123022 - Northern California Edition

Man arrested for racist taunts on Filipino siblings in SF Bay Area

POLICE in San Ramon, California arrested a man from Denver, Colorado who was caught on video harassing three Filipino American siblings with racist taunts on Christmas morning and two Korean Americans the previous evening.

Jordan Douglas Krah, 40, was arrested Dec. 26 for violating California’s antihate crime law. He was caught on video harassing siblings Abigail, Adriana and Anjo Halili on Christmas morning.

“We heard a guy parked in his car yelling from his window saying keep walking you need to get away from that store, ‘you’ve been the people vandalizing and robbing these shops,'” Abigai Halili told ABC7 News. Krah allegedly followed up with obscene hand gestures.

“We didn’t know what to do and he kept going on and on saying ‘you’re Filipino idiots. You probably sell cocaine. You’re dealers,'” says Halili.

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 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

DOH wants state of calamity over COVID extended

by GAEA KATREENA CABICO Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine Department of Health on Tuesday, December 27 said it has sought the extension of the state of calamity declared in the country due to COVID-19 to allow the continued implementation of measures to combat the pandemic.

DOH officer-in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire said the agency has submitted a request to the Office of the President to extend the declaration of the state of calamity, which is set to expire on December 31.

The DOH is seeking an extension after the bill allowing the government to continue its COVID-19 response and creating the country’s own Center for Disease Prevention and Control was not enacted on time.

“If the state of calamity would not be extended, we will be losing the different strategies that we are doing,” Vergeire said. She noted the immunization drive against COVID-19, emergency use authorizations granted to vaccines, indemnification, and allowance for health care workers will be affected if the state of calamity is not extended.

COVID-19 won’t stop Marcos’ trip to China

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 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. 

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 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

Tulfo out as Marcos designates DSWD o cer in charge

by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has designated Undersecretary Edu Punay as officer-in-charge of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Malacañang confirmed on Tuesday, December 27.

"Yes," was the short reply of Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) officer-in-charge Undersecretary Chelo Garafil via text message when sought for confirmation.

Punay's appointment paper, released by the Palace on the

same day, was signed by the Chief Executive on Dec. 23, 2022.

He will be taking over from Secretary Erwin Tulfo who has been bypassed twice by the powerful Commission on Appointments (CA) — the first was in September and the second time was earlier this month over issues surrounding his citizenship and a prior conviction for libel.

Tulfo had been "on leave" since.

Prior to being appointed to the DSWD, Punay was a journalist who covered the executive, legislative and the judiciary beats. 

DOT sets ‘conservative’ target of 4.8M international arrivals in 2023

by ROSETTE ADEL Philstar.com

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

MANILA — The Department of Tourism bared its “conservative” targets for the tourism industry for 2023.

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

Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

The health agency is waiting for the Office of the President’s response.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of calamity across the country

in March 2020 when the virus that causes COVID-19 started to spread. Duterte extended the declaration twice.

In September, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. extended the COVID-19 state of calamity

until the end of 2022.

The Philippines has confirmed more than 4.06 million COVID-19 infections, with over 65,000 deaths, since the pandemic started. There are currently 15,472 active cases. 

Man arrested for racist taunts on Filipino...

The Halilis were not the only Asian Americans allegedly targeted by Krah.

On Christmas Eve, Arine Kim and her friend Elliot Ha were shooting a video for TikTok while eating at an InAnd-Out Burger when a man later identified as Krah spewed racist and homophobic slurs at

them.

A man off camera can be heard saying, “You guys filming yourself eating? You’re weird homosexuals.” A little later, the man says, “You’re Kim Jong Un’s boyfriend?” And moments later says, “Normally I could spit in your face…that’s some Filipino s**t.”

When the victims’ videos

went viral, the police said they were flooded with tips that helped them identify Krah, who has ties in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Kim and the Halilis said they were thankful for the quick arrest of Krah, as it shows that the attacks on Asians are very real, but also punishable by law. (Inquirer.net)

US ‘largest humanitarian donor’ in the...

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, December 26.

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)

DILG to announce new war on drugs...

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

DOT sets ‘conservative’ target of 4.8M...

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.

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 year-end 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 prepandemic numbers way earlier than the past projection.

“And we feel that we would be able to exceed our pre-pandemic 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. 

(408) 975-4450.

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. 

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. speaks to policemen during his command visit at Camp

Sergio Osmeña Sr. in Cebu City on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Inquirer.net photo

Pahrump housing market remains somewhat competitive

by RealtoR Fely

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-of-the-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 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 single-family homes priced in the $350,000 range in 2020.

538-4948,

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, property-wise – 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, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@preciousproperties.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)

Quitevis-Bateman

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702)

or send email to fely@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com.

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

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.

Dateline PhiliPPines

Death toll in Visayas, Mindanao floods up at 13 –NDRRMC

by Francis Earl cuEto ManilaTimes.net

THE reported death toll due to floods in the Visayas and Mindanao regions brought about by the shearline weather phenomenon has increased to 13, according to the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

According to the latest situation report, Northern Mindanao has the most reported deaths with seven, followed by the Bicol Region with 3, Eastern Visayas with 2 and Zamboanga Peninsula with one.

There were also six reported injured - five of whom came from Northern Mindanao and one in Zamboanga Peninsula.

A total of 23 missing persons were also reported.

Meanwhile, 166,357 persons or 44,282 families from 385 villages in Mimaropa (Minddoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan), Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao and BARMM were displaced or evacuated due to the floods. g

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 five-silver 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 career-best 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 recordsetting 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 firstever 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 come-from-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

u PAGE 7

Infographic by Inquirer.net

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

FEATURES OPINION

Celebrating with a bang

THERE is revenge travel and revenge gatherings as people come out of over two years of pandemic restrictions. Will there also be revenge celebratory fireworks displays?

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.

Editorial

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

failure.

HEYDARIAN

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 president managing to garner a clear majority of votes.

Moreover, this year’s elections also saw the first proincumbency 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 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 “law-abiding 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 skyhigh approval ratings. As for his beloved “drug war,” even Duterte admitted that it was a major

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 Dutertestyle 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 progressive-liberal 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

Modern heroism inspired by Rizal

GATCHALIAN

IN this contemporary period, we need to look at our definition of heroism through a new lens. We do not need to die for our country just to be considered a legitimate hero, except if there is an inevitable war. On a philosophical, ethical narrative, we need to produce a life that is exemplary and useful.

The gist: We can only give what we have.

Thus, to become a hero we need to make ourselves better. We can only inspire other people if we are inspired. We can only educate others if we are equipped with knowledge and wisdom. We can only teach what we know.

Like Jose Rizal, he made himself useful. He read lots of books. He visited museums. He traveled to many places. He prepared himself for something that was greater than who he was. And he could only reach this pillar of greatness if he himself was capable of being a great man.

Greatness needs a conscious decision and action. Jose Rizal proved distinctly that from an ordinary, good man, we can

become a better man; from an ordinary life to a remarkable life. He attempted to perfect himself through arts, education, and practical skills.

He was able to write two novels, “Noli Me Tangere” and “El Filibusterismo,” because from a very young age, he read and studied a lot. He prepared himself.

“You can only give what you have.” This dictum is essentially fundamental to heroism. We cannot love if we have not loved. This should not be misinterpreted as selfishness or ego-centric values. This is about helping ourselves so that we can effectively help others and our communities.

We need to invest in nurturing our minds. We need to read. Seek and you shall find.

We can only be a light for humanity if we are enlightened. We can only carry the torch if we have the strength to hold it in our hands.

Jose Rizal was an enlightened being. With everything he had achieved in his short 35 years of existence, he was a great model of how to live.

Those who are prepared to die are those who are prepared to live. Jose Rizal openly embraced his death at Bagumbayan

because he had prepared for a life worth remembering. But we must remember that he made himself better not only for himself but for his fellow Filipinos and for the future of our country.

There is nothing wrong with looking after ourselves. Selflove is an inherent ingredient to purposeful heroism. How can we look after our families if we ourselves are sick and dying? How can we educate our children if we ourselves are ignorant? How can we help the community if we ourselves are poor?

So, there is nothing wrong, too, in wanting to be rich. Through our resources, we can support many poor families. But of course, we need to have our own healthy finance before we can help other people.

But the greatest investment is the investment in selfimprovement. We shall also be rich, not just in financial terms, but rich in a mind that is wise, a heart that is compassionate, and a body that is fit.

Modern heroism is about elevating ourselves from a mundane superficial existence to a meaningful purposeful life. When we find our purpose, we seek a better understanding of how we can be productive and useful—and the best way is to

start with ourselves.

Heroism within is an attempt to reach a higher level of perfection where our excellence and achievement are contributory to building a progressive society.

Jose Rizal is the perfect model. May the Filipino youth of today find inspiration in Rizal’s life so that our country, The Philippines, will not lose hope in our kabataan, ang pag-asa ng bayan.

We are all heroes—only if we are willing to give ourselves a

chance to become one. Nothing is too late. We can start now. Let us help ourselves today so that tomorrow we can help others.

Jose Rizal’s letter to Mariano Ponce:

“A Filipino must be just and foremost a good man, a good citizen, who will, with his mind and heart and if needed be, with his arms as well, help his country progress.”

“Totoong bayan muna bago ang sarili. Pero sarili muna bago

“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.

* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

ang iba. Ang pagbabago ay magsisimula sa ating sarili. Ito ang makabagong pagkabayani.” * * *

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.

* * *

JOSEPH

The Rizal Monument in Manila

Inquirer.net photo

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

Malacañang file photo

Rado Gatchalian is the Eastern Australia Area deputy commander of the Order of the Knights of Rizal-ANZO region and the archivist of the Knights of Rizal-Northern Sydney Chapter.

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."

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva Philstar.com file photo

Other Marcos administrationbacked 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. g

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. g

Hidilyn Diaz, Filipinas lead top 7 Philippine...

in July 2023.

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’. g

DFA holds talks on deep sea mining

THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recently consulted experts and stakeholders on "deep seabed mining" to facilitate the development of a national position on the matter.

The department's Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office (MOAO) on December 16 conducted the consultation with technical experts to bring together stakeholders that can help design programs and policies "in pursuit of common development objectives towards national legislation on the deep seabed."

The Philippines, as a state party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), can participate in deep seabed mining in areas beyond national jurisdiction, subject to the approval of the International Seabed Authority (ISA).

However, the DFA said the Philippines "has not clarified policy and legislative directions on the deep seabed, and such policies and directions must be grounded in sound scientific, objective and technical advice."

DFA Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Maria Angela Ponce urged the

participants "to keep in mind that the Philippines must consider the economic benefits of deep seabed mining."

However, they should take into consideration the country's "obligation to conserve and protect the marine environment and remind them of the primacy of Unclos in all activities in areas beyond national jurisdiction," the DFA said.

The DFA said "the international seabed 'area' and its mineral resources are the common heritage of mankind and must be administered for the benefit of humankind as a whole, by the International Seabed Authority."

The consultations will serve as a preparatory activity for the series of workshops on deep seabed mining to be held, in cooperation with the International Seabed Authority, in the second and fourth quarters of 2023, the DFA said.

MOAO intends to facilitate this process, in line with Philippine advocacy on the full and meaningful utilization of Unclos as the constitution of the oceans, from a global, regional and national perspective.

The consultation helped the participants have a clearer understanding on the national

and international framework and legal regime governing deep seabed mining, as well as the practical considerations for such activities, the DFA said.

The resource speakers included Neil Silva of the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea; Principal Assistant Kirstoff Gail Ocampo of the DFA-MOAO and Philippine focal point for the International Seabed Authority; Eloisa Katrina Madamba of the DFA Office of Treaties and Legal Affairs; First Secretary and Legal Adviser Azela Arumpac-Marte of the Philippine Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York; Dr. Mario Juan Aurelio of the UP National Institute of Geological Sciences and member of the ISA Legal and Technical Commission; Dr. Rogel Santos of the Marine Geological Survey Division of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau; Decibel Faustino-Eslava of the Geological Society of the Philippines; and Legal Officer Lea Kolmos Weis of the ISA.

They shared their expertise and experience on various topics such as the ISA and developments on deep seabed mining, the ISA mining code, Philippine policies on deep seabed mining, and capacity development. g

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

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 PAGE 10

ConGen Badajos of PCGLA sits down with Atty. Gur nkel on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy

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)

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

Zack Tabudlo

Photo from Instagram/@zack.tabuldo Ben&Ben

Photo from Instagram/@benandbenmusic

PH Consul General in SF congratulates three Filipino American mayors of Bay Area cities The departure lounge

SAN FRANCISCO - Philippine

Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer congratulated three Filipino American mayors who were recently sworn in as local chief executives in the cities of Colma, Daly City and South San Francisco in California.

Joanne del Rosario was sworn in as mayor of Colma on 13 December 2022, replacing outgoing Mayor Helen Fisicaro. Del Rosario was the first female Filipino American to become Mayor in the San Francisco Bay Area, and her recent appointment will be her fifth time to serve as Colma’s Mayor. She was first elected to office as a member of the City Council in December 2006, and last served as Mayor in 2015. She was reelected as Councilmember of Colma in the last elections in November 2022.

South San Francisco’s first Filipino American woman mayor, Buenaflor Nicolas, took her oath of office on 13 December to replace Mark Nagales, the city’s first mayor of Filipino descent. Nicolas is the fourth woman mayor of the city known as the “Birthplace of Biotechnology,” and which has become a biotech industry hub with over 200 biotech companies headquartered in the city. Mayor Nicolas, an immigrant from the

Philippines who mentioned her hard-earned life experiences as a biotech executive herself, said she will work towards building an “inclusive and equitable community” in the city.

In Daly City, Ray Buenaventura was sworn in as Mayor, his fourth time to take on this position, on 12 December 2022.

“On behalf of the Consulate General of the Philippines in

San Francisco, I am sending our warmest congratulations and best wishes to Mayor Buenaflor Nicolas of South San Francisco City, Mayor Joanne del Rosario of Colma, and Mayor Ray Buenaventura of Daly City. We look forward to working with them in the service of our Filipino American communities in their cities,” Consul General Ferrer said. (PCGSF Release)

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 (DNATelomere) level to protect the integrity of the DNA to preempt 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 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 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.

* * *

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, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United NetworkUSA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

for annual meeting

PCGSF, Philippine honorary consuls in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon convene

SAN FRANCISCO – Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer convened a planning meeting with the Philippine Honorary Consuls in Alaska, Colorado and Oregon on Tuesday, December 6 to evaluate the activities of the past year, plan for the forthcoming activities in 2023, and discuss ways to continue providing assistance to more than 1 million overseas Filipinos in the Consulate’s jurisdiction.

Honorary Consul in Alaska Rebecca Carrillo, Honorary Consul in Colorado Donna B. Lavigne, and Honorary Consul in Oregon Enrico Tadeo flew to San Francisco to participate in the 2022 planning conference, Consul General Ferrer’s second in-person meeting with the Philippine Honorary Consuls in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

In his opening remarks,

Consul General Ferrer expressed appreciation to the Honorary Consuls. He said, “I thank the Honorary Consuls for their continued support throughout the past year in ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of consular services to Filipinos under Post’s jurisdiction. We hope to continue coordination in 2023 to ensure that Filipinos within our jurisdiction continue to receive timely consular assistance. I further note the assistance of the Honorary Consuls in the Consulate’s political engagements, economic diplomacy, assistance to nationals, and other activities with the Filipino communities.”

During the conference, the Honorary Consuls presented their accomplishments for the year and mapped out plans for 2023, in coordination with the

Consulate’s various sections (economic, political/overseas voting, cultural/community/ public information, assistanceto-nationals, consular) and partner government agencies (Philippine Department of Tourism-San Francisco and Philippine Trade and Investment Center-Silicon Valley).

In 2023, the Consulate, in coordination with the Honorary Consuls, shall continue to engage in political exchanges, economic diplomacy, cultural promotion, and provision of consular and ATN services.

It shall organize consular outreach missions in various states within the Consulate’s jurisdiction to provide passport renewal services, accept dual citizenship petitions, and resume the conduct of overseas voting registration.  (PCGSF Release)

ConGen Badajos of

in Los Angeles. He will share a little bit about himself and his experience as a seasoned diplomat, and his role in promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of overseas Filipinos.

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

Spotify names most streamed Pinoy...

BTS’s Proof,

The

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.

Joanne del Rosario is sworn in as mayor of Colma, California. Photos courtesy of San Francisco PCG

Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer (left) with South San Francisco Mayor Buenaflor Nicolas.

Buenaflor Nicolas is sworn in as mayor of South San Francisco, California.

Daly City Mayor Ray Buenaventura (seated) with Vice Mayor Juslyn Manalo (left) and former Mayor Dr. Rod Daus-Magbual (right). Photo courtesy of Mayor Ray Buenaventura

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

PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is

Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer (seated, 4th from left) with the officers of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, and the Philippine Honorary Consuls in Alaska, Colorado, and Oregon. With ConGen Ferrer in photop are (seated ,from left)

Honorary Consul in Oregon Vivian Tadeo, Honorary Consul in Colorado Enrico Tadeo, Donna Lavigne, Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano, Honorary Consul in Alaska Rebecca Carrillo, Jay Lavigne; (standing, from left)

Administrative Officer Lucelyn Gumabay, Trade Commissioner

May Nina Celynne P. Layug, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, Consul Vanessa G. Bago-Llona, Tourism Representative

Marie Soleil Tropicales. and Consul Jed Martin Llona. San Francisco PCG photo

CELEBRITY World By The Bay columnist, beauty impresario, and beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather Ferdinand Syquia Villar Sr., passed away on December 19 after a brief battle with an undisclosed illness. He was 85.

Ferdie, as he was known to family and friends, is survived by ex-wife Josefina Crespo Villar, daughters Theresa and Susan, sons Ronald, Ferdinand Jr. and Augie; stepsister Veronica; cousin Monica Villar Chipeco; sister-in-law Teresita Santa Ana; nieces Evangeline, Margie, Mariced, Catherine and Diana, nephews Edward, Emmanuel, Joselito, Andrew, Jeffreey, Jeremy, Jason and Jimmy; grandchildren Joshua, Jessica, Angelika, Ryan, Amira, Mark Anthony, Michael, Angeline, joseph, AJ, Abigail and Roxie; and great grandchildren Addy, Elly, Calihan and Malina; and many other relatives who will miss him dearly.

Born on May 30, 1937, Ferdie was the second child of Don Jose Punzalan Villar (+) of Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija and Doña Mercedes Angco Syquia (+) of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. The couple also had three other children – Antonio (+), Priscilla (+) and Lourdes (+).

Ferdie took his elementary and high school studies at San Juan de Letran College, and finished with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, majoring in Advertising and Management, at the Mapua Institute of Technology.

Even at a young age, Ferdie excelled in establishing youth groups, which included the Manila Teenager Social Circle, the Manila Youth Circle, Circulo Novo Ecijano, Sociedad Nasingpet. He showed his leadership skills as he was, from the 1950s to the 1960s, Youth Demisean of the Philippine National Red Cross, Special Events Chairman of big events (Boy Scouts Jamboree 1956, the Anti-TB Fund Campaign, Miss Red Feather Beauty Contest), and awarded “Most Outstanding Youth Leader in the Philippines” in 1960 by then Philippine President Carlos P. Garcia.

Tito Ferdie, as he was lovingly called by his friends, co-workers and associates, earned the monicker “Beauty Impresario” as he was the man responsible for thrusting beautiful Filipinas into the limelight by introducing them to the world of pageantry. [In 1969, Ferdie was granted the Philippine franchise by Miss World contest organizers Eric and Julia Morley of MECCA Promotions. He produced the next editions of the Miss Republic of the Philippines under his own Spotlight Promotions.]

Case in point: Evangeline Pascual, who was Miss Republic of the Philippines winner and the country’s representative to the Miss World pageant in England in 1973. Pascual finished first runner-up, the first Filipina to achieve that highest place in the Miss World pageant at that point. (Note: Evangeline Pascual was asked by pageant organizers to fulfill the duties of Miss World without being granted the title after firing winner Marjorie Wallace of the United States, but she turned down the offer.)

Another popular entertainment figure that Tito Ferdie discovered is former Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK) host, network executive, producer and actress Charo Santos Concio, whom the beauty impresario chose to be Miss Green Revolution, also in 1973. Charo would later on become Miss Baron Travel Girl.

Other Filipino beauties that Ferdie plucked for various beauty pageants include Aurora Pijuan, Anna Bayle, Elizabeth Oropesa, Imelda Papin, Eva Reyes, Beth Bautista, Margarita de los Reyes (Tingting Cojuangco), Rosie Lovely Tecson, Ninay Rustia de Ocampo, Criselda Lontok, Minnie Cagatao (Jentes) and Marietta Guanzon.

While Ferdie Villar’s contributions to the world of pageantry are legendary, he also is part of the history of films and awards. He was the person who came up with the idea for the Box Office King and Queen awards in the 1960s, which he later turned over to businesswoman Corazon Samaniego. The late Fernando Poe Jr. and Boots Anson-Roa were the first recipients of the award in 1968, but when it was

actually organized into an award-giving mechanism, the initial recipients in 1973 were Mr. Philippine Movies Joseph Estrada and Miss Philippine Movies Nora Aunor.

By then, Ferdie was already a household name in the Philippines, regularly hobnobbing with international and Philippine celebrities like Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali (who was invited to be a judge in one of Ferdie’s pageants), Romeo Vasquez, Fernando Poe Jr., Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes, German Moreno, Joseph “Erap” Estrada, Nora Aunor, Tirsco Cruz III, and many others. He also was Vice President of Manila Recording Company (MARECO) and Editor-in-Chief of Spotlight Magazine.

When Ferdie migrated to the U.S. in 1979, he continued his involvement with the fields of entertainment and pageantry.

He was chair of the five-in-one beauty pageants for Fiesta Filipina (which included the Mr. and Miss Repubic of the Philippines-USA titles), producing winners who moved on to make their marks in other international beauty pageants. Ginger Conejero, Miss R.P.-USA 2006 first runner-up, went on to compete at the Miss Philippines Earth 2006. Krystle Ann Dizon, another Miss R.P.-USA runner-up went to to represent the Philippines at the Miss Tourism International pageant. Katrina Dimaranan, who was Miss R.P.-USA in 2009, later on become Bb. PilipinasTourism in 2012.

Ferdie also became active in writing for Filipino American publications in Northern California, where he had settled. Prior to his passing, he was the entertainment columnist for Asian Journal Publication’s Northern California edition, where his longtime column, Celebrity World By The Bay, was featured. His column featured a Who’s Who among international and local celebrities, politicians and movers/shakers. Prior to Asian Journal, Ferdie wrote and edited for local Bay Area papers such as Philippine News, The Eye, Philippine Chronicle, Manila Mail and Manila Bulletin USA.

Villar also founded Filipino Media USA, an advertising and promotions consultant company, which produced Annual Celebrity Awards Night, which gave recognition to outstanding Filipino American people and events.

Tito Ferdie was also active with social clubs and Filipino American organizations in the U.S. He was active with the Club Royale Foundation USA, where he was in the club’s Hall of Fame. In 2006, two FilAm organizations (LuzViMin of the Bay Area and United Cagayanos of California) awarded Villar with an Entertainment Writer of the Year award.

Ferdie was also known as a religious devotee, organizing an annual fiesta for the Nuestro Jesus Nazareno de Quiapo, or the Black Nazarene, at his South San Francisco residence. He had inherited the miraculous image from his mother and brought it with him when he migrated to America. Villar held the fiesta from January 1 to 9 every year, highlighted by a nine-day Novena, Rosary and Holy Mass.

Despite his success and statue, Ferdie Villar, in his latter years, did not concern himself with material things, but instead valued the closeness he shared with family, relatives and friends.

In an interview for the Asian Journal magazine’s Balikbayan Memories in 2014, Ferdie Villar shared how he would like for people to remember him: “I want them to remember me as a God-fearing person, who is always loyal to those who have stayed with me through the good and bad.”

Memorial services for Ferdie Syquia Villar Sr. will be held at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary (500 Westlake Avenue) in Daly City on Monday, January 2, from 4 to 8 p.m., and on Tuesday, January 3, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 4 at the Holy Angels Church (107 San Pedro Road, Colma) at 10 a.m., to be followed with burial services at the Olivet Gardens of Cypress Lawn Memorial Park in Colma. The family is asking for prayers for the repose of Ferdie Villar’s soul.