050224 - Las Vegas Edition

WHO overturns dogma on airborne disease spread. The CDC might not act on it.

THE World Health Organization has issued a report that transforms how the world understands respiratory infections like COVID-19, influenza, and measles.

Motivated by grave missteps in the pandemic, the WHO convened about 50 experts in virology, epidemiology, aerosol science, and bioengineering, among other specialties, who spent two years poring through the evidence on how airborne viruses and bacteria spread.

However, the WHO report stops short of prescribing actions that governments, hospitals, and the public should take in response. It remains to be seen how the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will act on this information in its own guidance for infection control in health care settings.

The WHO concluded that airborne

Sign here? Financial agreements may leave doctors in the driver’s seat

CASS Smith-Collins jumped through hoops to get the surgery that would match his chest to his gender.

Living in Las Vegas and then 50, he finally felt safe enough to come out as a transgender man. He had his wife’s support and a doctor’s letter showing he had a long history of gender dysphoria, the psychological distress felt when one’s sex assigned at birth and gender identity don’t match.

Although in-network providers were available, Smith-Collins selected Florida-based surgeon Charles Garramone, who markets himself as an early developer of female-tomale top surgery and says that he does not contract with insurance. Smith-Collins said he was willing to pay more to go out-of-network.

“I had one shot to get the chest that I should have been born with, and I wasn’t going to chance it to someone who was not an expert at his craft,” he said.

Smith-Collins arranged to spend a week in Florida and contacted friends there who could help him recover from the outpatient procedure, he said.

China Coast Guard attacks PH ships

by FRANCO JOSE C. BAROÑA ManilaTimes.net

CHINA Coast Guard (CCG) vessels fired water cannons at two Philippine ships Tuesday, causing damage to one of them, during a patrol near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Tuesday, April 30. Manila and Beijing have a long history of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, with several collisions involving Filipino and Chinese vessels in recent months, as well as the use of water cannons by the CCG.

The latest incident happened near the China-con-

trolled Scarborough Shoal, which has become

potential flashpoint, during a mission to resupply Filipino fishermen.

"This damage serves as evidence of the forceful water pressure used by the China Coast Guard in their harassment of the Philippine vessels," a statement issued by the PCG said.

The CCG had also reinstalled a 380-meter barrier across the entrance to the shoal, a traditional fishing ground, blocking access to the waters inside, the statement said.

The CCG said it had "expelled" two Philippine ships from its waters near Huangyan Island, the Chinese

PH seen growing faster in 2024, but will not hit gov’t target

THE Philippine economy is projected to grow faster this year, but will not hit the government’s target as the El Niño climate phenomenon hurts food supply and threatens to fan stubbornly high inflation, Union Bank of the Philippines said.

Unionbank chief financial officer Manuel Lozano said the company expects the economy to expand at a faster rate of 5.8 percent in 2024, from 5.5 percent in 2023.

Lozano was responding to a stockholder’s question during Unionbank’s annual shareholders’ meeting last week. If realized, the bank’s projection would settle below the tempered target of the Marcos administration that aspires for a 6 to 7 percent growth this year.

For Unionbank, the biggest risk to growth is still inflation, which is at risk of breaching the state’s 2 to 4 percent target anew amid an ongoing dry spell that’s wreaking havoc on farms.

Poll: Pinoys trust United States the most; China least trusted

by JANVIC MATEO Philstar.com

MANILA — Filipinos continue to distrust China amid the ongoing conflict in the West Philippine Sea, with most saying the country should not align itself with Beijing, a recent poll found.

The Feb. 21 to 29 survey conducted by Oculum Research and Analytics found that only 17 percent of respondents have “great trust” in China while 38 percent had “less or no trust.”

In contrast, 75 percent said they have “great trust” in the United States, with only two percent saying they have “less or no trust.”

Among 16 countries and territories included in the list, China obtained the least trust rating among respondents.

Following the U.S. were Canada (69 percent), Australia (65 percent), Japan (59 percent), United Kingdom (58 percent), Singapore (55 percent), Taiwan (54 percent) and Hong Kong (52 percent).

Obtaining less than 50 percent were the Netherlands (48 percent), United Arab Emirates (47 percent), Saudi Arabia (40 percent), Qatar (40 percent), Kuwait (39 percent), Israel (39 percent) and Russia (26 percent).

Respondents were asked which country the Philippines should align with amid the conflict in the West Philippine Sea, with 43 percent answering the U.S. and three percent saying China.

Some 40 percent said the Philippines should align neither with the U.S. nor China, while 15 percent said they were not sure.

“The survey results regarding the preferred alignment of the Philippines in

the context of the South China Sea dispute offer a revealing glimpse into public opinion on this significant international issue,” said Oculum chief statistician Joseph Mercado.

“The low level of trust in China and a relatively high level of distrust could be attributed to geopolitical tensions, economic competition, territorial disputes, or concerns over political and human rights issues,” he added.

Oculum’s non-commissioned survey had 3,000 respondents and a two percent margin of error.

Philippine-China dialogue

Despite Chinese aggression in the West Philippine Sea, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri hopes the Marcos administration can hold a dialogue with China to de-escalate tensions.

“Under this administration, maybe we

name for the shoal that Manila also claims under the name Bajo de Masinloc.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea, brushing off rival claims from other countries, including the Philippines, and an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis.

The triangular chain of reefs and rocks that make up Scarborough Shoal lies 240 kilometers west of Luzon and nearly 900 kilometers from Hainan, the nearest major Chinese land mass.

China seized the shoal from the Philippines in 2012 and has since deployed the coast guard and other  PAGE 2

Marcos eyes alliances ahead of 2025 elections

by JEAN MANGALUZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on

Wednesday, May 1 said that the Partido Federal ng

Pilipinas (PFP) is eyeing political alliances with different political parties for the 2025 elections, including the Lakas–Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD).

Speaking to new PFP members during an oath-taking ceremony in Manila, the president also said that he is eyeing the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) and the National Unity Party (NUP).

“We have organized a steering committee, we will then go and make our alliances with the different parties,” said Marcos in his speech.

“Of course, Lakas, NPC, NUP are there … especially in the House. But of course we need to speak to the governors, they have their own local parties,” he added. Lakas-CMD is currently the ruling party in the House of Representatives. Marcos’ cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, is the president of Lakas-CMD. Marcos said that he has already spoken to the leaders of other parties, who appear to be willing to collaborate for the coming elections.

However, he did not specify which parties he has already spoken to. 

PH-US-Japan summit not just about West PH Sea – Romualdez

by GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

MANILA — House of Representatives Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has dismissed claims that the recent trilateral summit that the Philippines took part in only intensified tensions in the Indo-Pacific, reiterating that discussions were not solely about security issues.

In a press briefing on Monday, April 29, Romualdez was asked about fears from observers and analysts that the trilateral meet

with the United States and Japan will

Kishida Fumio

China Coast Guard attack PH...

1

vessels that Manila says harass Philippine ships and prevent its fishermen from accessing the fishrich lagoon.

Tuesday's incident came as the Philippines and the United States hold a major annual military exercise that has infuriated Beijing.

Beijing warned the Philippines on Tuesday to stop "provocative actions" after China's latest water cannon attack.

"China advises the Philippines to immediately stop its infringing and provocative actions and not to challenge China's firm determination to safeguard its sovereignty," Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said.

A vessel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and another from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were delivering fuel and food to fishermen plying the waters near the reef.

"During the patrol, the Philippine vessels encountered dangerous maneuvers and obstruction from four China Coast Guard vessels and six Chinese Maritime Militia vessels," the PCG statement said. CCG vessels used water cannon against the BFAR and Philippine Coast Guard boat, it said. One of the Chinese vessels then "intentionally" collided with the BFAR ship, the PCG said.

The PCG vessel was sprayed from both sides, causing damage to its railing and canopy.

"Despite the harassment and provocative actions of the Chinese Coast Guard, both the PCG and BFAR vessels stood their ground and continued their maritime pa-

trol," the statement said. The Philippines found a floating barrier across the entrance to the shoal during a similar mission in September.

PCG personnel then cut a rope tethering the barrier to an anchor, allowing it to drift, in a special operation ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The China Coast Guard later removed the line of buoys from the water.

Marcos has stood up to China's growing assertiveness in the waterway since taking office in 2022, insisting the Philippines "will not yield" as it defends its sovereign territory.

Tuesday's incident occurred at 9:53 a.m. when the BFAR vessel, BRP Bankaw (MMOV-3004), was about 12 nautical miles from Bajo de Masinloc, said Commo. Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesman for the WPS. Tarriela said CCG-3305 used its water cannon, directly hitting the BFAR vessel.

He said when the PCG escort vessel, BRP Bagacay (MRRV4410), was about 1,000 yards east-southeast of Bajo de Masinloc, CCG-3105 and CCG-5303 employed their jet stream water cannons, targeting the PCG vessel from both sides, damaging its railing and canopy.

CCG-3305, which had not broadcast a detectable automatic information system (AIS) signal since February 8 as required by International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations, later collided with Datu Bankaw.

BRP Bagacay and BRP Bankaw were assigned to carry out a legitimate maritime patrol in the waters near Bajo de Masinloc,

Tarriela said.

He said the primary objective of the mission was to distribute fuel and food to Filipino fishermen in the area.

Before the water cannon incident, the Philippine vessels encountered dangerous maneuvers and obstructions from four CCG vessels and six Chinese Maritime Militia vessels.

Amid the new attack by the CCG, the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute said the Asean is beginning to speak out against the United States "wildly stirring the South China Sea waters and casting dark clouds over the region's stability and bright economic future."

The group's president, Herman Tiu Laurel, cited the most recent statement by Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan that his country opposes "external forces" meddling in disputed waters of the South China Sea.

He said that was a swipe at US naval assets leading the recent Balikatan joint drills with the Philippines in disputed South China Sea waters.

Malaysia is one of several nations with overlapping territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Laurel said Hasan's comments echoed China's long-held position that the dispute should be resolved among regional parties and "external forces" should not be involved.

Laurel did not mention Tuesday's water cannon attacks by the CCG on Philippine ships nor its moves to bar Filipino fishermen from entering their traditional fishing grounds in Bajo de Masinloc. (With reports from Agence France-Presse)

PH seen growing faster in 2024...

“We still remain quite hopeful, but really have to stay realistic about the economic outlook in 2024,” Lozano said.

Farming output

“Unfortunately, dry weather El Niño will hurt farming output and that may dampen the economic output. Overall, though, we expect things to improve and inflation to settle down within a healthy range by the end of this year,” he added.

A persistently high inflation would likely force the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to keep its ultra-tight monetary policy settings unchanged for much

longer, which several analysts identified as a major obstacle to the government’s ambition to achieve a 6-percent growth. This is because a high interest rate environment could crimp financing for household activities and business expansion plans.

The BSP has so far kept its key rate unchanged at 6.5 percent, the tightest in nearly 17 years. Already, BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. admitted that the room to ease monetary policy has narrowed, as he floated the possibility of a later rate cut in the first quarter of 2025 if the inflation problem worsens.

For Unionbank, the economy

“People

growth,” Lozano said.

“The government is also spending on public infra projects and there are big investments lined up in that area,” he added. g

PH-US-Japan summit not just about...

the Philippines to the U.S., and the Philippines to Japan. And the stronger relations are consolidated, and with respect to the West Philippine Sea issue, of course the Philippines’ stand on the areas disputed by China will be strengthened,” Romualdez told reporters at the House complex.

“Japan and the U.S. are standing steadfast behind our national sovereignty and territorial integrity. But the huge part of the trilateral meeting is what I mentioned earlier in my speech, the economic security being pursued by the Philippines,” he explained.

Romualdez said that the trilateral summit jives with President Marcos’ goal of attracting more investments into the Philippines, and hopefully create more jobs and boost the economy.

“It is in these kinds of arrangements (that we look) to strengthen the economy, with the growth story of the Philippines and the policies of President […] Marcos Jr. where he invites the investors, all businesspeople, all big businesses to invest in the Philippines to improve the economy, create more jobs, and increase the revenue of the country,” he said.

“So, it is based on that

understanding, in the long run it will really help us not just security wise but economically,” he added.

After the historic trilateral summit last April 12 in Washington, D.C., China expressed its opposition to a “stoking bloc confrontation” in the WPS — referring to the Philippines-US-Japan alliance. Philippine and American officials, however, have maintained that the summit is not aimed at China’s aggressive actions over the WPS.

Before Marcos went to the U.S., the Department of Foreign Affairs said that despite the rising tensions, the summit is not directed at any nation. g

DEFENSE COOPERATION.

(left)

Millions were booted from Medicaid. The insurers that run it gained Medicaid revenue anyway

by Phil Galewitz KFF Health News

PRIVATE Medicaid health plans lost millions of members in the past year as pandemic protections that prohibited states from dropping anyone from the government program expired.

But despite Medicaid’s unwinding, as it’s known, at least two of the five largest publicly traded companies selling plans have continued to increase revenue from the program, according to their latest earnings reports.

“It’s a very interesting paradox,” said Andy Schneider, a research professor at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy, of plans’ Medicaid revenue increasing despite enrollment drops.

Medicaid, the state-federal health program for lowincome and disabled people, is administered by states. But most people enrolled in the program get their health care through insurers contracted by states, including UnitedHealthcare, Centene, and Molina.

The companies persuaded states to pay them more money per Medicaid enrollee under the

assumption that younger and healthier people were dropping out — presumably for Obamacare coverage or employer-based health insurance, or because they didn’t see the need to get coverage — leaving behind an older and sicker population to cover, their executives have told investors.

Several of the companies reported that states have made midyear and retrospective changes in their payments to plans to account for the worsening health status of members.

In an earnings call with analysts on April 25, Molina Healthcare CEO Joe Zubretsky said 19 states increased their payment rates this year to adjust for sicker Medicaid enrollees.

“States have been very responsive,” Zubretsky said.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the way our state customers have responded to having rates be commensurate with normal cost trends and trends that have been influenced by the acuity shift.”

Health plans have faced much uncertainty during the Medicaid unwinding, as states began reassessing enrollees’ eligibility and dropping those deemed no longer qualified or who lost

coverage because of procedural errors. Before the unwinding, plans said they expected the overall risk profile of their members to go up because those remaining in the program would be sicker.

UnitedHealthcare, Centene, and Molina had Medicaid revenue increases ranging from 3% to 18% in 2023, according to KFF. The two other large Medicaid insurers, Elevance and CVS Health, do not break out Medicaid-specific revenue.

The Medicaid enrollment of the five companies collectively declined by about 10% from the end of March 2023 through the end of December 2023, from 44.2 million people to 39.9 million, KFF data shows.

In the first quarter of 2024, UnitedHealth’s Medicaid revenue rose to $20.5 billion, up from $18.8 billion in the same quarter of 2023. Molina on April 24 reported nearly $7.5 billion in Medicaid revenue in the first quarter of 2024, up from $6.3 billion in the same quarter a year earlier.

On April 26, Centene reported that its Medicaid enrollment fell 18.5% to 13.3 million in the first quarter of 2024 compared with the same period a year ago. The u PAGE 4

IFB INFORMATION AT A GLANCE

SNRHA CONTACT PERSON(S) ONLY:

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NOTE: Copies of bid documents received from sources other than the SNRHA will cause your bid to be deemed invalid.

PRE-BID CONFERENCE: ON SITE

SITE VISITS:

QUESTION & ANSWER SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

SEALED BID SUBMISSIONS:

Ryan Perry Telephone: (702) 477-3142

TDD: (702) 387-1898

Email: rperry@snvrha.org or

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Email: jshaw@snvrha.org

To Only Download the Solicitation: www.snvrha.org click on Procurement tab, click on “Current Bid Invitations” Downloading Questions: (702) 477-3160.

2.

To Respond, Q&A and Receive Addenda regarding this Solicitation: https://nevada.ionwave.net/Login.aspx and please note: you must first register your company in order to access this Solicitation. 1.

Mon., April 15, 2024, 9:30 AM (PST) - 4621 Hutchinson Dr., NLV, NV 89147

Mon., April 15, 2024, following the Pre-Bid Conference: 10:00 AM: 4621 Hutchinson Dr., NLV, NV 89147

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Electronic bids must be submitted by the deadline date and time as well at https://nevada.ionwave.net/Login.aspx. One without the other will deem your bid non-responsive. No Public Bid Opening: Results will be posted on the noted websites. Sealed Bids must be received by SNRHA by the deadline date and time. Mailed bids must be post-marked prior to submission deadline to be considered. Unsealed or late bids will be rejected.

ANTICIPATED APPROVAL BY SNRHA BOARD Thursday, May 16, 2024

Emerging Small Business (ESB): Women, and/or minority-owned businesses are encouraged to participate in our Solicitation Processes. For full details of the ESB Program and for possible increased business opportunities, contact (702) 486-2700, www.diversifynevada.com or esbprogram@diversifynevada.com

WHO overturns dogma on airborne disease...

transmission occurs as sick people exhale pathogens that remain suspended in the air, contained in tiny particles of saliva and mucus that are inhaled by others.

While it may seem obvious, and some researchers have pushed for this acknowledgment for more than a decade, an alternative dogma persisted — which kept health authorities from saying that covid was airborne for many months into the pandemic.

Specifically, they relied on a traditional notion that respiratory viruses spread mainly through droplets spewed out of an infected person’s nose or mouth. These droplets infect others by landing directly in their mouth, nose, or eyes — or they get carried into these orifices on dropletcontaminated fingers. Although these routes of transmission still happen, particularly among young children, experts have concluded that many respiratory infections spread as people simply breathe in virus-laden air.

“This is a complete U-turn,” said Julian Tang, a clinical virologist at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, who advised the WHO on the report. He also helped the agency create an online tool to assess the risk of airborne transmission indoors.

Peg Seminario, an occupational health and safety specialist in Bethesda, Maryland, welcomed the shift after years of resistance from health authorities. “The dogma that droplets are a major mode of transmission is the ‘flat Earth’ position now,” she said. “Hurray! We are finally recognizing that the world is round.”

The change puts fresh emphasis on the need to improve ventilation indoors and stockpile quality face masks before the next airborne disease explodes. Far from a remote possibility, measles is on the rise this year and the H5N1 bird flu is spreading among cattle in several states. Scientists worry that as the H5N1 virus spends more time in mammals, it could evolve to more easily infect people and spread among them through the air.

Traditional beliefs on droplet transmission help explain why the WHO and the CDC focused so acutely on hand-washing and surface-cleaning at the beginning of the pandemic. Such advice overwhelmed recommendations for N95 masks that filter out most virus-laden particles suspended in the air. Employers denied many

health care workers access to N95s, insisting that only those routinely working within feet of covid patients needed them.

More than 3,600 health care workers died in the first year of the pandemic, many due to a lack of protection.

However, a committee advising the CDC appears poised to brush aside the updated science when it comes to its pending guidance on health care facilities.

Lisa Brosseau, an aerosol expert and a consultant at the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy in Minnesota, warns of a repeat of 2020 if that happens.

“The rubber hits the road when you make decisions on how to protect people,” Brosseau said.

“Aerosol scientists may see this report as a big win because they think everything will now follow from the science. But that’s not how this works and there are still major barriers.”

Money is one. If a respiratory disease spreads through inhalation, it means that people can lower their risk of infection indoors through sometimes costly methods to clean the air, such as mechanical ventilation and using air purifiers, and wearing an N95 mask. The CDC has so far been reluctant to press for such measures, as it updates foundational guidelines on curbing airborne infections in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, and other facilities that provide health care. This year, a committee advising the CDC released a draft guidance that differs significantly from the WHO report.

Whereas the WHO report doesn’t characterize airborne viruses and bacteria as traveling short distances or long, the CDC draft maintains those traditional categories. It prescribes looserfitting surgical masks rather than N95s for pathogens that “spread predominantly over short distances.” Surgical masks block far fewer airborne virus particles than N95s, which cost roughly 10 times as much.

Researchers and health care workers have been outraged about the committee’s draft, filing letters and petitions to the CDC. They say it gets the science wrong and endangers health. “A separation between short- and long-range distance is totally artificial,” Tang said.

Airborne viruses travel much like cigarette smoke, he explained. The scent will be strongest beside a smoker, but those farther away will inhale

more and more smoke if they remain in the room, especially when there’s no ventilation. Likewise, people open windows when they burn toast so that smoke dissipates before filling the kitchen and setting off an alarm. “You think viruses stop after 3 feet and drop to the ground?” Tang said of the classical notion of distance. “That is absurd.”

The CDC’s advisory committee is comprised primarily of infection control researchers at large hospital systems, while the WHO consulted a diverse group of scientists looking at many different types of studies. For example, one analysis examined the puff clouds expelled by singers, and musicians playing clarinets, French horns, saxophones, and trumpets. Another reviewed 16 investigations into covid outbreaks at restaurants, a gym, a food processing factory, and other venues, finding that insufficient ventilation probably made them worse than they would otherwise be.

In response to the outcry, the CDC returned the draft to its committee for review, asking it to reconsider its advice. Meetings from an expanded working group have since been held privately. But the National Nurses United union obtained notes of the conversations through a public records request to the agency. The records suggest a push for more lax protection. “It may be difficult as far as compliance is concerned to not have surgical masks as an option,” said one unidentified member, according to notes from the committee’s March 14 discussion. Another warned that “supply and compliance would be difficult.”

The nurses’ union, far from echoing such concerns, wrote on its website, “The Work Group has prioritized employer costs and profits (often under the umbrella of ‘feasibility’ and ‘flexibility’) over robust protections.” Jane Thomason, the union’s lead industrial hygienist, said the meeting records suggest the CDC group is working backward, molding its definitions of airborne transmission to fit the outcome it prefers.

Tang expects resistance to the WHO report. “Infection control people who have built their careers on this will object,” he said. “It takes a long time to change people’s way of thinking.”

The CDC declined to comment

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Sign here? Financial agreements may leave...

Garramone’s practice required that the patient agree to its financial policies, according to documents shared by Smith-Collins. One document stated that “full payment” of Garramone’s surgical fees is required four weeks in advance of surgery and that all payments to the practice are “non-refundable.”

Smith-Collins said he and his wife dipped into their retirement savings to cover the approximately $14,000 upfront. With prior authorization from his insurer in hand saying the procedure would be “covered,” he thought his insurance would reimburse anything he paid beyond his out-of-pocket maximum for outof-network care: $6,900.

The day before surgery, Smith-Collins signed another agreement from the surgeon’s practice, outlining how it would file an out-of-network claim with his insurance. Any insurance payment would be received by the doctor, it said.

The procedure went well. Smith-Collins went home happy and relieved.

Then the bill came. Or in this case: The reimbursement didn’t.

The Patient: Cass Smith-Collins, now 52, who has employer-based coverage through UnitedHealthcare.

Medical Services: Double-incision top surgery with nipple grafts, plus lab work.

Service Provider: Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Institute, doing business as The Garramone Center, which is owned by Garramone, according to Florida public records.

Total Bill: The surgeon’s practice billed the patient and insurance a total of $120,987 for his work. It charged the patient about $14,000 upfront — which included $300 for lab work and a $1,000 reservation fee — and then billed the patient’s insurer an additional $106,687.

The surgeon later wrote the patient that the upfront fee was for the “cosmetic” portion of the surgery, while the insurance charge was for the “reconstructive” part. Initially, the insurer paid $2,193.54 toward the surgeon’s claim, and the patient received no reimbursement.

After KFF Health News began reporting this story, the insurer reprocessed the surgeon’s claim and increased its payment to the practice to $97,738.46. Smith-Collins then received a reimbursement from Garramone of $7,245.

What Gives: Many patients write to Bill of the Month each year with their own tangled billing question. In many cases — including this one — the short answer is that the patient misunderstood their insurance coverage.

Smith-Collins was in a confusing situation. UnitedHealthcare said his out-of-network surgery would be “covered,” then it later told Smith-Collins it didn’t owe the reimbursement he had counted on. Then, after KFF Health News began reporting, he received a reimbursement.

Adding to the confusion were the practice’s financial polices, which set a pre-surgery payment deadline, gave the doctor control of any insurance payment, and left the patient vulnerable to more bills (though, fortunately, he received none).

Agreeing to an out-of-network provider’s own financial policy — which generally protects its ability to get paid and may be littered with confusing insurance and legal jargon — can create a binding contract that leaves a patient owing. In short, it can put the doctor in the driver’s seat, steering the money.

The agreement Smith-Collins signed the day before surgery says that the patient understands he is receiving out-of-network care and “may be responsible for additional costs for all services provided” by the out-of-network practice.

Federal billing protections shield patients from big, out-ofnetwork bills — but not in cases in which the patient knowingly chose out-of-network care.

Smith-Collins could have been

on the hook for the difference between what his out-of-network doctor and insurer said the procedure should cost: nearly $102,000.

Emails show Smith-Collins had a couple of weeks to review a version of the practice’s outof-network agreement before he signed it. But he said he likely hadn’t read the entire document because he was focused on his surgery and willing to agree to just about anything to get it.

“Surgery is an emotional experience for anyone, and that’s not an ideal time for anyone to sign a complex legal agreement,” said Marianne Udow-Phillips, a health policy instructor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.

Udow-Phillips, who reviewed the agreement, said it includes complicated terms that could confuse consumers.

Another provision in the agreement says the surgeon’s upfront charges are “a separate fee that is not related to charges made to your insurance.”

Months after his procedure, having received no reimbursement, Smith-Collins contacted his surgeon, he said. Garramone replied to him in an email, explaining that UnitedHealthcare had paid for the “reconstructive aspect of the surgery” — while the thousands of dollars Smith-Collins paid upfront was for the “cosmetic portion.”

Filing an insurance claim had initially led to a payment for Garramone, but no refund for Smith-Collins.

PAGE 5

WHO overturns dogma on airborne disease...

PAGE 4

on how the WHO’s shift might influence its final policies on infection control in health facilities, which might not be completed this year. Creating policies to protect people from inhaling airborne viruses is complicated by the number of factors that influence how they spread indoors, such as ventilation, temperature, and the

size of the space. Adding to the complexity, policymakers must weigh the toll of various ailments, ranging from COVID to colds to tuberculosis, against the burden of protection. And tolls often depend on context, such as whether an outbreak happens in a school or a cancer ward.

“What is the level of mortality

that people will accept without precautions?” Tang said. “That’s another question.” (Amy Maxmen/ 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.

Sign here? Financial agreements may leave...

PAGE 4

Garramone did not respond to questions from KFF Health News for this article or to repeated requests for an interview.

Smith-Collins had miscalculated how much his insurance would pay for an out-of-network surgeon. Documents show that before the procedure Smith-Collins received a receipt from Garramone’s practice marked “final payment” with a zero balance due, as well as prior authorization from UnitedHealthcare stating that the surgery performed by Garramone would be “covered.”

But out-of-network providers aren’t limited in what they can charge, and insurers don’t have a minimum they must pay.

An explanation of benefits, or EOB, statement shows Garramone submitted a claim to UnitedHealthcare for more than $106,000. Of that, UnitedHealthcare determined the maximum it would pay — known as the “allowed amount” — was about $4,400. A UnitedHealthcare representative later told Smith-Collins in an email that the total was based on what Medicare would have paid for the procedure.

Smith-Collins’ upfront charges of roughly $14,000 went well beyond the price the insurer deemed fair, and UnitedHealthcare wasn’t going to pay the difference. By UnitedHealthcare’s math, Smith-Collins’ share of its allowed amount was about $2,200, which is what counted toward his out-ofpocket costs. That meant, in the insurer’s eyes, Smith-Collins still hadn’t reached his $6,900 maximum for the year, so no refund. Neither UnitedHealthcare nor the surgeon provided KFF Health News with billing codes, making it difficult to compare the surgeon’s charges to cost estimates for the procedure.

Garramone’s website says his fee varies depending on the size and difficulty of the procedure.

The site says his prices reflect his experience and adds that “cheaper” may lead to “very poor results.”

Though he spent more than he expected, Smith-Collins said he’ll never regret the procedure. He said he had lived with thoughts of suicide since youth, having realized at a young age that his body didn’t match his identity and feared others would target him for being trans.

“It was a lifesaving thing,” he said. “I jumped through whatever hoops they wanted me to go through so I could get that surgery, so that I could finally be who I was.”

The Resolution: Smith-Collins submitted two appeals with his insurer, asking UnitedHealthcare to reimburse him for what he spent beyond his out-of-pocket maximum. The insurer denied both appeals, finding its payments were correct based on the terms of his plan, and said his case was not eligible for a third, outside review.

But after being contacted by KFF Health News, UnitedHealthcare reprocessed Garramone’s roughly $106,000 claim and increased its payment to the practice to $97,738.46.

Maria Gordon Shydlo, a UnitedHealthcare spokesperson, told KFF Health News the company’s initial determination was correct, but that it had reprocessed the claim so that Smith-Collins is “only” responsible for his patient share: $6,755.

“We are disappointed that this non-contracted provider elected to charge the member so much,” she said.

After that new payment, Garramone gave Smith-Collins a $7,245 refund in mid-April.

The Takeaway: Udow-Phillips, who worked in health insurance for decades and led provider services for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, said she had never seen a provider agreement like the one Smith-Collins signed.

Patients should consult a lawyer before signing any out-of-network agreements, she said, and they should make sure they understand prior authorization letters from insurers.

The prior authorization Smith-Collins received “doesn’t say covered in full, and it doesn’t say covered at what rate,” Udow-Phillips said, adding later, “I am sure [Smith-Collins] thought the prior authorization was for the cost of the procedure.”

Patients can seek in-network care to feel more secure about what insurance will cover and what their doctors might charge.

But for those who have a specific out-of-network doctor in mind, there are ways to try to avoid sticker shock, said Sabrina Corlette, a research professor and co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University:

Patients should always ask insurers to define what “covered” means, specifically whether that means payment in full and for what expenses. And before making an upfront payment, patients should ask their insurer how much of that total it would reimburse.

Patients also can ask their provider to agree in advance to accept any insurance reimbursement as payment in full, though there’s no requirement that they do so.

And patients can try asking their insurer to provide an exact dollar estimate for their out-ofpocket costs and ask if they are refundable should insurance pick up the tab. (Katheryn Houghton/ KFF Health News)

Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that dissects and explains medical bills.

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.

Poll: Pinoys trust United States the most...

should improve our diplomacy with neighboring country China. In other words, to talk to them bilaterally as well as to come up with a code of conduct. A code of conduct is very important so as not to escalate, to increase

the tensions here in our West Philippine Sea,” Zubiri said in a radio interview on Sunday, April 28. While he acknowledged that China does not seem to be listening, Zubiri maintained the Philippines should “exert all

efforts to have a dialogue with them.”

“With the actions they are taking, our fellow Filipinos could die. For example, the Coast Guard, our fisherfolk or the Armed Forces and the Navy,” he added. g

Millions were booted from Medicaid...

company’s Medicaid revenue dipped 3% to $22.2 billion.

Unlike UnitedHealthcare, whose Medicaid enrollment fell to 7.7 million in March 2024 from 8.4 million a year prior, Molina’s Medicaid enrollment rose in the first quarter of 2024 to 5.1 million from 4.8 million in March 2023. Molina’s enrollment jump last year was partly a result of its having bought a Medicaid plan in Wisconsin and gained a new Medicaid contract in Iowa, the company said in its earnings news release.

Molina added 1 million members because states were prohibited from terminating Medicaid coverage during the pandemic. The company has lost 550,000 of those people during the unwinding and expects to lose an additional 50,000 by June.

About 90% of Molina Medicaid members have gone

through the redetermination process, Zubretsky said. The corporate giants also offset the enrollment losses by getting more Medicaid money from states, which they use to pass on higher payments to certain facilities or providers, Schneider said. By holding the money temporarily, the companies can count these “directed payments” as revenue. Medicaid health plans were big winners during the pandemic after the federal government prohibited states from dropping people from the program, leading to a surge in enrollment to about 93 million Americans. States made efforts to limit health plans’ profits by clawing back some payments above certain thresholds, said Elizabeth Hinton, an associate director at KFF. But once the prohibition on dropping Medicaid enrollees

was lifted last spring, the plans faced uncertainty. It was unclear how many people would lose coverage or when it would happen. Since the unwinding began, more than 20 million people have been dropped from the rolls.

Medicaid enrollees’ health care costs were lower during the pandemic, and some states decided to exclude pandemicera cost data as they considered how to set payment rates for 2024. That provided yet another win for the Medicaid health plans. Most states are expected to complete their Medicaid unwinding processes this year. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

RELIEF. An ice cream vendor parks his cart in a gasoline station in East Avenue, Quezon City where buyers could spot him on Tuesday, April 30. Cold food and beverage help lower body temperature, a needed intervention during extreme heat. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

OPINION FEATURES

Cooperating with the ICC

EVEN before former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV disclosed that about 50 former and incumbent police officers had been contacted by the International Criminal Court, there were already reports circulating that the ICC was proceeding with its probe of the drug killings under the watch of Rodrigo Duterte. Some of the reports emanated even from the Duterte camp.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to announce whether his administration has finished “studying” the possible return of the Philippines to the ICC. In the meantime, he has maintained the stand that the ICC has no reason to conduct its probe in the Philippines, where the judicial system is fully functional.

Editorial

own efforts to ferret out the truth and render justice. The PNP has officially listed over 6,000 people, all of them mere suspects, who were killed in anti-narcotics operations during the Duterte presidency. How many of the killings were justified in the context of law enforcement, and how many can be classified as extrajudicial?

ICC probers are unlikely to be allowed to conduct a full-blown formal investigation in the Philippines. The Department of Justice and the Philippine National Police have warned PNP members in the active service of sanctions if they defy the government’s policy against giving ICC jurisdiction over the complaints arising from Duterte’s bloody campaign against illegal drugs.

The government, however, cannot stop the ICC from conducting an informal probe from outside the country, or from collecting testimonies and evidence or getting in touch through digital media with witnesses and participants in Duterte’s war on drugs, particularly those who are no longer part of the PNP.

What the government can do is to intensify its

IT may have been a surprise to some people for The Economist to write a rather positive take about the Philippines and its economy as evidenced by a recent piece titled, “Without fanfare, the Philippines is getting richer,” but not to me.

Published last Tuesday, April 23, the article noted that “things are improving. Roads are being paved, bridges built. In February the government picked a private consortium to revamp and double the capacity of Manila’s main airport. Later this year, it is expected to award contracts to modernize several regional airports, too. Manila is scheduled to have its first underground metro line by 2029.”

The Economist also observed how growth has been brisk since 2012 (except during the pandemic) with the economy quietly booming under a variety of regimes, and growth expected at about 6 percent under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the Philippines poised

EARLY this week, a fake video of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. went viral on a popular streaming platform. It showed the president purportedly directing the country’s armed forces to counter China’s aggressive moves in the South China Sea. The short video was taken down just a few days after. Not having personally seen it, I can’t say how real it looked.

The ICC probe includes drug killings in Davao City when Duterte alternated with his daughter, now Vice President Sara Duterte, as mayor and the Philippines was still a member of the ICC. Does the Marcos administration have the political will to investigate those complaints?

Rodrigo Duterte is being probed by the ICC for possible murder as a crime against humanity in his brutal campaign. The Philippines has a law governing crimes against humanity. But Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra has said a sufficient number of those 6,000-plus drug killings would have to be thoroughly reviewed first before the government can determine if an indictment for crimes against humanity is warranted and can stand in Philippine courts. This process, however,

is crawling along, and risks being overtaken by the ICC probe. Perhaps the latest developments

Economic prosperity is our ultimate goal

to become an upper middleincome country by 2026, according to the World Bank.

Some people may be skeptical, but from the way we look at it, we are in fact on the right path to economic prosperity as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan, which serves as the country’s roadmap towards genuine socioeconomic transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a high-growth path.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman accurately pointed out during the Philippine Dialogue that the Philippine Embassy in Washington co-organized with the Department of Finance and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank spring meetings, that our economic managers are “going above and beyond in making the country a prime investment destination” – motivated by the president’s determination to see the Philippines become a country of “new and better opportunities.”

The president himself has been tirelessly engaging with leaders and top business

executives to put the Philippines on the radar as a leading investment hub – the results of which are starting to become apparent from the latest data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showing foreign direct investment inflows reaching $907 million in January, up 89.9 percent in the same period last year.

As the president said, economic security is national security, and we are pleased to see that our friends and allies such as Japan and the United States are very supportive of the president’s economic prosperity aspirations. During the historic tripartite summit between the Philippines, Japan and the United States, President Marcos, President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed their commitment to promote enduring and inclusive economic growth and resilience.

Japan, the Philippines and the U.S. are also looking at the possibility of a trilateral free trade agreement to further enhance economic cooperation between the three nations. In the joint statement following the trilateral summit, the

three countries said they are pursuing economic projects that advance shared objectives, specifically the promotion of broad-based and sustainable economic growth, and are investing in resilient, reliable and diversified supply chains.

At the recently concluded 11th U.S.-Philippines Bilateral Strategic Dialogue in Washington, D.C. between top Philippine officials and their U.S. counterparts, one of the priorities we discussed was advancing common prosperity by exploring opportunities for further cooperation in many areas. We also exchanged views on addressing economic vulnerabilities and ways to strengthen private sector partnerships, with both countries recognizing the crucial need of mutually increasing economic growth.

During an interview with visiting Filipino reporters who are part of the Friends, Partners, Allies Program for journalists by the U.S. embassy in Manila, we shared that the revival of the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) – the oldest and largest trade program of the U.S. that provides nonreciprocal, dutyfree privileges for over 3,500

products from 199 beneficiary countries that enter the U.S. market – will most likely be approved by the U.S. Congress before the end of this year.

Aside from the Philippines, other countries are also lobbying for the revival of the trade program.

The GSP reauthorization is something that we have been working on since the expiration of the Philippines’ eligibility in December 2020, but the renewal has been delayed due to several reasons, among them the COVID-19 pandemic and the speakership issue in the U.S. Congress last year. We have had several meetings with U.S. legislators for the renewal of the GSP which would actually benefit some U.S. companies that are manufacturing from the Philippines. President Marcos himself had noted that the GSP would be mutually beneficial to the U.S. and the Philippines, which could be expanded to include other products.

It is so pathetic to see these rumor warmongers invoking the fear factor, including those who manufactured a deepfake video circulating online that was made to sound like President Marcos ordering the Armed Forces of

When images become reality

the Philippines to take military action against China. They are totally ignorant of what deterrence is all about and how precisely working with like-minded countries can help stop a potential major conflict. If there is any country in the world that fears a nuclear war, it is Japan. It will never forget what happened in Nagasaki and Hiroshima – wiping out those two cities in one fell swoop. No one wants a major conflict to ever happen. No one – absolutely no one, and hopefully including China – wants war. What we as a nation only seek is economic prosperity – making us strong, secure and stable, capable of standing our ground and protecting our sovereign territory. The president has vowed to continue reaching out and working with likeminded nations in deterring any potential conflict that could essentially wipe out mankind. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

But, with their increasing technical sophistication, artificial intelligence (AI)generated images may soon be almost impossible to detect if we merely rely on an examination of facial features and voices. Deepfakes can be as good as the ones we encounter in the real world. This is where it becomes crucial for people to develop a self-conscious awareness of how they perceive and give meaning to the images, signs, and events occurring around them. In everyday life, understanding is something that occurs almost automatically. We don’t have to see everything before we could grasp what is happening. Our minds tend to fill the gaps— and so we read more than what is actually there.

It is a mental shortcut that saves precious time, but which magicians and illusionists deftly exploit in order to create an illusion. AI-generated texts and images ride upon this

So-called deepfakes are actually not so difficult to spot, at least for now—provided one is prepared to take time to scrutinize key features of people’s faces, like the forehead, the lips, the eyes, the eyebrows, cheeks, ears, the nose, etc. Often, the edges of the face may be blurred. Shadows may not be there, as one might expect in a given angle of light. Eyeglasses may not show any glare or reflect too much glare. The lips may not move in synchronicity with the sound.

perceptual habit to be able to pass off their products as though they were of real human beings, and not images constructed by machines.The blurring of the lines between appearance and reality, particularly in the age of mass media, struck the 19th century Danish philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard with such alarming clarity that he wrote, against the backdrop of Europe’s revolutions: “A revolutionary age is an age of action; ours is the age of advertisement and publicity. Nothing ever happens but there is immediate publicity everywhere.”

This seems to me to be an apt description of our own age. Let us consider a few random examples from our news cycle. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy has been the object of a police manhunt for over a month now.

The House of Representatives, the Senate, and the Department of Justice have all been looking for him, and everyone says he has not left his community in Davao. Yet, despite all the

publicity, he is nowhere to be found. Former congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., wanted for the murder of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo, disappeared for more than a year until he was arrested while playing golf in Timor-Leste. A Timorese court is holding him, but the efforts of Filipino authorities to bring him home have yielded nothing.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has long been conducting its preliminary examination of the killings of thousands of drug suspects during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte terminated the country’s membership in the ICC before the latter could assert its jurisdiction over him and others who played key roles in his war on drugs. It’s almost two years now since Mr. Marcos became the country’s new president. But the Marcos administration’s cooperation with the ICC investigators remains officially in limbo. Mr. Marcos initially said he was studying the matter.

More recently he seemed more emphatic, saying he was not recognizing the ICC’s jurisdiction. Even so, ICC investigators appear to have arrived in the country and effectively established contact with former police officials. It does not take a political analyst to guess that the government’s ambivalent relationship with the ICC has become the single most critical element in the brewing conflict between the Marcoses and the Dutertes.

But, except for the principals who have been issuing barbed statements, all this is just another spectacle to watch, to keep us entertained.

Social media has lent itself well to this proliferation of appearances—of images that do not require validation by comparing it to an original. In a world inundated by such appearances, the question of what is real and what is fake has become increasingly irrelevant. That is why in lieu of experts, we turn to “influencers” for guidance. In our quest for leaders, we have turned to actors who perform heroic roles in the movies, rather than to those with a proven record of professional experience and competence in societal affairs. Truth has ceded its ground to what is popular. When all is said and done, what matters is the number of likes and views a post gathers. (Inquirer.net)

* * * 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.

There’s a lot of talk here and there, a lot of updates in the media, but nothing seems to happen. What appear to be the key events of our time lack substance and depth. Our days are filled with posturing and representations that stand for reality itself, while containing a measure of vagueness (and thus deniability) as to their ultimate meanings. But, in ironic acceptance of what we can’t change, no one seems to mind.

* * * public.lives@gmail.com

can spur faster action in the government’s own probe. (Philstar.com)

Dateline PhiliPPines

Ateneo still Philippine’s top university

by Neil JaysoN servallos Philstar.com

MANILA — Five Philippine universities landed in this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings, with Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) once again being rated as the top university in the country.

ADMU placed in the 401-500 bracket this year, slipping about 300 places after being ranked 84th in Asia last year, based on the latest THE Asia rankings published on Wednesday, May 1.

The University of the Philippines (UP), which has dominated the country’s universities in most international assessments, was once again named second best-performing university in the country after

it placed in the 501-600 bracket this year – dropping about 300 places from last year’s 201-250. UP shares the second spot with De La Salle University, which remained in the 501-600 bracket. This year, the University of Santo Tomas entered the rankings in the 601+ bracket, tying with Mapúa University, which remained in the same bracket. Last year, UST was only granted a “reporter” status in the regional ranking.

A “reporter” is a college/ university that sends data to THE, but is not eligible for a rank.

Four Philippines schools were granted reporter status: Central Luzon State University, Mariano Marcos State University, Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology and the University of Eastern Philippines.

They are joining five other schools that remained reporters this year: Cebu Technological University, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines, Tarlac Agricultural University and Visayas State University.

This year’s ranking involved 739 universities from 31 territories in the continent.

THE rates universities in five performance indicators: teaching (learning environment); research environment (volume, income and reputation); research quality (citation impact, research strength, research excellence and research influence); international outlook (staff, students and research) and industry (income and patents). g

Agri damage due to El Niño hits P5.9-B

MANILA – The El Niño phenomenon has so far caused an estimated PHP5.9 billion in damage to Philippine agriculture, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Thursday, May 2. "Iyong latest damage natin as of end of April per Bulletin No. 9 ng DA, ang damage is already PHP5.9 billion, pinakamalaki pa rin is sa rice sector (As per Bulletin No. 9, the damage is already at PHP5.9 billion as of end of April, with the rice sector incurring the biggest damage) at PHP3.1 billion,” DA Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in an interview.

This was followed by production loss in corn worth PHP1.76 billion and high-value crops pegged at PHP958 million.

De Mesa said the Mimaropa region remained as the most affected area in the country at PHP1.71 billion, followed by Region 6 (Western Visayas) at PHP1.5 billion, the Cordilleras at PHP768 million, and Cagayan Valley at PHP562 million.

He, however, said the 58,000 hectares of rice production area damaged so far is only 2.27 percent of the country’s total area planted for rice, which is over 2 million hectares.

The DA earlier projected around 120,000 hectares of damaged riceland before the onslaught of

El Niño.

De Mesa said the early planning, rehabilitation and mitigation measures of the DA, particularly the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), helped ease the effects of the phenomenon. Aid distribution To cushion its impacts on farmers and fishers, the DA has provided interventions worth PHP2.18 billion, De Mesa said. These include the Rice Farmers Financial Assistance (RFFA) worth PHP1.065 billion; and PHP658 million worth of inputs such fertilizers, water pumps and engines that are being distributed through the DA regional field offices, he said.

Legal na Paunawa

Lungsod ng North Las Vegas

2024 Munisipal na Primaryang Halalan

The DA also provided PHP294.46 million worth of irrigation projects; PHP77.50 million worth of Survival and Recovery (SURE) Loan; PHP67.93 million worth of indemnification or insurance benefits for farmers; and PHP65.35 million worth of composting facilities. Meanwhile, other DA-attached agencies distributed around PHP8.99 million worth of marine machinery and equipment and PHP8 million for rice machinery and equipment; PHP5.19 million worth of coconut seedlings; 66,039 native animals; 616 water pumps; and 111 diversified alternative livelihoods and technologies, among others. (PNA)

Ang PAUNAWA AY IBINIBIGAY SA PAMAMAGITAN NITO na gaganapin ang Primaryang Halalan ng

Lungsod ng North Las Vegas sa Martes, Hunyo 11, 2024, para sa mga sumusunod na katungkulan:

Konseho ng Lungsod Ward 2 4 na Taong Termino Ruth Garcia Anderson Lamont Riley Robert “Twixx” Taylor

Magsisimula ang maagang pagboto sa Sabado, Mayo 25, 2024 at magsasara sa Biyernes, Hunyo 7, 2024 (maliban kung iba ang sinabi) sa mga sumusunod na lokasyon ng North Las Vegas:

Mga Lugar ng Maagang Pagboto sa Lungsod ng North Las Vegas na Bukas sa Buong Panahon ng 2-Linggong Maagang Pagboto: Petsa Oras Lokasyon

Hunyo 3 – Hunyo 4

Hunyo 5 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Aliante Library, 2400 W. Deer Springs Way, NLV 89084

Mayo 25 – Mayo 27

Mayo 28 – Mayo 30

Mayo 31 – Hunyo 2

Hunyo 3 – Hunyo 6 Sarado 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sarado

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM City Hall, 2250 Las Vegas Boulevard North, NLV 89030

Hunyo 7 Sarado

Mayo 25 – Hunyo 6 Hunyo 7 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Deer Springs Town Center, North 5th at Deer Springs WayParking Lot na Malapit sa Home Depot Mayo 25 – Hunyo 6 Hunyo 7

Mayo 25 - Hunyo 6

9:00 AM – 7:00 PM 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM LVAC- Las Vegas Athletic Club, 6050 N. Decatur Blvd., NLV 89031

Hunyo 7 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM CRAIG RANCH PARK EVENT TENT, Parking Lot, 628 W. Craig Road, NLV 89032

Ang mga sumusunod na sentro ng pagboto ay magbubukas sa North Las Vegas sa araw ng Primaryang Halalan:

Mga Lokasyon ng Sentro ng Pagboto sa Araw ng Primaryang Halalan Hunyo 11, 2024 7:00 AM hanggang 7:00 PM

Findlay, Clifford O. (Pete) Middle School, 333 W. Tropical Pkwy., NLV 89031

Bridger, Jim Middle School, 2505 N. Bruce St., NLV 89030

Cram, Brian and Teri Middle School, 1900 W. Deer Springs Way, NLV 89084

Deer Springs Town Center, (Malapit sa Home Depot) 640 E. Deer Springs Way, NLV 89084

Dickens, DL “Dusty” Elementary School, 5550 Milan Peak St., NLV 89081

Craig Ranch Park / Parking Lot, 628 W. Craig Rd., NLV 89032

LVAC Las Vegas Athletic Club- North, Parking Lot, 6050 N. Decatur Blvd., NLV 89031

Pearson, Dr. William U. Community Center, 1625 W. Carey Ave., NLV 89032

Sedway, Marvin Middle School, 3465 Englestad Street, NLV 89032

Swainston, Theron Middle School, 3500 W. Gilmore Ave., NLV 89032

Wolfe, Eva Elementary School, 4027 W. Washburn Rd., NLV 89031

North Las Vegas City Hall, 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North, NLV 89030

Simmons, Eva G. Elementary School, 2328 Silver Cloud Dr., NLV 89031

Sun City Aliante Community Center, 7390 Aliante Pkwy., NLV 89084

VP Sara, Senate pay tribute to workers

by Red Mendoza and JavieR Joe isMael ManilaTimes.net

VICE President Sara Duterte led several government officials in honoring Filipino workers on Labor Day, extolling their sacrifices for the progress of the country.

Duterte said that she salutes overseas Filipino workers, medical and security frontliners, community workers, teachers, and all public and private sector workers for their contributions to nation-building.

"Kayo ang itinuturing na tunay na bayani sa makabagong panahon. Nawa'y ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtahak sa daan tungo sa isang maunlad na kinabukasan (We recognize you as our modern-day heroes. Together, let us march ahead toward a prosperous future)," Duterte said.

She also prayed for workers' development and success.

Senate recognition Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he was one with the entire Senate in celebrating Labor Day.

In his Labor Day message, Zubiri emphasized the importance of the hard work put in by workers in building the country.

But he said that despite their vital role, workers were undervalued for their contributions.

"In the Senate, we have passed the P100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act in response to the call of our workers. We hope that the House will also pass it. Together, let's fight for the welfare of every Filipino worker," Zubiri added.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva praised all Filipino workers for their dedication to work.

He said that senators were doing everything to repay every sweat of our workers by formulating laws that would enhance their protection, welfare and capabilities.

In a Labor Day message, Villanueva outlined several initiatives he was working on to improve the lives of Filipino workers significantly.

For his part, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, who chairs the Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development, expressed deep gratitude for the Filipino workers' hard work and

dedication in strengthening our economy, acknowledging that their contributions are unparalleled.

Estrada said he was dedicated to working hard until every Filipino worker has a good salary, work-life balance and a comfortable life.

House complements

Speaker Martin Romualdez considered Filipino workers as the "backbone" of the nation, noting their indispensable role in shaping the Philippines into a thriving, dynamic society.

"The Filipino worker is known for their exceptional work ethic, creativity, and the innate ability to rise above challenges," Romualdez said.

He also lauded OFWs, who, he said, deserve special recognition for their contributions to both the Philippines and the economies of their host countries.

Romualdez promised that the House of Representatives would work on legislation that would guarantee fair labor practices, promote safety and health standards, and ensure that all would feel the benefits of a growing economy.

Deputy Majority Leader and Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred de los Santos, for his part, called for the protection of laborers' rights and welfare as he pushed for the proposed P150 minimum wage hike.

But, ACT Teachers Party-list

Rep. France Castro lamented the anti-worker policies of the Marcos administration, including the public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP), which, she said, has rendered a hundred thousand drivers and operators jobless, while workers continue to suffer over meager wage amid rising inflation.

Castro has advocated for a wage hike geared toward a family living wage, including a 50-50 split of profits between employers and workers.

"It is only fair that workers receive a living wage, considering their hard work and contributions to the country's economy," Castro said.

Meanwhile, Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas condemned the Marcos administration for its refusal to implement meaningful wage hikes for workers, calling it "unacceptable."

"The need for a wage increase is further underscored by the soaring prices of essential goods, including food and public utilities. Filipino workers are burdened by the relentless rise in living costs, exacerbating their already poor conditions," Brosas said.

The Makabayan Bloc has filed House Bill 4898, which proposes a national minimum wage that is aligned with the family living wage, and House Bill 7568, which seeks a P750 monthly across-theboard wage increase for private sector workers. g

SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Procurement Dept. 340 N. 11TH Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101

SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS P24011 CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD IMPLEMENTATION - RELOCATION SERVICES

PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON(S):

Note: Contact with any other SNRHA staff other than the named here, including SNRHA’s Residents and Board of Commissioners will result in your Proposal being rejected.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS ON THE APPLICABLE WEBSITE:

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE:

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS DEADLINE:

PROPOSALS DEADLINE AND SUBMISSION LOCATION: ELECTRONIC BID SUBMISSION: ha.economicengine.com

Linda P. Simpson, Contracts Administrator Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Contracts & Purchasing lpsimpson@snvrha.org or Johnny Shaw, Purchasing Manager, jshaw@snvrha.org

DOWNLOAD AND RESPOND TO THIS SOLICITATION: Housing Agency Marketplace website: ha.economicengine.com (no “www”) Registered Users: “Log in and insert Solicitation No. RFP P24011. Non Registered Users: You must first register your company before downloading the Solicitation. Click on “New Vendor” to register. Problems accessing the system or registering, call customer support at 866-526-9266, M-F, 9 AM (EST) – 4 PM (PST)

Wednesday, May 8, 2024, 9AM Teams Meeting: 283 868 915 994 –Password: GHnPFs Dial in by phone: 323-406-1159, 278862721# Phone Conference ID: 278 862 721#

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 – Monday, May 20, 2024, 10:00AM (PST)

Thurs., May 30, 2024, 10:00 AM (PST)

Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Attn: Linda P. Simpson Contracts & Purchasing 340 North 11TH Street, Suite 180, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Your three (3) hard copy bids must be sealed in an envelope and/or box and must be received in-hand and time-stamped by the SNRHA’s Procurement Office no later than the deadline date and time. Additionally, electronic pricing must be entered at the noted website by the same deadline date and time. Submitting one without the other deems your bid non-responsive. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Results will be posted on the applicable websites.

APPROVAL BY BOC, IF NECESSARY: Thursday,

20, 2024, 12N

ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE

DRY SEASON. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected a rice field in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro to assess the damage caused by the drought which is currently under a state of calamity due to El Niño.

Malacañang photos

Vice President Sara Duterte Photo from Facebook/@MayorIndaySaraDuterteOfficial

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

Here Lies Love garners four Tony Award nominations

HERE Lies Love," the groundbreaking musical featuring Broadway's first-ever all-Filipino cast notched four Tony Awards nominations on Tuesday, April 30.  The musical received four nominations: Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theater (Music: David Byrne and Fatboy Slim Lyrics: David Byrne), Best Scenic Design (David Korins), Best Sound Design (M.L. Dogg and Cody Spencer), Best Choreography (Annie-B Parson). These technical nominations highlight the show's produc -

tion's outstanding musicality and strengths in choreography, lighting, and sound that brought

the unique "dance club" concept of telling Imelda Marcos' story to life and made the immersive experience impactful.

Directed by Alex Timbers, the musical showed a captivating exploration of the life of the renowned former First Lady of the Philippines and subsequent fall at the hands of the People Power Revolution. Known for its disco-infused score and innovative staging, "Here Lies Love" began its Broadway run on June 17, 2023, with an official opening on July 20, 2023, at the Broadway Theatre. Despite critical acclaim, the show faced challenges at the box office and concluded its run on November 26, 2023. Featuring a groundbreaking all-Filipino cast led by Arielle Jacobs, Jose Llana, and Conrad Ricamora, "Here Lies Love" marked a significant moment in Broadway history.  Jose Antonio Vargas, one of the producers, reflected on the significance of theater and expressed gratitude for the nominations through a social media post:

Theatre is that rarest thing: at once ephemeral and everlasting. And award nominations are one measure of success. Grateful for the much-deserved recognition of these extraordinary artists. And equally grateful for the unforgettable experience that is Here Lies Love.

“You cannot erase the history that was made with @herelieslovebway, and I’m thankful to everyone––all the wonderful artists involved, all the performers who poured their hearts, all the producers who believed in the show—for this singular journey,” he said.

Aside from the Tony nods, the musical also received nominations from a couple of other award-giving bodies.

The Outer Critics Circle, the official organization of writers on New York theatre for out-of-town newspapers and national publications, honored Here Lies Love with nominations for Outstanding

Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Scenic Design (David Korins), Outstanding Sound Design (M.L. Dogg and Cody Spencer), and Outstanding Lighting Design (Justin Townsend).

The musical also got three nods from the Drama League Awards for Outstanding Revival of a Musical, Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Alex Timbers), and Distinguished Performance Award (Conrad Ricamora). The 2024 Drama League Awards ceremony will take place on Friday, May 17, 2024, at the Ziegfeld Ballroom in New York City. The 77th Annual Tony Awards, hosted by Ariana DeBose, will be broadcast live from the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City on Sunday, June 16, 2024.

Leading the Tony pack with 13 nominations each are "Hell's Kitchen" and "Stereo -

phonic." These two productions earned nods in multiple categories including Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Original Score. Close behind, with 12 nominations, is "The Outsiders" while "Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club" has garnered 9 nominations. "Appropriate" received 8 nods; "Merrily We Roll Along," "Water for Elephants," and "Purlie Victorious: A Non-Confederate Romp Through the Cotton Patch" have each earned 7 nominations.

Rounding out the list of top contenders are "Suffs" and "An Enemy of the People," both with 6 nominations, followed closely by "Jaja's African Hair Braiding" with 5 nominations. "The Notebook" and "Back To The Future: The Musical" have received 3 nominations each, while "Gutenberg! The Musical!" and "Monty Python's Spamalot" earned 1 nomination apiece.

Filipino restaurant Kaya receives Florida's first Michelin Green Star for sustainable gastronomy

KAYA, a Filipino restaurant in Orlando received Florida’s first Michelin Green Star Award last Thursday, April 18 for its outstanding commitment to sustainable and eco-conscious dining.

Awarded by the Michelin Guide, the Green Star designation is a testament to a restaurant's exceptional commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. To earn this coveted recognition, restaurants must not only tantalize taste buds with their culinary masterpieces but also demonstrate a profound dedication to minimizing their environmental impact.

The distinction holds special significance for Chef Lordfer Lalicon and Jamilyn Bailey, the founders of Kaya as it reflects one of their guiding values – utang na loob.

By prioritizing sourcing ingredients from local Florida farms and with over 90% of their produce originating locally, Kaya exemplifies their commitment to sustainability. Lalicon highlighted their focus on "bayanihan" in building strong ties with the local community, artisans, and farmers, further

restaurant-farmer-community ecosystem.”

“We center our work around the Filipino value bayanihan, a

This means that every aspect of their operations, from team development to partnerships with local artisans and

and

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

Conrad Ricamora (as Ninoy Aquino) and the cast of Here Lies Love Photo by Billy Bustamante, Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Pulitzer Prize winner Jose Antonio Vargas (top row, left) and Tony Award winner Clint Ramos

According to the Michelin Guide, "the menu changes often, but you may enjoy kare, a rectangle of braised fork-tender oxtail resting in the classic and flavorful peanut stew/sauce, along with various vegetables. It's served with

with King crab.” Photos

Michelin Guide

Kaya’s chef Lordfer Lalicon receiving the restaurant’s Michelin Green Star Award. Photo from Instagram/@kaya.orlando reinforcing their dedication to supporting local initiatives.

spirit of communal support,” Lalicon said in a quote by Michelin Guide. “We have built Kaya with the intention to improve the local

sourcing of

Filipino restaurant Kaya...

enhancing this ecosystem as they prioritize minimizing waste through innovative utilization of byproducts.

In an Instagram post, Bailey said, “Utang na loob or inner debt, or as my mom would say, “the debt you can never repay.” while most often we think of this in terms of personal relationships and reciprocity with others, we intentionally extend this principle to the land and the abundance of resources it provides us. we have a responsibility.”

“Culinary trends like low waste, snout to tail, and farm to table are seen not just as modern concepts but as ancestral technology deeply ingrained in Philippine cuisine,” Bailey further explained, “(our people have been doing this for generations… there’s a reason vinegar is such a central component to philippine cuisine!)”

Situated in the Mills 50 district in Orlando, Kaya occupies a charming bungalow-style building that exudes a quirky allure. Guests are greeted with captivating views of the open kitchen, adding to the restaurant's inviting ambiance.

The dining experience at Kaya revolves around a meticulously curated tasting menu, featuring multiple courses, some comprising more than one element.

“Expect a modern spin on classic Filipino dishes with local seafood and central Florida produce taking center stage. Kinilaw na isada (sic), a ceviche-style dish with madai and finely diced fruit in a vinegar sauce is a stunning dish that wakes up the palate for a strong start,” according to the Michelin Guide writeup.

“Then, the menu changes often, but you may enjoy kare, a rectangle of braised fork-tender oxtail resting in the classic and flavorful peanut stew/sauce, along with various vegetables. It's served with their pitch-perfect garlic rice, served classic or with a luxe update with King crab.”

With the Michelin Green Star distinction, Kaya joins an esteemed group of restaurants renowned for their commitment to sustainability, including Blue Hill at Stone Barns in Tarrytown, New York; Dirt Candy in New York City; Providence and Osteria Mozza, both in Los Angeles; and The French Laundry in Yountville.

A Very Important Pinoy Tour

by DAn E. niño

LOS ANGELES – In a bid to bolster tourism in the Philippines with emphasis in the untapped countrysides – the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Tourism, Tourism Promotions Board and its implementing partner Rajah Tours – are intensifying their campaign to attract Fil-Ams and other diverse groups in North America to visit the Philippines from July 21 to 30 this year. Originally christened as Ambassadors, Consul Generals and Tourism Directors (ACGTD) Tour to visit the Motherland, this flagship project was launched in 2005 by the late Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert Del Rosario with the support of all foreign posts in the U.S. and Canada. There was an initial 350 participants. It gained traction with 500 adherents the following year. In 2008, the program registered 605 visitors and fluctuated to 184 in 2017 due to the declaration of martial law in Marawi and Davao in these two featured destinations. It was scrapped in 2010 and 2016 due to national elections and 2020, 2021 and 2022 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Lately, the group tour is billed as, “Very Important Pinoy Tour.” Rajah Tours Chairman and CEO Alejandra Cruz Clemente who flew from the Philippines via New York to Los Angeles met with the media, community leaders, Philippine Airlines executives and three stalwarts from the Los Angeles Philippine Consulate at Chinatown to pitch for the joint government and private sector’s tourism project. Ms. Clemente lamented the lack of push, publicity or media coverage for this effort. She emphasized,

“While we are recovering, we need help. Our tourism will get a boost 10-fold when the Bulacan International Airport will become operational.” She added, “It takes time but we’re getting there.”

The Philippine Consulate General of Los Angeles were represented by Deputy Consul General Maria Alnee A. Gamble, Consul for Cultural Diplomacy Marie Cris P. Chieng and Cultural Officer Edelmira Valencia.

Ms. Clemente, a native of Mangatarem, Pangasinan said, “We are developing new infrastructures and tourist destinations like Northern Mindanao particularly Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Bukidnon and Bacolod in the Western Visayas Region.”

“Our country has very rich culture. We want our compatriots living in North America to witness

cultural immersion themselves and meet the indigenous tribes featuring the indigenous customs of Iligan and Maranao natives: weaving, culinary arts, cultural dances, and Maskara Festival of Negros Province. We are arranging cultural presentations during the tour. It would be full of adventure if the participants would like to go water rafting, zipline adventures agricultural tour, explore the Silay ruins and the powdery white sand beaches.”

The main objectives of this tour is to entice Filipino American to deepen their appreciation of their Motherland, its rich history, heritage and culture and experience the warm hospitality of the Filipino people; to attract Fil-Americans and foreign tourists to invest in the Philippines, promote the Philippines as a retirement haven for Fil-Ams and

foreigners and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country in terms of foreign exchange earnings.

While dissecting the apparent lack of push, a reporter suggested to Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco to conduct a roadshow like what former Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon did when he journeyed to Los Angeles many years ago with entertainers –generating nostalgia. Other issues cropped up regarding sanitation, cleanliness, rest rooms, cigarette butts strewn all over, among others. Clemente also decried not implementing some seven to 10 congressional bills which she helped design that became law but marketing and promotion still lack funding. There was also a comment that the branding shift from Ambassador’s Tour to Very Important Pinoy Tour might have confused potential parties.

To assure the safety and security of the participants, all government apparatus including local and provincial authorities and the Philippine National Police will be tapped. An audience with the President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is yet to be confirmed. Philippine flag carrier, Philippine Airlines will fly the participants from North America and on domestic flights across the Philippines. Interested parties may call Innovative Tours and Travels CEO Megs Ilagan for bookings in the U.S. at 714-5959891.

Round table discussions were held recently to push for Philippine tourism in the Chinatown district in Los Angeles. Top photo shows the discussions being presided by Rajah Tours Philippines’ Alejandra Cruz Clemente (center, in black coat). With her in photo are (clockwise, starting to her left) tourism-based partners Megs Ilagan of Innovative Travel and Tours, former Tourism Director Manny Ilagan, Philippine

executive Mitty Abellar Torres, Dr. Dante Banta, journalist Dan Niño, Cultural Officer Edelvina Valencia, Consul for Cultural Diplomacy Mariecris P. Chieng, Deputy Consul General Maria Alnee Gamble, and Asian Journal president Cora Oriel.

Some of the participants pose after the meeting: (seated, from left) Loida Crisostomo, journalist Lydia Solis, Alejandra Clemente of Rajah Tours, Deputy Consul General Maria Alnee Gamble, Consul for Cultural Diplomacy Mariecris Chieng and Innovative Tours & Travels Megs Ilagan; (standing from left) PAL account manager Ricky Panis, PAL account manager Mitty A. Torres, journalist Dan Niño, San Gabriel Valley publisher Marc Pijuan, Cultural Officer Edelvina Valencia, FACLA president Trini Foliente, former Tourism Director Manny Ilagan, Asian Journal president Cora M. Oriel, Kalayaan Inc. president Erlinda Granada-Sabah and Philippine Post publisher & editor Val G. Abelgas.

MUSIC LEGEND. Scottish pop singer-actress Sheena Easton performed during her birthday weekend at the South Point Hotel & Casino on April 26-28. She belted out her 80’s hit songs like “Morning Train (Nine to Five)”, the beautiful Prince song “Nothing Compared to U” and other tunes that pleased the crowded audience inside the Showroom. Photo by Raoul Gatchalian

THE food we eat is metabolized and automatically turned into various chemical substances (amino acids, minerals, hormones, etc.) that our body needs for our organs to work properly, and the waste products excreted.

Chocolates and other “pleasure food items” (beans, eggs, low-fat meats, nuts, desserts) induce our brain to release happy (pleasure) hormones like endorphins, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. Low levels of these hormones cause depression or anxiety.

The natural chemical transformation in our digestive system is also the reason why those individuals with arthritis suffer joint pains almost as soon as within a couple of hours after eating inflammatory food items like the so-called nightshades (potato, tomato, paprika, pepper, eggplant, tobacco).

Bread, pasta, rice, soft drinks, milk, fruits, noodles, crackers, cereals, beans, popcorn, cookies, desserts, and other starches are carbohydrates that are readily transformed into glucose (blood sugar). Diabetics watch their food intake, all being careful about the carbs, and conscious of their caloric intake. Among Asians, eliminating or minimizing rice in our diet helps in the treatment of diabetes and in weight management.

Abnormally high blood glucose level (hyperglycemia) harms blood vessels, eyes, heart, kidneys, and nerves, and could acutely cause diabetic acidosis, unconsciousness, coma, and death. The opposite, too low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia), leads to mental confusion, weakness, and sudden collapse. If any of these two conditions are not treated promptly, death could ensue. Hypoglycemia is more emergent of the two. Glucose is a vital chemical that gives us energy – essential to the brain, a major fuel that runs our body.

Gluten and lectins

We were raised eating oatmeal (the world-famous Quaker Oats) every morning. I enjoyed oatmeal a lot; sometimes I ate it for snacks when I was growing up. Almost everyone considers oatmeal a healthy food item, but clinical studies revealed otherwise. Oatmeal contains harmful lectins and often contaminated with gluten. Almost all types of bread are made with wheat (a whole grain), which contain very large amount of lectins, like raw legumes (soybeans, peas, lentils, beans, peanuts). Lectins (hemagglutinins) are “anti-nutrients” (prevents ab -

Features Foods are chemicals

sorption of many minerals, like calcium, iron zinc, and phosphorus, which are essential to health). Lectin also causes chronic inflammation, especially in the gut and joints, and contributes to being overweight and obesity. It contains phytohemagglutinins that cause red blood cells to clump together. Lectin negatively affects the immune system and the microbiome intestinal flora, injures the gut linings, which results in bloating, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, and diarrhea, among many individuals. Boiling, stewing, soaking in water for several hours, can inactivate most lectins.

The good side of lectin includes acting as antioxidants and slowing down digestion to reduce absorption of carbohydrates, which prevents sharp rise of glucose and insulin levels. Studies are underway to look at the use of the non-toxic side of lectin in small amounts to help gut cell growth for patients who are unable to eat for long periods, and as an anti-cancer agent, because it appears to kill cancer cells. The three ancient grains that do not contain lectin and are gluten-free are millet, teff, and sorghum, which are common food staples in Asia and Africa. These are the healthier grains.

Any food item with wheat, barley, and rye, like bread, have gluten. Gluten is unhealthy because it causes an autoimmune response called celiac disease, which damages the small intestines. The lining of the gut becomes “permeable, permitting undigested gluten, bacteria, and other substances to go through the lining and into the blood stream to cause inflammation.” Gluten ataxia is a “rare neurological autoimmune disease that cause the body to attack parts of the brain in response to gluten.”

Avocado and celery

One of the healthiest superfoods is avocado. It is delicious and a most-nutrition packed food, containing a hearty dose of fiber, good fats, potassium, folate, iron, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and vitamins C and K. Avocados could help enhance cardiac health, boost weight loss, and keep the gastrointestinal tract running smoothly. One avocado (about 136 grams) contains 227 calories and 2.7 grams of protein. It could be eaten when ripe and added to other fruits-veggies smoothies.

Celery, a popular crunchy snack, has antioxidant properties, vital minerals and vitamins, and phytonutrients. It is an anti-inflammatory food, good for those with arthritis, and known to reduce the risk for cancer, purifies blood, and is cardio-protective. Celery also promotes neurogenesis and prevents mem-

ory loss, through its content of flavonoid called luteolin, which calms brain inflammation. Apigenin, a bioactive flavonoid in celery is believed to support neurogenesis, the growth and development of nerve cells.

Bacon/eggs: Bad?

Eating bacon every day is unhealthy because it contains a lot of sodium, cholesterol and fat, all of which increases the risk for heart disease and stroke. In general, eating red meat regularly is not healthy because studies have shown it is associated with high incidence of cardiovascular diseases and cancer, compared to those who abstain or minimize it to once a week intake. To live a healthy life, we do not really need to eat red meat at all. Chicken meat, without the skin, is a healthier alternative.

As for eggs, one a day or less is safe. Egg white (no yolk) may be eaten as much as one wants; it has no cholesterol or fats, which the yolk has a lot of. The recommendation is no more than 7 eggs a day, preferably not fried.

All processed meats (bacon, ham, hamburger, hot dogs, other deli meats) are unhealthy, linked to cancers, especially colon and rectum. Burnt (high heat) grilled meats are suspected to be associated with pancreatic cancer.

Smoothies, made with all varieties of berries, celery, pineapple (collagen protein powder added), are a good breakfast drink, also good for snacks, especially for those with arthritis, to reduce inflammation and joint pains.

Indeed, foods are drugs!

* * * 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.

* * * 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.

One APIA Nevada joins forces with the Asian Community Development Council and Nevada Chinese Association for Environmental Hiking Event

LAS VEGAS — One APIA Ne-

vada announced its collaboration with the Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) and the Nevada Chinese Association (NCA) for a special hiking event scheduled for May 8th, 2024. The event will start at 9:00 am and conclude at 12:00 pm, bringing together community members for an enriching experience at the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area.

Following the recent update to the Public Lands Rule, the conservation of habitats and developments to improve public lands will foster the resilience of natural resources to withstand climate change. Participants will embark on an educational hike through the Calico Basin within The Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings and initiate conversations about environmental stewardship, wildlife preservation, climate change, and land conservation.

Attendees can expect an informative experience, complete with in-language guided hikes both in English and Mandarin,

and discussions on conservation efforts. The event aims to empower participants to make informed decisions for a more sustainable future.

The hiking event is open to guests from all backgrounds who share a passion for environmental conservation. As spaces are limited, participants are encouraged to register in advance to secure their spot for this experience.

Founded in June 2018, One APIA Nevada (OAN) is a grassroots nonprofit advocating for policies empowering everyday Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Nevadans. One APIA Nevada coordinates local and national organizations’ in-state electoral efforts, engages in direct voter contact, and uplifts the voices of the AANHPI community through issue advocacy and holding elected officials accountable.

For more information about One APIA Nevada, visit www. oneapianevada.org or @oneapianevada on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or TikTok.

The Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization dedicated to building, con-

necting, and educating the Asian and Pacific Islander community in Nevada. ACDC was officially chartered in 2015 in Las Vegas and opened their Reno location in 2022. ACDC opened the Healthy Asians & Pacific Islanders (HAPI) Medical Center in August 2022. Among the services ACDC offers include: voter education, health insurance enrollment assistance, citizenship application assistance, vaccination clinics (Influenza and COVID-19), culturally-sensitive food distribution, College Readiness Bootcamp, GraduAsian, Asian Night Market and the Run for Rice and Walk for Wellness 5k.

For more information about the Asian Community Development Council, visit www.acdcnv.org

The Nevada Chinese Association (NCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Chinese culture, language, and heritage in Nevada. NCA provides cultural and educational programs, as well as community outreach initiatives, to foster understanding and appreciation of Chinese traditions among diverse audiences.

For more information about the Nevada Chinese Association, visit https://www.nvcalv.org.

No kids for Eugene Domingo

by Ronnie CaRRasCo iii ManilaTimes.net

DOES a woman who’s fond of kids — yet doesn’t want to be a mother herself — exist in our midst? The answer is yes, it’s Eugene Domingo. Already married to Italian divorcee Danilo Bottoni, the ace comedienne doesn’t see herself conceiving a baby.

In Ogie Diaz’s vlog interview, Uge as she’s fondly called admits, “Do you think I’d still want to get pregnant at my age now? I’m like a dry well!”

Uge is quick to say that even way before marriage, raising kids has never crossed her mind.

“I’m fond of kids, like my siblings’ kids as in I play with them, I spoil them...but to have one of my own, I don’t think I can raise my child well. I’d just like to get it straight, I just can’t imagine taking care of a child when I cannot even take care of myself!” Eugene clarifies. Having no one to raise is no problem with her partner, “I’m just waiting for his grandkids.”

This mindset though, as she justifies, is her choice. And she’s happy with the choice she made. She believes that it’s the freedom which she enjoys now — as in not having to worry about kids — is her ultimate goal, after all.

“Imagine if I had a child, then how much time am I going to

spend considering I have Danilo and myself to think about?”

Despite her I-don’t-wantto-be-a-mother outlook, Uge welcomes close friends — who are mommies themselves — who run to her for advice.

One such long-time buddy is Pokwang, mother of two. It’s public knowledge that Pokwang’s second child Malia is sired by her erstwhile live-in partner Lee O’Brian. Credit should be given to Uge whose pieces of sound advice to Pokwang had helped the latter’s heart to soften on Lee. As Malia’s proudly states, Uge has a different approach to troubleshooting domestic kinks between couples. It’s Pokwang’s turn this time to butter up Uge: “In her case, she’s not a judgmental friend. Uge simply listens, and when I’m done with my confession only then would she take the floor.”

Seated together, Uge can only nod in approval: “The repeated phrase ‘Move on, move on!’ is getting worn out. It’s easier said than done. If I may ask those who keep saying that, do we really know what Pokwang went through to be hostile toward Lee? We don’t know anything! So let Pokwang speak while we listen, it’s that simple!” It was Uge who advised Pokwang not to be hard on Lee

in case he wanted to see Malia:

“I told her her child, when she grows up and becomes aware, will read on social media about how she and Lee always fought. Has she imagined the effect it would have on the innocent child? Well, it’s good that she woke up!’”

This is where the mother’s love for her child side of the story is best explained by Uge. Heeding Uge’s advice, Pokwang has now been either a text or call away from Lee should he want to spend bonding moments with Malia. If only for this, the eternal non-mother who is Eugene feels she has achieved something: “Didn’t I earlier say I was fond of kids?”

9TH ANNUAL LATIN AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS. The 9th Annual Latin American Music Awards was held last April 25 at the MGM Grand Arena Las Vegas to recognize outstanding achievements for artists in the Latin music industry. International singer Marc Anthony with wife Nadia Ferreira walked the crowded carpet, including the young Mexican singer Peso Pluma, singer-drummer Sheila E and DJ Steve Aoki.

Photos by Raoul Gatchalian