102822 - New York & New Jersey Edition

White House hosts Fil-Am History Month celebration

by KLARIZE MEDENILLA AJPress

TO commemorate Filipino American History Month (FAHM), Filipino American community leaders and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) hosted a virtual celebration

highlighting the positive historical impact of the vast Filipino American community.

In mostly pre-recorded segments shared in the virtual event on Thursday, Oct. 20, the White House event brought together artists, community leaders, Filipino American White House officials, and other advocates who highlighted historical milestones and current issues of the Filipino American community.

Jason Tengco, the White House Liason for the Office of Personnel Management), emceed the virtual event and shared a statement from President Joe Biden, saying, “When Filipino American history is preserved and shared, the millions of Filipino Americans [who] helped build this country can see themselves in the story of America.”  (Neither Biden nor Vice President Kamala

Harris were present at the event.)

Filipinos are the second-largest Asian subgroup in the United States, and as of the most recent Census Bureau data, 4.2 million Filipinos live in the U.S. — and that population continues to grow.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the Filipino American National Historical

Blind

rights lawyer running

Ollie Cantos has been Special Assistant

U.S.

by JOHN ERIC MENDOZA Inquirer.net

MANILA — Starting November 1,  an eArrival Card will be required for all inbound travelers arriving in the country instead of the One Health Pass (OHP), the Department of Health (DOH) said in an advisory on Friday, October 21.

DOH said this was done to “streamline arrival requirements for our travelers.”

Arriving travelers should register for an eArrival Card within 72 hours prior to their departure via onehealthpass.com.ph or by scanning a QR code that could be found on the DOH website.

Rights (OCR) since 1990.

has been

since the start of the COVID pandemic.

In a statement on Friday, the Department of Tourism (DOT) also welcomed the development, saying the idea was proposed by the tourism

Pacquiao announces

return

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday, October 20 said his administration will remain an advocate of peace-building initiatives both domestically and internationally.

“As your President, you must be assured that this administration will always advocate for peace and for unity. Domestically, we will strengthen our peace-building efforts, especially in conflict-affected areas. Externally, we will continue to pursue the enhancement of our relations with all our neighbors toward ensuring security,

by GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

MANILA — Several lawmakers from the House of Representatives have backed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s policy allowing the voluntary use of face masks even in indoor settings, with some saying that this rule has

long been overdue.

In a statement on Tuesday, October 25, Quezon 3rd District Rep. Reynan Arrogancia said that the Philippines is already long overdue for a voluntary masking protocol amid the COVID-19 pandemic — except in crowded areas,

politics

by PAOLO ROMERO Philstar.com

MANILA — Former senator and world boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has expressed his intention to return to politics, citing his “passion” to serve the people.

who ran for president last May,

published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

by Joey O. Razon

Former senator and world boxing icon Manny Pacquiao Philstar.com

Politicians among ‘persons of interest’ in Percy Lapid slay

by Franco Jose c. Baroña , William B. Depasupil anD Francis earl cueto ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) chief said on Monday, October 24 there are 160 persons of interest or possible suspects, including the chief of the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), in the killing of radio commentator Percival Mabasa, more popularly known as Percy Lapid.

PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said the list also includes politicians and police and military personalities. He did not identify them.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame, Azurin said that the personalities were among those who were criticized by Mabasa in his program.

He said that since 2021 Mabasa had censured 600 personalities, but only 160 of them could be considered persons of interest.

Asked if BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag was one of them, Azurin said, “Oo, kasama siya (Yes, he is included).”

Bantag was suspended last week following the

death of an inmate in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), Crisanto Villamor Jr.

Villamor was identified by confessed killer Joel Escorial as the middleman who hired him to take out Mabasa.

The NBP records indicate that Villamor died of acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis.

Azurin said Villamor could have provided vital information that could identify the mastermind in the Mabasa slay.

Villamor died on October 18, a day after Escorial surrendered to authorities.

“It’s too much of a coincidence. It’s an unfortunate incident, but the timing is questionable,” Azurin said.

He doubted the report that Villamor died in his sleep sometime at noon.

He said the crowded and sweltering conditions at the NBP made it difficult for an inmate to take a noonday nap.

“We were almost there, isn’t it? We have the

triggerman, we have the pieces of evidence, and we were almost there to talk to the middleman, and this happened,” Azurin said.

Mabasa hosted an online broadcast program “Percy Lapid Fire” at DWBL 1242 and was a columnist for the Hataw tabloid.

He was shot while on his way home in Las Piñas City on October 3.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed on Monday that Bantag was a person of interest in the Mabasa case.

“He has already been preventively suspended, and we have a structural inquiry on how things are being run. Let’s not preempt anything,” Remulla said.

“We are trying to get all the data possible, validate the evidence. I trust the NBI [National Bureau of Investigation], they work together with the PNP to come out with a quick solution, and at least

PAGE 4

White House hosts Fil-Am History Month...

Society (FANHS) first officially observed October as FAHM in 1992 to coincide with the first arrival of Filipinos in the 16th century and the birth month of labor leader Larry Itliong.

In 2009, former President Barack Obama became the first sitting president to acknowledge October as FAHM. In 2015, the White House celebrated its first official FAHM celebration, as previously reported by the Asian Journal

The event opened up with a recording of rapper Ruby Ibarra, who has been a vocal proponent for Filipino American issues, especially the representation of Filipinos in mainstream American culture.

The celebration then introduced panels of government officials and community leaders who spoke about the growing significance of the Filipino American community throughout history.

“Our numbers are significant enough that we cannot be overlooked as one tiny bit of the population,” said Nani Coloretti, deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, who is the highest-ranking Fil-Am in the current administration. “We are everywhere. And so the role Filipino Americans can play in this very diverse country is really to lead and to lead with values first.”

The White House consists of several Filipino American officials, including Gina Ortiz Jones, the Department of Defense’s undersecretary of the Air Force.

Ortiz Jones shared her Filipino family’s long legacy of military service and emphasized that her family motivated her to pursue public service as a Filipina lesbian.

“On my day-to-day, when I lead, I think about the fact that I’m honored to be the first woman of color to serve as an Under

Secretary of any military department, the first out lesbian to serve as an Under Secretary of any military department,” Ortiz Jones, who is also an Iraq war veteran, said during the panel discussion, adding that she “certainly” wants “to make sure I’m not the last.”

In terms of learning about Filipino American history, many guests highlighted how scant Filipino American history actually is in American classrooms. Despite Filipinos being integral to the U.S. military, conversations about American imperialism, and the labor movement, Filipinos are largely left out of history books.

“We’re part of U.S. history, but we’re not,” said Luisa Blue, a member of the President’s Advisory Commission on AANHPI issues.

In more recent times, Filipinos have been integral to the tech and entertainment workforces, essential contributors in medicine and hospitality, and the small business sector — an exclusion made starker by the recent attacks on Asians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When you have unfortunate instances like the rash of anti-AAPI hate, hopefully, the telling our stories encourages people to see how critical our contributions have been to this country,” Ortiz Jones said.

But despite the disturbing uptick in violence toward Asian Americans, there have been recent milestones in Filipino American representation, which all panelists and guests agreed helps bring the Filipino American community out of the shadows and places our issues on the front lines.

“When Fil-Ama have a seat at the table, everyone benefits,” California’s first Filipino American Attorney General Rob Bonta said. “It’s not just about having a seat at the table; it’s about using our seat. The  manongs and  manangs – they didn’t sit idly by, and neither should we.” g

PH to replace One Health...

agency  “amidst numerous complaints from inbound travelers to the Philippines.”

“Prior to the adoption of the new eARRIVAL CARD, travelers were required to register for the OHP a few days before their travel and

accomplish the electronic Health Declaration Checklist (eHDC) on the day of departure,” the DOT said.

“Compared to the previous OHP system, the eARRIVAL CARD also removes unnecessary information fields,” the DOT also added. g

RAINY RIDE. Motorcycle riders wear raincoats to shield them from the heavy downpour along Pedro Gil Street in Manila on Tuesday. Oct. 25. Most parts of the country will continue to experience scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to the intertropical convergence zone.

PNA photo by

Blind Fil-Am civil rights...

Cantos is also the board chairman of the disability rights organization RespectAbility, the first disabled Asian American to chair a national disability group.

Blind since birth (he has no vision in his left eye and can barely see from his right eye), he is the son of Filipino immigrants. He grew up in West Covina from his preschool years and was the victim of daily bullying and taunts by other kids.

Overcoming many obstacles, he became active in the civil rights arena as attorney mentor for the American Bar Association Commission on Disability Rights, vice president of the Virginia Association of Parents of Blind Children, and member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. He was named ABC News Person of the Week, for his advocacies.

Cantos also had leadership roles at the Disability Rights Legal Center, the American Association of People with Disabilities, and the Justice Department’s Office of the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights.

Cantos adopted blind Colombia-born triplets, Leo, Nick, and Steven, all of whom have become distinguished Eagle Scouts, survived COVID-19 together. (Inquirer.net)

Lawmakers back Marcos Jr. policy on voluntary...

mass transportation, and healthcare facilities.

Instead of stringent masking protocols, Arrogancia said that the health authorities should focus on providing the public bivalent COVID-19 vaccines, or shots that are believed to provide better protection against the dominant Omicron variant.

“Our country is long overdue for relaxing the safety protocols. The COVID bulletins show the factual and evidentiary bases of the pandemic spread being severely limited despite the detection of new variants,” he said.

“What the country needs is more of the bivalent booster vaccine supplies, availability, and accessibility to anyone who wants them,” he added.

Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua aired the same sentiments, saying that it seems health officials are “overly cautious”.

According to Chua, there is a need to lift the mask mandate as the country opens tourism sites and educational institutions.

“Health authorities seem to be unnecessarily overly cautious and have needlessly delayed further relaxing of Alert Level One public health safety protocols. They should instead make more of the bivalent booster vaccines available and readily accessible now and more so in the coming weeks. The boosters are the better alternative to mask-wearing,” he said.

“It would be better to get bivalent boosted than to always have to wear face masks,” he added.

Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co meanwhile stated that the relaxed masking protocols would lead to improved public health and a higher output for the economy.

“The lifting of some mask mandates indoors I believe is quite justified.

Further calibrated lifting of COVID

restrictions plus the economic impact of the 2022 and 2023 national budgets will result in more economic growth,” Co said.

“With the continuing reopening of the economy and lifting of COVID restrictions, I expect gross domestic product or GDP  to further improve in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2022,” he claimed.

Just a little over a month after he made the wearing of face masks optional in uncrowded outdoor settings, Marcos is slated to make masking indoors voluntary too.

In a press briefing earlier, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco said that the President would make outdoor masking optional, as stated during Tuesday’s cabinet meeting.

However, she said that wearing of face masks will still be highly encouraged for unvaccinated individuals, persons with comorbidities, and senior citizens. g

Pacquiao announces plan to return...

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disclosed his political plans when he and K-pop superstar Sandara Park were guests at the South Korean weekly variety “Knowing Bros” on Saturday, October 22.

“I joined (the presidential race) because I want to instill discipline in our people. When it comes to corruption, I want to curb corruption and then for our country to progress,” Pacquiao said in Filipino when asked by one of the hosts of the show, which features a high school classroom setting.

Park translated the questions for Pacquiao, who was also

asked by host and comedian Kim Young Chul if he wanted to enter politics again.

“It’s (political plan) still there. My passion to help people is still there,” the former senator and retired boxing champion said. Portions of the show can be viewed on YouTube.

Pacquiao, the only boxer who won 12 major world titles in eight weight divisions, is in Korea to promote his charity fight with Korean martial artist DK Yoo set on Dec. 10. Proceeds from the bout, he added, would be set aside for livelihood projects for the poor in the country. g

Marcos vows to... Politicians among ‘persons of interest’...

addressing global issues, and facilitating now the postpandemic growth addressing climate change and all the existential challenges that our country faces,” Marcos said in his speech during the commemoration of the 78th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landing in Palo Leyte.

The President said the event should serve as a reminder of the human and economic cost of wars.

“Seventy-eight years ago, these shores were witness to the horrors and bloodshed brought by the worst mankind could bring. Now, we revisit its sands and wash them anew with the goodness that we are all capable of,” he said.

The President urged Filipinos to remember the courage and heroism demonstrated by their compatriots who fought valiantly with Allied forces to secure freedom for the country.

“They who have fought and died in and for this land will have their names forever etched in the pages of history,” Marcos said, adding he is committed to upholding

veterans’ welfare.

This year’s commemoration of the event was titled “Peace Eternal: Lesson Learned from the Vestiges of World War 2.”

Also held during the occasion was the recognition of 33 surviving World War 2 veterans from Eastern Visayas, 17 of which reside in Leyte, according to the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office.

The Leyte Gulf Landings was the prelude to the largest naval battle in recorded history that nullified Japan’s strategic position in the Pacific Ocean during the Second World War.

It was on Oct. 20, 1944, when Gen. Douglas MacArthur, together with former president Sergio Osmena and Gen. Carlos P. Romulo set foot on Philippine soil for the first time they left Corregidor in 1942.

The Leyte Gulf Landings was the fulfillment of MacArthur’s famous words, “I shall return,” after he left the Philippines for Australia to muster support for the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation.

(By Catherine S. Valente/ ManilaTimes.net)

2

satisfactory answers to all the questions we have on our mind,” he said.

The BuCor supervises and manages the NBP.

The broadcaster’s brother, Roy Mabasa, said the family will sit down with their lawyers to discuss the filing of charges against Bantag.

“We will evaluate if that would be useful on our side since nobody has yet corroborated the involvement of Bantag,” he said.

Remulla said Dr. Raquel Fortun has agreed to do a second autopsy on Villamor, as requested by the Mabasa family.

He also dismissed the claim of Southern Police District chief BGen. Kirby John Kraft that the case has been solved because the suspects have been identified and have been charged.

“We cannot close the case until we know the details, and we have the proper testimonies in place,” Remulla said. “We have not stopped studying all

possibilities.”

On Monday, October 24 the Department of Justice (DoJ) started its preliminary investigation of the murder charge against Escorial.

Charged along with Escorial were brothers Israel and Edmund Dimaculangan and a certain “Orlando.” All three are at large.

The complaint was filed by the PNP Criminal

Investigation and Detection Group and Roy Mabasa.

“They planned and executed the same upon inducement or order of a certain Crisanto Palana Villamor, also known as “Idoy,” who promised to pay them P550,000. Moreover, alias Orly/Orlando and Dimaculangan brothers joined Escorial because a certain Christopher

Bacoto, also known as Jerry Sandoval, talked to his companions to help him in killing Percy Lapid,” the DoJ said.

Bacoto has been identified as the second middleman in the Mabasa killing. He is said to be in the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Remulla said he “cannot comment on the guilt or innocence” of Bantag and those who are being investigated by the police.

It was also learned that Social Welfare and Development Secretary Erwin Tulfo was scheduled to meet with Remulla on Monday to discuss the possibility of putting at least three persons under the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP) in relation to the Mabasa case.

The DoJ earlier said Escorial could end up as a state witness if he qualifies for the WPP.

The Manila Times also learned that Villamor’s sister is one of the persons being considered as a state witness. g

Blind since birth, civil rights lawyer Ollie Cantos is running for West Covina City Council in District 4. Inquirer.

TIGHTLY GUARDED. Policemen escort Joel Salve Escorial, the gunman in the killing of veteran broadcaster Percy Lapid, as he attends the preliminary investigation of the murder complaint filed against him at the Department of Justice on Monday, Oct. 24, 2022.

Photo by Rene H. Dilan

OFEATURES PINION

Fighting the new COVID strains

Epidemiologists note that XBC is a combination of the BA.2 sublineage of the Omicron and Delta variants. Both are highly transmissible. Delta caused more severe infections and a far higher number of deaths last year, although health experts attributed this to the COVID vaccination coverage still not widespread enough when the variant entered the country.

XBB and XBC, however, are proving to be more evasive to both natural and vaccine immunity. The virus strains have caused rapid COVID spikes recently in countries with high vaccination rates such as Singapore. Several governments are considering the return of mask mandates to contain the transmission.

While the fully boosted and vaccinated get more protection from XBB and XBC, the vulnerable sectors – the immune-

compromised, those with comorbidities and the weak elderly – can still suffer serious infection, especially if unvaccinated, and death is still possible. There is also the risk of developing debilitating long COVID even for mild infections.

Fortunately, as in the spread of the highly contagious Omicron, the world has weapons against the new COVID strains. Bivalent vaccines are now available, specifically targeting the Omicron mutations. Last Aug. 31, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an amended emergency use authorization for the COVID vaccines of Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech. The amended EUA allows bivalent formulations of the vaccines for use as a single booster dose within at least two months after primary or booster vaccination. The second generation Pfizer bivalent booster is allowed

for ages 12 and older; Moderna’s Bivalent is for ages 18 up.

The next-generation bivalent vaccines, unlike the monovalent first-generation shots, include an mRNA component of the original strain plus an mRNA component common to both the BA.4 and BA.5 lineages of the Omicron variant. The BA.4 and BA.5 are currently the culprits behind most COVID infections in the US, and are predicted to circulate in the fall and winter.

Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna already have EUAs for their COVID vaccines in the

Philippines. Uptake of the current boosters is believed to have slowed down as Filipinos wait for the bivalent shots to arrive. Health experts and the business community alike are pressing for the speedy availability of the next-generation vaccines.

The pandemic is not over, and another major outbreak, apart from impacting public health, can set back economic recovery. The Department of Health and the FDA should not drag their feet in securing and distributing the bivalent boosters, if possible before Christmas. (Philstar.com)

Leyte landing: Old friendships never die

WHEN General Douglas MacArthur made that historic landing on the shores of Palo, Leyte on Oct. 20, 1944, he fulfilled the promise he made to the Filipino people, summed up in those three famous words: “I shall return.”

That famous line has become “immortalized” in the hearts and minds of Filipinos spanning many generations, because history tells us the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation during World War II could not have been possible if not for the return of MacArthur.

Last Thursday, October 20, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the commemoration

of the 78th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings with a ceremony at the MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park. Joining him were U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, local officials from the province of Leyte and 31 World War II veterans awarded with U.S. Congressional Gold Medals to honor their heroism.

It was a significant

occasion as it reminded us of the shared history we have with the U.S., and why our friendship has remained strong. Many Filipinos consider General MacArthur’s return as the personification of America’s commitment to the alliance, liberating us from one of the darkest chapters in our nation’s history.

I still remember when

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the commemoration of the 78th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings with a ceremony at the MacArthur Leyte Landing Memorial National Park. Joining him were U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, local officials from the province of Leyte and 31 World War II veterans awarded with U.S. Congressional Gold Medals to honor their heroism. Malacañang photo

Dateline PhiliPPines

77 years since charter, PH stays committed to UN values, ideals

MANILA — The Philippines is reaffirming its commitment to the United Nations as it marks the 77th anniversary of the UN Charter’s entry into force, with Manila promising to uphold its principles and further deepening ties with member nations to ensure global peace and security.

“Throughout the years, the Philippines has been an active member and staunch advocate for the values and ideals of the United Nations,” Foreign Affairs

Secretary Enrique Manalo said in a statement on Monday, October 24.

“We have always stood up for [the] sovereign equality of states, peaceful resolution of disputes, equal rights of women and men, inclusive social development, the rule of law, and justice for all.”

The Philippines was among the 51 countries that inked the UN Charter in 1945, paving the way for the international body’s ratification.

UN in the Philippines

UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Gustavo Gonzales noted that the Philippines “has demonstrated its commitment to the values inscribed in the UN Charter.”

“[This includes] upholding its UN treaty obligations, working toward development, and taking steps towards addressing humanitarian situations,” Gonzales said in a separate statement.

There are currently 11 funds, programs, and specialized agencies of the UN in the Philippines, on top of six project offices,

five non-resident agencies, and three secretariat offices.

Over 2,000 UN personnel are working in the country, most of whom are Filipinos, while 657 Filipinos are serving various UN bodies overseas.

According to the UN, the Philippines is also the only Asian country to have ratified eight of the nine core international human rights treaties. The Philippines was elected in October 2018 to its second consecutive term on the UN Human Rights Council, its fifth time being a member of the UNHRC.

The Philippines has also reinforced the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Hague ruling on the South China Sea, which invalidates China’s nine-dash claims over waters that include

PAGE 7

Bigger witness protection budget urged for whistle-blowers

by Delon Porcalla Philstar.com

MANILA — It will be better, if not best, if the government will consistently increase the budget for the Department of Justice (DOJ)’s Witness Protection, Security and Benefit Program (WPSBP) so as to encourage more witnesses to testify against criminal masterminds, according to a lawmaker.

As the Senate continues with its budget deliberations for the 2023 national budget, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel made a proposal where an increase in the allocation for the DOJ’s WPSBP may be crucial and necessary.

The WPSBP has an allocation of only P238 million in the proposed 2023 General Appropriations Act.

The WPSBP “seems to be working well,” but the program must be supported with greater funding so that it can extend highly improved financial, relocation and livelihood assistance to witnesses, according to Pimentel, citing the case of slain journalist Percival Mabasa, also known as Percy Lapid.

“This way, we can encourage more witnesses

to cooperate in law enforcement investigations and judicial proceedings without fearing not only reprisals, but also economic dislocation,” Pimentel said, noting the roller-coaster ride developments in the case.

“We also want the WPSBP to establish additional safe houses to accommodate witnesses and, if necessary, to allow them to stay together with their families,” he added.

The vice chairman of the House committee on good government and public accountability lamented that the program currently has only 48 hideouts nationwide.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said he is “open” to the possible inclusion in the WPSBP of Joel Escorial, the self-confessed gunman in the Oct. 3 murder of Mabasa near his home in Las Piñas.

“If that is the only way to resolve the case, that’s possible,” Remulla said in an interview over dzBB radio.

The DOJ chief, however, said Escorial did not seek witness protection when he voluntarily surrendered to the authorities out of fear for his personal safety.

A total of 512 witnesses have been covered

Manila archbishop cites need for church to ‘lead by example’

MANILA – Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula on Tuesday, October 25 said clergy members should practice what they preach in the pulpits.

“People today are no longer satisfied with words alone. We want to hear words backed up by concrete actions. We want a Church that walks the talk and puts into action what we preach,” he said in an interview with Church-run Radio Veritas.

This comes as church data showed

that only 41 percent of the Philippines’ over 80 million Catholics are actively participating in religious gatherings, especially the weekly celebration of Masses.

The Manila archbishop noted that many people lose their faith and abandon the church because of the lack of feeling of favor, especially to those who are in need.

“Not a few have drifted away from the Church because they felt that the socalled religious people are nothing but

a collection of hypocrites and posers,” he said.

Advincula, however, emphasized that the church strives to uphold and implement every teaching of the Lord and be a good example in the community.

Earlier this month, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines called on the faithful to go back to attending in-person Masses every Sunday, citing the country’s improved coronavirus situation. (PNA)

Marcos vows to improve sugar industry

by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — President

Marcos vowed to fix the problems hounding the country’s sugar industry, admitting that these have long been neglected.

During the distribution of aid to various sectors in Talisay City, Marcos said that while the Philippine economy is doing well, it was not spared from the problems confronting its trade partners. He cited the need to make some adjustments and to find ways to assist sectors hit by economic shocks.

The President then mentioned the plight of the sugar industry before residents of the city, which is located in the country’s top sugar-producing province Negros Occidental.

“What we are doing is we are fixing things. For example, the problem of the sugar industry, we have a lot of problems to fix because they were neglected in the previous years,” said the President.

“For now, we are trying to ensure that the people will have enough, not just sugar but all agricultural products so that we can say that we have enough food supply that is affordable to all,” he added.

Marcos, also the agriculture secretary, did not provide specifics on how he would uplift the sugar industry, which contributes about P90 billion to the country’s economy every year.

The President was in Negros Occidental to attend the culmination of the Masskara Festival, which began as the administration of his late father and namesake was dealing with a sugar crisis – a global oversupply that dropped the

prices of the commodity.

What needs to be done

In a text message to The STAR, Pablo Luis Azcona, Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Board planters’ representative, said there was no meeting over the weekend between sugar industry leaders and the President during his visit for the MassKara Festival.

The sugar industry’s prime movers believe there is a need to carefully assess the current sugar production capacity versus the projected market demand against a backdrop of challenges, such as high input costs and smuggling.

Aurelio Valderrama, president of the Confederation of Sugarcane Farmers (CONFED) – one of the major planters’ federations in the country, said they are currently looking at various factors affecting the industry, such as the prevailing domestic prices and negative reactions from policymakers, legislators and end-users, and the possibility of renewed sugar smuggling.

He cited the delay in importation caused by the temporary restraining order on Sugar Order No. 3, issued during the Duterte administration.

This, he said, “resulted in forgone production output and lost market opportunities for producers of sugarsweetened products and, at the same time, enabled various players to exploit the tight market situation and jack up retail prices to the detriment of consumers.”

Valderrama enumerated several measures that need to be in place, beginning with government taking “concrete continuing measures, together with the industry, to effectively curtail this nefarious practice.”

Government must also find ways to effectively address the high costs of production, particularly the prices of fertilizer, fuel and other direct costs.

There must be strong support for research, development and extension to enhance both farm productivity and milling efficiency, said Valderrama.

The CONFED also called for measures to improve program implementation and fund utilization under the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA). This year’s SIDA funding amounted to P500 million, a significant reduction from the original P2-billion allocation.

SRA: Sugar supply stable till yearend

Stable sugar supply is seen until the end of the year as local production improved by over 20 percent year-onyear, according to Azcona.

“So far, as of Oct. 16 based on our inventory, we are already 20 percent better than October last year. The mills in Negros are running at full capacity,” he said in a radio interview on Monday, October 24.

In terms of pricing, the farmgate price of raw sugar has gone down significantly.

“As the farmers’ representative, the selling price of raw sugar is now around P62 per kilo based in Negros. Based on estimates from the farmers, this should become P85-90 per kilo of refined sugar in Manila,” Azcona said.However, not factored in this pricing estimate is the involvement of traders, which is beyond the control of farmers and millers, he said.Monitoring by the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed the current retail price of sugar in Metro Manila has gone as low as P95 per kilo and as

high as P120 per kg.

Last week, SRA started selling sugar at P70 a kg at its Quezon City and Bacolod City offices. In addition, the Kadiwa rolling stores are set to sell directly to consumers at the same price.

Kadiwa is a marketing initiative of the DA, which seeks to empower the farming community by providing a direct and effective farm-toconsumer food supply chain.

Azcona said some Robinsons Supermarket branches are also selling refined sugar at P70 a kg, same as at 23 outlets of CSI Supermarket in Luzon.

To reach more consumers, the SRA is also looking at distributing cheaper sugar to wet markets through the local government units (LGUs).

“The effort to distribute (the P70-per-kilo sugar) in markets, we’re also thinking if some LGUs want to participate. We’re studying that also,” Azcona said.

Distributing affordable sugar is part of the commitment of importers to allot 10 percent of their stock to be sold through the DA at P70 a kg.

“That is equivalent to 300,000 bags or about 15 million kilos. For retail, we limit it to three kilos per person for supply to last long for households,” Azcona said.

Meanwhile, the DA and SRA are still working on the suggested retail price (SRP) for sugar to allow consumers access to cheaper sugar.

“There are still ongoing discussions for the SRP, spearheaded by SRA. The target is before Christmas,” DA Assistant Secretary for consumer and political affairs and spokesperson Kristine Evangelista said in a radio interview. g

77 years since...

6

parts of the West Philippine Sea.

While Gonzales on Sunday, October 23 said “we are living in complex times” with multiple crises overlapping, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in his speech at the 77th UN General Assembly last month mentioned how the international body has “provided an example of how states should resolve their differences, through reason and through right,” taking note of the 1982 UNCLOS.

Marcos also underscored the role of the UN in creating a peaceful global environment.

“We need the United Nations to continue to work and we, the Philippines, are determined to be part of that solution,” Marcos said.

While at the UNGA, he also called on other member states to support the Philippines’ bid for a seat at the UN Security Council, the sole agency that can oblige states to implement under the charter and issue sanctions to erring member states.

Philippines in the UN

UN Resident Coordinator Gonzales also recognized the Philippines’ work in the UN, which include taking part in negotiations for the Sendai Framework for Natural Risk Reduction in 2015 and batted for the inclusion of migrants’ contributions in the document.

Gonzales also said the Philippines was one of the first countries to provide a report on its 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals in July 2016

Meanwhile, the country was also recognized through its work to protect migrants through the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration since it was adopted at the UNGA in December 2018. The said document was also taken into account in preparing the 2017-2022 Philippine Development Plan.

Aside from this, Gonzales also highlighted the government’s cooperation with projects related to pandemic recovery and responding to natural disasters, such as for Typhoon Rai, among others.

“We welcome the engagement of the government to support the UN reform to ensure that we are better able to adapt to the challenging times and effectively respond to national priorities,” Gonzales said. (Kaycee Valmonte. Philstar.com)

Bigger witness...

by the program at the end of 2021, up from 490 at the end of 2020, Pimentel said.

Covered witnesses have aided or are helping in the prosecution of dozens of sensational criminal cases, such as the kidnapping and murder of South Korean businessman Jee Ick-

joo, the hazing death of University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio Castillo, the Maguindanao massacre and the murders of Kian delos Santos, Carl Arnaiz and Reynaldo de Guzman – three teenagers who became victims of the Duterte administration’s war on drugs. g

CHAMPION. Sabrina Richelle Lagman (3rd from left) poses with her medals and trophy during the awarding ceremony of the Learn and Train Sports Academy Invitational at the MVP Sports Foundation Gymnastics Center in Intramuros, Manila on Sunday, Oct. 23. She won the all-around event in the 6-years-old and under category.

PNA photo by

Foreign tourism sales hit record

by Ghio onG Philstar.com

MANILA — Recordbreaking sales for foreign tourism was achieved in this year’s Philippine Travel Exchange (PHITEX) event, which officials believe is a sign that the country has recovered from the ill effects of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) logged a “record-breaking P172,602,851.00 business sales leads in just two days” during the 21st PHITEX at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

In the previous four years of PHITEX – including physical and virtual events from 2018 to 2021 – the country earned sales ranging between P43 million and P94.8 million, the DOT said.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said the “aggressive campaign to revive our tourism

industry and rollout” resulted in the “turnout of buyers and sellers and the record-breaking numbers.”

This year’s event welcomed 116 buyers from 32 countries, 53 of them physically present and the other 63 participating online.

They successfully held business meetings and negotiations with the country’s tourism firms and the sales derived from these were both confirmed and pencil-booked, reported the DOT.

After the PHITEX, 80 percent of the foreign buyers present would also travel the so-called tour circuits in Cebu-Bohol, Negros Oriental-Siquijor, Ilocos, CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Davao and Metro Manila.

“The impressive turnout

VP Sara debunks ‘martial law rebranding’ claims vs. DepEd

MANILA – Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte debunked Tuesday, October 25 claims thrown at the Department of Education (DepEd) for allegedly “rebranding” martial law and revising historical facts.

In a statement, Duterte insisted that the DepEd is not in the “business of erasing” historical facts, particularly those which happened during the martial law period.

“Ang Department of Education — na kasalukuyang abala sa mga programang naglalayong maiangat ang kalidad ng basic education sa Pilipinas — ay walang panahon para sa historical revisionism na pilit na iginigiit ng ilang mga anti-Marcos groups (The DepEd, which is currently busy on programs aimed to raise the quality of basic education in the Philippines, has no time for historical revisionism being insisted by several anti-Marcos groups),” she said.

“Una nang nasabi ng DepEd spokesperson na hindi totoo ang sinasabing rebranding ng ating kasaysayan. At inuulit ko ang sinabi ni Atty. Michael Poa: hindi totoo ang rebranding (The DepEd spokesperson has earlier denied the so-called rebranding of our history. And I’m reiterating what Atty. Michael Poa said,

the rebranding is not true),” Duterte added.

The Vice President made the statement after critics slammed the DepEd following the posting of a copy of a learner’s module in Marinduque via social media, showing the use of the term “New Society,” which is being linked to the years of martial law.

“The terms New Society/Bagong Lipunan and martial law are both historical facts. It is a historical fact that New Society refers to the program launched by Former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. during his administration.

And it is another historical fact that martial law refers to the 14-year rule of the former President,” Duterte said.

The Vice President said that these terms were already used in DepEd textbooks as early as the 2000s.

Duterte, meanwhile, recalled how as a child she had contributed to the antimartial law movement in her own small way.

“Bilang bata, hindi ko mabilang ang mga yellow pages sa directory ng telepono na ginupit ko para gawing confetti ng mga Yellow Friday Movement demonstrations sa pangunguna ni Soledad Duterte, ang aking yumaong lola, sa Davao City. Mukhang mas marami tayong ambag sa mga pagkilos laban sa martial law kaysa sa ilang maiingay na anti-Marcos ngayon (As a child, I can no longer count the yellow pages of phone directory cut to be confetti for the Yellow Friday Movement demonstrations, led by my late grandmother Soledad Duterte in Davao City. It seems like we have more contribution to the movement against martial law compared to those noisy antiMarcos groups nowadays),” she said.

Duterte assured the public that learners are provided with factual discussions on martial law and the EDSA People power revolution. (PNA)

Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte Philstar.com file photo

Plans revealed for huge resort-casino in competitive LV strip

By REALTOR FELY QUITEVIS-BATEMAN

THE ever-changing Las Vegas cityscape continues to attract huge developers who want to establish their niche in the gaming and hospitality industries.

The latest to reveal plans for a huge resort-casino is billionaire Tilman Fertitta, who owns the Houston

Rockets as well as the Golden Nugget casino in downtown Las Vegas and Landry’s Dining, which has a varied number of brands under its portfolio.

Fertitta, who bought a piece of land along the Las Vegas Strip early this year, has long been

rumored to covet a place in the competitive avenue. A recent report by the Las Vegas Review Journal said that the billionaire’s company has filed plans to build a 43-story hotel-casino on the property located on Las Vegas Boulevard and Harmon Avenue.

Along with 2,420 rooms, the new development will

feature restaurants, a spa, wedding chapel, convention space, theater with about 2,500 seats and an auto showroom, as well as VIP salons, suites and villas, and a bar/lounge for high-limit gamblers, the report added.

Currently, that piece of property has a shuttered motel and some closed retail stores, which need to be torn down before a massive build could take place.

While the cost may be massive for the project on the piece of land that Fertitta owns, which is estimated to go over $1 billion, it may not reach the level of the Resorts World Las Vegas that cost around $4.3 billion to build. Still, that is another huge investment for Las Vegas.

With this project, Fertitta stakes his claim on the large pie of tourists/visitors who have started coming back to Las Vegas since the pandemic began. The last few months have seen about

3.7 million to 3.8 million people pass through McCarran International Airport, which is near pre-pandemic levels. The kind of project that he is reportedly building on the property is a high-end one, which will compete with Caesars, MGM, Wynn and other high-end casinoresort developers.

Currently, many of

the major players in the competitive boulevard have shored up their portfolios, with MGM selling the Mirage and buying Cosmopolitan, and Caesars replacing Bally’s with its Horseshoe brand.

Resorts World Las Vegas, from the Genting Group, which opened in 2021 was the site of the Stardust

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman is bringing in American investors who will provide reasonable and affordable energy to Filipino households, which is in line with one of the main goals of current Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman is shown in photo above attending another convention in Manila.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman and Russ Bateman at their residence in Vermont Royale in

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman attended the Philippine Business Expo in Manila Hotel to help promote Pahrump, Nevada. She is part of the Philippine Trade Mission from the Silver State promoting Pahrump and Las Vegas in the Philippines.

Leyte landing: Old friendships...

the man dubbed as the “American Caesar” returned to the Philippines for the last time in July 1961. I had just graduated from grade school at the Ateneo when my father – a history buff who was a young major and doctor in the Philippine Army during the war – told me to line up along Taft Avenue. I waited for the open car carrying General MacArthur, his motorcade traversing the street slowly as he waved to the thousands of spectators cheering and enthusiastically waving flags, confetti pouring down from buildings.

I have been an admirer of the General since then. MacArthur was legendary in making sure his image was always perfect. He was very conscious of his bearing, even the way he stood as shown in photos, especially in that famous photo of the Leyte landing. The story goes, they took the photo three times especially because General Carlos Romulo was barely above water when the photo was first taken because of his height – “a dime among nickels,” the General would retort when asked about the photo.

October is also Filipino American History Month in the United States, and last Wednesday, I delivered the keynote address at an event titled “From Stewards to Flag Officers: Filipinos in the U.S. Navy” at the U.S. Navy National Museum.

The Bataan Legacy Historical Society in collaboration with the U.S. Naval Judge Advocate General’s Corps and the Naval Legal Services Command organized the event which centered on Filipino Americans serving in the U.S. Navy and their vital contributions to promoting global peace and security, and as the event title aptly puts it, how they have risen through the ranks from stewards up to the level of Flag Officers.

The event was also an opportunity to give special recognition to Telesforo de la Cruz Trinidad, a Filipino sailor who was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1915 for saving other crew members when one of the boilers of USS San Diego exploded. For his courage and heroism, a future Arleigh-Burke class destroyer will be named USS Telesforo Trinidad in his honor.

As I said during my remarks, the decadesold alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines has significantly evolved over the years, despite the rough patches at one point or another. As President Marcos himself has described it, the relationship between the U.S. and the Philippines is long and special.

I have absolutely no doubt that the historic landing in Leyte of the “American Caesar” has left an indelible imprint not only among Filipinos who suffered atrocities during World War II, but also their children’s children who have come to understand the significance of MacArthur’s fulfillment of that promise he made. The return to Leyte became a thread that served as a strong tie that continues to bind Filipinos and Americans to this day.

No wonder why close to 90 percent of Filipinos look upon the U.S. as our most trusted and most reliable ally, the one that comes through during the most critical times like in November 2013 when Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) pummeled Central Visayas, killing 10,000 people. I vividly remember the call I got from Congressman Martin Romualdez, his voice quivering as he described Leyte being “completely ravaged!”

He told me, “Only the Americans can help us on this.”

Hearing that, I immediately called the U.S. military attaché who then called the U.S. Pacific Command. They immediately dispatched the USS George Washington (docked in Hong Kong at the time) to the Gulf of Leyte, equipped with choppers, water desalination equipment and personnel for the conduct of rescue and relief operations. The immediate response from the U.S. was so tearfully moving that I wrote a column titled, “Thank God for the United States!” ending it with, “God bless America!”

The sense of relief and encouragement felt by Yolanda survivors at seeing the USS George Washington was almost like the return of General Douglas MacArthur on the shores of Leyte in 1944, bringing with it a sense of inspiration and, most of all, hope.

In 1951 when General MacArthur addressed the U.S. Congress to announce his retirement, he said: “Old soldiers never die; they just fade away.”

Remembering how the U.S. has stood by Filipinos during good times and most especially during the bad, allow me to paraphrase the General’s words: “Old friendships never die; they will never fade away.” (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.

Plans revealed for huge...

Resort and Casino until 2007. It houses three Hilton hotels and is said to be the most expensive resort property ever developed in Las Vegas. It also currently has a station underground which can take patrons to the Las Vegas Convention Center and back via Tesla vehicles for a fee, courtesy of the Elon Musk founded The Boring Company. The station is part of the planned Las Vegas Loop, whose goal is to reduce travel time for visitors and locals in the gambling and entertainment haven, and ease the traffic in the city’s busy corridors.

In late 2023, the Fontainbleau is scheduled to open, which will feature a twofloor retail area for high-end brands, lots of meeting spaces, a theater, nightclub, and more than 3,700 rooms, aside, of course, from a casino area. With its location near LV Convention Center, the resort will have a focus on conferences.

There are many other projects on the way in Las Vegas, including a planned guitar hotel by Hard Rock International (to replace the Mirage Hotel), a boutique resort casino being built near the airport, the Oak View Group’s $3 billion entertainment development near the I-15 and I-215 freeways, and Red Rock Resorts plans to develop a new casino in the southwest valley of Las Vegas.

This means an ongoing stream of construction jobs in Las Vegas. It also means many employment opportunities once these projects become completed and begin their operations.

Clearly, real estate in Las Vegas, particularly near the Strip area, is valuable. In fact, some industry analysts have said that real estate values have appreciated by more than 200% over the last decade, more so if you had bought properties decades ago. Still, if you are looking to a change in scenery and searching for affordable real estate, Las Vegas and its neighboring towns/cities may be an option for you.

Nevada has not been immune to the real estate slowdown, which is being experienced in many parts of the United States. But in terms of affordability, land and real estate prices in Nevada are very competitive. In fact, the affordability factor may be one of the reasons why people and families from other parts of the U.S. are moving to Nevada. Plus, of course, the cost of living is lower, especially when you compare living in a major city like Las Vegas to, say, San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Miami and Hawaii. An industry expert has put the cost of living in Las Vegas as 1.9% lower than that of the national average.

Now may be one of the best times to take a look at what’s out there in the market, and negotiate your way to a great deal!

The growth in Nevada, especially in Las Vegas and neighboring cities and towns, have been tremendous. I can tell you that from experience – I have many decades under my belt, assisting clients who are looking for their first home, second/vacation homes, investment properties or land (for future use/development). I can assist you in looking for these opportunities, given your budget and things you are looking for. Many of my clients have begun to reap the benefits of their investments, including turning their properties to rentals or Airbnb, or getting a good return on investment for the properties they bought in previous years.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702538-4948 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)

Foreign tourism sales hit...

of buyers and sellers and the record-breaking numbers encapsulate the positive outlook for our country and growing interest in our destinations,” said Frasco.

“As we embark on an aggressive campaign to revive our tourism industry and roll-out with never seen before projects that will facilitate an enhanced

connectivity into and around the Philippines and provide a more convenient and seamless travel experience for guests, we anticipate more interest from local and international tourism stakeholders,” she added.

The secretary commended the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), the DOT’s marketing

unit, for organizing the PHITEX, which remains the country’s largest tourism trade event organized by the government.

In response, TPB chief operating officer Margarita Nograles said Frasco “has always emphasized the importance and opportunity in equitably promoting all our regions and not just our popular destinations.” g

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948, or send email to fely@precious-properties.com or fely. precious@gmail.com.

LEARNING TABLES. Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss (4th from left) and Mayor Lani Cayetano (3rd from right) lead the turnover of Kinder learning tables to the Bagong Tanyag Integrated School in Taguig City on Monday, Oct. 24. The government of Israel donated individual learning tables to the school’s 10 kindergarten classes. PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

ConGen Badajos of PH Consulate-LA sits down with Atty. Gurfinkel in new, special Citizen Pinoy episode

MANY are familiar with the word “consulate” and many Filipinos in the U.S. know that there could be a Philippine Consulate General near their area. But does the community really know what the Philippine Consulate General does, aside from issuing passports or visas to foreigners?

In this special episode, Citizen Pinoy’s special guest is Consul General Edgar Badajos of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles. He will share a little bit about himself and his experience as a seasoned diplomat, and his role in promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of overseas Filipinos.

Viewers will also learn important and useful information on immigration, dual citizenship, passports, owning property in the Philippines, even divorce and how to get a passport under your real name if one entered the U.S. under an assumed name. Viewers will also know about the other services provided by the

LA CONSUL GENERAL EDGAR BADAJOS IS CITIZEN PINOY SPECIAL GUEST. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel has Consul General Edgar Badajos of the Philippine Consulate General in L.A. as his special guest, where the latter will provide many useful information about the services and purpose of the consulate. Watch this very informative and inspiring feature on Consul General Badajos on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 30 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

BRACE yourself. A new surge in COVID-19 is expected this fall and winter as the new Omicron subvariants, BQ.1, BQ.1.1 and BF.7, are evolving as the dominant strains infecting people in the United States (and around the world), just after BA.4 and BA.5.

In December 2021, the Omicron variant followed the Delta strain, which was a greater and faster killer. But Omicron also killed people, albeit to a lesser degree.

Hopefully, these new viruses are also milder. But as we have seen in the recent past, milder did not mean mild. As late as last Monday, October 24, the daily average cases the past few weeks was still around 38,000, with about 360 deaths, per day, and greater than 26,500 in the hospital for COVID-19.

The pandemic is not over. Not by a long shot, in spite of what the general public seems to think and the way people behave, putting their guards down completely.

The predicted surge before Christmas could still happen with high probability because we still have only 68 percent of the U.S. population fully vaccinated, people are no longer masking and distancing, and some are refusing to get the new reformulated bivalent booster (shot number 5), which is aimed against Omicron and its sub-variants, the present dominant viruses. The rejection of the vaccines, the false sense of security, and the politically correct attitude and behavior most people have shown the past couple of months are responsible for the significant number of cases and deaths we are now seeing.

The 32 percent unvaccinated (which translates to more than 100 million) and those not fully vaccinated with booster #2 (new bivalent vaccines) in the United States are the individuals who are at the highest risk, besides the immunocompromised, to get infected with the current strains. And deaths due to these new viruses are still significant as the statistics above show. Sub-variant BQ.1.1 might even elude (resistant to) Monoclonal

New COVID surge

Antibody treatment.

The bivalent booster is safe and effective, and has a wider range of protection, including the newest strains. Only about 20 percent of seniors and less than 20 percent of other age groups have received the new bivalent booster. Almost 13 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered around the world, proving their safety and effectiveness. Why some people do not take advantage of this chance to be more fully protected is mind-boggling. It defies logical reasoning and wisdom.

It is too premature to declare victory over COVID-19; the war still rages on and people still die. In the United States, we sadly have almost 38,000 cases and more than 360 deaths a day on average the past few weeks.

Here are COVID-19 statistic updates from Coronavirus Tracker: As of 8:00 AM (CST), Tuesday, October 25 – Worldwide: 633,367,061 cases, 6,584,526 deaths. In the U.S., 99,123,438 cases, 1,093,153 deaths, and almost 1.5 million active cases. In the Philippines, almost 4 million cases and nearly 64,000 deaths; 1,500 cases and 37 deaths two days before.

The World Health organization is tracking more than 300 sub-lineages of Omicron. The COVID-19 viruses are not done with us yet. Unwittingly, with arrogance and carelessness, many of us are helping the viruses spread and kill even more, allowing the viruses to replicate and mutate and evolve, and extend the pandemic. Sadly, the new surge will infect and kill at least hundreds of thousands more. That’s what millions of us, humans, are doing, aiding and abetting our deadly invisible enemy. Unfortunately, there is no vaccine against this irrational and reckless behavior.

Colonoscopy or FIT?

Colonoscopy has been the standard screening procedure for colorectal cancer. People, in general, are intimidated by the thought of a tube going into their anus for the examination, even considering the fact that the caliber of the softer flexible scope is now only about half

an inch or smaller, compared to the 1-inch caliber (hard metal) in the past.

A piece of good news: New studies have provided a non-invasive test for screening for cancer of the colo-rectum, a great “noscope” alternative – the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and multitarget stool DNA (mt-sDNA), now most preferred and commonly used non-invasive screening for colorectal cancer. FIT is suggested to be more costeffective than the mt-sDNA but both show good and same patient outcomes.

In the United States, there are 106,180 new cases of colon cancer and 44,850 cases of rectal cancer for 2022. Expected mortality is about 52,580 deaths in 2022.

The cases of this cancer have dropped a lot since the 1980s because people have been living a healthier lifestyle and having screening tests early.

A regular medical check-up with your family physician or specialist is vital in preventing or early detection of diseases, especially cancer of any organ.

Menopause relief

New clinical research found that low-fat, plantbased diet rich in soy products (like hormones) may reduce hot flashes and promote weight loss also among menopausal women. This is a bonus benefit. This is, of course, great news because this condition could result in suffering, physical and mental, for women and their spouses and children. Reduction in alcohol, caffeine, and sugar consumption is part of this “diet” strategy. This natural diet remedy, together with advice from gynecologists, could make life happier for these women.

Mega-dose danger

With aggressive marketing in various media, especially on television, some unsuspecting, uninformed people have taken mega doses of vitamin-mineral and other supplements. Those taking one-a-day multivitamin and mineral pills should not self-treat and take other supplements. Ingesting mega-dose of supplements may not render a person sick right away, but the cumulative damages to organs might start to show after years of this kind of

Sentro Rizal screens Quezon’s Game for Filipino American History Month

WASHINGTON D.C. – In celebration of Filipino American History Month (FAHM), the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. and the Southeast Asia League of Students (SEALS) of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) hosted a special screening of “Quezon’s Game” at the SAIS Kenney-Herter Auditorium on 20 October 2022. Quezon’s Game is directed by Mr. Matthew Rosen and distributed by iWant TFC.

In his welcoming remarks, Consul General and Minister Iric Cruz Arribas emphasized the importance of remembering this historical event and how deeply embedded migrant hospitality is to Filipino culture: “Tonight, I hope that everyone gets a chance to look back to one of the most significant moments in history between the Philippines and the United States, especially in the context that both countries are known sanctuaries for refugees and asylum seekers. I am especially proud to say that the Open

Consul General Arribas with some of the Filipino Community members and SAIS students after the film showing Door policy was done in the spirit of Filipino hospitality and simply because it was the right thing to do.”

Quezon’s Game pays tribute to  President Manuel

L. Quezon and his “Open Door Policy” that allowed Filipino diplomats to issue more than 10,000 Philippine visas to European Jews,

ConGen Badajos of PH...

Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, and what areas of jurisdiction they cover.

Watch this informationpacked brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 30 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)

Atty. Michael Gurfinkel (right) with Citizen Pinoy special guest, Consul General Edgar Badajos of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.

Consul General Iric C. Arribas welcomes movie goers to the special screening of Quezon’s Game at the Johns Hopkins SAIS.

Movie goers while watching Quezon’s Game at the SAIS Kenney-Herter

Miss Universe suspends Miss USA 2022 organizers over Filipino American’s alleged ‘rigged’ win

By Earl D.C. BraCamontE Philstar.com

MANILA — Days

after R’bonney Gabriel of Texas won the Miss USA 2022 crown, allegations of favoritism were hurled against her and the Miss USA Organization; claiming that the Texan beauty queen’s

victory was predetermined and that the pageant result was rigged.

R’bonney denied all these rumors of favoritism. As the first Asian-American to have won the state title, her victory was historic and one for the books - a far cry from former state winners, who all sported the

trademark Texan cowgirl look.

The controversy started when Miss Montana 2022 Heather Lee O’Keefe pointed out a photo shoot done in a sponsor’s resort nine weeks before the Miss USA pageant; fueling speculations that

‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ director Zig Dulay on banning foreign content, show’s success

By KristofEr PurnEll Philstar.com

THE discourse about foreign television shows and movies being favored over local content continues after a senator claimed the Filipino entertainment industry is detiorating as a result of the said indulgence.

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada admitted he considered banning Korean dramas and other foreign content to better support local projects, claiming that local

actors are losing their jobs because Filipinos support Korean shows and actors.

Estrada later clarified his statement “stems from frustration” as he called the Filipino entertainment industry “at best, barely surviving” but had nothing against the success of South Korean dramas.

Such conversations come amid rave reviews and internet praise for GMA’s “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” directed by Zig Dulay. The historical portal fantasy

series follows a nursing student who is transported to the world of Jose Rizal’s “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” set during the tail-end of the Spanish colonial era.

In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com, Dulay shared his views on Estrada’s remarks as well as talked about the success of his new show.

‘Inspirasyon at suporta’

As a result of globalization, Dulay shared

Sentro Rizal screens Quezon’s Game...

and save at least 1,300 of them from the Nazi regime. President Quezon was the Resident Commissioner to Washington, D.C. from 19091916 prior to becoming President of the Philippine Commonwealth and is one of the most important figure

in the long-standing PH-US relationship. He played an important role in the passage of the Jones Act and TydingsMcDuffie Independence Law that eventually led to Philippine Independence.

FAHM is annually celebrated in the United States in October to

commemorate the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States. The Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) introduced this in 1992 and the U.S. Congress officially recognized October as FAHM in the U.S. in 2009. g

New COVID surge...

abuse. By then, it could be too late to bring the damage organs back to normal. The immune system, the DNA, of these individuals are also hurt by the mega-dose supplements. Anything in excess is dangerous, even water or food. Consult your physician before taking any supplements or medications, even “plain and simple” aspirin. We have but one life, which didn’t come with a spare. Let’s handle it with love and care.

*

The 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, a Health Advocate, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Miss USA 2022 R’bonney Gabriel of Texas wearing her own creation (left) and a design by Filipino designer Patrick Isorena Photo from Instagram/R’bonney Gabriel

people events arts culture entertainment

Hiraya Foundation continues to blaze the trail with Baile Filipiniana

by MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPress

WITH cultural promotion and heritage preservation among its goals, the officers of the Hiraya Foundation staged one of the most lavish and memorable events the Filipino American community has seen in recent memory, the Baile Filipiniana 2022 FilipinoAmerican Heritage Ball.

“We Filipinos, both from the motherland and of the diaspora, have distinct and unique contributions to world advancement. It is now time to present us in ways that we deserve and in platforms and venues worthy of who we are,” Dr. Romulo Aromin, President, and Chair of the Hiraya Foundation for Filipino-American Heritage Preservation said, as he welcomed guests and attendees to the fete held at the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza Hotel.

A not-for-profit, nonpartisan, and independent tax-exempt organization based in New York, Hiraya was conceived to rally and unify Filipinos across the United States to work together to appreciate, promote, and preserve Philippine culture.

“Our Filipinoness gets centerstage at Sininglahi’s Baile Filipiniana as we focus on master artisans and tradition bearers, beef up the support of indigenous weaves with (Cora) Manimbo and (Ulysses) King creations using natural piña and other natural weaves,” Aromin shared in his speech.

The evening’s program also showcased the enchanting Philippine Ballet Theatre interpreting the narrative of Jose Mari Chan’s music. On the gastronomy side, Executive Chef Richard Brown of The Plaza Hotel highlighted the world-class artisanal chocolate Auro for a decadent dessert

while Tanduay Rhum and calamansi were the featured ingredients for one of the evening’s cocktail drinks.

“It is such a beautiful event, it is so nice seeing all these Filipiniana gowns tonight and the community uniting and coming together to help us preserve and promote Filipino culture and

heritage,” Dr. Dely Po-Go told the Asian Journal. “It is high time that we do this, this is just the beginning.”

The grand ball is the maiden event of Sininglahi, a fundraising program designed to raise appreciation and understanding of Filipino history and culture among members of the Filipino-

American community and support for various efforts for heritage conservation. It is a collaborative endeavor among the Philippine Consulate General New York, Sentro Rizal, and the Hiraya Foundation.

Aromin acknowledged that Hiraya is just an emerging

His Excellency Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, Permanent Representative, Permanent Mission of the Republic of the Philippines to the United Nations delivering his speech as Guest Speaker at the Hiraya Foundation’s SiningLahi 2022, Baile Filipiniana, Filipino American Heritage Ball at The Plaza Hotel.

Dr. Aromin, Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo, Madam Maria Linda Lagdameo, Atty. Elena Lagdameo-Hogan; Miss Isabel Lagdameo-Murphy; and Mr. Joel Ocsena.

In a callado pina Barong from Lumban, Laguna; hand painted, with ostrich feathers, created exclusively for Sininglahi Baile Filipiniana Rigodon by Ulysses King.

Hiraya Chairman of the Board and President Dr. Romulo Aromin at Hiraya Foundation’s SiningLahi 2022, Baile Filipiniana, Filipino American Heritage Ball at The Plaza Hotel with (from L-R) Sofia Manimbo and Cora Manimbo (Fashion Design); Marilou Magsaysay, President of Philippine Ballet Theatre; Dr. Dely Go, Hiraya President-Elect; Dr. Aromin; Marichu Nepomuceno, Vice President of PBT.

Former Ambassador Jose Cuisia and his wife Maria Victoria Cuisia with Dr. Aromin, Loida Nicolas-Lewis, Dr. Emilio Quines and Dr. Angie Cruz.

Hiraya’s Board of Trustees with Deputy Consul General Arman Talbo (from left) Larry Safran, Nora Galleros-Tinio, Dr. Dely Go, Dr. Romulo Aromin, and

‘Maria Clara at Ibarra’ director Zig...

that younger Filipinos who consume and praise international content cannot be avoided. Many cultural products, such as shows and movies, share similarities, and this is true for the Philippines and its neighboring countries.

The director of the 2022 Cinemalaya Best Short Film “Black Rainbow” does not see the need to ban South Korean and other foreign content, but rather agree with Estrada that they could serve as inspiration.

“Magsilbing inspirasyon at hamon ang mga ito upang mas lalo pang pagyamanin at palakasin ang sariling atin (This can serve as an inspiration and challenge for us to enrich and make better shows),” said Dulay, adding that government support plays a big part in Philippine TV and movie’s success moving forward.

Dulay expounded by saying those in

power should realize just how pivotal the industry and the arts is to the country.

“Kailangang makita muna siguro ng mga nakaupo ‘yung mahalagang ambag ng art and entertainment industry sa pagpapa-angat ng ekonomiya ng bansa (Perhaps those in position need to see how the arts and entertainment industry can help uplift our country’s economy),” the director said. “Sa ganung siste, mas magiging malinaw marahil ‘yung papel na kailangang magampanan ng gobyerno para matulungan ang naturang industriya (In this sense, it will be made clear to them on how the government’s support can help the industry).”

Acknowledging history and nationbuilding

The director is full of pride and gratitude for his show “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” which garnered over 200,000 related tweets generated in its debut

week. The show premiered on GMA7’s nightly block last October 3.  Dulay said he owes it to the show’s team, from the creatives, production and post-production, who all contributed to its success.

“Nakakataba ng puso ‘yung mga magagandang sinasabi ng mga tao ukol sa serye at nagsisilbing motibasyon ‘yun para sa amin na mas lalo pang pag-igihin ‘yung aming nasimulan (It warms our hearts to read the positive reviews of the show, and these motivate us to continue doing what we have started),” he told Philstar.com.

The seasoned Cinemalaya director said he is proud of the initial weeks of “Maria Clara at Ibarra” because the show served its purpose.

“Nakapagbigay ito ng aliw sa manonood at kasakilop ng aliw o libang na ‘yun ay ang unti-unting pagtatanghal sa kahalagaan ng kasaysayan at literatura mula noon hanggang sa kasalukuyan (The show entertains the viewing public while it illustrates the importance of history and literature then and now),” Dulay continued. He also noted the youth’s increased interest in Rizal’s novels.

He touched upon how the show tackles issues like social class or stratification, women empowerment, and the separation of church and state, all while revolving on the relationship between the titular characters.

The director also expressed how happy he is to be part of “Maria Clara at Ibarra” and the viewing public’s warm reception is a welcome bonus.

“Unti-unting naitataas ‘yung konsepto ng pag-ibig na ‘yun sa nasyunalismo o pag-ibig sa bayan, at pag-big sa sarili bilang Pilipino (Apart from romantic love, the show also elevates different kinds of love — love for country and oneself as a Filipino),” Dulay ended. g

Miss Universe suspends Miss USA...

the pageant outcome was predetermined. She also emphasized the Texas connection in this brouhaha.

“I think this is a big issue that a lot of us are trying to bring light to is the fact that Ms. Stewart owns so much of the organization. She owns the main organization, Miss USA, and she also owns the main sponsor of the organization which is a big issue we all have with it.

“The Miss Academy sponsored Miss Texas much more than they sponsored the rest of the contestants,” alleged Miss Montana.

But Crystle Stewart countered the allegation by saying, “With Miss Academy, every single contestant had training through an eight-week program and we offered

state directors the same opportunity as a state-level sponsorship as well.”

The PR material in question, of a photo shoot done in Cancun with one of the pageant’s sponsors, would still air even if Miss Texas did not win the crown.

Concurring with Stewart was pageant juror Aaron Potts who said that, “The contest was very, very strict with its judges and there was no bias in choosing this year’s winner.”

Last year’s winner Elle Smith said that, “They are discrediting R’bonney’s win this year because they (cocandidates) also attempted the same to me last year.”

The 28-year-old FilipinaAmerican beauty queen obtained her Fashion Design degree from the University of Texas. She operates an

eco-friendly clothing line, R’bonney Nola.

In the meantime, the Miss Universe Organization has suspended The Miss Brand entity, headed by Crystle Stewart. The MUO, which owns both Miss USA and Miss Teen USA pageant systems, has taken over the reins of the national organization while a thirdparty investigation by law firm Holland & Knight is being undertaken.

“As a former titleholder, I know firsthand how much hard work, mental preparation, and dedication goes into the process of being on the main stage. The last thing I would even want to do is discredit or deny the contestants an equal opportunity to a fair competition. I would never jeopardize my dream of

running an organization that empowers these women,” shared Stewart, who competed at the 2008 Miss Universe edition.

It would seem that the flow within the Miss USA communication channels is the real culprit behind this issue. And with the situation not managed well, the allegations simply caught fire. Pageant fans and supporters are hoping the investigation clears up the allegations in due time.

R’bonney is the 10th Texan representative to win the Miss USA title since its inception. She will be competing with other international delegates at the 71st Miss Universe competition slated on January 14 (January 15, Manila time) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Stay tuned! g

Hiraya Foundation...

organization and thanked the guests for their support of the organization’s projects. He thanked his fellow members of the Board of Trustees - Dr. Dely Go, President-Elect; Lawrence Safran, Secretary; Nora Galleros-Tinio, Treasurer; and Jovy Rabelas, Press Relations Officer.

“I humbly ask for your continued support so that time shall allow us to deliver on what we promise and that Hiraya is worth your trust, your time, and your collaboration,” he said.

Among the guests of honor were Antonio Lagdameo, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Deputy Consul General Arman Talbo, and community leader and philanthropist Loida Nicolas-Lewis.

In his speech, Ambassador Lagdameo paid tribute to Filipino migrants, describing them as hardworking, adaptable, and resilient.

“Filipino migrants are also a major contributor to the economy and sustainable development of both the host country and our motherland,” Lagdameo said. “I laud the Hiraya Foundation and  wish them the very best in their efforts to promote the rich culture and the history of our inang bayan.”

Last July, Hiraya held the first-ever Gawad Alab ng Lahi: Pagkilala sa Mga Natatanging Dangal ng Lahing Pilipino at the Whitby Theater in Manhattan and honored Filipino nurses who have been tirelessly serving in the frontline against Covid-19 and veterans seeking recognition for Filipino World War II veterans.

Also among 11 individuals, organizations, and enterprises that were honored were a Filipina lawyer-philanthropist seeking a cure for a rare degenerative disease that afflicts Visayan men and an American businessman-philanthropist who helped bring the Balanggiga Bells back to the Philippines.

The foundation, which derives its name from an ancient Tagalog word conveying the realization of one’s dreams and hopes, aims to further stage events that embrace the cultural influences that have helped shape generations of Filipinos throughout the decades. (Photos by Ray Maranan for Hiraya Foundation)

Members of the Philippine Ballet Theatre delivered an impeccable performance. Their repertoire continues to dazzle and amaze various audiences with its distinct and poetic delicacy and refined sophistication.

Dr. Aromin with Deputy Consul General Arman

Talbo

Barbie Forteza, Dennis Trillo and Julie Anne San Jose (from left) star in GMA-7’s historical portal fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra,” inspired by the novels of Dr. Jose Rizal, namely, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo.” GMA photo