being streamed on Netflix. “Being on Netflix is quite prestigious nga, more than (to) see myself or my friends, the show itself there, it just makes me feel like ‘Ah, OK, they are now pushing it towards here.’

And then, we’re just gonna see more and more of that.”

The actor is delighted that Filipino content, either in the form of a TV series or film, is given a global space and attention it deserves via a popular streaming service. This is aside from the international festivals that Philippine movies

Sid Lucero

GMA photo

participate in and receive recognitions every year.

Sid added that “networks are starting to like open their eyes” on digital platforms like Netflix as another venue to share their content. Again, a streaming platform is a place to watch and rewatch works, done months or years ago, by actors like Sid. During this pandemic, he starred in films such as Lawrence Fajardo’s Reroute, Mac Alejandre’s Silip Sa Apoy and Brillante Mendoza’s Virgin Forest.

“Always,” answered the actor when asked if he also gets a critique from the critic in him. “I was too focused on the way I speak, na maging natural, na hindi na siya cinematic,” shared he as some of the insights Sid would gain from the post-work self-assessment.

“It doesn’t sound good anymore, even in real life, it sounds good. But onscreen, it doesn’t, you know, things like that.”

Every time he “inhabits” the life of a character, Sid will rely on his acting tools to understand and empathize with it, based on the accumulated learnings from workshops and work experience. As a glimpse

into his creative process, he compared it to like going through a filing cabinet “of like what I believe in my experience, in my own life,” and what he knows about “other people’s lives,” and bits and pieces gained from “watching films and TV, what might be acceptable to me, and then, to the production or then, what might be acceptable to the people.” From there, he can build a relatable character.

Sid, who can do bida-kontrabida roles, understands that a careful study of character expectations, which are cultural in nature, from the creatives and audiences is vital to his work. An actor should know how to piece all these together in creating the whole persona or role. Part of acting is to somehow stick and present “a palatable character that anyone can enjoy,” as one could get from his statements.

Acting, particularly when done with fellow actors in a scene, is “about accepting and giving,” said he. “If I think this way and this guy is like todo method, (a way to approach a role) and he is totally like not accepting what I’m giving...

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I have to adjust and then, that becomes his character and I would like to think that I’ve helped you and you’ve helped me build mine… then, I was able to just build this through being you.”

Yes, what matters to the actors are their truth, like what they, being in the moment, feel genuinely about their characters.

As an actor, who remains visible and considers acting a calling, Sid has realized that “there’s a space for everything, there’s a space for you to express, there’s a space to follow rules.”

Through these spaces, actors become more understanding about realities and truths of their profession.

According to the information given by The Fake Life team, the latest episodes will see Sid’s Mark do everything to ruin the family of Onats and Cindy Villamor, played by Ariel Rivera and Beauty Gonzalez. His character will also reiterate that he is Cindy’s true love.

Asked what’s in the pipeline for him after The Fake Life, Sid, recipient of two Urian Best Actor awards for Selda and Muli, said, “I really love working for GMA, especially the TV (content) that they do, I really love it, kahit lockin (taping) pa yan, I don’t mind. With Vivamax, I’m always open to (a) Vivamax (project)… I know for a fact that you can look forward to more projects from Vivamax and from GMA with me in (them).”

Yes, the actor, who also won a Best Actor trophy for Toto at the LA Comedy Festival, has established a good relationship with the network and the film platform.

With that and his passion for acting, Sid will continue to make new and engaging roles and entertain audiences. g

Islander’s Creamery: Bringing Filipino...

PAGE 14 combination of flavors when she mixes ingredients from the Philippines with those found in New England.

“So I think of the season when we’re introducing new flavors. If it’s spring, obviously more on the fruity flavors with spring colors. I have a long list of potential flavors,” she shared.

She also looks at the trends in the market like mochi and combines them

with a Filipino element. Sometimes, they get their suggestions from friends and customers.

This year, she introduced new spring flavors: Citrus and Honey (using calamansi and dalandan), Mango, Lychee & Pistachios, and Ube & Oreo.

They have four consistent flavors that have been there and will never disappear from their list: ube, avocado,

Barako Coffee Oreo, Banana Turon, and a Hot Chocolate Cookie Butter soon to join the permanent list.

Santos hopes to continue to grow the market, not just the Filipino market but the non-Filipino market as well, aside from growing their partnership with their retailers. She is encouraged every time they do pop-ups because she sees the big interest in the ice cream flavors their offer. g

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