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NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 Volume 17 - No.7 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE Is Novavax, the latecomer COVID-19 vaccine, worth the wait?

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

PH woos Asean to craft code on South China Sea NESTOR CORRALES Inquirer.net

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

HONOLULU — The Philippines is working on a separate code of conduct with neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Vietnam regarding their territorial conflicts in the South China Sea as a broader agreement with China has not been progressing, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

said on Monday, November 20.

The president said talks on a regional code of conduct with China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea, have been slow and Beijing’s “aggressive” behavior in the disputed waterway has made its relations with the Philippines more tense.

Speaking at a forum at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies here, the President admitted that tensions in the South

ERIN Kissane, a co-founder of the COVID Tracking Project, rolled up her sleeve for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in mid-October soon after it was finally recommended in the United States. Like many people with autoimmune diseases, she wants to protect herself from a potentially devastating covid infection.

Kissane’s autoimmune arthritis seems to make her susceptible to unusual vaccine side effects. After getting an mRNA booster last year, her joints ached so painfully that her doctor prescribed steroids to dampen the inflammation. She still considers the mRNA

 PAGE 2

Marcos brings home $672M in investment pledges from US NESTOR CORRALES Inquirer.net

 PAGE 4

PASKUHAN LIGHTS. Crowds witness the lighting of a giant Christmas tree and the Mandaluyong City Hall facade to kick off the annual “Paskuhan sa Tiger City” on Monday, Nov. 20. The Paskuhan sa Tiger City is one of the most anticipated Christmas events, not only for Mandaluyong residents but also visitors from other cities in Metro Manila. PNA photo Vice President Sara Duterte

China Sea were growing “with persistent unlawful threats and challenges against Philippine sovereign rights and jurisdiction over our exclusive economic zone.”

“We are still waiting for the code of conduct between China and Asean and the progress has been rather slow unfortunately,” he said, referring to efforts by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

HONOLULU — President Marcos returned to the Philippines on Monday night, November 20 bringing home $672.3 million worth of investment pledges from his weeklong trip to the United States.

Flight PR001, carrying the President and the Philippine delegation, arrived at Villamor Air Base past 9 p.m. from Honolulu in Hawaii, the last leg of his U.S. trip.

Aside from Hawaii, Mr. Marcos had a working visit in Los Angeles, California, and attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in San Francisco, California.

In a statement, Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said the President secured investments worth $400

 PAGE 2

Philstar.com file photo

Philippines population may ‘We don’t want Study: Filipino adults Sara impeached’ among those likely to suffer reach 115 million by yearend from high blood pressure PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stood

by Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, November 20, saying she does not deserve to be impeached and that he only has positive things to say about her work.

While claiming that it is not unusual to hear about efforts to oust a leader, Marcos said he is closely watching the issue because he is against impeaching the vice president, who was his runningmate in the 2022 elections.

“Binabantayan namin nang mabuti (We are monitoring it closely) because we don’t

 PAGE 2

by RHODINA VILLANUEVA Philstar.com

Filipinos are also among the top smokers in the Asian American group in the US

by MARY VILLEGAS Inquirer.net

JUST when we thought a few cups of extra rice over our adobo or curries wouldn’t hurt our health, well, think again. A new study reveals

that Filipinos and Indians are among the Asian American groups at higher risk for high blood pressure.

Given that six to seven percent of the US population make up 24 million Asian

 PAGE 7

MANILA — The Philippines’ population may reach 115 million by the end of the year, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) said on Monday, November 20.

“The Philippines, based on the 2020 census, has recorded 109 million Filipinos, and it is estimated that it will reach around 115 million by the end of 2023,” CPD deputy

executive director Lolito Tacardon said in an interview with “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” program over government-run PTV. The number is based on the country’s population growth rate of 1.6 percent annually, according to Tacardon.

The Philippines is now 13th among the most populous countries in the world.

“Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines is at seventh

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From the Front Page

PH woos Asean to craft code on...

NATURE’S WONDERS. White herons (egrets) land on a vacant area in Rizal Park, Manila on Friday, Nov. 17. The bird species locally known as tagak is recognizable for its long legs and white plummage.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Marcos brings home...

PAGE 1 million in the telecommunications sector; $250 million in semiconductor and electronics; $20 million in pharmaceutical and health care; $2 million in artificial intelligence for weather forecasting; and $300,000 in renewable energy.

The US-based Astranis and Orbits Corp. signed a $400-million project for the country’s own internet satellites on the sidelines of the Apec Summit, which is seen to bring internet connectivity to unserved and underserved areas in the Philippines.

Aside from the dedicated internet satellites, the Department of Science and Technology also signed an agreement with leading artificial intelligence meteorology company Atmo Inc. to build a high-resolution weather forecasting system for the country, which would be Asia’s biggest AI-driven weather forecasting program once operational.

The President earlier said he also wanted a deal with technology giant Starlink of American billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to improve the perennial connectivity issues in the country.

Priority sectors The Philippines also signed the breakthrough 123 agreement or the “peaceful nuclear cooperation agreement” with the United States, which would allow American companies to export nuclear equipment and technology to Manila.

Manila Electric Co. and American firm Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. also signed a prefeasibility study on micro modular reactors to explore clean and sustainable energy options in the Philippines.

Filipino firm Lloyd Laboratories and US-based DifGen Pharmaceuticals also pledged to invest $20 million for the establishment and operation of the first US Food and Drug Administration-approved manufacturing facility in the Philippines while Ayala Corp.’s AC Health and Varian Medical Systems partnered to build the first Philippine cancer hospital.

In San Francisco, the President told members of the Semiconductor Industry Association in the United States that both the public and private sectors in the Philippines were ready to work with the group should it plan to invest or expand in the country.

He said the Philippine government considered the semiconductor and electronics industries among its top priority sectors, citing the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises or CREATE Act, which could grant incentives for up to 40 years to highly desirable projects with a minimum investment capacity of P50 billion and generate about 10,000 jobs. g

PAGE 1 “We have taken the initiative to approach those other countries around Asean with whom we have existing territorial conflicts, Vietnam being one of them, Malaysia being another and to make our own code of conduct. Hopefully, this will grow further and extend to other Asean countries,” the president noted.

He added that the increasing tensions in the South China Sea required that “we partner with our allies and our friends around the world, so as to come to some kind of resolution and to maintain the peace.”

In November 2002, members of Asean and China signed in Phnom Penh a nonbinding declaration on conduct in the South China Sea, the first time that China accepted a multilateral agreement over the disputes in the region.

Though the declaration fell short of a binding code of conduct, as the Philippines had sought, the agreement was pushed to ease tensions in the area and create guidelines for conflict resolution.

Members of Asean have been trying to obtain China’s endorsement of international norms of behavior over the issue since 1992 when Asean issued its first statement on the disputes.

The regional grouping first became involved in the South China Sea problem in July 1992 and issued a declaration that urged unnamed parties “to exercise restraint” and for the first time called on “all parties concerned to apply the principles contained in the Treaty of

PHILIPPINE TERRITORY. In this June 2022 photo, a Philippine Navy member displays a Philippine flag during a visit to Sandy Cay, a sandbar just 7.4 kilometers (4 nautical miles) from Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea. A number of Chinese naval ships were in the vicinity during the Navy’s visit.

Photo by Marianne Bermudez / Philippine Daily Inquirer

Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia as the basis for establishing a code of international conduct over the South China Sea.” Asean officially endorsed the idea of a code of conduct in 1996.

After two years of inconclusive negotiations, China and Asean settled for a nonbinding Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in 2002.

In 2005, the first draft of guidelines to implement the DOC was drawn up, but it was not adopted until 2011.

China has since refused to discuss it further, arguing that the time was not ripe yet and preferred to deal with individual claimants through bilateral negotiations.

Series of violations “The law is clear as defined by the Unclos and the final and binding 2016

award on the South China Sea arbitration,” Marcos pointed out, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the July 12, 2016, ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, invalidating Beijing’s nine-dash line claim that covered nearly the entire South China Sea. “Supported by the rules-based international order and our growing partnerships, both timetested and new ones, we will insist on the preservation of the sovereignty and integrity of the country, while working closely with international partners in the bilateral, regional, and multilateral settings in developing rules and processes to address these challenges,” Marcos said.

He thanked the United States and the growing

number of allied countries in support of the Philippines’ position in the South China Sea, but he said “rhetoric is not enough.”

“We need to upgrade our defense and civilian law enforcement capabilities not only to defend ourselves but also to enable us to become a reliable partner in promoting and guaranteeing regional security,” he said.

Without mentioning Beijing, he said Manila’s regular routine and resupply missions to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal have been subjected to “coercive tactics and dangerous maneuvers of coast guard and maritime militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea, putting the lives of our people at risk, and challenging the rule of law.”

According to him, there are also rampant illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and militarization of reclaimed features in the South China Sea. He likewise cited the presence of maritime militia vessels and reef damage in Escoda (Sabina) and Rozul (Iroquois) Reefs.

The President disclosed that China had shown interest in shoals and sea features that were “closer and closer” to Philippine coastlines, with the nearest shoal about 111 kilometers (60 nautical miles).

“Unfortunately, I cannot report that the situation is improving. The situation has become more dire than it was before,” he said, adding that some features in the South China Sea were “slowly turned into military bases.”

—with reports from Inquirer Research and Reuters g

‘We don’t want Sara impeached’...

PAGE 1 want her to be impeached,” Marcos told reporters here. “She does not deserve to be impeached so we will make sure that this is something we will pay very close attention to.”

“Lahat naman kami mayroong ganyan eh (All of us have been through this). So, I don’t think it’s particularly unusual, I don’t think it’s particularly worrisome,” he added.

“There will always be an element that would want to change the result of an election,” he said.

He described his relationship with the vice president, who is also the education secretary, as “excellent.”

“On a professional level, nothing but good things to say about the work she has done in the Department of Education,” the president said.

Earlier, Alliance of Concerned Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said there were talks about impeaching Duterte at the House of Representatives but leaders of the chamber denied this. Rumors about the supposed efforts to impeach

Duterte came as the vice president is facing controversy over her request for intelligence funds in the 2024 national budget.

The House of Representatives, dominated by the allies of Marcos, has realigned the combined P650million confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education to security agencies dealing with the threats in the West Philippine Sea. (Alexis Romero, Michael Punongbayan, Ghio Ong/Philstar.com)

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Filipino journalist’s seething memoir Is Novavax, the latecomer COVID-19... of Duterte’s drug war among TIME Magazine’s 2023 100 must-reads TIME Magazine just published its 100 mustread books of 2023 list, which includes Filipino trauma journalist Patricia Evangelista’s memoir, partly a retelling of the human cost of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody drug war, “Some People Need Killing.”

The magazine lauded Evangelista’s newly published book as “one of the most harrowing and brave books published this year.”

TIME’s editorial director Lucas Wittman says of the former Rappler reporter: “She’s unflinching in bearing witness to the thousands of dead killed under Duterte’s reign of terror.”

In the book, Evangelista traces the populist rise of Duterte, his egregious track record as Davao City’s mayor for over two decades, and how he fulfilled his promise of killing drug personalities at the cost of Filipino lives

Portrait by Mark Nicdao courtesy of Patricia Evangelista and Book cover courtesy of Random House.

Photos from Instagram/@patevangelista

during his term as president.

She zeroes in on the president’s violent rhetoric and the government’s complacency in trying to justify these killings with words like “nanlaban” or “fought back, forcing police officers to shoot them.” ince its release in October 2023, the book subtitled “A Memoir of Murder in My

Country,” has received praise by foreign and local press alike including The New Yorker editor David Remnick, who compared Evangelista’s work with that of George Orwell.

Evangelista joins other notable novelists, poets, and writers in TIME’s 100 mustread books of 2023 such

u PAGE 7

PAGE 1 vaccines “miraculous,” knowing covid could be far worse than temporary aches.

Nonetheless, when the pain subsided, she pored through studies on Novavax’s shot, a vaccine that is based on proteins rather than mRNA and has been used since early 2022 in other countries. Data from the United Kingdom found that people more frequently reported temporary reactions — like low fevers, fatigue, and pain — as their immune system ramped up in the days following booster vaccination with Moderna’s mRNA vaccine versus the one by Pfizer. And those boosted with Novavax’s had fewer complaints than either of those. That finding was corroborated in an analysis of international data published last year.

Such studies have driven people with long covid and chronic fatigue syndrome (also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, or ME/ CFS) to seek out Novavax, too, since the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention greenlighted Novavax’s vaccine — updated to protect against recent omicron coronavirus variants — about three weeks after recommending updated mRNA vaccines in September.

Waiting paid off for Kissane, whose arm was briefly sore. “It was a dramatically different experience for me,” she said. “I hope that plays out for others.”

Another group who waited on Novavax are biologists who geek out over its technology.

When asked why he opted for Novavax, Florian Krammer, a virologist at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, replied on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Because I am [a] vaccine nerd, I like insect cell produced vaccines.”

Whereas mRNA vaccines direct the body to produce spike proteins from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which then train a person’s immune system to recognize and fight the virus, Novavax simply injects the proteins.

These proteins are grown within moth cells in a laboratory, while other protein-based shots use cells from mammals. And Novavax has said that a special ingredient derived from the bark of Chilean soapbark trees enhances the vaccine’s power.

Research suggests that

the Novavax vaccine is about as safe and effective as the mRNA shots. Its main disadvantage is arriving late to the scene. Vaccine uptake has plummeted since the first shots became widely available in 2021. Nearly 70% of people got the primary vaccines, compared with fewer than 20% opting for the mRNA covid boosters released last year. Numbers have dwindled further: As of Oct. 17, only 5% of people in the United States had gotten the latest covid vaccines, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Daniel Park, an epidemiologist at George Washington University, said low rates might improve if people who felt lousy after their last mRNA shots gave Novavax a try. It protects against severe illness, but researchers struggle to specify just how effective this and other vaccines are, at this point, because studies have gotten tricky to conduct: New coronavirus variants continuously emerge, and people have fluctuating levels of immunity from previous vaccines and infections.

Still, a recent study in Italy suggests that Novavax is comparable to mRNA vaccines.

It remained more than 50% effective at preventing symptomatic covid four months after vaccination.

Some data suggests that mixing and matching different types of vaccines confers stronger protection — although other studies have found no benefit.

Given all this, Park held out for the Novavax vaccine on account of its potentially milder side effects. “Between a demanding full-time job and two young kids at home, I wanted to stay operational,” he said. His arm was sore, but he didn’t have the 24hour malaise accompanying his last mRNA shot.

Most people don’t strike a fever after mRNA shots. Even when they do, it is brief and therefore far less detrimental than many cases of covid.

In fact, most reactions are so minor that they’re hard to interpret. During clinical trials on mRNA vaccines, for example, up to a third of people in the placebo group reported fatigue and headaches after injection.

People with ME/CFS and long covid — a potentially debilitating condition that persists months after a covid

infection — have responded to covid vaccinations in a wide variety of ways. Most participants with long covid in an 83-person Canadian study said their levels of fatigue, concentration, and shortness of breath improved following vaccination.

Inflammatory proteins that have been linked to long covid dropped as well.

However, larger studies have yet to corroborate the hopeful finding. Jennifer Curtin, a doctor who cofounded a telehealth clinic focused on long covid and ME/CFS, called RTHM, said vaccines seem to temporarily aggravate some patients’ conditions. To learn how Novavax compares, she posted polls on X in late October asking if people with long covid or ME/CFS felt that their symptoms worsened, improved, or stayed the same after Novavax. Most replied: unchanged.

“It’s not scientific, but we need to figure it out since these folks don’t want to get covid,” Curtin said. “My patients are all wondering about what vaccine to get right now.”

Adding to the uncertainty, the rollout of Novavax and mRNA vaccines has been bumpy as pharmacies struggle to predict demand and insurance companies figure out how to reimburse providers for the shots.

Unlike previous vaccine offerings, these options are no longer fully covered by the federal government. A testament to this season’s struggle to get vaccinated is that at least one do-gooder has created an online tool to find open appointments for Novavax.

Buoyed by anecdotes of relief from others with long covid, Hayley Brown, a researcher at the Center for Economic and Policy Research who has the condition, opted for Novavax recently. Unfortunately, her symptoms have flared. She said a temporary discomfort will still be preferable to risking another infection. “As someone with long covid, the idea of getting covid again is terrifying.” (Amy Maxmen/ KFF Health News) KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

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OPINION

FEATURES

Ready for AI... or not

5

The Philippines, according to President Marcos, is “embracing” the future with artificial intelligence. He issued the statement as he invited technology companies and venture capitalists in the US to be partners of the Philippines in “navigating the AI future.”

The meeting with the tech entrepreneurs was among the highlights of the President’s participation in this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, California. He said the government is currently crafting a National AI Strategy that “aims to position the Philippines as a center of excellence in artificial intelligence.”

Let’s hope the techpreneurs will be enticed and help Filipinos embrace AI. USbased digital tech giant Cisco, in a recent study conducted among companies in the Philippines, found that while 98 percent of the firms want to adopt AI to boost efficiency and competitiveness, only a low 17 percent are ready to employ AI technology in their operations. Nearly half of the firms lack the proper infrastructure to meet AI challenges.

Cisco assessed AI readiness based on strategy,

infrastructure, data, talent, governance and culture.

Apart from helping companies transition to AI technologies, the government must also address the impact of AI on jobs. Experts have warned that one of the biggest generators of employment in the country, business process outsourcing, is among the most vulnerable as AI increasingly takes over BPO functions. BPO workers aren’t the only ones at risk of displacement. In May this year, management consulting firm Kearney estimated that up to 100,000 jobs in the Philippines could become obsolete within three to four years. Among those expected to be badly hit, Kearney said, are retail and back-office roles involving traditional manual data entry. It noted that the impact is already becoming evident in areas such as financial institutions and telecommunications.

Editorial

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ NO matter what some people may think, there is no doubt presidential trips, in my view, are extremely important considering we live in an ever-evolving global village where barriers to economic growth and development are factors in life. There

ManilaTimes.net photo

Another study conducted by the International Data Corp. ranked the Philippines 12th among 14 economies in the Asia-Pacific on progress in automation.

Experts have been stressing the urgency of upskilling and reskilling vulnerable workers.

Both the public and private sectors are struggling to get the skilled workers needed

for embracing AI technology. Many of the top talents prefer higher paying jobs overseas. AI can also create opportunities for new types of employment, but this will require proper training in a field that keeps advancing at warp speed. Responses to the problem must be able to keep up with the rapidly evolving challenges. (Philstar.com)

What APEC means for all of us are trips that directly play a significant role in the lives of people, and obviously, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco is one of many.

Composed of 21 member economies, APEC has become an important international body where leaders have an opportunity to tackle free trade and investment concerns in order to advance shared goals and interests through

economic and technical cooperation.

APEC members are some of the fastest growing economies in the world.

They account for almost 40 percent of the global population (approximately 3 billion people), representing 62 percent of world GDP and 48 percent of world trade in 2021, with real GDP increasing from $19 trillion in 1989 to $58.2 trillion also in 2021.

Obviously, the regional

forum is important for us since 11 of the Philippines’ top trading partners are members, accounting for about 85 percent of our total imports and exports worldwide.

In his keynote address during the CEO Summit last Thursday, November 16, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pointed out that, “As member economies of APEC, we are accountable to our people and future generations to deliver

sustained growth and prosperity.”

But while signs “point to darker clouds, this opportunity to collaborate once more is light in the economic horizon in our efforts to pre-empt a prolonged downturn and its very negative consequences,” he said, recognizing that the “resolve to gather” during the APEC Summit is already a testament to their “commitment to improve

the lives of the people” in the region.

“We must leverage APEC’s core value propositions as the premier regional forum in the Asia Pacific, incubator of innovative ideas, pathfinder for collaborative solutions to emerging trade issues, and platform for forward-looking and responsive economic and trade policies,” the president said, emphasizing that economies must develop in PAGE 10

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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Mindanao earthquake death toll rises to nine Study: Filipino adults...

MANILA — At least nine people have died from the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani, Davao Occidental last week, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported on Monday, November 20.

According to its 8 a.m. situational report, the NDRRMC has recorded eight deaths in Soccsksargen and one in the Davao Region following the 6.8-magnitude quake that shook Mindanao mid-afternoon on November 17.

Meanwhile, at least 15 individuals sustained injuries from the earthquake, according to the NDRRMC. No persons have been reported missing.

The NDRRMC said that a total of 12,885 individuals from 43 barangays in Soccsksargen and Davao have been affected by the earthquake that hit the waters off Sarangani last Friday.

Around 97 houses were completely wrecked from the earthquake while 729 houses were partially damaged, according to the NDRRMC. Three out of 12 roads in Soccsksargen remain impassable.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is currently on a state visit to the United States, virtually met with government officials on Sunday evening, November 19 to order the continued provision of relief operations to families affected by the earthquake. (Cristina Chi/Philstar.com)

DOT sees positive outlook for PH after winning back-to-back travel awards Luisa Cabato Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Monday, Nov. 20 that it is optimistic about the tourism prospects of the Philippines after winning back-to-back recognitions from travel award giving bodies.

In a statement, DOT said that renowned travel

magazine Wanderlust awarded the Philippines as the fourth Most Desirable Country for Adventure in its 22nd Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards.

Meanwhile, the country was also named as Destination of the Year in the ninth TripZilla Awards.

DOT’s attached agency, the Tourism Promotions Board, was also hailed as the Sustainability Leader of the

Year for Asia by the same award-giving body.

According to DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the awards affirm the nation’s standing as a “topof-mind destination among all types of travelers.”

“These recognitions underscore the Philippines’ stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and Filipino brand of service excellence that makes for an enhanced Philippine

tourism experience under the Marcos Administration,” Frasco said.

“On behalf of the Department of Tourism, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has risen to our President’s call for tourism transformation, which expands opportunities for livelihood and employment, driving the growth of the Philippine economy further,” she added. g

SC junks petition to probe drug killings FranCo Jose C. baroña ManilaTimes.net

THE Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking permission for government agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in alleged extrajudicial killings during former president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

In a decision penned by Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh, the Supreme Court en banc dismissed the writ of continuing mandamus filed by several members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines to compel then Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and now Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, then Commission on Human Rights (CHR) chairman Jose Luis Martin Gascon, and then Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to investigate allegations of human rights violation during Oplan Tokhang and Oplan

Double Barrel.

In denying the petition, the Court held that a writ of mandamus is a remedy granted by law when any tribunal, corporation, board, officer or person unlawfully neglects the performance of a legal duty or unlawfully excludes another from the use or enjoyment of a right or office to which such other is entitled.

It said that for a writ of mandamus to be issued, the following must be established: a clear legal right accruing to the petitioner; a correlative duty incumbent upon the respondent to perform an act mandated by law; the respondent neglected to perform such act; the duty is ministerial, and not discretionary, in nature; and there is no other plain, speedy, and adequate remedy in the ordinary course of law.

The Court held that the petition has not established that the respondents neglected their duties as respective

heads of the PNP, Department of Justice and CHR in preventing and investigating violations of the right to life in relation to the government’s antiillegal drugs campaign.

It added that the petitioners cannot impose on the respondents “the standards and characteristics of investigation which they deem to be appropriate and sufficient through a mandamus petition, as it lies only to compel the performance of purely ministerial duties.”

The Supreme Court said the writ of continuing mandamus is available only in environmental cases.

It noted that the writ is issued by a court in an environmental case directing any agency or instrumentality of the government or its officer to perform an act or series of acts decreed by the final judgment, which shall remain effective until judgment is fully satisfied. When PAGE 10

Filipino journalist’s seething memoir of Duterte’s...

PAGE 4 as the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature awardee French author Annie Ernaux.

Among those featured in the list are Emma Cline for America’s newly beloved summer read “The Guest,” R.F. Kuang

for her satirical literary masterpiece “Yellowface,” activist Naomi Klein with her incisive look at the modern afflictions of life in her latest book “Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World,” and EGOT (Emmy, Grammy,

Oscars, and Tony) award winner Barbra Streisand with her memoir “My Name is Barbara.”

TIME’s 100 Books is an annual list that features fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. (Inquirer.net)

PAGE 1 Americans, research on cardiovascular diseases and their risks to this group are often overlooked.

Apparently, some researchers came up with this new study using data from the 13 million Asian adults who participated in the National Health Interview Survey from 2013 to 2018.

Dividing the data into four groups—Chinese, Filipino, Indian, and other Asian descent—the researchers found that Filipinos are at higher risk of having high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes than the Chinese.

Findings were presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions conference in Philadelphia.

According to Heart.org, these results are just the first chapters while the rest are meant for publication in a peerreviewed journal.

Filipino adults taking the lead in high blood pressure When it comes to cardiovascular health, Filipino adults are at the forefront of high blood pressure—a major culprit for heart attacks, strokes, and heart diseases.

In fact, PRESYON studies in the Philippines found that hypertension rates soared from 22 percent in the 1990s to 37 percent in 2021.

With the World Health Organization’s recent confirmation that too much sodium intake can cause high blood pressure, it’s no surprise that Filipinos are top candidates given our penchant for salty, sweet, and savory foods.

Furthermore, the study also reveals Filipino adults have higher rates of smoking. Owing to this outcome, Sudsheesha Perea, a medical student at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, highlighted the need for more studies on the heart health of all Asian subgroups.

In addition, Dr. Latha Palaniappan, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University and an internal medicine doctor, also noted the importance of more research into the specific Asian group at higher risk for strokes, asthma, cancer, and even mental health. g

Philippines population may reach 115 million...

PAGE 1 place,” Tacardon said.

He noted that the 1.6-percent increase in population growth rate annually meant that the country’s population “has already stabilized.”

“Total fertility rate (in the Philippines) showed that a woman of reproductive health normally gives birth to two children only. This is based on the 2022 Health and Demographic Survey.

This means that the total fertility level slows down the country’s population growth,” Tacardon explained.

At the same time, the CPD official stressed that the fertility rate has an impact on the country’s age structure.

“The dominant now is the working-age group population of 15 to 64 years old. The dependents, who

are aged zero to 14, are getting fewer in number.

Its implication is that if the country becomes successful in building human resources such as the working-age population, there is a chance to accelerate economic development,” he said.

“If all or many are working, all will contribute to development rather than receiving help from the government. There is positive contribution to economic development,” he added.

If the number of children in the family is manageable, there will be more investment when it comes to their health, studies and well-being as a family, according to Tacardon.

He said that the CPD is continuously addressing the increasing number of teenage pregnancy cases in the country. g

8

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UN adopts resolution on violence vs women Bernadette e. tamayo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines and Indonesia have facilitated the adoption of a United Nations resolution calling for measures against violence against women migrant workers.

The UN’s Third Committee adopted by consensus the resolution Violence Against Women Migrant Workers which was tabled and facilitated by the Philippines and Indonesia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The resolution is expected to be adopted by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2023.

Philippine Permanent

Representative to the UN Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo presented the resolution, the DFA said in a statement.

The resolution “recognizes the immense value of the work of women migrant workers, while seeking to prevent and address the violence, discrimination and harassment that they often experience,” the DFA said. The resolution calls on governments to “put in place zero-tolerance policies and measures towards all forms of violence and harassment, racism, racial discrimination and related intolerance against migrant women,” the DFA said.

Lagdameo highlighted the role that digital technology may play in increasing the

risk of violence faced by women migrant workers, the Foreign Affairs department said. He raised the need for member states to “establish or strengthen their policies and programs to provide access to technology and facilitate the training of women migrant workers on digital technology skills.”

Lagdameo cited the member states’ concern that women migrants, including those with irregular migration status, are “more likely to be forced to work under deplorable working conditions.” He also underscored the importance of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to “address inequalities that force women to migrate.” g

‘Filipino kids hit hard by climate change’ reina Leanne toLentino ManilaTimes.net

VICE President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte said climate change has hit Filipino children hard, thus the need to address the crisis.

“This year, let us acknowledge the urgent need to address the climate crisis — a threat that disproportionately impacts children and threatens their prospects. The climate crisis is a child rights crisis that affects children’s lives, education and health. And climate change is hitting Filipino kids hard.”

She said typhoons cause flooding, landslides and storm surges in high-risk areas, affecting children.

The vice president said the country ranked first in the World Risk Index for 2022.

From 2016 to 2021, about 9.7 million Filipino children were displaced because of climate-change related events.

“These displacements caused increased diseases, respiratory illnesses and long-term mental health issues among children,” she said.

“Disasters force children to miss school, affect their learning and their future. In rural communities, where

agriculture is the main industry, these calamities generate food shortages and malnutrition,” she added.

Duterte said children must be given “meaningful participation” in the fight against climate change.

“As adults, we must commit to walking the talk.

We can start by reducing our carbon footprints and living sustainably. We must also promote programs that encourage kids to improve their community’s disaster resilience. The upcoming COP28 presents a critical opportunity for the Philippine government to design and implement child-responsive climate action that prioritizes the needs and perspectives of children.”

More deaths Experts earlier warned that more people will die from extreme heat and that without action, the health of humanity “is at grave risk.”

The Lancet Countdown, a major annual assessment carried out by leading researchers and institutions, said more common droughts will put millions at risk of starving, mosquitoes spreading farther than ever before will take infectious diseases with them, and health systems will struggle to cope with the burden.

Last year people

worldwide were exposed to an average of 86 days of lifethreatening temperatures, according to the Lancet Countdown study. Around 60 percent of those days were made more than twice as likely due to climate change, it said.

The number of people over 65 who died from heat rose by 85 percent from 1991-2000 to 2013-2022, it added.

“However, these impacts that we are seeing today could be just an early symptom of a very dangerous future,” Lancet Countdown’s executive director Marina Romanello said.

Under a scenario in which the world warms by two degrees Celsius by the end of the century — it is currently on track for 2.7 C — annual heat-related deaths were projected to increase 370 percent by 2050. That marks a 4.7-fold increase.

Around 520 million more people will experience moderate or severe food insecurity by mid-century, according to the projections.

And mosquito-borne infectious diseases will continue to spread into new areas. The transmission of dengue would increase by 36 percent under a 2.0 C warming scenario, according to the study. g

CONTRAST. Drivers and operators protest against the public utility vehicle modernization program and oil deregulation along Anonas Extension in Quezon City on Monday, Nov. 20. As they air their grievances, a Fairview-bound modern jeepney continues its operation.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

What APEC means for all of...

PAGE 5 a manner that is “resilient, sustainable, and mitigates negative externalities.”

It was very refreshing to see the president engaging in a dynamic manner with CEOs, top business executives, investors and venture capitalists in the technology sector during a roundtable discussion where he highlighted the readiness of the Philippines to embrace artificial intelligence and invited them to become partners in navigating “the AI future.”

During the economic briefing that he conducted with U.S. investors, President Marcos explained in simple but eloquent terms what the country is doing and trying to do to attract more businesses to come into the Philippines.

“With a solid reform agenda and unabating growth amid headwinds, the Philippines is ready to take off as a leading investment hub in Asia. A wealth of opportunity awaits you in the Philippines, and we are ready to explore new horizons with your investments in the coming years,” the president highlighted.

“By bringing conversations on the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals, policy roadmap, and investment opportunities closer to the international business community, we aim to reintroduce the Philippines and jumpstart meaningful, concrete, and mutually beneficial partnerships,” the president added.

We were invited to a small private dinner specifically hosted for the president by VISA executive chairman Alfred Kelly Jr. at his private penthouse apartment located in downtown San Francisco. With us were about a dozen top CEOs in the United States, who engaged in a lively and candid discussion with the president on the economic prospects of the Philippines and our relationship with the U.S. Al Kelly, who also happens to be the APEC 2023 Private Sector Host Committee Co-Chair, lauded President Marcos for his leadership and shared the view of many that the president is now considered to be one of the leading, most influential world leaders today. The VISA executive chairman had this kind of projection because of the president’s charisma and eloquence, impressing listeners with the way he explained things

that showed he is knowledgeable in geopolitics, global economic concerns, the war in Ukraine and other matters worldwide that the businessmen wanted to hear his views on. I was extremely proud to witness our president’s interaction with the CEOs in an area I always knew him to be at his best – a candid discussion on a wide array of topics.

The president had an informal cocktail meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and also met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on the sidelines of the APEC Summit.

Of course, the meeting with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who has become a good friend of the president, was extremely important for both our countries, reaffirming the strength of their alliance and underscoring the shared intent to grow and modernize this alliance. They also discussed “strengthening and broadening economic cooperation bilaterally and through the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework.”

An important breakthrough was the signing of the landmark 123 Agreement that will pave the way for the U.S. to share nuclear technology and material with the Philippines for peaceful uses. The president sees the agreement as a milestone in ensuring a more energy secure and green Philippines, expressing optimism for nuclear energy to become part of the country’s energy mix by 2032.

As of this writing, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already reached out to our Department of Foreign Affairs for the much-anticipated meeting between President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they are expected to discuss the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea and find ways to maintain peace and prevent the situation from escalating.

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

SC junks petition to probe drug...

PAGE 7 granted, the writ requires the performance of an act or several acts for the full

satisfaction of a judgment.

Finally, the high court said that neither could the respondents be required to

submit periodic reports to the Court as such a directive violates the doctrine of separation of powers. g

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

11

Crewman takes his chances for provisional waiver: An inspiring success story on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday TONY entered the U.S. as a crewman in 2003. While visiting his mother, his family convinced him to jump ship and overstay, so he remained in the U.S. and met his future wife, Georgia. However, because he was a crewman, he could not apply for his green card in the U.S. Provisional Waivers (PW) became available in 2016. This would forgive Tony for having overstayed. However, his visa

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS ONE of the great advances in medical science is the

must be approved and issued at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Tony’s provisional waiver was immediately approved in 2017 after leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel proved to the USCIS that Tony’s wife and his mother, both U.S. citizens, would suffer extreme hardship if Tony would not be admitted back to the U.S. PAGE 12

UVC destroys viruses discovery that Ultraviolet C (UVC) rays effectively kill bacteria, and neutralize viruses, fungi and molds. This has led to the introduction of UVC lamps for cleaning and sterilization of medical/

dental instruments and accessories. The expanded use was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to include sterilizing food PAGE 12

CREWMEN AND PROVISIONAL WAIVERS WILL BE THE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION ON A BRAND-NEW SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Tony (left) entered the U.S. as a crewman in 2003 and overstayed. As a result, he could not adjust status, even through marriage to his U.S. citizen spouse. In 2016, Provisional Waivers became available. This would “forgive” Tony for having overstayed, but he had to apply for his visa at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. However, the embassy was taking a hard stance on crewmen with provisional waivers and charging them with fraud. In 2022, Tony saw an episode on Citizen Pinoy where Julie, another crewman, took the risk and flew back to the Philippines with her provisional waiver, and she successfully obtained her immigrant visa. Upon seeing that episode, Tony informed leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) that he also wanted to take his chances. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, November 26 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

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UVC destroys viruses...

PAGE 11 items, baby pacifier, bibs, utensils, cups, toys, toothbrush, nail cutters, etc., even cell phones, headsets, and earbuds, chargers, cords, CPAP masks and tubing.

How long does it take to sterilize?

Disinfection using UV light is called ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI), which has been found to have very effective killing power against a broad spectrum of bacteria. Viruses, fungi, and spores require repeated treatments, perhaps 15 minutes instead of 5 minutes, the standard time of irradiation it takes to kill bacteria.

What are the common types of UV rays?

The 3 spectra of UV wavelength are: UV-A (320 to 400 nm), UV-B (280-320 nm), and UV-C (200-280 nm). UV-C has the strongest germicidal power and popularly used as mercury lamps to inactivate microorganisms in food items, your baby’s eating utensils, bibs and pacifier, CPAP masks and tubing, medical/dental instruments, toothbrushes, combs, shavers, hair curlers, jewelries, watches, keys, cellphones, headsets, earbuds, paper money and coins, and practically anything that fits into the UV-C sterilizer bag or box.

How does UV-C light kill microbes?

The UV-C rays inactivate/kill microorganisms by destroying their nucleic acid and disrupting their DNA, disabling their vital cellular function and ability to replicate. And all it takes is between one 5-exposure for bacteria, and three 5-minute exposures for viruses, fungi, and molds. This same UV-C light is used to disinfect and sanitize our drinking water and food items (meats, especially chicken, fruits, vegetables, and seafood) as a standard safety procedure in the United States and other countries in the world.

Could these UV-C lamps sterilize a room?

Yes, UV-C lamps can sterilize an entire room, and routinely used daily to sterilize hospital operating rooms, ICU and individual rooms to reduce HAI (hospital acquired infections) which victimize some 2 million patients every year, with an estimated death of 90,000 as a result. In the past two decades, there was an increase of 36 percent of HAI in the U.S., with an economic burden up to $45 billion a year. The latest advancement for this type of sterilization is the robot sterilizer technology, also using UV-C lamps, for all rooms in the hospital.

Is UV-C light safe?

Used properly, UV-C lamps or irradiation is safe for humans and animals. As long as the UV-C rays do not hit the eyes or the skin, no injury will result from its use. This is why UV-C lamps are self-contained in a zippered tote, bag or ocked box, thus preventing any leak of rays. They are turned on only after the container lid is zipped or the sterilizer door is closed securely. As for the UV-C sterilization in the operating room and all other rooms, the area is sealed to prevent exposure to people, with signs indicating the room is being sanitized and warning that UV sterilizer lamps are turned on and dangerous to the eyes and the skin.

What blocks UV rays?

Most any solid material, like cardboard, aluminum foil, wood, concrete, etc. block UV rays. If you do not see any UV light at all, it means the rays are effectively blocked. Dark eyeglasses do not totally block UV lights.

How much microbes are in our home?

It is mind-boggling but there are trillions of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, molds, algae, protozoa) in every home, no matter how we clean it in the conventional way. Indeed, there are more microbes in one home than all humans (8.1 billion, the current world population) in the galaxy. While not all of them are pathogens, a significant number of them can cause illnesses of varying degrees, some silent infections, resulting in continuous inflammation in our body system we do not even know or sense. This inflammation increases our risk for the development or aggravation of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or metabolic illnesses, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Any form of inflammation in us is the enemy of our body, negatively impacting our immune system. Besides microbes, stress, tobacco, vaping (e-cigs), alcohol, lack of exercise, loneliness, and/or bitterness can also cause inflammation within us.

Could UV-C lamps be useful at home?

Do a due diligence on this subject and discuss it with your physician about the benefit of adding this sterilization method in sanitizing your home to prevent illnesses in your household, by eliminating or minimizing viruses (colds, herpes simplex) bacteria, fungi and molds through UV-C sterilization. The home UV-C sterilization bag (about 8x10x8) emits no ozone and could be used to sterilize almost any item at home (baby’s food utensils, bibs, pacifiers, toothbrush, etc.), following the accompanying instructions on safe handling of this sterilizer. The UV-C bulbs last for about 9,000 to 12,000 hours use, roughly one year. This small portable collapsible (for travel) bag sanitizer is available at a discounted price on Amazon. For more info, send email to steriletote@hotmail.com.

When was UV sterilization first used?

UV light has been used for more than 5 decades by the food manufacturing industry with excellent effectiveness, preventing illnesses and deaths from ingestion of infected food items. Actually, the first use of UV-C as germicidal agent was in the late 1800s and it has been utilized for sanitizing drinking water and food items for 219 years now. The method, which is effective against E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria and other foodborne pathogens in meats, vegetables, fruits, etc., also helps preserve food items longer. It is a legal requirement for the food industry to follow the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) controls, using UV-C as an acceptable method. It is clear that the UV-C sterilization method for CPAP masks and tubing, food items, and practically any item is most effective and safe in our fight against infection, even in our home. *** 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. *** 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.

Scene from “Jacuzzi”

Photo courtesy of Careless Music

James on risk-taking and self-discovery

By Rito P. Asilo Inquirer.net

EVEN before he put up Careless Music in 2017, James Reid had already been trying to expand his musical horizons and expressing himself with alluring songs that allow his followers to peel off the layers of his continually evolving musicality.

While his sound, style and musical sensibility may have significantly deepened since 2013—from “Alam Niya Ba” and his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” to his JaDine heyday and the steamier, sassier iterations (“u & i,” “Turning Up”) of his music—James said in a recent one-on-one chat with Inquirer Entertainment that he doesn’t take anything for

granted. In fact, he embraces the changes with growthevincing maturity.

When we spoke to the 30-year-old singer-actor to discuss his brand-new single “Jacuzzi,” his catchy, hookheavy latest collaboration with Grammy-winning producer DJ Flict and South Korean rapper B.I (after “4 Letters”), he said that his attempts at bucking convention didn’t come without risk.

James explained, “It was risky and terrifying when I began making my own music with Careless. I would know, because back in 2017 or 2018, I did have a lot to lose. But I decided to follow my passion for music and see where it could take me.

“It’s been a lot of selfdiscovery. I never pretended

to have all the right answers.

I never said the music I was making would be the future of OPM (Original Pilipino Music). It was just me experimenting, trying out new things.

“But I’m not done yet.

You said earlier that I hit my stride with my past few songs, but I feel like I’m just about to actually hit my stride.

And that’s why I can really combine everything that I used to do and everything that I’ve learned. I want to create something that will transcend borders and make my fans, the Careless team and the Philippines proud.”

Diverse music When asked how he wanted music aficionados to remember his songs, James PAGE 13

Crewman takes his chances...

PAGE 11 Tony already had a scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila, but since the Embassy was taking a hard stance on crewmen with provisional waivers and charging them with fraud, Atty. Gurfinkel decided to postpone Tony’s trip to the Philippines.

In 2022, Tony saw an episode of Citizen Pinoy where Julie, another crewman, took the risk and flew back to the Philippines with her provisional waiver.

Julie was able to obtain her immigrant visa.

Inspired by that success story, Tony told Atty.

Gurfinkel that he was willing to take his chances and apply for his visa in Manila.

Watch this success story

Tony (left) was finally able to get his immigrant visa in October 2023, 20 years after he jumped ship as a crewman in 2003.

on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, November 26 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers,

*** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash

right after TV Patrol Linggo.

Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

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James on risk-taking and self-discovery...

THIS year’s Miss Universe crown was won by Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua, whose beauty and brains secured for her country its first-ever victory from the global tilt.

The 23-year-old Latina beauty queen competed with 83 other delegates at the coronation night in El Salvador on Nov. 18, and triumphantly won the hearts of the judges as well as pageant aficionados. Aside from Palacios’ evident beauty and allure, there is actually a lot more going for her.

Interviewed by ABS-CBN News in El Salvador , Palacios said she feels happy and grateful to have made beauty pageant history for her country, truly an achievement to be proud of.

Here are some facts about the Miss Universe 2023 titleholder for fans to get to know her more: She started joining beauty pageants when she was 15 years old Palacios, who has always dreamed of becoming a beauty queen, entered the world of pageantry when she was just 15 years old.

Prior to her Miss Universe journey, she already joined several competitions including Miss Teen Nicaragua pageant in 2016, and the Miss World 2021 where she finished as part of the Top 40 finalists.

A communications degree holder Palacios earned her bachelor’s degree in communications PAGE 15

PAGE 12 quipped, “Wow, I never thought about that. People probably have different opinions about the music I make because it’s so diverse.

“But the way I hope people would remember my music is that it’s quite brave, not sticking to what’s traditional or what the norm is—especially because it’s from someone like me who comes from mainstream TV (“On the Wings of Love”) and movies (“Never Not Love You”), then transitions to music.”For his Filipino fans, the matinee idol may be more known for being the first “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) teen edition winner and as the other half of the immensely popular JaDine love team (with former girlfriend Nadine Lustre), but music is expanding James’ reach globally.

Doesn’t he mind becoming more famous for his music than his films or TV shows?

“I’m glad to hear that, actually (laughs),” he replied. “My name has always been bigger than what I do.

So, it’s nice to know that people are recognizing me for my music—because it’s something that I myself create.”The rest of our Q&A with James: “Jacuzzi’s” catchy hooks are really right up your alley. After your collaboration with Benjamin Kheng (“Rock Bottom Blues”), what excites you about “Jacuzzi”?

The focal point was the chance to work with B.I [again] on this track. Hanbin is an amazing artist and he was really perfect for the song. His style and voice worked really well with the second verse that I gave him.

I was also able to collaborate with a Singaporean music label (Cross Ratio Entertainment) to help promote the song, which was interesting. We wanted to try out ways of marketing beyond the usual way of doing it.

For the music video [directed by Hiromi Uematsu], I was also able to collaborate with so many stars, like Maris Racal, AC Bonifacio and Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee. AAs for the concept of the video, we wanted something larger than life— super fun, easygoing, not too deep.

Something that would evoke a romantic setting with people drinking champagne in a jacuzzi, although I don’t really own a

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Miss Universe 2023 Sheynnis Palacios

Photo from Instagram/@missuniverse

Get to know Sheynnis Palacios, first Miss Universe titleholder from Nicaragua

By Anne PAsAjol Inquirer.net

jacuzzi (laughs).

We wanted guest stars who could match that vibe—and Michelle, AC and Maris were perfect for it! Maris looked pretty good despite not ever having played golf before. I told her, “You’re an actress—just act like you know what you’re doing (laughs)”—and she wasn’t bad at all.

You’ve always had a knack for catchy hooks and melodies. But for fans who want to know more about your songwriting process, what comes first— music or a hook or lyrics?

For me, it’s always the music that comes first. I need to start with the chords so I know what the emotion is— that’s when I feel something. Like, “Oh, this makes me feel romantic. I want to dance with somebody.”

That’s what the chords, as well as the drums and percussion, make me feel. That decides the pace and rhythm.

After that, I’ll just create melodies and freestyle … whatever comes naturally.

Then, I’ll write to it.

You also recorded “4 Letters” with B.I How did this partnership come about?

I was very lucky to have met him backstage at a concert in Seoul. He told me he was doing a concert in Manila [last March] and that he would love to have me onstage with him. And I said, “Yeah, I’m down. Let’s do it.” So, I opened for him.

After that, I sent him my track for “Jacuzzi,” and he said he’d love to be on it. Then, he sent me “4 Letters,” and I jumped on that. So, these songs actually happened at about the same time.

You’re doing well as a solo act. But other than B.I and Benjamin Kheng, you’ve also recorded tracks with other exciting talents, like Zack Tabudlo (“Hatdog”), Manila Grey (“Backhouse Ballin’”), Massiah (“Experience”), Billy Crawford (“Manila Girl”), among others.

What did you take away from those collaborations?

From the perspective of my music label when I wear my music-label hat, there’s certainly that aspect of crosspollination of fans [that we can all benefit from] and seeing what else is possible to do. You’re expanding your reach and your market, especially with artists who complement your music.

But personally, these projects allow

me to find out how I am as an artist.

Doing them kind of reveals to me what my own style is and what works for me. I learned a lot from working with Benjamin, who’s one of the best out there, and seeing how B.I, who’s excellent at what he does, connects with his rabid fan base. They really push me to be better, which is great because I like challenging myself.

What’s exciting about your music is the fact that we don’t quite know what else to expect. Any reaction?

I like that. People never really expected me to do something like “Jacuzzi.” But I promise you, people will not be expecting the song that I’m doing next.

Do you know how different you’ve become from the young and almost shy James Reid who won “PBB” in 2010?

Yes, it’s like they’re two very different people (laughs).

You’ve released a lot of music since 2013 or so. For new fans who are just beginning to appreciate your songs, which of your recordings do you think best represents your sound?

That’s hard to answer. I have a lot of musical influences. I definitely have favorites, but I’ve always been very versatile with my sound—from R&B and pop to rock, electronic and “dance-y.”

It’s also kind of funky and disco.

So perhaps the album, “Lovescene,” would be the album to listen to. If you listen through it, you can kind of get where it’s very diverse. I was really just experimenting with all the things that I like. I think the whole album is a good representation of my taste and all of my musical influences.

But definitely, the next album I’ll be working on will be a bit more “refined.”

“Refined”? In what way will the next album be different?

These current songs (“Jacuzzi,” “Rock Botton Blues”) are not leading up to the next one… no. They’re standalone singles.

I want the next one to be a lot more personal, more introspective. The next one will be very different from “Palm Dreams” or “Lovescene.” I feel like this might be the most personal and vulnerable I’ve ever been. It’s definitely going to be a side of me that the fans have not seen.

14 NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY N OV E M B E R 24 , 2 0 23

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INSPIRING ‘FILIPINO RENAISSANCE’

Trailblazing Pinoys share their journey at ‘PH Time is Now’

by MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPress

OBBY Lopez stands on the threshold of a groundbreaking achievement, a feat untouched in the annals of entertainment history – a triple EGOT. With multiple Emmy, B Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards already adorning his illustrious career, he is an Oscar award away from an unparalleled milestone.

Honored at the recent ‘PH Time is Now’ event at the Harvard Club, Lopez, despite his towering presence in the industry, remains remarkably unassuming. When asked about the significance of his double EGOT status, he humbly remarked, “I’m not sure that it means anything.”

Yet, this understated artist’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Born in Manhattan to a Filipino-American family, Lopez’s trajectory led him from Yale University to crafting songs for small theaters and ultimately birthing the acclaimed Avenue Q. In 2013, at the age of 39, he secured his first EGOT, becoming the youngest and the first Asian to attain this revered quartet of awards, accomplishing it within a mere nine years.

Fast forward four years, and Lopez etches his name in history once again. In March 2018, he clinched his second Oscar for co-writing “Remember Me” from Pixar’s “Coco,” cementing his status as the sole individual on the planet to boast a double EGOT. With four Emmys, three Grammys, two Oscars, and three Tonys, Lopez has ascended to legendary stature, spanning the realms of television, music, film, and theater. This unassuming trailblazer now stands at the cusp of a

Care.com founder Sheila Lirio Marcelo and Rechie Valdez, the Member of Parliament for Mississauga–Streetsville and the first Filipino woman elected as a Member of Parliament in Canada in a fireside chat at the PH Time is Now event.

PHTimeIsNow was launched in 2018 to create a platform for global Filipino trailblazers, mentors, and changemakers to share their personal stories of learning, growth, and success through connecting and inspiring activities in hopes of helping the next generation tp reach greater heights in their personal and professional lives. Last month, the organization gathered Filipino trailblazers around the globe in New York City to celebrate Filipino excellence. Photos courtesy of PH Time is Now

PH Time is Now founder Carissa Villacorta with double EGOT awardee Bobby Lopez and UN Women’s global ambassador Karen Davila.

triple EGOT, a testament to his unparalleled talent and impact on the entertainment landscape.

Lopez is best known for his work on musicals such as “The Book of Mormon” and “Avenue Q,” as well as for composing the songs featured in the Disney animated film “Frozen” with

his wife Kristen.

At the event, Lopez shared the story of his father Frank who was born on a ship on the way to the United States from Manila.

It is believed that the ship was the last GI boat to leave Manila after World War II and Bobby’s grandmother was aboard on a personal

mission to find her father.

Lopez also shared his excitement about having more time now to be with fellow Filipinos at events and see Filipinos making it big.

“I’m so excited about it.

I’m always so happy to see a Filipino succeed because I feel like your team is winning, it’s really great,” Lopez told the Asian Journal.

One source of Filipino pride on Broadway these days is Here Lies Love, the first all-Filipino musical in the Great White Way’s history.

The multiple Tony Award winner was in awe about what the musical was able to achieve.

“I love Here Lies Love, it was so exciting and I just want to see it again,” Lopez said. “I never would have imagined seeing a musical PAGE 15

Karen Davila shared the stage with Broadway stalwarts, among them (top photo) Bobby Lopez, known for Avenue Q and Book of Mormon and (bottom photo) Here Lies Love producers - Tony Award winner Clint Ramos and Jose Antonio Vargas, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Emmy-nominated filmmaker, and Tonynominated theatrical producer.

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Get to know Sheynnis Palacios, first Miss Universe...

PAGE 13 from Universidad Centroamericana or Central American University–Managua in 2022. She is also planning to pursue a master’s degree and start her own audiovisual production company.

“Her goal in life is to work in the service of humanity, by running a newsroom and producing content and commercials for international brands,” the Miss Universe Organization spoke of the beauty queen.

A TV host, editor and producer Using her communications degree, Palacios entered the field of entertainment as a TV host, editor and producer for local TV channels in Nicaragua.

“If I got to talk to little 5-year-old Sheynnis, I wouldn’t believe that in the not too distant future I would be

working with big screen characters… great characters I watched every morning and they were role models for me. I can only tell you that God is great and good,” the beauty queen spoke of her hosting stint.

A mental health advocate Having a first-hand experience of severe anxiety, Palacios underscores the importance of mental health through her program “Understand Your Mind.” This initiative serves as a platform wherein Palacios tackles mental health with experts and specialists for viewers to better understand themselves.

Aside from this, Palacios is also aiming to author a book for those who are struggling with mental health problems.

A fur mom and an animal rescue

advocate Palacios has six dogs and two cats whom she treats as members of their family. The beauty queen has also used her social media platforms to help initiatives which find homes for abandoned cats and dogs.

A fan of Miss Universe titleholders Andrea Meza, Catriona Gray When asked who is her “favorite Miss Universe winner” during an interview with ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo, Palacios named Andrea Meza and Catriona Gray who won the pageant crowns in 2020 and 2018, respectively. Palacios said she admires them for being genuine and for their humility despite their successes.

“Iconic women in the beauty pageant,” she described Meza and Gray. g

Trailblazing Pinoys share their...

PAGE 14 with an all-Filipino cast!”

Cultural and artistic revival While the event did not explicitly center on a Filipino renaissance, various speakers echoed the theme, recognizing a cultural and artistic revival within the Filipino community.

This resurgence is evident in various creative and cultural expressions, as well as in the exploration of indigenous traditions and historical influences, reflecting a renewed appreciation for Filipino identity, arts, cuisine, and cultural heritage.

Sheila Lirio Marcelo, founder of Care.com is happy that there is such a thing.

“Absolutely, there is a Filipino renaissance,” she said. “I am just so thrilled to be supporting amazing Filipinos, Filipino Americans, rise as much as they can to lift all boats and inspire all Filipinos.”

Marcelo mentioned a couple of Filipino-founded companies where she is an adviser. The first is Enroot founded by Christina Patwa (she partnered with Brad Pitt) and the other is Mostra Coffee.

Marcelo said that despite her stature as CEO, there are still instances where she is underestimated. “No matter what, I think the internal Filipina in me is to be compassionate and understanding and help lift people up and better understand their unconscious bias when it happens and to do it with kindness.”

“It is good to see trailblazing Filipinos inspiring others,” she said.

“I am so thrilled to be here to support and it’s such an honor to represent Filipinos and lift their stories.”

Among those inspiring stories belonged to Rechie Valdez, who attended the same event in 2018 as a banker and a baker. This year, she returned as one of the speakers.

Valdez was elected as the Member of Parliament for Mississauga— Streetsville in 2021, representing the Liberal Party of Canada. She is the first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as a

Member of Parliament. Last July, Prime Minister Justine Trudeau appointed her to his cabinet as Minister of Small Business.

In her conversation with Marcelo, Valdez talked about her journey in Canada as an entrepreneur who found herself in politics and that she takes immense pride in her Filipino-ness.

Taking her oath was a powerful moment for her and she knew that it was all for her parents, “for all of their hard work and sacrifice being immigrants to Canada.”

Valdez highlighted the dedication, hard work, and grit that Filipinos possess, stating that we are capable of overcoming challenges and excelling in any society. She emphasized the strong sense of family love that characterizes Filipino culture.

“To be back here as a speaker this time is a phenomenal moment for me,” Valdez told us. “I’m mostly here to reconnect with Filipinos from across the American and Canadian diaspora and you know what it’s all about?

Hearing and sharing today that you learn something new and let that be a spark that you bring home.”

That was what she herself did back in 2018 at the first PH Time is Now event, which is why she is thankful to founder Carissa Villacorta for gathering inspiring Filipinos with great stories to share with the world.

In a message to the younger generation, Valdez encouraged them to believe in themselves and their creations. She shared that she did not have the same opportunities earlier in her life, and she wanted the younger individuals to understand that they have the potential to succeed. The key, according to Valdez, is self-belief and confidence in what they can achieve.

UN Women’s Goodwill Ambassador Award-winning broadcast journalist Karen Davila served as the event’s host, conducting insightful fireside dialogues with the guest speakers, among them community leader and philanthropist Loida Nicolas Lewis,

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, Tony Award winner Clint Ramos, entrepreneur Rebecca Kersch, ABC7’s Nina Pineda, author Neeta Bhushan, designer Jef Albea joining Lopez, Valdez, and Marcelo.

Davila, longstanding advocate for women’s and children’s rights, was in New York recently as UN Women’s National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines. In this role, she will amplify critical issues and inspire change, drawing attention to the role of women in development and nationbuilding, promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

“It is an honor to be UN Women’s first National Goodwill Ambassador for the Philippines. I will be working with many others who speak out in support of UN Women to help bring about positive change in mindsets, behaviors, and hopefully, in the everyday lives of women and girls,” Davila said.

As a new National Goodwill Ambassador for UN Women, Davila joins a select group of celebrated personalities in the fields of entertainment, sports, and activism, including award-winning actors Anne Hathaway and Nicole Kidman, worldrenowned soccer player Marta Vieira da Silva and model and activist Cindy Sirinya Bishop, amongst many other influential figures.

Goodwill Ambassadors bolster the United Nations’ reach and awareness through enhanced visibility, strategic alignment with national objectives, expansive outreach beyond traditional circles, accessible communication on gender equality, and authentic advocacy based on lived experiences.

The PH Time is Now event not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted a collective resurgence of Filipino identity, arts, and culture.

Through the narratives of trailblazers like Bobby Lopez, Rechie Valdez, and others, the Filipino community is witnessing a renaissance that goes beyond borders, inspiring the next generation to believe in themselves and their potential. g

Carlo Aquino and Dolly de Leon in “Iti Mapukpukaw” Photo courtesy of Cinemalaya

Dolly hopeful Philippine entry will get Oscars consideration

By Kristofer Purnell

ACTRESS Dolly de Leon is encouraging Filipinos to help promote and market “Iti Mapukpukaw,” the Philippines’ entry to the Best International Feature Film category of the 2024 Academy Awards.

The film, which Dolly stars with Carlo Aquino and Gio Gahol, made history as the first animated feature to be nominated and win Best Film at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival.

Dolly received the Best Supporting Actress trophy earlier this year for her role in the film.

At the opening night of 11th QCinema International Film Festival, Dolly shared with members of the media including Philstar.com her reactions to the film’s grassroots campaign for awards consideration. “’Yun talaga ang pinakakailangan namin, ang suporta ng mga tao to spread the word about ‘Iti Mapukpukaw’ na ma-nominate siya for consideration sa Oscars,” said Dolly. “Ito na ‘yung chance natin, ng Pilipinas, na ipakita gaano tayo kagaling.

And it’s really a beautiful film.”

Despite positive remarks

for her performance as well as Carlo’s, Dolly directed the praise to the movie’s director-writer Carl Joseph Papa and the nearly hundred animators who worked on the film.

“If not for them, wala ‘yung pelikulang ‘to. It’s a team effort,” Dolly ended.

The rotoscope animated film follows a mouthless animator named Eric who crosses paths with a familiar alien.

The Philippines’ entry to the Oscars last year was “On the Job: The Missing 8,” a film that won John Arcilla the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 78th Venice International Film Festival.

Dolly also appeared in the country’s 2019 entry “Verdict,” while John starred in the back-to-back entries, “Heneral Luna” and “Birdshot.”

No Philippine submission has made the nominees shortlist since the country’s first attempt in 1953 with Manuel Conde’s “Genghis Khan.”

Other popular entries include “Ganito Kami Noon...

Paano Kayo Ngayon?,” “Karnal,” “Dekada ‘70,” “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros,” “Crying Ladies,” “Ded na si Lolo,” “Noy,” “Ang Babae sa Septic Tank,” “Ma’ Rosa” and “Mindanao.” g

Dolly De Leon Instagram photo/@dollyedeleon

Carlo Aquino Instagram photo/@jose_liwanag

Philstar.com

16 NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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