040424 - Las Vegas Edition

less than a

poll, this time for preferences for vice president, showed Sen. Grace Poe leading with 35 percent, followed by Senator Marcos with 16 percent, former Senator Manny Pacquiao and Sen. Robin Padilla with 14 percent, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri with seven percent, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro with four percent and Romualdez with one percent.

Respondents also mentioned other names as potential candidates for vice president, such as Tulfo, Sen. Bong Go, Hontiveros, former Senator

TEAM Biden-Harris and the Nevada State Democratic Party celebrated the official opening of the southwest Las Vegas coordinated campaign office dedicated to reelecting President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats up and down the ballot. The southwest Las Vegas office follows a coordinated office opening in North Las Vegas over the weekend, and is the latest in a ramp up in the Democratic coordinated campaign’s ground operations in Nevada, which will include training sessions for volunteers, canvass kickoffs, volunteer recruitment events, and more.

In southwest Las Vegas, former Governor Steve Sisolak, members of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, and volunteers, supporters, and community members highlighted how President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Democrats up and down the ballot have delivered for Nevadans, and specifically the AAPI community, by lowering costs, supporting AAPI-owned  PAGE 2

Villar patriarch places 190 in Forbes Top 200 billionaires

by IAN LAQUI Philstar.com

MANILA — Former lawmaker and real estate magnate Manuel “Manny” Villar emerged as the only Filipino who is included in the top 200 billionaires in 2024 by Forbes Magazine. Villar ranked 190 out of the 200 billionaires in the world in 2024 with a total net worth of $11.7 billion (P660,125,700,000) coming from $8 billion (P451,376,000,000) in 2023, according to the magazine.

According to

Real estate magnate Manuel Villar

Ang mentioned that this month’s theme will highlight the versatility of the Filipino coconut, offering coconut-related dishes, desserts, and products such as coconut rum, coconut oil, and more.

In New York, one of the highlights of the month will be FFM‘s collaboration with the James Beard Foundation called “Merienda.” This event will be held at the James Beard Platform, and will showcase some of NYC’s finest Filipino chefs, including Top Chef alums Dale Talde and Leah Cohen, fashion-forward Woldy Reyes, up-and-coming LJ Almendras, entrepreneur Diana Manalang, and James Beard finalist Nicole Ponseca serving delectable food and drinks.

Throughout the month, the Philippine Consulate General in New York has organized various events, including pop-ups and marketplaces selling Filipino food.  One of these events is

Pinoys overseas reminded to...

Raffy, Sara top choices for 2028...

2.8 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.

At the Senate, Zubiri dispelled rumors that he will seek public office in 2028. Zubiri thanked Pulse Asia for including him in its last survey for the next vice presidential race as he assured the public that his four remaining years of public service will be dedicated to uplifting the lives of every Filipino through meaningful legislation.

“However, to dispel any rumors that may arise, I would like to make it clear that I will not be running for any public office in 2028 and I am, in fact, contemplating my retirement from almost 30 years of politics,” Zubiri said.

The senate president thanked “my kababayans from Mindanao and the Visayas for their support, making up 14 percent and 8 percent of my Pulse Asia numbers, respectively.” g

Villar patriarch places 190 in Forbes...

Cynthia Villar and the father of Sen. Mark Villar and Rep. Camille Villar (Las Piñas).

combined wealth of $14.4 billion (P812,476,800,000).

Southwest Las Vegas rallies for Team...

In June 2022, the company introduced VistaREIT, a real estate investment trust, with an initial collection of 10 shopping malls and two office towers, according to Forbes. Villar is the husband of Sen.

It could also be recalled that Villar ran for president during the 2010 elections but lost to former President Benigno Aquino III. Villar also became the former speaker of the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2000 during the administration of former President Joseph Estrada.

In the Top 50 billionaires in the Philippines, meanwhile, Villar ranked second next to the Sy Siblings who has a

However, the Sy siblings were ranked individually in the world list.

Villar was followed by Enrique Razon ($8.1 billion) and Ramon Ang ($3.4 billion). Forbes reported that the number of billionaires worldwide has increased to 2,781,141 more than last year.

This growth comes despite geopolitical unrest and ongoing inflation concerns as their wealth expands. g

small businesses, and taking action against anti-Asian hate and violence. Meanwhile, Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are pushing an agenda that would raise costs for Nevada families, rip away freedoms, and threaten our democracy. “I served as governor during the Biden administration and the Trump administration,” said former Governor Steve Sisolak. “When I called the White House to get Nevadans the help we needed during our state’s toughest time, President Biden answered my call. President Trump did not. President Biden cares about Nevadans –he delivered for us then and is still delivering for us now. He’s overseen the creation of 285,000 jobs in Nevada since he took office and is the most pro-union, prolabor president we’ve ever had in the United States. Donald Trump, on the other hand, is running to give even more handouts to the rich and rig the economy for the ultra-wealthy and corporations.”

“From creating 14 million jobs to signing the first piece of meaningful gun violence reduction legislation passed by Congress in decades, President Biden has delivered for Americans,” said San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria. “While Donald Trump spent four years talking about a failed ‘infrastructure week,’ President Biden took action, passing over a trillion dollars to repair the roads and fix our bridges and invest in our neighborhoods all across this country. That’s what strong leadership looks like, and it’s why the contrast between President Biden and Donald Trump could not be clearer.”

“President Biden has strengthened the Affordable Care Act, lowered the price of prescription drugs, and capped insulin at $35 for seniors,” said state Senator Rochelle Nguyen. “This is a big

deal for Americans, and particularly for the one in three Asian Americans who are likely to have diabetes during their lifetime.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump wants to repeal the Affordable Care Act, has done nothing to lower costs of prescription drugs, and has said he wants to cut Social Security and Medicare. We need to reelect President Biden, Vice President Harris and Democrats across Nevada because they’ll continue to ensure that health care is affordable and accessible for our communities, including our AAPI community.”

“President Biden has lowered health care costs, invested in revitalizing Nevada’s infrastructure, and jump started an economy that Donald Trump left in shambles,” said Assemblywoman Brittney Miller. “While Donald Trump fueled hateful rhetoric toward our AAPI communities, President Biden took meaningful action that led to an Asian American owned small business boom. In an election that will be a fundamental choice between opportunity for all our communities and hatred and division, President Biden, Vice President Harris, and Nevada Democrats will continue to deliver results.” g

From New York to Las Vegas...

‘HANDOG: An Exquisite Showcase of Filipino Flavors and Festivities,’ to be held on April 5 and 26, 2024 in collaboration with Hotel Edison. Handog will spotlight a variety of special Filipino food items and products at the lobby of Hotel Edison, with the showcase aligning with this year’s Filipino Food Month theme, “Kalutong Filipino, Lakas ng Kabataang Makabago.”

According to the consulate’s announcement, guests of this event are encouraged to immerse themselves in the diverse and vibrant flavors of Filipino cuisine, ranging from delectable snacks to artisanal crafts. The event promises to offer a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of the Philippines, right in the heart of New York City.

This week, San Francisco welcomed the festivities with a kickoff reception on April 3 at the Philippine Center. Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, Filipino American restaurants, chefs, and food enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting lineup of events, including a kick-off ceremony on April 15 at Truffles n Bacon; Restaurant Week with 15+ local Filipinoowned restaurants highlighting coconut in an exclusively curated dish from April 20-28; and Filipino Food Month Grand Finale celebration on April 29.

Ang expressed gratitude to the attendees and the event partners for their support. He encouraged guests to visit the Filipino Food Movement website, tag friends, and share recipes and experiences.  Filipino Food Month, as proclaimed by Presidential Proclamation 469 in 2018 serves as an annual initiative to promote, preserve, and transmit Filipino culinary traditions to present and future generations.

The Philippine Culinary Heritage Movement (PCHM), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, spearheaded efforts to declare the month of April as Filipino Food Month to further recognize the importance of safeguarding culinary heritage amidst globalization.

This year, FFM aims to host over 100 local and international events across various venues, including food festivals, cooking demonstrations, contests, exhibitions, and immersive cooking workshops. g

Four years later, people’s lives are largely free of the extreme public health measures that restricted them early in the pandemic. But COVID misinformation persists, although it’s now centered mostly on vaccines and vaccine-related conspiracy theories. PolitiFact has published more than 2,000 fact checks related to COVID vaccines alone.

“From a misinformation researcher perspective, [there has been] shifting levels of trust,” said Tara Kirk Sell, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. “Early on in the pandemic, there was a lot of: ‘This isn’t real,’ fake cures, and then later on, we see more vaccine-focused misand disinformation and a more partisan type of disinformation and misinformation.”

Here are some of the most persistent COVID misinformation narratives we see today: A loss of trust in the vaccines COVID vaccines were quickly developed, with U.S. patients receiving the first shots in December 2020, 11 months after the first domestic case was detected.

Experts credit the speedy development with helping to save millions of lives and preventing hospitalizations. Researchers at the University of Southern California and Brown University calculated that vaccines saved 2.4 million lives in 141 countries starting from the vaccines’ rollout through August 2021 alone.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows there were 1,164 U.S. deaths provisionally attributed to COVID the week of March 2, down from nearly 26,000 at the pandemic’s height in January 2021, as vaccines were just rolling out.

But on social media and in some public officials’ remarks, misinformation about COVID vaccine efficacy and safety is common. U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has built his 2024 campaign on a movement that seeks to legitimize conspiracy theories about the vaccines. PolitiFact made that its 2023 “Lie of the Year.”

PolitiFact has seen claims that

spike proteins from vaccines are replacing sperm in vaccinated males. (That’s false.) We’ve researched the assertion that vaccines can change your DNA. (That’s misleading and ignores evidence). Social media posts poked fun at Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce for encouraging people to get vaccinated, asserting that the vaccine actually shuts off recipients’ hearts. (No, it doesn’t.)

And some people pointed to an American Red Cross blood donation questionnaire as evidence that shots are unsafe.

(PolitiFact rated that False.)

Experts say this misinformation has real-world effects.

A September 2023 survey by KFF found that 57% of Americans “say they are very or somewhat confident” in COVID vaccines.

And those who distrust them are more likely to identify as politically conservative: Thirty-six percent of Republicans compared with 84% of Democrats say they are very or somewhat confident in the vaccine.

Immunization rates for routine vaccines for other conditions have also taken a hit. Measles had been eradicated for more than 20 years in the U.S. but there have been recent outbreaks in states including Florida, Maryland, and Ohio. Florida’s surgeon general has expressed skepticism about vaccines and rejected guidance from the CDC about how to contain potentially deadly disease spread.

The vaccination rate among kindergartners has declined from 95% in the 2019-20 school year to 93% in 2022-23, according to the CDC. Public health officials have set a 95% vaccination rate target to prevent and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. The CDC also found exemptions had risen to 3%, the highest rate ever recorded in the U.S. Unsubstantiated claims that vaccines cause deaths or other illness

PolitiFact has seen repeated and unsubstantiated claims that COVID vaccines have caused mass numbers of deaths.

A recent widely shared post claimed 17 million people had died because of the vaccine, despite contrary evidence from multiple studies and institutions such as the World Health Organization and CDC that the vaccines are safe and help to prevent severe illness and death.

Another online post claimed the booster vaccine had eight

strains of HIV and would kill 23% of the population. Vaccine manufacturers publish the ingredient lists; they do not include HIV. People living with HIV were among the people given priority access during early vaccine rollout to protect them from severe illness.

COVID vaccines also have been blamed for causing Alzheimer’s and cancer. Experts have found no evidence the vaccines cause either conditions.

You had this remarkable scientific or medical accomplishment contrasted with this remarkable rejection of that technology by a significant portion of the American public,” said Paul Offit, director of the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

More than three years after vaccines became available, about 70% of Americans have completed a primary series of COVID vaccination, according to CDC figures. About 17% have gotten the most recent bivalent booster.

False claims often pull from and misuse data from the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. The database, run by the CDC and the FDA, allows anybody to report reactions after any vaccine. The reports themselves are unverified, but the database is designed to help researchers find patterns for further investigation.

An October 2023 survey published in November by the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania found 63% of Americans think “it is safer to get the COVID-19 vaccine than the COVID-19 disease” — that was down from 75% in April 2021.

Celebrity deaths falsely attributed to vaccines Betty White, Bob Saget, Matthew Perry, and DMX are just a few of the many celebrities whose deaths were falsely linked to the vaccine. The anti-vaccine film “Died Suddenly” tried to give credence to false claims that the vaccine causes people to die shortly after receiving it.

Céline Gounder, editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News and an infectious disease specialist, said these claims proliferate because of two things: cognitive bias and more insidious motivated reasoning.

“It’s like saying ‘I had an ice cream cone and then I died the next day; the ice cream must have killed me,” she said. And

PRESIDENT Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping held their first direct talks on Tuesday, April 2 since meeting in November, with Biden looking to keep tensions from mounting ahead of Taiwan’s presidential inauguration in May.

Biden used the call to emphasize “the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea,” the White House said in a statement.

In Manila, a statement from the Chinese embassy said Biden had assured Xi that the US does not want to start a new Cold War with China. The embassy said it was Biden who asked for the phone conversation.

Xi urged the U.S. not to support Taiwan independence, the embassy said. It added that “if the US side is willing to seek mutually beneficial cooperation and share in China’s development dividends, it will always find China’s door openl but if it is adamant on containing China’s hi-tech development and depriving China of its legitimate right to development, China is not going to sit back and watch.”

In response, the Chinese embassy said Biden reiterated that

“the United States does not seek a new Cold War, its objective is not to change China’s system, its alliances are not targeted against China, and the U.S. does not support ‘Taiwan independence,’ and the US does not seek conflict with China.”

Biden and Xi agreed in November to reopen military communications and cooperate to curb fentanyl production. They had not spoken on the phone since July 2022. After November’s meeting, Biden told reporters he had not changed his view that Xi is a dictator, a comment that irked China.

China regards Taiwan, a self-governed island with democratic elections, as part of its territory and recently dropped language about a “peaceful reunification” from its budget. Taiwan strongly objects to China’s sovereignty claims and says only the island’s people can decide their future.

Taiwan’s current Vice President Lai Ching-te, who Beijing views a separatist, won the presidency in January and Beijing has increased pressure on Taiwan ahead of the inauguration in May.

Biden and Xi also discussed concerns over China’s support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, its

economic trade practices, human rights abuses in Xinjiang and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, the White House said.

The U.S. president also warned Beijing over escalating confrontations in the South China Sea, which China claims almost entirely, in conflict with international law.

A senior administration official had said earlier that Biden would express concern over “destabilizing PRC actions in the South China Sea, including the dangerous recent action of the PRC Coast Guard against routine Philippine maritime operations.”

Rebounding relations

Biden and Xi have continued their talks looking to smooth over a rocky period in relations that took a turn for the worse after a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon transited the United States and was shot down by a U.S. fighter jet last year.

Relations have shown signs of improvement in recent months as both sides took steps to re-establish channels of communication after ties between the two global superpowers sank to their lowest levels in decades. (Michael Punongbayan, Marc Jayson Cayabyab/Philstar.com)

1. About 10 percent of Asian Americans overall live in poverty, but poverty rates vary widely depending on the country of origin. Burmese (19%) and Hmong Americans (17%) were among the Asian origin groups with the highest poverty rates. Meanwhile, Filipino (7%) and Indian Americans (6%) were among the groups with the lowest poverty rates.

2. A third of Asian Americans, 25 and older, who live in poverty have a bachelor’s degree. Among non-Asians who live in poverty, only 14 percent have a bachelor’s degree. Asian Americans with at least a bachelor’s degree are

still less likely to live in poverty (5%) than those with less formal education (13%).

3. Nearly 6 in 10 Asian Americans who live in poverty are immigrants. Only a few of these immigrants speak English proficiently.

Among Asian immigrants living below the poverty line, 44 percent are proficient in English while 61 percent of immigrants living above the poverty line speak English proficiently.

4. About 1 million Asians who live below the poverty line are located in 10 US metropolitan areas. In fact, more than 500,000 live in just three metropolitan areas: New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

5. Fresno, California (19%), Buffalo, New York (18%) and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (15%) are among the metro areas with the highest poverty rates among Asian Americans. Still, Asian Americans who live in poverty largely reside in places with larger Asian populations than these metro areas.

6. Around 8 in 10 Asian adults who live in poverty (79%) have experienced financial challenges in some way in the past 12 months, according to a Pew Research Center survey of Asian adults conducted in 2022 and 2023. Among the specific

financial challenges they faced: 57 percent of Asian adults living in poverty were unable to save for emergencies; 42% had trouble paying their bills; and 38% have received food from a food bank or charitable organization.

7. A majority of Asian adults who live in poverty (61%) have turned to family or friends for help with bills, housing, food or employment. Nearly half of respondents said they also sought government assistance on a local, state or federal level. Meanwhile, 19 percent of respondents said they have never asked or received support from the government, nor from religious institutions or community organizations.

8. Roughly half of Asian Americans who live in poverty (47%) say the American dream is out of reach, but others say they have achieved it (15%) or are on their way to achieving it (36%). Asians living above the poverty line are more optimistic about their chances of achieving the American dream: 26 percent say it is out of reach for them, while 27 percent say they have achieved it and 46 percent say they are on their way to achieving it.

Learn more about Asian Americans’ experiences with economic hardship in this data essay and short film. (Nimfa U. Rueda/Inquirer.net)

Four years after shelter-in-place, COVID-19...

those with preexisting beliefs about the vaccine seek to attach sudden deaths to the vaccine. Gounder experienced this personally when her husband, the celebrated sports journalist Grant Wahl, died while covering the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Wahl died of a ruptured aortic aneurysm but anti-vaccine accounts falsely linked his death to a COVID vaccine, forcing Gounder to publicly set the record straight. “It is very clear that this is about harming other people,” said Gounder, who was a guest at United Facts of America in 2023. “And in this case, trying to harm me and my family at a point where we were grieving my husband’s loss. What was important in that moment was to really stand up for my husband, his legacy, and to do what I know he would have wanted me to do, which is to speak the truth and to do so very publicly.” Out-of-control claims about

government control

False claims that the pandemic was planned by government leaders and those in power abound.

At any given moment, Microsoft Corp. co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates, World Economic Forum head Klaus Schwab, or Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, are blamed for orchestrating pandemic-related threats.

In November, Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-Mont.) falsely claimed Fauci “brought” the virus to his state a year before the pandemic. There is no evidence of that. Gates, according to the narratives, is using dangerous vaccines to push a depopulation agenda. That’s false. And Schwab has not said he has an “agenda” to establish a totalitarian global regime using the coronavirus to depopulate the Earth and reorganize society. That’s part of a conspiracy theory that’s come to be called “The Great Reset”

that has been debunked many times. The United Nations’ World Health Organization is frequently painted as a global force for evil, too, with detractors saying it is using vaccination to control or harm people. But the WHO has not declared that a new pandemic is happening, as some have claimed. Its current pandemic preparedness treaty is in no way positioned to remove human rights protections or restrict freedoms, as one post said. And the organization has not announced plans to deploy troops to corral people and forcibly vaccinate them. The WHO is, however, working on a new treaty to help countries improve coordination in response to future pandemics. (Kwasi Gyamfi Asiedu/ KFF Health News) KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

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.

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.

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 company health benefits. He also contacted the New York StateWide Senior Action Council, one of the nationwide State Health Insurance Assistance Programs that offer free, unbiased advice on 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.

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. 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,

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

“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 lowincome 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 employersubsidized 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 Die go 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?”

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.” But those health care providers are leaving the Klions’ Medicare Advantage plan. The New York couple were told they needed to find new doctors or other health insurance by March 31. KFF Health News photo by Hans Pennink

INSTEAD of declaring war on pollster Pulse Asia over its latest survey showing 88 percent of Filipinos opposing Charter change, congressmen can read the report of the office of the U.S. Trade Representative, which details foreign trade barriers in 59 markets including the Philippines. The USTR report, released on March 29, covers significant barriers overseas to U.S. foreign direct investment, exports of goods and services, and e-commerce export markets.

In the Philippines, the USTR cited “pervasive” corruption as a “longstanding problem” in both national and local government agencies, with the Bureau of Customs meriting special mention.

Editorial

While recognizing the BOC’s modernization program, launched in 2021 to address corruption and efficiency problems, the USTR noted reports of “widespread corruption and irregularities” in customs processing, valuation, inspection and testing of certain products along with inconsistent fee assessments.

Published annually since 1985, the USTR’s latest National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers also stated: “Both foreign and domestic investors have expressed concern about the lack of transparency in judicial and regulatory processes. Investors have also raised concerns about courts being influenced by bribery and improperly issuing temporary restraining orders to impede legitimate commerce.”

The report did mention restrictions in the Constitution on foreign ownership and the practice of certain professions, which hinder U.S. investments in the Philippines. But the report also cited recent laws relaxing these restrictions.

IN a statement issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and posted on X last Thursday, March 28, he unequivocally affirmed the sentiment of Filipinos that “…we will not be cowed into silence, submission or subservience” in the face of relentless bullying and harassment by Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) and maritime militia vessels in the West Philippine Sea. We received hundreds of messages worldwide expressing full support to the Philippines, inspired by the president’s message which all found inspiring and powerful. So let me share President Marcos’ post in full: “Over the course of these past days, I have met with and spoken to our country’s National Security and Defense leadership. They have made their considered recommendations and, through exhaustive consultations, I have given them my directives.

“I have also been in constant communication with representatives of relevant allies, partners and friends in

THE first day of April saw an “onslaught” of verbal tirades against the results of the survey conducted by Pulse Asia on whether majority of Filipinos are in favor of Charter change (Cha-cha) at this time.

Opponents of the latest push for Charter change have cited these laws in arguing that restrictive economic provisions can be corrected through legislation, with no need for Cha-cha.

What cannot be corrected, either by Chacha or additional legislation, is the corruption cited in the report. The BOC in particular has been consistently ranked in all surveys as one of the most corrupt government agencies. But even during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte, whose promise to kill, kill, kill was no mere hyperbole, corruption continued in the BOC, with even illegal drugs being smuggled into the country by the ton.

Judicial and regulatory corruption, long cited by foreign investors as a serious problem in this country, also cannot be corrected by Cha-cha or legislation, unless Congress wants to increase the penalties for graft. Corruption may be eased if politicians – including lawmakers – are prohibited from having any say in the system of appointment and promotion in the judiciary. But will Congress members agree to lose this power to make members of the judiciary beholden to them?

There are tough laws against corruption 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 ensuring peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific. “I have given them our requirements and we have been assured that they will be addressed.

“Over the succeeding weeks there shall be, implemented by the relevant national government agencies and instrumentalities, a response and countermeasure package that is proportionate, deliberate and reasonable in the face of the open, unabating and illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous attacks by agents of the China Coast Guard and the Chinese Maritime Militia. “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.”

While we will continue to do whatever we can to find ways and means to peacefully resolve the situation in the West Philippine Sea, the latest incident involving a civilian charter boat on a mission

to deliver food and other provisions for troops stationed at the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal that was hit by CCG water cannons – resulting in heavy damage to the boat and injuries to three navy personnel aboard the vessel – shows the hypocrisy of our neighbor in the north who claims to be “professional, restrained, reasonable and lawful” when its actions clearly demonstrate otherwise.

The continuing aggression displayed by China has caused the gravest concern among members of the international community who have strongly voiced their overwhelming support for the Philippines, among them Australia’s Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, who said her country shares “serious concerns” about the “dangerous conduct by China’s vessels” and noting that this is “part of a pattern of deeply concerning behavior.”

Like Ambassador Yu, French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and German Ambassador Andreas Michael Pfaffernoschke also expressed their concerns and called for all parties to respect and uphold international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) which is “the

basis for peace and stability in the South China Sea.”

Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya reiterated that “Japan stands in solidarity with the Philippines,” while European Union spokesperson Peter Stano called for restraint while expressing concern that the “succession of repeated dangerous maneuvers, blocking and water-cannoning from Chinese Coast Guard vessels and Maritime Militia against Philippine vessels… constituted a dangerous provocation” that “put human lives at risk, undermine regional stability and international norms and threaten security in the region and beyond.”

UK Ambassador Laure Beaufils also condemned the harassment, saying it has endangered lives and resulted in significant damage to a civilian vessel, while U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson reiterated U.S. support for the Philippines, saying China’s “interference with the Philippine freedom of navigation violates international law and threatens a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

Canadian Ambassador David Bruce Hartman urged a peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with

international law, and at the same time spoke against “dangerous maneuvers and the repeated use of water cannons” that “endangered lives and pose a serious threat to regional peace and stability.”

India’s top diplomat Subrahmanyam Jaishankar expressed his country’s willingness to support the Philippines in upholding its sovereignty and recognized the validity of the July 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea, including its so-called nine-dash-line, as without legal basis.

Members of the media – in particular the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) – also called out China and condemned the “false, baseless claims” that journalists are being made to “manipulate” videos “to make sensational news and project the Philippines as a victim” – calling the accusation a “barefaced lie.”

FOCAP said it “takes deep offense at the insinuation that the press is a ‘troublemaker’ and in cahoots with the government to forward a political agenda,” saying that the statements by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson

and embassy are “an insult to the integrity of journalists and an alarming attempt to muzzle an independent press.”

Over the centuries, the Philippines has faced so many challenges, carving its own destiny as a nation that is able to take its rightful place among other nations in the world.

As we continue to face these serious challenges to our sovereignty and sovereign rights, we should all take pride in the indomitable spirit and determination that our forefathers displayed, calling to mind the blood they shed and the sacrifices they made to give us the freedom and independence that we are enjoying today. The president has taken a firm stand – we will not yield and will not give up even one square inch of our territory. Now more than ever, true Filipinos should unite and stand behind our beloved country. God bless the Philippines! (Philstar.com)

Critical questions for Cha-cha proponents

Members of the House of Representatives, especially the loudest pro-Cha-cha ones, need to know about the history of Pulse Asia and this survey. Questions related to amending provisions in the 1987 Constitution have been run for the last 20 years, according to professor Ronald Homes, Pulse Asia president. He explained this in an interview after some of the loudest Cha-cha proponents in the House expressed doubts, even questions on the survey’s methodology. They even claimed that some of the questions in Pulse Asia’s latest survey were “biased and leading.” The latest opinion poll on whether Filipinos favor amending the Charter showed that 74 percent are opposed to it at this time. This result riled up the pro-Cha-cha members at the House who hurled their strong opinions against it. Some cited another survey that contrasted with the Pulse Asia survey results. Tangere, a marketing research firm established in 2018, released a similar survey showing that 14 percent “strongly agree” and 38 percent “somewhat agree” with constitutional amendments. Their survey was done through random selections of those who have mobile phones. But take note that the greater percentage just expressed “somewhat agree”—not a very convincing

stand on agreement, which is usually typical of many people who are unsure of their answers, and could be attributed to their lack of knowledge on the issue.

On the other hand, Pulse Asia has been at the forefront of innumerable opinion surveys since its establishment in 1999, through the initiative of professor emeritus Felipe Miranda of the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman. Their surveys have stood the test of credibility and substantive content, including timeliness and relevance.

In June 2018, Pulse Asia ran a survey on whether Filipinos favor Cha-cha when then President Rodrigo Duterte was strongly pushing to change our system of government from unitary to federal. According to the position paper by professors of UP’s Department of Political Science, the 2018 survey showed that 67 percent

were against changing the Charter at the time the survey was conducted. Of this total percentage, 37 percent were against Cha-cha “now and in the future” and 30 percent were against it “now but maybe open to it sometime in the future.” Additionally, only 18 percent favored Cha-cha “now” while the remaining 14 percent were undecided.

In that same survey, only 74 percent claimed to have very little to no knowledge at all of the Constitution, and 69 percent said they have very little knowledge of what a federal system of government is.

Another Pulse Asia survey in September 2022 also showed that Cha-cha was not an urgent concern, belying claims that there was a “huge public clamor” to amend the Constitution to address “present-day realities.”

In that survey, respondents did not include Cha-cha as one of

the country’s urgent national concerns. The top issues and concerns mentioned had to do with how the government controls inflation, creating more jobs (especially good-paying and stable ones), and, more importantly, fighting graft and corruption in government.

Based on these and other survey results, UP Diliman political science professors argued that “any attempt to amend the Constitution or change the Charter requires prior consultative and deliberative processes involving a genuinely informed citizenry. The claim that there is public clamor for constitutional change remains unsubstantiated.”

If there are restrictions on foreign investments to make our economy grow, why is President Marcos justifying his 22 foreign travels (so far) to entice foreigners to put their investments here? Is he not promoting a violation of these restrictions? Who will really benefit if all our resources are gobbled up as raw materials for foreign companies to invest in? (Inquirer.net)

Perhaps our honorable representatives need to answer some critical questions: Will changing the Constitution’s economic provisions especially on the restrictions of foreign investments really lead to a major change in the quality of life of more than 22 million Filipinos out of more than 100 million people? Have foreign investments in the Philippines been impeded because of these economic provisions?

Dateline PhiliPPines

‘Balikatan’ intensifies AFP capabilities to defend territory

MANILA — This year's Balikatan " military exercises with the U.S. forces will showcase the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) capabilities as it shifts towards the so-called "Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept" (CADC) or the strategy that aims to defend the country's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). "This ' Balikatan ' will be a showcase of our capabilities in performing our mandate in accordance with the CADC na bagong nilabas na ng (recently issued by the) Department of National Defense (DND), so that means that our exercises, our defense concepts have to go beyond 12 nautical miles for us to protect our national interest within our territory, within our territorial waters and also within the EEZ," the exercises’ executive agent Col. Michael Logico said in an interview over radio station DZBB Thursday, April 4. Logico said the objective of the Balikatan" exercise is to ensure

that both Filipino and American troops understand each other's doctrines and capabilities.

"(And) when the time comes that we have to go to work together, we will be very confident in the capabilities of our treaty allies," he said. Logico said the equipment, acquired in the ongoing AFP Modernization Program, will be utilized in this year's "Balikatan".

"So once again, we will see the participation of our anti-submarine warfare capabilities, our antiair, or anti-missile capabilities also, kasama na dyan yung (this also includes our) ground selfpropelled artillery, yung (and) our aviation assets," he added.

The CADC aims to develop the country's capability to protect its entire territory, including its EEZ, to ensure that the next generation of Filipinos will be able to enjoy its natural resources.

"In plain language, we are developing our capability to protect and secure our entire territory and EEZ in order to

ensure that our people and all the generations of Filipinos to come shall freely reap and enjoy the bounties of the natural resources that are rightfully ours within our domain," DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. earlier said.

This year's "Balikatan" will take place from April 22 to May 8.

Some 11,000 American soldiers and support personnel are expected to participate in the annual military exercise along with 5,000 Filipino troops.

Aside from the United States, other participants in this year's Balikatan" include the Australian Defense Force and the French Navy who will be deploying one frigate.

Logico said 14 countries will be sending military observers to witness this year's "Balikatan".

These countries include Japan, South Korea, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Germany and New Zealand. (PNA)

Council formed for PH hosting of ASEAN 2026

departments and the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) were appointed as members of the council. The chief executives of local governments chosen to serve as the sites for the hosting of the conference may be invited as special members of the council.

The National Organizing Council is expected to submit for the President’s approval a master plan for the hosting of ASEAN 2026, which shall include the estimated budget and communication mechanisms. It will also monitor the implementation of the work plans of its committees, submit periodic reports and perform other functions. Also created for the event is the Office of the Director-General for Operations under the Office of the President. The director-general for operations will be the head of the council’s executive committee, which was tasked to ensure that the programs, activities and projects needed to prepare for the

hosting of ASEAN 2026 would run smoothly.

The committee will be composed of representatives from the foreign affairs, trade, social welfare, budget, public works, interior, defense, transportation, information and communications technology, tourism, finance and environment departments, the PCO, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, the Office of the Executive Secretary, the Presidential Management Staff, Office of the National Security Adviser, the Office of the Presidential Protocol and other agencies as may be deemed necessary by the council.

The executive committee will be assisted by seven committees in charge of security, peace and order and emergency preparedness response; infrastructure; transport and telecommunications; tourism, hospitality, tours, social events and site enhancement; finance, budget and procurement; business and investment promotion; media affairs and strategic communications. g

‘Happy days over for Pastor Quiboloy’

SEN. Ana Theresia "Risa"

Hontiveros said Pastor Apollo Quiboloy's "happy days" are numbered after a Davao court issued a warrant of arrest against him for sexual abuse. The Davao Regional Trial Court ordered the arrest of Quiboloy and five others for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically the provision on sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment.

The Senate on March 19 ordered the arrest of Quiboloy, Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) leader, for unduly refusing to appear, despite due notice, before the hearings of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality on Jan. 23, Feb. 19 and March 5, 2024.

Hontiveros, chairman of the Committee on Women, said some former female KoJC members claimed that he raped them. Some male members said he forced them to beg in the streets and malls.

She said the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Davao earlier expressed willingness to work with other law enforcement agencies to arrest Quiboloy.

"I am confident that it will be fulfilled and Quiboloy would be arrested," Hontiveros said in a statement on Wednesday, April 3.

She said that once he is arrested, the committee will expect his appearance at its next hearing.

"I also call on Quiboloy not

to resort to drama," she said in Filipino. Hontiveros said Quiboloy, who claimed to be the "appointed son of God," should cooperate and properly answer the accusations hurled against him.

She lauded the courage of the alleged victims of Quiboloy's sexual abuse in coming forward to seek justice.

Senate Sergeant-at-Arms retired general Robert Ancan recently said Quiboloy could be arrested at "any moment." Ancan, in a chance interview, said the TV evangelist's arrest would be coordinated with the PNP. The detention room "is ready" to accommodate Quiboloy, he added.

Once Quiboloy is under Senate custody, only his lawyer and immediate family would be allowed to visit him, Ancan said. Senate panel to Quiboloy: Show cause in 48 hrs vs arrest

Meanwhile, two lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc lauded the issuance of the arrest warrant against Quiboloy.

In a statement, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said the issuance of the arrest warrant by Judge Dante Baguio of the Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 12 for Quiboloy and five of his associates was an "important step" in obtaining justice for his victims.

She expressed satisfaction that the original resolution of the Office

of the City Prosecutor that dismissed the rape and human trafficking complaints was overturned by the Department of Justice.

Lawmaker to Quiboloy: Show up at House hearing

"Finally, the department is seeing the alleged crimes of Quiboloy in a new light, and we hope that it will act swiftly to deliver justice to Quiboloy's victims," Castro said.

Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas said the charges against Quboloy are "deeply troubling" as they involve allegations of sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment within his organization.

"It is a stark reminder of how individuals who hold power and influence often exploit and abuse the vulnerable. For far too long, Quiboloy managed to evade justice, shielded by his connections and the protection of former President Rodrigo Duterte." Brosas said.

She said that Quiboloy evading justice for years raises serious questions about the "network of enablers and powerful individuals who may have been directly involved in helping him conduct his illegal activities."

"An investigation must be conducted not only into his crimes but also into his connections, as it is inconceivable that he could have avoided accountability for so long without active assistance from influential figures who are aiding and abetting him," Brosas said. (Philstar.com)

Pia Wurtzbach recalls working from ‘artista’ to waitress, offered sexy roles

by Deni afiniDaD-BernarDo Philstar.com

APART from

Binibining Pilipinas thrice

winning Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach revealed her

struggles, including becoming a waitress in United Kingdom despite being an actress and a celebrity in the Philippines. Ilang beses ko na narinig ‘to: sayang si Pia, maganda sana pero hindi nabigyan ng break,” she said at the beginning of her manifesto for the recent Sayang? No, I’m worth it” campaign launch of international beauty brand L’Oreal Paris. During her speech, Pia bared that she was also initially planned to have a love team partner and was offered sexy roles to boost her showbiz career. Masyado kasi s’yang matangkad, ‘di natin s’ya mabigyan ng love team,” she declared. “Sayang ‘di n’ya tinanggap ‘yung mga sexy na roles. Chance na n’ya ‘yun pero sinayang.”

Her provincial accent was also cited as among the reasons why she was not offered bigger roles: “Sayang, pwede sana ilagay sa roles pero rinig na rinig namin na taga-Cagayan de Oro s’ya. Rinig na rinig namin ‘yung Bisaya accent n’ya tuwing may mga dialog s’ya.” As a breadwinner, when Pia was unable to rely on showbiz anymore to make a living, she went to the United Kingdom to explore other opportunities. “Sayang, napag-iwanan na s’ya ng mga kasabayan n’ya. Buti pa sila. Sayang, nag-artista, walang nangyari. Ang nangyari, pumunta sa UK, naging waitress sa isang hotel. From artista to waitress – sayang.” But life in UK was not easier for Wurtzbach. “Nu’ng nag-culinary naman ako, which is a male-dominated space, sayang din, ako lang ‘yung babae sa kusina. Ayaw nila agad ibigay sa’kin ‘yung trabaho kasi akala nila hindi ko kaya buhatin ‘yung mga pots and pans. So nag-trial muna ako bago ko nakuha.”

L’Oréal Paris has tirelessly advocated for women empowerment through it's tagline - I'm Worth It. Following the reveal of its powerful hero film, the brand officially launched its "I'm Worth It" campaign in the Philippines last March 25. The "Sayang? No, I'm Worth It" campaign is anchored on a local cultural insight and is a first for the global brand to activate their iconic Worth lt movement for the Philippine market. Headlined by their ambassadors, Pia WurtzbachJauncey and Iza CalzadoWintle, the launch event was held in Puerta Real Gardens, Intramuros, Manila City. The event held at Intramuros was an intentional choice for the brand — Puerta Real, translated to English means "royal gate." Gates are commonly associated with going through transitions and welcoming new opportunities, and this was the perfect symbol for the advocacy campaign launch to be held here. The event gave Intramuros, also

known as old Manila, a Modern Filipiniana twist, representing the shift in outdated, traditional views on women.

The campaign, led by some of the most prominent names in the beauty industry, serves as a wake up call for anyone who still refuses to recognize that all types of women are worth it, no matter their choices and aspirations in life — turning every “Sayang ka..” into “Sayang? No, I’m worth it.”

“Celebrating women and advocating for their empowerment have always been at the core of L’Oréal Paris, but the (campaign) definitely takes it to the next level," stated the brand's Philippines Brand Head, Von Cruz.

"Together with our powerful brand and campaign ambassadors, I am positive that we will be able to break barriers and be a loud voice for all our fellow women and all the modern Filipinas that constantly redefies expectations and creates her own path."

Vice Ganda celebrates 48th birthday in ethereal shoot

by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

IT was an unforgettable 48th birthday celebration for Vice Ganda whose special day was filled with love from his “It’s Showtime” co-hosts and even a mythical-inspired photoshoot.

Vice Ganda was transported to a pink magical wonderland surrounded by flowers. The host-comedian was donning a ruffled mini dress, tulle arm warmers, a headpiece with tulle and flowers, and fairy wings to match the concept, as seen on his Instagram page on Sunday, March 31.

Celebrity stylist Aaron Mangsat, hairstylist R Rodriguez, and makeup artist Jelly Eugenio brought Vice Ganda’s magical look. The photos were taken by photographer BJ Pascual while Vince Uy served as the creative director. The “It’s Showtime” host also shared an accompanying video of his birthday photoshoot in a separate post. “Mothering video tutorial from the unkabogable mother of mothering! Daming mother! Waaaah,” he wrote. Messages of love Aside from the comments in his post, Vice Ganda received messages from his partner Ion Perez and other “It’s Showtime” co-hosts. Perez, who shared photos of himself with the “Praybeyt Benjamin” star on a swing on Instagram, said their love for each other trumps “all wrongs”. “Tulad ng sinabi ko dati

Vice Ganda

mybabe my WIFE I LOVE YOU MOST,” he wrote. (As I told you, there are many reasons for rights to be wrong. But my love for you will never have a reason to be wrong. Happy birthday, my best friend, my soulmate, my babe, and my wife. I love you most.) Meanwhile, Anne Curtis took to her Instagram Story to express her love for Vice Ganda. “I’m still going to post this photo na ang ganda mo. Hindi halata na 50 ka na,” she wrote in apparent jest. “Happy birthday my sisterette. I love you so much.” Itchyworms lead singer Jugs

mybestfriend

okay.

I’m

have to experience all the process, all the pain, lahat. But I always make sure that when it comes to my work, nothing is affected,” she added. Kathryn also talked about forgiveness in her interview. Ang lalim kasi ng word na forgiveness. For me, you can forgive people who deserve it. But when I forgive you, it doesn’t mean that I have to keep you in my life. I forgive you for my peace of mind, for clarity, and for everything. But it doesn’t mean na puwede kang bumalik. It depends,” she said.

“I’ll just keep my distance; you keep your distance. We’re okay like that. I mean, kunwari, I got hurt, why would I allow you to come back? It depends. It’s a caseto-case basis,” she added.

Kathryn and Daniel announced their breakup last November 30.

Cristine and Baron tackle the complexities of blended families

by Tessa Mauricio-arriola ManilaTimes.net

IT is public knowledge that Cristine Reyes is only half-sister to Ara Mina, with whom she shares the same mother, while herself an empowered single mom to a nine-year-old girl. On the other hand, Baron Geisler is a proud stepfather to his wife's two sons from a previous relationship, besides being a doting dad to their four-year-old daughter together. With first-hand experiences of living in modern and unconventional families, it goes without saying that this pair of talented actors' newest film, "Dearly Beloved," which delves into the intricate dynamics of blended families, is one that bears much importance and meaning for them to bring to present-day audiences. For as failed marriages, remarriages and pregnancies out of wedlock are no longer considered shocking situations in society, Cristine and Baron believe their Viva Films offering can effectively help those like them in navigating such complex family structures. In a highly anticipated reunion since they last appeared in the

ABS-CBN series, "Eva Fonda," Cristine and Baron star as Shel and Deo in "Dearly Beloved." Both separated but still legally married, the two fall for each other after meeting at a bar and soon live together to start a happy home.

All seems well, and even strangers would think their family life is perfect, but things are far from being that way. Deo and Shel are living a blended family with all their children – Gelo (Deo and Shel's son), Nathan (Shel's son with her ex-husband), Trixie and Levi (Deo's children with his ex-wife).

And despite the pair and their children being open to their complex setup, other people's judgments and the standards of social norms soon affect them.

Showing both eagerness and sincerity in shedding light on the challenges faced by many like them in blended families, the lead actors dove into a compelling discussion on what — in this case — they believe Deo and Shel need to do to stay together.

Baron emphasizes the importance of unwavering effort and unconditional love in such situations. He shared, "From my experience being part of a

blended family, it took a lot of effort to be a stepdad. When I courted their mother, I courted them, too. When you show them how much you love their mother, that's when you gain the children's respect."

Cristine echoed Baron's sentiments and emphasized the weightiness of the film's theme. "Watch and learn from the story of 'Dearly Beloved.' It's heavy because it reflects the reality of many families in similar situations."

She admitted, "My initial thought about the idea of a blended family was [the sitcom] 'Modern Family,' which I used to watch. But it's a comedy, so they make it light. Here in 'Dearly Beloved,' the approach is different, and audiences will come to see that it takes a lot of compassion to understand the characters' relationship, their relationship with their children, and their relationship with stepkids. It also takes a lot of maturity to handle this kind of family situation because when you think about it, there are already many responsibilities in an ideal family. In a blended family, it's double."

When asked what they hope the film will impart as a whole, both actors point to the need for more understanding in society so that people can have second chances at love and a happy family life.

Meanwhile, curious about the title "Dearly Beloved," The Manila Times Entertainment received an enlightening explanation from the movie's director and co-writer, Marla Ancheta (known for the critically acclaimed "Doll House," which also starred Baron). She said, "The words 'dearly beloved' are what we usually hear at the beginning of weddings, so [our writing team] thought to use that as the title of the movie as an irony. How people in love so want to get married and hear those words at their weddings only to find out how difficult it is to be married."

"Dearly Beloved" also stars Phoebe Walker as Rhoan (Deo's ex-wife), JC Tiuseco as Keith (Shel's ex-husband), and young actors Althea Ruedas, Robbie Wachtel, Tyro Daylusan, and Charles Law portraying Deo and Shel's children. Other cast members include Ivan Padilla, Rey PJ Abellana, Marissa Sanchez,

Luna,

Ladiza, Guji Lorenzana, and Nicco Manalo.

Cristine Reyes and Baron Geisler, here with

Althea Ruedas,

Ana

Erica

Pia Wurtzbach Photo from Instagram/@piawurtzbach

joining

before

other

Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin

described the actorcomedian as the “mother of all mothering mothers” in

birthday to the mother of all mothering mothers, Ate @praybeytbenjamin!!!

Las Vegas-Clark County Library District partners with Illuminarium and Meow Wolf for free interactive & immersive storytime experiences starting April 14

LAS VEGAS - The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is joining with Illuminarium and Meow Wolf to bring stories, art and imagination to life for children and their families through new monthly storytime experiences.

Storytimes, traditionally held at library branches, provide caregivers with a way to model good reading habits, interaction, and early learning experiences. By infusing books with the experiential venues of the Illuminarium and Meow Wolf’s Omega Mart, the Library District delivers a new way to discover stories.

The series at both locations will launch April 14 with the following programs for different age groups. Upcoming storytime dates and times will be announced on the Library District’s website.

Illuminarium will host “SPACE: A Journey To The Moon & Beyond” for children Pre-K to 3rd Grade and their parents on Sunday, April 14 from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. in celebration of National Library Week. Guests will be transported through the solar system as they navigate outer space while listening to a specially curated space reading from one of Illuminarium’s very own astronauts in the immersive Chapter Room. Illuminarium is located at 3246 W. Desert Inn Rd. This event is free and open to the public. Snack bags will also be available for purchase. RSVP is recommended as space is limited. For more details and to RSVP, visit https://www. showclix.com/event/story-time. Meow Wolf will host an “Earth/Earth Day/ Conservation” storytime and art project for children K through 5th Grade and their parents on Sunday, April 14 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Omega Mart’s Factory. In honor of Earth Day, the art project will be facilitated by Obodo Collective, which is committed to the long-term work of transforming our communities into a vibrant, healthy and supportive place to live for generations to come. Meow Wolf Omega Mart is located at 3215 S. Rancho Dr. Tickets to the storytime are free and available on a first come, first served basis, however, space is limited. To reserve your seats in advance, please email lasvegas@meowwolf.com with "Storytime" in the subject line. Exhibit tickets purchased at

meow.wf/OM_tix can also be used for admission to the storytime. These first two storytimes will take place on April 14 and be presented by Shana Harrington, youth services manager for the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. Each month, the storytimes will be presented by a Library District professional or a staff member of the Illuminarium or Meow Wolf who has been trained in the art of storytime presentation by the Library District. “Storytimes can reduce screen time, as well as stimulate cognitive and executive function,” Harrington said. “Both functions serve children into their teen years and even as adults. Our trained staff provide social, emotional, and learning skills to help pave the way for success in kindergarten and future school achievement.”

NaFFAA NV celebrates Women’s History Month

THIS year's national theme for Women's History Month is "Women who advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion!" This aligns closely with the values NaFFAA NV upholds. "Come Sunday, April 7, 2024 at the M Hotel and Casino, 1:00P.M. At the Lux Room,these women we respect and admire will receive the Women's History Month 2024 awards', said Gloria T. Caoile, NaFFAA NV WHM '24 Chairperson. "These women, who are our everyday heroes, are not just achievers, they are beacons of hope- lighting the way for others. as we recognize these phenomenal women, let us remember that they are not just recipients of awards, they are trailblazers," stated Jacque de Joya, President NaFFAA NV. "Let us celebrate, appreciate and honor the superwomen of our community!" added Ms. De Joya.

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 customercentric 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.

SINCE new strains of COVID-19, XBB.1.5, and the variant before it, JN.1, are the dominant strains infecting people, the CDC recommends that people ages 12 and older get the latest mRNA vaccines for COVID-19: Pfizer COMIRNATY bivalent, Moderna’s SPIKEVAX, or NOVAVAX. The older vaccines, including the bivalent boosters last year have been discarded, and no longer used.

The previous bivalent vaccines targeted Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 and the original SARS-CoV2 viruses. The latest vaccines are effective against the new XBB.1.5 and JN.1 strains, and also against the other earlier variants of SARS CoV2 viruses. These new vaccines are for those whose previous boosters were given more than 4 months ago or earlier, whose protection has waned.

The CDC and Yale infectious specialists and a host of other medical centers are reminding people that the latest strains are more easily transmissible, and that although the symptoms are milder, the infection today can still lead to hospitalization and death. And there is also the complication of developing Long COVID, a debilitating chronic sequela of this viral infection which could last for years.

The CDC reported more than 200,000 deaths since January of 2022, 600 of them adolescents and ages 19 and younger.

The risk and danger of COVID-19 are far from over. Let’s not be complacent or arrogant. Wisdom and humility to this stealth enemy of our time can save lives, including ours and those of our loved ones’.

Cybercrimes

There has been more than 125 percent increase in cyberattacks globally since 2020. The most common type is Phishing (impersonating someone else via email or other electronic means to steal information), with more than half a million victims in a year. Nearly 1 billion emails were hacked and data breaches cost businesses an average of 4.35 million two years ago, and about half of American internet users were affected that same year, about 97 victims per hour. There were 236.1 million ransomware attacks globally in the first half of 2022. Poland has the highest score in its ability to fight cybercrime. UK has the highest number of cybercrimes, followed by the United States. The 3 types of cybercriminals are

pure hackers, identify thieves and cyber terrorists. Using strong passwords and changing them often, not opening any emails or calls from strangers, and having high degree of suspicion index, including not opening your door to people you are not expecting, or strangers at your door, and not opening emails even if the sender has a famous logo asking for your personal data are some useful safety tips. And as important is having a home security alarm system and security cameras around your home, which will scare potential home invaders. A popular inexpensive DIY system is SimpliSafe, and wifi-security cameras linked to cellphones are available for much less than $100, for monitoring your home while away, even abroad. In this day and age, these security measures are vital to our peace of mind, for mental health.

Sudden Infant death

Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID) is still a nightmare to parents, especially to mothers.

In the U.S. alone, there are about 2,300 babies (usually between 1 and 4 months old, more commonly boys) who die from Sudden Unexplained Infant Death each year.

This happens in spite of “knowledge of and intention to follow safe sleep guidelines for infants, mothers often engaged in non-recommended sleep practices,” a series of small focus groups and surveys showed.

This study also revealed that “among 25 mothers, 80% reported holding or rocking their infant to sleep, and 76% reported feeding their infant to sleep,” as reported by Lara McKenzie, PhD, MA, of Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, and colleagues. While all of the mothers in the survey displayed knowledge of the ABCs (Alone, Back, Crib) for safe infant sleep, many do not follow these recommendations by the AAP [American Academy of Pediatrics], which increases the infant's risk of SUID [sudden unexplained infant death].

“Nearly all of the mothers (92%) reported using at least one product not approved as infant sleep space by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, including a car seat (56%), swing (48%), and/or an infant carrier worn on an adult's body (40%),” according to the report.

Using terms such as “suffocation,” may help parents understand the risk better and thus follow the AAP guidelines for safe sleep for infants.

Smoothies for health

Instead of those marketed fruits and veggies capsules, which are

processed products, smoothies taken once or twice a day, using various types of berries, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, chia seeds, finely crashed walnut, acai powder, protein collagen powder (optional) and pineapple juice as the liquid mixer, are fresher, and more effective, as vigorous antioxidants, and “pain-reliever” for those with arthritis. This is a healthy beverage that has eliminated the need for pain pills among many arthritis patients after drinking it for 8 weeks or more. (And, of course, as always, in contradiction: soft drinks of any kind are toxic to our body).

Veggies called Nightshades (Solanaceae family) are inflammatory food items which aggravate arthritis. They are tomatoes, tomatillos, eggplants, various peppers (but not peppercorns), curries, paprika, potatoes (but not sweet potatoes), Goji berries, Ashwagandha. Those with arthritis are advised to avoid these food items.

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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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.

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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* Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom, educators, and leaders (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

preneurs, and the self-employed. Not only is Melody passion-

ate about business success, she is also passionate about helping where she can.

For the first quarter of her book release”, she is pleased to announce that up to $4 from each sale of this will be donated to organizations that help end child hunger. Not only do you get an award-winning sales guide to help your business, but you also help feed a child who’s hungry. For every $50 donated, up to 500 children are fed. Statistics from www.worldhunger.org show that:

• 45% of all child deaths worldwide are from causes related to undernutrition

• About 1 in 9 people don’t have enough food to lead a healthy life

• More than 99 million children under the age of 5 are undernourished.

SELLebrate™ is now available on Amazon.com or for more information and to contact the author, visit www.wesellebrate. com.

SB19's Stell said he and his group members are working on their solo projects as they are set to end their "Pagtatag" world tour with a two-night concert in May.

Stell faced the press at the recently concluded 1st Billboard Philippines Women in Music event where he was invited as one of the presenters. "There's something to look forward to dahil nagsimula na rin 'yung mga solo projects," he shared. He did not specify what these solo projects are.

Stell, together with Ken, Josh, Justin and Pablo, are also gearing up for their two-night concert on May 18 and 19 in Araneta Coliseum after almost a year of touring the world with their "Pagtatag" concerts. The "Pagtatag" world tour started in June last year with

stops in the Philippines, the United States and Canada.

"It's something that you should also look forward to because it's a special day for us to celebrate and express how thankful we are sa mga fans namin," Stell said about their upcoming homecoming concert.

SB19 also opened their company, 1Z Entertainment's new office. IZ's new office includes a dance studio and a recording studio, which were recorded and vlogged on SB19's YouTube channel.

"Pinaka-best po talaga 'yung office kung saan makakagawa pa kami ng magagandang music, for artistry din talaga. Ang pinakabest investment ay 'yung mga nai-pundar namin para sa sarili namin para ma-expand pa namin kung ano 'yung feeling namin na makakatulong maparinig sa global, 'yung tunog ng Pinoy," Stell said.

Kim Chiu bares honest thoughts on love team culture in PH showbiz

by hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net

KIM Chiu admitted that being in a love team is an easier way to be famous in Philippine showbiz. However, she’s relieved that the public is more aware of what’s reel and real when it comes to an actor’s personal life.

ACTRESS Heaven Peralejo

praised fellow actor and the director of her upcoming movie, Alden Richards.

In an interview, Heaven gave an update on their film "Out of Order," the directorial debut of Alden. "Oo tapos na 'yung shoot. Ang ganda ng film na 'yun. Hopefully this year ilalabas," Heaven said. Heaven said she Is impressed with Alden's skills as a talent, an actor and now a director. "Alam niyo sobrang bait. Sobrang bait ni Alden, wala akong masabing iba. And then, ang galing niya kasi he switches from being an actor to director. So, like kahit on take 5-4-3-2-1, siya ang nagsasabi no'n tapos siya rin

ang mag-act kasi

Taking note of her experiences, Chiu bared her thoughts on love team culture in the entertainment industry in a “Coffee Talk” vlog with Barbie Forteza on Sunday, March 31, where she noted how Filipinos have a knack for anything about love. “Nagsimula ako sa isang loveteam as KimErald sa ‘PBB’ and formula talaga siya sa Philippine series and movies. Tayo kasing mga Pinoy, gustong mainlove,” she said. “Ang opinion ko is nagbago talaga ang love team ngayon kasi dati, kayo’t kayo lang. Kayo ang magka-love team, kayo na sa lahat. [Ngayon], pwede nang umikot.” (I started my career as part of the KimErald love team in “PBB” and it’s a formula in Philippine series and movies. Filipinos enjoy being in love. My opinion is that love teams are different now because they used to be stuck together. If you’re in a love team, you’ll be together at all times. They are free to explore now.) Chiu then noted how actors involved in a love team have the liberty to choose projects either as a solo act or be paired with someone else, but noted that it’s

Kim Chiu Photo from Instagram/@chinitaprincess

an easier way to be more popular. “Maluwag na siya kasi natatanggap na natin na pwede silang mag-pair sa ibang tao. But [from my point of view], kapag nasa love team ka, mas sisikat ka. Mas mabilis kasi magtutulungan kayo paano umangat kaysa as an individual,” she said.

(It also became more open because the public is more accepting of them being paired up with someone else. But from my point of view, if you’re in a love team, you’ll be more famous. It’s easier because you’re helping each other to rise in fame.)

During the interview, the actress pointed out that being in a love team is a matter of luck since being with the “right partner” is also key. “Kapag nahanap mo na ang

perfect love team, mabilis ang pag-angat mo kasi iba ang suporta. Masaya maging isang parte ng love team,” she said. The actress said that the rise of social media and other digital platforms might’ve played a role in the faster rise of love teams as well.

(If you found the perfect love team partner, you’ll be famous quicker because the support is different. It’s nice to be part of a love team.)

Chiu, however, said she’s relieved that many are learning to accept that not all love teams would end up together compared to before.

“Mas lumawak na ngayon ang [career reach] at mas understanding ang mga tao. Marunong na silang ihiwalay ang reel at real. Hindi naman ibig sabihin kapag love team, kayo na talaga for life. Magpakasal na kayo, ‘yun na ‘yun,” she said.

(But actors have a wider career reach now because people are more understanding. They know how to separate the reel from the real. It doesn’t mean if you’re in a love team, you will be together for life. You will get married, that’s it.)

Chiu was part of the KimErald and KimXi love teams with Gerald Anderson and Xian Lim, whom she eventually ended up dating. Both relationships, however, resulted in breakups.

The actress’ team-up with Paulo Avelino has been making waves after working together in the series “Linlang” and “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim.”

SB19's Stell Photo from Instagram/@stell16_