Philippine Times of Southern Nevada Newspaper 8-11-25
BY DR. MICHAEL STAJUANA
The City of Las Vegas Proudly Recognizes and celebrates the 80th Birthday of Gloria Caoile, A distinguished community leader, advocate and trailblazer whose contributions have left an indelible mark in the Las Vegas Filipino-American Community. Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, Gloria, with her parents, returned to the Philippines when she was two and migrating back to the United States at the age of 17, Gloria brought with her a spirit of service and a commitment to justice that would guide her life’s work. For more than three decades, she has been a tireless advocate for FilipinoAmericans, playing a pivotal role in leading organizations including the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, the Asian Pacific American Women Leadership Institute and the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations and several others, amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities.
Her leadership and public service were recognized when President Bill Clinton appointed her to the White House Advisory Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander in 2000. Internationally, her efforts to support economic development for the poor in the Philippines earned her one of the Country’s Highest Civic Honors - the Linkapil Award, given by President Fidel Ramos in 1997.
With over 30 years of service to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Gloria has used her voice to fiight for workers’ rights. She has also contributed to the written legacy of Filipina Leadership through her- co-authored books.
With all these accolades the Honorable Mayor of the City of Las Vegas Shelley Berkley proclaimed July 30, 2025 as Gloria Caoile Day in the City of Las Vegas and encourage all residents to honor Gloria’s legacy and lifelong contributions to civic leadership, community empowerment and social justice.
Marcos: PH on right path to peace by aligning with like-minded nations
NEW DELHI, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) -President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the Philippines is choosing the right path to peace by strengthening partnerships with like-minded nations that uphold international law — a strategy shaped in part by mounting tensions in the Indo-Pacific, including China’s continued aggression in the West Philippine Sea.
Speaking during a foreign policy forum hosted by the Observer Research Foundation at the Leela Palace in New Delhi on Wednesday, Marcos said geopolitical disruptions, regional wars, and threats of global trade conflicts demand cooperation among countries with shared democratic values and commitment to peace.
“We fight for peace… And since we have started to be confronted with that situation, that is the solution that we find will be most effective — to form these alliances, put together the coalition of like-minded states who share the same values, who adhere to international law, and who are committed to defending their territory and the exercise of their sovereign rights,” Marcos said.
The President described the Philippines’ approach as one that extends beyond defense and security, noting that economic recovery, climate change, and geostrategic ambiguity all require collective resilience.
“The only way that we find we can have at least a semblance of a guarantee of fighting for peace is through partnerships,” he said.
The remarks come as the Philippines continues to confront growing Chinese incursions into its exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, where its military resupply missions, especially in Ayungin Shoal, have faced increasingly aggressive behavior from Chinese vessels, causing injuries and damage to Philippine boats.
Marcos has repeatedly invoked the Philippines’ 2016 arbitral victory in The Hague, which invalidated China’s expansive claims under its so-called nine-dash line. China has refused to recognize the ruling.
Marcos has vowed to never yield “even a single square inch” of Philip-
pine territory and pledged to strengthen maritime defense and alliances with countries supporting a rules-based order.
The forum in New Delhi marks the third day of Marcos’ five-day state visit to India, where the two nations announced the elevation of ties to a Strategic Partnership — including enhanced defense, maritime, and trade cooperation.
As the Philippines repositions itself amid regional uncertainty, Marcos said peace is not a passive hope but a policy pursued actively through diplomacy, cooperation, and firm defense of sovereignty.
“We must have an eye to much more than just building up our economy… because the challenges that we face have very little to do with affluence. Peace must be fought for — and that is what we’re doing,” he said.
Boost to maritime safety
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada welcomed the newly signed security agreements, saying the partnership will enhance regional peace and bolster maritime safety amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific.
“Malaking bagay na dumagdag ang bansang India sa mga kaalyado nating kaisa sa hangarin na mapahusay ang seguridad sa dagat at mapalakas ang pagtutulungan sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan sa Indo-Pacific region (It is a significant development that India has joined our allies in pursuing maritime security and maintaining peace in the Indo-Pacific),” Estrada said in a statement.
He underscored that the strategic alliance would mean stronger protection for Filipino fishers and maritime personnel navigating disputed waters.
“Safer borders and more secure seas means better protection for our fishermen and maritime personnel,” he added.
The lawmaker expressed hope that the agreement would pave the way for greater collaboration on maritime patrols, defense technology, and intelligence-sharing in the years ahead. (MNS)
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AUGUST
Marcos: BUdget can FUnd priorities iF corrUption is stopped
NEW DELHI, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the national budget could sufficiently fund his administration’s priority programs in the next three years, if public funds are used properly and corruption is eliminated.
“Oo, mayroon. Basta’t ‘yung pera ng Pilipinas ay ginagamit sa tamang paraan. ‘Yung perang nakalaan para sa classroom, ginamit talaga sa classroom (There is enough budget. As long as the country’s money is used properly. If the money allocated for classrooms is really used for classrooms),” Marcos said in the latest episode of the BBM Podcast aired Wednesday.
He cited instances where budgeted infrastructure projects are shortchanged due to corruption, with only half of the intended output delivered while the rest of the funds are pocketed by corrupt officials.
“Hindi nakalagay doon, dalawang classroom, ginawa lang isang classroom. Binulsa na ‘yung natira (What’s written is two classrooms, but only one is built. The rest is pocketed),” the President said.
“‘Pag talagang mahigpit tayo at tama ang gamit ‘nung ating pondo, mayroon tayo (If we are strict and spend our funds properly, we have enough).”
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last week, the President took aim at corruption in public infrastructure, singling out flood control projects where misuse of funds has contributed to repeated flooding in communities.
Marcos has since ordered a full audit of flood control
projects over the last three years and directed legal action against individuals and groups involved in fund misuse or profiteering.
He said cutting corruption is key to ensuring that the national budget directly benefits the Filipino people and delivers long-promised reforms.
Marcos also addressed concerns about the country’s PHP17.27 trillion debt as of June, likening government borrowing to corporate investments.
“‘Yung utang na ‘yun, ginagamit pang-invest para palakihin ang negosyo, para pagandahin. Huwag natin tinitingnan ‘yun lang trillion (That debt is used for investment — to grow and improve. Let’s not look at it just as trillions),” he said.
“The balance sheet has assets and liabilities. Kung tinitingnan lang ‘yung liabilities, tingnan ninyo ‘yung asset. Nadadagdagan ‘yung asset natin (If we only focus on liabilities, we miss the full picture. Our assets are also growing).”
He named the Filipino workforce as the country’s biggest asset and reaffirmed his commitment to invest in education and training to improve labor competitiveness.
“Ako, pinakamalaking asset natin ‘yung Pilipino, ‘yung manggagawang Pilipino (For me, the Filipino —the Filipino worker— is our greatest asset),” the President said.
He added that empowering workers through skills development, combined with the government’s anti-corruption push, will ensure national funds go to where they are most needed. (MNS)
Marcos: PH not a pUppet state, acts in deFense oF national interest
NEW DELHI, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. pushed back against China’s narrative that the Philippines is provoking instability in the region at the behest of more powerful nations, saying the country is acting on its own to uphold sovereignty and defend national interest.
In an interview with Indian news outlet Firstpost on Wednesday, Marcos dismissed insinuations that Manila’s deepening security ties with countries like the United States and India make it a mere proxy.
“That would imply we do not have our own agency, that we are just bystanders told what to do. That is certainly not the case,” Marcos said.
“It does, I suppose, serve that narrative — that we are acting as a… I don’t know… as a puppet state to the United States, to all the allies of the United States. I think it doesn’t take very much reading and discussing to see very, very clearly, very, very quickly that that’s simply not true.”
Marcos said the Philippines’ actions are not driven by foreign interests, but by a constitutional mandate to protect its own territory and people.
“What we do in the Philippines is because it is our duty as officials, as leaders, as citizens to defend our country,” he said.
Marcos noted that the country’s strategic partnerships are based on shared values, mutual respect, and a common interest in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
“Friends like India, the United States, Australia, South Korea, Japan — who are also feeling that they must defend their own territory and sovereignty — are joining forces. Who are we to turn down such assistance and such help?”
The remark comes amid heightened tensions in the West Philippine Sea, where repeated confrontations have occurred between Philippine vessels and Chinese coast guard and militia ships.
Beijing continues to assert sweeping claims over almost the entire South China Sea through its so-called “nine-dash line,” now updated to a “ten-dash line” — overlapping with the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, invalidating China’s expansive claims and upholding Manila’s sovereign rights over areas including Ayungin Shoal and Scarborough Shoal. China has rejected the ruling and intensified its presence in disputed waters, including the use of water cannons and blocking resupply missions.
Marcos’ administration has adopted a firmer stance compared to its predecessor, filing diplomatic protests and bolstering security ties with like-minded countries to deter aggression and uphold international law.
Asked if the repeated near-collisions at sea could escalate into a broader conflict, Marcos said war is unlikely — but miscalculations are a serious concern.
“That is precisely what we are worried about,” he said. “You can make a mistake. Some guy pushes the wrong button, navigation goes wrong… and before you know it, it’s a shooting war. That is what we want to avoid,” he said.
The President emphasized that closer coordination with allies and open channels of communication — including with China — are critical to reducing the risk of escalation and preserving regional peace. (MNS)
PH Foreign reserVes at $105.7-B in JUly
MANILA, Aug 8 (Mabuhay) -- The country’s foreign reserves remained healthy despite the slight decline in July, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.
Data released Thursday showed that the gross international reserves (GIR) settled at USD105.7 billion in July, slightly lower than the USD106 billion recorded as of end-June.
GIR are made up of foreign-denominated securities, foreign exchange, and other assets including gold.
GIR help a country finance its imports and foreign debt obligations, stabilize its currency, and provide a buffer against external economic shocks.
Despite the decline, the BSP said the latest GIR level provides a robust external liquidity buffer, equivalent to 7.2 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income.
It also covers about 3.4 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity.
GIR is viewed to be adequate if it can finance at least three months’ worth of the country’s imports of goods and payments of services and primary income. (MNS)
Klea Pineda denies that Janella Salvador was third Party in her Past relationshiP
MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) -- Klea Pineda addressed the rumors that Janella Salvador was the third party in her past relationship with Katrice Kierulf.
In an interview, Klea said she was aware of the rumors and immediately debunked them.
“Sinasabi ko, sinasabi ko mismo sa inyo, walang third party na nangyari,” Klea said.
“’Yung closeness namin ni Janella, inevitable siya kasi magkasama kami sa film,” she added.
Klea also said that the four lead cast members also including Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Leanne Mamonong in “Open Endings” all became close because of their shooting days.
“The third party issue, come on guys, tama na,” Klea said.
In July, Klea confirmed the end of her three-year relationship with Katrice Kierulf.
Klea came out as gay in March 2023
MANILA, Aug 4 (Mabuhay) -- Actress Angelica Panganiban is making her movie comeback with “Unmarry,” which will be released this year.
This was announced by Quantum Films producer Atty. Joji Alonso in a social media post on Monday, as it uploaded photos of Panganiban on the set of the upcoming movie.
“Unmarry” is written by Chris Martinez and Therese Cayaba and directed by Jeffrey Jeturian.
“@iamangelicap is sooooo back!!! A bold new chapter begins with an ending,” the post read.
Panganiban’s last movie was the 2021 romantic-comedy film “Love or Money” with Coco Martin as her leading man.
Just recently, Panganiban made her theatrical debut in “Don’t Meow For Me, Catriona” at the Virgin Labfest. (MNS)
during her 24th birthday. She soon after publicly introduced Katrice as her girlfriend. In January, they marked their third anniversary. (MNS)
Angelica Panganiban is returning to the big screen with
Carla Abellana reveals she is dating someone
MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) -- Kapuso actress Carla Abellana revealed earlier this month that she is currently seeing someone.
In a brief interview during the GMA Gala at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, she shared that it was just “about time” that she let herself enter the dating scene.
Carla was previously married to fellow actor Tom Rodriguez but called it quits back in 2022–– just less than a year after their wedding. The two were a couple for several years before deciding to tie the knot.
“I’ve said it naman na before na parang it’s about time I open myself to dating [and] meeting new people, so I decided to try it,” she revealed.
The Kapuso star didn’t disclose any more details about her budding love life but is hopeful that things would go well after their second date.
“Yes, there’s a second date so we’ll see if there’s gonna be more dates diba? For now, yeah,” she added.
Dawn Chang on growing her bakery business after PBB: ‘Parang side hustle ko siya!’
MANILA, July 29 (Mabuhay) -- It’s been exactly one decade since Dawn Chang was first seen on ABS-CBN as a housemate on the Pinoy Big Brother: 737 season where she was known as “The Bombshell Baker ng Parañaque, in the same batch that also included Big winner Miho Nishida (for the regular edition) and Jimboy Martin (for the teens edition). Little did she know that her PBB nickname would end up becoming one of her biggest passions in life now.
ke-crave ako ng cookies. So I personally love cookies talaga,” she recalled.
Fans of the actress expressed how happy they are for her as she enters the dating scene once again. On social media, netizens voiced their positive opinions on Carla’s potential romantic partner. In a previous interview, Carla maintained that she has already moved on from her marriage with Tom and her perspective on marriage has changed.
“I still believe in love [but] aaminin ko na madaming nag-change sa perspective ko, especially with marriage. I really, honestly, don’t see myself getting married again,” she previously shared.
(MNS)
Jessy Mendiola recalls argument with Luis Manzano over his candidacy for Vice Governor MANILA, Aug 4 (Mabuhay) -Kapamilya star Jessy Mendiola shared about an argument she had with her husband, Luis Manzano, prior to his bid for the Vice Governor position for the province of Batangas in the National Elections last May.
In an interview with Kapamilya host Bianca Gonzalez for her show, The B Side, the celebrity wife recalled how high her emotions got during the argument.
Luis ran alongside his mother Vilma Santos-Recto and his half-brother, Ryan Recto. Only his mother and half-brother won in their respective positions for Governor and Congressman, respectively. The Kapamilya actor lost to veteran politician Dodo Mandanas, by a wide margin–– this was his first time running for public office.
Bianca asked Jessy about the worst fight they had, the latter shared that it was rather more of an argument than a fight.
“Sa pagtakbo niya. Actually, hindi naman talaga kami nag aaway but it was more of an argument. I didn’t want him to run and he wanted to,” she shared.
The Kapamilya actress admitted that she was scared for her husband to enter a new scene as she has grown comfortable with what they had back then. Despite this, Luis remained level headed and explained to her why he wanted to bring her into this decision-making.
“We were in the middle of making a decision tapos siguro I was scared kaya ang taas agad ng emotions. So kahit si Luis nun, bakit ka nagagalit nag uusap lang naman? Kaya nga tayo nag dedecision magkasama kasi I really
value your opinion and I want to decide with you,” she recalled.
After hearing her husband’s reasons for running, Jessy never left his side and supported him all throughout the campaign season.
“I guess it was more of like we created this peaceful life tapos may iba na naman kaming mundong papasukin so mahirap nanaman. It de-escalated naman right away, inexplain niya sa akin kung bakit na gusto niyang tumakbo and we decided together na okay I will support you 100-percent,” she added.
Previously, Jessy expressed how proud she was of her husband despite losing the elections. In her previous vlogs after the results, she has been vocal in showing her support for Luis.
Both Kapamilya stars have made their television comeback after the elections–– Jessy is currently starring in the hit series Sins of the Father while Luis returned to his hosting duties on the game show Rainbow Rumble. (MNS)
‘We’re just friends’: Jameson Blake on Barbie Forteza
MANILA, Aug 7 (Mabuhay) -- Social media is buzzing with speculation that a romance is brewing between Kapamilya actor Jameson Blake and Kapuso actress Barbie Forteza.
Over the weekend, fans were in a frenzy when the couple left the GMA Gala event, holding hands.
There is no confirmation yet from the two but when ABS-CBN News caught up with Blake during the advance screening of his movie “Flower Girl” with Sue Ramirez last June, the actor said at the time it was too early to tell.
“We’re just friends. It’s too early pa. I enjoy my time with her. She’s really nice and very professional din,” he said.
What did he mean by “it’s too early”?
“I mean, naging close kami in a short span of time and I liked it. It’s a good sign and she’s a good person,” he said. Around this time, they were flexing their photos online, taken from the running events that they attended.
“Nagulat din ako,” said Blake. “Mabait talaga siya . We’re trying to spend time working out with me, pag may mga runs, we join the run and it’s a new hobby together.”
Blake admitted that everything
seemed new for everybody since he wasn’t the type to be spotted with someone or a significant other for that matter.
“We’re very good friends,” he said. “It’s something new. You guys don’t see me hanging out... I’m just happy na I got to meet her and magandang project din ‘yung ginawa namin.” Blake and Forteza are set to appear in a movie produced by Netflix, “Kontrabida Academy,” with Eugene Domingo. (MNS)
In an interview, Dawn talked about baking and being based in Australia before she joined PBB. “Nagsimula talaga ito sa Australia. Doon kasi ako nakatira bago ako mag-join ng Big Brother, bago ako bumalik dito sa Pilipinas. First, I enjoy kasi the kitchen. Kahit tutulong lang ako mag-slice ng onions, magluto, mag-bake at the same time. So I love to bake in the kitchen. Lalong lalo na siyempre pag ang sarap ng binake mo, ang sarap ng niluto mo, tapos na-e-enjoy ng pamilya mo at ng friends mo. So dun siya nag-originate talaga.
“Na-encourage ako ng mga friends and family ko to pursue this as a business. Kaya yun, dire-diretso na,” she said.
While based abroad, the former GirlTrends member said she was thankful for how supportive her Aussie friends were when she started trying to sell her baked goods from home.
“Sinuportahan ako ng mga friends ko. They actually ordered. Totoo yun ah. Ang mga totoong kaibigan o-order at magbabayad sa’yo as a support. Hindi puro hingi lang. Hindi yung puro libre lang. At saka ang totoong kaibigan hindi humihingi ng discount. Magbabayad in full. They want to support you and help you become big,” she added.
When she returned to the country to join PBB, Dawn admitted she got busy with projects in showbiz. I“When I got out of the Big Brother house, I was very blessed na nabigyan ako agad ng trabaho tapos regular show. As a matter of fact, umaga, tanghali, gabi, even hapon, may show ako. I was very visible. Sabi ko, bakit parang puro work na lang ako. Wala na akong sarili kong hobby, other than work. So that’s when I started baking again. Sabi ko ano ba yung madali lang muna. At saka nag-
When she realized she wanted to start baking again, Dawn brought her baked goods to the set of It’s Showtime for her colleagues to try. “So ayun, nag-bake ako ng cookies, dinala ko sa Showtime. Pinakain ko sa mga GirlTrends and Hashtags. Na-enjoy naman nila. Tapos sasabihin nila sa akin, ‘Medyo masyadong matamis.’ So mag-bebake ako ng bago. Babawasan ko yung sugar. So ganun sila sa akin. I listen to them. Para kasi sila yung mga customers ko eh. Sila yung tumulong sa akin. Sila ang taste testers ko.
“Just for fun, pinost ko siya on Instagram and taking order. Ako din yung sumasagot ng mga inquiries sa tulong ng mga hosts ng Showtime na ako’y very grateful. Wala akong business plan or anything like that. Parang side hustle ko siya,” she added.
Dawn also shared what advice she has for budding entrepreneurs who are starting out just like she did one decade ago.
“You have to start with passion and drive. If there’s anything I can advise, it is to have a plan. Kasi ako wala akong plan dati. Iba pa rin kapag may plano. Hindi lang pinagplanuhan, pinag-isipan din dapat. And then you have to be ready to learn from mistakes kasi you will make a lot of mistakes. So you just have to keep going. Do not give up on the first hurdle. Do not give up on the second, on the third, on the fourth. You just have to go through it. You just have to keep going. So resilience talaga,” she admitted.
Dawn’s bakery brand DC Delights now has four branches all over Metro Manila. (MNS)
The toxicity of marijuana (leaves and flowers of Cannabis) has been dangerously underestimated, especially its association with cancer. This false “innocence” is now being challenged by new studies. Recent findings show “a growing population of younger patients with high cannabis consumption who are presenting with aggressive cancers.” While the link between marijuana use and testicular cancer and respiratory illnesses has been well-reported, its link to these deadly cancers is only now becoming more obvious.
Nowadays, we have so many varieties of entertainment, it is insane to even consider marijuana or other drugs (even alcohol or tobacco) as recreational drugs. They are all detrimental to health. No less than poison. Medical (use of) marijuana, on the other hand, is a welcome addition to the physician’s armamentarium.
The vital role of parents and society as a whole in minimizing (if not preventing) the use of “recreational” drugs (which should actually be renamed devastation drugs) can never be overemphasized.
Brain Boosters
For fear of dementia, especially Alzheimer’s, countless people are resorting to brain supplements, hoping to stave them off and maintain healthy cognitive and memory functions. But the question is, are brain supplements on the market only “hype” and useless, like most supplements advertised as “super drugs”?
“Media consumers are bombarded daily with aggressive, testimonial-driven ads for pricey supplements pur-
Marijuana and cancer
ported to sharpen memory, focus, and working brain function…Some even claim to stop or slow the development of dementia,” according to MS Medical News. There is no evidence they do.
The trillion-dollar food supplement industry, hiding behind its self-described “non-drug food supplements” to avoid strict standard quality/safety regulation by the US-FDA, has always been suspect. It is unfortunate that the public is left exposed to false claims and potential health safety concerns, and fend for themselves.
Last year, the Federal Trade Commission and a federal district court in New York ”ordered the manufacturer of Prevagen to stop its claims on the grounds they lacked reliable evidence”. Indeed, “Caveat emptor!” is always a wise principle in more ways than one to protect consumers.
The ever-popular multivitamins/minerals appear to confer some health benefits. In a large study by the NIH-funded randomized clinical trial, researchers found that “older adults given a multivitamin had higher global cognition scores than those who did not take it. Specific effects on global cognition, episodic memory, and executive function were noted. The improvement was most pronounced in those with a history of cardiovascular disease.”
Just 15 minutes
Tracking nearly 80,000 individuals in southeastern states for 17 years, a major study showed that a 15-minute brisk walking every day reduced mortality risk (dying prematurely), especially from cardiovascular diseases, by almost 20 percent, while hours of slow
Benito J. Aquino, CFEA
Former IRS Agent Richmond, VA and Las Vegas, NV Districts
Adjunct professor, UNLV Accounting Dept. and Old Dominion University
walking provided much smaller benefits, 4 percent, which is insignificant. Can we spare 15 minutes a day to maximize the full potential of our natural “Expiration Date”?
Alcohol and pancreatic cancer
Does alcohol consumption increase the risk of cancer of the pancreas? This has been a lingering query for centuries. Today, a global study of more than 2 million people, pooling data from 30 prospective cohorts, found that “daily alcohol intake was associated with a ‘modest’ increased risk for pancreatic cancer in both women and men, regardless of smoking status. This massive study also confirms there is no safe level of alcohol. One drink is one too many.
“I think this shows that alcohol use is a robust risk factor for pancreatic cancer,” said Genkinger, associate professor, epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, noting that even more moderate drinking level— no more than one drink for women and two for men — might be enough to boost pancreatic cancer risk.” – MedScape. Cure for Alzheimer’s?
Today, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s dementia. In the United States, there are 6.7 million people with Alzheimer’s, 55 million around the world. One in 9 people (10.8 percent) aged 65 and older has Alzheimer’s; 5 percent among those aged 65 to 74; 13.1 percent of those aged 75-84; and 33.3 percent of those 85 and older.
Researchers around the globe are actively seeking a cure for this dementia. One current avenue is called repurposing, experimenting on currently approved medications that are used for other diseases.
“Two cancer medications that may help overturn brain changes caused by Alzheimer’s disease, possibly slowing or even reversing the disease’s symptoms,” according to Marina Sorota, PhD, professor and interim director
of the University of California — San Francisco Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute.
“We started with a set of 1,300 drugs and narrowed it down to the combination of letrozole and irinotecan through data-driven analysis using both molecular and clinical data,” Sirota said. (Letrozole, used to treat breast cancer, and irinotecan, used to treat colorectal and lung cancer).
This new discovery provides hope to those patients ravaged by Alzheimer’s and their families who take care of them, who are also suffering from the gravity of the duties and responsibilities, much more difficult than taking care of several infants at the same time.
Countless independent studies have been ongoing around the world, and this repurposing with a combination of drugs for cancer will inspire more research globally, which might then expedite the final realization of a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease, a much-dreaded illness worse than death itself.
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, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. Email:scalpelpen@ gmail.com.com
Why fitness matters more to Kathryn Bernardo
at this stage in her life
MANILA, Aug 2 (Mabuhay) -- Kathryn Bernardo discussed her fitness journey and why working out has become an essential part of her lifestyle.
In an interview, the actress shared that she started her fitness journey when she was still a teenager.
“Before I turned 18... [During that time] parang trial lang. Siyempre hindi mo pa alam kung anong work out ‘yung mag-work for me so I’ve tried different work outs and them now, I am doing strength training naman because I met Mau (her fitness trainer) last year so nagtuluy-tuloy,” she said.
When asked why fitness is important to her at this stage of her life, she shared: “Medyo serious as compared to I was younger because I’m 29 now so I’ve noticed some changes in my body, my metabolism, and it’s normal so I just need to exert extra effort ngayon kasi hindi siya as fast as before. I have to be extra patient as well.”
Kathryn also emphasized how staying fit contributes to her work as an actress. “Our work requires a lot of endurance and when I say endurance, you know ‘pag ka mga scenes hindi ka mabilis hingalin... [Our work] requires a lot of energy and I think working out really helped me with that endurance that I need dito sa work ko,” she stated.
Beyond the physical benefits, fitness has also become a tool for managing her mental health. “You feel good... so I try to work out before or after work because it’s a nice reset button for me
like for an hour you don’t need to think about anything,” she pointed out.
As for her pre-workout routine, Kathryn keeps it simple. “Sometimes I will have my coffee or my matcha or sometimes eggs maybe. Pero if I have time, if maaga ako magising, I try to have light breakfast,” she said.
When she’s working out, Kathryn relayed that she likes to listen to music. “Depending on my mood lalo ‘pag sa bahay kami nagwo-work out, iba-iba ‘yung playlist namin. Sometimes it’s hip-hop, sometimes it’s parang mga old school naman, sometimes R&B, depending on my mood,” she shared. (MNS)
Bea Alonzo confirms relationshiP with Vincent Co
MANILA, Aug 6 (Mabuhay) -- Bea Alonzo has confirmed her relationship with businessman Vincent Co.
“I think it’s very obvious that we’re together, and I’m happy. I think that is all I can share,” Bea said.
In another interview, Bea said she intends to keep her love life private this time.
“What is going on is that I’m happy, ‘yun naman ang importante,” she said.
“A lot of people, including you, have witnessed my ups and my downs when it comes to my love life, but what I have learned is that the most beautiful things are the ones that are kept private,” she added.
Since early this year, Bea has been romantically linked to businessman Vincent Co after netizens noticed their increasingly frequent public appearances together.
Bea was previously engaged to Dominic Roque. The former couple
started dating in January 2021. They got engaged in July 2023 and planned to get married in 2024 before calling it off. (MNS)
James Reid reveals his biggest goal in life
MANILA, Aug 5 (Mabuhay) -- James Reid opened up about his biggest goal in life.
In an interview with Karen Davila for her YouTube vlog, James revealed: “My biggest goal is to be a father someday. I think that’s taken over my priority list, as something that I want to do and be very good at it.”
He shared that his relationship with girlfriend Issa Pressman has played a big role in bringing out this dream. “That’s something that my current relationship with Issa kind of brought out in me,” he said.
When asked what he loves most about Issa as a partner, James replied: “She gives me a reason to want to be my best. I can’t explain that but she’s one of the only people that really make me want to be better than my shortcomings, my insecurities, my fears. That’s really special. I think that’s love.”
James also relayed that his latest single titled “Pahinga,” a collaboration with TJ Monterde, was inspired by Issa. “Siya talaga ‘yung inspiration for a lot of the songs I’ve written. Actually, all of the songs I’ve written recently,” he pointed out.
On which lyric in “Pahinga” he holds dearest, he responded: “One of them is, ‘Ikaw ay mas mahalaga kaysa sa maging tama.’”
Explaining the meaning of the line, he shared: “Sometimes you just want to be right even if it comes at the expense of your partner. You realize this argument is stupid. I don’t care about being right. In fact, you’re more important than this argument right now. And
I think that’s been a secret to a very strong relationship.”
In the same interview, James was asked about his personal mantra in life.
“On top of my head I do have a mantra that I started a few years back. It’s something I repeat when I’m meditating, something I repeat in the morning, or if I am confused about my decisions.
I remember my mantra is to be healthy, wealthy, and wise,” he stated.
He went on: “Healthy of course physically because if I am not healthy then I can’t enjoy life to the maximum. Wealthy, not in terms of money, but in terms of heart, relationships. Wealthy in terms of abundance in my life and being able to create music, that’s what I mean with wealth.”
“And wise. If I’m not learning from what I’m doing and my mistakes in the past I’m just doomed to repeat them, so wisdom is in any challenge, or any issue, or shortcoming, I think is the goal.” (MNS)
Award-winning Author / Journalist
Carlos Palanca Awardee & Professional Host/Emcee
Author website: www.marylaineviernes.com
The Successful 6th AJ Platinum Global Awards
Congratulations to Agnes Higley Herman, her partner and husband, Jeff Herman and the rest of their amazing team for an unforgettable and phenomenal Platinum Global Awards held in Salt Lake City Utah, where luminaries and achievers from around the world gathered for a memorable night celebrating not only noteworthy achievement and briliance, but also humble, truthful service. Kudos to my beloved Ate Agnes; Thank you very much for letting me serve as your master of ceremonies for all your meaningful events and endeavors especiallt this one. Hope to see you all for AJ Platinum Awards 2026! A toast to world-class excellence!
Happy Sweet 16 to Sophia, the lovely & smart daughter of Marievic; wishing you all the best!
St Paul University Iloilo Nursing reunion took place at Everett and Seattle Washington from July 31, to August 5, 2025, hosted by Chona Gianzon Galvan who is a travel nursed based there. It was organized by Agnes Asinjo Magbanua and attended by Concepcion Granada Ronquillo, Mary Jane Hijalda and Julie Ann Torremoro. Our class name is the Light of the Holy Spirit Bachelor of Science in Nursing 1983 @42. Our Feast Day is on August 6, which we celebrate annually by attending mass at Our Lady of Hope in Everett and also with a fun birthday bash for Agnes who celebrates on August 2. Happy birthday Agnes, wishing you only the best because you deserve it all! Happy Feast Day! See you next year in Chicago where more fun memories!!! Blessed to grow with people like you!
Marievic’s lovely daughter celebrated with all her loved ones in a memorable party catered by Chef Kiko and with a lovely cake from Rolling in Dough Bakery Las Vegas! Special thanks to Ms. Alexis Pascual for this super yummy & pretty cake!
Founder and Producer, Agnes Higley Herman, a true leader and a woman of integrity, purpose and creativity.
Maria Del Mar celebrated the 60th birthday of Dr. Tess Pincer last July 26, 2025 along with other July celebrants Dr. Sonia Beduya, Angie Enad, Julie Ann Torremoro and Simon. More blessings and good health to come for all July celebrants!
Achamber matters
An update on business news, developments and events from The Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Nevada (FACCGN).
by: JOEL ENRIQUEZ, President
creative chamber
Join us and be part of the chamber that loves small businesses. Log in to our website https://www.faccgn.org/ Or email us at info@faccgn.org
A Filipino Short Film Festival in Las Vegas
short film festival is a curated event that showcases short films—typically under 30 minutes in length—created by emerging or established filmmakers. These festivals celebrate storytelling in its most concise and creative form, providing a platform for new voices, experimental work, and culturally rich narratives. They often include screenings, awards, Q&A sessions, and networking opportunities, serving as a launchpad for talent and a space for artistic exchange.
The Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival (LVFSFF) is more than just a celebration of short films—it’s a growing cultural movement that puts Filipino stories on centerstage in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Now on its third year, LVFSFF serves as a vibrant platform for emerging and established filmmakers to explore identity, heritage, and contemporary life through powerful, concise storytelling. With award categories that highlight local talent, LGBTQ+ voices, and global Filipino narratives, the festival fosters a sense of pride, representation, and creative exchange. It’s where cinema meets community—and where the next generation of Filipino filmmakers finds its spotlight.
Now in its third year, the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival (LVFSFF) is fast becoming a cornerstone of cultural programming in Southern Nevada, offering a platform for original short films that reflect the breadth and complexity of the Filipino experience—both in the diaspora and in the homeland.
Founded with the goal of empowering Filipino creatives and amplifying underrepresented stories, the festival draws entries from across the U.S. and around the world, spotlighting narratives that span identity, migration, family, queerness, resilience, and cultural memory.
“This festival is not just about showing films,” says Olivia Enriquez, one of the festival’s founding directors. “It’s about showing up—for culture, for creativity, and for the stories that define who we are as a people.”
LVFSFF distinguishes itself by recognizing the power of short-form cinema. All entries are under 30 minutes in length, allowing for punchy, poignant storytelling across genres. The festival is also known for its strong community orientation— connecting filmmakers with audiences through Q&A panels, networking mixers, and community screenings.
The 3rd Annual Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival (LVFsFF) is officially scheduled for October 24 to 26, 2025, taking place at the Galaxy Theatres in Boulevard Mall. Highlights & Schedule Friday, Oct 24: Opening ceremony and reception, followed by a Focus on Nevada Day celebration of LARRY ITLIONG (see below: WHO IS LARRY ITLIONG?).
There will be a curated showcase of short films by Nevada film makers. The Best of Nevada award to be given on the last day of the festival.
Saturday Oct 25: Multiple daily screening blocks feature the best short films that qualified for competition.
Sunday, Oct 26: Awards Night featuring the prestigious Crisostomo Ibarra Award—and scholarship presentations in support of the Filipino-American Scholarship Foundation and Outreach Services (FASFOS). (venue TBD)
The 2025 LVFSFF Producers
Branding a Film Festival
2023
Both Joel and Olivia Enriquez, coprincipals at Luna Design International, developed the naming, identity, and visual system for the LVFSFF and its signature accolade, the Crisostomo Ibarra Awards
Their design reflects a layered cultural narrative: the Crisostomo Ibarra Award trophy, inspired by José Rizal’s revolutionary character, symbolizes transformation from idealism to activism, aligning with the festival’s mission of storytelling that “challenges the status quo and inspires change”
The branding deliberately embeds Filipino cultural references in symbolism and typography. The choice of Crisostomo Ibarra as the festival’s namesake award is emblematic—combining literary heritage with contemporary relevance. It underscores narrative arcs of transformation, heritage, and courage in Filipino identity
20242025
This visual identity serves not only aesthetic purposes but also cultural storytelling, elevating LVFSFF’s presence as a festival rooted in arts and advocacy.
In 2024, Olivia introduced the visual imagery of a ‘hip” Jose Rizal, making him more accessible and relatable to the Gen Z Filipino Americans now concerned with their diaspora, in their search for an identity. No longer are they just “blending” with their adoptive American culture, they want to discover more of their true selves and be proud of it.
Stepping Up For The Awards Night
The organizers of the Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival though its Marketing Director, Margie Llorente Gonzales, are proud to announce that the Philippine Times of Southern Nevada will officially take the lead in presenting this year’s Awards Night celebration. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the festival’s growth, as it partners with the region’s leading FilipinoAmerican publication to honor outstanding filmmakers and storytellers.
Meanwhile, the 2025 images so far released have kids!
Olive has this to say:
“Witty. Makes you happy. Lifts your spirit.
Why a kid with a cardboard camera filming a carabao?
Because that’s our metaphor: A child’s eye for wonder. A carabao’s unexpected charm.
And the Fil-Am gift of turning the ordinary into pure cinematic gold.”
This image reflects what LVFSFF is all about—resourceful storytelling, cultural pride, and unstoppable creativity.
The imagery seems to be a nod to last year’s winner in four categories. BATA, BATA KA LANG is a testament to a celebration of collective courage, a love letter to friendship, and proof that when kids recognize their rights and their voices, they can move mountains.
The Philippine Times will oversee the staging and production of the prestigious Crisostomo Ibarra Awards, further amplifying the festival’s mission to elevate Filipino voices in cinema and celebrate cultural excellence. Full event details and program announcements will follow shortly.
Margie Llorente-Gonzales Founder and Marketing Director
The LVFSFF Brand ID’s Evolution
Olive Loyola-Enriquez Communications Director
Manette Roxas-Thomas Operations Director
Shawn Rosen Technbical Director
OChicharon Confidential
The Snack That Bites Back:
Olivia Enriquez
Where in the Philippines Did It All Begin?
Like all great culinary treasures, chicharon has multiple claimants to its throne. Pampanga—our country’s culinary capital—claims ownership, its version so puffed and airy it’s practically a porkflavored balloon. Ilocos, not to be outdone, offers bagnet (which is practically chicharon’s meaty cousin that went to the gym and bulked up). Bulacan, ever the industrious province, churns out chicharon in volumes that could pave the North Luzon Expressway. And in every region, there’s always that tito insisting their hometown’s version is “the only one worth eating”—usually while crunching away without offering you any.
Historically, chicharon came with our Spanish colonial inheritance, the term itself from the Spanish chicharrón. The Iberian template—deep-fried pork skin—traveled across Latin America and Asia, but in the Philippines, we didn’t just adopt it. We perfected it. We made it ours with vinegar dips spiked with garlic and chili, the ultimate palate-waking sawsawan that could bring tears to your eyes, partly from spice and partly from joy.
“It’s crispy, it’s porky, it’s perilous. And yes — our ancestors were already eating it when Pigafetta first landed.”
How Chicharon Became the National
Soundtrack of Crunch and Cholesterol
In the vast galaxy of Filipino snacks, chicharon is the undisputed star—greasy, glorious, and proudly packed with cholesterol. It shows up in every form: bloated plastic bags at sari-sari stores, brown-paper-wrapped roadside treasures, or shrink-wrapped exports flaunting their puffed-up confidence in Asian supermarkets abroad. It’s our crunchy currency—the edible equivalent of a booming “Kumusta ka?” served with a crackle, a crunch, and just the right amount of guilt. Pro tip: never bring chicharon to a movie date. One bite and the entire theater will vote to evict you.
Enter the Chinese Merchants
The Rock Stars of Chicharon
Speaking of fame, there are brands that have risen to the pantheon of pork rind royalty.
Lapid’s in Manila, with its clear bags showing off the golden, blistered treasures, is practically a heritage brand. It’s the Baron of pork snacks—always recognizable, always worth it. Then there’s R. Lapid’s, because in true Filipino fashion, if there’s one Lapid making it big, a cousin will inevitably start their own version.
And let’s not forget Boy Bawang’s occasional flirtation with pork snacks—because who doesn’t want their snack aisle to feel like a high school reunion?
A Family Affair (and a NearTragedy)
Antonio Pigafetta, the Venetian scholar who chronicled Magellan’s 1521 voyage to the Philippines, did not write the word chicharon (it’s Spanish and came into play later), but he did describe feasting on pork in Cebu and surrounding islands. He noted that the local people cooked the whole pig, often roasting and rendering the fat. In some translated versions of his journal (Primo viaggio intorno al mondo), he mentions the skin being eaten — an early European account of what could be the ancestor of our beloved chicharon.
The detail is in his March–April 1521 entries:
“…they roast the pig, skin and all, and serve it with the skin browned and crackling…”
This would have been a version of what Visayans called inasal na baboy, which, once fried
or toasted further, becomes proto-chicharon. Pigafetta’s notes show that even before Spanish colonial rule took root, Filipinos were already reveling in pork skin’s crunch — an indulgence that outlived the galleons.
Norms and Rituals Around Pork In many early Visayan and Tagalog communities, pork dishes were status food. Serving crispy skin was a signal of wealth and generosity because it meant you’d slaughtered an entire animal for the occasion. Among some groups, the sharing of pork fat and skin was an intimate gesture, cementing alliances or kinship bonds — think of it as the precolonial version of a pulutan night.
Eating fatty pork skin wasn’t just indulgence; it was practical. In an age without refrigeration, rendering fat preserved its flavor and gave a portable, high-calorie snack for hunting and farming days.
When the Spaniards established their colonial foothold in the 16th century, they didn’t just bring priests and swords — they brought their pork-skin frying ways. Along with Iberian recipes came chicharrón, a Spanish-Mexican fried pork skin tradition that had already hopped the Atlantic to New Spain (Mexico).
From there, the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade became the crunchy conveyor belt linking Mexican culinary influence with the Philippines. In Mexico, chicharrones ranged from meaty slabs fried in lard to airy street snacks dusted with chili and lime. Filipino cooks adopted the frying technique but paired it with local vinegar dips instead of chili-lime — a distinction that still defines our version today.
The Chicharon Family
Chinese merchants in Manila’s Parián district also left their mark.
Familiar with crisp pork belly (siu yuk) and drying techniques, they helped normalize pork-skin preservation and bulk production. In Binondo, pork skin was sold alongside dried seafood and longganisa, transforming chicharon from feast-day indulgence to an anytime snack.
While China doesn’t have a snack called chicharon, there are similar dishes in texture and preparation:
Siu Yuk (Roasted Pork Belly with Crackling) Cantonese roast pork belly with a blistered, shatter-crisp skin. The skin is roasted rather than deep-fried, but the crunch is on par with chicharon
Zha Pigskin
Deep-fried dried pork skin, often rehydrated first, then fried until puffy. Used in soups, braised dishes, or served as a snack.
In my family, chicharon wasn’t just a snack — it was an event. My aunt in Quiapo, who ran a butcher shop, would send us home with slabs of dried pork skin promising future crunch. One day, we decided to fry it ourselves. Big mistake. The skin puffed like a balloon, oil sputtered everywhere, and a small fire broke out in the kitchen. Someone panicked and threw water (never do this!), and lola started praying. Thankfully, we contained the blaze — and still ate the burnt chicharon. No one died, but let this be your warning: frying chicharon is not for the faint of heart — or the underinsured.
Beyond the kitchen, chicharon has woven itself into our cultural fabric. It’s the default pasalubong from Pampanga, the token offering when visiting relatives you don’t know well enough to buy a real gift. It’s the pulutan of choice when the beer starts flowing, and the crunch punctuates stories and laughter. It’s the snack you bring to a balikbayan friend abroad, where each bite is an instant teleportation to home. Because not all chicharon are created equal — some are puffier, some are crunchier, and some could make a vegan faint. By the late Spanish period and into the early 20th century, chicharon had gone regional: Pampanga mastered airy, puffed skins — the aristocrats of the snack world. Bulacan industrialized them into neat, export-friendly rounds. Cebu’s chicharon carcar kept a meaty bite. Ilocos offered bagnet, a main dish with chicharon ambitions. And here’s a brief Chicharon factoid.
Chicharon Laman
The classic: pork rind with a sliver of fat still clinging to it. The Holy Grail for those who want both crunch and melt-in-your-mouth sinful softness. Best eaten with vinegar or Papaya Achara.
Chicharon Without Laman (Puro Skin)
Just skin, no fat. The “diet” version, if you can say that without choking on your own laughter. Best with soda or beer. Feels lighter but still 100% cholesterol-powered.
Chicharon Bulaklak Frilly, curly, floral-looking deep-fried pork intestines. Called “bulaklak” (flower) to sound romantic, but make no mistake — this is pure artery art. Usually paired with icecold beer, a vinegar dip, and bad decisions.
Bagnet
Ilocos pride. Technically deepfried pork belly, but bite into its blistered skin and you’ll hear the same crunch angels make when they walk on clouds. You can pretend it’s a main dish to justify the portion size.
Chicharon Bituka (Small Intestine)
Chewier than its bulaklak cousin. For the true carnivore who doesn’t mind knowing exactly which part of the pig they’re eating. Extra good when crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Chicharon Carabao (Cow Version Exists Too)
A product of Cagayan, it is Leaner, tougher, and usually made from water buffalo or beef hide. Chewing it can double as a jaw workout — perfect if you skipped the gym
Chicken Skin Chicharon
The poultry version for those who claim they’ve “cut down on red meat.” Best eaten with rice, beer, or straight from a paper bag while standing in front of a street vendor pretending you’re “just buying a snack.”
Bucheron
Popular in Visayas and parts of Mindanao, bucheron is typically made from deepfried pork belly or leaner cuts sliced into strips, then twicefried until golden, dry, and crunchy all the way through — no puff, just bite.
Pigafetta and the Earliest Recorded “Chicharon”
From Galleons to Grocery Aisles: Chicharon’s Long Crunchy March
Food Styling and Photography: OLE/ Luna Design International
