123022 - New York & New Jersey Edition

DATELINE USA

US ‘largest humanitarian donor’ in the Philippines with $29M in typhoon aid

TYPHOON assistance through the U.S. Agency for International Development reached P1.6 billion ($29 million) in 2022, making Washington the “largest humanitarian donor” in the Philippines, the U.S. Embassy said.

“Through this funding from the American people, USAID has provided critical shelter assistance, increased access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities, restored agricultural livelihoods, ensured essential sexual and reproductive health services, and provided protection programs for women and children,” the embassy said in a statement on Thursday, December 21.

The statement comes just after the

DOH seeks extension of state of calamity due to

MANILA – The Department of Health (DOH) is seeking to extend the period of state of calamity in the Philippines amid the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID

-19) pandemic.

DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire said on Tuesday, December 27 the agency has already

THE Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday, December 29 directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen the country’s presence in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), following increased Chinese activity close to Pag-asa Island.

In a statement released by its spokesman and public affairs chief Arsenio Andolong, the DND said any encroachment in West Philippine Sea or reclamation work on the features in the area is a threat to the security of Pag-asa Island, which is part of Philippine territory.

“It also endangers the marine environment and undermines the stability of the region,” the DND said.

It urged China to uphold the prevailing rules-based international order and refrain from acts that will exacerbate tensions in WPS and the larger South China Sea.

AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar was reached to ask him about what concrete steps the military leadership will undertake

by Rhodina VillanueVa Philstar.com

MANILA — With barely a week left before President Marcos’ state visit to China where COVID-19 cases are surging, the Department of Health (DOH) said the health situation in a particular area should not deter the President or anyone from performing his

duties.

“The rising COVID-19 cases in a particular area should not deter us from doing our work,” DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said at a press briefing on Tuesday, December 27.

“We should understand that we are already currently living with the virus, so the

MANILA — The Department of Tourism last Monday, December 26 bared its “conservative” targets for the tourism industry for 2023.

On the same day, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco happily reported that as of December 19, the number of visitor arrivals to the Philippines has reached 2.464 million since the country relaxed border restrictions to foreign tourists last Feb. 10, 2022.

Frasco said the initial target was pegged at only 1.7 million international visitors while the high-scenario was set at 1.4 million.

The United States remains the top tourist market.

DILG to announce new war on drugs program next year

by dale G. isRael Inquirer.net

CEBU CITY — Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Tuesday, December 27 announced there will be a “big statement” about the country’s war on drugs at the start of 2023.

In his command visit at Camp Sergio Osmeña Sr. in Cebu City, Abalos announced that the statement would come from him

and Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr.

While the performance of Azurin is praiseworthy, Abalos said he wanted a more intensified and holistic campaign against illegal drugs.

In an interview after his speech, Abalos said the details of the “pasabog sa bagong taon (New Year’s blast)” are still confidential.

He explained that the big

submitted a request for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to extend the declaration which is set to lapse on Dec. 31.

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

CENTERPIECES. Watermelons and pineapples are bestsellers at the Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Tuesday. Dec. 27. Round fruits, believed to bring good luck, will adorn Filipino families’ tables come the media noche feast on New Year’s Eve. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr

by Rosette adel Philstar.com

DOT sets ‘conservative’...

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The following are the country’s top ten tourist markets as of December 19:

• United States – 461,967 visitors

• South Korea – 387,780

• Australia – 122, 971

• Canada – 112,015

• United Kingdom – 93,440

• Japan – 91,557

• Singapore – 50,964

• India – 49,330

• Malaysia – 44,357

• Vietnam – 37,028

It should be noted that the People’s Republic of China, a major tourism source market of the Philippines, was knocked off the list after the country implemented restrictions on leisure travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the continuous presence of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.

As of October, China only registered 23,482 visitors to the country.

Meanwhile, as of Nov. 20, 2022, the country’s estimated tourism revenue (tourism receipts) is at P149 billion or $139.3 million US dollars.

In view of these developments, the DOT exceeded its targets this year.

Frasco is optimistic that the country will further surpass its expanded target of 2.4 million international visitors and reach 2.5 million guests by the end of the year.

“If this happens, then we would have about 30% of our prepandemic arrivals. A far cry from the 164,000 international visitors that we received in 2021,” she said during the yearend media briefing.

‘Optimistic but cautious’

For 2023, the DOT chief disclosed that the agency is targeting 4.8 million international visitors as its baseline.

Before assuming office, Frasco said she saw an alarming projection that the country would only reach its pre-pandemic tourism numbers by 2025.

The country recorded 8.26 million visitors in 2019.

In view of this, she took an inward look at what the DOT can do to strengthen the tourism industry and set in goals with conservative numbers.

“We look at it with optimism in a sense that our goal is to exceed our conservative projections in the same way that we have been able to exceed it this year,” Frasco said.

Director Warner Andrada of DOT-Tourism Development Planning likewise said the tourism department is “optimistic but cautious” given the various factors that are beyond the control of the DOT including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and volatile fuel prices as well as the continued lockdowns in China.

“We’re optimistic but cautious, that’s the word, because of the Ukraine-Russia war which the economic fundamentals may affect travel, especially on the oil or gasoline fuel prices,” Andrada said, saying this changing fuel price affects the movement in the country.

Despite these unpredictable events, Frasco is bullish that the Philippines will reach the pre-pandemic numbers way earlier than the past projection.

“And we feel that we would be able to exceed our prepandemic numbers way earlier than the 2025 year that was told to us when we assumed office with the improved policies under the Marcos administration,” she added.

To achieve this, Frasco is looking into tapping Southeast Asian neighbors in promoting Philippine tourism. She said that the visitors from SEA countries “are not that high as how we want it to be” citing that the countries are being visited more due to their landlock advantage. n

DOH seeks extension of state of calamity due to...

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The DOH made the move after the bill creating the Philippine Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) “was not enacted on time”.

Lifting the declaration at this point, Vergeire said, would cost the “different response strategies that we are doing right now”.

“First, our COVID -19 vaccination program is anchored on the state of calamity provision of the law kaya kapag nawala ‘yon baka mahirapan tayong magpatupad ng pagbabakuna natin (if that is gone we will face difficulties in our vaccination drive),”

she said in a presser, noting that COVID -19 vaccines are administered under emergency use authorization.

Moreover, it would affect the emergency hiring and allowance of medical frontliners.

“All of these aside

from the other conditions will be affected once we cannot extend the state of calamity,” Vergeire said.

The state of calamity due to COVID-19 was first declared in March 2020 and had been extended to allow the national and local governments to continuously deliver pandemic-related interventions.

Under a state of calamity, the country could utilize appropriate funds, including the Quick Response Fund to contain the spread of the virus as well as monitor and control prices of basic necessities and prime commodities. (PNA) n

Philippine presence in WPS beefed...

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based on the DND directive.

“The Wescom (Western Command) is already acting on it,” said Aguilar without elaborating.

Wescom spokesman Maj. Cherrly Tindog said their regular naval and air patrols have observed the persistent presence of China militia vessels around areas.

She said they were spotted in Pagasa Cay 1 (Sandy Cay), Julian Felipe Reef (Whitsun Reef) and Panata Island (Lankiam Cay).

All activities and development in those areas are reported to the NTF (National Task Force)-WPS for an appropriate response, according to Tindog.

“Wescom shall continue conducting maritime patrols and sustaining our presence in the WPS to protect our nation’s territory and sovereign rights,” she added.

Chinese coast guard vessels were seen shadowing Philippine ships on a resupply mission for Marines stationed at the beached Philippine Navy ship Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

Tindog added that the Chinese coast guard’s action represents an encroachment in Philippine waters.

She said that while the Chinese vessels did not disrupt the mission, they continuously trailed the supply boats.

“They were challenging us over the radio; they were shadowing us, but there was no chase,” the spokesman was quoted as saying.

The Chinese radio challenges claimed

that the sea near the Sierra Madre is “under the jurisdiction of the People’s Republic of China,” that they are allowing supplies to be delivered, and warned that bringing construction materials will not be allowed.

The supply boats proceeded with their mission despite the challenges, Tindog said.

Chinese incursions into waters near Ayungin Shoal have picked up this year.

Last April, China blocked the entrance to Ayungin Shoal with nets and ropes, deployed Chinese militia vessels and rubber boats, and repeatedly warned against bringing construction materials.

In May, the nets were removed, but the Chinese coast guard and militia vessels and rubber boats remained in the area.

The shadowing of supply ships comes two days after media reported that China has begun reclaiming more land in the contested Spratly Islands, a major archipelago in the South China Sea that hosts military installations by a number of countries.

Manila refers to the waters immediately west of the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea, while Pag-asa Island, the second biggest in the Spratlys, is also known as Thitu Island.

China claims almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea, through which trillions of dollars in trade passes annually. Rival claimants are the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

China has ignored a 2012 ruling from a UN-backed tribunal that its claim is

COVID-19 won’t stop...

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visit to a particular place of an individual, even though detection of the COVID-19 virus there is high, should not hamper us from doing our work,” Vergeire said.

Vergeire maintained they have already

apprised the President and his staff of the COVID-19 situation in the Philippines and in other countries.

President Marcos is set to visit China from Jan. 3 to 5 or 6, upon the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. n

without basis.

In recent years it has built artificial islands on reefs while constructing military facilities and airstrips.

Bloomberg reported Tuesday, citing satellite images from US officials, that new land formations have emerged in the Spratlys, on Eldad Reef, Whitsun Reef, Lankiam Cay and Sandy Cay.

China’s foreign ministry called the report “completely groundless.”

Sandy Cay lies 7 kilometers west of Thitu, where the Philippines runs an airstrip along with military and coast guard detachments. A small civilian community also lives there.

Lankiam Cay is about 45 kilometers southeast of Thitu, while the two other reefs are farther away.

The Philippines has repeatedly accused Chinese coast guard and maritime militias of harassing and attacking fishing boats and other vessels in the region.

Manila filed a diplomatic protest last week after a Chinese coast guard vessel in November “forcefully” took control of debris from a Chinese rocket retrieved by a Philippine Navy vessel off Thitu.

China denied using force, with its embassy in Manila saying the debris was handed over after “friendly consultation.”

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has insisted he will not let China trample on the country’s maritime rights — in contrast to predecessor Rodrigo Duterte who was more reluctant to criticize the superpower.

—

with AFP

(By Arlie O. Calalo/ ManilaTimes.net) n

This file photo shows a boarding gate at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Philstar.com photo by Kristine Joy Patag

SAFETY CHECK. Officers of the Manila Police District inspect stalls selling firecrackers and confiscate illegal items along Tabora Street in Divisoria, Manila on Tuesday, Dec. 27. The Department of Trade and Industry certified and allowed only 14 brands of firecrackers and pyrotechnics as of Dec. 19. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

DOH officer-in-charge Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire PNA file photo

DILG to announce new war...

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announcement would be on a “matter of approach” in the campaign against illegal drugs.

“Everyone will have a role to play here,” Abalos said.

He said the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is working hard to end the narcotics problem of the country.

In the last five months, around P10 billion worth of illegal drugs were seized by

policemen led by Azurin.

Abalos, however, cited that one of the huge drug hauls involved a policeman. Just recently, he said, another drug bust allegedly involved agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

“This is a bad sign. It is not good that a fellow policeman or PDEA agent were caught in the illegal drugs trade. This is not right,” he said.

“What is appalling here is

that you caught a fellow law enforcer. Let’s see what our approach here is,” he added.

Abalos also reported that they are looking into the resurgence of e-sabong or the online gambling of cockfights, especially in Negros Oriental.

Abalos was joined by Azurin and Brigadier General Jerry Bearis, the new director of the Central Visayas police, at Camp Sergio Osmeña. n

NAIA third most stressful airport in Asia – study

by Cristina Eloisa BaClig Inquirer.net

MANILA —For the longest time, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), considered as the main gateway to the Philippines, has been named one of the worst airports in the world and has received numerous complaints from passengers across the globe.

Ahead of the holiday season and the expected holiday rush, a new report released by the travel website hawaiianislands. com has once again ranked NAIA as among the worst airports in Asia and the world.

Last month, the travel website released its report titled “The Most Stressful Airports in America and the World,” which was done through analysis of over 1,500 Google reviews for over 500 airports across the world.

“We analyzed the sentiment of Google reviews and ranked airports around the world and within the United States based on the percentage of reviews that indicate stress,” hawaiianislands. com explained.

Delays, long queues, and crying babies—according to the report—are just among the many reasons that air travel can be stressful for passengers, adding issues such as turbulence, baggage claim, and costly beverage on the flight.

NAIA: 3rd most stressful airport in Asia

Although airports in Southeast Asia and Oceania had an average of just 34.0 percent stress levels based on reviews by passengers— the least of any region

included in the report—it was still home to some of the most stressful airports in the world, including NAIA.

NAIA—with 57.81 percent of its passenger reviews indicating stress—ranked the third most stressful airport in the region next to Sydney Kingsford Smith International Airport in Australia (58.98 percent) and Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Vietnam (60.13 percent, the most stressed out reviews of any airport in Southeast Asia).

Based on recent reviews for NAIA in Google Maps, among the common complaints left by passengers were the alleged lack of organization, long lines, overcrowding, lack of seats at the departure gates, and delayed luggage release.

Other passengers also pointed out that most, if not all, food stalls and restaurants or cafes inside the airport only accept cash for payment—which several tourists and passengers found inconvenient.

Three other airports in the country were analyzed by the travel website, although not included on the worst airport list in the

region. These were the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (38.9 percent of stressed reviews), Subic Bay International Airport (30.8 percent), and Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City (22.1 percent).

Disputing longstanding worst airport claims

Another travel website, the widely cited Guide to Sleeping in Airports, described NAIA as a “large and often frustrating airport.” It also advised travelers to “expect to wait in numerous long lines as you make your way to your flight.”

Similar to some Google Maps reviews, the website also noted that some shops and restaurants are mainly cash only, pushing travelers to find ATMs inside the airport.

It also warned passengers of scams and to take “extra care” of their belongings due to numerous reports about bullet-planting scams—or the “tanim-bala” which became widely known in 2015—demand for bribes such as the notorious “pastillas” scheme in 2020, broken CCTVs, and general theft.”

US ‘largest humanitarian donor’ in...

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USAID handed over 167 transitional shelters to Leyte residents affected by Tropical Storm Agaton (international name: Megi) earlier this year. The housing can accommodate over 900 individuals displaced in Abuyog municipality and Baybay city.

Agaton hit the country in April this year, affecting over 2.298 million individuals and 659.996 families, while displacing 69,727. The typhoon left 214 dead, according to a report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, and eight injured.

“The United States is proud to stand with you and your communities to rebuild and

recover from the devastating loss caused by this storm,” USAID Mission Director Ryan Washburn said during the turnover ceremony held on Monday.

Aside from the housing, the USAID and the International Organization for Migration also helped assist over 12,000 residents across areas affected by Agaton. Both agencies helped the local government to identify relocation sites, as well as provide assistance with water systems and sanitation facilities, and distribute hygiene supplies.

USAID has also provided assistance for families affected by typhoon Odette and typhoon Karding, among its other projects in the country. (Philstar.com) n

DEVOTION. Priests begin the three-day blessing of replicas of the Black Nazarene outside the Quiapo Church in Manila on Tuesday, Dec. 27. The church and devotees will next prepare for the annual Feast of the Black Nazarene on Jan. 9, 2023, usually attended by millions.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

PASSENGERS form queues at the airport. File photo

Features OpiniOn

Celebrating with a bang

There are people who will still want to greet the New Year with bright pyrotechnics displays. President Marcos, acknowledging this Filipino penchant for ringing in the New Year with a bang, has urged local government units to set up common fireworks display areas for their constituents who want to sustain the tradition.

Rodrigo Duterte, during his presidency, had also issued a directive to encourage the organization of common fireworks display areas. Duterte reportedly preferred a ban like the one in his home city of Davao, but the fireworks industry centered in Bulacan stressed the massive job and livelihood displacements that would result.

Industry players have instead sought support for upgrading their products to be able to compete with imported items that have gained popularity in recent years.

Some players have also cited the export potential of the industry, although tight safety regulation and quality control are needed.

The provision of common fireworks display areas is a compromise in sustaining the industry and keeping the public safe during revelry. But local governments must set up more sites if they want to discourage household or personal use of pyrotechnic devices. Many people don’t want to leave their homes at the changing of the year, not just because of beliefs about welcoming luck into the house and sweeping out bad spirits, but also because of concern that burglars are on the prowl during the New Year’s Eve revelry. If the common display areas are too few and too far from communities, people will continue to prefer setting off their own fireworks at home.

At the same time, the government should decide if it wants to simply tolerate the

existence of the fireworks industry, or if it wants to give it sufficient support to become a significant revenue earner. The world continues to greet special occasions with bright lights and a bang. In Manila, foreign governments compete annually in a fireworks

show staged in Manila Bay. Instead of allowing one of the country’s oldest industries to wither away, the government must decide if it wants to revive it, with tighter regulations and quality standards fully enforced. (Philstar. com)

Turning point: The Philippines in 2022

president managing to garner a clear majority of votes.

DECADES from now, perspicacious scholars will likely look back at the past 12 months as a critical juncture in our country’s history. Almost exactly half a century since Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s declaration of martial law, his namesake son reassumed the throne. This year also saw, for the first time since the end of the dictatorship era, a Filipino

Moreover, this year’s elections also saw the first pro-incumbency electoral victory in three decades.

Fidel Ramos’ narrow triumph in 1992 was arguably the last time we saw a direct succession of similarlyminded leaders. Practically all succeeding presidents ended up on the throne by expressly running against their immediate predecessor: Joseph Estrada’s macho populism was a clear rejection

of Ramos’ technocratic reformism, just as Benigno Aquino III’s good governance agenda was a direct challenge to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s business-as-usual politics.

But it was former president Rodrigo Duterte who took this distinct tradition, which found a great habitat in a nation with no real political parties, to its logical conclusion. Duterte didn’t only juxtapose himself against the outgoing Aquino administration but also framed his presidential

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President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (right) with former president Rodrigo Duterte (left) Malacañang file photo

Dateline PhiliPPines

DOLE: Pinoy nurses opting to work as caregivers

by Mayen JayMaLin Philstar.com

MANILA — Just so they can immediately leave for employment abroad and get higher salaries, Filipino nurses are opting to work as caregivers, according to Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.

He explained that Filipino nurses are leaving to work as caregivers so they could avoid the two-year work experience required in hospitals abroad.

“Now, things are being turned around. It’s not exactly nurses, but the category is caregivers or health care workers so that the one-year or two-year work experience won’t be needed,” he said in Filipino.

He added that the high salaries abroad are an “attractive magnet” for

Filipino nurses and other health care workers to seek overseas employment.

Although the government has set a cap in overseas deployment, the government cannot prevent Filipino health care workers from seeking employment overseas, according to the labor chief.

Laguesma said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Migrant Workers are discussing whether to increase or lift the deployment cap.

He added that the Professional Regulation Commission was able to hold licensure examinations, ensuring enough supply of registered nurses in the country.

Last month, over 18,000 nursing graduates passed the

licensure examination.

Laguesma said the DOLE is closely working with the DOH and DMW to rationalize the deployment of health care workers abroad.

He added that the DOLE is also looking into the plight of overworked and underpaid nurses employed in private hospitals in the country.

The agency also needs to reach out to health industry workers and ensure their health and safety, according to the labor chief.

A group of local nurses claimed that since 2020, about 40 percent of nurses in private hospitals have resigned and sought employment abroad.

Local nurses have asked for the intervention of the DOLE in addressing issues of low salaries and non-payment of other benefits. n

Hidilyn Diaz, Filipinas lead top 7 Philippine sports moments of 2022

by Lance agcaoiLi Inquirer.net

MANILA — Philippine sports saw another successful year in 2022 as Filipino athletes continued to shine on the international stage and reach greater heights with their winning moments and recordbreaking feats.

Following a banner year in 2021, where Hidilyn Diaz delivered the country’s first gold medal in the Olympics, Filipino athletes kept thriving internationally and continued to bring pride and glory to the country.

Inquirer Sports listed the Top 7 Filipinos, who delivered the best Philippine sports moments of 2022.

7. Rousing return for Carlo Paalam

It may have been a tough

year for Philippine boxing with Nonito Donaire Jr, Mark Magsayo, Jerwin Ancajas, and John Riel Casimero losing their titles and Manny Pacquiao hanging up his gloves during his presidential bid.

But Carlo Paalam continued his rise to stardom as he brought home a gold in the bantamweight division of the ASBC Asian Elite Men & Women Boxing Championships.

The 24-year-old Filipino boxer stunned top seed Makhmud Sabyrkhan of Kazakhstan in the final by split decision, 4-1, to rule the division.

Paalam showed no signs of slowing down even coming off a historic silver medal run in the men’s flyweight boxing event of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

The young Olympian missed the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam but he made a rousing return on the Asian stage.

The success of the Takalag, Bukidnon native showed the future of Philippine boxing is bright despite being one of the few silver linings of the sport in 2022.

6. Women warriors: Junna Tsukii, Meggie Ochoa, Kimberly Anne Custodio

It has been quite a year for Junna Tsukii, Meggie Ochoa, and other Filipino women’s martial artists.

After not making it to the Olympics last year and settling for silver in the Asian Championships in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Tsukii vowed to come back stronger this

2022.

The Filipino-Japanese Karateka delivered her promise as she won the gold medal in the women’s under-50kg Kumite at the 2022 World Games in Birmingham, Alabama in July.

Tsukii also bagged a bronze medal in team Kumite in the Hanoi SEA Games last May.

Ochoa also rose to the occasion for the Philippine jiu-jitsu team as she ruled the women’s adult -48 kilogram category in the 2022 JJIF World Championship in United Arab Emirates last November.

Her teammate, Kimberly Anne Custodio also won gold in the women’s -45kg category.

Ochoa also captured a gold medal in the SEA Games along with Annie Ramirez, who ruled her weight class and brought home another gold last May.

5. No world title, no problem for Caloy Yulo

Carlos Yulo was dethroned in the world championship but he still had his winning moments in 2022.

Yulo was denied in his world title-retention bid after settling for silver in vault and a bronze in parallel bars in the 51st FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships last November in Liverpool, Great Britain.

The 22-year-old gymnast dominated the Asian stage after winning three golds in the 9th Senior Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Doha, Qatar last June.

Yulo, who is eyeing another run in the Olympics in Paris, also ruled the floor exercise of the 55th All Japan Senior Championships last August.

The 4-foot-11 prodigy had another masterful SEA Games stint after bringing home five gold and two silver medals to surpass his previous two-gold and fivesilver finish in the biennial meet three years ago in Manila.

4. Historic year for Alex Eala

The 17-year-old Alex Eala continued to reach greater heights and show maturity beyond years after a busy 2022.

Taking her act in the professional circuit tournaments took the young netter’s game to the next

level as she became the first Filipino to win a singles Grand Slam, ruling the U.S. Open juniors title last September.

Her U.S. Open title run powered Eala to her careerbest world ranking at No. 214 in the second pro circuit championship in the first leg of the W25 Chiang Rai last April.

Although her third International Tennis Federation (ITF) title has been elusive in several tourneys she participated it definitely paid off as she continues to scratch the surface of her potential.

The Rafael Nadal Academy scholar, the daughter of Rizza Maniego, a former national swimming team member, also made a convincing SEA Games debut with three bronze medals from the singles, mixed doubles, and team events in Hanoi, Vietnam last May.

Eala has no plans of slowing down as she makes her professional Grand Slam debut in the Australian Open 2023.

3. EJ Obiena

It had been a rollercoaster year for EJ Obiena but it didn’t stop him from making a leap of faith in 2022.

Despite an ugly rift with the Philippine Athletics and Track and Field Association that has since been resolved, Obiena still had a fruitful year, winning one gold medal after another.

The 27-year-old pole vaulter earned a total of 17 medals with 12 gold including his rare win over the World No.1 Mondo Duplantis in the Diamond League in Brussels, two silver, and three bronze medals.

But Obiena’s biggest

achievement was his bronze medal in the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States last July.

The 6-foot-2 athlete reset the Asian record at 5.94 meters and became the first pole vaulter from the continent to reach the podium of the world championships.

Obiena also soared to his best World ranking at No.3.

He also defended his SEA Games crown with a record-setting leap in Hanoi, Vietnam last May.

2. Year of the Filipinas 2022 has been the year of the Filipinas.

The Philippine women’s football team kicked off its historic year, booking the country’s first-ever Fifa World Cup appearance in dramatic fashion.

The Filipinas secured a ticket to the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after reaching the semifinals of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup with a dramatic 4-3 win on penalties over Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals last January in Pune, India.

The Alen Stajcic-coached team remained hungry after qualifying as it landed on its first SEA Games podium after 37 years, clinching the bronze medal with a comefrom-behind 2-1 victory over Myanmar last May in Vietnam.

The Filipinas also became the queens of the region after ruling the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship with a 3-0 victory over Thailand in the finals in front of 8,000 fans at Rizal Memorial Stadium last July.

From securing a spot in the Fifa World Cup, winning a historic SEA Games bronze, to ruling a major tournament, the

women’s national football team didn’t stop preparing for the 2023 World Cup with several training camps and friendlies overseas.

The Filipinas will make their historic Fifa World Cup debut in Group A with New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland starting in July 2023.

Meanwhile, around May, global luggage storage app Bounce named NAIA as the worst airport in the world—out of 38 airports included in the study—for business class travelers, with a 0.88 out of 10 business class score.

The study looked at the airports’ number of lounges, number of destinations served, percentage of on-time flights annually, and Skytrax rating.

According to Skytrax, NAIA is “certified as a 3-Star Airport for facilities, comfort, cleanliness, shopping, food & beverages, and staff service.”

“Manila Airport is a congested hub. Immigration and security queues can be excessive, while comfort for transfer passengers is low. Terminal spaces have poor air-conditioning, often busy and offering limited facilities and dining choices,” it noted.

However, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) disputed these previous claims against NAIA, saying that such claims are “unsubstantiated.”

“While the ‘study’ shows unfavorable rating and unsubstantiated claims about NAIA, it cannot be denied that significant improvements have been carried out in the country’s main gateway in the past six years under the Duterte administration,” the transportation department said in a statement.

Then Transport Secretary Arthur Tugade also told Filipinos not to believe the Bounce study, saying it had “no fundamentals nor parameters” to support its claim that NAIA is the worst airport.

1.

Hidilyn Diaz: From Olympic gold medalist to world champion

The best Filipino athlete in 2022 was Hidilyn Diaz as she continued to add gold medals to her collection a year after she won a historic Olympic gold in Tokyo.

Diaz started the year by defending her throne in the SEA Games last May.

The 31-year-old weightlifter made a total lift of 206kgs–92kgs in snatch and 114kgs in clean and jerk–to get her second straight SEA Games gold after winning the same event in the 2019 edition in Manila.

Diaz finally added World Weightlifting Championship crowns to her trophy room after bagging three golds in Bogota, Colombia.

She tallied a total lift of 207kg to edge Rosalba Morales of Colombia and Ana Gabriela Lopez of Mexico as she finally earned the missing piece to her gold medal collection.

More than her achievement in sports, Diaz also tied the knot with her coach and long-time partner Julius Naranjo in Baguio last July — exactly a year after her historic Tokyo Olympics gold medal lift.

Last August 7, Diaz took to Instagram, baring they postponed their honeymoon to set prepare for a run at a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics, which will be her ‘last lift’. n

“There was some press release saying that NAIA is one of the worst business class airports. Don’t believe that. It is an app based on a study that has no fundamentals and parameters, and you don’t know how the conclusion was made,” Tugade added.

Where travelers get stressed the most

The study by hawaiaanislands.com found that out of the many airports in the world, Manchester Airport in the United Kingdom (UK) was the most stressful, with 82.5 percent of reviews indicating stress.

“Many of the millions of passengers traveling through Manchester may feel stressed from the recent staff shortages and long lines. Some of the most common terms that crop up in reviews include ‘embarrassment,’ ‘shortages,’ ‘queuing,’ ‘farce,’ and ‘jobsworth’,” the study stated.

“In April 2022, Manchester Airport apologized to customers for long security queues, blaming the inconvenience on growing passenger demand in the wake of the pandemic,” it added.

It found that nine out of 10 most stressful airports overall are in Europe, four of which are (UK) airports.

The study also saw that, surprisingly, the busiest airports are “not necessarily the most stressful.”

“While heavy passenger traffic can create long queues and other issues, the busiest airports in the world are not necessarily the most stressful. The 20 busiest airports by passenger traffic, for example, all rank outside the top 25 most stressful airports, according to our analysis,” the study explained.

“The one busy airport that does rank as particularly stressful is Amsterdam Schiphol in the Netherlands.” n

WALK WITH PET DOG. A young girl wearing a Spiderman mask takes a walk with her pet dog at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Monday, Dec. 26. Many families spend their post-Christmas picnic to avoid the crowded places.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Infographic by Inquirer.net

Pahrump housing market remains somewhat competitive

By RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman

WITH mortgage costs impacted due to the Federal Reserve increasing interest rates as it tries to curb signs of inflation for the United States economy, the once very hot real estate market has cooled considerably.

Homes and real estate in competitive real estate markets around the U.S. that were being lapped up

by buyers in the past couple of years in a matter of days or weeks, with some diving head-on into waitlists in order to be considered, are now staying in the market for a month or two, or even longer.

This has created a wonderful opportunity for serious home buyers who are looking for affordable

homes/real estate, including in the developing town of Pahrump.

Originally inhabited by the Southern Pauite tribe, this unincorporated town that lies adjacent to the California-Nevada border has seen its population rise through the decades. It now has an estimated population of 44,738 per the 2020 U.S. Census.

While known for its casino

resorts, legal brothels and its wineries, it is a destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with its proximity to Death Valley National Park and different mountain ranges. It is home to the 332-acre Spring Mountain Mountain Motor Resort and Country Club, which houses

the longest road course in North America. Spring Mountain is a state-ofthe-art racing facility and motorsports club, which is a destination for many racecar enthusiasts who want to attend the many driving schools located in Spring

Mountain, and who want to drive in its challenging racetrack, which can be sized into different variations.

Pahrump is also home to Mountain Falls Golf Club, which is a course designed by famed architecture firms

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (extreme left) clients from Palm Springs, CA, Clark and Angelica Games, bought another lot in Pahrump.

A more than 8-acre parcel of land, which is part of a 29-acre piece of land, near Blagg Road and Basin Avenue has been proposed to be zoned from commercial to village residential recently. The project under the Home Means Nevada Initiative would bring about 140 units of affordable housing to Pahrump, with unit prices ranging from $435 to $1300 per a news report recently on KPVM. Photo above shows part of the plans submitted to the Nye County Commission. Screen capture from web Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman is in photo with Alliance Concierge Banker Keith Saunders, who is visiting Pahrump on the possibility of funding the glove factory in the town.

Maharlika fund among Senate’s legislative priorities in 2023

MANILA — The controversial bill creating the Maharlika Investment Fund, which is backed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. himself, is among the Senate’s priorities come 2023, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said on Monday, December 26.

“The move for the condonation of agrarian reform payments, as well as the House bill on the Maharlika Investment Fund are also on top of the legislative agenda,” Villanueva said in a text message to reporters.

During its last session before Congress went on a break for the holidays, the House of Representatives — like the Senate, dominated by Marcos’ allies — overwhelmingly and quickly approved the bill that seeks to create the Maharlika fund.

This came as Marcos certified the bill as urgent despite public protest, with some of the loudest criticisms coming from businesses, academics and civil society.

Senators too were initially apprehensive about the bill that Marcos admittedly

broached as it originally included retirement funds tended by the Government Service Insurance System and Social Security System as part of Maharlika’s seed money.

House lawmakers have since removed the GSIS and the SSS as funding sources for Maharlika and later on barred the state pension funds from ever contributing to the proposed sovereign wealth fund.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has said that despite being certified as urgent, the Senate cannot be rushed into passing the Maharlika fund bill and vowed that the chamber will scrutinize the proposal with a “fine tooth comb.”

Other Marcos administration-backed bills will also be at the top of the Senate’s legislative agenda, according to Villanueva, including the proposals to create the Virology Institute, Medical Reserve Corps and the National Center for Disease Prevention and Control. (by Xave Gregorio/ Philstar.com) n

Turning point: The Philippines...

candidacy as a referendum on the entire post-Marcos regime, which sprung out of the mélange of aspirations and contradictions of the 1986 Edsa People Power Revolution.

Given his flair for the dramatic, Duterte rarely shied away from portraying himself as the country’s “last card,” namely the only thing standing between “lawabiding citizens” and the impending chaos—or, in his words, a “narco-state.” By all indications, Duterte’s antics, and his distinct brand of penal populism, were a major hit with the common folks.

Despite the reliable display of incompetence from one crisis to the other—beginning with the failure to prevent few ragtag extremists from laying siege on an entire city in 2017 and all the way to the disastrous management of the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic—he maintained sky-high approval ratings. As for his beloved “drug war,” even Duterte admitted that it was a major failure.

If the Duterte presidency were a movie—or, to put it more accurately, a reality show—it would have been a blockbuster with few rivals in our history. In fact, Duterte was so popular that he couldn’t help contemplating staying in power through proxies. But this is precisely

where President Marcos Jr.’s decision to run for the presidency proved highly consequential. Had the latter skipped this year’s elections, the House of Duterte would have likely fully consolidated its grip on Philippine state institutions.

By all indications, Mr. Marcos was the candidate of continuity in this year’s elections. After all, he not only teamed up with the presidential daughter (Sara) under a “UniTeam,” but he also repeatedly promised to continue the outgoing president’s key domestic and foreign policies.

Thus, Mr. Marcos’ emphatic election victory, which was met with both disbelief and awe across the political spectrum, shouldn’t have come as a surprise.

Looking at Mr. Marcos’ first six months in office, three things stand out. Let me briefly explain these.

First of all, his return to Malacañang marks what can be best described as the “great restoration.” After spending three decades on the relative margins of Philippine politics, the Marcoses are once again in a historic position to shape the country’s future—as well as reshape our country’s past through a well-oiled campaign of historical denialism.

Second, Mr. Marcos’ presidency has seen a

“great moderation” on every key political issue: No more Duterte-style brutal counternarcotics operations, the demagogic attacks on so-called “oligarchs,” or the mindless fawning over China and Russia. While restoring ties with traditional Western allies, Mr. Marcos has skipped any discussion of constitutional change and federalism in a bid to reassure democratic partners, jittery markets, and skeptical voters.

Finally, the past six months have also been an opportunity for a “great reflection,” especially by the progressiveliberal opposition. Instead of just blaming voters, and obsessing over “disinformation” alone, it’s time for the opposition to also reflect on its own shortcomings, faulty analytics, and deracinated “thought leaders.”

Rearing a new generation of charismatic leaders should go hand in hand with solidifying grassroots networks across the country. Otherwise, the Marcoses will be on a glide path to dominating Philippine politics for another generation. (Inquirer.net)

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

Pahrump housing market...

Nicklaus Design Group and Cal Olson Design. It is a favorite among golf enthusiasts as its course, while challenging, is a visual feast for the eyes.

Describing Pahrump and what you can do in town, Redfin says, “There are many cool ways to spend your time in Pahrump, NV from enjoying local art, dining at some of the best restaurants in town, or spending time at a park. While living in Pahrump, make sure to stop by some of the museums like Pahrump Valley Museum and Yucca Mountain Science Center. The city is also known for its parks and green spaces like Discovery Park, Ian Deutch Memorial Park, Devil’s Hole National Park, just to name a few. There are a variety of diverse eateries and restaurants that appeal to every palette in the city…”

According to Redfin, the median price for homes in the town is about $365,000 as of November 2022, while townhouses have a median sale price of $165,000. For those who cannot afford to buy a home as of yet, apartments for rent in the area are available, with 2-bedroom, 2-bath units costing as low as $1,050 a month, and 3-bedroom 2-bath units priced at $1,525 per month.

The median sales price of $365,000 for homes in Pahrump is about 6% higher when compared to the previous year. Depending on the type of home and the area where it is located, a house in the market can be sold in as little as 25 days (for “hot” homes). The median days for homes in the market is around 74 days.

Consider this: The median home price in the State of Nevada was $20,700 in 1940. That median price became $136,000 in 1980 and increased to $142,000 in 2000. In 2021 the median price for homes in the Silver State exploded to $420,000, with previously owned singlefamily homes priced in the $350,000 range in 2020.

Pahrump continues to be one of those real estate markets searched by individuals and families nationally. Per net flow search (those searching to move into Pahrump minus the number of people searching to move out) statistics offered by Redfin, Los Angeles (5,502), Salt Lake City (2,216) and San Francisco (2,187) are the

top three cities whose people have searched for possibilities to move into town. Other areas in the top eight whose residents have searched moving into town include Seattle, Washington (DC), San Diego, Chicago and Honolulu.

The town, which is located in the southernmost tip of Nye County, still exudes a small-town feel, as opposed to its big sister Las Vegas, which is about 62 miles away. You can say that those living in Pahrump can have the best of both worlds as they get to experience living in a quiet, peaceful town, but are able to dive into the big city lights and entertainment of Las Vegas when they want to as Sin City is an easy drive from Pahrump.

Many national brands and emerging companies are finding a home in Pahrump. Big companies and franchises like The Home Depot, Burger King, Chevron, Coyote Corner, CVS Pharmacy, Domino’s, Davita, Enterprise, Family Dollar, US Bank, Bank of America, Taco Bell and Supercuts have established operations, along with hundreds of businesses that cater to the needs of the diversified, growing population of the town.

With affordability and location as the biggest drivers in any real estate purchase,

Pahrump presents a good opportunity for those looking at the market, especially for those who can afford to buy right now.n Traditionally, real estate has always been a solid investment for those looking to grow their portfolios –while there are highs and lows, those who invest early tend to come out winning in the end, as real estate prices continue moving upward.

I have helped many clients look for their piece of real estate heaven in Pahrump (and in Las Vegas as well). I have decades of experience in assisting my clients find their American Dream, propertywise – one that fits their budgets and needs. Many of my clients have even become repeat buyers and investors, with some now reaping the benefits of their real estate investments via rentals or through Airbnb.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702-5384948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@ precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days. (Advertising Supplement)

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

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

ConGen Badajos

of

down with Atty. Gurfinkel on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy

PCGLA sits

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

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

Viewers will also learn important and useful information on immigration, dual citizenship, passports, owning property in the Philippines, even divorce and how to get a passport under your real name if one entered the U.S. under an assumed name. Viewers will PAGE 12

CITIZEN PINOY FEATURED GUEST IS LOS ANGELES CONSUL GENERAL. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel has Consul General Edgar Badajos of the Philippine Consulate General in L.A. as his special guest, where the latter will provide many useful information about the services and purpose of the consulate. Watch this very informative and inspiring feature on Consul General Badajos on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, January 1 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

The departure lounge

Health@Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

AS we bid goodbye to 2022, the infamous year of this COVID-19 devastating pandemic and preparing to welcome a more hopeful and brighter new year of 2023, it reminds me of an incident with an old friend about our wonderful life on this good earth and our journey to the next.

A surgical colleague four years my senior, Class UP’57, who was with us at a restaurant for lunch a few years back, walking with a cane, still with his brilliant mind and a great sense of humor, said in a serious tone of total surrender, “Philip, we are now in the departure lounge, waiting for our number to be called.”

I told him much as I loved and respected him as a friend I truly admired, I had to disagree with the implication and the “final destination” of his thoughts. I said, “If we are in the departure lounge, we are there eagerly waiting for our next flight to tour more exciting places in this wonderful world and enjoy to the hilt whatever time we have left.”

I continued, “I will not sit around waiting for my number and waste God’s precious blessing of time, just waiting to die…I still have a lot of plans and want to take full advantage of and really cherish, His generosity.”

I love to do “bulakbol,” since we did not have much time for it in medical school, in our residency training, and during our medical practice. Gallivanting now that I am retired is fantastic. Indeed, life is wonderful! I wish it would go on forever.

There are so many things to do now that we have time to ourselves. I, for one, enjoy writing, surfing the world wide web of the internet (sans social media), gardening, performing magic illusion, traveling, cruising with family and friends, going on medical missions and doing other humanitarian endeavors just like many of you. Indeed, the bonus time we are blessed with is an added gift from heaven, bestowed for us to continue to attain joy, a sense of fulfillment, inner satisfaction, and peace. After

all, as ancient philosophers had written, human beings are on this good earth to be happy, to achieve and savor joy, to love each other with compassion and respect.

These precious fleeting moments we still have in our life’s bank account of time ought not to be squandered by sitting around waiting to vanish into oblivion. That will come soon enough. Let us just try our best to delay the inevitable as much as we can by a wiser, more efficient, and more productive management of our remaining time. Also, I suggest that, even at a ripe old age, not taking any calculated risk at all is the greatest risk in life and that success comes only to those who have wisdom and the courage to fail.

I have always been fascinated by the idea of influencing people for the better, so my fellowmen could live a healthier lifestyle, habits, and behavior. In our new world of information technology, I have decided early on to expand on my health writings which I started at the Arellano (Public) High School and launched my personal campaign for public health education when I arrived in the United States in 1963. This has led me to write a weekly medical column in two newspapers in the Philippines, five publications in the United States, and three websites on the internet, to the present. This obsession has also resulted in the publication of the book, “Let’s Stop ‘Killing’ Our Children,” a primer on disease prevention and healthy lifestyle starting from the cellular (DNA-Telomere) level to protect the integrity of the DNA to pre-empt diseases.

Leaving this world after this life is not a tragedy. What would be tragic is to die without significance, without making a difference, without leaving behind a good and lasting legacy for society, and for our children and theirs.

All of us, humbly including myself, are certainly bestowing upon the world a legacy of love, charity, compassion, talent, and service each of us has given during our lifetime. We have also transmitted our good Asian culture, tradition, and values to our children and their children, who could now build on them and

endeavor for a better world for mankind.

Whenever asked if I am retired, I always reply, “Yes, I am RE-tired…now equipped with a new set of tires to zoom around the racetrack of life another few laps,” this time with greater wisdom, clearer vision, and better oriented concerns for the future of our children, grandchildren, and humankind as a whole. After all, we are part and parcel of the universe, no matter how miniscule we are in the nanoscale of the galaxy.

You may not realize it, but the world is really better off because you happened to be here. Just think of the good children you have raised, the people you have helped, the patients you have cured, the strangers you have ministered to with compassion, and the countless lives your children and grandchildren will make better in the generations to come.

Like in the 1946 American Christmas movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart and directed by Frank Capra, based on a poignant 1939 story, “The Greatest Gift” by Philip Van Doren Stern, think for a moment what it would have meant to the hundreds, thousands, of lives you have touched if you had not been born. Move the hands of time back to that day and undo all the things associated with you, erase all events and all your contributions to society like you never existed. Just think about it. Only then would you realize that, indeed, you are significant, and that you have really made a difference and will continue to do so. That, in essence, is the legacy you are leaving behind with pride, a sacred legacy of a fulfilled life on this planet.

It is, indeed, a wonderful life. And I truly believe that the greater and more exciting wonders are still to come. Let us continue to take good care of ourselves and be as healthy as we can be, ready for the next chapter in our sojourn on earth. Growing old is a great privilege denied many. Let us relish every second we have left.

So, whenever we feel we are in the departure lounge of our being, let us give thanks to God for all our blessings, celebrate our life, and chart our next course and destination, even without our favorite GPS, to more marvelous journeys and

Alden, Celeste among popular baby names for 2023

By Kathleen a. llemit Philstar.com

BABY names for next year are again inspired by royal or popular names, including Archie, Jolene, Celeste and Alden, according to popular baby name generator Nameberry.

Many of the entries veered away from the usual favorites leaning towards classic names and spelling. Many are whimsical and unexpected.

Alden, a name popular in the Philippines thanks to actor Alden Richards, will be a favorite for next year for both boys and girls. Derived from the Old English word meaning “old friend,” it is a name that describes someone who is “charming, understated, old-school and a little bit woodsy.”

The heavenly-inspired name, Celeste, meanwhile, has always been a popular unisex name especially in France and Italy. Will it provide a good omen for Celeste Cortesi as she vies for the Philippines’s fifth Miss Universe crown in

Louisiana in January next year?

Jolene and Wilde are references to popular people.

Jolene is an ode to country singer Dolly Parton, who was the voice behind the song titled after the said name.

Wilde is seen as a fancy option and spelling. It is derived from the name of popular Irish novelist Oscar Wilde.

Luxury, Everest and Sunday are surprise baby name picks. Floral names, Marigold and Rose, also made it to the Nameberry

list.

The Asian-sounding Yuna will also see a rise in popularity. It is the name of popular Korean personalities, Olympic figure skater Kim Yuna and actresssinger Im Yoon-ah or Yoona.

The name is actually common in Japan, Korea, China, Russia, Ukraine and many other countries. Nameberry said that since it rhymes with the name Luna, which is currently exploding in popularity, thus, Yuna might benefit from it.

Top 23 in 2023 baby names

ConGen Badajos of PCGLA...

also know about the other services provided by the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles, and what areas of jurisdiction they cover. Watch this informationpacked encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, January 1 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

adventures ahead of us with our loved ones and friends, and savor our time together on faraway vacations as often as still possible, or even on staycations at our cozy home, creating thousands more fabulous memories to cherish and keep us warm in the winter of our life.

Here’s wishing all of you and your loved ones all the wonders from above, filled with the blessings of love, good health, joy, and prosperity. For all peoples around the world, let’s pray

for peace.

* * *

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

* * *

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a Health Advocate, Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1996, whose other awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, Mohammad Ali and David Letterman. Websites: FUN8888. com and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

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

Alden Richards Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02

Miss Universe Philippines 2022 Celeste Cortesi

Photo from Instagram/@celeste_cortesi

people events arts culture entertainment

Spotify names most streamed Pinoy artists of 2022

By Charmie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com

ZACK Tabudlo and Ben&Ben are among the most streamed Filipino artists on Spotify this year.

The Binibini and Pano hitmaker climbed to the No. 3 spot while the nine-piece band maintained its fourth rank from last year, Spotify noted as it unveiled its 2022 Wrapped campaign, an annual compilation of users’ most listened to tracks on the music streaming platform.

Taylor Swift is the most streamed artist overall in the Philippines, followed by BTS, Zack, Ben&Ben and Justin Bieber.

Spotify also reported that the “love for local is stronger than ever” with an almost 50-percent increase in Filipino music streams this year. Spotify has more than 456 million listeners around the world.

Rounding up the Top 5 most streamed Filipino artists are Arthur Nery, Moira dela Torre and Adie.

NOBITA’s Ikaw Lang outranked the global hits as well as Arthur’s Pagsamo, Adie’s Paraluman, Zack’s Pano and again Arthur’s Isa Lang as the most streamed

tracks in the country.

NOBITA, composed of Jaeson Felismino, Mark Quintero, Roman Monegas, Sam Aquino and Richmond Bancolita, thanked the “Nobibis” who supported the group to snag the major spot for its track.

The members said in a statement, “We are truly honored to be part of Spotify’s Wrapped Top Lists this year and be recognized alongside other great Pinoy artists. Undeniably, our fans had been a huge part of this but we’re also grateful for Spotify’s untiring support to our music and its clear vision for their artists. Like

most artists, we’re also eager to see our band’s Wrapped and see what we have done throughout 2022 as musicians.”

The Top Female Artists in the Philippine list includes Taylor, Ariana Grande, Moira, Olivia Rodrigo and NIKI while Zack, Justin Bieber, Arthur, The Weeknd and Adie dominated the Top Male Artists category.

BTS, Ben&Ben, LANY, BLACKPINK and TWICE completed that Top Groups section and the Top Albums are BTS’s Proof, Zack’s Episode, Taylor’s Red (Taylor’s Version), Olivia’s SOUR and Taylor’s Midnights.

The Top Spotify Playlists are Hot Hits Philippines, Today’s Top Hits, OPM Favorites, Tatak Pinoy and Kalye Hip Hop.

Spotify head of music Asia Kossy Ng remarked, “We are thrilled to see that Filipino artists have continued to shine on the local stage, as seen on 2022’s Spotify Wrapped results. This shows that the Philippines (is) increasingly listening to and supporting (its) homegrown talent and we have seen an almost 50-percent increase in streams of local music the past year.”

“We’re excited to continue working closely

with local musicians and pave the way for more aspiring artists to flourish on the platform,” she added.

Among the Top Radar Philippines Artists are P-pop groups BGYO and BINI, and Adie. Spotify’s Radar program is “an initiative to support emerging artists, has enabled new local artists and tracks to be added to the daily soundtrack of Filipinos’ lives.”

Furthermore, the Top Podcasts channels are Barangay Love Stories, skypodcast, Dear MOR: The Podcast, Hugot Marcelo and Punchline with Alex Calleja! and the Top Podcast Genres range from love and relationships, pop culture, self-help, to horror and the paranormal.

In the international music scene, Bad Bunny, Taylor, Drake, The Weeknd and BTS led the chart of the most streamed musicians. Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny consistently topped the list for three years in a row now with more than 18.5 billion streams this year.

The most streamed tracks globally are As It Was by Harry Styles; Heat Waves by Glass Animals; STAY by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber; Me Porto Bonito by Bad Bunny feat. Chencho Corleone; and Tití Me Preguntó by Bad Bunny.

Bad Bunny’s Un Verano Sin Ti, Harry Styles’ Harry’s House, Olivia’s SOUR, Ed Sheeran’s = and Doja Cat’s Planet Her are the most listened to global albums.

The Most Viral Artists Globally list includes Taylor, The Weeknd, Bad Bunny, BTS and Lana Del Rey, while the Most Shared Lyrics globally are Heat Waves by Glass Animals; Heather by Conan Gray; I Love You So by The Walters; Summertime Sadness by Lana Del Rey; and Somewhere Only We Know by Keane. n

Brianna is on her way to make a name for herself

by Jerry Donato Philstar.com

“AS for the experience so far, it’s been still surreal. It hasn’t fully sunk in.” That was Brianna Bunagan, a promising Sparkle GMA Artist Center talent, describing her a little over a year show business journey in a virtual interview with The STAR. Definitely, viewers will see more of her knack for acting and singing.

“I didn’t expect that my first project would be big as this,” said the daughter of ace comedian Michael V., referring to her stint in the primetime series, StartUp PH, with Alden Richards and Bea Alonzo as leading actors.

“It’s such a blessing, sobrang (I’m very) grateful for this opportunity, it’s a whole new experience,” added she, who, after doing acting workshops, was tapped to be part of the show’s ensemble.

Essaying roles and sharing scenes with fellow actors, however, are familiar territories to Brianna, who earned a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts major in Theater Arts, from the Ateneo de Manila University. “I did theater when I was in

college,” shared she. “Yes, it’s different (comparing stage acting from TV acting). In theater, of course, we have rehearsals na matagal ding ginagawa (that would also take a lot of time). With TV, you’ll have (like) throw the lines. It is really a different kind of environment that I have to adjust to. All in all, it’s (doing theater and TV) similar in terms of the technique being used. Yes, the transition was a pretty big one, if I’m going to be honest, from theater (in which) scenes (are done in a) chronological order. Here, it’s pa-iba-iba, sometimes jumping around… and it’s just a bit of getting used to it.”

It’s safe to say that Brianna has navigated the acting terrain well from doing big movements to performing the subtle ones that theater and TV require. She is on her way to make a name for herself.

Brianna had this to say about her entry to showbiz industry from theater: “I would not have it any other way kasi sobrang na-enjoy ko po yung mga nakasama kong co-actors, the cast

Zack Tabudlo

Photo from Instagram/@zack.tabuldo

Ben&Ben

Photo from Instagram/@benandbenmusic

Brianna Bunagan

Photo from Instagram/@briannayanni_

Vhong spends ‘pinakamasayang Pasko’ with family after posting P1M bail

By KatHleen a. lleMit Philstar.com

ACTOR Vhong Navarro greeted the public with a photo of him with his family posing in front of a giant Christmas tree in their home on Christmas Day.

“Napakarami kong pinagpapasalamat… Thank you, Jesus! Happy Birthday! Sa lahat ng nag dasal at umalalay sa akin. Maraming maraming salamat. God bless!” his caption read.

His wife, Tanya, and his two sons from his previous relationships were also seen in the photo.

The actor ended the post by thanking those who sent prayers for him. He called this Christmas as one of the happiest he has ever celebrated with his family and friends.

The Taguig Regional Trial Court allowed Navarro to post P1 million for his “temporary liberty” early this month.

“Viewed in light of all the foregoing, and taking the evidence presented in the bail hearings as a whole, this court is not convinced at this point, that there exists a presumption great leading to the inference of the accused’s guilt,” read the court document signed Associate Justice Florencio M. Mamauag Jr.

“It must be emphasized, however, that a grant of bail does not prevent the Court, as trier of facts, from making a final assessment of the evidence after full trial on the merits,” it added.

Last August, model Deniece Cornejo was given another chance by the Court of Appeals (CA) to air her side on the sexual harassment and rape allegations she filed against the actor. n

Heart teases going back home to Chiz on New Year

ACTRESS Heart Evangelista seemed to shut down the breakup rumor with an Instagram post on Monday, December 26 by tagging husband, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.

“Living between 2 worlds Paris and Manila ????2 clocks in one @philipsteinph ???? walking around Paris before heading home for New Year,” the style maven wrote in the caption to a clip of her walking in a Parisian square while modeling a timepiece from the popular brand.

“Ps. See you soon @ escuderochiz,” she ended her caption with emojis of heart and cheese.

Escudero has not replied to the tagged post, but his Instagram description reads, “Doting Dad. Happy Husband. Proud Public Servant.”

The couple has been the subject of a rumored breakup

the past few months, with the actress admitting she is “indefinitely” staying in Paris, France where she has been engaged in modeling and endorsements for luxury fashion houses and attending Paris Fashion Week. (By Kathleen A. Llemit/Philstar. com) n

Ronnie admits that he once let fame get into his head

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirernet

RONNIE Alonte is not proud to confess that he once allowed fame to get the best of him when he was still new in the showbiz industry.

The “Love in 40 Days” actor made the confession in an episode of “Toni” on Dec. 20, alongside his reelto-real life partner Loisa Andalio.

Alonte admitted that while being an actor was not his goal back then,

getting his first big break in the industry made him too proud of himself.

“Lumaki po talaga ‘yung ulo ko noon. Siyempre, ganoon po talaga kapag baguhan ka tapos nabigyan ka ng break. Nakilala ka ng tao at ng mga fans. Nakalimutan ko na ‘yung mga kaibigan kong nonshowbiz na totoo kong mga naging kaibigan kasi gusto kong makipaghalubilo sa mga artista,” the actor said. (I allowed fame to get into my head back then. Of course, it’s normal for

actors who are new in the showbiz industry and you get your big break. People recognize you, and you gain more fans. I forgot about my non-showbiz friends because I want to interact with celebrities.)

Eventually, Alonte realized that he didn’t like the person he was turning out to be when he had the chance to reconnect in his childhood home in Biñan, Laguna.

“Pagtagal-tagal ko po, narealize kong hindi pala ako ‘yun. Sabi ko, parang hindi

ako ‘to kasi hindi naman ako ganito. Kaya noong na-realize ko ito, bumalik ako sa Biñan at [nakipagreconnect] sa mga kaibigan ko. Doon na ulit ako bumalik sa kung sino ako talaga. Hanggang ngayon, ganoon pa rin ako,” the actor said.

(It soon came to a moment where I realized that wasn’t me. I said, this is not me because I’m usually not like this. So, when I realized about the type of person I’ve become, I returned to Biñan and reconnected with my friends. That’s when I returned to the person I truly am. And until now, I’m still the same person.)

Alonte started his showbiz career as a member of the dance group Hashtags in the noontime show “It’s Showtime” in 2015. He is best known for his appearances in the films “Seklusyon,” “Vince and Kath and James,” and “James and Pat and Dave.”

The actor is also part of the 48th Metro Manila Film Festival film entry “My Teacher” starring Toni Gonzaga and Joey de Leon.n

Brianna is on her way to make a name...

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and crew. It’s just been a whole great experience all in all.” It’s so far so good for Brianna, whose Start-Up PH character Joan Perez allowed her to witness first-hand how actors like Alden, Bea, Gina Alajar and Gabby Eigenmann work.

“The most important lesson I’ve learned perhaps is… awaken your curiosity,” she said, “that’s going to not only keep you learning and growing, I think it’s a major key for you to be able to adjust to any kind of working environment. Makakatulong sa acting (I find it helpful in acting), in (building) better connections with your co-actors, directors, the cast and crew and everyone. It will also help you to just be able to form better connections and get a better understanding (of) the people you’re working with.”

Asked what genres, acting- and project-wise, she would like to see herself doing in the future, Brianna is open to try her hand at any genre, be

it in a teleserye or in a movie. “But I’m really interested in doing rom-coms and drama.” That path veers away from the comedy her dad Michael V. has been known for.

“Lagi niya lang pong sinasabi sa akin na (He would always tell me to) enjoy what I’m doing,” shared Brianna of her dad’s pieces of advice. “For instance, if I get burned out, I just have to always remember the reason why I started in the first place, which is to enjoy. When I was young and I started singing, he was very supportive when I wanted to do covers and post them on YouTube… He was also supportive when I decided to pursue theater in college. I always (feel and get the) support from both my parents.”

Aside from acting, Brianna is also into singing. According to the information from her talent management, Brianna’s first single is Ayoko Na, written by Michael V. as one of the soundtracks of his film, Family History.

Since Start-Up PH had its finale last

week, Brianna is excited for her next TV program and during the interview, shared about her career game plan. “The last thing I wanna do is expect. But what I will do is, you know, hope for the best and I intend to just take every opportunity that is presented to me and honestly, make opportunities for myself,” she said.

“Obviously, I can’t just sit around like waiting for opportunities. My mom is always telling me, ‘Use it or lose it.’ Kahit na walang project, I need to be like constantly working on my craft. Kapag walang project, I’m always looking for workshops and I get in touch with other people that I’ve worked with.” So, when she is tapped for a role, Brianna will be ready.

“I’m just hoping for the best, especially after this first serye (of mine) sana madagdagan po… I’m really excited and you know this is just a beginning for me,” she concluded. “I’m looking forward to what the future holds for me in GMA.” n

Alden, Celeste among popular baby...

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Ronnie Alonte

Photo from Instagram/@iamr2alonte

Actor Vhong Navarro ABS-CBN photo

Heart Evangelista with husband Chiz Escudero

Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte