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Jo Koy Day proclaimed in Los Angeles

FILIPINO American stand-up comedian Jo Koy now has a day in his honor in the city of Los Angeles, home to the largest Fil-Am population in California.

The Los Angeles City Council proclaimed Oct. 7 as “Jo Koy Day” during its meeting on Friday.“My goal was always to tell my story and represent my culture the best way that I could. Thank you to the beautiful city of Los Angeles for declaring October 7th Jo Koy Day,” Jo Koy wrote in an Instagram post. “I’m forever grateful and I will continue to wave my flag high. Mahal Kita!”

On Friday, the LA Filipino Association of City Employees (LAFACE) held its 40th

9 of 10 Filipinos consider fake news a problem

by ANA ROA, KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING Inquirer.net

MANILA — Close to 90 percent of adult Filipinos believe fake news is a problem, a sentiment reflected nationwide and across all socioeconomic classes, according to a recent Pulse Asia Research survey that also pointed to social media “influencers” and journalists as the top culprits.

The Sept. 17-21 survey released on Tuesday, October 11 said a majority (58 percent) of Filipinos nationwide see bloggers and vloggers—the social media influencers—as responsible for “spreading false information” about government and politics.

They were followed by journalists (40 percent), national politicians (37 percent), local politicians (30 percent), leaders of civic or nongovernmental organizations (15

percent), businessmen (11 percent) and academics (4 percent).

For a media scholar, the survey indicated that the Philippine press had “trust issues and credibility issues” at a time when the public believed that the mainstream media served only as a mouthpiece for the elite and did not accurately reflect the true pulse of the masses.

Marcos: Philippines can recover from impact of global con icts

by ALEXIS ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — Through unity and good governance, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says he is confident that the Philippines can recover from the impact of global conflicts and economic shocks.

In a video that marked his first 100 days in office, the president noted that the beginning of his administration was confronted by the impact of external conflicts and economic challenges, but maintained that huge problems should not be obstacles to the recovery of the country.

The eight-and-a-half-minute video was posted on YouTube by Ten17P, the film production company of Marcos’ relative Paul Soriano.

Steven Reyes, a 68-year-old Filipino immigrant who worked at a Los Angeles area liquor store, was fatally struck on the head with a scooter during an attempted robbery on Oct. 6. His family started a GoFundMe page to help with medical expenses and funeral costs. Photo

Filipino immigrant killed in Los Angeles robbery

LOS ANGELES — Relatives and community members are mourning the loss of a Filipino liquor store clerk who was attacked and killed during a robbery last week.

On Thursday night, Oct. 6, Steven Reyes — a 68-year-old Filipino immigrant who worked at Tony’s Market in Highland Park, a neighborhood in northeast Los Angeles — confronted several teenagers who were taking various items from the store.

In an attempt to stop them from stealing a case of beer, Reyes was struck on the head

Appeals court junks Ressa cyber

appeal; Supreme Court next

by KRISTINE JOY PATAG Philstar.com

MANILA — Rappler CEO Maria Ressa will be bringing an appeal of her conviction on cyber libel against to the Supreme Court after the Court of Appeals dismissed their motion for reconsideration.

“Wherefore, the motion for reconsideration is denied,” the CA’s Fourth Division says in a ruling promulgated

October 10.

Ressa and former Rappler researcher Rey Santos sought reconsideration of the same CA court decision dated July 7, 2022 that affirmed Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 46’s ruling that found them guilty beyond reasonable doubt for the crime of cyber

“There are many more dreams that we have to focus on and fulfill. Our colleagues in the

Meet the Fil-Ams working in the Biden-Harris administration

by AJPRESS

UPON taking office, President Joe Biden promised to have an administration that reflected the United States’ diversity. In addition to having Kamala Harris as the first Black, South Asian and woman vice president, the administration has

had a lot of ‘firsts’ in the Cabinet and key agency appointees.

In honor of October as Filipino American History Month, the Asian Journal spoke to several Fil-Ams working across the administration — from the Executive Branch to various agencies that keep the country running.

Also

Meet the Fil-Ams working...

Nani Coloretti

Deputy Director

Office of Management and Budget

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

Prior to the Biden-Harris administration, Coloretti worked at the Urban Institute and served the Obama administration as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and as an Assistant Secretary at the Department of Treasury.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

My grandparents emigrated from the Philippines in 1927 to support the many Filipinos moving to Hawaii to work in the sugar cane fields. My grandfather was a minister and a union organizer; my grandmother was one of the first Filipina nurses in this country; and my mom worked as a nurse and, later, as a child-care teacher. Although I did not get a chance to meet my grandfather, who passed away before I was born, my grandmother lived with us and she — along with my Aunts and Uncles — had a strong influence on me and

my sisters as we grew up in Hawaii. From my family, I learned to value hard work, to focus on education, and the importance of empathy and taking care of others when you can. All of this has helped shape my career path in public service.

Why did you join the BidenHarris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

Throughout my career, I have looked for ways to increase opportunity for everyone and make more real the American promise that if you work hard, you can move your life and the lives of others in a positive direction. The Biden-Harris Administration has focused on equity and inclusion from Day One, and continues to deliver on its promise to support an economy that works for everyone. I am thrilled to be a part of this effort, and as a Filipina, I believe that diverse representation contributes to creating the best solutions to solve complex problems.

Gina Ortiz Jones

Under Secretary of the Air Force

U.S. Department of Defense

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

An Iraq War veteran, Ortiz Jones is the second-highest ranking civilian in the Department of the Air Force and the second highestranking Fil-Am serving in the current administration. She made history as the first woman of color and the first out lesbian to serve as an under secretary of any military department.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

I’m a proud firstgeneration Filipina American, and growing up my mother always reminded my sister and me that we were lucky, not smart, but lucky to have been born in the United States. My uncle joined the U.S. Navy as part of the Steward program, and my mother came to this country as a domestic helper, despite having graduated from the top university in the Philippines, UP-Diliman.

It’s a truly special country where my family’s story is possible, and I’ve always been motivated to serve to ensure those same opportunities are there for those who follow.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

I joined to serve an administration that I knew would reflect my values. As a Filipina American, I’m appreciative of the administration’s focus on ensuring those serving reflect the diversity of the lived experiences of those being served—to include the 4 million Filipinos and Filipino Americans living in the United States.

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

Filipino American History Month is a time to celebrate our contributions to American history, as

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

In my lifetime, the Filipino American population has grown eleven-fold, from under 400,000 to over 4.2 million, making it one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. I think it is important to have an annual reflection on the many contributions Filipinos have made and continue to make to this country. It is also a gift to share more about the history of and individual stories about Filipino Americans, some of the most interesting and fascinating people I know.

Camille Calimlim Touton

Commissioner

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Hometown: Las Vegas, Nevada

Touton is only the second U.S. Senate-confirmed female commissioner in Reclamation’s 119-year history and the first Fil-Am confirmed by the Senate to lead a bureau in the Department of the Interior.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

My grandparents instilled in me the importance of family and service to our community, and country. It is on that foundation

and in their sacrifices that a granddaughter of the Philippines is living the American dream.

Why did you join the BidenHarris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

I joined the administration to be in service to the American people in carrying out the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s mission of delivering water and producing hydropower for the American West.

What does Filipino American

Lourdes Tiglao

Executive Director for Center for Women Veterans

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN

With a background across various sectors, including the military, business and health care, Tiglao’s current role focuses on policies, programs and legislation that affect women veterans. She served in the U.S. Air Force as part of the Critical Care Air Transport Team with deployments to Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines, and more.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

bring that intersectional lens of being a Filipino American immigrant, a woman Veteran, and a voice for those women Veterans who find themselves voiceless because I’ve walked the same path.

Why did you join the BidenHarris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

History Month mean to you?   May we celebrate what makes us unique and recognize our shared values.

well as an opportunity to think about the strategic importance of the U.S.Philippines relationship.

As the Under Secretary of the Air Force, I see every day just how important our alliance is to the continued peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. Our countries have always had a special relationship, and I think it’s important to keep that in mind as we face our mutual challenges and

As a Filipino American immigrant growing up in Indiana, I didn’t see many people like me — even when I joined the military, assimilating myself to my different environments rather than celebrating who I am. It wasn’t until I found that my fluency in my language being a critical asset to one of my deployments that changed how I saw the importance of celebrating my identity and all the unique assets that I bring — where I don’t shy away at bringing my full self. Filipino Americans aren’t always well-represented in many spaces, yet we occupy a rather unique nexus of intersectional identities, and I appreciate being able to

Even before I joined the military, I’ve felt a calling to service, so I have spent my life in various forms of service through volunteering, military service, and through veteran advocacy — whether it’s with Team Rubicon or another veteran service organization. I joined the Biden-Harris administration because I believe in the vision that the administration has set in bringing people together under a larger umbrella and giving space to the different threads of people that make up the fabric of this nation.

As a Filipino American immigrant, I appreciate having the opportunity to bring strength to that fabric by bringing not only the lens of my experiences, but also to support and inspire other Filipino Americans to feel empowered — to bring their whole selves in support

Jason Tengco

White House Liaison

U.S. Office of Personnel Management

Hometown: Foster City, CA

With over a decade of experience in public service and community organizing, Tengco serves as the primary advisor to the White House and

OPM senior leadership on hiring the agency’s political appointees, manages priority projects with the Presidential Personnel Office, and supervises the

of our nation. It is through our diversity of thought and experiences that we can enlighten, empower, and strengthen our nation.  What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

Filipino American History Month allows me to not only have an opportunity to reconnect with my roots, my community, and my diaspora, but it also allows me to share these very personal and inextricable parts of me that makes me who I am. This month is as much a celebration of my heritage, of the values it has instilled in me growing up in the Philippines, as it is a celebration of how far our nation has come in welcoming the diversity of the people that comprise our nation, celebrating the richness and fullness of our culture and humanity.

processing of non-career appointments across the federal government. His resume includes the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Outreach Lead for the Biden-Harris transition team, executive director of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations, and

Gina Ortiz Jones, Under Secretary of the Air Force, U.S. Department of Defense

Camille Calimlim Touton, Commissioner, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Nani Coloretti, Deputy Director, Office of Management and Budget

Lourdes Tiglao, Executive Director for Center for Women Veterans, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Jo Koy Day proclaimed...

PAGE

year anniversary event at City Hall and honored Jo Koy’s accomplishments in entertainment.

The night before, City Hall was the site of LA’s annual Filipino American History Month celebration, where the “Easter Sunday” star received an honor and lit up the building in Philippine flag colors as he was joined by Mayor Eric Garcetti and FilAm community leaders.

In his speech at the council chambers, the comedian — best known for his jokes about Filipino culture — shared how he uses humor to show the relatability of the community in the United States.

“I want to do a thing where I could tell the story about my mom and just let you hear about what my mom does as a mom. And then you will relate to it and realize that a mom is just a mom no matter what her ethnicity is, what her religion is, what her accent is,” he said.

Jo Koy, who has catapulted to success for his standup comedy and Netflix specials, noted the lack of community representation on mainstream entertainment, especially in medical shows,

given that Filipinos are largely in the medical field.

“I have so many Filipino nurses in my family. I have an aunt that has about seven nursing homes and just a ton of Filipino nurses out there. They work their butts off, they take care of people 14 hours a day. They have been doing it for over 30 years. And then they go home every day after a hard day’s work and they turn on the TV and they watch about any hospitals and they don’t see one nurse being played by Filipinos,” he said. He lamented that it shouldn’t be “normalized” and that the lack of representation makes Filipinos feel “like they are invisible.”

Through his comedy, he said, he wants “to give that voice.”

“I will continue to do it. It’s important, representation is important,” Jo Koy added.

In 2020, the city of San Diego declared Oct. 16 as “Jo Koy Day.” On July 22 of this year, he received the key of Daly City, California and likewise had the day named after him, leading up to the release of “Easter Sunday,” the first major Hollywood studio film about Fil-Ams, which hit theaters in August.

(AJPress)

Filipino immigrant...

PAGE 1

with a scooter before the suspects, described as two teenage boys and two teenage girls between the ages of 15 and 18, fled the scene.

Reyes was found unconscious on the sidewalk outside of the liquor store as good Samaritans tried to help him. He later succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital, according to the LA Police Department.

“I would like for people to just remember him, you know, as just your everyday Filipino uncle, your everyday Filipino dad,” Reyes’ daughter Nelle said during a vigil held outside of the store on Monday, Oct. 10.

His daughter remembered him for always doing the right thing.

The victim’s family started a GoFundMe page and paid tribute to Reyes who was a “son, a father, a brother, a good friend and a hard worker.”

“Steven had a loving heart and cared for everyone and always made sure that his family was safe,” the page continued.

The fundraiser has raised over $40,000, as of this writing, to cover medical expenses and funeral costs.

“His work ethics were incredible and he worked so hard to be able to care and support his mother,” the page added.

Reyes moved to Los Angeles in the 1980s with limited education and worked different types of jobs, including as a handyman, according to his daughter Kaycie Reyes. He also made money playing in pool tournaments, she said.

He lived with his elderly mother near the liquor store, where he began working earlier this year.

The suspects in Reyes’ case are still at large, as of press time.

“My family forgives you for what you did. Maybe it was a mistake what you did, but please turn yourself in,” Nelle Reyes said.

She added, “Turn yourselves in because it would really help my family gain some better peace, so that we can move on from this.” (AJPress)

9 of 10 Filipinos consider fake news a...

While Filipinos somehow recognize that vloggers and bloggers or content creators and influencers “are getting out of hand with their disrespect for the facts, (a) more level-headed approach is needed because fake news may differ among respondents,” said University of the Philippines communications professor Danilo Arao.

“This could explain why responsible journalists get unfairly judged as the truth they report gets mistaken for lies, at the same time that the lies of irresponsible colleagues get ascribed to them,” Arao said.

This view of the media will remain as long as certain news organizations “perpetuate state-sponsored disinformation like denialism and Redtagging,” he said.

Sources of fake news Pulse Asia polled 1,200 respondents. Its survey had a margin of error of plus-minus 2.8 percentage points for national percentages.

The poll was taken as some “key developments” were reported in the news prior to or during the survey period.

These include the order signed by President Marcos lifting the mandate on wearing face masks in open and noncrowded outdoor areas; the 50th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the President’s late father and namesake; Mr. Marcos’ state visits to Singapore and Indonesia where he said he obtained P805 billion in investment pledges; and the depreciation of the Philippine peso to a record low of P58 to the dollar.

The survey results showed that 90 percent of respondents had heard, read or watched fake news, with 21 percent saying they were exposed to fake news at least once a day. A fourth of the respondents said they encountered fake news a few times a month while another 26 percent said a few times a week and

17 percent said once a week.

The survey showed 86 percent believe fake news was a problem, but only 55 percent were confident in their ability to determine whether the political news they encounter were truthful or not.

Only 44 percent said they were sure that the political news they were getting were not fake news while 11 percent said they were unsure, and 44 percent could not determine the veracity of the news.

Social media or the internet (68 percent) and television (67 percent) were cited as top sources of fake news, followed by radio (32 percent), friends or acquaintances (28 percent), family or relatives (21 percent).

The least cited sources of fake news were community leaders (4 percent), newspapers (3 percent), and religious leaders (1 percent).

‘Patient zero’

An earlier survey (Sept. 6-11, 2021) by Pulse Asia showed that television was the source of news for an overwhelming number (91 percent) of respondents. Following in far second was radio (49 percent) and third the internet (48 percent).

Family and relatives (37 percent) and friends and relatives (25 percent) were more popular sources of news than newspapers, which a mere 3 percent of respondents had read.

The spread of false information online was among the top global concerns cited of respondents in a recent Pew Research Center survey across 19 countries.

The survey report, released in August, showed a median of 70 percent across 19 countries view the spread of false information online as a major national threat, after global climate change.

In 2018, the Philippines was referred to by Facebook’s Global Politics and Government Outreach director Katie Harbath as “patient zero” in the global war against disinformation.

In that same year, a Pulse Asia survey found 88 percent of Filipinos who accessed social media accounts were aware of fake news on social media with 79 percent of respondents saying they considered fake news to be widespread on those platforms.

‘Hired trolls’

A December 2021 survey by Social Weather Stations also found 69 percent of Filipinos saying the problem of fake news in the media was serious.

Former Bayan Rep. Neri Colmenares, who campaigned on a platform to eradicate disinformation in his run for the Senate in the May elections, said the Pulse Asia survey reflected current realities.

“The problem of fake news is growing because people in power feed it and are continuously feeding it through hired trolls or creating vlogs and posts with dubious content,” he said. “It is incumbent upon real journalists and the public who strive for the truth to combat this scourge of the digital age.”

Arao said it was interesting that at least 55 percent of the survey respondents were confident that Filipinos could tell the truthfulness of the political news they received. But still, he said, a large number (37 percent) were not confident about whether others could spot fake news.

This lack of confidence, according to Arao, could be a factor in the ranking of journalists next to content creators and influencers as sources of fake news.

He urged the media to “veer away” from gossip, trivia, and rumor and to focus on relevant matters.

By doing so, Arao hopes that the public would not pay attention to propagandists who project themselves as alternatives to mainstream media.

“These contribute to a better media system and can hopefully earn the trust of audiences,” he said.

—with a report from Inquirer research

Marcos: Philippines can recover from...

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government are diligent and competent,” Marcos said in Filipino.

“Only 2,400 hours have passed. Be assured that in the coming 2,090 days, with the blessing of God, good governance and our collective efforts, we will recover together,” he added.

The video was basically a recap of the major engagements of Marcos and the accomplishments of different agencies.

Marcos started by touting the investment pledges made during his inaugural trips to Indonesia and Singapore.

He said 12 letters of intent and 12 memoranda of understanding in renewable energy, data centers,

e-commerce, broadband technology, startups, government housing and agriculture were signed during the two state visits last month.

The pledges may yield $14.36 billion or P804.78 billion worth of investments to the Philippines, he added.

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople, and Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista also appeared on the video to talk about the programs and accomplishments of their respective agencies.

An infographic posted on the social media pages of the

Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) also highlighted the administration’s gains in the areas of health (kalusugan), peace (kapayapaan), livelihood (kabuhayan) and education (edukasyon)

Under “kalusugan,” the OPS enumerated the giving of P1.04-billion special risk allowance to health care workers, the higher number of persons vaccinated against COVID-19, the PinasLakas vaccination campaign and the executive order easing the face mask rule.

The accomplishments listed under “kapayapaan” were the representation of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Moro National Liberation Front and other sectors in the Bangsamoro

Transition Authority and the assistance given to former rebels.

Under “kabuhayan,” the administration cited the 134,285 jobs that may be created by the investment pledges secured during Marcos’ trips to Indonesia, Singapore and the United States.

The resumption of face-to-face classes, free rides and financial aid for students were listed under “edukasyon.”

Last week, Marcos said he considers the tapping of the “best and the brightest” to serve in his administration and the putting up of a “functional” government as his key accomplishments in his first 100 days as president.

OFEATURES PINION

Escape… almost… from PNP HQ

Remember Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi? At dawn

July

the Indonesian bomb-maker involved in the deadly nightclub bombings in 2002 in Bali as well as several bomb attacks in the

walked out of his Camp Crame detention cell together with

One of the Abu Sayyaf bandits, Omar Opik Lasal, even gave a television interview afterwards. He narrated that they simply walked past jail guards to the fire exit, where Al-Ghozi shaved off his beard. They strolled across the camp ground to the main gate, past police rookies in training and the sentries, all of whom ignored the inmates. They boarded a taxi, and in three days, they were back in Mindanao.

Editorial

Abu Sayyaf

bolted the same detention facilities in 1995 by climbing through a ceiling duct. After Abdurajak was killed, Khadaffy became Abu Sayyaf leader until his death in 2006.

Police would subsequently catch and kill the other Abu Sayyaf escapee, Abdulmukim Edris, and months later, Al-Ghozi himself. But this would not minimize the embarrassment created by the so-called great escape from the headquarters of the Philippine National Police, which occurred eight years after Khadaffy Janjalani, brother of Abu Sayyaf founding chieftain Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani, also

Little wonder then that three more detainees believed to be Abu Sayyaf members attempted to escape from the Camp Crame Custodial Center on Sunday morning, October 9. Feliciano Sulayao Jr., Arnel Cabintoy and Idang Susukan stabbed a policeman in their attempt to flee. Another cop shot and killed Cabintoy and Susukan. The fleeing Sulayao saw an open cell door, entered and held the inmate hostage at knifepoint. The inmate, who had opened the door for her morning exercise and prayers, happened to be former senator Leila de Lima. Sulayao was later also shot dead.

The detention facility at PNP headquarters

is supposed to be reserved for high-value inmates that require maximum security. Yet terrorists with some knowledge of escaping detention aren’t the only inmates who have bolted the Custodial Center. Even drug trafficking suspects have waltzed out of Camp Crame, apparently after paying off jail custodians.

At least this time the escape attempt was foiled, although with lethal consequences for the inmates. On Monday, October 10 the

PNP leadership announced that the chief of the Custodial Center had been sacked. And at least De Lima survived, and might be accorded “home furlough” while on trial for drug-related charges. Beyond allowing her house arrest, the courts should speed up adjudication of the cases against her, which were filed over five years ago. At the same time, the PNP should put a decisive end to this embarrassment of escapes, whether successful or foiled, from Camp Crame. (Philstar.com)

On rst 100 days, questions raised on FM Jr.’s foreign trip

us.

“I TRY very hard to put an impetus into government. ‘Come on, let’s go. We need to do these things. We haven’t very much time…’ We have very many difficulties. We cannot count on other countries to help us in ways that they used to be able to help us so it is up to

“That kind of message I think has filtered down to not only the elected officials, not only the high officials in government, but to slowly make the bureaucracy understand, make all our officials understand that… as a government we are here to govern.”

Thus has Ferdinand Marcos Jr. essentially assessed his presidency’s accomplishments, in its

first 100 days, to “put together government which is functional and which has a very good idea of what we are targeting in terms of strict economic targets [and means to attain them].”

He admitted, however, being much worried about complacency in the government. Here’s how he put it across:

“The one thing I worry about very much is coasting. It goes like this, ‘This is

OK. This will do. You don’t really need to attend to this anymore. It’s going to be alright. You can all go have a holiday.’ That’s what I worry about the most.”

Ironically, it’s that attitude he called “coasting” that was raised in numerous criticisms over Marcos Jr.’s second trip to Singapore –to attend the F1 Grand Prix over the past weekend. The trip (which included his wife Liza Araneta, congressman

son Sandro and cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez) wasn’t officially announced prior to their departure.

“Security reason” was the belated explanation given by the new Executive Secretary, retired Chief Justice Lucas Bersamin (more on this later).

How have the marginalized sectors, people’s organizations and advocacy groups that have been tracking

the new administration’s performance assessed its first 100 days in power?

The People’s Summit 2022, a conference of these various grassroots organizations and advocacy groups, noted that when sworn in as president, Marcos Jr. “promised a comprehensive and inclusive program to transform the Philippine economy.” After 100 days, it said, “we are

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Dateline PhiliPPines

4,000 daily COVID-19 cases seen by end-October if decreased compliance continues

MANILA — COVID-19 infections may reach 4,000 to over 8,000 by the end of October if compliance with public health safeguards like wearing face masks and maintaining physical distancing continues to decline, the Department of Health said Monday, October 10.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director Alethea De Guzman said in a briefing that data as of midSeptember showed that cases were expected to “follow a continuous slow downward trend.” FASSSTER, a web application for creating disease models for diseases and for visualizing syndromic surveillance, projected 1,204 cases a day by the end of the month under this scenario.

However, if compliance with minimum public health standards continues to decrease, infections may range from 4,055 to as high as 8,670 by the end of October.

The Department of Health has yet to issue new minimum public health standards since the Philippines relaxed rules on wearing face masks, but, in general, the department has emphasized vaccination, wearing masks in indoor and crowded areas, frequent hand washing, better ventilation, and separate entry and exit points in high traffic areas to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The health agency reported 16,017 cases from September 26 to October 2. The figure

was 10% lower than the number of cases reported from a week before.

The country remained at low risk for COVID-19 spread. Metro Manila, meanwhile, kept its moderate risk classification for virus transmission.

De Guzman added the projections of the Australian Modeling Network (AuTuMN) showed that “even with case increases, severe and critical cases are not seen to exceed those previously observed during Delta and Omicron spikes.”

“However, with the emergence of a new variant, this may lead to sharp increase of hospitalization at the beginning of 2023 in the National Capital Region,” De Guzman added. The official stressed the effects of a possibly more transmissible new variant may be minimized by COVID-19 vaccination.

Vaccination uptake has slowed down after the country immunized 80% of its target population in February 2022. Only 26% of the target individuals have gotten booster doses.

“As we continually lift restrictions and as mobility further increases, occurrence of cases and periodic spikes are inevitable. But vaccination will be central in ensuring minimal hospitalization with severe disease and as well as deaths,” De Guzman said. (by Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)

Appeals court junks Ressa cyber...

libel.

In the same July ruling, the CA also lengthened potential prison time to six months and a day to six years, eight months and 20 days.

The CA said it found the motion for reconsideration filed by Ressa and Santos had no merit.

“A careful and meticulous review of the motion for reconsideration reveals that the matters raised by the accused-appellants had already been exhaustively resolved and discussed in the assailed Decision,” the ruling, penned by Associate Justice Roberto Quiroz, read.

Concurring were Associate Justices Ramon Bato Jr. and Germano Francisco Legaspi.

Ressa, in a statement, said she is disappointed by the ruling but was not surprised. “This is a reminder of the importance of independent journalism holding power to account,” she added.

Her lawyer Theodore Te also found the ruling “disappointing”, saying “it ignored basic principles of constitutional and criminal law as well as the evidence presented.”

He said they will bring the case to the Supreme Court next.

For the legal community, this is a test case to the nascent anti-cybercrime law, while press freedom advocates have said the conviction highlights the problem in criminalizing libel and its continued use as a tool to keep journalists in line.

On republication

Ressa and Santos argued that they merely

corrected one letter in the original article published on May 29, 2012, when it was updated on Feb. 19, 2012. This, they claimed, the provisions on cyber libel — enacted into law in September 2012 — and its penalty were applied ex-post facto.

“As settled, the determination of republication is not hinged on whether the corrections made therein were substantial or not, as what matters is that the very exact libelous article was again published on a later date,” the CA said.

On prescription

The CA said that the argument of Ressa and Santos that cited Wilberto Tolento v. People, a decision that settled that prescriptive period for cyber libel is 15 years “has no doctrinal value and cannot be considered as a binding precedent as it was an unsigned resolution.”

It added that it cannot disregard “the stark distinction between traditional publication and online publication” since printed articles are only published once. In online publication, they said, “the commission of such offense is continuous since the such article remains there in perpetuity unless taken down.”

“Thus, applying to the present case, the defamatory article published against Wilfredo Keng is continuously published in the Rappler website despite the lapse of one year from the time of its republication, and can still be readily consumed by anyone who has access to the cyberspace,” it said.

The CA also said that the conviction of Ressa and Santos under the Cybercrime law “is not geared towards the curtailment of the freedom

Meet the Fil-Ams working in the Biden-Harris administration...

Deputy Director of the White House Initiative on AAPIs under the ObamaBiden administration.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

My identity as a secondgeneration Filipino American was fostered while I was a college student at UCLA. I remember asking my parents to tell me about my family’s history, and they shared stories of how my relatives served in local government, my paternal

grandfather was a lawyer, and my maternal grandfather fought in World War II. I’ve come to realize that public service quite literally runs in my blood and that my ancestors paved the way for me to enter a career in government and community organizing.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris Administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

I joined the Biden-Harris administration because I believe in the President and Vice President’s vision and wanted to a play a part in building a better America for generations to come. As OPM’s White House Liaison, I’m passionate about helping build an Administration that “looks like America” and implementing OPM’s mission of being a champion of talent for the federal government. And as Filipino American appointee, I’m committed to strengthening the pipeline for diverse communities to enter public service.

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

“No history, no self. Know history, know self.” That has always been a favorite quote of mine since college.  It reminds me how Filipino American History Month is an important time to reflect on our history, uplift our stories and voices, and celebrate our heritage and culture.

Francey Lim Youngberg

Assistant Director for the Office of Partnership and Engagement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement Hometown: Sara, Iloilo

Before joining ICE, Youngberg’s experience includes intergovernmental relations, nonprofit management and grassroots organizing. She served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs and Public Engagement at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for seven years.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

Being a woman, a minority and an immigrant from the Philippines significantly impacted my life and career choices. Having grown up under martial law in the Philippines instilled in me how important it is to safeguard democratic ideals and values and to mentor the next generation of leaders to do the same. So, I became a lawyer, an advocate and a public servant.

Why did you join the BidenHarris administration, and

what does it mean as a Filipino American?

Representation at the highest levels of government is critical to the advancement of underserved and underrepresented groups like Filipino Americans. My earlier career was devoted to advocating for the advancement of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the legal profession, at the Smithsonian, in accessing basic government services, and fighting for a seat at the table where decisions are made. Having served in the Obama Administration and now the Biden-Harris Administration, I am influenced by my life experiences as I strive to ensure inclusion, transparency and accountability in government.

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

Filipino American History month should be every day –all of us who are in leadership positions should educate the American public of the Filipino

American stories that are part of the American historical narrative. When I was working at the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, we put together the Filipino American Centennial Commemoration with exhibits, public programming and educational outreach in 2006 and the exhibit traveled from 2008-2012.

Francey Lim Youngberg Assistant Director for the Office of Partnership and Engagement, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Jason Tengco, White House Liaison, U.S. Office of Personnel Management

$3B entertainment hub planned for south area of Las Vegas Strip

By REALTOR FELY QUITEVIS-BATEMAN

IN major news announced this past Spring, Las Vegas will add another jewel to the glittering skyline in the Las Vegas Strip’s southern part as a major player in building arenas in the United States unveiled plans to build a major arena, entertainment hub and casino.

The Oak View Group, according to reports, have acquired 25 acres in an area just minutes away from Harry Reid International Airport. It plans to break ground and start construction by next year, and says that the property should be operational by

2026.

As with other aspects of Sin City, this new development will cater an experience for those who can afford it.

Customers, reports claim, will be able to purchase a package for hotel and a live event, with their hotel suite key granting them access to a private club in the arena. The hotel is likely to be able to accommodate about 2,000 guests, while the 20,000-seat arena can host concerts for major music acts and even be a home to a professional sports team.

According to a Bloomberg article, Oak View Group CEO Tim Leiweke said that they are “going to go after every big event that exists” and described the experience they want their clients to have as, “It’s exclusive, it’s high-end and it will be built in a way where it’s the perfect experience for those willing to spend the money to have the greatest experience in live entertainment.”

It was revealed as well that the arena will be built to the highest specifications

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman inside the $1B Allegiant Arena in Las Vegas.

of the National Basketball Association (NBA) as the league has indicated before that it would consider adding a team in a couple of areas, including Las Vegas, should the NBA decide to expand. The arena would be an option for the NBA, although the Oak View Group is well aware that nothing is set in stone yet.

Having an NBA team would add to the allure of

Las Vegas, which already is home to professional teams in sports like women’s basketball, football, hockey, soccer and baseball. Recently, the city’s WNBA team, the Las Vegas Aces, won the WNBA Championship by defeating the Connecticut Sun in four games, which capped off a dominant season where the team went 26-10 in the regular season and was the

top seed in the playoffs.

And adding another great arena in the ever-expanding landscape of Las Vegas would be beneficial as the city has become used to hosting big events in the last few decades. Las Vegas was host to the most recent Grammy Awards, which features the world’s greatest musical acts, and will be featuring the world’s most

Russ Bateman at the Las Vegas Ballpark Arena in Summerlin.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman with former Nevada State Senator Sue Lowden, one of the owners of the 27 acres between Sahara Hotel and Turnberry Place where former NBA player Jackie Robinson will build his proposed All Net Resort & Arena along the Las Vegas Strip.

Meet the Fil-Ams working in...

Ditas Macrine Katague

Associate Director for Communications

U.S. Census Bureau

Hometown: Sacramento, CA

An expert in multiethnic outreach and civic engagement, Katague is responsible for leading internal and external communications activities of the nation’s largest statistical agency, the Census Bureau.

Prior to joining the Census Bureau, Katague was director of the California Complete Count – Census 2020 Office, the outreach and communications campaign that worked to ensure a complete population count of historically undercounted Californians.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

As a Filipino American, I am drawn to work that allows me to reach underserved populations to ensure they have a voice in decision and policy making. During my University years, I witnessed the People Power revolution

and was inspired by the power that people working together can have to impact their future. My parents both instilled a sense of service to community and encouraged me to pursue a career in public service.

Why did you join the BidenHarris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

Having the opportunity to serve the Biden-Harris Administration at the Census Bureau allows me to take the 25 years of experience leading California’s Census outreach and communications to the national level. My expertise reaching underserved populations will help connect the Administration’s policy efforts to the communities who need their voices heard – including the Filipino community. Here at the Census Bureau, I hope to be a continuous voice regarding

Veronica M. Valdez

Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense, White House Liaison

U.S. Department of Defense

Hometown: Sydney, Australia

Prior to joining the U.S. Department of Defense, Valdez’s positions include the Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs and the Commission Specialist to the Commission President at the Port of Seattle. She was the former Deputy Chief of Staff to the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force and served as the Secretary’s policy advisor during official visits to AsiaPacific, South America, and Europe.

How has being Filipino American shaped your identity and career path?

Being Filipino has always been central to my identity – speaking Tagalog, cooking and eating Filipino food, enjoying Filipino shows, and many of my close friends are Filipinos. I recall growing up going to Filipino Mass on Sundays with my family and going to Filipino Saturday school to learn about heritage and culture. We also frequently performed Filipino cultural dances

during festivals and my father was the Vice President of the Filipino Cultural Association.

Being Filipino American has been one of the main reasons that I’ve been interested in learning about Asia Pacific issues. I have a Master’s degree focused on Pacific International Affairs and my policy background has been focused on IndoPacific relations and U.S. relationships with the IndoPacific.

Why did you join the Biden-Harris administration, and what does it mean as a Filipino American?

I joined the Biden-Harris Administration because I believe in this democracy and the values this Administration upholds. I serve the BidenHarris Administration because I want to be on the right side of history and be part of the positive change that this Administration is doing on behalf of all Americans including the Filipino American community I represent. As a Filipino American in national

the disaggregation of data for our communities.

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

I am proud to have a Filipino American History Month in addition to Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. Filipino American History Month allows me to take the time to recognize and appreciate my father who immigrated to the U.S. for better education and a brighter future for his family. This month also helps highlight the path many Filipino Americans have taken and the impact they have had on the U.S.

$3B entertainment hub planned for...

PAGE 9

famous Formula 1 racecar drivers in an event scheduled for late 2023. Las Vegas will also will host the Super Bowl in 2024

Live entertainment will be a major calling card for the planned entertainment hub as one of its founders is music mogul Irving Azoff.

The planned arena is expected to attract many of today’s artists as the Oak View Group has ample experience in building venues. In fact, the Oak View Group operates places in Seattle, New York and Austin, and plans to build at least a dozen more venues.

Actually, it used to be thought that when artists’ or performers’ careers were on a downward trajectory or if they are in the last legs of their musical journey, then they would start performing or getting residencies in Las

Vegas. That is not the case today, as artists like BTS, Adele, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Celine Dion and Lionel Richie have performed in concerts or established residencies in the various major hotels in Las Vegas. The demand fueled by the influx of tourists and money in Las Vegas will only make the city’s arenas more attractive to musical acts looking to touch base with their fans and bring an experience to them like no other.

The planned arena, according to the same Bloomberg article, will be at a reported cost of $1 billion, double the amount it took to make T-Mobile Arena, which is now the home of the Las Vegas Golden Knights hockey team.

With the renovations

going on in the downtown area, and with this arena and other plans on the horizon for Las Vegas, it is a great time to consider investing in real estate property in Las Vegas and its surrounding neighborhoods. With more inventory available in the area right now due to a slowdown in sales, buyers have more options to look at and have the ability to negotiate prices with sellers.

The developments in Las Vegas will have great impact on outside neighborhoods, including Pahrump, which is about 62 miles west of the gambling and entertainment capital of the world, as more people will be looking for affordable alternatives.

The state offers great opportunities for the savvy and forward-thinking – great returns on your investments in real estate and a host of tax benefits for Nevada residents (competitive business state tax, a county sales tax of 6.75% (not on food items), and no taxes associated with estate/inheritance, franchise, gift, inventory/interstate commerce, corporate income and personal income).

I can definitely help you look for the best opportunities for real estate in Las Vegas, Pahrump and other areas. Now is the time to take advantage of deals in land and real estate properties. I have had decades of experience in helping people look for that piece of real estate heaven they want to build their special place or something that their budget can afford.

security, it is important to me to help build the diverse bench in the national security space and I am now in a position to do so.

What does Filipino American History Month mean to you?

To me, being Filipino has always been synonymous with community so Filipino American History Month means celebrating the Filipino American community. It also means honoring our heritage and history and the many contributions our community has made to this country.

Next week’s edition will feature Part II of more Fil-Am officials in the Biden-Harris administration. n

My company, Precious Properties, is a fullservice company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@ precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)

Appeals court junks Ressa cyber...

of speech, or to produce an unseemingly chilling effect on the users of cyberspace that would possibly hinder free speech.”

“On the contrary, we echo the wisdom of the Supreme Court in the Disini case that the purpose of the law is to safeguard the right of free speech, and to curb, if not totally

prevent, the reckless and unlawful use of the computer systems as a means of committing the traditional criminal offenses,” it added. Disini v. Secretary of Justice is the 2014 Supreme Court resolution that voided parts of the Cybercrime Prevention Act as unconstitutional but retained the heavier penalties for cyber libel. g

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 5384948, or send email to fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@

Ditas Macrine Katague, Associate Director for Communications, U.S. Census Bureau

Veronica M. Valdez, Special Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (White House Liaison), U.S. Department of Defense

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in part 2 of the San Diego leg of Citizen Pinoy’s ‘Your Tanong, My Sagot’

LEADING U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel visited San Diego, where he answered questions of Kapamilya based locally, and even from some coming from out-of-town.

In Part 2 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” viewers will hear answers to the following immigration concerns:

• Salvie, of National City, wants to know if there is a way to speed up the petition process so that his only son’s family can join them in the U.S.

• Fulvio, of Paradise Valley, is asking if his brother-in-law, who was petitioned by his wife in 2011, can have his interview in the U.S. since he is currently in San Diego for vacation.

• John, of Van Nuys, would like to know how he can correct his documents that all contain a fake date of birth.

• Thelma, from Chesapeake, wants to know what options are available for her 35-year-old grandson to join his parents in the U.S.

PAGE 12

YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT PART 2 IN SAN DIEGO. Leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in San Diego, in Part 2 of Citizen Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot.” Some of the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers are – From Thelma of Chesapeake: I petitioned my daughter who will soon be coming to the U.S. with her husband. My grandson was supposed to be included in the petition, but he aged out. How can my 35-year-old grandson join his parents in the U.S.?; From John of Van Nuys: My mother used a fake birth certificate for me because she was worried that I might age out. While I did not age out, the fake birth certificate was used in all my documents. I now want to petition my wife and baby but would like to naturalize first. How can I correct my documents for my naturalization?; From Salvie of National City: I petitioned my only son in 2011. Is there a way to speed up the petition process so that his family can join me here in the U.S.?; From Fulvio of Paradise Valley: My wife petitioned her brother in 2001, but until now, we have not heard from the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Is it possible to have his interview in the U.S. since he is now in San Diego on vacation? Watch Part 2 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in San Diego on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 16 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

EXPERTS predict that while the United States was basically spared from influenza the past two years, the lower flu vaccination rate that resulted in low levels of immunity and the relaxation of COVID-19 mitigating strategy could trigger a harsher flu season this winter as the cold weather makes people stay indoors. The lower flu incidence was due to the masking and distancing measures employed against COVID-19. Since new strains of the flu virus evolve season to season, the flu vaccines are reformulated each year to target the predominant strains based on monitoring data before the actual season.

So, vaccines are updated and precisely created regularly for specific flu viruses.

Long COVID

Federal statistics as of September 26, 2022, show that about 15 percent of adults who were infected with COVID-19 are now having symptoms of Long COVID. About 81 percent of these individuals suffer (a quarter of them significantly) from reduced ability to do day-to-day chores, with the limitations more among 1829 and less for those 40-49 years old. This translates to mean that more than 18 million adults in the U.S. who are experiencing Long COVID and 15 million having difficulty performing their daily functions. Long COVID is one more reason why waiting to get COVID-19 infection to achieve natural immunity, instead of getting vaccinated, is foolhardy and dangerous, with some people dying in the process.

COVID and flu shots

The bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, reformulated to target Omicron and its various subvariants currently in play, are most helpful in preventing the infection, minimizing the symptoms if one still gets infected, and reducing the hospitalization and death rates. COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna) could be mixed-and-matched, both equally good. In spite of what naysayers say, vaccines are safe and effective.

More than 5.3 billion have been administered around the globe. And with the flu season predicted to be

Health tips

worse, it behooves all of us to get the flu shot also. The two vaccines could be administered one in each arm at the same seating, if desired.

Super painful

One of the most painful conditions one can experience is that of having shingles, a dreaded disease caused by varicella zoster virus, which also causes chickenpox. The virus stays dormant in the body from previous chickenpox infection and suddenly erupts among the unvaccinated. About 30 percent of the U.S. population will have shingles at some point in their life. The very painful rash with blisters could affect one side of the face or one side of the body, along the rib cage, which could take 2 to 4 weeks to go away. Other symptoms could include fever, chills, headache, and upset stomach. About 1018 percent of these patients develop postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), nerve pains on the site of the infection after the rash has gone away even weeks later. The vaccine, Shingrix, is greater than 90 percent effective, even for those who had shingles before, given in 2 doses, two to six months apart. This is one vaccine to seriously consider having. Consult your physician about it.

Blankets and sleep

Studies have revealed that weighted blankets increase the body’s production of melatonin by 30 percent, a natural hormone that helps sleep. The research was done at Uppsala University, which also shows there was no increases in the levels of other hormones, like cortisol, oxytoxin, or sympathetic nervous system function. In the meantime, sales of weighted blankets are expected to reach $1.17 billion in 4 years.

Eating late and obesity

Eating late appears to increase the risk for weight gain and obesity, reports a new study. Late dinner, nearer bedtime, “impacts energy expenditures, appetite, and molecular pathway in adipose (fat) tissues.” It also doubles the odds of being hungry. The conventional wisdom or advice is to avoid eating late at night. Eating late could also lead to lesser weight loss among dieters, and even among those who had “weight-loss” surgery.

Eating at least 4 hours before bedtime and being physically active after eating instead of sitting on the couch, helps in energy expenditures. Obviously, midnight snacks are discouraged.

Artificial sweeteners

Are artificial sweeteners safe? This has been a decades-old question in the minds of people. These health concerns are confirmed by a new finding that links their intake to increased risk of heart disease and stroke events. This prospective French study was published in the British Medical Journal on September 7, 2022. This new research is different from previous studies on artificial sweeteners used in soft drinks. The startling and scary finding is that the amount of artificial sweetener in one can of soft drink is enough to increase the risk for such cardiovascular events. The use of artificial sweeteners is clearly linked to weight gain and heart disease. Obesity, for one, increases the risk for cancer also.

The current study involved 103,388 French adults. The sweeteners studied were aspartame (58 percent of intake), acesulfame potassium (29 percent) and sucralose (10 percent), with the other 3 percent were various other sweeteners like cyclamates and saccharin. Natural sweeteners made from Stevia leaves (Truvia, Stevia Zero, Splenda Natural Stevia, etc.) were not included in this study.

Bedtime and dementia

Sleep is vital to health, and 8 hours of a restful sleep is essential to life. But studies show that too early a bedtime (before 8 PM) and sleeping more than 8 hours may increase the risk for dementia, as shown by a clinical study of 1,982 older adults in China. This initial finding needs more independent and larger studies of various people in different countries to confirm this observation.

Sleep Apnea

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a condition where the person repeatedly goes into breath-holding, even more than 100 times a night, depriving the whole body of oxygen during each of those moments. Untreated OSA increases the risk for heart attacks, diabetes, stroke, and even cancer. The gold standard of therapy is the use

On first 100 days, questions...

nowhere near having this touted program to transform the Philippine economy and address all the systemic problems laid bare by the pandemic.”

“The people are reeling from the economic crisis, with rising inflation that has impacted food prices as their foremost concern,” they said. “The government is deep in debt, more than P13 trillion and counting. In his three months in office, Marcos Jr. has exhibited a lack of leadership, a lack of urgency on the most pressing problems and a penchant for image-building and lavish living that is grossly offensive in light of the ongoing crisis.”

“When the people call for democratic, ethical and accountable governance,” People’s Summit added, “Marcos responds with an utter lack of prudence in public spending. He has no qualms in availing expensive accommodations and bringing along a large presidential entourage in his trips abroad, while refusing to be transparent and accountable in the way he spends public funds.”

“Meanwhile, his administration is wracked by infighting, resignations and unfilled Cabinet positions,” the group observed.

The President’s recent jaunt to Singapore has been described as “insensitive” because people in Luzon were then suffering from the severity of Super Typhoon Karding. Bersamin was sharply criticized for brushing aside the “insensitivity” issue and dismissing as “irrelevant” queries about how the trip was funded.

Replying to the questions about the money spent, he said: “Wala kaming direct knowledge kung paano ang funding niyan. But I am sure if that was the trip of the President, you do not need to be too particular about where the funds were sourced. Kasi he was still performing his job as President when he was abroad, although that is not an official visit.”

“Now, whether it was a fully-[government] paid trip or not is irrelevant,” he added.

Moreover, Bersamin pointed out, “The welfare of the First Family is of concern to the state. You may not call that state visit, nonetheless, it’s not any less covered by the law that accords importance and value to the

welfare of the First Family.”

“So it’s beyond the issue,” the former chief justice said. “It’s not relevant at all to question, to ask kung sino gumastos. Basta he was doing something for us. If public funds were spent, walang problema diyan because that was also a trip undertaken for the interest of the Philippines.”

Bersamin then went on to scold the questioners: “Do not be too rigid in thinking na hindi mo dapat gastusan ng taxes, kung ginamit. You have the obligation to secure, to ensure that the President travels safely. Whose obligation is that? The government’s.”

Seemingly on second thought, the executive secretary clarified: “I’m not saying na ang ginastos nya puro public funds. No, I’m not. May kakayahan si Presidente na magbiyahe nang ganun sa sarili.”

Further defending Marcos Jr.’s trip, Bersamin bragged that other bigwigs also attended the Formula 1 Grand Prix event.

“What’s so insensitive about it? Alam niyo kung sino ‘yung mga nanuod doon? Mga ministers din tulad niya. He was even higher than all of them. It is something that would attract big people in other countries in Asia. The President was not the only dignitary there.”

Bersamin even speculated that Marcos Jr. “must have been invited [by the Singapore prime minister] because his presence might have added there some suspense and intrigue and some importance to that event.”

“Alam ninyo, our President naging matinee idol eh,” Bersamin gushed before the reporters. “His presence in an event like that will be well appreciated and he might have attracted more audience. It’s not immodest, it’s not contrary to morals; private time yan. ”

This is a former chief justice of our highest tribunal. Now that he’s executive secretary, how effusively he talks about his boss. (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.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers...

Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in the second installment of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from San Diego

and adjacent areas. Watch this encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 16 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers),

right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

Salvie (left) and Fulvio (right) ask their questions during the Citizen Pinoy “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in San Diego.

John (right) and Thelma (left) get answers to their immigration questions from Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel.

Documentary on International Cooperation for Peace in Mindanao, the Philippines to Premiere in New York

NEW YORK – A documentary about international efforts for peacebuilding will be screened on October 15. Titled “HWPL Great Legacy,” the film describes the resolution of conflict in Mindanao, the Philippines. The historic event will also provide fun and entertainment, with cultural performances from the Island Gems and musical artists including Broadway Barkada and YouTube sensation Bryan Magsayo. Attendees also have a shot at winning tickets to see the hit band Aegis.

New York Society for Ethical Culture’s Adler Hall, which seats 800 people, will be the event venue. Guests will include media, religious leaders and civil society leaders from New York City’s Filipino community.

The documentary was produced by SMV Media Group, a broadcast company based in South Korea, in collaboration with Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), a non-governmental organization advocating for peace affiliated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications and the Economic and Social Council. The film is being screened at a time when it is becoming increasingly necessary to promote peace.

HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee mediated a civilian peace agreement signed by Archbishop Emeritus Fernando Capalla and Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto” G.

Mangudadatu on January 14, 2014. Before an audience of 300 people, the representatives promised to cooperate in ceasing conflict and building peace.

The peace agreement became the starting point for HWPL in raising awareness about peace in the Philippines. HWPL’s global initiatives include developing an international law for peace, interfaith harmony and peace education.

In the documentary, Martin Lee Hojian, former chairperson of the United Nations Human Rights Commission, praised HWPL and the Filipino people who had a passion for peace. Nabil Tirmage, Asia Pacific Broadcasting Development Organization program manager, said the peace agreement signed in 2014 is an “amazing case of realization of peace that the world should study.”

“The establishment of peace in Mindanao was a global task and required constructive intervention from the international community,” said an HWPL official. “In particular, it will be possible to understand through this documentary film that the efforts at the private sector, like HWPL in Mindanao, are the foundation for peace.”

The event is free for all New York locals. To RSVP before tickets run out, email greatlegacypeace@gmail.com or scan the Eventbrite QR code on the event flyer. g

Bea’s birthday plans, wish, outlook on life as she turns 35

By AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

WHILE she no longer obsesses over what other people think of her, it would still be hypocritical of her, Bea Alonzo said, if she said online bashing doesn’t hurt her.

“I don’t want to be a hypocrite. Sometimes, I get hurt. Because I’m only human. Sometimes, they just see a face or hear a name. But they don’t realize that it’s an actual person they’re throwing hurtful words at… a person who has emotions and gets hurt,” she said at her recent solo press conference for “Start-Up PH”.

And when the vitriol does get into her, Bea doesn’t try to fight the pain; she allows herself to feel it. “Whenever that happens, I let myself get hurt. You can’t just shake it off. You have your own process [on how to deal with it],” she

National Artist Ricky Lee feeling more like a ‘title’ than a ‘person’

By AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

WHILE he’s thankful for being named National Artist for Film, screenwriter Ricardo “Ricky” Lee admitted that he’s still getting used to the attention that comes with it.

These days, he feels more like a “title” than a “person.”

“I have been receiving lots of invitations to be a juror, a commencement speaker, this and that. And whenever I go out, I get shy about all the attention,” he said at a recent press conference for the Viva Films romantic

drama “May-December-January,” which opened in cinemas on Oct. 12.

“I used to be happy being recognized by only a few people. ‘Eto, nakilala ako. Eto, ‘di ako nakilala. I liked that mystery. But now that’s going away. Marami na ang lumalapit… Parang nawala ang sarili ko, napalitan ng title,” he added.

Crafting stories

But that doesn’t take away the happiness he feels about being bestowed such an honor. Because it’s not only his; he dedicates it to all his fellow writers in the industry who remain largely invisible. “I’m very happy because it (award) also focused the attention on the writers—not just me,” he pointed out.

“So while I feel uncomfortable about the attention. I keep reminding myself that it’s not just about me but writers in general. And I should be happy for them, for all of us,” said the acclaimed director, who collaborated with director Mac Alejandre and lead actress Andrea del Rosario for the aforementioned movie.

Asked if the National Artist award has, in any way, impacted the way he crafts stories and screenplays, Lee said that his core as an artist is unchanged. “The things happening around me won’t change what’s inside me. In whatever I write, it’s me who comes out,” he said.

“Sometimes, people tease me when my name flashes on a trailer and it says National Artist. But I don’t think it will change how I make films. I will just keep growing as a filmmaker,” Lee added. g

What makes Andrea nervous and ‘think of running away from the set’

By AllAn PolicArPio Inquirer.net

you harm. You don’t want to welcome that kind of energy,” she said. The 34-yearold actress also welcomes feedback from people who have her best interests.

“I’m fine with criticisms that come from people who I know genuinely care about me, like my fans. They’re comfortable telling me if there’s something they don’t like about the projects I do or the career decisions I make. And they say it in the most loving way because they love [me],” she pointed out.

AT 44, Andrea del Rosario is perfectly content being a character actress. Never did she imagine that, at this point in her life and career, she would still get offers to play a lead role in a movie.

“I’m in my mid 40s now. I have been in the industry for

almost 30 years. I did beauty pageants. I tried public service. So these days, I’m happy to get whatever role, big or small,” she said at a recent media conference for her new romance drama film, “May-December-January,” which opened in cinemas on Oct. 12.

“I was very happy, of course, when I was given this

project. And of course, I got nervous. My last lead role in a movie (‘Lupe’ in 2003) was a gazillion years ago,” she quipped. “But I knew this would be a wonderful project, so I gave my full trust.”

Produced by Viva Films, “May-December-January” is directed by Mac Alejandre

Health tips...

Criticisms

There are valid, constructive criticisms. The rest is just noise. And through the years Bea has learned to discern one from the other. “I try to focus on the criticisms that I know will help me, because there is noise that you don’t really need in your life. And those could only do

She’s not perfect after all. “I have made many mistakes. There are many things I’m not good at. But that’s OK,” she said. “But I always try to protect my energy,” she said.

Bea knows that news about her participation in the GMA 7 adaptation of the South Korean series “StartUp” was initially met with

of Continuous Positive Air Pressure machine during sleep. The positive pressure keeps the tongue and the soft (palate) tissue in the tonsillar area from collapsing and blocking the airway. Even snoring stops. Various nose and mouth gadgets being marketed as anti-snore devices are all useless and a waste of money. Not to mention dangerous because of the false sense of security they provide, delaying genuine medical diagnosis and treatment. Some people have died in bed from OSA. A Sleep Study confirms the diagnosis and is needed for Medicare coverage for a CPAP machine every five years.

main objective of this column is to educate

and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Bea Alonzo Photo from Instagram/@beaalonzo

Ricky Lee Inquirer.net photo said.

Here’s all the Filipino talent at this year’s New York City Wine & Food Festival

by MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPress

FILIPINO foodies and gourmands in the tri-state area are in for a treat this weekend as New York’s most renowned culinary festival takes over the Big Apple. The muchawaited Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival (NYCWFF) is making a grand comeback with a range of events to celebrate its 15th anniversary from October 13-16, 2022.

While there were only a handful of Filipino chefs participating in previous events, this year’s NYCWFF is proud of its number crop of Filipino talents participating. The Festival, which encompasses more than 80 events, is steadfast in its mission to “EAT. DRINK. FEED NYC.” while generating awareness for the host non-profit, God’s Love We Deliver, New York City’s leading provider of medically tailored meals and nutrition counseling for individuals

living with severe illness.

“This year’s event offers a variety of opportunities for fans and the industry to come together and celebrate,” noted Festival Founder & Director Lee Brian Schrager.

“In addition to a lineup anchored by renowned chefs along with beloved culinary and lifestyle personalities, the 15th annual Festival will be our most diverse lineup to date.”

NYCWFF is widely recognized as the largest wine and food festival in

New York. Among the 80 events happening at this epic gastronomic celebration are a variety of walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, pier parties, master classes, and brunches will take place at locations across the cityfrom the Intrepid on Pier 86 to Industry City in Brooklyn to the new Hard Rock Hotel in Times Square.

Some of the events like dinners hosted by celebrity chefs like Rocco DiSpirito, Michael Symon and Jonathan Waxman, Jean-Georges and Cedric Vongerichten, and Manet Chauhan, Leah Cohen, and Amanda Freitag are already sold out but tickets to some select events are still available online at nycwff.org.

Among the Filipino talents and businesses to watch out for are Angie Ampil (Upland), Leah Cohen (Pig & Khao), Janice de Castro (Keyks), Dawn Estrada (Cake Jars), Augelyn Francisco (Kabisera), Francis Jereza (fuku), Kert Ladoce (The Boiis Co), Manila Luzon, Dennis Mendoza (Swell Dive), Joe

Musngi (smoKING of meats), Rivy-Major Oponda (The Boiis Co), Aaron Troy Ortega (The Boiis Co), and Edie Ugot (Sidney’s Five).

Kaiser’s Francisco and the triumvirate from The Boiis Co are bringing their delectable desserts to the forefront at the 15th Anniversary Dessert Party presented by Remy Martin. It’s a throwback to Sweet, NYCWFF’s first event which brought together the coolest, classiest, most beautiful, and over-the-top desserts in NYC. This event is scheduled for Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel’s The Venue on Music Row.

“I’m showcasing our taho,” Francisco told the Asian Journal. “Becoming a part of the NYCWFF is beyond my expectations and I think it will open a big door for me and Kaiser.”

Rivy-Major Oponda of The Boiis Co will be highlighting their classic Mochi Filled Cookies in Ube, Matcha, Salted Caramel, Apple Cider, and Black Sesame.

Dinner

Ultimate

Grand

ABSOLUT

Backyard

by

by Dario

Andrew

Angie Ampil (Upland)

Manila Luzon

Leah Cohen (Pig & Khao)

Edie Ugot (Sidney’s Five)

Dawn Estrada (Cake Jars)

Augelyn Francisco (Kabisera)

Aaron

Ortega

Francis Jereza (fuku)

Joe Musngi (smoKING of meats)

Janice de Castro (Keyks)

What makes Andrea...

and written by National Artist for Film Ricky Lee. It follows Claire (Andrea), a single mother who wholeheartedly loves and accepts his gay son, Pol (Gold Aceron). Later on, they find out that they’re in love with the same man.

Pol is in love with his best friend, Migoy, (Kych Minemoto). But he’s forced to hide his feelings while he wraps his head around this love affair that involves two people he deeply cares about.

‘More mature’

Show biz is a place that puts a premium on youth. But Andrea is glad to see that new material and concepts are being written for actresses who are deemed “more mature.”

“I was in a workshop recently. And as the older actresses talked about their feelings and sentiments about the industry they said that there aren’t enough roles for them. I’m actually younger than them, but I will get there one day. But I’m happy to see more material being given to older actresses. And I hope writers like Sir Ricky Lee can continue doing that,” she told the Inquirer.

While she’s no stranger to intimate scenes, it has been a long while since she did one. She’s now a mother of a 12-yearold girl. She sat as vice mayor of Calatagan, Batangas from 2016 to 2019. And the bulk of her recent projects were soaps. She needed to reshift her “mindset.”

“I would be a hypocrite if I said I didn’t think twice, get nervous or think about running away from the set… I tried other things like public service. And doing love scenes again… I had to change my mindset. It was hard. But then I was reminded: ‘You’re an actress. And when you’re an actress, your job is to arrive on the set knowing your script and execute the director’s vision to the best of your ability,” she said.

And with Alejandre and Lee at the helm, she knew she would be in good hands. “It was just a matter of trust… I knew they had my best interests at heart and that they would make the film beautiful,” she said.

Andrea was also thankful to her younger costars who made sure she was comfortable on the set. “It was actually the other way around. I have been doing teleseryes and then boom, I have to do an intimate scene. Kych took care of me. I feel so lucky because they’re such old souls and so professional,” he said of Kych and Gold.

Future plans

The film is a simple love triangle at its core. “No frills and gimmicks,” Lee said. And that’s exactly what makes the role difficult.

“

Direk had to recalibrate my acting because most of my recent roles were for soap operas. The intensity and style are different,” Andrea pointed out. “The simpler the scene is the more challenging it is because you have no margin of error… Your flaws get magnified.”

Andrea has plans of relocating to the United States in the future. But for now, acting is the focus. “I always live in the now. As long as I get jobs and offers, I will continue to work. I don’t want to look too far ahead,” she said. “I might be based in Chicago. But even then, I will still probably go back and forth, like some artists do.”

“I don’t think I can completely leave the Philippines and showbiz,” she said. g

Here’s all the Filipino talent at this...

“We feel absolutely thrilled and honored to be even considered to be a part of this event. Being surrounded by such amazing and creative people is truly inspiring,” Oponda said. “We strive to continue in bringing Filipino Culture, flavors, and sharing our creations as we go.”

Two chefs - Francis Jereza and Joe Musngi - are part of Backyard BBQ, presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats hosted by Dario Cecchini and Andrew Zimmern.

Jereza is the Director of Culinary at Fuku, the fried chicken joint from David Chang. After graduating from The International Culinary Center in 2015, Francis developed his culinary chops at Rotisserie Georgette before joining the Fuku team in 2018. Born and raised in the Philippines, Francis draws from both Asian and American influences in crafting Fuku’s menu of epically spicy, crispy, and saucy fried chicken.

Musngi on the other hand is an accountant by day and a smoked meat aficionado by night. He started SmoKING of meats amid the pandemic after he fell in love with woodfire cooking when he smoked his first brisket for extended family Father’s Day in 2020.

“With family being from Pampanga, cooking has always been part of my life and I now do my best to use American BBQ as a vessel to highlight the wonderful flavors of my Filipino culture,” he said.

Since its inception in late 2020, its operation has grown from serving dozens a week with a backyard smoker, to hundreds at Smorgasburg Jersey City. His team recently took home the 2022 NYC Brisket King title over at Pig Beach in Brooklyn. Musngi

Bea’s birthday plans, wish...

skepticism. “But that’s understandable,” she said. “The original Korean title has many fans, myself included. And it’s only natural for them to feel that no one else could play the characters they love, because the actors were so good,” she said.

The Kapuso star took it as a challenge. “I’m still grateful because it compelled me to think about how I can give the character a different flavor. And I’m happy it resonated with the Philippine audience. Our efforts are appreciated. The different twists that we gave the characters are recognized in a positive way,” she said.

It’s said that art imitates life, Bea said. And

“Start-Up PH” is a fitting show to start her journey as a GMA 7 artist. “I’m starting a new chapter in my life here. Dani is out there to reach her dreams and to prove that she’s capable. She has lots of goals. In that regard I can relate to her. I love her fighting spirit,” she said.

Living in the moment

It has been a year since her transfer. And she can safely say that — with the help of her costars like Alden Richards and Yasmien Kurdi — she finally feels more settled in her new home network.

Bea is turning 35 on Oct. 17. But she has no plans for big celebrations. “Walang pasabog,” she quipped. After all her hard work in the past

hopes to continue with the momentum by opening a brick and mortar sometime in the near future.

Backyard BBQ is one of NYCWFF’s signature events beloved by fans made more special by three-time James Beard Award-winning chef and host of Bizarre Foods, Zimmern and acclaimed, eighth-generation Italian butcher Cecchini joining forces with the city’s best barbecue joints. This event is on Sunday at The Intrepid on Pier 86.

Leah Cohen, the chef and owner of acclaimed New York City restaurants, Pig & Khao on the Lower East Side, and its newly-opened sister restaurant, Piggyback NYC, in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood partnered with her friends Maneet Chauhan and Amanda Freitag for a sold-out dinner on Thursday.

Born in Los Angeles, Chef Angie Ampil spent most of her childhood in Manila, Philippines. She moved back to California and majored in Finance and Economics at Santa Clara University before beginning her culinary journey. Since then, Chef Angie has perfected her culinary skills across the

country through a variety of roles including Tournant, Sous Chef, Private Chef, and Task Force Executive Chef.

Chef Angie started with Upland NY as Sous Chef in 2017 before moving to Upland Miami as Executive Sous Chef. Chef Angie rejoined the Upland NY team in early 2021 as Chef de Cuisine. We were proud to promote Chef Angie to Executive Chef in February of this year.

Ampil is part of the Ultimate Pizza Party hosted by “Cake Boss” and owner of Las Vegas pizza joint Buddy V’s Ristorante Buddy Valastro this Saturday at Fornino in Brooklyn Bridge Park where gorgeous waterfront views are expected to be upstaged by the aroma of freshly baked pies.

Among the celebrated chefs slated to take the stage in front of a live audience at the Festival’s 135,000 sq. ft. culinary playground, Grand Tasting featuring Culinary Demonstrations presented by Liebherr Appliances at Hudson River Park’s Pier 76 are Robert Irvine, Andrew Zimmern, Carla Hall, Duff Goldman, Alex Guarnaschelli, Marcus Samuelsson, Geoffrey Zakarian, Katie Lee, and Anne Burrell.

couple of months, all she really wants to have is some quiet time for herself.

“

Matutulog ako. I have been very busy these days. And I’m not complaining—I feel very, very blessed. But with everything that has been happening I feel like it would be nice to take a pause. On my birthday I just want to read books, watch series and films I love,” said Bea, who plans to fly to her family to Spain soon.

“My mom and family will be there with me. We will be taking care of my apartment there,” she said. “Wellness is a priority. We need to take care of our well-being. And I’m thankful to GMA who is considerate when it comes to these things.”

And when she returns, a new soap awaits. She’s also set to do movies. But she can’t go into detail just yet.

Joining this array of star chefs for both days of the Grand Tasting is Chef Janice de Castro of Keyks. Chef Jae, as she is fondly called, spent the majority of her career as a marketing and communications director in the financial and professional services world. It was not until she decided to become a stay-at-home mom did she realize her love for dessert making.

Keyks is known for their Twinkie-inspired desserts called Keyks, Kukis, and childhood treats made in a more “delicious fashion” to bring a higher level of childhood nostalgia to people’s palates and hearts. Chef Jae’s innovative products and flavor pairings are inspired by our Filipino roots, memorable everyday experiences, and travels.

And if you’re a fan of Manila Luzon, you can catch her at the ABSOLUT Drag Brunch on Saturday, Oct. 15. This popular festival event is back, hosted by actor Neil Patrick Harris and chef David Burtka, along with and featuring “Drag Race” contestants Manila Luzon and Latrice Royal as well as local queens Essences, Hibiscus and Marti Cummings. g

What’s her birthday wish? “Positivity,” she said, laughing. “I have nothing more to wish for, because so many good things have already happened in my life. I just hope they continue. And I hope to deliver what people expect from me.”

Bea admitted that she has a tendency to take things too seriously. But now she tries her best to let go and just live in the moment.

“When I was younger I felt like I always had something to prove. I always thought I wasn’t good enough. I always felt I was rushing,” she said.

“But in this new chapter of newfound opportunities, I gained more confidence,” Bea added. “I know that life can be fleeting — as what the pandemic taught us. So I just want to enjoy the moment… and be kind to myself. We don’t know what will happen next.” g

The official Instagram account of the NYCWFF posted that Filipino desserts like taho from Kabisera will be served at the 15th Anniversary Dessert Party of NYCWFF.

Gelo Honrade of Cafe Salmagundi atttends Battle of the Boroughs: A Cocktail Showdown at last year’s NYCWFF Photos courtesy of NYCWFF