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DECEMBER 22-28, 2023 Volume 17 - No.11 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

California EDD language access expanded to include Tagalog LOS ANGELES – California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) is expanding language access options, which will include Tagalog starting March 2024.

By that time, California residents can apply for unemployment benefits in the myEDD web portal and UI Online and manage their claims via application forms translated into Tagalog, Korean and Armenian, EDD has announced.

This is in addition to the Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

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

Marcos says ‘paradigm shift’ needed in diplomacy with China

by Gaea Katreena Cabico Philstar.com

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. emphasized the need for a “paradigm shift” in tackling China’s increasingly aggressive

behavior in the West Philippine Sea as diplomatic efforts with Beijing were heading in a “poor direction.”

In an interview with Japanese media Saturday, December 16, Marcos said “traditional methods of diplomacy”—such

as sending note verbales and summoning Chinese envoys—had been disregarded by Beijing.

“We have been doing this for many years now, with very little progress,” Marcos was

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Inflation uptick seen with strong El Niño, says BSP official

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by Ronnel W. Domingo Inquirer.net

PLATFORM. Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been using his show on SMNI, “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa” (From the masses, for the masses), to discuss politics, governance, and other issues.

Screengrab from an SMNI video posted on YouTube

TOP AWARDS FROM WTA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. looks at the recent global accolades earned by the Philippines at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) 2023 on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco brought in the trophies for this year’s World Leading Dive Destination and World’s Leading Beach Destination awards, as well as the recognitions earned by the country for the first time, namely: Manila as the World’s Leading City Destination, and the Global Tourism Resilience Award for demonstrating “global leadership, pioneering vision, and innovation to overcome critical challenges and adversity.”

Photo courtesy of Department of Tourism

MANILA — The likelihood that the ongoing El Niño weather phenomenon will become a “historically strong” event in the next two months has increased, with the probability raised to 54 percent from just 35 percent as assessed just a month ago, according to the US Climate Prediction Center (US CPC).

If this comes to pass, the current El Niño will potentially be among the five worst El Niño events since 1950, the scientific agency said.

One of these is the El Niño occurrence in

2 SMNI shows Man who assaulted Filipina in New York suspended, Duterte’s Bongbong Marcos signs P5.768-trillion 2024 nat’l budget pleads guilty to anti-Asian hate crime ‘Gikan’ included MANILA — Government censors have suspended for two weeks the airing of two SMNI programs, one hosted by former President Rodrigo Duterte, after a “thorough review and investigation” of death threats, profanities, and false reports allegedly broadcast on the shows, targeting certain officials.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) on Tuesday, December 19 announced the 14-day preventive suspension orders on Duterte’s “Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa”

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by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, December 20 signed into law the 2024 national budget. This came more than a week after Congress approved and ratified the proposed spending plan.

Marcos signed the P5.768trillion national budget in a ceremony held in the

Malacañang Palace, marking the second full budget of his administration since 2022.

“Although it is teeming with numbers, this budget is more than a spreadsheet of amounts of a ledger of projects, rather, it details our battle plan in fighting poverty and combating illiteracy in producing food and ending hunger and protecting our homes and securing our border, treating the sick,

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by Mary Villegas Inquirer.net

WITH anti-semitic attacks on the rise, let’s not forget that anti-Asian hate is still in the picture. Recently, a man fresh out of his parole hit off an unpleasant encore brutally assaulting a 65-year-old Filipino woman in New York.

Brandon Elliott, who pleaded guilty to anti-Asian hate crime, already had a crime history. He was on parole for killing his mother. This

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time, a Filipino American woman in New York was left battered and bruised.

According to the criminal complaint, Elliott approached the victim shouting, “F*ck you, you don’t belong here,” before the violent attack, reported by AM New York.

And as if that wasn’t enough, Elliott took out a knife and threatened a Good Samaritan trying to thwart the assault. Police caught him a few days later. He pleaded guilty to assault as

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From the Front Page

Marcos says ‘paradigm shift’...

SEA OF DEVOTEES. Hundreds flock to the Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) at Imus Cathedral, Cavite on Sunday, Dec. 17. Free kakanin (native snacks or desserts) were distributed after the Mass.

PNA photos by Avito C. Dalan

Man who assaulted Filipina in...

PAGE 1 a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon.

As for the 65-yearold Filipina victim, the aftermath of the anti-Asian assault left her a forehead contusion, fractured pelvis and other contusions all over her body.

A broader issue of AntiAsian hate crimes This alarming incident is a reminder of the still

rising anti-Asian assaults in the community. And it’s happening not just to average Asians. Even Asian American doctors are feeling the blows of racism as they battle against discrimination in educational institutions and hospitals, a recent study confirmed.

Meanwhile, in lieu of the same issue, LA County breaks a 21-year record of hitting the highest hate

crime rate, showcasing an 18 percent increase in 2022.

“Brandon Elliot brutally and repeatedly assaulted a 65-year-old mother in a hatefueled attack that shook our city,” said District Attorney Bragg in a statement.

His message echoes loud and clear — hate-driven assaults must stop. If you’ve been a victim or witnessed a hate crime, call 212-3353100. n

PAGE 1 quoted as saying in a release issued by the Presidential Communications Office.

“We have to do something that we have not done before. We have to come up with a new concept, a new principle, a new idea so that we move [...] the needle the other way. It’s going up, let’s move the needle back. So that paradigm shift is something that we have to formulate,” he added.

Relations between the Philippines and China have deteriorated under Marcos, who has sought to strengthen ties with the United States and push back against Beijing’s aggressions in the West Philippine Sea. In contrast, his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte pursued a foreign policy shift toward China in exchange for investment pledges.

Earlier this month, the government accused the China Coast Guard of ramming and firing water cannons at Philippine supply boats.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, encompassing waters and islands close to its neighbors’ shores. It has ignored an international tribunal ruling in 2016, which

stated that its claims have no legal basis.

De-escalate tension Marcos also said the Philippines will continue talking to its partners not only in the Indo-Pacific region but also globally if necessary, to de-escalate the tension in the vital waterway.

“We do not want to go to the point where there are incidents that might cause an actual violent conflict,” the chief executive said.

“And so, we have, in my review, it’s time that the countries that feel that they have an involvement in this situation, we have to come up with a paradigm shift,” he added.

Marcos was in Tokyo to attend the commemorative summit for the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Japan friendship and cooperation.

Southeast Asian and Japanese leaders agreed to “strengthen dialogue and cooperation for the maintenance of maritime security and safety and maritime order based on the rule of law” in the face of China’s growing assertiveness. n

Inflation uptick seen with...

PAGE 1 2015-2016, which the World Bank said inflicted $325 million or about P18 billion in damage and production losses to the Philippine agriculture sector.

El Niño brings lower than normal rainfall or even drought to areas in the Philippines, threatening major crops like rice and corn production.

The reduced output will, in turn, lead to higher prices.

The phenomenon occurs on average every two to seven years and can last nine to 12 months, according to the Geneva-based World Meteorological Organization.

State meteorologists officially declared the onset of this latest El Niño event on July 4 this year and it would likely persist until January 2024.

Wary The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is particularly wary of the impact of El Niño as this will mean an uptick in inflation just when the rate of increase in the prices of basic goods and services has been inching closer to the government’s target range of 2 to 4 percent.

This is important for the BSP, one of whose main tasks is to shepherd inflation within what the central bank considers an acceptable range of price growth.

The BSP does this mainly by tweaking interest rates on money borrowed from banks.

BSP Senior Assistant Governor Iluminada Sicat said at a press briefing that a strong El Niño was expected to add 0.02 percentage point to monthly inflation

PARCHED. In this photo taken in May 2023, a boy walks through a parched rice field in Tanza, Cavite, as the state weather bureau issued an El Niño alert.

File photo by Marianne Bermudez / Philippine Daily Inquirer

readouts.

“Inflation could temporarily accelerate above the target [range in the second quarter] due to the impact of El Niño weather conditions and also due to the lagged impact of wage adjustments in 2023,” Sicat said.

Inflation was pegged at 4.1 percent in November, down from a peak of 8.7 percent recorded last January.

El Niño, according to a US CPC bulletin, is expected to continue through the northern hemisphere winter, but with a 60-percent chance of dissipating into a “neutral” scenario — when there is neither El Niño nor its twin and opposite, La Niña — as early as April.

“Based on the latest forecasts, there is now a 54-percent chance of a ‘historically strong’ El Niño during the NovemberJanuary season,” the CPC said.

Securing food supply According to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, intensified efforts to increase agricultural productivity will be supplemented by measures to improve the importation of needed goods.

This is to help secure food supply amid global threats of El Niño and other natural calamities, trade protectionism by other countries, and geopolitical tensions.

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Bongbong Marcos signs P5.768-trillion 2024 nat’l...

PAGE 1 keeping our people healthy, creating jobs and funding livelihoods,” Marcos said in a speech after signing the 2024 national budget.

“It is wrong to say that the budget merely pays for the overhead of the bureaucracy, it is more than that, it funds the elimination of problems that we as a nation must overcome,” he added.

According to Marcos, the national budget for 2024 includes the means to “boost both the physical and the human capital of the nation” although he likewise admitted that it will not be able to fully fund all the government’s plans for the country and its people.

“I will be the first to dispel any claim that this budget fully funds all our plans

for this country and our people,” he said.

“How I wish we could wipe out with one budget cycle all our infrastructure backlogs, how I wish that we had unli[mited] revenues to realize our country’s unlimited potential,” he added.

Several lawmakers and government officials attended the national budget signing ceremony, namely, Senate president Juan Miguel Zubiri and Speaker Martin Romualdez, among others.

Vice President Sara Duterte was not present in the event.

The 2024 budget saw the removal of controversial confidential funds among several civilian agencies including the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education – which are

being helmed by Duterte in concurrent capacity.

The removed secret funds were eventually realigned to increase funding for government agencies tasked with safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. These agencies include the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army, Air Force, Navy, the General Headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Intelligence Coordination Agency, and National Security Council.

In total, the national budget for 2024 was 9.5 percent higher than the P5.268 trillion spending plan in 2023.

The education, transportation, and defense sectors received the biggest funding increases for next year. n

Inflation uptick seen with strong El Niño...

PAGE 2 Related to this, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved another yearlong extension — up to Dec. 31, 2024 — of Executive Order (EO) No. 10, which temporarily reduces import duties on key commodities, including rice, corn, and

pork.

The extension of EO 10 was based on the recommendation of the National Economic and Development Authority board, which Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said would help ensure an adequate supply of agricultural commodities

and maintain stable and affordable prices, thereby better managing potential inflationary pressures.

Last week, Balisacan said that the government could not, and would not, be complacent, as the Philippines continued to have the highest inflation

rate among Southeast Asian peers.

“This is amid our many risks, including the El Niño phenomenon and the simmering geopolitical tensions that may increase uncertainty and disrupt supply chains,” Balisacan said. n

2 SMNI shows suspended, Duterte’s ‘Gikan’...

PAGE 1 (From the masses, for the masses) and the other show, “Laban Kasama ang Bayan,” hosted by anti-communist commentators Lorraine Badoy and Jeffrey Celiz.

The suspension took effect on Dec. 18, according to an MTRCB memo.

Press freedom watchdogs had mixed reactions to the move.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines said that while it was wary of any form of government censorship, “we note that the network was given due process on its potential violations.”

“Freedom of expression and the freedom of the press are not blanket justifications for hate speech, vilification, and threats,” it added.

But University of the Philippines journalism professor Danilo Arao lamented the MTRCB’s “continued power to censor,” which he said must be questioned “in the same way that the House of Representatives’ power to grant broadcast franchises should be challenged.”

The MTRCB presented a detailed timeline of the events that led to its decision, noting that preventive suspension was a “proactive measure aimed at addressing concerns and ensuring compliance with established standards.”

The Inquirer sought an interview with MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto but was told “to first refer to the issued statement.”

Reached separately, SMNI president Marlon Rosete said he had “no comment.”

The MTRCB reported receiving complaints regarding alleged death threats and profane language during the Oct. 10 and Nov. 16 episodes of “Gikan,” a show Duterte hosts with his spiritual adviser Apollo Quiboloy, the owner of SMNI, which stands for Sonshine Media Network International.

In those episodes, Duterte had lashed out at ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro after the latter criticized his daughter, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, over her request for billions of pesos in confidential funds, which the House leadership later realigned.

“You, France, you communists are the ones I want to kill,” the former president said in the Oct. 10 episode.

Another tirade After that first incident, the MTRCB said its board held a preliminary conference with SMNI on Nov. 8, during which the network promised to prerecord and review episodes, “having [been] warned by the Board that similar incidents will be dealt [with] more sternly.”

But at the end of November, the MTRCB received a new complaint against “Gikan” after Duterte launched into another tirade threatening Castro.

The lawmaker filed a complaint for grave threats and cybercrime against him in the Quezon City prosecutor’s office in October, the first criminal case against Duterte since he lost his immunity from suit.

Meanwhile, on Nov. 30, the board received a separate complaint about an “unverified news broadcast” on the show “Laban,” falsely reporting that

Speaker Martin Romualdez had spent P1.8 billion in travel expenses.

On the same day, the House legislative franchises committee launched an inquiry into SMNI’s alleged franchise violations.

On Dec. 5, “Laban” hosts Badoy and Celiz, both known for “red-tagging,” or branding activists and critics as communists, were held in contempt by the House panel and detained for one week for evasive answers about their allegation against Romualdez.

On Dec. 7, SMNI, represented by counsel Mark Tolentino, was ordered to appear before the MTRCB’s hearing and adjudication committee for the offenses involving the two shows.

‘Long overdue’ On Dec. 13, “a unanimous decision was reached” to impose a two-week suspension on “Laban” and “a majority vote” for “Gikan.”

“The decision aligns with the powers granted to the MTRCB by Presidential Decree No. 1986, ensuring that television programs adhere to contemporary Filipino cultural values,” the body said, referring to the MTRCB’s founding document.

Castro said the MTRCB’s action was “long overdue.”

“But at last, now something has been done to curtail the constant Redtagging, spreading of disinformation, fake news, and threatening of individuals using these two shows as well as the network,” she said.

—with reports from Inquirer research and Julie M. Aurelio (By Krixia Subingsubing, Marinel Cruz /Inquirer. net) n

Fighting car scams with the CARS rule

By Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services

THE risk of getting scammed when buying a car — the highest purchase many consumers make short of a house — can be as stressful as the risk of a pile-up commute.

At a Friday, December 15 briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services and the Federal Trade Commission, FTC officials explained how the agency’s Combating Auto Retail Scams (CARS) Rule, requiring transparency from car dealers, will protect buyers from auto scams.

What is CARS and who’s affected?

Malini Mithal, associate director of the FTC Division of Financial Practices said the CARS Rule, announced by the FTC last week, combats two main scams that car buyers experience: bait-and-switch tactics, “where dealers advertise a low price to bring you to the lot, but after you spend hours there you learn that the car is way more expensive than what was advertised,” and junk fees, which are charges hidden by long, complicated auto contracts.

CARS — taking effect July 30, 2024 — will save car buyers facing these tactics an estimated $3.4 billion and 72 million hours a year, she explained. “The rule especially helps honest car dealers who will be able to compete on a level playing field; they won’t have to worry about losing business to a competitor pretending to have a lower price to lure consumers onto their lot, but then charging much more once the consumer gets there.”

The CARS Rule makes this happen four ways, Mithal continued: first, dealers can’t lie about key information like costs, financing terms, add ons and rebates; second, dealers PAGE 7

California EDD language...

PAGE 1 and Vietnamese application forms already being offered.

These seven languages represent the top languages spoken by working-age adults in California.

“This significant enhancement to myEDD and UI Online is an important milestone in our multilingual expansion to better serve California’s diverse communities,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias.

“This significant enhancement to myEDD and UI Online is an important milestone in our multilingual expansion to better serve California’s diverse communities,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias.

“We are committed to knocking down language access barriers and improving the EDD customer experience for everyone.”

Applicants can access the UI Online process in their preferred language, and they will receive realtime, in-language updates about the status of their claim, including payment notifications sent by email or text message.

The new Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese language options when logging into

myEDD will only be available to individuals applying for unemployment benefits in UI Online. They are not yet available when applying for disability insurance or paid family leave benefits, or when accessing benefit overpayment services.

Expanding UI Online access adds to the previously announced several actions EDD has taken to improve language accessibility in its programs and services, including: Requesting funds from the U.S. Department of Labor for these efforts Creating dedicated phone lines in the seven top languages allowing customers to directly reach an agent to help with their claims Launching in July 2022 an EDD Language Access Office and hiring its inaugural Language Access Officer Increasing its website’s translated content, including vital program information, forms and publications, contact information and access to interpreters in over 200 languages at no cost Providing customers helpful how-to-videos for UI Online in different languages. (Inquirer.net) n

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 22-28, 2023

Opinion

Features

Rights-based campaign vs drugs

5

Human rights are supposed to underpin the criminal justice system and national security operations in democratic Philippines. The bloody crackdown on the illegal drug trade in the previous administration, however, turned the country into a global hotspot for human rights violations.

The drug killings were on top of the murders of environmental activists, legal professionals and journalists even after the restoration of democracy in 1986, along with the human rights violations in connection with counterinsurgency operations.

Now the government has informed the United Nations that a Human Rights Coordinating Council will be created in the Philippines to promote an approach to drug control and counterterrorism that is steeped in human rights, accountability and the rule of law. The move is in line with initiatives under the UN Joint Program on Human Rights. The UNJP is a three-year program launched in 2021, under which the UN provides technical and capacity-building assistance to the Philippines for rights-based approaches to drug control and other matters such as reforms in the justice sector.

Speaking for the government, Executive

Secretary Lucas Bersamin announced the move in Geneva, Switzerland as the UN marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Oct. 10.

While the Philippine commitment is laudable, its fulfillment needs careful monitoring.

From the start, human rights have been enshrined in the basic law of the Philippines.

Yet the country saw gross human rights violations during martial law and the Marcos dictatorship. In the six years since 2016 under Rodrigo Duterte, over 6,000 people were killed in what law enforcement agencies described as legitimate operations against the illegal drug scourge. Drug suspects who weren’t killed were packed like sardines in poorly ventilated jails, in conditions that also violated the rights of persons deprived of liberty.

Police officials have said that given the nature of the illegal drug scourge, an end to

Editorial

Commentary

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging MEDICARE Open Enrollment Period is ongoing.

We chose several questions about this subject and want to share the information in this month’s column. We added one question to address the areas where many people are

ManilaTimes.net photo

drug killings cannot be guaranteed. But it’s not impossible to prevent police abuses in the conduct of the anti-narcotics campaign.

Bersamin told the UN that comprehensive reforms in the justice sector include setting up a training institute for forensic science and investigation.

The judiciary can do its part by speeding up adjudication. Impatience with snail-paced

justice is among the reasons why there are Filipinos who support extrajudicial short cuts in law enforcement. Old habits die hard; after six years of being given free rein under Oplan Tokhang and Double Barrel to fight the drug menace, law enforcers must be made to go along with initiatives to promote human rights in the anti-drug campaign.

(Philstar.com)

What to know about the Medicare Open Enrollment Period

confused about the COVID-19 vaccine more clearly. If you have additional questions on Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, or COVID/ Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today: Call: (English) 1-800-3362722; Email: askNAPCA@

napca.org; Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101 Q: Why do I need to check my Medicare plan every year during the Open Enrollment Period and how do I check my plan?

If you don’t take any action, your existing plan will be renewed for 2024. But that could come with cost

and benefit changes. Your plans’ coverage may change, and your health care needs may have changed, too.

This is why it’s important to check-up on your current plan during the period even if you’re happy with your current plan. Your plan will send you a “Plan Annual Notice of Change” (ANOC) each fall. If you don’t get this important document, contact

your plan. The ANOC includes any changes in coverage, costs, and more that will be effective in January. Review any coverage changes including drug formulary.

Think about any changes to your healthcare and/or prescription drug needs, and healthcare expenses to decide whether the plan will continue to meet your needs in the next year. Just

remember to do so before Medicare Open Enrollment ends on December 7.

Q: I signed up for a Medicare Advantage plan during my Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) this year, but I would like to change it to Original Medicare because I plan to travel to different states throughout the next year. How can I switch 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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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 22-28, 2023

Dateline Philippines

7

Filipinos upbeat on 2024 economic prospects

by Faith Argosino Inquirer.net

Senator Imee Marcos

PNA file photo

MORE Filipinos are optimistic about the country’s economic prospects for 2024, the Publicus Asia’s yearend survey showed.

Conducted from November 29 to December 4, the poll reflected a slight improvement in the public outlook of the country’s current state, from 43 percent to 45 percent.

In terms of region, optimism in North-Central Luzon rose from 43 percent in the third quarter to 49 percent in the fourth quarter, South Luzon from 40 percent to 45 percent, and the Visayas from 41 percent to 47

percent.

Optimism sharply declined in Mindanao, from 50 percent to 44 percent.

The outlook on the country’s direction has recovered, surging from 61 percent in the third quarter to 66 percent in the fourth quarter.

The positive views on economic prospects for the next quarter went up from 57 percent to 67 percent. This positive trend was observed across all demographics.

“Household Financial Prospects for the Next Quarter also exhibit a positive trajectory, increasing from 62 percent in Q3 to 70 percent in Q4. This optimistic outlook is shared

across all demographic groups,” Publicus said in a statement released Monday, December 18.

Overall, the positivity about the “state of the country heading into the year 2024” saw a substantial increase from 59 percent to 68 percent. Negative sentiments about the country’s state heading into 2024 have declined from 41 percent to 32 percent, Publicus Asia said.

The survey had 1,500 respondents randomly drawn from the market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by the Singapore office of PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with a multinational presence. n

Israel-Gaza conflict seen to affect PH seafarers, economy Fighting car scams with the CARS...

MANILA – A senator warned on Tuesday, December 19 the present state of the global maritime industry and expanding geopolitical conflict are threatening the jobs of Filipino seafarers.

Senator Imee Marcos, in a news release, cited in particular the Houthi rebels constantly attacking cargo ships in the Red Sea which forced shipping companies to stop operating in the region.

“Shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have just announced a halt to their operations in the Red Sea, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels attacking more cargo ships to avenge the deaths of Palestinian civilians in Gaza,” Marcos said.

“This is happening while shipping companies are coping with higher costs, lower freight charges, and a weaker demand for container transport amid an oversupply of ships,” she added.

The Bab al-Mandab Strait acts as a strategic link between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea via the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.

Reports said about 10 to 12 percent of global trade passes through the area, or more than 17,000 ships each year.

In commemoration of the UN International Migrant Workers Day, Marcos urged the national government to “look at disruptive world events squarely” so that its programs for Filipino migrant workers remain relevant.

Marcos said Maersk is planning to cut 10,000 jobs and Hapag-Lloyd’s revenues dropped to 58 percent in thirdquarter from a year earlier.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels recently set a Hapag-Lloyd containership ablaze during a series of missile attacks, while the Maersk Gibraltar was also targeted, with a missile just missing it while it was transiting near Yemen.

Marcos noted that Filipinos comprise 40 percent of Maersk’s seafarers which is around 4,000 who might lose their jobs and would cause drop in remittances amounting to hundreds of millions annually.

Filipino seafarers, who are among the highest-paid overseas Filipino workers are required to remit at least 80 percent of their salary each month, contributing PHP6.7 billion or some 20 percent of the total remittances in 2022, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

As shipping companies take initiatives toward green energy, Marcos also called for better pay prospects and not just training programs for Filipino seafarers to be deployed on methanol-enabled ships According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, the Philippines was the top source of seafarers in the world in 2021.

The Maritime Industry Authority also reported that the country deployed more than 400,000 Filipino seafarers overseas, on average, from 2016 to 2021. (PNA) n

PAGE 4 must tell consumers the total price of the car (e.g. the full price of a 10-year contract, not just the first few monthly payments); third, dealers can’t charge junk fees that don’t benefit the consumer (e.g. a second warranty with no coverage, or oil change add-ons incompatible with an electric car); and fourth, “Dealers can only charge for things if consumers know what the charge is for and agree to pay for it — so no more hidden costs in contracts.”

The rule also requires dealers advertising a car in a certain language, like Spanish, to clearly disclose any added costs in that same language “so buyers know what they’re agreeing to,” said Jamie Brooks, an attorney with the FTC’s Division of Financial Practices.

Why bait-and-switch?

The CARS Rule focuses so much on bait-and-switch tactics because of how many actions the FTC has brought against it, “where dealers advertise one price to get consumers in the door, but then charge consumers much more after they’ve invested time on the lot,” said Brooks.

Most of this deceptive advertising involves misrepresenting a car’s full price, its monthly payment, or the dealership’s affiliation with government programs, she added.

For example, in 2014 the FTC sued Casino Auto Sales of La Puente,

The risk of getting scammed when buying a car — the highest purchase many consumers make short of a house — can be as stressful as the risk of a pile-up commute.

Unsplash.com photo by Erik Mclean

California for advertising an $18,000 down vehicle while burying an extra $5,000 down payment in fine print specifically targeting Spanish consumers. In 2020, the agency sued dealer ad agency Traffic Jam Events of Kenner, Louisiana for mailers which supposedly directed consumers to a COVID stimulus relief program site, the address of which was really a car lot.

These tactics not only harm car buyers but dealers themselves “who have to beat the bogus prices of dishonest competitors,” Brooks explained. “When a dealership advertises low prices, people end up selecting that dealership over others under false pretenses.”

Junk fees, add-ons Many of these pretenses also involve “junk fees” for hidden add-ons — “like extended warranties, car or asset protection, or coatings that are supposed to protect the car” — which can easily cause unknowing buyers

thousands of dollars, said Sanya Shahrasbi, an attorney with the FTC’s Division of Financial Practices.

“In the past two years alone,” she continued, “dealers have substantially increased prices for these add ons, even though such products and services largely are not constrained by supply.” A 2022 FTC lawsuit against multistate dealer Napleton, the thirteenthlargest dealership group in the country, found that 83% or 16,848 of the dealer’s customers were charged for add-ons that they didn’t agree to; for instance, “one consumer paid for a $2,000 service contract that the dealer said was free.”

This Napleton action found not only that buyers were being charged for addons they didn’t agree to, but also that these buyers were disproportionately Black and Latino, added Mithal. A 2023 action against Wisconsinbased dealer group Rhinelander Auto Center found analogous targeting

of local Native American consumers.

Much of the vulnerability of these racial and ethnic groups owes to language access obstructed by lengthy contracts hiding fees; many Napleton buyers, for example, found themselves with paperwork requiring more than 12 signatures across over 60 pages.

Regardless, Mithal continued, the CARS Rule “prohibits conduct which is already illegal, and if a dealer’s lying to you about the price of a car, they’re already violating the FTC, you’re within your rights to report them.”

How, then, will the CARS Rule help stop scams that are already illegal?

Because it underscores the money, said Mithal, “and people stand up when they are on the hook for a lot of money … It’s easier to get money back to you when scamming dealers see that they’re exposed through this rule, and honest dealers see the law is on their side.” n

8

DECEMBER 22-28, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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9

COVID-19 cases up 50 percent – DOH Over 2M passengers to flock airports this month amid travel surge

by Claire Mondares ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Health (DOH) on Monday, December 18 reported a 50 percent rise in new COVID-19 cases nationwide.

Data showed that 2,725 new cases were reported on December 12-18, 50 percent higher than the 1,821 new cases recorded from December 5-11.

The average number of new cases per day also

increased from 260 on December 5-11 to 389 this week.

Based on the DOH’s COVID-19 tracker, as of December 15, Quezon City had the highest number of confirmed cases with 278,483, followed by Cavite with 245,221, Laguna with 183,170, Manila with 165,295, and Rizal with 161,149.

The department said 211 severe and critical patients were admitted to hospitals

as of December 17.

Of the total 1,101 intensive care unit (ICU) beds for COVID patients, 142 or 12.9 percent are occupied.

More than 78 million people, or 100.44 percent of the target population, have been vaccinated against COVID-19, while 23 million have received their booster shots.

On the other hand, 7.1 million senior citizens, or 82.16 percent of the target

A2 population, have already received their primary series.

“Everyone is reminded not to be complacent about the threat of COVID-19. We must continue to properly follow the minimum public health standards under Alert Level 1. We also remind the public to always wear the best-fitted face mask and, if possible, stay in well-ventilated areas,” the department said in a statement on Monday. n

Over 82,000 displaced in Mindanao due to ‘Kabayan’ — NDRRMC

by Gaea Katreena Cabico Philstar.com

MANILA — Over 82,000 people were displaced after cyclone Kabayan struck Mindanao, causing heavy rain and triggering flooding, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported on Tuesday, December 19.

Of the 82,703 individuals who fled their homes, around 67,105 sought

refuge in evacuation centers in Northern Mindanao, Davao region, and CARAGA. According to the NDRRMC, about 22,000 were pre-emptively evacuated in Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao region, and CARAGA. The disaster agency stated that Kabayan resulted in at least one person being injured, while an individual from the Davao region was reported missing.

Kabayan dissipated into a low

pressure area as it crossed the rugged terrain of Mindanao after making landfall in Davao Oriental Monday morning.

But state weather bureau PAGASA said Tuesday the threat of flash floods and landslides remains in Visayas Mindanao, MIMAROPA, Bicol region, Quezon province, and Aurora due to rain brought by the LPA and the shear line.

PAGE 10

MANILA – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is expecting 2.2 million passengers this month amid the holiday rush travel surge, assuring the public it is ready to augment assistance at the airports it operates.

In a televised briefing on Tuesday, December 19 CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said passengers who may be needing assistance or who have queries may reach out to the help desks at the airports.

“We have many personnel who could assist. We have those on standby in case more people are needed.

The area managers were also instructed to assist the passengers,” he said.

Apolonio said passengers who have complaints should go to the help desks.

All the 44 CAAP airports are on heightened alert,

in partnership with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and the Office for Transportation Security, he added.

About 2.2 million passengers are expected to use the CAAP airports this December, expecting 7 to 10 percent in passenger volume year-on-year.

There were 2 million passengers at CAAP airports in December 2022.

“So far, there are many local tourists.

Maybe because it’s more convenient and faster to travel by air.

There are also promotions that make the airfare more affordable,” Apolonio said.

Meanwhile, to avoid hassle, Apolonio reminded the public to avoid bringing prohibited objects in their hand-carry luggage.

Apolonio also urged the passengers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before their flight. (PNA) n

10 DECEMBER 22-28, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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House can’t exclude Senate from Charter change talks — Pimentel

by Cristina Chi Philstar.com

PARTNERSHIP. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (2nd from right) and Dr. Francis Pasaporte of Diabetes Philippines (right) inspect the urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR) machines during the signing of a partnership among the DILG, Diabetes Philippines, and AstraZeneca at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel in Mandaluyong City on Tuesday, Dec. 19. The partnership will enable more Filipino patients to gain access to uACR tests, which detect how much of a small protein called albumin is present in the urine – one of the earliest indicators of kidney disease.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

‘Structural changes in 2023 to have greater effect in 2024’ MANILA – The structural reforms made in 2023 will have a “greater effect” in 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Monday, December 18.

In a media interview in Tokyo, Marcos described 2023 as “the year of structural changes,” noting that the reforms are significant in the country’s recovery from all economic challenges left by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“This 2023 was really the year of structural changes,” Marcos said, when asked to assess his performance for 2023 and what the goals of his administration are for the year to come.

“So, those structural changes were necessary because we have to remodel, or re-adjust rather, for example our fiscal policy, even our monetary policy, our spending policy, so that we are slowly moving or not so slowly, so, we’re moving away from the Covid economy,” he added.

Marcos said his administration has changed the structure of the different agencies by finding the “best people” for each of those positions.

Marcos expressed confidence that the

government is heading in the “right direction,” adding that it will continue the modernization efforts in 2024.

“We will continue to modernize. Medyo obsolete na ‘yung ibang structure natin sa gobyerno (The structure in government is somehow obsolete) that we continue to modernize, we continue to be responsive to the new economy, that we position ourselves properly,” he said.

Asked for his goals and outlook for 2024, Marcos said reform initiatives will be continued to make sure that all Filipinos will feel the effects of the changes his administration has made.

“Again, we’re moving in the right direction. But if you ask me, I always say it’s too slow, it’s too slow, it’s too slow. So, we will just keep pushing and pushing and pushing para matapos lahat ito (to finish it all) so that we can start to feel the effects of those changes that we made,” he said.

“Now, those structural changes should start to --well, they already have but they will even have a greater effect in 2024 than they did in 2023,” he added. (PNA) n

Over 82,000 displaced...

PAGE 9 The government has so far allocated P92,676 in assistance to support affected residents.

The Philippines has so far experienced fewer storms

in 2023 than in any of the past 25 years. Only 11 cyclones have hit or come close to the Philippines so far this year, a significant drop from the average of 20. n

MANILA — A senator on Monday, December 18 cautioned against brewing plans by the House of Representatives to amend the 1987 Constitution without the Senate’s involvement, saying that pushing ahead without them would be “unconstitutional” and “impossible.”

Leaders of the House of Representatives announced last week that they would revive discussions on Charter change in 2024 following a failed attempt earlier this year when its proposal for a constitutional convention died at the upper chamber.

House Senior Deputy Speaker Dong Gonzales earlier told reporters that the House is now studying other methods — such as a people’s initiative and a constitutional assembly — to take its Cha-cha plans off the ground this time.

While Gonzales did not categorically say that the lower chamber can push for Cha-cha without the Senate’s involvement, he said that a people’s initiative (which would involve nationwide voting on Charter amendments) backed by at least 3% of voters in each district would reflect the “people’s decision.”

Sen. Koko Pimentel has

Inside the building of the Senate of the Philippines

spoken against possible attempts to exclude the Senate from the Cha-cha process, saying in an interview with CNN Philippines on Monday that the move will not prosper without the upper chamber’s support.

Pimentel added that only a few senators are in favor of amending the Charter at this time and could withdraw their support with such a move.

“If that’s the attitude of our colleagues at the House and they are announcing it, all the more that they will lose the support of senators,” Pimentel said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Senate President Juan

The STAR / File photo

Miguel Zubiri remains cool to Cha-cha talks, saying in a radio interview over the weekend that the Senate would have to get the public’s pulse first.

But ultimately, Zubiri said, Charter amendments will not be necessary to entice foreign investments due to the recently passed Public Service Act — a controversial measure that allows 100% foreign ownership of public services in the country.

However, more than a year since the passage of the Public Service Act, the measure has yet to be implemented and is now facing two separate Supreme Court petitions challenging

its constitutionality. Cha-cha advocates have also cited the stalled implementation of the law, among other arguments, in supporting their push to amend the Charter and lift economic restrictions.

House Speaker Martin Romualdez said that the lower chamber would renew its push to change the Constitution in 2024 to lift economic restrictions on the entry of foreign capital and investments in the country.

More of the same There have been several attempts to change the Charter in previous Congresses through bills filed by lawmakers, but they were often forced to shelve their Cha-cha plans when the bill died at the Senate.

During the 18th Congress, the Senate also expressed a lukewarm view on amending the Charter in contrast with their House counterparts, who were then pushing to amend the Constitution to create a federal type of government.

In 2018, senators rebuked the attempts of thenSpeaker Pantaleon Alvarez to convene lawmakers into a constitutional assembly to propose changes to the 1987 Constitution, stressing that the upper chamber should maintain their independence instead of being outnumbered by the House by voting as one. n

What to know about the Medicare Open...

PAGE 5 from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare?

You should contact your current plan to cancel your enrollment and call MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) during the Medicare Open Enrollment period.

The change will take effect on January 1 of the following year. Original Medicare does not provide any additional benefits such as drug coverage, dental, or vision you may have with your Medicare Advantage plan. If you make this switch and you want drug coverage, be sure to sign up for a Medicare stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP). If you do not, and you decide to sign up for Part D coverage later, you may need to wait for another year until the next Open Enrollment Period and face a penalty for late enrollment. You may also want to consider purchasing a Medicare supplemental insurance policy, known as Medigap, that helps to pay your cost-sharing requirements under Original Medicare. You also can switch from Medicare Advantage to

Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31).

Q: If I make a mistake when I change my coverage during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, what can I do to fix it?

If the Medicare OEP is ongoing: you can simply pick a different plan instead (by the December 7 deadline) and the new choice will take effect on January 1.

If the Medicare OEP has ended: you can use the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MAOEP, Jan 1~Mar 31) to pick a different Advantage plan or switch to Original Medicare and a Part D plan. If you’ve enrolled in a stand-alone Part D plan that doesn’t fit your needs, your options are more limited. Changes to these plans can generally only be made during the fall Medicare OEP. Q: I have already received COVID-19 vaccines and the last vaccination was in January 2023. Do I still need to get another COVID-19 vaccine?

Like Flu virus, the virus that causes COVID-19 has changed over time. A

new vaccine has been developed and was approved by the FDA on September 11, 2023. The new vaccine provides better protection against the currently prevalent COVID-19 variant and is available for administration starting from late September 2023. If your last vaccine was before September 2023, please get this new vaccine. You can get a COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including a Flu vaccine, at the same visit. Possible side effects after getting vaccinated are generally the same when given alone or with other vaccines. *** 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. *** National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages.

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

11

Success story: Parents’ ultimate sacrifice pays off when the family is finally reunited, on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

ROMEO and Connie came to the U.S. in 1994 to visit, leaving behind their five children. They remained in the U.S. after friends convinced them to pursue a better

At first, there were only two. Dad Romeo (left) and Mom Connie (center) arrived in the U.S. in 1994.

life here. While it was an agonizing decision to make, the couple knew their sacrifice was going to provide a better education for their children and a better life for their family.

After 13 years, their green card finally arrived, and they immediately filed a petition for their youngest, Remuel, who was only eight years old when they left him behind in 1994. Their previous lawyer said that Remuel had already aged out and nothing could be done.

However, Mommy Connie saw a similar case on Citizen Pinoy, and she insisted and convinced her husband, Romeo, to consult with Atty. Gurfinkel.

During their consultation, Atty. Gurfinkel informed them that Remuel (left) was eligible for a visa under the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), and Atty. Gurfinkel PAGE 12

FROM TWO (2) TO 14 – HOW THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE OF A COUPLE PAID OFF AND CHANGED THE LIVES OF THEIR WHOLE FAMILY, ON AN ENCORE SUCCESS STORY ON CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! When Dad Romeo (standing, left) and Mom Connie (standing, 2nd from right) came to the U.S. to visit in 1994, they did not know that they would not be returning to the Philippines for a very long time. Friends convinced them to stay and find work in America to support their five children, whom they left behind. It was a sacrifice that was heart-wrenching for any parent to bear, but they tried to focus on the end goal of being reunited in the U.S. When their previous lawyer said that they could not get their youngest since he had aged-out, Mommy Connie insisted they see leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, who had a similar successful case on Citizen Pinoy. Atty. Gurfinkel was able to deliver and bring the youngest three children and their families. The family of two, Romeo and Connie, has now grown to 14, and Atty. Gurfinkel is working on bringing the rest of the clan to the U.S. Watch this success story on an encore of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 24 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

12 DECEMBER 22-28, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS WHAT is Christmas Disease?

This name does not have nothing to do with the Christmas season. Christmas Disease is a blood disease, also known as Hemophilia B or factor IX hemophilia.

It is a hereditary bleeding disorder due to deficiency in coagulation factor IX. This condition is X-linked recessive inheritance, affecting only males, and occurs in 1 in 100,000 male births. This illness causes spontaneous bleeding in the joints.

What is Christmas Blues?

Christmas Blues is a form of mild depression (called Seasonal Affective Disorders, or SAD for short) that happens to some of us, normal and healthy people, during the Christmas season or other festive family occasions.

Empty nest syndrome, where the grown-up or married children have left home, creating an empty and lonely feeling in the parents, especially the mothers, is one such type of emotion that is magnified by family occasions like Christmas, New Year, birthdays, etc.

Frequent visits from the children or family reunions during the holidays minimize these “blues” and provide a sense of parental security and happiness, especially among elderly parents.

The other common cause of this extreme sadness is poor financial situation in life, where self-pity, panic, a sense of hopelessness and helplessness prevail especially on a holiday like Christmas.

Is guilt more common at Christmastime?

Yes, somehow this season of the birth of Christ, according to psychologists, brings out in most of us our good and better qualities, such as a more youthful exuberance, honesty, sincerity, compassion and humanity. During this season, many of us become more critical of ourselves and our past actions (sins of omission or commission against our parents, siblings or friends, or our less privileged fellowmen) and hence the feeling of guilt is more common on this holiday, and also a contributing factor to Christmas Blues.

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Christmas ailments Success story: Parents’ ultimate sacrifice...

What is the shelf life of food at room temperature?

Different types of food have different “spoilage times.” Fish, processed meat, cream-filled pastries, custards, fruits salads, noodles (pancit), food cooked with tomatoes provide good media for bacterial growth after more than 6 hours of exposure to room temperature, depending on how warm the ambient temperature is.

Some dishes, like adobo or paksiw could last for even a week in room temperature without spoiling, unless contaminated by handlers.

The prudent thing to do is to refrigerate the leftovers as soon as the meal is completed. Those who do not have a refrigerator should not cover the food airtight, since this will not allow the food “to breathe” and would tend to increase the heat and pressure, leading to a much shorter “spoilage time.” If using a plastic wrap, poke a few holes on it to allow for better ventilation. Keep the food in an ice box or in the coldest part of the house and eat it within 24 hours.

What are the other common winter illnesses?

The dozen common ailments of Christmas include: the common cold, the flu, Christmas tree allergies, Chilblains (small itchy swellings in extremities), dry skin and eczema, SAD, alcohol poisoning, indigestion, ear infection, Norovirus, sore throat, frostbite and hypothermia. We can add: RSV and COVID-19.

Do wines or beer prevent diarrhea?

To some extent, yes, but the dose of the enteroxins determines the potential seriousness of the condition.

Imbibing alcoholic drinks during a (contaminated) meal does not confer guaranteed immunity from these bacterial or parasitic diarrheas. The low alcohol content of all these drinks is not enough to “sterilize” our gastrointestinal tract.

What is Chinese Food Syndrome?

This condition could sometimes mimic a heart attack. For some people, it causes chest pains, headache, facial pressure and warmth, and burning sensations throughout the body, sometimes with dizziness or fainting.

This phenomenon is a pharmacologic reaction to

monosodium glutamate (MSG or betsin), a popular white powder food seasoning used in cooking.

The symptoms are not really due to an allergic reaction and is dose related. Most people are not bothered by MSG, but a small percentage react to it more severely.

Although death is very rare with this syndrome, a surgeon classmate of mine, who was attending a meeting in France several years years ago, had so violent a reaction after ingesting food with monosodium glutamate that he expired within an hour thereafter. But this is very rare. MSG has been studied a lot and found to be safe for most people.

Those who develop any of the four symptoms enumerated above after eating food cooked with MSG should clearly request chefs or cooks in restaurants, at home, or anywhere else, not to use MSG in preparing their food. Because of this syndrome, most Chinese (and other) restaurants today no longer use MSG. If in doubt, ask the manager or waiters, and instruct them accordingly.

What is Holiday Heart Syndrome?

Prevalent during holidays, this symptom complex is mainly characterized by cardiac arrythmias (heart rhythm irregularity), mostly due to alcoholic binges.

The excitement brought on by the festivities and ingestion of a lot of caffeine (coffee, chocolate, cola drinks) during the holidays could also play a role in this syndrome.

On this sacred season, there is nothing more hurtful than being forgotten, neglected, or abandoned, especially our elders, friends or family, who are far from us. Let’s make sure they know we are thinking of them, we love and value them. That’s the best gift we could give them, not found in stores, but plenty in our heart. That will warm them during the winter of their life.

Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Christmas and a New Year blessed with love, good health, cheers, prosperity, and peace. Let’s all pray for understanding, compassion, forgiveness, and serenity around the world. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people

PAGE 11 was able to bring their youngest to the U.S. as an immigrant in 2011.

Since then, Atty. Gurfinkel also worked on Rina’s (5th from left) employment petition, and in 2019, Rina arrived in the U.S. with her husband and their children.

Atty. Gurfinkel also worked on Karen’s (2nd from left) family petition. She arrived in November 2022, together with her two children.

True to his law firm’s mission of “Bringing Families Together,” Atty.

Gurfinkel is committed to keeping that promise. To this day, he is working on bringing the rest of the Padlan family to the U.S. From the original two members, Connie and Romeo, the family has now grown to 14 members who now reside in the U.S., living the American Dream.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 24 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

Atty. Gurfinkel (right) has successfully brought three children to the U.S. – Remuel (left), Karen (2nd from left), and Rina (5th from left).

Atty. Gurfinkel (standing, 3rd from left) makes it his mission to “Bring Families Together.”

Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez passes away

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

Ronaldo Valdez

ABS-CBN photo

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

VETERAN actor Ronaldo Valdez has passed away.

According to ABSCBN News, Quezon City Police District confirmed the death of Ronaldo. The cause of his death has yet to be disclosed.

Ronaldo has been in the showbiz industry for six decades. His last role was “Lolo Sir” in the hit teleserye “2 Good 2 Be 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. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in

True” that stars Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla.

Last September, Ronaldo was spotted attending the premiere night of Kathryn’s “A Very Good Girl” film riding an electric scooter.

The actor was known for his movies “Seven Sundays,” “Labs Kita Okay Ka Lang,” and “The Mistress,” among others.

He is survived by his son Janno Gibbs and daughter Melissa Gibbs. n Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist. He was a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award, whose other awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia).

Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 22-28, 2023 13

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Vilma: Yet another reason why Catriona looks back on her she’s the Star for all Seasons Miss Universe journey in

crowning anniversary

By Tessa Mauricio-Arriola ManilaTimes.net

ACTRESS par excellence Vilma Santos-Recto continues to prove she is truly the Star for All Seasons even without trying to.

On Thursday, December 14, at the grand and final media conference of “When I Met You in Tokyo” — her much-awaited Metro Manila Film Festival entry and reunion movie with iconic leading man and fellow acclaimed actor Christopher de Leon — Ate Vi was larger than life, both literally and figuratively.

How so? At the panel interview in Ortigas Center’s The Crowne Plaza Galleria, she appeared on a giant screen via Zoom, looking every bit the beautiful and classic movie star that she is, albeit under the weather.

As professional as ever, the full-time showbiz balikbayan — who is excited and eager to be back in the industry following a lengthy, unblemished and successful political career in Batangas — made sure to be “present” at the gathering she closely planned with her producers (JG Production’s Rowena Jamaji, Santos, Rajan Gidwani and Redgie Magno) even if “Tokyo’s” rigorous nationwide promo schedule already took its toll on the well-loved Ate Vi. Believe it or not, she and “Yet-Bo” as Ate Vi playfully calls her favorite leading man, held fan meets, guest appearances and special events across Luzon, Cebu and Davao to spread the word about their “ageappropriate” rom-com drama, which hardly any

EMPLOYMENT

By Hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net

Though under the weather, revered actress Vilma Santos didn’t miss the finale media conference of ‘When I Met You in Tokyo,’ attending via Zoom as her leading man Christopher de Leon (seated, second from left) and the rest of the cast watched her, in awe of her dedication and professionalism.

Gina Alajar, Christopher de Leon and Lotlot de Leon

other cast of this year’s MMFF entries had done.

“I’d like to apologize to all of you that I couldn’t be with you in person today, but I wasn’t going to miss this for anything,” Ate Vi, who was clearly having a difficult time speaking with throat and nasal congestion, said sincerely.

She shared how much she enjoyed reconnecting with fans and making new ones via road trips and air travel, just like the old days when Ate Vi was the undisputed box office queen throughout the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s until she entirely devoted her time and focus to successive elective offices.

Out of a dizzying barrage of engagements, she only

ManilaTimes.net photos

missed appearing at The Eddys in late November, feeling exhausted from a packed provincial blitz, and this culminating media conference-cumthanksgiving party with the press.

“I’m sorry Yet-bo you’re on your own today,” Ate Vi thoughtfully continued, “but hanggang sa dulo, magkasama tayo at tuloy ang laban!” she joked. (“But to the very end, I promise you we’re in this fight together.”)

Everyone was mesmerized by the Star for All Seasons — her cast mates Gina Alajar, Lotlot de Leon, Cacai Bautista, Lynn Cruz, Gabby Eigenman, John Gabriel, Darren and Cassy Legaspi, PAGE 15

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FIVE years after she was crowned as Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray said she has no regrets in being “vocal and stubborn in [her] vision” as it led her to winning the coveted crown.

Gray looked back at her Miss Universe 2018 stint with fondness through a shoot inspired by her preliminary and final gowns on Instagram account last Sunday, Dec, 17, saying it was a time she “gave her absolute everything” despite being an “independent” candidate, meaning she was not under any of the beauty camps for management.

“I’m fond of looking back on my journey and remembering how I had to conquer so many fears because in my pursuit, I went against the grain,” she wrote. “From being an independent, non-camp trained candidate and forming my own team; to utilizing visual, storytelling in every aspect from my national costume, to my ootds, to my accessories; to creating social media strategies and campaigns.”

While comparing her pageant experience to an “Ibong Adarna,” Gray described her stint as a “comeback story” as it was also a time she “rubbed [some] people” off the “wrong way” due to her “vocal” nature.

“Some people, I rubbed the wrong way because I wasn’t just a ‘yes’ girl. I was vocal, stubborn in my vision of what a representative could, and ought to bring to the universe stage. Mine is also a comeback story. One that was rooted in failure,” she said.

“That’s why the mythical folklore of Philippine mythology in the form of Ibong Adarna resonates so deeply: a phoenix that rises from the ashes. And five years ago, in Bangkok Thailand, I earned the greatest honor of bringing pride to my country as @ missuniverse 2018,” she further added.

Gray is also happy that paying homage to the Mayon Volcano — in the guise of her fiery red evening gown during the finals — “resonated with so many” people, as it was meant to be a tribute to her mother’s hometown.

“But just as so much happens beneath the earth before an eruption of the volcano breaks

Catriona Gray

Photo from Instagram/@catriona_gray

forth, so was the unseen work, hours of dedication, love and collaborative spirit that my team poured into me, that allowed me to shine brightest on that stage, in front of the eyes of millions,” she said in a separate post.

Aside from her team and loved ones, Gray also thanked God for “every opportunity and every door” she received since her reign.

“The fact that I couldn’t have even fathomed living a life such as this one that has continued to exceed even my wildest expectations, is a testament that He sees the potential that you yourself, can’t even trust to see… yet,” she added.

The former beauty queen also hoped that her Miss Universe stint would inspire her fans to “never give up on [their] vision,” as it helps them to “rise.”

“My journey in its simplest form, has and always will be, a love letter to my country of the Philippines,” she wrote. “I hope it can serve as a reminder to never give up on YOUR vision. And that no matter what the path you’re on looks like. Know that you are never denied and only redirected.”

In a separate post, she hoped that her fans would find the strength to bring their “visions [they] hold close to [their] hearts” to the “universe.” n

14 DECEMBER 22-28, 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 D EC E M B E R 22 , 2 0 23

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people events arts culture entertainment

Ryan praised for his Jennylyn, Ellen on maintaining pretty looks as ‘hot mommas’ multilingual skills during Asia Artist Awards 2023 hosting stint

by Armin P. Adina Inquirer.net

JENNYLYN Mercado and Ellen Adarna are two “hot mommas” that show mothers can still look great. And they admit that they do not feel any pressure to maintain their pretty looks.

“I’m super flattered when people call me that (hot momma). But I do not want to put pressure on myself especially with how I look,” Mercado told INQUIRER.net in an online interview.

Adarna chimed in: “Taking care of myself on a regular basis doesn’t feel like pressure. I’ve been doing it for years consistently, so it’s just like breathing. It’s something very normal for me.”

And both celebrity moms agree that, as mothers who teach their children the value of inner beauty, it is still essential to take care of one’s physical wellbeing.

“If you look good on the outside, you feel more confident, which also, in a way, affects how we view ourselves and others,” Mercado explained.

Adarna was more upfront, and said, “nobody wants to look and feel ugly, it’s as simple as that.”

And for the holiday season where people are more stressed, Mercado advised mothers to hydrate. “No matter

by Hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net

Ellen Adarna Photo from Instagram/@maria.ellen.adarna

Jennylyn Mercado Photo from Instagram/@mercadojenny

how busy you are with shopping, always drink water,” reminded the actress, and mother to Alex and Dylan.

Adarna, mother to Elias, tells moms to learn how to prioritize. “Swallow some vitamin ‘N,’ vitamin ‘No.’ You always have a choice,” she said.

“Me-times” are hard to come by

as working moms. But both moms find them essential. So on the rare occasions that they get some time for themselves, both Mercado and Adarna head to wellness establishments.

Adarna added: “Massages.. silence and alone in my room is my ultimate me time.” n

WHAT was initially meant to be a formal event turned into an unexpected moment of laughter, as Ryan Bang caught the attention of the Korean press after hosting the Asia Artist Awards (AAA) 2023 red carpet in Bulacan.

As over 50 stars showed up at the Philippine Arena lobby for the red carpet event of the 2023 AAA, Bang was a standout as he displayed his impressive grasp of Korean, Filipino, and English that caused South Korea-based press to notice him.

“Ininterview ako ng Korean news. Tinanong ako kasi ba’t ang galing ko daw sa iba’t ibang lenggwahe, Tagalog, English, Korean.

Alam mo kung ano sinagot ko? Sabi ko kasi dito ako nag-aral sa Pilipinas,” he

recalled during the Dec. 15 episode of noontime show “It’s Showtime.”

(I was interviewed by Korean news outlets. They asked me why I’m good at other languages like Tagalog and English, aside from my native Korean. You know what I answered? I said because I studied here in the Philippines.)

Bang goes ‘multilingual’ on the red carpet During previous AAA red carpets, the focus was meant to be solely on the celebrity and their breathtaking visuals. But Bang stole the show with his hilarious commentary, uttered in Tagalog and Korean — which was even amusing to the stars themselves.

During the red carpet PAGE 15

Ryan Bang

Photo from Instagram/@ryanbang

Kim gives update on relationship with Xian

by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

Kim Chiu

Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess

KAPAMILYA actress Kim Chiu gave an update on her love life following a rumored breakup with long-time boyfriend Xian Lim. In Maricel Soriano’s YouTube channel, the “Diamond Star” asked the status of Kim’s love life.

“Ang dami-daming nagbubulungan, kamusta raw ang love life mo?”

Maricel inquired.

“Tinatanong nila love life mo e.

Hindi naman ako makasagot dahil hindi naman ako ikaw,” she added.

“Ang love life ko ay naka-hang ngayon,” Kim answered.

“Parang telepono ba?” Maricel asked.

“Oo,” Kim replied.

Recently, Ogie Diaz said that Kim and Xian have already separated for about two months now.

In the latest episode of his popular Ogie Diaz Showbiz Update YouTube vlog, Ogie was accompanied by his co-hosts Mama Loi and Tita Jegs on his December 12 vlog when they discussed the hottest showbiz gossip and stories, including the rumored split of Kim and Xian.

“A friend of mine and a friend of Xian and Kim Chiu told me na totoong hiwalay na si Kim Chiu at si Xian Lim,” started Ogie. “‘Di lang maamin ni Kim Chiu kasi nga pinoproseso pa ni Kim Chiu, at si Xian Lim din, hindi mo rin siya maasahan syempre na magkomento or magbigay ng kanyang statement tungkol dito,” he added. n

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 22-28, 2023 15

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Ryan praised for... How Teejay got over a 9-year romance PAGE 14 appearance of NewJeans, Bang loudly confessed that he’s a fan of the quintet which made Hyein and Hanni giggle while waving to the fans.

“Please wave to the Filipino press and your Filipino fans. Ah, I’m a fan,” he said in Korean. He then followed up with “Thank you. Ang ganda (They’re beautiful). Hay sobrang saya ko (Wow, I’m so happy),” as soon as the “Ditto” hitmakers left.

Bang couldn’t help but unleash his inner fanboy as Kim Seon-ho made his appearance where he said, “Sobrang gwapo, grabe (He’s so handsome, it’s crazy).”

He then instructed the actor to make several heart poses in a mixture of Korean, Filipino, and English saying: “Please look at the front.

Please wave. Please do a finger heart, cheek heart, lahat ng heart na gusto mo (any kind of heart you want).

Take your time. Basta ikaw (As long as it’s you), Kim Seon-ho.”

Bang also made the Filipino fans laugh after complimenting K-pop boy group Stray Kids for posing right away.

“Please face the Filipino fans and press on the right. Please make a finger heart,” he said in Korean and followed up with the Filipino remark, “Sana magguest kayo sa ‘Showtime’ (I hope you guest in ‘It’s Showtime’),” while referring to the Kapamilya noontime show.

Laughter also ensued from the audience after Bang made a lighthearted comment on the school girlesque outfits of J-pop girl group Sakurazaka46, saying in Filipino, “Parang may

pasok pa sila (It’s like they have classes later).”

Bang didn’t hesitate to praise the professionalism of The Boyz in an apparent reference to a Filipino Christmas carol, after asking them to make “heart poses for fans” in his native language.

“Please stand facing the press. Right now, please give heart poses for your fans. The Boyz, everyone,” he said. “Thank you, ang babait ninyo (you’re all kind).”

Meanwhile, Seventeen’s Seungkwan couldn’t help but pay close attention to Bang in apparent amusement, as the latter was asking the sub-unit BSS to make poses for their Filipino fans.

Bang didn’t hesitate to joke around with Melai Cantiveros as he asked the latter to make “good poses” since her photos will be featured in Korean media outlets.

“Tumingin ka sa harap, huwag sa akin. Mag-pose ka.

Lalabas ‘yan sa Korea kaya ayusin mo ang pose mo.

Bakit kay Melai, konti lang ang pinipicturan ng mga press ng Korea… please look at the left side. Thank you so much, Melai. Ngayon, tumingin ka sa likod, joke lang!” he quipped.

(Look in front, not at me.

Pose. It will be released in Korea so fix your poses.

Why is the Korean press taking a few pictures when it comes to Melai? Please look at the left side. Thank you so much, Melai. Now, look at the back. Just joking!)

Prior to the hosting stint, Bang revealed in May 2023 that he declined an offer from South Korean music label SM Entertainment, as he felt that he wouldn’t fit in the standards of his home country. n

By Allan Policarpio Inquirer.net

IN times of heartbreak or sadness, Teejay Marquez travels to a place where he can peacefully retreat into himself.

“The beach is the first place I go to. I stay there when I’m either happy or sad. It goes both ways.

Because when I look far out at the ocean and feel the wind blowing, it makes me feel as if life is simple,” the actor told a group of reporters at a recent Christmas dinner for the comedy drama film “Broken Hearts Trip,” an entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival.

“Being on the beach reminds me to take a breath.

And that usually helps clear my mind of whatever is bothering me,” the actor and television personality added.

“You may end up finding something positive amid all your problems.”

And he prefers to go alone—not to seek out company—but to reflect and “self-heal.” “I’m not one to tell others about what I’m going through. Before I tell my story, I make sure I’m done with what I’m going through… so that everything is clearer and there’s no more heaviness in me,” he said.

Unfortunately, Teejay couldn’t really do that when his nine-year relationship ended amid the pandemic lockdowns. “So that time, I tried to keep myself busy by creating content for social media. I thought of home projects and ended up renovating my bedroom and

Teejay Marquez

Photo from Instagram/@teejaymarquez

bath,” he said. “It was a long process. But I was able to go through it.”

Letting go Asked what caused the breakup, the 30-yearold television personality surmised that people in long relationships can run the risk of falling out of love. “Everything was happening at once [during the pandemic]… I think when a relationship wears on, I don’t know if it’s falling out of love, liking another person, or nagsawa… ganun,” he said.

“But hindi naman ako ’yun!” he quickly added.

“Nasayangan ako [sa nine years], so I really tried to work things out. But then I realized that if you really love the person, then you have to set them free.”

Produced by BMC Films

and directed by Lemuel Lorca, “Broken Hearts Trip” revolves around a reality show that features “five brokenhearted LGBTQ individuals who are given a chance to heal” by traveling to “some of the most beautiful places in the country.” One million pesos is at stake. But to advance in the competition, the contestants must remain single at the end of each stop.

Teejay plays one of the contestants, a celebrity who chose career over love life. His love interest in the competition is played by Ron Angeles, whom Teejay previously worked with in the boys’ love web series “Ben X Jim.” First time doing comedy Teejay is no stranger to having a male screen

Alex reveals she got a nose job after ‘years of contemplating’

by Hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net

Vilma: Yet another...

PAGE 13 among others included — for her sheer dedication to the project, even if she deserved to rest and recuperate.

Hoping to join the Parade of Stars today through Camanava, here are the reasons why Ate Vi defied the doctor’s orders to stay in bed: Firstly, because she truly believes audiences of all ages will fall in love with the simple and heartwarming story of Azon and Joey who meet in Tokyo and fall in love in their 60s; and because she is one with the rest of the movie industry who are doing everything they can to get people back to the cinemas anew by Christmas.

“With such a great lineup of movies and stars for the MMFF, I hope and pray for everyone’s support for our beloved movie industry. We promise you something totally different from Boyet and myself. None of the heavy drama we used to do but a film that will move just the same. n

partner. But the fact that he and Ron already had an established rapport made filming much easier. “I have already experienced being paired with another guy. I have worked with Ron in the past, so we’re comfortable with each other… It’s fun working with friends,” he said.

“Broken Hearts Trip” also features award-winning artists Christian Bables, Iyah Mina, Andoy Ranay and Jaclyn Jose.

“These are all awardwinning actors, so I really felt shy at first. I was worried that I might just end up causing delays because they all seemed so comfortable with comedy already. This is my first time,” said Teejay, who was once based in Indonesia, where he built a following and appeared in various television shows.

“That’s why I prepared well so that once on the set, I can show I have some comedy in me, too,” he added.

While the past few years were difficult, Teejay couldn’t be happier that he’s ending 2023 on a good note.

As for love life, he said, he’s not in a rush and doesn’t want to force anything.

“I’m good, busy with work. I’m thankful because there were moments when I felt low. I want to focus on my job and I hope I can sustain the momentum in 2024. I don’t want to force myself into a relationship.

Dapat kusang dumating,” he said. “I want someone who understands the nature of my job… someone who simply loves me.” n

Alex Gonzaga Photo from Instagram/@cathygonzaga

ALEX Gonzaga has embraced her newfound confidence after finally getting a nose job after “years of contemplating,” in hopes of inspiring fans to “do what makes [them] happy.”

Gonzaga took to her Instagram account on Friday, Dec. 15, to share that she had her nose done “last month,” saying that no one could stop her from doing so.

“I say do what makes you happy!

After so many years of contemplating, last month I finally decided to do it. Wala [nang] nakapigil (No one could stop me). Now you nose,” she wrote, along with the hashtag “#filternomore.”

In a separate post, the actress-

vlogger joked about welcoming her husband, Lipa City councilor Mikee Morada, with her new look as a way of leaving him speechless.

“Magpaganda ka habang wala sa bahay asawa mo.. pagbalik nya tapos nagtaka sya saka mo sabihin, ‘Ako lang to’ (Make yourself beautiful while your husband is not around. When he comes back and he wonders, then tell him, This is just me),” she said in the caption.

Gonzaga made headlines in October after revealing that she had had a second miscarriage, and that she tried to get pregnant via in-vitro fertilization (IVF). She said nonetheless that the painful experience made her realize that “God is greater than [her] pain.”

In October 2021, the actress-vlogger suffered from her first miscarriage after sustaining a blighted ovum. n

16 DECEMBER 22-28, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426