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AUGUST 4-10, 2023

Volume 16 - No.41 • 16 Pages

USA

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

u PAGE 3

EU ready to bolster security ties with PH

by Jerome aning Inquirer.net

MANILA — The European Union is “ready to strengthen cooperation with the Philippines on maritime security,” the head of the organization’s executive branch said on Monday, July 31 when she arrived in Manila for bilateral talks with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a joint press briefing with Marcos on Monday morning, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said:

“Today, I’m here to accelerate a new era of cooperation between us. We share so many values and interests. We both want to work toward strengthening our democracies. We believe in the international rules-based order and we believe in the need to promote and to defend it.”

Filipinas’ World Cup dream cut short, but Sarina Bolden’s message inspires football fans

FILIPINOS are some of the happiest in Asia, so despite watching our beloved ‘Filipinas’ come up short in the FIFA Women’s World Cup on July 30, Sunday, we’ll surely be back—harder, better, stronger, faster (to quote Daft Punk, no less).

With the weight of the entire nation resting on their shoulders, the skillful Filipinas never failed to show us their

Ex-President Duterte fit to be special envoy to China – Cayetano

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 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

She tackled, in the following order, the areas of trade, climate change, digital connectivity, partnership on critical raw materials, and security — in which “it [has made] sense to strengthen our ties across the board,” she said.

“We are ready to strengthen the cooperation with the Philippines on maritime security in the region by sharing information,

PH leaders condemn China’s actions in West Philippine Sea

by gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine Senate unanimously adopted on Tuesday, August 1 a resolution condemning China’s continued harassment of Filipino fishermen and its persistent incursions in the West Philippine Sea.

The resolution, which expresses the sentiment of the upper chamber but is nonbinding, also urged the Philippine government “to take appropriate action in asserting and securing” the country’s sovereign rights, and “to call on China to stop its illegal activities.”

The Philippines and other nations have repeatedly criticized Beijing’s aggressive

Philippine peso weakens, returns to 55:$1 level

by ronnel W. Domingo Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippine peso weakened to the 55:$1 level, closing at 55.19 to a dollar on Aug. 2 after 15 trading days below the threshold.

The local currency lost 42 centavos to the U.S. dollar, from 54.77:$1 on Aug. 1.

The peso traded at as strong as 54:84:$1 and as weak as 55:20:$1.

Wednesday’s closing rate was the weakest for the peso since July 11, when it hit 55.19 against the

greenback.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the exchange rate was still stronger than the “immediate high” of 56.44:$1 posted on May 30, 2023, but already weaker than the 54.30 posted on July 17, which is considered as the near-term low.

Ricafort said the peso’s depreciation was also partly due to the latest decline or profit-taking in the Philippine and global stock markets, which led to some shift to the U.S. currency. n

MAJESTIC MT. APO. Joggers enjoy the view of Mt. Apo from the Davao City Coastal Road on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Known among Dabawenyos as Apo Sandawa, Mt. Apo is a dormant volcano with an elevation of 3,142.79 meters above sea level, the highest in the country.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

Sarina Bolden at FIFA Women’s World Cup Photo from B/R Football Twitter

PH leaders condemn China’s...

actions in the resource-rich waterway, including the harassment of Philippine vessels by Chinese coast guard, navy and maritime militias, and the construction of artificial islands.

“This bipartisan effort tells the Filipino people that when it comes to matters of national sovereignty, we will never be bullied into submission,” said Sen. Risa Hontiveros, one of the senators who filed the resolution.

EU ready to bolster security ties with...

conducting threat assessment, and building the capacity of your National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) and your Coast Guard,” von der Leyen said.

The NCWC is the implementing arm of the National Coast Watch Council, an interagency body on maritime security chaired by the executive secretary.

The EU leader also emphasized the importance of security cooperation not only in Europe but in the Indo-Pacific region—as another European body, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, has also asserted time and again.

“Security in Europe and security in the Indo-Pacific is indivisible. Challenges to the rules-based order in our interconnected world affect all of us. Our societies pay through higher energy bills through higher food costs. This is why we are concerned about the rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific,” von der Leyen said.

Russia, China

“The European Union has been very supportive of a free and open Indo-Pacific, because an Indo-Pacific free of the threats of coercion is key to all our stability, to our peace, and to the prosperity of our peoples,” she added.

At Malacañang, von der Leyen also took the occasion to cite Russia’s “war of aggression against Ukraine” and affirmed the EU’s support for the 2016 arbitral ruling in the Philippines’ favor.

The ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the arbitral case brought by the Philippines in 2013 invalidated China’s sweeping claim of sovereignty over the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

Later addressing the Philippine Business Forum on Monday night, von der Leyen said China, as a member of the United Nations Security Council, had “yet to assume fully its responsibility under the UN Charter to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.”

“This is happening against the backdrop of China’s more assertive stance in your region,” she also said in her remarks posted on the European Commission’s website.

Talks on trade

To her audience with Marcos, von der Leyen said the EU can do so much more “as your fourth largest trading partner,” as she noted the revived negotiations for a free

trade agreement (FTA) between the EU and the Philippines.

The talks were originally launched in 2015 — with the aim of concluding a deal that covers tariffs, nontariff barriers to trade and intellectual property — but were stalled two years later, as relations soured, amid the EU’s concern over the drug war of then President Rodrigo Duterte.

“A free trade agreement has huge potential for both of us in terms of growth and in terms of jobs,” von der Leyen said. “We need to diversify our supply lines and make them resilient… An FTA is the basis for that. But it’s also much more. An FTA can be a springboard for a new technology cooperation to modernize the broader economy.”

Marcos, who began their press briefing, also cited the talks on the FTA as well as the 60-million-euro Green Economy Program in the Philippines grant, aimed at supporting the country in such areas as renewable energy and climate action.

He also thanked the European Commission “for their decision to extend the recognition of STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) certificates issued by the Philippines,” saying this ensured the employment of over 50,000 Filipino seafarers working onboard EUflagged vessels.

“During our meeting, we discussed the economic relations with particular focus on revitalizing trade between our two regions,” the president said, adding that “the Philippines and the EU are likeminded partners through our shared values of democracy, sustainable and inclusive prosperity, the rule of law, peace and stability, and human rights.”

First visit

Von der Leyen’s visit to the Philippines marks the first by the president of the European Commission, as she herself pointed out to Marcos.

The first woman to head the European Commission, von der Leyen was a practicing physician before she entered politics and public service, following in the footsteps of her father. She was also the first woman to head Germany’s Defense Ministry.

As both leaders recalled in their press briefing, Marcos first met with von der Leyen at a summit in Brussels between the EU and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in December last year.

a closed-door meeting on Monday, July 31 with security officials and Foreign Affairs chief Enrique Manalo to discuss the upper chamber’s stand on Hontiveros’ resolution.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri stressed that Hontiveros’ resolution was not “watered down.”

of the landmark decision and raise awareness on the situation in the West Philippine Sea, and engage “like-minded” countries to call on Beijing to respect the ruling.

“The fight against China’s reckless behavior in the West Philippine Sea does not end here,” she added.

An earlier Senate resolution filed by Hontiveros called on the government to raise Beijing’s acts before the United Nations General Assembly. Senators held

“What happened here was we strengthened the position of the government. Now, we gave them several options to choose on how to deal with our neighbors in the north,” he said.

The resolution urged the Department of Foreign Affairs to bring international attention to China’s harassment of Filipino fishers and its continued violation of The Hague ruling, utilize international fora to rally multilateral support for the enforcement

The resolution also called on the DFA to file a resolution before the UNGA, to call for the cessation of activities that harass Philippine vessels and violate the country’s established rights in the West Philippine Sea, and pursue other diplomatic modes that it may deem appropriate and necessary.

The 2016 award of the Permanent Court of Arbitration invalidated Beijing’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea, including areas that the Philippines refer to as the West Philippine Sea. China does not recognize the decision. n

Ex-President Duterte fit to be special...

the Duterte administration, said that he “never” once saw Duterte compromise and sell out the Philippines despite “gaining the trust” of China.

“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 only be tapped during urgent and emergency negotiations as he might no longer have the stamina for the constant back-and-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, likewise stated that he was “amenable to coming up with a strongly-worded measure that expresses the Senate’s outrage against Chinese incursions.”

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

PARTNERS. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (right) describes the Philippines and the European Union, as represented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, as “like-minded partners” through “shared values of democracy, sustainable and inclusive prosperity, the rule of law, peace and stability, and human rights.”

Photo from Marianne Bermudez

FLOOD WARNING. La Mesa Dam’s water level has reached 79.39 meters on Tuesday, Aug. 1 following incessant rain due to the enhanced southwest monsoon and Typhoon Falcon. Residents in low-lying areas in Quezon City, Malabon, Caloocan, Navotas and Valenzuela are warned to prepare for the floods once the dam overflows when it hits the spilling level of 80.15 meters.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

White House seeks greater investment...

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, 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.

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.

“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.”

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

CA schools get $117-M to turn pavement into green space

by Selen ozturK Ethnic Media Services

AS extreme heat scorches California, schools preparing to reopen across the Bay Area are also preparing to use the first $47 million of a new $117 million CalFIRE program to shade kids by replacing school pavement with drought-tolerant green space.

Fifteen projects for 100 schools statewide were selected on July 12 to receive this first round of Green Schoolyard Grants, including those in the Oakland and San Francisco Unified School Districts, and the Santa Clara County Office of Education. At least 70% of the $117 million will green schools in low-income and disadvantaged communities, which are shown in studies to be as much as 7 degrees Fahrenheit hotter in summer than wealthier areas nearby.

The program is part of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s historic $800 million Extreme Heat Action Plan. As part of the plan, Newsom also launched Heat Ready CA this month. This is a 2-year, $20 million public outreach campaign, with resources available on HeatReadyCA.com, which will guide the state’s response to heat waves by focusing upon vulnerable populations including older adults, frontline workers, those with chronic illness and those who are pregnant.

Children among most vulnerable to extreme heat

Among the most vulnerable are children, whom researchers warn are significantly more susceptible to heat waves

than adults. Extreme heat, the deadliest weather event in the country, is consistently linked to more children’s hospital visits nationwide.

In California, 5.9 million K-12 children attend public schools on about 130,000 acres of land.

Alejandra Chiesa, California state director of asphalt conversion at the nonprofit Green Schoolyards America, said in a statement the fact that “much of this land is paved and unshaded leaves vulnerable students across the state exposed to extreme heat.”

In school districts across the Bay Area, maximum summer temperatures are expected to rise as much as 7.4 degrees Fahrenheit by midcentury, according to state climate projections.

In 90-degree weather, schoolyard surfaces like asphalt — which absorbs up to 90 percent of solar radiation — can be hot

enough to cause thirddegree burns, while plantshaded surfaces may be 20 to 45 degrees cooler.

More trees, cooler temps

Kira Maritano, senior program manager of the Trust for Public Land (TPL), which won a grant to green 15 schools in the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), said “Many campuses in Oakland are effectively large swaths of asphalt with very limited tree canopy, often in neighborhoods which are themselves park-poor. By increasing the environmental health of schools, we increase it throughout Oakland.”

This Green Schoolyard project, for example, “benefits the Bay and eases the impact on our utility system by absorbing stormwater, it creates habitats for native animals and pollinators, and it helps connect children to nature

by giving them direct access. Play spaces with native plants allow more diverse activities than just competitive sports. Schoolyards become community areas for families to gather, and give teachers opportunities for outside, hands-on learning,” she explained.

TPL’s schoolyard work over the past six years, particularly the renovation of OUSD’s Cesar E. Chavez campus in 2020, has been praised as a model of climate resiliency by state leaders like First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. Cesar E. Chavez, in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland, serves 628 students across two elementary schools — International Community School and Think College Now. In 2020, TPL and OUSD transformed the school’s 90% asphalt yard into a green oasis including a vegetable garden, grass field, an outdoor classroom and tree-lined basketball courts.

“We believe that Oakland’s early adoption of schoolyard greening helped inspire the state to invest in it, and we see this investment as just the beginning,” Maritano said. “TPL is currently working to secure an additional $1 billion for greening schools statewide through a proposed school bond. Schools are in almost every community across California, and they’re an underutilized way to bring heat relief to these communities.”

Schools bake under

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.

PAGE 10

Filipinas’ World Cup...

unrelenting spirit and passion for the sport.

The team’s World Cup debut all started with the dream of competing against the world’s best on the global stage. On Jan. 31, 2022, the Filipinas began weaving this aspiration when they won over Chinese Taipei in India, setting the stage for their World Cup hopes.

And at the heart of this inspiring journey is FilipinoAmerican striker Sarina Bolden, who opened the World Cup door for the team when they faced formidable opponents and hometown favorites New Zealand.

After an opening-round loss to Switzerland, 2-0, the Filipinas recovered in impressive fashion and tasted their first-ever World Cup victory over New Zealand after Bolden scored the winning goal and forever etched her name in World Cup history.

The Filipinas’ fairytale run ended when they were trounced, 6-0, by former World Cup champions Norway. Bolden herself was in awe of their strength and achievements, but despite this, her resilience and optimism remain.

“I’d just say that if you have a dream, go after it. Work your hardest. There’s gonna be downs, but if you truly want to achieve your dream, go for it.”

Fourteen-year-old Logan PAGE 9

White House seeks greater investment...

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

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 antiAsian 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) n

Filipinas fans spreading love and pride

Let’s say it again: Football is not just about wins and losses but also about inspiring a nation. The Filipinas may have not achieved the ultimate glory, but social media went abuzz with full support and gratitude, thanking the team for representing the Philippines on the world stage.

In the middle of the applause, Twitter user @jinnorufino resonates with the sentiments of many Filipinos, saying, “Maraming Salamat Filipinas! You made the country proud. Keep your heads up high. You made history…”

Another user, @llongboan, tweeted, “Thank you, Filipinas, for showing the strength of the diaspora in sports and for rekindling our national pride at a challenging time in our history.”

While @amtcfc was in patriotic mode tweeting a photo of a banner during the PH-Norway game, “Thank you Filipinas for making us dream.”

Another user, @magellofenis, tweeted, “Definitely not the best result we expected, but we made it to the World Cup, and this is just the first of many to come.”

The outpour of support is heartwarming and shows Filipinos aren’t one to back down. With love and gratitude, see you again in 2027, ladies! (by Mary Villegas/Inquirer. net) n

Climate Corps Leadership Institute students from Watsonville Wetlands Watch (WWW) planting a tree on the Pajaro Valley High School campus. WWW was among the 15 organizations to receive the $47 million first round of CalFIRE’s Green Schoolyard Grant program to shade kids by replacing school pavement with drought-tolerant green space.

Logan delivers a high kick, a signature savate move. Contributed photo

Features OpiniOn 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

by virtue of Executive Order No. 35 that was issued last week, the council 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.

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

Eye View

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

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 government-operated 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 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)

The heat is on; when it rains, it pours

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 heat-related deaths have also

been reported, as the “hellish heat” could also trigger cardiovascular disease and put undue strain on the kidneys and liver. Calling 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 recordbreaking temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius, with warnings that the heat could become even more brutal. According to climate

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Babe’s

BaBe Romualdez

Dateline philippines

Cory Aquino remembered on her 14th death anniversary

by FranCo JoSe C. baroña ManilaTimes.net

MANILA — Several relatives and supporters gathered to remember former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino’s passing fourteen years ago on Tuesday morning, August 1. A holy Mass was held to

commemorate the life of the democracy icon, which the presiding priest said serves as an “assurance that people will live out Cory’s life of service and sacrifice for God and nation.”

Aquino’s eldest daughter Ballsy Aquino-Cruz and her fourth child Viel AquinoDee were present at her

burial place at the Manila Memorial Park, Parañaque City. Her husband, former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., and her son, former president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III are buried next to each other in Cory’s tomb.

Former actress Kris Aquino, Cory and Ninoy’s youngest child, was not present during the gathering as she currently stays in California for medical treatments.

Those in attendance during the memorial ceremony placed yellow flowers at Cory’s tomb’s columns in honor of the 11th Philippine president.

Prior to serving as the first female Philippine president, Cory played a significant role in the 1986 People Power Revolution that led to the overthrow of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to leadership.

On Aug. 1, 2009, Cory passed away due to colon cancer. (Philstar.com) n

Court summons witnesses in De Lima’s last drug case

MANILA – The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 has ordered three witnesses in the remaining drug case against former senator Leila De Lima to testify in court when hearings resume in September and October.

The court issued the order after the prosecutors requested for the issuance of a subpoena to former policemen Froilan Trestiza and Rodolfo Magleo, and gang leader Jaime Patcho, who were recently transferred from the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) to the Sablayan Penal Colony.

Presiding Judge Gener Gito scheduled the three to testify on Sept. 11, 18, 25 and Oct. 16.

In a notice, all parties were advised to attend the hearing online through videoconference.

The case involves allegations that De Lima tolerated widespread illegal drug trade in the Bilibid while she was the Department of Justice secretary.

During the hearing on Tuesday, August 1, the court also advised the parties that the motion for reconsideration on the denial of temporary liberty for De Lima remained pending but did not mention when a resolution would be issued.

Magleo, a former police chief inspector convicted in 2004 for kidnapping, and Trestiza, a former police officer 1 also convicted for kidnapping for ransom in 2007,

earlier told investigators how the late prison leader Jaybee Sebastian regularly enjoyed privileges and had direct contact with De Lima. Sebastian died in 2020 at the height of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Patcho, a prison gang leader, also told investigators that Sebastian advised them to assist him in coming up with funds to bankroll De Lima’s senatorial campaign.

The Muntinlupa RTC Branch 204 earlier denied a motion for reconsideration filed by government prosecutors requesting the lower court to take a second look at its decision to acquit the former senator in one of her three drug charges.

Judge Abraham Alcantara denied for lack of merit the government’s motion to reconsider the decision dated May 12 acquitting De Lima and co-accused Ronnie Dayan.

The prosecutors had earlier asked Alcantara to recuse himself from handling the last remaining case against De Lima after it was re-raffled to his court following the inhibition of the previous judge, Branch 256 Judge Romeo Buenaventura.

They cast doubts on Alcantara’s impartiality after acquitting De Lima in a separate drug case.

Buenaventura, who turned down De Lima’s bail plea, voluntary inhibited himself upon the motion of the former lawmaker’s camp. (PNA) n

TERRACE GARDENS HOUSING

LP

Applications are now being accepted on a rolling basis through October 31, 2023 for 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments at 195 Steuben St. and 231 Steuben St., Staten Island, NY

Qualification will be based on Section 8 Federal Guidelines and the LIHC/SLIHC – LowIncome Housing Credit and NYS Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program of The New York State Housing Finance Agency. Income and occupancy restrictions apply.

1 Household Size includes everyone who will live with you, including parents and children. Subject to occupancy criteria

2 Household earnings includes salary, hourly wages, tips, Social Security, child support, and other income. Income guidelines subject to change

Interested persons may obtain an application by one of the methods:

by sending a self-addressed envelope to: Or Visiting/Calling the Management Office at:

Progressive Management of NY 1044 Northern Blvd. – 2nd Fl Roslyn, NY 11576

195

Steuben

Tuesday and Thursday 10AM – 1PM,

By emailing: apply@progressivemgmt.net (be sure to reference Terrace Gardens W/L)

By calling: 516 -277- 9400 (be sure to reference Terrace Gardens W/L)

Completed applications must be sent to the address shown on the application form via regular mail only, (no priority, certified, registered, express or overnight mail will be accepted).

Applicants who submit more than one application may be disqualified. Qualified applicants will be required to meet income guidelines and additional selection criteria.

The Fair Housing Act Prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, or financing of housing on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Federal law also prohibits discrimination on the basis of age. This apartment community does not discriminate on the basis of handicap/disability status. The management coordinates com compliance with the non-discrimination requirements contained in HUD’s Regulations implementing Section 504 (24 CFR part 8 dated June 2, 1988)

No Broker’s Fee. No Application Fee

Kathy Hochul, Governor Eric Adams, Mayor

New York State Homes and Community Renewal

RuthAnne Visnauskas, Commissioner/CEO www.nyc.gov/housing

Family and supporters of former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino commemorated her 14th death anniversary at the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City on Tuesday, August 1. Philstar.com photo

MIAA can’t use P1.2 billion airport terminal fees

by neil JaySon ServalloS Philstar.com

MANILA — The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) cannot “unilaterally” use P1.2 billion in unrefunded terminal fees to finance the procurement of major equipment at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as the money must be refunded to passengers who missed their flights, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said.

Justice Secretary

Jesus Crispin Remulla, in responding to a request for guidance by MIAA general manager Cesar Chiong, said the unrefunded Passenger Service Charges (PSCs), which are included in the airline ticket, are considered trust funds and thus subject to auditing laws.

This means that instead of seeking a legal opinion from the DOJ, the MIAA should seek the approval of the Department of Budget and Management and the Commission on Audit,

CA schools get $117-M to turn...

rising heat

Jennifer Mutch, science coordinator for the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE), said that as recordmelting temperatures climb statewide and schools prepare to reopen, it’s often forgotten that children are even more vulnerable to heat-related illness than adults.

Mutch, who won a Green Schoolyard Grant for SCCOE’s Sunol Community School and Opportunity Youth Academy campuses, added “trees and shrubs to be planted at these sites will not only cool temperatures but improve air quality and even mental health,” given that students facing extreme heat are not only “unable to get outside for recess or lunch” but perform significantly worse at exams, which impacts high school graduation rates.

Despite these impacts, she said, schools often have some of the hottest sites in their communities, “especially in the event of power and air conditioning outages.”

won a grant with Charter Oak Unified School District to green a four-acre recreational field at Royal Oak Middle School — said, “When districts face hard choices about how to spend limited budgets, of course they’ll prioritize the education itself. However, this doesn’t leave as much for updating and maintaining the facilities where students are taught, and that can negatively impact the quality of this education.”

New climate focused career paths

These impacts spread well beyond schools, and the mitigation lasts well after planting. The grounds at Royal Oak are heavily used by the entire community, Lee said. “Every day and after dark you see youth soccer or softball, but also adults playing basketball, jogging, walking their dogs, and the heat affects them all. Dirt can retain heat like asphalt, and we have such large expanses of both because what’s often overlooked is what comes after planting, the labor and money to irrigate grass and maintain trees.”

a way to build extreme heat resilience in schools, but as a lifelong career path. So far we’ve graduated 36 high school students thru our Climate Corps Leadership Institute, which has a yearlong urban forestry program.”

Watsonville, located in Santa Cruz County, has exceptionally low tree cover: 10% currently, and 8% when WWW started its urban forestry work in 2018. Throughout the city, Pilch said, “School campuses both have the lowest canopy cover” — often less than 5% — “and gain the most from tree equity, for both environmental and student health.”

WWW will develop its plans by holding in-class and extracurricular workshops with students, parents, teachers, engineers and landscape architects across all four schools over the next year. Forestation will target the hottest and least-covered parts of each site, such as tree-lined borders and walkways that improve campus air quality.

Remulla said. Based on MIAA’s records as of March, the total PSCs on unused tickets have reached P1.2 billion, with only P26,000 being claimed for refund.

Passengers may still claim their refunds since claims have no expiry date. n

The full effect of these factors upon students is unknown, because California does not require schools to have heat interventions like air conditioning, shaded schoolyards or indoor temperature requirements, nor does it track which schools implement them.

Brian Lee, Community Development Director of Covina, California — which

Jonathan Pilch, executive director of Watsonville Wetlands Watch (WWW), which received a grant to green four school campuses in the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, incorporates student help in maintaining trees on campuses.

“Tree maintenance is a long term challenge. We meet it by involving students in urban forestry not only as

“The most effective way to help an environment is to help those living in it at the same time,” said Pilch. “This grant is crucial not only because it lets us plant schoolyards; that’s the beginning. Trees are deep-rooted and slow-growing. It also lets us think about these spaces as living schoolyards, and about how maintaining them can transform every aspect of a learning environment in the long run.” n

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla Philstar.com file photo

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

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 three-day 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,

The heat is on...

adds Max, who is also in Tactical Emergency Medical Support for LAPD SWAT.

Humble start

The French version of kickboxing called Savate (suh-vaht) 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 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 wear 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 oneon-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

PAGE 5

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.”

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 face-toface 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.

RISING PRICES. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders get unloaded from a truck at a retail store along Kamias Road in Quezon City on Tuesday, Aug. 1. Oil companies increased the prices of LPG after three straight weeks of price hikes for gasoline, and the fourth for both diesel and kerosene. The latest adjustments come after firms rolled back LPG prices for the months of June and July. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Lifetime ban for admitting drug use lifted, this Sunday on Citizen Pinoy

RONALD was petitioned as Joyce’s fiancé in 2006. While the K-1 petition was approved, his visa was denied after Ronald admitted to the doctors at St. Luke’s that he tried drugs many years ago.

Because of that admission, he was banned for life.

In 2008, Joyce and Ronald got married, hoping that this would get a positive result. However, the same policy was still in place, and his visa was again refused.

Fortunately, in 2011, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to convince the U.S. Embassy in Manila to reverse their policy of a lifetime ban if the only “evidence” was the person admitting drug use to St. Luke’s doctors.

In 2015, Joyce consulted again with Atty. Gurfinkel, and he was able to clear Ronald’s name, and the visa was issued. Finally, Ronald and Joyce were able to spend their first Christmas in the U.S. as a married couple.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

BANNED FOR LIFE NO MORE, THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY.

petitioned her

However, while the K-1 petition was approved in 2007, his visa was denied due to Ronald’s admitting to drug use to the doctors at St. Luke’s. He was then banned for life from entering the U.S. In 2011, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to convince the U.S. Embassy in Manila to change their policy, and they agreed they would not ban people for life if the only “evidence” is the person admitting drug use to the doctors at St. Luke’s. In 2016, Atty. Gurfinkel was able to clear Ronald’s name, and Ronald’s immigrant visa was issued. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, August 6 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Joyce (center)

fiancé, Ronald (left), in 2006.

Anti-cancer: Vegetables

Health@Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, md, FaCS, FPCS

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 healthconsciousness, 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.

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 nonprescription 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.

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 selfinflicted 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?

* * *

In this new era of healthconsciousness, 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.

Cesar Montano to banner Fiesta In America concert

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 reduces the benefits conferred by the vegetables we eat.

Besides being loaded with saturated fats and cholesterol,

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 hard-earned money.

Disease-inducing personal bad habits and unhealthy

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.

* * *

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.

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, bestowed by then Indiana Governor, later a Senator, and a presidential candidate, the Honorable Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

A BURST of stars led by award-winning actor Cesar Montano will light up the biggest annual indoor Filipino event on the east coast on Saturday, August 19 in Court A of New Jersey’s American Dream Mall. “Singer-actress Tuesday Vargas and the cast of Hatid-Saya led by film and TV icon Cesar Montano will make Fiesta In America’s 26th Anniversary edition a festival to remember for years,” predicts Ogie Afable, Producer of the cultural show. “The high point of the full-day festivities that start at 10am will be a concert that combines the musical and comedic talents of Filipino entertainers past and present, punctuated by multicultural folk dance troupes as well as rousing Latino dance bands.” Entrance is free, portending another Fiesta In America blockbuster at American Dream.

Famed for portraying the Philippine national hero in the film Jose Rizal (1998), Cesar Montano has won numerous acting awards for his roles in Panaghoy sa Suba (“The Call of the River”), José Rizal, Muro Ami (“Reef Hunters”) and Bagong Buwan (“New Moon”). His first solo music album, Subok Lang (“Just Try”), released by Star Records, has been certified Platinum. Montano has also leveraged his celebrity status to promote Philippine tourism as a former Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board. Tuesday Vargas, on the other hand, is a gifted comic, actress and singer famed for her recurring role as a resident judge of TV5’s highly-rated Talentadong Pinoy talent show, as well as for memorable performances in films including Gulong Ng Palad and LSS (Last Song Syndrome) for which she won Best Supporting Actress Award at the Third Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino in 2019.

The Hatid Saya contingent sponsored by the Elite Club Pinoy, a leading group of Philippine franchisers, will not only present Cesar Montano as its banner performer, but will also feature the contrasting showmanship of actor Jay Manalo and stand-up comic

Boobsie Wonderland. Jay Manalo’s recent silver screen triumps include Bayaran, Ang Huling Birhen Sa Lupa, Prosti as well as the comedies I Will Survive and Ako, Legal Wife. On TV, Manalo was a mainstay of top-rated soap operas Pangako Sa ‘Yo on ABSCBN and Kung Mawawala Ka on GMA Network. His counterpart, Boobsie Wonderland, joked her way to fame at the Comedy Bar, Celebrity Bluff and Eat Bulaga on GMA Network, on the variety show Sunday PinaSaya, and at a recent Araneta Center concert, Panahon Ng May Tama.

“Beyond the starstudded concert,” says Nanding Mendez, Fiesta In America’s President and CEO, “our 2023 edition will present Filipino cultural touchstones including a sparkling santacruzan procession in Court A and a Holy Mass, franchising opportunities and other business investments in the Philippines led by the Elite

Club Pinoy, Ilocos Norte and Capiz as Featured Destinations, hundreds of native products on exhibit, a Street Food Fiesta, and so much more.”

Fiesta In America’s companion-gala, the People’s Ball, will publicly unveil the 2023 Empowerment Awardees on Sunday, August 13 at the Marriott Liberty International Airport Hotel in Newark, New Jersey beginning at 12noon. Guests will be able to hobnob with the crème of the Fil-am community while enjoying a sumptuous gala luncheon, live entertainment by The Everly Set of Sean Altman and Jack Skuller, and ballroom dancing.

To sponsor, exhibit, advertise or attend Fiesta In America and the People’s Ball, call 212-682-6610 or email info@fiestainameica. com. Other event details are available at www. fiestainamerica.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

Cesar Montano

Tuesday Vargas

Tuesday Vargas Jay Manalo

Back to school and community health fair free event

APICHA Community Center in Jackson Heights participating in 2023 National Health Center Week by organizing various FREE health fairs for families to come and attend.

Community Health Fair

Wednesday August 9th

11am-3pm

• Vision and Hearing screenings for children

• Blood Pressure screening for adults

• Glucose testing for adults

• Dental screenings for adults and children

• HIV, STD and Pregnancy Testing

• Giveaways

• Face painting and much more

Back to School Health Fair

Saturday, August 12th

11am-4pm

• Free Services and School Supplies

• Health Screening for kids

• Backpacks filled with school supplies.

• Face painting

• Snacks and much more

Please attend these events at:

Apicha Community Health Center

82-11 37th Avenue, Jackson heights, NY 11372 718 567-5200

https://www.apicha.org

Ashley ticks off another item on her acting bucket list

By Jerry Donato Philstar.com

AFTER her stint in the TV series Hearts on Ice as the leading lady of Xian Lim, Ashley Ortega will be seen in the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival entry, As If It’s True, as the onscreen partner of Khalil Ramos. It’s a back-to-back main role for the Sparkle GMA artist, who aspires to become a versatile actress. This crossover from TV to film is a welcome change for Ashley.

(Advertising Supplement)

“I’m very grateful that it was Khalil, who was my partner in it. It’s my first Cinemalaya movie,” said Ashley of her leading man in a recent press conference. “Grateful ako dahil isang napaka-galing na aktor ang nakasama ko dito (I’m grateful because I was paired with a very talented actor). I really admire him. He is very professional and he’s such a gentleman. He (made) me comfortable while working with him, that’s why when we were on set, sobrang light lang (work was light). (Being around him) made my work

and lighter.”

As If It’s True is a sneak peek into the lives, love and relationships of the younger generation. This is a stark contrast to the Hearts on Ice narrative that explored the struggles and triumphs of a figure skater. By the way, the GMA Telebabad primetime series gave her the opportunity to play a lead role and a character that is close to her heart. Ashley was a competitive figure skater prior to joining show business. That’s why she considered it a dream role.

The actress also found her character in As If It’s True relatable.

“I play the character Gemma and I can relate to her. She’s a content creator,” said Ashley about the dramatis persona in the movie and found Gemma’s social media world somehow similar to showbiz world.

She continued, “Gemma lives alone and she’s independent. She’s working on her career. As a vlogger, she would do everything to have a career and (make it) consistent. Nag-start kasi

siyang mag-viral through a video na ginawa siyang meme or na ginawa siyang joke (She first went viral through a video that used her as a meme or a joke). Perhaps, my similarities (with Gemma) are we’re both independent and we’re trying our best to make our career consistent.” Yes, a career that is for keeps, as one may add.

Guiding Ashley in depicting Gemma’s motivation and aspiration was young director John Rogers, who gave Ashley and Khalil the liberty to share their insights on how to approach their characters.

“He gave us the freedom to do whatever we wanted (or we felt right or) suitable in playing our characters,” shared she, “and even in our lines, sometimes there were long monologues (to deliver), sometimes he would tell us there was no need to follow the script (and would encourage us to) just do what we felt about what our characters would like to tell, and that we could say it. He’s very collaborative and yung PAGE 15

Ashley Ortega topbills the Cinemalaya rom-com entry, As If It’s True, with Khalil Ramos as her leading man. GMA photo easier

Rising star Jillian Abaya takes audiences on a captivating journey in ‘The Great Gatsby – The Immersive Show ‘

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

STEPinto the Jazz Age wonderland of “The Great Gatsby” and get enchanted by the stellar performance of Jillian Anne Abaya. As the talented Filipino-American actor graces the immersive off-Broadway stage, she weaves a spellbinding portrayal of Daisy Buchanan, delighting audiences in every performance.

In a candid interview with the Asian Journal, Jillian takes us on her captivating journey from auditions to the spotlight, revealing the highs and heartwarming connections she experiences each night, and how this unique show has become the most exhilarating experience of her life.

A graduate of NYU Tisch Spring 2022, Jillian was excited to learn about the immersive production coming to the city. Her path to “The Great Gatsby – The Immersive Show” started when her agent called her for an audition back in late August.

However, after getting a callback in September and auditioning with her co-stars, Stephanie Rocio and Joel Acosta, who play Jordan Baker and Jay Gatsby respectively, Jillian knew she had to be a part of this production.

The waiting period to hear back from the casting team was emotional for Jillian.

“I felt so strongly towards the production already, and I knew it was something I needed to be a part of,” she admitted. Fortunately, the call finally came, four months after her graduation. Jillian’s excitement turned into reality as she stepped into the world of “The Great Gatsby – The Immersive Show.”

Being a part of an immersive show was a thrilling experience for

Jillian. The production surpassed her expectations, with grand sets, intricate details, and captivating costumes.

“There was absolutely no way I could imagine what this could be,” she shared, as each night brings unique surprises and challenges,

engages with the audience, making them feel like her best friends.

of the audience. With about 75% of her scenes involving interactions with the audience, Jillian feels a deep connection with the spectators.

“I get to talk to people every single night, and it’s such a gift as an actor and a person,” she said. One particular scene, known as “first loves,” allows her to hear numerous love stories, from the blissful to the heart-wrenching. The trust the audience places in her is touching, as they share personal stories and vulnerabilities with her.

Jillian’s Daisy Buchanan is far from the one-dimensional portrayal often seen in the book or movies. “I wanted to avoid the negative language and make Daisy playful, like your best friend who’s trying to hold it together,” she explained. Her Daisy is multifaceted, showing different shades of emotions, from joy to vulnerability.

Anika Braganza shines bright in “The Great Gatsby - The Immersive Show”

By momar g. viSaya AJPress

ANIKA Braganza, a talented Filipino-American actress and singer, has made her off-Broadway debut in “The Great Gatsby - The Immersive Show.” Her journey into the world of immersive theater was unexpected, as she had never done anything like it before. “My agent just sent it to me. And yeah, I auditioned and I had never done immersive theater before or even seen myself doing it,” she recalled.

Anika Braganza

making her dive into improvisation and bounce off the audience’s energy. “It’s the most fun I’ve had in my whole life. I get to talk to the audience and hear their love stories.”

As Daisy Buchanan, Jillian’s character holds a special place in the hearts

“The Great Gatsby – The Immersive Show” is an immersive experience that offers the audience multiple perspectives of the story. With characters diverging into different rooms, each performance becomes a unique journey for both actors and viewers.

Jillian believes that watching the show from different angles can enhance the overall experience. For those seeking the big picture,

Anika’s audition paid off, and she was thrilled to land her first professional role in an off-Broadway production. Describing her experience in the show, Anika explained, “It is wild and unlike any other. It’s like being a part of a party. You’re meeting new people and things change every day. It’s not like you just exit stage right or stage left. It’s a tremendous amount of brain work and physical work.”

“The Great Gatsby - The Immersive Show” takes audiences back to the roaring 1920s, bringing F.

Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale to life in a unique and captivating way. A fully immersive and enthralling world of music, stories, and wonders straight out of the Jazz Age, the show takes place in the former ballroom of Park Central Hotel in midtown which has been transformed into Gatsby Mansion.

Anika’s success in the show can be attributed not only to her exceptional talent but also to the strong bond she shares with the cast. “A big part of my success on the show is the cast because we hold each

(L-R) Jeremiah Ginn (Owl Eyes), Anika Braganza (Gilda), Claire Saunders (Myrtle Wilson), Nicholas Caycedo (Joey), Stephanie Cha (Kitty Klipspringer), Kiki Burns (Lucille)

Photos by Joan Marcus (2023)

Jillian Abaya, the talented FilipinoAmerican actor, is making waves in the off-Broadway show “The Great Gatsby,” an immersive experience where the cast interacts with the audience.

Jillian’s journey to this role began with a callback audition in September, and she was thrilled to be a part of this unique production. As Daisy Buchanan, Jillian’s character

Jillian Anne Abaya (Daisy Buchanan) and Joél Acosta (Jay Gatsby) Photos by Joan Marcus (2023)

Rising star Jillian Abaya takes...

sitting in the jazz bar, the main playing space, provides a complete story, according to her. Alternatively, diving into various rooms and perspectives over multiple visits unlocks new layers of the narrative.

Lyca Gairanod Photos from Facebook/Lyca Gairanod Lyca goes dumpster diving in US

DURING her downtime after staging a show, Lyca Gairanod tried dumpster diving in the United States, recalling how she had to scavenge trash for a living before she started her showbiz career.

The singer, who is in the U.S. to perform at Arthur Nery’s concert tour, documented herself searching for items that are still usable in a dumpster, as seen in a video on her Facebook page on Monday, July 31.

“Dahil nandito na ako sa US—ito ‘yung pangarap ko, dahil [makakakuha] ka ng gamit pero hindi ka kailangan magbayad. Trabaho ko [‘yung mangalakal] dati e. ‘Yung nakakakita ako ng libre-libre lang,” she recounted.

(Because I’m finally here in the U.S. — this is my dream, to acquire items without having to pay. Scavenging was my job before. Through that, I got items for free.)

After Gairanod and her companion had no luck

in the first dumpster they scavenged, the pair roamed around the area and searched for other dumpsters.

“‘Yun lang ang pinuntahan namin dito, ‘yung pa-dumpster-dumpster,” she quipped. “Sanay ako sa trabahong ganyan ‘no.”

(This is the purpose of our trip here, to search through dumpsters. I am used to this kind of work.)

Fans expressed their admiration for Gairanod for being humble despite fame, but reminded the singer to observe safety measures when dumpster diving.

Gairanod rose to prominence after she emerged as the winner in the first season of the reality singing competition “The Voice Kids.” Aside from her career as a singer, Gairanod also delved into acting and starred in films including “Tatlong Bibe” (2017) and “Mary Cherry Chua” (2023).

(By Anne Pasajol/Inquirer. net) n

Ashley ticks off another...

mind niya is fresh. (He was able to capture) those small details like how the Gen Z think and how they say (the lines).”

All in all, Ashley had fun working with direk John. Again, being encouraged by the director to find her voice in the portrayal or in a scene, like, as Ashley put it, “do your own thing as your character” and act in an impromptu way, is among the new experiences she had while filming the Cinemalaya entry, which will be shown from Aug. 4 to 13.

“I would always memorize my script,” said she. “But I also appreciated (being asked to bring something new and my ideas to the table) because it challenged me more as an actor to make (the portrayal) look natural and to be in character.”

Asked to describe her participation and debut in the upcoming Cinemalaya, Ashley said, “Perhaps, hindi mawawala yung kaba mo talaga kasi (your nervousness won’t go away because) people will always have (something negative and positive to say). It’s challenging and I consider it a new door for growth as an actor. It’s also exciting because I got to experience a lot of new things, (working) with my director and my co-actors.”

“It’s very different from doing television. The whole filming experience (was) really nice and it’s something I will never forget because, again, this is my first Cinemalaya movie and I’ve always wanted to do an indie film,” added she.

“So, I’m just really grateful that I was given the opportunity (to do that) and leading pa ako dito (I was even tapped to play a leading role here). It’s something memorable, it’s a goal I was able to achieve. I’m just really proud because this year I got to do things that are really part of my bucket list as an actor.” n

In her personal life, Jillian draws inspiration from her multicultural background.

Raised in a household with a Filipino father and a German-Italian mother, she cherishes the support and love they have always provided. Her father, a proud and supportive parent, has seen the show multiple times and beams with pride at his daughter’s achievements.

Jillian’s journey into the world of performing started when she played Dorothy Gale in “The Wizard of Oz” during her sixth grade. The experience was transformative, igniting her passion for storytelling through acting. She knew then that the stage was where she belonged, and with each performance, she brings magic to the audience.

As Jillian Abaya continues to shine as Daisy Buchanan, her talent, dedication, and love for immersive storytelling keep captivating the hearts of audiences who get to experience the show.

The Gatsby Mansion

Gatsby Mansion, located within the Park Central Hotel, is New York City’s newest and most enthralling immersive nightspot. Spanning over 16,000 square feet of the hotel’s ballroom space, the venue has undergone a complete renovation to transport visitors back to the extravagant world of the 1920s.

With its private entrance on 55th Street and Seventh Avenue, guests directly enter the mesmerizing realm of Gatsby Mansion, a world filled with redhot rhythms, bootleg liquor, and jazzage self-indulgence.

Upon purchasing a ticket to “The Great Gatsby - The Immersive Show,” guests receive an exclusive invitation to one of Jay Gatsby’s legendary parties. The show promises a heart-racing experience, where attendees can dance,

gossip, and clink glasses with iconic characters like Nick Carraway, Daisy and Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and, of course, the enigmatic host, Jay Gatsby himself.

As champagne flows and drama unfolds, attendees are immersed in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic tale, brought to life in this theatrical adaptation direct from London, after seven years of soldout performances.

The environment at Gatsby Mansion is meticulously designed to provide an all-encompassing experience, fully transporting guests back to the roaring 1920s. As they enter, they are transported to a world of opulence and luxury.

Attendees have the unique chance to meet Mr. Gatsby himself in his exclusive bar or follow him and other guests into smaller rooms and spaces. Interaction is encouraged but entirely at the discretion of each guest, allowing them to participate as much or as little as they desire.

While a 1920s dress code is encouraged, it is not compulsory, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable

in the experience. The goal is to create an authentic atmosphere that reflects the era’s glamour and allure. Gatsby Mansion aims to be an unforgettable nightspot, where guests can escape the present and step into the past.

The show has already garnered international acclaim, with productions across three continents, including the UK, Ireland, South Korea, and Belgium (in three different languages).

As the hottest ticket in town, Gatsby Mansion promises to be a hotspot for those seeking an immersive journey into the dazzling world of the 1920s. For those eager to experience the magic of “The Great Gatsby,” Jillian Abaya’s performance is not to be missed.

As she brings Daisy Buchanan to life on the off-Broadway stage, audiences are treated to an immersive and enthralling experience that transports them to the dazzling world of the 1920s.

This talented Filipino-American actor has proven that she is a force to be reckoned with, and her journey in “The Great Gatsby” is only the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career in the world of theater. n

Anika Braganza shines bright in “The Great Gatsby...

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other and really have a deep friendship,” she shared. “It’s a tremendous amount of brain work for sure and physical work and it takes a lot of mental and physical power. But it’s fun, definitely fun, it’s a big party.”

The immersive nature of the show means that audience members are actively involved in the performance, influencing parts of the storyline and interacting with the characters. Anika admits that this aspect was new to her and required her to be brave and encouraging to the audience. “You don’t come to a party to be a wallflower. You know, have fun, and sometimes when

I see Filipinos and it’s time for us to dance, I tell them ‘We’re good at this. Let’s go!” she said with enthusiasm.

Preparing for this role required Anika to delve deep into her character’s background. She read the novel and watched the movie to fully grasp the essence of the story. Her role is inspired by the reallife dancer Gilda Gray, and she studied videos of her to incorporate elements of her style into the performance.

With eight performances a week, Anika emphasizes the importance of self-care to maintain her stamina and keep her voice in top form. She prioritizes sleep, hydration, and stretching,

understanding the physical demands of the show. “It’s a physical show so I do try to stretch and work out and try to make my body feel happy,” she said.

Beyond the glitz and glamour, Anika cherishes the bond formed with her fellow cast members. Through the highs and lows of the production, they have become a close-knit family, supporting each other throughout the artistic journey. While “The Great Gatsby - The Immersive Show” demands dedication, Anika also values the importance of finding joy and balance beyond the stage, maintaining a harmonious work-life relationship.

This immersive theater

experience has been a transformative milestone for Anika, pushing her to break boundaries as an actress and performer. Embracing the spontaneity and unpredictability of immersive theater, she has learned to be intuitive, letting go of control and embracing the art in its purest form.

Despite stepping into uncharted waters, Anika’s talent and dedication have shone brightly in “The Great Gatsby - The Immersive Show.” Her debut has been a resounding success and as her journey in the theater world continues, Anika eagerly looks forward to more opportunities on and off-Broadway. n

Standing (L-R): Mya Rosado-Tran (Charlie McKee), Keivon Akbari (George Wilson), Claire Saunders (Myrtle Wilson), Anika Braganza (Gilda), Joél Acosta (Jay Gatsby), Rob Brinkmann (Nick Carraway), Charlie Marcus (Meyer Wolfsheim), Stephanie Rocío (Jordan Baker). Sitting (L-R): Shahzeb Hussain (Tom Buchanan), Jillian Anne Abaya (Daisy Buchanan), Nicholas Caycedo (Joey), Jeremiah Ginn (Owl Eyes), Stephanie Cha (Kitty Klipspringer), Kiki Burns (Lucille)

Photo by Joan Marcus