033024 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

the "unabating, and illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous attacks" by the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"We seek no conflict with any nation, more so nations that purport and claim to be our friends, but we will not be cowed into silence, submission or subservience. Filipinos do not yield," he said.

The president also said the Philippines was in "constant communication" with allies, partners and friends in the international community.

"They have offered to help us on what the Philippines requires to protect and secure our sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction while

In a statement released by the Palace, the President said the relevant government agencies would put together "a response and countermeasure package" in the next few weeks based on the recommendations of National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to address Chinese actions against Filipino vessels and personnel in the WPS.

IN 2001, the massive influx of Asian immigrants settling in the United States that began in the 1980s and 1990s was still in full swing — and so was the promise of the American Dream.

Among those immigrants was the Vargas family, who migrated from Bicol, Philippines to the U.S. at the beginning of the year. A family of five, the Vargas clan includes eldest daughter Geraldine Vargas, who was 11 years old at the time.

“All I knew about America I learned from watching sitcoms like ‘Full House’ and ‘Friends’ so in my little kid mind, I thought my experience would be just like that: having lots of friends and

Marcos asks Filipinos to emulate Christ

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Maundy Thursday, March 28, enjoined all Filipinos to emulate Jesus Christ by serving others "with the same compassion and grace."

"As we reflect on the love and selflessness of Jesus Christ, may we also find ways to serve others with the same compassion and grace, spreading love and understanding in our communities," Marcos said in his message to the nation, which was posted on his official Facebook page.

"We pray for a safe and meaningful Holy Week for all," he added.

Pampanga ‘Kristo’ cruci ed for 35th time on Good Friday

by TONETTE OREJAS Inquirer.net

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — Not wanting to see an end to Lenten traditions in his village, Ruben Enaje had himself crucified on the cross for the 35th time on Good Friday, March 29, after playing the role of Christ in a 69-year-old street play that reenacted the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) in this city.

In not vowing out as he had planned, this 63-year-old billboard-maker and house painter continues to be known as the Filipino who practices real-life crucifixion that long.

After the death of his fellow penitent, Bob Velez, who died of COVID-19 in 2022 at age 72, Enaje is

now considered among the eldest in his league of less than 15 “papaku” (men and women who take to the cross for nailing) in this Pampanga capital, according to Mat Ryan de la Cruz, barangay captain of San Pedro Cutud.

The other old Kristo is Wilfredo Salvador, 67, of nearby Barangay San Juan. By his lonesome, he took to the cross for the 16th time at 10 a.m. also on Friday to continue his brood’s “panata,”

Barangay Chair Claro Tolentino said.

San Fernando tourism chief Ma. Lourdes Jade Pangilinan released the names of other penitents and the number of times they got nailed on the cross.  PAGE A2

Filipinos don’t want Charter change – poll

by RED MENDOZA ManilaTimes.net

NEARLY nine out of 10 Filipinos said the 1987 Constitution must not be amended, with 75 percent of them saying it should not be amended now or at any other time, the latest survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed. In the “Ulat sa Bayan” survey conducted from March 6-10, 2024, 88 percent said they did not want the current constitution to be amended now, and 75 percent of them said it should never be amended.

ter could be amended during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., while 8 percent said that it could be done in the next administration.

posed allowing foreigners to exploit natural resources (86 percent) and to own residential and industrial lands (81 percent).

SACRAMENTO – On Thursday, March 28, the Employment Development Department (EDD) announced that it has further expanded language access options in its myEDD online portal and UI Online for individuals to apply for unemployment benefits via applications translated into Armenian, Korean, and Tagalog.

"Through EDDNext we continue improving the customer experience, including better service for California’s diverse communities,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “This major boost to customer service will help millions of Californians in the top eight most frequently spoken languages,” Farias added.

Unemployment customers will also receive timely updates about the status of their claim and payment notifications delivered via email or text message in their preferred language.

The additional language options are available when applying for unemployment benefits

The president earlier called on the citizenry to show kindness and selflessness, especially toward the less fortunate during Holy Week, and to use "this hallowed time of contemplative silence" to better oneself. 

Meanwhile, 14 percent said that while the Constitution could not be amended, it could be amended sometime in the future.

Of these, 6 percent said the Char-

Only 8 percent of respondents said they were in favor of amending the Constitution.

Pulse Asia President Ronald Holmes said those opposing the moves to change the 1987 Constitution increased between March 2023 and March 2024, with a 43 percent increase in opposition nationwide and ranging from 31 percent to 58 percent per area. He added that support for the proposals to amend the Constitution had eased in the Philippines with a 33 percent decline from March last year.

A majority of respondents op-

Some 78 percent said they opposed the removal of the limits on stocks in Philippine corporations that foreign individuals and corporations could own, while 74 percent said they wanted a shift from a bicameral to a unicameral system of government.

About 71 percent of respondents opposed shifting the political system from presidential to parliamentary, changing the present unitary system of government to a federal one, limiting the prohibition of foreign ownership on communications, and allowing foreigners to own equity in mass 

PAGE A2

Pentagon chief rea rms support after latest China aggression in West PH Sea

March 27.

allows,” according to the readout provided by Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, press secretary of the Pentagon.

“They agreed to bolster bilateral and  PAGE A2

Flagellation is a common scene in most parts of Catholic-dominant Philippines during the Holy Week of the Lenten season as shown in these photos taken in Mandaluyong City on Holy Wednesday, March 27. Holy Week marks the final week of the 40-day religious event that commemorates the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Flagellants believe that inflicting pain on themselves in keeping with Christ’s own suffering is their way of atoning for their sins.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Ismael de Juan

ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific," Marcos said.

"I have given them our requirements, and we have been assured that they will be addressed," he added.

Marcos issued the statement after the China Coast Guard used water cannons against a Philippine vessel on a resupply mission to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The attack caused heavy damage to the resupply boat and injured four servicemen.

Earlier, the National Security Council (NSC) said the President would rescind whatever agreement China may have reached on the WPS with his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte, because it would be detrimental to the country's interests.

At the same time, Sen. Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada said his father, former president Joseph Estrada, had never agreed to tow the BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin as China had claimed. He said this was confirmed by Estrada's defense secretary at the time, Orly Mercado.

Meanwhile, journalists denounced as a "barefaced lie" Chinese accusations that they had manipulated videos of encounters in the South China Sea to make it appear that the Philippines was a victim.

Reacting to a statement from Harry Roque Jr., a former Duterte administration spokesman, NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said the agency was not aware of any "gentleman's agreement" between Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"The good former secretary should be the one to explain to the public his statements since such an agreement, if it exists, infringes [on] and violates our sovereignty as a nation," Malaya said.

"Even if such a 'gentleman's agreement' exists, it is not legally binding by its very nature. Therefore, the Marcos administration is not bound by any such agreement because it is detrimental to the national interest," he added.

Malaya said President Marcos had said he would rescind such an agreement if it existed.

"Therefore, China's repeated

reference to such 'promises' serves no purpose as there is no legally binding agreement between the two countries under the Marcos administration," he added.

Malaya lamented that China had repeatedly claimed that there was a promise to remove or tow away BRP Sierra Madre from the shoal, which was being contested by Beijing as part of their territory.

"In so far as the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea is concerned, we have not seen any document from the former administration that validates or confirms the existence of this socalled gentleman's agreement and the terms of such an agreement under the previous administration," he said.

Malaya also insisted that the Philippines had not violated the Declaration of Conduct (DOC) as China claimed.

"As has been seen by the world, the Philippines has acted with self-restraint in the conduct of activities and has not acted to complicate or escalate disputes that affect peace and stability," the official said.

China, he said, is the one violating the DOC by intruding into the country's waters.

"It is China that has been continually violating the DOC by interfering with a routine resupply mission to a long-standing Philippine outpost in the WPS by water-cannoning, dangerous maneuvers, and other aggressive actions," Malaya said.

Earlier, Roque said Duterte had a "gentleman's agreement" with China to keep the status quo in the West Philippine Sea by limiting resupply missions to BRP Sierra Madre to food and water for the soldiers.

The former Palace spokesman said China was upset that the status quo was disrupted under the Marcos administration.

"But China's complaint is that the Philippines' action is opposite to what was agreed — that there would be no more sending of repair equipment. That's why that's China's reaction," Roque said in an interview with Politiko.

BRP Sierra Madre, an active Philippine Navy warship despite its dilapidated condition, was deliberately run aground off Ayungin Shoal in 1997 to serve as a military outpost and to maintain

the country's sovereignty over the area amid the expansionist ambitions of China.

Filipino marines and sailors are deployed by the Navy on a rotation basis on board the BRP Sierra Madre. A routine resupply mission is conducted at least twice a month to bring food and other provisions for the troops manning the Navy ship.

But Chinese vessels have started getting aggressive to prevent the resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal.

This month, China Coast Guard vessels performed dangerous maneuvers and used water cannons during the March 5 and March 23 resupply missions, which damaged civilian supply boats, caused the collision of vessels and injured Filipino military personnel.

China justified its use of force by accusing the Philippine vessels of bringing construction materials to Ayungin Shoal to fix BRP Sierra Madre.

Beijing claims sovereignty over 90 percent of the South China Sea, where the smaller West Philippine Sea is located.

But in 2016, an international court in The Hague ruled that China's claims had no legal basis.

No manipulation

Also on Thursday, journalists took exception to the claims of the Chinese Foreign Ministry and its embassy in Manila that journalists manipulated videos of Chinese actions in the WPS.

In a statement, the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap) rejected and condemned claims from Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hua Chunying that the Philippine press was a "troublemaker."

"The association strongly rejects and condemns the false, baseless claims by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying and the Chinese Embassy in Manila that journalists 'manipulate the videos they recorded' in the South China Sea to 'project the Philippines as a victim,'" the Focap said.

Filipino youth who have been bullied...

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getting into hilarious situations,” said Vargas, now 33.

Since Vargas had two distant relatives who lived in nearby Tempe, Arizona, the family chose nearby Mesa as their home. Following her initial culture shock, Vargas was confident that she would be able to conform in what she described as a “very ethnically diverse” city.

“I wanted to be like Rachel from ‘Friends’ but Filipino,” she quipped. But unfortunately, the expectation of making lots of friends in her new home soon dissipated.

In the 2001-2002 academic year, Vargas started middle school, where the trouble began. Vargas shared multiple classes with a group of students whom she described as non-Asian people of color, and who took every opportunity to make snide comments toward Vargas.

Even though she spoke fluent English, Vargas still had a

"Members of Focap include both Filipinos and foreign nationals from around the world, some of whom have [been] embedded in these Philippine missions," they added. "The claim that the Philippines 'had  PAGE A3 multilateral cooperation with like-minded partners in the South China Sea and committed to accelerate a number of bilateral initiatives to enhance informationsharing, interoperability, and capability enhancements for the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” it added.

distinct Filipino accent, which these bullies targeted. They called her a slew of offensive terms like “Mulan,” “Ling Ling,” and “chink.”

Vargas said the name-calling often happened during lunchtime when these students also mocked her lunches of traditional Filipino food. If she spoke up in class, these bullies would repeat what she said in an exaggerated Filipino accent. She said what hurt her most was when they’d make lewd sexual jokes related to the stereotype of submissive Asian women.

“I think I was an easy target because I didn’t know how to stand up for myself. I was quiet. Those kids knew that I wouldn’t fight back,” Vargas said. After school, she would shut herself in her bedroom, leaving her parents wondering what went wrong. Eventually, she told them what had been going on, and her parents went to the school to seek administrative

recourse.

However, the school did little to nothing to remedy the situation. Staff encouraged Vargas’ parents to send their daughter to the school counselor, but did nothing to bring her bullies to justice. Shortly after, the family moved to Los Angeles, California. For Vargas, it was a game changer.

In LA, Vargas met and befriended other Filipinos. She also found that the non-Filipino students at her new school in LA were much more welcoming, helping her establish meaningful friendships.

However, her experience of being bullied impacted her greatly in the years to follow. Additionally, as is common among Filipino and Asian families, her parents never considered seeking professional mental health care. They also assumed that because she made friends in LA, everything was fine.

 PAGE A3

Pentagon chief rea rms support after...

PAGE A1

Austin also reiterated that the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty

extends to both nations’ armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft — including those of its Coast Guard — anywhere in the Pacific, including the South China Sea. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said the defense will only be invoked if the country faces an “existential threat.”

Over the weekend, the China Coast Guard blocked and used water cannons against a Filipino supply boat, damaging the vessel and injuring three soldiers.

Beijing claims nearly the entire South China Sea, dismissing claims from other countries, including the Philippines, and an international court ruling that found its assertions to have no legal basis. (Gaea Katreena Cabico with reports from Agence FrancePresse/Philstar.com)

Pampanga ‘Kristo’ cruci ed...

PAGE A1

22nd year; Arnold Maniago, 45, 23rd year. In Del Pilar, two men — Crisanto Ramos, 51, and Ubardo Yumang, 43 — began their crucifixion this year as sacrifices for the good health of their families.

Enaje took his turn at 1 p.m. — hanging, hunching his back, and praying while on the cross for 10 minutes. He prayed that every Filipino family would have food on the table and be spared from hunger (“Ela sa daranup”). He stayed for another 5 minutes below the cross to perform the La Pieta. The crowd of less than 20,000 hushed into silence, with some seen uttering prayers. His “nailmen” — Romeo Diamse and Joel Celerio — did not hit a nerve when they

hammered long steel nails on Enaje’s palms and feet.

“But the nailing is too painful.

I can imagine Christ’s pain,” Enaje said when interviewed right after the rite. Search for successor ‘Kristo’ The crucifixion in Cutud as a Good Friday penance or thanksgiving is traced to itinerant healer Artemio Anoza in 1962. Between 5,000 and 10,000 “mandarame” (flagellants who whipped their backs until bloody) accompanied the crossbearers.

De la Cruz said the search for Enaje’s successor has been difficult. A prospect turned out to be a drunkard and philanderer. Several elders also disapproved of two replacements.

So Enaje persists with the crucifixion now more for the community than for his own individual goals.

“I’m doing this for our village so that the tradition would not be stopped,” he explained in an interview before the street play began at noon. Councilor Brenz

Gonzales, chair of the Holy Week Committee, pleaded with him to keep the tradition going.

Enaje’s first nine years of crucifixion began in 1986 as a form of thanksgiving for surviving a fall from a three-story building in 1985. The second set of nine years was for the healing of his wife. Another nine years was for his daughter’s healing. The 27 years were extended to seven more years. Social distancing and crowd control during the COVID-19 pandemic halted the rite for three years.

On Friday, Enaje carried a slightly lighter wood cross — 14 feet by 7 feet — that weighed 20 kilograms from the previous 37 kgs. He carried this for two kilometers, stopping at 14 stations to act out the street drama until the theater troupe reached a hill, their version of Calvary, on Purok Kuatro.

Allan Navarro threatened he would stop mounting the street play written by his grandfather Ricardo in 1955 if the new Kristo was not to his liking. 

Filipino youth who have been bullied...

“Even though the situation was better, I still struggled with having confidence, which I didn’t really experience before [I got bullied]. Sometimes, even now, I get a heavy feeling from those mean words of those bullies and I hear those voices and remember what it felt like to be so targeted,”

Vargas said, adding that that situation made her feel like she couldn’t ever voice her concerns.

For the past decade, Vargas has attended weekly therapy sessions and regularly sees a psychologist, who diagnosed her with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Vargas wished that she’d sought professional help much earlier, but admitted feeling ashamed about having to do so.

As a self-described nonconfrontational person, Vargas said that the bullying affected her self-esteem in her young adulthood. Though she feels more mentally stable these days, she expressed resentment regarding the school’s inability to curb the bullying.

“It’s frustrating because bullying can really mess with a person’s psyche, even though it is 100% avoidable,” she explained.

Though the bullying lasted only a few months, it stayed with her for decades.

“It was disappointing that [the school] didn’t do anything about those bullies. Who knows how those people turned out because nobody ever stopped them and said, ‘Hey, the way you’re treating that student is wrong,’” Vargas said.

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), Asian students are the least likely to report being bullied in school —18%, compared to white students (35%), Black students (31%) and Latino students (28%).

Among bullied Asian students, 54% of reported incidents occurred in class.

Those facts may underlie a more disturbing reality for Asians, who are among the least likely to report issues to authorities.

According to a 2021 study, 80% of U.S. Asian American students experienced bullying in school, but only 38% had reported the incident to an adult.

To Filipino American social worker David Hernandez, the phenomenon of keeping one’s head down and avoiding conflict is all too common.

As a youth counselor, Hernandez regularly works with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) families in his ethnically diverse hometown of Cerritos, California.

In one recent situation, an elementary school-aged Filipino girl—who migrated from the Philippines as a toddler and had a Filipino accent—was bullied by a white American girl.

“[The white girl] was regularly mocking the immigrant student because of her accent and belittling her in what I can only call a xenophobic way,”

Hernandez said. “Unfortunately, it seems like this kind of bullying of Asian people has really become more apparent in a [post-pandemic] world.”

Since 2020, the nationwide trend of anti-Asian hate — including verbal and physical assaults prompted erroneous connections between those of Asian heritage and the virus itself—has been widely publicized.

As a response, Stop AAPI Hate—the national groundbreaking non-profit that tracks self-reports of harassment and violence against Asian American and Pacific Islander community members—was established to examine the rise in xenophobia and racism during the Covid-19 pandemic.

From 2020 to 2022, the organization documented 11,409 individual hate acts, with a majority of them occurring in 2021 (49.8%) during the peak of media coverage on major antiAsian attacks. Though a majority of hate reports described settings like public transit and retail stores as among the most common areas, for AAPIs under 18, about a third of these incidents happened in school, according to Stop AAPI Hate’s data from 2020 to 2022.

Hernandez emphasized that though this kind of schoolyard bullying isn’t new, it has been exacerbated by the reemergence of backward stereotypes of Asian people.

In fact, it took several months to resolve the incident between the Filipino girl — who didn’t report the bullying — and her white bully; the event only came to light when a teacher overheard the bully berating the young Filipina and reported it to the school.Nevertheless, both families eventually came together and solved the issue. Hernandez encouraged the bully’s family— which he said was very compliant and apologetic—to adopt a more

involved and structured parentchild relationship. To prevent similar incidents, Hernandez encouraged the Filipino girl’s parents to open the flow of communication in their home to create a more emotionally inviting atmosphere—to avoid the tendency to shut one’s self off.

According to a 2023 study from the National Center for Education Statistics, less than half (46%) of middle and high school students who were bullied notified a teacher about it.

“It’s important to have regular conversations with your child and to really emphasize being honest. Kids really benefit from that, even if it feels awkward at first,” Hernandez said.

He added that parents of bullied children should “strongly” consider counseling for the child to avoid the longterm ramifications of bullying— as Vargas saw.

Vargas acknowledged that if she lived in an environment that punished bullies, and had a family that was receptive to mental health care, she would “not be struggling with the same issues years and years later.”

But what happens when your child is not bullied, but is the bully?

Fiona, a 42-year-old Filipina American who asked not to share her real name, is a stay-at-home mother in San Bernardino County. Her 10-year-old daughter is a straight-A student who regularly gets glowing remarks on her elementary school report cards.

“We see her grades and how well she’s doing, and think, ‘Wow, my child is perfect!’” Fiona said, laughing.

However, during a parentteacher conference in April 2023, her daughter’s teacher alerted Fiona to concerning behavior: a female student reported that Fiona’s daughter had been taunting her for the clothes that she wore.

The teacher said Fiona’s daughter had been making fun of this student for several months for “looking poor,” and for often wearing the same clothes on consecutive days.

“I was in shock. That was not how I raised my daughter, or so I thought. But I knew that we needed to make some changes in our home,” Fiona said, adding that she had attended a separate meeting with the school principal and the parents of the bullied child.

Fiona recalled that she wasn’t sure where to start with remedying the situation, revealing that she felt ashamed as a parent for the first time.

“I wouldn’t say that, as a kid, I myself experienced bullying, but I do remember the mean girls and how brutal they can be, so I had a hard time coping with the fact that my own daughter was a mean girl to someone else. It did feel like I had failed [as a mother] in a way,” she said .

Beyond making fun of this student for wearing “poor people clothes,” Fiona’s daughter had also been calling her names like “hobo,” and bragging about the expensive clothes and makeup she herself received on her birthday.

“Hearing that made me realize that spoiling [my daughter] is turning her into someone I didn’t want her to become: arrogant, conceited, and classist,” Fiona said, pointing out that she and her husband both grew up “without much” and wanted to give their kids “the world.”

Fiona and the bullied classmate’s parents arranged for an out-of-school meeting with the two girls. There, Fiona’s daughter apologized and each student shared their thoughts and feelings about the situation.

Modern psychology suggests that bullies become bullies through a variety of channels, ranging from media to family life. A common reason kids bully is to secure the upper hand within the hierarchy—pushing down as a form of social mobility up the schoolyard food chain. In a way, kids can bully as a defense against becoming a social outcast. In Fiona’s daughter’s case, she targeted a girl who appeared to be less fortunate to flaunt her wealth, Fiona said.

Fiona’s daughter stopped bullying the other girl, but she felt that her daughter didn’t truly grasp why her behavior was wrong, so she and her husband sought more constructive solutions.

With their daughter, Fiona and her family arranged to see a child psychologist.

The psychologist worked with the family to broaden the daughter’s understanding of humility, while the parents would ease up on spoiling the daughter—which Fiona admitted was becoming a problem—and would teach her that “having money doesn’t make you a better person.”

While the family has just begun healing the cycle of hate,

Hernandez said the positive change is a lasting one: “It really starts at home, and it really starts with parents who are receptive to change and are concerned with how their child treats others,” he said, adding that the ubiquity of bullying doesn’t mean its effects on youth aren’t lifelong.

“We have to remember that our kids are not just our kids. They’re eventually going to be adults, and in order for them to be responsible and kind adults, it’s important to teach responsibility and kindness right now,” Hernandez said. (Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) This story is part of a special series looking at the intersection of bullying and race in California led by Ethnic Media Services in partnership with California ethnic media, part of EMS’s Stop the Hate initiative, made possible with funding from the California State Library in partnership with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs. The views expressed on this website and other materials produced by EMS do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the CSL, CAPIAA or the California government. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.

Filipinos don’t want Charter change...

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media and advertising.

Only 7 percent of respondents nationwide said that they were given the people’s initiative petition to amend the 1987 Constitution, of which 76 percent said that they did not sign the petition and 24 percent said that they signed.

Of those who signed the petition, however, 55 percent said they were not given an incentive

after signing it, while 45 percent said they received an incentive.

Reacting to the survey, ACT-Teachers Rep. France Castro said the survey results proved that nearly all Filipinos did not want Charter change and that the government should focus on other “pressing problems.”

Kabataan Party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel, on the other hand, said the earlier survey by Tangere not-

‘BBM vows response to...

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journalists manipulate' their footage is a barefaced lie." They further stated that Hua's statements are "an insult to the integrity of journalists and an alarming attempt to muzzle an independent press."

The National Union of Journalists (NUJP) also took

offense at Beijing's statement.

"The media is not a party to the dispute and should not be demonized by parties for airing contending views on the issue and unflattering reports on incidents in the West Philippine Sea," the group said in a statement.

"Contrary to the ministry's claims on its social media

ed that 52 percent of respondents were in favor of Charter change.

“This proves that not all surveys are created equal. The methodology used by a survey that used a mobile app to gather its responses from respondents is questionable,” Manuel said.

The Pulse Asia survey had 1,200 respondents with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.8 percent. 

accounts, journalists on these missions provide on-site reports of incidents in the West Philippine Sea, often at their personal risk," they added. "Except for operational and national security considerations, state forces have no say in the production and editorial decisions on these reports." 

SUMMER FRUIT. Watermelons abound at Muñoz market in Quezon City on Good Friday, March 29. The fruit has about 90 percent water content, making it ideal during the hot, dry season.

PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Your doctor or your insurer? Little-known rules may ease the choice in Medicare advantage

BART Klion, 95, and his wife, Barbara, faced a tough choice in January: The upstate New York couple learned that this year they could keep either their private, Medicare Advantage insurance plan — or their doctors at Saratoga Hospital.

The Albany Medical Center system, which includes their hospital, is leaving the Klions’ Humana plan — or, depending on which side is talking, the other way around. The breakup threatened to cut the couple’s lifeline to cope with serious chronic health conditions.

Klion refused to pick the lesser of two bad options without a fight.

He contacted Humana, the Saratoga hospital, and the health system. The couple’s doctors “are an exceptional group of caregivers and have made it possible for us to live an active and productive life,” he wrote to the hospital’s CEO. He called his wife’s former employer, which requires its retirees to enroll in a Humana Medicare Advantage plan to receive

contacted

Medicare.

Klion said they all told him the same thing: Keep your doctors or your insurance. With rare exceptions, Advantage members are locked into their plans for the rest of the year — while health providers may leave at any time.

Disputes between insurers and providers can lead to entire hospital systems suddenly leaving the plans. Insurers must comply with extensive regulations from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including little-known protections for beneficiaries when doctors or hospitals leave their networks. But the news of a breakup can come as a surprise.

Many hospitals have also become disillusioned by the program.

“We hear every day, from our hospitals and health systems across the country, about challenges they experience with Medicare Advantage plans,” said Michelle Millerick, senior associate director for health insurance and coverage policy at the American Hospital Association, which represents about 5,000 hospitals. The hurdles include prior authorization restrictions, late or low payments, and “inappropriate denials of medically necessary covered services,” she said.

“Some of these issues get to a boiling point where decisions are made to not participate in networks anymore,” she said.

An escape hatch CMS gives most Advantage members two chances to change plans: during the annual open enrollment period in the fall and from January until March 31.

But a few years ago, CMS created an escape hatch by expanding special enrollment periods, or SEPs, which allow for “exceptional circumstances.” Beneficiaries who qualify can request SEPs to change plans or return to original Medicare. According to CMS rules, there’s an SEP patients may use if their health is in jeopardy due to problems getting or continuing care. This may include situations in which their health care providers are leaving their plans’ networks, said David Lipschutz, an associate director at the Center for Medicare Advocacy.

Another SEP is available for beneficiaries who experience “significant” network changes, although CMS officials declined to explain what qualifies as significant. However, in 2014, CMS offered this SEP to UnitedHealthcare Advantage members after the insurer terminated contracts with providers in 10 states.

When providers leave, CMS ensures that the plans maintain “adequate access to needed services,” Meena Seshamani,

In the nearly three decades since Congress created a privatesector alternative to original, government-run Medicare, the plans have enrolled a record 52% of Medicare’s 66 million older or disabled adults, according to the CMS. But along with getting extra benefits that original Medicare doesn’t offer, Advantage beneficiaries have discovered downsides. One common complaint is the requirement that they receive care only from networks of designated providers.

CMS deputy administrator and director of the federal Center for Medicare, said in a statement.

While hospitals say insurers are pushing them out, insurers blame hospitals for the turmoil in Medicare Advantage networks.

“Hospitals are using their dominant market positions to demand unprecedented double-digit rate increases and threatening to terminate their contracts if insurers don’t agree,” said Ashley Bach, a spokesperson for Regence BlueShield, which offers Advantage plans in Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington state.

Patients get caught in the middle.

“It feels like the powers that be are playing chicken,” said Mary Kay Taylor, 69, who lives near Tacoma, Washington. Regence BlueShield was in a weeks-long dispute with MultiCare, one of the largest medical systems in the state, where she gets her care.

“Those of us that need this care and coverage are really inconsequential to them,” she said. “We’re left in limbo and uncertainty.”

Other breakups this year include Baton Rouge General hospital in Louisiana leaving Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans and Baptist Health in Kentucky leaving UnitedHealthcare and Wellcare Advantage plans. In San Diego, Scripps Health has left nearly all the area’s Advantage plans.

In North Carolina, UNC Health and UnitedHealthcare renewed their contract just three days before it would have expired, and only two days before the deadline for Advantage members to switch plans. And in New York City, Aetna told its Advantage members this year to be prepared to lose access to the 18 hospitals and other care facilities in the NewYorkPresbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center health system, before reaching an agreement on a contract last week.

Limited choices Taylor didn’t want to lose her doctors or her Regence Advantage plan. She’s recovering from surgery and said waiting to see how the drama would end “was really scary.”

So, last month, she enrolled in another plan, with help from Tim Smolen, director of Washington’s

 PAGE A7

EDD online application now available in...

PAGE A1

through UI Online after logging into myEDD. Next, EDD will be adding language enhancements for the disability or Paid Family Leave applications and Benefit Overpayment Services.

Applying for unemployment benefits online

EDD customers must first create a myEDD account and then register for UI Online, the fastest and most convenient way to apply for benefits and manage an unemployment claim. For languages other than English, customers should select the globe icon at the top of the myEDD login page, revealing a menu of language options (see the following image). Customers are encouraged to indicate their preferred written and spoken language when applying online, which helps the Department to better serve customers seeking multilingual services.

Unemployment customers can get answers to their questions and complete most claim-related tasks through UI Online. Within UI Online, customers can certify for their bi-weekly benefit payments, check payment information, reopen an existing claim, update contact information, reschedule an eligibility phone interview, and send secure messages to unemployment customer service representatives.

The EDD has also established dedicated phone lines in the top languages for unemployment customers who need assistance navigating the claim process.

EDD language access

initiatives

Expanding UI Online access adds to the Department’s previously announced efforts to better serve limited English proficient (LEP) individuals –people whose primary language is other than English or have limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English, including deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

The EDD has already:

• Established a Multilingual Access Advisory Committee that will advise on language considerations that affect people seeking and receiving EDD services.

• Opened an EDD Language Access Office directed by its Language Access Officer.

• Increased its website’s translated content, including vital information about all EDD programs, forms and publications, and contact information, as well as providing access to interpreters in over 200 languages at no cost.

• Provided customers with helpful how-to videos for UI Online in different languages.

Expanding language access to California’s diverse communities is part of EDDNext. The multi-year modernization effort is dedicated to completely transforming the EDD’s customer and employee experiences based on customer research and feedback.

For more information, please visit Language Resources at https://edd.ca.gov/en/languageresources/. The EDD will share new updates regarding language access improvements

in future news releases and its bi-monthly newsletter, which offers the latest information on major changes impacting EDD customers.

EDDNext is an ongoing transformation effort that includes updating online applications, contact centers, the claims process, policies, procedures, and forms, to make the EDD experience easier and faster. It involves working with customer service experts, such as Amazon Web Services and Salesforce, to ensure EDDNext is forward-thinking and embraces the best technology and practices. Recently, the EDD started simplifying the unemployment application process by removing some questions and working on a rewrite of the application to make it easier to understand and navigate. The Department also switched benefit debit card services to Money Network which supports providing a new direct deposit option later this year. EDD has also continued to streamline benefit determinations, added customer satisfaction surveys after calls, added text message updates to State Disability Insurance claims, created a new How to Apply for Unemployment guide, launched a new shared customer portal called myEDD, launched dedicated phone lines with EDD staff fluent in California’s eight most commonly spoken languages, and created new multilingual resources pages. (EDD Release)

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

House leaves Quiboloy’s fate to Senate

MANILA — The House of Representatives will no longer pursue and implement the warrant of arrest it issued against pastor Apollo Quiboloy after it approved on final reading the bill revoking the franchise of the evangelist’s alleged TV network.

“Congress has decided that we will give way to Senate so as not to create any complication on who would take custody of Quiboloy if there will be two arrest warrants,” Rep. Johnny Pimentel, vice chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises, said.

“The contempt order and arrest warrant from the House has been rendered moot and academic by virtue of the release of arrest warrant from the Senate,” Pimentel added, echoing the statement of Quiboloy’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio.

In an interview with One News’

“Storycon” last Monday, Topacio said the House warrant has been rendered moot after the panel

headed by Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting wrapped up its probe and sent its committee report to the plenary, which also adjourned session last March 22.

The House voted 284-4, with four abstentions, to revoke the legislative franchise of Davao Citybased Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI), whose juridical name is Swara Sug Media Corp. – of which Quiboloy is believed to be the beneficial owner – after it was found to have violated its franchise.

The four congressmen who objected to SMNI’s closure were Reps. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of Pampanga’s second district, Paolo Duterte of Davao City’s first district, Ron Salo of party-list Kabayan and Drixie Cardema of Duterte Youth party-list. The SMNI revocation will also need Senate approval, just like any other pending House bill.

The House-approved bill revoking the legislative franchise of SMNI will take the usual legislative route, which includes passing through the Senate for

possible concurrence.

Rep. Jude Acidre of party-list

Tingog said House Bill 9710 nullifying the franchise of Swara Sug Media Corp. will be sent to the Senate soon after lawmakers approved it on third and final reading last week. “We cannot tell the Senate what to do, but we’re hoping that they will look at it objectively. They have to look at the evidence. We hope that this will be handled with objectivity and impartiality,” the House deputy majority leader told Congress reporters.

HB 9710 effectively repeals Republic Act 11422, which extended the franchise granted to Suara Sug Media Corp. under RA 8122 for an additional 25 years in August 2019. The renewed franchise was originally scheduled to expire in 2044. The revocation of SMNI’s franchise by the House was prompted by a series of violations, including spreading fake news, involvement in red-tagging and committing serious corporate offenses. 

Security Council warns of foreign interference in 2025 polls

by MICHAEL PUNONGBAYAN Philstar.com

MANILA — There may be foreign interference in next year’s midterm elections and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) should prepare to counter cyberattacks, the National Security Council (NSC) warned on Wednesday, March 27.

Foreign interference may come in the form of hacking and other internet-related intrusions or influencing the Filipino’s voting preferences or decisions through misinformation or fake news, according to the council.

The DICT itself has reported persistent sources, which the government should be prepared for during the midterm elections, NSC assistant director general Jonathan Malaya said.

“Given that it’s an election year, we should be starting to prepare now on how to protect the integrity of the electoral process

and protect it from cyberattacks,” he told ANC.

“We see a consistent pattern abroad. We have seen foreign interference in elections in most democracies,” he added.

The United States and other countries accused China of being behind a series of hacks into lawmakers and key democratic institutions, an allegation that China denies with claims that it is against, and also cracks down on, all forms of cyberattacks.

Malaya said preparations for possible foreign interference include securing the election database from hacking and safeguarding the transmission of election results.

“It could be as subtle as troll farms or disinformation… to sway the public to a certain political thought. Or it could be as serious as hacking the electoral database. Or interfering with the transmission of votes,” he said.

New voting tech safe

The Commission on Elections

(Comelec) on Wednesday assured the public that the technology to be used in next year’s elections is safe from possible cyberattacks.

The poll body started preparations early to ensure that the system is “tested” and all security measures are put in place, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said.

“The features and the wish list that we included in the hardware, software and transmission ensure the protection against any cyberattack,” he added.

Garcia issued the statement in reaction to the NSC’s warning of possible foreign interference in next year’s elections. He said the Comelec’s information technology personnel are being prepared for such a possibility.

The Comelec chief also stressed the need for the support of all stakeholders and the vigilance of the electorate in protecting the sanctity of the electoral process. 

SMC starts works on Pangasinan tollway

MANILA — Food-to-infrastructure conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has started the civil works for the Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX), laying the bedrock for a P34-billion project that would improve travel and tourism in Northern Luzon.

SMC on Thursday, March 21 broke ground for the first phase of PLEX, setting in motion the construction for a toll road that will run for 42.76 kilometers. The groundbreaking was held in a site spanning the municipalities of Binalonan and Laoac in Pangasinan.

SMC president and CEO Ramon Ang stressed the important role that PLEX will play in boosting mobility and trade in Pangasinan. The project, as designed, will connect the eastern and western corridors of the province.

“We believe in the bigger potential of the province and its people, and that is why we continue to invest here. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership, and with the help and support of the provincial

government, create more jobs, livelihood and business opportunities,” Ang said.

PLEX is estimated to shorten the travel time from the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) to Pangasinan’s capital Lingayen to less than an hour, from 1.5 hours.

The first phase of PLEX covers a total of three segments: a 6.9-km stretch from Binalonan to Manaoag; a 11.3-km road to Calasiao; and a 22.17-km section to Lingayen, along with a 2.39-km spur line to Calasiao.

PLEX will be connected to TPLEX, another toll road operated by SMC, providing an access link to the New Manila International Airport — also being built by SMC — in Bulacan.

There is a possibility that PLEX will be extended down the line. The second phase of PLEX will provide an access road to Alaminos, home to famed destinations Hundred Islands and Pilgrimage Island.

Under the concession agreement, SMC will shoulder all of the cost in putting up the expressway. The province, on the other hand, will take a five percent share in toll and commercial revenues, and will also get a 30

Roxas City, Capiz, 13 other areas seen to breach ‘danger’ level heat index

MANILA — Roxas City in Capiz and 13 other areas nationwide are expected to reach the “danger” level of heat index, according to the state weather bureau.

The provincial capital of Capiz is seen to have the highest heat index at 45 degrees Celsius.

Areas in Panay Island also have 44 degrees Celsius, particularly in Mambusao, Capiz, Iloilo City, and Dumangas town in Iloilo.

The weather stations in these areas—Tugegarao, Cagayan; Coron, Palawan; San Jose, Occidental Mindoro; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and Aborlan, Palawan—are also expected to report 43 degrees Celsius.

Clark, Pampanga, Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, Masbate City, and Pili, Camarines Sur will experience heat indexes of 42 degrees.

percent cut in earnings before taxes once the project’s internal rate of return exceeds 10 percent.

Ang vowed to finish the toll road as scheduled if the concessionaire gets the right of way for the project on time.

“The provincial government will also receive a substantial share of the project’s earnings, which it can use to provide more social services to our kababayans,” Ang said. 

Meanwhile, Metro Manila is now out of the “danger category” as it is forecasts to have 41 degrees Celsius under the “extreme caution” category. The heat index, which ranges from 42 degrees Celsius to 51 degrees Celsius, is in the “danger” category. It could likely cause heat cramps and exhaustion, while heat stroke is probable with continued exposure to the sun.

The danger category is just before “extreme danger,” which is the highest category of heat index level, referring to temperatures of 52 degrees Celsius and beyond. Meanwhile, “extreme caution” ranges from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius, and “caution” is 27 to 32 degrees Celsius. Heat index measures the discomfort an average person experiences due to the combined effects of temperature and air humidity. (John Eric Mendoza/ Inquirer.net)

at chia@ metro.net.

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ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

excessive maritime claims, Beijing aims to gain control over these international waters and intimidate smaller nations.

The latest affront is China’s unilateral designation of zones off the Philippines’ coast for its yearly military exercises, arrogantly treating areas of the West Philippine Sea as its own. This flagrant violation of Philippine sovereignty has rightly been condemned by Manila. China’s expansionist moves are not just against the Philippines’ interests, but threaten the rights of all nations to navigate freely through international waters.

Editorial

smaller nations and disregard for international law is unacceptable. This alliance is about to be strengthened further with the U.S. announcement of its plans to locate additional military forces in more areas across the Philippine archipelago. This expanded rotation of U.S. troops, aircraft, and ships is a significant move to deter Chinese aggression and enhance cooperation between the brotherly nations.

Fortunately, the Philippines has a steadfast ally in the United States. Under the decades-old U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty, America has repeatedly pledged to defend Philippine forces and territory from hostile aggression, including in the South China Sea. As the region’s pre-eminent military power, the U.S. serves as a crucial counterweight to China’s bullying and expansionism.

Under their Mutual Defense Treaty, the U.S. has made clear that any armed attack on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific, including the South China Sea, will be met with mutual defense support. The U.S. has repeatedly warned China that its intimidation of

IF there’s anyone in the world who has circled the globe extensively, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken wins hands down. His schedule has been jam-packed with travels to Europe, Asia and the Middle East, with the last stop in Tel Aviv to discuss the ongoing situation in Gaza. But his recent visit to Manila emphasizes the importance that the U.S. places on its alliance with the Philippines, which he described as “more than rock solid,” not only in terms of security — which is absolutely important — but also in the area of mutual economic prosperity.

Secretary Blinken’s second visit to the Philippines comes ahead of the first ever tripartite summit involving the Philippines, the U.S. and Japan scheduled next month in Washington, D.C. as it reaffirms the commitment of the U.S. to the Indo-Pacific, with the upcoming trilaterals auguring “a new horizon of cooperation” among the three nations.

“THEY are causing geopolitical tensions and putting pressure on the global economy, which is already struggling with high inflation and interest rates, imbalanced trade deficits and higher fiscal deficits globally,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto told the Manila Overseas Press Club’s “Finance Night” March 20.

Despite the wars and the geopolitical tensions, Ralph remains bullish about the economy, although he now concedes growth could slow down.

“But while global prospects remain clouded with uncertainties, there is one area of consensus among economists: Asia’s economic powerhouses, particularly the Philippines, are set to lead growth over the next decades,” Ralph said. International research firms attest to the Philippines’ high growth rates. “They are projecting the Philippines will join the ranks of the world’s top 20 largest economies by mid-century,” he gushed.

“Fast forward to 2075, Goldman

China may harbor ambitions of regional hegemony, but the Philippines and the U.S. share an unshakable belief in freedom of the seas and a rules-based international order. Their ironclad brotherhood in arms should serve as a warning to Beijing — any aggressive moves against Philippine sovereignty will be met with unified resistance.

With its superior military might, the U.S. stands as a deterrent against further Chinese aggression in the region. The Philippine government should continue strengthening its strategic partnership with the U.S. and rallying other nations to push back against Beijing’s bullying and unlawful territorial grabs. (AJPress (Philstar.com)

President Marcos Jr. was pleased to meet with Secretary Blinken, hosting a small dinner in Malacañang where I happened to be seated beside the U.S. Secretary of State — giving me the opportunity to emphasize to him that our economic ties are key to our long-term, stable relationship. I told the secretary the president is very keen to see more investments from the United States in the area of energy, food security, semiconductor and digital infrastructure.

While defense and security are critical, they are in my view not necessarily considered as longterm goals in the sense that they are expedient in so far as the current security challenges we face are concerned. On the other hand, economic prosperity has a long-lasting impact on the lives of the people, underscoring the importance of our people-to-people ties that demonstrate the depth, strength and resiliency of our relationship.

For example, American companies that have established their businesses in the Philippines for a long time have been deeply embedded in the consciousness of Filipinos over the years, especial-

Sachs’ forecast positions the Philippines as the 14th largest economy globally, outpacing France,” Recto smiled broadly. These projections “are indeed a strong vote of confidence in our ability to orchestrate a rapid economic expansion in the years to come.”

If international rating agencies and analysts are bullish about the Philippine outlook, why not Filipinos themselves? “Thus, we will do our best to achieve or even surpass these forecasts via a set of growth-enhancing strategies,” Ralph said.

In his MOPC speech, the Finance chief said:

First, we will continue to bolster our macroeconomic strength through prudent fiscal management. Today, we are the fastestgrowing economy in the ASEAN region, expanding by 5.6 percent in 2023. This demonstrates our continued strength, stability and resilience in adverse conditions.

Multilateral organizations validate the vigor of our economy, expecting us to be a frontrunner in ASEAN with a projected GDP growth of 5.8 percent to 6.3 percent in 2024. Our growth trajectory has been fueled by sustained domestic consumption, which is proving to

ly in the provinces where people say “Colgate” when referring to toothpaste, or when they describe baby diapers as “Pampers.”

There is absolutely no question that economic prosperity and national security are closely connected. Based on many discussions we’ve had in Washington, we can expect more investments coming into the Philippines in many priority areas that have been identified, especially in clean and sustainable energy.

This was highlighted during the trip of President Marcos to San Francisco last November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit where he witnessed the signing of the landmark “123 Agreement” that allows the U.S. to share nuclear technology and specialized materials for peaceful uses. President Marcos was impressed at how we were able to negotiate the agreement, saying it would ensure a “more energy secure and green Philippines” with nuclear energy becoming part of the country’s energy mix by 2032.

A positive development towards this end was the signing of an agreement between Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and

be a robust shield against external factors contributing to the global economic slowdown. This strong consumer spending, which continues to account for more than 70 percent of the economy, is being supported by a vibrant labor market.

Filipinos engaged in formal and stable work continue to represent the largest portion of the workforce in the country. This is an indication of a strong and growing middle class.

The robust remittance inflows from our overseas Filipino workforce also sustain domestic consumer demand.

The strong rebound of the tourism industry as reflected by the rising tourism receipts as well as the hefty BPO export revenues give us confidence that we have ample buffers against external headwinds.

These, along with our low external debt and healthy reserves that exceed standard benchmarks, should keep our currency stable and resilient to adverse external shocks.

Our growth is further bolstered by an inflation rate that is well under control, with February’s 3.4 percent comfortably falling within the government’s target band of 2 to 4 percent.

Our comprehensive Reduce

the Seattle-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) — a key participant in the first ever U.S. Presidential Trade and Investment Mission to the Philippines — to conduct a feasibility study for the setting up of micro-modular reactors, particularly in areas that need adequate, stable and affordable electricity. President Marcos lauded the agreement as “a significant step towards exploring clean and sustainable energy options for the Philippines.”

The U.S. really wants to help the Philippines in the clean energy sector, so they are pushing harder for the deployment of small and micro-modular reactors which are perfect for the Philippines because they do not require the construction of big conventional power plants.

A major concern for investors, however, is a stable, reliable and affordable supply of electricity.

Unfortunately, many areas in the country that are serviced by electric cooperatives (ECs) continue to suffer from frequent power interruptions, making it difficult to attract investments, much less sustain economic growth.

According to a Philippine Insti-

Emerging Inflation Now or REIN plan will ensure that inflation remains within our target range.

The plan involves proactively preparing the country to mitigate the effects of El Niño on inflation through strengthening agricultural production to ensure food security.

Our efforts to exercise fiscal discipline have resulted in a much stronger fiscal house.

In 2023, our fiscal deficit continued to narrow down to 6.2 percent of GDP from its peak of 8.6 percent at the height of the pandemic.

This narrowing deficit path is attributed to the consistently higher government revenue collections and improved expenditure management.

As of January of this year, the national government posted a larger budget surplus of P88 billion, 92.25 percent higher than last year.

The fiscal outturn was brought about by a faster 21.15 percent year-on-year increase in revenues, reaching P421.8 billion.

The robust revenue collection outpaced the 10.39 percent expansion in government spending, which sped up to P333.9 billion. This means we are well above the target of collecting P11.7

tute for Development Studies discussion paper by Kris Francisco and Michael Abrigo titled “Electricity Supply Interruptions and Its Impact on Local Economies” that utilized data sourced from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on the monthly interruption report of electric cooperatives covering 2009 to 2022, local governments lose around P10.7 billion from “a single electricity supply interruption experienced by ECs, in a span of five years.”

In addition, an electricity supply interruption deprives the community of about P3.8 billion worth of undelivered public services related to community development as well as labor and employment over a five-year period.

Worse, many of these electric cooperatives were found to have been systematically overcharging customers in poor communities over the years. These erring ECs have been blatantly disregarding ERC regulations, charging higher electricity rates without basis or standard — creating a huge economic impact on these areas because progress is hampered, with residents and local businesses burdened by high rates compounded by poor service.

billion a day to support our average daily spending of P15.8 billion.

The significant reduction of the deficit signifies ongoing stabilization of our debt.

In 2023, our debt-to-GDP ratio further dropped to 60.2 percent from the peak of 60.9 percent in 2022.

We are currently reviewing the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework to ensure that our targets reflect realities globally and domestically and that we pursue a growth-enhancing fiscal consolidation.

Our high credit ratings summarize all our efforts to maintain fiscal discipline. This is a strong vote of confidence in our sound economic policies and a big win for ordinary Filipinos as it translates to more accessible financing for the government’s development programs.

This will allow us to channel funds that would have otherwise been allotted for interest payments towards more infrastructure projects, improved social services, a better health care system and quality education.

To fund the increasing needs of our people, we will focus on growing our revenues further by plugging tax leaks, improving tax administration — a process

No surprise therefore that there is a strong clamor not only from residents but local government officials to improve power distribution by allowing Meralco — the largest private sector electric distribution utility company in the Philippines — to service their area, among them Nasugbu in the province of Batangas that has so much development potential. Meralco’s franchise covers Metro Manila and nearby areas such as certain parts of the Southern Tagalog Region that are considered to be among the most productive, representing over 50 percent of our GDP.

As I have pointed out on several occasions, energy security is an important component in fueling growth and development that would help the country achieve economic prosperity — which in turn would become a strong foundation for national security. (Philstar.com)

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* *

*

Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

that will take some time — and preventing wasteful expenditures.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Bureau of Customs are accelerating digitalization initiatives to enhance tax administration efficiency and ease the payment of taxes.

Through the Ease of Paying Taxes Act, processes are already streamlined and taxpayers can now file and pay their taxes electronically anywhere in the country.

Five tax reform measures are underway to improve revenue mobilization, further sharpen our fiscal toolkit and modernize the Philippine tax system.

The revenue measures maximize our gains and institute fairness and fiscal consolidation. Our greatest competitive advantage rests in our people. With an average age of 25, we are harnessing the energy and talent of millions of young and welleducated Filipinos by investing heavily in education and social services. (Philstar.com)

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * *

Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com

Paolo Duterte defends Sara’s silence on China aggression at West Philippine Sea

MANILA — The lawmaker brother of Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday, March 27 took a swipe at critics who have called her out for her silence on the increased Chinese hostilities in the West Philippine Sea, arguing that the vice president should not condemn the recent assaults on Filipino vessels to avoid provoking China.

Rep. Paolo Duterte (Davao City, 1st District) — who last year similarly jumped to the defense of his father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, in the face of a grave threats case filed against him — spoke up for his sister after youth group Akbayan Party called out Sara for "turning a blind eye" to Filipino vessels facing aggression in their own waters.

"The question on the actions of Chinese vessels in the WPS should be directed to the chief architect of foreign policy, the Secretary of National Defense and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs," Paolo said.

"It is not the job of the Vice President or the Secretary of the Department of Education to

demonize China or any country for that matter," the lawmaker added.

Two Chinese coast guards on Saturday blasted a Philippine vessel with water cannons, injuring several Filipino navy crew members and damaging their wooden vessel — the latest and most extreme confrontation between the two countries in the tense waterways.

The incident has since prompted the Philippines to lodge its "strongest protest" against Beijing and summon Beijing's charge d' affaires in Manila, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs' statement. China’s foreign ministry defended its Chinese Coast Guard’s actions and said that the Philippines should have long stowed away BRP Sierra Madre.

Repeated attempts to block the Philippines' resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, as well as other Chinese vessels' unauthorized activities in the WPS, have resulted in over a hundred diplomatic protests filed by the Philippines against China since the start of Marcos' term in June 2022 to December 2023.

Sara, who is also the

Department of Education (DepEd)

secretary and a vocal supporter of the armed forces, has not issued a similar statement since assuming power in June 2022.

The vice president, however, has consistently interjected into her education policies and pronouncements the need to strengthen the country’s “national security.”

From her request for confidential funds, to her acceptance of a role at the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, to the strengthening of peace education in the curriculum, Sara has stressed the need to recognize the role of education in enhancing the country’s security.

The vice president has also not shied away from issuing statements on a plethora of local and national issues and events, including national holidays and celebrations. This year, Sara publicly condemned the ambush of a government doctor in Maguindanao del Sur, expressed her grief for soldiers killed by Maute militants in Lanao del Norte, objected to the people’s initiative campaign to change the 1987 Constitution, among others. 

US to expedite aid initiatives to boost PH military’s capabilities

MANILA – The United States has agreed to expedite assistance aimed at beefing up the various capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

U.S. Department of Defense

(DOD) Secretary Lloyd Austin III made this pledge following a phone call with Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday, March 27.

Your doctor or your insurer? Little-known...

A4 

SHIP, Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program. Soon afterward, Regence and MultiCare agreed to a new contract. But Taylor is allowed only one change before March 31 and can’t return to Regence this year, Smolen said. Finding an alternative plan can be like winning at bingo. Some patients have multiple doctors, who all must be easy to get to and covered by the new plan. To avoid bigger, out-of-network bills, they must find a plan that also covers their prescription drugs and includes their preferred pharmacies.

"They agreed to bolster bilateral and multilateral cooperation with like-minded partners in the South China Sea and committed to accelerate a number of bilateral initiatives to enhance informationsharing, interoperability, and capability enhancements for the AFP," the DOD statement said. Both defense chiefs also underscored their countries' shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific grounded in transparency, the rule of law, respect for sovereignty, and the peaceful resolution of disputes. During the call, Austin reiterated the U.S. commitment to the Philippines following the March 23 incident where a Filipino resupply ship to Ayungin Shoal was harassed and damaged by a severe water cannon attack from China's Coast Guard ships that also resulted in injuries among some of the crew.

Treaty extends to both countries 'armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft—including those of its Coast Guard—anywhere in the Pacific, to include the South China Sea," the DOD statement added.

The two officials discussed the importance of preserving the rights of all nations to fly, sail, and operate safely and responsibly wherever international law allows.

"Secretary Austin reaffirmed the ironclad U.S. commitment to the Philippines following the PRC (People's Republic of China) Coast Guard and maritime militia’s dangerous obstruction of a lawful Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal on March 23. He emphasized U.S. support for the Philippines in defending its sovereign rights and jurisdiction and reiterated that the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense

They also stressed that the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal Ruling is final and binding on the Parties and called on China to abide by its obligations under international law.

"The officials discussed historic momentum in U.S.-Philippine defense ties and reaffirmed their mutual commitment to strengthening the U.S.-Philippine alliance, which has upheld peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region for over seventy years," it added. (PNA)

“A lot of times, we may get through the provider network and find that that’s good to go but then we get to the drugs,” said Kelli Jo Greiner, state director of Minnesota’s SHIP, Senior LinkAge Line. Since Jan. 1, counselors there have helped more than 900 people switch to new Advantage plans after HealthPartners, a large health system based in Bloomington, left Humana’s Medicare Advantage plans. Choices are more limited for low-income beneficiaries who receive subsidies for drugs and monthly premiums, which only a few plans accept, Greiner said. For almost 6 million people, a former employer chooses a Medicare Advantage plan and requires them to enroll in it to receive retiree health benefits. If they want to keep a provider who leaves that plan, those beneficiaries must forfeit all their employer-subsidized health benefits, often including coverage

for their families. The threat of losing coverage for their providers was one reason some New York City retirees sued Mayor Eric Adams to stop efforts to force 250,000 of them into an Aetna Advantage plan, said Marianne Pizzitola, president of the New York City Organization of Public Service Retirees, which filed the lawsuit. The retirees won three times, and city officials are appealing again. CMS requires Advantage plans to notify their members 45 days before a primary care doctor leaves their plan and 30 days before a specialist physician drops out. But counselors who advise Medicare beneficiaries say the notice doesn’t always work. “A lot of people are experiencing disruptions to their care,” said Sophie Exdell, a program manager in San Diego for California’s SHIP, the Health Insurance Counseling

& Advocacy Program. She said about 32,000 people in San Diego lost access to Scripps Health providers when the system left most of the area’s Advantage plans. Many didn’t get the notice or, if they did, “they couldn’t get through to someone to get help making a change,” she said.

CMS also requires plans to comply with network adequacy rules, which limit how far and how long members must travel to primary care doctors, specialists, hospitals, and other providers.

The agency checks compliance every three years or more often if necessary.

In the end, Bart Klion said he had no alternative but to stick with Humana because he and his wife couldn’t afford to give up their retiree health benefits. He was able to find doctors willing to take on new patients this year.

But he wonders: “What happens in 2025?” 

SMOOTH RIDE. The usually congested EDSA-Ortigas Avenue intersection and flyover, spanning Quezon City, San Juan and Mandaluyong, have few passing vehicles on Maundy Thursday morning, March 28. It is a common sight during the Holy Week when Metro Manila dwellers go out of town. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Bart Klion says the doctors who have treated him and his wife “have made it possible for us to live an active and productive life.”

Photo by Hans Pennink/KFF Health News

Asian Journal WKND

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration questions from Kapamilya at Gerry’s Grill in Houston, Texas on Citizen Pinoy

ACTRESS Andi Eigenmann brought some ashes of her mom Jaclyn Jose to Siargao.

In a report by PEP, Andi’s half-brother Gabby Eigenmann said Andi with her kids and sibling Gwen Guck flew to Siargao after Jaclyn’s cremation.

“Last time, may mga maliliit kasi silang ano [lalagyan]. I think Andi has brought some to Siargao, tapos si Gwen has one also,” Gabby said.

“But siyempre, ‘yung buong urn nasa columbarium na. Pero ‘yun nga, meron silang maliliit na [lalagyan]. I think kumuha rin ‘yung sister, si Gwen at saka si Andi,” he added.

LEADING

Sarah spoke to the press, including Philstar.com, at the blue carpet of the recently held inaugural Billboard Philippines Women in Music. Sarah was named the first honoree of the Woman of the Year award.

During her acceptance speech, Sarah said that she was humbled

to have been given the award and that she is happy that in her own little way she was able to inspire other people.

Prior to her awarding, Sarah got candid about what she felt after getting her Global Force award at the Billboard Women

KAPAMILYA IN HOUSTON, TEXAS GET ANSWERS TO THEIR IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS FROM LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL ON PART 1 OF “YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT.” Atty. Gurfinkel (bottom right) answers the following questions – From Ana (top left): As concert producers, we usually bring artists from the Philippines to perform. How can we avoid having their visas denied?; From Noemi (top right): What is the easiest pathway for teachers from the Philippines to come to the U.S.?; From Marilou (bottom left): What can my 40-year-old brother do to be able to migrate to the U.S.?; From Bhogz (bottom center): Now that I have my green card, how can

Atty. Gurfinkel answers immigration...

chance for some of the diners to ask Citizen Pinoy’s Atty. Gurfinkel their immigration questions.

Ana is a physical therapist and a concert producer, and the proceeds of her concerts are usually donated to worthwhile causes such as Gawad Kalinga. She asked Atty. Gurfinkel how they can avoid visas being denied for the artists that they bring in from the Philippines.

Marilou, a Doctor of Nursing Practice and the CEO of her own business, Visiting Doctors MGT of Texas, wanted to know what steps her 40-year-old brother needs to take to be able to migrate to the U.S.

Noemi, an educator armed with a PhD and the current president of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, wanted to know what the easiest pathway is for teachers in the Philippines who want to come to the U.S.

Bhogz, a cook at Gerry’s Grill for over 20 years now, recently obtained his green card. He wants to know how he can bring all his children to the U.S.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Houston, Texas. Watch this encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, March 31 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET through select

Sarah Geronimo meets with...

in Music held in early March in Los Angeles, United States, and immediately after, being handed the Woman of the Year honor. “Grateful po. Siyempre may mga apprehensions. Kakabalik ko lang. May mga fears pero sa industriya naman natin, as long as you believe in what you do, [what] you put out there sa mga tao, as long as mahal mo ‘yung ginagawa mo, there’s nothing to fear,” she said to a question by ABS-CBN reporter MJ Felipe. When MJ followed it up by asking if she still has apprehensions after the Billboard award in the U.S., Sarah said she still does. Parang ‘pag sinabi yatang Sarah Geronimo, kakabit na ‘yung apprehension. Parang part po talaga ng personality ko, but

at the end of the day, there’s a decision to overcome that apprehension, ‘di ba?

“Ano pa rin, ‘yung passion pa rin nag-overtake ‘yung fear, hesitation, apprehension,” Sarah said.

The singer-actress said she is more inspired to get back to the music and concert scene, even acting, after her recent feats.

Sarah was happy to have met some Filipino-American music producers in Los Angeles.

“Nasabi niya nga po sa akin na Filipino artists don’t need to change anything about themselves. Kailangan lang nila ‘yung confidence at pagmamahal sa sarili nating musika,” she said. She ended that she’s game for anything, especially the plans or projects that have been conceptualized for her. g

BINI wants to help women realize their worth through music

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

In a time where women are taking charge of their destiny, BINI has emerged at the forefront of young Filipinas looking for inspiration to keep going. Their smash hit “Pantropiko” catapulted the eight-member girl group into superstar status, and the throng of screaming fans, outpour of activities, and a solo concert on the way is a sign of their stars shining brighter.

The Filipino girl group — consisting of Jhoanna Robles, Aiah Arceta, Colet Vergara, Maloi Ricalde, Gwen Apuli, Stacey Sevilleja, Mikha Lim, and Sheena Catacutan — was launched to the public in June 2021. A string of songs including “Da Coconut Nut,” “Born To Win,” “Golden Arrow,” “Na Na Na,” “Lagi,” “I Feel Good,” and “Karera” were added to their discography, which is akin to BINI exploring genres before finding their sound.

“Ang dami naming in-explore na genre, to be honest. Nag‘Born To Win’ kami, then biglang nag-cutesy,” Gwen recalled in

an interview with INQUIRER. net. “But when we started with ‘Lagi,’ pumatok na siya sa tao. Nag-boom din ang ‘Na Na Na’ sa Tiktok.”

This, in turn, dawned on the group that it was the sign they found their niche. But the group’s leader Jhoanna said they’re open to exploring more genres that showcased their identity as empowered Filipinas.

Empowering women

Apart from their music, BINI’s on- and off-screen personalities — playful, witty, and energetic — made a mark on social media. This led to a stream of people (particularly K-pop fans) joining their fanbase or Blooms. Colet admitted there’s “pressure” in the attention, but they would rather focus on enjoying the journey.

“Never naming tinake [as a way] na kailangan naming maging ganito. Tame pa rin naman kami,” she said while laughing. Stacey also chimed in, saying, “Pero hindi naman kami conscious!”

Colet nodded in agreement with Stacey’s words. She said the group doesn’t want to be too

conscious about what the public thinks of them. “Hindi namin iniisip na dapat kung ano sinasabi ng mga tao, dapat gan’un kami. Gusto naming mag-enjoy lang. Kahit ganito na ‘yung [reach] namin, gusto naming i-enjoy siya.”

BINI’s growing influence also led them to be invited as guests to special events, including ones that focus on women’s empowerment and other issues that matter. Among their recent appearances was at the Billboard Philippines Women in Music Awards where they bagged the Rising Star award.

“As a young woman in the industry, I feel empowered that we’re considered to talk about important topics,” Colet said. “It hit me with a realization that we have a responsibility as public figures and our voice matters. No matter how small.”

One of the shining examples of BINI’s influence is their passion to push for women’s empowerment. Since their debut, they introduced themselves as Filipinas who “aspire to share their talent with the world.” This

Andi Eigenmann brings some...

Sarah Geronimo

Photo from Instagram/@justsarahgph

Gabby said that Andi’s daughter Ellie also has some of Jaclyn’s ashes.

“Si Ellie pala may necklace, nasa pendant niya,” he said. Yun, siyempre just to remember her, parang palagi

rin nilang kasama kahit saan sila magpunta,” he added. Jaclyn succumbed to heart attack last March 2. g

Ana (left) and Marilou

Noemi (left) and Bhogz

BINI members (from left) Sheena, Gwen, Jhoanna, Mikha, Maloi, Colet, Stacey, and Aiah

Photo courtesy of Star Music

Ai-Ai delas Alas says ‘Ang Tanging Ina’ is her miracle

By Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net

AI-AI delas Alas said that she considers “Ang Tanging Ina” her own “miracle” story as it was the movie that rode her to stardom.

During a guest appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, the Queen of Comedy recalled that she prayed hard for the movie to be a “blockbuster.”

“Syempre ito ‘yung launching film ko. Parati ako nagpapray sa Baclaran, ‘Mama Mary, sana po kumita. Sana po maging blockbuster ‘yung pelikula,’” she shared.

(Of course this is my launching film. I always pray in Baclaran, ‘Mama Mary, I hope the film will make money. I hope the movie will be a blockbuster)

However, Delas Alas said that during the first day of the film showing, there was a level 3 storm that made her think no one would come watch the film, which led her to doubt herself.

“Sabi ko, ‘Siguro hindi talaga ako pang-bida. Siguro may ibang plano si Lord sakin,’ Pero ang ginawa pala ni Lord, lahat ng tao pinalabas niya. Biglang

‘yung mga tao nagpunta sa mall, nanood ng ‘Tanging Ina,’” she tearfully said.

(I said, ‘Maybe I’m not really meant to be a star. Maybe the Lord has a different plan for me,’ But it turns out that the Lord did, he sent everyone out. Suddenly, the people went to the mall, watched ‘Tanging Ina’) Given the success of the 2003 “Ang Tanging Ina ,” three sequels followed suit: “ Ang Tanging Ina N’yong Lahat ” (2008), “ Ang Tanging Ina Mo” (Last na ‘To !) (2010), and

“Enteng ng Ina Mo ” (2011), as well as a television series spinoff.

Upon its release, the film became the highest grossing Filipino film until it was surpassed by Kris Aquino’s Sukob ” in 2006.

Another miracle

Aside from her film, Delas Alas also said that her husband of almost 10 years, Gerald Sibayan, is also one of her miracles. She shared that she is currently based in California, United States, and her husband

has been providing for her.

“Naniniwala ako na ang mabuting asawa bigay ng Panginoon talaga. Isa pa, provider [siya]. Hindi nila alam. ‘Naku, si Ai-Ai lang bubuhay jan,’ Hindi po. Sa Amerika po, siya ang bumubuhay sakin,” she said.

(I believe that a good husband is a gift from the Lord. Also, he is a provider . They do not know that. ‘Oh, only Ai-Ai will provide for him,’ Nope. He is the one who provides for me in America) g

BINI wants to help women realize their worth...

led to the group putting female power at the center of their performances, interviews, and other ventures — whether it’s showing the realities of what it means to be a woman or releasing an album that shows what they’re advocating for.

Talaarawan,” which was released on International Women’s Day on March 8, is another example of the group’s message to uplift women. “We are very vocal about women empowerment,” Sheena said. “It feels amazing na na-deliver namin ‘yung message with them na babae sila at hindi babae lamang. We want them to realize their worth as a woman and how amazing and beautiful they are. We want to continue inspiring more people in the future.”

Despite their growing fame, Maloi and Aiah are also aware that “balancing out [their] well-being” while reaching their “full potential” was not a walk in the park. However, they make it a point to remind themselves that it’s okay not to be at their best all the time.

“What allows us to stay true to ourselves is acknowledging that we are not just artists, but are human beings who are imperfect,” they said. “By acknowledging these flaws, we become authentic to ourselves. This

allows us to remain grounded, allowing us to become better persons and artists.”

Jhoanna, on the other hand, confessed that there were moments when they dealt with problems plaguing their mental health. But they find strength in the artists they’re inspired by to persevere and keep going.

“We read many posts saying we helped [fans] deal with their mental health issues. Even us, we reached that point, na sa mga idol naming artists kami kumukuha ng inspirasyon to keep going. When there are times we feel exhausted and we want to give up, we just think about the people who hold on to us. So why would we stop?” she said.

Empowering each other

For BINI, being the “Nation’s Girl Group” is more than just attracting new fans, releasing music, or welcoming people into their safe space with fellow Blooms. They also find strength in each other as they navigate the ups and downs of the P-pop industry.

“I feel empowered every time I look at the girls during training, hardships, breakdowns, and good times. It’s not easy being a woman in this industry. We have a lot of standards we have to fit in, emotions to hide, insecurities to mask,” Mikha said. Despite this, she finds strength in being in a group of women who

fight for the same cause as hers.

“When I look at the girls, I feel amazed. I’m glad to be working with women who fight for a cause, and who have voices and will use these voices for good,” she continued.

Stacey, meanwhile, said she’s thankful to be with people who have her back. “The people around me help me push myself. It’s really helpful to surround yourself with good people who will genuinely encourage you,” she said.

For her part, Aiah expressed her gratitude to those who remind her that she can do and accomplish more. “May times na hindi talaga mawawala ‘yung doubt sa sarili mo.”

“There are even times when you feel lost,” she further added. “For us, we’re grateful we have a whole team with us so even if we feel alone, we have the management, coaches, and the girls who can encourage us that we’re capable of doing more than we can do.”

When asked about being the leader of BINI, Jhoanna said she doesn’t consider it to be overwhelming. It might have been a daunting task to lead the group, knowing that she is the second youngest member. However, being together for five years has allowed her to learn and be inspired by her members. g

Marian Rivera takes on projects that her children can watch

WITH her upcoming primetime show, “My Guardian Alien,” Marian Rivera has added sci-fi to the growing array of genres — from drama, fantasy, romance, and action to historical and comedy — that the Kapuso actress has successfully ventured into thus far.

At key points of the story, she will portray Katherine, the doting mom to Doy (Raphael Landicho) and loving wife to Carlos (Gabby Concepcion), and an alien with the unique name 11-1-20-8-5-22-912-5, whose pod has accidentally dropped to Earth.

Such a human-to-extraterrestrial transformation, as some may agree, appeals to the sense of wonder of the young and even the young-at-heart. It could be a reason why Marian immediately gave the GMA Prime show consideration.

“This was something I liked,” she said about her reaction when “My Guardian Alien,” along with other proposed projects, were presented to her by GMA in a recent press conference, “and I told myself, ‘Ay, ang ganda nitong gawin.’ Bago sa akin at sure ‘ko na mapapanood ng mga anak ko (It’s something new to me and I’m sure my kids can watch it).”

So, it was love at first pitch for Marian, who is making a return to the primetime timeslot.

“Gusto kong gumawa ng isang serye na mapapanood ng mga anak ko at magiging proud ako (I want to do a TV series that my children can watch and I will be proud of),” added she.

Marian has two kids — Zia and Sixto or Ziggy — with husband Dingdong Dantes.

She said she’s at a point in her professional life where she wants her kids to be proud of everything she does.

Ito na siguro yung time or moment sa buhay ko na sa tuwing may gagawin ako ay gusto ko na maging proud yung mga anak ko sa akin,” shared she.

Thus, the five years that she waited to star in another primetime show were all worth it.

Prior to this, Marian made a small-screen and big-screen acting comeback via the weekend sitcom, “Jose & Maria’s Bonggang Villa” in 2022 and the romance-drama “Rewind” (2023), now the highestgrossing Filipino film of all time.

In “My Guardian Alien,” she is sharing the screen with veteran leading man Gabby and adorable child star Raphael.

“Napaka-gaang ka-trabaho ni kuya (it’s so easy to work with him),” shared Marian, “napakabait katrabaho.”

In-between takes, the ensemble cast is given time to talk to each other and see some aspects of the actors’ personalities, like the

Ai-Ai delas Alas says ‘Ang Tanging Ina’ is her miracle

Photo screengrabbed from Youtube/ABS-CBN Star Cinema

Marian Rivera

GMA photo

Kathryn Bernardo describes 28th birthday as most memorable yet

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA star Kathryn Bernardo shared some highlights from her recent yacht birthday bash.

In her Instagram account, Kathryn described the celebration as the “happiest birthday to date.”

“WHAT A DAY! Didn’t want it to end. Keeping these moments in my core memory forever,” Kathryn wrote.

“Thank you for making this my happiest birthday to date. Cheers to 28!” she added.

Celebrities such as Dominic Roque, Jericho Rosales and Rambo Nunez, to name a few attended Kathryn’s birthday.

Others who were present included Kathryn’s “Hello Love Goodbye” co-stars Maymay, Lovely Abella, Kakai Bautista and Alden Richards.

“My Ga namin!! Happy birthday we love you so much!!”

Lovely wrote on Facebook.

Fans of Kathryn and Alden expressed their wish for a “Hello, Love, Goodbye” sequel through comments and messages. “Finally, Joy is back to

Ethan’s life.. HLG part 2 pls,” an Instagram user commented. “Mas ok si alden kesa kay dj sa totoo lng at deserve ni Kath ng totoong pag mamahal,” another user commented. g

Lea Salonga looks back on her theater career

BROADWAY legend Lea Salonga celebrated World Theatre Day by sharing some of her iconic pictures on stage.

On Wednesday, March 27, the theater legend posted on Instagram 20 pictures of her stage performances starting from when she was at her tender age, including in “Miss Saigon,” “Les Misérables,” “Cats” and “Annie,” among others.

Salonga’s world-class talent put the Philippines in the spotlight, as she earned multiple accolades including Tony, Laurence Olivier, Drama Desk,

Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World awards. She was also nominated for Grammy Awards twice. She was also conferred with the Presidential Medal of Merit, the Order of Lakandula, and was honored as a Disney Legend because of her voice as Princess Jasmine in “Aladdin” and Fa Mulan in “Mulan” and “Mulan II.”

Aside from her exceptional work in theater, Salonga made her mark in the movie and television industries. Her acting credits include “Sana Maulit Muli,” “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal” and, most recently, “Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin,” which is a reboot of the popular American

series. She also served as a judge in the Philippine version of “The Voice” including “The Voice Kids.”

The award-winning actress and singer remarked that she got satisfaction and a “high” from the people she worked with and the audience.

“To be on a Broadway stage, learning about this art form from the masters, and then to be actually performing, getting a high every night in front of all these people—that’s something that a lot of people should feel. You may lose something, but you also gain something. I’ve gained a lot of experience working with people,” she told Playbill in 2019. g

Claudine Barretto remembers ex-boyfriend Rico Yan on 22nd death anniversary

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

In her Instagram account, Claudine posted an IG reel with the caption “Claudine’s one and

only forever.” “March 29 My heart stopped. always and forever,” she captioned the post.

In the video, Claudine told Karen Davila that Rico was a big part of her life.

“He is a big part of my life,” Claudine said.

“In your life sabi nila you just have one great love, right? So parang ako ‘yung wansapanataym, wansapanataym,” she added. The IG reel also featured photos and videos of Claudine and Rico.

Rico passed away on March 29, 2002, succumbing to hemorrhagic pancreatitis during his vacation in Palawan. g

Marian Rivera takes on projects...

fun side of Gabby, who is fond of making jokes, according to Marian.

“So, ginagawa niyang light ang mga pagkakataon (he makes every moment light),” shared she. “The times I (also) appreciate about him are when we talk about our lives… nakita ko kung gaano niya kamahal ang pamilya niya (I’ve seen how much he loves his family) Yun ang naappreciate ko sa kanya, napakabait niyang tao (he is a very nice and good person).”

As for Raphael, who played Little Jon Armstrong in the hit live-action adaptation “Voltes V: Legacy,” Marian found the child actor to be really good at acting and very cute. “Si Raphael ay mahusay na bata, magaling umarte atsaka ang cute, cute niya.”

On getting into her dual roles and doing family drama, sci-fi, and fantasy in the series, Marian said she made some adjustments initially.

“At first, it was challenging to be working on the set of a soap after a five-year break,” said she. She revealed that she initially struggled with finding her angle, the lighting and even her lines.

Hindi ko alam kung saan ang anggulo ko, nasaan ang lighting, nangapa talaga ako, and even the lines, kasi parang medyo nahirapan. I seemed to have a hard time memorizing the lines and

everything.”

Then she eventually found her foothold and acknowledged the help that everybody, from her production assistant to director Zig Dulay, gave her. Since one of her characters is an extraterrestrial being, Marian was also asked about her thoughts on its existence. Her response was in the affirmative, piquing one’s interest. “Dahil ginawa ko ito, oo. Kaya manood kayo baka mamaya magpakita sa inyo,” she quipped.

In the next breath, she said, “Minsan kasi mahirap paniwalaan ang mga bagay na hindi mo nakikita, ‘di ba? Mahirap sabihin na oo, pero hindi mo naman nakita. Ngayon kasi ang pinagbabasehan natin yung nakikita. So, malay natin kung meron. (Sometimes, it’s tough to believe something you don’t see. Seeing is a basis for believing. Who knows if an alien does exist?)” With her upcoming show, which will premiere on April 1 at 8:50 p.m. and air weeknights thereafter, Marian reiterated that she looks forward to doing more projects that her children can watch and be proud of. “So lahat ng ito ay blessing para sa akin (All of this is a blessing to me).” (Jerry Donato/Philstar.com) g

Kathryn Bernardo and her “Hello Love Goodbye” co-stars Maymay, Lovely Abella, Kakai Bautista and Alden Richards.

Photo from Instagram/@lovelyabella_

By JeSSica ann evangeliSta Inquirer.net

Lea Salonga looks back on her theater career. Photos from Instagram/@msleasalonga

Star Cinema’s “Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita” movie released in 1998 starring Claudine Barretto and Rico Yan. ABS-CBN photo

ELEVATING

FILIPINO NARRATIVES

US-based Filipina director and Arjo Atayde team up for ‘Moonglow’

By Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

UNITED States-based Filipino filmmaker Isabel Sandoval returns to her roots in the Philippines to shoot her fourth feature, “Moonglow,” starring internationally awardwinning actor and neophyte Quezon City Congressman Arjo Atayde.

Sandoval, recognized for her directorial prowess in the critically acclaimed 2019 film Lingua Franca,” as well as notable Filipino works like Señorita” and “Aparisyon,” alongside several U.S.-based series, is gearing up to start filming on the noir crime thriller this April.

Born and raised in Cebu before moving to the U.S. in 2005, Sandoval brings a unique blend of Filipino storytelling and international filmmaking experience to “Moonglow,” where she will not only direct and write but also take on the role of producer, editor, and actress.

“It feels like coming home in more ways than one. I made my first two films in the Philippines before making ‘Lingua Franca’ in the U.S. It elevated my profile in Hollywood and the global scene,” Sandoval said in

an interview with the Philippine media.

“I want to come back home with a project that’s exciting and would [serve as] an opportunity to showcase worldclass Filipino talent both in front and behind the camera. And one of those talents is, of course, Arjo Atayde, who is an award-winning actor. “So, yes, it’s nice to be back home with a project that I think presents an exciting new vision of what Filipino cinema can be internationally,” she added.

“Moonglow” follows the story of a jaded female police detective who breaks into the mansion of a corrupt police chief she works for and steals a large sum of money almost entirely accumulated from graft and corruption. The police chief enlists his nephew Charlie, played by Atayde, to get to the bottom of the case and find out who stole the money from him. Sandoval describes “Moonglow” as her “most ambitious and radical” film to date, pushing the boundaries of style and theme.

“In a way, it feels like your standard Philippine noir crime thriller genre film, but that’s just the premise of the film. It

Jake Ejercito claps back at basher accusing him of being ‘silent’ when Andi Eigenmann was pregnant with his child

By JessIca ann evangelIsta Inquirer.net

JAKE Ejercito responded to a basher accusing him and his ex-girlfriend Andi Eigenmann of “staying quiet” when the actress was suspected of being impregnated by Albie Casiño, also her ex-boyfriend.

On Facebook, a netizen made a comment relative to an online article about Ejercito supposedly poking fun at a sample question on the Civil Service Exam Masterclass and making his own grammar example implying a past issue involving the actor, Eigenmann and Casiño.

The netizen, Ivan Peñaflorida, wrote, “Jake WAS silent during the times when Albie Casiño was being assaulted for allegedly impregnating Andi Eigenman,”  Ejercito did not hold back and replied, “Ivan IS a clout chaser who comments without knowing the facts and the whole story. He can’t even spell names right.”

The “Linlang” actor then shared the screenshot of his discourse with the netizen on his Facebook Story and wrote, “Baka kailangan mong mag visita iglesia Ivan Peñaflorida,”  It can be recalled that

Eigenmann’s first boyfriend was Casiño. They then they broke up and the actress started a new relationship with Ejercito. But when Ejercito went to London, Eigenmann reportedly got back together with Casiño.

In 2011, Eigenmann sparked pregnancy rumors, with either of the two actors being suspected as the father. However, Casiño reportedly denied that he had sired Eigenmann’s child.

“From the start, there was always me and Jake Ejercito. There was always the two of us. I don’t know why everyone thinks it was me. There is no concrete evidence. She just said it was me. She never gave me

a DNA test. I don’t know why people automatically assume it was me,” Casiño said at the time.

Meanwhile, Casiño has harbored “ill feelings” for Eigenmann, whom he said did not apologize for what they had done to him and his career. He said last year that “he did not want to work with the actress again” but that he would be civil to her if ever they bumped into each other. He also said at the time that he’s okay with Ejercito.

Recently, Casiño was asked about the death of Eigenmann’s mother, veteran actress Jaclyn Jose. While he extended his condolences, he said he was “not affected.”

“Unang-una, I just wanna say, rest in peace, Ms. Jane, tsaka condolences sa lahat ng tao na nagmamahal sa kanya. Pero hindi naman ako apektado doon. I don’t think my presence would be welcome there, so bakit ako makikiramay, di ba?” he said.

(First of all, I just wanna say, rest in peace, Ms. Jane, and my condolences to all the people who love her. But I’m not affected by that. I don’t think my presence will be welcome there, so why should I sympathize, right?)

Eigenmann is now based in Siargao and has two other children with surfer Philmar Alipayo. g

Jennylyn Mercado thankful she’s safe after big-bike accident

By anne PasaJol Inquirer.net

JENNYLYN Mercado figured in a minor accident after she fell while riding a big bike, but she assured fans that she had sustained no severe injuries as she was wearing protective gear at the time.

The actress detailed the incident, which was apparently caused by slippery road, during her interview on “24 Oras” on

Monday, March 25.

“‘Yung ulo ko tumama sa floor pero safe pa rin ako dahil naka-helmet ako, nakagears ako—complete ‘yung gear ko at protected ‘yung buong katawan ko,” she said.

(My head hit the floor but I was safe because I was wearing a helmet and gears; I had complete gears and my whole body was protected.)

“I’m very thankful na walang major na nangyari sa akin,” she told the news

After five years, it was revealed that the biological father was Ejercito. This was confirmed by Eigenmann’s half-sister Max. “Yes, he [Ejercito] is. They did a test. He’s the dad. They’re coparenting. That’s why he always posts photos of my niece,” she said on the “Good Times with DJ Mo Twister” podcast.  Despite Max’s confirmation, Eigenmann and Ejercito did not give interviews to confirm this. To this day, the two are on good terms and are co-parenting their daughter, Ellie. program. (I’m very thankful that nothing serious happened to me.)

Dennis Trillo, Mercado’s husband, who was with her when the accident happened, admitted that he was startled after witnessing such. “Kitang-kita ko e. Nasa harapan ko kasi siya. Tinitingnan ko siya habang nangyari ‘yon,” he recalled during the interview.  “Nakakabigla dahil first time namin maaksidente sa kalsada talaga.”

(I saw it [because] she was in front of me. I was looking at her when it happened. I was startled because it was the first time we got in an accident on the road.)

Meanwhile, Mercado and Trillo are set to work together in the upcoming romance-comedy film “Everything about My Wife,” where they will star alongside Sam Milby. g

U.S.-based Filipina director Isabel Sandoval

Photo from Instagram/@isabelvsandoval

PAGE B7

Sandoval will direct award-winning actor and neophyte Quezon City Congressman Atayde in the upcoming film which she hopes to premiere in this year’s Venice Film Festival. Photo from Instagram/@arjooatayde

Jake Ejercito and Andi Eigenmann Photos from Instagram/@unoemilio, @andieigengirl

Jennylyn Mercado Photo from Instagram/@mercadojenny

Get out of debt now safely and legally

ARE you sick and tired of being in debt and having bad credit? Do you want to start over but simply don’t know where to begin? Is filing

I also find that most people who are in debt trouble already have bad credit anyway and filing bankruptcy, if anything, can only help them rebuild their credit in the long run. Yes, in most cases that I see, bankruptcy can actually improve credit by allowing the person a chance to start over after wiping out debts.

I see a lot of people on a regular basis who are scammed by debt settlement companies. These are the companies that you see on TV, on the internet or hear about on the radio. I say “scammed” because a lot of these people didn’t really understand what they are getting into when they sign up for their services.

Oftentimes, these companies tell people that bankruptcy is the ‘worst mistake’ that they can make and that by enrolling in their debt management or settlement program, they will be able to help you get out of debt without filing for bankruptcy.

First of all, what they often don’t mention is the fact that you have no legal protection while you are on their program.

That’s right. Creditors can still report your delinquency month after month to the credit bureaus. You can also get sued anytime by your creditors.

And once they get a judgment against you, of course, your creditors can garnish your wages, file a judgment lien against your property and levy your bank accounts.

Secondly, when you make those monthly payments to a debt settlement company, your money doesn’t just go directly to your creditors.

After collecting their fees (which they often don’t clearly explain), the debt settlement company simply puts aside your monthly payments until they have enough to settle with your creditors one by one.

Do you really believe that creditors are willing to wait several years to get paid? No.

That is why they often sue and once that happens, you have a big problem in your hands. What about the money that you already paid the debt settlement company? Good luck trying to get any of that money back once they have it.

So, if you are in debt and your credit has suffered as a result, it may be better for you to just file bankruptcy now instead of delaying the

inevitable if you’ve already done your best on your own with no success. Rebuilding your credit after bankruptcy is not as hard as you think, and this is often a better strategy than not paying your bills and letting your credit continue to get worse every single month with no end in sight.

If you’ve been struggling with debt for a while now and nothing has changed, when are you going to get so sick and tired of your debt problems to finally do something about it? I can help you decide if bankruptcy is the right solution for your situation. If it’s not, I will be the first to tell you. If that’s the case, I can help you explore other options that may be available to you.

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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. * * *

None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE  1-866-471-8272. (Advertising Supplement)

Costwise Insurance debuts at franchise expo 2024: Paving the way for Filipino dreams in the American market

BURBANK – CostWise Insurance, a name synonymous with innovation and customer-centric insurance solutions, is set to make a landmark appearance at the Franchise Expo 2024, showcasing a unique opportunity that promises to bridge the gap between Filipino entrepreneurial aspirations and the American dream.

This April, from the 12th to the 14th, the SMX Convention Center is expected to buzz with the transformative energy of potential franchisees exploring opportunities at Booth Number 352, where CostWise Insurance will unveil its franchising opportunity to the Filipino community.

Melody Avecilla, the visionary behind Cost Wise Insurance, has charted a course that has revolutionized the traditional insurance service model, offering unparalleled efficiency, affordability, and quality customer service. With over 20 years of experience and a broad representation of over 25+ top-rated insurance carriers, Cost Wise Insurance stands as a stalwart

in the industry, now looking to expand its horizons across the Pacific.

The Franchise Expo 2024 serves as a platform for Cost Wise Insurance to introduce its franchising model explicitly designed for the Filipino market. “Our presence in the Franchise Expo is a testament to our commitment to empower Filipinos with an entrepreneurial spirit, seeking to cultivate a future in the United States,” said Avecilla.

This initiative is particularly tailored to support Filipinos through the investors visa program, offering them a comprehensive franchising package that includes extensive training, marketing strategies, and the promise of a supportive network.

By franchising with Cost Wise Insurance, ambitious individuals can own a piece of a proven business model and a slice of the American pie.

“The dream of owning a business in the U.S. is an aspiration we deeply understand and wish to facilitate for many Filipinos,”

Avecilla adds. “Our goal is to act as a catalyst for this transition, providing a platform for growth, stability, and success.”

The expo is expected to attract thousands of attendees seeking to learn about franchising and business expansion. Cost Wise Insurance’s participation is a bold move that highlights the company’s growth and its mission to foster strong business relationships with the Filipino community. Aspiring franchisees are encouraged to visit www.costwiseinsurancefranchise. com for more details about the opportunity and to schedule a meeting at the Franchise Expo 2024.

Cost Wise Insurance stands ready at the helm, navigating a course where Filipino dreams meet American opportunities, and the journey towards achieving them begins at the Franchise Expo 2024. For further information, contact: Cost Wise Insurance Franchise Department www.costwiseinsurancefranchise.com info@costwiseinsurance.com g

Why Jake Cuenca pursued anew ‘TOTGA’ Chie Filomeno

JAKE Cuenca previously described Chie Filomeno in interviews as The One That Got Away (TOTGA), but now it seems she’s the one that got back. While he said he’s not putting any label yet on his relationship with the actress-dancer, the two have happily rekindled their aborted romance.

“She is my TOTGA. We dated already before — she was with ‘It’s Showtime’ at that time — so this is the second time around. But she’s one person that I’ve kept tabs on, I’ve always wished her well,” the “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?” actor recently said during an intimate roundtable chat.

Asked what went wrong when they first dated, Jake shared, “Back then it was more of timing and so many things were happening in my life. We’ve talked about it. We’ve threshed it out.

“But to be honest, there were so many things going on in my life at that time. I was 29. I was living out the last few months of my 20s. I was wilder. But I think at this point in my life, I’m more well-balanced… I think the timing this time is perfect.

“I think at that time, if something happened, I wouldn’t be able to take care of her, the way that I can do now.”

Nevertheless, when the opportunity to reconnect with the 27-year-old former GirlTrends member came up, obviously Jake seized it.

“Without saying too much, I think the universe took care of that for the both of us, parang it was the Christmas ball of Star Magic (ABS-CBN’s talent management).

Everything happened from there. And also, timing. We’re both single. The universe figured that out. Ang dali nga,” he said.

Describing the qualities that made him admire Chie, he said,

“She’s a very amazing person. Sobrang bait. One thing that I really really really like and admire about her is her journey, sobrang pasensya niya… she definitely teaches me patience and for me, that’s the hardest lesson to learn in this life.”

Asked by The STAR what made him, to borrow his words, “kept tabs on” Chie through the years years, he said, “Aside from her being very beautiful, (it’s) her personality, her family, and also her belief. Like I said, her journey is just as beautiful as she is, for me.

“

Parang when you look at her, she’s a really beautiful woman ‘di ba? But when you get to talk to her, it’s even better. So, for me, and actually she knows this, I do prefer ‘pag ‘di siya ayos because it best explains her inner beauty, and her inner beauty is even more beautiful than she is in person, for me.”

Now that he’s dating again, Jake believes he’s better at handling a relationship now.

“Honestly, now, I think I’m a bit better at it now and only because it’s a bit more private. I realized it’s a lot easier if it’s private. There’s no pressure to post anything… Plus, it feels more personal because the things I share with Chie, I don’t share with the whole world anymore,” he said.

“Certainly (I learned this from past relationships) and I take the opportunity to thank all my relationships in the past. It has put me in this position that I’m just logical, rational and at the same time, less dramatic about things (plus) kasi nga I don’t drink anymore.”

Jake also shared that he’s currently at his happiest in a long time.

“I’m not putting a label on ours

The E-visa classification as an immigration option for foreign investors

atty.

several advantages over other employment based nonimmigrant classifications such as the H-1b and the L-1. First, no prior preapproved petition is required from the CIS. The immigrant may apply directly with the U.S. Consulate.

Second, there is no time limit an alien may stay in the U.S. under an E classification. Third, there is no required affiliation with a foreign company if the U.S. business is owned by at least 50% by nationals of the alien’s treaty country. Fourth, there is no requirement that the alien worked with a foreign affiliate.

well-put-together business plan should be prepared. It may be necessary to employ the services of other experts such as a CPA in addition to the immigration attorney. Due to the complexity of the E classification, aliens should seek the assistance of an experienced immigration attorney.

* * *

business to employ the alien is owned at least 50% by nationals of the same country as the E alien; 3) the trade or investment by the treaty nationals is “substantial”; and 4) the alien seeking E status either is an actual investor in the U.S. business, has an executive or supervisory position in the U.S. business, or possesses skills essential to the U.S. business.

The major distinction between the two is that under the E-1, the U.S. business must conduct “substantial trade” with and for which over 50% of the substantial trade conducted with the treaty country. On the other hand, the E-2 requires “substantial investment” in the U.S. business.

The E classification offers

Fifth, the Alien’s dependent Spouse may legally work in the United States. The major disadvantage of the E is that either substantial investment or substantial trade with the treaty country is required. Also, this is not an option is the alien’s country does not have a treaty with the United States. Alien investors can come to the U.S. on a B-1 to evaluate business and investment opportunities. For more conservative investors, a safer option for maximizing success from both an immigration angle and a business angle is to purchase an existing business. Purchasing an existing and profitable business is more likely to satisfy the “substantial investment” requirement. Preparing an E case requires the presenting of legal and financial documents which reflects the ownership structure of the business as well as its financial condition. In the case of a new business, a

US-based Filipina...

really blossoms into something lyrical and poetic and more like my style,” she enthused.

“As a director, after having directed three films, my style is really more of a blending of strong political themes but with a visual style and flourish that’s more lush and lyrical and poetic — think Wong Kar-wai’s ‘In the Mood for Love.’ So it’s me kind of doing a ‘Casablanca’ classic noir in the style of Wong Karwai,” she continued.

The film is also set in the 1960s and 1970s, given Sandoval’s desire to explore the era’s distinctive aesthetics and cultural milieu. It presents Filipino characters in a light rarely seen in contemporary cinema.

“I want to set it in a period like the ‘60s and ‘70s. One is because of how interesting, chic, and arty the production design, our direction and the fashion could be in a way I haven’t really seen in Philippine cinema in a long time — besides, of course, the classics during that time. So I want to go back to that era and show Filipino characters not just living in the slums but being

stylish, chic, and fashionable,” she explained. Sandoval furthered that she chose “Moonglow” as the film’s title because it encapsulates the mood, atmosphere, and tone she aims to evoke in the movie.

“When we think of noir, there are a lot of well-known and iconic noirs from Hollywood, like Billy Wilder’s Double Indemnity, Casa Blanca, and, of course, Erik Matti’s masterpieces in the Philippines — the tone is always bleak, dark, and gritty,” she conveyed. “My film acknowledges that we are set in the milieu but gives it more hope, optimism, and romanticism. It’s really my way of looking at the world — that I don’t think of people as irredeemably evil or that reality is hopeless and utterly bleak. I find glimmers of hope, magic, romance, poetry amidst all the bleakness,” she declared. Sandoval hopes to premiere “Moonglow” this year at the Venice Film Festival, while her agent at Creative Artists Agency is already working on securing international distribution.

Besides Atayde, “Moonglow” will also star Carlitos SiguionReyna and Agot Isidro. g

Pastor’s Notes

ReveRend Rodel G. BalaGtas

Easter message

we must deepen our union with God.

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.  The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.  This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.  The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.  This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC.  This article is not a solicitation.

* * *

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH

REYES, APC is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com. Web: Kenreyeslaw. com. (Advertising Supplement)

“WE belong to God and to one another.” This has been Pope Francis’ message to the world, as Austen Ivereigh conveys in his new book, “First Belong to God, On Retreat with Pope Francis.” It is a message that captures the essence of our celebration of    Easter: Christ rose from the dead, offering the promise of eternal life to those who believe in him and embody this belief through acts of love, mercy, forgiveness, and compassion towards others. We belong to His Kingdom of peace, love, and justice, not merely in the afterlife but also in the present moment. Therefore, our relationship with God should transform how we relate to one another as a human race. To nurture our human connections,

Our world, both the current generation and the next, must be infused with the Spirit of the Risen Christ and the teachings of the Gospel to withstand the destructive forces and consequences of wars, conflicts, divisions, hatred, greed, immorality,  physical and spiritual poverty. That’s why as a church, we are steadfast in bringing the message and example of Jesus Christ to life in our society and the world. We do not apologize for our zeal; rather, we are dedicated to our mission. We firmly believe that it is through embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ that our lives can be enriched with life, peace, justice, and happiness.  This Easter, our hope and prayer are for a humanity ignited with the Spirit of the Risen Christ. We must not allow the intense secular influences of the world to strip us of our humanity. We must stand against all forces

that degrade the human soul, depriving us, especially the younger generation, of our innate generosity stemming from the acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and provision in our lives. We acknowledge that everything belongs to Him and that all we possess comes from Him.

As we confront the challenges of our faith in God and the Risen Christ, may this Easter bestow upon us new beginnings of a more faith-filled life, affirming our belongingness to God and to one another. Have a joyful and faith-filled Easter!

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * *

Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

Why Jake Cuenca pursued anew ‘TOTGA’...

yet but parang I would say this is the happiest I’ve been in a very long time. Like I said, before parang siguro sanay ako na akong yung inaalagaan in a lot of those relationships,” he explained.

“But for the first time in my life, I don’t really need someone to take care of me. Let me be the one to take care of you. Does that make sense?

“I would say I’m doing my best to do it, but at the same time, I’m just doing my best to be a man because for me I don’t want to shy away with my age and responsibilities. I take full accountability for my life and my mistakes.

“And at the same time, whatever me and Chie have (I feel that) this is the most rational and most logical that I’ve been. So even if there are problems or drama, I know I can overcome it. And I know maayos namin. Nandun na ako sa position na, OK na ako that I’m happy taking care of the people that I love.”

Does Jake see himself in the “position” of marriage, someone playfully asked.

“I see myself (getting married) but I’m not rushing into it. I have a number (age) in my head, but I want to keep that private,” he said. (By Nathalie Tomada/ Philstar.com)