081923 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

Stronger PH-US military cooperation backed

by RED MENDOZA ManilaTimes.net

FIFTY-FOUR percent of Filipinos favor stronger Philippine military cooperation with the United States in the face of the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, a survey commissioned by OCTA Research showed.

In the survey conducted from July 22-26, 11% said they did not favor such a move, while 32% were undecided.

Broken down into major regions, more than half of the respondents in Balanced Luzon and Mindanao favored expanding U.S. military cooperation.

Only 46% in the National Capital Region and the Visayas agreed to the proposal.

The number of undecideds or ambivalents

US museum to return Filipinos’ remains from ‘racial brain collection’

THE Philippine government is coordinating with the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) in Washington D.C. for the repatriation of Filipino remains from its “racial brains collection.”

An investigative report made by The Washington Post stated that the Smithsonian “still holds the brains of people from at least 10 foreign countries, including the Philippines, Germany, the Czech Republic and South Africa.”

The Post said the Smithsonian’s brain collection had included four brains from Filipinos who were part of the Philippine Exposition during the 1904 St. Louis World Fair.

“Smithsonian officials told The Post that, in addition to the four brains from the fair, the museum had collected the brains of 23 other Filipinos,” The Post wrote.

Health o cials, CBOs detail e orts to protect healthcare for 15.5 million Californians

AT a briefing held by EMS and California Black Media, state health directors and leaders from community-based organizations (CBOs) explained how they are ensuring that Californians maintain continuous coverage and the impact of redetermination so far on Medi-Cal patients — particularly in underserved or vulnerable populations.

Providing continuous coverage: Medi-Cal disenrollments and transitions

Yingjia Huang, deputy director of Health Care Benefits and Eligibility for the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), discussed data on June redetermination numbers, which DHCS published on August 7.

In June, the first month of disenrollments, 21% — or 225,231 people — from the over one million Californians up for renewal were dropped from Medi-Cal, Huang said. For each month through May 2024, DHCS anticipates a similar one million up for renewal. Of those disenrolled in June, over  PAGE A2

about stronger cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines was highest in the National Capital Region at 44%, followed by the Visayas at 33%. Balanced Luzon and Visayas respondents registered the same percentage of 29%.

Among socioeconomic brackets, class E had the highest percentage of those in favor of expanding the cooperation between the two countries to address the territorial dispute at 67%, while Classes ABC and D were statistically tied at 53% and 52%, respectively, in terms of those who were favorable.

The highest among those who strongly opposed the team-up between the U.S. and the Philippines was Class ABC, with 15% disapproval, followed by Class D at 12% and Class E at 7%. 

DFA: 1 Filipino dead in Hawaii wild res

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, August 18 reported the death of a Filipino in the catastrophic wildfires in Hawaii.

In a message, DFA Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega said the victim’s name was Alfredo Galinato.

“He was a naturalized U.S. citizen from Ilocos. We are assisting the family,” he said.

De Vega added that the Philippine Consul General in Honolulu has assisted at least 66 Filipinos in Wailuku who were affected by the fires in Mauwi.

The wildfire swept across Maui a week ago and turned one of the nation’s most celebrated island vistas into an ashen

Pinoys see China as ‘biggest threat’

by CATHERINE S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

moonscape. It has killed at least 110 people, and officials warn it could rise by scores as the search continues.

The deadliest wildfire in the United States in more than a century devoured homes and businesses, blackened cars and left only ruins where thriving neighborhoods once stood. Reports indicated that the flames spread as fast as a car at highway speed – or a mile a minute – in some areas.

Filipinos needing assistance are encouraged to contact the Philippines government through its 24/7 emergency hotline +1808 253-9446 or official e-mail address honolulu.pcg@dfa.gov.ph. (Jean Mangaluz/Inquirer.net)

SEVENTY-NINE percent of Filipinos consider China the "greatest threat" to the Philippines and backed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s approach of not yielding to the Asian superpower's provocative actions in the South China Sea, the latest survey of Publicus Asia showed.

The Pahayag 2023 First Quarter survey showed that majority of Filipinos trust Japan, the memberstates of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Canada, South Korea, Australia

and the United States, and distrust China and Russia.

The survey, conducted between March 2 and March 6, with 1,500 respondents, showed that 55%trusted Japan, followed by ASEAN and Canada, at 45% and 44%, respectively.

Interestingly, South Korea (39%), Australia (39%) and the U.S. (39%) "share comparable levels of trust," Publicus said.

However, it said reservations are slightly more apparent in relation to the U.S., similar to attitudes toward the UK (34%)

‘Marcos foreign trips, economy’s reopening major job creators’

by CATHERINE S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s foreign trips and the reopening of the economy are the main drivers of the increasing employment rate in the country, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) said on Friday, August 11.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama meets with LA Fil-Am community

by DONNABELLE GATDULA-AREVALO AJPress

LOS ANGELES — Incumbent

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama urged Filipino Americans to support the Philippine government’s initiatives in uplifting the lives of fellow Filipinos.

A meet and greet event was hosted by Rama’s Fil-Am supporters and friends on Wednesday, August 16 at the historic cultural center of the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) located in Historic Filipinotown.

During Wednesday's event, Rama was also presented a Certificate of Recognition by Filipino-American Press Club of California (FAPCCA) board member Mic Diaz and FACLA president Trinity Foliente.

Being a public servant for more than three decades, Rama said there is nothing more important than people working together as one for a common good.

“I cannot do it by myself. I need the help of all. It must be a multisectoral efforts,” said the mayor from the Queen City of the South.

“I understand that you are all living here comfortably in the United States. But please do remember your home country. Visit us sometimes. Help the Philippines achieve its goal of greatness. I am here to bring goodwill. I invite you all, please visit your home. Also be in Cebu,” he said. Cebu City is a first-class highlyurbanized city in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It is the capital of the Cebu Province, where it

is geographically located but is one of three cities (together with LapuLapu City and Mandaue City) that are administratively independent of the provincial government. Based on recent data, the city has a population of 964,169 people, making it the sixth-most populated city in the nation and the most populous in the Visayas.

“There are a lot of occasions where you can celebrate with us. There’s All Saints' and All Soul’s Day where you can visit your dearly departed family, friends or relatives, [or] Christmas. You can join us and enjoy what Cebu has to offer to all our balikbayans like our Sinulog Festival. We are also famous for our beaches, our historical sites,” he added.

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ECOP President Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr. made the statement after the Philippine Statistics Authority reported the country’s employment rate increased by 95.5 percent in June this year. During the Laging Handa public briefing, Ortiz-Luis cited a marked increase in Board of Investments and Philippine Economic Zone Authority  PAGE A2

READY FOR ACTION. Flags of participating countries in the 2023 FIBA

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos during a recent trip to Malaysia. Malacañang file photo

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama AJPress photo by Donnabelle Gatdula-Arevalo

‘Marcos foreign trips, economy’s reopening...

registrations.

Also the president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation Inc., he said the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry has been entertaining delegations that are looking for potential business partners in the country.

“Unang-una talaga tuluytuloy ‘yung pag-alis natin doon sa pandemic era at tuluy-tuloy ang pag-hire (First of all, we continue to recover from the pandemic era and the hiring also continues),” Ortiz-Luis replied when asked about factors that contributed to the increase in local employment.

“Ang gobyerno naman tuluytuloy ang pag-encourage ng investment, at maraming biyahe ni presidente. Hindi naman inaasahan na marami talagang iuuwing investors at ‘yun ay tuluytuloy (The government continues to encourage investment, and the

METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY (LACMTA) REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

LACMTA will receive Proposals for PS108960 – Annual Financial and Compliance Audits of Metro and its Component Units for FY2024-2029at the 9th Floor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.

All Proposals must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/ CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m., Pacific Time on September, 19, 2023. Proposals received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each proposal must be sealed and marked Proposal No. PS108960.

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

8/19/23

CNS-3730172# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

president travels a lot. It is not expected that he will bring home many investors, and that will continue),” he said.

The ECOP head also said industries that generated more jobs were construction, agriculture, administrative and food services, and public administration and defense on the government side.

To help the government improve the labor force, Ortiz-Luis added that ECOP has been carrying out an advocacy campaign and forged an agreement with various state agencies, manufacturers, business process outsourcing and tourism industry to create 1 million jobs.

“These are additional jobs, and we continue to conduct trainings and job matching to help create more jobs,” he said.

“And we are working with the DoLE (Department of Labor and Employment) on how to address the problems, particularly the job mismatch,” Ortiz-Luis added.

Meanwhile, the ECOP head attributed the gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 5.3 percent in the first half of 2023 to the continued opening up of the economy.

He, however, suggested that the government has to boost its spending to meet its GDP growth target this year.

“Our target is a high of 7 percent, 6 percent, between that is the target for this period. We did not meet that. We have just moved little by little, so we have to catch up,” Ortiz-Luis said.

He also cited the need to accelerate the government’s spending to boost the country’s economic growth.

“Those budgets of the departments that are not spent, it is understandable because the people, new administration, new people, they are still studying, they do not yet know how to use

the money. But maybe they need to spend their budgets more quickly,” the ECOP chief said.

The Marcos government said it would accelerate spending in the coming quarters to recover the momentum following the 4.3 percent economic expansion of the country’s economy in the second quarter of this year.

“While government expenditure contracted by 7.1 percent in the absence of election-related spending in the first half of the year, government spending will accelerate in the coming quarters to allow us to recover our growth momentum,” the administration’s economic managers said in a joint statement on Thursday, August 10.

The Economic Development Group, according to the officials, has already been discussing how various government agencies can expedite the implementation of programs and projects for the rest of the year.

The economic team expressed optimism on the strong and positive prospects of the Philippine economy, believing it could sustain the momentum of its initial gains.

“We firmly believe that the prospects of the Philippine economy remain strong and positive. Our economy has weathered the worst and most challenging times during the pandemic. Now, we are better equipped and more resilient to withstand the various risks and challenges on both the external and domestic fronts,” the economic managers said.

“Our robust growth strategies and the active participation of all sectors of society, especially our private partners, will keep us on track to achieving our social and economic transformation agenda toward a prosperous, inclusive and resilient Philippines,” they added. 

Stronger PH-US military cooperation...

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Meanwhile, 58% of the respondents agreed that the Philippine governent should explore increased military cooperation with its American counterpart to deal with external threats to the country. Only 12% were not in favor, and 28% were undecided. More than 60% of respondents in Balanced Luzon and Mindanao said they support the strengthening and expanding of military cooperation between the two countries, while only 48% of respondents in the National Capital Region and 48% of respondents in the Visayas said they agree.

The number of undecideds, however, was highest in the National Capital Region at 43%, followed by the Visayas at 31%. Balanced Luzon and Mindanao were statistically tied at 24% and 27%, respectively.

Class E was the highest socioeconomic class in favor of strengthening military cooperation at 70%, while Classes ABC and D were statistically tied at 52% and 56%, respectively.

The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus or minus 3% nationwide and 6% among major geographical regions and socioeconomic classes. 

Pinoys see...

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and the European Union (30%). In contrast, the survey indicated a distinct lack of trust in China at 9 percent and in Russia at 14%. Publicus attributed the 79% mistrust toward China to the widespread belief that China poses the most significant threat to the Philippines. In terms of foreign policy, the survey showed that 6 in 10 Filipinos support the president's stance and strategies regarding the West Philippine Sea dispute. 

Health o cials, CBOs detail e orts to...

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half identified as Hispanic, 16% as white, 6% as Black and 2% AAPI.

However, nearly 87% of those disenrolled were dropped for procedural reasons, i.e. “because the member did not return the renewal packet,” said Huang. Those disenrolled procedurally have 90 days from June, through September 30, to return their packets to get reinstated.

Through a state program launched last June, those disenrolled due to higher income are automatically enrolled in Covered California, the state’s health care marketplace.

Jessica Altman, CEO of Covered California (CC), said that of those auto-enrolled from Medi-Cal, a third pay no premiums, two-thirds pay $10 or less monthly, and nearly 90% receive financial help for health insurance.

In tandem with a $25 million media outreach campaign launched by DHCS to share Medi-Cal renewal information in print and digital media across 19 languages statewide, Altman said Covered California, too, has been sharing Medi-Cal transition details through television, radio, social media, digital, and print campaigns across languages like Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and Vietnamese.

CBOs navigate redetermination on the frontlines

Through its Health Enrollment Navigators Project, which was awarded $60 million through SB 154 in June 2022, DHCS has funded over 150 CBOs to help those facing disenrollment navigate redetermination.

Louise McCarthy, CEO of the Community Clinic Association of LA County (CCALAC), said that LA County — having nearly a third of California’s population — is the “canary in the coal mine” for redetermination statewide. CCALAC comprises 133 nonprofits serving 1.89 million Angelenos every year, 64% of which are on Medi-Cal.

“The data at the state level rings true with what’s happening here

locally,” McCarthy said. Despite outreach campaigns, many CCALAC clients weren’t returning paperwork, “often because they moved since the pandemic and their address changed.”

Rosario Arreola Pro, chief operations officer of the California Rural Health Indian Board (CRHIB) representing 19 tribal clinics statewide, said the impacts of unprotected health care are particularly unaddressed for American Indians in California.

Although DHCS currently has no data as to Native American redetermination, 30 to 60% of patients served by tribal clinics are Medi-Cal beneficiaries.

Thus, said Pro, CRHIB’s measures to ensure coverage on this front are urgent. Its most crucial measures include text, phone, social media, and email outreach campaigns reminding clients to update their contact information and open their mail; ensuring that phone visits remain reimbursable for tribal clinics, “especially those in remote areas where internet may not be reliable”; and providing transporters in these areas to deliver necessary paperwork.

Dr. Seciah Aquino, executive director of the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California (LCHS), added that measures like these are also key to ensuring coverage for Latinos, who represent 53.2% of those disenrolled from MediCal so far.

“We will continue to see that number rise,” she said, “and this is not okay for Latinos, who are still recovering from a devastating pandemic. Our health is very fragile.”

In May, CDPH data revealed that Latinos comprised about 44% of COVID cases and 42% of COVID deaths.

‘Fear and confusion’ around Medi-Cal redetermination

While communication campaigns are reaching Spanish speakers statewide, LCHS — which represents over 40% of Californian Latinos, or over 16 million — has found that “there

is still a lot of fear and confusion in terms of what to do,” Aquino continued. “People understand that these changes are coming and ongoing, but don’t understand where to follow up and how we can help them."

Language access and data disaggregation challenges worsen these communication gaps.

“Our community is not a monolith, and we have many indigenous Mesoamericans who have not been able to receive information ,” said Aquino. Getting DHCS redetermination numbers on these communities specifically is key to outreach.

“When you keep people healthy, you keep your economy healthy.”

Mayra Alvarez, president of the Children’s Partnership, said youth are among those most vulnerable to redetermination, as 5.7 million children — nearly 60% of those statewide — rely on Medi-Cal, and nearly 70% of these are children of color. Among the two to three million Californians which DCHS has estimated may lose Medi-Cal, she estimates that up to 1 million are children.

Although procedural disenrollment numbers are clear, the reasons for them remain largely undetermined, she noted. While communication issues like language access hinder families and youth from continuous care, CBOs are key to addressing these challenges at the ground level and the state is helping prevent Californians from “falling through the cracks,” Alvarez said.

For example, AB 2402, passed in August 2022, ensures multiyear continuous coverage for children ages zero to five and removes procedural barriers to care, but it won’t be in effect until 2025.

“Fifteen million of us depend on Medi-Cal, including over half of all kids,” Alvarez added. “If one family, one child, one person loses coverage unnecessarily, that’s unacceptable. Keeping Californians from falling through the cracks … is an all-hands-ondeck effort.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)

US museum to return Filipinos’ remains from...

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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has confirmed the meeting between the Philippine Embassy in Washington and the Smithsonian about the return of the Filipino remains.

“The Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. was involved at the start of the discussions,” the DFA said on Tuesday, August 15.

“But the National Museum of the Philippines is now taking the lead on this,” the DFA said in a text message.

Apparently some Filipinos, including an Igorot community, want the remains returned so that they will be accorded proper burial according to their tradition.

In a statement dated August 9, the NMP welcomed the Smithsonian’s initiative to repatriate the remains of the Filipinos “some but not all of whom can be specifically identified, which have been kept in their collection for many decades.”

The NMP said that these are apparently remains of Filipinos, mostly members of various indigenous groups in the Philippines, who were brought to the United States “for the St. Louis World’s Fair held in 1904 who died there during the period of the exposition” or those who had

chosen to remain in the U.S.

Some historians had described the St. Louis exposition as a “human zoo” wherein indigenous people from around the globe were converted into “attractions.”

According to asianamericanedu.org, after the Philippine-American War ended in 1902, the Americans became “fascinated by the natives of the the newly-acquired territory, which led to the development of anthropological exhibits showcasing what life was like in the Philippines.”

“The United States government spent over $1.5 million transporting over 1,000 Filipinos to the World’s Fair. The Igorot Village was one of the most popular attractions at the Fair,” the asianamericanedu. org added.

The NMP said, “In some if not all cases, there is no evidence of consent being given for the collection and scientific use of the remains.”

The remains were collected by the Smithsonian for research purposes in “biological anthropology in line with practices that at the time were considered acceptable though not uncontroversial,” the NMP said.

“Of course, most if not all

museum institutions around the world have long discontinued such collections of human remains and, in recent decades, there has been a growing effort by concerned institutions to try to correct or remedy actions of the past that are today regarded as objectionable or worse,” it added.

“In adherence with today’s standards of ethical museum practice, the NMP accepts and supports this effort of the Smithsonian NMNH to do the right thing and facilitate the return of the Filipino remains home as a way of rectifying this unfortunate situation,” the NMP said.

The NMP said it has extended to the Smithsonian NMNH its commitment to extend necessary assistance in repatriating and safekeeping these Filipino remains.

The NMP said it has been coordinating with the DFA and the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts on this matter.

“In all cases, the ultimate objective is to turn over the remains to the rightful lineal descendant family or community for proper appropriate action,” the NMP said. (Bernadette E. Tamayo/ ManilaTimes.net)

YOUNG CHAMPS. The Philippine team that won

Malacañang file photo

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama meets with LA Fil-Am...

Fil-Am crowd, adding that they have this practice right now in Cebu City wherein every Monday everybody dances to a City jingle, as a way for all to celebrate life and camaraderie.

The floricking, he said, is like practicing Sinulog once every week. Sinulog is the ritual prayer-dance honoring Señor Santo Niño or the Child Jesus. An image of the Child Jesus is said to be the baptismal gift the Portuguese conquistador Ferdinand Magellan gave to Hara Amihan (Humanay) of Zebu (now Cebu) in April 1521. The image, believed to be miraculous, is housed at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in downtown Cebu City.

The festival is also considered to be the biggest fete in the Philippines, with every celebration luring almost 2 million international and local tourists/ participants each year.

Also dubbed as the “Grandest Festival" in the country, the Sinulog is also famous for its street parties, usually happening the night before and the night of the main festival.

The word Sinulog comes from the Cebuano adverb sulog which means "like water current movement.” The Sinulog dance moves are often identified to be two steps forward and one step backward as the dancer sways to a distinct rhythm of drums. This

movement is made to resemble the current (sulog) of what was known as Cebu's Pahina River.

Rama, who has been advocating to transform the province to be more like Singapore in terms of economic development, social discipline, security and tourism, also invited his kababayans to witness Cebu City’s hosting of the Palarong Pambansa in July of next year.

“After more than 30 years, we are finally hosting this big annual sporting and educational event,” he said.

The Palarong Pambansa is an annual multi-sport event involving student-athletes from 17 regions of the Philippines. The event, started in 1948, is organized and governed by the Department of Education.

According to Rama, Cebu is thriving in terms of attracting investors but there is a need to help spur the inclusivity in the city.

“Cebu is already an attractive investment venue. What we need to do is to address and help the start-ups, the small-to-medium enterprises and so on, bringing everybody up. Number one... there should be discipline, like Singapore,” he said.

“I serve with conviction, with a heart. I want to make a difference in the lives of the poor. I want to uplift the lives of my constituents as a whole,” he added.

In his inaugural speech in June last year, Rama laid out his concrete plans and projects, foremost of which is making Cebu City as great as Singapore.

“To borrow my mentor’s mantra: We will make Cebu City second to none. That is not farfetched. That is not impossible, with God, with [Bongbong Marcos], with Sara [Duterte], the speaker, the senate president, they are all on our side,” the mayor said, in his inaugural message.

Rama has been in office since 2021, and previously held the same position from 2010 to 2016. He served as the Vice Mayor of Cebu City from 2001 to 2010 and from 2019 to 2021, and was a member of the Cebu City Council from 1992 to 2001. He was elected the National President of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LGP) in 2022. LGP, an organization of all cities in the Philippines,

has 149 city-members as of July 2023.

Part of a 100-year family legacy of public service, Rama started his political career as councilor of Cebu City for three successive terms from 1992 to 2001, filling in the slot of his uncle, Clemente Rama, a veteran councilor.

In his third term, as the councilor who was the recipient of the most votes in the election, Rama became the first councilor who often assumed the roles of vice mayor and even as acting mayor. Also during his third term, he served as national president of the Philippine Councilors League (PCL).

Rama also served three consecutive terms as vice mayor of Cebu City from 2001 to 2010 with Tomas Osmeña as mayor, and was elected the national president of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines (VMLP).

Rama ran and won for the city mayorship in 2010, and was proclaimed as the twentyseventh mayor of Cebu City, defeating former mayor Alvin Garcia.

In 2013, Rama was re-elected as mayor for a second term, defeating his former ally and mayor Tomas Osmeña.

In 2019, Rama returned to his former post as vice mayor of Cebu City, together with ally Edgardo Labella as mayor, defeating the incumbent Osmeña.

Rama once again took oath as mayor on November 20, 2021 following the death of Labella the day before. Rama

retained his post as city mayor in 2022, defeating city councilors Margot Osmeña and Dave Tumulak.

The 68-year-old public servant is a member of the Rama family, a prominent political family from Cebu City. He is the son of Fernando Rama, a former Cebu City councilor, and brother of Eduardo L. Rama, the former congressman and governor of Agusan del Norte. His nephew is Cebu City Congressman Edu Rama Jr., son of his late brother governor Eduardo Rama Sr. He has two children, Micheline and Mikel.

He is the grandson of Don Vicente Rama, known to be the "Father of Cebu City," who served as senator, Cebu City's first inaugural mayor, first national assemblyman, congressman, and councilor.

He is also the nephew of Osmundo G. Rama, governor of Cebu Province; and of Commissioner Napoleon G. Rama, 1986 Constitutional Commission floor leader, Philippine Legion of Honor (Grand Commander) February 2011 awardee.

Capt. George Rama is his first cousin, the Barangay Captain of Basak San Nicolas of Cebu City and in addition, his first cousin is talent manager, celebrity businesswoman Annabelle Rama, the mother of Ruffa, Richard, and Raymond Gutierrez.

Rama was also in Los Angeles to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award from the America Excellence Award. 

Nonito Donaire Jr. reacquires Filipino citizenship

by LANCE AGCAOILI Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former four-division champion Nonito Donaire Jr. reacquired his Filipino citizenship on Monday, August 14 at Romulo Hall of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco. The Filipino Flash, an American citizen whose paternal grandfather was born in Hawaii, became a dual citizen under Republic Act No. 9225 after taking his Oath of Allegiance with his wife Rachel and their two sons.

"I am very proud and whole now that I have my Philippine citizenship. Being Bohol-Born,

for years I have tried to get my citizenship but I was always missing a paper,” Donaire told PCG San Francisco.

“With my mom’s help, I was able to complete my package of requirements for me to get my Philippine citizenship here at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco. Aside from being able to give pride to my roots, my citizenship will allow me to stay in the Philippines longer and create change and growth for Filipinos through economical, sociological, l and environmental projects through action.”

The Donaire family took the oath in front of Deputy Consul

General Raquel Solano, Consul Jed Llona, Consul Rowena PangilinanDaquipil, and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay.

According to the DFA, Donaire’s sons have also become dual citizens as his derivatives. Donaire and his wife bared their social initiatives in the Philippines, including building typhoon-resilient homes, settingup sustainable waste management systems, and installing water filtration systems in rural communities.

The 40-year-old boxer last fought on July 29, losing to Alexandro Santiago in 12 rounds by unanimous decision in Nevada. 

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama was the guest of honor at the Filipino American Community Center of Los Angeles.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama with Mic Diaz (left) of the Fil-Am Press Club of Los Angeles and Trinity Foliente (right), the president of the Filipino American Community Center of Los Angeles AJPress photos by Donnabelle Gatdula-Arevalo

Rama encourages Fil-Ams to visit and invest in the Philippines.

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

PH, US lead drills for mass casualty evacuation

by FRANCES MANGOSING Inquirer.net

CLARK FREEPORT — More than 500 military personnel led by Philippine and U.S. teams participated in drills simulating aerial evacuation in a mass casualty scenario in a former U.S. air force base in Pampanga province.

Teams from the Philippine Air Force (PAF), United States Air Force (USAF) and contingents from other countries loaded people on stretchers into a USAF C-130 plane in a simulation of medevac during a volcanic eruption.

The rescue plane flew to Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu to simulate in-flight medical response and transfer of casualties.

The exercise was part of the week-long Pacific Airlift Rally, which the PAF co-hosted with the U.S. Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) for the first time. It aims to enhance multilateral airlift training and interoperability between IndoPacific nations.

“Training in aeromedical evacuation response is very important because sometimes it’s the only way to reach the far-flung areas affected by disasters,” said Capt. Julian Argillas of the PAF.

“The Philippines is the epicenter of a lot of disasters,” he said.

“This is a reality we’re currently living in and it’s something that we practice everyday and we’re

happy to share our best practices learned from dealing with real life problems in disaster response to other nations,” Argillas said.

Maj. Andre Bostic, of the PACAF, said it was important to train with partners to prepare them for future emergencies better.

“Working and sharing our ideas make all of us better and it makes us prepared as a team to respond when disasters happen. It’s better to build the relationships now for future disasters,” he said.

The drills involved 578 participants from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 109 from the USAF, and 92 others from Japan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, Maldives, Mongolia,

Nepal Singapore, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste.

Maj. Gen. Virgilio Villanueva, a PAF C-130 pilot, said the PAF could send 578 men to the exercise because it was held in the Philippines.

“We have limited resources to send everybody to train overseas. But since it was held here, we could send more to learn from their counterparts,” said Villanueva.

Other activities at the weeklong exercise involved flight training and other drills.

Villanueva said they trained to airdrop cargo in altitudes of as low as 500 feet using “lowcost” expendable parachutes for disaster-stricken areas without landing sites.

Marcos names former Foreign A airs chief Locsin as special envoy to China

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has appointed former Foreign Affairs chief Teodoro Locsin Jr. as Special Envoy of the President to the People's Republic of China for Special Concerns, Malacañang announced on Wednesday, August 16.

It was in September last year when the Chief Executive designated Locsin as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The Palace, however, did not specify if Locsin will stay on as the country's envoy to the UK or if Marcos will name his replacement.

During the Duterte administration, Locsin was first named as the Philippines' Permanent Representative to the United Nations before becoming Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). (Kristina Maralit/ManilaTimes.net)

Participants in the week-long Pacific Airlift Rally in Clark Air Base, led by Philippine and U.S. teams, simulate airlift missions for casualties of a volcanic eruption. Inquirer.net photo

Save Manila Bay from reclamations

PRESIDENT Marcos’ decision to suspend almost all reclamation projects at Manila Bay may be long overdue, but it’s a commendable move hailed and welcomed by environmental groups that described it as “a resounding victory for coastal ecosystems and the Filipino people.”

“All reclamation projects are under review. There is only one that will continue because it was already reviewed,” the president said early last week, during a situation briefing on the massive flooding in Bulacan caused by heavy rains from Typhoon “Egay.” “There are a lot of problems. We saw many projects that are not being managed, operated properly,” Mr. Marcos added.

The indefinite suspension comes on the heels of the United States Embassy’s statement expressing concern over the environmental impact of the reclamation projects, and their ties to China Communications Construction Co. (CCCC), which the embassy said has been cited by the World Bank and Asian Development Bank “for engaging in fraudulent business practices.’’ The embassy also noted that CCCC was involved in “helping the Chinese military construct and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea.”

It was not clear which project was exempted since the president did not specify it, but Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga took pains to clarify that all 22 Manila Bay reclamation projects were suspended. In announcing their suspension, the president himself noted the ill effects of the projects: “[I]f they all push through, many rivers will be clogged, including the ones emptying into [Manila Bay].

The water will have nowhere to go. Even on Roxas Boulevard, the sea will disappear,” he said.

The reclamation projects in Manila Bay are at various stages of development, according to data from the Philippine Reclamation Authority, which former president Rodrigo Duterte had transferred from the DENR to the Office of the President in 2019 through Executive Order No. 74.

Environmental groups have long deplored these

WHEN President Marcos visited China in January of this year, one of the highlights of his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping was the establishment of a so-called direct line of communications between our two countries in the event of a crisis.

Specifically, the line will be between the Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office of our Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on the one hand, and the Department of Boundary and Ocean Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, on the other.

This week, however, we learned that when the DFA called its counterpart at the height of an incident near Ayungin Shoal— on Saturday, Aug. 5, the China

projects, citing their destruction of Manila Bay’s ecosystem and the displacement of coastal communities. They’ve repeatedly cited the bay’s crucial role as the center of biodiversity with over eight species of shellfish and 50 species of fish in its waters, while serving as a stopover for migratory birds. With the bay’s coastline stretching across eight provinces in Luzon and three regions, it becomes the natural outlet of several waterways. Blocking it with reclaimed structures can only lead to devastating floods and the resulting loss of crops, several groups have pointed out.

“Creating land where there was once only water brings irreversible destruction to marine habitats and makes us vulnerable to disasters,” the group Oceana said, adding that the dumping and filling of the seas is illegal and violates the people’s constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology, while depriving fisherfolk in surrounding communities of their livelihood that would consequently endanger food security.

Previous studies have also cited Manila Bay’s increased vulnerability to environmental hazards because of climate change that is expected to bring increased rainfall, stronger storm surges in coastal areas, and rising sea levels that would result in the rapid sinking of land or subsidence.

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority on Tuesday, Aug. 15 noted that sea levels in Manila are rising at thrice the global average: 8.4 millimeters a year compared to 3.4 mm/year global average based on data from 1902 to 2022. A more recent analysis from 1965 shows an even higher average of more than 14.4 mm sea level rise every year.

On top of such ecological risks, U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson last week raised concerns on the

ManilaTimes.net photo damage that reclamation projects could wreak on the cultural and heritage appeal of Roxas Boulevard which lines the bay famous for a glorious view of the sunset. Recall that Manila Bay has witnessed historic battles such as the Battles of La Naval de Manila that ended Dutch attempts to seize the Philippines, the Battle of Manila Bay during the Philippine-American War, and battles during World War II that saw the bay’s fortified islands, like Corregidor, suffer heavy damage.

So what happens next? How long will this “indefinite suspension” last?

Why not a clear, inclusive, and extensive national

policy on reclamation then, that would prevent local government officials from making shady and secret lucrative deals with housing and real estate consortiums?

Transparency is crucial as well for government efforts to be taken seriously. For a start, why not divulge the name of that project exempted from the suspension, including its proponents, so that stakeholders can validate the reported review process that merited its exemption?

Otherwise, Yulo-Loyzaga’s vow that the DENR is here “to actually implement environmental laws,” would be mere rhetoric. (Inquirer.net)

Crisis communications essential to peace

Coast Guard used water cannons on Philippine boats that were on a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre—there was no answer at the other end of the hotline.

What, then, could be done when one party picks up the phone to talk but the other party refuses the dialogue?

This was exactly the topic of a workshop that the Stratbase ADR Institute held with our friends at the United States Institute of Peace and Australian Aid on Aug. 10 and 11 in Makati City. The well-attended workshop had five panel discussions—each engaging, even riveting—in the context of the very recent turn of events off Ayungin Shoal.

The panel discussions revolved around the efficacy of crisis communications mechanisms in state relations, diplomacy for crisis management channels in Philippine-China and U.S.China relations, establishing

communications mechanisms to avoid future crises, multilateral approaches to managing crises with China, and lessons from the Philippines’ crisis experience with China.

The general consensus appears to be that both the Ayungin Shoal incident and its aftermath are not unexpected for a country like China, given its mindset and its previous actions. The water cannon incident appears deliberate, and, as one of our panelists said, they may not have picked up the crisis hotline simply because this was not a crisis for them.

Filipinos are awaiting the government’s next course of action after what happened on Aug. 5. Surveys we have commissioned since 2016 show us that the majority of Filipinos, even as they are preoccupied with economic concerns, are also aware of what is going on in the West Philippine Sea.

Our most recent commissioned survey, done by Pulse Asia in June 2023, revealed that 80 percent of respondents agreed alliances should be formed and relationships strengthened with other countries.

Respondents also said that the Marcos administration should strengthen our military capability (72%), conduct joint military patrols and exercises with allied countries (64%), and shift the focus of our defense institutions to external threats (61%).

An earlier survey also revealed that 89 percent of Filipinos believe we should assert our rights in the West Philippine Sea. What, then, should be done in this crisis, especially since China refuses to acknowledge the premise of the dialogue— that they are infringing on what rightfully belongs to the Philippines?

Initial statements by Mr. Marcos—relatively firmer and

stronger than the position taken by his immediate predecessor— are encouraging, but there remains a lot of room for improvement. The experts we gathered in our workshop agreed that we should never stop talking to China, and we should take advantage of both official and unofficial channels to get our point across. Defense and security issues are intimately linked with economic and other equally compelling issues, so there is no way that the other party can completely cease talking to us.

Most importantly, and this is what we have been doing so far, we should capitalize on the widespread support expressed, in word and deed, by our friends and allies in the international community. These nations share our values and our commitment to the preservation of the rules-based international order. They have articulated

their condemnation of China’s acts and have asserted that our victory at the Permanent Court of Arbitration is sufficient basis to strengthen our defense mechanisms.

And so, this is our message to the Chinese: We Filipinos have the law on our side, and no amount of stonewalling, propaganda, or clever messaging can change this fact. We have the support not just of one or two peace-loving nations, but numerous ones who value the fundamental principles of decency and conduct.

Finally, this is our nation and our territory. We will not cower before bullies. (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.

* * * Dindo Manhit is founder and CEO of the Stratbase Group.

The need for economic transformation and a visionary, transformative leader

in a sustained manner.

current account deficit and debts balloon.

AS I have written in this space last week, the country’s two main sources of income are at risk –IT-BPOs and OFW remittances.

The former from the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence (studies show that 50 percent of global remote interactions will be driven by AI by 2024) and the latter from new labor laws of advanced economies that allow immediate family members to emigrate along with the contracted worker. With family members abroad, the need to remit to the homeland is all but negated.

Cracks are beginning to show in our consumer-led economy and this is made evident by the poor 4.3 percent GDP growth in the second quarter. Foreign direct investments are down by 20.8 percent in January to May too. President Marcos cannot afford to simply rely on economic inertia and the breakthroughs of past administrations. The inertia is running out. Without preparation, he will be caught flatfooted as our

I am well aware that the Philippine Development Plan (2023-2028) and the Ambisyon Natin Development Plan (2015 to 2040) serve as roadmaps to attain our development goals. I have read them both.

We must remember, however, that the attainment of our development goals depends on the successful implementation of at least 2,000 reforms stated in these plans. Among them is to quash corruption, improve ease in doing business, improve economic competitiveness and many more.

We’ve been trying to enact these 2,000 reforms for 45 years, yet we still find ourselves relatively unsuccessful today. Our per capita income of $3,905 ranks 124th out of 192 countries evaluated by the World Bank. Sure, there have been some breakthroughs but let’s be honest – not even 25 percent of all the needed reforms have been realized in half a century. I doubt whether the pace will change.

So how do we get from per capita income of $3,905 to $20,000 in the fastest manner? Is there a way to turbo-charge our path to wealth?

Yes. Japan did it in the 50’s.

South Korea and Singapore did it in the 70’s. Vietnam is doing it today. At some point in these countries’ development, their leader led the way towards economic transformation. From producers of agricultural products and basic goods, their visionary leaders boldly resolved to be producers of high-value products that competed on the basis of complexity and quality, not on price.

A country’s economic transformation need not encompass multiple industries. It’s all about specializing in niches and expanding from there. For South Korea, they started with shipbuilding and domestic electronics. For Taiwan, it was electronic components.

Done right, the positive effects of an economic transformation could be rapid. South Korea’s per capita income in 1987 was about the same as ours today. They attained high-income status with incomes of $13,450 in just eight years! Meanwhile, exports of highvalue goods and services gave the Korean economy the capacity to import more capital goods without incurring perilous amounts of trade deficits. This enabled their economy to achieve high growth

With high-value industries operating in a country, workers engaged in medieval agriculture, the underground economy and low-paying services can migrate to factories that pay higher, offer health benefits and security of tenure. Incomes increase across the board, all on the back of higher value-added production.

We must face the fact that we Filipinos will never be rich if we continue to rely on basic IT-BPO services, remittances and jobs from our consumer-led economy. No call center agent, waiter or cashier can become a millionaire doing what they do. Neither will a farmer engaged in nonmechanized agriculture.

Note too that 99% of businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs. They are bereft of the capital, technology and expertise to compete on a global level and offer basic wages to their employees. While they are a source of employment, MSMEs cannot be the impetus to wealth generation.

An economic transformation involves embracing technology, innovation, competitiveness, productivity and advanced logistics. It’s about shifting our products from low-yield to high-

yield. From call centers to robotic automation. From raw nickel to nickel batteries.

Successful countries in Asia, the Americas and Europe have all undergone this kind of economic transformation. We must do the same – and now is the ideal time, given our demographic advantage.

But how do we do it?

An economic transformation is championed by the president. He must decide to do it. He is the visionary and author of transformation. He drives transformation by clearly defining his vision. He inspires and empowers the agents of change, both in the public and private sectors. He unblocks developmental impediments by leveraging on his executive powers. He focuses on results and pushes the bar ever higher.

The president’s enablers in this transformation are the conglomerates, simply because they have the capital, management culture and expertise to compete globally.

As a matter policy, conglomerates must be encouraged to diversify away from rent-seeking businesses like malls, property development and utilities franchises and instead invest in the

industries strategically identified by the President. What industries can the Philippines find its niche in and go on to be the world leader and global vendor of it?

DTI Undersecretary Fita Aldaba and BOI managing head Perry Rodolfo have done extensive studies on this. Suffice it to say that the Philippines has the potentials to be a global leader in biotechnology and health care, robotic process automation, AI, renewable energy, maritime industries, machine learning, blockchain, electric mobility, among others.

The stakes are high. The economy can bust if the President leaves matters to the status quo. Conversely, he can be put the country on the fast track to a new stratosphere of wealth by championing an economic transformation. It is all up to him. (Philstar.com)

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

* * *

Email: andrew_rs6@yahoo.com. Follow him on Twitter @aj_masigan

Comelec supports amending outdated election expenditure caps

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday, August 17 expressed support for amending the campaign expenditure cap as it poses a timely approach considering various monetary factors in the country.

The Comelec remarked on the approval by the House of Representatives (HoR) on its third and final reading of House Bill (HB) 8370, which seeks to amend Section 13 of Republic Act 7166, entitled, “An Act providing for synchronized national and local elections and for other electoral reforms, authorizing appropriations therefor, and for other purposes.”

Under RA 7166, political candidates have spending limitations between P3 and P10 per registered voter. Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said that changes in inflation and monetary factors since 1991 have outdated these

expenditure limitations.

"Until now, (the campaign expenditure limits) is pegged at P10 for candidates for president and vice president, and P3 for other candidates with political parties; P5 for independent candidates and political parties," he said.

"The Comelec supports measures to revise these limits to amounts more attuned to the present times, which realistically manifest the present value of the Philippine peso," he added.

Laudiangco noted that the Comelec, through its reorganized Political Finance and Affairs Department, formerly known as the Campaign Finance Office, had collaborated with a technical working group and engaged in all legislative hearings to improve the three-decade-old law. He, however, said that the actual decision is in the hands of legislators.

"We submit to the wisdom

of Congress, and commit to administer and enforce all laws pertaining to elections," Laudiangco said.

He also expressed hopes for the Executive Branch to consequently "provide realistic but deterrent expenditure limits" to ensure "fair play."

Earlier, the proposed amendment received 268 favorable votes, three "No" votes, and one abstention from the House.

Under the proposed HB 8370, the campaign expenditure shall be capped at P30 to P50.

In particular, the campaign expense limits per voter would be set at P50 for the president; P40 for the vice president; P30 for the senator, district representative, governor, vice governor, board member, mayor, vice mayor, councilor, partylist representative, and political parties; and P5 for independent candidates. (PNA)

Filipinos abroad urged to choose accredited balikbayan box forwarders

MANILA – Just two weeks before the “ber” months season starts, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday, August 16 reminded Filipinos abroad to choose accredited forwarders to ensure smooth delivery of balikbayan boxes to their loved ones. During the Laging Handa public briefing, BOC Assistant Commissioner and spokesperson Vincent Philip Maronilla recalled that “troubles’ in delivery were typically encountered by some OFWs due to issues with forwarders.

"Nagri-remind lang po kami na pakitingnan po iyong DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) website o kaya po mag-exercise po ng extraordinary diligence sa pagpili po ng deconsolidator o mga forwarders na kung saan po ninyo pinagpapadalhan ito (We are reminding OFWs to kindly check the DTI website or exercise extraordinary diligence in choosing deconsolidator or forwarders where you will send these [balikbayan boxes])," he said. Maronilla said the DTI website has the official list of its accredited deconsolidators.

However, he said it is better to choose forwarders with competitive ratings and reviews.

"Maaari po kayong magcoordinate sa [Door-To-Door] Consolidators Association of the Philippines or iyong DDCAP para po sa listahan ng kanilang miyembro kung saan mayroon po silang rating (You can coordinate with the [Door-ToDoor] Consolidators Association of the Philippines or DDCAP for the list of their members with ratings)," Maronilla said.

Besides measures for sending deliveries in the upcoming holiday season, the BOC also warned the public to be vigilant against the trending love scams.

Maronilla said this scheme typically works through online transactions using Gcash or Palawan Padala, among others.

Maronilla said that instead of falling prey to such schemes, potential victims should immediately report similar incidents to the BOC.

He said the public may reach out to BOC via the hotline at 8484 or via the customer care system at www.customs.gov.ph.

Automation efforts

Meanwhile, the BOC assured

More ights, passengers cause long queues at NAIA, says transport security

by BENJAMIN L. VERGARA ManilaTimes.net

pursuance of its automation efforts in the customs system.

Maronilla said the BOC's system processing is currently 97 percent automated.

But he underscored the need for further integration within and among the agencies to streamline its services and cleanse systems from incidents of corruption.

"We have a project called Philippine Customs Modernization Project, and it's being rolled out wherein the BOC may revise its entire customs processing system," Maronilla said.

Also involved in the assessment of the project alongside the World Bank are the Department of Finance and the Department of Budget and Management.

The BOC ensured to continue working on the improvement of its processes, capabilities and streamlined services through its internal quality management system office to continue securing ISO certification. This came following the second-time ISO accreditation of the BOC-Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Besides BOC-NAIA, Maronilla said the majority of its offices are already ISO-certified. (PNA)

Marcos admin urged to pair media literacy project with concrete solutions to ght political disinformation

by CRISTINA CHI Philstar.com

MANILA — The government’s highly publicized media literacy campaign should be paired with concrete safeguards to prevent politicians from capitalizing on the spread of disinformation, several groups of media literacy advocates and researchers said.

Nine non-government organizations advocating for media and information literacy, along with several disinformation researchers, pointed out that politicians and platforms continue to reap financial and political gains from mis- and disinformation.

The groups called on the Marcos administration to go beyond its media literacy project with social media platforms and pursue “deeper structural solutions, such as promoting transparency and accountability in campaign finance and political advertising.”

The joint statement also pointed out that the government should build on earlier efforts to study and counter the spread of false information online by academics, members of civil society and media practitioners.

Branding the campaign as a “multi-stakeholder” project means the government should also engage academic and civil society organizations “that have been in the forefront of promoting MIL

and digital rights and countering disinformation in the country,” the joint statement read.

The Presidential Communication Office on August 14 launched its media and information literacy project in partnership with social media networks that have, in the past, been criticized for tolerating the spread of disinformation on their platforms.

The project involves the government’s education agencies — the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education — as well as Google, Meta (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Threads, and WhatsApp), TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter).

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. himself has benefited from the rampant spread of falsehoods that helped spruce up his image during his campaign for the presidency, according to a 2022 study by factchecking coalition Tsek.ph.

Marcos in 2022 insisted that he was a victim of fake news and that there is no group of paid trolls helping spread disinformation in his favor.

A study on influence operations published early this month estimates that at least P600 million to P1.5 billion were spent on political influencers in the 2022 election for presidential and vice

presidential bets.

Interviews by the researchers with political influencers show that expenses for influence operations are likely left out of candidates’ officially declared campaign expenses, highlighting how new forms of disinformation escape traditional forms of auditing.

The joint statement said that a previous campaign against disinformation launched under the Duterte administration ended up “transforming into a propaganda tool.”

The then-PCOO’s “Dismiss Disinformation” Facebook page had “started sharing erroneous and malicious posts, like the one accusing Rappler CEO Maria Ressa of spreading “fake news” in an interview with an Australian news channel back in May 2020.”

In 2017, a University of Oxford study found that $200,000 — around P10 million — was spent to hire trolls who would spread propaganda for President Rodrigo Duterte and target his opposition.

The study titled “Troops, trolls and troublemakers: A global inventory of organized social media manipulation” looked at how political parties and candidates across 28 countries deploy "cyber troops" who use a variety of strategies, tools and techniques to shape public opinion. 

AN increase in flights and passengers have resulted in slow processing and long passenger queues at the final security checks at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) said on Wednesday, August 16.

The OTS issued the statement following a recent review that labelled NAIA as among the worst airports in Asia.

"Based on our security screening procedures, we aim to process each passenger within a maximum of 1.5 minutes. However, this may vary depending on whether or not the passenger is carrying any prohibited items in their person or luggage," OTS spokesman Kim Marquez said.

The OTS said NAIA security screening procedures are aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.

"We can say that it is the same procedures implemented by other member states around the world. The queuing at our airports is affected by the number of passengers traveling at any given time such as in the case of NAIA," Marquez said.

Based on the study by vacation rental management firm Casago,

NAIA ranked 8th among the 10 worst airports while Singapore's Changi International Airport, on the other hand, is considered the world's best in giving a smooth experience to passengers.

"It is true that queuing at airports can be affected by the number of passengers traveling at any given time, as we have

experienced at NAIA due to the recent increase in flights and passenger traffic," Marquez stressed.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), the operator of NAIA, has been working to improve the airport facilities and passenger handling system. 

PLASTIC COLLECTION. Plastic Bank founder and chairperson David Katz (right) visits Peñaflor Envirocycling in Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal on Wednesday, Aug. 16. To help prevent plastic from polluting the oceans, Plastic Bank empowers communities to collect and exchange plastic waste for cash. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

WKND

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

LEADING U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel provides answers to more immigration inquiries from Kapamilya in the Philippines in the third installment of Citizen Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Manila.

• Gemma wants to know if she can bring her special daughter, Evita, to the U.S. once she is petitioned by her other daughter, who is a U.S. citizen.

• Jerome overstayed in the U.S. in 2016 because he had to take care of his sick uncle. He wants to know if he can still apply for a tourist visa despite overstaying the last time.

• Max, a lawful permanent resident, went to the Philippines four years ago for his vacation. Unfortunately, he has not been able to return to the U.S. because of COVID. Max is asking if

Ice on dealing with bigotry and homophobic slurs

By Boy aBunda Philstar.com

SOME weeks ago, I read one of Ice Seguerra’s Instagram posts expressing how disheartened he was for being judged by people who presumably are having a field day bashing and hating others. He opened up about dealing with homophobia and bigotry as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Part of his post read, “It’s sad to think that we are still judged not by our ability to love but what’s between our legs. Society can quickly diminish a beautiful relationship simply because we are different.”

It’s no secret that Ice was first known as Aiza Seguerra, who initially came out as a lesbian in 2007 and Ice now identifies himself as a transgender man.

“Coming out as a transman, I knew I would get a lot of hate.

Ice Seguerra, who identifies himself as a transgender man, hopes that someday ‘we would see that there’s value in being kind more than being right.’

Photo from Instagram/@icesguerra

It’s as if my coming out also gave people a license to insult my character and, worse, the people I love,” he wrote.

Ice wrote this post after his

daughter Amara informed him about what she read on the comments section of his post containing the Father’s Day message Amara sent him.

“That’s why I had to post that because my daughter greeted me a Happy Father’s Day. I was so moved by what she wrote, so, I posted it (on soc-med) and then, ako naman when I’m posting, I don’t actually look at the comments. It was actually her (who got to read the comment).”

Ice said Amara phoned him to tell that she’s annoyed by what she read. “Nakita niya that people were invalidating our relationship as dad and daughter. I hate that because they’re saying that we don’t have a relationship. Who are they to question what we have?”

Ice explained further, “Of course, I felt bad for my daughter. Bakit n’yo kinukwestiyon kung

LIFESTYLE CONSUMER GUIDE COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

Pinoy rapper EZ Mil, Eminem collab song debuts at no. 3 in global Billboard

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

chart on both the Rap Digital Song Sales and R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales charts.

The rap song also claimed the 10th spot on all the all-genre Digital Song Sales chart with 4,000 downloads from August 4 to 10.

The Pinoy rapper also debuted

at number 16 in the Emerging Artists list.

Ez recently signed with international rap icons Eminem and Dr. Dre’s record labels Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records.

What makes JC, Bela click

By Bot Glorioso Philstar.com

JC Santos and Bela Padilla are once again reunited on the big screen via the Viva Filmsproduced romantic comedy titled Wish You Were The One, which is set to open on Aug. 23 in cinemas nationwide.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers...

he can return to the U.S. if his green card expires in 2024.

• Jobelle aged out of her father’s employment-based petition. All her family members are now in the U.S. She wants to know if the Child Status Protection Act can help her case. Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in the third

installment of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Manila. Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, August 20 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)

Pinoy rapper EZ Mil...

He is only the second rapper next to 50 Cent signed directly with all three labels.

In Eminem’s Shady Records’ Facebook account, the record company posted a photo of Eminem, Dr. Dre and Ez. “Still Aftermath! Back at it with Dr. Dre to sign the incredibly talented Ez Mil,” the recording studio wrote. g

Wish You Were The One marks JC and Bela’s sixth movie together since their first successful collaboration in the 2017 hit 100 Daang Tula Para Kay Stella. It was followed by The Day After Valentine’s in 2018; Miracle in Cell No. 7, 2019; On Vodka, Beers and Regrets, 2020; and 366, 2022.

During the virtual press conference to drumbeat their upcoming movie, JC and Bela opened up about their deep connection that makes it easy for them to act as natural as can be in front of the cameras.

Bela said that she and JC keep in touch even if they’re not working on a project.

Nagkukumustahan kami so I don’t feel we completely lost touch. So, we don’t have to start from scratch every time we do a new project. From Day One of shooting, siyempre merong kaba, but we would always have a conversation on how are we going to make our approach different from the last project we did or how do we consciously

detach ourselves from the last roles we did.”

“I guess, we’re both masinop sa (meticulous with) work, we both wanted to portray our characters far different from the previous ones we did and it’s a challenge for us because it’s our sixth movie together, so we always have to change it. I guess we have to be conscious about changing our characters all the time,” added Bela, who was in London at the time of the virtual media conference.

JC, in turn, said that he’s always excited to work with Bela whom he can openly ask for suggestions, and vice versa, on how they can make every scene work even without much preparation.

“Another good thing about this partnership is hard work. It’s something that comes out naturally na kahit wala kaming update sa eksena, parang we could come out 100 percent every time. We continue to surprise each other and that makes it so exciting every scene kaya din I think nag-translate ‘yun sa pelikula (kung) paano kami on what’s gonna happen next,” stated JC. Bela agreed and deemed that what makes them appear natural on screen is their being comfortable with each other. “Sa tagal na naming magkakilala, we’re comfortable enough to ask for help because when you have a new partner, it feels like nagtatantyahan pa kayo, nag-

papagalingan pa kayo, but JC and I are no longer in that level. We can now honestly tell if one needs help, like, ‘Tulungan mo ako hindi ako makaiyak.’” Aside from them being comfy with each other, Bela delights in the fact that they are both maturing as actors and learning from each other as individuals.

“We’ve been working for six years now, so we’re not the same people as we were in 2017. Iba na ‘yung dala naming pain, iba na ‘yung hugot na dala namin sa eksena,” shared Bela. “Mababaw lang ‘yung iniiyakan namin noong 2017. We now have a lot of life experiences that we pull from and since we know each other, more or less, alam namin ‘yung pinagdadaanan, but also not just the pain but also victories like for JC, I can see how proud he is when he talks about his daughter River. So, it’s very endearing how we both are evolving as people, so it’s very endearing to see how we both are evolving as people, so definitely we are learning something about each other,” added she.

Bela and JC are so close that the former is the godmother of River. JC proudly declared that their friendship is the kind “that we can rant to be very honest with each other.” Both can also give pieces of advice to each

Ice on dealing with bigotry and...

ano ang pagtingin sa akin ng bata? Ito ako sa kanya, ‘yun ang tingin n’ya sa akin. So, I really had to post it.”

“They’re invalidating my (being a dad) by asking paano ka naging tatay wala ka naman whatever between your legs? But no, Amara sees me as her dad — someone who helps her mom mold her into the person she is now,” Ice continued.

Ice also mentioned in his post how he’s been dealing with bigotry and homophobic slurs. “Bigotry and homophobic slurs are part of my daily life. One can never get used to it, but if that’s the price I have to pay to live my truth, then so be it. But when my family is dragged into this, it is painful.”

Despite the longstanding recognition of the LGBTQIA+ community, there are still those who resent and continue to hate whatever it is that does not conform to their beliefs.

It’s admirable how Ice stays true to his core. Never mind the bashers, he and wife Liza Diño are indubitably a happy couple. The two got married in 2014 in San Francisco,

California.

“Our goal is to be happy, to stay together forever. That’s the goal so, now how do we get to that goal? There will be fights, there will be challenges but we always communicate and listen to each other and when we say communicate, it’s not just typical surface level communication. We always dive deep (in)to the hard conversations, to the point that even if we cry, even if sometimes magkataasan kami ng boses, we will do it because what we have is something we’re fighting for.”

Discover more about Ice through his responses to the questions below. Read on.

Let’s talk about competition, we are in an extremely competitive business. How do you compete?

“That’s actually hard, especially because you’re surrounded with so many excellent artists. Me, I learned my own way when I was part of the group Sessionistas (of ASAP) and most of the members were my contemporaries — Sitti, Nina, Juris — all amazing singers. So, I had this thought of how

would I standout. All of them are excellent performers and then, I realized bawat isa sa amin ay may kanya-kanyang kayang ibigay Each of us has a unique talent. What’s uniquely mine is my story, my journey and that helps to better express emotions every time I sing. So, I realized that there’s no need to compete. I just need to be me dahil lahat kami iba-iba ang naibibigay.”

Describe yourself as a father.

“(I’m) a cool dad.”

Describe yourself as a spouse.

“Loving, caring.”

Describe yourself as a singer-songwriter.

“I am a confident singer and a struggling songwriter.”

The sweetest thing you did for Liza.

“Proposal.”

One thing you love about yourself.

“Confidence.”

Complete the sentence. Pagdating ng panahon Pagdating ng panahon we would see that there’s value in being kind more than being right.” g

JC Santos and Bela Padilla partner anew in the Viva Films-produced romantic comedy “Wish You Were The One.” Photo

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel is shown here with Max King Cruz (left photo) and with Jobelle Lapira (right photo).

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers questions of Kapamilya from Manila – Gemma Zamora (left) and Jerome Lee (right).

Manay Gina Perez de Venecia: Lessons in life

GINA de Venecia, more known as “Manay Gina” to friends and supporters, was thrust into the spotlight when her husband, Jose De Venecia, became Speaker of the House of Representatives. With her husband’s position came her new role as the head of the Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc., where she was well loved, because of how hardworking and accommodating she was to everyone.

On May 10, 2010, Manay Gina finally entered the political arena and won as congresswoman of the Fourth District of Pangasinan. When she ran for her second term, she won by a landslide and after her proclamation she immediately extended the hand of friendship and peace to her opponents. She had one more term but opted to give way to her son Christopher to help fulfill the dream of her husband, Joe, who wanted to see his son succeed in public service like him. As she was to Speaker Joe, she always makes herself available for her son in case he needs advice, especially on women’s issues — their health, their family’s welfare and their rights.

For now, Manay Gina is content serving her loved ones and being there for them. But she has not closed the door on the possibility of running again. “I learned in this life is to never say no to anything; the future is yet to unfold before me,” shares Manay Gina. “Everything is fluid. My decision to run again depends on the clamor for my kind of public service.”

Here are some of the valuable lessons Manay Gina has learned in life.

1. Now is the only time we have, because tomorrow is not promised. I realized this when I lost my dearest daughter KC in a fire that also burned our home on Dec. 16, 2004. No amount of affection or careful planning for the future, even strong fortification, can shield anyone from death. To live meaningfully, it is important to accept that now is the only time we have control over. All else will be a bonus.

2. Make certain that your children will have a happy childhood to look back on. I survived the depression that followed KC’s death because I had a happy childhood. My happy childhood protected and cushioned me from the blows and falls that I later experienced in life. My childhood was solid and happy. We grew up with the movie stars and their fans. Growing up, my parents gave me and my brothers and sisters so much love. It was like we were living in an enchanted kingdom. As a result, I became a complete person. So, when storms came into my life, and in times when my dreams crumbled before my eyes, what helped me pull myself together was that anchor. I hold on to the happy memories of that special place, where I was truly cared for — my happy childhood. I became a complete person.

3. Learn how to “walk with kings and eat with paupers.” My parents taught us how to “walk with kings and eat with paupers.” Papa (Doc Perez) said, “You have to love our people, the masses, because they are the ones who support our movies.” So, early on, we felt at home with them,

FILIPINO SENSATION VINA MORALES TO MAKE

BROADWAY DEBUT IN HERE LIES LOVE

Morales steps into role of ‘Aurora Aquino’ on a one-month limited guest engagement

THE producers of Here Lies Love, the groundbreaking musical from David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, are pleased to announce the upcoming Broadway debut of popular Filipino actress Vina Morales, who will join the show performing as “Aurora Aquino” for a limited guest engagement from Friday, September 22 – Sunday, October 22 at the Broadway Theatre (1681 Broadway at 53rd Street).

and every year, Papa saw to it that we had outreach programs for them, especially when there were typhoons and floods. We were taught that when you give, you give all.

4. Love is never wasted. Genuine love for others is never wasted. It will always come back to you. I remember my father would always tell me, ‘Hija, lagi niyong isipin na gumawa kayo ng tama because kung hindi sa inyo babalik, sa mga anak mo.” All the people who have showered grace into my life, my parents were once good to them.

5. Power is fleeting. This one, I learned from Manay Ichu (Maceda). Kung sino ang makikita mo sa iyong pag-akyat, sila din ang makikita mo sa iyong pagbagsak. Power is fleeting. When you’re up there, there’s no other way but to go down. Power and popularity can be likened to a wheel. That’s why you have to be cognizant and appreciative of the people who helped you in reaching your goals, for they will be the same faces who will comfort you when things aren’t as rosy anymore.

6. Political ties are tenuous, but personal relationships are iron-clad. When I celebrated my birthday in 1999, a year after JDV lost in the presidential elections, the multitudes that once trooped to my home on my birthday when I was still the Speaker’s wife had dwindled to about 50. It was then that Mama Nene told me how lucky I was.

“Hija, this early, you now know who your true friends really are.” Among the first to greet me was the late Tita Cory Aquino, who gifted me with one of her paintings. She said, “I may not have been there for you when you were up, but I will always be there for you when you are down.” President Estrada and his wife Loi also sent me a beautiful flower arrangement and Imee Marcos dropped by at my birthday lunch. My friends, of different political hues and colors, had formed a rainbow of friendship for me.

7. Believe in the beauty of a second chance. Joe and I both emerged from difficult relationships, and we wanted to get it right together. Joe’s coming into my world transformed my life. Together, we have scaled the highest mountains with his political victories and knelt in the deepest valleys with the tragic loss of our daughter. But instead of adversity driving us apart, it cemented our love for each other. Without my husband’s trust and support, many of my dreams would have remained just dreams. I soared under his care and direction. He is the “wind beneath my wings.”

8. Credibility is the hallmark

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

VINA Morales admitted that she is still hoping to get married someday, although she stressed that she is currently “taking it easy” when it comes to having a romantic relationship.

During her “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” interview, the actress-singer opened up about her sentiment on marriage

of great leadership. Leadership isn’t only about excellence and having good values; to me, credibility is the hallmark of great leadership. Trust, being the trademark of healthy relationship, inside and outside of the leadership realm. It was my misfortune to experience the most harrowing grief of losing a child, when my youngest daughter, KC, died. Losing your own child is the most harrowing grief that can be experienced by a mother. The pain is so extreme, it defies description; there’s no word for a parent who loses a child! When I lost my dearest KC, I also realized that a support group for “orphaned” mothers is needed to help us recover from the paralyzing grief. More so in a matriarchal country like the Philippines, where mothers are considered the “ilaw ng tahanan.” As the “heart” of every home, the mothers in our country cannot afford to be paralyzed by the debilitating pain of losing a child, and in the process, jeopardize the welfare of the other loved ones in the family. Having experienced that deep personal heartache, and having survived that numbing grief of losing a child also gave me credibility to lead the Inang Naulila sa Anak (INA) Foundation, and deliver speeches on the most enduring lessons on ‘orphaned’ mothers’ survival, in various forums.

9. Helping others can be a healing experience. I learned that listening to the brave testimonials of my fellow orphaned mothers in the INA Foundation could be very therapeutic. In the course of time, the heartfelt synergy among us slowly transformed even our most daunting challenges into a series of small, manageable steps until we learned how to live with our pain and become functional again.

10. On jealousy. My mother, Mama Nene (Vera Perez), showed me how to be a confident woman. Mama Nene was never a jealous wife. Her reason? She had always felt that she was the most beautiful woman, in the eyes of my father. My mom used to say, “Doc Perez was surrounded by the most beautiful women all the time, but he chose me, not them, to be his wife and the mother of his children. So, I, probably, am the most attractive of them all.”.

* * * 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.

* * * For suggestions and comments, send email to monsrt@gmail.com, or follow on Instagram @monsromulo.

Morales steps into the role following Lea Salonga’s final performance as “Aurora Aquino” on Saturday, August 19 at 3:30pm. Salonga remains a key member of the show’s co-producing team. Cast member Reanne Acasio steps back in as the full-time “Aurora Aquino” in the interim.

As previously announced, Here Lies Love is committed to featuring various guest stars from the Philippines in the role of “Aurora Aquino,” showcasing the country’s abundance of talent. This production marked the first time Salonga played a Filipino role on the Broadway stage.

Lea Salonga said, “I am so excited to share the news that my friend Vina Morales will be joining our fabulous all-Filipino company in Here Lies Love! So talented and lovely, but most of all, so kind. She will be a wonderful addition to our cast!”

Vina Morales said, “To be able to perform on Broadway is a dream come true for any artist! I am grateful to ‘Coach Lea’ Salonga for guiding me along the way. You’re the best, Lea! =) I am excited to be part of the Here Lies Love family and I can’t wait to perform for all of you!”

Alex Timbers said, “David Byrne and I were first introduced to Vina’s extraordinary talents over ten years ago in Manila, when we were casting Here Lies Love’s National Theatre production. It’s an exciting, full-circle moment to have her join us now on Broadway; and an honor to introduce her, in this show-stopping role, to our incredible audiences.”

Morales is a multi-talented and awarded artist, who started her career at the age of 8. She has done more than 40 films and primetime soap operas. She has released 14 albums, done concerts worldwide and has performed with David Pomeranz and Jim Brickman. She is an IKON Asean Champion and was the first Filipino to perform in the NY Music Festival. She played Sherrie in Atlantis Productions’ local adaptation of Rock of Ages.

Here Lies Love began previews Saturday, June 17 and opened to rave reviews on Thursday, July 20, 2023.

From David Byrne Academy Award®, Grammy® Award, and Tony Award® winner) and Fatboy Slim (Grammy Award winner), Here Lies Love is “a truly fabulous piece of visual theater with a soundscape more beautiful,

more exciting and more surprising than any score on Broadway” (Chicago Tribune). This revolutionary new musical about former Filipina First Lady Imelda Marcos’ astonishing rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution, has been hailed as “a political chiller that’s also a red-hot adrenaline rush” (Ben Brantley) “that makes you believe you could dance all night” (The Washington Post).

Developed and directed by Alex Timbers (Tony Award winner) and choreographed by Annie-B Parson (Olivier Award nominee), Here Lies Love is a “roofraising, disco-infused extravaganza that turns the theatre into a dance floor with thrilling results” (The Guardian). Following sold-out, critically acclaimed runs at The Public Theater, London’s National Theatre, and Seattle Rep, “Here Lies love is the most entertaining new show on Broadway right now” (ABC7). Ticket buyers can experience this “undeniably enjoyable show” (New York

after show host Abunda asked, “Ngayon ba sa buhay mo, naniniwala ka pa sa kasal?” (With your life now, do you still believe in marriage?) “Wow! What a question. Dadating ba ako d’yan?—’yan ang tanong (Will I come to that point?—that’s the question) ,” Morales responded, chuckling.

Abunda reiterated the question the actress mentioned and asked, “Anong sagot

What makes JC, Bela click...

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other.

“We can confide if there is something good or bad that one (of us) is going through. She knows me too well if there is something not so good that I am going through,” said the actor.

It is believed that friendship often does grow into romantic love. But this does not hold true for JC and Bela. In spite of their good chemistry onscreen, their closeness is based on genuine

friendship, not romantic feelings. Kapag sumagad sa idea (as reel partners) in real life, mawawala ‘yung magic na nabibigay namin sa audience. We are really good friends, so we didn’t allow our investment in each other to disappear.”

Bela, on the other hand, said they respect each other and their onscreen partnership. She stressed that even before JC got married, they never got to that point of becoming real-life lovers. g

Former Pangasinan Rep. ‘Manay’ Gina de Venecia with husband, former Speaker Joe de Venecia. File photo/www.philstar.com

Vina Morales

Vina when asked if she would get married someday: ‘That’s what I’ve been praying for’

Vina Morales

Photo from Instagram/@vina_morales

Morales steps into the role of ‘Aurora Aquino’ for one...

Post) in two ways: seated or standing immersed within the action.

The show features the first all-Filipino cast to perform on Broadway: Arielle Jacobs (In The Heights, Aladdin, Between The Lines) as “Imelda Marcos,” Jose Llana (The King and I, The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee) as “Ferdinand Marcos,” Conrad Ricamora (“How to Get Away with Murder,” The King and I, Soft Power – Grammy nominations) as “Ninoy Aquino,” Aaron J. Albano, Melody Butiu, Moses Villarama, Jasmine Forsberg, Reanne Acasio, Jaygee Macapugay, Julia Abueva, Renée Albulario, Aaron Alcaraz, Carol Angeli, Nathan Angelo, Kristina Doucette, Roy Flores, Timothy Matthew Flores, Sarah Kay, Jeigh Madjus, Aaron “AJ” Mercado, Geena Quintos, Shea Renne, Angelo Soriano, and Danielle Troiano.

The creative team for Here Lies Love on Broadway includes three-time Tony Award® nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award® winner Clint Ramos (costume design), Tony Award® winner Justin Townsend (lighting design), M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design), and three-time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design), with casting by Tara Rubin CSA, Xavier Rubiano CSA, Gail Quintos and general

management by Foresight Theatrical.

Additional creative team members include ATW Jonathan Larson Grant recipient J. Oconer Navarro (music director), Billy Bustamante (assistant director), Renée Albulario (assistant choreographer), Bobby Garcia (casting consultant/Philippines), Gregory T. Livoti (production stage manager), and Ryan Gohsman and Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage managers). Giselle “G” Töngi is the show’s Cultural and Community Liaison.

Here Lies Love is produced by Hal Luftig/Kevin Connor, Patrick Catullo, Clint Ramos, Jose Antonio Vargas, and Diana DiMenna and Plate Spinner Productions, with Aaron Lustbader serving as Executive Producer.

They are joined by Lea Salonga, H.E.R., Jo Koy, Apl.de.Ap/Tala Creative Live, Rob Laqui, Giselle “G” Töngi, Adam Hyndman, Eva LaBadie, Georgina Pazcoguin, Marikit Ventures/Miranda Gohh, DJ CherishTheLuv/Garcia At Rodis, Don Michael H. Mendoza/Lora Nicholas Olaes, Celia Kaleialoha Kenney/ Jeremiah Abraham, No Guarantees, Yasuhiro Kawana, Elise K. Haas, Len Blavatnik, Warner Music Entertainment, Shira Friedman, James L. Nederlander/ Independent Presenters Network, LaChanze, Wendy Federman/Suzanne Niedland, Katler-Solomon/Charlotte Cohn, Cathy Dantchik, Elizabeth Armstrong,

John Gore Organization, The Shubert Organization, Hunter Arnold, Creative Partners Productions, Eastern Standard Time, Global Creatures, The Public Theater, Triptyk Studios, Iris Smith, Michael Robin Productions/Anastasia Muravyeva, Alexi Melvin/Beesham A. Seecharan, Andrew Diamond/Patrick Trettenero, Buzzy Geduld/Gilad Rogowsky, Craig Balsam/ David Brendel, Sok Sabai Productions/ Ride or Die Productions, Marco Santarelli/ Das Ellman & Howe, Linden Delaney/ Smigelrutter Fitviavi, and Laura Ivey/Janet Brenner.

Tickets are on sale now at Telecharge. com, by phone at 212-239-6200, or at the Broadway Theatre box office.

For information on groups of 10+, contact Broadway Inbound at broadwayinbound. com or call 866-302-0995.

Rush tickets are available in-person at the Broadway Theatre box office on the day of the performance for $35 each. Tickets are limited to a maximum of 2 per person and are subject to availability.

Digital lottery entrants can register for the chance to purchase up to 2 tickets at $39 each. Entries for the Here Lies Love digital lottery start at 12 AM, one day before the performance, and winners are drawn the same day at 10 AM and 3 PM. Visit rush.telecharge.com for more information and to register. Drawings only appear when they are open for entries. g

Nadine flaunts FAMAS

2023 Best Actress look

by Kathleen a

llemit Philstar.com

NADINE Lustre is at a loss for words at her second Best Actress award at the recently concluded Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) awards night.

The actress won for her performance in “Greed,” her second from the award-giving body after her award for the 2018 film “Never Not Love You.”

Nadine posted photos of her with her FAMAS trophy on Instagram.

“Lost for words. Full in heart,” she wrote in her caption.

The two posts show the actress wearing the fringe terno called “Swing” by Rajo Laurel. One photo shows her facing the camera with the trophy on her left hand, while the other photo shows her back profile with the trophy.

Nadine’s other film entry “Deleter” was also nominated at FAMAS but it failed to win

any award. The drama “Family Matters” won four awards, including Best Picture, at the ceremony held last Sunday, August 13, in Manila Hotel. g

A house of prayer for all people

Pastor’s Notes

ReveRend

Rodel G. BalaGtas

OUR First Reading from the Book of Isaiah (Isaiah 56:1, 6-7) states: “My house shall be a house of prayer for all people.” These words are placed at the front of Incarnation Church and the main entrance door of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels. For, indeed, our mission is to welcome all people to   our church, which our parish mission statement upholds: “To bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to people of all ages and cultures through evangelization, effective and inspiring faith formation, joyful and   meaningful liturgies, and outreach to the poor, the marginalized, and others in need.”

Our focus is not to welcome or attend to only one particular group but to reach out to everyone. It’s what Jesus conveys in the Gospel Reading this Sunday, August 20 (Matthew 15:21-28) in the story of the Canaanite woman who was calling out to Jesus to heal her daughter tormented by a demon. At first, Jesus reminded her that he was sent only the lost

Alex

sheep of the house of Israel and that “it is not right to take the food of the children and throw it to the dogs.” But then her reply, filled with faith and persistence, moved Jesus’ heart. “O woman, great is your faith!  Let it be done for you as you wish.”

How do we apply Jesus’ gesture and response to this woman in our parish life? Granted that more people of other nationalities are coming to our church, should we not be happy about it? We may see a significant change in demographics in our parish and experience some insecurity about it, which is understandable in any change, but we must rise above our fears. Instead, we must be happy that our church is full of people who feel our church’s openness and welcoming spirit. Nowadays, any leadership study would tell us that a community thrives where there is diversity. It’s a principle that we all need to believe and put into practice. After all, diversity is a Gospel value. Despite our differences, we are all equal in our God’s eyes, and Jesus came to reach out, heal, teach, and save both “the lost sheep of Israel” and the Gentiles.

Openness is an attitude that we must show to one another. Every volunteer, staff member, and parishioner must practice this attitude. We must not favor any group of people or disassociate

ourselves from others. Everyone is valuable and has a gift to share with our community.

When recruiting volunteers and hiring staff, we are mindful of the need to go beyond a race issue to fulfill our mission of ministering and reaching out to all people, the fundamental work of our church. Our staff, ministry, and group meetings must manifest this attitude and mission.

When we continue to hear or see news of nations and people around the globe still excluding or dismissing others from their midst, we realize that we are still far from the mission of Jesus and the will of God. We still have a lot of work to do, even in our own backyards. And so, I pray that we may be open to dialogue regarding these issues of openness, diversity, and mutual respect. Above all, I pray that love, unity, compassion, and empathy will reign over our church above hatred, division, and misunderstanding.

Blessings to all!

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

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

looks forward to having own baby after visit to Toni’s newborn: ‘Always have faith’

AFTER her visit to her sister Toni Gonzaga and newly born niece Paulina Celestine, Alex Gonzaga seemed emotional as she expressed her yearning to have a child of her own.

Alex opened up about this through her TikTok page, showing a video of her and her husband Mikee Morada arriving at their home after meeting Paulina and attending one of their nieces’ first birthday.

After changing into their sleepwear, the actress-TV host was seen snuggling up with Morada on their couch while watching television.

“One day, we will not end a happy day with just the two of us. It’s gonna be the ‘three of us,’” a caption in the video read.

“But we’re genuinely happy for

OVERVIEW

Proposed new law would finally extend workplace health and safety  protections to domestic workers

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights

atty. C. Joe sayas, JR

Many reading this may be surprised to learn that domestic workers are not  protected by the important workplace health and safety laws applicable to other California employees. A new law recently passed by the California State Senate, the Health and  Safety for All Workers Act (SB 686) might soon change that.

When the California Occupational Safety & Health Act of 1973 established the  California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), it specifically  excluded household domestic service from the definition of employment. This exclusion  left the many homecare workers, nannies and housekeepers employed in this state  unprotected against potentially catastrophic workplace injuries. SB 686 would reverse that  exclusion for the majority of domestic workers, excepting only publicly-funded household

domestic work and family daycare homes.

SB 686 would require Cal/ OSHA to identify workplace hazards specific to  domestic work. It would mandate the creation of policies and regulations to help prevent  work-related injuries and illnesses, and otherwise protect the health and safety of privately-funded household domestic workers. It would give Cal/OSHA jurisdiction to  receive complaints of employers who violate the workplace health and safety laws, as well as make it unlawful for employers to retaliate against workers who complain about  violations or otherwise advocate for their rights to a safe workplace.

SB 686 would also create an outreach and education program to promote  awareness and compliance by household employers. It would also establish a Household  Domestic Services Employment Safety and Technical Assistance Program, which would provide one-time grants and technical assistance for household employers to assist with  compliance.

On May 26, 2023, the State Senate passed SB 686, which would change the existing law

so that domestic workers would finally be included in the protections of Cal/OSHA. The proposed new law is now before the California State Assembly. If it passes there, and the California Governor signs it into law, the denial of workplace safety protections to household domestic workers may become a thing of the past by January 1, 2025.

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

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

our family. Just dreaming and thinking of our time.”

“Today was all about celebrating our siblings’ cute

babies. It just hit me when we were watching TV together before we sleep,” Alex added. “Always have faith.”

A lot of fans who are also experiencing the same situation offered comfort to the actressTV host, reminding her that she will be blessed with what she has been wishing for in God’s perfect time.

Alex and Morada tied the knot in an intimate wedding ceremony in November 2020.

Alex revealed in October 2021 that she had suffered from a miscarriage after having an anembryonic pregnancy or blighted ovum. According to Mayo Clinic, this occurs when a fertilized egg cell never develops or stops developing. (By Anne

Pasajol/Inquirernet)

Program & Membership Manager

The Asian Business Association (ABA) is one of the largest Asian-American professional organizations in the Greater LA area with over 1,200 members strong, serving mainly Asian Pacific American small business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs all working toward the same goals. Our lean & mean team is backed by an incredible Board of Directors and distinctive Corporations who all support supplier diversity. Our efforts are exhibited in the numerous educational & fun networking events we put together throughout the year that help connect people and encourage business development. The association is looking into adding a new ambitious, talented, & vibrant individual to support the association’s existing members and more importantly, to secure new members that would benefit from ABA’s programs and events.

Program & Events

An ideal candidate will lead the organization’s events and programs that serve to both engage current members and to attract new members as well as to build relationships with sponsors/ corporations and key community partners. The candidate must be available to work some evenings. Some travel may be required. Along with the Executive Director, candidate will:

● Lead event logistics planning and event program planning which includes coordinating with the event venue, communicating with speakers, and supporting registration and creating the program book

● Speak on the behalf of the organization at internal and external events

● Create email marketing and digital / print marketing material for organization and events

● Perform general office duties including answering telephones and moving materials to and from events

Desired Skills and Qualities

● Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, organize multiple project deadlines

● Ability to take criticism and think collaboratively with multiple stakeholders

● Effective interpersonal, oral and communication skills to interact with a variety of diverse personalities

● Impeccable project management skills

● Proven ability to compose documents and communicate orally in correct English

● Proficiency working with: Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Database Software, email marketing, graphic design software and social media

● Show sensitivity and interest to multicultural issues

● Willingness to talk through disagreements and openly discuss ways to improve the organization

● Interest in all aspects of event planning is a plus

● Bilingual is a plus

● Sense of humor is the office is a plus

● Enjoys Asian food and boba is a must

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Salary range: $45,000 - $58,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include medical, paid holidays, sick and personal leave. This is a full time position. We offer an amazing opportunity to connect and support the local business community, a great work environment, and a warm, fun & supportive team environment. Flexible schedule.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume and 3 references to Human Resources at hr@abala.org, emails only; doc. or pdf files. No phone calls please. Applications will be accepted until filled.

767 N. Hill Street, Suite 308 ǀ Los Angeles, CA 90012 ǀ (213) 628-1222 ǀ @ABALosAngeles info@abala.org ǀ www.abala.org

Vina when asked if she would get married...

PAGE B3

do’n?” (What’s your answer on that?)

“That’s what I’ve been praying for. That’s in my prayer,” Morales admitted. “At kung mangyari ‘yon (If it happens), [it’s another check on my] bucket list.”

“But for now, I’m just taking it easy. In God’s time; in God’s perfect time,” she added. “I always believe that there’s someone out there for me—the right one. Ayoko nang ipilit.” (I don’t want to force it anymore.)

Morales then underscored that she still believes in marriage and that she considers such union as “God’s blessing.”

When asked what love advice she would give to her daughter Ceana, Morales initially laughed it off and quipped that she might not be the “best person” to advise her child.

“But I will be there to guide her whatever decision she has. Syempre—’wag naman sana magkakamali—’yung mga mistakes ko sa

buhay, hindi mangyari sa buhay niya,” Morales said. “‘Yung mga decision ko sa buhay, sana in a better way [‘yung sa kanya] so that she will have a better life.”

(I hope she won’t be mistaken and I hope she will not commit the mistakes that I did in my life. I hope she will make better decisions than mine so that she will have a better life.)

Morales shares Ceana with her former boyfriend, businessman Cedric Lee. The pair broke up in 2009.

Last November, Morales was speculated to be dating after she went on a vacation with one Andrew Kovalcin in Boracay. The actress gave a glimpse of their trip through Instagram posts, but it appears she has taken them down from her page.

Prior to the dating speculations, Morales’ last known relationship was with her French ex-boyfriend Marc Lambert. They broke up in 2017. g

Alex Gonzaga and her husband Mikee Morada

Photo from Instagram/@cathygonzaga

On Social Security retirement benefits, Medicare

THE National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) chose several questions about senior benefit’s eligibility from the calls and letters it received and want to share the information in this month’s column.

Question #1: I have received SSRB (Social Security Retirement Benefit) since I turned 62. Will my retirement be increased when I reach my FRA (Full Retirement Age)?

Answer: No. Because you started receiving retirement benefit earlier than your FRA, it was fixed with the reduced amount permanently. Beneficiaries can collect full amount only when they start to collect retirement at their FRA. They can delay applying for benefit up to age 70 and it will grow by around 8% every year during those delayed years.

Question #2: I am a US citizen and 58 years old. My husband just passed away. He had received Social Security Retirement. Can I receive survivor’s benefits now or should I wait until I reach my retirement age? Can I get additional assistance for living even when I can receive spouse’s benefits?

Answer: When you reach 60 years old you can apply for lifetime reduced Surviving Spouse benefit.

If you qualify for retirement benefits on your own record, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. You can receive whichever is the higher benefit. If you wait to apply for the survivor benefit until your FRA, you will receive 100% of the SSRB your deceased spouse received.

You may be eligible for Medicaid now if your income is limited. At 65, you should apply for Medicare, and you can try to apply for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and/or MSP (Medicare Savings Programs) depending on your income and assets.

Question #3: I am 65 years old and have been in the US for 10 years by this September. I applied to be a permanent resident and will be getting my green card soon. When can I enroll into Medicare? I heard there is 5 year waiting period. Do I have to wait 5 years after I receive my green card?

Answer: To be eligible for Medicare, a person

must be 65 or older and must be either a US citizen or lawfully present in the US for at least 5 continuous years. You don’t have to be a permanent resident for the entire 5 years but need to be a permanent resident when you enroll in Medicare. Your IEP

(Initial Enrollment Period) starts when you receive your permanent resident notice with card and lasts for the following 3 months.

Question #4: When will my Medicaid Redetermination happen? When will I get my renewal letter from the state? I haven’t gotten a letter from the state. What should I do?

When you receive Medicaid Redetermination notice depends on when your Medicaid end date is. In general, Medicaid recipients receive renewal notice 30-60 days prior to their coverage end date but every state has their own rules. Medicaid Redetermination is currently in progress and will continue for 2023 and expected to continue on a rolling basis through 2024. It is very important to pay close attention to all communications sent by your State Department of Health, so your renewal goes smoothly and to avoid a loss of your insurance. That is why it’s important to keep your contact information up to date. If you think you should have received your redetermination paperwork but haven’t, you can call your local Medicaid office.

* * * The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. It operates a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers, and its resources are available in five different languages. For additional questions on Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, or COVID/ Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today: Call our Senior Assistance Center at (English) 1-800-336-2722, (Korean) 1-800-582-4259, (Chinese Mandarin) 1-800-683-7427, (Cantonese) 1-800-582-4218, (Vietnamese) 1-800-582-4336; send email to: askNAPCA@napca.org; or send mail to: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101.

Five benefits of establishing a revocable living trust

Barrister’s Corner

THERE is never the perfect time to think about who you would like to inherit from your estate in case you pass away or at least who among your closest friends (BFFs) and family members are even deserving of inheriting from your estate. In doing so, you should also think about which vehicle you plan to use in implementing your estate plan. One of the best vehicle in implementing your estate plan is a revocable living trust. Five major benefits of establishing a revocable living trust are:

1. Your estate can avoid the time, cost, and hassle of going through the probate court process.

petition in probate court if your estate is worth over $184,500 and go through the probate process. This can become a circus if certain beneficiaries contest the validity of the Will or the distribution of the estate. Your estate will pay for attorney’s fees, probate referee fees, appraisers and other experts, CPA fees, etc. If people contest the case, your estate would end up paying legal fees to defend the estate in litigation. The entire process can take anywhere from 9 months to years depending

If you are concerned about whether you can trust any family members as your trustee, you can appoint an institution as a professional trustee to carry out the terms of the declaration of trust.

If you pass away without a will (intestate) in California, one of your close family would have to file a petition in probate court to probate your estate. Your estate will be divided and distributed according to the California probate code rules of intestate succession. Even if you have a will when you pass away, your family would still need to file a

on the contentiousness of the probate case.

With a revocable living trust, your trustee or successor trustee if you were the initial trustee, would administer the trust and distribute the estate according to the trust document without having to open a probate court case. If the trust is funded with all your assets, it is possible to administer and distribute the trust assets without any Court involvement at all. This process is a lot faster than going through probate.

2. Your estate is not public record

When you file a probate case, the public has access to your probate case file. The public will know the assets of the estate including the values of those assets. If the Will is admitted into probate, the terms of the Will is open to public scrutiny.

Establishing a revocable living trust makes your estate affairs private. Strangers do not have access to the terms of your living trust. Only certain beneficiaries and possible heirs can request a copy of the revocable living trust after you pass away.

3. You can dictate who will inherit from your estate.

If you pass away without a Will, your estate will be divided and distributed in Probate Court following the rules of intestate succession in the California probate code. Certain relatives will be entitled to a share of your estate even if you feel they are not deserving. By establishing a revocable living trust, you can designate who you want to inherit from your estate. You can designate what and how much each one will received from your estate after you pass away. The assets distributed to each beneficiaries does not have to be equal. The people you designate as beneficiaries

of your living trust does not even have to be close family members. You can designate anyone as a beneficiary, with certain exceptions, of your estate.

4. You can structure your estate to minimize estate taxes

If your estate is valued above the estate tax exemption, establishing a trust can allow you to divide up your estate into smaller sub trusts to minimize the overall estate tax effect on your estate. It allows you to set up a vehicle for certain charitable giving which carries tax advantage and asset protection.

5. You can choose who will administer your estate after your death

When you establish a revocable trust, you can appoint someone else as trustee or you can appoint a successor trustee if you are the initial trustee. The trustee will be administering (managing) the trust after you pass away without a need to open a probate court case. This allows for continuity in operating the trust and the efficient and cost effective distribution of estate assets. If you are concerned about whether you can trust any family members as your trustee, you can appoint an institution as a professional trustee to carry out the terms of the declaration of trust. These type of trustee services are often offered by banks, financial institutions, wealth management firms, and business management firms for a reasonable fee. This minimizes conflicts within the family and prevents negligence and wrong doing by inexperienced family members.

* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.  The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.  This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.  The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.  This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC.  This article is not a solicitation.

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

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