082523 - San Francisco Edition

Team USA arrives in Manila

the United states of America men's national basketball team arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on tuesday, August 22.

Led by coach steve Kerr and players like Anthony edwards, Brandon Ingram, and Austin reeves, team UsA landed at Balagbag ramp of the said airport via chartered flight AXY2108.

the Americans open their fIBA World Cup campaign against New Zealand on August 26 at the mall of Asia Arena.

UsA then faces Greece and Jordan to wrap up their group phase action (ManilaTimes.net)

DFA confirms 2 Filipinos killed in Hawaii wildfire, verifying 2 others

m ANILA — t he Department of f oreign Affairs has confirmed that one more f ilipino has been killed from the wildfires in m aui, h awaii, bringing the total number of f ilipino fatalities to two.

t he second reported fatality is r odolfo r ocutan — a 76 year-old resident of Lahaina, according to D f A Undersecretary e duardo De Vega.

r ocutan renewed his passport at the Philippine consulate in h onolulu in 2022 and is “thus confirmed to have been a f ilipino citizen at the time of death,” according to information provided by the Philippine Consulate in h awaii.

Consul General e milio f ernandez said that the Consulate is verifying reports of two more f ilipino nationals who possibly died from the wildfires.

“ o nce again, the Philippine nation expresses its deepest sympathies to the families of all the victims of this tragedy,” f ernandez said.

t he D f A last week confirmed the first f ilipino fatality in the deadly blazes, which have left more than 100 dead and 1,000 missing in the four days it ravaged the island.

t he destructive wildfires in h awaii were caused by several conditions, including hot weather, strong winds, and a drought.

D f A has advised f ilipinos who lost contact with their relatives in m aui, particularly in Lahaina, to contact the emergency hotline +18082539446 for additional information. (Philstar.com)

Marcos: Let’s transcend political barriers

by Helen Flores, Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com

mANILA — President ferdinand r marcos, Jr. joined filipinos in commemorating the 40th death anniversary of former senator Benigno Aquino Jr. on monday, August 21, asking them to tear down political barriers that have rent the country for decades.

“I stand united with all filipinos worldwide in commemorating the Ninoy Aquino Day. By standing for his beliefs and fighting for battles he deemed

right, he became an example of relentlessness and resolve for many filipinos,” marcos, son of the former president who was the senator’s political nemesis, said.

“Let us transcend political barriers that hamper us from securing the comprehensive welfare and advancement of our beloved people,” he said, even as progressive groups hit the alleged disinformation spread by the marcoses and their cronies to deodorize the family’s name.

Bagong Alyansang makabayan (Bayan) president renato reyes said malacañang’s statement lacked

US, Japan, Australia plan joint drills in South China Sea

Show of force amid Chinese activities

by rainier allan ronda Philstar.com

mANILA, Philippines — the United states, Japan and Australia are planning a joint navy drill in the south China sea off the western Philippines this week to underscore their commitment to the rule of law in the region after a recent show of Chinese aggression in the disputed waters, filipino security officials said on sunday, August 20. on Aug. 5, Chinese coast guard ships

used water cannons against Philippine vessels in the contested waterway where disputes have long been regarded as a potential flashpoint and have become a fault line in the rivalry between the Us and China in the region. the drill will include three aircraft and helicopter carriers sailing together in a show of force and undertaking joint drills. their commanders are set to meet with filipino counterparts in manila after the offshore drills, two Philippine security officials told

Continuing tension in WPS

‘far more serious’ than we think — PH envoy to US

by CHarie abarCa

Inquirer.net

mANILA — the continuing tension between China and the Philippines over the West Philippine sea is far more serious than how people perceive it is, said Philippine Ambassador to the United states Jose manuel romualdez on tuesday, August 22.

romualdez, in an interview over ANC’s headstart, said it is time for the Philippines, along with its allies, to stand against the continuing aggression over the territory.

“I think this is the time for us to really be together — all united into pushing back. Because, as I have said, the seriousness of this situation is far more than we think

u PAGE 5

historical context.

“(Ninoy’s) death became a symbol of the brutality of the marcos fascist dictatorship. this fundamental point is lost in the statement from malacañang today,” reyes noted.

the pursuit of power, unchecked corruption and submission to foreign dictates are the “genuine impediments to development,” far more than mere political disagreements, he explained.

Aquino, the deceased marcos patriarch’s harshest critic, was assassinated on the tarmac by Krixia subingsubing Inquirer.net

Younger Aquinos uphold ‘Lolo’s memory’ against the times

mANILA — for many people who had lived through the last years of the dictatorship of ferdinand marcos sr., the 1983 assassination of opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. had been their political awakening.

But for his grandson Kiko Aquino Dee, who was born eight years after Aquino’s death, he only got to know his “Lolo Ninoy” through the stories of his “Lola Cory” — Aquino’s widow Corazon, who succeeded marcos, riding on the wave of the People Power revolution. “Lola Cory,” he said, never put Aquino on a pedestal. he was a real person — someone who bought cat food even though they only owned dogs, someone who would drive his daughters to the movies or NBA games like any ordinary father,” Dee told the inquirer they [Ninoy and Cory] were simply real people who loved their country very much.”

so it was shocking for him to see public opinion shift against their family in ways “that was discordant with the way I know them,” he said. “Now not a lot of people know much about them, or if they do, they have picked

US, PH find ways to boost energy cooperation

by bernadette e taMayo ManilaTimes.net

the United states and the Philippines have discussed ways to "deepen" their cooperation on energy security, energy access and the clean energy transition, the U.s. Department of state said.

It said that the two countries launched on April 17 the inaugural U.s.-Philippines energy Policy Dialogue (ePD).

the ePD aims to advance commitments by the U.s. and the Philippines on energy as agreed upon during Vice President Kamala harris' visit to the Philippines in November 2022.

Laura Lochman, the U.s state Department's principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau

of energy resources, and Beth Urbanas, the U.s. Department of energy's deputy assistant secretary for Asia and the Americas, co-led the Us delegation. Department of energy Undersecretary for Policy and Planning felix William fuentebella led the Philippines delegation.

"Both delegations reviewed the progress of current energy projects in the Philippines and established priorities for future cooperation and technical support," the state Department said.

"they emphasized the centrality of energy security, decarbonization and collaboration among nations with shared values to sustained economic development amid the region's rapid economic growth

Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez Inquirer.net file photo

Marcos: Let’s transcend...

PAGE 1 of the then manila International Airport on Aug. 21, 1983 as he returned from the U.s., where he was in exile for three years. his death sparked the bloodless people power revolution that led to the exile of the marcos family in february 1986.

Aquino’s widow Corazon then assumed power until 1992. their only son, Benigno III, was elected president in 2010. Corazon passed away in 2009 and Benigno III in 2021.

In August 2015, the chief executive brushed off questions on rights abuses and corruption during his father’s time and instead redirected the discussion to supposed economic gains.

“What am I to say sorry about?” he told ANC’s headstart.

the “Golden Age” argument that the Philippine economy was successful at the time of marcos sr. has long been debunked.

In october 2021, marcos told CNN Philippines’ the source that he was not sorry for the atrocities committed by his father. “I can only apologize for myself... if I have done something wrong,” he noted.

Last year, most government agencies did not join the commemoration, while a number of police stations accused Aquino of being a communist rebel.

Justice

Labor group federation of free Workers (ffW) joined in the commemoration of Aquino’s 40th death anniversary.

“It is not lost on us that today, the Philippines is under the leadership of President ferdinand marcos Jr. We hope that the lessons of the past guide our nation towards the fight for social justice and upholding of democratic principles in our society,” ffW president sonny matula said in a statement.

“remember, reflect and act in the spirit of Ninoy’s words: the filipino is worth dying for,” he added.

meanwhile, the August twenty-one movement (Atom) and tindig Pilipinas lamented the country’s unending fight against the same problems from decades ago and the fight against historical revisionism.

“Now that we are still in the same situation, let us refresh and revive what is in Ninoy’s heart and spirit: love for the people, appreciation of human rights and the defense of democracy,” Atom said in a statement.

“We call upon your generation (the youth) to galvanize your strength, find others who are committed to the truth and stand firm like Ninoy,” tindig Pilipinas said.

Floral offerings

Aquino family members and friends offered flowers and prayers at Ninoy’s marker located at the departure curbside of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport terminal 1 on monday morning. Among the guests were rebecca Quijano – referred to as the “crying lady” and lone civilian eyewitness in Ninoy’s assassination, historian Xiao Chua, francis Aquino, manila International Airport Authority Public Affairs office head Connie Bungag and terminal 1 manager rodel oba. the group also visited Ninoy’s bronze bust at the departure area of NAIA terminal 3.

simultaneous flower offerings and prayers were also done at the Aquino monument in the tagaytay City rotonda, the monument at the corner of Burgos street and roxas Boulevard near rizal Park in manila and another in makati City.

Liberal Party Aquino’s achievements as a

Younger Aquinos uphold ‘Lolo’s memory...

PAGE 1

public servant and his death restored democracy in the Philippines, according to Liberal Party (LP) president edcel Lagman.

“his death accelerated the liberation of the Philippines from authoritarian ignominy. his heroism galvanized the beginning of the end of the strongman rule of ferdinand marcos,” Lagman, concurrently Albay representative, said in a statement.

“(Aquino crusaded) for meaningful reforms, resisting oppression and repression, campaigning for a change in abusive and derelict national leadership and even sacrificed his life for the motherland,” he added. meanwhile, around 30 LP members and supporters gathered at the public square in front of Quiapo Church to offer flower wreaths at the historical marker commemorating the Plaza miranda bombing on August 21, 1971.

the 1971 bombing resulted in nine deaths and 95 wounded after two hand grenades were thrown at an LP campaign rally.

“our biggest enemies are misinformation and disinformation. freedom does not only mean independence, we should also fight to be free from hunger and poverty,” former Ifugao representative teodoro Baguilat said in his speech on monday.

‘Not enough’

It is not enough to remember the heroism of Ninoy, but filipinos also “need to stand up and wake up from our pretentious sleep,” according to Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop socrates Villegas.

there is punishment from hell for a country that stands on layers of corpses, and those who cheer these deaths,” Villegas said in filipino in his Aug. 21 homily at the sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City.

“so much blood has been spilled yet it seemed that we have become numbed, lack interest and do not care… It is difficult to wake people who are only pretending to be asleep,” he added. (With reports from rudy Santos, Delon Porcalla, Evelyn Macairan, Ghio ong, Neil Jayson Servallos, Mark Ernest Villeza)

up so many falsehoods and lies on social media.”

this is why he and fellow younger Aquinos have risen to the challenge of preserving the older Aquino’s legacy and memory.

‘Strange time’

As the country marked on monday, August 21 the 40th death anniversary of Aquino’s murder, his descendants continue to find allies in groups — mostly led by martial law survivors and youth activists — who share their cause in fighting historical revisionism.

“It’s a very strange time to be marking his 40th death anniversary amid all of the distortions on social media,” Dee said. “[But] we are surprised and grateful that many filipinos continue to commemorate him.”

After all, this is the second year that the Philippines marked Ninoy Aquino Day — enshrined under republic Act No. 9256 — under President ferdinand marcos Jr.

Groups like the August twenty-one movement, People Power Volunteers for reform, Bayan, and Project Gunita visited Aquino’s grave at manila memorial Park in the morning as well as the commemorative marker at terminal 1 of Ninoy Aquino International Airport. they then went to the sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City, where the Aquino family led a commemorative mass.

‘World seems to have turned’

But as in 2022, malacañang remained mum on the holiday, while lawmakers sympathetic

to the marcos administration were then lobbying to erase the Aquinos from the P500 bill and to have Naia renamed (this proposal, in particular, by one Arnolfo teves Jr.).

“sadly, if you ask filipinos, many of them might say they only know Ninoy from these things,” said his nephew and former sen. Bam Aquino during a recent forum. “It’s true that his memory ‘lives’ on in some ways and that will never be erased, but the way that filipinos know him has changed dramatically.”

echoed progressive leader and lawyer Luke espiritu, who considered Aquino as his “idol”:

“When I was young, the entire world seemed to be pro-Ninoy and anti-marcos. After all, you can’t argue with martyrdom.”

“But now, the world seems to have turned on its axis: dictators are made heroes, while martyrs are made into villains,” he lamented.

much of this was because of disinformation and fake news on social media, said Karl suyat, cofounder of Project Gunita, a mostly youth-led group that sought to archive martial law-era documents.

Apart from efforts to whitewash martial law atrocities, for example, disinformation actors are also casting Aquino “as a terrorist, a communist, and a traitor,” said suyat. “And many of these efforts to distort history are hoping to target the youth, so that Aquino’s legacy can be erased slowly.”

But this is “exactly why the youth must lead the charge in preserving not just Aquino’s

memory but of the entire 20-year struggle against the dictatorship,” suyat said.

‘Exhorting the youth’

In fact, Aquino himself believed in the power of young filipinos in the democratic struggle, suyat noted. In many speeches, the late senator often called on the youth to exercise their right to dissent and to fight for their freedoms.

“If in the past, Ninoy was the one exhorting the youth to stand up, now is the time [for] young people who were not yet alive to fight and defend his memory and that of the antidictatorship heroes and martyrs,” he added.

It’s a challenge that Dee, who is now deputy executive director of the Ninoy and Cory foundation, hopes to do justice by.

Among others, he said, they are hoping to find “the right way to tell Lolo Ninoy’s memory in this environment where his story is heavily contested” — whether it’s by organizing activities and lectures about his life, or by digitizing and preserving his speeches through artificial intelligence.

he and his cousins also promised not to run for public office “so that we are never constrained by the three-year timeframe of elections… we will always have the time for the task.”

“It’s a role that I am still continuing to study and appreciate because of social media and technology,” he said.

“Whatever it is, I want to find my own way of contributing to that struggle for a meaningful type of democracy.” n

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo

DEATH ANNIVERSARY. Kiko Aquino-Dee (left), grandson of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., offers flowers in commemoration of the 40th death anniversary of the senator at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 on Monday, August 21. Aquino was assassinated at the tarmac in 1983 upon his return from the United States. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Isang scan ka na lang mula sa pag-send ng pera sa Pilipinas kung paano dapat.

Itutok lang ang camera mo sa QR code para automatic na i-download ang Remitly app. May makikita kang app na nasa Tagalog, nag-o-offer ng nakakagulat na murang fees para sa pag-send ng pera at nagno-notify sa iyo kung nasaan ang pera mo sa bawat hakbang ng proseso.

Magpadala ng pera

Paraan ng delivery

Bank deposit and debit card deposit

Cash pickup

Continuing tension in WPS ‘far more...

PAGE 1

it is,” said romualdez.

some people think it’s just politics, [but] it is very serious. We can actually lose the country if we don’t watch it. that’s how serious this thing is. one day we may find that we don’t have a country anymore,” romualdez added.

But the envoy noted that the country’s officials should not “escalate” the problem. According to romualdez, the Philippine government should still reach out to China as much as it can.

“this time, we [should] talk to them from a position of strength. In the past, we were always trying to appease them — we will do this, we will do that and everything else. Nothing has come out of it. more aggression took place,” he pointed out.

US, Japan, Australia plan joint drills in...

PAGE 1

The Associated Press.

Both spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not allowed to publicly discuss details of the planned drills.

the U.s. plans to deploy an aircraft carrier, the Uss America, while Japan would send one of its biggest warships, the helicopter carrier Js Izumo. the royal Australian Navy would send its hmAs Canberra, which also carries helicopters, one of the two officials said, adding that the joint drill was planned a few months ago.

the Philippines would not be part of this week’s drills due to military logistical limitations but is open to becoming a participant in the future, the official said.

the United states, Japan and Australia were among several countries that immediately expressed support for the Philippines and concern over the Chinese action following the tense standoff earlier this month.

Philippine officials said six Chinese coast guard ships and two militia vessels blocked two Philippine navy-chartered civilian boats taking supplies to the Philippine forces stationed at the Ayungin (second thomas) shoal. one supply boat was hit with a powerful water cannon by the Chinese coast guard while the other managed to deliver food, water, fuel and other supplies to the filipino forces guarding the shoal, the Philippine military

said.

the Chinese coast guard acknowledged its ships used water cannons against the Philippine vessels, which it said strayed without permission into the shoal, which Beijing calls ren’ai Jiao. “In order to avoid direct blocking and collisions when repeated warnings were ineffective, water cannons were used as a warning. the on-site operation was professional and restrained, which is beyond reproach,” the Chinese coast guard said. “China will continue to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its territorial sovereignty.”

the Philippine military said on saturday, August 19 that it would again attempt to deliver basic supplies to its forces in Ayungin shoal, but didn’t provide further details.

the mission “to the shoal is a clear demonstration of our resolve to stand up against threats and coercion and our commitment in upholding the rule of law,” the Armed forces of the Philippines said in a statement.

following the incident, Washington renewed a warning that it is obliged to defend its longtime treaty ally if Philippine public vessels and forces come under armed attack, including in the south China sea.

‘Ask DFA’ the Philippines’ National

security Council (NsC) has no comment on the government’s plans or latest decision on the conduct of joint exercises with ally countries in the West Philippine sea. the NsC, which chairs the National task force on West Philippine sea (Ntf-WPs), referred media questions on the supposed upcoming drills with the United states on sunday to the Department of foreign Affairs (DfA).

Lawyer Jonathan malaya, assistant director general of the NsC, said he was not authorized to talk about the matter.

“Kindly ask DfA,” malaya told The STAr

Just two weeks ago, the NtfWPs gave a press conference at the DfA head office in Pasay City to express its strong condemnation of the aggressive harassment of a Philippine Coast Guard-chartered resupply vessel by the China Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia conducting a resupply mission to BrP sierra madre at the Ayungin shoal well within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

At the press briefing attended by malaya, PCG spokesman Commodore Jay tarriela, Armed forces of the Philippines spokesman Lt. Col. medel Aguilar and DfA spokesperson maria teresa Daza, malaya said they were coordinating with the U.s on the conduct of joint patrols in the West Philippine sea. n

But the envoy stressed that the Philippines should reiterate its demands and tell China to “stop all these things that’s happening right now.”

the tension between China and the Philippines grew following the August 5 water cannon incident in Ayungin shoal. n

US, PH find ways to boost energy...

PAGE 1

and rising energy demands," it added.

the discussion reinforced the role of energy cooperation in strengthening the U.s.-Philippines partnership.

It also focused on accelerating the deployment of renewable energy, modernizing and expanding transmission, and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Washington and manila also reaffirmed the "importance of nuclear energy as a key contributor to energy security" and highlighted ongoing cooperation on small modular reactor capacity building.

Both delegations discussed the "next steps to deepening cooperation and moving forward to deployment under the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and nonproliferation."

U.s. Department of energy Deputy secretary David turk and Urbanas will visit the Philippines to continue engagement and partnership on shared energy transition priorities, the Dos said. n

para sa pagbibigay ng impormasyon ng publiko. Kung gusto mong magbigay ng mga komento sa draft na CAPER, tinatanggap ng Lungsod ang iyong pagdalo sa alinman sa mga pulong na nakalista sa iskedyul sa ibaba. Bukod pa rito, maaaring magbigay ng mga komento sa pamamagitan ng telepono, regular na koreo (sa Lungsod ng San José Housing Department, 200 E. Santa Clara Street, 12th Floor, San José, California 95113), o sa pamamagitan ng pag-email sa contact information na nakalista sa ibaba para sa parehong gumagamit ng Ingles at sa mga may limitadong kasanayan sa Ingles. Makakapagkomento ang publiko sa draft CAPER sa Housing Department’s website mula Setyembre 11, 2023 hanggang Setyembre 26, 2023.

Upang humiling ng mga espesyal na akomodasyon para sa alinman sa mga pagpupulong o isang alternatibong pormat para sa anumang kaugnay na naka-print na materyales, mangyaring tumawag sa (408) 294-9337 (TTY) sa lalong madaling panahon, ngunit hindi bababa sa tatlong araw nang may trabaho bago ang pulong. Ang lahat ng mga pampublikong pagpupulong ay maa-access ng mga may kapansanan sa pagkilos.

Maaaring magbago ang mga petsa ng pagpupulong. Mangyaring tingnan http://www. sanjoseca.gov/housingconplan para sa mga update.

IMPORMASYON NG KONTAK: Para sa mga tanong o komento tungkol sa Draft sa FY 20222023 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), mangyaring makipagugnayan kay Stephanie Gutowski sa (408) 975-4420 o stephanie.gutowski@sanjoseca.gov

PARA RESIDENTES QUE HABLAN ESPAÑOL: Para preguntas o comentarios acerca de Proyecto FY 2022-2023 Reporte Consolidado Anual de Evaluaciones del Desempeño, por favor contactar a Luisa Cantu (408) 535-8357.

THÔNG TIN LIÊN LẠC:: Nếu quý vị có những câu hỏi hay ý kiến liên quan đến Bản Dự Thảo Báo Cáo Thẩm Định Thành Quả Hàng Năm (CAPER, xin vui lòng liên lạc cô Janie Lê qua số điện thoại (408) 975-4414 hoặc qua điện thư Janie.le@sanjose.ca.gov

使用華語的聖荷西居民：此通知是市府2021-2022 綜合年度績效報告和2022-2023 年度計劃的 重要改變。此通知提供公聽會的日期以及公眾的檢閱和建議。詳細資料，請電，華語 Ann Tu (408) 975-4450. CNSB #3729890

Blocked and bombed A China Coast Guard vessel trains a water canon on a Philippine resupply ship in this photo provided by the Philippine Coast Guard. PNA photo

KADIWA STORE. A vendor arranges fruits she is selling at Kadiwa store in Barangay South Triangle, Quezon City on Tuesday, August 22. The store sells fresh produce at affordable prices.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Wall clutter

There may be merit in the argument that clutter on classroom walls can be distracting to learners. Many people surely appreciate the disappearance of the images of public officials and politicians from classroom walls.

some educators, on the other hand, say visual aids can enhance learning especially among the very young. they add that wall decorations also make learning fun especially in dreary, underfunded classrooms.

Vice President and concurrent Department of education secretary sara Duterte has stood firm on her order to keep classroom walls bare, ostensibly to allow students to focus on their lessons. Deped’s current focus on classroom aesthetics amid preparations for the school opening on Aug. 29 has inevitably highlighted the problems more serious than wall clutter that are affecting the quality of education in public schools. the most basic is the inadequacy of classrooms and school buildings. the problem has worsened as most of the students who transferred from private schools to the free public school system due to economic hardships during the CoVID lockdowns have not returned to the private schools. the Alliance of Concerned teachers earlier said there were educators handling from seven to eight teaching loads, with 30 to 50 students in each class. state resources, stretched thin for the health

Babe’s Eye View

BaBE romualdEz

reCeNt developments have been very encouraging with a surge of economic activities coming not only from the United states but countries in europe and Asia as well.

Underscoring the attractiveness of the Philippines as an investment destination was the recent visit of the U.s.-AseAN Business Council (U.s.-ABC) led by its president and Ceo Ambassador ted osius, who brought 30 members – their largest delegation ever to visit the country – who committed to pursue more investments and partnerships with Philippine businesses.

During their courtesy call on President ferdinand marcos Jr., the U.s.-ABC (which has some of the biggest U.s. companies among its members) expressed interest in several industries that include infrastructure, agriculture, clean energy, green metals and semiconductors.

“We… come here not just to talk but also to bring a lot of action to create real partnerships

and economic responses to the pandemic, did not go to the expansion of public school facilities to match the growth in the student population. this has meant larger class sizes in many schools – rarely ideal for optimum learning – which will greet students when the new academic year starts next week.

there is also the lack of basic facilities such as electric fans, which can aggravate the discomfort in a crowded classroom. A teacher noted that many public school classrooms in this country “are cramped, dark, badly ventilated.” this problem was highlighted during the dry months this year, when many students suffered heat-related afflictions due to poorly ventilated classrooms. students trying to cope with intolerable heat cannot concentrate on their lessons. the problem prompted calls to speed up the return to the former school calendar, so that students and teachers alike can enjoy their school break during what is considered the summer months in the country. the Deped must tackle the other problems related to the physical environment in classrooms, with the same zeal that has been shown in going after wall clutter. (Philstar.com)

More economic engagements coming our way

and to show our commitment in the form of investments,” Ambassador osius emphasized. Demonstrating that American businesses are indeed ready to match their words with action, semiconductor manufacturing company texas Instruments is investing $1 billion to expand its operations in Baguio City and Clark. the expansion is in line with the Creating helpful Incentives to Produce semiconductors and science (ChIPs) Act signed into law by President Biden in August 2022 to boost the production and diversify the source of semiconductors in the U.s our friends at the U.s state Department have informed us much earlier that the Philippines is one of the counties they want to partner with in the semiconductor supply chain.

President marcos acknowledged “the critical role that the United states and American businesses have played in advancing a robust and inclusive economic growth in the Philippines.”

In fact, a study by the Ateneo school of Government (AsG) showed that U.s. investments have been crucial in creating quality jobs in key sectors

such as It-BPm (information technology-business process management) that received at least 35 percent of the $22.4 billion in new investment deals from 2003 to 2021 from 395 Usbased companies. According to AsG Dean Philip Arnold tuaño, “…it’s the quality of investments that we receive from other countries that have an impact on economic growth and job generation.”

During the official visit of european Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, she looked forward to accelerating “a new era of cooperation,” confident that a bilateral free trade agreement would promote growth and generate jobs. the 60-million-euro Green economy agreement signed by the Philippines and the eU is also expected to boost government efforts in the areas of circular economy, renewable energy and climate change mitigation. even when he was a senator, the president has been espousing “green economy” to help mitigate the impact of climate change. the president urged filipinos to adopt the concept of a “circular economy” – simply put, an economic system where materials are

reused and recycled to reduce waste. Canadian firms are also interested in several areas that include mining and renewable energy, with the latter becoming very attractive ever since the Philippines opened the sector to full foreign ownership, with 100 percent foreign equity now allowed in solar, wind, hydro and tidal energy projects.

PeZA also recently approved three big-ticket investments that are expected to bring in a total of P20.5 billion with close to 2,000 direct jobs to be generated. A die and mold company will also be reinvesting $3 million in their plant, while an electronic parts maker will invest 11.2-billion Japanese yen to expand its manufacturing capacity in the Philippines.

malaysian investors have also expressed interest in the areas of food processing, multi-service digital platforms, aviation, logistics, manufacturing, infrastructure and wastewater treatment, with the president’s recent visit generating $285 million in investment pledges. President marcos clearly pointed out that economic security is an important part of his administration’s agenda,

We need heroes like Ninoy Aquino

marcos forces.

oN August 21, 1983, Ninoy Aquino was assassinated upon his return to the Philippines.

During those 30 months between that date and feb. 25, 1986 when Corazon Aquino took her oath as president of the republic of the Philippines, the nation marched and demonstrated against the forces of the marcos dictatorship. this is the period historians now recall as the People Power struggle for freedom and democracy.

the creativity of the People Power movement was a very marked distinction of this struggle as compared to armed revolutions. this creativity was demonstrated not just in apparel and the color yellow but in slogans and songs. Among songs that literally became anthems of the struggle against the marcos dictatorship were “tie a Yellow ribbon,” the tale of a prisoner coming home; “Impossible Dream,” said to be the Aquinos’ favorite song; “Bayan Ko,” a patriotic song banned by the American colonizers, the Japanese invaders and the

the country, in 1983, was desperate for a hero. to understand why the martyrdom and heroism of Ninoy Aquino created such a tidal wave of emotional response, it is important to appreciate the condition of the filipino nation before Aug. 21, 1983.

the only way to describe the “before” period would be to use Dickensian imagery. for the Philippines, it was the worst of times. It was the age of Imeldific extravagances and foolishness. It was the season of Darkness when marcos abolished human rights and made freedom a crime against the state. It was the winter of Despair when cronyism became the norm and no one seemed to have the courage to speak against the evil that had befallen the country. It seemed that for the filipino people, there was nothing before us.

After Aug. 21, 1983, there was a dramatic change as the yellow armbands and confetti became visible all over the country. It was now a season of Light as speakers began to publicly denounce human rights violations and the persecutions of those who advocated for democracy.

It was now the spring of hope

as the end of the marcos regime became a possibility. It seemed that, suddenly, we had everything before us.

In her speech on Aug. 21, 1998, during the 15th death anniversary of Ninoy, Cory said: “I have asked many people –most of whom never knew Ninoy – why they came to the wake. some said they were ashamed of themselves for being so fearful of the dictator, and were sorry they had not found the courage to stand up and be counted earlier. they felt if they had shown more courage, maybe Ninoy need not have died. others have said they were outraged and had had enough. still many came, simply to pray and grieve quietly with me and my family. rich and poor, the powerful and the powerless, they kept coming in endless lines to pay tribute to Ninoy, convincing me that hindi ako nag-iisa

“At that point, I believe that Ninoy’s death triggered a longawaited transformation in many filipinos. We finally found the collective courage to rise against a dictatorship after years of shameful and fearful stupor. No longer were we going to be lulled by the clever machinations of a regime bent on staying in power forever and plundering the nation.

“the protests started. telephone directories and yellow fabrics were suddenly in short supply. It was a non-violent protest movement run through photocopiers, Betamax tapes, confetti rallies and noise barrages in makati and the alternative press. some thought the protests would not last. But as filipinos have done many times in the past, we proved the skeptics wrong.

“Courage, like cowardice, was infectious and the filipino people rose in defiance. this same courage carried us all through 1986. When rampant cheating and violence marred the snap election of feb. 7, 1986, we as a people again demonstrated our collective courage.” there were many defining moments in Ninoy’s journey toward martyrdom and heroism. one event no one should forget is in 1973, when Ninoy defied the military Commission that was appointed by marcos to try him. here is part of his opening statement:

“I have therefore decided not to participate in these proceedings: first, because this ritual is an unconscionable mockery and second, because every part of my being – my heart and mind and soul – yes, every part of my being – is against any form of

and surely his efforts are coming into fruition with the investment pledges starting to become a reality.

All these important developments are obviously an offshoot of the recent trip of the president to Washington, DC. It’s no secret that renewed interest coming from the Western world is part and parcel of our renewed and revitalized mutual security arrangements not only with the United states but also countries like Australia and the european Union.

And because of that, combined with the fact that we are pushing back against China’s aggressive behavior in the West Philippine sea, intelligence sources tell us there is still an uptick in the disinformation campaign against those involved in defending our sovereign rights in the West Philippine sea.

Public opinion both here and abroad are stacked up against the PrC and so China’s minions are now operating against many of us by using fake memos and documents purportedly coming from the office of the President or the Department of foreign Affairs.

NsC assistant director general Jonathan malaya is

right in calling these people out for “clouding the issue” and engaging in divide-andconquer tactics to sow discord among filipinos. “In this time, we need unity. We have to show the world that we filipinos understand our position and we fully support the position of the Philippines,” he pointed out.

Pro-China operators have been going all over town engaging in character assassination, being “intellectually dishonest” by propagating disinformation against those of us who sincerely believe that our relationship with the U.s. is an important part of our overall national strategy. these people are traitors –plain and simple. Let me be very clear: the more they attack, the more I am committed and determined to continue what I feel is the right thing to do in advancing our interests and upholding the sovereignty of our country.

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

dictatorship. I agree we must have public order and national discipline if this country is to move forward. But peace and order without freedom is nothing more than slavery. Discipline without justice is merely another name for oppression.

“I believe we can have lasting peace and prosperity only if we build a social order based on freedom and justice. my nonparticipation is therefore an act of protest against the structures of injustice that brought us here. It is also an act of faith in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of good over evil. In all humility, I say it is a rare privilege to share with the motherland her bondage, her anguish, her every pain and suffering.”

When the country needed a hero, Ninoy Aquino came. some have described the biggest contribution of heroes as “saving the soul of a nation.”

We must, again, unite as a nation and show our common outrage against extrajudicial killings, corrupt officials, tax evaders, smugglers, criminals and justices who abuse their powers. We must become our own heroes, just as Ninoy had been, four decades ago.

* *

*

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: elfrencruz@gmail.com

Dateline philippines

Ayungin resupply successful despite Chinese ‘disruptions’

by Franco Jose c. Baroña and Francisco Tuyay ManilaTimes.net

A res UPPLY mission arrived safely in Ayungin s hoal on t uesday, August 22, despite apparent attempts by the China Coast Guard (CCG) and militia to block two chartered boats carrying provisions for f ilipino soldiers stationed in B r P s ierra m adre there. t he chartered ships Unaizah

1 and Unaizah 2 successfully completed their journey to the grounded B r P s ierra m adre in the West Philippine s ea (WP s ). two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels, BrP Cabra and BrP sindangan, served as escorts during the mission to the shoal that is contested by China and the Philippines. the National task force for the West Philippine sea, headed by National security Adviser secretary eduardo Año, commended the courage, determination and professionalism of the men and women of the Armed forces of the Philippines and the PCG.

"Notwithstanding attempts by the Chinese coast guard and Chinese maritime militia vessels to block, harass and interfere with the supply mission, the Philippine supply ships Unaizah may 1 and Unaizah may 2, escorted by PCG vessels BrP Cabra and BrP sindangan, successfully completed their mission," the task force said. the filipino people owe them a debt of gratitude, for their commitment to place their lives [on the line] to defend our sovereignty and sovereign rights and jurisdiction throughout the expanse of the West Philippine sea," Año said in a statement. on Aug. 5, 2023, a resupply mission to Ayungin shoal was disrupted when Chinese coast guard vessels used a water cannon on a charter boat carrying provisions to soldiers posted at BrP sierra madre.

the incident sparked condemnation from the international community, particularly among allied countries and partners. over the weekend, Australia and the Philippines conducted amphibious drills at rizal, Palawan, just a few miles off Ayungin shoal as a manifestation of support to the plight of the Philippine government over the coercive behavior of the Chinese in the West Philippine sea. the task force said routine missions to Philippine outposts on various features in the WPs will continue on a regular basis.

"these missions are part of the Philippine government's legitimate exercise of its administrative functions over the WPs, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea (Unclos), the 2016 Arbitral Award and domestic laws," it added. United states-based security expert ray Powell said as early as sunday, August 20, at least three CCG ships, including the one involved in the August 5 incident, were shadowing BrP sindangan and BrP Cabra and continued to do so as the Philippine vessels approached the mouth of the shoal late tuesday morning, August 22.

four Chinese militia ships were monitored, presumably in an attempt to block the two Philippine supply ships.

Chinese coast guard vessel 215551 later appeared and seemed to have maneuvered "quite close" to BrP Cabra.

Powell said he "cannot exactly say what actually happened during the resupply mission since nearly all CCG vessels involved have all gone." the extent of dangerous [Chinese] maneuvers is hard to assess," he added.

Powell said only the Chinese militia ships can be clearly observed "actively blocking access to the shoal." By noon, the resupply mission "appears to be over" with the two PCG vessels "moving back to the

54 percent satisfied with House, Senate

by JanviC Mateo Philstar.com

– survey poll

east," the project lead for Project myoushu at stanford University's Gordian Knot Center for National security Innovation and a 2021 fellow at stanford's Distinguished Careers Institute said.

"there should be 'neutral third parties' to monitor negotiations between China and the Philippines insofar as resolving their sea row is concerned to determine their sincerity in engaging in genuine dialogue," sen. maria Imelda Josefa "Imee" marcos said on tuesday, stressing the Philippines' first line of defense is diplomacy.

"Let us settle our conflict in a peaceful manner," she said.

the Philippines should fully comply with its obligation under the United Nations Charter "to settle conflicts in a peaceful way," the senator said in a statement.

"China sent us a note to dialogue, let us talk to them. this time, however, we should document every attempt by our diplomats, Coast Guard and military personnel to communicate with China. to the extent permissible," marcos said. she also said the Philippine government "should make records of these attempts accessible to neutral third parties so that they may verify our efforts and China's responses thereto." "this way, the world can ascertain both countries' sincerity in engaging in genuine dialogue," marcos added. to be clear, we will do whatever is necessary to protect our rights through peaceful means. resupplying our personnel in Ayungin shoal is within our legal rights. thus, if we need larger and more powerful supply ships and PCG escort ships, then we will acquire them, preferably by building them ourselves," marcos added.

"might does not make right. We will stand our ground because we are in the right," the senator said. n

mANILA — A small majority of filipinos are satisfied with the performance of the senate and the house of representatives, according to a recent survey conducted by the oCtA research group. results of the July 22 to 26 survey released on Aug. 21 found that 54 percent of the respondents were satisfied with the performance of the house of representatives. some nine percent said they were dissatisfied, while 36 percent were undecided. meanwhile, 53 percent said they were satisfied with the senate’s performance. seven percent were dissatisfied, while 40 percent were undecided. trust for both the house of representatives and senate were at 55 percent, while distrust for the two chambers were at seven percent and six percent, respectively. the

rest of the respondents were undecided. the oCtA survey had 1,200 adult respondents and a margin of error of +/- three percent.

CHED top performing the Commission on higher education (CheD) emerged as the top performing and most trusted among government agencies included in the survey. some 80 percent of the respondents said they were satisfied with the performance of CheD, followed by Department of education (Deped) with 79 percent, Philippine National Police (PNP) with 76 percent, Department of health (Doh) with 75 percent and the Department of social Welfare and Development (DsWD) with 73 percent. In terms of trust, CheD and DsWD were the top agencies with 78 percent, followed by the Doh with 77 percent, Deped with 75 percent and PNP with 74 percent.

“We in CheD are thankful for the trust and confidence of the filipino people as we become the top-rated government agency as shown in the survey,” CheD chairman J. Prospero De Vera said in a statement on Aug. 22.

Other agencies eighteen other executive agencies were included in the survey. In terms of satisfaction, following DsWD were the Departments of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), 69 percent; Public Works and highways (DPWh), 66 percent; Labor and employment (DoLe), 63 percent; tourism (Dot), 60 percent; science and technology (Dost), 59 percent; Justice (DoJ), foreign Affairs (DfA) and environment and Natural resources (DeNr), all with 56 percent; National Defense (DND), 55 percent; Agriculture (DA), 54 percent and transportation (Dotr), 52 percent. n

Wordsworth

monS romulo

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.

Manay Gina Perez de Venecia: Lessons 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, 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 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

SOHO International Film Festival opens Sept. 14 with record 95-plus world and US premieres

the 2023 soho International film festival (sIffNYC), which opens on september 14, will have record 35 world premieres, 6 U.s. premieres, 32 Northeast premieres and 29 New York premieres. the film festival, celebrating its 14th year, will run through september 21 at the Village east by Angelika in New York City.

“We are absolutely thrilled by the volume of submissions and the caliber of films for this year’s edition of the festival,” said sibyl reymundo-santiago, sIffNYC’s executive director and head of programming. “there is so much anticipation as we eagerly prepare to unveil our talented filmmakers and their remarkable creations on screen!”

santiago added that the opening night film and the full list of accepted entries from more than 38 countries, ranging from feature and short films, documentaries to series pilots, will be revealed soon. the complete schedule will be posted on sohofilmfest.com. the film festival, founded

in 2009 by Jorge Ballos, announced this year’s jurors: marci Phillips (head juror), leads the New York office for the east Coast talent pool for ABC television Network and Disney+; Daryn simons, producer, talent manager, digital strategist, entrepreneur and partner of Cohesive entertainment Group; eleonore Dailly, creative executive and award-winning producer and director; ernabel Demillo, journalist and host of CUNYtV’s 7-time emmy-nominated program “Asian American Life”; Ivan Williams, co-creator of Altar Identity studios where he executive produced multiple film projects; James tumminia, producer/actor/director/writer who received a 2019 emmy nomination and won two telly Awards; Jeffrey Jeturian, multi-award winning filipino filmmaker; susannah D’Arcy, international producer and president of BritCan media; and Cas sigers Beedles, a professional writer, director and producer and author of six fiction novels. the jurors will announce

the winners at the awards gala on september 21. festival goers will vote and decide the soho14 Audience Awards, presented to entries in the feature, shorts/series and exhibition film categories.

Past attendees of the festival include octavia spencer, Pierce Brosnan, Bobby Cannavale, Armand Assante, Luis Guzman, sean Young, Kevin Jonas, Adam Brody, eric roberts, michael Imperioli and steve schirripa. this year’s festival is presented by the soho film forum, a 501(c)(3) organization. sIffNYC celebrates cutting-edge digital technology while honoring traditional forms of storytelling and encourages new and seasoned filmmakers from New York City and around the world to create and send in their fresh and innovative cinematic pieces. for sponsorship inquiries, contact: info@sohofilmfest.com. for more information, visit: www.sohofilmfest.com. for press inquiries, contact: executiveoffice@sohofilmfest.com.

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.

Janine Gutierrez, Zanjoe Marudo on how their ‘Dirty Linen’ characters turned bashers into supporters

by Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

DIrtY Linen” lead actors Janine Gutierrez and Zanjoe marudo both said they were constantly keeping an eye on the comments that the drama-revenge series has been receiving and were glad to note that a lot of them compliment the show and that people are sad because it is about to end.

“Dirty Linen,” a production of Dreamscape entertainment for ABs-CBN, premiered in January and will air its final episode on Aug. 25.

“In the beginning, we noticed that people were quick to comment negatively, even though they hadn’t seen the entire show yet. these days, we’re happy to see posts saying, ‘Grabe! Walang tapon!’ or ‘Bakit matatapos na ito?’ the audience seemed to have had their own idea about where the story should go in the beginning. this was why they didn’t like what they saw. this was a good thing because it meant people found the show engaging, and so they stayed. And then, whenever the show came up with interesting twists, they became more interested,” said Zanjoe in a recent interview with inquirer Entertainment our producers took a great risk here. to present the stories of only six characters in a teleser-

ye is already difficult. Imagine the work put into this show that has over 20 characters. We were nervous about this at the start, but our audience opted to stick with us until the end. You can tell this with their comments. It’s no longer about our portrayals anymore, but already about the series as a whole. Now that we’re nearing the show’s end, we only get to read positive comments. this makes all of us proud,” Zanjoe pointed out.

Engaging show

Janine has a similar observation. “Doesn’t it feel good when you have a basher at the start of the show who ends up liking you? there’s this one comment that really made me laugh. ‘shucks!

Ang ganda ni Janine. Dati maarte lang siya, ngayon magaling na siya umarte!’” she recalled.

“I agree with Z (Zanjoe’s nickname) when he said that lately, a lot of people are saying, ‘’Wag n’yo munang tapusin’ or ito talaga ’yong hinihintay namin bago matulog sa gabi.’ that’s what we’re most thankful for… that the whole series was able to affect the audience this way,” Janine added.

In “Dirty Linen,” four houseworkers of a wealthy, aristocratic family mysteriously vanish without a trace. Years later, four of their family members decide to get revenge against the prominent family. to do this, they infil-

trate the household under different identities in order to expose the fieros’ dirty secrets. however, an encounter with the family’s eldest son, Aidan (played by Zanjoe), in the past will lead to obstacles getting in the way of the revenge plot.

In the latest episode, sophie madrigales (elisse Joson), Aidan’s ex-girlfriend, felt so frustrated because of her failed attempt to seduce Aidan. this prompted her to say this about mila (played by Janine), Aidan’s estranged wife: “mila’s lust for revenge is much bigger than her love for Aidan.”

We then asked Janine whether the statement actually sums up mila’s relationship with Aidan. to this, she said: “the biggest challenge for her was that she truly loved Aidan. In a perfect world, she would try to distance Aidan and his sister Chiara (francine Diaz) from the sins of their family. Also, in spite of his love for mila, Aidan would still choose to protect his family. that was also what started everything for her—she decided to take revenge because of her family. that’s the painful aspect of mila and Aidan’s relationship.”

Pitiful character

In Zanjoe’s eyes, meanwhile, Aidan is such a pitiful character. since he witnessed what really happened to the four househelpPAGE 9

Former Pangasinan Rep. ‘Manay’ Gina de Venecia with husband, former Speaker Joe de Venecia.

the federal trade Commission (ftC) charged that a business opportunity and coaching scheme bilked consumers out of tens of millions of dollars. the scheme grew on the back of baseless claims about how much money customers could make.

the company behind the scheme, Automators, AI (formerly known as LLC, empire ecommerce and onyx Distribution) promised to set up for buyers profitable third-party stores on sites like Amazon, Walmart, and facebook marketplace, using artificial intelligence to pick top-selling products.

they said they were experts who’ve been doing this for years and that they’ve helped clients make a lot of money. In reality, most of the online stores the company managed for its clients were routinely suspended and shut down by Amazon and Walmart for policy violations. And despite their claims that customers could make thousands of dollars a month in passive income, most clients didn’t even recuperate the money they paid to buy in.

so, what should you do if you’re thinking about buying into a business opportunity? Ask the seller to give you a copy of the legally required 1-page disclosure document. It must:

• identify the seller

• tell you about any lawsuits against the seller

• tell you if the seller has a cancellation or refund policy, and what the terms are

• give you a list of references

• tell you if the seller is making a claim about how much money you can make. If they are, they also must give you an earnings claim statement.

Screengrab from web

If the seller says anything that contradicts what’s in their disclosure document or earnings claim statement, that’s a sign of a shady operation that you should steer clear of.

to learn more, check out When a Business offer or Coaching Program Is a scam (https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/when-business-offer-or-coaching-programscam).

If you think a business opportunity or coaching program is a scam, report it to the ftC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. (Alvaro Puig/ consumer Education Specialist, FTc)

YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT IN MANILA, PART 4. Kapamilya in Manila gets answers to their immigration questions from leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel on Part 4 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot.” Here are some of the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers – From Sharon Anne (top left): Can I have my petition expedited if I am already documentarily qualified under my husband’s F2-A petition for me?; From Bernice (top right): Is there a way I can bring my common-law husband, an Indian national, with me to the U.S. under my mother’s F2-B petition for me?; From Cecille (bottom right): My husband was petitioned by his sibling 17 years ago. As we were preparing the documents, we saw that my child’s name was not included in the petition. What can we do?; From Christine (bottom left): I married my U.S. citizen husband last year. Can I go to the U.S. to visit him using my tourist visa? Be sure to tune in for the answers to these questions on Part 4 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” from Manila, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen

More immigration questions answered by Attorney Gurfinkel on Citizen Pinoy

• Bernice’s mother filed an f2-B petition for her as a single daughter. Now, Bernice wants to know if she can bring her common-law husband, who is an Indian national, with her to the U.s. under her mother’s pe-

tition.

• Cecille’s husband was petitioned by his sibling 17 years ago. however, while getting their documents ready, Cecille noticed that her child was not

Janine Gutierrez, Zanjoe Marudo on how their...

ers at the beginning, Aidan was never the same. he grew up confused. he allowed his parents to control his life,” he began.

“When he finally met mila and fell in love with her, he thought he could have a clean slate, that he could escape his family, the fieros. What hurt him the most was that he gave so much of himself to the relationship, even turning his back on his own family and his responsibilities to their company, only to find out that mila lied to him,” the actor

said.

however, Zanjoe said what’s best about Aidan was that he is not someone who is quick to judge. “Despite the things that happened to him, he still tries to find an explanation for everything. he is now asking himself what forced mila to lie to him. Whatever Aidan will discover in the coming episodes, I promise, will make the audience more engaged.”

Incidentally, Zanjoe and Janine will be flying to the United states for a fancon/thanksgiving

show in sacramento, California, on Aug. 26. they will be joined by costars francine Diaz, seth fedelin, John Arcilla, tessie tomas and singer Jed madela. “I’m excited that we will be able to meet our kababayans there, especially those who supported ‘Dirty Linen’ from the start. I’m also happy that we will get to end the show this way, with us thanking people for their support,” said Zanjoe. “Dirty Linen” airs weekdays at 9:20 p.m. on the Kapamilya channel, A2Z and tV5.

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 3060 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

More immigration questions answered...

included in the petition. she wants to know what is the best thing for them to do.

• Sharon was petitioned as f2-A by her husband in 2019. Now that she is documentarily qualified, she is asking if her case can be expedited.

• Christine wants to know if she can visit her U.s. citizen husband in the states using her tourist visa.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in the fourth installment of “Your Tanong my Sagot” in manila. Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on sunday, August 27 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)

with

PH CONSULATE ATTENDS LAUNCH OF THE HINABI PROJECT’S EXHIBIT ON MINDANAO TEXTILE ARTS. The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, represented by Vice Consul Adrian Baccay attended the launch of “Weaving Peace and Dreams: Textile Arts of Mindanao,” an exhibit by the Filipino American organization The Hinabi Project, at the San Francisco Filipino Cultural Center on July 19, 2023. THP president Maya Ong Escudero, THP vice president Edwin Lozada, and THP creative director Anthony Cruz Legarda gave a guided tour of the exhibit, which features the weaves of the indigenous groups of Mindanao, including the B’laan, Bagobo, Higaonon, Maguindanao, Mandaya, Maranao, Sama, T’boli, and Tausug. The exhibit will run until October 31, 2023, and is accessible to the public only through a guided tour that requires a prior appointment at THP’s official website: https://www.thehinabiproject.org/. San Francisco PCG photos

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel is shown here

Bernice Dulay (left) and Cecille Cepeda (right).

Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers questions of Kapamilya from Manila – Sharon Anne Abriol (left) and Christine Buenaventura (right).