083123 - Las Vegas Edition

Timing and cost of new vaccines vary by virus and health insurance status

As summer edges toward fall, thoughts turn to, well, vaccines.

Yes, inevitably, it’s time to think about the usual suspects — influenza and CoVID-19 shots — but also the new kid in town: recently approved vaccines for rsV, short for respiratory syncytial virus.

But who should get the various vaccines, and when? for the eligible populations, all three shots are highly recommended,” said Georges Benjamin, a physician and the executive director of the American Public health Association. still, there’s no need to get them all at the same time, and there are reasons to wait a bit for two of them. some people may also face cost issues. Let’s break this down.

What’s the price?

It depends on the vaccine — and on your insurance coverage. for CoVID shots, including the updated ones expected to be available this fall, most people will still be able to get the vaccines for

Here’s what to know about the new COVID-19 variant BA.2.86

If forever exists, we’d vouch for CoVID-19 as tangible proof.

Just when we all thought this nightmare had ended, here comes a new “highly mutated” CoVID-19 variant nicknamed “Pirola” that’s been spreading in the United states and other countries such as Denmark and Israel.

Known officially as BA.2.86, this new CoVID-19 contender comes hot on the heels of “eris.” As of Aug. 25, nine cases have been reported in the GIsAID database with three from Denmark, two each from south Africa and the United states, and one case in Israel and the United Kingdom. the first known case in the U.s. was reported on Aug. 3 in michigan.

But what caught the scientists’ attention is its unusual mutation lineup; it has a genetic makeup with more than 30 mutations compared with parent strain BA.2.

“the critical thing about this variant is that it has a whole host of mutations compared u PAGE 2

Marcos sees non-traditional defense alliances with Europe

by Jean Mangaluz Inquirer.net

mANILA — President ferdinand

“Bongbong” marcos Jr. is considering the possibility of forging defense alliances with europe.

In a meeting with United Kingdom (UK) foreign secretary James spencer Cleverly in malacañang on tuesday, August 29, marcos said there is a new development in terms of security and defense.

“It is not traditional for us to look

to europe… to seek alliances and partnerships, especially when it comes to security and defense,” the Philippine leader told Cleverly.

“But that seems to be the evolution of geopolitics these days, so it is a welcome evolution in my view,” he said.

While marcos did not give details on these new military initiatives, his administration has repeatedly asserted Philippines’ sovereignty over West Philippine sea. for his part, Cleverly said after meeting

‘Stricter’ IACAT travel guidelines suspended

m ANILA — After receiving pushback from elected officials and the public, the Inter-Agency Council Against t rafficking has temporarily suspended the implementation of its revised guidelines on departure formalities.

In a press release thursday, August 31, the Department of Justice, of which the IACAt is under, said that the revised rules were not meant to “burden the general public” and aimed only to “enhance the overall experience of departing passengers.”

t he IACA t ’s revised rules

received backlash for imposing stricter travel requirements on filipinos and possibly subjecting them to more long-winded questions from immigration officers and other airport personnel.

DoJ secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” remulla said that he has “has deemed it necessary to thoroughly clarify the issues surrounding the revised guidelines to both the senators and the public.” t he primary objective of the revised guidelines was to streamline the departure procedures, ensuring a more efficient and secure process for

In a statement, the Department of foreign Affairs said it rejects the map due to the “inclusion of the nine-dashed line (now a ten-dashed line) that supposedly shows China’s boundaries in the south China sea.”

Gilas Pilipinas crashes out of Fiba World

after loss to Italy

by Denison Rey Dalupang Inquirer.net

Cup

mANILA – Gilas Pilipinas turned in its most cohesive outing in the 2023 fiba World Cup on tuesday night, August 29, but it was not enough against an Italy side that rediscovered its lethal touch.

the host Philippines bowed to the sweet-shooting Italians, 90-83, to end up winless in Group A play of the global showcase at smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Jordan Clarkson had 23 points, cornerstone Dwight ramos 14, while four more players finished with eight each in the losing stand relegated the Gilas Pilipinas to the crossover classification round.

the Philippines will next play the bottom two teams from Group B which could either be south sudan or regional powerhouse China.

the only consolation–for now–is that Japan, which upset finland last sunday, lost to Australia, 109-89, in okinawa and will also slide into the classification round, keeping the race among Asian teams vying for a Paris berth alive.

Vice President Sara Duterte and House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro. Inquirer.net file photos

VP accused of spending P125 million in funds in 19 days

by Julie auRelio Inquirer.net

DID Vice President sara Duterte spend P125 million on confidential expenses in just 19 days?

house Deputy minority Leader france Castro posed this question on monday, August 28, days before the office of the Vice President (oVP) was set to present its P2.374 billion proposed funding for 2024.

“the oVP spent the whole P125-million confidential fund given to the office in a span of just 19 days, from Dec. 13 to Dec. 31, 2022. this translates to P6,578,947.37 or almost P7 million per day,” Castro said in a statement. she cited a special allotment release order (saro) issued by the Department of Budget and management (DBm) on Dec. 13, 2022, pertaining to confidential expenses. the 2022 saro-BmB-C-22-0012004 for the oVP was in the

Marcos sees non-traditional defense...

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foreign secretary enrique manalo, he realized that UK and Philippines share many similar interests.

“Comparing notes on our two countries’ various positions on things, it was really a kind of an audit of two countries that are, I think instinctively, very much like-minded, with very, very similar attitudes to world affairs, and very similar appetites to try and make the most of the bilateral relationship, as well as the UK’s focus on southeast Asia,” Cleverly told the chief executive. n

Here’s what to know about the new...

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to some of the omicron variants that emerged about two years ago,” Dr. Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at Johns hopkins University, shared with today.

Will our COVID-19 shots stand strong? this new CoVID-19 variant might be strong enough even for those who’ve had CoVID-19 or a jab. the CDC shared in its BA.2.86 risk assessment that it could be sneakier in causing infections among those who have either contracted CoVID-19 and been vaccinated. While an updated CoVID-19 booster is already in the works to combat BA.2.86, the U.s fDA might only give the green light by the end of the month.

New COVID-19 variant symptoms to watch out for

With only a few reported cases, it’s still uncertain what this brings to the table. however, according to Dr. Pekosz, “there’s no data on symptoms associated with infection because the case numbers are just too small.” these are however the most common symptoms associated with other CoVID-19 variants:

• Sore throat

• Runny nose

• Sneezing

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Muscle aches

• Altered sense of smell and taste.

While the updated boosters have yet to be rolled out, it’s

‘Act responsibly’: Philippines...

PAGE 1

t his latest attempt to legitimize China’s purported sovereignty and jurisdiction over Philippine features and maritime zones has no basis under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the sea (UNCLos),” the DfA said. the DfA maintains that the 2016 tribunal ruling that invalidated Beijing’s claims over parts of the

south China had categorically stated that Beijing’s “nine-dash line” was “without lawful effect to the extent that they exceed the geographic and substantive limits of China’s maritime entitlements under the Convention.”

“ t he Philippines, therefore, calls on China to act responsibly and abide by its obligations under UNCLos and the final and binding 2016 Arbitral Award,” the DfA said.

t he Permanent Court of Arbitration under the United Nations ruled in 2016 that China's nine-dash line claim over the disputed waters is invalid. since then, the arbitral ruling has been repeatedly invoked by the Philippines and other nations with overlapping claims in response to Chinese maritime aggression. Beijing has largely dismissed the international ruling, claiming it has no legal basis. n

Timing and cost of new vaccines vary by virus...

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better to not let your guard down.

As the CDC suggests, prevention and precautionary measures still work against any CoVID-19 variant. here are the guidelines to follow according to the health agency:

• Wear a mask

• Keep your distance from crowded places

• Stay away from sick people or when someone is sneezing or coughing

• Wash your hands well and often

While there’s no reason to panic, being cautious and maintaining a healthy immune system are good safeguards. After all, who wants to go through the doom of another cabin fever?

(Mary Villegas/inquirer.net)

free. People became accustomed to that no-cost availability during the pandemic, but the federal government stopped picking up the entire tab with the end of the public health emergency this spring.

Now the actual cost of the vaccine, which manufacturers said could be far higher than what the government paid during the pandemic, will be borne by private insurers and medicare and medicaid. for people without insurance, the Biden administration set up the Bridge Access Program, which will make free vaccines available this fall through community health centers and state health departments. eventually, retail pharmacies may also participate. Pfizer and moderna, two of the companies producing updated

covid vaccines, previously suggested they would charge $110 to $130 per dose, and plan to offer programs for people who cannot afford the vaccines. In July, the Biden administration urged both makers to set a “reasonable” rate for the updated versions.

Another company, Novavax, has said it will also have an updated vaccine for the U.s. market. It is still unclear how prices will shake out. In a recent moderna earnings call, company officials indicated they are negotiating contracts with payers but did not give per-dose figures. the company expects covid vaccine sales worldwide to tally $6 billion to $8 billion this year.

the Affordable Care Act says patients don’t have to pay for certain preventive care, including some vaccines. that means flu shots are offered at no cost to people with insurance, including those on medicare and medicaid. those without insurance may be able to land a free or low-cost shot from some health centers and state health departments. the cost of the flu vaccine depends on the type of shot and the pharmacy or medical outlet providing it but can range from $20 to more than $70.

similar rules apply to the new rsV vaccines, which may carry a price tag between $180 and $295 a shot. Because they are recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, they are covered for people with private insurance without a copay. the Inflation reduction Act did the same for medicare beneficiaries and provided incentives for states to follow suit with medicaid. still, medicare beneficiaries should note that the rsV vaccine is covered under Part D of the program, so those who have not signed up for the drug benefit may have to pay out-of-pocket.

It may take a while for insurers to list the rsV vaccine on their formularies, so patients are advised to check their health plans before making an appointment. the uninsured, however, will need to turn to low-cost clinics or health departments, although those programs may vary. such lack of access “means we will have another health disparity for people who can’t afford it,” said Benjamin, of the public health association.

Luckily, most of those seeking the shot are likely to be on medicare, which will cover it, he said. “But if you are 60 to 65 and not yet on medicare, you might have some challenges.”

RSV vaccines the newest of the vaccines target rsV, a common respiratory illness. the season for rsV infections usually begins in the fall and lasts into the spring, potentially peaking in January and february.

the CDC estimates that 60,000 to 160,000 people 65 and older are hospitalized because of rsV annually, with approximately 6,000 to 10,000 deaths among that age group. Infants and older adults are most at risk.

risk factors for having a more severe case include increased age, but also underlying conditions like lung diseases, cardiovascular problems like congestive heart failure, diabetes, and kidney and liver disorders, and being immunocompromised. the illness can also aggravate existing conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

the two new vaccines have been approved for older adults, with the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel saying people 60 or older should be able to get one of them if they and their doctor or other medical provider agree it would be a good precaution.

If you fall into those categories, don’t wait too long, said William schaffner, a physician and professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University. “that’s one you can do and get out of the way right now.”

those who get one of the new rsV vaccines now should take a brief pause of at least two weeks before getting any other vaccination because there isn’t much data on whether they interact with other shots when received concurrently, he said.

of the rsV

vaccines in preventing severe disease is expected to remain high through this year’s rsV season, and they may also provide some protection the following year, based on information from the clinical trials.

In early August a new monoclonal antibody, which contains lab-made antibodies against rsV, was approved for infants under 8 months and certain other young children, and it should be available soon. the shot is similar to a vaccine, but it works faster because it supplies the antibodies itself rather than spurring a baby’s immune system to produce them. Among children under 5, rsV causes 58,000 to 80,000 hospitalizations and 100 to 300 deaths each year, according to the CDC. on monday, the fDA approved Pfizer’s rsV vaccine to be given during pregnancy to convey protection to infants after they are born until they are 6 months old. It isn’t yet known when the vaccine will become available or the specific recommendations the CDC will make about who should get it.

As with any drug or vaccine, side effects are possible with any of the new shots, including pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, and some other, rarer side effects.

“It’s always good to sit down and talk with your doctor. they know your medical history,” said mahdee sobhanie, an infectious diseases physician at the ohio state University Wexner medical Center.

COVID and influenza vaccines

Both covid and flu shots are worth getting, but it might be a good idea to wait a little bit. one reason is that updated covid shots awaiting approval are formulated to work against strains more commonly circulating now, known as the XBB lineage. the boosters will not directly target the new “eris” variant currently rising in the U.s., though eris is considered a descendant of XBB.

If approved, the updated vaccines are expected to become available around late september.

When to get vaccinated can be confusing, with the seasonality of the illnesses varying a bit. flu season usually starts in late fall and runs into spring. We have fewer years’ data on covid, but it appears to vary with the seasons, too, with upticks in winter when people gather inside, but also during hot summer months, when people are more likely to seek airconditioned indoor venues.

With the updated covid vaccines expected in the next couple of months, patients should be able to get a covid vaccination and an influenza shot at the same time, said schaffner.

“We have good info they don’t interact,” he said. the influenza vaccine is designed to last through the season, but effectiveness can wane. for that reason, even though you might start seeing ads in August, many experts suggest waiting until the end of september or early october to get a flu shot.

“If you get it too early, it might not cover you too well toward the end of the season,” schaffner said.

(Julie Appleby/KFF Health News)

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly during a courtesy call in Malacañang on August 29, 2023. Malacañang photo

People became accustomed to that no-cost availability during the pandemic, but the federal government stopped picking up the entire tab with the end of the public health emergency this spring. Pexels.com photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

Alex Eala rises to career-best No. 195 in WTA rankings

by Lance agcaoiLi Inquirer.net

mANILA — Alex eala earned her career-best ranking in the Women’s tennis Association (WtA) singles.

the 18-year-old filipino reached the top 200 as she improved to WtA rank No. 195.

eala soared 22 spots from being No. 217 last week. she surpassed her previous career-best ranking of No.214 last year.

the rafael Nadal Academy graduate ruled the W25 roehampton tournament in Great Britain.

eala finished second in the W25 Aldershot also in Great Britain, where she lost to Aussie Destanee Aiava in the final, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6.

eala has four International tennis federation (Itf) titles including the W25 Yecla in spain two months ago.

eala will compete in the Asian Games starting on september 23 in hangzhou, China. n

Sarina Bolden throws first pitch at San Francisco Giants game

by Jonas Terradop Inquirer.net

PhILIPPINe women’s football team star striker sarina Bolden threw out the ceremonial first pitch before a major League Baseball game between the san francisco Giants and Cincinnati reds.

Bolden got the honor at the Giants home ballpark, oracle Park, on monday, August 28 as part of the team’s filipino heritage Night. the 26-year-old was born in nearby santa Clara to an American father and a filipina mother.

the player responsible for scoring the country’s first goal in the fifa Women’s World Cup walked to the mound wearing a cream white No. 7 Giants jersey with her name inscribed before making a right-handed throw.

san francisco went on to win, 4-1, to go 68-63 on the season while Cincinnati fell to 68-65. her appearance came a month after the filipinas completed their maiden appearance in women’s football’s biggest stage, falling a win short of advancing to the round-of-16.

It was against co-host New Zealand where Bolden fired a header in the 24th minute that eventually gave the Philippines a historic 1-0 victory at Wellington’s regional stadium.

VP accused of spending P125 million...

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amount of P221,424 “to cover financial assistance/subsidy and confidential fund.”

the saro indicated that the office of the President approved the release on Nov. 28, 2022.

Confidential expenses Castro also pointed to the Commission on Audit’s (CoA) 2022 audit report on the oVP, which said this amount was composed of P125 million in confidential expenses and P96.424 million for medical assistance.”

In the oVP’s statement of appropriations, allotments, obligations, disbursements, and balances (sAAoDB) as of the end of 2022, the oVP told the CoA that it obligated and disbursed P155 million, with P66.424 million as the remaining unobligated allotment.

In the oVP’s sAAoDB as of June 30, 2023, the P66.424 million was also reported under “contingent fund: financial assistance/subsidy-others.”

‘Stricter’

this implies that P125 million in confidential funds was already spent by Dec. 31, 2022, along with P30 million of the financial assistance, for a total of P155 million,” Castro said. she said guidelines on the use of confidential funds limit the expenses to “surveillancerelated activities such as purchase of information, rental of transport vehicles, rental and maintenance of safehouses, purchase or rental of supplies, material and equipment, payment of rewards to informers, and uncovering or prevention of certain illegal activities.”

No congressional authorization the oVP is a civilian agency with no national defense or law enforcement function.

“We are curious as to how the oVP spent a huge amount in a short amount of time … how did they spend this big amount, which should not be considered confidential funds? It should

not be kept secret because the oVP did not get congressional authorization for this in 2022,” Castro said.

Last week, the makabayan solon flagged the oVP’s P125 million in confidential expenses for 2022 despite not having any appropriation for it in the 2022 General Appropriations Act. she warned that the oVP may be held liable for violating provisions of the Constitution and the revised Penal Code that require expenses to have corresponding appropriations in the national budget. Castro pressed Duterte to explain how she incurred the expenses and called on the DBm and the office of the President to explain the release of the funds. she said the three-member bloc was mulling the filing of an impeachment complaint against Duterte but said it would wait for CoA’s findings on the P125million confidential expenses first. n

IACAT travel guidelines...

all individuals traveling abroad,” the DoJ statement read. this came after the senate on Wednesday, August 30 approved two resolutions calling to suspend the revised guidelines, which had previously been scheduled to take effect september 3. In one of the two s enate resolutions, s enate President Juan m iguel Zubiri was authorized to file a petition before the supreme Court to impose a temporary restraining order on the imposition of the new travel rules if needed.

Zubiri said the IACAt’s new rules, which were meant to prevent more trafficking victims, hampered f ilipinos’ right to travel. t he s enate president also invoked the Constitution, which he pointed out protects f ilipinos’ right to travel and was “not recommendatory” but “mandatory.”

“I truly feel, deep in my heart, it is unconstitutional,” he said in his privilege speech. the DoJ statement said the department remains “dedicated to upholding the rights and welfare of all individuals, including the

right to travel freely.”

“We assure the public that the revised guidelines aim to strike a balance between national security and the facilitation of smooth and efficient travel,” the DoJ said.

“We take this opportunity to remind everyone that the temporary suspension of the implementation of the revised guidelines on departure formalities does not affect existing laws and regulations governing travel and immigration procedures. All existing rules and guidelines remain in place until further notice,” it added.

Gilas Pilipinas crashes out of Fiba World...

simone fontecchio led the way for the Italians with 18 points, Giampaolo ricci chipped in 14 while marco spissu and stefano tonut 13 each, flexing their outside shooting. the Azzurri hit 17 of their 41 triples (41 percent), a timely comeback for the World No. 10 squad who have been frosty from beyond the arc in their first two games (20 percent). Gilas, meanwhile, was only able to convert 10 of their 29 shots from deep. n

Filipinas’ Sarina Bolden

Photo from Instargram/oraclepark

Filipino tennis star Alex Eala

Photo from Alex Eala’s Facebook the filipino heritage Night is an annual fixture in the Giants season to honor filipinos living in the Bay Area. n

Marcos urges Filipinos to embrace heroism within

by Gaea Katreena CabiCo Philstar.com

mANILA — President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. on monday, August 28 called on filipinos to honor the efforts of unsung heroes, and recognize their capacity to become champions within their families and communities.

In a message on National heroes’ Day, marcos stressed the significance of remembering the lives and deeds of lesser-known and unnamed filipinos who have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation.

“from the defiance of our ancestors against the first invading forces to the diligence of our soldiers and statesmen held to see the last of them off—our unsung champions prove the heroism is not limited to the herculean; it also includes the honest, earnest, and compassionate living that we do every day,” he said.

the chief executive also said each filipino has the potential to become a hero of the country.

“Let us also realize our own power to become heroes for our families and communities,” marcos said, adding this consciousness should ignite a sense of dedication among

Manny Pacquiao

by June navaRRo Inquirer.net

mANILA – manny Pacquiao has a huge trophy room filled with championship belts, medals and an assortment of boxing accolades in a career masterpiece spanning over three decades.

But if you look closely at the considerable stockpile of awards that the filipino boxing icon had collected, one prominent piece of hardware most fighters dream about remains missing.

Philippine olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” tolentino said on Wednesday, August 30 that the former senator and eight-division world champion reached out and expressed interest for a shot at an olympic medal in next year’s Paris olympics.

“senator Pacquiao’s camp reached out saying our filipino ring idol wants to fight in Paris,”

REMEMBERING HEROES. President

Teachers lament worsening education system

by Janvic Mateo sheila cRisostoMo Philstar.com

mANILA — the country’s education system has worsened under the present administration, teachers’ organizations lamented on tuesday, August 29. members of the Alliance of Concerned teachers (ACt) held an early morning protest along mendiola to call out the government for its failure to address the shortages and what it described as the “worsening education crisis.”

City. his father, a dictator, was buried there with military honors in 2016 despite protests saying he is not a hero.

commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Andres Bonifacio, Taguig City on Monday, August 28. This year’s National Heroes Day carries the theme “Karangalan. Katungkulan. Kabayanihan.” PNA photo by Rey Baniquet filipinos to pursue the agenda of “creating a new Philippines that is strong, prosperous, resilient, and secure for present and future generations.”

Vice President sara DuterteCarpio also called on filipinos to “find the heroes within us.”

“Carve a soul that is fearless, a soul that is selfless—and forge a unity that will allow us to overcome the challenges of the present day and enable us to achieve our aspirations for our country,” she said.

meanwhile, the president led the commemoration of the National heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in taguig

the marcos family has refused to apologize or even acknowledge the atrocities and mass looting of government coffers during their patriarch’s over two-decade rule.

In a speech delivered at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, marcos honored the late Department of migrant Workers chief susan ople. “she is a perfect example of what true heroism can be. she tirelessly dedicated a better part of her life to remote the welfare of our modern heroes,” he said. n

wants to fight in Paris Olympics

said tolentino.

“But the senator can no longer vie for qualification in the Asian Games in hangzhou next month,” he added.

According to tolentino, the local olympic body has opened discussions with the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines and the International olympic Committee on how to deal with Pacquiao’s request.

the IoC will supervise the boxing competitions in Paris following the suspension of the International Boxing Association.

the easiest path to the olympics is through the Asian Games, but the continental meet has an age restriction of 40 years old across all sports, said tolentino.

still, the door remains ajar for the 44-year-old boxing legend with two olympic qualifying tournaments scheduled early next year.

Another course of action is to

help Pacquiao secure an olympic spot under the Universality rule from the IoC. only nine Universality places—five for women and four for men—are available in Paris.

tolentino said Pacquiao’s aide approached the PoC confirming that Pacquiao is open to the possibility of climbing onto the olympic ring.

tolentino added the Abap, through its chairman ricky Vargas, can accommodate Pacquiao, who currently weighs 66 kilograms, to the national team and guide him in the qualification process.

Pacquiao can pick between 63.50kgs or 71kgs on the Paris boxing program where professional fighters are allowed to see action.

In the 2021 tokyo olympics, 43 of the 186 boxers were prizefighters, including eumir felix marcial, who claimed the middleweight bronze medal. n

teachers scored Vice President and education secretary sara Duterte’s recent order to leave classroom walls bare, saying instructional aids help students in the learning process. they also questioned the proposed confidential funds for the Department of education (Deped).

“We need higher education budget, more classrooms, teachers, education support personnel, functional facilities and sufficient instructional and learning materials. We need to increase teachers’ basic pay to decent and living salaries. We do not need confidential and intelligence funds at all,” ACt chairman Vladimer Quetua said. for the teachers’ Dignity Coalition (tDC), the dire situation of teachers has remained the same for decades.

“there may be changes to the curriculum or even to the physical condition of our classrooms and schools, but the condition of the teachers is the most important and should be given priority. our teachers are still overburdened with redundant clerical work that gets worse every day. Class sizes can reach as high as 50 to 55, and yet we expect our teachers to teach better,” tDC chairman Benjo Basas said in a separate statement. the group challenged President marcos to fulfill his campaign promise to increase the salary of public school teachers.

“As a senator, he was consistent in filing a bill to raise teacher pay during the 15th and 16th Congress. Now that he is President, he has all the power and influence he needs to make it happen and not just keep it as a campaign promise,” Basas said.

“Children’s welfare is always

at the center of discussions whenever the classes open, that’s understood. But this time, those in authority should also consider the welfare of teachers and give it the attention it highly deserves. how could we safeguard the well-being of these children if their teachers’ welfare is uncertain?” he added.

Hiring program

As classes in public schools opened on tuesday, a lawmaker called for the “urgent hiring” of teachers and education support personnel.

ACt teachers Partylist rep. france Castro made a round of some public schools and observed the “glaring lack of teachers and education support personnel.”

Castro said there is also an “urgent need” for additional personnel such as nurses and guidance counselors.

“the lack of teachers and education support personnel is a critical issue that needs to be addressed immediately. It directly affects the quality of education and support services that our students receive,” she added.

the lawmaker stressed that students could not be expected to “thrive and succeed without sufficient personnel to guide and support their learning journey.”

It is also important to have an adequate number of teachers to ensure “manageable class sizes and effective instruction,” according to Castro.

she also pointed out the need for more nurses and guidance counselors to provide the necessary health and emotional support to students.

“our students deserve to have a conducive learning environment, and this includes having enough teachers and support personnel to cater to their needs,” she said.

Castro has called on the Deped to urgently address the shortage

of teachers and education support personnel by implementing a “comprehensive hiring program.”

“We need a systematic and strategic approach to address the lack of teachers and education support personnel in our public schools. It is high time that we prioritize the needs of our students and invest in their future,” she maintained.

‘Innovation solutions’

Amid all these concerns, Duterte sees a different approach to address the perennial problems in the country’s basic education system.

speaking at Kaluangan I Primary school in Asturias, Cebu on tuesday, the Vice President said the Deped under the second marcos administration is pursuing two tracks in addressing problems such as the shortage of teachers and classrooms. since time immemorial, we saw that we approach our problems using the same solutions,” she said in english and filipino. “We have a problem with teachers, so we hire more teachers, we look for more teachers. And yet, we still cannot address our needs for teachers,” she added.

the two-track approach, she said, would introduce “innovative” solutions on top of the more traditional approaches that have been adopted by previous administrations. for instance, in the case of teacher and classroom shortages, Duterte reiterated her previous proposal of institutionalizing blended learning.

“We can easily solve the shortages in classrooms, teachers and congestion in our classrooms with the blended learning program,” she said.

“We hope to be able to institute u PAGE 7

Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. offers a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier during the

Students of Aurora Aquino Elementary School in Malate, Manila actively participate during their first day of classes on August 29, 2023. Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban

Deadly contests

There must be so much at stake in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections or BSKe that people are committing murder to eliminate candidates.

on the first day of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the BsKe on August 28, Alex repato was shot dead in front of his house in Libon town, Albay. Just hours earlier, repato had filed his CoC for reelection as barangay captain of san Jose. Days before his death, barangay councilor reliosa mata of Nagpo also in Libon along with her husband Alfredo were shot dead on their way home. over in the Cotabato town of midsayap, haron Dimalanes was shot before noon on tuesday, August 29 in a parking area outside the Comelec office, within the town hall compound, where he was set to file his CoC for barangay captain of malingao, in the special Geographic Area of the Bangsamoro Autonomous region in muslim mindanao. Dimalanes died in a hospital. his companion, Javier samad Kambiyong, was injured. even former barangay officials have been targeted. on July 30 this year, Anwar ebrahim salem and his 21-year-old son Anwar Jr. were murdered in an ambush in matalam, North Cotabato. the elder salem was the former

Babe’s Eye View

ArrIVING in manila earlier this week for consultations, we have been deluged with a series of interviews from the local media in relation to a smear campaign launched against some of our colleagues in government, including myself and other filipino diplomats, with the use of cyberspace.

there is absolutely no doubt that there is a strong concerted effort to drive a wedge between the Philippines and its close allies like the United states to undermine our position and derail our efforts in upholding our territorial integrity and sovereignty in the West Philippine sea. they’re using all kinds of inane tactics, like fake memos purportedly coming from the Department of foreign Affairs where I am supposedly being recalled from Washington, or another ridiculous rumor of being reassigned to Beijing. they’re engaging in disinformation using fake emails and instant messaging apps. some have also been creating fake accounts on facebook and X (twitter), with many of us being targeted. emails, smartphones and other communication systems are already severely compromised because of malware embedded in links that can steal user details. once details are stolen, cybercriminals use apps that create fake chats or conversations complete with a screen shot,

chairman of Barangay Arakan who served as president of the local Association of Barangay Captains. Police said his murder might not have been connected to the upcoming BsKe because salem had said he did not intend to run in the elections. But the killing could be related to his former work as a barangay captain.

Police said that from Jan. 1 to July 31 this year, there had been 340 deadly gun attacks in the autonomous region, with over 20 targeting elected government officials. that translates to a daily average of 1.6 murders or homicides.

All elections in this country are tainted with deadly armed violence. But the level of violence tends to be higher in local races, and those for the BsK are no exception. the ease of obtaining guns all over the country along with an ever growing list of unsolved murders emboldens people to resort to assassinations as the ultimate way of eliminating political rivals. With another electoral exercise approaching, authorities should put an end to this impunity. (Philstar.com)

which they can spread through social media sites and platforms. even popular messaging apps like Viber may not be as secure as we think. According to some reports, cybercriminals can access Viber accounts on your phone or PC and install spyware that can monitor calls and messages, and see your conversation history. Worse, they can actually make calls and send messages that supposedly came from you.

I have long accepted the fact that when one holds a government position or is in some measure a “high profile” personality – one will definitely be targeted for hatchet jobs, which unfortunately simply comes with the job. I was warned many months ago by intelligence agencies whom we work with in Washington, D.C. that pro-China groups “will go after [me]” – with the heightened attacks triggered by the president’s successful visit to Washington and the approval of four additional bases accessible to U.s. armed forces under the 2015 enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

But what many others and I are extremely concerned about is the fact that our cybersecurity is currently severely compromised. so many of our government agencies are already penetrated. this is really far more serious than one can imagine – cyber spies can clearly undermine the country’s economic and national security. they can do this easily by spreading false information and propagating fake stories – picking up bits and pieces of information and manipulating them in such a way that they become believable.

early this year, for instance, a fake memo circulated through facebook about the Philippine National Police supposedly going on heightened alert due to the purported mass resignation of Defense personnel and a destabilization plot within the Armed forces of the Philippines. the scary part is that it looked authentic.

A report from singapore cybersecurity company GroupIB also revealed that a hacker group identified as Dark Pink has been focusing its attacks on the government and military agencies of malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. Dark Pink has been stealing data since 2021 through phishing emails – like a letter supposedly from a job applicant or inquiring about internships, with attached documents (presumably credentials) that would activate malware when downloaded.

Data from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky revealed that the Philippines ranked Number 2 among countries most attacked by web threats in 2022. According to the Department of Information and Communications technology (DICt), there have been over 3,000 high-level cyberattacks monitored from 2020 to 2022, with 60 percent of those directed at government institutions. In fact, the DICt has admitted that the “increased vulnerability of our nation’s digital landscape” makes it “crucial to protect the country’s critical infrastructure.” the United states of course is a major target of cyberattacks that seek to inflict economic damage, like what happened to Colonial

Pipeline – a major pipeline system that supplies refined gasoline, diesel and jet fuel from the U.s. Gulf Coast to the U.s east Coast – that was attacked by a russian cybercriminal group known as Darkside. Colonial went offline for several days, resulting in supply shortages, disrupting airline operations, causing fuel prices to skyrocket and triggering a nationwide state of emergency. the fact is, highly sophisticated technology can now enable cybercriminals to reach for targets anywhere in the world. they can remotely access computers, turn off electricity, shut off communications facilities, disrupt airport operations – and you won’t even know where these

attacks are coming from.

the Department of foreign Affairs and other government offices have been severely compromised, confirmed to us by intelligence experts locally and in Washington, D.C.

But all is not lost. the president himself is very much aware of the need to “shore up our defenses when it comes to cybersecurity”

– and to this end, a National Plan on Cybersecurity has been drawn up by the DICt, underscoring that external security threats such as cybersecurity warfare need to be addressed. We have several international experts coming to assess our cybersecurity and a plan will be put in place to secure our cyberspace.

As ICt secretary Ivan Uy had

explained, in today’s warfare, the “first attack is not done with a bullet or a missile. It’s done in cyberspace,” adding that “cybersecurity should have an extremely dominant role” because unlike physical attacks where damage is limited to a physical target like a building or facility, a cyberattack can shut down an entire country’s financial system or energy infrastructure. the damage would be unimaginable. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

oNe thing I am certain of, our nation is yearning for heroes. As we cast our gaze backward, we find ourselves repeatedly drawn to historical epochs such as the Philippine revolution, World War II, and the eDsA People Power revolution for our heroic icons.

When our national anthem is sung, the usual accompanying imagery — filipino soldiers trudging the Death march, Lapulapu felling magellan, and the valiant fighters of the Philippine revolution — evokes a sense of dull admiration that highlights a yearning for fresh heroism. remarkably, our interpretation of the phrase “ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo” (“to die in your cause”) in “Lupang hinirang” has veered toward the literal, elevating sacrifice above all other forms of heroism. this perception, though grounded

in the monumental sacrifices of figures like Jose rizal, Jose Abad santos, and Benigno s. Aquino Jr., has marginalized countless others who have made substantial contributions to our society without offering their lives.

Among these unsung champions are teachers, students, extension workers, community leaders, farmers, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, scientists, journalists, government officials, and civil society leaders who, in the shadows, toil to enhance our collective well-being.

these unsung heroes act as the linchpin of community resilience and progress. Amid emergencies and disasters, they selflessly volunteer their time and energy. they assume leadership roles, cultivate cleaner and safer neighborhoods, and initiate tree-planting campaigns. they uphold the pillars of justice by bearing witness against crime and corruption, and they courageously confront those who perpetrate illegal and

harmful actions in public spaces. through their diligent work and daily lives, they personify responsibility and accountability.

Paradoxically, our lofty standards for heroism blind us to the heroes dwelling among us. this oversight stems from our lack of a structured process for hero cultivation. other nations, such as China and Vietnam, cultivate heroes from an early age through programs like the Young Pioneers, fostering leadership potential, consciousness, and pride. this approach isn’t limited to socialism; it finds roots in the Boy scouts movement initiated by Lord robert Baden Powell. regrettably, this noble concept has been subverted by politicians for personal gain, preventing its full realization in the Philippines.

our nation requires a broader preparation for national service, one that embraces diverse avenues of contribution. the proposed resurrection of the

reserve officers’ training Course signals a positive step forward, but its scope should transcend military-centric training. the National service reserve Corps (NsrC) created by virtue of republic Act No. 9163 known as the National service training Program or NstP Act of 2001 is a better civic development model. Unfortunately, since the enactment of the NstP law in 2001 until 2011, the NsrC was never organized and mobilized despite the issuance to that effect of a joint memorandum by the Department of National Defense, the Commission on higher education, and the technical education and skills Development Authority.

Yet, the need for the NsrC keeps being affirmed. rA 10121 known as the Philippine Disaster risk reduction and management Act of 2010 provides that the NsrC be accredited and mobilized for disaster risk reduction and management in the country.

It is time the NsrC is mobilized in earnest. It would provide the opportunity for youth civic engagement, guiding our young generation toward a profound understanding of duty and service and rekindling the spirit of patriotism.

furthermore, initiatives like the red Cross volunteers, the 4h Club, and the Young farmers Challenge Club can captivate the imagination of our youth, offering platforms to acquire emergency skills and foster a sense of civic responsibility.

In my personal journey, I have had the privilege of encountering heroes whose contributions resonated deeply. Icons like Ninoy Aquino, salvador P. Lopez, and Jesse robredo have left an indelible mark on me. Yet, even beyond those I knew personally, I draw inspiration from figures like Wenceslao Vinzons, maria orosa, Juan flavier, and Albert del rosario, whose contributions have transformed the nation in profound but often uncelebrated

ways.

In sum, the filipino narrative of heroism must expand its envelope to encompass the quiet champions who stand resolutely behind the curtains of history. true heroism transcends self-interest and demands our attention. We must shift our focus from a limited understanding of heroism to a broader acknowledgment of those who serve in diverse ways, nurturing a culture of responsibility and leadership from youth. As we recalibrate our definition of heroism, we pave the way for the emergence of countless hidden heroes, ultimately fortifying our nation’s foundation for a brighter future. (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.

* * * doyromero@gmail.com

Data from global cybersecurity company Kaspersky revealed that the Philippines ranked Number 2 among countries most attacked by web threats in 2022. Philstar.com file photo

Senate OKs bill on welfare, protection of caregivers

mANILA — the senate on tuesday, August 29 approved senate Bill No. (sBN) 2019, otherwise known as the Caregivers’ Welfare Act.

With 21 affirmative votes, zero negative, and zero abstentions, sBN 2019 was approved on third and final reading during a plenary session. the measure secures caregivers’ rights from implementation of decent employment and income policies to protect them from abuse, harassment, violence, and economic exploitation.

sB 2019 states that a caregiver’s working hours shall be based on the employment contract signed by the parties and in accordance with the labor laws, rules and regulations. the measure likewise indicates that the minimum wage of a caregiver shall not be less than the applicable minimum wage in the region.

Among the recommendations included in the measure are the following:

• Wages shall be paid on

time directly to the caregiver to whom they are due once every two weeks or twice a month at intervals not exceeding 16 days.

• A caregiver who has rendered at least one month of service is entitled to a thirteenth month pay which shall not be less than onetwelfth of his or her total basic salary earned in a calendar year.

• Employers shall also provide the caregiver with a copy of the pay slip containing the amount paid in cash every pay day, and indicating all deductions made, if any.

• A caregiver who has rendered at least one year of service shall be entitled to an annual service incentive leave of at least five days with pay.

• A caregiver shall be covered by the social security system (sss), the Philippine health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth), and the home Development mutual fund (hDmf) or Pag-IBIG, and shall be entitled to all the benefits in accordance with the pertinent provisions provided by law.

• The employer shall also provide for the basic necessities of the caregiver, such as three adequate meals a day and appropriate rest and medical

Maharlika Investment Fund IRR released

assistance in the form of first-aid medicines, in case of illness and injuries sustained during service without loss of benefits.

• A caregiver must also be able to terminate employment relationship an anytime for any of the following reasons: verbal and emotional abuse, inhumane treatment, commission of a crime or offense against the caregiver by the client, and if any member of the household, employer or his/her representative has any disease prejudicial to the health of the caregiver.

senator Jinggoy estrada, who also sits as the chairperson of the senate’s committee on labor, employment and human resources development, said the senate has united to approve the measure. this is an important and special opportunity for your servant. We have passed a bill that will provide protection to a vulnerable but vigorous sector of our society. Just like the Caregiver Law that we celebrated the tenth anniversary of today, we hope that this is a step for the continued development and improvement of the condition of our caregivers,” said estrada. n

Teachers lament worsening education...

and implement reforms during the administration of President marcos, and we hope that there will be improvements in the performance of our learners,” she added. the Vice President visited the Cebu school for the opening of classes. she led the inauguration of the new building for what

Deped described as a “last-mile” school or those in the farthest communities in the country.

Duterte likewise cited the rise of artificial intelligence, which she said could change how the education system would look like in the future.

the Deped has yet to release the implementation guidelines for the institutionalized blended learning, with the latest policy mandating that face-to-face classes shall remain the primary learning delivery modality in all schools as it is “crucial role in enabling in-depth and real-time teacher-learner interaction.”

officials earlier said the new curriculum, which will be piloted in select schools this school year, may be adopted to blended

learning modality if necessary, but its initial rollout will focus on faceto-face setup.

It was Duterte who mandated the full implementation of face-toface classes last school year, after two years of blended learning due to the CoVID-19 pandemic. At the time, she cited the learning losses and the need to improve student performance.

Private schools are still allowed to implement blended or full online learning. Public schools need to obtain permission from the Deped before they can utilize blended learning modality to address congestion.

Orderly, peaceful the Deped has not reported any untoward incident related to the opening of classes.

In metro manila, Deped Assistant secretary francis Cesar Bringas visited the 14 public schools that are at the center of the feud between the local governments of makati and taguig.

Bringas said the opening of classes in the said schools were orderly and peaceful. the Deped reported that as of

9 a.m. on tuesday, 22,917,725 students are enrolled in public and private kindergarten, elementary and high schools. While lower than last school year’s 28.8 million, education officials said they expect the number to increase in the coming days, noting that there are always late enrollees every school year.

Bringas also noted class suspensions in areas experiencing heavy rainfall due to typhoon Goring and the enhanced southwest monsoon.

to address congestion, particularly in metro manila, he confirmed that there are schools that would implement blended learning and as many as three shifts. echoing Duterte, Bringas said they looking into the problem of shortage of facilities, saying they are going to “redefine” learning spaces, in reference to the plan to institutionalize blended learning and alternative delivery modes.

Learning, he said, is no longer limited to the four walls of the classroom. (With reports from ramon Efren Lazaro, Emmanuel Tupas, Artemio Dumlao)

by louise MauReen siMeon Philstar.com

mANILA — the government has released the implementing rules and regulations (Irr) that will govern the execution of the maharlika Investment fund (mIf), the country’s first sovereign wealth fund.

the Bureau of the treasury issued the law’s Irr a little over a month after President marcos signed the mIf Act into law on July 18.

“It’s been published in the official Gazette and the Irr will be effective on sept. 12, 15 days after publication,” finance secretary Benjamin Diokno told reporters on tuesday, August 29.

“the search for the president and Ceo (chief executive officer) of the maharlika Investment Corp. (mIC), two regular directors and three independent directors is on,” he added.

the crafting of the Irr comes after consultations with founding government financial institutions (GfIs) Land Bank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

Also included is the technical working group composed of the Department of finance, Department of Budget and management, securities and exchange Commission, National economic and Development Authority, office of the Government Corporate Counsel and the Governance Commission for Government-owned and -Controlled Corporations.

the mIf has an authorized capital stock of P500 billion. Based on the law and Irr, P50 billion each will come from Landbank and the national government and another P25 billion from the DBP for an initial funding of P125 billion.

the P50-billion government share will be sourced from central bank dividends, income share of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp., proceeds from privatization of government assets and other sources such as royalties’ special assessments for a period of five years.

meanwhile, the mIC will be the investment body responsible for the overall governance and management of the mIf

the mIC is tasked to identify financially and commercially viable infrastructure projects to invest in and will formulate investment strategies covering emerging megatrends such

as environment, social and governance, digitalization and health care.

Based on the law, the mIC will be governed by a board of directors with nine members chaired by the finance chief. other members include the Ceo of the mIC, Land Bank and DBP as well as two regular and three independent directors from the private sector.

section 14 of the Irr noted that the mIC is authorized to invest in a wide range of products, activities and projects such as cash and other tradable commodities, fixed income instruments issued by sovereigns, domestic and foreign corporate bonds, listed or unlisted equities and Islamic investments such as sukuk bonds, among others. our non-deal roadshows abroad show that the mIf is being well-received by foreign institutions looking to invest in the Philippines. the private sector will play a huge role in bringing in funds to grow the mIf,” Diokno said.

the mIC may issue all kinds of bonds, debentures and securities, but these will not be guaranteed by the Philippine government.

“the success of the implementation of the mIf hinges on the selection of the best people to oversee and manage the fund and strict compliance with the provisions of the law,” Diokno said.

“this is why we made sure to include all possible safeguards in the Irr, ensuring that all our bases are covered,” he added.

the Irr also listed the penalties to be imposed to ensure the integrity of the mIf and make mIC officials accountable.

the law provides for the imposition of fines ranging from P1 million to P15 million and

imprisonment from six to 20 years for various offenses. these offenses cover willfully holding office while in possession of any disqualification, knowingly certifying the corporation’s financial statements despite its gross incompleteness or inaccuracy, willingly allowing oneself to be used for fraud and failure to sanction, report or file appropriate action for graft and corrupt practices.

National treasurer rosalia de Leon, who led the crafting of the Irr, emphasized that the latter is “faithful to the law to ensure that the prescribed procedures and guidelines will lead to its harmonized application.” the Irr likewise stated that other GfIs and governmentowned and -controlled corporations may invest in the mIf as well, subject to their respective investment and risk management strategies. those providing social security and public health insurance services, however, are prohibited from investing in the fund. Diokno maintained that the mIf would serve as a financing mechanism to widen fiscal space, ease the burden on local funds and reduce reliance on official development assistance in funding big-ticket projects.

“We will pursue public road networks, tollways, railways, green energy, water resources, agro-industrial ventures and telecommunications. these critical areas offer high rates of return and significant socioeconomic impact,” he said. “the mIf can also be used for green and blue projects, countryside development and emerging megatrends such as environment, social, governance and cutting-edge technologies,” he added. n

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the Maharlika bill into law. Malacañang file photo

VEGAS&STYLE

Fil-Am actors shine on stage during ‘Les Misérables’ national tour

by aJPress

THENorth American tour of “Les Misérables” has returned to Southern California and among the cast are two Filipino American actors who share their passion for performing on stage.

Nine-year-old milo maharlika

of hawaii joins the tour of the sixth longest-running Broadway production as Gavroche, the young revolutionary. maharlika is considered the first actor of filipino heritage to play this role in the United states. meanwhile, Christopher James tamayo, a performer and multi-instrumentalist, is montparnasse, a member of the ensemble, and the understudy of marius. set against the backdrop of 19th century france, “Les misérables” tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption — a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. m usical enthusiasts — and even new viewers — will recog-

nize the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “on my own,” “Bring him home,” “Do You hear the People sing?,” “one Day more,” master of the house” and many more. seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries, 438 cities and 22 languages, it is undisputedly still one of the world’s most popular musicals. “Les misérables” runs at the h ollywood Pantages t heatre until september 10, then will be at segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa mesa from september 19 to october 1.

Milo Maharlika

Asian Journal (AJ): Milo, congrats on your role as the young Gavroche in the national tour of Les Misérables! Tell us about how you got this role and how you prepared for it.

milo maharlika (mm): thank you! I fell in love with the story and music of Les misérables after watching the movie with hugh Jackman and Anne hathaway. I loved Gavroche’s character and even told my parents I would love to play a role like that. When we moved here to LA, I was given the opportunity to audition for Gavroche and I couldn’t believe it! I already knew the songs and my musical theatre coach, Jett Wilder, helped me with the music and blocking for my self-tape.

A week later, I got a callback, which was in New York City. I felt good going into the callback and when my mom called to let me know I got the part, I cried so hard. my dad took me to times square to celebrate, and I danced in the snow in times square! I’ll

never forget that moment, it was so magical.

AJ: How has it been performing in LA at the historic Pantages Theatre?

mm: It’s been epic to perform in LA. the crowds have been amazing and the Pantages theatre is so iconic and beautiful. my family and I live in LA so it’s been nice to have family, friends, and so much support at shows here in soCal.

AJ: Do you have any similarities to your character? Do you have any favorite moments in the show?

mm: Yes, in a lot of ways, Gavroche is just like me. he’s charming, smart, charismatic and he wants to help his community and his country. there are so many great moments in the show and my favorite scenes are when I get to sing on the tower, climb on the barricade, and “flip the bird” to Inspector Javert.

AJ: How does it feel to be the first Filipino American to play this role in the U.S.? Are there any performers you’ve looked up to?

mm: It has been really humbling and a huge honor. I have met so many filipino and Asian American families after the show and their support means so much to me. It’s how I know representation matters, because they tell me every day. I hope I can inspire other kids who look like me to follow their dreams. I look up to and study so many performers. In our AAPI community, I look up to artists like Lea salonga, Bruno mars, michelle Yeoh, Dave Bautis-

ta, olivia rodrigo, Keanu reeves, Bruce Lee, and the rock. I also look up to and study other greats like Laurence olivier, Leonardo DiCaprio, Lin manuel miranda, Will smith, 2Pac shakur, hugh Jackman, tom Cruise and Arnold schwarzenegger.

AJ: What inspired you to get into singing and acting at an early age?

mm: my dad worked in the film industry in hawaii so I was always around it. I grew up around people who worked in the industry and I performed in films, commercials and shows for as long as I could remember. my parents used to take me to the children’s theatre to watch plays, and I’d participate in workshops and classes. I always had fun and loved singing, dancing and acting.

AJ: Do you have any dream roles either on stage, TV or film? Young simba would be a lot of

fun at my age or oliver or Artful Dodger from oliver. When I’m older, I hope I can play the leader of the revolution, enjolras, from Les miz. I’ve also always wanted to play Puck from shakespeare’s A midsummer Night’s Dream or hamlet. I want to be a great actor like Laurence olivier and grow to become a leading man in tV, film, and theatre.

Christopher James Tamayo

AJ: You play Montparnasse and the understudy of Marius in this production of Les Miserables. How have you prepared for your role?

CJt: I’ve prepared for the role through frequent vocal training in college, as well as physical training in dance and acting. Being super observant during rehearsals is also key to maintaining my role as an understudy.

AJ: Which numbers in the show have been your favorite

to perform?

CJt: master of the house is always a blast to perform. Arguably the most entertaining and comedic number and a good breather for the whole ensemble!

AJ: Any advice for fellow Filipino Americans who’d like to get into acting and other performing arts?

CJ t: to all the f il-Ams out there: embrace all parts of your identity. those unique aspects of yourself are what set you apart, so never feel othered even when the world may be trying its best to make you feel that way. We are special, and that is the simple truth.

AJ: Do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to share?

CJt: I plan on being with the Les miz company for the foreseeable future, and I can’t wait to play my hometown, spokane, in the fall!

Jay R on ‘magical,’ musical chemistry with Kyla Why Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon felt nervous, intimidated by each other

by raoul Chee Kee Inquirer.net

t he decision to hold two separate press conferences for the tandem concert of Jay r and Kyla seemed excessive but might bear out in the end. After all, it allowed the two who are celebrating 20 years of collaborating musically to talk extensively about their longevity and future plans.

Kyla held hers several weeks ago, while Jay r, who had just arrived from the United states where he has been living with his family for over two years, had his earlier this week. the 42-year-old r&B prince wore a casual, palm leaf-printed top, matching shorts and a pair of high-cut sneakers, and a summer-weight scarf draped around his neck.

he seemed excited about the upcoming concert “Back in time” scheduled on sept. 2 at New frontier theater in Araneta City even as he was still mourning the death of his father, who passed away two weeks ago. Jay r recounted how he and his family had moved back to the United states during the pandemic to be with his ailing father.

“We were told he had only six months to live, but he managed to hang on for two more years, which we consider a blessing,” he said.

With the concert date nearing,

he and Kyla have been practicing on their own and doing a lot of vocal exercises. they already know that they sound good together and have come up with a set list that consists of roughly 30 songs. “But some of them will be medleys,” he pointed out.

Mix of past and present they will be sticking to what they are known for, mainly r&B tracks that have earned them a strong following and who dubbed them JayLa.

singing comes very naturally to us. We speak the same language and when we harmonize, we already know each other’s kulot,” he said.

Jay r would go on to use the term several more times that afternoon, which refers to the musical inflections and nuances that define their singing styles.

“After 20 years, there’s none of that awkwardness between us anymore. We’re both married with kids. We study our own stuff and then when we get together, we have this chemistry. It’s just magical.

“We’re taking the show to an exciting new level. Kyla and I really took time to curate the set list. It’s going to be a mix of nostalgia and contemporary tunes, but we’re also giving the audience what they want from us without being predictable.”

Persistence

Jay r has come a long way since releasing his debut album, “Gameface” under Universal records in 2003. that recording was certified platinum and contained the hit single “Bakit Pa Ba,” written by Vehnee saturno.

“I was signed up pretty quickly, but was told that r&B was not popular in the Philippines,” he recounted. Instead of being put off by the feedback and altering his sound, Jay r held fast to what he liked and what he knew he did well.

“Now, a lot of local music is infused with r &B elements. I think the point here is that if you like what you’re doing, stick to it… you shouldn’t care about what other people say. No one has gone through your trials, your upbringing. It’s all about persistence.”

h e has big plans beyond his reunion concert with Kyla, including launching a new album and embarking on a concert tour (“ twenty Up”) in the United states two weeks after the reunion concert. on sept. 1—a day before their concert—he will release his comeback single, “Blessed,” on all digital music platforms worldwide. there are also plans to stage a “Back in time” concert series, with Kyla of course.

“I’m still going a hundred miles an hour,” he quipped.

by Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

A C tress Dolly de Leon is hopeful that “A Very Good Girl,” the project she made with Kathryn Bernardo, will be that movie that will “open the doors of Philippine cinema once again.”

“I have faith in the f ilipino audience that they are looking forward to watching homegrown work again. I know some people say that movies are just a form of entertainment. this is not true. movies help shape and build an economy.

“ t he film industry enables other industries to move, like food, retail and beauty. the things we use in filmmaking every day, they flourish because of movies,” she told Inquirer entertainment during the media gathering that marked the start of AB s -CBN film Production’s promotional campaign for this dark comedy film by Petersen Vargas.

“I’m very proud of this project because I’m helping open the doors again for people to come back to the cinemas and have a cinematic experience. It’s different if you watch movies inside the movie theater. You get the full experience with popcorn, your friends and on a full screen. this movie is very important to me, and to all, actually,” Dolly said of the film that premieres in local cinemas nationwide on sept. 27.

“A Very Good Girl” tells the story of two self-made women— Dolly as molly and Kathryn as Philo—and how they navigate life. “We’ve been done shooting this for quite a while now. Watching the trailer for the first time gives me a feeling of nostalgia. thanks to the team that made it. I feel that it didn’t give away too much. It’s like we’ve only scratched the surface,” she declared.

meanwhile, Kathryn recalled what it was like to work with Dolly, an experience that, in the beginning, made her feel “intimidated” and later, “pressured, but in a good way.” she explained: “When the story

was pitched to me, the first thing I asked was, ‘Who are we going to get as mother molly?’ When they said it was ms D (a nickname Kath used to call Dolly), I answered, ‘Do you really think she’d have time for this?’ I heard that she was about to start working on her hollywood project at that time. the team said they would still try to ask her.”

Good pressure

Kathryn and Dolly, along with Petersen, eventually met up to bond. “the goal was to get to know each other, to understand each other’s work ethic. But when we were already on the set, and I saw ms D all glammed up, I really felt intimidated, especially because I saw how she would focus and prepare for her scenes.

I told myself, ‘oh my God! I got to keep up!’”

Kathryn added: “ e ventually, this feeling of being intimidated changed into feeling pressure—a

good kind of pressure—because she didn’t make me feel I had to do good so I could keep up with her. she was actually very supportive. I really wanted to be good so ms D would feel that this project was worth saying ‘yes’ to.” Dolly said she met Kathryn for the first time when the latter was only 12. “Ibang tao ka pa noon,” she told Kathryn, adding that it was the young actress’ mom, min, whom she would often chat with at work.

“When I met her again recently for this, I was super nervous. this was because when the project was pitched to me via Zoom, I already liked the story. When I asked who would play Philo, the young woman, the team said it would be Kathryn. I said, ‘Yes, I want to do this as soon as possible!’” Dolly recalled.

“I’ve admired Kathryn for so long. s he was really good in PAGE 10

Milo Maharlika, who is originally from Hawaii, is first Filipino American actor to play the role of Gavroche in a U.S. production after Misérables.

Photo courtesy of Milo Maharlika/Instagram

Christopher James Tamayo is a multi-instrumentalist and performer who joins the ensemble of “Les Misérables.

Photo courtesy of Christopher James Tamayo

Milo Maharlika, 9, plays the role of Gavroche in the Broadway national tour of “Les Misérables,” which has stops in Los Angeles and Costa Mesa until October.

Kathryn Bernardo as Philo

Dolly de Leon as Molly ABS-CBN photod

Experience a weekend of artistry, nostalgia, and cultural fusion at the 29th Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture (FPAC) in Los Angeles

Los ANGeLes, CA –Get ready for a cultural extravaganza that promises to captivate your senses and celebrate the vibrant heritage of the Philippines. filAm Arts, in partnership with the Levitt Pavilion, proudly presents the 29th festival of Philippine Arts and Culture ( f PAC) on Labor Day Weekend, september 1 and 2. this two-day event is set to showcase a dynamic blend of artistic performances, engaging activities, and a diverse marketplace, all highlighting the rich tapestry of the filipino-American experience. this year’s theme is “Para sa Lahat” (for everyone).

Flashback Friday: September

1, 7 PM - A Nostalgic Musical Journey the festival kicks off on fri-

day, september 1, at 7 Pm with “ f lashback friday,” a musical journey through the iconic sounds of the 90s.

- the mellow Dees: A new indie rock band based in Los Angeles, composed of melody del mundo, formerly from the Philippines’ 90s indie darling sugar hiccup; Wolf Gemora, founding member of the popular 90s filipino rock band, Wolfgang; and singer-songwriter Nievera. While 2 of the 3 members do have 90s roots, the mellow Dees will be playing lots of their new music.

- DJ Icy Ice: Icy Ice is an original member of the world renowned DJ Group, the World famous Beat Junkies. he has been the exclusive dj for celebrity events such as manny Pacquiao After

Headliner Jocelyn Enriquez

Photo by Juan Ortiz DJ Icy Ice

Parties, Black eyed Peas, Kanye West, Grammy Awards, American music Awards etc.

- Introvoys: INtroVoYs is a Los Angeles based fil-Am rock band with musical roots originating from manila, Philippines. the band broke out into the filipino mainstream market back in 1992 with the hit singles “Kaibigan”, however Whichway” and more.

- Jocelyn enriquez: Jocelyn enriquez has been widely regarded as a music pioneer, becoming the first filipino American artist to find success in the mainstream industry. e merging from the freestyle movement of the time, enriquez was the first artist to sign with Classified records and was quickly deemed by some as the “Queen of freestyle”.her 1994 debut album “Lovely” features the dance hits “I’ve Been thinking About You” and “make It Last forever”. enriquez’s smash hit single “Do You miss me?” was released in 1996, peaking at #17 on the rhythmic top 40, #14 on the top 40 mainstream chart, #8 on the hot Dance singles sales chart, and #49 on the Billboard hot 100. Spectacular Saturday: September 2, 6 PM - A Cultural Extravaganza saturday, september 2, commences at 6 Pm with a cultural showcase that delves into the heart of filipino artistry and tradition. Prepare to be enthralled by performances from:

- Pakaraguian Kulintang ensemble: Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing rhythms of traditional Kulintang music, a true embodiment of filipino heritage.

- m alaya Dance Company: experience the grace and storytelling of filipino dance through captivating choreography and vibrant costumes.

- rondalla Club of LA: Be enchanted by the melodic sounds of a filipino string ensemble, a tribute to the Philippines’ musical heritage.

- Gingee: As the headliner of the night, Gingee brings a fusion of electronic beats and indigenous filipino instruments, promising an unforgettable musical journey. Vibrant marketplace and more e xplore the vibrant marketplace that features an array of filipino-American owned vendors offering artisan jewelry, filipiniana clothing, prints, paintings, stickers, and more. this marketplace embodies the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the filipino-American community.

Join us for an unforgettable weekend

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this captivating celebration that brings together art, culture, and community. the event is free and open to the public.

f PAC 2023 is made possible by the Department of Cultural Affairs, Council Districts 1, 13 and 14 and sponsors magnolia/ ramar foods and Island Pacific market. follow @filamartsla on Instagram and facebook for the latest updates. official hashtag #fPAC2023 for more information about f PAC and f ilAm Arts, visit: http://filamarts.org and http:// filamarts-fpac.org

Kayamanan ng Lahi kids

Photo by David Rodriguez

Kayamanan ng Lahi

Photo by David Rodriguez

Malaya Filipino American Dance Arts

Pakaraguian Kulintang Ensemble

Rondalla Club of LA

Gingee

Introvoys

The Mellow Dees

the C o VID-19 pandemic is obviously not done with us – clearly far from over, as it continues to mutate to new variants. the unvaccinated and those who had lowered their guards are more prone to get infected these days.

People who were fully vaccinated, with two booster shots of the bivalent vaccines for CoVID-19 and still got infected recently, are wondering why.

Were the vaccines not effective?

Actually, there is nothing wrong with the vaccines. the vaccines saved billions of lives around the world during this pandemic. New strains need new vaccines!

Each strain differs the answer is not complex; it is really simple. An analogy: If a person has been vaccinated for shingles and developed tetanus (a disease he was not vaccinated for), it is easy to understand why. the vaccine for shingles protects against shingles not tetanus, a distinctly different disease. there is a separate vaccine for tetanus. since CoVID-19 viruses come in various strains, I suggested in this column in 2020 for people to consider each strain or variant as a “different illness, different disease entity, which requires a different vaccine.” the original vaccines did not cover omicron. hence the massive omicron cases that followed. When the bivalent vaccines (the boosters) were developed, which protect against o micron and its subvariants also, the pandemic ebbed, and everybody relaxed, thinking the pandemic was over. those who completed their 4 shots, including the two boosters, are protected against o micron and their subvariants…but not guaranteed for future new strains.

EG.5 and FL 1.5.1

t hen recently comes this summer, e G.5, informally nicknamed eris (after the Greek goddess of strife and discord), a result of mutation, as expected. Cases went up once more and hospitalization increased. It is now a dominant strain the United states. eris seems to be more transmissible than the XBB.1.16 o micron subvariant, but not more severe. At the end of August 2023, eris was responsible for 20.6 percent of cases, compared

to the many other various strains circulating in the U.s from July to August 2023, there were 15,067 hospitalized for CoVID-19 in the United states. the next one is fL 1.5.1 (or, fornax) which surged and accounted for 13.3 of all cases. the booster shots people received will be effective for both the eG.5 and fL 1.5.1.

BA.2.86

But then, comes “Pirola” (nickname of BA.2.86), with the greatest evolutionary leap thus far, which made itself prominent in August 2023, as a highly mutated variant, spreading in multiple countries around the world and in at least 3 different states in the U.s the medical community is racing to study this new strain with great concern. New vaccines to protect people from BA.2.86 are now being developed, to come out in september this year. If anyone, especially those who just returned from a travel abroad, get infected with this new strain, it does not mean the two boosters they received were useless or ineffective. And no more “why?” question. BA.2.86, while also CoVID-19, is what I termed “a different disease entity” (a term I coined just to make the issue easier for my readers to understand). But BA.2.86 so far does not appear to be as deadly as the original CoVID-19 virus from Wuhan, China, and the Delta variant, especially for those who are fully vaccinated with two boosters.

Masking/distancing

While masking and distancing are not required, wisdom and prudence dictate that it is best to mask-up and keep the usual 6-foot distance in the presence of someone who is coughing or sick-looking or someone who tested positive for CoVID-19, even a family member, and especially for those immunosuppressed or seniors (or younger people) with several health issues. h ealth is wealth. It is safer to be preemptive and proactive against these “invisible” treacherous enemies 600 times smaller than a grain of salt.

If you test positive

If one is exposed to CoVID-19, wait at least 5 full days after exposure before doing the test. Anyone testing positive with the rapid antigen home test kit, should notify his/her physician for consultation, especially if seniors. t he physician will consider if Paxlovid is indicated (must be taken within 5 days from the

first symptom, not later), and if antibiotic is needed. If the test is negative, and the person is having cough or malaise, the best is to repeat the antigen test (Blow the nose hard, but wipe only the outside of the nose, not inside, and twirl the nasal foam tippedstick applicator deep, five times or more, in both nostrils, and follow the instruction in the test kit.). If still in doubt, take the PCr test, which will provide a more reliable result, but is expensive.

Laugh for health

most of us know that laughter is a “good medicine,” but do not know why and how. New studies reveal that even after only 12 weeks of laughter therapy, where a group of subjects watched two different hour-long comedies on tV each week, results showed a 10 percent improvement in oxygen delivery to the cardiovascular system, among others, and increased the functional capacity of the cardiovascular system.

Blood tests also showed that there was a reduction in the inflammatory biomarkers, the lower, the better for our body. A different study has revealed that even the physical act of laughing alone, even without hearing anything funny, even when alone in a room, was healthy and relaxing.

If you see me on the street laughing loudly (without any earbuds), don’t report me to the mental asylum; I am just trying to lower my inflammatory biomarkers and improve my blood oxygen delivery system. try laughter therapy. A smile on your face also makes you look handsomer/prettier and younger.

* * *

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

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

t he city of Las Vegas will offer all-day supervised fun, recreation and enrichment for youth in kindergarten through eighth grade when the Clark County school District has staff development days this fall and winter. hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Prices vary by location. space is limited and advance registration is required.

No-School Fun Days currently planned are:

monday, sept. 11, 2023

monday, oct. 9, 2023

tuesday, oct. 10, 2023

Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023

2024

monday, Jan. 22, 2024

by Jan Milo severo Philstar.com

KAPAmILYA actress Lovi Poe will be back to AB s -CBN hit teleserye " f PJ's Ang Batang Quiapo" after her marriage with film producer monty Blencowe.

In a report by Gory rula on Pilipino Star Ngayon , Lovi's manager Leo Dominguez said that Lovi will return to the Philippines on september 1 for the "Batang Quiapo" taping.

Lovi will also join Coco martin to m ilan, Italy for the "A s AP Natin 'to" show.

m eanwhile, Lovi turned emotional in her wedding reception when sen. Grace Poe delivered her speech.

“sabi ni senator Grace; ‘If fPJ were alive today, he could have been so proud of you, Lovi'," Leo said.

“’I wish he were here today so that he would be walking with you down the aisle on your wedding day,’

“Very emotional ang speech ni sen. Grace sa reception na hindi mapigilan ang mga luha ni Lovi na kailangan niyang puntahan at yakapin si senador Grace.”

Lovi married British movie producer monty Blencowe last

friday, march 29, 2024

monday, April 1, 2024

Locations: Doolittle Community Center, 1950 N. J st., 702.229.6374; $20 per day.

Dula Community Center, 451 e. Bonanza road, 702.229.6307. this adaptive recreation camp costs $20 per day.

e ast Las Vegas Community Center, 250 N. e astern Ave., 702.229.1515; $20 per day.

m irabelli Community Center, 6200 h argrove Ave., 702.229.6359; $35 per day.

stupak Community Center, 251 W. Boston Ave., 702.229.2488; $20 per day.

Veterans memorial Community Center, 101 N. Pavilion Center Drive, 702-229-1100; $35 per day. r egistration is open online now for 2023 dates, including Dec. 18-29 winter break camps. registration for 2024 dates will open Dec. 6, 2023. f inancial assistance is available for those who qualify. to download the f inancial Assistance r equest form, click here. Dates are subject to change, based on changes to the Clark County school District calendar. for more information and registration, visit www. lasvegasnevada.gov/Camps, call 702.229.PLAY (7529) or call one of the centers listed above.

saturday, August 26.

While her t V character in "Batang Quiapo" is a reluctant bride, Lovi was a radiant bride

while walking down the aisle. Lovi announced her engagement with m onty last August 8.

Rival noontime show hosts Kim Chiu, Vic Sotto sit down in rare interview

rIVAL noontime show hosts Vic sotto and Kim Chiu sat down for a rare interview.

In Kim's Youtube channel, the "It's showtime" host asked the "eAt" host various questions, including about politics and personal life.

Kim asked Vic if he ever thought of running for a government post.

“Hindi. Although si tito sen (his brother tito sotto) nasa pulitika. 'Yung isang anak ko nasa pulitika (Pasig mayor Vico sotto). Pero ako, marami nang nagtanong sa akin kung interesado ako kahit na nu'ng araw pa, even before na makapasok sa pulitika si tito,” Vic

answered.

“Sa akin naman, pwede ka namang maging public servant na hindi ka namumulitika. Never kong in-entertain. okay na akong ‘ra ra boys' lang, alalay lang, tagakampanya lang,” he added.

Kim also asked how much Vic is earning but he refused to answer the question.

“Sakto lang, komportable lang sa buhay through the years naman, palaki nang palaki 'yun. Siyempre tumataas din ang cost of living ng mga Pilipino, so sumasabay lang 'yun. Basta komportable lang," he said.

When asked by Kim what was

the most valuable gift he gave to his wife Pauleen Luna, Vic said: "unconditional love." Vic also shared the most valuable lesson he wanted to tell his daughter tali.

“Siguro 'yung pagkapasensyoso. Siguro sa buhay, kailangan patient ka. Hindi lahat ng gusto mo, ibibigay ng Panginoon o ng tadhana. Kapag hindi mo nakuha, you have to be patient na siguro balang araw, dadating. Kung hindi man, may rason 'yun,” he said.

“It’s one virtue na gusto kong matutunan ni tali. sa ngayon impatient eh. Kapag matagal 'yung pagkain, umiinit ang ulo eh.”

Why Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon...

hello, Love, Goodbye.’ Also, my impression of her was that she is a good person and that I’d work well with her. When I met her, I realized that she wasn’t just kind, she’s also a cool person. on the set, she is creative. she would put forward a lot of her ideas. It’s funny that she felt intimidated by me because I also felt nervous being around her during the first few days at work,” the actress said. More comfortable

Dolly said that, eventually, she felt more comfortable. t here were even times when she would chastise herself whenever she caught herself “watching” Kathryn. “It’s a no-no as an actor that when you’re in a scene, you just stand there and watch your coactor. You also have to be in that scene as your character.

there were many times when I’d just watch her while she acted.

I’d say to myself, ‘stop it! You’re molly now, not Dolly!’ It’s true that I learned a lot from her. she actually had nothing to learn from me,” Dolly said.

“she’s just saying that! the truth was that she helped me in all of my scenes,” Kathryn interjected.

Dolly then shared an interesting lesson she got from her younger coactor. “I’m not a very technical actor. In fact, I don’t even look at the monitor after the take. Kathryn is very technical, which is a good thing. she knows how to play with the camera. she has memorized all the angles of her face. she is very in touch with her emotions and vulnerability, and she can bring them out to make them work with the angle of the camera. It’s a skill that she has and I don’t have,”

she explained. Kathryn said the project was really difficult for her since she was used to doing romantic films. “I really needed someone to hold on to. It’s good that I have P (Petersen), ms D and everybody. there were times when I felt I was doing everything wrong, but once ms D said, ‘that’s fine, Kath. I felt that!’ It’s like an assurance that I’m on the right track, that I just needed to believe in myself,” Kathryn pointed out.

“It’s hard to explain without giving away the story, but Philo is a gray character. her personality, her values, are also very different from mine. I was tasked to do the role with a very short amount of time to prepare, so there were times when I really felt lost. During those moments, I’d look at her and ask, ‘oK ba ‘yon?’ I had the best support system!”

Lovi Poe and Monty Blencowe

Photo from Instagram/@mymetrophoto

Rival noontime show hosts Vic Sotto and Kim Chiu.

Screengrab from Kim Chiu YouTube channel