More Pinoys identify with Marcos than...
publicly criticized his successor over the current administration’s push for Charter change. Duterte even accused Marcos of drug use, although he later denied doing so.
The former president’s son, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, has called for Marcos’ resignation.
The Department of Justice under the current administration also pursued criminal charges against Apollo Quiboloy, Duterte’s spiritual adviser. Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte – who maintains that she remains in good terms with the president – was reported to have had a falling out with Speaker Martin Romualdez, a cousin and close ally of Marcos. The vice president also has publicly opposed Charter change, which is primarily being pushed by Romualdez and his allies in Congress.
Bailiwicks
Across areas, support for the Marcos administration was highest among those in Metro Manila at 43 percent, followed by those in the Visayas at 38 percent, the rest of Luzon at 32 percent and Mindanao at 17 percent.
More than half of the number of respondents from Mindanao – 53 percent – said they support the Duterte family, followed by those in the Visayas at 18 percent, Metro Manila at 14 percent and the rest of Luzon at seven percent.
Support for the “opposition” ranged from three to five percent across areas, while those who were ambivalent were highest among those in the Visayas (35
percent) and the rest of Luzon (33 percent).
In terms of socio-economic class, the Marcos administration obtained its highest support from among those in class D (32 percent), followed by those in class E (30 percent) and class ABC (27 percent).
Support for the Duterte family was highest among class E (30 percent), followed by those in class D (19 percent) and class ABC (14 percent).
Based on the survey, support for the Marcos administration was highest among middle-aged Filipinos (39 percent for the 55-64 age group and 35 percent for the 45-54 age group), as well as who reached high school (37 percent) or took vocational programs (34 percent).
The Duterte family obtained their highest support from among age groups 25-34 (27 percent) and 65-74 (26 percent), as well as those with no formal education or reached elementary (32 percent).
OCTA’s Tugon ng Masa survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent for national percentages and plus/minus six percent for each of the geographic areas.
Sara: 2028 still a long way down
In a related development, the vice president on Monday shot down talks of running for president in 2028 following a recent preelectoral survey that showed she was statistically tied with Sen. Raffy Tulfo as the current most popular potential candidate to succeed President Marcos. Duterte told reporters that 2028 “is still a long way down for us
to talk about it. What we need to do is to continue doing our jobs and working together in nationbuilding.”
The survey conducted by Pulse Asia from March 6 to 10 showed Tulfo leading in popularity, with 35 percent of the respondents indicating support for the lawmaker and about 34 percent preferring Duterte.
Pulse Asia said the results are from “rider questions” included in its March 2024 Ulat ng Bayan survey.
The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus 2.8 percent at the 95-percent confidence level.
The vice president’s political plans have been the subject of widespread speculation amid the soured ties between her family and Marcos.
Despite refusing to comment on the recent surveys, Duterte thanked her supporters for their trust in the face of controversies surrounding her and her offices.
Meanwhile, sought for comment on the continued Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, the vice president still refused to give remarks and deferred to the statement of her brother Davao 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, where he said questions relating to China should be addressed by concerned government agencies.
“No comment. I think Congressman Paolo’s statement is already comprehensive. That should be answered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and the secretary of national defense,” the vice president said. (With reports from Neil Jayson Servallos)
Crime is Down in San Francisco
CHP special operation and local efforts continue to show results
SAN FRANCISCO – Following a recent announcement from local officials showing a significant year-over-year reduction in property and violent crime, California Governor Gavin Newsom on Tuesday, April 9 announced that the California Highway Patrol (CHP) has seized more than 42 pounds of fentanyl in the approximately 10-block radius of San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood since May 1, 2023, when the state’s joint public safety partnership with the City of San Francisco began. In addition to the seizure of 19.2 kilos of fentanyl (which equates to over 9.6 million lethal doses of the drug), the CHP has issued 6,044 citations leading to 496 arrests for illegal activity and recovered 15 crime-linked guns as part of its operation in San Francisco. “These results are a testament to the effective collaboration among state, local, and federal law enforcement in San Francisco. We will continue to work together to get drugs off our streets, address crime, and make our communities safer,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement released by his office. Citywide, in the first quarter of 2024 (January 1 to March 31), property crime is down 32% and violent crime is down 14% compared to the first quarter of 2023, according to local San Francisco police data. This reduction reflects the work of local law enforcement and state and federal efforts. Law enforcement agencies continue to work collaboratively to improve public safety in San Francisco, including the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, the CHP, the California National Guard (CalGuard), the California Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Agency, and U.S. Attorney’s Office. CHP’s operation in San Francisco began on May 1, 2023, and consists of deployments of officers in multiple teams in the Tenderloin and immediately surrounding areas. The CHP’s operation is focused on improving public safety, targeting fentanyl trafficking, disrupting the supply of the deadly drug in the city that proliferates across the state, and holding the operators of drug trafficking rings accountable. The operation
builds on the Governor’s Master Plan for Tackling the Fentanyl and Opioid Crisis, which includes an expansion of CalGuardsupported operations that has led to a 1066% increase in seized fentanyl and historic levels of funding — $1 billion statewide — to crack down on the crisis. In the East Bay, the CHP continues its separate operation focused on combating auto theft, cargo theft, retail crime, violent crime, and high-visibility traffic enforcement, which has resulted in the recent arrests of approximately 200 suspects and the recovery of more than 400 stolen vehicles since February 2024.
(Gov. Newsom’s Office Release)
First-ever Listas campaign helps women...
Diana Crofts-Pelayo, Assistant Director of Crisis Communication & Public Affairs at CalOES.
“These heads are women who bear the weight of responsibility making ends meet while taking care of children or elderly parents, while the messengers are firstor second-generation women helping support their families within the unit,” she explained. “We saw that women over the age of 18, mostly in Latino, AAPI and black communities, are the ones that would listen to our message, pass it on and actually use it during an emergency.”
through schools and local associations.”
“What we want is for women to have that knowledge and talk about it with their partners, family, friends and children,” she continued. “Emergencies are not fun; it’s not if but when the next one happens. The more that a family can talk about it, the more you demystify responding to it.”
“The most important thing we saw in our research is that people need to see an emergency to truly believe it,” Crofts-Pelayo added.
priority for me, and thinking about emergency preparedness goes hand in hand with that,” said Shayla Happi AmenraWarmsley, a Sacramento-based mother of two and second grade teacher.
CalOES is providing Californians with videos and actionable disaster safety tips, as well as local county emergency alert signups, through over 73 community organization outreach grantees.
These organizations have worked alongside a larger statewide partnership network to make over 400,000 calls to California women since March asking them to sign up for alerts and sharing preparedness information.
Local phone, text and email alerts in multiple languages for disasters like flooding, earthquakes and wildfires are available for Californians in each county through listoscalifornia. org/alerts.
Women across communities
“My grandma never learned English. My mom was born in Mexico, and she was always seen as the leader within our family here and back in Mexico,” said Crofts-Pelayo. “Women are the ones that push their families to do things. It’s not necessarily the man of the household anymore. At the end of the day, they’re the ones that are most likely to be looking after elderly parents, or engaging with their community
“We got anecdotes from people that said ‘I might not evacuate my home until I see the water rising on my street corner,’ or ‘unless I see the flames down the street.’
There are still many communities that have never experienced a natural disaster, and our aim is showing people that this is real, this happens every day … All disasters are local, which is why community-based preparedness is so important.”
“It’s the women who are taking care of parents, grandparents, children, doing the shopping, taking care of the house, preparing for tomorrow,” said District 10 Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen. “For emergency situations, it’s key that women not only hear these messages but deliver them.”
“When disaster comes, it affects everybody across communities, and seeing different women talk from their cultures about having go-bags ready, batteries charged, water for washing and drinking — women across communities can think, ‘If she’s doing this, I should be doing this in my home as well,’” she added.
A teacher’s perspective
“Thinking about the safety and wellbeing of my family and students, knowing that I have the knowledge and the tools to protect them, is always a top
“I’ve started implementing these tools both in my personal family and within my classroom — from creating emergency kits, to developing family communication plans and emergency contact systems, this campaign definitely helped bring many ‘what-ifs’ into the practical reality of what I would do in the case of an earthquake, fire, flood, or a power outage, which did happen to my home a month ago,” she continued, adding that Listas enabled her to respond to it.
“In times of crisis, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless, especially for young people,” Amenra-Warmsley said. “Having a plan just as important as practicing it, so a lot of what I do at home and with my students alongside teaching the tools we need to be prepared — like shelter-in-place plans, memorizing emergency phone contacts, planning evacuation routes and having snack bags — is teaching the tools we need for mental resilience, whether that’s morning yoga or emotional regulation exercises.”
“There are changing elements to what it means to be prepared, it means being both flexible and adaptable in the face of adversity,” she added. “As a teacher, I not only educate my students academically but also teach them lifelong skills of resiliency, emerging from any storm as a stronger version of themselves. Learning how to prepare for emergencies is at the heart of that.” (Selen Ozturk/ Ethnic Media Services)
‘Love is with me’ – 2nd gen Asian Americans...
Aging is one of five organizations involved with Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC’s Narrative Change and Caregiving Project. The initiative is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
For the project, NAPCA created four videos of families discussing the myriad of challenges involved in care-giving. The filmmakers brought together a deeplymoving range of narratives. One film tells the story of two Indian American daughters caring for their mother, formerly a physician, who can now only communicate by blinking as her disease progresses. Another film focuses on a Filipino American man trying to balance the twin challenges of a full time job and being the sole care giver for his 91 year old mother. In a sweet moment, the two chat about old times as they make egg rolls together.
A young Hawaiian Chinese woman lives with her elderly mother, who suffers from multiple illnesses. They are forced to talk about end of life expectations as a close family member is moved to hospice care. And in another
film, a Thai American woman, whose elderly parents still work at their restaurant despite health challenges, says: “I feel like I’m the parent of two really stubborn children.” The series is titled: “We Care.”
Patience and love “Every story is different, the expectations are different,” Benny Lai, a spokesman for NAPCA, told Ethnic Media Services. “But the mindset is the same. You have to have a lot of patience and love. Otherwise you cannot be a caregiver.”
“Asian folks are more willing and common to be caregivers. Back in our home countries, it’s very common that the second generation are living with their parents,” said Lai. “And when they are in the States, living in bigger homes, getting married, moving out of their parents’ homes, they find it easier to hire a couple of domestic helpers at maybe $3,000 to $4,000 a month per person, or put them in elderly houses for $4,000 a month. But not a whole lot of people can afford them,” he said, noting that by default, adult children become their parent’s caregivers. Denyse Woo Ockerman, who
lives with her mother Irma in Hemet, California, characterizes her mom as “my best friend.”
Ohana “We were meant to be together,” she says in her film. “Caregiving is imprinted in our culture. It is ohana,” says Woo Ockerman, using her culture’s word for a deeply-tied family. “Love is With Me,” are the words that echoed through Manisha and Nayana Shahane’s mother’s journal, which she began to write shortly after being diagnosed with Multiple Symptom Atrophy. The family’s long term care insurance ran out: Manisha and Nayana had to step up round-the-clock care, often at expense to their own well-being.
The loss of time for self care was a theme that echoed through all four videos. But each caregiver also spoke about the deep satisfaction they had gained from caring for a vulnerable human being.
APRIL 12-18, 2024 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160 4 Dateline USa
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Results of the March 11 to 14 survey released on Monday, April 8 showed that about 31 percent of the respondents said they support President Ferdind Marcos Jr. and his administration, while 20 percent said they support the Duterte family and their political allies. Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial
All four films will be featured at various film festivals around the U.S. beginning in May. They can be viewed on NAPCA’s YouTube channel next month. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)
Dateline PhiliPPines
Comelec receives 1.9 million new voter registrations out of 3 million target
by Luisa Cabato Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Commission of Elections (Comelec) is nearing the two-million mark for new voter registrants ahead of the May 2025 national and local elections.
In a report sent to reporters on Tuesday, April 9, the poll body said there are already 1,920,887 new voter registrations from all regions of the country, including its main office in Intramuros, Manila, as of Monday, April 8.
This figure is almost double the 1 million new registrations logged over a month ago.
The Comelec earlier said it was targeting around 3 million new voters before the midterm elections.
In a Viber message sent to INQUIRER.net, Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia acknowledged that there it is still far from reaching the target.
“It’s still a long way to go. We will still double our efforts and we have to reach the furthest places and bring our service to the communities,” Garcia said.
“Our efforts are more focused on the vulnerable sectors and the youth,” he added.
The voter registration for the 2025 elections started last February 12 and will last until September 30.
Eligible voters only need to visit the office of the election officer (OEO) or satellite registration sites
in their areas from Mondays to Saturdays, including holidays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Registrants may access the application form via OEO and the Comelec website.
Applicants need to bring one of the following government-issued identification cards (ID) with their signature:
• National ID under the Philippine Identification System
• Postal ID card
• PWD ID card
• Student’s ID card or library card signed by the school authority
• Senior citizen’s ID card
• Land Transportation Office Driver’s License/ Student Permit
• National Bureau of Investigation clearance
• Philippine Passport
• Social Security System/Government Service Insurance System or other unified multi-purpose ID card
• Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID card
• License issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC)
• Certificate of Confirmation issued by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in case of members of ICCs or IPs
• Barangay Identification/Certification with photo
• Any other government-issued valid ID. g
Senate to prioritize ROTC bill upon resumption of session
MANILA — The Senate will prioritize Senate Bill (SB) No. 2034, or the proposed Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) Act, as soon as session resumes by the end of the month. Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri made the assurance in a press briefing on Monday, April 8 after being donned with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel of the Philippine Army Reserve Force at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. Zubiri said he has already talked to Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and to the bill’s sponsor, Senator Ronald dela Rosa, that the ROTC bill will be discussed in May. "Sabi ko nga kung meron akong mga kasamahan na hindi sangayon sa ROTC, magboto na lang po sila. Ibigay na lang po nila ang boto nila kasi sa tingin ko mas marami po ang gusto ng ROTC dun sa Senado (As I’ve said, if we have colleagues who do not agree with ROTC, they can just vote, because I think more senators want ROTC). So, let’s give the bill a chance. We'll vote on it. Whether it passes or not but we will prioritize it this coming May
before the sine die break," he said. Congress resumes session on April 29, and will have 12 plenary session days before adjourning sine die on May 24. Zubiri said a Pulse Asia survey he commissioned last December showed that 77 percent of the respondents saying yes to the revival of the ROTC, while less than 10 percent said no. Zubiri, who was a ROTC cadet during his college days in the University of the Philippines, said there are existing laws to safeguard students from hazing. He also clarified that the ROTC this time, if revived, will not only focus on marching and training how to use firearms, but also to tap the students' inherent skills.
"The AFP has decided to come up with other divisions in the ROTC program. If you are computer experts, so you are in the anti-cyberhacking division of the reservist force. Engineering students will be tapped to assist in engineering programs of the AFP, and nursing students in the medical corps," Zubiri said. "So, it will enhance your skills.
It will be in tune with the times and I think we should be ready for any eventualities, especially with the tensions that we are feeling around the external areas of the Philippines. We must be ready at all times to defend our motherland, our beloved country, the Philippines," he added.
The bill, which already reached the Senate plenary last month, shall only include students from higher educational and technicalvocational institutions who will be required to undergo basic military and police training to motivate, train, organize, and use them for national defense preparedness or civil-military operations, and law enforcement.
The ROTC bill is among the priority measures of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
During the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting last March 19, Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez committed to pass all the administration’s priority measures, including the ROTC bill, by June this year. (PNA)
Speaker urges PH to appreciate Filipino Muslims’ contribution to society
by GabrieL PabiCo LaLu Inquirer.net
HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has urged Filipinos to celebrate and appreciate the contribution of Muslim brothers and sisters to nation-building, as the Islamic world celebrates the end of Ramadan. Romualdez in his statement for Eid’l Fitr on Tuesday, April 9, the Philippines has benefitted from the contributions of the Muslim community which has enriched the country’s culture.
“As we join in the celebrations of Eid’l Fitr, let us also recognize the diversity that enriches our nation. The Philippines is home to a vibrant Muslim community whose contributions have greatly enriched our great nation,” Romualdez said.
“Let us embrace the spirit of inclusivity and understanding, fostering unity and respect for all
faiths and beliefs,” he added.
At the same time, the speaker also urged Filipino Muslims to remember the deeper meaning behind the sacrifices for Ramadan—which is to embody patience, empathy, and selfdiscipline.
Rejoice in deeper spiritual meaning
“On the occasion of Eid’l Fitr, let us come together to celebrate the culmination of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer and reflection for our Muslim brothers and sisters. As we gather with loved ones to share in the festivities, let us not only rejoice in the abundance of food and blessings but also in the deeper spiritual meaning behind this sacred time,” Romualdez said.
“Ramadan teaches us the values of patience, empathy and self-discipline. It is a time for introspection, where individuals strive for personal growth
and spiritual enlightenment,” he added. “Through fasting and acts of charity, Muslims demonstrate their commitment to compassion and generosity, reaching out to those in need and fostering solidarity within their communities.”
On Tuesday, the Bangsamoro Darul Ifta confirmed that Eid alFitr, which marks the conclusion of the sacred month of Ramadan, will fall on Wednesday, April 10.
Bangsamoro Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani made the announcement after the crescent moon was sighted on Tuesday evening, which signifies that the feast of breaking the fast would commence on the next day.
“May this Eid bring not only joy but also renewed hope and optimism for our shared future. Let us carry forward the values of compassion, generosity and unity that define this occasion, extending kindness and goodwill to all,” Romualdez said. g
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 12-18, 2024 5
Valor in the WPS
THE Philippines marked Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor on Tuesday, April 9 in the shadow of continuing Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea. The special day is meant to honor all those who fought foreign colonizers and invaders, particularly those who repelled Japanese forces in Bataan for four months until April 9, 1942. Following the fall of Bataan, the Filipino and American soldiers who survived the siege were made to walk to Tarlac in the infamous Death March.
Both during World War II and in the revolution against Spanish colonial rule, Filipinos have shown courage in their readiness to fight a superior military force and die for their country. Today, that valor is again being tested as the country faces a challenge to its sovereignty and maritime economic entitlements, which have been officially recognized by an international arbitration court based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Editorial
In the past months, Filipino Navy and Coast Guard personnel along with fishermen and civilian boat crew have been injured by water cannon blasts from China Coast Guard ships preventing Philippine vessels from undertaking resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusty ship serving as a naval outpost on Ayungin Shoal. The Chinese also shoo away Filipino fishers from Panatag Shoal. President Marcos has said his administration continues to talk with China to ease tension in the West Philippine Sea. Instead of easing,
WHEN presented by opinion polls with the top choices for senators at next year’s midterm elections, middle-class educated Filipinos typically react with a mixture of disbelief and despair. They rue the fact that from the same list are names of politicians who may someday be perceived as “presidentiable.”
In the current election cycle, the ones that consistently stand out in the top 12 are individuals who appear to have mainly made a mark in the mass media for the roles they have played as heroes, protectors of the poor, and dispensers of quick justice. It is easy to scoff at these choices as nothing more than vessels of illusory empowerment, the outcome of voter immaturity and ignorance. But if they are, then nothing much has changed in our
NOWADAYS, it’s a fad to brandish patriotic credentials via strong posturing on the West Philippine Sea disputes. Countless government officials compete to criticize China’s latest bullying acts in our waters. This is in stark contrast to the six years of the Rodrigo Duterte presidency when we had to endure either defeatist rhetoric by no less than the commander in chief and/ or sift through the myriad of contradictory statements by top Cabinet members.
But now, even senior allies of the former president have joined the patriotic chorus.
Think of Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who couldn’t resist trolling the Chinese national team with his couture West Philippine Sea shirt during last year’s Fiba World Cup tournament. Just weeks earlier, his colleague and fellow Duterte loyalist, Sen. Christopher Go, expressed his “deepest resentment and condemnation” of China’s bullying of Philippine coast guard vessels in the West Philippine Sea. Even more interesting is the case of Duterte’s former political
however, the tension appears to be escalating, as Beijing insists that Manila had promised to remove the Sierra Madre from Ayungin.
Beijing has shown no proof of this promise or identified the Filipino who supposedly made the commitment.
There are conflicting versions of whether Rodrigo Duterte during his presidency had a “gentleman’s agreement” with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for a status quo in the WPS that would effectively make the Sierra Madre disintegrate from disrepair into the sea.
In the absence of a valid confirmation of this supposed agreement, Philippine Navy and Coast Guard personnel backed by civilians continue to brave Chinese harassment within the Philippines’ maritime exclusive economic zone to regularly bring supplies to Filipinos stationed on the Sierra Madre. The observance of Araw ng Kagitingan is a tribute to their valor, along with those of earlier generations who were not deterred by a superior force in defending their country. (Philstar.com)
political life. From the very moment of our founding as a nation, Filipinos have searched for political figures who embody a form of redemptive hope, a break from the systemic oppression and inequality in which the country has historically been mired. Many such leaders have failed to deliver on their promises or satisfy their people’s expectations. Yet, Filipinos do not tire of voting for the same type of politicians, never giving up hope, preferring to invest their trust in elections rather than in revolutions. Nation-building, however, demands more than personal charisma. It requires a vision that includes the painstaking creation of a professional civil service, the formation of an educated citizenry, the development of a productive economy, and the establishment of a capable government under a functioning rule of law. These are collective undertakings
that, by their long-term nature, have to be sustained beyond the tenure of any charismatic leader. As essential as they are to nation-building, there is usually nothing romantic about them. The civil servants who quietly work on these tasks are rarely seen as heroes. But more than that, because they are unelected, these unsung civil servants are expected to defer to those who wield political power by virtue of their election to public office. This is probably the hardest part of nationbuilding—how to establish a professional bureaucracy that can competently administer the day-to-day affairs of government, especially during the most difficult political transitions. A well-trained nonpartisan career administrative service that is immune to the vagaries of political contestation is the prime achievement of all mature democracies. Such political systems can tolerate the most eccentric and disruptive of all
Overcoming political despair JAPHUS: A Japan-Philippine-US
adviser and reelectionist Sen. Francis Tolentino, who has gone so far as to take credit for the gradual crystallization of quadrilateral cooperation among the Philippines, Australia, the U.S. , and China. “Last year February 2023, modesty aside, I suggested the ‘quad’ with USA, Australia, and Japan—finally the joint maritime patrol will happen today, April 7, 2024!” Tolentino claimed in a recent social media post.
The problem, however, is that well before he began speaking tough on the West Philippine Sea issue, countless experts have been raising this issue in major capitals and influential policy circles for the past decade. The main reason the “Quad” didn’t come to fruition earlier is Tolentino’s former boss, Duterte, who actively sabotaged our traditional alliances to please his patrons in Zhongnanhai.
Thanks to President Marcos’ sound approach to the West Philippine Sea disputes, all sorts of long-delayed initiatives are taking off with vengeance. The recently concluded quadrilateral patrols with our three key allies are likely just the beginning of a new era of Philippine foreign policy.
This week, Mr. Marcos will return to the White House for a historic trilateral summit with
US President Joseph Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The aim is to create a new security grouping in the mold of the Australia-UK-U.S. (AUKUS) and U.S.-Japan-South Korea trilateral groupings.
With multilateral organizations, namely the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, refusing to call out China’s hegemonic ambitions, the U.S. is leveraging its large network of partners through “minilateralism”—ad-hoc, flexible, and issue-specific cooperation with like-minded powers.
For Tokyo, the emerging Japan-Philippine-U.S. (JAPHUS) trilateral grouping is also a major step in solidifying its emergence as a key security provider in the Indo-Pacific region. Shortly after the JAPHUS trilateral meeting this week, Mr. Marcos and Kishida are expected to sign a Visiting Forces Agreement-style pact that could transform regional affairs for the foreseeable future.
There are, however, reasons to curb our geopolitical enthusiasm. Mr. Marcos must make sure that the new trilateral grouping will not mean just more American (and, potentially, even Japanese) boots and bases in the Philippines. In particular, the JAPHUS alliance should
politicians because of their strong institutions. But there is often a downside to these modern public institutions—and this is best summed up by the term “bureaucratic” in all its negative connotations. This happens when officials become so fixated on the rules and procedures that they lose sight of the larger mandate of their agencies. Instead of dispensing public service, they become empires of petty authority. Such organizations become so calcified that they turn into fetters impeding change and reinvention.
The German sociologist Max Weber saw this as the unexpected outcome of rationalization, a disease in modernity that can only be cured by the restoration of value rationality through politics. This necessary interruption is the role he assigns to charismatic leaders who have a vocation for politics. He did not mean the
serve as a springboard for comprehensive strategic cooperation, including the expansion of quality investments as well as high-end defense aid to the Philippines.
It’s quite astonishing that communist Vietnam, a former U.S. enemy, has a trade surplus with the U.S. that is 10 times our total exports to our sole treaty ally. The current levels of American economic footprint in the Philippines are, frankly, pathetic compared to their investments in neighboring countries, most of which are increasingly more aligned to and/or dependent on China. And will the U.S. offer a bilateral free trade deal to the Philippines, as the Japanese did almost 20 years ago? Not to mention, when will the Philippines finally receive modern fighter jets and warships from either the U.S. or Japan?
Moreover, tighter security cooperation with our traditional allies should not limit our room for maneuver. We should avoid getting locked into a permanent anti-China alliance, but instead leverage our security partnerships for our national interest. In particular, we should make sure that we won’t get involved in any U.S.-led contingency plan over Taiwan absent proper assessment of the big picture of what is best
narcissists and demagogues who habitually promise to rescue the masses from the dysfunctions of a corrupt and uncaring bureaucracy. He was referring, rather, to redemptive figures who exemplify a practicable vision of political renewal.
The political philosopher Wendy Brown, in her recent book, “Nihilistic Times: Thinking with Max Weber,” writes: “Charisma, with its capacity to incite and excite, inspire and mobilize, and above all lead beyond business as usual, is an indisputably potent element of political life.” It is a tragedy that the ones who have been adept at appropriating it are the political egotists who—beyond their antics on stage—are incapable of offering a new vision of “who we are” and “what we should do.”
On the other hand, we have a lot of young progressive political leaders who have a clear notion of what lies ahead for the
country and what needs to be done but, lacking the passionate and visceral language in which to articulate this, fail to capture the imagination of the masses. Brown describes their accustomed political style as “free of rhetorical power, prevailing only on the basis of their evidentiary and logical soundness.” In short, bland. What is needed is the reenchantment of political life—which, in recent years, has been the monopoly of rude, intimidating, and angry demagogues—by charismatic leaders who can mesmerize crowds with visions and actions that remind them of their power to change the world. (Inquirer. net) *
for the Philippines’ long-term security. We should guard against overcorrecting Duterte’s follies, too. (Inquirer.net) *
APRIL 12-18, 2024 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160 6 ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; the Orange County and Inland Empire Asian Journal, Northern lifornia Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern lifornia, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively. Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions. Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com Asian Journal Publications, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publication by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases. Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applicable law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation. Publication of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publication. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material. AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publication of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being cancellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republication of the correct advertisement. Under no circumstances shall Asian Publications, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind. ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. Main Office: 611 North Brand Blvd Suite 1300, Glendale, CA 91203 Tels: (818) 937-9981 • (818) 937-9982 Fax: (818) 502-0847 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor JOSEPH PERALTA Vice President & General Manager Northern California Asian Journal Northern California: 1799 Old Bayshore Hwy, Suite 136 Burlingame, CA 94010 Tel.: (650) 689-5160 • Fax: (650) 239-9253 With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines
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(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 12-18, 2024 7
Cantiveros-Francisco last week and was interviewed by entertainment reporter MJ Felipe. Parang nahihiya ako, parang there are artists who are more qualified," Regine admitted. "I don't think I'm qualified yet."
Some of the artists she wanted to see given the recognition instead were Pilita Corrales and Jose Mari Chan, reiterating that
it is not her time yet. While she personally believes she has a long way to go, Regine is still grateful for those pushing her for the recognition. Pero huwag muna kasi maraming mas iniisip ko na sila dapat. Those are the people who should be there and sana malagay sila habang buhay pa sila," Regine ended, noting how it took years before Nora Aunor was finally named a National Artist in 2022.
Fourteen of the 81 Filipinos
that have been named National Artists were recognized for their contributions to music including Ryan Cayabyab, Levi Celerio, Ramon Santos, Jovita Fuentes, Felipe de Leon, Antonio Molina and most recently Fides CuyuganAsensio.
The most recent batch of National Artists included Nora, Fides, Ricky Lee, Marilou DiazAbaya, Salvacion Lim-Higgins, Gemino Abad, Tony Mabesa and Agnes Locsin.
Paulo, Kylie and the highs and lows of love and life
PAULO Avelino and Kylie Verzosa may have starred in the 2018 movie "Kasal," but working together on the upcoming film "Elevator" felt like a first-time experience for them all over again.
"During 'Kasal,' Paulo was like my acting coach because I was a newcomer then. So this time — [when I'm armed with more experience] — felt like the first because I got to really 'act' alongside him," explained the beauty queen-turned-actress at the movie's media conference.
"I've waited so long for a reunion project, and I'm glad we get to do it with great material in 'Elevator," Verzosa added. Avelino agreed, "It felt like the first time because in 'Kasal,' she would always share scenes with Derek [Ramsay], but here in 'Elevator,' we did almost all the scenes together."
Since their 2018 starrer, Verzosa and Avelino have carved deeper names in the industry and even reaped prominent acting awards along the way. Avelino earned Best Actor accolades from prestigious organizations, including the 35th Gawad Urian Awards ("Ang Sayaw ng Dalawang Kaliwang Paa") and the 46th Metro Manila Film Festival ("Fan Girl"). Verzosa, on the other hand, was hailed Best Actress at the
2022 Distinctive International Arab Festivals Awards ("The Housemaid").
Despite the five-year gap between their two projects, Avelino and Verzosa said it didn't take much time for them to get back in the zone, embody their characters and develop the chemistry the 'Elevator' demanded.
"It didn't feel awkward [to be back on the set with Kylie] because before shooting the film, we had several script readings and workshops," Avelino volunteered.
"I'd like to add that we felt comfortable because we became friends [after we did 'Kasal,' which] makes our job easier," Verzosa echoed.
Written and directed by Rein Entertainment's Philip King ["Nanahimik Ang Gabi," "Bagman"], "Elevator" follows the story of Jared [Avelino], an elevator attendant at a hotelcasino complex in Singapore.
Ambitious and hardworking, Jared develops an innovative app for Filipino migrant workers. He pitches his concept to affluent businessmen he encounters in the elevator, hoping to entice them into investment.
Despite his relentless efforts, he is always rejected until he meets Byron (veteran Singaporean actor Adrian Pang), a successful businessman who takes an interest in his app. But before sealing the deal,
Byron instructs Jared to ask his secretary, Bettina (Verzosa), who is also Filipino, to help him refine his business proposal.
Bettina is initially ill-tempered and dismissive towards Jared, but after spending much time working together, the fellow OFWs grow closer. As they share their hopes and dreams with one another, Jared finds himself smitten by Bettina, who warned from the start never to fall in love with her.
Eventually, the two characters must choose whether to be together or keep working toward the better future they seek in Singapore.
Asked why the film is titled "Elevator," King explained, "We use it as a metaphor. If you want to punch 'up' in your life [as you would in an elevator], it means you're not satisfied or in an abyss. For me an elevator is like that — it's not part of a building's floor, you go up and you go down. But as long as you punch that floor number it means you are fighting, it means you want to be somewhere and Paulo's character is like that."
In support, Avelino said that while their film is marketed as a romantic-comedy with all the elements of both genres, he finds it more inspirational.
DONITA Rose has received a beautiful assurance of God’s love. This, she revealed when she began talking about her fervent prayer, among others, that her next life partner would be a virgin. The actress-turned-chef narrated that she had a long list of the characteristics she was looking for in a guy, and she was amazed at how God answered her prayer.
“I have a prayer list, (it’s) very specific. I said (the guy) should be a pastor, a worship leader, a Pinoy, or at least half. (He) must be handsome, he should be taller than me, he should be a breadwinner because I’ve been through a lot. He should be funny,” said Donita of her “requirements” in a guy.
“I even joked with the Lord which I didn’t expect (to be granted). I said, ‘Lord, I wish my husband would be a virgin.’ It came true,” gushed Donita who exchanged “I do’s” with U.S.based Filipino singer Felson Palad in September 2022 in California. She learned that her prayers were granted when Felson confessed to her that he was a virgin during one of their dates. “When I met him and we started talking as friends, eventually we started dating. He said, ‘I have a confession to make. I am still a virgin.’
“I didn’t answer him. He said, ‘Why, did it turn you off?’ I said, ‘That’s my prayer to the Lord which I don’t think He would fulfill; that He can answer even the small things,’” she continued.
“I felt like I was dreaming. I couldn’t believe that I’ve got a husband again because I went through a lot before I reached this moment. I went through depression. But now, I have no regrets about what I’ve been through.”
Donita declared feeling “complete” as a person. “Parang ngayon ako naging buo. Now I know who I am. My identity is not in another person because there was a time when my husband (her first, Eric Villarama) and I separated I was like, ‘Who am I now?’ Iniwan ako, and people judged me na parang, ‘Tumaba kasi, hindi na siya maganda.’ “There were a lot of internal struggles. But I came back to my first love, Jesus Christ. I was reminded of my identity in Christ.”
She also made clear that she was already complete before Felson came into her life. “But the fact that I met a guy who loves God as much as I do, that’s where the dream is. I can’t believe it. This is not a dream because we’re serving God together and we’re loving God together. There’s nothing better.”
To recall, Donita and Felson got engaged in May 2022 and the two got married four months later. Her divorce with ex-husband Eric was finalized in 2016. She and Eric have a son named Joshua Paul.
Meanwhile, Donita has not completely turned her back to acting as she topbills “Malice in Manila,” streaming on Amazon Prime. Viewers can also expect to see her husband Felson taking on a role in the said independent film.
“I play the role of a mail-order bride. Felson portrays my exhusband so siya ang contravida ng film. What happened was when I was being interviewed for the film, I was with Felson because he drove me there. Then when the director found out that they’re both from Cavite, he said, ‘Bakit hindi na lang ikaw?’ I couldn’t stop laughing for like a week because I couldn’t believe na ang kalaban ko sa pelikula is my husband in real life,” Donita amusingly said. She, too, would love to do a TV series or movie in the Philippines if and when there is an offer but what she is not sure though is to leave her husband in the U.S. for a long time for acting stints in the country. Hindi kasi importante sa akin maging sikat or successful sa mata ng buong mundo. I’m happy even if I don’t work (as an actress). My husband said that there is no need for me to work anymore because he will be the one in-charge.
“So, I don’t have to worry about finances anymore but I’m not expecting a lot. Hindi naman mayaman ang asawa ko pero mayaman kami sa mga experiences in life. We’re just enjoying and savoring every moment. He works hard. He’s a singer in Orange County retirement homes.”
What does she pray for every day?
“That my son would love the Lord with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength.”
What’s the best thing about her husband Felson? Lahat. (And) now I know, for sure, that marriage is pure bliss,” Donita concluded.
"It's more of a feel-good movie and it gives a better glimpse of the lives of our kababayans working abroad. I think at its core, the movie is about hope, not just for migrant workers, not just OFWs, but for everyone.
"We all get confused in our lives — what to choose, what to prioritize — and I hope this film will help viewers decide on what they want not just for the betterment of their careers but for their lives as well," Avelino concluded.
"Elevator" is a landmark project of Viva Films, Studio Viva, Rein Entertainment, and Cineko Productions. The cast and crew filmed for 10 days in Singapore, where 90 percent of the scenes took place. Its producers, Lino Cayetano and Shugo Praico — who, together with King co-founded Rein Entertainment — shared they also partnered with Singaporean production outfit Dogma Films for the movie. Given this multi-way production, the group told The Manila Times Entertainment in a previous interview that "Elevator" is another realization of the industry's goal to go international.
Why Alden Richards is at a career crossroads
IN an early December interview, Alden Richards gave the entertainment press a staggering impression that he found his career at a snail's pace at one point last year.
It is for this reason that depression consumed him, and he even questioned his selfworth.
Speaking in the vernacular, Alden expressed: "Pakiramdam ko, wala akong silbi (I felt useless)!"
He was then able to trace the root cause of it all: it was his woebegone life.
It was a crisis that involved every aspect of his being: three months of no job offers, a string of business undertakings not doing well, plus "personal demons" he had to deal with.
If our timeline proves accurate, this period was shortly after he wrapped up work in GMA Network's Filipino adaptation of "Start-Up," which paired him with Bea Alonzo. It took GMA, however, to make him realize he was wrong — short of saying it was all in the mind. "Maybe, I was just being ungrateful," he sighed. Alden's case of depression — he admitted — nearly spiraled out of control, "But not to the point that I thought of doing drugs!"
All that he needed to invalidate his feeling of worthlessness was simply a job, one after another. It was when he began shooting for the film, "Five Romances
and A Breakup" with Julia Montes did Alden acknowledge something was amiss with his life perspective. It literally didn't take five romances and a breakup before his next project came along — that with Sharon Cuneta for last year's Metro Manila Film Festival. Instantly, Alden was able to break free from the shackles of depression.
Did the actor in any way bargain with the media rep — that if he still gets thrown into a tailspin — career-wise — this 2024, then out he goes?
It is also intriguing to note that Alden's episodes of depression coincided with talks some media outlet out there was poised to pursue the actor no matter what. Reportedly, it was to the observation of a representative from the anonymous media entity (or, to be blunt about it, a TV network) that Alden was "being shortchanged" in terms of projects. In the words of a reliable Vignettes tipster: "Nasasayangan sila sa talent ni Alden (the media outlet felt Alden's talent was being wasted), considering he's a homegrown artist at that. Spanning his 13 years with GMA, there's much to be desired." Did such words, supposedly coming from the unknown mercenary, contribute to what Alden had aptly termed as depression?
APRIL 12-18, 2024 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160 8 by BOY ABUNDA Philstar.com by RONNIE CARRASCO III ManilaTimes.net by CHRISTINA ALPAD ManilaTimes.net by KRISTOFER PURNELL Philstar.com C J LIFESTYLE • CONSUMER GUIDE • COMMUNITY • MARKETPLACE INSIDE >>> Friday, April 12, 2024 FILIPINO IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA THE ASIAN JOURNAL MAGAZINE Regine Velasquez on calls to name her National Artist Donita Rose: ‘Now I know that marriage is pure bliss’ ‘Asia’s Songbird’ Regine Velasquez ABS-CBN photo Paulo Avelino and Kylie Verzosa play characters who must choose whether to be together or keep working toward the better future they seek as OFWs in Singapore. Photo from Instagram/@viva_tv Despite being one of the country’s biggest stars, Alden Richards admits that he has experienced feelings of worthlessness before. Photo from Instagram/@aldenrichards02 Donita and husband Felson with the actresss’ son Joshua Paul during their September 2022 wedding held four months after they got engaged. Photo from Instagram/@dashofdonita SINGER-host Regine Velasquez admitted she was flattered by calls from Filipinos to name her a National Artist, although she believes others are currently more qualified to receive the recognition. Calls to consider Regine a National Artist erupted after she was honored with the Powerhouse award for her 37 years of making Original Pilipino Music at the inaugural Billboard Philippines Women in Music Awards last month. Meanwhile, she then responded to the prospect of becoming a National Artist when she attended a surprise birthday party for her Magandang Buhay" co-host Melai
Assemblymember Gabriel, Attorney General Bonta announce legislation to increase penalties for corporate malfeasance, fund crime victim service programs
SACRAMENTO, CA — On Tuesday, April 9, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) joined California Attorney General Rob Bonta and joint author Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) to announce Attorney General Bonta's sponsorship of a bill that would allow state courts to levy increased monetary penalties on corporations convicted of criminal offenses.
The penalties would, in turn, provide muchneeded funding for crime victim service programs in California, which provide free medical care, mental health counseling, lost wages, courtroom advocacy, and temporary housing, among other forms of assistance, to victims and their families.
“This bill is about fairness and justice — when major corporations break the law, they must be held accountable,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel. “The enhanced penalties in this bill will ensure that bad actors cannot evade responsibility when they defraud or exploit vulnerable Californians or illegally pollute our environment. At the same time, AB 2432 also will provide critical funding for programs that serve crime victims in California, including victims of human trafficking, domestic violence, and child abuse. I am grateful to Attorney General Bonta for his strong leadership, and I look forward to working closely with him to better protect our communities and support crime victims across the Golden State.”
“Our crime victim service programs are in dire PAGE 10
While the crime victim service programs have been historically financed through the federal Crime Victims Fund (Fund), the Fund is experiencing a significant decline in funding. Compared to fiscal year 2023, the Fund will be 41 percent, or $700 million, lower nationwide in fiscal year 2024. At the same time, unlike several other states, California has not yet updated its criminal code to take into account the size and power that corporations have now. Assembly Bill 2432 (AB 2432) would create a new state-level funding mechanism for the crime victim service programs.
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DOLORES was petitioned by her U.S. citizen mother in 2003 as a married child under the F3 classification. After 18 long years, the National Visa Center (NVC) notified them they could now start preparing their paperwork. Unfortunately, events took a bitter turn when Dolores’ husband had a heart attack and passed away a month later. Dolores’ brother, Don, consulted with the Law Offices of Michael Gurfinkel where leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Gurfinkel proposed that they inform the NVC of the husband’s death, so Dolores’ petition could be converted from “married” (F3) to “single” (F1), resulting in visas being immediately available for Dolores and her children. Atty. Gurfinkel also requested expedited processing because the petitioner was elderly and sickly. If something happened to her, the petition could be at an end. The “sweet” ending of this
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 12-18, 2024 9 Features Don Rosete (left) hired leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) to help with the case of his sister, Dolores (center).
Tragic event leads to a sweet and successful ending on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday
GRATON RESORT
CASINO: BITTERSWEET GREEN CARD BECAUSE HUSBAND DIED, ON AN ENCORE SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Dolores (center) was petitioned by her U.S. citizen mother in 2003 as a married child of a U.S. citizen (F3). Finally, in 2021, the National Visa Center (NVC) notified the family that they could now start preparing their paperwork, even though the priority date was not yet current. However, the husband, who had a heart condition, became excited over the prospect of immigrating to the U.S. and had a heart attack and died. It was a bitter turn of events. Ironically, because of her husband’s death, Dolores’ petition was converted from “married” (F3) to “single” (F1) and it was considered “current.” Leading Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (extreme right) was able to have the case queued for interview and requested expedited processing because the petitioner was already elderly and sickly. The “sweet” outcome of the unfortunate turn of events was that Dolores and her children – Keno (extreme left) and Kobey (2nd from left) – were able to immigrate to the U.S. sooner. Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, April 14 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement) PAGE 11 ROHNERT PARK – Experience luxury and entertainment at Graton Resort & Casino this Spring, in April. Don't miss your chance to win big at the Camaro & Cash Giveaway and Up To $350,000 Star Struck Slot Tournaments. Join us to share in the excitement and luck at Graton Resort & Casino! On Saturday, April 27, seize your opportunity to win a Chevy Camaro in the Camaro & Cash Giveaway! Drawings will take place at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., and 10 p.m. Win a Chevy Camaro at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. – guaranteed! Plus, there will be 60 winners of cash and free slot play. Also, from now until May 30, on Thursdays, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., participate in the Up To $350,000 Star Struck Slot Tournaments. Top prize of up to $15,000 cash, and 40 winners guaranteed at each tournament! Fortune winners win double the prize amount! Royalty & Chairman winners win triple the prize amount! All
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SAN FRANCISCO – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco assembled a distinguished panel of Filipina cultural educators, practitioners and advocates in the San Francisco Bay Area, for a forum in celebration of National Women’s Month in the Philippines and Women’s History Month in America. The “Women and Philippine Culture: A Forum with Filipina Culture Bearers in the Bay Area” was held on March 22, 2024 at the Sentro Rizal, the consulate’s main hub for Philippine arts and culture. Moderated by Vice Consul and Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point Officer Adrian Baccay, the forum turned a spotlight on the invaluable role of Filipino women as bearers of Philippine culture in the United States. The event is a continuation of the Women’s Month forum series of the Consulate, including the “Women in Tech” online forum in 2021, the “Women in Health” online forum in 2022, and the “Women in Government” forum in 2023. Consul General Neil Ferrer keynoted the forum highlighting the important role of Filipino women in propagating Philippine culture in the Bay Area and beyond.
“In more ways than one, they serve as the Philippines’ ‘cultural ambassadors’ who promote a deeper appreciation of the Filipino people within the context of America’s multiracial and multiethnic society. But our women culture bearers also carry another important role, which is the introduction of Philippine culture as well as the Filipino mindset, values and way of life to younger generations of Filipino Americans who were born in the United States and have no living memory of the Philippines,” Consul General Ferrer said.
“We recognize the multifaceted contributions of our amazing and pathbreaking Filipino women culture bearers in the Bay Area… It is through their stories and experiences that we hope we can learn how women can be at the forefront of championing Philippine heritage, indigenous knowledge systems, social practices, and creative industries,” added Consul General Ferrer.
The panel for the “Women and Philippine Culture” included Charm Consolacion, program director of the FEC Galing Bata
Filipino Bilingual Program; Sonia Delen, president of the Filipino Food Movement, and cofounder of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association of San Francisco Cultural Immersion Summer Camp; Stephanie Herrera, dance director of Kariktan Dance Company; Rachel Lozada, board member of The Hinabi Project, and owner of Habiness; Keesa Ocampo, vice president of the Filipino Food Movement, and owner of House of Hara; and Dr. Lily Ann Villaraza, chair of the Philippine Studies Department of the City College of San Francisco. During the forum, the panel shared their families’ migration stories and experience in the United States, their motivation in pursuing Philippine cultural promotion and advocacy, and their insights on how women can further advance visibility and representation for the Filipino American Community through arts and culture.
Deputy Consul General Raquel Solano closed the forum by stating that women best fit the role of being bearers of Philippine culture, underscoring how this role could advance women empowerment and gender equality. “As culture bearers, let us make sure that we pass on to future
generations what is good and just, what is true and right, what is kind, nurturing, and uplifting. Only then shall we be able to address the vulnerabilities and risks that women face. Only then shall gender equality be achieved. Indeed, the problems that affect women globally, including domestic violence, rape and assault, sex and labor trafficking, forced slavery, lack of education and financial independence, women’s lack of power and resources, and many others, are in a way rooted in selfishness and greed, in a mindset and value system that is abusive and exploitative, evil and corrupt,” said Deputy ConGen Solano.
“Our task as women, therefore, and as a society in general, is to foster a culture of peace, equality, respect, justice and understanding. Let us make it our responsibility to establish an environment where everyone is valued and appreciated, where everyone can participate and contribute, where everyone has a voice, and everyone listens. This is our challenge,” she further said. The “Women and Philippine Culture” forum may be viewed in its entirety on the Consulate’s official Facebook page: https:// www.facebook.com/PHinSF/ videos/3638719909677544/. (PCGSF Release)
Assemblymember Gabriel, Attorney General Bonta...
need of additional funding. While I recently joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in urging Congressional leaders to provide that funding, California cannot and will not stand idly by — too much is at stake,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “By enhancing monetary penalties for corporate crimes, AB 2432 would establish a supplemental funding source at the state level, bringing greater peace of mind to victims of crimes and those who support victims of crime while holding accountable corporate bad actors. I’m grateful to Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel for his partnership in tackling this important issue.”
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ALAMEDA COUNTY – With measles on the rise nationally, and recent cases locally, Alameda County joins Bay Area health officials in urging everyone to be up to date on measles vaccinations and to watch for symptoms after travel or exposure. The best protection against measles is two doses of the measles-mumpsrubella (MMR) vaccine, which protects you for life. This is particularly important for anyone travelling internationally in the upcoming months.
• The maximum criminal fines that could be imposed on corporations would be increased to generally twice the amount taken from victims by the defendant or twice the amount of the loss caused by the defendant. Currently, the maximum criminal fines are generally $10,000 per felony. 100% of the monies would be deposited in a newly created fund — specifically, the California Crime Victims Fund — that will subsequently be disbursed to the crime victim service programs.
• Restitution fines for corporations would be increased to $100,000 from $10,000. 75% of the monies would be deposited in the California Crime Victims Fund, and 25% would be distributed to the prosecuting agency that brought the criminal prosecution. Restitution fines are an additional fine imposed on defendants upon conviction.
• In addition to creating a new state funding stream that will support crime survivors, the proposed criminal enhancements will help ensure corporate offenders are held accountable and offer a significant deterrent for the benefit of all Californians. For example, AB 2432 would have led to a more just outcome in the case regarding the 2015
“Ventura County is facing over $2.3 million in cuts to essential crime victim services due to declining federal revenue,” said Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko. “The creation of a California crime victim fund is much-needed and welcome in light of this dramatic decrease in federal support.” The federal Fund is the primary funding source for victim services in all 50 states and six U.S. territories. It was established by the federal Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (VOCA) and is financed exclusively by fines and penalties levied on individuals convicted of federal crimes. Through annual grants to states, the Fund supports approximately 3.7 million victims nationwide. As a payor of last resort, the California Victim Compensation Board (CalVCB) also administers state compensation to crime survivors, but is underfunded as well. Under AB 2432:
Refugio Oil Spill in Santa Barbara County, during which 140,000 gallons of crude oil were released into the Pacific Ocean and spread across coastal beaches. In that matter, then-Attorney General Xavier Becerra and then-Santa Barbara County District Attorney
Joyce E. Dudley secured guilty verdicts against Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (Plains) in 2018. Plains was sentenced to pay only $3,347,650 in total fines and penalty assessments
— the maximum allowable amount under state law — and the corporation fought payment of any suitable restitution to hundreds of victims of this criminal conduct. AB 2432 would have given the court discretion to levy an additional fine against Plains proportionate to the conduct and harm caused by Plains, the proceeds of which would have been paid into the new California Crime Victims Fund, thereby providing greater support to victims of crime across California. It is estimated that the misconduct by Plains, a Fortune 200 company that made over $2 billion in net income during 2018, caused over $200 million in damages in the 2015 Refugio Oil Spill.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2024 there have been 64 confirmed cases of measles across 17 jurisdictions, with more than 90 percent of those cases linked to international travel. Measles is circulating in many regions in the world, including popular tourist and business destinations. Most cases in the United States have been among children aged 12 months and older who had not received the MMR vaccine.
With three major airports, the Bay Area is a hub for international travel, increasing the potential for exposure to this highly contagious virus. For individuals or families that plan to travel internationally, anyone who is not vaccinated against measles is at increased risk of getting infected. Plan early before international travel and check your destination and the CDC’s Global Measles Travel Health (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/ travel/notices/level1/measlesglobe) for more travel health advice, including where measles outbreaks have been reported. The CDC offers accelerated vaccination guidelines for persons, including children under 12 months, who plan to travel internationally. Parents should consult with their child’s health care provider prior to travel. After returning to the United States, watch for signs and symptoms of measles for 3 weeks. While MMR vaccination rates have been high in the Bay Area, it’s important to confirm vaccination history. Having documentation of your vaccination status can help you avoid being quarantined if you are exposed.
Measles symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis (pink eye), followed 2-4 days later by a rash. The virus is transmitted by infectious droplets through direct contact or through the air when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. Infectious droplets can linger in indoor air for several hours. About one in five persons infected with measles requires hospitalization, and nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications, according to the CDC. Measles presents the greatest risk to children under 5 years of age, adults over 20 years of age, pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems. Vaccination is highly effective at preventing measles. The MMR vaccine is recommended for children aged 12-15 months, with a second dose administered between ages 4 and 6. Infants 6-12 months of age can start vaccination early prior to international travel.
Teenagers and adults with no evidence of immunity should be vaccinated right away.
“Although risk of exposure to measles in the Bay Area is low, simple prevention steps like getting vaccinated or finding vaccination records can still have a big impact. It is especially important for Alameda County residents to stay up to date with their measles vaccinations if travelling internationally in the coming months,” said Alameda County Health Officer Dr. Nicholas Moss. For questions about the MMR vaccine and immunization records, check with your health care provider and access your digital vaccine record. Health Officers from the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Monterey, Napa, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito, San Francisco, San Mateo, Solano, Sonoma, and the city of Berkeley encourage the public to take these easy steps to protect themselves and others. (ACPHD Release)
APRIL 12-18, 2024 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160 10 Features PAGE 9 At the announcement of Sky River’s new partnership with Sacramento Republic FC (from left) Michael Facenda, Sky River Casino president; Chris Franklin, Wilton Rancheria chief operating officer; Kevin Nagle, Republic FC chair and chief executive officer; Jesus Tarango, Wilton Rancheria chairman; Todd Dunivant, Republic FC president and general manager; and Dustin Vicari, Repubic FC chief revenue officer. Consul General Neil Ferrer (4th from left) with the panel of speakers for the “Women and Philippine Culture: A Forum with Filipina Culture Bearers in the Bay Area,” namely (from left): Rachel Lozada of The Hinabi Project and Habiness; Charm Consolacion of FEC Galing Bata Filipino Bilingual Program; Sonia Delen of the Filipino Food Movement and the UP Alumni Association of San Francisco Cultural Immersion Summer Camp; Stephanie Herrera of Kariktan Dance Company; Keesa Ocampo of the Filipino Food Movement and House of Hara; and Dr. Lily Ann Villaraza of the City College of San Francisco Philippine Studies Department. Celebrating Sky River’s new partnership with Sacramento Republic FC are (from left) Raquel Williams, Wilton Rancheria vice chairwoman; Donald Brown Jr., Wilton Rancheria tribal councilmember; Kevin Singh, Wilton Rancheria tribal councilmember; Kevin Nagle, Republic FC chairman & CEO; Antonio Ruiz, Wilton Rancheria tribal councilmember; Jesus Tarango, Wilton Rancheria chairman; and Jerome “Jay” Williams, Wilton Rancheria tribal councilmember. Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Ferrer delivers his welcome remarks at the “Women and Philippine Culture: A Forum with Filipina Culture Bearers in the Bay Area,” held on March 22, 2024 at Sentro Rizal, Philippine Center in San Francisco. San Francisco PCG photos Deputy Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Raquel Solano gives her closing remarks at the forum held in Sentro Rizal in the Philippine Consulate General.
PH Consulate hosts
and Culture’
Filipina culture
in the Bay Area
Area health officials urge vigilance as measles cases rise in the US SACRAMENTO – Sky River Casino is thrilled to introduce an array of exciting promotions this April, promising a spring filled with opportunities for fun, excitement, and big wins. Additionally, Sky River Casino is excited to announce the new partnership with Sacramento Republic FC. This partnership not only aims to enhance the entertainment experience for guests and fans alike but also to honor and support the rich heritage of the Wilton Rancheria tribe and its ancestral connection to the Sacramento region. To celebrate the exciting new partnership, Sky River Casino hosted a watch party at 32 Brews Street Gastropub on March 23. This event, which was free and open to anyone 21 and over, showcased one of the casino's unique dining destinations, 32 Brews, a premier sports bar with wall-to-wall TVs. Fans will be able to watch every Sacramento Republic FC match at 32 Brews throughout the season, along with enjoying signature menu items, including a
Sky River Casino unveils exciting April promotions, celebrates new partnership with Sacramento Republic FC
‘Women
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A copy of the legislation can be found at https://leginfo. legislature.ca.gov/faces/ billNavClient.xhtml?bill_ id=202320240AB2432. (Assemblymember Gabriel’s Office Release)
SAN FRANCISCO – One of San Francisco’s most visited and beloved parks celebrated its 154th birthday with a lively event that included Mayor London N. Breed, City officials, community members, and residents. The April 4 celebration was held near the Conservatory of Flowers — the park’s oldest building — featuring entertainment, activities, a rock-climbing wall, a birthday cake, and more. Golden Gate Park’s birthday this year is especially significant, as the park has been nominated by U.S.A. Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice Awards for Best City Park. Golden Gate Park is in the running along with 19 other city parks nationwide. At the birthday celebration, the mayor joined Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg and encouraged all San Franciscans to vote for the park online. The top 10 winning parks will be announced on Wednesday, April 17, 2024.
“Golden Gate Park is the city’s crown jewel, drawing San Franciscans, people from across the Bay Area and around the world to enjoy in its splendor,” said Mayor Breed. “What better way to celebrate a birthday than by being nominated as one of the best parks in the nation. Golden Gate Park isn’t just a park – this expansive and beautiful open space serves as a unique urban oasis like no other, providing nature, beauty, art, entertainment, and so much more. I want to thank Rec and Park and city staff for their dedication and maintaining of one of the city’s most precious assets.”
“This park is part of the cultural fabric of San Francisco. It’s a place to celebrate, relax, play sports, bird watch, see bison, catch a concert, and even swing dance!” Rec and Park general manager Phil Ginsburg said. “Golden Gate Park is one of the city’s most sacred public spaces. To be able to witness first-hand the transformation it’s gone in regard to improving access and upgrading amenities has been an honor.”
“Golden Gate Park stands as a testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and unwavering spirit of our city,” said Scott Beck, San Francisco Travel president and CEO. “Like San Francisco, over a century and a half, Golden Gate Park has evolved and adapted with the times. It is a vibrant hub and beloved sanctuary for residents and visitors alike—a place of beauty, recreation, art, and inspiration.” The park was initially known as Outside Lands when the first Park Superintendent William Hammond Hall first began designing it in 1870. Since then, the 1,017-acre park has been transformed from natural sand dunes into a world-class park with areas for picnics and relaxations, athletic fields, art installations, 1.5 miles of car-free promenade, live music, festivals, sporting events, museums, lakes, gardens, bison, monuments,
memorials, children’s play areas, and more.
Golden Gate Park has also served as a backdrop for some of San Francisco’s most historic events, including the California Midwinter International Exposition of 1894, the first World’s fair held in the U.S. west of the Mississippi. During the 1906 earthquake, the park also served as a campsite for some 200,000 displaced San Franciscans.
Today, an estimated 25 million people visit the park annually.
The park boasts several unique gardens including the San Francisco Botanical Garden, the Japanese Tea Garden, Queen Wilhelmina Garden, the Conservatory of Flowers, the Rose Garden, and the Shakespeare Garden, among others. Commemorative trees groves include the National AIDS Memorial Grove, Heroes Grove, Redwood Memorial Grove, and Phil Arnold-Oak Woodlands Trail.
The park is also home to Koret Playground, the nation’s first public playground, and the Lisa and Douglas Goldman Tennis Center, previously known as the Golden Gate Park Tennis Center and established in 1894. Cultural institutions within the park include the de Young Museum and the California Academy of Sciences.
Hundreds of thousands of people visit the park every year to catch some of the city’s most popular live events such as Hardly Strictly, Opera in the Park, Outside Lands, and Comedy Day.
One of the park’s most recent successes includes the creation of a permanent car-free JFK Promenade. A car-free portion of JFK Drive had existed since 1967 on Sundays, however, during the Covid pandemic, Mayor Breed championed to make the remaining 1.5 miles of JFK Drive to become car-free seven-days-a-week. Today, the JFK Promenade is a permanent, car-free street providing public space for bikers, walkers, joggers, kids, and seniors. Along the route, visitors can enjoy art installations, public pianos, rest stops and enhanced entrances featuring seating and lawn games, and live music. Despite the transformation the historic park has undergone over the years, at its core it remains
Production Plant in Marina, attendees were given insights into the company's cutting-edge manufacturing techniques.
With strategic partnerships with Toyota, Delta Airlines, and Uber, Joby Aviation aims to bring aerial ridesharing to a global scale. Joby’s recent milestones include becoming the first electric air taxi to fly in New York City in November 2023 and delivering its first aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base in September 2023, becoming the first electric air taxi to be stationed on a U.S. military base. (PCGSF Release)
(650) 689-5160 • http://www.asianjournal.com NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 12-18, 2024 11 Features ConGen Ferrer tours Joby Aviation facilities
MARINA – Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil R. Ferrer visited Joby Aviation, an aerospace company pioneering the development and production of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL) in the U.S. for commercial passenger service on March 22, 2024. ConGen Ferrer was accompanied by Consul Vanessa G. Bago-Llona, Trade Commissioner May Nina Celynne P. Layug, and Economic Assistant Jennifer V. Sto. Domingo. The tour, facilitated by Marina Councilmember Katherine Biala and Marina City Manager Layne Long, was also attended by Asian Communities of Marina Board Members, including Filipino American community leaders in Monterey County. Joby Aviation, headquartered in Marina, has been developing quiet, all-electric aircraft to enhance connectivity, especially in busy urban areas. Its aircraft has a range of up to 150 miles as well as vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Through the company’s aerial ridesharing service, individuals could reserve an environmentally sustainable ride and be transported from one location to a nearby destination with a smartphone app. During the tour of Joby Aviation's Pilot
SF celebrates 154th birthday of Golden Gate Park
left),
the group who visited Joby Aviation, including Trade Commissioner Celynne Layug, Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, Marina City Councilmember Katherine Biala, Marina City Manager Layne Long and Economic Assistant Jennifer Sto. Domingo. Atty. Gurfinkel was able to bring Dolores (center) and her children Keno (extreme left) and Kobey (2nd from left) to the U.S. sooner after the reclassification of Dolores’ petition from F3 to F1. A rare Corpse Flower bloom may occasionally take place inside the Conservatory of Flowers within Golden Gate Park. The conservatory is the park’s oldest building. File photo/https://gggp.org/conservatory-of-flowers/ Consul General Neil Ferrer (2nd from right), together with Marina City officials and Asian Communities of Marina board members, listens as Joby Aviation Design Engineer Erik Lassen (extreme left) gives a tour of its Pilot Production Plant in Marina, California on March 22, 2024. San Francisco PCG photos The Joby aircraft aims to pioneer electric aerial ridesharing, potentially becoming the first of its kind to be integrated with the Uber app. CONGEN NEIL FERRER, DEAN DARRYL BUTT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH DISCUSS POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS. Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer met virtually with the Dean of the University of Utah’s Graduate School, Dr. Darryl Butt, Mary Anne Berzins, Assistant Dean and Chief of Staff of the Graduate School, and Cheri Ann Daily, Director for External Relations and Development, of the university’s Office for Global Engagement to discuss potential partnerships. The Church of Jesus
ConGen Neil Frank Ferrer (4th from
with members of
Christ of Latter-day Saints Consular Liaisons in San Francisco Robert and Kathy Fotheringham and Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona also joined the call. The University of Utah is the highest-ranked public college in Western United States, according to the Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 2024 Best Colleges in the U.S. ranking. (San Francisco PCG photo)
an open space for community, relaxation, and adventure. Learn more about Golden Gate Park by visiting https://sfrecpark. org/770/Golden-Gate-Park. (SF Mayor’s Office Release)
tragic situation was that Dolores and her children, Keno and Kobey, were able to immigrate to the U.S. sooner while the petitioner – Dolores’ mother and the boys’ grandmother – was still alive. Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, April 14 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement) PAGE 9
Tragic event leads to a sweet and successful ending on...
APRIL 12-18, 2024 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160 12
