080323 - Las Vegas Edition

US concerned over Manila Bay reclamation projects tied to Chinese firm

by gaea Katreena cabico Philstar.com

mANILA — the United states government has expressed concerns over the potential environmental impacts and risks to local communities posed by the ongoing reclamation projects in manila Bay, which are linked to a controversial Chinese company. the U.s embassy in manila said that it is in constant communication with the government about the reclamation projects.

“We have expressed concerns about the potential negative longterm and irreversible impacts to the environment, the resilience to natural hazards of manila and nearby areas, and to commerce,” the embassy said in response to a media query on a Bilyonaryo article. environmentalists, scientists, and fishers have long asked the government to halt these projects, citing concerns over the destruction of mangroves, wetlands and marine ecosystems, displacement of coastal communities, and loss

White House seeks greater investment in AAPI mental health care

After anti-Asian hate and violence escalated during the CoVID-19 pandemic, leaders of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) have spent the last few years rallying for greater investment in AAPI mental health and safety.

on thursday, July 21, the White house Initiative on Asian Americans, Native hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WhIAANhPI) led an in-person summit that zeroed in on improving the accessibility and quality of mental health care for the vast AAPI community. the summit comprised several sessions that unpacked the impact of hate crimes, violence, and microaggressions on collective and individual mental health as well as brainstormed ideas on how best to expand access to these communities.

Asian Americans face lower cardiac arrest survival despite equal CPR efforts

A heArtBeAt is just a normal thud—until it becomes abnormal and suddenly stops. If this is the case, it might be cardiac arrest. Just recently, the son of NBA star LeBron James suffered from cardiac arrest but is now in stable condition. Bronny James is only 18 years old, so what are the odds?

You might want to watch out for your carb intake and unhealthy diet as a groundbreaking study reveals that Asian Americans are less likely to survive a cardiac arrest than white people. Cardiac arrest or heart attacks happen when the heart suddenly stops beating. If this occurs, blood will also stop flowing to the rest of the body, which can result in a more severe condition.

of livelihood. there are around 22 reclamation projects in manila Bay, an important fishing ground and a hub of economic activities. Blacklisted firm t he U. s e mbassy also expressed concern about the ties of reclamation projects to the China Communications Construction Company, a firm blacklisted by the U.s. Department of Commerce. Washington sanctioned CCCC for helping the Chinese military con-

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mANILA — After a historic fIfA World Cup stint, the Philippine women’s football team seeks to keep its momentum going into the Asian Games in China in september and the olympic Qualifying tournament in Australia in october.

House panel approves bill on internet voting for OFWs

by John eric Mendoza Inquirer.net

mANILA — the house Committee on suffrage and electoral reforms approved on tuesday, August 1 the proposed overseas Voting Act of 2023 (house Bill No. 6770) that would allow overseas filipino workers (ofWs) to vote via the internet. our ofWs and overseas filipinos, including seafarers, constitute a significant segment of our society, with their economic

contribution and the national honor that they bring to the country, and for the sacrifices they endure while working abroad, leaving their loved ones behind,” ofW party-list rep. marissa magsino, who filed the bill, said in her opening speech. therefore, we owe them the best, possible, convenient, and securements to exercise their right of suffrage as valued compatriots as fellow filipinos,” she added. the bill will amend the overseas Absentee u PAGE 2

PH gov’t tags Teves, 12 others as terrorists

by gaea Katreena cabico Philstar.com

mANILA — the Anti-terrorism Council has designated rep. Arnolfo teves (Negros oriental)—the alleged mastermind in the assassination of governor roel Degamo—as a terrorist. the move allows the Anti-money Laundering Council to investigate and freeze the financial assets and properties of teves— who is believed to be overseas—and members of his alleged armed group. the AtC resolution, which was approved on July 26 but was only released tuesday, August 1, named the suspended lawmaker the leader of the “teves terrorist Group” and also tagged as terrorists his brother, Pryde henry, alleged bagman marvin miranda, and the following:

• Rogelio Antipolo

• Rommel Pattaguan

• Winrich Isturis

• John Louie Gonyon

• Dahniel Lora

• Eulogio Gonyon Jr.

• Tomasino Aledro

• Nigel Electona

• Jomarie Catubay

• Hannah Mae Sumero Onay.

Various groups have raised concerns about the potential abuses of the Antiterrorism Act, saying the law is being used to persecute political opponents and to suppress dissent. more than 35 groups questioned its constitutionality before the supreme Court, but the tribunal left the law virtually untouched in the end. the government told the court during debates that there were safeguards against abuse of the law and that designated persons would have recourse to question their being tagged as terrorists. ferdinand topacio, teves’ lead counsel, said in a statement that the government “has expectedly weaponized the Anti-terror Act by using it for the purpose for which it was not designed.” Killings, harassment in Negros Oriental the AtC alleged that teves and his armed group violated the Anti-terrorism Act,

Buoyed by their precious experience from the World stage in Auckland last week, the filipinas received a warm welcome from their fans during a meet and greet on thursday, August 3 at Adidas Brand Center, Glorietta in makati.

“We’ve been just super hyper-focused on the World Cup and with that over now, we u PAGE 2

Ex-President Duterte fit to be special envoy to China

by charie abarca Inquirer.net

mANILA — the marcos administration should appoint former President rodrigo Duterte as special envoy to China, sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said in an ambush interview on monday, July 31.

Citing the former president’s “good standing” with the Chinese government, Cayetano pointed out that Duterte would be a good for the post.

“If ever we know someone who can go to the highest levels

– Cayetano

of the Chinese government that the Chinese government trusts and the filipino trusts, [it is] President Duterte. But then we have to come out with a strategy that is both comprehensive and that will work in the short and long term,” Cayetano said. Cayetano, who served as secretary of the Department of foreign Affairs chief under the Duterte administration, said that he “never” once saw Duterte compromise and sell out the Philippines despite “gaining the trust” of China.

This file photo taken in 2020 shows then-President Rodrigo Duterte with then-Taguig-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano. Inquirer.net photo

particularly the law’s section 4 for committing terrorism, section 6 for planning, training, preparing and facilitating the commission of terrorism, section 10 for recruitment to and membership in a terrorist organization, and section 12 for providing material support to terrorists.

teves and his lawyers had questioned the basis of the move to tag him as a terrorist, but Justice chief Jesus Crispin remulla had said that he can be designated due to the brazenness of the crime that can “terrorize” others.

the 10-page resolution mentioned the “several killings or harassments” in Negros oriental, including the march 4 bloodbath that killed Degamo and nine others. teves denied any involvement in the killing of Degamo.

the council said that such acts showed “an unmistakeable pattern of a rather organized and orchestrated action” and were “meticulously and deliberately

planned and executed for the purpose of intimidating the residents of Negros oriental as well as to create an atmosphere or spread a message of fear.”

these acts are also designed to influence by intimidation the local population and government of Negros oriental to seriously undermine public safety and to ensure that Cong. teves Jr. and his group could continue and expand their reign of terror in the guise of political leadership,” the AtC said.

‘Independent proceeding’

In a briefing tuesday, the DoJ stressed that the designation of teves as a terrorist is an independent proceeding from the preliminary investigation into the multiple murder complaints filed against him. the lawmaker earlier asked the DoJ to dismiss the murder complaints, which have been submitted for resolution.

“Preliminary investigation is a prelude to the criminal action of the court if there’s an indictment. Designation can come first,

or it can come after,” Justice Undersecretary Nicholas felix ty said.

“Under the procedure laid down by law and by its implementing rules and guidelines, we’re not required to hear from respondents. that’s not the case with preliminary investigations where respondents have a right to be heard,” he added.

the DoJ declined to disclose the government’s next steps following the designation of teves and his alleged armed group.

teves, citing fears for his life, refuses to return to the Philippines. so far, no warrant of arrest has been issued against him.

the AtC also designated two individuals affiliated with the maute group as terrorists.

“the designation of the maute group and the teves terrorist group is a significant stride toward addressing the proliferation and emergence of private armed groups within the nation,” DoJ spokesperson mico Clavano said. n

US concerned over Manila Bay...

struct and militarize artificial islands in the south China sea, including areas that the Philippines refers to as the West Philippine sea. the embassy added that the firm has been cited by the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank “for engaging in fraudulent business practices.” the CCCC is behind the samal Island-Davao City Connector project, and the North and south harbor Bridge. During a meeting with President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. early this year, the company proposed to build a highway project connecting Laoag City in Ilocos Norte and rosario in La Union.

"We continue to support high

quality, sustainable, and transparent investments to benefit the filipino people and will continue to engage with the appropriate authorities on this matter," the U.s embassy said.

Cumulative impact assessment

In response to the U.s embassy’s statement, environment secretary maria Antonia Loyzaga said the agency will assess the cumulative impacts of reclamation activities in manila Bay.

“We’re now assembling the team that would be doing the cumulative impact assessment so we started talking to different scientists,” Loyzaga said in a Palace briefing

Wednesday, August 2. she noted that the manila Bay sustainable Development master

Plan crafted by the previous administration will serve as a reference for the assessment. the master plan was envisioned to guide decision makers in the assessment and approval of programs and projects (PAPs) for implementation in the manila Bay and in adjacent areas with significant influence on the bay. “reclamation has a certain value in terms of economy. however, we need to do the cost benefit analysis in terms of impacts to geology and longer term impacts in terms of what could result from climate change,” Loyzaga said. the DeNr chief earlier said the agency is monitoring the compliance of reclamation projects that are under construction. n

Filipinas eager to carry World Cup...

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still have two tournaments going on this year — we have Asian Games and olympic qualifiers,” said Goal Keeper olivia mcDaniel. “As a team, we’re gonna refocus and start from there and look forward to those two important tournaments coming up.”

the Philippines is slated in Pool e in the Asian Games in hangzhou from september 19 to october 7 where it will face south Korea, hong Kong, and myanmar.

In the olympic qualifying tournament for Paris Games 2024, the filipinas will be taking on host Australia, Chinese taipei, and Iran in Group A in Perth starting on october 26. Alicia Barker vows that the team won’t stop after making

history in the Women’s World Cup, where the filipinas lost their opening game against switzerland, 2-0, before bouncing back with a historic 1-0 win over host New Zealand from the goal of sarina Bolden and the big saves by mcDaniel. they crashed out of the competition after getting dominated by Norway 6-0 in the group stage.

“I think obviously we want to perform well at any competition that they go to and I don’t think that will change when the World Cup is done. And really, once we’re done, acknowledging all the media, all the fans. And we’re right going back to work. that really changes the sense of that mentality,” said Barker.

tinue working for the next two major tournaments.

“I think it has pushed me even more and I like getting more experience to play so just with these girls and train every day. It has made me a better player. I think it shows me how much I need more to grow just because I am so young. so, I’m excited to see where the future takes me,” she added. After experiencing a historic competition, Katrina Guillou said the team remains eager to qualify again for the 2027 fifa Women’s world cup

Ex-President Duterte fit to be special envoy...

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“I have never seen President Duterte compromise and sell the Philippines. his eloquent mouth is different and he speaks differently, but he never sold out and he will never sell out the Philippines,” Cayetano said in filipino.

Despite this, Cateyano stressed that Duterte should

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Voting Act of 2003 (republic Act No. 9189). the counterpart proposal is senate Bill No. 172 filed by sen. francis tolentino.

Citing data from the Commission on elections (Comelec), magsino said that only 1.69 million of around 12 million ofW voters registered for the 2022 elections,

Barker said the team will con-

likewise stated that he was “amenable to coming up with a strongly-worded measure that expresses the senate’s outrage against Chinese incursions.”

“It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience but I think now, when we got a taste of it, we’re raring to get back in four years,” Guillou said. n only be tapped during urgent and emergency negotiations as he might no longer have the stamina for the constant backand-forth trips to Beijing.

Cayetano, who earlier questioned sen. risa hontiveros’ resolution seeking to raise China’s aggressions in the West Philippine sea before the United Nations General Assembly,

But he pointed out that this should not be done in a breeze, stressing the need to explore many options before taking decisive action on the controversy. n

House panel approves bill on internet voting...

and of the registered voters, only around 600,000 cast their votes.

Comelec Chairman George erwin Garcia said he would support the bill as it could improve voter turnout in the next elections.

he pointed out that 700,000 of 1.69 million voters failed to cast their ballot for two consecutive elections, which would lead to

voters’ deactivation. he also stressed that the Comelec spent P470 million on overseas voting — almost P400 per registered voter. “We spend that much, only to have that 38 to 39 percent voter turnout,” Garcia said. “maybe we could avail other modes of voting, which is internet voting.” n

Domestic workers are America’s most undervalued resource

by Sunita SohrabJi Ethnic Media Services

BUrBANK — Domestic workers in the U.s. are underpaid and over-utilized, but are largely exempt from protection by labor laws, said Ai-Jen Poo, President of National Domestic Workers Alliance. the well-known labor rights activist is currently heading up a campaign to pass the National Domestic Workers Bill of rights. the bill was introduced in the house by rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Washington, and in the senate by sens. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, and Ben Lujan, D-New mexico.

In April, the NDWA — in collaboration with the Care Can’t Wait coalition — won a major victory: President Joe Biden issued 50 executive orders directed at improving care and protections for domestic workers. April has been designated Care Workers recognition month.

“Across America, care workers help raise our children, assist seniors as they age with dignity, and support people with disabili-

ties, giving families peace of mind and making it possible for millions of Americans to earn a paycheck while their loved ones are safe and secure,” said Biden in a statement announcing the executive orders. these unsung heroes strengthen our communities and form the backbone of our nation’s economy.”

Low pay, no sick leave the president noted that domestic workers are among the lowest paid workers in the Us economy, and often juggle multiple jobs while struggling to care for their own households.

family care givers are especially overstretched,” said Poo July 19, speaking at the scan foundation’s first Advancing health equity in Aging summit. “other countries have a social safety net. We use workers to take care of our families, but they are grossly underpaid, have no sick time, and sometimes no days off,” she said.

“We have worked to make childcare and elder care good paying jobs, with access to medical leave and paid time off. the progress has been slow and incremental,”

said Poo. Domestic Workers Bill of rights Poo has worked on labor rights issues since 1996, and was the 2014 recipient of a macArthur fellowship, also known as a “Genius Grant.” the NDWA was established in 2007. It achieved its first victory three years later, when the state of New York passed the nation’s first-ever Domestic Workers Bill of rights. the new law provided comprehensive employment benefits to domestic workers, including overtime pay, paid vacation, sick time, and health insurance coverage. the legislation was revised in 2021 to add additional protections including provisions for undocumented workers, who often face wage theft by their employers. In New York, domestic workers are defined as full-time nannies, au pairs, housekeepers, and the caretakers of elderly people.

The value of stories

Poo spoke about the power of hearing directly from people she hoped to impact. “When we first

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Fil-Am teen wins lone gold for US in savate kickboxing

by Cherie M. Querol Moreno Inquirer.net

A soUtherN California teen stunned herself, her family and her coach by bagging the gold medal at the savate Boxing Youth World Championships June 22-24 in Podcetrtek, slovenia.

fourteen-year-old Logan elle Diño, who is of filipino Vietnamese parentage, literally kickstarted her way to sports celebrity status by winning the first and only U.s. gold in the competition. her team was the first ever to represent the United states in the ages 13-17 class, making history all around.

“We were in disbelief when the referee raised Logan’s arm,” the champ’s father max Diño proudly told INQUIrer.net weeks later.

“It was an amazing moment for everyone. her Lola (paternal grandmother emma Palomar Dino) is probably her biggest fan and is extremely proud of her. she shared the good news with all her

friends.” they have not had their official victory party yet, says max, who anticipates “a big family gathering (where) we’ll have all the Lolos, Lolas, Titos, Titas, and cousins over. then we’ll celebrate.”

A firefighter and paramedic with the Los Angeles fire Department, max jubilantly recalled the joyful surprise ending to Logan’s threeday contest: the U.s. team lost all their fights the first day. morale was pretty down. on the second day we lost all our fights until the last fight when (teammate) sienna mcCord won. We were so excited! on the last day Logan won and sienna lost. Logan got gold and sienna got silver. those were the only two medals the U.s. won.” held every two years, the competition welcomes fighters from france, Croatia, Italy, serbia, Ukraine, Austria, Great Britain, Canada, and Ireland, adds max, who is also in tactical emergency medical support for LAPD sWAt

White House seeks greater investment in AAPI...

“Asian Americans, Native hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders face unique barriers to behavioral health care, and today’s summit is a critical step in destigmatizing psychological needs, improving health outcomes, and expanding access to quality, affordable mental health services for our communities,” said Krystal Ka‘ai, executive Director of the WhIAANhPI.

“As filipinos, we were taught and raised to keep up a good face,” mendoza said. “Put on a good front and save face and no matter what, shut up, and don’t tell anyone about any challenges going on because that’s a reflection of weakness.”

duce the stigma and raise awareness of mental health issues.”

Humble start the french version of kickboxing called savate (suhvaht) is little known here unlike in europe, where it was believed to have evolved in the 1700s as a form of street fighting in the streets of Paris and as stretch exercises that kept sailors physically fit during long voyages aboard french ships, according to U.s savate federation. Its modern version was developed by frenchman michel Casseux and later by Charles Lecour, who combined kicks with punches typical of english boxing in his self-defense studio.

from its humble beginnings the sport drew the interest of the nobility, eventually being regulated in the 1900s. savate earned legitimacy as a combat sport when it was included in the 1924 olympics, its first and last time at the quadrennial international multi-sports tournament. seventy years later

Ka’ai also acknowledged the importance of disaggregated data and research, noting the vast diversity among AAPIs. the AAPI community comprises nearly 23 million individuals with more than 40 unique ethnicities — and dozens of dialects, religious ideologies, immigration patterns, and socioeconomic statuses.

Information about the communities that exist under the AAPI label is often aggregated, and treated, as a monolithic group. Because of this, the solutions for these communities are often too broad and don’t recognize the individual issues within each culture.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, many communities that exist within the AAPI umbrella have historically stigmatized mental disorders and seeking professional counseling and intervention.

Among filipinos, that stigma has prevented countless individuals from simply acknowledging severe mental strife. In 2018, Lea mendoza, a filipina licensed marriage and family therapist based in orange County, told the Asian Journal that filipinos often refuse professional behavioral health out of pride.

she added that many filipino parents of struggling children often prioritize how others will perceive their parenting skills, saying “it’s always about ‘oh, what are people going to think about me,’ but it’s never about, ‘oh, my poor child, how can I help my child?’”

though the summit continued the necessary conversation about expanding and improving the behavioral health structure to better serve members of AAPI communities, specific and tangible solutions have yet to be implemented across cities with high concentrations of AAPIs.

In other words, it’s up to local and state legislators to partner with mental health organizations and advocacy groups to increase outreach and accessibility — which is what lawmakers in Washington have been pushing for for years.

this summit comes months after Democrats reintroduced the stop mental health stigma in our Communities Act, a piece of legislation directing the U.s. Dept. of health and human services to provide resources for and assist local youth advocacy and mental health organizations.

rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) first introduced that bill in 2016. she said, “As the only psychologist currently serving in Congress, I know how critical it is to remove the barriers attached to seeking mental health care as well as re-

In Chu’s reintroduction, she and other co-signers of the bill, pointed to studies conducted that illuminated the reality of Asian America’s mental health problem. Data from the CDC found that suicide was the leading cause of death of 10- to 24-year-old AAPIs from 2018 to 2020 — AAPIs were the only racial group wherein this was the case. over the last two years, various nonprofits and research institutes have surveyed the effects of anti-Asian hate among those within the greater AAPI community.

A survey from the global thinktank Coqual from January found that, of the 820 participants, 62% of AAPI professionals believe they are less safe traveling to and from work — several well-known incidents of anti-Asian violence occurred while victims were taking public transportation to or from work. that survey also found that one in three Asians feel that their work relationships with coworkers and superiors were “negatively impacted by the ongoing violence.” moreover, only 26% of those same participants from the Coqual study reported feeling reassured that their workplace is actively working toward racial equity.

Another survey from 2021 found that, among 1,697 AAPI university students across dozens of American colleges and universities, more than 25% reported experiencing discrimination related to CoVID-19. Additionally, two-thirds of these students identified at least one mental health condition that they’re managing. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

2ND ALARM. The water level at the Marikina River rises to 16 meters (second alarm) as of 4 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3. This prompted Marikina’s city government to advise residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas to evacuate. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Fil-Am teen wins lone gold for US...

across the Atlantic, the U.s savate federation was founded. Its current president is JoAnn Wabsica, Logan’s head coach along with ed monaghan. the name comes from the french word for “shoe” or the spanish “zapato” because of the boots worn in competition along with gloves. While boxing and karate both use belt colors to signify rankings, savate uses glove colors, though fighters may use the same glove colors through a promotion. Beginners, however, start with colorless gloves. Logan prefers black but wears brown gloves, per max. Also known as “boxe Francaise,” graceful movements, high kicks and open-hand strikes define the sport’s moves. If the description sounds familiar, it’s because savate actually comprises the balletic fluidity of motion which sets the legendary Bruce Lee apart from martial artists of his time. Indeed, the “dragon” himself incorporated savate techniques in his Jeet Kune Do style as have many practitioners of mixed martial arts today.

Diño’s expertise coincidentally burst onto the global stage at the same time Bruce Lee loyalists commemorated his 50th death anniversary, adding wattage to her achievement and underscoring Lee’s enduring influence on martial arts.

Lee’s fellow California native and young champion disciple admires his “very sharp, clean movements and forms” but also looks up to him as a “great philosopher” whose maxim “Be water, my friend” she says “resonates the most” with her. she learned the exhortation at her gym, ekata martial Arts in santa Clarita, and explains it thus: “to be like water is to adapt to your circumstances. Water flows around obstacles, may it be a rock in a river or a boat in the ocean. Water also changes shape when put into an object such as a cup or a bowl. When a tough situation arises, we can simply move around it or change so we can conquer the problem.”

the ethic is something she shares with her father and is reflected in their slovenia experience. Knowing how well she had trained, he was happy and proud just to see her exhibit her skills and courage, he says, but neither pressured her nor took for granted that she would win.

Family feat

Logan’s feat is her family’s too. max and his wife, susan (Lee) are both athletic.

While in college max took up Jeet Kune Do and muay thai for fun and fitness, not for competition and definitely not to hurt people, he stresses. he touts susan, a program manager with a tech company, as a world record-

holder power lifter. As new parents, they had concurred that their firstborn should learn to defend herself (son rayden was born three years later). At the age of 4, Logan began martial arts training. At first she almost quit, Dad shared something common among tots that prodded them to give Logan a break.

But there was no turning back when she returned to the ring later. At 8 she embraced savate and at 11 when she took to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. she had barely marked her 14th birthday when she earned her junior black belt in Xuan tong Gung fu, says her father, who considers training in said various martial arts “a good balance.”

Diverse, describes the interests of Logan, who will be in 10th grade at Canyon high school in the fall. savate, she told her dad, ranks “somewhere in the middle” between her priorities – reading, art and video games followed by puzzles and Lego and ukulele. she definitely benefits from the personalized one-on-one training we do together,” max says of the extra training with him as having contributed to her success. “I just reinforce what she learns in class and try to improve her physical conditioning. I try to help her in whatever way I can. sometimes I’m just her punching bag!”

max may be Logan’s supplemental coach, but he is no stage dad. he would support Logan and rayden in whatever they aspire to do or become down the road. In fact he says he wouldn’t want Logan to go into professional fighting because of the potential for injury “particularly brain trauma.”

Logan seems to share the sentiment. While she values her creative and athletic activities, she told Inquirer.net that she is proudest of her academic achievements, particularly her NAsA award for excellence in math. further into the future, she envisions college at UCLA as a path to the medical profession. that would definitely call for a fiesta led by her Lola emma and Lolo ricardo Diño, a retired diplomat from Bicol, who planted their roots in this country in the 1980s when max was an infant. these days they’re content to be the de facto pep squad, cheering the many and various accomplishments of the American generation of their family. n

Asian Americans face lower cardiac...

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this new study published in the Journal of American heart Association found alarming disparities in the cardiac arrest survival rates of Asian and white adults in the U.s A team of researchers evaluated nearly 279,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests, and the results were astonishing: Asian adults are eight percent less likely to survive a heart attack and have a fifteen percent lower chance of having stable mental outcomes compared to adult Caucasians.

According to Dr. Paul Chan, professor of medicine at st. Luke’s mid-America heart Institute and the University of mis-

souri-Kansas City and researcher, the bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPr) is normally a determinant of survival following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

The uncertainties he concluded, “It is not entirely clear what may be driving the lower survival rate among Asian adults.”

Dr. Chan also shared that they are expecting lower rates of bystander CPr among Asian adults due to the wide array of skin colors within the Asian group.

But the data surprised them. “It is quite encouraging that bystander CPr rates for Asian adults were comparable to white adults,” Dr. Chan said.

these offer a glimmer of hope, but Dr. Joseph Wu, volunteer president of the American heart Association and director of the stanford Cardiovascular Institute, emphasized that further research is needed to uncover the reasons for the disparity. the overall analysis indicates additional research is needed to better understand the gap in CPr survival and neurological outcomes among Asian adults after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.” Although the study’s result is something that shouldn’t be ignored, there’s still room for more investigation based on the disparities. (Mary Villegas/inquirer. net)

Domestic workers are America’s most...

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set out to rewrite labor laws in New York, we realized we had to ask domestic workers what they really needed.” the NDWA set up a conference, reaching out to potential attendees at churches, parks, and other venues. “We listened to each one of them for hours,” she said, noting “there were interpreters in seven languages.” “Listening to people really helped us win. You have to engage with people who have the most at stake.” Poo shared her credo: “Listen to learn, not confirm.” State legislation 10 states have now adopted legislation to protect domestic work-

ers. California passed AB 241 in 2013, granting, in part, overtime pay to domestic workers at one and a half times their regular rate of pay for any hours worked in excess of nine hours in a day or in excess of 45 hours in a week.

Connecticut, hawaii, Illinois, massachusetts, Nevada, New mexico, oregon, and Virginia also have some version of a Domestic Workers rights Bill. And three cities have also passed similar legislation: Philadelphia, Chicago, and seattle. Philadelphia’s law is considered the strictest in the nation, requiring a written contract with a description of duties, along with rest breaks and meal breaks, as well as paid time off.

Disability care the attempts to establish such legislation have received pushback from organizations supporting differently-abled people. “raising the minimum wage for personal attendants without raising medicaid resources meant that many people would lose access to their care providers. People couldn’t afford care,” explained Poo. she stressed the need to expand financial resources to the disabled community. so many false choices trap us,” said Poo. “We need to find the emotional truth.” our biggest challenge is making people understand that change is possible,” she said. “I can’t believe how far we’ve come.” n

VOTERS’ LIST. Dabawenyos check their names on the voters’ list posted outside the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office located at Magsaysay Park in Davao City on Thursday, Aug. 3. Young voters were seen making sure that they could vote in the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan and Barangay elections on Oct. 30, 2023. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

America’s biggest union federation recognizes Philippine labor movement with human rights award

by Mary ViLLegaS Inquirer.net

the Philippine labor movement, which includes the trade Union Congress of the Philippines ( t UCP), just scored a major distinction that’s got the whole filipino and filipino American community proud.

Presented by the American federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial organizations (AfLCIo), the 2023 meany-Kirkland human rights Award shines a spotlight on the brave filipino workers and their fight for freedom of association and the right to organize.

“Amidst the dangerous reality, the Philippine labor movement continues to organize, build power, and fight for the rights of workers across their country. In the face of threats to their own lives, our union brothers, sisters, and siblings in the Philippines continue to garner global support for their campaign of resistance. In their unrelenting fight for freedoms, the Philippine labor movement is also helping to resist the rollback of democratic values being carried out by tyrannical governments around the world,” reads the AfLCIo statement.

What the George meany-Lane Kirkland human rights Award entails the honorary award is named after the first two presidents of A f L-CI o , which has a long tradition of recognizing remarkable

contributions to human rights advocacy through trade unions.

And it is no small feat either with its lineup of previous recipients:

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio

“Lula” da silva, former UN special rapporteur maina Kiai, and former president of Poland Lech Wałsa.

“With the George m eany–Lane Kirkland h uman r ights Award, the AfL-CIo recognizes the Philippine labor movement for its dedication and courage,” the statement continues. “We are committed to supporting our filipino partners toward and beyond the day when workers and their unions in the Philippines can exercise their rights free of threats and intimidation.”

In January 2023, the International Labour organization (ILo) high-Level tripartite mission (hLtm) issued recommendations to address the anti-union violence, political profiling, impunity, and lack of progress in upholding labor rights and standards in the Philippines.

And the tUCP isn’t just waiting for things to happen—they’re calling for action, especially the Department of Labor and employment, to give solutions on the issue.

After all, improving labor rights isn’t just good for workers, it’s also beneficial for the economy. ensuring worker rights, better working conditions, fair pay and standards can boost productivity, which impacts economic growth.

At the end of the day, this award

Comelec eyes to complete funding before May 2025 polls

m ANILA – A Commission on elections (Comelec) official said on thursday, August 3 they hope to complete the necessary budgetary requirements before the holding of the m ay 2025 elections.

t his came after the poll body's 2024 proposed budget was slashed from P h P43.71 billion to PhP27.10 billion, under the proposed PhP5.678-trillion 2024 National e xpenditure Program (N e P) submitted by the Department of Budget and m anagement to the h ouse of representatives on Wednesday.

"While this 2024 budget figure may not cover the total budgetary requirements for the may 2025 National and Local e lections (NLe), we are expecting that the remainder of the said NLe fund requirements will be budgeted for fY 2025 and released in time for the last phase of preparations, which is on the 1st quarter of 2025 itself, and this without further delay,” Comelec spokesperson John rex Laudiangco said in a Viber message to reporters.

Laudiangco said given the reduction of its 2024 proposed budget, the Comelec may procure on a "lot basis," particularly for the components of its target automated election system (Aes), depending on the availability of fund allotment.

“At any rate, while most of the components thereof are bundled, the same is clustered naman po, and we could proceed to procure such on a lot basis, with the completion of payments being in time for the 2025 budgeting and release," he said.

Laudiangco told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that the automated counting machines (AC m s) and consumables, including secure digital cards, ballot paper, marking pens, modem, external battery and iButton if still necessary, would

Gov’t must file petition for recognition of Hague ruling — Sen. Escudero

mANILA – senator francis escudero on thursday, August 3 said the government should file a petition before the supreme Court (sC) to recognize the 2016 hague ruling to prevent future administrations from trying to amend the country’s victory over China.

In a media briefing, escudero suggested that the government file a “special Action for recognition of foreign Judgment” before the high Court to formally recognize the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) as part of the law of the land.

t he Arbitral r uling in 2016 bolstered the government’s territorial claim as it invalidated China's nine-dash line that claims nearly the entirety of the south China sea. the government, through the solicitor-General, should initiate the filing of the petition on recognition of foreign judgment before the sC, escudero said.

“the recognition of foreign judgment should be led by the solicitor General as an official lawyer of the government,” he said.

escudero said his suggestion could be one of the options in giving flesh to the intentions of senate resolution 718, which condemned China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine sea and urged the Philippine Government to “take appropriate action in asserting and securing the Philippines' sovereign rights over its exclusive economic zone (eeZ).” the high Court’s recognition of the Arbitral ruling could be a better alternative instead of bringing the matter before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which, he noted, has its own disadvantages.

file photo

family Code that ”allows recognition of a foreign divorce obtained by the foreigner spouse abroad.” he said if the sC decides that it recognizes the arbitral ruling then that will become part of the country’s law even if Congress did not pass any measure related to this, and that the said portion could not be altered or revisited.

“the Constitution is part of the law of the land. t he Constitution says all decisions, final and executory of the Court, whether it be the higher or lower court, shall form part of the law of the land,” he said. escudero admitted that he would not have signed the senate resolution on the West Philippine sea if his colleagues insisted on bringing the issue to the UNGA.

is no ordinary trophy—it is a symbol of strength, determination, and unity for everyone in the Philippine labor movement. n

In pushing for the “special Action for recognition of foreign Judgment”, escudero admitted that the Philippines have no case similar to the arbitral ruling but pointed out a parallel analogy on Article 26 ng

he added that he already discussed this proposal to senate minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III and sen. risa hontiveros before the approval of the resolution last August 1. (PNA)

constitute one lot.

h e said other lots include transmission services, Internet voting services and international end-to-end certification.

“And as stated by the Comelec Chairman (George erwin Garcia) po, instead of adding support staff for the benefit of the electoral boards, we will have to reduce. Another will be to cluster a greater number of voters, perhaps maximizing to a thousand per clustered precinct, instead of just 800,” Laudiangco said.

h e said training and Department of s cience and technology certification may also be delayed to 2025.

“We can only delay the procurement for so much under the procurement short of award allowed under the rules. But what is imperative here is for the Comelec to receive the funding required for the further modernization of the elections in 2025,” he added.

Garcia said the poll body may resort to reducing support staff.

"Kailangan po kami magtanggal ng ilang items para makatipid. tulad halimbawa po ng support staff ng bawat presinto o pagpapadami ng botante bawat presinto para hindi ganung kadami ang machines na rentahan ng Comelec kasama ang iba pang collaterals (We need to remove some items to save. for example, [the reduction] of support staff per precinct or increasing the voters in each precinct so the Comelec will not have to rent that many machines and other collaterals)," he said.

Comelec earlier disclosed targets to replace the 97,000 vote counting machines with AC m s through its proposed f ully Automated s ystem with transparency, Audit and Count ( fA strAC) for the 2025 polls. (PNA)

Senator Francis Escudero PNA

Another Pasig rehab

FORMER Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos liked to reminisce about the days when he could swim in the Pasig River. Before motor vehicles became ubiquitous, the river was widely used for passenger and cargo transport. By the time Ramos assumed the presidency, however, the river had become a dumping ground for garbage, industrial effluvia, and even aborted fetuses and the corpses of murder victims. The stench from the river made people avoid it for mass transportation.

Almost every administration has pursued some form of campaign to revive the Pasig river. success has been spotty, with progress depending on the person in charge of the program. Cleaning up the river gained headway during the ramos administration when the effort was led by then first lady Amelita ramos, and then in the early stages of the Duterte administration when the campaign was spearheaded by his first environment secretary, Gina Lopez. Duterte, however, also “disestablished” the Pasig river rehabilitation Commission, created during the short-lived estrada presidency.

Editorial

In the current administration, President marcos has revived the initiative, with the creation of an “Inter-Agency Council for the Pasig river Urban Development.” Constituted by virtue of executive order No. 35 that was issued last week, the council

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

there’s a popular idiom that goes, “the heat is on,” referring to a serious situation that needs urgent action.

Well, we are now literally experiencing “hell on earth” with the heat now on in the United states – extreme heat temperatures being experienced from coast to coast for days on end. triple-digit temperatures have been afflicting massive parts of the U.s. particularly in Phoenix, Arizona that saw temperatures rising to over 110 degrees fahrenheit or 43.3 degrees Celsius for almost the entire month of July. Washington has not been spared, with the heat index reaching 110 degrees fahrenheit last friday, July 28, according to the National Weather service. An increasing number of heatrelated deaths have also been reported, as the “hellish heat” could also trigger cardiovascular disease and put undue strain on the kidneys and liver. Calling

Just Thinking

oN the fourth monday of July, there was an elephant in the room.

Amidst the glitz and pomp of the state of the Nation Address (soNA), a glaring omission loomed large. A weighty matter of international importance seemed deliberately brushed aside, tucked away in the recesses of President marcos’ speech. It was a telling silence. A strategic avoidance that could not go unnoticed.

Justice advocates awaited with bated breath. What did the president have to say on the recent decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC)? recall: Just last week, the ICC dismissed the marcos administration’s appeal and authorized the resumption of the office of the Prosecutor’s investigation in the situation in the Philippines. much like in the year prior, mr. marcos concluded his sona assuring the filipino people that the “state of the nation is sound.”

Yet much like the years past, to the human rights advocates, all that was heard was the sound of silence. mr. marcos had only choice

is tasked, among other things, to enforce easement rules along the Pasig riverbanks. this will include the relocation of informal settlers and elimination of illegal structures. the now abolished Pasig river rehabilitation Commission was tasked to restore the river to its “historically pristine condition conducive to transport, recreation and tourism.” the failure to carry out this mandate is evident in the shutdown of several private and governmentoperated ferry services, due to the proliferation of water lilies and the river pollution that turned off passengers. the river cleanup, however, was intensified, with regular clearing of water lilies. In December 2019, the Pasig river ferry service was relaunched by the metropolitan manila Development Authority. But the CoVID lockdowns interrupted the service. In the latest rehabilitation effort, the government

the extreme heat as the number one weather-related killer in the U.s. according to federal data, President Biden noted that even the places that are already used to extreme heat have “never seen it as hot as it is now for as long as it has been,” and that “even those who deny that we’re in the midst of a climate crisis can’t deny the impact the extreme heat is having on Americans.”

And it’s not only the United states that has been suffering extreme heat conditions. In Italy and nearby countries, the situation is described by climate experts as like a “giant pizza oven.” since last year, the UK has been going through record-breaking temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius, with warnings that the heat could become even more brutal.

According to climate scientists, July 2023 is on track to be the hottest month on record, prompting UN secretary-General Antonio Guterres to warn that “humanity is in the hot seat” and that the “era of global warming has ended; the era of global boiling has arrived.”

words on the drug war. With wellcrafted words, he spun a narrative of transformation, presenting a seemingly gentler approach to the notorious campaign he inherited. he declared that “the campaign against illegal drugs continues—but it has taken on a new face.” Deviating from the visceral and vicious slant of the previous administration, he claims that the drug war “is now geared toward communitybased treatment, rehabilitation, education, and reintegration, to curb drug dependence among our affected citizenry.” he continues: “We will relentlessly continue our fight against drug syndicates, shutting down their illegal activities, and dismantling their network of operations.”

While dubious in practice, the policies mr. marcos speaks of—in principle—gives former President rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs a much needed facelift. Indeed, seven years into Command memorandum Circular (CmC) No. 16-2016, the term “drug war” has grown synonymous with “oplan Tokhang.” But recall, CmC 16-2016 isn’t called “Project Double Barrel” for nothing. the Philippine National Police acted through two prongs: (i) the “oplan hVt” (“Upper Barrel Approach”) directed at high-value targets, and (ii) the “oplan Tokhang” (“Lower Barrel

ManilaTimes.net photo aims not only to continue cleaning up the river, but also to improve liveability along the riverfront communities. this is an ambitious goal that will require enormous resources and multisectoral cooperation. It will also require sustained

commitment from the government. merely laying the groundwork for the envisioned riverside urban development, which will be difficult to roll back in succeeding administrations, will be achievement enough. (Philstar.com)

is on; when it rains, it pours

But while the heat is on across three continents – North America, europe and certain parts of Asia – people in many other places are experiencing firsthand the painful truth to the saying that “when it rains, it pours.” this is what happened to the Philippines with Northern Luzon, the Visayas and parts of mindanao battered by super typhoon egay (international name: Doksuri) over the week, causing massive flooding that displaced hundreds of thousands of people. several provinces have been placed under a state of calamity, with Abra among the most affected with damaged crops, livestock and homes that have yet to be restored from the impact of the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the province in July last year.

It’s very clear that the changing weather patterns are caused by climate change, intensifying the severity of cyclones, hurricanes and typhoons that increase the frequency of flooding, worsening droughts and creating conditions that stoke and prolong wildfires.

What is happening should serve as a reality check especially for major countries – particularly the United states and China since they are obviously the world’s biggest emitters of greenhouse gases that are causing global temperatures to rise – on the life-threatening impact of climate change.

the world is grateful President Biden has reversed the withdrawal of the U.s. from the 2016 Paris climate pact almost immediately after he assumed office. We are glad to see China is now more open to talks about climate change considering they, too, are feeling the impact, described as “profound” by an official of China’s National Climate Center, with the “extreme weather and climate events” occurring frequently, affecting “a wide range of areas and causing severe disasters.”

People are also encouraged by the recent video call between U.s special Presidential envoy for Climate John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua following their faceto-face meeting in Beijing two weeks ago, with both agreeing to strengthen dialogue and

promote global cooperation on the climate agenda.

As UN secretary-General

Guterres said, climate change is terrifying, but “it is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius and avoid the very worst of climate change. But only with dramatic, immediate climate action.”

No doubt the upcoming 2023 UN Climate Change Conference or CoP28 in Dubai will be crucial, with people looking upon the world’s leaders to attend and act decisively and deliver on their commitments. President marcos has indicated he will attend the conference.

PBBm clearly sees the impact of climate change, especially with the Philippines being one of the most vulnerable countries worldwide.

We are all aware it took the cooperation of the whole world to fight the pandemic that practically closed the world for over two years. scientists have warned that the next one could be even worse and vaccines may not even work.

People are already suffering, the world is beginning to feel like “hell on earth” and yet here

we are engaged in territorial disputes that could escalate tensions and trigger a war –the likes of which the world has never seen before because of nuclear weapons that could wipe all of us out. With all the natural disasters and calamities that we are seeing and experiencing, we are indeed beginning to think “the end is near.” time is running out but the world never seems to learn, with people repeating the same mistakes, refusing to change their ways and continuing with activities that will inevitably destroy planet earth. With all these things happening on this earth, it seems the vision of billionaires elon musk and Jeff Bezos are indeed “out of this world” when they see the future lying in space, with people migrating to outer space, making it man’s new home. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

Marcos Jr. drug war: New face just a façade

Approach”) aimed at streetlevel personalities. “Tokhang” is a portmanteau of words “toktok” (knock) and “hangyo” (plead); referring to the house visits conducted by the PNP to “urge” the surrender of “drug personalities”—the term of art for street drug peddlers and users. though “Project Double Barrel” contemplates a twotiered approach, history shows that the PNP has targeted mostly underprivileged communities through the “oplan Tokhang.” By the end of Duterte’s term, the body count stood at an estimated 30,000, most of them small-time drug peddlers and slum-dwelling users, and a fifth of them openly killed in police operations. It is for this reason that the “oplan Tokhang” has become synonymous with the extrajudicial killings in the war on drugs.

Now, mr. marcos speaks of shifting the focus from the drug user to the drug syndicate. In this way, he attempts to distance himself from the shadows of the Dutertian past. more than a minor tweak to Duterte’s deterrent approach—criminologically speaking, by focusing on the punishment of lawbreakers— the marcosian promise now sings to the tune of rehabilitative justice. however, this new face is but a façade. In a study by the

University of the Philippines’ third World studies Center, the Dahas project has recorded at least 342 drug-related killings within mr. marcos’ first year as president—including 115 killed during the PNP’s anti-illegal drug operations. he presents to us a thin veil, barely hiding the truth. Indeed, chilling realities that lie beneath the surface. the oplan Tokhang’s” legacy is one of extrajudicial killings and a climate of fear that continues to haunt the nation.

While the marcos administration has announced that it would no longer engage with the ICC, clearly it is still playing ball with the court of law. It is playing both sides, signaling to the one camp that it will not recognize the international tribunal’s jurisdiction and exercise thereof, yet in that same breath gesticulate its departure from Duterte and its compliance with international standards. Indeed, somewhere in his sona, mr. marcos even managed to plug in something of a faint semblance of accountability by indicating that “unscrupulous law enforcers and others involved in the highly nefarious drug trade have been exposed” and will resign. though on closer scrutiny, he himself reveals this administrative measure is imposed not for drug war-related crimes, but for “corruption or

incompetence in government.”

mr. marcos should be wary:

If he does not tread carefully, the drug war will no longer be only Duterte’s but his own. And though the Philippines has withdrawn from the rome statute, history shows, as I am sure, mr. marcos and his advisors are aware, that there is no situation beyond international accountability. Whether it be through the United Nations security Council-made tribunals like in the former Yugoslavia and rwanada, or through Article 12(3) of the rome statute which

may give the ICC jurisdiction over crimes committed even after the Philippines’ withdrawal— all these serve as a staunch reminder to the president that it remains well within his interest to distance himself from Duterte and the Dutertian drug war. (inquirer.net)

* *

*

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

* * * thinkjustly@gmail.com

The heat

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang photo

‘Typhoon damage on economy not substantial’

niña Myka Pauline arCeo ManilaTimes.net

the economy remained stable despite the damage inflicted on the country by several typhoons, s ocioeconomic Planning

secretary Arsenio Balisacan said.

the thing is this June, July, and August is not really the harvest season in many parts of the country for basic agricultural products, so I think that the damage is not that substantial," Balisacan said in an interview on Wednesday, August 2.

"We do hope that the impact, especially in agriculture, is not as bad as compared to other episodes of monsoon rains in the past," Balisacan said.

the Department of Agriculture (DA) said damage and losses in

the agricultural and fishery sector are estimated to reach P2.89 billion, affecting 142,365 farmers and fisherfolk. so far, in the case of basic commodities like rice, we have adequate stocks. I think a lot of the imports came in the first half of the year and that allowed us to have a buffer," Balisacan said.

Previously, m alacañang asserted that the country's rice stocks will last 39 days despite the massive destruction from typhoon " e gay" and typhoon falcon."

DA Undersecretary mercedita sombilla said that the DA is finding ways to increase production, confirming that the biggest rice production will still come "at the end of september or sometime in october."

While some of the basic commodities are expected to be affected, Balisacan believes that the impact on inflation is "not going to be that much."

"Inflation is not just typhoons; it's all about supply. If you manage any shortfall that arises from these calamities, then there should be no unnecessary long and elevated prices," he said. the cause of high inflation we are seeing in agriculture and food is not from rice, it's from other commodities," Balisacan added. t he way we have addressed the perennial rice problem from the past has contributed to that stability in rice prices. While the rice prices have picked up a little bit, partly reflecting the global environment, it's not the major issue in the scheme of things." n

Other nations have no business questioning EDCA sites, says defense chief

by John eric Mendoza Inquirer.net

mANILA — Defense secretary Gilberto teodoro Jr. on thursday, August 3 said that no nation has the right to question the enhance Defense Cooperation Agreement (eDCA ) sites in the Philippines. t he e DCA sites are inside the Philippine military bases in which the United s tates forces are allowed to rotate and store defense equipment and supplies.

Nearly 200 towns under

mANILA — Almost 200 cities and municipalities were placed under a state of emergency due to typhoon egay (international name: Doksuri) and the southwest monsoon, the National Disaster risk reduction and management Council reported on thursday, August 3.

the NDrrmC said in its latest bulletin that 196 areas were placed under state of calamity. t his allows the provincial government to use quick response funds and control prices of basic goods.

the council added that around 2.9 million individuals from across the country have been affected by the powerful storm and the southwest monsoon. of those,

state

of calamity due to ‘Egay’ —

over 288,000 people remain displaced.

t he death toll stood at 27.

m eanwhile, 13 people remain missing and 140 others were injured.

the combined effects of egay and the southwest monsoon also wreaked damage in the agricultural sector. In a separate bulletin

Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture placed the agricultural losses due to egay at P3.17 billion.

t he initial damage to infrastructure was estimated at around P3.5 billion, according to the NDrrmC.

t he government has so far provided P239 million in assistance to affected residents.

NDRRMC

egay—the fifth cyclone to hit the Philippines this year—battered northern Luzon with violent winds and heavy rain last week. typhoon falcon (international name: Khanun) followed and threatened the Philippines by enhancing the southwest monsoon, which triggered widespread flooding. scientists have warned that cyclones are becoming more powerful and destructive as the world becomes warmer because of climate change. the NDrrmC has yet to release data on the impact of falcon, which left the Philippine Area of responsibility tuesday afternoon. (Gaea Katreena cabico/Philstar. com)

“eDCA, first and foremost, is Philippine base. All countries in the world build bases. We do not question the bases being built by other countries except when they are being built on contested territory,” teodoro said in a chance interview during his visit to Lal-lo, Cagayan, where an eDCA site is located.

this is Philippine territory, and it is our business what we do here just as long as it is for Philippine interest, and here, the United states and we converge in our intended use for this, and it is not any other countries’ business to question what we do here,” teodoro added.

China has earlier questioned the new eDCA sites, particularly those relatively near taiwan, saying the agreement was made so that Washington could “encircle and contain China” which would drag

the Philippines into “the taiwan question.”

In response, teodoro said that the new eDCA sites’ proximity in taiwan is just a “geographical accident,” stressing that these locations are chosen with the country’s national interest in mind.

there are currently nine eDCA sites in the country.

In April, malacañang named the four new eDCA sites — Camilo o sias Naval Base in s ta. Ana town and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo town, both in Cagayan province; Camp m elchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan province.

three of these new sites — those in Cagayan and Isabela

— are relatively near taiwan, a self-ruled island which China regards as a renegade province subject to reunification.

t he five other e DCA sites are Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, which is closest to the Kalayaan Group of Islands; Basa Air Base in Pampanga, the home of the Philippine Air force’s fighter planes; fort magsaysay in Nueva e cija, the country’s largest military camp and a frequent location of PhilippineU.s. military exercises; mactanBenito ebuen Air Base in Cebu and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de oro City. teodoro said there is a need to fast track the development in all of these sites, particularly the four new ones. n

House receives proposed P5.768-T national budget

by Ma reina TolenTino ManilaTimes.net

the Department of Budget and m anagement (DB m ) on Wednesday, August 2 submitted to President ferdinand "Bongbong" marcos Jr. the proposed P5.768trillion national budget for 2024. Among those present at the event were DB m s ecretary Amenah Pangandaman, speaker ferdinand m artin r omualdez, and Ako Bicol rep. elizaldy Co who is the chairman of the house of representatives Committee on Appropriations.

r omualdez said that for next year, the priorities of the administration are food security; reduction of transport, logistics and energy costs; arresting learning losses; health and social protection; improving bureaucratic efficiency and

sound fiscal management.

r omualdez said he was told that the proposed budget includes funds to support the country's climate change initiatives, local government empowerment and the development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous region of muslim mindanao.

he also said that the house would deliberate on the proposed budget "in a very transparent manner" and would "get the widest consensus for our spending plan."

romualdez said that the house majority bloc would listen to the concerns of lawmakers from the minority bloc.

"We will make sure that every centavo of the national budget will be spent wisely", he said.

t he h ouse aims to approve the proposed budget before

Congress goes on its o ctober break. the first budget briefing at the house is on August 10. the proposed 2024 national budget is P500 billion higher than this year's P5.268-trillion budget.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the President shall submit to Congress within 30 days "from the opening of every regular session, as the basis of the general appropriations bill, a budget of expenditures and sources of financing, including receipts from existing and proposed revenue measures."

t he 19th Congress opened its second regular session last July 24. the Constitution states that all appropriation bills shall originate exclusively from the house but that the senate may propose or concur with amendments. n

2 LARGE BOXES $140 $140 $170 $180 $150 $200

2 EXTRA LARGE BOXES MNL/LUZ

LUZ 1-3 ISLAND/VIS $160 $200 MIN

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Inquirer.net file photo

Egay—the fifth cyclone to hit the Philippines this year—battered northern Luzon with violent winds and heavy rain last week. Photo courtesy ofBaguio PIO

VEGAS&STYLE

ALL-FILIPINO CAST MAKES BROADWAY HISTORY

‘Here Lies Love’ stirs emotions, controversy

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

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 con-

tinued 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 Aqui-

no’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 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.

Conrad Ricamora (Ninoy Aquino) and Arielle Jacobs (Imelda Marcos)

Photos by Billy Bustamante, Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman (2023)

Moses Villarama (DJ), Melody Butiu (Estrella Cumpas), Arielle Jacobs and Conrad Ricamora round up the first-ever all-Filipino cast on Broadway.

From the top: Lea Salonga (Aurora Aquino), Jose Llana (Ferdinand Marcos), Arielle Jacobs (Imelda Marcos) and the cast of Here Lies Love

‘Here Lies Love’ stirs emotions...

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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.

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 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!”

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 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

Social Security online learning tools

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.

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.

by annie Walters Social Security Public Affairs

Specialist in Nevada

oUr online learning resources for educators are great for teaching others about s ocial s ecurity!

Chances are that a student will know someone who receives retirement or disability benefits. our educational resources help communicate information about our programs to a new audience and show them how our programs can help people other than retirees. Understanding how social security helps wounded warriors, children, and adults with disabilities can inspire greater

empathy and encourage them to learn more. We offer an educator’s toolkit to engage students and teach them about our programs. Use the toolkit to create your own lesson plan! You can also use our toolkit to teach your child or grandchild about social security’s important programs. the toolkit includes:

• Lesson plans with objectives.

• Infographics and handouts for each lesson plan.

• Links to Social Security web pages.

• Talking points.

• Quiz questions and answers.

f or more information, we encourage you to access the toolkit at www.ssa.gov/thirdparty/ educators.html and share it with your favorite educators today.

Pia to release self-written ‘Queen of the Universe’ novel in September

by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

PIA Wurtzbach announced that she would be releasing her own novel, “Queen of the Universe,” which will be available in the Philippines this coming september.

Wurtzbach shared a glimpse of her self-written book on her Instagram account on sunday, July 30, which includes a peek on its first page.

“A novel by Pia Wurtzbach… that sounds good. here’s a first look at the first page of my first book ‘Queen of the Universe,’” she said in the caption of her post., adding it is a novel of “love,

truth, and beauty.”

Aside from the Philippines, the book will be released in different parts of the world in November of this year.

While details about the novel have yet to be disclosed, it will be published by ABs-CBN Books in the Philippines and tuttle Publishing internationally, where the lattermost shared a glimpse of his hot pink cover on Instagram.

miss Universe 2016 Iris mittenaere, miss UsA 2015 olivia Jordan, miss Canada 2016 sieara Bearchell, former miss Universe talent director esther swan, actress Iza Calzado and host Bianca Gonzalez expressed their excite-

ment to get their hands on the novel, as seen in the comments of Wurtzbach’s post. Wurtzbach’s announcement comes weeks after she hinted on her Instagram story that she would be “launching a book,” as she pointed out that she wants to focus on “other things” in her career.

“I’m so grateful that even after all these years, people still consider me [and] invite me to pageants (in the Ph and abroad). I will never forget my beginnings in pageantry, but it’s been [eight] years now since miss Universe 2015 and I want to build my career. so, I’ve been focusing on other things now,” she said.

sINCe man roamed the earth, vegetables have been hailed as a great health food. And even before modern science came out with the medical data proving their value, parents, especially mothers, around the world, from different cultures and traditions, had already been encouraging their children to eat vegetables, especially, broccoli, kale, spinach, garlic, and the multi-colored leafy veggies.

In this new era of health-consciousness, vegetables have once again been thrust to the center stage, under the spotlight, not only as a great food item, but one that has remarkable medical powers that bolster the immune system and prevent diseases, including cancers.

the researchers postulated that vegetables contain antioxidants that help the body repair the damages in the DNA caused by oxidative stress, which is one of the risk factors for non-hodgkin’s lymphoma. And eating vegetables at least 3 times a day, if combined with a healthy lifestyle that includes daily physical exercise, confers an even a greater degree of immuno-protection. the antioxidants in vegetables also help neutralize the free radicals produced during exercise.

Di-indolylmethane (DIm) is a natural compound found in vegetables (like broccoli, cabbage, turnips and mustard greens), which has not only been associated with cancer prevention, but, more amazingly, with the potential ability to treat cancer. obviously more extensive laboratory studies and, later, clinical application in humans, are needed to validate this research observation.

While eating a lot of vegetables every day could protect us from diseases, including cancer, eating red meat and processed foods re-

Anti-cancer: Vegetables

duces the benefits conferred by the vegetables we eat. Besides being loaded with saturated fats and cholesterol, red meat and processed foods have also been implicated in the increased risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and cancer. fruits, especially berries, fiber, and nuts, also help in reducing our risk for cancer, and other major diseases. Physical exercise plays a major role in the prevention of cardiovascular/metabolic diseases, Alzheimer’s, and various cancers. man has always been searching for the formula for optimal health and longevity. the market is full of non-prescription herbal or “food supplement” pills, potions, and lotions, each claiming to be effective against a host of medical conditions, as preventive or as a “cure.” Not only are these items not approved by government sentinel agencies like the U.s.-fDA and the BfAD, but they are cost prohibitive, ineffective, and potentially dangerous.

the manufacturing companies concerned hide behind the legal technicality by marketing their products, Not as drugs, but as herbals or “food supplements” to escape the stringent requirements, although their infomercials state that their “health” products “are effective for” a variety of medical illnesses. If they have pharmacologic (chemical) effects, then they should be considered as drugs, and be subject to the rigorous testing and clinical studies required for drugs, prior to their approval and acceptance as safe and effective for public consumption.

It is rather most unfortunate that the government appears to be simply powerless in dealing with the perpetrator companies and dealers and their unsubstantiated claims and deceptive practices, who are bilking the unsuspecting and ignorant victims of their hardearned money.

Disease-inducing personal bad habits and unhealthy lifestyle include smoking, high-cholesterol,

high fat, high-carbohydrate diet, inactivity (lack of physical exercise), alcohol abuse, and poor stress management. these factors, which are really within our control, are responsible for about 75% of all diseases afflicting man. Indeed, only 25% of these illnesses we have today are beyond our control. most of our health problems are self-inflicted and self-induced, and therefore, preventable to a large extent. medical literature is replete with clinical outcomes that justify this caveat: eating vegetables prevent diseases while regular consumption of red meat and processed foods is associated with increased risk of debilitating and deadly illnesses, including cancer. Need we say more?

Isn’t it time to start loving our body and be proactive in protecting it to maximize our health and longevity?

* * *

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

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. 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.

All set for pageant night of the year: Miss Filipina International 2023

eVerYthING is set for the biggest filipina pageant of the year – the miss filipina International (mfI) coronation night on saturday, August 5, at the Beverly hilton in Beverly hills.

the first-ever filipina pageant to be held in the Beverly hills landmark hotel, home of the Golden Globe Awards and other prestigious hollywood red carpet events, is shaping up to be one of the best-celebrity laden shows this year. Geoffrey Jimenez, chairman and Ceo of Worldwide media entertainment Corporation, the new owner of mfI, is also the show’s executive producer.

thirty-six outstanding candidates, representing various states across America and several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, are vying for these titles: miss filipina International; miss tourism; first runner-up; second runner-up; and third runner-up.

Jimenez has previously announced that in partnership with Jonas Gaffud’s empire Philippines, three winners will be eligible to compete next year in miss Universe Philippines (mUP) while two winners will vie in the miss Philippines pageant. the following are the mfI 2023 official candidates:

• Hannah Pearcey

• Matea Mahal Smith

• Alexia Reign Hernandez

• Jesse Grace Felix Soriano

• Ella Del Rosario

• Rylen Faith Steinbuch

• Brooke Barredo

• Claudia Vidanes

• Denisse Nicole Samaniego

• Patricia Bianca Tapia

• Janessa Gwen Rubio

• Amanda Russo

• Keilin Danao Tankiamco

• Alyanna Joelle Santos

by annie Walters Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Nevada

If you applied for s ocial s ecurity benefits, or have a pending reconsideration or hearing request, you can check the status online using your free personal my s ocial s ecurity account. If you don’t have an account, you can create one at www.ssa.gov/myaccount to see the following information about your claim:

Date of filing.

Current claim location.

scheduled hearing date and time.

Incomplete applications. servicing office location.

Publications of interest, depending on the claim and current step in the process.

Use your personal my social security account to check the status of your application or appeal at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

If you have questions about retirement, disability, medicare, or survivors benefits, as well as supplemental security Income, visit our webpage at www.ssa.gov/ benefits.

• Katie Sophia McIlroy

• Sandra Irene Goff

• Aira Lei Maigue

• Angelique De la Cruz

• Princess Caventa Reyes

• Kawena Janessa Kanhai

• Mia Valdes

• Mary Ann Monda

• Heather Casigna

• Lauren Skeoch

• Hope Corpus

• Hannah Angelica Marte

• Samantha Gavin

• Sarah Lizaso Obal

• Beatriz Mclelland

• Jessica Zemanek

• Issha Rose Mata

• Aliza Orjalo

• Ronniedith Dimapasoc

• Skylar Vasquez

• Dakota Swart

• Kelly McIlroy.

Among the personalities flying from the Philippines to attend the thrilling event are the reigning miss Universe Philippines, michelle Dee, and popular singer-actor-host Alden richards.

As an actress, entrepreneur and lifelong advocate of various causes, Dee is relentless in using her platform as miss Universe Philippines 2023 to help people achieve their greatest potential by leading by example. Growing up with two siblings on the autism spectrum inspired her to work closely with advocacy groups and is the driving force in her service as the president of the Inner Peace foundation and the Goodwill Ambassador of Autism society Philippines. richards is known as Asia’s multimedia star after winning the 2019 Asian star Prize honors at the 14th seoul International Drama Awards. he is the recipient of prizes from the 51st Gmsf Box office entertainment Awards and the 18th Gawad tanglaw Awards. richards topbills GmA Pictures films and the television show, “All out sundays.” Jimenez also previously announced that the

Check the status of your Social Security benefit claim online FOR RENT SERVICES SERVICES

Alden Richards, popular singer-actor-host. star-studded mfI pageant, to be aired by GmA Network, will be hosted by popular tV personalities, Jeannie mai Jenkins (“the real”) and Cheryl Burke (“Dancing with the stars”). mario Lopez of “Access tV” will join as a special guest presenter.

Lisa Lew, multiple Daytime emmy winner (“Cristina’s Court” and “Judge Judy” and the groundbreaking “Last shot with Judge Gunn”) is the producer of mfI. Joseph Carolei, Daytime emmy-winning director of “the talk” and the 43rd Annual Daytime emmy Awards, will direct mfI, which promises to be one of the most special live events this year.

In addition to the previously announced top prize of a BmW 2 series car, the winner will also receive a $10,000 gift certificate from iskin Beverly hills. other prizes include $5,000 cash and a $10,000 gift certificate from iskin for miss tourism; a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 gift certificate from iskin for each of the first, second and third runners-up. the winner will also get 20 restaurant-quality healthy meals from flexPro meals and a month’s supply of Celsius Beverages. mfI’s sponsors include Philippine Airlines, BmW, Jojo Bragais shoes, Narcisa Pheres (mfI crown designer), iskin Beverly hills, Biaggi Luggage, Bell Beachwear, the Beverly hilton, see’s Candies manila, flexPro meals and Celsius Beverages. more details at https://www.facebook.com/missfilipinainternational.

Photo by Phillip Ner

Michelle Dee, the reigning Miss Universe Philippines.