Fil-Am makes history as interim mayor of Oakland, California
Nikki Fortunato Bas is set to make double history when she begins her term as Alameda County supervisor
oAKLAND – A filipino American has been making double history these past weeks and will continue to do so as 2025 unfolds.
Nikki fortunato Bas, a lifelong community organizer and defender of worker rights, is leading the executive office as interim mayor of this most populous city on the eastern rim of san francisco Bay. the New York-born daughter of filipino immigrants is the first fil-Am woman to own the title in oakland, a port city of some 440,000 residents.
Bas assumed mayorship Dec. 17 upon departure of mayor sheng thao, who was recalled two years after being elected.
Not long after taking office, thao, the first hmong American elected to lead a major
How Biden lost the ‘narrative war’ on immigration
WhICh administration helped 3.5 million people complete the citizenship process, more than any other administration in history, issuing 4.3 million green cards for permanent residency? Which administration restored refugee admissions slashed by the previous president, expanding pathways for legal immigration to ease border pressures, while doubling the length of work authorizations for foreign nationals. And which administration granted temporary legal status to the highest number of immigrants in recent history? the answer, surprisingly to many Americans and even to immigrants, is President Joe Biden.
Yet, when people think of Biden’s record on immigration, the word “successful” rarely comes to mind. most analysts agree that the perception of an out-ofcontrol border—combined with inflation’s
Marcos pays tribute to late US President Jimmy Carter
mANILA— President ferdinand marcos Jr. joined international leaders in paying tribute to former United states President Jimmy Carter, who died peacefully at his home on monday, December 30, at the age of 100.
In a statement released monday, marcos honored Carter's lifelong commitment to humanitarian causes and public service.
"Jimmy Carter was a humanitarian who practiced what he preached: houses for the homeless and human rights for the oppressed," marcos said.
"Guided by his faith, he was a servant leader who pursued peace in places torn by war and prosperity in societies broken by want."
the president emphasized how Carter's values were universal and resonated with filipinos, describing these as "the cornerstone of a better, kinder society." marcos also praised Carter's dedication to public service both during and after his presidency, noting that he was driven "not by politics nor personal gain, but by pure love to one's fellowmen."
Carter, the longest-lived U.s president in history, passed away "peacefully" surrounded by his family at his home in Plains, Georgia, according to the Carter Center. the former president, who led the United states from 1977 to 1981, was renowned for his diplomatic
Hopefulness among Filipinos for New Year hits 15-year low – SWS
by Jean ManGaluz Philstar.com
mANILA — fewer filipinos are set to enter 2025 with hope, as the social Weather stations (sWs) recorded the highest number of people who are fearful of what the New Year will bring. the sWs found that 90% of respondents remain hopeful about the New Year. While this is still a significant portion of the population, it is also the lowest figure recorded since 2009, when 89% expressed hope.
In contrast, 96% of filipinos were hopeful for the New Year in 2023. the sWs noted, “10% will enter the New Year with fear, up by 7 points from 3% in 2023. this is the highest since 11% in 2009.” hopefulness for the New Year declined across all areas, with the following decreases recorded:
• Metro Manila: 91% in 2024; 97% in 2023 (down six points)
• Balance Luzon: 92% in 2024; 97% in 2023 (down five points)
Comelec slammed for allowing Quiboloy in 2025 polls
by Mayen JayMalin Philstar.com
mANILA — the Workers’ and Peasants’ Party (WPP) on sunday, December 29 criticized the Commission on elections for ruling in favor of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is currently in detention on charges of alleged human trafficking and child sex abuse. Party president sonny matula said the Comelec rewarded a lawbreaker by allowing Quiboloy to run in next year’s senatorial race. this isn’t just an insult to the democratic process – it’s an
insult to logic and fairness. Why reward someone with a track record of breaking the law over a candidate with a clean slate?” matula said.
he issued the statement after Comelec upheld a previous decision dismissing a petition to declare Quiboloy as a nuisance bet.
matula said the Comelec’s decision is contrary to reason and justice.
“With all due respect, Comelec’s decision-making seems to have lost its anchor in reason. how can you justify a process that allows for piecemeal justice? It’s not just
achievements, including the Camp David Accords between Israel and egypt. After his presidency, he founded the Carter Center in 1982, focusing on humanitarian work and conflict resolution.
Carter's engagement with the Philippines was marked by both strategic military alliances and human rights advocacy. Writing to ousted dictator and the late President ferdinand marcos sr. on April 2, 1977 — four years into martial law in the Philippines — Carter sidestepped direct criticism of mounting human rights violations under marcos' watch. the U.s. leader wrote: "I personally attach major u PAGE 2
mANILA — the net trust ratings of both President ferdinand marcos Jr. and Vice President sara Duterte decreased in December 2024, a commissioned survey done by the social Weather stations (sWs) showed. In a statement posted on its website on monday, December 30, sWs confirmed that it conducted a survey on the two highest officials’ trust ratings with questions sponsored by stratbase Consultancy, a research think-tank that provides insights regarding the government’s policy-making processes. In the nationwide survey, marcos got a net trust rating score of +29, while Duterte got a score of +23. marcos’ scores were down four points, from his +33 in september 2024. on the other hand, Duterte lost six points, from +29 in september 2024.
According to sWs, it conducted the survey from December 12 to 18 among 2,160 filipino adults who were asked to describe their trust of the two officials — if it was much, somewhat much, somewhat little, or very little.
China creating ‘script’ to justify aggression in West Philippine Sea – PCG
by Ghio onG Philstar.com
mANILA — Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay tarriela accused China of coming up with a “script” that claims both PCG patrol vessels and filipino fishing boats disrupt Beijing’s sovereignty over the south China sea, including the West Philippine sea, to justify its provocations towards Philippine forces.
“If they claim that it is a
by Gabriel Pabico lalu Inquirer.net
The presence of the China Coast Guard (CCG) persists despite the effort of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to block them and assist the four main vessels of the second civilian resupply
“Kingdom of Jesus founder Apollo Quiboloy filed his certificate of candidacy for a Senate seat through his lawyer Mark Tolentino at the Manila Hotel tent on Oct. 8, 2024. Philstar.com photo by Ian Laqui
Hopefulness among Filipinos for New Year hits...
• Visayas: 87% in 2024; 93% in 2023 (down six points)
• Mindanao: 89% in 2024; 96% in 2023 (down seven points)
Declining in hope the survey also revealed that hopefulness declined across all education levels compared to 2023. Among college graduates, the hopeful proportion dropped from 98% to 96%. for those with some senior high school education, it fell from 96% to 93%. Among junior high school
graduates, it declined from 96% to 91%, while the proportion of hopeful respondents who only completed elementary school decreased from 97% to 89%. for those with no formal education, hopefulness dropped from 93% to 83%.
The happiness factor the survey also noted a correlation between those who anticipated a happy Christmas and those who are hopeful for the New Year. however, fewer filipinos expected a merry Christmas
this year, with the percentage dropping from 73% in 2023 to 65% in 2024. the sWs conducted the survey from December 12 to 18 through face-to-face interviews with 2,160 adults: 1,080 from Balance Luzon and 360 each from metro manila, the Visayas, and mindanao. the sampling error margins are ±2% for national percentages, ±3% for Balance Luzon, and ±5% for metro manila, the Visayas, and mindanao,” the sWs reported. n
Comelec slammed for allowing Quiboloy...
illogical; it’s a disservice to the filipino people,” he said. the WPP is filing a petition with the supreme Court seeking to overturn what it
describes as a “grossly unfair and discriminatory” Comelec ruling.
It further questioned Quiboloy’s failure to comply with a crucial deadline to submit
an answer to the petition within five days. this is not just a technical lapse – it’s a blatant mockery and trivialization of the electoral process,” matula said. n
Pres. Marcos, VP Duterte trust ratings dip...
At least 54 percent of respondents said they had much trust in marcos, while 19 percent were undecided, and 25 percent had little trust. for Duterte, 52 percent said they had much trust in the vice president, 17 percent were undecided, and 29 percent had little trust.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte
“overall, among the 98% aware of ferdinand marcos, Jr., 54% said they have much trust (% very much trust plus % somewhat much trust), 19% were undecided, and 25% said they have little trust (% very much trust plus % somewhat much trust) in him. this gives a net trust rating of moderate +29 (% much trust minus % little trust), down by 4 points from good +33 in september 2024,” the sWs said.
“Among the 98% aware of sara Duterte, 52% said they have much trust (% very much trust plus % somewhat much trust), 17% were undecided, and 29% said they have little trust (% very much trust plus % somewhat much trust) in her. this gives a net trust rating of moderate +23, down by 6 points from moderate +29 in september 2024,” it added.
A higher percentage of residents from Luzon and Visayas trusted marcos — 52 percent in metro manila, 66 percent in Balance Luzon, and 54 percent in Visayas — compared to respondents in mindanao, which was at only 33 percent. similarly, higher numbers pointing to little trust towards marcos were in mindanao, at 42 percent of respondents, compared to just 31 percent in metro manila, 16 percent in Luzon, and 24 percent in mindanao. meanwhile, Duterte enjoyed
huge trust from respondents in her bailiwick of mindanao: 83 percent of surveyed residents in the area said they trusted the vice president, compared to just 41 percent in metro manila, 38 percent in Balance Luzon, and 57 in the Visayas. Distrust towards Duterte was also lowest in mindanao, at only 10 percent, followed by Visayas (26 percent), Balance Luzon (37 percent), and metro manila (40 percent). this is not the first survey to indicate that marcos and Duterte — part of the Uniteam campaign tandem that broke up in 2024 — have experienced decreases in their trust ratings.
Last December 21, a Pulse Asia survey revealed that marcos’ approval rating dropped from 50 percent to 48 percent in september, while his trust rating also fell from 50 percent to 47 percent in the same month. meanwhile, Duterte’s ratings also showed a downward trend with her approval rating dropping from 60 percent in september to 50 percent in December — a 10-point decrease. Also, the vice president’s trust rating went down from 61 percent in september to just 49 percent in
December. the sWs said face-to-face interviews were done to obtain the survey results, with the 2,160 respondents subdivided into the following: 1,080 in Balance Luzon, and 360 each in metro manila, Visayas, and mindanao. the polling firm said it maintained sampling error margins of ±2% for national percentages, ±3% in Balance Luzon, and ±5% each for metro manila, Visayas, and mindanao. face-to-face is the standard interviewing method for social Weather Stations; the only exceptions were early in the pandemic when movement restrictions made face-to-face impossible and mobile phone interviews were conducted. Normal face-to-face field operations resumed in November 2020,” the sWs said. the area estimates were weighted by the Philippine statistics Authority mediumpopulation projections for 2024 to obtain the national estimates […] sWs employs its own staff for questionnaire design, sampling, fieldwork, data processing, and analysis and does not outsource any of its survey operations,” it added. n
Fil-Am makes history as interim mayor of...
U.s. city, drew heavy criticism for firing the police chief and persistent city problems.
the fBI raided her home in the summer but has not stated what they were investigating. sheng has denied any wrongdoing.
Bas, who did not support the ouster of her former fellow City Council member, reacted to the recall in a statement on X, noting thao’s service and “unwavering commitment to advancing priorities that best meet the needs of our residents.”
“I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished over these past two years and feel immensely grateful for the entirety of mayor thao’s career in public service,” she said of her predecessor and ally.
As president of the oakland City Council, Bas was next in line to the mayorship in case of a vacancy. she will be acting mayor until the new City Council convenes Jan. 6 and votes among themselves on who will be the new Council president, who will then be acting mayor until a special election takes place on April 15.
“We believe in this city, and we will fight for this city, so we are working to ensure our leadership is strong and that we again are singularly focused on the issues before us,” Bas said at a news conference following her installation. “And those issues are making sure that we address
both our current budget and our two-year budget.” on monday, Dec. 30, Bas and Police Chief floyd mitchell will preside over a news conference to announce the record lowest rate of homicide and other developments in their city. oakland, where she and husband Brad erickson and their daughter Balana have lived for 27 years, is beautiful, she says, with a “rich history in terms of activism for Blacks, Asians and Latinos, with a
and
Fil-Am makes history as interim mayor of...
PAGE 3 her to take their cause to the local legislative level and address their needs from within.
‘Recruited’ on Jan. 6, Bas herself will be taking on yet another unprecedented role for a filipino American in Alameda County or in any of the eight other Bay Area counties when she swears into the Board of supervisors.
An avowed progressive, Bas gained 71,207 or 50.15 percent of total votes over opponent John J. Bauters’ 70,782 or 49.85 percent of votes to represent District 5. the district covers Albany, Berkeley, emeryville, Piedmont and parts of oakland including West oakland, North oakland, and the North hills areas.
the County Board of supervisors is traditional trajectory for most City Council members, but Bas was not girding for another campaign late last year, having only begun her second term on the council.
In December 2023, however, supervisor Keith Carson, who had represented District 5 for over 30 years, announced his retirement shortly after the deadline to file candidacy for the march 4 race. had he sought reelection, the three-decade incumbent would have run unopposed.
“While I am physically ready for another term, I believe it is time for new energy that reflects the evolving needs of District 5,” he told reporters after his surprise announcement, quelling speculation for the decision. service on the Board of supervisors is “generational, there are no term limits,” Bas enlightened Inquirer.net UsA on the longstanding service of county representatives.
“People had five days to decide to run,” the surprised Bas recalled. “But again, I was ‘recruited’ by community organizations to take the opportunity for stronger representation.”
Nine candidates placed their names on the ballot, including three City Council members. Bas was the newest elected to contest the position.
Despite the fact that Bauters, an emeryville Council member, got Carson’s endorsement in the November finals, Bas triumphed. she had also topped the primary with 34.05 percent over Bauter’s 20.7 percent.
Carson had touted
“housing and homelessness, transportation, sustainability, health care and mental health, and re-entry support” as his priorities – issues Bas is known to support vigorously. the campaign, though short, was “frustrating,” Bass referred to “negative political attacks” she blames on big tech and entities opposing her progressive policies but failed to sway voters.
Strength from adversity Backing down from a challenge is not something Bas is known to do.
five years ago she won in her first bid to represent District 2 of the oakland City Council, becoming the first filipino American to join the body governing the most populous city on the east Bay, the third largest in the nine Bay Area counties and the eighth in the state, according to most estimates. that was 2019, months before the coronavirus outbreak would hit this country, leading to “one of the hardest periods in our lifetime,” Bas characterizes her freshman year. hers was a baptism by fire with the consequences wrought by the pandemic and ensuing “racial reckoning,” a perfect storm that tested her commitment to serve. for the past four years, she has been president of the City Council, drawing on her experience working with diverse philosophies and personalities to build consensus and be productive.
summing up her accomplishments in her reelection appeal, Bas presented a list: “expanded violence prevention and alternative crisis response programs; building tiny homes on public land, preventing evictions during CoVID, helping tenants buy their homes with land trusts; increased hazard pay for frontline workers, and creation of a progressive corporate tax for greater economic equity.”
A recurring theme in her decision-making process is accountability and collaboration, which her first chief of staff miya saika-Chen has touted.
“You lead with love and compassion and street smarts,” Chen complimented her ex-boss at a campaign sortie. she brought together very siloed departments to work on budget and policy. that level
of organizing and collaboration is just so valuable,” Chen emphasized.
fellow social justice champion Cynthia Bonta praises Bas’ “purity of heart and her clarity of journey along justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and her north star that’s her immigrant parents and ancestors through Philippine and fil-Am history’s liberation struggles.”
she will bring fresh unwavering energy to Alameda County starting with affordable housing for all as a human right,” Bonta shared her expectation of Bas’ impact on the County Board of supervisors.
Intimates and associates alike are well aware of the root of Bas’ fortitude. her parents mauricio and fe Bas taught her resolve in their choice to further medical studies in this country, where she and her three brothers were born. from her Dad, a retired doctor, she learned courage and determination as he successfully challenged his employer hospital’s faulty administration that had cost a patient’s life.
even constituents are aware that Bas’ altruism was born of her experience as a survivor of sexual assault that happened when she was in college. It is a lived experience she brings up in her self-introduction. the most unimaginable thing happened,” she says on her campaign video, disclosing what motivated her to “spend my life fighting for justice, fighting so no other woman could experience that type of sexual violence and exploitation.” that commitment broadened to organizing for justice for “the rights of workers…of people on the frontline environmental justice communities, for the rights of women to have autonomy over our bodies.”
she takes a “holistic approach” to public safety, informed by her and others’ experience as violence survivors to “provide the core services that will allow our young people to have a quality education with health care, a home and a job,” basic needs that define quality of life.
she is more than ready to get started collaborating on the Board of supervisors with its woman-majority board she envisions as a “game changer” in her quest for social justice.
(cherie Querol Moreno/inquirer. net)
As AI-denied health insurance claims rise, so does nationwide frustration
the killing of Unitedhealthcare
Ceo Brian thompson sparked a national debate over rising health care costs and claim denials.
AI is used to deny millions of health insurance claims today, while two-thirds of health care organizations plan to increase AI spending in the next three years.
The health insurance landscape and AI
“health insurance is often the most dysfunctional, fragile and poorly functioning example of the fraught relationship between policy holders and insurers across the insurance industry,” said Dr. Katherine hempstead, senior policy officer at the robert Wood Johnson foundation, at a friday, December 20 ethnic media services briefing on AI-denied health insurance claims.
“In health insurance, we have a few things that increase that mistrust,” she continued.
“As opposed to a one-time claim, like in life insurance, you have ongoing contact between insurers and policy holders — often when people are ill or feel like their future health is at stake … there’s a fundamental powerlessness for policyholders
when providers say something is necessary, but insurers say it’s not … and there’s a tremendous amount of fragmentation as to what’s covered between states or between plans.”
A November 2024 Gallup poll found that Americans’ rating of U.s. health care is at its lowest since 2001, with 44% saying the quality is excellent or good and 28% saying the coverage is excellent or good.
Why are Americans growing increasingly dissatisfied with this system now?
“one reason, ironically, is that more people are covered under managed care and medicare Advantage plans –which is a great thing, but it’s one of the environments where issues around denied claims for services and often life-changing medications — like GLP drugs for diabetes and obesity — are coming to a head,” hempstead said.
medicare Advantage (mA) is a medicare-approved private health plan, covering seniors and people with disabilities.
An october 2024 report released by the U.s senate found that the three largest mA companies — Unitedhealthcare, humana and
CVs, together covering 60% of enrollees — drastically increased algorithm-automated claim denials between 2019 and 2022 and systematically limited postacute (PA) care, including home health services and long-term hospital care, to maximize profits.
Unitedhealthcare’s PA denial rate rose from 10.9% in 2020 to 22.7% in 2022 as the company ramped up automation; Humana’s PA denial rate was 16 times higher than its overall denials; and CVS’ PA denials were unchanged even as PA requests surged by 57.5%.
“When people appeal, and especially when the press is involved, many times the decision changes, which can drive a lot of cynicism on the part of people who feel rightly that insurers will try to get away with denying services until they’re exposed or pressured,” explained hampstead. “that drives inequity by disadvantaging people who don’t speak english as their first language, or are lower-income or less-educated, and so are less likely to dispute a decision.”
At the heart of increasing claim denials is the use of prior authorization, the process requiring insurance approval before a patient can get a service
by Selen ozturk Ethnic Media Services
BUSIER DAYS AHEAD. It’s still a normal day for vegetable and fruit vendors at Nepa Q-Mart in Quezon City on Saturday, Dec. 28. They expect the influx of buyers from Sunday, Dec. 29 to New Year’s Eve.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Commissioner Lara issues landmark regulation to expand insurance access for Californians amid growing climate risks
Measure is final major step in historic reform to expand insurance coverage across California
sACrAmeNto — Insurance
Commissioner ricardo Lara on monday, December 30 announced the final major step in his sustainable Insurance strategy, issuing a historic regulation aimed at restoring stability to California’s insurance market while addressing the growing risks of wildfires and climate change.
the new Net Cost of reinsurance in ratemaking regulation requires insurance companies – for the first time –to increase coverage in high-risk areas, ensuring more options for Californians while limiting the costs passed on to consumers. the regulation works handin-hand with other reforms that Commissioner Lara has spearheaded that will have the effect of increasing insurance coverage options for Californians across the state.
“Californians deserve a reliable insurance market that doesn’t retreat from communities most vulnerable to wildfires and climate change,” said Commissioner Lara. “this is a historic moment for California. my sustainable Insurance strategy is focused on addressing the challenges we face today and building a resilient insurance market for the future. With input from thousands of residents throughout California, this reform balances protecting consumers with the need to strengthen our market against climate risks.”
reinsurance is a financial tool that is part of how insurance companies manage their risk portfolios associated with the policies they write to homeowners and business owners. Its roots date back to the 14th century, when merchants and traders sought ways to spread the risks of perilous ocean voyages, often relying on multiple insurers to cover their ventures. today, as climate risks escalate across the nation, reinsurance has become an even more imperative component of insurance companies operating in high-risk and distressed areas, including California. modernizing regulations around reinsurance will enable insurance companies to expand coverage and write
more policies in communities across the state facing greater risk, ensuring stability and resilience in our insurance market.
All other states except California allow for costs of reinsurance in rates and, in 2023, the first systematic review of climate risk strategies by Ceres and the California Department of Insurance revealed that reinsurance is the primary strategy most insurance companies use to continue to write and expand coverage in higher risk parts of California and across the country.
At a glance
What it means: Insurance
companies must increase coverage in wildfire-prone regions, ensuring they write policies for at least 85% of their statewide market share, with annual increases until the threshold is met. more coverage for Californians in wildfire-distressed areas: All homeowners insurance companies must increase the writing of comprehensive policies in wildfire distressed areas equivalent to no less than 85% of their statewide market share, whereas there is no current legal requirement today for insurers to provide any coverage in highrisk areas. Companies will have to continue to increase by 5% every two years until they meet this threshold.
Cost caps: the regulation treats reinsurance like other insurance company expenses allowed under Prop. 103 today –such as claims handling or agent commissions – by establishing an industry-wide standard cost of reinsurance and capping the amount of reinsurance costs that can be charged to consumers. Companies spending more than the industry standard cannot pass these costs onto their policyholders.
Greater efficiency: establishing a standard cost based on an index of what insurance companies spend encourages them to be efficient and compete for the best price for reinsurance, so consumers get the best value.
California-only costs: the regulation limits costs to
California-only, so consumers do not pay for the cost of Gulf Coast hurricanes or midwest windstorms. reliable rates: the regulation goes hand-in-hand with forwardlooking wildfire catastrophe models that can better predict future rates. Under the current system of historical data, insurance consumers are paying balloon premiums and rate spikes after major wildfires, without increased availability.
Prevents “modelshopping”: model shopping” describes when insurance companies choose one model that produces higher rates for consumers, and another that lowers their reinsurance costs. to prevent model shopping, the regulation requires insurance companies utilize the same model for both. this promotes more consistent approaches to assessing risks, and balances the scales for consumers.
Largest insurance reform in 30 years: the new regulation is the final major element of the largest insurance reform in 30 years for California. the Department held multiple workshops and hearings in 2024, including a meeting on December 5 which was attended by more than 500 people and received 70 verbal and written comments which helped shape this regulation.
Commissioner Lara has met with tens of thousands of Californians in all 58 counties across the state since taking office as well as testifying at four legislative briefings about his sustainable Insurance strategy over the past year. Commissioner Lara announced on December 13 that he had finalized a wildfire catastrophe modeling regulation with a requirement for insurers to increase their policy offerings in underserved areas of the state as a condition of incorporating catastrophe modeling into ratemaking. these two regulatory efforts work together, with other sustainable Insurance strategy reforms, to increase the availability of homeowners and commercial insurance policies in wildfire distressed areas.
(cA Dep’t of insurance release)
China creating ‘script’ to justify...
How Biden lost the ‘narrative war’ on...
impact on Americans’ wallets— was a key factor in republican challenger and President-elect Donald J. trump’s victory.
however, experts at the non-partisan migration Policy Institute (mPI), who closely monitor presidential actions on immigration, argue that Biden’s record was far better than public perception suggests.
“I think the legacy of a president is how much impact you have on people’s lives on a daily basis,” said muzaffar Chishti, a senior fellow at mPI, during a Dec. 17 briefing.
Chishti highlighted Biden’s shift on immigration enforcement priorities—from trump’s broad “deport anyone, anywhere” approach to a more targeted focus on new arrivals at the border. “If you were a long-term unauthorized resident in this country, there was more than an 80% chance that nothing would happen to you,” Chishti said.
Biden’s Administration also ended the controversial “family detention” practice and restored legal immigration processes to pre-CoVID, pretrump norms.
Despite these achievements, speakers—including outside experts from media and advocacy organizations—acknowledged administration mistakes, shortcomings in media coverage, and the focus of the pro-immigrant movement. these missteps, they argued, undermined the Biden administration’s successes and amplified its perceived failures on immigration, one of which was the increasing numbers of people crossing the border.
“the increase in overall numbers of arrivals and the changing demographics of those arrivals has presented a challenge for border authorities in terms of capacity and processing ability,” said mPI Associate Policy Analyst Coleen Putzel-Kavanaugh, noting the disconnect between outdate immigration laws created to respond to the influx of largely mexican men seeking work with the reality of immigration patterns today, which are increasingly more diverse in origin, and involve whole families seeking protection. the challenge at the border overshadowed the positive,” indicated Chishti. “Biden’s election itself became a pull
factor because he had promised during the campaign that he would undo the cruel immigration border policies of the prior administration, and the numbers began to reach record levels.” more importantly, said the expert, “the administration refused to call it a crisis.”
Instead, the issue was defined by the opposition: republican governors from 16 states filed lawsuits to block most policy changes initiated by the Biden Administration and engaged in “orchestrated busing of immigrants by the governors of texas and florida,” which “brought the border to the interior with large numbers of newly arrived migrants heavily concentrated in certain cities like New York, Chicago, and Denver, that were already facing housing shortages,” added Putzel-Kavanaugh. In the end, the Administration introduced several “carrot and stick” approaches that have precipitously reduced the flow at the border, but many saw this as “too little, too late,” said the experts. the role of the media in shaping public perception was another key focus of the mPI briefing. rafael Bernal, an immigration journalist for the hill, said that despite some good immigration reporters, most media outlets prioritize sensationalism over substance. the press did a terrible job in general of covering these issues and continues to,” Bernal said. “Because of the media structure and how these companies make money, we need a lot of clicks. And what gets clicks is more aligned with political posturing and not with policy.” others argued that the Administration’s communication strategy exacerbated the problem.
marielena hincapie, a former executive director of the National Immigration Law Center, now a visiting scholar at Cornell Law school, said Biden’s advisors failed to grasp the importance of controlling the narrative. this was a narrative war, and they refused to call it a crisis when voters were seeing it on their screens,” she said. she also pointed out that Democrats, who held a majority in Congress at the start of Biden’s term, chose not to prioritize im-
migration reform. Congress has the authority to create immigration laws but continues to be absent from taking any measures on the issue, mostly because of opposition by republicans but also inaction by many Democrats who see it as a losing issue. the pro-immigrant movement also came under scrutiny for its strategic missteps. hincapie said the movement focused narrowly on achieving citizenship for the undocumented while neglecting broader public engagement.
“We were talking in a very insular way, only pretty much to ourselves,” she said. “We lost track of the fact that this is a narrative war about remaking America for the next 10, 15, 20, 30 years.”
All of that obscured the Biden record of decreasing backlogs, benefiting millions of immigrants with permanent or “twilight” (temporary) statuses, and protecting long-term immigrant families at a time of record border crossings seeking asylum and protection of any kind.
“You could look at the Biden legacy from two different lenses. on legal immigration, they finally brought an old archaic system into the 21st century with modernization and innovation and technology (which was used to provide appointments, like the CBP one App at the border)”, said Chishti. however, on the border side, because of massive numbers of crossers and a combination of factors, “it was seen as porous and out-of-control, and the measures that eventually were put in place had detractors on all sides of the political spectrum.” even as the Administration ends, border crossings are drastically down, a significant step getting little attention.
“Ironically,” said Chisti, “this Administration is handing trump a much more controlled border and a more robust legal immigration system…. for which they don’t expect any thank you notes”. (Pilar Marrerro/Ethnic Media Services)
Philippine side repeatedly organized its coast guard vessels and fishing boats to violate China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, and undermine peace and stability in the south China sea, while playing victim to elicit sympathy from and cause confusion in the international community.”
In his X post, tarriela called on China to resolve issues in the
West Philippine sea by “adhering to international law rather than resorting to aggression against ordinary civilian fishermen who are simply trying to make a living within our country’s exclusive economic zone.” n
As AI-denied health insurance claims rise...
“We have tools like prior authorization and automation to try to expedite delays, curb over-prescriptions and impose guardrails on health care spending, which is very high in the U.s.,” said Dr. miranda Yaver, assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh. “But errors are one thing in a lowstake setting, and quite another in health care. We’re spending a lot on health care that isn’t care at all but administration.”
Nearly $1 out of every $5 spent in the U.s. is spent on health care, which represents 17% of the national GDP; in 1960, it represented 5%, or 1$ out of every $20. meanwhile, 30 cents on every medical dollar spent — roughly $750 billion annually — goes to administrative costs. Although U.s. health care spending has skyrocketed, so have out-of-pocket costs spent by all Americans, with health insurance or not, on health care not paid for by a plan. these costs have soared from $115 in 1970 (adjusted for 2024 inflation, $677) to $1,425 per person in 2022, not including money spent on monthly health insurance premiums. for her book “Coverage
Denied: how health Insurers
Drive Inequality in the United states,” upcoming in 2026, Yaver surveyed 1,340 adults nationwide and found 36% experienced at least one claim denial, with 60% of these facing multiple.
“No matter who you are, you’re vulnerable to this, but the effects can cause the most inequities for people from marginalized groups less likely to realize they can appeal,” she said. even when people are successful in appealing these automated denials, we need to think about the equity costs … It’s time-consuming, physically and emotionally taxing, and can
be expensive.” Limiting AI “It’s unfortunate that we’re pretty much the only industrialized country that operates in this way,” said California state senator Josh Becker, author of the Physicians make Decisions Act (sB 1120) limiting the scope of AI by requiring doctors to make final decisions on what treatment patients receive, and to oversee decisions made by AI like claim requests and prior authorization. the bill was signed by Governor Newsom last september and takes effect January 5, 2025.
reading images, but we’re talking about ensuring appropriate health care decisions that only trained physicians can make, and this holds significant risks,” Becker continued. In 2023, for example, Cigna healthcare faced a California lawsuit on the grounds that the company used AI algorithms to refuse over 300,000 pre-approved claims over two months in the previous year, with an alleged 1.2 seconds spent to reject each claim and 80% of customer-appealed claims being overturned.
“We need the human element to ensure that health care decisions prioritize patient well-being over automated processes,” he explained, adding that his bill — which faced general opposition by insurance companies and support by physicians’ groups including the California medical Association — “flew a bit under the radar. there wasn’t as much public attention on the issue as there is now … but we’ve already had other states contact us, and had the federal government and some members of Congress reach out as well. We’re hoping that this is another example where people will follow California’s lead.” there will be important roles for AI in detecting disease or
Cigna covers or administers health plans for 18 million Americans. the suit alleged that a single Cigna medical director, Cheryl Dopke, rejected roughly 60,000 claims in one month. that same year, in 2023, forprofit health insurance companies made $70.7 billion in profits — “maybe due in part to practices like these denials,” said Becker. “evidently, they’re doing a pretty good job of cost containment.”
Pilar Marrero is Associate Editor of EMS and a long-term writer on immigration. Her 2012 book, Killing the American Dream, chronicles the failures and mishaps on U.S. immigration policy over the last three decades or prescription.
“If you’re denying claims every 1.2 seconds, you’re not really looking at what patients need,” he added. “We just shouldn’t have to spend so much of our health care dollars negotiating these claims. Let’s focus more money on care for patients who need it.” (Selen ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)
photo by Ivan Samkov
OPiniOn Features
No RIP for Rizal
It’s regrettable that the nation is commemorating the 128th anniversary of the execution of Jose Rizal amid protests over the insufficiency of funding for the education sector.
rizal was fortunate to have obtained formal education in top universities abroad. he understood how education can empower people and lead to emancipation from poverty. he wanted the filipino masses – not just the wealthy elite and the small middle class – to be educated first before the country would become independent from spain. today, there is universal free education from kindergarten to college. It is, however, free education on a shoestring budget compared to the resources poured into the sector by other Asian countries. there is a continuing backlog in classrooms. teachers, who have to beg for every meaningful increase in their pay, continue to seek greener pastures overseas. the consequences include large, unwieldy class sizes and shorter hours in school, which further hinder proper education.
Editorial
the declining quality of education is evident in the country’s progressive fall in international surveys on national competitiveness. the deterioration was validated in the results of the two times that the country participated in the Program for International student Assessment, in 2018 and 2022. education officials said they wanted the Philippines to participate in the PIsA to determine how much work needed to be done in the sector. While the nation knew that the quality of education
oN January 20, 2025, Donald
J. trump will be sworn in at the West Lawn of the U.s. Capitol as the 47th president of the United states. thousands of visitors are expected to come to Washington, D.C. to take part in this historic event in one way or another –with the National mall teeming with spectators and thousands lining up along Pennsylvania Avenue to watch the president’s entourage make their way to the White house during the ceremonial parade. As early as october, luxury hotels in Washington were already getting fully booked, with reservations blocked out from Jan. 14 to 21 and room rates increasing by as much as 1,000 percent. According to Destination D.C., a nonprofit corporation that supports the travel and tourism sector, bookings for the inauguration weekend are now at 50 percent and expected to go higher as Jan. 20 comes closer, since hotel occupancy rates usually surpass 90 percent during inaugurations.
A complete list on road
the world is heading into 2025 with high uncertainty. And no factor has contributed more to this unpredictable environment than the reelection of Donald trump as the United states President. the U.s. is the world’s biggest economy ($27.4 trillion), the biggest importer of goods ($3.17 trillion), the second largest exporter of goods ($2.02 trillion), and the largest source of foreign direct investments (fDI, $404 billion). the massive size of its economy and influence in global trade and investment means any major shift in U.s government policies is likely to have a significant impact on the global economy, including the Philippines. the U.s. and the Philippines have developed a strong economic relationship over the years. In 2023 alone, the U.s was the Philippines’ top export
had been going downhill, the PIsA results were still dismaying: filipino 15-year-old students ranked at the bottom in mathematics, science and reading literacy. Between 2018 and 2022, there was little improvement in the results. other countries would consider such findings a national crisis and respond accordingly. Not in the Philippines. the year is ending with filipinos outraged over the funding priorities of Congress, with the budget for the Department of education slashed by P12 billion. meanwhile, the appropriation for the Department of Public Works and highways was increased by a hefty P289 billion during the bicameral conference, bringing its total to P1.1 trillion – higher than the appropriation for the entire education sector. the bicam also cut funding for the Department of social Welfare and Development by P96 billion and the Philippine health Insurance Corp. by P74.4 billion, while increasing allocations for members of the senate and the house of representatives. the realignments are not only shameless but also unconstitutional on at least two counts: Congress may cut but not increase funding proposed under the National expenditure Program, and education must get the largest slice of the annual budget pie. today on his death anniversary, Jose rizal must be turning over in his grave. (Philstar.com)
Washington getting ready for the transfer of power
closures will be issued by the D.C. metropolitan Police Department a day before the inauguration, but definitely, streets around the inauguration area and the ceremonial parade will be closed throughout the day for security purposes.
Because the inauguration is considered a “National special security event” with U.s. political leaders and foreign dignitaries in attendance, security plans are very stringent, with the U.s secret service as the lead federal agency with support from other entities that include the U.s Capitol Police, the metropolitan Police Department and the Joint task force-National Capital region (composed of service members from all branches of the U.s. Armed forces, including reserve and National Guard components). According to the Joint task force Commanding General, they will be deploying as many as 12,000 in the parade, of whom 5,000 are service members. Although the Jtf did not issue an estimate on crowd size, inaugurations can draw over one million attendees, requiring mammoth logistics and security preparations. During the January 2021
inauguration of President Biden, security preparations were also strict because of the CoVID-19 pandemic. the rising number of cases prompted the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies to limit the number of dignitaries in attendance. the atmosphere at the 2021 Biden inauguration was very different from the 1989 inauguration of President George Bush sr., which I also happened to attend. the National mall was mostly empty, with around 200,000 small flags planted across the mall in lieu of Americans who were unable to attend, while the streets were relatively quiet. for the Biden inauguration, we were bused in by the state Department that planned and coordinated the health protocols that were implemented for the invited diplomats. We all wore masks, and social distancing (six feet apart) in reserved seating arrangements was observed during the entire event. from all indications, President trump’s inauguration will be an “all out” celebration with fireworks displays and performances by celebrities. top companies that
include Amazon, meta and Uber reportedly pledged millions of dollars to the inaugural committee. Automotive industry giants ford and General motors are giving generous donations and will supply vehicles for the event. ABC News also reported that the upcoming inauguration has already surpassed the $150-million fundraising goal – by far larger than the $107 million raised during the first inauguration of President trump. Washington officials are certainly happy that the “inauguration is back” because it would also mean a boost to the local economy, since people go shopping and dining and visit other attractions as well, with various business establishments offering special packages for tourists. Certainly, the city is looking forward to hosting people from all over the country who will explore and experience the unique charms of Washington, and this in itself is a “win,” according to deputy mayor for planning and economic development Nina Albert. traditionally since the 1800s, no foreign head of state is invited for the inauguration, with only foreign ambassadors
representing their countries in Washington, D.C. getting invited. however, President trump has issued invitations verbally to a few world leaders such as Italian Prime minister Giorgia meloni, Argentinian President Javier milei (who posted on X that he will be attending) and Chinese President Xi Jinping. It is unclear whether President Xi accepted the invitation or will be attending the inauguration. President trump has promised to make America great again – and according to a survey by global Ceo consulting and advisory company teneo, global investors are optimistic about the economy, believing that the trump effect” will generate a lot of positive economic activity that will create more jobs and greater levels of U.s. and foreign investment. for the Philippines, we are pleased with the appointments made by President trump, such as florida senator marco rubio as secretary of state. senator rubio has been sympathetic to the Philippines, visiting tacloban City in the aftermath of typhoon haiyan in January 2014 and vowing more aid for rehabilitation efforts. other appointments are
Cerberus Capital management chairman steve feinberg for Deputy secretary of Defense. he relentlessly pursued the Cerberus investment in the abandoned subic Bay shipyard which today employs thousands of filipino workers, with additional investments expected to pour in. We are also pleased that elbridge Colby has been appointed Undersecretary of Defense for Policy, who is acknowledged as a lead architect for the 2018 U.s. National security strategy. We also have a very strong bipartisan support from the U.s. Congress. Additionally, President ferdinand marcos Jr. during his congratulatory call to President trump re-established his personal relationship with the incoming U.s. president, whom he met in New York many years ago with his mother, former first Lady Imelda marcos. (Philstar. com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
What could the Trump presidency mean for the Philippines?
destination ($11.5 billion), biggest source of overseas filipino remittances ($13.7 billion), largest source of development assistance grants ($615 million), fourth biggest source of fDI inflows ($113.1 million), and fifth largest import source ($8.4 billion).
Based on trump’s pronouncements during the campaign, there are three policies that could potentially affect the Philippines. stop outsourcing of jobs.
trump has pledged to stop the outsourcing of jobs to generate local employment. this could negatively impact the It-BPo sector in the Philippines, which employs some 1.7 million filipinos and generates at least $30 billion in revenues annually, more than half from the U.s Tariffs trump has floated the idea to impose a blanket 10 to 20 percent tariff on imported goods from countries where the U.s. has a trade deficit with. this will make our export goods such as textiles, garments, and
coconut oil more expensive in the U.s., and likely lower demand and reduce earnings for these industries.
trump has also threatened to levy as much as 60 percent tariffs on all imported goods from China, which would indirectly affect the country, especially exporters linked in the global value chain. to illustrate: exporters of electronic parts to China as inputs for the manufacture of smartphones would likely suffer from lower demand.
But high tariffs on China could also bring potential benefits, as U.s. companies that face higher costs due to tariffs might look for alternative and cheaper sources of inputs, or even move out and establish production factories in alternative locations. this is where the Philippines could assert itself as a viable option. however, it remains to be seen whether recent reforms such as CreAte more Act and amendments to liberalization laws would make us an attractive investment
destination at par with Vietnam, Indonesia, and malaysia.
Strict immigration policy
trump has threatened a massive deportation of illegal immigrants in the U.s., ending automatic citizenship for their children. Currently, there are an estimated 370,000 undocumented filipino migrants in the U.s this policy is likely to lower remittances and reduce the income of ofW families at home. It could also mean a more stringent vetting process for those seeking job opportunities in the U.s overall, early assessment shows that the net impact of trump’s campaign agenda would be negative for the Philippines. Nevertheless, we’ll conduct another review of his policies six months after he assumes office in January.
While there is much uncertainty heading into next year, the key takeaway for the government is to make our economy more resilient by focusing on things it can control.
this includes diversifying
the country’s growth drivers by investing in the agriculture and manufacturing sectors. Developing the agricultural sector through improvements in the supply chain is important for food security and managing food inflation. the government could partner with the private sector in building common warehouses, cold-storage facilities, and farm-to-market roads to minimize post-harvest losses.
strengthening the manufacturing sector, including small and medium enterprises (smes), could generate quality jobs. the government could invest further in shared service facilities of the Department of trade and Industry which provide smes access to technology and equipment to improve their productivity. ramping up reskilling and upskilling programs with universities and industries can improve the skills of filipino workers.
We should also improve our position as an investment destination for manufacturing
companies, particularly those that can transfer technology and know-how to local firms. the government should continue addressing ease of doing business, particularly the burdensome process of permit approval and extra fees imposed at the local level. equally critical is the need to lower the cost of doing business, like high power rates and unreliable internet connectivity which hampers digitalization. Lastly, it is crucial to strictly monitor budget utilization and program implementation of national government agencies to ensure that the limited resources of the government are spent prudently. As the saying goes, the best way to predict the future is to create it. (inquirer.net)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * Gary B. Teves has served as finance secretary under the Arroyo administration
Babe’s Eye View
Dateline PhiliPPines
Philippines needs P22 billion for 2026 ASEAN summit – Palace
by alexis RoMeRo Philstar.com
mANILA — the Philippines
needs P22 billion to prepare for its hosting of the Association of southeast Asian Nations (AseAN) summit in 2026, malacañang said on monday, December 30.
executive secretary Lucas Bersamin said the regional event is “a very important part” of the Philippines’ international relations and preparing for it is a “gargantuan” task.
“It is a showcase of Philippine politics, Philippine leadership and Philippine social condition. It involves a huge effort... We may require P22 billion to prepare,” Bersamin told Palace reporters after the signing of the 2025 budget.
he noted that the government has to pay rent for the summit venues, including the Philippine International Convention Center, which is owned by the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas.
According to the executive secretary, Congress increased the office of the President’s proposed budget for next year by P5.2 billion so the executive branch could begin hosting preparations. President marcos’ office originally requested P10.5 billion in funding for next year.
“We needed to start the work
now. so we asked for funds,” the executive secretary said. “After 2025, we will ask for more, bigger (budget) but that will be in the NeP (National expenditure Program) that will be submitted in 2025 for 2026,” he added.
myanmar was supposed to host the 2026 AseAN summit but was replaced by the Philippines because of the political crisis it is experiencing. malaysia will host next year’s regional meet. meanwhile, the Philippines has concluded its six-month tenure as chair of the Asia Pacific Group (APG) as manila championed the region’s voice in key international organizations based in Vienna, Austria, representing 54 member-states.
During a turnover ceremony in Vienna, the Philippines officially passed the chairmanship to fellow AseAN member Vietnam. representatives from Palestine, malaysia, myanmar, China, singapore, Laos, thailand, sri Lanka, Japan, Lebanon, Iran and India expressed their gratitude to the outgoing Philippine chair for enhancing the group’s visibility and influence within the international organizations in Vienna and ensuring high-level participation and representation in expert group and annual
meetings. In her remarks, Philippine Ambassador and Permanent representative evangelina Bernas emphasized the importance of the group’s representation in fostering impactful collaboration on global issues, ranging from economic development and science to combatting transnational crime. she also expressed her confidence in Ambassador Vu Le thai hoang of Vietnam, assuring him of the Philippines’ full cooperation as he takes the helm of the APG. the incoming chair commended the Philippines’ leadership and reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to advancing the collective aspirations of the APG and assured the group of its commitment in fulfilling the responsibilities as the group’s chair.
“As Vietnam assumes the role of coordinator, we look forward to your collaboration in ensuring that the APG perspective is fully reflected in the normative works of various international organizations in Vienna. Vietnam is committed to advancing the collective aspirations of the Asia Pacific Group, in the spirit of unity and solidarity,” Vu said. (With reports from Pia Lee-Brago)
Marcos enjoins Filipinos to embody Rizal’s patriotism
by luisa Cabato Inquirer.net
mANILA — In observance of rizal Day on monday, December 30, President ferdinand marcos Jr. called on filipinos to embody the patriotism and civic virtues of national hero Dr. Jose P. rizal.
“As we remember his noble works and honorable life, let us take to heart his words and ideals that awakened the consciousness of our forebears and stirred a national movement for freedom,” marcos said in his rizal Day message.
“I call on my fellow filipinos to look back in pride and embody
all the things he cherished-love of country, dedication to the truth, and commitment to the betterment of our people,” he continued.
According to marcos, the national hero’s vision of a “just and forward-thinking society” remains as alive today as it was more than a century ago. “truly, it is through Dr. rizal’s works that one can realize that true change can begin within us, especially when we stand firm on the issues that we face today,” he said. the president further encouraged the public to be catalysts of change and remain, firm believers, that they can
contribute to the country.
“Whether in service to our communities, in the pursuit of knowledge, or in uplifting the marginalized, let us make decisions that will echo his resolve,” marcos said. may we rise as a nation, ever unyielding, in our shared quest for a brighter and stronger Bagong Pilipinas that we can be proud of. I wish everyone a solemn observance. Mabuhay si Dr. José rizal!,” he added. earlier in the day, marcos led the commemoration of the 128th death anniversary of rizal. he offered a wreath at the rizal monument in Luneta. n
Sen. Risa Hontiveros urges ‘rethink’ of Maharlika Fund, warns of economic risks
by charie abarca Inquirer.net
mANILA — opposition senator risa hontiveros called for a “rethinking” of the maharlika Investment fund (mIf) on saturday, December 28 questioning “its usefulness and timeliness in a time of economic storms.”
she appealed on saturday to President Bongbong marcos to stop pumping capital into the mIf and instead prioritize the capitalization of the Landbank of the Philippines and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).
In a statement, hontiveros warned the Palace that “siphoning billions of pesos in capital from Landbank and DBP into the mIf has left the nation’s economy less prepared to deal with looming economic storms.”
“Using an estimated P75 billion from state banks as capital infusion for the untested mIf is both ill-timed and counterproductive when the Philippines should instead be preparing for imminent economic disruptions, such as protectionist policies of the United states under the second
trump administration,” she said. the opposition lawmaker then pointed out that removing capital from the Landbank and DBP made it harder for them to provide the necessary support for borrowers and consumers during times of economic stress when borrower delinquencies could rise.
“even the International monetary fund recently stated that the capital taken from Landbank and DBP should be restored, kapital ng mga bangko natin, at kayang indahin kahit pa ‘yung biglaang pagbaba ng value ng piso laban sa dolyar,
halimbawa,” hontiveros said.
“malacañang cannot ignore the fragility of the Landbank and DBP after their mIf contributions. the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas’ so-called regulatory relief only postpones the inevitable reckoning if borrower delinquencies increase,” she added. she then noted that the BsP should take heed and alert the Palace regarding the “inadequacy and irregular nature” of the regulatory relief measures taken after LandBank and DBP were made to contribute billions in capital to the mIf n
the
Senator Risa Hontiveros
Inquirer.net file photo
SAFE AND SOUND. Torotot (trumpet or horn) vendors at Nepa Q-Mart on Saturday, Dec. 28, say they are thankfully getting their fair share of buyers. Health officials advise using safer noise-making alternatives, instead of firecrackers, to welcome the new year. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
‘Green Bones,’ ‘Isang Himala’ win big at MMFF 2024 Gabi ng Parangal
by Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net
GmA Pictures’ “Green Bones” emerged victorious at the metro manila film festival (mmff) 2024 Gabi ng Parangal after it secured a total of six awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Dennis trillo, and Best supporting Actor for ruru madrid. following closely behind, “isang Himala,” which claimed 4th Best Picture, also emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, with Kakki teodoro taking home Best supporting Actress, among other wins.
meanwhile, Judy Ann santos delivered a career-defining performance in “Espantaho,” earning her the Best Actress trophy. rounding out the top honors were “the Kingdom” and “my future You,” named 2nd Best Picture and 3rd Best Picture, respectively.
Vice Ganda was also honored with the special Jury Citation for his work in “And the Breadwinner Is…” as a “performer who has broken the ground and gone out of the familiar and comfort zone to prove his growth as an artist and tackle issues relevant to contemporary society.”
the host-comedian also bagged the Gender sensitivity Award, a special recognition given to his film “And the Breadwinner Is…” that thoughtfully and effectively promotes gender awareness, equality, and inclusivity.
see the full list of winners
below: Best Picture: “Green Bones”
2nd Best Picture: “the
Kingdom”
3rd Best Picture: “my future You”
4th Best Picture: “isang Himala”
Best Actress: Judy Ann santos of “Espantaho”
Best Actor: Dennis trillo of “Green Bones”
Best supporting Actress: Kakki teodoro of “Isang himala”
Best supporting Actor: ruru madrid of “Green Bones” Best Director: michael tuviera for “the Kingdom” and Crisanto Aquino for “my future You.” Best Child Performer: sienna stevens of “Green Bones”
Breakthrough Performance: seth fedelin of “my future You” Best screenplay: “Green Bones” Best float: “Uninvited” and topakk” Best Cinematography: “Green Bones”
Best editing: “my future You”
Best Production Design: “the Kingdom”
Best sound Design: “strange
frequencies: taiwan Killer hospital”
Best original theme song: Juan Karlos’ “Ang Himala Ay Nasa Puso” from the musical entry “isang Himala.”
Best musical score: “isang Himala
Best Visual effects: “the Kingdom”
special Jury Citation: Vice Ganda of “And the Breadwinner Is…”
Gender sensitivity Award: “And the Breadwinner Is…” special Jury Prize: “topakk” and “isang Himala
mmff Lifetime Achievement Award: Joseph “erap” ejercitoestrada fPJ memorial Award for excellence: “topakk” Gatpuno Antonio J. Villegas Cultural Award: “the Kingdom”. since its inception in 1975, the mmff has been a cornerstone of Philippine cinema, showcasing the best of local films during the holiday season.
Eugene Domingo, Aga Muhlach’s MMFF 2024 snubs spark uproar on social media
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
eUGeNe Domingo and Aga muhlach caught the attention of netizens after they weren’t nominated for Best supporting Actress and Best Actor, respectively, at the 2024 metro manila film festival (mmff) Gabi ng Parangal, with some noting it as the ceremony’s “biggest snubs.”
Domingo portrayed the role of Baby salvador in “And the Breadwinner Is…,” the eldest sister who left her younger brother Bambi (Vice Ganda) behind to support the family’s needs. meanwhile, muhlach took on the challenge of portraying the corrupt billionaire Guilly Vega in “Uninvited.”
Despite their acting performances, netizens were shocked after they were not nominated for Best supporting Actress and Best supporting Actor at the ceremony, which took place on friday, December 27, in solaire resort in Parañaque.
Domingo and muhlach’s snubs led to netizens taking to social media to express their dismay, with some pointing out that their performances were worthy of acting awards. others shared clips of their best scenes in their respective films. the nominees for Best supporting Actress included Chanda romero, Lorna tolentino, Gabby Padilla, Nadine Lustre, Cristine reyes and Kakki
Vice Ganda on MMFF 2024 Special Jury Citation win: ‘I am
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
A VIsIBLY shocked Vice Ganda dedicated the special Jury Citation plum he received from the 2024 metro manila film festival (mmff) to his loved ones including the “And the Breadwinner Is…” team and the LGBtQIA+ community, saying the film entry made him feel “seen.”
Vice Ganda bagged the special Jury Citation award at the mmff 2024 Gabi ng Parangal on friday, Dec. 27, for his performance in the Jun robles Lana-helmed film.
According to the mmff, the award was given to an actor who “broke ground and went out of his comfort zone to prove his growth as an artist and tackle issues relevant to contemporary society.”
the actor-comedian, however, was initially confused as he went up the stage to receive the award. “Pagtayo ko, tinatanong ko si Direk Jun at Uge, ano ba ‘tong award na ‘to? special jury citation for what? Best dressed of the night? special jury citation for best performance?”
“Ganun ba ‘yon? so salamat po,” he continued, which led the audience to burst into laughter. seriously, hindi ko alam. Nagtatanga-tangahan ako. Ayoko naman magpasalamat nang hindi ko naman naintindihan ‘yung award… Baka sa best hairstyle, best outfit.”
(When i stood up, i asked Direk Jun and Uge, what award is this? Special jury citation for what? Best dressed of the night? Special jury citation for best performance? is that it? So thank you. Seriously, i don’t know. i feel dumb. i don’t want to say thank you without understanding what the award is for. Maybe it’s for the best hairstyle or best outfit.)
Vice Ganda’s opening remark led Dennis trillo (one of the presenters with Lorna tolentino) to describe the purpose of the special Jury Citation award.
‘First’ MMFF award
After composing himself, Vice Ganda said in his speech that “And the Breadwinner Is…” was a project that finally made him seen as an actor.
“I am finally seen. I have been participating in the metro manila film festival for years. this is the first time na meron akong award (this is the first time i won an award),” he said while expressing his gratitude to ABsCBN and Lana. maraming, maraming, maraming, salamat sa pagkakataon na binigay sa’kin ng ABs-CBN. sa mga panahon
na hirap na hirap ang kompanya na kinabibilangan ko ay pinipilit pa rin nilang gumawa ng magandang proyekto at magandang contents… at nagpapasalamat ako kay Jun Lana, binigyan mo ko ng magandang storya. Binigyan mo ako ng ganitong storya na inaantay na rin ng marami,” he said.
(Thank you very much to ABScBN for the opportunity. in a time when the company was struggling, i was still considered to be given good projects and content. And i want to thank Jun Lana. You gave me a good story. You gave me a good story that the public has been waiting for.) the “It’s showtime” host nonetheless didn’t waste an opportunity to make the audience laugh, as he joked that the award might be a way for him to not be named Best Actor.
my God, hahabaan ko na. Kasi ibig sabihin, hindi ko makukuha ang Best Actor. Baka ito ‘yung award sa first runner-up, ‘yung mga sayang naman ang outfit, sikat naman siya, panalunin na natin siya for star value of the moment. Pero special Jury Citation, maraming salamat sa pagkilala. shineshare ko ‘to sa kapwa kong artista,” he said.
(My God, i’ll make this speech long because this [award] means i won’t be named Best Actor. This might be for the first runner-up winner. This might be for those
Buong buhay ko underdog
who might’ve wasted their outfits or are popular, let’s let them win for star value of the moment. But for this Special Jury citation, thank you very much to those who recognized me. i’m sharing this with my fellow actors.)
In his speech, Vice Ganda addressed his co-stars eugene Domingo, Gladys reyes, maris racal and malou de Guzman, saying they deserved to get a Best supporting Actress nod. Notably, none of them were nominated for the award.
“Gusto kong ishare ‘to sa nanay ko. may award na tayo, mabigat na mabigat… Inaalay ko ‘to sa aking asawa na si Ion Perez, siya ang pinakamasaya. At inaalay ko ito sa mga bahagi ng LGBtQIA+ community, para sa ating lahat ito,” he added. “maraming salamat sa metro manila film festival at kinikilala niyo ako at ang kakayahan ko, isang baklang performer.” (i want to share this with my mother. We have a heavy award. i also share this with my husband, ion Perez, who’s the happiest for me. i also dedicate this to the LGBTQiA+ community. This is for us. Thank you very much to the Metro Manila Film Festival and you recognize me and my abilities as a gay performer.)
Vice Ganda also bagged the nomination for Best Actor alongside seth fedelin, Vic sotto, Piolo Pascual, Arjo Atayde, and eventual winner Dennis trillo.
wins Best Supporting Actor at
A teArY-eYeD ruru madrid took the stage of the 50th metro manila film festival Gabi ng Parangal on friday, December 27, as he got his Best supporting Actor Award for his portrayal of jail guard Xavier Gonzaga in “Green Bones.” ruru was pitted against Jhong hilario, Kokoy de santos, David ezra and sid Lucero, the latter nominated twice for “the Kingdom” and “topakk.”
called out the Gabi ng Parangal jury for not including “Uninvited” as one of the potential winners in notable categories such as Best Picture. the crime thriller tied with “topakk” to bring home the Best float award.
Despite the backlash, mmff spokesperson Noel ferrer reiterated in a statement that the results of the Gabi ng Parangal were from a “no cooking show,” saying the winners were chosen in an hours-long deliberation.
“No leaks, definitely no cooking show … only the Jury Chair and the mmff executive Director knew the results, not even I or any member of the execom. rest assured, there was due process and the judgment was fair and sound and final,” he said.
Eugene Domingo and Aga Muhlach in scenes from “And the Breadwinner Is…” and “Uninvited,” respectively. Photos courtesy of Star Cinema, Mentorque teodoro, with the lattermost taking home the award. meanwhile, Dennis trillo, Vice Ganda, seth fedelin, Vic sotto, Piolo Pascual and Arjo Atayde were recognized as the nominees for Best Actor, with trillo bagging the win. Dan Villegas, Jun Robles Lana, ‘Uninvited’s’ snubs other notable snub recipients at the Gabi ng Parangal were Dan Villegas and Jun robles Lana for Best Director in “Uninvited” and “And the Breadwinner Is…,” respectively. this led to netizens expressing their confusion over their absence from the nominees, with some reiterating how their films were a “breakthrough” in this year’s edition of the film festival. on the other hand, netizens
It took a few minutes for the actor to compose himself as he prepared to give his acceptance speech.
“Buong buhay ko, lagi po akong underdog, lagi akong talo, naa-underestimate, lagi akong binababa,” ruru said. he proceeded to share how he initially felt when he was panned for his acting in the past, but he was made to realize about those criticisms when he achieved his major acting win at the mmff "Nu’ng una, nasasaktan ako, iniisip ko bakit. But then I realized na kaya pala siya nangyayari sa ‘kin, para ‘pag dumating ‘yung araw na ibibigay na sa ‘kin ‘yung kapalit no’n, katulad po nito, hindi ko po ite-take for granted lahat ng ‘yon kasi alam ko ‘yung hirap na pinagdaanan ko bago ko makuha ‘to at hindi po ‘yon PAGE 9
Photo from Facebook/MMFF
sACrAmeNto
— As the new year begins, California continues its forward momentum with a new set of laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom that improve the health, safety, and wellbeing of all Californians.
“California’s new laws tackle today’s biggest emerging challenges head-on. through partnership with the Legislature, we’re strengthening public safety, building more housing, and providing more resources for our communities. these practical reforms protect what matters most while creating more opportunities for all Californians,” Gov. Newsom said in a release sent out by his office, Building more homes, faster here are just some of the laws taking effect in 2025 that will create more housing for all Californians:
• More housing in more communities: SB 1037 by senator scott Wiener (D-san francisco) cracks down on local governments that block or delay approved housing, imposing penalties up to $50,000 per month — funds that go right back into supporting affordable housing in those same areas. meanwhile, AB 3093 by Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-san Diego) updates the rules so cities and counties must plan for everyone’s housing needs — especially folks at the lowest income levels — so that all Californians can have a place to live.
• Expanding emergency shelter options: SB 1395 by senator Josh Becker (D-menlo Park) makes it easier to develop and operate interim housing, including emergency shelters and navigation centers. these facilities provide more than a place to stay – they connect people with housing assistance, health care, and other services to help them get back on their feet.
• Expanding farmworker housing: Every day, California's farmworkers put food on tables of residents across the state, yet many struggle to find homes near the fields where they work. AB 3035 by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-santa Cruz) makes it easier to build new farmworker housing in santa Clara and santa Cruz Counties, helping agricultural workers live closer to their jobs and spend more time with their families.
By streamlining processes and holding local governments accountable, these changes will create more housing available for Californians across all income levels.
the legislation adds to California’s ongoing efforts to address the decades-long housing and homelessness crisis and create foundational changes that will build strong communities now and in the future. for a larger list of new laws that strengthen California’s comprehensive effort to streamline housing production, address homelessness, and hold localities accountable to state housing law, visit https://www.gov. ca.gov/2024/09/19/governor-newsom-signsbipartisan-housing-package-and-launches-prop1-homekey-initiative/.
Safer roadways meanwhile, here are just some of the laws taking effect in 2025 to improve transportation for all Californians:
• Cracking down on sideshows: A package of new laws will strengthen law enforcement’s ability to combat sideshows and street takeovers. the laws expand vehicle impoundment authority, impose stricter penalties, and target reckless driving activities on highways and parking lots.
• Stopping license plate obstruction: AB 2111 by Assemblymember Wallis (r-rancho mirage) will prohibit a person from altering their license plate’s reflective coating to evade electronic capture of the license plate for any reason. the new law seeks to improve the enforcement of traffic violations that can be detected by cameras.
• Fighting car break-ins and theft: SB 905 by senator scott Wiener (D-san francisco) adds new and increased penalties for possession of items stolen from a vehicle with intent to resell, and allows prosecution of automotive property thefts, regardless of whether the vehicle was locked.
• Speed safety in Malibu: Along the Pacific Coast highway earlier this year, the governor signed sB 1297 by senator Ben Allen (D-santa monica), which allows malibu to install up to five automated speed enforcement cameras to reduce speeding, particularly in high-risk areas like school zones. the pilot program focuses on promoting traffic safety by automatically detecting vehicles exceeding speed limits and issuing fines.
• Safer, more inclusive street design: SB 960 by senator scott Wiener (D-san francisco) will enhance California’s state highway system by requiring Caltrans to incorporate complete streets elements, such as bike lanes, sidewalks, and transit facilities, into its planning and projects. these projects will help improve our state’s transit infrastructure and support our climate and mobility goals.
• Making transportation spending clear and accountable: AB 2086 by Assemblymember Pilar schiavo (D-santa Clarita) ensures Californians can see the impact of their transportation dollars by requiring Caltrans to publicly report how projects align with efforts to improve safety, plan for a changing climate, and serve all communities.
safer streets and transparent spending help the transportation system work better for all Californians.
Protecting more workers In other developments, here are just some of the new laws taking effect in 2025 that protect more workers:
• Empowering workers to control their digital likeness: AB 2602 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-san José), ensures workers have control over the use of their digital likeness, a critical protection in the age of generative AI and emerging technologies.
• Ending captive audience meetings: SB
PAGE 11
Loboc Children’s Choir visits US West Coast
Choir (LCC) will be visiting the West Coast of the United states as part of their “on the Wings of heritage” UsA tour. According to the Philippine Consulate General in san francisco, the LCC will be making stops in the following cities: • Seattle, Washington – January 5, 2025, 5 p.m. filipino Community Center, 5740 martin Luther King Junior Way south, seattle, WA 98118 for tickets, go to https:// onWingsofheritagel.eventbrite. com for more information, call (206)
Buong buhay ko underdog ako’: Ruru...
naging madali," he said. Kaya siguro gusto ko lang rin pong sabihin ‘to dahil alam ko na marami pong nangangarap na sumusuko na lang dahil nauunahan po sila ng takot, nauunahan sila ng hindi nila kaya, na pakiramdam nila walang naniniwala sa kanila. “Pero naniniwala ako na basta ikaw, naniniwala ka sa sarili mo na kaya mo, na mararating mo ‘yung pangarap mo, basta malinis ang intensyon mo, nagpu-pursige ka at pinipili mong maging mabuting tao sa lahat ng pagkakataon, makakamit mo ito,” ruru added. he also mentioned his co-star Dennis trillo, whom he said he was privileged to work with.
“Green Bones” is GmA Picture’s entry to the 50th mmff earlier in the night, it won Best screenplay for National Artist ricky Lee and Anj Atienza and Best Child Performer for sienna stevens. After ruru's win, his co-star Dennis also bagged the Best Actor award for his role as the soon-to-be released inmate Domingo "Dom altik" Zamora. (Philstar.com)
My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
roGelio ConsTanTino medina
IN spite of what critics say about director-writer-actor Atty. Vince m tanada, he is a fairly easy person to get along with if you know him well enough. he is an indefatigable workhorse and he is a perfectionist at times. he is not a glamor guy some think of. he loves to work and to do his work well. he is one of the founders of Philstagers, a mobile theater group in the Philippines.
* * * this month of December was filled with outreach activities for Asia’s Queen of fire Lae manego, bringing cheers to the elderly at the home for the Aged, kids with cancer at ChILDhaus manila (she went there three times this month; thanks to its director Jeannette Cu’s help) and to manila’s street children.
Lae, who hails from Davao, is a multi-awarded filipino artist, the latest of which is the 2nd southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award. her line-up of activities for 2025 is filled mostly with solo concerts or performances with other artists. she auditioned via Zoom recently for America’s Got talent and is hoping she would make it to the live performance audition in the U.s. to showcase the filipinos’ God-given talent.
In the interview with marc Logan on a tV5 show, Lae never forgets her roots. she is not really the glamor girl some people may think of. she is a simple
Atty. Vince Tanada and the Philstagers
person with a kind heart. You are going to love Lae and her music indeed.
* * * even before I became journalist, I did my own mission of uplifting the lives of the poor in the best, though small, way I could. During my student days at De La salle University-manila, I joined game shows on tV to share my winnings to those persons who needed help. outside the La salle campus, I would go to depressed areas. I used to visit in 1987 the burn unit of the Philippine General hospital where I tried to help maribel t suarez (a malnourished child), rosemarie Garcia (an epileptic) and a young man from Pampanga. the money given to me by the late famous hairdresser Jun encarnacion, who I featured in some newspapers, was given to these children. I wrote to concerned institutions and persons to help the burn patients. When I returned to PGh, the three burn patients were not there anymore for an American philanthropist sponsored their treatment abroad. I was very happy and I met the said philanthropist in manila.
I also made a personal request to some showbiz celebrities and friends I featured to donate whatever they could to ABsCBN’s “Bahay Kalinga,” a public-service tV program that assisted sick children. It was then hosted by Vicky Garchitorena and the late frankie evangelista (Gretchen tanada ocampo-recto, granddaughter of the late sen. Lorenzo tanada, was then the executive producer).
I tried to help rechelle Garcia,
a one-year-old child who had no anus, through the late Betty Go-Belmonte’s column “Pebbles” of the Philippine star by giving my one-half month salary from the office of the Press secretary where I worked as Information officer III in malacanang.
* * * I spent Christmas Day lunch and merienda with my aunt Gilda fernandez-Perez, uncle federico fernandez, my cousins and nephews/nieces in Ayala Alabang Village, muntinlupa City. Later, we attended an online mass at 7 p.m. I am also happy and proud to know that my nephew Gabriel Luis Antonio m. Perez graduated cum laude in Asia Pacific College with Bs Computer science and Cyber security and forensics.
In the evening, I went to Quezon City’s Lantana heights and spent time with the Varsovia, Garcia, de mesa, and Daigdigan relatives. We had some funny games.
I missed attending the annual Christmas Day Party of Philstagers at the Psf Blackbox theater in sampaloc, manila due to time constraints. Last year, I, together with director emmanuel dela Cruz, was able to attend the
New Year’s eve at the top of the tanada’s building as we enjoyably watched the fireworks. mrs. emy tanada, Vince’s mother, generously attended to me then. It was my first time to join them.
* * * An actor at Philstagers foundation, oJ Ar Ci is a phenomenal transgender actress. she will star soon in renowned filmmaker Brillante mendoza’s movie “Chameleon,” a story about transgenders working in Japan.
* * * Chris Lim and Adelle Ibarrientos-Lim are excellent Philstagers artists. they are award-winning theatre couple who enacts in dozens of theater performances. for one thing, I am amazed by their acting in both Vince tanada’s “Juan Luna: Isang sarsuwela” and “sa Barong-Barong” (reflecting the issues confronted by persons living in makeshift dwellings in a city). more of this couple in the future issue of this column.
* * * thanks to Dr. Patrick saburit of Kylledmed Philippines, a golden recipient of the 2nd southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award, for inviting me to their Christmas
party. I won a new cellphone thru a game in which you rolled a white tissue under a glass full of water to reach to your major prize. thanks too to Dr. Patrick’s wife maricar and kids mariam Kylle and marion Khalid, maricar Diaz, Paulo saburit, Joanne rabang, Gretchen Coronado, Angelo sta. maria, ehrold Cerda, and miguel Vistal.
* * * I enjoyed the Christmas party of Police files tonite publi-
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
(From left) Jeannette Cu, David Angelo Inigo, Lae Manego and Oggie Medina
Gabriel Perez with grandmother Gilda Fernandez-Perez
Philstagers couple Chris and Adelle Lim
Left photo: (from left) Jun Perez, Mae Perez, Federico Fernandez, Boots Perez, Oggie Medina, and (seated) Gilda Perez; Right photo: (from left)spending Christmas Day with the Perez family in Ayala Alabang Village.
Left photo: (from left) Jun Perez, Mae Perez, Federico Fernandez, Boots Perez, Oggie Medina, and (seated) Gilda Perez; Right photo: (from left)spending Christmas Day with the Perez family in Ayala Alabang Village.
OJ Ar Ci in Fukuoka, Japan
Vicky Garchitorena, host of ABS-CBN’s Bahay Kalinga TV show Director Vince Tañada brings relief goods to Museo ng Pag-asa.
(From left) Maricar Diaz, Oggie Medina, Patrick Saburit, Ehrold Cerda, Angelo Sta. Maria, Gretchen Coronado, Joanne Rabang, Maricar Saburit, and Paulo Saburit at Kylledmed Philippines’ thanksgiving party.
cation at the historic National Press Club. It was a night of prizes, games, songs, music and camaraderie. thanks to publisher Joey Galicia Venancio and entertainment editor Blessie K. Cirera.
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eLK
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sky river Casino is also proud to announce that Leung’s White Crane Dragon and Lion Dance Association will be returning for a special lion dance performance on february 1, 2025, at 3 p.m. in honor of the Lunar New Year. Come watch the amazing performance at sky river Casino and bring home some good fortune.
In addition to these promotions, sky river Casino continues to offer a premier gaming experience with a variety of slots and table games, delicious dining options, and exciting entertainment. for complete details about these promotions and other casino offerings, including the rewards program, drinks and dining, entertainment options, and more, please visit www. skyriver.com. must be a sky river rewards member at least 21 years of age. management reserves all rights. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-gambler.
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New in 2025: Building more homes...
399 by senator Dr. Aisha Wahab (D-silicon Valley) bans employers from requiring workers to attend captive audience meetings on religious or political matters unrelated to their work, and protects them from adverse action if they choose not to participate. this important law defends worker rights and autonomy.
• Improving janitorial worker safety: AB 2364 by Assemblymember Luz rivas requires evaluation of ways to enhance worker safety and protect employment rights in
the janitorial industry.
• Reforming PAGA: AB 2288 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-san José) and sB 92 by senator tom Umberg (D-santa Ana) reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) to strengthen worker protections, encourage employer compliance, and provide additional opportunities for early resolution of claims – striking a balanced approach that benefits both businesses and workers.
• Establishing a $25 healthcare minimum wage: sB 525(enacted in 2023) by senator
maría elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) sets a new minimum wage for healthcare workers, a significant win for workers. 2025 will mark the first full year of the law's implementation. our workplaces, families, and communities are stronger when workers have protection from extreme weather, fair payment for their work, and time to prepare for workplace changes. these reforms help ensure essential services continue reliably while giving workers and their families the stability they deserve. (collated from cA Governor’s office releases)
of her Tita. Nelson arrived in september 2024, receiving his green card and a fresh start. this episode highlights the life-changing impact of employment petitions of family members — providing a brighter future for both petitioners and beneficiaries. Be sure to watch this heartfelt story in a brandnew episode of Citizen Pinoy on sunday, January 5 at 6:30 Pm Pt (9:30 Pm et) through select Cable/satellite providers, right after tV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWanttfC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
Michael Gurfinkel
FIL-AM FRIENDS CHRISTMAS PARTY.
mahjong got
potluck at the house of Forever Young Club president Tess Gregorio in Fremont, CA.
Photo above shows (seated, from left) Zeny Herrera, Tess Gregorio; (standing, from left) Maryann Basig, Tessie Tanafranca, Maryjo Montano,
Mellie Roberts, Leny Sarmiento, Orly Paredes and Sam Tulin.
