We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online! JANUARY 31 - FEBUARY 6, 2025
Volume 19 - No.5 • 16 Pages
Fil-Am attorney general addresses fears among undocumented immigrants
SAN DIEGO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta has met with immigrant rights groups and elected officials in San Diego to discuss his office’s efforts to protect California’s immigrant communities.
The Jan. 24 meeting was the fifth and final regional meeting throughout the state where Bonta shared resources to let immigrants know their rights under the law.
These resources, available in multiple languages – including Tagalog.
“We’ve been preparing for this day for months — hearing concerns through these regional convenings and issuing guidance for immigrants, local law enforcement, prosecutors, school officials and public institutions, all in anticipation of the president attempting to see through his destructive immigration agenda,” Bonta said.
“I’m disappointed but not surprised by the President’s executive orders.”
“But I want to be clear that California will not waiver in its commitment to upholding the rights and protections of all of our residents, including the nearly 11 million immigrants who call this state home,” the
24 Filipinos in US deported for crimes
MANILA — U.S. President Donald Trump’s mass deportation policy is now taking effect, with 24 Filipinos deported for alleged involvement in illegal activities in the United States, according to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez.
“We have monitored around 24 Filipinos who have been deported from the United States due to their involvement in certain criminal activities, although these were not classified as very serious offenses,” Romualdez said in an interview with dzBB on Sunday, Jan. 26.
The ambassador reassured the public regarding the situation of undocumented
Filipino immigrants, noting that some employers are committed to retaining their Filipino workers and are assisting them in securing their legal status.
Romualdez had previously said that the U.S. government would prioritize the deportation of individuals with criminal records, along with the 1.3 million immigrants who have
DFA: Edca, defense treaty still important
to Philippines, US
MANILA — The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) sites in the Philippines will remain unaffected by U.S. President Donald Trump’s broad freeze on foreign aid to most countries, according to Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega.
“No, it’s not part of that aid package. They will not suddenly abandon the Edca sites,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) official clarified during a weekend news forum.
“In one sentence: They know the importance of Edca for the interest[s] of both the United States and the Philippines. Again, I repeat, they know the importance,” De Vega added.
Northeast.
a
Fil-Am community leaders react to Trump’s return as president
by AJPress
UNITED States President Donald Trump on Monday, January 20 entered his second presidency with a renewed mission to “make America great again,” prompting a range of reactions from Filipino American community leaders and members across the country.
world."
Painting a contrast to the outgoing Biden administration, Trump described his ascent back to office as a “mandate” to "give the people back their faith, their wealth, their democracy and indeed their freedom. From this moment on, America's decline is over."
In his nearly 40-minute speech, the 78-yearold former businessman laid down his agenda, ranging from mass deportations of “criminal aliens” by declaring “a national emergency at our southern border” to the ambitious space race.
Taking the oath of office at the Capitol Rotunda, Trump ushered in his return to power and the “Golden Age of America" by saying, “from this day forward, our country will flourish and be respected again all over the u PAGE 2 u PAGE 2
Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO
THE Philippine Consulate General in New York hosted the 11th Filipino Community General Assembly at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center, gathering representatives from 80
by Jane Bautista Inquirer.net
by Jane Bautista Inquirer.net
U.S.
The event,
cornerstone of the Consulate’s community engagement, celebrated the collective achievements of 2024 while unveiling initiatives for 2025, including the launch of the 2025 Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour. Consul General Senen T. Mangalile
by MoMar G. Visaya AJPress
24 Filipinos in US deported...
PAGE 1
already been processed.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, for its part, advised Filipino immigrants to “keep a low profile” and actively pursue regularizing their legal status in the United States.
Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega, speaking at a news forum over the weekend, recalled Trump’s comments about working with Democrats on addressing illegal aliens who do not fall under the categories of
those targeted for deportation, particularly “criminals and terrorists.”
“That means they will create legal avenues to encourage productive overstaying aliens to become fully legalized. So, take advantage of that,” De Vega said.
He also emphasized that immigrants who are targeted for deportation still have legal options to contest the decision and remain in the United States for at least several months.
“Let’s see how good [their] immigration lawyers [are] because they would argue that you are doing something productive in the United States, so you can stay. And sometimes, success can prevent your deportation,” he said.
De Vega further noted that the majority of Filipinos who entered the country did so with valid documentation, even if their visas have since expired, which differs from individuals who entered without any papers.
“It is almost impossible,” De Vega said, “that the estimated 300,000 Filipinos without legal status in the United States will be deported by the end of the Trump administration.”
During Trump’s first term, De Vega said that the United States deported “only a few hundred or less” undocumented Filipinos each month, which was fewer than during the Obama administration.
“Let’s see, for example, if in six months, 20,000 or 10,000 get deported, then the number really increased. Let’s not conclude anything until we see the data in six to eight months to determine if the number of deportations rises,” he said. n
defense treaty...
1
The Edca, established in 2014, allows the United States to rotate troops through Philippine bases and preposition defense assets to enhance regional security.
The U.S. aid freeze order sent out in an internal memo by Secretary of State Marco Rubio last week paused virtually all foreign aid pending a review. De Vega allayed fears that it would severely impact the Philippines, as the country had “many economic partners.”
“While the U.S. involvement in our economy as a trading partner is still very high, I think even with the freeze, it’s not like it’s going to severely affect us because the aid packages are really small at the moment,” De Vega said. n
Presidential Awards, Flagship Projects...
reported highlights of the consulate’s activities last year promoting Philippine culture, and supporting the Filipino community across the U.S. Northeast.
“As we embark on the new year, our consulate reaffirms its commitment to serving our kababayan in our jurisdiction with excellence and dedication,” Mangalile said. “We look forward to working with all of you as partners in promoting the Philippines in this part of the world. Filipinos have made good names for themselves here, and we, at the Consulate, are proud to be your safe space and advocates.”
The consul general proudly shared that four out of 13 awardees of the Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas by the Commission on Filipino Overseas are from the consulate’s jurisdiction, encouraging the organizations to continue doing their projects to uplift the community.
“I hope that we continue this and more of our community leaders and advocates and organizations will be recognized for their contributions not only to the Philippines but also to the fabric of American society,” the consul general said. Mangalile likewise talked about the flagship projects
of the consulate including Paaralan sa Konsulado every July, Philippine Graduation celebrating Filipino graduates from different colleges and universities, Simbang Gabi sa Konsulado, and Homecoming sa Konsulado, among others.
The assembly featured a video presentation of the Consulate’s 2024 accomplishment, showcasing highlights such as the 2024 VIP Tour that brought a 240-strong delegation to Manila, Bacolod, and Northern Mindanao—the latter being a first in the tour’s history.
VIP Tour 2025 Launch
One of the event’s highlights was the official launch of the 2025 VIP Tour with Tourism Director Francisco M. Lardizabal, Rajah Tours Chairperson Atty. Alejandra Clemente, and Philippine Airlines Area Manager Syed Imran Shahid presenting the itinerary and exclusive packages.
Lardizabal talked about the significant contribution of the U.S. as the secondlargest source market for Philippine tourism in 2024, with over 950,000 arrivals generating a recordbreaking 482 billion pesos in tourism revenue.
During the event, the itinerary for the 2025 VIP Tour, scheduled from July 6 to 15, 2025, was unveiled. This year’s tour will take participants to
Manila, Laoag, Vigan, and Puerto Princesa, offering a rich cultural and scenic experience.
“We would really like you to join us, the dollars you will spend will help the country,” Clemente said.
“The VIP Tour has brought 2.2 billion pesos in economic activity since we started 20 years ago, in 2005, making tourism an industry that can help propel growth for the Philippine economy.”
The organizers also introduced VIP Tour Next Gen: Beyond the Islands, catering to younger generations with a vibrant itinerary featuring Manila, Siargao, and Puerto Princesa. Attendees were treated to a nostalgic throwback video of the 2024 VIP Tour’s Northern Mindanao leg—highlighting Cagayan de Oro, Bukidnon, and Iligan—courtesy of the Department of Tourism Region 10, followed by a testimonial from 2024 participant Mr. Vitaliano “Nonoy” Rafael.
Adding a distinct cultural flavor to the event, Ilocano cuisine was served, including pancit with bagnet, Vigan longganisa skewers, and bicho-bicho by Kabisera, as well as golden bibingka courtesy of Barkada Tumulong
Information on the 2025 VIP Tour can be accessed on the official VIP Tour website. n
Consul General Senen T. Mangalile
Atty. Alejandra “Dading” Clemente of Rajah Tours discussing the itinerary for the 2025 VIP Tour as Tourism Attachè Francisco Lardizabal looks on.
Consul General Senen T. Mangalile with Vice Consul Paolo Mapula
Atty. Alejandra “Dading” Clemente of Rajah Tours discussing the itinerary for the 2025 VIP Tour.
DRILLS AT THE DUNES: American troops participating in the “Balikatan” war games between the Philippines and the United States fire their howitzers toward an imaginary enemy approaching from the West Philippine Sea during the Counter Landing Live Fire Exercise at La Paz dunes in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, on Monday. Photo by Grig C. Montegrande/Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez. Photo by Gabriel P. Lalu/INQUIRER.net
workers’ babies will not get birthright citizenship under new Trump ban
by sunita sohraBJi Ethnic Media Services
Babies born after Feb. 20 to parents holding temporary work or student visas will not be eligible for birthright citizenship, under the provisions of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
The executive order applies to anyone who is not a lawful permanent resident, explained Aarti Kohli, executive director of the Asian Law Caucus, in an interview with Ethnic Media Services. Media focus has largely been on undocumented residents. (see related story) However, more than 1 million H-1B visa holders are in the green card queue, waiting to port their temporary visas into permanent status. But per-country caps, which state that no country can receive more than 7% of the green cards available that year, means that the wait time for a green card could stretch as long as 8 decades.
More than 70% of H-1B visa holders are highlyskilled workers from India.
Stateless Children born in the U.S. to parents holding H-1B or H-4 visas would essentially be stateless, said Kohli. They would be unable to access public health and nutrition support programs. And while they are eligible to attend elementary school, they may be ineligible to attend
college or university, depending on the state they live in, she said.
“The executive order will be devastating because it will undermine one of the key principles in America. No matter where you come from, you can come here, and within a generation you belong. You are part of this society,” stated Kohli. “There are very few countries in the world which have that level of quick integration,” she said.
Immigrant Underclass
“In so many ways it benefits our country, both culturally, socially, economically, to not have created an underclass of immigrants.”
The executive order would create administrative burdens for all parents, said Kohli, noting that everyone would have to prove citizenship or legal permanent residency when applying for benefits for
What a US exit from the WHO means for global health
by aMy MaxMen KFF Health News
FOR decades, the United States has held considerable power in determining the direction of global health policies and programs. President Donald Trump issued three executive orders on his first day in office that may signal the end of that era, health policy experts said.
Filipino American attorney general added.
“We hear your concerns, and we will continue to use the full force of the law and tools of this office to stand up for you.”
The wide-ranging protections include the right to emergency medical care, the right to apply for secure housing without sharing immigration status and the right to an attorney.
Local and state law enforcement cannot ask for individuals’ immigration status, share personal information or assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement with
immigration enforcement, with very limited exceptions.
Additionally, Bonta’s office backed students’ rights, allowing anyone to receive an education regardless of immigration status.
Finally, the attorney general warned of several scams targeting immigrants, advising them not to give money or personal information to anyone calling, texting or emailing you, as “no federal or state agency, including USCIS, will ever ask for your personal information or payment over the phone, by email or text.”
“If you need help applying for immigration relief, be
their children, or getting their kids’ social security cards.
It is unclear whether hospitals would be banned from issuing birth certificates to children of parents who are not lawful permanent residents, said Kohli. She noted that getting a birth certificate or citizenship from the parents’ home country could also be problematic. Lawsuits
“For some people, they have no country to go back to. They’re stateless,” said Kohli.
Several civil rights organizations and 22 states immediately filed lawsuits after Trump signed the order. On Jan. 23, Federal District Court Judge John Coughenour issued an injunction, blocking implementation of the executive order for at least 14 days. The judge stated the executive order was unconstitutional. n
careful who you hire,” a statement from Bonta’s office read.
“Watch out for immigration scams that can cost you thousands of dollars and/ or harm your immigration status.”
Free legal aid organizations can be found here.
Those who believe their rights have been violated may reach out to the California Department of Justice.
Those who believe their rights were subject to discrimination, harassment or retaliation may report their case to the California Civil Rights Department. (With CNS report)
Trump’s order to withdraw from the World Health Organization means the U.S. will probably not be at the table in February when the WHO executive board next convenes. The WHO is shaped by its members: 194 countries that set health priorities and make agreements about how to share critical data, treatments, and vaccines during international emergencies. With the U.S. missing, it would cede power to others.
“It’s just stupid,” said Kenneth Bernard, a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University who served as a top biodefense official during the George W. Bush administration. “Withdrawing from the WHO leaves a gap in global health leadership that will be filled by China,” he said, “which is clearly not in America’s best interests.”
Executive orders to withdraw from the WHO and to reassess America’s approach to international assistance cite the WHO’s “mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic” and say that U.S. aid serves “to destabilize world peace.” In action, they echo priorities established in Project 2025’s “Mandate for Leadership,” a conservative policy blueprint from the Heritage Foundation.
The 922-page report says the U.S. “must be prepared” to withdraw from the WHO, citing its “manifest failure,” and advises an overhaul to international aid at the State Department. “The Biden Administration has deformed the agency by treating it as a global platform to pursue overseas a divisive political and cultural agenda that promotes abortion, climate extremism, gender radicalism, and interventions against perceived systemic racism,” it says.
As one of the world’s
largest funders of global health — through both international and national agencies, such as the WHO and the U.S. Agency for International Development — America’s step back may curtail efforts to provide lifesaving health care and combat deadly outbreaks, especially in lower-income countries without the means to do so alone.
“This not only makes Americans less safe, it makes the citizens of other nations less safe,” said Tom Bollyky, director of global health at the Council on Foreign Relations.
“The U.S. cannot wall itself off from transnational health threats,” he added, referring to policies that block travelers from countries with disease outbreaks. “Most of the evidence around travel bans indicates that they provide a false sense of security and distract nations from taking the actions they need to take domestically to ensure their safety.”
Less Than 1%
Technically, countries cannot withdraw from the WHO until a year after official notice. But Trump’s executive order cites his termination notice from 2020. If Congress or the public pushes back, the administration can argue that more than a year has elapsed.
Trump suspended funds to the WHO in 2020, a measure that doesn’t require congressional approval. U.S. contributions to the agency hit a low of $163 million during that first year of covid, falling behind Germany and the Gates Foundation.
Former President Joe Biden restored U.S. membership and payments. In 2023, the country gave the WHO $481 million.
As for 2024, Suerie Moon,
a co-director of the global health center at the Geneva Graduate Institute, said the Biden administration paid biennium dues for 2024-25 early, which will cover some of this year’s payments.
“Unfairly onerous payments” are cited in the executive order as a reason for WHO withdrawal. Countries’ dues are a percentage of their gross domestic product, meaning that as the world’s richest nation, the United States has generally paid more than other countries.
Funds for the WHO represent about 4% of America’s budget for global health, which in turn is less than 0.1% of U.S. federal expenditures each year. At about $3.4 billion, the WHO’s entire budget is roughly a third of the budget for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which got $9.3 billion in core funding in 2023.
The WHO’s funds support programs to prevent and treat polio, tuberculosis, HIV, malaria, measles, and other diseases, especially in countries that struggle to provide health care domestically. The organization also responds to health emergencies in conflict zones, including places where the U.S. government doesn’t operate — in parts of Gaza, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, among others.
In January 2020, the WHO alerted the world to the danger of the covid outbreak by sounding its highest alarm: a public health emergency of international concern. Over the next two years, it vetted diagnostic tests and potential drugs for covid, regularly updated the public, and advised countries
DICSON photo via Unsplash
DICSON photo via Unsplash
FeAtures OPiniOn
‘A deepening crisis’
THE official campaign period is set to start soon, first for Senate aspirants and then for candidates in the House of Representatives and local
Lawmakers will become busy with their campaigns and congressional probes will have to be wrapped up.
In the past months, various committees in both chambers of Congress have unearthed testimonies and information about wrongdoing including alleged misuse of public funds in certain agencies. The amounts involved could warrant indictments for plunder or at least multiple counts of graft and corruption. As the congressional inquiries are wrapped up, government prosecutors must step in and pursue the probes. This is the call of over 500 education stakeholders, who have signed a statement sounding the alarm on the “deepening crisis” in the sector that they say has been aggravated by “widespread corruption and lessened prioritization” of the budget for the Department of Education.
Editorial
resulting public uproar over what was uncovered has refused to die down. This year’s national outlay has been condemned as a GAA in aid of lawmakers’ election campaign.
The signatories to the statement that has been released include administrators and faculty of top state-run and private universities, members of education workers’ unions and several education advocacy groups.
DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara’s lament about the nearly P12 billion slashed from the 2025 budget of the department, which was meant for public schools’ computerization programs, triggered a closer scrutiny of this year’s General Appropriations Act. The
UPON direct instructions of the president, we arranged for Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, who flew into Washington D.C., to meet with newly appointed National Security Advisor Michael Waltz at the White House. After our short meeting with
Years before the pandemic, concerns were already being raised over the decline in the quality of Philippine education. The concerns were validated when the government decided to participate for the first time in the Program for International Student Assessment in 2018. The results were dismal, with the country’s 15-year-old students ranking at the bottom in mathematics, science and reading competencies.
In 2022, the country again participated in the PISA, which is administered by the
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. The disappointing results were the same, although this was not surprising, considering that the assessment was undertaken as the country was emerging from two years of COVID-related school lockdowns.
Signatories to the statement lament that corruption in the education sector – as unearthed in the congressional hearings – and now aggravated by the funding priorities of lawmakers have deepened the crisis in a sector
On the move on day 3 of the
the National Security Advisor, we proceeded to have an expanded meeting with Principal Deputy National Security Advisor Alex Wong as well as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Andrew Byers and National Security Council Senior Director for Asia Ivan Kanapathy at the West Wing of the White House.
Both meetings were extremely productive, where
we focused on serious security issues and the reaffirmation of the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States.
Secretary Teodoro emphasized both nations’ shared commitment to peace, stability and mutual security interests in the Indo-Pacific region, and the paramount importance of strengthening the bilateral defense ties between the Philippines and
that is critical to national competitiveness and development.
The rot in the system must be excised. This requires not only improvements in the quality of education but also ensuring that funds for the sector are properly allocated and not misused. Prosecutors must not waste the findings of the congressional inquiries. Public officials must be held accountable before impunity becomes entrenched and the education crisis deepens further. (Philstar.com)
new Trump presidency
the United States to address emerging geopolitical challenges.
These meetings took place two days after the inauguration of President Donald Trump, making the Philippines one of the first countries to engage with the new administration – a very significant step in further advancing our longtime alliance, with both sides expressing optimism
in deepening defense and security cooperation in the years to come. Additionally, there was also a telephone conversation between Foreign Affairs Secretary Ricky Manalo and State Secretary Marco Rubio in the morning (Washington D.C. time) on issues of mutual concern, among them the dangerous actions of China in the South China Sea that undermine regional peace and
stability. They also exchanged views on advancing security cooperation and expanding economic ties for shared prosperity.
Secretary Rubio, who underscored the “ironclad” commitment of the U.S. to the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, certainly recognizes the importance of strengthening economic – not just defense
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BaBe Romualdez
Fil-Am community leaders react...
"We will pursue our manifest destiny into the stars by launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars," Trump said.
As one of the fastestgrowing immigrant groups in the U.S., Filipino Americans hold diverse political views and priorities, which were evident in their responses — ranging from both optimism and apprehension — to Trump’s return to the White House.
Rudy Asercion, an active member of the San Francisco Republican Party, declared that “American exceptionalism is back!”
"With a focus on rebuilding our economy, improving foreign policy, achieving energy independence, and securing our southern border, I am confident that Trump’s administration will yield meaningful outcomes for the American people, and I eagerly anticipate the promising days ahead,” he told the Asian Journal
Cristina Osmeña, a community leader who was previously ran as the Republican nominee for California’s 14th Congressional District, said she “took a sigh of relief” after Biden left office.
"In the last four years, the world has seen two war fronts open up and an American ally fallen to terrorists. The United States flirted with an experiment in modern monetary theory, creating a surge in inflation no one could ignore. And our culture has become paralyzed by the epidemic of treating falsehoods as truths. That is all over. Common sense is making a comeback,” she wrote in an e-mail.
Marc Ang, a Southern California-based conservative community organizer and entrepreneur, likewise expressed eagerness and support for Trump’s second term, sharing that the president is more equipped with the inner workings of the government to push his agenda and follow the “smartest solution” on issues like immigration.
“All the fear that’s coming from the left is overblown. Just watch, he’s going to do what’s best for the people,” Ang told the Asian Journal, echoing Trump’s premise to “bring back competence and common sense. That’s the feeling that most Americans have, regardless of ideology.”
“I’m willing to put my ideologies aside just to see
practical results come in that help more people than hurt more people,” he said, adding that the 2024 election outcome demonstrated that “a lot of minorities were affected by the downturn of the economy.”
“I have seen an evolution in many of my Filipino American community partners, as well as my Hispanic American community partners, who were formerly voting against [Trump] and came around and expanded that coalition for him this time around because it was about bottomline issues.”
Ang, who is also a small business owner, praised Trump’s executive order pausing the law banning popular social media platform TikTok for 75 days. Ang asserted that a significant population of the 170 million Americans on TikTok are small business owners, including many Fil-Am-owned ventures ranging from lifestyle brands to food vendors, that use the platform to boost their businesses.
“[Trump] understood the impact of that and acted accordingly, while Congress — Republicans and Democrats — were willing to let that go dark and including former President Biden so that was one of the exciting things for me,” Ang said.
In his inauguration speech, Trump stated that “the entire nation is rapidly unifying behind our agenda with dramatic increases in support from virtually every element of our society,” including Asian Americans.
On January 15, a new AAPI Data/AP-NORC survey found that 31% of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) adults believe the country is heading in the right direction.
Within the AAPI community, AAPI Data noted Trump had greater support among certain demographics, including Filipinos, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, men, and those aged 60 and older.
Filipino Americans had the highest levels of Trump favorability among Asian Americans, with 47% saying they were “very or somewhat favorable” of Trump, versus 45% who said “very/ somewhat unfavorable.” Some issues that Fil-Ams surveyed weighed in on included deportation of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., with 43% of Fil-Ams saying they strongly/somewhat favor the action.
Hon. Melissa Ramoso,
California Democratic Party State Chair Emerita for AAPI and Filipino American Caucuses, expressed deep concern about Trump’s immediate actions on his first day in office. Trump signed executive orders reversing several policies from the Biden administration, including measures addressing climate change, supporting local economies, and advocating for inclusivity.
"It was no surprise that President Trump started to carry out Executive Orders on day one to reverse all the hard work that President Biden’s Administration did to protect families, address climate change, advocate for service workers, assist local economies, advance science and health policies, be inclusive of LGBTQ rights, and so much more," Ramoso told the Asian Journal
She criticized Trump’s decision to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Paris Climate Accords, saying these moves as a signal that such global issues are no longer a priority for the U.S. Ramoso lamented the divisiveness that she believes will continue during Trump’s second term.
"It was evident a sense of trust was lost after the election, and we have to do everything in our power to gain that trust back from Americans," she concluded, emphasizing the need for Democrats to reassess and reengage with the American people.
In Las Vegas, civic leader Gloria Caoile focused on the importance of resilience and optimism.
"We need to continue to live and character our principles. Good governance requires positive energy and pragmatism, and so we look forward to the next four years with hope and optimism," Caoile said.
Neil Ferrer, the Philippine Consul General in San Francisco, struck a more diplomatic tone, focusing on the peaceful transfer of power as a hallmark of American democracy. While acknowledging potential impacts on Filipino nationals, he reaffirmed the Consulate’s commitment to supporting the community.
"In his inaugural address, President Trump outlined his priorities that may impact Filipino citizens in the United States. On changes in U.S. immigration policy, the Philippine Consulate General
On the move on day 3 of the new Trump
PAGE 6 or military – ties, for the bilateral relationship to be enduring.
“When your engagement with a country leads to economic development, whether it’s outbound U.S. investment in the Philippines or what have you, then that becomes enduring. Then it makes it difficult, no matter who’s in charge, to walk away from the alliance, because the alliance is more than just military and a military presence. It also involves jobs and businesses and investment and economic opportunity, and we need to look for ways to emphasize that. I think it would be a mistake to simply view it as a military or defense alliance,” Secretary Rubio stated during his confirmation hearing.
We are looking forward to working closely with Secretary Rubio’s team at the State Department in advancing shared priorities and strengthening U.S.-Philippines ties even further.
As I have emphasized on several occasions, we have strong support from both Republicans and Democrats, and we will continue to work with them on issues that are mutually beneficial – because this relationship is a twoway street. I also know that the U.S. sees the Philippines as an important ally, especially at this time. This bipartisan support from members of the U.S. Congress was evident during my meeting last Thursday at the U.S. Capitol with Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, who is a member of the Senate foreign relations committee.
“Ambassador Romualdez and I had a constructive discussion about opportunities and challenges in the Indo-Pacific. We discussed how we can better coordinate and strengthen U.S. military and economic support to the Philippines and further elevate our alliance,” he shared in his website, adding, “We have a long, close relationship with the Philippines and the Filipino people, and our commitment to the U.S.-Philippine alliance remains ironclad.”
During the inauguration of President Trump and the social events that followed shortly thereafter, I also had the opportunity to engage with “old and new faces” who will be taking on important roles in the Trump administration
for the next four years to bring our relationship to even greater heights. We also hosted a reception at the Philippine embassy, bringing together representatives from the new government, the U.S. Congress and members of the media, among several other sectors.
In my interview with Karen Davila of ANC, I amply described how our relationship with the United States will be like under the new Trump administration. Naturally, an issue of great concern is the new immigration policy and its impact on the estimated 350,000 undocumented Filipinos in the United States. Clear instructions have already been given to all consulates general in the United States on what we can do to help our kababayans regardless of their immigration status. Early this month, we met with members of a group called Filipino American Legal Defense and Education Fund (FALDEF) to discuss the challenges faced by undocumented Filipinos and shared insights on how those affected can have access to legal counsel and how they can have a legal path to stay in the U.S. FALDEF representatives led by their president Jose Teodoro Mallonga are also offering pro bono legal services and partnering with other Filipino community organizations to strengthen the support network for vulnerable groups.
The embassy and our consulates general all over the U.S. are likewise continuing efforts to disseminate information about the rights of all Filipinos in the U.S., regardless of their immigration status, through our websites and social media platforms, providing information from the U.S. Department of Labor, migration offices of states, immigration centers and various sources.
As always, the Philippine embassy will do what we can in assisting all Filipinos regardless of status. But as I told Karen, the bottom line advice to our fellow Filipinos is to follow a legal path – if one wants to have peace of mind. (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
MEET AND GREET. Former Manila mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso (on stage, standing) meets with elderly citizens at a mall near the city hall on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. Domagoso served Manila for one term, ran but lost in the 2022 presidential elections, and will challenge incumbent Mayor Honey Lacuna in the May 12 elections. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
DAteline PhiliPPines
Flights for US-bound Afghan refugees suspended
WASHINGTON —
President Donald Trump’s foreign aid pause has forced a suspension of flights for more than 40,000 Afghans approved for special U.S. visas and at risk of Taliban retribution, a leading advocate and a United States official said on Saturday, Jan 25.
The stoppage was triggered by Trump’s order to halt foreign development aid for 90 days pending a review of efficiencies and consistency with his “America First” foreign policy.
immigrant visas (SIVs) find housing, schools and jobs in the United States.
Trump promised an immigration crackdown during his victorious 2024 reelection campaign.
Shawn VanDiver, head of #AfghanEvac, the main coalition of veterans and advocacy groups working with the U.S. government to evacuate and resettle those SIV holders, said he does not believe that the flight suspension was intentional.
“We think it was a mistake,” VanDiver said, adding that he hoped the administration would grant exemptions to the Afghans with SIVs because they worked for the U.S. government during the 20year war that ended when the last batch of American troops withdrew from Afghanistan in August 2021.
“They fought alongside us.
They bled alongside us,” said VanDiver, who pointed out that tens of thousands of other Afghans were waiting for SIV applications to be processed.
The White House and state department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Uncertain future
Reports by the United Nations’ mission in Afghanistan say the Taliban have detained, tortured and killed former soldiers and officials of the previous U.S.backed government. The Taliban issued a general amnesty for former troops and government officials and deny the allegations.
The flight suspension has stranded more than 40,000 Afghans, including SIV holders who have been waiting to fly to the United States from visa processing
PAGE 10
Experts and advocacy groups say the foreign aid pause has led to chaos in U.S. and international aid operations and halted nutrition, health, vaccination and other programs. The order also triggered a suspension by the Department of State of funds for groups that help Afghans with special and we found justification in his declarations,” Bersamin said.
Marcos grants clemency to ex-Iloilo City mayor
by allaine Kate leda, MelVin Gascon Inquirer.net
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has granted executive clemency to former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, seven years after his dismissal from service due to alleged ill-gotten wealth.
In a resolution dated Jan. 15 but made public only on Monday, January 27, the Office of the President, through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, heeded Mabilog’s petition for executive clemency and the removal of all administrative penalties meted against him in 2017, the same year he fled the country after being targeted by the bloody war on drugs initiated by the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“In view of Mabilog’s long-standing commitment to good governance coupled with the awards and recognition received by Iloilo City under his leadership, this Office finds the grant of his petition warranted,” Bersamin said.
Mabilog was ordered dismissed from service by the Ombudsman in October 2017 over graft charges filed against him for unexplained wealth and alleged conflict of interest, and he was also perpetually disqualified from running for public office.
His dismissal stemmed from a complaint filed in 2013 by Manuel Mejorada, the former provincial administrator of Iloilo who alleged that the former Iloilo City mayor committed acts of dishonesty and grave misconduct when he awarded a government contract to a towing services firm in which he and a former Iloilo City councilor had a vested interest.
According to Bersamin, the President found merit in Mabilog’s justification for why he failed to put up a defense on the charges lodged against him.
“[It was] because he was forced by circumstances to go to another jurisdiction and to stay away from the Philippines for some time
According to Bersamin, executive clemency covers all administrative liabilities that Mabilog sought to be expunged and restores his political rights.
“The terms of the order do not cover all [pending cases],” he said.
ICC probe
The grant of executive clemency for Mabilog came five months after his return to the country after more than seven years of hiding in the United States.
Upon his return to the country in September last year, Mabilog revealed at the House quad committee probing Duterte’s drug war that there was an alleged scheme to force him to link former Senators Mar Roxas and Franklin Drilon to the illegal drug trade.
Mabilog also expressed his willingness to be a witness before the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the “war on drugs” and the extrajudicial killings allegedly carried out by the Duterte administration.
Officials of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency also told the House quad committee that Mabilog’s name was not on the initial list of police generals and government officials allegedly aiding drug lords and was included only in the list produced by Duterte.
Reward
In a statement, Salvador Panelo, Duterte’s former chief presidential legal counsel, branded Mabilog’s clemency as a “reward” for his adverse testimony against the former president.
“The pardon granted Mabilog on his administrative case, obviously, is a reward for attacking and besmirching the integrity and reputation of former President Duterte, who is a critic of the administration,” he said.
But Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who had enforced Duterte’s antinarcotics campaign when he was
CREAM OF THE CROP. Olympians and para athletes are recognized for making it to sport's grandest stage during the San Miguel Corporation - Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night at The Manila Hotel on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025. Double Paris Olympics gold medalist in gymnastics Carlos Yulo was picked 2024 Athlete of the Year. PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan
Fil-Am community leaders react...
in San Francisco is committed to extending appropriate assistance to Filipino nationals across its jurisdiction regardless of immigration status, while respecting U.S. laws as well as individual privacy," Ferrer stated. He also expressed hope for strengthened ties between the Philippines and the United States, noting the importance of recent diplomatic engagements, including Philippine Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez’s meeting with President Trump and a call between Philippine
Secretary for Foreign Affairs
Enrique Manalo and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Embassy in Washington issued an advisory that “Filipinos in the United States have rights, regardless of their immigration status,” including the right to speak to an attorney before answering any questions from immigration or law enforcement. The Embassy and Consulates General throughout the country have made their 24/7 hotlines available to ensure that “Filipinos are informed,
safe and supported” in the event they need help. There are currently over 300,000 undocumented Filipinos living in the United States. The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) said it would be ready to assist should they be deported back to their home country.
During Trump’s first term in the White House, over 3,500 Filipinos were deported between 2017 to 2020, according to the DMW, with the highest being recorded in 2018 with 503. n
Flights for US-bound Afghan...
centers in Qatar and Albania, said VanDiver and the U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
That number also includes Afghans approved for SIVs who have been waiting in Afghanistan and Pakistan to be put on U.S.-funded flights to the Doha and Tirana processing centers to receive their visas, they said.
Nearly 200,000 Afghans have been resettled in the United States on SIVs or as refugees since the chaotic 2021 U.S. withdrawal.
In a separate executive order that he signed hours after his inauguration on Monday, Trump suspended all U.S. refugee resettlement programs.
That order resulted in hundreds of Afghan refugees losing their seats on flights, including family members
of active-duty AfghanAmerican military personnel, former Afghan soldiers and unaccompanied children. PH hosted Afghans
The Philippines also hosted around 200 Afghans, around 60 percent of them minors, who arrived in Manila earlier this month while waiting for their SIV applications to be processed. They left the country between Jan. 15 and Jan. 17 on commercial flights, days ahead of Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 21 (Manila time).
Under an agreement between Washington and Manila signed in 2024, the U.S. government provided all necessary services for the SIV applicants during their temporary stay in the Philippines— including food, housing, medical care, security and transportation—until their
What a US exit from the WHO...
on steps to keep citizens safe. Experts have cited missteps at the agency, but numerous analyses show that internal problems account for the United States’ having one of the world’s highest rates of death due to covid. “All nations received the WHO’s alert of a public health emergency of international concern on Jan. 30,” Bollyky said. “South Korea, Taiwan, and others responded aggressively to that — the U.S. did not.”
‘It’s a Red Herring’
lay out how countries can better cooperate in the next pandemic.
Trump’s executive order calls for the U.S. to “cease negotiations” on the pandemic agreement. This means the pharmaceutical industry may lose one of its staunchest defenders as discussions move forward.
occurs via the WHO and at about 70 centers it hosts at U.S. institutions such as Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University. Through these networks, scientists share findings despite political feuds between countries.
visas were processed.
The Afghans stayed in a secure, undisclosed billet facility and were allowed to leave only once to attend their consular interview at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
The embassy had announced earlier that up to 300 Afghans were expected to participate in the visa processing program, but U.S. Embassy spokesperson Kanishka Gangopadhyay said some dropped out due to medical issues or other considerations.
“The government of the United States extends deep appreciation to the government of the Philippines for their cooperation and support for U.S. efforts to assist Afghan special immigrants,” Gangopadhyay said earlier. — With a report from Jane Bautista/ Inquirer. net
Marcos grants clemency...
named chief of the Philippine National Police in 2016, found nothing objectionable in President Marcos’ decision.
“His case is not drugrelated, right? It’s an administrative case. So that’s OK with me,” Dela Rosa told reporters on Monday after hearing of Mabilog’s pardon.
“I don’t have any complaints with that. In fact, as I’ve said, as to the allegations linking him to illegal drugs, I was then very much willing to help him clear his name before [then] President Duterte,” he added.
Dela Rosa also acknowledged Mabilog’s efforts to rid Iloilo of illegal drugs during his term as mayor.
“But as to whether he had
a hand in the proliferation of illegal drugs, I’m not so sure,” Dela Rosa said.
In a press conference in Iloilo City on Monday, Mabilog said he applied for clemency in September last year.
Mabilog said he received the executive clemency only last Jan. 24 and immediately arranged for a Thanksgiving Mass at his residence on Monday morning.
Noncommittal
He recalled how emotional he was and how he held on to an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe when his wife Marivic opened the envelope containing the President’s decision.
“Subong ko ma lang na realize nga may purpose gale ang pagpauli ko diri (Now, I
realized that coming home had a purpose),” he said.
Asked what his plans are after receiving clemency, he said he would first go to Manila to thank President Marcos and the people who made it possible.
He also plans to help the entire slate of Iloilo’s Team Sulong Gugma in its election campaign and then go back to his private life for the next three years.
Mabilog remains noncommittal about his political future.
Mabilog was elected mayor in 2010, reelected in 2013, and was supposed to serve his third and last term until 2019. — With Reports from Marlon Ramos and Inquirer Research
Nonetheless, Trump’s executive order accuses the WHO of “mishandling” the pandemic and failing “to adopt urgently needed reforms.” In fact, the WHO has made some changes through bureaucratic processes that involve input from the countries belonging to it. Last year, for example, the organization passed several amendments to its regulations on health emergencies. These include provisions on transparent reporting and coordinated financing.
“If the Trump administration tried to push for particular reforms for a year and then they were frustrated, I might find the reform line credible,” Moon said. “But to me, it’s a red herring.”
“I don’t buy the explanations,” Bernard said. “This is not an issue of money,” he added. “There is no rationale to withdraw from the WHO that makes sense, including our problems with China.”
Trump has accused the WHO of being complicit in China’s failure to openly investigate covid’s origin, which he alludes to in the executive order as “inappropriate political influence.”
“The World Health Organization disgracefully covered the tracks of the Chinese Communist Party every single step of the way,” Trump said in a video posted to social media in 2023.
On multiple occasions, the WHO has called for transparency from China. The agency doesn’t have the legal authority to force China, or any other country, to do what it says. This fact also repudiates Trump’s warnings that a pandemic treaty under negotiation at the WHO impinges on American sovereignty. Rather, the accord aims to
In the negotiations so far, the U.S. and the European Union have sided with lobbying from the pharmaceutical industry to uphold strict patent rights on drugs and vaccines. They have opposed efforts from middle-income countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America to include licensing agreements that would allow more companies to produce drugs and vaccines when supplies are short in a crisis.
A study published in Nature Medicine estimated that more than a million lives would have been saved had covid vaccines been available around the world in 2021.
“Once the U.S. is absent — for better and for worse — there will be less pressure on certain positions,” Moon said. “In the pandemic agreement negotiations, we may see weakening opposition towards more public-health-oriented approaches to intellectual property.”
“This is a moment of geopolitical shift because the U.S. is making itself less relevant,” said Ayoade Alakija, chair of the Africa Union’s Vaccine Delivery Alliance. Alakija said countries in Asia and Africa with emerging economies might now put more money into the WHO, change policies, and set agendas that were previously opposed by the U.S. and European countries that are grappling with the war in Ukraine. “Power is shifting hands,” Alakija said. “Maybe that will give us a more equitable and fairer world in the long term.”
Echoes of Project 2025
In the near term, however, the WHO is unlikely to recoup its losses entirely, Moon said. Funds from the U.S. typically account for about 15% of its budget. Together with Trump’s executive order that pauses international aid for 90 days, a lack of money may keep many people from getting lifesaving treatments for HIV, malaria, and other diseases.
Another loss is the scientific collaboration that
A third executive order commands the secretary of state to ensure the department’s programs are “in line with an America First foreign policy.” It follows on the order to pause international aid while reviewing it for “consistency with United States foreign policy.” That order says that U.S. aid has served “to destabilize world peace by promoting ideas in foreign countries that are directly inverse to harmonious and stable relations.”
These and executive orders on climate policies track with policy agendas expressed by Project 2025. Although Trump and his new administration have distanced themselves from the Heritage Foundation playbook, CBS News reviewed the work histories of the 38 named primary authors of Project 2025 and found that at least 28 of them worked in Trump’s first administration. One of Project 2025’s chief architects was Russell Vought, who served as director of the Office of Management and Budget during Trump’s first term and has been nominated for it again. Multiple contributors to Project 2025 are from the America First Legal Foundation, a group headed by Trump adviser Stephen Miller that’s filed complaints against “woke corporations.” Project 2025 recommends cutting international aid for programs and organizations focused on climate change and reproductive health care, and steering resources toward “strengthening the fundamentals of free markets,” lowering taxes, and deregulating businesses as a path to economic stability.
Several experts said the executive orders appear to be about ideological rather than strategic positioning. The White House did not respond to questions about its executive orders on global health. Regarding the executive order saying U.S. aid serves “to destabilize world peace,” a spokesperson at USAID wrote in an email: “We refer you to the White House.” n
IN a groundbreaking episode of “Citizen Pinoy,” airing this Sunday, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel joins the Fil-Am Press Club of New York (FAPCNY) and Consul General Senen Mangalile of the Philippine Consulate General in New York to address the urgent concerns of the Filipino community in the U.S. in light of President Donald Trump’s inauguration, executive orders and threats of mass deportations.
This special episode marks the first-ever press conference in “Citizen Pinoy’s” 20-year history, held a day after the president announced plans for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.
COMMUNITY JOURNAL
In Part 1 of this two-part series, Atty. Gurfinkel delves into the president's proposed immigration strategies, highlighting their potential impact on millions of undocumented individuals, including Filipinos. He also offers valuable guidance on available legal remedies and actionable steps for the undocumented to prepare for what could be the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.
Consul General Mangalile sheds light on the Philippine Consulate’s own measures to assist affected Filipinos, while prominent members of the FAPCNY, including President Momar Visaya and journalists Don Tagala, Marivir Montebon, Lindy PAGE 12
behalf
on Sunday, February 2 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select
Part
‘CITIZEN PINOY’ TACKLES IMMIGRATION CONCERNS IN HISTORIC KAPIHAN EVENT. This Sunday, “Citizen Pinoy” presents a groundbreaking episode featuring a special press conference with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (5th from left), the Fil-Am Press Club of New York (FAPCNY), and Philippine Consul General to New York Senen Mangalile (6th from left). Held the day after President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the event addresses the Filipino American community’s fears and concerns over Trump’s plans for mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. Atty. Gurfinkel outlines the potential impact of the president's immigration policies, offers legal advice, and shares preparation tips for those affected. Consul General Mangalile discusses the Philippine Consulate’s plans to assist Filipinos, while FAPCNY members pose critical questions on
of the community. Don’t miss
1 of this timely and informative episode of Citizen Pinoy
Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
Health@Heart AI is here!
PhiliP S. Chua, md, FaCS, FPCS
PEOPLE talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a futuristic technological phenomenon. Actually, AI is here amidst us. It has been with us since it was first conceptualized by Alan Turing, the Father of Computer Science, in the 1950s. The first decade thereafter “saw the groundbreaking ideas and fundamental work that set the stage for future AI development.”
Actually, the early concepts and precursors of AI, the idea of artificial beings with humanlike intelligence, has been a part of mythology for centuries, like the Greek tale of Talos, a giant automation.
It was not until the 19th century “that mathematician Charles Babbage designed the Analytical Engine, an early mechanical general-purpose computer.” Over the next 150 years since then, the concept of computing has expanded to establish the foundation for our present digital world.
The birthplace of AI as an academic discipline was in the 8-week Dartmouth Conference (Workshop in Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire), organized by mathematician-computer scientist John McCarthy and about 20 of his computer scientists, mathematicians, cognitive psychologists, colleagues. The goals “was to create intelligent machines that could use language, form abstractions, and solve problems that were previously only solved by humans.” Obviously, the objective was accomplished, evidenced by today’s countless initial AI applications in various fields of technological, science, and medical fields of endeavors.
AI will revolutionize all aspects of human life on earth, including the health industry and medical care. It will transform them to a more effective, efficient, preemptive, proactive, disease prevention and healthy lifestyle strategies, faster and betterquality drug (lesser side effects, complications, etc.) development, more rapid and more accurate, lesser invasive (may be bloodless) diagnostic procedures, more robotic, surgical options, leading to lesser operating time, minimal complications, and faster recovery.
People will be better guarded, protected, and
served by humanoid devices out on the street or at home, as companions, bodyguard in a self-driving electric car, valet, bar-tender, chef, doing dish and house cleaning, and acting as food and beverage servers, even as gardeners. No one will be left lonely, alone at home, without a partner or a spouse. These new AI companions will be totally loyal hardworking, very efficient, “new member of our family,” a great compliment to our pets (which might be Ai pets also), doing all chores 24/7, no rest, no complaints, fully dedicated. Indeed, AI will transform our world into a vastly different one in the near future. Adding more wonders to our already wonderful world!
Apnea scam devices
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is an anatomical aberration that causes a person’s back part of the roof of the mouth to be flabby and flail and the tongue to fall back to block the airway passage resulting in oxygen-deficit, like in suffocation. OSA is genetic, hereditary, where the family history is a strong risk factor. With or without snoring, untreated or improperly treated OSA is a dangerous condition which leads to high risk for coronary heart attack, stroke, and diabetes.
Since the main effect of airway obstruction and breathholding many times (some more than 100 times) a night, the person wakes up, sleepdeprived, unrefreshed, tired, with poor concentration, leading to poor judgement, driving, and job performance. All this due to impaired sleep with chronic lack of oxygen throughout the sleep cycle.
There are many gadgets advertised as treatment for sleep apnea are not treating the anatomical cause and are useless, waste of money, and obviously very dangerous, providing the person a false sense of security. Gadgets like the nose clips, denture guards, herbs, drugs, potion and lotion, etc. are all useless.
Inspire, the surgically implantable device, using electrodes to control the tongue from falling back, requires an operation, and not guaranteed to work for every OSA patient. It is not only limited in effect, but also more invasive and expensive. Inspire is not a good alternative to CPAP. Almost all users feel more secure using CPAP in their sleep, and wake up refreshed, with more vigor and vitality. And they won’t even
sleep without CPAP, even when traveling, even when cruising.
The gold standard of care for Obstructive Sleep Apnea worldwide is CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy. This was invented by an Australian physician, Dr. Colin Sullivan, in 1980, and has been effectively helping OSA patients. There are one billion persons (some as young as 30) with sleep apnea around the world, 30 million of them in the U.S. and about 4 million in the Philippines. Many more are undiagnosed. A good and restful sleep is vital to our general health and longevity.
The public must be wellinformed about these scams and fraud in medical management of diseases, even in herbals and food supplements. Many of them are unnecessary and could even be dangerous to health. With the countless questionable products/drugs/ potion/creams/devices out there, the only recipients that become healthier are the deep pockets of the unconscionable entrepreneurs. The drug and food supplement business are a 400-billion+-a year industry.
Hopefully, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., if confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services on January 29, will address this issue seriously, among dozens of other ills and deficiencies in our nation’s healthcare system, in order to protect the ignorant, disinformed, or unsuspecting public, here in the U.S., in the Philippines, and around the world (by ripple-effect), who have been victims of this grand international fraud for decades. It’s about time that the public was protected from the scam and got the justice they deserve.
The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle, to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
* * *
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management,
15
Alex Gonzaga suffered 3rd miscarriage, says husband Mikee Morada
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
LIPA City Councilor Mikee Morada was emotional as he revealed that his wife, actress-vlogger Alex Gonzaga, suffered a third miscarriage in December 2024. However, he remained hopeful they would be blessed with their first child someday.
In a sit-down interview with his sister-in-law Toni Gonzaga on Sunday, January 26, Morada shared that Alex’s third failed pregnancy was because of a blighted ovum. This condition happens when a fertilized egg implants in a woman’s uterus but fails to develop into an embryo.
“Noong una nalaman namin ni Catherine na pregnant siya [for the third time], nabuo ‘to noong birthday ni Mommy Pinty [Gonzaga] sa Singapore or after that. Nagulat kami kasi wala kaming plano,” he began, referring to Alex using her real name.
(We found out that Catherine was pregnant for the third time. The baby was probably formed at the time of Mommy Pinty Gonzaga’s birthday in Singapore or after that. We were surprised because we didn’t have any plans.)
Morada said their first visits to the obstetriciangynecologist (or OB-GYN) were “okay,” which prompted Alex to be more careful of herself. However, during their visit in its third week, they were informed of the latter’s condition.
(We went for a check-up in the OB-GYN and things were okay. We decided that she needs to take care of herself more. The ultrasound was still okay in the second week. However, when the third week
arrived, we were informed that she suffered a blighted ovum.)
Second opinion
This led the couple to decide to visit another OBGYN for a second opinion while noting that it’s also due to them hoping to at least hear their child’s heartbeat.
“Pumunta kami the week after para [magpa-second opinion]. Pagdating sa ultrasound, merong bata sa loob. Naiyak ako noong narinig ko ‘yung heartbeat. First time kong nakarinig ng heartbeat… pray siya nang pray para makakita kami ng baby,” Morada recalled.
“Nakakakita kami ng baby and then heartbeat… Nalaman namin na mababa ‘yung heartbeat, na 65 lang. So the same day, pumunta kami sa ospital, triny namin habulin, baka ma-save pa ‘yung baby. Ginawa namin ang lahat. Ang sunod naming check-up was December 23… nakita na namin ang embryo and baby,
wala na siya,” he continued.
(We went to another doctor for a second opinion. As we reached the ultrasound, we saw there was a child inside. I couldn’t help but cry when I heard the heartbeat. It was my first time. We kept on praying to see the baby, which we indeed saw. But its heartbeat was only at 65 which was low. So the same day, we went to the hospital. We tried our best to save the baby. But the baby is now gone.)
According to Morada, Gonzaga was “strong” at first, but couldn’t help herself from breaking down as they got home.
“Noong una, strong siya. Pero nung umuwi kami ng gabi, d’un siya nagbebreakdown. Hindi ko makakalimutan na sabi ng doctor na kailangan niyang uminom [ng gamot] para magbleed siya,” he said.
(She was strong at first. But when we got home at night, that’s when she broke down. I couldn’t forget the time the doctor said she had to drink medicine to bleed.)
Despite this, Morada said their third failed pregnancy was part of “God’s plan,” and he remained hopeful. “Sana ‘yung susunod, dere-derecho na (I hope the pregnancy will continue in our third try),” he said.
Gonzaga’s third miscarriage came two months after she declared that her body was in a “better condition” to conceive at an event in October 2024. The actress-vlogger, who wed Morada in November 2020, suffered miscarriages a year later and in 2023. Notwithstanding, she said on multiple occasions that she would welcome her first child at the right time.
Citizen Pinoy presents: Kapihan...
PAGE 11
Rosales, and Marilyn Abalos, pose critical questions on behalf of the Filipino community.
Be sure to catch Part 1 of this timely and informative episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, February 2 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)
Mikee Morada (left) opens up about Alex Gonzaga’s (second from left) third miscarriage. Screengrab from YouTube/Toni Gonzaga Studio, Instagram/@cathygonzaga
From left: Lambert Parong, Lindy Rosales, Don Tagala, Momar Visaya, Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel, Philippine Consul General to New York Senen Mangalile, Marilyn Abalos, Marivir Montebon, and Cesar Loverita.
Philippines showcases tourism boom at New York Travel & Adventure Show
Hits all-time high P760.5B revenue; overseas Filipinos visit PH in record numbers
THE Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) made a strong impression at the 2025 Travel & Adventure Show, held on January 25-26 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, showcasing the country’s breathtaking destinations and diverse cultural experiences to thousands of travel enthusiasts and industry professionals.
The event comes on the heels of a banner year for Philippine tourism. Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco recently announced that the sector reached an alltime high revenue of P760.5 billion in 2024, marking a 9.04% increase from 2023 and surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 26.75 percent. This milestone highlights tourism’s critical role as a key economic driver for the Philippines.
At the Philippine booth, visitors were immersed in the country’s stunning landscapes, from worldrenowned beaches and dive sites to vibrant festivals
and culinary delights. The exhibit highlighted why the Philippines continues to captivate travelers worldwide, reinforcing its position as a must-visit destination in 2025 and beyond.
“We join the Travel & Adventure Shows to inspire more tourists to explore our islands and experience the hospitality and warmth of the Filipino people,” said Francisco Lardizabal, Tourism Attaché of the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York. “We value our continued participation in the different travel trade events like the USTOA Conference and Marketplace, Seatrade Cruise Global and DEMA Show but these initiatives should be complemented by directly engaging the US travelers in consumer shows like the Travel and Adventure Show New York, considered the biggest travel show in the USA.”
According to the DOT, more tourists set foot in the Philippines from January 1 to
by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress
December 31, 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Based on the agency’s data on visitor arrivals, a total of 5,949,350 international visitors arrived in the country by the end of the year 2024. From the figure, 91.42 percent are predominantly foreigners which accounts for 5,438,967, while the remaining 8.58 percent or 510,383 were Filipinos living overseas.
The total in 2024 was higher by 9.15 percent when compared to data of visitor arrivals in 2023, recorded at 5,450,557 foreign guests.
At the luncheon in nearby Hudson Yards, Consul General Senen T. Mangalile shared that he has one Philippine destination that he wants to equally gatekeep but at the same time, he also wants the rest of the world to know.
“Batanes, the place is so beautiful,” the consul general said, recalling his early days working with the Philippine National Bank, where he got the opportunity to visit the country’s smallest and northernmost province.
He also acknowledged the DOT’s efforts in coming up with projects such as the Tourist Rest Areas that double as a pasalubong center, a must-visit for every tourist visiting a destination. Last year’s VIP Tour brought the group to Northern Mindanao and they were able to visit a rest area in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
It was a welcome respite to the visiting balikbayans and they appreciated the clean restrooms in the rest area, alongside the pasalubong and souvenir store, which
showcased the province’s numerous products.
The various rest areas scattered across the country are meant to cater to travelers who are on a road trip to tourist destinations and would want to have a quick bathroom or coffee break.
DOT’s participation at the Travel & Adventure Show emphasizes its commitment to positioning the Philippines as a premier travel destination for the U.S. market, in line with the department’s goal of transforming the Philippines into a tourism powerhouse in Asia.
The U.S. remains a top source market for Philippine tourism with American travelers drawn mainly by the country’s pristine beaches, world-class hospitality, the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and new experiences.
The United States ranked second after South Korea, with 1,076,663 visitors in 2024, increasing from
1,041,305 in 2023. American travelers continued to flock to the Philippines, drawn mainly by the country’s pristine beaches, world-class hospitality, the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and new experiences.
DOT’s development of authentic cultural attractions and indigenous tourism experiences under the Philippine Experience Program, the market development initiatives for cruising, culinary tourism, diving, wellness, and adventure travel, plus enhanced connectivity -
including nonstop flights from San Francisco to Manila by United Airlines and from Seattle to Manila by Philippine Airlines - have contributed to the growth of the US market.
According to DOT data, the number of overseas Filipinos returning to the Philippines saw a 14.15% increase in 2024 compared to 2023.
Comparing figures from 2019 and 2024, the number of overseas Filipinos visiting the country surged from 72,436 in 2019 to 510,383 in 2024— a remarkable sevenfold increase or 704.60% growth, based on DOT estimates. n
Consul General Senen T. Mangalile
Francisco Lardizabal, Tourism Attaché of the Philippine Department of Tourism in New York (center) with (from left) Bettina Gorriceta and Kat Alcantara
Consul General Senen T. Mangalile and Francisco Lardizabal with Elizabeth Chin, PATA New York’s Executive Director Photo from PDOT New York
PDOT New York’s Katherine Alcantara and Tourism Attaché Francisco Lardizabal
US Vice President JD Vance’s memoir ‘Hillbilly
Rogelio ConStantino medina
THANKS to the nice and courteous service from Japan Airlines, I was well taken care of during my flight from Manila to Narita, Japan to San Francisco, California.
I met kind couple Viniel and Ren Diaz of Boston, Massachusetts as well as writer Hollis Cambodia and retired American military service officer Ambrosio Siaotong, both from California.
While on the plane I memorized by heart the 47 presidents of the United States from George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, James Knox Polk, Zachary Taylor, Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Buchanan Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Ulysses S. Grant, Rutherford B. Hayes, James A. Garfield, Chester Alan Arthur, Stephen Grover Cleveland, Benjamin Harrison, Stephen Grover Cleveland, William McKinley, Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, Thomas Woodrow Wilson, Warren G. Harding, John Calvin Coolidge Jr., Herbert Hoover, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard M. Nixon, Gerald R. Ford, James Earl Carter, Ronald Reagan, George Herbert Walter Bush, William J. Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Joseph R. Biden Jr. to Donald Trump.
I was grateful to Justin Wilson, director of U.S. Senate Periodical Press Gallery, who assists bona fide correspondents working for a magazine, newsletter, non-daily newspaper or online publication and serves Members of Congress and Congressional staff with any periodical press related questions or issues, as well as from the Executive Committee of Periodical Correspondents (that decides which publications qualify for press credentials) and the Congressional Periodical
Press Galleries (in charge of administering credentials).
I was supposed to be assigned in the West Front seat of The Capitol for U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration, but due to extreme weather conditions the venue was changed. The oath-takings of President Trump and U.S. Vice President JD Vance were held inside the Capital Rotunda.
Speaking of VP Vance, I was mesmerized by how caring he is toward his children. I could sense he might be the next president after Trump in the near future.
VP Vance’s memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” (a 2016 memoir about the Appalachian values of his family from Kentucky and the socioeconomic problems of his hometown of Middletown, Ohio where his mother’s parents moved when they were young) was adapted into the 2020 film directed by Ron Howard and starring Glenn Close and Amy Adams. It is a story of rural sociology, poverty and family drama.
James David Vance (born James Donald Bowman, August 2, 1984) is an American author, attorney and Marine Corps veteran.
A member of the Republican Party, he represented Ohio in the U.S. Senate.
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Former U.S. Pres. Joe Biden spoke recently with His Holiness Pope Francis and named him as a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction. For decades, Pope Francis served the voiceless and vulnerable across Argentina.
As a loving pastor, he joyfully answers children’s questions about God. And as a welcoming leader, he reaches out to “different faiths and commands us all to fight for peace and protect the planet.”
This is the only time that former President Biden has awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.
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On January 29, 2025, it will be Chinese New Year! I randomly asked three couples (the last batch) to answer two questions: (1) What are your plans/projects this year? (2) Any insights/learnings on the past year?
Here are their honest replies:
Dr. Mark and Leane Bunag, a medical doctor and a nurse, respectively: (1) “Build our savings, have more travel, invest in properties, and have
more quality time with the family.”; (2) “We prioritized our time and our health.”
Patrick and Maricar Saburit of Kylledmed Philippines: (1) “In 2025, our focus is on growth and meaningful connections. We’re looking forward to pursuing projects that align with our passions and exploring ways to contribute to the community. This year, we’re also excited to create more memorable experiences with our children as we travel and work on new ventures together. Balance and progress are our key priorities for the year ahead.”; (2) “2024 was a year of lessons. It taught us the importance of patience and adaptability when navigating life’s challenges. We’ve also come to value the power of being present — celebrating small victories, cherishing time with loved ones, and embracing every moment as a chance to grow and connect. These insights are shaping our perspective as we step into 2025.”
Chris and Adelle Lim, Philstagers Foundation thespians: (1) “For 2025, we will still continue to perform in PSF as actors and marketing officers. We’ll save, invest and travel. We are planning to buy a retirement property outside Manila and we will be focusing in improving our fitness and health, to be young looking this year.”; (2) “The opportunities and experiences given were eye-opening. It taught us how contentment can bring a whole new scale of happiness. It taught us how invaluable people are – our conversations, their insight, their experiences, and so much more. Looking forward to the new things I am about to encounter and the new
version of ourselves who we ought to become – a healthier, braver, tougher and wiser version of ourselves!”
* * * The movie Mark Wahlberg’s
“Flight Risk” is now showing in cinemas worldwide, including the Philippines.
* * * 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
Patrick and Maricar Saburit with their kids
Dr. Mark and Leane Bunag with their kids
Chris and Adelle Lim
U.S. 50th and current Vice President JD Vance, is also author of the memoir “Hillbilly Elegy,” which was adapted to a film with the same name directed by Ron Howard. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina
Mark Wahlberg’s “Flight Risk” is now showing worldwide.
AJ columnist Rogelio Medina on the way to Narita, Japan onboard Japan Airlines.
The text of the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded recently to Pope Francis.
From left: Rogelio Medina, and couple Ren and Viniel of Boston, Massachusetts
Former U.S. President Joe Biden (2nd from left) recently awarded Pope Francis with the Presidential Medal of Freedom with Distinction.
GMA, ABS-CBN join forces for ‘Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition Collab’
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
ANOTHER television milestone is in the offing as the long-running ABS-CBN reality show “ Pinoy Big Brother,” for the first time, will open its door to GMA Sparkle talents to appear alongside Kapamilya celebrities under one roof.
This recent collaboration was announced by ABSCBN in a press statement on Monday, January 27,
to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the popular reality show.
“‘ Pinoy Big Brother’ marks its 20th anniversary with an exciting milestone as GMA Network and ABS-CBN collaborate for its newest season, ‘PBB Celebrity Edition Collab,’” the statement read.
The upcoming “PBB” edition will feature Star Magic and Sparkle stars “making unforgettable memories” inside the PBB
Eugene Domingo, Arielle Jacobs join Lea Salonga in ‘Into the Woods’ PH staging
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
EUGENE Domingo and Filipino-American Broadway star Arielle Jacobs are joining Lea Salonga in the upcoming Manila staging of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” where they will be portraying Jack’s mother and Cinderella, respectively.
Domingo and Jacobs’ casting was announced by Theatre Group Asia in a press statement where both actresses expressed their excitement about being part of the upcoming musical.
whom she referred to as her “hero,” is already a special experience in itself.
“I am filled with joy. I have long wished to perform in the Philippines. I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to bring my art back to where my family came from, for the Filipino people I love so much, and in a show that is very special and dear to my heart,” she said.
musicians, choreographers, and production stalwarts. It truly is a Filipino dream team,” said Theatre Group Asia.
house.
“For the first time, ‘PBB’ opens the doors of the iconic ‘ Bahay ni Kuya ’ to welcome GMA Sparkle artists, alongside ABS-CBN’s Star Magic Talents. Together, Kapuso and Kapamilya stars will collaborate and create unforgettable moments inside the ‘PBB’ house. Maraming salamat, Kapuso and Kapamilya ,” the statement said.
The joint venture was also announced on GMA’s 24 Oras and its social media platforms on the same day.
“Hello, Philippines! Hello, World! And hello, mga Kapuso! Ang bagong season ng Pinoy Big Brother, mapapanood na sa GMA ( Hello, Kapuso! The new season of ‘Pinoy Big Brother’ will be aired on GMA ),” the post read.
A contract signing between ABS-CBN and GMA’s executives will be held on Tuesday, January 28, at 3:30 p.m.
Details on the premiere date and celebrities that will be in the “PBB” house are yet to be announced.
Sofia “Fyang” Smith is the current Big Winner after she was named the winner of “Pinoy Big Brother: Gen 11” in October 2024.
“I am so excited to be a part of this popular and critically acclaimed musical as Jack’s mother. I love that the material is inspired by fairy tales yet reveals a realistic twist we can all relate to. I love all the surprises that come after the characters are all put together. This one entertains as much as it teaches,” Domingo said. Meanwhile, Jacobs said performing in front of a Filipino audience and working with Salonga,
Salonga will portray the role of The Witch, which is based on Dame Gothel in “Rapunzel” by the Brothers Grimm, in the upcoming staging. The Witch’s name won’t be revealed throughout the musical although her character traits are based on the character of Gothel.
In a previous statement by the theater company, the late theater director and producer Bobby Garcia played a role in bringing the cast of the upcoming musical together.
“Bobby was very instrumental in bringing together these great Filipino talents. The ensemble boasts a stunning assembly of Filipino performers,
Based on the book by James Lapine, “Into the Woods” revolves around the characters of the fairytales of Brothers Grimm, as their respective fates intertwine after meeting a Baker and his wife who wanted to have children. The musical was first staged in 1986 until it was adapted into a movie musical in 2014. The Philippine staging will be directed by Chari Arespacochaga while Clint Ramos will serve as the musical’s overall artistic director, stage, costume designer, and co-producer with John and Joanna Echauz, and Samsung Performing Arts Theater executive director Chris Mohanani. Ramos was previously the co-producer, creative director, and stage and costume designer of “Request Sa Radyo,” a 2024 silent play that starred Salonga and Dolly de Leon as the alternate leads. n
editorial board and staff.
The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle, to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a
substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
* * *
Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient
of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, scientists, and educators. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Amazon.com (“Where is My America?”); Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
Eugene Domingo and Arielle Jacobs join Lea Salonga in ‘Into the Woods’ Manila staging. Photo from Theatre Group Asia
