83 minute read
Page 14By A� y. Lozano
Charo Santos is FAMAS best actress, martial law film ‘Katips’ is best picture
Kapamilya actress and executive Charo Santos and martial law musical fi lm “Katips” took home the top awards in the 70th FAMAS Awards at the historic and newly renovated Metropolitan Theatre in Manila over the weekend. . Santos claimed the Best Actress trophy for the Visayan movie “Kun Maupay Man It Panahon”, edging Sharon Cuneta (Revirginized), Janine Gutierrez (Dito At Doon), and Ma a Salvador (Arisaka).
The Martial Law fi lm “Katips” was one of the big winners, earning seven awards Best Picture and Best Cinematography, Best Musical Score for Pipo Cifra, Best Original Song “Sa Gitna ng Dulo” for Cifra and Vince Ta ada, who also won as the Best Director and Best Actor, and Best Supporting Actor for Johnrey Rivas.
The fi lm recounts the trials and tribulations of student activists during the Martial Law years. It is set to premiere in cinemas on Aug. 3.
The musical fi lm highlights the struggle of Filipinos from the rift between two political clans, according to its director and lead actor Atty. Vince Ta ada.
Politicians and top stars led by National Artist Nora Aunor attended the awards night. They include special awardees Senator Imee Marcos (Exemplary Awardee for Public Service), Senator Jose Estrada (FPJ Memorial Award), Pangasinan Representative Christopher de Venecia (Outstanding Public Service Award), at Congressman PM Vargas (FAMAS Presidential Award).
Ta ada was also hailed as the Best Actor and Best Director of this year’s FAMAS. He edged out Daniel Padilla (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon) and Dingdong Dantes (A Hard Day) for the top male individual award.
Janice de Belen was named as the Best Supporting Actress for “Big Night” while Johnrey Rivas of “Katips” is the Best Supporting Actor.
The list of the winners in the 0th FAMAS Awards follow Best Picture - Katips Best Actress - Charo Santos (Kun Maupay Man It Panahon) Best Actor - Vince Ta ada (Katips) Best Supporting Actress - Janice de Belen (Big Night) Best Supporting Actor - Johnrey Rivas (Katips) Best Director - Vince Ta ada (Katips) Best Screenplay - Jun Lana (Big Night) Best Cinematography - Katips Best Editing - A Hard Day Best Original Song - Sa Gitna Ng Gulo (Katips) Best Musical Score - Katips Best Sound - A Hard Day Best Visual Eff ects - My Amanda FAMAS Special Awards
FAMAS Natatanging Alagad ng Sining - Nora Aunor FAMAS Natatanging Alagad ng Sining - Ricky Lee German Moreno Youth Achievement Award - Ranz Kyle Niana Guerrero Lifetime Achievement Awardee - Tessie Agana FPJ Memorial Awardee - Jinggoy Estrada Susan Roces Celebrity Awardee - Nora Aunor Don Jose R. Perez Memorial Awardee - Moira Lang Exemplary Awardee in Public Service - Sen. Imee Marcos Hall of Fame for Best Actor - Allen Dizon Hall of Fame for Best Editing - Jess Navarro 1st Outstanding Public Sevice Award - Cong. Christopher de Venecia nd Outstanding Public Sevice Award - Dr. Edinell Calvario FAMAS Presidential Award - Cong. PM Vargas Angelo “Eloy” Padua Memorial Award for Journalism - Renz Spangler
19 August 4-10, 2022
ENTERTAINMENT Vhong Navarro to face rape charge, Court of Appeals rules
It s Show� me host and actor Vhong Navarro le and his alleged rape vic� m Deniece Corne o.
Actor and “It’s Showtime” co-host Fernando Vhong Navarro is worried again.
This as the Court of Appeals has decided on the Taguig City Prosecutor’s O ce in fi ling charges of rape and acts of lasciviousness against Navarro in connection with the complaint of model Deniece Cornejo
In a 26-page decision promulgated on July 21 and written by Associate Justice Florencio Mamauag Jr., the CA 14th Division, granted Deniece Milinette Cornejo’s petition for certiorari and ruled against the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) resolutions to deny the review of her cases against the prominent TV host on April 30, 2018 and July 14, 2020.
Associate Justices Victoria Isabel Paredes and Mary Charlene Hernandez-Azura concurred with the decision.
In its ruling, the court stated that it was erroneous on the part of the DOJ to deny the petition for review of Cornejo on grounds that her statements in the complaint-a davits were “inconsistent and incredible.”
“It was erroneous for the DOJ to deny Cornejo’s petition for review on the ground that her statements in the complaint-a davits are inconsistent and incredible,” the CA said.
“In this regard, it bears to stress that the determination of probable cause does not depend on the validity or merits of a party’s accusation or defense or on the admissibility or veracity of testimonies presented,” the court added.
The justices stressed the “on-the-ground” reality that an a davit is almost always incomplete, resulting in inconsistencies on the a davit and the testimonies of the person on the witness stand.
“What is merely required is probability of guilt, the determination of which does not call for the application of rules or standards of proof that a judgment of conviction requires after trial on the merits,” the CA said.
“It is enough that it is believed that the act or omission complained of constitutes the off ense charged. Precisely, there is a trial for the reception of evidence of the prosecution in support of the charge,” the CA pointed out.
Corne o had fi led three separate complaints against Navarro before the Taguig Prosecutor’s O ce.
Ronnie Ricketts cleared of graft over released pirated DVDs, VCDs
Actor and former Optical Media Board Ronnie Rickets is so thankful these days.
This as the Supreme Court has cleared him of graft in connection with the unauthorized release of pirated DVDs and VCDs in a 2010 operation.
Ricketts, who headed the OMB from 2009 to 2016, was accused in 2010 of authorizing the release of 121 boxes of confi scated optical discs.
Record of the case, according to ABS-CBN report, stated that OMB computer operator Glenn Perez mentioned Ricketts’ name when the guard-on-duty spotted him reloading the boxes onto a seized van at 10 p.m. inside the OMB compound on May 27, 2010.
The boxes and the van were among the items seized in an operation in Quiapo, Manila earlier that day, the report added.
It was learned Perez subsequently returned the boxes to Sky High Marketing and no charges were fi led.
The Sandiganbayan, in 2019, convicted both Ricketts and Perez and sentenced them to up to 8 years in prison and perpetually dis ualifi ed them from holding public o ce. Three other OMB o cials were ac uitted.
But the SC Second Division, on March 16 this year, modifi ed the Sandiganbayan’s ruling by ac uitting Ricketts.
Despite one OMB o cial testifying that Ricketts allegedly told them the missing items had been transferred to a safe place, the high court as ABS-CBN reported said there was no evidence of a conspiracy between Ricketts and Perez since the evidence against Ricketts were all hearsay.
“The prosecution hinges its theory of conspiracy solely on Gazzingan’s report that when he caught Perez bringing out the seized items without the proper written authorization form or gate pass, Perez told him that it was Chairman Ricketts who had ordered him to do so. To the Sandiganbayan, this report, coupled with Ricketts’ failure to make a specifi c denial during trial, was su cient to make accusedappellants liable as co-principals by reason of consp1racy,” the decision penned by SC associate justice Ricardo Rosario said.
“The Court disagrees. Despite Ricketts’ failure to testify during the trial, the presumption of innocence should remain in his favor and the prosecution continued to have the burden of proving his guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Unfortunately, the prosecution failed to discharge its burden,” it added.
The court said the guard had no personal knowledge as to who actually ordered Perez to pull out the seized items and that it’s possible Perez only mentioned Rickett’s name as an excuse.
Both Ricketts and Perez did not testify during the trial at the Sandiganbayan.
The SC Second Division also lifted the hold departure order against Ricketts, even as it a rmed Perez’s conviction.
Perez, according to the court, interfered with the legal process to the damage and prejudice of the government, when he returned the discs to Sky High Marketing and gave the company unwarranted benefi t.
Then-Senior Associate Justice Estela Perlas-Bernabe and associate justices Ramnon Paul Hernando, Rodil Zalameda and Jose Midas Marquez concurred in the decision.
REAL ESTATE Demand for retail space returning to pre-Covid level
MANILA – Demand for commercial space is supporting the growth of the country’s property market with the easing of travel restrictions and recovery from the pandemic. Real estate services company Santos Knight Frank reported that vacancy rate in the commercial sector for the second qua rter of 2022 was at 4.6 percent, which was close to pre-pandemic level. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, vacancy rate for commercial space was at 3.6 percent in the fourth qua rter of 2019.
“The easing of travel restrictions, pent-up demand for consumption, high vaccination rates, and the return to o ce (RTO) are all being cited for the recovery in brick-and-mortar retail, a sector that saw many businesses closing shop during the height of pandemic lockdowns,” Santos Knight Frank said in a statement. For the upcoming stores in Metro Manila alone, 32.7 percent of commercial space takers are for the food and beverage sector and 3 .1 percent are for clothing apparel stores. “(T)he Philippines’ property sector is likely to see signifi cant recovery in the next two to three years into the administration of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos, Jr., as demand returns on both commercial and residential property,” it added. ith the government’s directive to register business process outsourcing (BPO) fi rms to the RTO last April, Santos Knight Frank has also seen an increase in activity in the o ce market.
“Second uarter was the fi rst uarter for many employees to return to the o ce. ith that, we also saw an increase in leasing activity for the fi rst time in a while,” Santos Knight Frank senior director for occupier strategy and solutions Morgan McGilvray said in a press conference. However, vacancy rate in April to June 2022 period has remained high at 23 percent as 228,500 s uare meters of o ce spaces were added in Metro Manila in the second qua rter of the year.
“Lastly, the Philippines, as with India, South Korea, Singapore, and most of Asia, is likely to see a greater rate of RTO for employees than the rate in developed estern economies. RTO in the Philippines is a result of both the o ce culture and the needs of its BPO occupiers,” the consultancy fi rm said.
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Mortgage Forbearance important information
Mortgage Forbearance important information. ith so many ob losses due to the COVID-19, many homeowners are in search of mortgage relief. Two strategies that many borrowers are anxious to invoke right now are mortgage deferment and mortgage forbearance. Estimated about 3.4 million US homeowners have had reque sted for delayed mortgage payment, leaving $754 billion in principal unpaid balances and that fi gure is steadily climbing day by day.
Both tactics allow a borrower to skip monthly payments for a set period. Depending on the lender, there can be subtle diff erences between the two terms. hat happens at the end of the forbearance period is the amount of payments that you missed during that forbearance will be due in a lump sum, sometimes the lender will work with borrowers to structure a payment plan, instead of demanding a lump sum.
Deferment—e specially special programs that lenders have introduced during the pandemic—of ten allow customers to repay the money over time or to add it to the end of the loan period.
Clearing up confusion about mortgage forbearance
If a lender does diff erentiate between the terms deferment and forbearance, the diff erence will be at the end of the loan period, whether the missing payments are all due or restructured.
Some borrowers will be able to add extra payments to the end of the loan or make other arrangements to spread out repayment, while others will not. Sometimes, payment terms involve a new loan or a rewriting the existing loan.
Technically, a mortgage forbearance agreement is when you’ve possibly been late, and the lender agrees not to foreclose during that forbearance period. In this scenario, a borrower already has a history of nonpayment before entering into a forbearance agreement.
But with the pandemic only revealing its enormous scope within the past 30 days, many borrowers haven’t been late— yet.
However, because of sudden ob loss or because of the uarantine, borrowers have besieged the phone lines of their lenders, to get out in front of the fi nancial iceberg.
Contact your lender for mortgage relief
No matter what you call it, if borrowers ask for help during this crisis, many lenders are allowing them to miss payments and not charge them late fees or penalties.
More importantly the defi nition really doesn’t matter. The moral of the story right now is to call your lender. Don’t just assume you can skip a payment. Call them, let them know, and make arrangements.
Due to the current fi nancial situation, the mortgage world is shifting. Options that weren’t on the table for borrowers a few months ago might be available now.
The length of time that the forbearance could be extended and the options at the end of the term might be diff erent. Borrowers in good standing prior to the current crisis may able to do a modifi cation wherein any monthly payments missed now are simply tacked on to the end of the loan.
Pressing pause on your mortgage
Whatever terminology your lender uses, it’s important for you to understand what is really happening with your loan. Nothing is free. You can’t expect to stop paying your mortgage forever.
There is no such thing as a free mortgage payment, it’s not free money. Forbearance is temporarily hitting the pause button on your mortgage, and not having to make the payment.
It does not necessarily pause the interest that is accruing, and it does mean that you’ re going to have to make that principal and interest payment at a later date.
Key uestions to ask before seeking mortgage forbearance
When calling your lender, Carlson recommends asking: hat relief options are available ill interest continue being calculated during the length of time I am not paying ill there be any fees How will it be reported to the credit bureaus • Do I still need to pay (C ont inue on page 27)
21 August 4-10, 2022 NATIONAL NEWS SPORTS NEWS
EJ Obiena climbs to 3rd in world ranking, vows help to Lydia de Vega
MANILA – Ernest John “EJ” Obiena soared to his highest world ranking yet after delivering the Philippines its fi rst medal in the ust concluded orld Athletic Championships in Eugene, Oregon. ith the bronze fi nish after historic hurdling .94 meters in the meet, Obiena is now ranked third in the world in men’s pole vault.
As of last Tuesday, the -year-old Obiena accumulated 1,40 points in the world ranking to catapult him to third place.
American Chris Nilsen, who barely beat Obiena for the silver through the countback .94 meters tiebreaker, is No. , but he is not that far above Obiena with 1,43 points. Sweden’s Mondo Duplantis remains world No. 1 polevaulter with 1, 1 points. Earlier, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has congratulated Obiena, the fi rst Filipino to climb the orld Athletic Championship podium, and Vanessa Sarno for triumphs in their respective sporting events. Meanwhile, a lawmaker fi led a resolution commending pole vaulter Obiena for his historic bronze medal fi nish in the 0 orld Athletics Championships and for climbing to No. 3 in the world rankings.
In the resolution, Manila District Rep. Rolando Valeriano said Obiena brought honor and glory to the country by winning a medal in the “most prestigious and competitive” global competition held in the United States on July 24.
Valeriano said Obiena has risen to No. 3 in the latest world rankings for men’s pole vault due to this “outstanding feat”.
“EJ once said that he hoped to inspire his fellow youths of Tondo, where he is from. He wants them all to dream, and go after this dream, for anything is possible through hard work and grit,” he said.
Valeriano also highlighted Obiena’s “unparalleled compassionate character”, when he pledged to donate the incentive he would be receiving from the Philippine Sports Commission to an ailing Lydia De Vega-Mercado, who was once labeled as Asia’s fastest woman.
“The truth is that EJ is a real inspiration, not ust to us from Tondo, but to all of us Filipinos This outstanding athlete, who is not just a world class pole vaulter, but a person of unparalleled compassionate character,” Valeriano said.
“The success in the recent orld Championships is not all mine. I owe a debt of gratitude to many, including my parents, my coach and support team, and amazing supporters in our government such as POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) President Bambol Tolentino, new PATAFA (Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association) President Terry Capistrano, and Senator Pia Cayetano,” Obiena said as he expressed his gratitude especially to the o cials.
He also thanked the people who competed for the Philippines in athletics before him “who paved a way for me.”
“I owe them a debt of gratitude,” Obiena added.
EJ, meantime, vowed support to the
bedridden Philippine athletics legend, Lydia De Vega-Mercado, who is currently in a critical condition amid her battle with Stage 4 breast cancer. “I am deeply saddened by the news of Mam Lydia’s health issues, and the pleas of her family for fi nancial assistance for the mounting medical bills. I have met Mam Lydia in Singapore on many occasions, and she has always been kind, supportive and loving individual,” Obiena said of Mercado, the fi rst Philippine representative to the orld Athletics Championships right during its inaugural staging in 19 3. He announced that the P 0,000 incentive that he will get from the Philippine Sports Commission for breaking his own Asian record in pole vault with a .94-meter leap will be donated in full to Mercado. “On the ight back to Italy, it occurred to me that despite my own training needs, Mam Lydia needs this money more than I do,” Obiena explained the decision. He said his adviser, James Laff erty, and his wife, nutritionist Carol, also pledged P 0,000 to Lydia for her recovery. “In total, Team Obiena pledges P 00,000 to Mam Lydia and her family. e hope this makes a diff erence and gives Mam Lydia added strength to battle this horrible disease,” Obiena said. PCSO gives P500,000 medical aid to Lydia de Vega
MANDALUYONG CITY – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes O ce (PCSO) has given fi nancial assistance to the family of track and fi eld champion Lydia de Vega-Mercado, who was once labeled as Asia’s fastest woman.
PCSO Chairperson Junie Cua and general manager Mel uiades Robles personally gave the check worth P 00,000 to the athlete’s daughter Stephanie Mercado de Koenigswarter in a ceremony at the agency’s main offi ce in Mandaluyong City.
De Vega-Mercado is currently confi ned at the Makati Medical Center and is in critical condition due to Stage 4 breast cancer.
The athlete’s daughter thanked the PCSO for its support to their family, as they face what she called their “biggest race” so far.
She also appealed for prayers and continued support for her mother.
For his part, Robles also called on the public to also help the family of the athlete.
“ e are giving but defi nitely it’s a far cry from what they need. e’re also appealing to others to join us in helping the family. It is a fact, siya yung kayamanan ng ating bayan (she is a treasure of our nation). It may not be enough,
Courtesy call rom San Pedro city Mayor Art Mercado congratulates the Figh� ng Pride o San Pedro city Champ Jheritz “the good boy” Chavez our Philippine Super Lightw eight Champion, he w on the main event a knocked out on 8th round. W ith six (6) undercards for the preliminary outs in Elorde Interna� onal Produc� ons Night o Champion VI Saturday, July 2 at Elorde Sports Comple , Parana ue City, also in the picture 2nd rom the le Thomas Madelo Jr. Philippines News Today s crea� ve director.
bigay namin ay maliit rin lang kumbaga sa kailangan nila pero baka sakali pag nagsama-sama, tulong tulong mas matulungan natin sila (we were able to give only a small amount as compared to what they need but if these contributions from others are pooled, maybe we can help them better), ” he appealed.
Earlier, pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena pledged to donate the PHP 0,000 incentive he would be receiving from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to de Vega-Mercado.
This came after he won a medal and broke his own Asian record in pole vault with a .94-meter leap at the orld Athletics Championships held in the US state of Oregon on July 24.
De Vega-Mercado was a two-time Olympian, having represented the Philippines in the 19 4 and 19 Summer Olympics
AID TO LYDIA DE VEGA. A acsimile chec or P500,000 is aw arded by PCSO Chairman Junie Cua and General M anager Mel uiades Ro les to a daughter o Lydia de Vega.
GOLDEN DOUBLE. Ariel Joseph Alegar es splashes his way to victory in the men s 50-meter u� er y S14 event in the swimming compe� � on o the 11th Asean Para Games at the Jatadiri Sports Complex pool in Semarang, Indonesia
Q: My house sale was about to close when escrow told me that there was a lien on the property from my Homeowner’s Association for a missed fee. How can I fi x it
A It can be fi xed by paying it through escrow. This is how it works. hen a buyer agrees to buy a home, an escrow process is opened. The escrow company is a middle ground between the seller and the buyer so that no one walks away without all the resolutions on the purchase is satisfi ed. This escrow company may be paid by either the seller or the buyer or they can agree to split the cost in half. No matter who is paying for the escrow, they have to stay neutral between both sides.
In the case of the uestion, for some reason this client missed a payment for the Homeowners Association fee and they put a lien on her title. In most cases, the Homeowner’s Association will try to collect the fees from the homeowner prior to putting a lien on the home but it was rather odd that the seller did not know that she missed a payment.
I told her to ust pay the lien through escrow especially if she is making a profi t on the sale of the home. This means that escrow will deduct the amount of the lien from her proceeds before escrow closes and give that payment to the Homeowner’s Association.
I did tell the client though that it would be a good idea to always balance her checkbook every month so that she knows what checks cleared and what has not. This is a good way to avoid having accounts go into collection because payments were lost in the mail. Lost mail is never an accepted excuse for non payment of debt but mostly it is given a one time courtesy to waive late fees, if you catch it. Just call the company and ask why the check has not cleared yet and when they tell you they never received it, then it was most likely lost. There is usually a simple solution to most things but when you do not put in that little bit of a few minutes to do it, it usually takes more time and more money to undo it.
This is the same way with debts. If you hold off on taking care of unpaid debts, it mostly escalates into something worse like excessive fees and worst a lawsuit. Dealing with it sooner than later is good practice so you save yourself some money.
Ating lesson, Laging maging listo, para ang utang ay di makagulo.
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23 August 4-10, 2022
COMMUNITY NEWS Renovated Iglesia Ni Cristo Chapel in Winnipeg opens; Church marks 50th year in Canada, 108th year in PHL
CANADA — From city landmarks illuminating its ag’s colors to humanitarian events, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), or Church Of Christ, has an outstanding lineup of activities commemorating its 0th year in Canada.
The fi rst was the Anniversary Thanksgiving orship Service with the re-dedication of their newly renovated chapel in innipeg, Manitoba.
The Iglesia Ni Cristo was registered with the Philippine government on July , 1914. One hundred and eight years later, it has congregations in 1 countries and territories worldwide.
Canada was reached by the INC’s mission 0 years ago, starting with a congregation in innipeg.
“Over the years, we have witnessed fi rsthand the many contributions that Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) has made to communities across innipeg and beyond,” said MP Kevin Lamoureux and MLA Cindy Lamoureux in their oint message to the INC. The renovation pro ect began in August 0 0 and was completed on July 1 , 0 , for which the Church spent CA 1, 01, 91. . Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the INC saw the completion of the pro ect, with everyone involved adhering to all health and safety regulations from start to fi nish. Renovation works included the repainting of the chapel’s interior and exterior and the remodeling of its podium.
The chandeliers and lights were all replaced, the main sanctuary ooring given a new carpet, all the pews were replaced with new upholstery, and the choir loft was installed with a Johannus organ.
The fac de of the worship building was refurbished and adorned with three spires, and the baptismal pool was remodeled.
“Iglesia Ni Cristo has been bringing people in Canada together for 0 years. And as a Church, it has been administering the word of God consistently throughout those years,” Kevin and Cindy also stated.
On Friday, July , 0 , as part of the celebration, INC members witnessed, through live streaming, the re-dedication to the Lord God of their beautiful house of worship.
The INC Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, o ciated the worship service.
Just days later, signifi cant landmarks all over Canada were illuminated with the Church’s colors of green, white, and red in time for the Church’s anniversaries.
These included the CN Tower in Toronto, ON City Hall of New estminster, BC High Level Bridge of Edmonton, AB TELUS Spark Building in Calgary, AB the Old Port Ferris heel in Montreal, C the By ard Market Ottawa sign in Ottawa, ON and of course Canada’s iconic Niagara Falls.
Hon. Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta, also wrote to the INC, saying, “On behalf of the Government of Alberta, it is my pleasure to send greetings to members of Iglesia Ni Cristo as you celebrate the 10 th anniversary of the church and the 0th anniversary of the church in Canada.”
As for the property at 4 Ingersoll Street in innipeg, the INC purchased it from the Bethany Baptist Church in 19 1 for CA 0,990.00.
The property is a 0,4 0-s uare-foot lot with a 300-seater chapel.
Since 009, the number of houses of worship that the INC has built and renovated is 3, 1 —with 9 during the pandemic.
Dominic Ng to Chair APEC Business Advisory Council
ASHINGTON D.C. - The United States announced that Dominic Ng, Chairman and CEO of East est Bank, who was appointed as a U.S. member of the Asia-Pacifi c Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) on April , will serve as the Chair during the United States’ APEC host year in 0 3. In this role, Mr. Ng will work closely with other ABAC members to provide recommendations to APEC Leaders re ecting the perspectives of key APEC stakeholders. For the remainder of Thailand’s APEC host year in 0 , Mr. Ng also will serve as ABAC Co-Chair alongside the Chair from Thailand.
Mr. Ng and his ABAC counterparts will advise APEC Leaders on issues affecting the continued economic growth of the APEC region. As ABAC CoChair in 0 and Chair in 0 3, Mr. Ng will represent ABAC in meetings with government and business dignitaries on the margins of ABAC meetings. As outgoing Chair in 0 4, Mr. Ng will reprise his role as Co-Chair when Peru hosts APEC.
For more than 30 years, APEC has served as the premier economic platform for the United States to engage our regional partners on structural issues to advance a fair, open, sustainable and inclusive economic and trade architecture.
Created in 199 , ABAC consists of up to three business representatives from each APEC economy and is a key component of APEC’s multi-stakeholder approach to trade and economic policies. ABAC meets throughout the year to discuss policy recommendations, undertakes activities to promote trade and investment as well as sustainable and inclusive growth, and reports annually to APEC Leaders.
Mr. Ng leads East est Bank, the largest publicly-listed independent bank head uartered in Southern California. In his 30 years as CEO, Mr. Ng has transformed East est Bank from a small savings and loan association with 00 million in assets into a global fullservice commercial bank with over billion in assets. Bank Director ranked East est as the No. top performing large U.S. bank in 0 . Mr. Ng serves on the governing boards of Mattel, Inc., the University of Southern California, and the Academy of Motion Pictures. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and a former board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Los Angeles Branch.
Hawaii Senator Lynn DeCoite holds the cer� cate presented to the INC on July , 2022. She is an ed y INC ministers.
Helping Communities Prepare for and Respond to Wildfires and Other Disasters: PG&E Supports Local Nonprofits, American Red Cross
PG E and The PG E Corpora� on Founda� on Commit 1 Million to Local Nonpro t Disaster Relie and Recovery in 2022 and 50,000 to Red Cross
Oakland, Calif. — As fi re crews continue to battle the Electra Fire in Amador and Calaveras counties, and the Washburn Fire in Mariposa County, Pacifi c Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and The PG&E Corporation Foundation (The Foundation) are providing charitable funding to local agencies and the American Red Cross (Red Cross) to help residents impacted by the fi res.
More broadly this fi re season, PG E and The Foundation are committing $1 million in charitable funding to bolster wildfi re preparedness, relief, and recovery eff orts in PG E’s service area. Funding will support local nonprofi ts and community-based organizations, and prioritize immediate response needs, food insecurity and support for yout h, focused on underserved communities. This commitment supports PG&E’s and The Foundation’s goals of preparing communities for natural disasters and responding to hometowns in need.
As part of the Electra Fire response, The Foundation will contribute a total of $25,000 to the Amador Interfaith Food Bank, Calaveras County Resource Connection, and the Amador County Animal Response Team, a volunteer group that moves and shelters animals during emergencies.
“We are very thankful for the support The PG&E Corporation Foundation has provided to The Resource Connection Food Bank after the Electra Fire. Power outages resulting from the fi re impacted thousands of households for multiple days in our community resulting in food spoilage. This can be devastating to families that already struggl e with food insecurity. This generous donation will help us provide replacement food to those families,” said Tina Mather, Food Bank Director, The Resource Connection Food Bank.
“PG&E and The PG&E Corporation Foundation are grateful to be able to support nonprofi ts and communitybased organizations, and their tireless and compassionate volunteers, who help care for and ease the uncertainty of those impacted by wildfi res. PG E is using all the tools at our disposal to help prevent wildfi res, and we appreciate those who step up to lend a helping hand when fi res occur,” said Carla Peterman, PG&E Corporation Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Sustainability O cer.
Ongoing Partnership with the American Red Cross
In addition to the $1 million commitment, PG&E and The Foundation are continuing their ongoing partnership with the Red Cross. PG E is contributing $300,000 to the Red Cross for local disaster and emergency response eff orts in PG&E’s service area, including providing emergency shelter. This funding will help with the Red Cross’ work in response to disasters large and small, including the Electra and ashburn fi res. Separately, The Foundation is providing $450,000 to the Red Cross for safety education and outreach. PG E and The Foundation have provided charitable support for the Red Cross for more than 10 years for disaster relief, education, and outreach.
“For many years, PG&E and The PG&E Corporation Foundation have partnered with the Red Cross to deliver critical services to families and communities across California,” said Hanna Malak, Regional CEO of the Red Cross Northern California Region. “Thanks to PG&E’s support, Red Cross teams can provide comfort and care when and where it is needed most.”
Additional Disaster Relief Support
PG&E and The Foundation also committed $250,000 to winter storm relief, much of which was dedicated to eff orts in the Sierra Foothills earlier this year following a destructive winter storm.
All of these charitable donations come from PG&E shareholders and other sources, not PG E customers.
Abou t PG&E
Pacifi c Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 squa re miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www. pge.com/ and http //www.pge.com/about/ newsroom/.
SACRAMENTO – As part of the state’s ongoing response to the monkeypox outbreak, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency to bolster the state’s vaccination eff orts. The proclamation supports the work un-
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derway by the California Department of Public Health and others in the administration to coordinate a whole-of-gove rnment response to monkeypox, seek additional vaccines and lead outreach and education eff orts on accessing vaccines and treatment.
“California is working urgently across all levels of gove rnment to slow the spread of monkeypox, leveraging our robus t testing, contact tracing and community partnerships strengthened during the pandemic to ensure that those most at risk are our focus for vaccines, treatment and outreach,” said Governor Newsom.
“We’ll continue to work with the federal gove rnment to secure more vaccines, raise awareness about reducing risk, and stand with the LGBT community fi ghting stigmatization,” he said.
To expand vaccination eff orts, the proclamation enables Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel to administer monkeypox vaccines that are approved by the FDA, similar to the statutory authorization recently enacted for pharmacists to administer vaccines.
The state’s response to monkeypox builds on the infrastructure developed during the COVID-19 pandemic to deploy vaccine clinics and ensure inclusive and targeted outreach in partnership with local and communitybased organizations.
A copy of the emergency proclamation can be found here.
Last month, California public health leaders urged federal partners to make more vaccine doses available to the state as quickly as possible so that the state can expand eligibility to both confi rmed and probable exposures, as well as to individuals who are at high-risk of contracting the virus.
To date, the state has distribut ed more than 25,000 vaccine doses and will make additional allocations in the coming days and weeks. Los Angeles County has received a separate allocation of vaccine. In all, the state has received more than 1,000 doses.
The state is also supporting overall vaccination eff orts in collaboration with locals, including helping provide sta ng and mobile clinics. The state allocates doses to local health departments based on a number of factors, including the number of reported monkeypox cases in an area and estimate of at-risk populations.
As of July 28, the state had expanded its testing capacity to process more than 1,000 tests a week, he said. The state’s public health laboratory leaders have been working with local publ ic health, academic, and commercial laboratories to ensure testing capacity is increasingly available and coordinated with the public health response.
The CDPH is also expanding treatment options. Access to the antiviral prescription drug tecovirimat (TPOXX) used to treat monkeypox is limited, but the treatment can now be administered at more than 30 facilities and providers across the state.
The gove rnor said the state continues outreach and education eff orts to inform Californians about monkeypox and ways to limit its spread. The state has hosted multiple webinars for local health departments, community-based organizations, and other health care providers and has attended various town halls and community meetings to speak with and hear from the public and local leaders.
The CDPH is also scheduling listening sessions with the LGBT community. CDPH is currently running paid ad campaigns on various digital media platforms to promote awareness and engage communities at higher risk of contracting monkeypox.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement following Governor Newsom’s declaration of a state of emergency over monkeypox:
“Now that the Governor has declared a statewide emergency, our County needs to draw down all the support available to accelerate the distribut ion of vaccines and resources to those at risk and suff ering from this terrible disease. I will work to ensure we’re doing so uickly and e ciently. e don’t have any time to waste,” Barger said.
25 August 4-10, 2022
COMMUNITY NEWS Campaign for Filipino language in SF elementary school gains
The campaign for Filipino World Languages in the Elementary School (Filipino WLES) program at Longfellow Elementary in San Francisco in the past month, teachers, families, and community partners was all worth it after students who want to enlist for the program at the school this school year have been given the green light to enroll.
In a letter to the community, the main proponents announced that Educational Placement Center (EPC) fi nally agreed to meet with Longfellow Elementary School offi cials and the meeting resulted to an agreement that avoided the Kindergarten/1st Grade split WLES class and lifted the 11-student enrollment capacity in the 1st Grade Filipino WLES class for the 2022-2023 school year.
And for this victory, they attributed the combined efforts and hard work of the Longfellow community that worked together on the steps, strategies, and mobilization in the campaign for Filipino WLES. They also are happy that their message and persistence defi nitely got the attention of San Francisco Unifi ed School District.
Among the concrete eff orts that were instrumental for their success included two well-attended mobilizations for public comment at the Board of Education meetings on June 14 and June 28 where scores of participants attended in person and voiced out their comments in-person, remote, email/video, and student comments aside from an email barrage on the week of June 20.
The Longfellow Community led by Principal Dr. Jennifer Freeman and Assistant Principal Hector Lee also wrote on June 2, 2022 San Francisco Board of EducaUpside...
(From Page 11) tion Superintendent Dr. Vincent Matthews, Incoming Superintendent Dr. Matt ayne and San Francisco Unifi ed School District (SFUSD) Board Members on behalf of the community.
“The Filipino WLES programs at Bessie Carmichael and Longfellow are the only two programs in the United States that focus on Filipino Language and Culture. Unfortunately, our program is being undermined by the budget crisis in SFUSD and the capacities that were set by EPC for our incoming Kindergarten and 1st grade classrooms for 2022-2023,” the letter read.
In the same letter, the community requested with all urgency that EPC increase the capacity to 22 students in Kindergarten and 22 students in 1st grade of our Filipino WLES program.
In her strong support for Filipino LES, Associate Director, Filipino Community Center (also a WLES parent to incoming 4th grader) Elaine Villasper pointed out that District 11 where Longfellow is located, now has the highest concentration of the 32,700 Filipinos in San Francisco.
“It is contiguous with the Filipino community in Daly City which has one of the highest concentrations of Filipinos globally outside of the Philippines,” Villasper added. “The Filipino WLES program provides culturally competent and multilingual education to its students, provides a rich learning experience, and helps students develop a sense of self and purpose rooted in community.”
The other members of the Longfellow community that included parents, teachers, and students have this to say:
Nikki Santiago - parent to outgoing student who completed the WLES program and an incoming Kinder student who was at risk of not being placed into WLES program
“When we found out that the Filipino WLES Program at Longfellow was getting capped, we didn’t hesitate to act. We are proud to have contributed to this small victory, but we also know that there is more work to be done in order to secure the sustainability of the Filipino WLES Program at Longfellow.”
Jhulsany Futol, Longfellow Filipino WLES Teacher, 1st grade
“Honestly, it was a frustrating experience having to convince school district authorities why it’s necessary to protect our community’s right to learn Filipino language in elementary schools. Despite this, I admired our community’s relentless drive to make our collective frustrations be heard and felt. We eventually accomplished our goal but the fi ght to preserve our future students’ right to learn Filipino will continue.”
Daisy Lopez, Longfellow Filipino LES Teacher, 3rd grade
“The way we teach Filipino WLES at Longfellow goes beyond what it’s intended for. We make sure that the students not only learn language but also learn about their history, culture, and themselves. This is what the students gain the most from in our program.”
Jamel Ponciano, parent to incoming 2nd grade WLES student, incoming PTA President
“Preserving WLES at Longfellow is important to my family because it helps preserve the teachings of Filipino geography, culture, language, and Filipino history in America which isn’t taught often in public schools. We want our children and other children to have the opportunity to learn about their own heritage in school.”
Valerie Francisco-Menchavez, parent to incoming nd grade WLES student and incoming kinder WLES student
“As a mother of elementary students, my whole family participated in the campaign with hopes that the San Francisco Unifi ed School District would recognize the impacts of Longfellow’s longstanding Filipino language program. e were excited and happy to fi nd out that the district did the right thing and that Filipino American children will be able to enroll at Longfellow!”
Audriana Ponciano - 2nd grade WLES student
“I like WLES because it teaches me another language”
While they are happy with the positive development in their campaign for culturally relevant and language competent education for our students, the proponents Filipino WLES admit that there is much more work to do for the future of SFUSD’s Filipino LES Programs and that they will continue to work with the community and SFUSD to advocate for more investment into the LES programs, so that more families can access these important resources.
Captions: Pictures by Justin Katigbak
Bearing placards, protesters gather to have their voices heard in a rally at San Francisco Unifi ed School District (SFUSD) o ce.
August 4-10, 2022 26 Youth facilities and features unveiled San Joaquin’s Diversity Presents Challenges for Covid-19 Vaccination Distribution at Presidio Tunnel TopsBy SUNITA SO HRABJI/EM S
Associate Editor
San Joaquin County, a largely agrarian region in California’s Central Valley, has a glorious diversity of cultures. More than 40 percent of the county’s population is Hispanic. The region is also home to immigrants from several Southeast Asian countries.
But the county’s diversity has led to challenges in the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine and boosters, said Dr. Maggie Park, San Joa uin County Public Health O cer, at a July news briefi ng organized by Ethnic Media Services. The briefi ng also featured speakers from community-based organizations who serve Hispanic, Cambodian, Laotian, Hmong, Filipino, and un-housed residents.
“I live, work, and play in this county and I love it for its diversity,” said Park, noting however that there are numerous cultural, linguistic, and geographic challenges involved in getting credible information about Covid-19 to residents, and also getting them vaccinated, boosted, and tested.
San Joaquin County has recorded 187,934 Covid infections to date. But Park believes this is a “serious undercount” as it represents only those who went to clinics and pharmacies to get tested. People who took tests at home, even those who tested positive, are not recorded in this data.
Sadly, the county has also counted 2,270 deaths from Covid. It has also recorded more than 25,000 cases of long Covid, symptoms that last more than one month after infection.
But fewer than two-thirds of San Joaquin County residents are fully vaccinated, and booster rates are also low, noted Park. “We have tried to drive those numbers up,” she said, noting that the county has created pop-up vaccination clinics where people live and work, including farm-worker housing units, low-income housing developments, veterans service centers, and homeless encampments. “We have tried to reach the people most at risk,” said Park, noting that the county has also secured funds to provide Lyft and Uber rides to get people to vaccination clinics. Vaccination rates are low in the Black, Hispanic, and White communities: fewer than half are fully vaccinated. Asian Americans in the county have the highest vaccination rates at 70 percent. “When the Covid-19 pandemic began, we knew it was going to disproportionately affect the Latino community. We are essential workers who did not stay at home during lockdown,” said Jose Rodriguez, president of El Concilio. “We are a working-class community with limited access to health care.” El Concilio partnered with the NAACP, Little Manila Rising, and Apsara to reach hardto-reach communities in San Joaquin County. The coalition of organizations was able to deliver vaccines and information at sites like the Sunday ea market. El Concilio also advocated for childcare services and other necessities at vaccination pop-up sites. “Our concern now is that the momentum is diminishing,” said Rodriguez, noting that once mask mandates were ended, people took the crisis less seriously. “Going into fall, we know there will be another surge,” he said. Kevin Sunga, health director for Little Manila Rising, noted that San Joaquin County was once home to the largest population of Filipinos outside the Philippines. The organization serves the needs of more than 82,000 people. Vaccine information is largely not available in Tagalog, he said. Elderly people can’t go online to make appointments and lack smart phones or do not know how to use them to make an appointment, said Sunga. He himself has helped multiple older adults make appointments using his own phone. “They feel frustrated with the di culty of the process.” Little Manila Rising has facilitated over 1, 00 vaccinations. The organization has also canvassed door to door to curb the spread of misinformation. Sunga said he hopes public health agencies in the region will next focus on underlying conditions that make people more vulnerable to hospitalizations and deaths from Covid, including asthma and diabetes. He also hopes there will be an expansion of mental health services. Sothea Ung, program director for Apsara, which serves the Cambodian community, noted that mental health services are critical. Most of his clients have ed war-torn regions where they faced atrocities. They continue to struggle with the trauma of their past. Ung, like Sunga, noted the lack of vaccine information available in languages his community speaks. Compounding the issue is that many of his clients cannot read or write even in their native language, he said. They thus become particularly vulnerable to disinformation. Vaccine clinics are available, but if they are far from home, people won’t go, said Ung, noting that the predominance of gun violence on the streets makes people stay at home after dark. “The health care system is lacking in so many ways. It is not equipped for diversity,” said Ung. “Community-based organizations can build that bridge. We need to build longterm infrastructure and de-centralize funding. CBOS must be invited to the table.” onnie Thompson, a community organizer with Faith in The Valley, works with San Joaquin County’s homeless population. Pre-Covid, 925 people were un-housed in the county. That number jumped to between 3,000 and 5,000 amid the pandemic. Homeless encampments became Covid hotspots, said Thompson, noting that people who lived in encampments were reluctant to go to clinics because they had no health insurance. Moreover, Covid is just one of many issues un-housed people face. Extreme weather, mental health issues, access to food and clean water are larger, daily challenges, he said. Clean water is an especially troubling concern. Those who live under freeways face the constant threat of dirt and grime from passing cars falling into their water supplies. “It is really a struggle to present yourself in an acceptable way to go for a job,” said Thompson. Nik orrell, who was un-housed during much of the pandemic, but now has a home, said he has had Covid fi ve times, at least three times when he was homeless. “There are a lot of folks living on the outskirts. No one comes by to vaccinate us,” said Worrell. Currently, Worrell is unable to get boosted because he cannot fi nd his vaccination card to prove he took the initial rounds. Park mentioned that the county could look him up by name and possibly provide a duplicate card but acknowledged it would be an arduous process. All speakers noted the slump in booster rates. Park said people were waiting for a better booster, which may address some of the subvariants. Ung said his community was seeing boosted people who were nevertheless getting sick and dying. “They are saying: ‘we have had enough.’”
Work underway on new mural celebrating 50th anniversary of Pride Parade in Los Angeles
HOLLYWOOD — Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell, the openly gay representative of the 13t h District, celebrated the start of work on a new mural commemorating the 50t h Anniversary of the Pride Parade in Los Angeles, as well as its historic roots in Hollywood.
Located at Hollywood Boulevard and McCadden Place, where the world’s fi rst permitted Pride Parade was held in 1970, and Commissioned by Councilmember O’Farrell and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Aff airs (DCA), the mural depicts historic leaders from Los Angeles’ LGBTQ+ movement. The mural is designed by David Puck and is being painted by I an Robertson.
“Art plays a pivotal role in telling our history and educating future generations,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Mitch O’Farrell. “Following Pride’s historic return to Hollywood this past June, I’m proud to partner with Los Angeles’ LGBTQ+ community, the Department of Cultural Aff airs, artist David Puck and painter Ian Robertson to bring this mural to life, which not only celebrates Hollywood’s foundational contribut ion to Los
Offl ine
(From Page 13)
words, he said that “we received the tickets, then returned them.”
A Catholic school that also accepts regular Pinoy students, the president of Xavier added that they were committed “to historical facts and cannot participate in a campaign to distort history.”
Defenders of Maid in Malacanang are using reverse psychology by saying that people should watch it, and decide from themselves if it is fact or fi ction. They add that those who re ect the movie outright are “afraid of the truth.” Isn’t that a line from A Few Good Men?
To be honest, I have not seen either fi lm, but have every intention of watching direk Vince Tanada’s Katips this weekend.
And I have more bad news for Senator Imee. One of the country’s top directors Joel Lamangan – Tanada will reach his stature eventually – has promised to make his own fi lm about the evils of the martial law regime.
I can’t wait. I am ust sad that the likes of Lino Broca, Ishmael Bernal, Malou Diaz-Abaya, and Eddie Romero are no longer around to do the same. But Mike de Leon is still very much around, and maybe he can be enticed to come out of retirement and give us his vision.
If not, isn’t Peque Gallaga still around? He’s made some really neat horror fi lms and that’s what the martial law era was really like. It was a horror story which appears to be having a comeback of sorts, what with the son of the dictator now acting as president.
He’s not a very good a ctor, I might add. Health & Wealth (From Page 12)
Share the book with your friends and relatives (like what Daisy did, AGM). Keep it for future guideline and reference.
I hope and pray that you will take the fi rst giant step toward becoming a millionaire or fi nancially independent.”
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(From Page 12)
or the Filipino writer who was acclaimed in America.
President Ramos’ words in California still reverberates in my mind today for which I am very thankful. He said “Carlos Bulosan, my neighbor in Pangasinan, arrived in Seattle, ashington poor and unlettered then worked in canneries, picked fruits and vegetables and did other menial obs. But he taught himself to be a better person.”
“If life is so much better here for minority groups today, they owe a great part of that change to this man – Carlos Bulosan,” the President stressed. “ e may not remember Carlos Bulosan, but his ideals – and his struggles – have survived him.”
As a ournalist, I also followed FVR overseas when he attended the Asia Pacifi c Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Summit in Seattle, ashington in November 1993. In the event, he met US President Bill Clinton. I was able to snap a photo of the two Presidents as they shook hands inside a dimly lit hall using available light with an old ip Nokia cellular phone which, to my surprise later, was excellent.
I also oined PFVR in his many travels in Mexico and South America Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, London and others in Europe. Among his last trips to Asia were in Hong Kong, Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos,d I was also there.
Of course, I also had personal encounters with PFVR in Malacanang together with media and other groups.
In all those foreign visits and interactions, I saw a very hard-working general and president who, because he loved his country deeply and cared for the future of Filipinos, fought for the country and accomplished so much for the Philippines.
Going back to NPC, we were very fortunate that President FVR readily accepted our invitation! And so we immediately mounted a campaign to promote the event, get sponsors and “distribute” dinner tickets, as the tribute was also a fund drive for the debt-ridden NPC.
Just like my three other unprecedented NPC pro ects that followed – “An Evening with President Joseph Estrada” cum testimonial to past NPC Presidents (September 199 . Grand Ballroom, Manila Hotel ), the fi rst ever National Press Club foundation anniversary celebration in recent years with then Vice President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and other o cials (Bulwagang Plaridel, October 199 ), and the “Huwag Mo Akong Subukan Gridiron Night” (Manila Hotel Centennial Hall, April 1999), I tapped some staff ers of Congressman Gualberto Lumauig in the Lakas Media Bureau for help in the promotion and invitation, In hindsight, the Lakas staff support helped ensure the success of the campaign.
And despite the short notice, history was made as the “Fidel Valdez Ramos Summa Cum Laude” event at the Grand Ballroom of the Manila was fi lled to the brim with virtually the “ ho’s ho” in government, politics, business, education and the media. e are profusely and forever thankful, Mr. President, for your all-out support! The Outsider (From Page 12)
Nesty Carolina and Gen. Pol Bataoil, former Congressional Chairman for Veterans Aff airs and now Lingayen mayor. Twilight Glory was supposed to be presented on his 9 nd birthday celebration on March nd 0 0 at Fairmont Hotel but had to be cancelled due to COViD 19 and lockdown in Metro Manila.
Looking back, it is not only a singular honor and privilege writing and publishing books. All these years, I always consider it is a gift and a blessing from the Almighty and from FVR himself who always served as a constant guide, inspiration, editor and prime mover of said book pro ects.
The past 1 years and the several book teams formed have been a great ourney of rediscovering FVR and RPDEV. ith his passing to the great beyond, we have a bunch of team that now form part of a select group called Fidelistas, ardent students and admirers of Fidel V. Ramos. orking with him has allowed the various book teams, notably the millennials, to experience some of FVR’s core values and best practices such as CS (Completed Staff ork), CSD (Caring, Sahring and Daring), and UST (Unity, Solidarity and Teamwork) – all advocated by FVR.
There’s no denying that FVR also became my loving mentor and my second father having earlier lost my own when he succumbed to cancer in 1994.
Just like a disciplinarian father, there were times when FVR scolded me when especially when coming in late for our appointed meetings reprimanded me when I was not up to his high and excellent standards and, he patted my back in times of appreciation and satisfaction on good works done.
During regular visits to his o ce, he personally saw to it that my team was served with his “coff ee royale” laced with virgin coconut oil because according to him, it works well for the health and vitality. e all have to agree. After coff ee, he treated us either with a glass of red wine or his special “FVR cocktail drink” invariably laced with soda, rum, cognac, whiskey or brandy while watching some documentaries or FVR taped interviews showcasing his milestone presidency and continuing work as senior statesman.
As for his many sorties overseas wherein I was privileged to oin, I witnessed how he continued to be admired, respected and adulated as former President and head of state.
But there’s one unforgettable experience I had with him that showed the stuff he was really made of.
I remember one incident in June 013 when we staged the Pilipinas Roadshow with my co-book authors former DILG Secretary Rafael M. Alunan III and Gen. Reynaldo V. Velasco featuring our book “Silver Linings Years of the 19 People Power Revolution,” and “Tagaligtas A Documentary on the Spercial Action Force” (long before the Mamasapano massacre happened) in eight key cities in the United States to promote Filipino values and instill patriotism to the Fil-Ams in time for the Independence Day celebration.
Inspite of the debilitating pain on his back and leg when he in ured himself in San Diego, California while doing his usual crunch with some Fil-Ams, FVR, who was very well beyond his years, withstood the pain and committed to continue the -city tour to Atlanta, Georgia, ashington D.C., Virginia, New Jersey and New York without any complaints or grievance.
Beyond the pain, the show must go on. Such a kindred and brave soul in FVR and he taught the Pilipinas Roadshow Team a lesson or two on pain management, mind over matter, professionalism and honoring one’s commitment.
Through the years that I’ve known him, the many young and not so old writers that have been involved with the book pro ects have also seen the other human side of FVR – comical, witty and a tad bit serious when needed.
I still recall the usual drill when he shook the hands of one lady writer and FVR feigned sickness to the lady writer’s great concern. Obviously, he was ust oking.
Such funny incidents and lighter moments would make most of them wonder how at his age, he still continued to work and contribute to nation building with his wealth of ideas, wisdom and experience.
Unfortunately, for the many national leaders who came after him both in the executive and legislative, they didn’t seem to take the golden opportunity of tapping his vast reservoir of wisdom and experience, particularly in the areas of good governance and global diplomacy. ith his passing, I believe that FVR is one of the greatest Philippine Presidents this country ever had, being a historian and eyewitness to Philippine history over the last 0 years.
Having served as 1 th President of the Philippines from 199 to 199 , FVR is best remembered for promoting the principles of people empowerment, a culture of excellence, and global competitiveness, focusing on programs to alleviate poverty and improve the lives of ordinary Filipinos. This is evident in the 9 structural/reform laws enacted by the 9th and 10th Congress during his term, achieved principally by building unity, solidarity and teamwork among government and civil society leaders.
As a soldier who served for 4 years, including stints in Korea, Vietnam and in the counter-insurgency campaign, FVR retired as a 4-star General and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces. He served as Defense Secretary from 19 to 1991.
As President and thereafter, he is better known as a peace builder with the forging of the peace agreements with the rebel-soldiers in 199 and with the Moro National Liberation Front in 199 .
The former President who has been in public service since beginning his career as a cadet in the U.S. Military Academy in 194 , continues to practice his distinct brand of public service through the non-government RPDEV Foundation which he and key members of his former Presidential family organized only months after they left o ce. His legacy of public service before, during and after his six year presidency are unmatched: est Point honor graduate, Korea and Vitenam ar veteran, AFP Vice Chief of Staff , PC-INP Chief, EDSA 1 hero, AFP Chief, Defense Secretary, Philippine President, RPDEV and Boao Forum Chairman, EDSA hero and Senior Statesman.
Not that he is gone, I can only recall the best times I have with him. Incidentally, Pilipinas Kong Mahal is his all time favourite patriotic song.
Truly, Fidel V. Ramos has left an endearing legacy to our nation and with the books that we have done over the last 0 years, I now comfort myself for being the torchbearer in bringing his indelible imprints on patriotism that celebrate a milestone of life, love, learning for his people and service to our beloved Philippines.
Rest easy now FVR. Thank you Mr. President for your service to our country and our people.
To honor your legacy, we will always carry on your favorite battle cry KAYA NATIN ITO Ken Go
(From Page 12) for my escrow to cover taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance?
Some lenders have decided to allow certain loan modifi cations. In some cases, they will allow the monthly payment to be changed later in the life of the loan, to include the amount missed during the forbearance.
However, the main confusion for consumers right now is the fact that most lenders will not necessarily re uire a lump sum payment after the forbearance period ends.
I think some people are panicked that if they get a forbearance, they have to pay it all back immediately.
That’s one option, or they can enter into a payment plan if they can’t make the lump sum, and if they can’t make a repayment plan work, there are other options available to them.
If you work out a forbearance or deferment plan with your lender and don’t ust skip payments, it can protect your credit.
So far, It doesn’t show a positive or a negative, but it doesn’t show like a missed payment.
So if you were to ignore it and ust not pay anything and pretend it will go away, that’s absolutely going to aff ect your credit report in the long run. But the forbearance or deferment is a neutral. It’s not positive or negative on the credit report, but it’s a lot better than having missed payments on your mortgage.
One caveat to keep in mind is that if you can pay your mortgage, pay it, and don’t ask for relief.
Be Safe and Lets Pray for everyone to be safe and this Covid crisis to go away. Thanks for your in uiries, please call Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group - 0 - 04 . CABRE 010 1 3 NMLS 3 3 .
As I See It
(From Page 13)
that the Trump Administration used improper procedure in ending the DACA program, providing some relief for Dreamers. ith a slight diff erence, the DACA program and the DREAM Act have similar goals of protecting Dreamers. The goal of the DREAM Act is to give Dreamers permanent legal status and a pathway to citizenship. On the other hand, DACA only off ers “deferred action” that recipients have to renew every two years, a government decision not to start removal proceedings (commonly called “deportation”) against someone on humanitarian grounds.
Under the DREAM Act, Dreamers are eligible for lawful permanent resident status (green card), which they’ll never need to renew. Having a green card would also allow Dreamers to apply for lawful immigration status for their family members who are undocumented or have temporary non-immigrant visas (like student visas). The DREAM Act would also off er Dreamers a pathway to citizenship, protecting them from deportation forever.
In 001, Senators Dick Durbin of Illinois and Orrin Hatch of Utah introduced the bill called the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act. Congress abbreviated it as the “DREAM Act,” which is where the term “Dreamers” comes from. The DurbinHatch bill would have given lawful status to Dreamers who came to America before turning 1 , could pass criminal background checks, and either graduated high school or earned a GED.
It would have made these Dreamers eligible for a “conditional residency” status that would let them live and work in the U.S. for six years. After six years, they could get lawful permanent resident status, better known as a “green card” but that bill never became law because it couldn’t get enough support in the Senate. This is one of the successive Legislative failures since 001 when the Dream Act was introduced in Congress.
So, what is the future of the DREAM Act e can’t be certain what the future holds for Dreamers. The most recent version of the DREAM Act was introduced in Congress in March 0 1 called the “American Dream and Promise Act of 0 1,” passed the House of Representatives but has not gone up for a Senate vote yet. hen President Obama created the DACA program in 01 , Joe Biden was Vice President. During his presidential campaign, Biden promised many times to protect DACA and Dreamers.
President Biden. on his inauguration day, signed an Executive Order to reinstate DACA fully. He also expressed his support for legislation that would provide a pathway to citizenship for DACA recipients and temporary protected status (TPS) for other undocumented immigrants. President Biden has promised to sign the DREAM Act into law once Congress approves it.
It’s up to Congress now whether or not the DREAM Act becomes a law. In the meantime, Dreamers can apply for DACA to obtain a renewable two-year work permit. If you can’t aff ord attorney’s fees and don’t want to handle your DACA case alone, the nonprofi t ImmigrationHelp.org may be able to help. If you are eligible, you can use ImmigrationHelp.org to prepare your DACA forms for free. Click “Get Started” to see if ImmigrationHelp.org can help you.
Dreamers kept on dreaming They will never stop dreaming until they will be granted the green card contained in the DREAM Act!
MONTREAL/GENEVA/NEW YORK – Globally, only half (52% ) of children living with HIV are on lifesaving treatment, far behind adults where three qua rters (76% ) are receiving antiretrovirals, according to the data that has just been released in the UNAIDS Global AIDS Update 2022. Concerned by the stalling of progress for children, and the widening gap between children and adults, UNAIDS, UNICEF, WHO and partners have brought together a global alliance to ensure that no child living with HIV is denied treatment by the end of the decade and to prevent new infant HIV infections.
The new Global Alliance for Ending AIDS in Children by 030 was announced by leading fi gures at the International AIDS Conference taking place in Montreal, Canada.
In addition to the United Nations agencies, the alliance includes civil society movements, including the Global Network of People living with HIV, national governments in the most aff ected countries, and international partners, including PEPFAR and the Global Fund. Twelve countries have joined the alliance in the fi rst phase Angola, Cameroon, C te d’Ivoire, The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Mozambique , Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Consultations by the alliance have identifi ed four pillars for collective action: 1) Closing the treatment gap for pregnant and breastfeeding adolescent girls and women living with HIV and optimizing continuity of treatment; 2) Preventing and detecting new HIV infections among pregnant and breastfeeding adolescent girls and women; 3) Accessible testing, optimized treatment, and comprehensive care for infants, children, and adolescents exposed to and living with HIV; 4) Addressing rights, gender equa lity, and the social and structural barriers that hinder access to services.
Addressing the International AIDS Conference, Limpho Nteko from Lesotho shared how she had discovered she was HIV positive at age 21 while pregnant with her fi rst child. This led her on a ourney where she now works for the pioneering women-led mothers2mothers programme. Enabling community leadership, she highlighted, is key to an eff ective response.
“We must all sprint together to end AIDS in children by 2030,” said Ms. Nteko. “To succeed, we need a healthy, informed generation of young people who feel free to talk about HIV, and to get the services and support they need to protect themselves and their children from HIV. mothers2mothers has achieved virtual elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV for our enrolled clients for eight consecutive years—s howing what is possible when we let women and communities create solutions tailored to their realities.”
The alliance will run for the next eight years until 030, aiming to fi x one of the most glaring disparities in the AIDS response. Alliance members are united in the assessment that the challenge is surmountable through partnership.
“The wide gap in treatment coverage between children and adults is an outrage,” said UNAIDS Executive Director Winnie Byanyima. “Through this alliance, we will channel that outrage into action. By bringing together new improved medicines, new political commitment, and the determined activism of communities, we can be the generation who end AIDS in children. We can win this – but we can only win together.”
Monkeypox
PHILIP S. CHUA
Heart of Hope
The World Health Organization on July 23, 2022 declared Monkeypox a global emergency. Worldwide, there are more than 16,000 cases of Monkeypox, involving 75 countries so far, with at least 5 deaths. In the United States 4,600 cases have been reported in 30 States, the greatest number of cases compared to any country in the world. In the Philippines, one case was reported on July 19t h.
Today’s article on Monkeypox is authored by our gue st infectious disease consultant, Dr. Joel C. Ang, MD. FAAFP, AAHIVM, President/Lab Director, Q Street Medical Associates in Washington, DC.
Wh at is m on keyp ox?
Monkeypox is an illness caused by a virus closely related to the smallpox virus. Think of monkeypox and smallpox as their own unique type of virus. Historically, monkeypox has mostly infected animals in Africa, with an occasional spread to a human. The virus has escaped from its usual animal host and is now spreading from person to person. It has entered the sexual networks of men who have sex with men, and is increasing among that group. There are also a smaller number of cases occurring in other people.
Wh at ar e the sym ptom s of m on keyp ox ?
The virus causes blisters or pustules (“poxes”), which can be very painful. These can appear anywhere on the body. In the current epidemic, they also are commonly found in the “underpants zone,” namely the genital and anal areas. They can also cause swelling and pain inside the anus. People infected with monkeypox may also have fever, muscle aches, headache, cough, swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, and other symptoms. People with monkeypox are generally ill for 3–4 weeks and must qua rantine to prevent further transmission.
How is m on keyp ox s pread
Most commonly this virus is spread by skin-to-skin contact, such as during sex, especially via contact with the uid from one of the pox lesions. Monkeypox may also be transmitted by respiratory secretions and by body uids such as semen. Close intimate contact seems to be the most common way it is transmitted, as opposed to simply being in the same room as someone. Because of the risk of transmission, a person with monkeypox is asked to isolate from other people until they have fully recovered.
Is m on keyp ox an STI?
According to authorities, monkeypox is not a sexually-transmitted infection, because it does not always requi re sex for transmission, just skin contact with the virus. However, the same could be said of herpes, which is often thought of as an STI, but is easily transmitted by non-sexual skin contact. There are many other STIs that can be transmitted non-sexua lly: by transfusion, needlesharing, perinatally, etc. Just “being gay” does not necessarily put a person at risk of monkeypox; rather, it’s who he is intimate contact with. This is important as Gay males, who are not sexua lly active at all, have the same risk as anybod y else. It is what one does intimately and with whom that exposes a person to this virus.
How does on e ge t tested?
A health care provider swabs the uid from a pox lesion and sends the swab to a lab for testing. This test is now available via large commercial labs in the U.S. There is no self-testing yet, and there is no blood test. A person must have at least one pox lesion in order to be tested. In that case, they should go to a health care provider.
How can m on keyp ox b e prevented?
The most surefi re way would be for a man to not have sexua l contact with new male partners for the time being, since the virus is circulating primarily among men who have sex with men, and by intimate (often sexua l) contact. It’s helpful to know who you are intimate with, whether they have a rash or other symptoms, or have been ill recently. Sex clubs , sex parties, and other similar settings pose a high risk of infection if a participant has this virus.
There is a vaccine, JYNNEOS, that is eff ective at preventing monkeypox (and smallpox). The vaccine is given as a shot under the skin, usually in the upper arm, with a second dose a month later. People tend to have minimal aftereff ects from the vaccine. Protection begins a few weeks after the fi rst dose. Although it is a live (but “crippled”) vaccine, JYNNEOS appears safe for people living with HIV, at least if their CD4 count is over 200.
If a person has had close/intimate contact with someone who proves to have monkeypox, the person can get a dose of vaccine. If given soon enough it may prevent the infection completely, or (especially if given more than a few days after exposure) it still may make the infection less severe.
The supply of JYNNEOS is limited, although much more will be available over the next few months. It is being distribut ed by the CDC and local health departments, and from there to clinics where it is given to patients. Currently in the United States the supply is allocated to cities and counties based on the number of cases there.
A question from a reader: “I am ‘older’ and I had the smallpox vaccine when I was a child, which younge r folks today have not had, will this vaccine protect me from monkeypox? ” - We know that the immunity from smallpox vaccine fades with age. The smallpox vaccine that some older folks had decades ago is unlikely to prevent monkeypox now. However, it may help reduce the severity of the disease if the person catches monkeypox.
How is m on keyp ox t reated?
Most people with monkeypox do not need antiviral treatment; their system clears the virus on its own. The most common treatments a person might need are for control of symptoms such as pain and fever. There is an experimental antiviral (tecovirimat, or TPOXX) that can be obtained for people with severe symptoms. This is not available at regular pharmacies and would have to be accessed through the local health department, infectious disease clinic, or other clinic that has been authorized. HIV antivirals do not treat monkeypox, nor do antivirals designed for other infections such as herpes, u, COVID-19, e tc.
COVID-19 updates
As of this writing, there are 5,83,344,860 cases of COVID-19 infections, with 6,422,569 deaths worldwide. In the United States: 93,225,1 10 cases, with 1,055,576 deaths; The Philippines: 3,782,822 cases, with 60,749 deaths. The 7-day DAILY average case was 121,413; with 446 deaths, and 43,653 hospitalizations per day. The Omicron BA.5 is still the dominant subva riant, milder but nonetheless a killer. The pandemic is still with us. The new sub- strain BA.2.75 is upon us – thanks to the unva ccinated. We will see what this new sub- strain does.
Phi lip S. C hua, M D , FAC S, FPC S, a C ardi ac Sur geon Emeritus bas ed in N orthw est Indi ana and Las Vegas, N evada, is an int ernat ional medi cal lecturer/aut hor, H ealth Adv ocate, new spaper columni st, and C hai rman of the Filipino U ni ted N etw ork-U SA , a 501( c)3 hum ani tarian foundat ion in the U ni ted St ates. W ebs ites: FU N 8888.c om, Today .SP SA today . com, and phi lipSc hua.c om Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.c om
INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK
GETTING THROUGH HARD TIMES
By TIM PEDROSA
Are you one of those looking for ways to get through the hard times thrown at you by the world? Do you feel like giving up? No matter what we do, who we are, and where we live, life and the world will always be throwing curveballs at us be it a di cult task, a fi nancial problem, a problematic relationship, a broken heart, the tragedy of the death of a dear one, or something else. Whether we are feeling overwhelmed by the unknown, facing di cult circumstances, navigating life through one impossible challenge after another, let us always remember that if inter comes, Spring is not far behind. Positivity, confi dence and persistence are keys in life, so never give up on yourself – Khalid. One thing I have learned in life is that, the grass is not always greener on the other side. Many of us want to move away and start a new life in search for happiness. But if we remain with a broken heart or with a mind that is burdened, we will be taking those problems with us to our new destination. Happiness is not a new city, a new home nor a new backyard, with hopes of greener grass. Happiness is something we must fi nd right in our very own backyard in our own heart. There is no substitute for hard work. Never give up. Never stop believing. Never stop fi ghting – Hope Hicks. Out of tragedy comes something good!. We could get energized, inspired, uplifted, and back on track. We need to come to terms with our healing before we can truly be available to interact and relate with others and be happy again. That does not mean that we cannot be in a loving relationship while we heal, we just need to be aware of who we really are. We have to be healed before we can appreciate and enjoy life and love again. Never give up, 1. Our Lady of Angels Church - 1721 Hillside Drive, be confi dent in Burlingame, CA 94010 2. St. Isidore Catholic Church - 222 Clark Avenue, Yuba City, CA 95991 what you do. There may be 3. St. Andrew’s Catholic Church - 1571 Southgate Avenue, tough times Daly City, CA 94015 4. St. Jarlath Church - 2620 Pleasant St., Oakland, CA 94602 4. St. Jarlath Church - 2620 Pleasant St., Oakland, CA 94602 but the di 5. St. Isabella Church - One Trinity Way, San Rafael, CA 94903 culties which 6. St. Catherine Church - 3450 Tennessee Church, Vallejo, CA 94591 7. Holy Child and St. Martin Church - 777 Southgate Avenue, you face will make you more Daly City, CA 94015 determined to 8. Parish of the Holy Infant Jesus - 37051 Cabrillo Terrace, 8. Parish of the Holy Infant Jesus - 37051 Cabrillo Terrace, Fremont, CA 94536 9. Good Shepherd Church - 3200 Harbor St, Pittsburg, CA 94565 achieve your objectives and to win against
For more information, please contact: JR: (650) 952-8238 all odds – Marta Tough.
Annihilation of Evil
Religion and faith are never compatible with violence. Our Lord Jesus, the Son of God, never did He Afl ame The Heartacted and taught to do violence, He even died “like a trusting lamb led to slaughter (Jer. 11 19).” Faith is always non-violent rather promotes peace and love. The Church is a divine institution as it is also a human institution. As human institution, it has sinful members and leaders thus, capable of making wrong decisions like the complicated history of the time of the Crusades. It achieved some good, but it also caused some bad eff ects. And there are other examples of violence and scandals along the history of the Church. Now, specifi cally, how can we read and reconcile in our mind and heart the violence we read in the Bible with the teachings of peace and non-violence? In fact, there was an error that taught that the Bible teaches two gods the god in the Old Testament was the violent god, and the god of the New Testament is the good, peaceful and loving god. As an error, this position should not be followed, rather must be corrected. It is true that we can read from the OT some violence: God through Moses commanding Joshua to battle the Amelekites and put them to the sword, see Exodus 1 – 1 . Israel waging war with Amalek with Joshua leading the charge, and Moses on top of the mountain. As long as Moses’ hands were lifted up, Israel was winning, when they fall, the Amalekites has the advantage. Ultimately, as Moses hands were supported up, Joshua won the battle and put Amalek’s men to the sword. Now, to our sensibilities, we would understandably say, this is brutal and violent story. So, let us take note how this passage ended, it says: “the Lord has war with Amalek through the ages.” Hinting to us that this is not about violence, but so much about God teaching His people to fi ght against evil. God does not write with words, He writes through events, and by them we have to understand what is His will. Another passage come to mind, in 1 Samuel 15, the whole chapter. Prophet Samuel told by the Lord to command Saul to battle the Amalekites and put everything under the ban – meaning all must be put to death animals and peoples. King Saul won but did not carry out totally what he was told. In the end, God was displeased of Saul and remove him as king of Israel for his disobedience. And so, Samuel hack to pieces Agag, king of the Amelekites. Samuel told Saul to answer his ustifi cation of his action “Does the Lord delight in burtn off erings and sacrifi ces as much as in obedience to the Lord’s command Obedience is better than sacrifi ce, to listen, better than the fat of rams.” Again, we see here the idea that it is not so much about violence, but very much about our human duty towards God thus, whatever is ungodly in our lives we must not play around with it we rather must hack it to pieces, put what is evil to the end through and through. The key to understand these controversial passages in the Bible is to follow the teachings of the fathers of the Church, like Origen, who taught that such passages must be read with spiritual and moral lenses. They do not teach violence, but rather the commitment to fi ght and put an end to evil, to destroy the bad and sinful in our lives. The Chapter 5 of the book of Revelation can give light on this matter. Reading this chapter, you will see that it was the Lamb, who was slain, who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seven seals. In other words, there are things in the scroll, Bible, that are sealed for us to unpack and understand, unless we refer to Jesus Christ, the Risen Slain Lamb. Our Lord having died as sacrifi cial off ering to defeat evil through non-violence and with great love is the way to open and understand such passages in the Bible. In short, it is about moral combat. It is in the spiritual context and signifi cance that we treat such passages, not as teachings of violence. God is never compatible with evil thus, in His people “He fi ghts Amalek through the ages ” the Amelekites was a symbol of what is ungodly and evil, and we must also wage war with our personal Amaleks our pride, selfi shness, and many other sins. e have to fi ght evil to the end without sparing something of it. Evil must be cast out, eradicated, exterminated, all the way to the end. hat are you waging war with right now Know, you are fi ghting on God’s side. amen. REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD
Recipe of the Week
Kinilaw na Bangus
Here is the recipe of my ve rsion of Kinilaw na Bangus .
Ingredients:
1 medium sized bangus ,descaled, deboned 4 medium sized onions, peeled, sliced thinly 3-4 thumb sized ginger, skinned, sliced thinly 3-4 red hot chili, sliced thinly 3-4 long gr een sili, cut in half lengthwise, deseeded, sliced thinly 10- 12 ka lamansi, juice extracted 2 cups, white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon coarsely gr ound peppercorns salt
To marinate the Bangus Skin 1/2 head garlic, crushed, peeled, coursly chopped 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon coarsely gr ound peppercorns 1/2 teaspoon salt
To fry the Bangus Skin cooking oil
Method :
Using a spoon carefully scoop out the meat from the butter ied boneless bangus. Place the fi sh skin including the tail and head in in a marinating bowl. Rub the inside on the fi sh skin with the chopped garlic, ground peppercorns and salt. Add in the cup vinegar and let marinate for at least 15 minutes, keep aside until ready to fry. Cut the bangus meat into cube s, place in a bowl, add in about 1 cup of the white vinegar. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes, then drain the liquid using a sieve, lightly press the meat against the sieve to drain all the excess liquid. Using the same bowl toss together the bangus meat, ginger, onion, red chili, green long sili, ground peppercorns, kalamansi juice and remining vinegar. Season with salt to taste. Keep aside. Now cut off the tail and head from the marinated bangus skin. Cut the skin into wide strips. Keep aside. Heat generous amount of cooking oil until it start to smoke. First fry the bangus skin in batches until crisp. Next fry the bangus head and tail. Keep aside until ready to serve.
To serve arrange the bangus tail and head on a platter. Place the kinilaw/bangus meat in between the tail and the head. Top the kilawin with the crispy fried bangus skin and serve.
Pangasinan’s Dasol Beach villas for intimate, peaceful retreat
LUCBAN, Quezon – The town of Lucban, the land of pancit habhab and colorful kiping-decorated houses, has revived the iconic Pahiyas Festival this 2022, two years since the pandemic forced most festivals in the Philippines to go virtual.
Every May 15, the agricultural towns of Quezon province celebrate the feast of San Isidro Labrador, the patron saint for good harvest, in various ways -- the Agawan Festival in Sariaya, the Mayahon of Tayabas, and the Pahiyas or o cially the San Isidro Pahiyas Festival.
Pahiyas is dubbed as one of the country’s most colorful festivals and begins with an off ering to the farmer saint, a practice derived from the early residents’ ritual of setting aside a portion of their harvests to the anito” or ancestor spirits.
Before the feast, locals in the designated streets where the procession of San Isidro will pass through decorate their houses with rice stalks, a waterfall of fruits and vegetables, and most notably, giant owers and chandelier-like “arangya made from multi-colored kiping (rice wafers).
Natives believe the houses on this route will receive a blessing from the saint.
This year, over 600 houses participated in the Pahiyas, according to a PNA report.
The streets pulsate with more life in the afternoon when the grand parade starts moving with the marching band, higantes, the Parikitan winners and town’s belles dressed in white and locally-crafted long gow ns.
But apart from the houses that outdo each other, also not to be missed are food stalls lining the procession route, selling various Lucbanin dishes from habhab, Lucban longga nisa on stick, pilipit kalabasa” to roasted kipings.
While the pandemic halved the number of visitors, the festival still attracted a relatively huge crowd.
Department of Tourism-Calabarzon o cer-in-charge Marites Castro said in a PNA report all accredited hotels and resorts in Lucban were fully booke d leading to the event that other tourists were already billeted as far as Lucena, which is about 28 kilometers away from the town proper.
Dasol Beach Villas has been dubbed by the local municipality as the town s rst and rising world-class resort.
Some 100,000 tourists joined Pahiyas this year but still below the 200,000 visitors recorded in 2019, based on DOT data. Side trip If you’ re already in Lucban, then a side trip to emerging and existing destinations are a must. On top of it is the Kamay ni Hesus, a pilgrimage site known for its healing masses and the 50- feet image of the Ascending Christ. A four-minute drive from Kamay ni Hesus, you will reach the Bukid Amara where you can fi nd a meadowlike landscape, featuring gorgeous rows of sun owers and diff erent kinds of blooms. The ower garden is set against the backdrop of the majestic Mt. Banahaw, which would likely make those who grew up in the province reminisce about childhood memories on a farm. Bukid Amara also off ers a Filipino “kamayan-style” dining inside a bahay kubo situated just beside a lake and its ower fi eld. The dishes use locally-sourced ingredients, including edible owers the owners grew themselves. Also, a recommended dining and coff ee spot in town is Linang ni LK, a bed and breakfast owned by Chef Francis Christian Ocoma also known as Lakwatserong Kusinero. They serve pako (fi ddlehead fern) salad, Lucban hardinera (Filipinostyle steamed pork loaf), the creamy fusion of ube halaya and palitaw, and the kare-kareng bagnet, among others.
