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OCTOBER 13-19, 2023

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, SAN DIEGO, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Pres.

Marcos condemns deaths of DATELINE USA Why ageism prevails Filipinos in Israel, condoles with kin and how to stop it FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

by Kristina Maralit

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 and

ManilaTimes.net

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 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. u PAGE 2 Malacañang file photo

2 Pinoys killed in Hamas raids – DFA

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

u PAGE 4

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 u PAGE 4

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 — 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 families of the casualties.

“The embassy of the State of Israel in Manila expresses its deepest sympathies to the families of the two overseas u PAGE 2

6 countries join PH in sea exercises ‘Special request’ seeks to

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 u PAGE 2

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

let Manny Pacquiao fight at 2024 Paris Olympics

THE Philippines has made a “special request” to the International Olympic Committee to let Manny Pacquiao box at the Paris Games despite the former world champion exceeding the age limit, a Filipino official said Tuesday, October 10.

Pacquiao, 44, retired from professional boxing in 2021 to make a failed tilt at the Philippines presidency.

The age limit for Olympic boxers is 40.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino told AFP he sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) two weeks ago

seeking a “universality place” for Pacquiao.

Universality places are given to athletes from countries that struggle to secure slots in the Olympics through normal qualification channels.

The IOC said there were nine universality places for boxing in Paris, with five for women and four for men. The spots will be confirmed on June 7.

“He’s physically fit, better than other athletes,” Tolentino said, describing Pacquiao as an “icon of boxing” who could help the image of the sport.

Tolentino said the “special u PAGE 2

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OCTOBER 13-19, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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From the Front Page

Pres. Marcos condemns deaths of... 2 Pinoys killed in Hamas raids...

PAGE 1

administration will not cease in providing support to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and the Filipino community affected

PAGE 1

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

‘Special request’ seeks to let Manny....

PAGE 1 request” for Pacquiao would not affect the chances of other Filipino boxers qualifying for Paris.

Fighting in Paris would be a chance to realize his life-long dream of winning an Olympic gold medal, Pacquiao told AFP on Tuesday.

Pacquiao, the winner of multiple world titles, has never competed at the Olympics.

He insisted he was “not too old” to take on younger boxers, saying he felt like he was “30 In this file photo taken on June 22, 2021 shows Philippine boxing legend and Senator Manny years old or 28 years old”.

“It’s the secret of Manny Pacquiao training at his gym in the city of General Santos in southern island of Mindanao.

Inquirer.net file photo Pacquiao,” he said. (Inquirer.net)

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.

“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 u PAGE 5

6 countries join PH in sea...

PAGE 1 countering transnational crimes, Samasama equips us to face an array of threats 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 crossdeck 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 broad-ranging defense cooperation to strengthen the country’s capability to protect its interests in its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Defense Secretary Gilberto

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

Teodoro Jr. discussed with 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

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OCTOBER 13-19, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

Fil-Am shooting survivor fights for tougher...

PAGE 1

of Team Enough in 2018 after surviving 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

Dateline USa

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

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...

PAGE 1

Robert Schentrup

fatalities. U.S. adults 65 and over made up over 75% of COVIDrelated 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 vaccines based on people’s Contributed photo biology and social behaviors,

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

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 onequarter 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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2 Pinoys killed in Hamas raids...

PAGE 2

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-togovernment) 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 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

Dateline USa

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)

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Features

Baby step toward reforms 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.

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

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 “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

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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7

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

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 by

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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

OCTOBER 13-19, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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Friday, October 13, 2023

INSIDE >>> L I F E S T Y L E • C O N S U M E R G U I D E • C O M M U N I T Y • M A R K E T P L A C E

Judy Ann Santos praises Coco Martin, sets Sarah Geronimo explains why concert condition before joining ‘Batang Quiapo’ with Bamboo was postponed: ‘Medyo nagkulang lang sa preparation’

by Kathleen a. llemit Philstar.com

MANILA — Judy Ann Santos knows a good actor when she sees one, and it is apparently even more so when she gets the chance to work with one.

The actress praised her “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” costar Coco Martin.

“He’s a very passionate actor and director at the same time.

Nakakabilib na parang hindi siya napapagod.

Actually, ako ‘yung napapagod para sa kanya,” said the actress at the sidelines of her recent launch as the newest endorser for popular milk brand Alaska.

She worked with Coco as his guest star in the longest-running “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in 2019. She Judy Ann Santos and Coco Martin on the set of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” in 2019.

Eric John Salut via Instagram appeared in one of the seasons of the show, which aired at luha ang makikita mo sa ba? Wala kasi akong basehan.

Hindi kasi ako nakatapos. Puro from 2015 to 2022, on the kanya,” the actress shared.

She also revealed that she trailers lang ‘yung napapanood nightly primetime slot of ABSCBN. Judy Ann played the role found the pairing of Coco with ko. Pero ‘yun ‘yung hindi Bela Padilla on the show as magka-love team na kinilig of Jane in the show.

“Pinagpapahinga ko na nga the recent “most kilig” one ako. So, para sa akin, nag-work siya (Coco). Siya lang ‘yung, she saw on TV. Bela played ‘yung tandem nila,” Judy Ann ‘Ate, sayang e.’ Na-realize ko Carmen, wife to Coco’s Ador. said.

After a short break, Coco may ganyan din naman ako She was introduced in the earlier seasons of the show returned to the same time slot noong araw.

“So ibigay ko sa kanya ‘yun while Judy Ann came in the that he left with another show inspired by the late Fernando kasi he’s on a roll. He deserves latter part of it.

“Naniwala ako sa tandem, Poe Jr.’s movie with the same everything that he has right now and I’m so happy for sina Coco at Bela Padilla name, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.” him that everything is laid sa ‘Probinsyano.’ ‘Yun lang Judy Ann was asked if she out for him. He deserves it. kasi ang napanood ko pero would like to join its cast.

“Basta hindi na multiple pinanood ko, ‘Ay He deserves the respect. He nu’ng disorder ang deserves the honor kasi nakita nakakakilig itong dalawang personality naman natin, nakita ko kung ito.’ Naramdaman ko sila. After character ko, bakit hindi?” paano siya mag-trabaho. Ibang noon, ayoko lang kasi magsabi said Judy Ann, referring klase mag-trabaho si Coco. ng pangalan just to, para lang to her character in “Ang Talagang literal na dugo, pawis ma-happy ang mga tao, ‘di Probinsyano.”

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 singer-actress 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 interview which was uploaded on its YouTube

(From left) Sarah Geronimo, Bamboo

Photo from Instagram/@bamboomuzaklive

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.

Anne Curtis claps back at netizen who called her ‘big lips’: ‘Born, blessed with these lips’

by Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

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.)

Anne Curtis

Instagram/@annecurtissmith

The “It’s Showtime” host then 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.

Kathryn Bernardo’s ‘A Very Good Girl’ does a very good run, surpasses P100M at local box office Philstar.com

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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 MANILA — "A Very Good celebrities were able to attend Girl" starring Kathryn Bernardo the United States premiere of and Dolly de Leon has collected "A Very Good Girl" last week, over P100 million at the local including content creator box office, cementing its title as Bretman Rock and drag queen the "biggest Filipino movie of Manila Luzon. Bernardo and De 2023."

Leon also flew to Los Angeles The studio company behind for the premiere and appear at the film Star Cinema announced several other screenings. the movie's latest achievement, According to Gorgy Rula of which comes after "A Very Good Pilipino Star Ngayon, however, Girl" hitting the P75 millionthe film's reception isn't as big in mark after 10 days of release 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 Hollywoodbased correspondent Oliver Carnay to Rulla. "May nagsabi sa akin na sana raw hindi sinabay halos ang screening sa Manila, at naghintay muna tapos nagpablock screenings na lang muna in certain theaters."

"A Very Good Girl" is also expected to screen in Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Guam, 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 Dolly de Leon, Kathryn Bernardo and the rest of the cast of “A Very Good Girl” at the movie’s Oinuma, Nathania Guerrero and grand press conference held in ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN photo Nour Hooshmand.

by Kristofer Purnell

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Features

NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 13-19, 2023

Artists celebrate the life of theater artist Joyce Juan-Manalo at ‘Don’t Call Me Ate’ SAN FRANCISCO – It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joyce Juan Manalo, a cherished member of our community, who peacefully left this world on July 17, 2023. While the community mourns the loss of her physical presence, they also celebrate the remarkable life and enduring legacy she has left behind.

Joyce was born on March 19, 1965 in Mandaluyong, Metro Manila and lived a life filled with passion, purpose, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community.

In 1995, Joyce met her soon-to-be-life-partner Allan S. Manalo during his visit to Manila, and they both eventually settled in San Francisco, where for decades Joyce worked in the Filipino community.

From leading the theater group Teatro ng Tanan and multi-disciplinary arts organization Kearny Street Workshop (KSW) to helming Bindlestiff Studio with Allan, supporting countless shows and artists, from co-creating KSW’s Celebrate Your Body fashion show to her favorite project of all, producing the Tagalog festival of plays from 2019-2022, Joyce left an indelible mark on the SOMA Pilipinas Cultural Heritage District. “The love, care, and respect she had for the Tagalog production was incredibly powerful,” said Nic Feliciano, an actor who performed in Tagalog 2017. “The way she made sure to honor our native tongue and the works we were bringing to life from home is just beyond admirable. She was a true bridge between here and home.”

The public may celebrate her life and legacy on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at two separate venues in SOMA Pilipinas: ‘Don't Call Me Áte’ : Celebrating Joyce JuanManalo Blue Gayuma Art Market Date: Sunday, October 15, 2023 Time: 11:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Location: ARC Gallery Address: 1246 Folsom Street Admission is free Blue Gayuma is the name of a gift boutique Joyce opened in Manila back in 2005. She filled the store with artwork she created for sale including pottery, jewelry, handbags, purses, and flowers. Her brother Boni, also an artist, sold his wooden sculptures, epic birdhouses, and paintings. We honor Joyce’s creative spirit by re-staging a Blue Gayuma art market pop-up in support of Bay Area Filipino artisans selling their creations. The afternoon will also feature DIY demos and a scintillating talk about Original Pilipino Music with Roger Rigor of VST you will not want to miss.

Featured vendors include: Boni Juan (Joyce’s favorite kuya) selling paintings; Habiness, Ilocano handwoven items

by Rachel Lozada; Kalingafornia, indigenous

backstrap weaving from Kalinga by Jenny Bawer Young; Lyra Ceramics, pottery by Lyra Dela Rosa Dietrich; Mike’s Pottery; Seaweed Holistics, essential oils blend bar

by Ana Leano-Williams; Malaya Botanicals, cannabis/hemp designs

by Pia Tuason Barton; Diosa Blossoms, florals and gifts; Sariwa Farm, black garlic grown by Lorna Velasco; ISSO SF, curated & clean, reworked vintage fashion Chokit’s Playlist Date: Sunday, October 15, 2023 Time: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Location: Bindlestiff Studio Address: 185 6th Street Cost: $10 toward the Joyce Juan-Manalo Legacy Fund for Pinay Artists “Chokit” is an endearing nickname given to Joyce by her father who passed away when she was only 9 years old. Whenever she wanted chocolate, she would ask her dad for “chokit!”

Featured performers of Chokit’s Playlist: Alleluia Panis, respected director, choreographer and nonprofit leader, performs an opening ritual. Musical performances by Bobby Banduria (actor, writer, and standup comedian Kevin Camia), Chicken Joy.ce performing Joyce’s favorite OPM (Original Pilipino Music) songs, Rachel Lastimosa (interdisciplinary artist, producer and performer), Sugar Broth (Joyce’s widow, Allan Manalo on ukulele with his nieces Jazzi and Ava Manalo Sullivan), Omz Velasco (singer with the Spam Keys Band from Seattle), Karenna Slade & Word Salad (music by Karena and Dan Weil), and Joe Wilson (executive director of Hospitality House). Stand-up comedy sets by the hosts of Comedy Before the Debauchery at Slate Bar Rhoda Gravador, Manny Cabrera, and DB, as well as by Oliver Saria (playwright and managing director of Bindlestiff Studio). Performances also include puppetry by Ramon Abad (puppeteer and educator), sketch by Granny Cart Gangsta (an allfemale, women-of-color comedy troupe recently featured in Vogue Philippines), and an excerpt from Tagalog Fest.

Joyce Juan Manalo’s passing leaves a void that can never be filled, but we are comforted by the knowledge that she touched our lives in meaningful ways. Organizers invite you to celebrate the beautiful tapestry of her life and the lasting impact she had on many.

Don't Call Me Áte launches the Joyce Juan Manalo Legacy Fund for Pinay Artists. Taxdeductible donations to honor Joyce and her artistic and community work can be made online.

For more information about Don't Call Me Áte and the Joyce Juan Manalo Legacy Fund for Pinay Artists or to purchase tickets to Chokit’s Playlist visit: https://www.joycejuanmanalo.com/

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NEPHEW PETITIONED FOR EMPLOYMENT BASED GREEN CARD ON AN ENCORE SUCCESS STORY CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! This encore episode has three lessons and victories – Family can petition other family members for a green card through an employment-based petition; Patrick was able to get his green card in the U.S. without having to return to the U.S. Embassy in Manila; and Patrick’s green card was approved even without an interview. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 15 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

Success story: Triple triumphs scored for client on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday PATRICK was petitioned for a green card by his aunt as a cook for her restaurant. Interestingly, not many people are aware that family members can petition other family members for an employ-

ment-based green card, provided it is a real job and the employer is earning enough to pay the worker’s salary.

After establishing that the position at his aunt’s restaurant was

a bona fide job and after the aunt was able to provide additional evidence and documents, the Department of Labor approved the labor certification application, PAGE 10

That friend request could be from a scammer SCAMMERS are using social media to go after your money and personal information. And it’s working: since 2021, people have reported losing $2.7 billion to scams that started on social media — way more than with any other contact method.

Scammers like social media because they can pretend to be someone they’re not. They can hack your profile, pretend to be you, and con your friends. They can target you and others using information from your profile like your age, hobbies, and what you buy. And they can do all this at little to no cost.

So what do social media scams often look like? Scammers might target you with an ad for something, but after you pay (for the thing that turns out to be fake), they take your money and run.

Or they might try to sell you on a bogus investment opportunity (often involving cryptocurrency).

Or they might send a friend re-

Screen capture from web

quest out of the blue and pretend to be a potential love interest.

But then…they ask for money.

To avoid these and other scams on social media: • Use your privacy settings to limit who can see your information and what you post.

• Don’t reply to messages that ask for money or personal information. Even if the message looks like it’s from a friend or family member, their account

may have been hacked. Call them to check.

• Before you buy something, check out the company.

Search online for its name along with words like “scam” or “complaint.”

Did you see or experience a scam on social media? Tell the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. (Kira Brown/FTC Consumer Education Specialist)

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Features

OCTOBER 13-19, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160

Success story: Triple triumphs... San Francisco surpasses $20M funding Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to earn triple victories for Patrick (left) on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy.

PAGE 9 and eventually, the immigrant petition for an alien worker was approved.

Patrick was also able to apply for lawful permanent status and was able to get his green card in the U.S. without having to return to the U.S. Embassy in Manila, and his green card was approved

without an interview.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 15 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

goal for next month’s APEC conference

SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor London N. Breed announced on Friday, October 6 that the City of San Francisco has already eclipsed its committed fundraising goal of $20,0000,000

to host the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC. The city will continue to work to raise more funds beyond this goal in preparation for the week-long conference that will be held November 11-17 and host leaders and delegates from 21 APEC Member Economies, 1,200 global CEOS, hundreds of journalists, and more than 20,000 in total attendance.

The theme of the event, “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All,” will promote free, fair, and open trade investment, and advance sustainable and inclusive international economic growth.

President Joe Biden is expected to attend along with the leaders of China, Japan, Australia, Canada and Indonesia. The APEC region represents more than $60 trillion in nominal GDP, accounting for 62% of the global total output.

Major sponsors that contributed include: • Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria: $4.65M • Ripple: $2M • Apple: $1M • Emerson Collective: $1M • Kaiser Permanente: $1M • MEBO International: $1M • Prologis: $1M • Salesforce: $1M • Sutter Health: $1M • Visa: $1M • Bloomberg Philanthropies: $500K • Airbnb: $500K • Autodesk: $500K • DoorDash: $500K • Jean-Pierre Conte: $500K. “The San Francisco community has stepped up, like it always does,” said Mayor

London Breed. “The support and enthusiasm building across our city is inspiring. Reaching our fundraising goal this early is a recognition of how strong and resilient we are, and we are going to keep going to raise even more. APEC is going to again put us on the world stage, and we are ready to put on a tremendous event, reminding the world that San Francisco is one of the world’s truly great cities.”

APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is the premier platform for the United States to advance economic policies in the Asia-Pacific region to promote free, fair, and open trade and investment and advance inclusive and sustainable growth. As part of our enduring commitment to the region and broad-based economic growth, San Francisco is excited to serve as host of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting taking place in San Francisco, November 11-17, 2023.

APEC will be the largest convening of world leaders in San Francisco since the UN Charter was signed in 1945 during the UN Conference on International Organization, also called the San Francisco Conference.

This November, the United States will chair the 2023 AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in iconic San Francisco, California. The 21 APEC Member Economies account for nearly 40 percent of the global population and nearly 50 percent of global trade. APEC’s themes this year are sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and resilience.

To learn more, visit apec2023sf. org. (SF Mayor’s Office Release)

PCGSF officials attend BLHS conference on WWII in PH

PHILIPPINE Consulate General in San Francisco officials attended the Bataan Legacy Historical Society’s 6th Conference on World War II in the Philippines on September 23, 2023 at McLaren Conference Center of the University of San Francisco.

Deputy Consul General Raquel R. Solano, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, and Vice Consul Adrian Baccay, represented the consulate at the event. The conference discussed war crimes during WWII in the Philippines and the Pacific, and how they continue to resonate in today’s world.

In her remarks, Deputy Consul General Solano thanked Cecilia Gaerlan of the Bataan Legacy Historical Society for providing a venue to deepen understanding of the events in the Philippines during World War II. She underscored that the effects of WWII can still be felt at present especially by those whose lives had been shattered and forever changed by the war. She added that given the death and destruction that war brings, it is imperative that wars are prevented from happening again. But if they must happen and wars become inevitable, the institutions created to hold accountable those who commit excesses and atrocities must be strengthened.

Speakers during the event include Vice Admiral Andrew Tiongson, Commander of U.S. Coast Guards Pacific Area and Defense Force West; Philip Kearney, a former war crimes prosecutor for the United Nations Mission in Kosovo and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia at the Hague; Benjamin Hall, a former war correspondent for Fox News; Jose Custodio, a Fellow at the Consortium of the Indo-Pacific Researchers; and Cynthia Bonta, a survivor of the Los Baños Massacre.

Prof. Mark Hull, a Military History professor at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, served as the conference chair.

(PCGSF Release)

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 13-19, 2023

Sponsored content by JPMorgan Chase & Co.

5 Tips to Get Ahead of Holiday Debt T

he holiday season is fast approaching, and most people find themselves spending a little – or a lot – more than usual during these festive final months of the year.

Americans spend more than $1,450 each year on holiday-related purchases – from gifts and travel to decorations and entertainment. These costs layered into your monthly expenses can significantly strain your budget.

You don’t have to break the bank to celebrate the season. Smart planning can get you ahead of the holidays and leave you with funds for merrymaking the way you want. Consider these five tips to minimize holiday debt.

Save, save, save While solid advice for any time of year, it can take on more importance during the holidays. One way to save is to set up a separate savings account for holiday expenses. Start saving at the beginning of the year, and vow not to withdraw any money until it’s time for holiday shopping.

Make your holiday plans now Set guidelines for your holiday spending.

Make a list of your expected holiday expenses and estimate the costs to see if they fit into your overall budget. Adjust your list as needed.

Build a holiday budget—then stick to it Once you’ve made your list, commit to staying within your budget. With so much pressure surrounding gift-giving, it’s easy to spend more than you planned. Shop online to ensure you’re getting the best deal, or search for coupons and deals to help lower costs. Get family and friends on board with your plans by suggesting a gift swap instead of buying gifts for everyone; opt for handmade gifts or even pitch in for a group gift. If you’re hosting a holiday dinner, shop in bulk for food items.

Scope out major deal days In addition to the deal-hunting tips above, take advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. Look up retailers’ deals ahead of time to see if you find goods and services you planned to purchase anyway at lower prices. Many retailers start big holiday sales as soon as Nov. 1, so do some homework now on the gifts you have your eye on so you can spot and take advantage of online and inperson deals before the holiday rush.

Pick up a short-term gig Even the best-laid budget plans can still fall short of your available funds. If your schedule allows it, take on a temporary job to bring in some extra income. Many retail or dining establishments need additional workers to handle the holiday rush, and demand often increases for ride-booking and delivery services as well. Or take up a side hustle selling crafts for example.

These are just a few ways to help you get a handle on holiday debt, but there’s so much more that savvy consumers can do to save. See if your credit cards have special offers at your favorite stores or for your favorite purchases, and look for special cash back deals. Be flexible and keep an open mind in general – if you can’t get a good deal on the gifts you originally planned to buy, see if any of the special offers you qualify for might be good substitutes.

The bottom line Putting financial parameters in place can help you feel more confident and less stressed about your holiday spending.

Have fun with your planning, saving and budgeting – it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit early.

To learn more about budgeting, visit chase.com/financialgoals.

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OCTOBER 13-19, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160