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OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 Volume 34 - No. 41 • 12 Pages

T he F ilipino A mericAn c ommuni Ty n ewspAper

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2 Pinoys killed in Hamas raids – DFA DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Why ageism prevails and how to stop it AGE isn’t everything when it comes to human health and ability, yet it often dominates conversations about these to the detriment of older adults.

In a Friday, October 6 EMS briefing, aging experts discussed why ageism — discrimination on the basis of older age — prevails in the way we view older adults, and how to overcome it.

Talking about age How we talk about aging determines much of how we experience it, said Dr. Louise Aronson, a geriatrics professor at UC San Francisco. “We were about the same age as a species for a really long time, and though now we’re a whole lot older, some things haven’t changed. Old age still ends in death.”

As far back as 10,000 B.C. until as recently as 1820 A.D., the global life expectancy was 20 to 30 years; in 2019, it was over 73.

The COVID-19 pandemic “showed us how age matters,” she added, as older adults had disproportionately greater risks

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — Two Filipinos have been killed in Israel as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict intensifies, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said on Wednesday, October 11.

“The Philippines condemns the killing of two Filipino nationals and all other acts of terrorism and violence as a result of Hamas actions against Israel,” Manalo wrote in a post on X, confirming two Filipino

casualties but without giving further details.

He said the Philippines is ready to work with other countries toward a long-lasting resolution to the conflict, in accordance with pertinent United Nations Security Council resolutions and the general principles of international law.

“The Philippine government will continue to provide all possible assistance to distressed Filipino nationals in Israel and Palestine,” he added.

Israel likewise condemned the killing of the two Filipino caregivers and expressed sympathies to the

Pres. Marcos condemns deaths of Filipinos in Israel, condoles with kin

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

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Fil-Am shooting survivor fights for tougher gun laws Surviving the Parkland shooting in Florida urged him to seek stronger safety measures SURVIVING a tragic school shooting, Filipino-American Robert Schentrup advocates for a cause, even with battle scars on.

The U.S. Supreme Court is back on this agenda as it’s now on a new term. A decision on whether individuals accused of domestic violence can still have a firearm was scheduled to be weighed by the Conservative majority court.

One of the advocates seeking stronger safety measures is Fil-Am Robert Schentrup.

Being a shooting survivor himself, he was the co-founder of Team Enough, a youth-led gun violence prevention organization.

That’s not all; he’s also been a part of Brady: United Against Gun Violence and a former fellow at Rise, a multi-sector coalition of sexual assault survivors committed to empowering all survivors.

Schentrup started taking up the cause of Team Enough in 2018 after surviving u PAGE 4

families of the casualties.

“The embassy of the State of Israel in Manila expresses its deepest sympathies to the families of the two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were confirmed dead due to the Hamas terror attacks in Israel,” the Israel embassy said in a statement. “We offer prayers as well to those who are still missing.”

Israel said it has the full right to respond and protect itself following the deadly attacks by the militant Hamas early Saturday morning, October 7. u PAGE 2

CONVERSATION. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (2nd from left) shares a light moment with San Miguel Corp. president Ramon Ang (3rd from left) during the inauguration of the world-class controlled-climate Magnolia Poultry Farm in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur on Thursday, October 12. A San Miguel Foods, Inc. project, the mega-farm targets to produce 80 million birds or about 200 million kg. in live weight per farm to be harvested annually.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, October 11 shared his grief over the death of two Filipinos caught in the middle of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict as he denounced the violence and terror attacks.

"My heart is heavy upon hearing confirmation of the deaths of two Filipinos in Israel. The Philippines condemns these killings and stands firmly against the ongoing terror and violence," the chief executive said in a statement.

The Philippines will remain firm in its stand in the pursuit of lasting peace in line with the United Nations (UN) resolutions and international laws, he further said.

The president likewise vowed that his administration will not cease in providing support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Filipino community affected by the ongoing battle between Israeli and Palestinian forces.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo earlier on Wednesday confirmed the death of two Filipinos "as a result of Hamas actions against Israel". His agency has yet to disclose the identities of the fatalities. n

6 countries join PH in sea exercises City of Las Vegas proclaims Filipino American History Month

by Francisco Tuyay ManilaTimes.net

WARSHIPS from six countries joined the Philippine Navy in training maneuvers off the coast of Luzon in a show of solidarity and cooperation.

The exercise, Samasama (Together) 2023, highlights the commitment of the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and Australia to support an ally, the Philippines, Lt. Kim Paulo Lopez, director for Naval for South Public Affairs Office, said.

Vice Admiral Carl Thomas, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet, said the exercise allows participating nations to develop interoperability.

“Exercises like Samasama allow us to train and demonstrate our resolve, to sharpen our ability, and to enhance our interoperability. In the preamble of the U.S.Philippine treaty, the parties reaffirm their desire to live in peace with all peoples and all governments and to strengthen the fabric of peace in the Pacific area,” Thomas said.

Philippine Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adani agreed that the exercise is about “enhancing interoperability, fostering regional cooperation and tackling non-traditional challenges that transcend our borders. From territorial defense to countering transnational crimes, Samasama equips us to face an array of threats u PAGE 3

3 islands in the Philippines hailed as among best in Asia by ghio ong Philstar.com

MANILA — Boracay, Palawan and Siargao were included in the list of “Top Islands in Asia” by the foreign travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards 2023.

Boracay ranked third with a score of 91.07, Palawan sixth with 89.71 and Siargao 10th with 87.37, according to the results of the magazine’s online poll.

Bali in Indonesia topped the list, followed by Koh Samui in Thailand, Boracay, Phuket in Thailand, Langkawi in Malaysia, Palawan, Sri Lanka, Phú Quoc in Vietnam, Okinawa and Ryukyu Islands in Japan and Siargao.

Tourists enjoy white beach on the resort island of Boracay in this photo. Philstar.com file photo Department of Tourism

Secretary Christina GarciaFrasco praised the accolades for Boracay, Palawan and Siargao, saying in her statement, “This achievement reflects the hard work, dedication and sustainable tourism efforts of our country, from our local communities, national and local government agencies and stakeholders who have strived tirelessly to preserve and enhance the beauty of these islands.”

The agency also said around 600,000 readers of Condé Nast Traveler registered and took part in the online poll.

Boracay topped Condé Nast Traveler’s Top Islands in Asia list in 2020 and 2022, while Palawan placed fourth in 2020 and eighth in 2022. n

by AJPress LAS Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman issued a proclamation dedicating October as Filipino American History Month in the city, which is home to a sizable Fil-Am population.

At City Hall on Tuesday, October 10, Goodman read the proclamation, dated Oct. 1, during a ceremony attended by prominent Fil-Am community leaders who have contributed to the fabric of Las Vegas, including members of the Nevada chapter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).

In the proclamation, Goodman asks “all residents and visitors to join me in recognizing October 2023 as Filipino American History Month and join me in celebrating Las Vegas’ Filipino citizens and the valuable heritage they bring to our diverse community.”

Community leaders in attendance on Tuesday included: Gloria Caoile, Sally Balecha, Geraldine Inciso, Rozita Lee, Bernie Benito, Anna O Ladao, Arthur de Joya, Asela Engel, Johann Sayson, Dorothy Domingo, Carl Magno, Honorary Consul Amie Belmonte, Leo Belmonte, Elizabeth Gamboa, Lloyd Gamboa, Minddie Lloyd, Walbert Castillo and Sol Llasos.

The first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, which occurred on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California, according to the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS).

October 1992 was the first time a month dedicated to Filipino Americans was celebrated in the United States, a year after FANHS passed a proclamation.

In 2009, U.S. Congress declared October as Filipino American History Month, and in 2015, then-President Barack Obama celebrated the first FAHM at the White House.

For 2023, FANHS shared this year’s theme as “1898: Recognizing 125 years of Philippine-American History,” marking the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris agreement between Spain and the United States that ended the Spanish American u PAGE 3

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OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The FronT Page

2 Pinoys killed in Hamas...

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“We strongly condemn the acts of terrorism by Hamas towards the innocent Israeli citizens and other nationalities in Israel. Israel will continue to defend itself against Hamas,” the embassy said.

The Philippines on Monday, October 9 reiterated that the country recognizes Israel’s right to self-defense.

The two fatalities who were working in the Gaza envelope were among the six Filipinos unaccounted for.

A DNA test on a body found by Israeli authorities would be made to determine if it is of the female caregiver who, according to her sister also working in Israel, has been missing since the outbreak of violence.

The bodies of the two OFWs were in police custody when the embassy was notified of their deaths.

The body of the female OFW was found first, but it took time to confirm and needed collection of DNA samples from relatives for comparison.

The male OFW was identified through biometric data.

Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad launched Saturday morning an attack on Israel, including thousands of indiscriminate rockets, prompting intensive strikes by Israel and a complete siege of the Gaza Strip.

The international community condemned in the strongest terms the attack by Hamas against Israeli towns.

The UN said hundreds of Israelis have been killed and thousands injured. Scores are also being held captive facing appalling threats to their lives.

Hundreds of Palestinians have also been killed and thousands injured in intense bombing in Gaza.

Israeli authorities on Monday ordered the shutting off of electricity, water, food and fuel supplies.

The UN urged all parties to stop targeting civilians and spare civilian lives.

UN rights chief Volker Türk demanded that Hamas and other armed groups immediately release their hostages.

Marcos Jr. condemns killing President Marcos on Wednesday condemned the

killing of two Filipinos in Israel as the Philippine government is bracing for possible evacuation efforts in areas affected by hostilities by Israeli forces and Islamist Hamas militants.

“My heart is heavy upon hearing the confirmation of the deaths of two Filipinos in Israel.

The Philippines condemns these killings and stands firmly against the ongoing terror and violence,” Marcos said in a statement.

The Philippine embassy in Israel declined to identify the fatalities, but revealed that one of them was a 33-year-old newly married female from Pangasinan who worked in Israel for six years, while the other was a 42-year-old married male from Pampanga.

Labor Attaché Rudy Gabasan said one of the Filipinos, a caregiver, was gunned down

by Hamas militants who were trying to enter a house. The other Filipino fatality was reportedly seized by Hamas members during Saturday’s attack.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, however, claimed that it was not likely that the Filipino victim was held hostage and then taken to the Gaza Strip to be executed.

“But out of respect, the wishes of the family, as the ambassador has indicated, we are not going to give details. Perhaps, the president will speak about it. But for now, no, we are not going to give more details other than that they died on Saturday,” De Vega said.

Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro Laylo Jr. said he talked to the wife of one of the Filipino victims last Tuesday night, describing it as “the most difficult phone call” in his career.

“I spoke to the wife of one of the victims to inform her of this sad news and to convey our sympathies. I promised her that the embassy will provide all the necessary assistance she needs,” Laylo said.

“The president will also speak to her today (Oct. 11) to convey his personal condolences and offer additional assistance,” he added.

Vice Consul Patricia Narajos said another Filipino was reportedly killed during the

attack, but the information is still being confirmed through DNA testing.

Narajos added that three Filipinos are still missing while 26 others have been rescued.

Marcos said the Philippine government would remain “resolute” in the pursuit of lasting peace in line with UN resolutions and international laws.

“The Philippine government would not cease sending support to Filipinos affected by the ongoing conflict between Israeli troops and Hamas,” he added.

The president has instructed agencies and the Filipino community to work closely with the Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv and the migrant workers office in Israel to ensure their safety.

Alert Level 2 Laylo said the Philippine embassy is not yet recommending mandatory repatriation in Israel, noting that the Israeli Defense Forces have already regained the areas attacked by Hamas.

The DFA, however, has placed Israel under Alert Level 2 or restricted deployment.

Under Alert Level 2, Filipinos are instructed to restrict nonessential movements, avoid public places and prepare for evacuation, if needed.

“We’re not going to deploy new workers, which is actually a status quo, anyway, because we still have to negotiate the agreement about caregivers and about the hotel workers by a G2G (government-to-government) agreement and right now, there is no deployment,” de Vega said.

He added that mandatory repatriation or Alert Level 4 is called when the peace and order and rule of law in a country has broken down.

Consul General Anton Mandap reported the situation “has considerably improved since (Oct. 7).”

De Vega reiterated the government’s appeal for Filipinos to postpone their visits to the Holy Land until the conflict has subsided.

AFP ready While the Marcos administration does not see the need to repatriate Filipinos in Israel for now, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it

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6 countries join PH in sea exercises PAGE 1 together.”

The exercise was held days after Philippine Navy vessels completed a resupply mission in Ayungin Shoal despite blocking attempts by the Chinese coast guard.

The drills focused on Air Defense Exercise (ADEX), which tracks and identifies approaching aircraft and integrates various defense systems.

ADEX is essential in protecting vital assets, maintaining readiness and fostering coordination among naval forces.

Helicopters from the participating forces also executed cross-deck landings to improve and maintain proficiency in landing on different types of carriers.

In a related development, the Philippines and the Netherlands agreed on a broadranging defense cooperation to strengthen the country’s capability to protect its interests in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. discussed with

Philippine Navy Jose Rizal-class frigate, BRP Antonio Luna FF151 - PF, together with foreign Navy counterparts carried out Division Tactics (DIVTACS) and Publication Exercise (PUBEX) among others during the first day of Exercise Samasama 2023 Sea Phase in the Naval Forces Southern Luzon area of operations.

Photo from the Philippine Navy

the Netherlands Ambassador Marielle Geraedts propositions of greenfield opportunities in various industries, particularly in defense and security, with the Netherlands and the European Union.

Geraedts reiterated the proposal to establish a naval defense industry cooperation

with the Philippines.

Teodoro agreed and further proposed to develop broader defense cooperation to include cyber and artificial intelligence.

He also discussed the recalibration of the Philippines’ defense strategy from internal concerns to protecting its borders. n

2 Pinoys killed in Hamas...

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is ready to conduct evacuation efforts for Filipinos affected by the hostilities.

AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said at least two C-130 and one C-295 military planes could be used for the evacuation operations.

Aguilar added that Adana Airport in Turkey has been identified as a temporary safe haven for Filipinos in case the conflict escalates.

As the Philippines monitors the situation in Israel, Marcos met with Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss at Malacañang on Wednesday.

In a Facebook post, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Fluss briefed Marcos on the latest information from Israel and the “brutal attacks” being made against his country.

“During their discussion, the president expressed concern for the three Filipinos that remain unaccounted for in Israel, and the ambassador assured the president that Israel is doing all it can to ensure the safety of our nationals,” the PCO said.

During Wednesdsay’s briefing of the House committee on

workers’ affairs on the situation of OFWs in Israel, the DFA and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) also reported that almost 100 Filipinos in Israel and in the disputed Gaza Strip in Palestinian territories have requested to be repatriated in the wake of the escalating tension there.

Of the 100 Filipinos, 70 are women married to Palestinians or their children who already want to return to the Philippines.

The 70 Filipinos are among the 137 Filipinos living near Gaza Strip, according to De Vega.

The DFA official, however, stressed that this could not easily be done because there is a blockade in Gaza and there is no way in or out.

DMW officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac said 23 Filipinos in Israel are currently lined up for repatriation, of whom 14 are caregivers, one is a hotel worker while the rest are permanent residents and non-OFWs. Missing sister In a related development, the family of missing Negrense caregiver Loreta Villarin Alacre, 49, who was among the party revelers attending the Supernova

Music Festival outside Kibbutz Re’im near the Gaza Strip, is pleading to the government to exert more efforts in locating her.

In a phone interview, the victim’s elder sister Annabella Alacre said her younger sister, who has been working as a caregiver for 15 years in Haifa and Tel Aviv, remains unreachable as of Wednesday, after Hamas fighters attacked the music festival site on Saturday, which she and her fellow caregivers were attending while on their day off.

A day before she went missing, Annabella said they were able to contact her.

While there were reports that she had been taken among the captives of Hamas militants, Annabella disclosed that it remains unconfirmed.

Noam Solomon, Loreta’s employer, has already posted on her social media account about the missing caregiver, a resident of Sitio Camay an, Brgy. Cadiz Viejo in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. (With reports from Alexis Romero, Michael Punongbayan, Sheila Crisostomo, Gilbert Bayoran, Mayen Jaymalin, Delon Porcalla, Evelyn Macairan)

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 12-18, 2023

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Members of the Nevada chapter of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) joined Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman at City Hall on Tuesday, October 11 for a proclamation of October as Fil-Am History Month.

Photo courtesy of Gloria Caoile

City of Las Vegas proclaims Filipino American...

PAGE 1 War and led to the U.S. annexation of the Philippines.

"As a result of the Treaty of Paris, Filipino people gained access to the U.S. during an era when other Asian countries were prohibited from doing so,” FANHS wrote.

Through the treaty, Filipino migrants were considered U.S. nationals until 1965 and could migrate to the U.S. and its territories without restrictions. With this, many Filipinos contributed to the agricultural labor force in Hawaii and the west coast of the U.S. The Pensionado Act of 1903 paved the way for Filipino students to attend U.S. universities until 1943, while American curricula and educational systems were introduced to the Philippines, FAHNS shared.

This resulted in English proficiency and the recruitment of Filipino nurses, teachers and other professionals to the U.S. "The year 1898 also marks an important year in Philippine history. After centuries of Filipinos fighting against Spanish colonizers – with the most successful uprising being the Philippine Revolution (1896-1898) – the people of the Philippines declared their independence on June 12, 1898,” according to FAHNS. Throughout October, areas across the U.S. proclaim their own recognitions of the month, host celebrations and festivals, and other activities to highlight Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman issued a proclamation dedicating October as Filipino the community’s contributions American History Month in the city. to the country’s history. tions honoring the Filipino held throughout the city of Las Several events and exhibi- American community will be Vegas during this month. n

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OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Fil-Am shooting survivor fights for tougher...

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the tragic Parkland school shooting in Florida.

Unfortunately, his 16-year-old sister Carmen was one of the 17 people who died at the hands of a lone gunman on that tragic day.

Back then, he shared in an interview that he wouldn’t be watching or following his sister’s trial. And even though his sister was killed that day, he still wanted for the gunman to live, as he shared with Washington Post.

Fast forward to now, here’s his insight on the gun law update, “There’s a possibility here for the Supreme Court’s decision saying that removing guns from domestic abusers is unconstitutional, and that is

something that we don’t want to happen,” he said.

Advocates supporting change Schentrup and his fellow advocates are all for change.

They’ve welcomed U.S. President Biden’s decision to establish the first-ever Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

They believe it’s an action that could potentially bring the much-needed coordination and solutions to the table.

“It’s really important throughout the entire government that there’s a place that could coordinate the efforts,” he said, “to really make sure that we have the solutions that we need, implemented in a way that would be most effective.”

Meanwhile, another Fil-Am

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anti-gun violence advocate, Representative Justin Jones of Tennessee, is also at the White House during the announcement of the recent gun law update.

“Just like FEMA response to natural emergencies like hurricanes, tornadoes, this office is an emergency response to the crisis of gun violence that we are facing as a nation,” Rep. Jones said.

The shocking statistics call for stricter gun laws. Just this year alone, the Gun Violence Archive has recorded a staggering 532 mass shootings in the U.S., as of October. So far, over 1,300 teens and kids have been victims to gun violence in 2023.

If nobody acts, then who would?

(Mary Villegas/Inquirer.net)

SPACE SHOW. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration Planetarium in BIR Road, Quezon City holds free shows on Tuesday, October 10 in celebration of World Space Week. The state weather bureau said it is a chance to “witness distant galaxies, explore our solar system and learn about the mysteries of space” as expert astronomers guide viewers through constellations, planets and other celestial wonders.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Why ageism prevails and how to...

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Robert Schentrup

and fatalities. U.S. adults 65 and over made up over 75% of COVID-related deaths as of September 2023, according to the CDC. The health system’s very definition of older adults as anyone 65 or older, however, prevents practitioners from meeting these adults’ individual needs.

For example, “We give Contributed photo vaccines based on people’s

Policies prioritizing equity for older adults are key given that by 2030, California will be home to 10.8 million older adults — comprising one-quarter of the state’s population, and nearly twice as many as in 2010.

Unsplash.com photo by Danie Franco

biology and social behaviors, so there are 17 subcategories for children, three for adults between the ages of 19 and 64,” Aronson said. “But everybody aged 65 and up is lumped into a single category, even though a child would instantly see the physical and assume the differences between a 64 year old and 104 year old. This distinction is not based on scientific evidence about our lives.”

Nevertheless, “age isn’t everything,” Aronson said.

Ethnic differences also compounded these risks, with Black Americans aged 75 to 84 having a nearly 900-fold difference, Latinos well over a 500-fold difference, Native Americans a 200-fold difference, and AAPI a 150-fold difference over non-Hispanic whites in the first six months of the pandemic.

This way of viewing age in terms of vulnerability to death has particular implications for ageism in the U.S., where life expectancy has declined to 76.4 years — the shortest in two decades.

However, life expectancy, too, is disproportionately divided among racial and economic lines. Even before the pandemic, for example, 56 of the 500 largest U.S. cities had life expectancy gaps up to 30 years between neighborhoods a few miles apart.

“That isn’t about biology,” said Aronson. “That’s about social choices, and where we put our money, our values and our priorities … I would like to see a world in which you may be “over the hill,” but the entire range of the hill has value … ‘anti-aging’ terminology is not helpful. The only way not to age is to die.”

The need to address ageism Cheryl Brown, Chair of the Executive Committee for the California Commission on Aging (CCOA), said that behavioral health, caregiver training, and housing access are key to addressing ageism.

Such policies prioritizing equity for older adults are key given that by 2030, California will be home to 10.8 million older adults — comprising one-quarter of the state’s population, and nearly twice as many as in 2010.

The trend is similar nationwide: by 2030, U.S. adults 65 and over are projected to increase by nearly 18 million from 2020, comprising one in every five Americans and outnumbering children for the first time.

Brown urged efforts in other states and nationwide similar to the California Master Plan for Aging, a 10-year blueprint developed by CCOA in 2021 and aimed at supporting older adults socially, economically, and healthwise.

Ageism and Alzheimer’s Relating ageism to Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Barry Reisberg — psychiatry professor at NYU and adjunct aging professor at McGill University — said the point at which older adults can no longer participate socially and in the workforce is later than many may think.

This point is measured clinically by the Global Deterioration Scale, which identifies the 7 stages of Alzheimer’s.

Reisberg, who developed the scale, said stage one precedes any detectable impairment of memory. In stage two, the adult “would not remember things, like names or where they place things, as well as they could five or 10 years previously”; this lasts a mean of 15 years.

In stage three, this symptom advances to “a decrease in job functioning” — e.g. organizational or travel skills — which lasts about seven years in otherwise healthy adults.

Many people can go on working into this third stage and the fourth — which entails more forgetfulness of recent events — depending upon the job at hand, he emphasized.

In the fifth and sixth stages — which entail the need for help with daily activities and a greater inability to recall names — the key is to help older adults “be all that they can be as long as they can,” said Reisberg. In the seventh and final stage, which normally lasts one to two years, communication is impaired and help is needed with all daily activities, like bathing and dressing.

One way to both combat ageism and support older adults — especially in the case of health problems like Alzheimer’s — is optimizing aging through intergenerational activities” and communication, suggested Brown, wherein older adults could learn from innovations of youth and youth could learn from the experience of older adults.

Optimizing aging is not mutually exclusive but inclusive with recognizing aging, added Aronson. “Does old age come with an increased risk of illness and death? Absolutely it does,” but “age alone cannot predict which category the person is in … There are some teenagers with really good judgment, who could drive perfectly well at 14 and there are others who shouldn’t be driving at 25.”

“We need different sorts of measures than age,” she continued, “so everyone over a certain age doesn’t feel completely a part of this society … (and) won’t miss out when they could have added to it more fully.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)

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COVID-19 cases on the rise – DOH by rhodinA ViLLAnueVA Philstar.com

MANILA — The average number of daily COVID-19 cases in the country continues to go up, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

The latest COVID-19 Bulletin issued by the DOH on Tuesday,

October 10 showed an average of 181 cases daily for the period of Oct. 2 to 8.

“This is three percent higher than cases reported from Sept. 25 to Oct. 1,” the agency reported.

The DOH earlier said the country had an average of 176 cases daily for the period of

Sept. 25 to Oct. 1.

During the past week (Oct. 2 to 8), 1,264 new cases were logged.

The agency also noted that 12 patients were in severe and critical condition, and six deaths were verified during the past week, while one of the fatalities occurred from Sept. 25 to Oct. 8. n

Quezon City tops PH’s richest cities — COA report by iAn LAqui Philstar.com

CONTINUING REGISTRATION. Philippine Identification System staff Lea Ngo (right) checks the documents of a national ID applicant at the Quezon City Hall grounds Wednesday, October 11. As of Oct. 6, a total of 81,021,872 have registered for a national ID or 81 percent of the 92 million target, while 41,638,903 cards have already been delivered.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

SWS: 45% of Filipinos think quality of life didn’t change since last year

by AdriAn PArungAo Inquirer.net

MANILA — Most Filipinos think that the quality of life has not changed since 12 months ago, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS) on Tuesday, October 10.

In its survey, 45 percent of adult Filipinos said that the quality of life did not change from 12 months ago, while 33 percent said quality of life was better, termed by the SWS as “Gainers,” and on the other hand, the remaining 22 percent said that quality of life worsened, termed by the SWS as “Losers.”

The polling company marked the Net Gainer score to be at +11, which is classified as “very high,” which increased from the March 2023 net Gainer score of +5, which merited a “high” classification.

Meanwhile, the SWS said that the number of Net Gainers were very high in non-hungry families (+13), while the number was fair in overall hungry (+1), moderately hungry (+4), and severely hungry families (-18).

Net Gainers also notched a +30 score among those who were Not Poor, which is classified excellent, +18 among the Borderline Poor, classified

as very high, and -4 among the Poor, classified as fair.

The SWS conducted its survey from June 28-July 1 with 1,500 adults.

According to the SWS, 13 percent of its respondents came from Metro Manila, 45 percent were from Luzon outside Metro Manila, termed Balance Luzon, 19 percent were from Visayas, and 23 percent were from Mindanao.

It also marked error margins to be at ±2.5 percent for national percentages, ±4.0 percent in Balance Luzon, and ±5.7 percent each for Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao. n

in his office and congratulated her for her work as vice president and secretary of Education.

The report also mentioned the new curriculum for Kinder to Grade 10 students called the "Matatag" curriculum, which aims to focus on core competencies and foundational skills of learners from those grade levels.

The Iglesia ni Cristo, according to the report, is a key advocate of education in the country, specifically the Alternative Learning System or ALS and

Technical and Vocational education as part of the programs being implemented at New Era University.

When asked by The Manila Times regarding the visit, the OVP said that it had "no available details" to share, noting that it was a "private visit."

Meanwhile, Manalo also received Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo last October 6 also at the INC Central Temple. n

Sara, Arroyo meet with INC head

by Red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

VICE President Sara Duterte paid a courtesy visit to the executive minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo, Bro. Eduardo Manalo, last October 2 at the INC Central Temple in Quezon City.

The visit was reported by INCrun television station NET 25 in its primetime news program on Monday, October 9.

According to the report, Duterte was "warmly received" by Manalo

SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Procurement Dept.

340 N. 11TH Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) B24003 GC CONSTRUCTION SERVICES: REHAB OF 1 FIRE DAMAGED UNIT PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON(S): Note: Contact with any other SNRHA staff other than the named here, including SNRHA’s Residents and Board of Commissioners will result in your Proposal being rejected.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS ON THE APPLICABLE WEBSITE:

Johnny B. Shaw, Jr., MBA, Procurement Manager Telephone: (702) 477-3146 TDD: (702) 387-1898 Email: jshaw@snvrha.org or not available, contact Linda Price Telephone: (702) 477-3144 Email: lpsimpson@snvrha.org DOWNLOAD AND RESPOND TO THIS SOLICITATION: Housing Agency Marketplace website: ha.economicengine.com (no “www”) Registered Users: “Log in and insert Solicitation No. IFB B24003.

Non Registered Users: You must first register your company before downloading the Solicitation. Click on “New Vendor” to register.

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Thursday, November 16, 2023 12N

WOMEN AND/OR MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE

MANILA — Quezon City is the wealthiest city in the Philippines, according to a report by the Commission on Audit (COA).

For three consecutive years, Metro Manila's most populous city has secured the top spot on the list, as indicated in previous years' reports and a recent release on Tuesday, October 10.

In 2022, Quezon City reported total assets of P443.406 billion, marking a decrease from the P451.007 billion declared in the previous audit year.

It is followed by Makati City with total assets of P239.476 billion.

The country's 10 richest cities are the following: • Quezon City: P443.406 billion • Makati: P239.478 billion • Manila: P77.506 billion • Pasig City: P52.152 billion • Taguig: P40.840 billion • Mandaue: P34.231 billion • Cebu City: P30.545 billion • Mandaluyong P32.550 billion • Davao City: P29.701 billion • Paranaque: P27.376 billion.

Meanwhile, Carmona, Cavite, emerged as the wealthiest municipality in the country, with total assets reaching P6.522 billion.

The following municipalities are the richest after Carmona, Cavite: • Limay, Bataan - P5.791 billion • Silang, Cavite - P4.454 billion •Caluya, Antique - P3.822 billion • Cabugao, Ilocos Sur - P3.805 billion • Cainta, Rizal - P3.766 billion • Taytay, Rizal - P3.670 billion • Binangonan, Rizal - P3.489 billion • Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur - P3.267 billion • Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur - P3.215 billion Cebu remains the wealthiest

This image shows the Quezon Memorial Circle located in Quezon City.

AJPress photo by Kendrick Tan

province in the Philippines, boasting assets totaling P235.738 billion, up from P215.27 billion in 2021.

Batangas and Rizal have maintained their rankings since 2021.

Here is the list of the Philippines' top 10 richest provinces: • Cebu: P235.738 billion • Rizal: P35.594 billion • Batangas: P31.999 billion • Davao de Oro: P23.107 billion

• Ilocos Sur: P21.562 billion • Bukidnon: P21.058 billion • Iloilo: P19.977 billion • Negros Occidental: P19.419 billion • Cavite: P19.342 billion • Pampanga: P19.127 billion.

The 2022 COA report covered 81 provinces, 147 cities, and 1,487 municipalities. It also included the Bangsamoro government with 27 municipalities. n

CARPE DIEM! ATTENTION IMMIGRATION LAWYERS!!!

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OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OpiniOn

Baby step toward reforms

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Features

AFTER several days of deliberations, the House committee on appropriations has finalized the list of government agencies that will have zero confidential funds in their 2024 budget. In addition to the Office and the Vice President and the Department of Education, which were the first agencies to be identified by the House of Representatives, the committee has added the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Information and Communications Technology and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo has said the department does not need confidential funds. The DICT has been taken to task by lawmakers for low utilization of its regular annual appropriation. The DA is headed concurrently by President Marcos, who has over P4 billion in secret funds at the disposal of the Office of the President.

Vice President Sara Duterte, the concurrent education secretary, had requested P150 million in confidential funds for the DepEd and another P500 million for the OVP. The House committee has instead approved P150 million, but as part of the maintenance and other operating expenses of DepEd, and specifically allotted for state assistance for students and teachers in private education.

Unlike the confidential and intelligence funds or CIF, the MOOE is subject to regular government auditing rules.

Also getting certain amounts for MOOE are the DICT, DFA, Office of the Ombudsman and the

Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Of the P1.23 billion in realigned confidential funds, P300 million will go to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and P200 million to the Philippine Coast Guard. Another P100 million will go to the National Security Council and P381.8 million to the Department of Transportation for airport development, including the expansion of the airport on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. The realignment is a baby step toward the bigger task of rationalizing not only the allocation of secret funds to national government agencies, but also the wide discretion granted to local government units to declare large chunks of their budgets as confidential funds. Billions of pesos ManilaTimes.net photo in public funds, declared as confidential by LGU changes. The House realignment of CIF is a good executives, are escaping proper scrutiny by state utilization of public funds.

The issue can be brought to the Supreme Court, but start. Now the momentum must be sustained toward auditors. This is against constitutional provisions and laws on transparency and accountability in the Congress can do its part by legislating institutional far-ranging reforms. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The perils faced by our fishermen

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez MANY Filipinos are mourning the death of three fishermen after their fishing boat Dearyn was rammed reportedly by a Marshall Islands-registered commercial vessel off the waters of Pangasinan. The Philippine Coast Guard has identified the commercial vessel as Pacific Anna, a crude oil tanker that reportedly belongs to Sinokor Merchant Marine Co., a joint venture between Chinese and Korean companies established in 1989.

Hopefully, what happened was really an accident as initial investigations by the Philippine Coast Guard seem to indicate – and was not a deliberate intent to ram the fishing boat. People are waiting for the investigation to run its course, with President Marcos having given his assurance that justice will be served and those responsible for the incident that resulted in the deaths of the three fishermen that include the boat captain, and injured several other boat

crew members, will be made accountable.

Whenever something like this happens, it brings into mind the incident involving Gem-Ver, a small fishing boat that was rammed by a Chinese trawler identified as Yuemaobinyu 42212, in the waters of Recto Bank in June 2019. Instead of helping, the Chinese abandoned the Filipino fishermen and left them floating at sea for several hours before they were thankfully rescued by a Vietnamese boat crew. What’s more, it took almost three years before the victims were compensated by the owners of the Chinese vessel who paid half of the compensation demanded by the victims.

The latest incident involving F/B Dearyn underscores the dangers that our fishermen face as they ply their trade in order to provide for their families.

One of the biggest hazards that they face is inclement weather, with scientists saying that global warming has increased “storminess” as typhoons are becoming even more intense.

In fact, there have been stories about fishing crew being hit by lightning during thunderstorms.

“IT’S not surprising. People are having a hard time,” lamented President Marcos, when asked about the dramatic plunge in his approval ratings amid growing economic woes.

Far from being defensive or defiant, the president seemed genuinely concerned.

With furrowed eyebrows and flashes of sorrow on his face, his voice was tinged with lamentation.

“I completely understand it, and that’s why we’re working very hard … What’s important to me is that we make sure that people have enough to eat and that it is affordable to them,” Mr. Marcos added, immediately clarifying that survey numbers were not his priority.

Now, dear reader, contrast Mr. Marcos’ response to that of Vice President Sara Duterte. While the commander in chief was almost apologetic, the occupant of the second highest elected office in the land went so far as to imply that her critics were “enemies of the nation” (kalaban ng bayan). Power reveals character, especially when power is under siege. And, by

are experts at diving, this could prove to be risky.

It’s therefore not surprising that many countries have condemned the placement of the 300-meterlong floating barrier by the CCG, among them the European Union with Ambassador Veron saying China’s action “disregards the peace-driven objectives of UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).”

But aggravating all these dangers are the relentless bullying, aggression and intimidation that our fishermen are subjected to by China Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels. A video that has since gone viral showed a small Filipino fishing boat nearly colliding with a bigger China Coast Guard ship that cut its path while trying to enter Bajo de Masinloc, an area that is within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines.

According to a report by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Rare Philippines, fisheries is a major productive sector in the

Philippines that has over two million active fisherfolk, with more than 80 percent of them categorized as “artisanal.”

Artisanal fishing refers to smallscale fishers, fish farmers and fish workers, or those who engage in traditional fisheries and have relatively small capital.

More often than not, their “contribution to the food security and nutrition of the country is immense but often go unnoticed and under-appreciated. They are also among the poorest and most socially vulnerable sections of the Philippine population,” the FAO’s Report on the Status of Artisanal Fisheries in the Philippines stated.

The Philippines is at the heart of the “coral triangle” which is considered as “the center of marine biodiversity in the world.”

Our country has been blessed with vast aquatic resources and is home to more than 2,000 species of fish, many of them located in the West Philippine Sea. Thousands of fisherfolk, especially those from Ilocos, Central Luzon as well as Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan, depend on the West Philippine Sea for

their livelihood. Yet they are also the most vulnerable because of the continuing harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia who prevent them from entering areas that have been declared by international law as traditional fishing ground.

Many welcome the proposal of Congressman Joey Salceda to provide fishermen with radios and communication equipment so they can immediately ask for help from the Philippine Coast Guard if they are subjected to harassment or prevented from entering traditional fishing ground by China Coast Guard ships.

Clearly, fishermen should be given government support in protecting themselves from the perils they face at sea – after all, they provide food on the table not only for their families but the whole nation as well.

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

*** babeseyeview@gmail.com

Marcos and Sara Duterte: World of contrasts?

Horizons

RichaRd heydaRian

Their exposure to the elements – being rained on, enduring the high heat during daytime, then extremely cold weather at night – can make them susceptible to serious illness, with health experts warning that extended exposure to the sun in today’s world made hotter due to climate change can seriously cause cancer.

Undoubtedly, a fisherman’s life is physically demanding. The long hours at sea could lead to fatigue and exhaustion. The poor quality of sleep can also interfere with their concentration, such that when the boat suddenly rocks, they can slip or lose their balance (especially since the surface of the boat is almost always wet), resulting in injuries.

The presence of illegal structures can also compromise the safety of fishermen, especially small-scale ones because these illegal structures – such as the floating barrier placed by the China Coast Guard in Bajo de Masinloc – could get entangled in the engines or propellers of the fishing boat. Obviously, these illegal structures have to be removed when they get snagged, but since not all fishing crew

all indications, Mr. Marcos and Duterte are completely different types of politicians. Their “UniTeam” was always more a product of electoral calculus rather than a genuine ideological convergence.

The honeymoon is over. Just over a year into office, both Mr. Marcos and Duterte have shown that, unlike their fathers, they’re not above the laws of physics.

While Marcos Sr. oversaw one of the most dramatic economic collapses in the postcolonial world throughout the early 1980s, Rodrigo Duterte oversaw one of Asia’s deepest economic recessions in the 2020-2021 period. Both strongmen, however, were masters of “performative governance,” deftly projecting strong leadership and remaining surreally popular even as their actual performance was patently dubious.

In the latest Pulse Asia survey, which was conducted Sept. 1014, Mr. Marcos saw a 15-point drop in his approval ratings.

Among the poorest Filipinos (Class E), almost a third of his supporters (29 percent) switched sides amid persistent food inflation. As many as 56 percent of Filipinos disapproved of the Marcos administration’s handling of inflation.

Although Mr. Marcos still maintains a 65-percent approval rating, his numbers are way below those of Benigno Aquino III (77 percent) and Rodrigo Duterte (80 percent) at this point in their presidencies. Mind you, Mr. Marcos’ majority share of votes (almost 60 percent) last year was significantly higher than both Aquino’s and the elder Duterte’s.

Seeing the writing on the wall, Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri advised his friend in Malacañang to “crack the whip” against those dragging the president down.

In many ways, Zubiri’s remarks echoed Sen. Nancy Binay’s peculiar lamentation earlier this year about the lack of “fear factor” under Mr. Marcos, who “seems [too] kind” but, going into his second year, it will be “more appropriate for him to get angry [at times].”

Instead of indulging in demagogic antics, however, Mr. Marcos responded with a combination of toughness and pragmatism. He reversed the ineffectual price caps on rice, which was heavily lambasted by economists and businessmen while filing charges against alleged food hoarders manipulating market prices. He also pondered a replacement at the Department of Agriculture,

Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

thus his curiously timely confab with former senator and technocrat Manuel “Mar” Roxas in Capiz. A “grand coalition” in the works?

As for Sara Duterte, she has been quintessentially … Duterte!

Faced with declining approval ratings, which would have likely been even more dramatic had the survey been conducted in late September, the vice president lashed out at critics of her confidential fund.

“Anyone who attacks or undermines funds allocated for peace and order is naturally assumed to have insidious motivations,” she declared.

“Whoever is against confidential funds is against peace. Whoever is against peace is an enemy of the state.”

Not only did she refuse to directly respond to legitimate questions surrounding the logic and circumstances of her office’s gargantuan confidential funds, but the vice president was also quick to attach “insidious motivations” to her critics. In response, she was accused of gaslighting and Red-tagging by her progressive critics in the legislature. Upon closer examination, however, it’s clear that this was a classic case of securitization, namely deliberate

Malacañang file photos

suppression of rational, evidence-based discourse in democratic societies by invoking national security.

Gladly, the president’s allies in the legislature have had the forethought to switch gears and, accordingly, consider reallocating confidential funds to the agencies, which are designed and trained to defend our nation, including the West Philippine Sea. (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.

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 12-18, 2023

Firm behind oil tanker in WPS collision urged to assist PH fishers ‘right away’

by John Eric MEndoza Inquirer.net

HANDLE WITH CARE. A male florist at the Dangwa flower market in Manila wraps the orders of his customer on Wednesday, October 11. The famous source of affordable flowers of almost all kinds is starting to get busy, exactly three weeks before All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1), a tradition for Filipinos to visit their loved ones’ graves with flowers and candles.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

MANILA — In the spirit of “humanitarian” consideration, the management of a commercial ship involved in a fatal West Philippine Sea collision should provide assistance to the aggrieved fisherfolk and their families right away.

Senator Robinhood Padilla made the appeal to the representative of the foreign oil tanker during the hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones on the October 2 collision.

Three crew members of FFB Dearyn were killed, while one sustained minor injuries following the collision of their fishing boat

with Pacific Anna, a crude oil tanker registered under the Marshall Islands.

Eleven fishermen survived the ordeal.

“For humanitarian purposes ika nga (as they say), if we could consider, because these are very poor fishermen,” Padilla said during the hearing.

“I hope we could consider giving them compensation right away,” he added.

Capt. Abhishek Sinha, the training director of the manning agency for Pacific Anna, said the firm will abide by the findings.

But Padilla enjoined the firm not to wait for the findings before extending due assistance.

“I hope we will not wait for the findings because that will take

years. What I am asking, brother, is for humanitarian reasons,” he said.

“If we wait for the court to decide, this will take years,” he further stressed.

Senator Francis Tolentino, who heads the special committee, echoed the pleas.

“I associate with the pleas coming from the senators,” he said.

Tolentino also urged the representative of Pacific Anna, as well as Capt. Leo Bolivar, Deputy Commissioner for the Maritime Affairs of the Republic of Marshall Islands, to sit down with the surviving fisherfolk who were also present at the hearing to “not just commiserate with the victims here but to arrive at more amicable solution sans what would happen in the legal sphere.” n

Modern PUV acquisition subsidy Stop agri smuggling and hoarding, raised to P210,000 – P280,000 support local farmers — Bong Go by antonio iñarEs Inquirer.net

MANILA – Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, outlined a two-fold strategy to address the ongoing concerns about rice prices and food security in the country.

“As a member of the Committee on Agriculture, two things ang dapat nating gawin. Unang-una, dapat po ay labanan natin, go against hoarders and smugglers.

Dapat po ay walang makinabang na mga smugglers dito,” Go told reporters in an interview on Saturday, October 7, after assisting poor residents in Makato, Aklan.

‘Happy farmers’ Go emphasized the need to focus on providing assistance to farmers to increase agricultural productivity and protect their welfare amid the challenges they face due to rising prices.

“Dapat po masaya po ang ating mga farmers. Dapat po ay kumita ang ating mga farmers,” he said.

He urged the government to improve its interventions for local producers, particularly small farmers.

“Sila po ang dapat suportahan ng gobyerno,” he insisted.

Non-selective aid Go also asked the Department of Agriculture, as well as other concerned government entities such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), to expedite the distribution of assistance to struggling farmers and qualified indigents especially in rural areas.

“Kung may ayuda po na dapat ibigay, ibigay po sa kanila. May pera naman po ang gobyerno. Wag tayong maging selective,” he said.

“Nandiyan ang programa.

Nandiyan ang pondo na aprubado ng Kongreso, siguraduhin dapat ng gobyerno na mapakinabangan ang mga ito ng mga pinakanangangailangang mga kababayan natin tulad ng mga magsasakang naghihirap ngayon,” he stressed.

Go said that this dual strategy aims to strike a balance between market forces and government intervention, focusing on both law enforcement against hoarders and smugglers and uplifting ordinary workers in the agricultural sector.

Citing the crucial role of farmers in ensuring food security, Go has been consistently pushing for stronger agricultural support

Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III

systems and infrastructure.

Legislative support He was one of the co-authors of the measure that became Republic Act No. 11901, expanding the agriculture, fisheries, and rural development financing system. He has also been advocating for other programs to support farmers and fisherfolk in the country, such as the enhancement of the irrigation of farmlands and expansion of the National Rice Program.

Go also co-sponsored and coauthored Senate Bill No. 1850– the Senate version of RA 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. The measure seeks to condone loans that agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) incurred in owning lands under the government’s agrarian reform programs.

The senator also filed SBN 2117 which aims to provide full crop insurance coverage for agrarian reform beneficiaries, as well as SBN 2118 which aims to provide better insurance coverage and services to farmers and help mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the agricultural sector, if enacted into law.

Competitiveness boost Earlier, Go also emphasized the importance of improving competitiveness and safeguarding local farmers and industries amid the recently ratified Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement.

Go believes that with open competition as a result of RCEP, the prices of goods should decrease, and ordinary Filipinos, especially the poor and those in the agricultural sector, must benefit from it.

Food production Go likewise backed proposals to convert idle government lands into agricultural areas to boost food production in the country.

“We must work together to protect our farmers, stabilize prices, and safeguard the welfare of our consumers,” he added.

The lifting of the temporary price ceiling on rice started on October 4, following a recommendation from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Agriculture Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban cited “positive indicators,” such as decreasing prices in the market and a projected increase in rice supply from local harvests in the last quarter of the year, as reasons for lifting the cap.

Philstar.com photo

Senators eye probe on LTFRB corruption, recantation

MANILA — Senators are considering seeking an investigation into the alleged bribery hounding the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the subsequent recantation of the whistleblower.

“My office will monitor. If no one seriously pursues this issue, then I will file a resolution for the Senate to investigate this,” Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III said in a statement.

Pimentel said he would defer to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which has been tasked to look into the allegation that suspended LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz III and other ranking officials received P5 million as payoff for every approval of a franchise or special permit.

“But if no one will take charge, then the Senate should come in because of the public interest issue,” Pimentel said.

For Sen. Grace Poe, the “suspicious” recantation of the whistle-blower, Guadiz’s former head executive assistant Jeff Tumbado, also needed to be investigated.

“We are not taking it for granted.

We won’t tolerate false testimonies,” said Poe, who chairs the Senate public services committee.

“The whistleblower should be charged if he made a baseless accusation, or see if someone forced him to recant his allegations. There should be an investigation. Where there is smoke, there is fire,” she added.

(Philstar.com)

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. earlier imposed a maximum price limit for regular milled rice at P41 per kilogram and well-milled rice at P45 per kilogram through Executive Order No. 39.

Rice sellers affected by the price cap received P15,000 as compensation for their financial setbacks. On the other hand, confiscated illegal rice imports were distributed to vulnerable communities. n

IN a statement on Thursday, October 12, DOTr said Secretary Jaime Bautista had already signed the Department Order (DO) No. 2023-018 — amending a provision of DO No. 2018-016 and increasing the equity subsidy to P210,000 to P280,000 per unit from the previous P160,000 — last August 31.

“Para sa mga operators na bibili ng Class 1 PUV units, mabibigyan sila ng P210,000 bawat unit, habang ang mga bibili naman ng Class 2, 3, o 4 ay makakatanggap ng P280,000.00 bawat unit,” DOTr said.

(Operators who plan to buy Class 1 PUV units will receive P210,000 per unit, while those purchasing Class 2, 3, and 4 will receive P280,000 per unit.)

The approval of the new equity subsidy, the DOTr said, is aimed at helping consolidated entities purchase modern PUV units “while further reducing the cost of their monthly amortization.”

Beneficiaries of the said subsidy include consolidated PUV operators with a valid Provisional Authority or Certificate of Public Convenience for purchasing modern PUV units

7

under such special loan facilities.

The DOTr added that first movers or existing borrowers under its Program Assistance to Support Alternative Driving Approaches and Special Package for EnvironmentFriendly or Pasada and EfficientlyDriven Public Utility Vehicles or Speed PUV were also included in the list of beneficiaries.

Moreover, for first movers or existing borrowers who already received the P160,000 subsidy, an additional fund will be released for them depending on the type of unit they purchased. n

OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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October 12, 2023

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ABS-CBN reveals temporary Belle Mariano, Donny Pangilinan ‘proud’ of each other’s growth as artists show to replace ‘It’s Showtime’

by Aric John Sy cuA

by HannaH Mallorca

ManilaTimes.net

Inquirer.net

BELLE Mariano and Donny Pangilinan didn’t know what to expect when they were launched as a loveteam. But as they worked and evolved together, they found themselves in awe of each other’s growth not only as actors but also as individuals.

“When I first started working with her, I didn’t know what to expect,” Pangilinan recalled during an exclusive roundtable for “Can’t Buy Me Love,” which is poised to be DonBelle’s first teleserye.

While noting how much they’ve evolved after working side-by-side in various projects, Pangilinan shared that he admires Mariano’s determination to “get better everyday” even if she had “already proven so much” as an actress. “[Belle] has grown so much in terms of her artistry, how she plays with her emotions, and the different takes she does. The way she approaches life, work, and being professional is very, very, very different from the day I met her in ‘He’s Into Her,’” he said.

“She has so much that she can do even if she has already proven so much. It’s nice that you know in every project, she will still show a different side of herself.”

Mariano, on the other hand, expressed her pride seeing how much her onscreen partner has “grown in his craft” since their first day working together.

“I really saw him grow in his craft. He has improved so much.

I told myself while watching him [film a scene] in ‘Can’t Buy Me Love,’ ‘Grabe (Wow), I’m so proud of this guy,’” she said.

“Talagang mapapa-clap sa mapapa-clap ka sa binigay niya (You really can’t help but clap while watching him). Who would have thought you would be portraying this role? You can see how he really grew in his craft.

I’m so proud of him,” she further added.

When asked about how their younger selves would react to their success now, Pangilinan immediately had an expression of disbelief as if he’s seeing a reflection of himself from the past. “Ginagawa mo diyan, Donny? Paano nangyari ‘yun?

Anong ginagawa mo sa buhay mo (What are you doing, Donny?

How did that happen? What did you do in your life),” he said while laughing.

“I think my younger self would be in disbelief. At the same time, I, myself, would [want to] be an inspiration to my younger self.

That’s the goal. Would young Donny look up to current Donny right now,” he continued.

Mariano, who was a former child actress, confessed that her younger self would “probably cry.” “I feel like she would be, ‘Ohmigosh, I want that.’ Then my older self would tell her that she’ll take care of it, ‘you will get there.’

She’d be so happy.”

Grateful hearts The onscreen partners, who are excited for fans to see a

Belle Mariano and Donny Pangilinan

“different” version of DonBelle in their upcoming series, expressed their gratitude to dedicated fans, saying they “ran out of words to show how blessed they are” for their support.

“Kung wala sila, wala kami rito (If they’re not here, we wouldn’t be in this position right now).

They’re a huge, huge factor why we do what we do. I don’t think we wouldn’t be motivated and inspired as much if it wasn’t for their support and appreciation,” said Pangilinan. The actor then seemed to be in awe of how their fans “formed a community” that stuck by each other’s side.

“It’s so nice of them to come together and form a community of people who really stick together on good days and bad days, and that they’re there for each other,” he further continued.

Meanwhile, Mariano expressed belief their fans are more than just a community and instead, have grown into a “family.”

“It’s their support that gives us the drive and motivation to do better in what we do. Whenever we see comments like, ‘Ohmigosh, we’re excited to see Bingo and Caroline.’ You’re not going to see Donny and Belle. You’re going to see Bingo and Caroline,” she further added.

DonBelle to their characters Aside from the usual explanation of their characters, Pangilinan showed his undeniable wit by flipping INQUIRER.net’s question, when they were asked how “Can’t Buy Me Love” will show a different side of their loveteam.

“I think the question should be, how will it not show a different side of us because our characters are so different from our previous work,” he said with a smile on his face. “I think it’s exciting and challenging for us to go through the characters [of Bingo and Caroline]. It really opens up a new portal of how we interact with each other and how our characters would interact with each other.”

Pangilinan also noted that he wants “Can’t Buy Me Love” to be remembered as a “journey”

MEDIA giant ABS-CBN announced a temporary game show that will take the place of noontime show "It's Showtime." The network revealed on Wednesday that "It's Your Lucky Day" will be hosted by Luis Manzano, Robi Domingo, Jennica Garcia and Melai Cantiveros.

"Joining them are special co-hosts and other celebrity guests," the network added.

In a poster hyping the temporary show, the other hosts included Andrea Brillantes, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, and many others.

The show will feature a "set of original game and variety segments".

"It's Your Lucky Day", which is said to be produced by the same team behind "It's Showtime," ABS-CBN photo will air from October 14 to 27, towards “something more,” while from Monday through at 12 p.m. hoping it would open new doors across the Kapamilya Channel, in the future.

A2Z, and GTV. “I know it’s cliche but [I want it "It's Showtime" was suspended to be remembered] as something by the Movie and Television ABS-CBN photo different for the audience. We Review and Classification Board between hosts and real life Perez. the agency deemed want to provide them with an (MTRCB) because of a scene partners Vice Ganda and Ion inappropriate. experience that [we] can enjoy together and hopefully, it can be remembered as one of the best shows that will come out of this collaboration [between ABS-CBN and a streaming platform].

For her part, Mariano’s innate empathy shone through when they were both asked about the

by Kathleen a. llemit advice they wanted to give Bingo Philstar.com and Caroline.

MANILA — Judy Ann Santos “Hala, bakit nalungkot ako bigla (Oh no, why did I suddenly feel knows a good actor when she sad for them),” she began before sees one, and it is apparently pondering over her response. even more so when she gets the “Huwag mong solohin lahat ng chance to work with one.

The actress praised her “FPJ’s bigat ng buhay mo (You can’t carry the baggages in your life Ang Probinsyano” co-star Coco Martin. alone).”

“He’s a very passionate actor “Money can’t buy love and happiness. It can buy happiness, and director at the same time. but not everything. I want our Nakakabilib na parang hindi siya show to make an impact on the napapagod. Actually, ako ‘yung audience that you really find true napapagod para sa kanya,” said happiness within yourself and the actress at the sidelines of the people you surround yourself her recent launch as the newest endorser for popular milk brand with,” she continued.

Judy Ann Santos and Coco Martin on the set of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in 2019.

Pangilinan, who admitted Alaska.

Eric John Salut via Instagram She worked with Coco as his that he had the same advice as Mariano, instead opted to say to guest star in the longest-running Ibang klase mag-trabaho si Coco. happy ang mga tao, ‘di ba? Wala his character, “Mag-iwan ka rin sa “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in Talagang literal na dugo, pawis at kasi akong basehan. Hindi kasi sarili mo (Please leave something 2019. She appeared in one of the luha ang makikita mo sa kanya,” ako nakatapos. Puro trailers lang ‘yung napapanood ko. Pero ‘yun seasons of the show, which aired the actress shared. for yourself).”

She also revealed that she ‘yung hindi magka-love team na T h e M a e C r u z - A l v i a r - from 2015 to 2022, on the nightly helmed series tells the story primetime slot of ABS-CBN. Judy found the pairing of Coco with kinilig ako. So, para sa akin, nagof hardworking Binondo seller Ann played the role of Jane in the Bela Padilla on the show as the work ‘yung tandem nila,” Judy recent “most kilig” one she saw Ann said.

Bingo (Donny Pangilinan) who show.

After a short break, Coco “Pinagpapahinga ko na nga on TV. Bela played Carmen, crosses paths with Caroline (Belle Mariano), an apparent outcast siya (Coco). Siya lang ‘yung, ‘Ate, wife to Coco’s Ador. She was returned to the same time slot from her wealthy Filipino-Chinese sayang e.’ Na-realize ko may introduced in the earlier seasons that he left with another show ganyan din naman ako noong of the show while Judy Ann came inspired by the late Fernando family. in the latter part of it.

Poe Jr.’s movie with the same “Can’t Buy Me Love” also stars araw.

“Naniwala ako sa tandem, name, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”

“So ibigay ko sa kanya ‘yun Nova Villa, Rowell Santiago, Ruffa Gutierrez, Agot Isidro, kasi he’s on a roll. He deserves sina Coco at Bela Padilla Judy Ann was asked if she would Maris Racal, Albie Casiño, Chie everything that he has right now sa ‘Probinsyano.’ ‘Yun lang like to join its cast.

“Basta hindi na multiple Filomeno, Darren Espanto, Joao and I’m so happy for him that kasi ang napanood ko pero pinanood ko, ‘Ay personality disorder ang Costancia, Kaila Estrada, Vivoree everything is laid out for him. nu’ng Esclito, Karina Bautista, and He deserves it. He deserves the nakakakilig itong dalawang ito.’ character ko, bakit hindi?” respect. He deserves the honor Naramdaman ko sila. After noon, said Judy Ann, referring Celeste Legazpi.

Also joining them are Ina kasi nakita naman natin, nakita ayoko lang kasi magsabi ng to her character in “Ang Raymundo and Shaina Magdayao, ko kung paano siya mag-trabaho. pangalan just to, para lang ma- Probinsyano.” who were recently confirmed as the mothers of Pangilinan and Mariano’s characters, respectively.

Judy Ann Santos praises Coco Martin, sets condition before joining ‘Batang Quiapo’

Sarah Geronimo explains why concert with Bamboo Anne Curtis claps back at netizen who called was postponed:‘Medyo nagkulang lang sa preparation’

her ‘big lips’: ‘Born, blessed with these lips’ by anne Pasajol Inquirer.net

Anne Curtis

ANNE Curtis underscored that she feels confident and blessed to have full and pouty lips, hushing a netizen who seemingly tried to offend her by calling her “big lips.”

Last Saturday night, October 7, a jet-lagged Curtis took to her X (formerly Twitter) page to ask, “Are peeps still awake at this hour?”

She immediately garnered responses from X users including one @winter_ Snowcold, who said, “Medyo papansin ‘tong big lips na ‘to.

Kulang na lang ipa-surgeon mo ‘yang bunganga [mo].” (This [person with] big lips is hungry for attention. You might as well [undergo a surgery] for your mouth.)

The “It’s Showtime” host then Instagram/@annecurtissmith replied, “Hindi ko kailangan ng

(I don’t need a) surgeon or any doctor [because] I was born and blessed with these lips or Bunganga (mouth) as you say,” adding a face-blowing-a-kiss emoji.

After getting noticed by the actress, the X user appeared to have taken down the tweet but screenshots of it have already been re-uploaded on the platform.

Fans then commended Curtis for flaunting confidence amid naysayers, with one @cooleth_ yessha saying that the actressTV host was one of the reasons she came to love her facial features.

Meanwhile, Curtis earlier flew to France and attended her firstever Paris Fashion Week. The actress-TV host, as expected, stunned fans and fellow celebrities with her “Annegelic” look, which she showed via her Instagram page.

by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

SARAH Geronimo admitted that the lack of vocal and physical preparations took a toll on her health, which explained why her scheduled Pampanga concert with Bamboo last Oct. 1 was moved to a later date.

Geronimo’s label Viva and G Productions, the media company founded by the singeractress and her husband Matteo Guidicelli, announced last September that her joint concert with Bamboo was postposted as the “Tala” singer was still recovering from an “unexpected medical condition.”

“Medyo nagkulang lang po ng preparation vocally and physically kaya medyo nagtoll sa’kin [at sa] vocal chords ko. Kasi kapag kasama mo si Bamboo, all-out ka talaga eh (I lacked preparation vocally and physically which eventually took a toll on my health and my vocal chords. When you’re with Bamboo, you need to be all out),” she told ABS-CBN News in an

(From left) Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo

Photo from Instagram/@bamboomuzaklive

interview which was uploaded on its YouTube channel.

The singer nonetheless assured her fans that she’s doing better now. Following this, Geronimo laughed when she was asked if she’s “ready” to welcome her first child with Guidicelli.

“In God’s will. Ready is such a big word,” she said in response.

Meanwhile, Guidicelli quipped about wanting to have a “dragon baby” in the future.

“Sana [we can have a family

soon]! Ipag-pray niyo, sana dragon baby (I hope we can have a family soon. Pray for it. I hope we can have a dragon baby),” Guidicelli said.

Geronimo and Bamboo’s Pampanga show was moved to Oct. 29, according to a statement from Viva Live and G Productions.

The “Dati Dati” singer and Bamboo kicked off their joint concert tour last Sept. 22 in Davao.

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Features

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 12-18, 2023

9

Celebrating another first-ever BCBP Kathryn Bernardo’s ‘A Very Good Girl’ does a very milestone in America: NAC 1 USA good run, surpasses P100M at local box office

MEMBERS of the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals (BCBP) from New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, North American cities and the Asia-Pacific Region will converge in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 13-14, 2023 to celebrate another barrierbreaking accomplishment in the history of BCBP USA: the National Anniversary Celebration or NAC 1 USA at the Alexis Park All Suite Resort. The event kicks off with a golf tournament and Praise and Worship session on October 13, 2023 and will culminate with a Grand Breakfast, chapter and outreach elevation rites followed by a Eucharistic Celebration and a Gala fellowship night on October 14, 2023.

For those who are unfamiliar with BCBP, it’s a spiritual community spearheaded in 1980

by Fr. Herb Schneider with a vision to evangelize the business sector of the Philippines for Christ. And before long, BCBP grew by leaps and bounds all over the country. But what about in America, the home of the brave and land of the free to follow one’s religion and political persuasion?

Well, it began with an againstall-odds attitude.

Even before the year 2003, when the first reconnection among BCBP members who migrated to the USA happened for the first time in Long Beach, Los Angeles, the late bro. Louie Morales was already planting the seed for BCBP to break ground as

a community in different states of America. After fizzled attempts were made in previous years, Louie kept on beating the drum. A BCBP Alabang member who was migrating to the States in 2000 thought that the idea of “starting BCBP in the U.S.A.” was way too ambitious a task in a multi-racial, multi-denominational American environment. Gradually however, it began to catch fire among BCBP migrants in Los Angeles County.

Looking back, Bro. Louie just rode roughshod over any doubts that it would happen. “BCBP in America” was like a battle cry he kept brandishing around as he touched base with other Filipino BCBP migrants from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Chicago who in turn laid the groundwork for BCBP to germinate little by little.

In 2009, BCBP Southern California became the first-ever overseas chapter and the first BCBP chapter in the U.S. Even as establishing a whole new life in America was like a high mountain to climb, BCBP members found themselves strengthened by the BCBP way of life in Christ as more missions were planted, which turned to outreaches, which grew into chapters in several areas in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. Long story short, BCBP started breaking barriers in the USA. Then came the pandemic of 2020. A momentum-breaker for all of us. Families and communities

were locked down and separated from each other. Locked down in shackles is probably the most vivid description of one who is experiencing a severe case of COVID-19 infection during its first wave in the early 2020. But in a way, it describes almost everybody in fear of getting infected. It also describes an organized community such as the BCBP whose people-gathering activity was shut down. Almost every outdoor activity was on hold. It’s a forgettable nightmare with over 3 million lives lost globally according to the latest WHO report. It was a dark, global episode which we want to shut it down in our memory bin even after it was officially lifted this year of 2023.

Looking back however, we remember how undeterred and unyielding the BCBP community’s response was as it unlocked its spirit of perseverance through Zoom technology among its members who marched on utilizing on-line Holy Mass, Action Group Meetings, Worship Assembly and Special Events and celebrations. Another pandemic upside is the formation of BCBP USA Area Governance team under the headship of Bro Jun Obra which unified and consolidated efforts of leaders from New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Las Vegas and Los Angeles County through regular online meetings to establish longdistance relationship with each PAGE 10

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MANILA — "A Very Good Girl" starring Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon has collected over P100 million at the local box office, cementing its title as the "biggest Filipino movie of 2023."

The studio company behind the film Star Cinema announced the movie's latest achievement, which comes after "A Very Good Girl" hitting the P75 million-mark after 10 days of release and premiering in the United States.

"Thank you for making a very good choice to get our local cinemas up and running again.

Let us keep up the Philo-menal support for our local films," said Star Cinema, making a riff off Bernardo's character in the film.

Director Petersen Vargas was equally grateful for the movie's success as he thanked Star Cinema, Bernardo, and De Leon on his personal Instagram account, "This is an experience of a lifetime for me, and I could never be more grateful to my team who brought

out the best in the material."

A number of Filipino-American celebrities were able to attend the United States premiere of "A Very Good Girl" last week, including content creator Bretman Rock and drag queen Manila Luzon.

Bernardo and De Leon also flew to Los Angeles for the premiere and appear at several other screenings.

According to Gorgy Rula of Pilipino Star Ngayon, however, the film's reception isn't as big in the United States because of low cinema attendance and the two actresses allegedly cancelling appearances as a result of them.

"Gumastos ang ABS-CBN for the premiere... nag-hire ng PR agent na siguro wala rin namang connect on how to really publicize," said a Hollywood-based correspondent Oliver Carnay to Rulla. "May nagsabi sa akin na sana raw hindi sinabay halos ang screening sa Manila, at naghintay muna tapos nagpa-block screenings na lang muna in certain theaters."

"A Very Good Girl" is also expected to screen in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Guam,

Dolly de Leon, Kathryn Bernardo and the rest of the cast of “A Very Good Girl” at the movie’s grand press conference held in ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN photo

Saipan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Nigeria and the Middle East.

Co-written by Dominique Mancol, Daniel Saniana and Jumbo Albano, the film also stars Jake Ejercito, Angel Aquino, Chie Filomeno, Donna Cariaga, Kaori Oinuma, Nathania Guerrero and Nour Hooshmand.

10

OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Health @Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS BETWEEN 300 to 400 physicians in the United States kill themselves each year, or about one a day.

The rate of suicide is highest among anesthesiologists, general practitioners, psychiatrists, and surgeons, a rate higher compared to the rate in other professions, and double that of the suicide rate in the general population.

The unrealistic self-expectation of perfection, corporate control, and meddling (restriction of freedom) in medical practice, unsatisfactory working conditions as employees, and dwindling material situation, are some of the factors that lead to severe depression and suicide among physicians.

In 2022, 49,500 people killed themselves in the United States. I could not find statistics on suicide rate among physicians in the Philippines, but in the general population (predominantly Christian), it is 2.2 per 100,000 population, compared to 13.5 (may be higher) per 100,000 in the U.S. and 17.3 in Japan. Suicide among military veterans in the United States, the rate is at 31.7 (about 20 veterans each day).

For help, in the U.S., you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.

Melatonin warning New studies revealed that the popular sleep hormone, melatonin, worsens attacks among asthmatic patients. Melatonin is sold over the counter and is an ingredient in many sleep aid formulas. Many of these patients, who take a sleep aid that has melatonin as a component, have more severe episodes because melatonin constricts the airway passage making it harder for these people to breathe. However, natural melatonin secreted by our own body does not cause any problems. Other sensitive individuals (non-asthmatic) could develop heart rhythm irregularity with melatonin.

Among children with asthma, eating fatty fish like sardines and salmon at least two times a week has been shown to reduce asthma symptoms. An impressive lung function improvement was noted after six months of these children who started eating fish. The high

Features

Physician suicide omega-3 (antioxidant) content of the fish is an anti-inflammatory agent. Daily exercise also reduces asthmatic symptoms by more than 2.5 times compared to those who do not.

Plant-based diet Abundant clinical studies have shown that plant-based diets, like the Mediterranean Diet, South Beach Diet, Vegetarian Diet, etc., are healthier compared to diets [based] mainly on red meat. Pork is not white meat as marketed; it is also red meat. Chicken is white meat. Individuals on plantbased diets, which are loaded with polyphenols, and antioxidants that are anti-inflammatory, have a lower risk for metabolic and cardiovascular illnesses and cancers. Exception: Nightshades vegetables (eggplant, potato, pepper, tomato) aggravate arthritis.

Steel-cut, gluten-free oatmeal, walnut, pecan, chestnut, and pistachio, and about 3-5 servings of fruits (diabetics should add these to their calorie count) are healthy.

The high-heat cooking and burnt part of barbequed meats could increase the risk for cancers, like that of the pancreas.

Stem cell Rx The building block, the foundation of every cell, tissue, and organ in the body is the stem cell.

Stem cells are undifferentiated, with no “specific assigned task as yet.” This has been likened to a blank computer microchip that could be “programmed to perform any number of special tasks.” Subjected to proper conditions, stem cells will develop into specialized tissues and organs (heart, liver, kidneys, etc.). Also, stem cells are “self-sustaining and can replicate themselves for long periods of time.”

Scientists, working on mouse models, have discovered that stem cell therapy could SOMEDAY possibly help cure many common diseases that afflict man today.

While the goal of stem cell research is unquestionably laudable, and its potential benefit to mankind tremendous, the controversy centers on its efficacy and safety today, ethical, moral, religious, legal, and social ramifications.

Basically, the grave concerns are (1) The hype and claims are too premature and untrue; (2) Where the stems cells will be harvested from (adult, fetus, or embryo); and (3) The possible misuse and abuse of this new technology.

As I have stated in my talk before the Rotary Club some time ago, this evolving science merits

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Lessons Enchong Dee learned from his offbeat roles

though he was already very tired.

Not only that, he actually applied my suggestions. I also liked it that ENCHONG Dee, who plays the he continuously brainstormed martyr Padre Jacinto Zamora in the with us about the story,” Enchong historical biopic “GomBurZa,” said recalled. he almost lost this role and had to He is hopeful that people will really fight for it. watch it and learn from it. “I just “One day, I will be able to realized that it’s true … until we explain what happened and tell learn from our past mistakes, we everyone why I fought hard for the tend to repeat history. Back then, role of Padre Zamora. You can say during the Spanish occupation, that I had to sort of audition for it we were already fighting for our because there was a time when independence, for our freedom of I had the role, and then I didn’t, speech, and for equality. Yet, we and then I got it back again. Yes, are still fighting for these things muntik pang mawala! But because now. We have to learn from our of the casting process, and at the history so we can move forward,” same time, they must have felt my said Enchong when asked what he earnest intention to really do the learned from the whole experience project, I was finally given the role,” of making “GomBurZa.” he told Inquirer Entertainment in a Offbeat roles recent interview.The film, which is Enchong has been keen on expected to be one of the biggest doing mostly offbeat roles lately, film events in 2023, is directed beginning with his character

by Pepe Diokno and produced by in Richard Somes’ action flick Jesuit Communications.

“Topakk.” He is also part of Paul “Working on the film was really Soriano’s “The Fisher” and Joel memorable, especially since Ferrer’s “Fruitcake.” we had a historian, a Spanish “I really prayed for this during language coach, and an acting the pandemic. I had hoped that coach on our set. Plus, we have a when the entertainment industry very collaborative director. I’m so reopens, I would start playing privileged. I’m glad I really fought offbeat roles. I even said that if I to get this role,” said Enchong, who have to sacrifice doing TV work, shot the film in March with Dante I would,” he recalled. “Topakk,” Rivero and Cedrick Juan. The two which brought Enchong to play priests Mariano Gomez and Switzerland for the 76th Locarno Jose Burgos, respectively.

International Film Festival Precious knowledge in August, tackles an equally “I learned so much from Tito important social issue. “This movie Dante just by watching him. With is a huge salute to people who fight Cedrick, I was very happy to for the freedom and independence have had the opportunity to work of every Filipino. When you see with an actor who does all indie the film, you will realize that we work and brought this precious still have a lot to do in order to knowledge to the ‘GomBurZa’ take better care of those who set. I enjoyed working with them protect our freedom,” Enchong because I was learning at the same said of the film that partly tackles time,” the actor pointed out. posttraumatic stress disorder *** Enchong couldn’t stop raving afflicting military men.

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints about his director, too. “I’m very Good reviews expressed by the author do not necessarily fortunate that Pepe is the type of “We have to have proper reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of director I could call even at late debriefing of our soldiers so the Asian Journal, its management, editorial hours about ideas that I thought that when they return to their board and staff. would help build the character of families, they will be ready to face *** Padre Zamora. He listened to me, other challenges that will come more randomized, double-blind, and voluminous clinical studies in various medical centers around the world before it becomes standard in medical care. It also requires a deep soul-searching introspection, and a serious, intense, and thoughtful deliberation to arrive at a morally, ethically, and medically sound stem cell treatment protocol that will also ensure the protection of the unborn, besides healing the sick, and at the same time preserve the dignity of humankind it seeks to serve.

With its unique characteristics, stem cells can someday provide the cells to replace damaged or diseased tissues with new living cells that will regenerate into healthy, young, normally functioning tissues in the treatment of conditions like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, etc., or as listed above where specific parts of the organs have been damaged and rendered “non-functioning” leading to the development of the disease.

However, the last word is not in yet. Anyone or any clinic who claims otherwise and offers stem cell therapy for many other diseases or cosmetics or longevity is trying to steal your money.

The only evidence-based clinical data showing stem-cell therapy is effective is in the management of blood dyscrasias, leukemia, and some lymphomas, with wonderful results. Indeed, caveat emptor!

On a final note, I want to say this: Filipinos and other peace-loving peoples around the world are praying for all the victims of the atrocities in Israel. Our heart goes out to them and their families. Let us continue to endeavor, dream, and hope for peace and justice around the world.

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, conferred 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). Related websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

THE 2023 Philippine Heritage Gala Night & Golden Pearls Awards was held at the Orleans Hotel and Casino Las Vegas on October 6, 2023.

Masters of ceremony by Gloria T. Caoile and Sonny Vinuya started the evening. Dr. Romualdo Aragon Jr. welcomed the crowded guests, followed by a keynote speech by Francis B. Lara Ho, producer of the new movie 1521. The Golden Pearls Awards were given to Jabbawockeez dancing group, Lorraine Evangelista and Grace Vergara Mactal. The Pampinay Fashion show by Pamela Gotangco Hupp with Christian Belarto, dancing by the FIlipiniana Dance Company and the singing of Martin Riviera entertained the wonderful crowd.

Photos by Raoul Gatchalian

by Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

Enchong Dee

Inquirer.net photo

their way, or else, they will carry the heaviness of being soldiers.

This will greatly affect their relationships with people around them,” Enchong pointed out. He has gotten quite a number of good reviews for his performance in “Topakk.” He attributed this in part to the efforts of his coactor Arjo Atayde. “I’m lucky to have worked with him. He isn’t just a friend to me, but basically a brother. On the set, I would just look at him, even from afar, and emotions would flow. When he learned of this, he sat in front of me on the set to help me dive into the emotions of my character. He did it for the entire day, and surely, the emotions kept flowing fully. He deserves to be called one of the best actors of his generation because he is so giving, so generous,” Enchong said.

The 34-year-old actor said that these days, all he could feel was gratefulness. “I want to give thanks to all the producers and filmmakers who keep taking bold risks that enable many of us to create films that we can proudly share with the world. Fortunately, I was given the opportunity to represent the Philippines in one of the biggest festivals. My heart is filled with gratitude. I’m very happy and content,” he declared.

Celebrating nother first-ever BCBP...

PAGE 9 other over and above meeting goals and objectives.

Three years after, BCBP chapters and outreaches found with God’s help, the Courage to Change in the changing world.

With a renewed momentum to work and relate to each other, not as separate entities, but as ONE community, ONE body in Christ. No longer locked down

and held back by anxieties and uncertainties into the future, BCBP USA converted its external and internal challenges into spiritual wins, ready to go all in and all out for Christ in a BREAKAWAY mode. Breakaway from near-sighted visions and outmoded models of operations.

Breakaway from the shackles of spiritual timidity and locked-down mentality.

For God’s greater glory, we are poised to spread our wings and take BCBP USA off to a whole new level.

Please follow the link below for advanced hotel booking for the BCBP USA NAC1 ALEXIS PARK RESORT HOTEL - LAS VEGAS BCBP USA NAC1 HOTEL BOOKING LINK https://reservations.travelclick. com/85179?groupID=3876555

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 12-18, 2023

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OCTOBER 12-18, 2023 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678