051724 - Northern California Edition

Fil-Am journalists among nalists in 2024 Pulitzer Prizes

FILIPINO American investigative journalist

Nicole Dungca has been recognized as one of the outstanding finalists in the 2024 Pulitzer Prizes, the highest recognition for journalistic excellence in the U.S. Dungca is no stranger to doing impactful work. As part of a team from “The Washington Post,” including journalists Claire Healy and Davao visual artist Ren Galeno, the journalist is a finalist in the “Illustrated Reporting and Commentary” category for their collaborative effort on the story titled “Searching for Maura.”

This investigative piece tackles the narrative surrounding Maura and her role in uncovering racial injustices within the Smithsonian’s brain collection, demonstrating the power of storytelling to ignite change.

In an Instagram post, the visual artist shared, “I am endlessly grateful to the incredible team at the Washington Post, whose infectious passion and drive transcends oceans.”

Easing the toll of Alzheimer’s on women

AS California’s population ages, the burden of Alzheimer’s is increasingly falling on women. In response, the state has launched a new initiative aimed at raising public awareness about the disease and promoting early detection.

Two-thirds of those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s nationwide are women, data shows, with many experiencing social isolation, misdiagnosis and stigma. Women also account for 60% of those caring for an Alzheimer’s patient, which can bring adverse personal, professional and mental health consequences due to unpaid and informal caregiving responsibilities.

At an Ethnic Media Services briefing, practitioners and caregivers discussed why Alzheimer’s hits women the hardest, what can be done to ease this burden, and how caregivers are helping those with the disease.

California taking on Alzheimer’s “In 2019, Governor Newsom announced the creation of the groundbreaking task force responsible for submitting recommendations on how California

Marcos forms special body on human rights

by MELVIN GASCON, RUSSEL LORETO Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Administrative Order No. 22 creating what the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) described as an interagency “super body” tasked to “enhance [government] mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines.”

Critics, however, called the move an attempt by his administration to evade accountability for and windowdress the country’s human rights situation.

“A Special Committee on Human Rights Coordination is hereby created under the (Presidential Human Rights Committee)… [which] shall be in charge of sustaining initiatives and accomplishments of the (United Nations Joint Program on Human Rights) in the areas of law enforcement, criminal justice, and policy-making,” Marcos said in the order signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on May 8, which will take effect immediately upon its publication.

The issuance of AO 22 came just as Malacañang said it had given the Department of Justice (DOJ)

House approves divorce bill on 2nd reading

GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

MANILA — House Bill No. 9348, a proposal seeking to reinstate divorce in the country as a means of dissolving marriages, was approved by the House of Representatives on second reading on Wednesday, May 15.

During the plenary session, the proposal was approved via viva voce or voice voting.

The bill was approved two months after it was referred to the plenary by the House committee on population and family relations.

Under HB No. 9349 or the proposed Absolute Divorce Act, the following are considered grounds for absolute divorce:

Instagram/@mannypacquiao

• Physical violence or grossly abusive conduct directed against the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner

• Physical violence or moral pressure to compel the petitioner to change religious or political affiliation

• Attempt of respondent to corrupt or induce the petitioner, a common child, or a child of the petitioner, to engage in prostitution, or connivance in such corruption or inducement

• Final judgment sentencing the respondent to imprisonment of more than six (6) years, even if pardoned

• Drug addiction or habitual alcoholism or chronic gambling of the respondent

• Homosexuality of the respondent

Pacquiao eyes Senate comeback

by ABAC CORDERO Philstar.com

MANILA — Manny Pacquiao wants another shot at being a senator.

The retired boxing icon, who served the Senate for six years before running for president in 2022, on Friday, May 10 confirmed in an ambush interview by ABS-CBN that he’s joining next year’s senatorial race. The 45-year-old Pacquiao, who retired from professional boxing in 2021, gave the thumbs-up sign when asked if he’s running under President

Marcos’ party – Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).

“Yes, yes,” said Pacquiao.

“Under PFP.”

The sportsman/politician from General Santos City remains a strong, viable candidate in next year’s midterm elections. He placed sixth in a recent survey by Pulse Asia Research Inc. for senatorial candidates.

The former congressman from Sarangani (2010 to 2016) placed sixth in the Pulse Asia survey released last month, behind Rep. Erwin Tulfo, former senator Tito Sotto, former president Rodrigo Duterte, Sen.

instructions to prepare a legal brief to list the legal options the President may take once the International Criminal Court (ICC) issues an arrest warrant on former President Rodrigo Duterte and others who played a key role in the past administration’s drug war.

The PCO later clarified that the preparation of a legal brief did not mean the government was changing its stand on its refusal to recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction to investigate Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity over the drug war killings.

THE United States is helping the Philippines tap its space programs to monitor and document vessels in the country's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, agencies from both governments announced on Tuesday, May 14.

In a joint statement, the U.S. Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, the U.S. National Space Council, and the Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) said Earth observation is a priority area for bilateral cooperation.

They agreed to consider the possible hosting in the Philippines of a U.S. Geological Survey Landsat ground station.

The Philippines is also considering signing on to the Artemis Accords, which establish guidelines to ensure safety and responsible behavior in outer space as countries explore the Moon and beyond.

The joint statement was issued after the agencies conducted their first bilateral Space Dialogue in Washington on May 2.

The U.S.-Philippines Space Dialogue is a platform designed to strengthen cooperation and advance bilateral exchanges in civil space matters, including the use of space for maritime domain awareness and space

MANILA — Beijing is deploying a “huge force” to prevent a flotilla of Filipino fishing boats and other small vessels under the Atin Ito Coalition from reaching Panatag or Scarborough Shoal, according to a U.S.-based maritime expert.

The Atin Ito Coalition’s “peace and solidarity regatta” of up to 100 fishing boats sets sail today for Panatag to dramatize

Filipinos’ determination to defend the country’s sovereignty.

“China is sending a huge force to blockade Scarborough Shoal ahead of the Atin Ito civilian convoy…,” SeaLight director Ray Powell wrote on X. “By this time tomorrow, at least four coast guard and 26 large maritime militia ships on blockade (not counting ‘dark’ vessels).” Powell, a former U.S. Air Force official and defense attaché, has

Former Senator Manny Pacquiao Photo from

Marcos forms special body...

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According to PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil, the legal brief is part of “standard procedure” to ensure “that our administration remains prepared for any scenario.”

Under AO 22, the special committee will be composed of Bersamin as chair and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla as cochair, with Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos as members.

Described by the PCO as a “super body,” the committee is also mandated to “strengthen existing mechanisms for the protection and promotion of human rights.” Committee’s functions

The new body will cover matters like “investigation and accountability,” “data-gathering on alleged human rights violations by law enforcement agencies,” and “expanding civic space and engagement with [the] private sector.”

It will also tackle matters involving “national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up” and a “human rightsbased approach toward drug control.”

“For this purpose, the special committee may, whenever necessary, invite as member and/or observer such other government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Dangerous Drugs Board and Anti-Terrorism CouncilProgram Management Center,” Marcos said in AO 22. According to him, the super body is also tasked to “facilitate access to redress mechanism by victims of human rights violations.”

“[The committee shall] monitor and ensure effective implementation of government policies and programs aimed at upholding and protecting human rights of persons deprived of liberty, particularly in guaranteeing that no one is subjected to torture and other cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment,” he said.

The PCO did not reply to queries about concerns that the “special committee” usurps or duplicates

the functions of the CHR.

But in issuing the order, the president cited the significance of maintaining and intensifying the accomplishments of the United Nations for the Joint Program on Human Rights (UNJP).

He said the imminent expiration of the UNJP on July 31 raised the need for the government to “[institutionalize] a strong and healthy multistakeholder process for the promotion and protection of human rights in the Philippines.”

The country is a state party to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Its state-party involvement led to the creation of the Presidential Human Rights Committee (PHRC) to comply with the Philippines’ obligations to international human rights groups.

The PHRC is also tasked with formulating a National Human Rights Action Plan.

Critics weigh in

For Carlos Conde, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch’s Asia division, the committee’s lack of an accountability mechanism and independence from government influence was a cause for concern.

“On paper, the special committee’s aim are laudable. God knows institutionalizing respect for and protection of human rights in the Philippines is of utmost concern,” Conde told the Inquirer. “However, I view the creation of this committee with some concern…

[The] committee will function mainly as a propaganda tool of the government to respond to criticism of the government’s dismal human rights record.”

He also noted that the special committee did not have UN or civil society participation.

“Even the CHR is not included and will only be optional. The committee is composed of government agencies that have a poor record when it comes to accountability for human rights abuses,” Conde said.

“The human rights situation under Marcos demands accountability. That is the

key need of the moment. If Marcos really wants to ensure accountability, he needs to keep the CHR independent and give it all the resources it needs,” he added.

Bayan Muna executive vice president Carlos Isagani Zarate echoed a similar sentiment, saying that there was “nothing special regarding this committee as it is just another bureaucratic layer to make the Marcos Jr. administration acceptable in the community of nations where human rights is of paramount concern.”

“If Marcos Jr. is truly sincere in the promotion and protection of human rights, his administration should start by abolishing the [National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict], the main government machinery created by his disgraced predecessor that promotes and enables the massive and grave violation of human rights in the country these past years and until now,” Zarate said.

Human rights group Karapatan called the committee “a desperate attempt to window-dress the grave human rights situation in the country.”

“With its premise of addressing human rights issues through mere ‘coordination,’ one cannot expect much from this ‘special committee,’” Karapatan said in a statement. “It will go the way of the Inter-Agency Committee created under Administrative Order No. 35 tasked to resolve extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and other grave violations of human rights, which has a pitiful record.”

Amnesty International, in a statement, said: “The government doesn’t need a ‘super body’ to champion human rights. What it needs to do is accept and implement the recommendations of the UNHRC, the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Opinion and get serious about returning to the ICC. What the President needs to do is to walk the talk — address and resolve human rights violations by leaning in on the proposals presented by Amnesty International in its annual report and human rights legislative agenda.” 

House approves divorce bill on...

• Contracting by the respondent of a subsequent bigamous marriage, whether in the Philippines or abroad

• Marital infidelity or perversion or having a child with another person other than one’s spouse during the marriage, except when upon the mutual agreement of the spouses, a child is born to them through in vitro fertilization or a similar procedure or when the wife bears a child after being a victim of rape

• Attempt by the respondent against the life of the petitioner, a common child or a child of the petitioner

• Abandonment of petitioner by respondent without justifiable cause for more than one (1) year.

• When the spouses are legally separated by judicial decree for more than two (2) years, either spouse can petition the proper Family Court for an absolute divorce based on said judicial decree of legal separation. 

PH taps US space programs to monitor territorial...

situational awareness.

The space dialogue represents an expansion of U.S.-Philippines cooperation into outer space, including the use of spacebased Earth observation satellite data for a wide variety of socioeconomic applications.

They recognized the potential for expanded cooperation on the use of space for maritime domain awareness through the U.S. Department of Transportationled SeaVision program.

Such programs can help ensure the safety of mariners at sea, monitor and help protect the environment, and help combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman Ma. Teresita Daza on Tuesday said SeaVision "is a web-based maritime situational

awareness tool that enables users to view and share a broad array of maritime information to improve maritime operations."

Daza said SeaVision uses satellite imagery, transponders, and infrared to track ships round the clock, providing near realtime and historical information on vessel positions and details, owner, operator and port visit history.

The U.S. has been providing "free access" to the system since 2021, which is being used by the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and National Coast Watch Center, she said.

SeaVision was developed and managed by a team composed of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, Systems Center Pacific and the DoT Volpe Center.

Jennifer Littlejohn, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs acting assistant secretary; Chirag Parikh, National Space Council executive secretary; and Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., PhilSA director general and head of the Philippine Mission to the U.S. Space Science and Technology Applications, are confident that the inaugural space dialogue will deepen space cooperation for the benefit of both countries.

The U.S. delegation to the space dialogue was led by Rahima Kandahari, State Department Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs deputy assistant secretary, and the Philippine delegation by Gay Jane Perez, PhilSA deputy director general for space science and technology. 

MRT CARES. The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) relays a simple message, displayed in the form of a heart-shaped pin, as shown by an employee at the Quezon Avenue Station in Quezon City on Monday, May 13. MRT said it is their commitment to provide excellent service to the riding public.

Oswald P. Alfiler

Fil-Am journalists among finalists in...

“[Healy], [Dungca], thank you for your fearless reporting. You’ve helped bring this dark chapter of our history into the light. It’s been an honor to work with you,” the artist added.

Notably, Dungca’s dedication to investigative journalism extends beyond this prestigious nomination. As the co-host of the investigative podcast “Broken Doors,” she played an integral role in the podcast’s recognition with the Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Award for Radio.

Furthermore, her previous nomination as a finalist in the Audio Reporting category of the Pulitzer Prizes in 2023 speaks

volumes about her consistent commitment to excellence in impactful journalistic endeavors. In addition to her journalistic pursuits, Dungca currently serves as the president of the Asian American Journalists Association. Alongside her, two other Filipinas, photographer Hannah Reyes Morales and Galeno, have also secured their places among the finalists.

Morales has been acknowledged as a finalist in the “Feature Photography” category for her photographic work featured in the New York Times story titled “How the Youth Boom in Africa Will Change the World.”

Expressing her gratitude at the news of her nomination, Morales took to her Instagram page to reflect on the profound impact of her work and the invaluable contributions of those she had the privilege to photograph.

“I’m still in a daze since that call, overwhelmed and grateful for the chance to have worked on this story, written by @declanwalsh. Thank you to everyone we photographed – it was not the easiest assignment but those we photographed helped us understand, bit by bit, what it means to be young and reshaping Africa, and the world.” (Hans Carbonilla/Inquirer.net)

Governor Newsom’s cuts to the Equitable Building Decarbonization program will harm low-income communities

by AJPress

LAST week, Gov. Gavin Newsom released an updated state budget proposal that cuts $283 million in funding from the Equitable Building Decarbonization Program (EBD) — a 30% reduction. The proposed cuts could deny access to nocost clean energy upgrades for tens of thousands of low-income households who otherwise would be eligible for the program.

The EBD program is designed to support low-income households with energy-saving home upgrades, like weatherization and zero-emission heat pumps, at no cost to the resident. Studies have found heat pumps to be more efficient than air conditioner units, and they can also provide space heating more efficiently than gas furnaces, saving customers money on their utility bills.

In addition, the EBD program is critical for public health and safety amid rising temperatures. Currently, about a quarterof Californians lack access to cooling in their homes, while extreme heat events are growing in severity and frequency. Extreme heat is dangerous for vulnerable populations like children, seniors, and the disabled and puts lowincome and communities of color at an elevated risk. The EBD Program can mitigate the impact of extreme heat by keeping our

homes cool and comfortable.

The EBD Program can also help improve air quality in California by reducing climate emissions and other pollutants caused by gaspowered appliances. This is critical because the American Lung Association’s most recent “State of the Air” report found that over 9 in 10 people in California live in a community impacted by unhealthy levels of ozone and/or particle pollution. A major culprit of the unhealthy indoor and outdoor air quality is gas-burning appliances in our homes, which emit four times more nitrogen oxide pollution than the state’s gas power plants. Likewise, homes and buildings are the second leading contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the state.

In response to these proposed cuts, a coalition of climate and environmental justice advocates are calling on the governor to restore funding to the EBD program, and bolster it with an additional $400 million in a climate bond that will go before voters on the November ballot. And while California is facing higher than expected revenue deficits, advocates argue that the state cannot afford to delay its critical climate and clean energy goals.

Despite its perceived climate leadership, California is projected to miss 2030 greenhouse gas reduction targets by seventeen years. Cuts to the EBD Program will undermine the state’s goal of creating 3 million climate-ready homes equipped with heat pumps by 2030 and 7 million by 2035.

This goal includes a target of deploying 6 million heat pumps by

2030. To date, there are only 1.5 million heat pumps installed in about 800,000 homes — and to meet this target, California would need to more than triple its rate of heat pump adoption.

Legislative budget hearings on the revised budget will begin this week and provide the public an opportunity to learn more about the proposals. The public should contact legislators directly to let them know their views on the governor’s proposals.

With so much at stake, the state budget will be a key indicator of the administration’s ability to stick to its commitments on climate and clean energy. While lowincome communities are most impacted by climate change and pollution, they are the least able to afford solutions. Maintaining funding for programs like the EBD Program is critical to protect our most vulnerable communities and stay on track to meet California’s ambitious climate goals. g

China readies blockade of...

been tracking movements in the South China Sea.

The Atin Ito trip to Panatag culminates on May 17.

“This will be by far the largest blockade I’ll have ever tracked at Scarborough. China seems determined to aggressively enforce its claim over the shoal, of which it seized control from the Philippines in 2012 as summarized by AsiaMTI,” he said. The Chinese “blockade” reportedly consists of at least four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels and 26 large Chinese maritime militia (CMM) ships.

But Philippine Coast GuardWest Philippine Sea (PCG-WPS) spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela said Powell was only making a “prediction.”

“Ray Powell is using the satellite to monitor the movement of vessels. He is forecasting that the (Chinese) vessel to Bajo de Masinloc (has) the intention to block the sail of the Atin Ito to the BDM, but this is just a forecast, a prediction of what will transpire,” Tarriela said at a briefing.

He also said the Atin Ito journey to Panatag is not sanctioned by the PCG or by the Task Force on the West Philippine Sea (TFWPS) but is assured of protection against harm and harassment.

“For the PCG, our objective is to ensure the safety of those who would be joining. We have to make sure that they would not be harassed or injured, in case they would be harassed by the Chinese Coast Guard,” he said.

Tarriela added that Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, commandant of the PCG, “had already issued a directive that if ever the Atin Ito initiative pushes through, then the Philippine Coast Guard would be proactive to ensure their safety.”

He also said the PCG has been successful in preventing reclamation at Escoda (Sabina) Shoal because the PCG’s biggest vessel the 97-meter BRP Teresa Magbanua has been anchored in the area for the last 29 days.

A successful reclamation of Sandy Cay and Escoda Shoal by the Chinese, using crushed corals, could make the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ rotation and resupply to Ayungin Shoal more difficult.

Organizers of the Panatag journey vowed not to be deterred by the heavy presence of Chinese vessels in the area.

No turning back Rafaela David, Akbayan Party president and Atin Ito co-convenor, said the civilian mission is a legitimate exercise of Filipinos’ right to movement within the country’s territorial waters.

“It only underscores the urgency of civilianizing the area in response to China’s militarization,” David said.

Foreign nationals from Japan and Sweden are reportedly joining the activity.

National Security Council assistant director general Jonathan Malaya said the government would help in the

security and safety of the mission.

“Not any one of the government agencies are involved in the planning or organizing of this civilian mission. If they invite foreigners, they are well within their rights to do so,” Malaya said at a public briefing.

“We at the National Security Council have no objections for them to hold civilian mission because Bajo de Masinloc is within our waters,” he said.

Meanwhile, retired Supreme Court associate justice Antonio Carpio said the Philippines should file another case against China for its marine destruction in Escoda Shoal off Palawan.

“We should file that to give attention, to focus this illegal island building by China and put this on the world agenda,” he said in a television interview. Carpio said the reclamation attempt in Escoda Shoal could be a “precursor of an island building by China” and the putting up of an outpost near Recto (Reed) Bank, which is said to be rich in oil and gas deposits.

“If they succeed in putting up an outpost near Reed Bank, that would be giving us more difficulty in getting the gas in Reed Bank,” he said. Apart from the filing of a case, Carpio said the PCG should have a permanent presence in Escoda Shoal to prevent Beijing from building artificial islands in the area.

“If we have a 24-hour presence there every day, I don’t think they can put up their artificial island. We can station continuously our coast guard in that area and I don’t think they can create anything because we will be there,” he said.

The Philippines could also ask its allies to jointly patrol near Recto Bank, Escoda Shoal and Rozul Reef, as the two are the nearest geologic features “where China could create an artificial island to prevent us from developing Reed Bank.”

But as the government is trying to boost the country’s defense and invite allies, the Pilipinong Nagkaisa para sa Soberanya (P1NAS) has issued a statement denouncing the deployment of the Typhon missile system at the Laoag International Airport.

The group’s spokesman Antonio Tinio said they were strongly condemning the deployment of the U.S. Army’s Typhon missile system at the Laoag International Airport during the Balikatan 2024 exercises.

According to P1NAS, the deployment violates international humanitarian law and directly threatens civilian safety.

The statement referred to a post on X dated May 5 by General Charles Flynn, commander of the US Army Pacific, showcasing the presence of the Typhon Strategic Mid-Range Fires System (SMRF) at the airport.

“P1NAS demands the immediate withdrawal of consent for the deployment of the Typhon missile system and calls for its removal from Philippine soil,” Tinio said. g

ARMED AND READY. Rain or shine, these gentlemen walking along Scout Tuazon in Quezon City on Monday, May 13 are prepared with their umbrellas. Metro Manila has been experiencing brief thunderstorms the past days, providing relief from the scorching weather. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Easing the toll of Alzheimer’s on...

1

can prevent and prepare for the increase in Alzheimer’s and other diseases causing dementia,” said Dr. Wynnelena C. Canio, an appointee to the task force and the chief of geriatrics at Kaiser Permanente San Rafael and Petaluma.

There were 660,000 Californians living with Alzheimer’s in 2019; this is expected to more than double to nearly 1.5 million in 2040.

While the state’s population is projected to grow in that time by 16%, the number of people living with Alzheimer’s is projected to grow by 127%, not including unreported cases.

“Never has this issue been more important,” said Canio. “The task force’s final report included 10 major recommendations included in the state’s Master Plan for Aging, one of them being the creation of a multilingual, multicultural, and intergenerational Alzheimer’s education campaign.”

Alzheimer’s education helps no single population more than it does women, who at age 45, face a one in five lifetime risk for the disease, compared to one in 10 for men.

Overall, Californians who live to be 65 or older have a one in six chance of developing Alzheimer’s, and a one in five chance of developing any kind of dementia.

“These numbers represent real people,” said Canio.

“My own grandmother was diagnosed with dementia … as she was losing her ability to cook, move independently and shower on her own, our family took turns caring for her.

“One day as I was helping her with bathing, she cried and said ‘Why are you helping me?

I bathe you,’” Canio continued.

“I responded, ‘You’re right, you did. So now it’s my turn.’ … The experience I had caring for her and thousands of Californians living with dementia inspired me to help this population often unable to speak for themselves.”

Women at higher risk

“Why are women more at risk of Alzheimer’s? Genetics, biology, environment,” said Dr. Mirella Diaz-Santos, UCLA assistant professor-in-residence of neurology, and the equity director for the Latino Healthy Aging Lab at UCLA. “Research indicates genes associated with women that increase longevity,”

thereby increasing risk. “Some research also indicates that beta amyloid,” a protein associated with Alzheimer’s, “accumulates more in the brains of women.”

“There’s also inflammation,” she continued. “Think about all the chronic stressors that we endure, day in and day out — environmental stressors, workforce, the nuances that come with gender roles and the role of women in family … chronic stress from discrimination also plays a role in how different communities are at risk for Alzheimer’s at different levels.”

Black Americans, for instance, are twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia compared to whites, while Hispanic Americans are one and a half times more likely.

“To answer these questions of why women are at higher risk, we need to be having conversations with communities suffering in silence because they’re afraid a dementia diagnosis will label them as crazy,” said DiazSantos. “The moment you share your story, we all have a story.”

Women as caregivers

“Even as we’ve seen Alzheimer’s rise, our community members often treat it like a mental illness,” said Anni Chung, president and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly. “In fact, the Chinese word for Alzheimer’s is translated as ‘crazy,’ so those taking care of a loved one with dementia try to hide it, which means that they don’t seek resources or education, and the situation gets worse.”

“To address Alzheimer’s, we need to address this association of shame through educating caregivers about the disease,” she continued, adding that alongside residential and day care programs, “we help professional and family caregivers spot the symptoms and stages of Alzheimer’s to avoid frustration and shame when there’s loss of verbal communication or memory.”

“It’s usually the daughters who have to quit their jobs and move to care for their parents full-time. They often feel guilty hiring outside help, but they get burned out,” Chung said.

Over a third of U.S. dementia caregivers overall are daughters, while 19% of women Alzheimer’s caregivers have had to quit their job due to their caregiving duties.

“We run bi-weekly support groups for caregivers not only for training but to offer help, counseling, community resources, or even a lunch outing so they know they’re not alone,” she explained. “But my deepest concern is that we’re not attracting enough younger professional caregivers … We have to elevate the status of a caregiver. We ask them to care for our loved ones, but we don’t compensate them accordingly.”

Caregiving ingrained in our DNA

“Though caregivers enjoy the work, it still takes a toll,” said Mereani Ikanivere, founder of Prestige Care, an agency coordinating the work of over 100 caregivers — mostly Fijian — in Marin and Sonoma Counties. “To prep them to handle each day’s challenges means helping them recognize changing levels of ability and patterns of behavior as Alzheimer’s progresses.”

Even caregivers themselves are not exempt: “We’ve seen that those who have been caregivers for many years can show signs of cognitive decline as well,” she explained, adding that Pacific Islanders have twice as high a risk of Alzheimer’s as white Americans.

Some 65% of caregivers at Prestige Care look after someone with Alzheimer’s, Ikanivere said, “and I’ve noticed a continuous increase over the last four years.” “Caregiving is ingrained in many Fijians’ DNA” as they are often “used to taking care of loved ones since childhood.”

Luckily, the close-knit nature of many Fijiian communities also offers “great avenues to share caregiving concerns, and to avoid stress, burnout, frustration and depression as a result of long hours,” she continued. “We have sport events, reminders to take a break and visit relatives, church groups and lunch groups to talk about how we can help each other.”

“I couldn’t agree more with California’s response to Alzheimer’s,” Ikanivere added, given that in 2020, 12% of Californians 65 and over — approximately 720,000 people — had the disease. “That number is huge … As it grows, supporting the caregivers helping their loved ones is crucial.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)

Fil-Ams join rally to demand child care support for working moms

The rally is part of a nationwide campaign called ‘A Day Without Child Care’

NORTHRIDGE — Working moms struggling to find quality, affordable child care held a rally in Northridge Monday, May 13 to call attention to the challenges they face raising families.

Part of a nationwide campaign called A Day Without Child Care, the rally was held at Dignity Health – Northridge Hospital Medical Center the day after Mother’s Day, when all moms were celebrated.

Working moms were the focus of efforts to call attention to the burdens they bear from lack of child care and demand “thriving wages for childcare providers, affordable care for families, a childcare system built on racial and gender justice, and an expanded, inclusive tax credit,” according to organizers.

Among those who joined the rally were Filipino American child care providers and advocates, including Lourdes Duarte, a provider from Mar Vista, California.

“Child care providers ensure that parents can go to work knowing their child is in a safe, nurturing and educational environment. Our work is important to the economy of our city, our state and our country, Duarte said.

“Yet, most providers earn low wages and struggle to keep their doors open. That is why we are coming together to urge (California) Governor Gavin Newsom to respect our profession and make sure that we earn a livable wage that reflects the

Pacquiao

eyes Senate...

Bong Go and Sen. Pia Cayetano. Trailing Pacquiao in the survey were Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, Sen. Imee Marcos, former Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Domagoso, broadcaster Ben

true cost of the care we provide.”

Also attending the rally were Los Angeles City Council member Nithya Raman, other child care providers, working parents – including health care workers who require child care – child care advocates and representatives from the Child Care Resource Center.

Mothers miss more work or work fewer hours than fathers to care for children, according to reports from the U.S. Department of Labor.

The rally participants asked Gov. Newsom to address the challenges working moms face, including lack of child care, long waiting lists for child care facilities, low wages for providers and the high cost of care.

The governor’s revised budget proposal contains cuts to child care services and programs provided by the state. One proposal is a cut to Cal WORKs which provides eligible families child care subsidies.

“We are one of the only rich countries in the entire world that expects families to carry this burden all on their own … and to me that is shameful,” Raman said at the morning event, organized by Service Employees International Union Local 99.

Rally organizers said in Los Angeles, there are only enough licensed child care spots to serve 4 percent of the city’s infant and toddler population and more than 60 percent of families in Los Angeles live in child care “deserts,” communities without proper child care. (Inquirer.net)

Tulfo, Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. and Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay. Pacquiao ran for senator in 2016 and placed seventh with over 16 million votes. In the 2022 presidential elections, the only boxer in history to win world titles in seven weight divisions placed third under the PROMDI banner with 3,663,113

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OPINION FEATURES

Abusing visa powers

WILL anomalies never end in the Bureau of Immigration? On Nov. 9, 2020 while the COVID pandemic was raging with no vaccine available, Rodrigo Duterte summoned over 40 BI employees to Malacañang to berate them over the socalled pastillas scam. This referred to the anomalous entry of foreigners mostly from China who ended up working in Philippine offshore gaming operator or POGO firms. The cash payments for facilitating the entry were reportedly handed over to BI personnel in rolled-up bundles resembling pastillas or local milk pastry.

Duterte did not carry out his threat to make the BI employees eat paper rolled up like pastillas, which supposedly contained cash. The BI employees were already suspended at the time over the scam. In June 2022, the Office of the Ombudsman dismissed 45 of them from the service.

Editorial

You’d think BI personnel would have learned their lesson from that scandal. Yet here we are again, with the House of Representatives investigating reports that unscrupulous BI personnel are abusing for a fee the bureau’s authority to convert tourist visas into student visas.

The authority is given to the BI under Executive Order 285, issued in 2000 during the presidency of Joseph Estrada. EO 285 also created an interagency committee on foreign students, chaired by the Commission on Higher Education. The

Go Negosyo

Pilipinas Angat Lahat!

I HAVE said it time and again, and I will not tire of saying it: the Philippines has so much to offer the traveler. There is so much potential in Philippine tourism: it’s a real goldmine. That is why we had again our annual Tourism Summit at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay. This year’s Tourism Summit got a boost with the presence of First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, who has been very supportive of our MSMEs by making it a point to grace our events.

Of course, Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia Frasco was with us, and personally congratulated the winners for this year’s Inspiring Tourism Entrepreneurs Awards. She was also with us at our Tourism Summit last year in Cebu, and I was glad for the opportunity to travel again to this city. I travel a lot. Mostly for work and, when time allows it, for leisure. For my work with the ASEAN, I go on short trips throughout Southeast Asia; I also enjoy visiting Japan and Hong Kong. Here in the Philippines, every year I get on the boat and sail around our beautiful islands. I also visit Baguio almost regularly for our RFM meetings, and last year I had the opportunity to visit some provinces where we conducted our nationwide

IT is time we understand that the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the increasing tension in the Taiwan Strait caused by China and the increasing pressure on the Philippines regarding the illegal possession of Philippine sovereign territory are interconnected and not isolated events. The China-Russia coalition has now become the premier alliance of authoritarian regimes. This now includes Iran and North Korea. The world’s democracies are trying to respond with their own alliances to counteract the intent of the authoritarian powers to divide the democratic world. In Europe, there is the NATO composed primarily of European countries plus the United States and Canada. In Asia, there are two alliances. The first one is the QUAD composed of India, Australia, Japan and the United States. This

committee members are the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Education, National Bureau of Investigation and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. With questions raised about a reported influx of Chinese students in Cagayan, a House committee has learned that in 2023, the BI granted student visas to 16,200 Chinese nationals. It’s unclear if most of the 16,200 initially entered the Philippines on tourist visas. But Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers is urging Malacañang to scrap EO 285, and to instead transfer to the DFA the authority to convert tourist visas to student visas.

Barbers has acknowledged that under normal circumstances, the influx of foreign students should not be a problem, but the country’s dispute with China over maritime issues as well as peace

and order problems associated with POGOs give a national security dimension to the entry of Chinese citizens. The DFA itself is tightening

The goldmine that is Philippine tourism

mentoring and national events.

For leisure, my travel mode of choice is by water. It is the best way to see what I believe are the Philippines’ greatest travel assets: its islands. Although I stopped diving years ago and just snorkel nowadays, it is still quite an enjoyable experience hopping from island to island in the southern corridors. Close to Manila is the BatangasMindoro corridor. If you’re a diving enthusiast like me, you could ease into the trip starting with Anilao and Puerto Galera. Apo Reef in Mindoro offers one of the best diving in these parts. This also is a convenient entry point to my favorite travel destination, Palawan. I especially enjoy sailing around the islands in this area, which are unlike anything else on the planet. Coron, Linapacan and El Nido – one could stay for days here, living on the boat and diving when the time is best to see the corals and the marine life, or just relax along the spectacular white sand beaches like the one on Balabac Island. The nice thing about the strait of Coron to Linapacan is the long stretch of islands up to El Nido. From there, you can go all the way to Puerto Princesa.

It can be possible to sail for a whole month, maybe even two, exploring the Visayas corridor. Start in Cebu and trace the famous sailing triangle there; going down to Malapascua to see the tiger sharks, passing the night on the beaches around the tiny island

of Calanggaman. And on the way back you can go through Cabilao, maybe do a side trip to Bohol to sail beside (or even swim with) the dolphins there. Or maybe sail through Balicasag and all the way to Oslob, where the whale sharks are, and then to Siquijor to spend a few days exploring their whitesand beaches and reefs teeming with marine life.

From my experience, the best time to explore the islands is from April to May, two months that ensure calm waters and smooth inter-island sailing. This could maybe stretch until June, but after that, the habagat (southwest monsoon) might make for rough waters.

But there’s more to the sights. I’ve been on guided tours in Palawan that give you the real island experience. One such tour operator took us on a backpacker type of adventure on the islands around Palawan, but of course sparing us the rougher parts because, I suppose, that is part of the service.

I find that travel allows you to step back and discover new concepts and, more importantly, to challenge your own ideas. I remember it was through travel that I got the idea for Kettle Korn. I saw something similar in the U.S. and I was so inspired by it that, once I got back to the Philippines, I registered the new business right away and set out to create something a little different from the other brands that were already here.

Travel is so important for anyone who’s in business; you have to know what is out there: either to find out what you can improve or what unique product you can offer. It’s an opportunity to see what the competition is up to.

I realized this during my recent trip to Laos to attend meetings for the ASEAN. The rail systems that are coming up and connecting cities in Southeast Asia, for example, could change the game drastically. I can imagine how easy it will be to travel from the cosmopolitan city of Bangkok to rural Luang Prabang, eliminating for travelers the hassle of booking

separate trips and giving the tourism business of these two countries a tremendous boost.

The small entrepreneurs I’ve spoken to find that travel is a gift that keeps on giving. Some of these young travel entrepreneurs told me that they build their own travel experiences in order to enhance the products and services they offer their customers. They discover small, hidden places or exciting experiences and weave these into the customized packages they create.

Travel content creators and influencers, meanwhile, mine their experiences for content that can bring them not just

advertising revenues but also potential brand deals and affiliate marketing opportunities. This is an example of how digitalization has created an industry that has become more inclusive and exciting, where small tourism operators have an equal footing with the giants.

And with a gem like the Philippines, who knows how much farther we can take Philippine tourism. (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.

Defending the Philippines via alliances

is a response to Chinese military and economic power. This particular alliance, however, does not provide for a mutual defense agreement.

The newly formed trilateral mutual pact of the United States, Japan and the Philippines has gone a step further and includes a mutual defense agreement. China has recently been increasing its support of Russia, including military support for its war in Ukraine. It has also displayed strong interest in reshaping the geopolitical landscape in Europe.

Recently, Xi Jinping went on a state visit to Europe, his first after five years. The main purpose was supposed to be trade and investment. However, his choice of countries displayed an intention to try and divide the democratic world. His first stop was France, whose President Macron has been advocating for an independent European policy. His next stop was Hungary. Its Prime Minister Viktor Orban has been publicly advocating an anti-Western political stance and has publicly

stated that he was against giving aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russian invasion.

The next and final stop was Slovakia, which has adopted a pro-Russian policy.

In Asia, China has been attempting to make the question of Taiwan a purely local issue. This severely underestimates the consequence of China’s invasion of Taiwan.

According to Bloomberg Economics, a Chinese invasion of Taiwan would cause the global economy around $10 trillion. This is the equivalent to nearly 10 percent of global GDP. This would even dwarf the combined impacts of the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 pandemic and the global financial crisis of 2008-09.

A Chinese blockade of Taiwan, it is said, will result in less immediate distraction but would still cost the global economy around $5 trillion.

Again, Bloomberg Economics says the reason for this global catastrophe is that over 90 percent of advanced chips are produced in Taiwan and approximately half of the global fleet of ships that

carry shipping containers pass through the Taiwan Strait.

Preserving the status quo in the Taiwan Strait is vital to maintaining the U.S. alliance system and the regional balance of power. This potential takeover of Taiwan would shift the advantage in Asia to China and encourage its authoritarian expansionism. If China succeeds in Taiwan, its next obvious target would be the Philippines.

China and Russia must strengthen its coalition to advance the interest of authoritarian regimes. The democratic alliance is composed of countries that believe in democracy and also countries that are not necessarily democratic but are under threat by Chinese expansionism. The Philippines belongs to the latter category.

However, ever since the Philippines’ open public policy to align with democratic countries, the Philippines has noticeably taken a few initial steps towards becoming a more democratic country. Although it has not yet become fully democractic, it should be noticed that in

the Philippines, freedom of expression and human rights have become more accepted by the government.

The strongest opposition to the government’s policy to resist China’s aggression comes from the camp of former President Rodrigo Duterte. During his term, Duterte was openly pro-China and Russia and was publicly antiwest.

I anticipate that the Philippine foreign policy will be a major issue in the coming presidential elections if, as expected, Sara Duterte runs for president against the Marcos candidate.

China under Xi Jinping has also increased its nuclear capability. According to Pentagon estimates, Beijing started with 200 nuclear warheads in 2019 and is estimated to have amassed 1,000 nuclear warheads by 2013. This may not mean that China intends to start a nuclear war but its plan for nuclear expansion is to establish a geopolitical leverage in Asia. Perhaps it has learned its lesson from Russia, which threatens nuclear war to dissuade western countries from

sending troops to Ukraine.

The American response to Beijing’s threat to its Asian allies has been to threaten China with sanctions. However, this has proven ineffective, especially since even its European allies seek to increase trade and investments in China. Recently, there was news that Australia and New Zealand felt threatened by China’s attempt to increase its economic and political influence in the island states in the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. For example, in 2019, Solomon Islands severed its diplomatic relations with Taiwan and signed a security pact with China. In the Maldives, a pro-China government is in place.

The Philippines has formed an alliance with countries that will hopefully help protect its interests against Chinese aggression and expansionism. (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.

ManilaTimes.net photo

visa requirements for Chinese nationals. Possible corruption in the BI is another reason to tighten and streamline visa rules. (Philstar.com)

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco kicked off a series of panel discussions on Monday, May 13, formally launching Go Negosyo’s Tourism Summit for the current year at the Ayala Malls By the Bay venue. DOT photo

Dateline PhiliPPines

Marcos wants ‘stronger’ air force

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos

Jr. on Monday, May 13 said he wanted a "stronger" Philippine Air Force (PAF) "as it defends the country's sovereignty, territory and development."

The president spoke during a command conference with the military's top brass at the PAF headquarters in Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

"The president was briefed on the recent activities, plans and proposed projects of the Philippine Air Force," Presidential

Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a text message to reporters. Garafil did not give other details on what was discussed during the meeting and only said that Marcos "gave his guidance and instructions on some of the proposed programs" of the Air Force to help boost its capabilities as the country's first line of defense against threats as well as enhancing its efficiency for disaster response. It was not also mentioned if the president and military leaders, led by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen.

Romeo Brawner Jr., discussed the supposed involvement of retired and active military and police officers in an attempt to remove him from power. In a separate statement, the PAF said its senior commanders, led by PAF chief Lt. Gen Stephen Parreño, briefed Marcos, senior Malacañang officials and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on its recent activities and plans. It said it looks forward to the president's "continuous support in our modernization efforts to become a truly capable, credible, and sustainable Air Force that our nation needs and deserves." g

Marcos’ 2021 negative drug test result brought up in Senate ‘PDEA leaks’ hearing

MANILA — Representatives of the hospital that administered the drug test of then-presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2021 assured senators there was nothing irregular with how the test, which produced negative results, was conducted.

Two representatives from St. Luke's Medical Center - Global City's (SLMC-BGC) told a Senate hearing on Tuesday, May 14 that Marcos did test negative for cocaine and that there was nothing unusual with the three minutes it took to see the results after the test was administered.

The Senate dangerous drugs and public order committee is currently leading a probe into supposed documents by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) linking Marcos to illegal drug use.

Senate panel chair Sen. Ronald dela Rosa said that he stands by the legitimacy of the documents in question even as the PDEA itself has denied its authenticity.

Cecilia Lim, head of the SLMCBGC drug testing laboratory, said that Marcos' drug test results came out in two minutes and 54 seconds, which is within the maximum waiting time of five minutes.

Meanwhile, Geresza Reyes, the drug analyst of the SLMC-BGC who signed the drug test report, said that the drug test kit produced a line that showed Marcos tested negative for cocaine.

"As for the analysis, a line

appeared. In our drug test kit, there's a control line and a line for the drug analyte. In the result, a line indeed appeared indicating negative," Reyes said in Filipino.

Asked by senators to clarify whether Marcos tested negative for all drugs, Fernandez said that Marcos only requested to be tested for cocaine.

This made Sen. Chiz Escudero comment that drug tests should test for all substances, not just cocaine but also shabu and marijuana, which he said were "poor man's drugs."

"That reveals a loophole in so far as drug testing is concerned in (law enforcement agencies)," Escudero said, adding that he will ask the Dangerous Drugs Board to come up with guidelines related to the matter.

During his presentation, Francis del Valle, head of PDEA's legal division, said that the two documents that former PDEA agent Jonathan Morales claims to be true are "purely fabricated."

Speaking on behalf of PDEA, Del Valle pointed out that the alleged "pre-operation report" and "authority to operate" documents do not have PDEA control numbers, which indicate that these were never submitted to the PDEA.

The documents are also "incomplete and marred with redactions," according to the drug enforcement agency.

Sen. Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada asked Del Valle: "If an agent

prepares a pre-operation report and does not submit it, let's say he hesitated or perhaps he was scared or paid off... And as you testified, it's not in your records. Is that document confidential? Is that document part of official records?"

Del Valle said that the documents would not be part of PDEA's official record. "It may be just the personal files of the resource person," he added.

The PDEA official added that Morales did not follow standard procedure by failing to bring up the findings of his alleged inteview with a confidential informant to his direct supervisor.

Dela Rosa said in his opening statement that he believes some of Morales' testimonies, while there are other testimonies he doubts. "I am putting my life on the line for this hearing as far as objectivity and neutrality is concerned," the senator added. (Philstar.com)

Bam Aquino gears up for political comeback in 2025 midterm polls

by Cristina Chi Philstar.com

MANILA — Former Sen. Bam Aquino — who abandoned his Senate bid in 2022 to run Leni Robredo’s presidential campaign and earlier failed to get reelected in the 2019 elections that bludgeoned Otso Diretso — is staging his political comeback in the 2025 midterm polls with a familiar banner of championing youth leadership.

Vowing to address people’s “real concerns” amid the ruling parties’ feud, the former Liberal Party stalwart now leads the country’s “youngest political party” Katipunan ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KANP), as chairperson, Aquino said in a television interview.

“People don’t feel like they are being heard. Parties are fighting, while the issue of inflation is not being addressed,” Aquino said

in an interview with ANC on Tuesday, May 14.

“I think more people who want to bring back the issues to people’s needs must engage and be part of the political process,” the former senator added.

The KANP chairperson declared that he is “ready to return to politics” after around half a decade since his term as senator from 2013 to 2019 ended.

“We are ready and we are preparing for it,” Aquino said. Aquino said he left the Liberal Party in 2019. “Since I was a private citizen, we didn’t release the information to the public,” he said.

The former senator then created the KNP to bolster the presidential bid of Robredo, who ended up running as an independent candidate, Aquino added.

After Robredo’s loss, KNP members agreed to keep the party

alive after the flood of support during the campaign trail.

“We may have lost, but people came out and expressed their desire for better (sic)... We saw that and did not want to take it for granted. So now we’re running for 2025,” Aquino said. Aquino said in a press release that KANP “will present itself as a viable alternative for Filipinos weary of traditional politics and politicians.”

While no longer formally part of LP, Aquino’s former LP party mates, such as LP President Edcel Lagman, LP Spokesperson Leila de Lima and former Sen. Kiko Pangilinan also expressed their support for Aquino. The KANP is also ready to “endorse like-minded potential candidates and form alliances with political parties with similar principles in preparation for the midterm elections in 2025,” its press release read. g

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Malacañang file photo

Dina Bonnevie reveals she almost became Mel Gibson’s leading lady

DINA Bonnevie could have been one of the Philippines' most notable Hollywood stars today if only she accepted the leading lady role offered to her opposite Mel Gibson.

Dina said she was not joking when she said it as she elicited laughter from the people on the set of "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," where her guesting was aired last Friday, May 10.

Renowned host Boy asked her what she had not become because of her children. Dina is mother to Danica Sotto-Pingris and Oyo Boy Sotto, both of whom are parents themselves.

"I didn't become the leading lady of Mel Gibson in 'East of Eden.' No, it's not a joke," Dina said. She continued, "I was offered to star in 'East of Eden' with Mel Gibson after I did 'A Dangerous Life' by Hal McElroy."

Dina joined the cast of the 1988 television film about a foreign journalist covering the last days of Ferdinand Marcos' dictatorship.

The actress, who currently stars on the afternoon drama "Abot Kamay na Pangarap," said she was offered to live in Australia and start an acting career there.

"I was offered to live in Australia and be an actress there and eventually be in Hollywood, HBO. Eh 'di dapat Hollywood actress na ako ngayon and I'm slaying it in the Met Gala. Hitsura ni Tyla, oh, 'di ba?'," she quipped.

She turned serious when she explained why she turned down the role.

"I didn't become that because I chose my kids kasi at that time na nagpaalam ako kay Vic [Sotto, her ex-husband], sabi ko, kukunin ko 'yung mga bata. Pupunta kami ng Australia and I'm gonna live there. Vic said, 'If you do that, you will never see your kids again'," the actress said.

On the other hand, her children made her a tougher person. She and Vic separated when she was only 23, after six years together. She was a young mother to two toddlers. Dina gave birth to Danica when she was 20 and, two years later, gave birth to Oyo.

Her situation prompted her to look for ways and means to

provide for her children.

"I became an entrepreneur. I had to look for ways and means to make money aside from being an actress and a talk show host. I put up businesses and I became a successful businesswoman because of my inspiration, my kids. I wanted my kids to have a good life," she said.

Apart from being smart with her money, Dina said her children also taught her to forgive and stop being judgmental.

"I became a forgiver and I stopped being judgmental kasi before I was so judgmental e. Masyado akong feelingera noon. Parang feeling ko, palagi akong tama. But then you realize you're not always right. Marami ka ring mali," she said.

Priscilla Meirelles admires Janice de Belen for reaching out in trying times

PRISCILLA Meirelles disclosed that while she doesn’t share a close relationship with Janice de Belen, she admires and appreciates the actress for reaching out to her during the former’s “trying moments” in 2023.

Meirelles spoke about her relationship with de Belen, the former wife of her actor husband John Estrada, in an interview in “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” on Monday, May 13.

“When it comes [to] Ms. Janice, never kami naging close pero na-appreciate ko siya nang sobra kasi last year, actually, nag-reach out siya sa akin—and I hope it’s okay to share,” she said. “Woman-to-woman, she was very kind and I appreciate

that.” It can be recalled that it was last year when Meirelles and Estrada went through a rough patch in their marriage. Meirelles, however, opted not to share more details about her interaction with de Belen.

“We’re never close; we did work before together but of course, I’m married to her ex. Although I’m not the reason why they separated — let’s make this clear,” she stressed. “‘Yung pagpasok ko sa buhay ni John, they were already annulled [for many years].”

“But woman-to-woman, I think she can feel me and I think she understands where I’m coming from,” she continued. “And I think she appreciates the fact that I’m good to her kids [Inah, Moira, Kaila and Yuan], and they

love me and I love them.”

Abunda then underscored, “For someone to reach out to you during your trying moments, it means a lot.”

Meirelles nodded in agreement, “That means a lot, and that means it shows who she is as a person. I admire her for that and I thank her. She’s a wonderful woman.”

Rough patch

Speaking about the learnings she had after her rough patch with Estrada, Meirelles said, Ang dami kong natutunan tungkol [sa] sarili ko… I’m very easygoing [but] lahat ng tao may limit. Dumating ako sa limit ko.” [Do’n] sa nangyari, ang natutunan ko [ay at] the end of the day, ‘yung pinakaimportanteng bagay sa buhay natin is peace of mind,” she continued, adding that without peace she cannot function because she is unhappy.

Meirelles then underscored that she will fight for Estrada and their marriage for as long as she deems it’s “worth it.” She further noted that Estrada vowed to do his best after their misunderstanding, and that she believes in him.

“But again, tao lang tayo. I’m in a situation right now where — of course, we’re married pa rin and we were just laughing and having a great time yesterday. But I’m not gonna take anything of what I already took up to this point,” she clarified.

Alam niya na nasa limit na ako so whatever happens from this point on, it’s on him. I’ve done my part,” she said.

Janice de Belen and Priscilla Meirelles Photos from Instagram/@super_janice, @primeirelles

USPS hosting job fairs near you

SONORA

— The U.S. Postal Service is hosting several free hiring events to help future employees create their online profile and immediately start applying for jobs.

As part of its innovative 10-year-plan, Delivering for America, the Postal Service is focused on building a more stable and empowered workforce. USPS employees are its greatest asset, and the postal service is investing in its new employees by providing robust training and on-the-job support. If you enjoy taking walks, breathing in fresh air, and serving your community, the Postal Service is a great place to work, with job security, career advancement opportunities and benefits. The Postal Service has an immediate need for the following positions to be filled:

• Mail Processing: Clerks and mail handlers

• Delivery: City and rural carriers

• Transportation: Tractor trailer operators

• Maintenance: Mechanics, laborer custodian and automotive technician.

A complete list of job fair locations can be found at https://about.usps.com/newsroom/localreleases/ca/2024/0502-usps-hosting-job-fairsnear-you.htm.

Applicants must be 18 years or older. All applicants must be able to pass drug screening and a criminal background investigation. Some positions require an exam. Any position that has a driving requirement will also require a valid driver license and clean DMV two-year driving history. Citizenship or permanent resident status is required. The Postal Service is an equal opportunity employer offering a fast-pace, rewarding work environment with competitive compensation packages, on-the-job training, and opportunities for advancement. (USPS Release)

Daly City’s inaugural Legacy Business celebration at city hall

– In recognition of

DALY CITY

National Small Business Week, the City of Daly City hosted its first Legacy Business Celebration on May 2, 2024 at City Hall.

“Small businesses are the heart and soul of Daly City’s economy and an important part of the fabric of our city,” said Mayor Juslyn C. Manalo. “They create jobs, bring entrepreneurial innovation, and help build strong communities. I advocated for the creation of the Small Business Commission to bring community opportunities to stimulate eco-

nomic growth in Daly City. We are proud of our Inaugural Legacy Business Awardees.”

The Inaugural Class of Daly City Legacy Businesses include:

• Auto Sound Performance

7338 Mission Street | Daly City, CA 94014

Established on November 18, 1996

• Fil-Am Cuisine

66 School Street | Daly City, CA 94014

Established on April 2, 1995

• Westlake School for the Performing Arts

200 Northgate Avenue | Daly City, CA 94015

Established on March 13, 1991.

The City of Daly City congratulates the Inaugural Class of Legacy Businesses and welcomes all Daly City businesses to connect with the Small Business Commission. The Commission meets monthly on the 2nd Thursday. For more information about the Small Business Commission, visit www.dalycity.org/SmallBusinessCommission. (Daly City Release)

From Makati to Houston: The culinary journey of Bhogz culminates in a green card as a cook, on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday

BHOGZ'S journey from his Nanay’s kitchen in the Philippines, to the bustling kitchen of Gerry's Grill in Houston, Texas, is a testament to dedication, passion, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

He fondly recalls watching his Nanay cook for their large family, until he mastered cooking dinengdeng – a vegetable dish that originated form the Ilocos region in the Philippines – while he was only 10 years old. At 17, Bhogz was a working student, determined to pave his way through school, and at 21, he was a husband and father, working tirelessly to provide for his growing family.

Bhogz's culinary journey led him to a bakery, and then, to an American-Italian restaurant, honing his skills and passion for cooking. In 2001, he applied at Gerry's Grill in Makati and cooked his signature blue marlin recipe for the practical test and was instantly hired. Through the years, Bhogz rose through the ranks until he became head cook.

As Gerry's Grill expanded their business in

the United States, Bhogz's talents caught the attention of the company, leading to an offer to manage the kitchen at the Gerry's Grill branch in Houston, Texas, which included being petitioned for a green card.

Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel handled the I-140 petition (Immigrant Petition for Alien Workers) for Bhogz, which culminated in the attainment of his green card in September 2023. Bhogz's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the pursuit of excellence, and the enduring belief in the promise of a better future. He now eagerly anticipates the next chapter of his American Dream, as he plans to bring his wife and children in the United States.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, May 19 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

ConGen Ferrer speaks on PH-US relations at Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California

SAN

Frank R. Ferrer graced the fireside chat set up as guest speaker at the Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California hosted by Kalidip Choudhury, Ph.D.

The one-hour event entitled “PhilippinesU.S. Relations: Evolving Opportunities and Challenges” aimed to shed light on the evolving opportunities and challenges in the longstanding alliance between the Philippines and the United States as the Philippines continues its economic growth as an island nation while situated in a contentious maritime area.

An open dialogue allowed for a comprehensive discussion on the multifaceted

aspects of Philippines-U.S. relations. Both the opportunities and challenges presented by this longstanding alliance were examined in-depth as the two nations navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

Topics such as the Philippines’ booming economic growth, boosted by sectors like tourism and technology outsourcing, as well as emerging innovations in artificial intelligence that could drive future cooperation, were highlighted. The engaging exchanged provided attendees valuable insights into the strengthening ties between the two countries, as well as the Philippines’ foreign policy goals.

After the main event, a reception was held

on the Kaiser Permanente Rooftop deck of the Commonwealth Club overlooking the Bay Bridge and the San Francisco Ferry Terminal. The Consulate served Filipino dishes such as sisig, chicken barbeque, lumpiang shanghai, pancit, as well as typical Filipino  merienda fare, like  puto, kutsinta cassava, ube and mango cakes. Participants were also able to sample and buy products of local Filipino American food vendors, namely Napa de Oro, Oodaalolly and Teofilo Coffee.

The Philippine Department of Tourism office in San Francisco handed giveaways and promoted the Love the Philippines campaign and the Very Important Pinoy tour to the event goers. (PCGSF Release)

President Joe Biden keynotes APAICS 30th annual gala

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On

Tuesday evening, May 14, President Joseph R. Biden gave the keynote address at the APAICS 30th Annual Gala at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of the Asian American and Native Hawaiian/ Pacific Islander (AA & NH/PI) community during AA & NH/PI Heritage Month.

Founded by the late former Secretary Norman Y. Mineta in 1994, APAICS is the leading organization dedicated to promoting AA & NH/PI participation and representation at all levels of the political process. The gala, titled “Our Communities. Our Leaders. Our Legacy.” gathered 1,350 attendees, the highest-attended in organizational history, from across the country to celebrate the organization’s 30th anniversary and the rich contributions of the AA & NH/PI community. It is the largest gathering of AA & NH/PI elected officials and government appointees at the federal, state, and local levels.

The event, emceed by evening news anchor Eun Yang, featured special remarks from House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries; honorary gala co-chairs Congressman Ted Lieu and Congresswoman Jill Tokuda; and Congresswoman Grace Meng. The evening’s honorees include CAPAC Chair and APAICS Board Member Congresswoman Judy Chu with the Norman Y. Mineta Lifetime Achievement Award; former U.S. Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta with the Pioneer Award; screenwriter and producer of Crazy, Rich, Asians Adele Lim with the Vision Award; and Papa Ola Lokahi with Community Leadership Achievement.

“All of you represent a simple truth that there is no singular Asian American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Islander identity. The diversity of your cultures and the breadth of your achievements have shaped and strengthened the fabric of our country,” said President Biden. “You represent how we are a nation of immigrants, a nation of Dreamers,

a nation of freedom. That’s the America we share. That’s the America we know.”

“We are a gorgeous nation of people from all across the world and central to it is this community. Central to our future is this community,” said Leader Jeffries. “Together, I am confident that our future can be brighter than our past.”

“There was a time when we were invisible in the halls of Congress. As a result, there was no one to speak up for us when one of the most discriminatory acts in our nation’s history was passed, the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, and when Japanese Americans were incarcerated during World War II,” said CAPAC Chair Chu. “This is why it is so significant for me to see the immense growth of our power. Today, we have 21 AANHPI Members of Congress and 76 CAPAC Members, a historic high. And we have used our seat at the table to push for the rights and needs of our communities.”

“I have seen firsthand depend on coalitions we build,”

said former U.S. Associate Attorney General Gupta. “Coalition is something inherent to the AANHPI communities. We ourselves represent so many different cultures, languages, religions, and ethnicities.”

“We are no longer the exception. But we will not stop until that shiny beacon of Hollywood is a representation of all of us, not just some of us,” said screenwriter, director, and producer Adele Lim.

“Equity isn’t a word. Equity is a practice. Equity must be practiced,” said Sheri Daniels, executive director of Papa Ola Lokahi. “So tonight I challenge us all to practice equity intentionally.”

“We are a community of communities, and we are so much stronger and better for it. When one of us is at the table, we will uplift our sisters and brothers who are still fighting for representation until we are all seen and heard,” said Madalene Xuan-Trang Mielke, president & CEO of APAICS. “The success of APAICS is not singular, but takes all of us.”

(APAICS Release)

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Philippine Consul General in San Francisco, Neil Frank R. Ferrer (left), joined by moderator Kalidip Choudhury, Ph.D. San Francisco PCG photos

From left: PDOT Attaché Ma. Soleil Tropicales, Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, Consul Jed Llona, Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer, Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil, and PCMB Administrative Officer Genevieve Ferrer.