052424 - New York & New Jersey Edition

LA County is home to the largest Filipino, other AAPI communities in US

Around 321,000 Filipinos live in Los Angeles County and nearly 400,000 in other counties in Southern California

THE Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) diaspora has spread across the United States but one county stands out as a hub for these vibrant communities: Los Angeles.

A mosaic of AAPI communities, Los Angeles County is a melting pot of cultures.

The term “Asian American,” coined by Chinese, Japanese and Filipino American activists in the late 1960s, was first perceived as a political identity.

Today, it is attributed to ethnic groups tracing their roots to Southeast, East, Central and South Asia. These communities and

DFA, DND have no record of ‘gentleman’s agreement’

by MA. REINA LEANNE TOLENTINO ManilaTimes.net

OFFICIALS from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday, May 20 told

members of the House of Representatives they were not aware of the purported "gentleman's agreement" between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

DFA Assistant Secretary Aileen Mendiola-

MANILA — She is the lovechild of a Chinese father and a Filipino househelper, and she is a Filipino, Mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac asserted on Tuesday, May 21.

Guo denied allegations that she is involved in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGOs), a spy or an asset of a foreign country.

She said of all the allegations hurled against her, it is being called a spy that hurts her the most.

“I am not a spy, that’s what hurt me most. I am not a spy. I am a Filipino and I love my country. I am not a spy, I am not an asset,” she said.

Guo said her biological mother was a former maid at their farm, and that her father admitted to her when she was 12 or 14 years

House approves divorce bill on nal reading

by GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net

MANILA — The divorce bill was approved by the  House of Representatives on third and final reading on Wednesday, May 22. During the plenary session on Wednesday — the last day for the 19th Congress’ second regular

session — House Bill No. 9349 or. the Absolute Divorce Act was approved with 126 lawmakers voting in the affirmative, 109 in the negative, and 20 abstentions. The bill was approved on third reading two months after it was referred to the plenary by the House

Rau said the department "has no record of a gentleman's agreement. ..with regard to Ayungin Shoal" and reiterated that "the Philippines has not entered into any agreement abandoning its sovereign rights

— Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero is the new Senate president, replacing Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.

No one objected on the Senate floor on Monday, May 20 when Senator Alan Peter Cayetano nominated Escudero to be the next Senate president.

Escudero, accompanied by his actress wife Heart Evangelista, immediately took his oath administered by Senator Mark Villar.

In his speech, the new Senate chief was all praises for his predecessor.

Supercharged dollar sinks peso below 58

Currency at weakest in almost 2 years as prospect of delay in US Fed cut bolsters greenback

by IAN NICOLAS P. CIGARAL Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippine peso on Tuesday, May 21 sank to the 58-per-dollar level, a territory it had not seen in almost two years as expectations of a delayed rate cut in the United States supercharge the greenback.

The local currency closed at 58.27 against the dollar, 37 centavos weaker than its previous day’s finish of 57.9. This was the peso’s worst closing since Nov. 8, 2022, when it finished at 58.275. The local unit’s worst showing on Tuesday stood at 58.28-per-dollar.

 PAGE 2

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

MANILA

THE MIRU WAy. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia demonstrates to members of the media the new MIRU System Automated Counting Machine (ACM) that will be used in the 2025 elections in Makati City on Tuesday, May 21. ManilaTimes.net photo by Mike Alquinto

by MAILA AGER Inquirer.net

F rom the F ront P age

DFA, DND have no record of ‘gentleman’s agreement’...

and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf including on the Ayungin Shoal."

Defense Undersecretary Ignacio Madriaga said the DND is "not privy to any gentleman's agreement with China" and has no record "detailing or potentially showing the contours of a deal."

Mendiola-Rau and Madriaga were among the resource persons who gave testimony during the joint hearing of the Committee on National Defense and Security and the Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea.

National Security Council Deputy Director General Nestor Herico said National Security Adviser Eduardo Año "will not support any such agreement that will compromise the" country's national security and interest.

Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant, said the PCG "has no knowledge" of the gentleman's agreement, adding that "it won't matter to us because the Philippine

Coast Guard will only follow the directive being issued to us" by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The president himself has denied knowledge of the agreement but made it clear that he will rescind it if it exists.

Joel Garcia, a former PCG officer in charge and commandant, said they had no knowledge of any gentleman's agreement between the two presidents.

Earlier this year, Duterte admitted that he had an agreement with China's President Xi Jinping to keep the WPS status quo.

Under their pact, Duterte said there would be no attempt by the Philippines to repair the beached Navy ship Sierra Madre, the country's outpost on Ayungin Shoal.

At the start of the hearing, House Assistant Majority Leader Jefferson Khonghun, who filed the resolution that sought the probe, said that any agreement on the West Philippine Sea would have a deep impact on the country's economy, food security and the livelihood of Filipino fishermen.

In a statement, BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. said the peso’s weakness on Tuesday was “in line with other currencies in the region” after the U.S. Federal Reserve signaled a delay in cutting interest rates despite the slightly softer April inflation stateside.

But the BSP chief vowed to defend the local unit from too much volatility that can stoke inflation.

“The BSP continues to monitor the foreign exchange market but allows the market to function without aiming to protect a certain exchange rate,” Remolona said.

Nonetheless, the BSP will participate in the market when necessary to smoothen excessive volatility and restore order during periods of stress,” he added.

Sharp depreciation

The BSP can intervene in the foreign exchange market by selling some dollars from its reserves to ease any sharp depreciation of the peso. In an interview with Bloomberg last week, Remolona said the BSP has “ample reserves” to prop up the local unit in case it sharply falls.

This, as Remolona also expects the BSP to cut interest rates in August ahead of the

Iloilo Rep. Raul Tupas said that former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, former defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and former national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. were invited to the hearing.

Medialdea sent a representative and wrote the joint committee that he has a prior commitment, Tupas said.

Medialdea's representative manifested his willingness to appear at the hearings on some other date.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop moved "that those who were invited and did not come here without any valid excuse or providing any valid excuse be issued a show cause order to explain their absence in today's hearing."

Acop's motion was seconded and approved.

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro called for Duterte to be invited to the inquiry, but Tupas said he would hold Castro's motion in abeyance "subject to the statements that our resource persons will give us." g

Chiz Escudero is new Senate...

“Nais kong pasalamatan si Senate President Zubiri sa kanyang talino, sa kanyang galing, sa kanyang pasensya, sa kanyang kasipagan, sa kanyang hindi mapagkakailang pagmamahal sa bayan, at gayun din sa institusyong ito, at sa ating mga kababayan,” Escudero said.

(I want to thank Senate President Zubiri for his wisdom, patience, diligence, and undeniable love for our country, for this institution, and for our countrymen)

Fed, which he had forecast to start easing in September. The central bank chief said he’s not worried about such a move’s impact on the peso, which may come under pressure if local yields become less attractive to capital inflows while interest rates are still high elsewhere.

Strong fundamentals

For Robert Dan Roces, an economist at Security Bank, the BSP has enough space to loosen monetary policy ahead of the Fed as inflation at home remains within the government’s 2 to 4 percent target range.

“This view may be based on factors such as the Philippines’ strong economic fundamentals, that the peso’s current depreciation may be just temporary, adequate foreign exchange reserves, and the potential for the rate cut to stimulate domestic growth and attract foreign investment in the longer term,” Roces said.

“However, cutting rates before the Fed does carry some risks, particularly in terms of the potential impact on the Philippine peso. When a central bank lowers interest rates while other major central banks maintain higher rates, it can make the currency less attractive to foreign investors seeking higher yields,” he added. g

“My hats off to you Senate President Zubiri. I salute you, and I hope I will make you proud. You especially among our other colleagues and hopefully you will not leave my side whenever I ask you for guidance. Whenever I ask for help, and whenever I ask for your wisdom,” he added.

Before this, Zubiri announced his resignation, saying he “failed to follow instructions from the powers that be.”

“I fought the good fight. If I have ruffled some feathers in doing so, if I have upset the powers that be, then so be it,” he said in a privilege speech Monday.

“I did not accept the Senate presidency just to let it go down,” Zubiri also said.

In leaving his post, Zubiri promised to continue serving as an independent member of the Senate.

“I leave with my head held high, knowing I did what is right for the Senate and for the nation,” he said.

Speaking to reporters before the session, Zubiri indicated that he lost his post probably “for not following

instructions.”

He did not elaborate, even when asked if the ongoing probe into alleged leaked Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency documents had something to do with his removal as Senate’s top leader.

“That includes everything,” Zubiri simply said.

In another interview, he said he was saddened by what happened, noting he did everything to protect the Senate’s autonomy.

“But that’s just how politics is. There’s nothing we can do about it,” he said.

The change in leadership happened Monday after several talks of an ouster plot against Zubiri since heading the Senate in July 2022.

Zubiri dismissed a coup rumor against him, which first floated in March 2023 —

or barely a year after he was elected Senate president.

This was supposedly because of the low output of the chamber under his watch and his stand on Charter change (Cha-cha).

Just months after, Zubiri’s allies in the Senate had to openly express their support for his leadership after another talk of an alleged move to remove him in June 2023.

Zubiri’s leadership was again confronted with another ouster rumor early this year. This time, however, a colleague – Sen. Imee Marcos – confirmed it.

“Yes, there’s a lot of pressure to change Migz Zubiri,” Marcos said then.

But this move fizzled out after majority of senators signed a statement of support for Zubiri. g

ECO WARRIORS. Young volunteers participate in an interactive storytelling session in celebration of the International Day for Biological Diversity at Gateway Mall 2 in Cubao, Quezon City on Monday, May 20. The event presented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-Philippines, Gerry Roxas Foundation, Araneta City and J. Amado Araneta Foundation joined the global community’s call to reexamine the relationship with the natural world and help preserve the ecosystems.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

After announcing his resignation, Juan Miguel Zubiri later approached his wife, Audrey (upper photo), and his successor, Senator Francis Escudero. PNA photos by Avito Dalan

House approves...

committee on population and family relations, and a week after lawmakers voted to pass it on second reading.

Under the Absolute Divorce Act, the following are considered grounds for absolute divorce:

• 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

• 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 

LA County is home to the largest Filipino, other...

their contributions are recognized in the U.S. this May during Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, which also honors the Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders from Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia.

Overview of AAPI communities in Los Angeles

With more than 6 million Californians of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, California is home to the “dynamic AAPI communities that are an invaluable part of our state and nation,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said as he proclaimed AANPI Heritage Month in the state earlier this month.

Seven Southern California counties, including the counties of Los Angeles and San Diego, account for half of AAPI’s overall population.

To further shed light on the AAPI diaspora in Southern California, 40 years’ worth of data from the Census Bureau was distilled into this story in the Los Angeles Times penned by Aida Ylanan and Sandhya Kambhampati.

For decades, census documents presented Asians as a monolith and didn’t include categories per race, according to the LA Times article. In 1980, roughly a million Asians and Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles County were recorded as “Other.”

Furthermore, over a quarter of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in LA

still record as a group unlisted on the latest census forms. Although there are over 25 Asian countries and five Pacific Islander countries recognized by federal statistics, the allocation of federal funding still depends on a complete enumeration of AAPI individuals.

“Since our state’s founding, AAPIs have been instrumental in writing the California story and building our state as we know it,” Gov. Newsom said in his proclamation of AANHPI Heritage Month.

AAPI communities have helped shape Southern California since the 1800s, with some of the region’s first Asian settlers building ethnic enclaves such as the Old Chinatown and Little Tokyo.

With the influx of migrants following the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, neighborhoods like Historic Filipinotown, Koreatown and Thai Town came to life. AAPI population in Los Angeles grew from 198,000 in 1970 to nearly a million in 1990, according to UCLA researchers.

Fast forward to the present, AAPI communities have tripled in size, with Santa Clarita having the fastest-growing Asian population – from less than 600 to almost 19,000 today, reported the LA Times.

Antonio Miranda Rodriguez, recorded as a Filipino in the 1783 census, was one of the early settlers who founded the pueblo that became Los Angeles.

Chinese laborers were recorded in

the census of 1850 — the year when California officially became a state.

Meanwhile, Japanese immigrants first appeared in the census in 1870 with two Japanese-born men who were recognized as servants to a judge in San Marino.

The Vietnamese people opted to settle in Orange County, with the world’s largest Vietnamese community outside Vietnam.

Home to the largest number of Bangladeshi, Koreatown in Los Angeles is also where the second biggest Thai population lives.

In the Westside, the Indian population grew by six times, from just below 350 people in 1980 to over 2,200 by 2022.

Meanwhile, Hawaiians showed significant interest in the continental U.S. after World War II. The majority of the settlers moved to areas with a rich music scene, including Los Angeles, while some settled south for its affordable cost of living.

Filipino influence

Established in the 1920s, Little Manila was the first Filipino community in downtown LA.

A thriving business, cultural and entertainment hub for Filipinos, Little Manila’s existence diminished in the 1950s following redevelopment in the area.

In the 2020 Census, 41.6 percent of Filipinos make up the total AAPI

Mayor Guo: I am a Filipino...

old she was their lovechild.

“I am a Filipino. My biological mother is a Filipina.

I am a Philippine passport holder and I have only one passport. I did not grow up with my biological mother. I found out when I was 12 years old that she was a househelp,” she said in an interview with ANC Digital’s Headstart hosted by Karen Davila.

Guo said she has never met her mother personally.

She apologized to Sen. Risa Hontiveros for not answering her queries during a Senate hearing, saying she did not want to disclose matters she deemed private.

“During the Senate hearing, I had a mental block. I am not from Manila, I am a probinsyana. I am not used (to being a city girl) and I was scared. I had a mental block, that’s the correct term,” she said.

Guo said hearing insinuations that she should be deported hurts as she insisted she is a Filipino citizen.

She said she chose to be a Filipino when her Chinese father asked her to pick her citizenship.

“My own mother abandoned me, now my own country is turning her back on me… is going to deport me? Where to? China, Malaysia, Singapore? I have only one passport… I am a Filipino,” she said.

Guo clarified that she did not apply for a permit or license to operate POGOs, noting she only introduced her former business partners for a letter of no objection.

She said she offered the Baofu compound to some of her associates, an area used by the Zun Yuan Technology Inc., which was raided for illegal POGO operations.

Guo denied she was a protector of POGOs, saying she now realizes that there

should be no such operations in her town.

“Now I’m against. Now, as long as I am mayor, I will no longer allow any POGO in my town,” she said.

No McLaren, only helicopter

Guo denied owning a luxury vehicle, a McLaren 620R, that was put on a car show contest in the nearby town of Concepcion and won.

She said she merely borrowed the McLaren from a friend and made this as an entry for Bamban in the car show.

Guo, however, admitted owning a helicopter, which she said she sold this year to a British company.

She said she acquired the helicopter in 2019 for business purposes. She said she planned to operate it as a motor taxi, noting how lucrative the business was at the time.

Guo said she was compelled to sell her helicopter as things did not turn out as she expected.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) recommended putting Guo under preventive suspension for “serious illegal acts” involving POGOs.

The DILG task force recommended Guo’s suspension to the Office of the Ombudsman.

‘Criminal ties’

Hontiveros on Tuesday questioned Guo’s alleged ties with criminals, whom she said were incorporators in the mayor’s company, Baofu Land Development Inc.

“Mayor Alice Guo has a lot of red flags. Her records in the Philippines are not even in order, now there’s information that she has connections with criminals. Is this why she is able to afford her lavish lifestyle? Does she buy from criminals and fugitives? Choppers and luxury cars?” Hontiveros asked.

“Given her connections with criminals, I welcome a move of the Department of the Interior and Local Government to remove Mayor Guo’s power over the local police. The mayor should no longer have access to our police if she is also the protector of criminals,” Hontiveros added.

Guo faced the Senate last week to answer allegations that she was backing a POGO that was raided in March.

The raiding team reportedly found evidence of human trafficking, serious illegal detention, physical abuse and even torture at the POGO hub.

Documents submitted in 2019 by the Baofu Land Development Inc. to the Securities and Exchange Commission showed the company incorporators

included Guo, Filipino Rachel Joan Malonzo Carreon, Cypriot Zhiyang Huang, Chinese Zhang Ruijin and Baoying Lin of the Dominican Republic.

Zhang was convicted last month for having links to the reported “largest money laundering case in Singapore.”

According to a report by Channel News Asia, Zhang has “$41 million worth of assets overseas, including shareholdings in a Philippine real estate development company.”

Baoying Lin also allegedly faces charges.

“According to the mayor herself, her friends helped her to run in the 2022 election. Are these criminals and fugitives the friends she is talking about?” Hontiveros asked.

“Even if she says she divested from Baofu before running, the fact remains: she has ties with these criminals. Is it possible for her to run for mayor so she can protect her friends? I am looking forward to our hearing on Wednesday (today). I hope the mayor can now remember something,” Hontiveros added.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would look into information received by the office of Hontiveros that Guo has ties with criminals.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the PNP would coordinate with other law enforcement agencies in verifying the information.

The entire Bamban police is under investigation for allegedly failing to monitor the illegal activities of a POGO hub said to be connected to Guo.

The probe will cover the possible negligence of police officers assigned in Bamban.  — Cecille Suerte Felipe, Emmanuel Tupas, Daphne Galvez (By Romina Cabrera/Philstar.com)

The lure of specialty medicine pulls nurse practitioners from primary care

FOR many patients, seeing a nurse practitioner has become a routine part of primary care, in which these “NPs” often perform the same tasks that patients have relied on doctors for.

But NPs in specialty care? That’s not routine, at least not yet. Increasingly, though, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are joining cardiology, dermatology, and other specialty practices, broadening their skills and increasing their income.

This development worries some people who track the health workforce, because current trends suggest primary care, which has counted on nurse practitioners to backstop physician shortages, soon might not be able to rely on them to the same extent.

“They’re succumbing to the same challenges that we have with physicians,” said Atul Grover, executive director of the Research and Action Institute at the Association of American Medical Colleges. The rates NPs can command in a specialty practice “are quite a bit higher” than practice salaries in primary care, he said.

When nurse practitioner programs began to proliferate in the 1970s, “at first it looked great, producing all these nurse practitioners that go to work with primary care physicians,” said Yalda Jabbarpour, director of the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies. “But now only 30% are going into primary care.”

Jabbarpour was referring to the 2024 primary care scorecard by the Milbank Memorial Fund, which found that from 2016 to 2021 the proportion of nurse practitioners who worked in primary care practices hovered between 32% and 34%, even though their numbers grew rapidly. The proportion of physician assistants, also known as physician associates, in primary care ranged from 27% to 30%, the study found.

Both nurse practitioners and physician assistants are advanced practice clinicians who, in addition to graduate degrees, must complete distinct education, training, and certification steps. NPs can practice without a doctor’s supervision in more than two dozen states, while PAs have similar independence in only a handful of states.

About 88% of nurse practitioners are certified in an area of primary care, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. But it is difficult to track exactly how many work in primary care or in specialty practices. Unlike physicians, they’re generally not required to be endorsed by a national standard-setting body to practice in specialties like oncology or cardiology, for example. The AANP declined to answer questions about its annual workforce survey or the extent to which primary care NPs are moving toward specialties.

LA County is home to the largest Filipino, other...

population in LA County. Today, around 321,000 Filipinos live in Los Angeles County and 400,000 reside in other Southern California counties.

Many Filipinos served in the U.S. military and settled in areas in close proximity to military bases, including Long Beach – site of a former naval center. Filipinos and Cambodians make up almost two-thirds of the Asian communities in Long Beach.

Even with the addition of 30 Asian and Pacific Islander ethnicities to census

records since 1980, AAPI community advocates say other communities remain underrepresented.

“We know, without data, [the AAPI population doesn’t] exist in the eyes of policymakers,” noted Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder of AAPI Data.

Gov. Newsom has acknowledged that throughout California’s history, AAPIs have been “the target of violence, disenfranchisement, efforts to restrict immigration, and other xenophobic policies at the federal, state, and local level.”

“The echoes of this dark history are evident today in the shameful Anti-Asian hate acts seen across the country,” he said.

“It is imperative that we confront past and present racism and fight for the safety and inclusion of our AAPI friends and neighbors.”

During AANHPI Heritage Month, President Joe Biden honored the legacy of AAPI communities, recognizing their “ingenuity, grit and perseverance” and contributions to American society. (Mary Villegas/Inquirer.net)

Though data tracking the change is sparse, specialty practices are adding these advanced practice clinicians at almost the same rate as primary care practices, according to frequently cited research published in 2018.

The clearest evidence of the shift: From 2008 to 2016, there was a 22% increase in the number of specialty practices that employed nurse practitioners and physician assistants, according to that study. The increase in the number of primary care practices that employed these professionals was 24%.

Once more, the most recent projections by the Association of American Medical Colleges predict a dearth of at least 20,200 primary care physicians by 2036. There will also be a shortfall of non-primary care specialists, including a deficiency of at least 10,100 surgical physicians and up to 25,000 physicians in other specialties.

by Michelle Andrews KFF Health News

Screengrab shows Bamban Mayor Alice Guo answering questions in an interview on ANC. STAR / File

FEATURES OPINION Leadership change

IT has happened many times in the history of Congress, so it was no big surprise that Juan Miguel Zubiri was replaced on Monday, May 20 as Senate president. Zubiri, who held the post in the first two years of the Marcos administration, was accorded a graceful exit, by officially resigning instead of being ousted in a vote, although he counted 14

Zubiri cited the Senate’s opposition to the people’s initiative to amend the Constitution and its timetable on economic Charter change that is deemed too slow by the House of Representatives, along with the ongoing probe of the so-called PDEA leaks, as key reasons for his ouster. With his replacement, Senate committees are also being reorganized, with Sen. Ronald dela Rosa likely to lose the panel on public order and dangerous drugs.

The panel is undertaking the probe on the alleged inclusion of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in 2012. The PDEA allegedly failed to validate this raw intel because it was stopped by the executive secretary at the time, Paquito Ochoa, a

WE are extremely pleased with the announcement by Cerberus Capital Management that they have finalized a lease agreement for HD Hyundai – the global leader in shipbuilding and offshore engineering – to lease a portion of the Agila

partner in the law firm of Marcos’ wife Liza. Ochoa faced Dela Rosa’s panel on Monday and denied stopping the PDEA surveillance. PDEA officials had previously denied the existence of any document that mentioned Bongbong Marcos as a drug personality.

Ironically for Zubiri, as he was forced to step down on Monday, Dela Rosa himself cited in contempt his star witness, former PDEA agent Jonathan Morales, along with another person for inconsistencies and lying to the committee. President Marcos had earlier dismissed Morales as a “jukebox” that would play any song when a coin is inserted.

An emotional Zubiri explained on Monday that he was forced out of his post because “I failed to follow the instructions of the

powers that be.” He stressed that he had no regrets, and he took pride in maintaining the independence of the Senate amid pressure from those powers on various issues. Although the probe on the PDEA leaks was among the factors believed to have led to his ouster, Zubiri congratulated Dela Rosa for standing firm in efforts to ferret out the truth.

The Senate has in fact been seen as a chamber that shows independence even

when its members are predominantly allies of the administration. Senators can even be deemed independent to a fault; their description as “independent republics” is not always given as a compliment. Still, the public has come to expect this independence from senators. Under new leadership, the senators must not forget that their loyalty is not to whoever is in power, but to the nation and the Filipino people. (Philstar.com)

Cerberus and Hyundai Subic partnership

Subic facility in Subic Bay.

It can be recalled that the Subic shipyard was abandoned by Hanjin Heavy Industries that declared bankruptcy in 2019 after incurring over $412 million in debts, leaving thousands of Filipinos jobless. We were fortunate to play a role in saving the facility during a meeting at the White House with then-deputy national security adviser

Matt Pottinger to discuss the shuttered facility in Subic Bay. The administration of President Donald Trump was interested in saving the shipyard and put it to good use, such as a docking and repair facility for U.S. ships and still make it commercially viable. Obviously, what was important for us was to make the Subic site economically viable and get our local banks

paid, plus making sure that it does not fall into the wrong hands. The process was very challenging and complex because Hanjin had a lot of lenders, both domestic and international. It took almost three years for us and then-finance secretary Sonny Dominguez to put the Hanjin project together, with leading private equity firm Cerberus emerging as the

not constitute an a greement to continue publication. Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’

ManilaTimes.net photo

BABE ROMUALDEZ

PAGE 10

About 100 fishing boats sail toward Pan- atag Shoal during the second civilian-led resupply mission by the Atin Ito Coalition. Philstar.com photo

Dateline PhiliPPines

Agriculture losses due to El Niño reach P9.5 billion

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported on Tuesday, May 21 that the ongoing El Niño phenomenon has caused around P9.5 billion in damage to the agriculture sector.

El Niño’s wrath has affected 175,063 farmers and fisherfolk, and devastated 163,694 hectares of agricultural land, according to the DA.

Regions most affected were Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Mindanao, Davao Region and Soccsksargen.

The agriculture department also reported that El Niño has caused an estimated 426,798 metric tons (MT) in production losses across various crops, including 185,561 MT for palay, 180,807 MT for corn,

48,949 MT for high-value crops, and 147 MT for cassava.

The impacted area accounted for 3.91% of the targeted planting area, while the production loss was equivalent to 2.01% of the production target for this year’s dry cropping seasons

Meanwhile, corn losses represent 6.08% of the targeted planting area and 4.02% of the production loss.

The DA said that it has provided financial assistance of around P8.59 billion and P658.22 worth of aid for production support.

El Niño, a climate pattern associated with extreme heat and drought, continues to weaken, but its impacts are expected to persist until June.

There is around 60% chance of La Niña, a cooling climate pattern, developing in the June-July-August season. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)

Marcos pitches PH as key player in Indo-Pacific

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, May 21 touted the economic strengths of the Philippines as he positioned the country to become a key player in the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking at the 6th IndoPacific Business Forum at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Marcos cited the country’s outstanding economic record and soaring foreign investments which will make the country a major contributor to the IndoPacific region’s economic activity.

Marcos said the Philippine economy grew by 5.5% last year, surpassing major economies in Asia. He added that foreign direct investments (FDI) continue to flow in with four consecutive months of expansion.

The president noted that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) partner countries play a significant role in the country's robust economic growth, contributing substantially to the Philippines' FDI and approved investments.

The forum, according to the president, provides a platform for the country to “showcase our investment opportunities, economic

potential, and ongoing development projects, solidifying our leadership role in the Indo-Pacific region.”

“As the Philippines occupies a strategic position in the Indo-Pacific, we are leveraging our strategic geopolitical location, economic engagements, and participation in regional agreements,” Marcos said.

“With this region accounting for over onethird of global economic activity, this presents immense opportunities for our nation,” he added.

Game-changing legislations

In his speech, Marcos also cited “gamechanging” reforms that his administration has pushed for to provide investors with a conducive business environment.

The president identified the reforms such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) ACT, the Ease of Doing Business Act, and the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments Executive Order.

He said the CREATE More Act “represents a significant leap forward” as the Philippines expands

BI warns travelers vs. ‘foreign currency fine’ scam

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday, May 21 warned the public against unscrupulous individuals using the agency's name to scam people.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco issued the warning after the agency received a request for verification from a Filipino woman whose American partner was allegedly held at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on May 15.

The American supposedly received an order from a BI Facebook account to pay PHP40,000 as a penalty for arriving with undocumented foreign currency found in his luggage, which exceeds the legal amount.

Tansingco clarified that the BI does not deal with incoming currencies and luggage, noting this is a scam.

and refines the incentives introduced under the CREATE Act, making the country even more attractive for investments.

“Through these reforms, we assure you that the Philippine government is fully committed to supporting and facilitating your business endeavors in our country. We extend our hand in partnership and stand ready to provide any assistance that you may require as you navigate the business landscape in the Philippines,” Marcos said.

Smart, sustainable transport

Likewise, the chief executive emphasized the importance of a sustainable and efficient transport system to the country’s socioeconomic growth.

Marcos said he has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to develop and implement transportation projects that meet the needs of Filipinos and businesses, adding that the government is embracing new technologies in making

He said these matters are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Under the BOC's rules, travelers must declare foreign currencies in excess of US$10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.

Earlier this month, the BI also received a request for verification from a Filipina whose South Korean partner received a similar order.

The BI said the Facebook account reportedly sent a message to the Filipina demanding payment of US$350 for fines.

Tansingco also lauded the effort of the two Filipinas for coming forward to verify such demands for payment.

The public has been advised to send verification requests to the BI’s Facebook account at Facebook.com/ officialbureauofimmigration

or via their hotline at +632 8 4652400.

Chinese with fake docs intercepted Meanwhile, BI officers recently intercepted a passenger traveling from Bangkok at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 for presenting counterfeit documents.

According to the BI’s Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement (I-PROBES), 32-year-old Wang Weiqiang arrived in the country onboard a Philippine Airlines flight and attempted to clear the immigration counter with his counterfeit Mauritius passport and identification card on May 17.

BI records show that Wang previously traveled in the Philippines by presenting a

BI warns travelers...

Chinese passport.

Wang revealed during interrogation that he acquired the fraudulent document after allegedly investing US$200,000, but admitted to have never traveled to Mauritius for the processing. He instead received the passport and identity card while he was in Thailand.

A verification done by BI’s forensic documents laboratory revealed that the documents presented were counterfeit.

Tansingco has ordered the foreigner’s immediate exclusion from the Philippines, and his inclusion in the BI's blacklist to prevent him from returning to the country. (PNA)

The lure of specialty medicine pulls...

When it comes to the actual work performed, the lines between primary and specialty care are often blurred, said Candice Chen, associate professor of health policy and management at George Washington University.

“You might be a nurse practitioner working in a gastroenterology clinic or cardiology clinic, but the scope of what you do is starting to overlap with primary care,” she said.

Nurse practitioners’ salaries vary widely by location, type of facility, and experience. Still, according to data from health care recruiter AMN Healthcare Physician Solutions, formerly known as Merritt Hawkins, the total annual average starting compensation, including signing bonus, for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in specialty practice was $172,544 in the year that ended March 31, slightly higher than the $166,544 for those in primary care.

According to forecasts from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioner jobs will increase faster than jobs in almost any other occupation in the decade leading up to 2032, growing by 123,600 jobs or 45%. (Wind turbine service technician is the only other occupation projected to grow as fast.) The growth rate for physician assistants is also much

faster than average, at 27%. There are more than twice as many nurse practitioners as physician assistants, however: 323,900 versus 148,000, in 2022.

To Grover, of the AAMC, numbers like this signal that there will probably be enough NPs, PAs, and physicians to meet primary care needs. At the same time, “expect more NPs and PAs to also flow out into other specialties,” he said.

When Pamela Ograbisz started working as a registered nurse 27 years ago, she worked in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit. After she became a family nurse practitioner a few years later, she found a job with a similar specialty practice, which trained her to take on a bigger role, first running their outpatient clinic, then working on the floor, and later in the intensive care unit.

If nurse practitioners want to specialize, often “the doctors mentor them just like they would with a physician residency,” said Ograbisz, now vice president of clinical operations at temporary placement recruiter LocumTenens.com.

If physician assistants want to specialize, they also can do so through mentoring, or they can receive “certificates of added qualifications” in 10 specialties to demonstrate their expertise. Most employers don’t “encourage or require” these

certificates, however, said Jennifer Orozco, chief medical officer at the American Academy of Physician Associates.

There are a number of training programs for family nurse practitioners who want to develop skills in other areas.

Raina Hoebelheinrich, 40, a family nurse practitioner at a regional medical center in Yankton, South Dakota, recently enrolled in a threesemester post-master’s endocrinology training program at Mount Marty University. She lives on a farm in nearby northeastern Nebraska with her husband and five sons.

Hoebelheinrich’s new skills could be helpful in her current hospital job, in which she sees a lot of patients with acute diabetes, or in a clinic setting like the one in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she is doing her clinical endocrinology training.

Lack of access to endocrinology care in rural areas is a real problem, and many people may travel hundreds of miles to see a specialist.

“There aren’t a lot of options,” she said.

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.

MODERN HEALTHCARE. St. Luke’s Medical Center-Quezon City launches its newest robotic surgical system on Monday, May 20. The da Vinci Xi is a leap forward in surgical precision and minimally invasive procedures, allowing surgeons to perform complex operations with enhanced precision and control, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes. PNA photo by Ben Briones

PH remains low risk for COVID-19 amid new variants

MANILA – The Philippines remains at low risk for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) amid reports of new variants monitored abroad, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday, May 21.

The agency said it was in close coordination with international health authorities in monitoring newly designated COVID-19 variants.

“While there is an observed increase recently, it is small and lower than previously observed increases. Out of the new cases reported, seven had severe or critical disease,” the DOH said in a statement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Covid-19 Epidemiological Update on May 17 noted three new variants under monitoring (VUM) -- JN.1.18, KP.2 and KP.3 -- which are descendants of JN.1.

As of May 12, only 11

percent or 119 out of 1,117 dedicated COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds were occupied.

Only 1,238 or 13 percent of dedicated COVID-19 nonICU beds were used.

Based on hospital reports in the DOH Data Collect application, severe and critical COVID-19 cases admitted in various hospitals total only 116 as of May 12.

About 877 new COVID-19 cases were reported, with an average of 125 cases reported per day from May 7 to 13, 2024.

“Five deaths were recorded, which occurred in the recent two weeks (April 30 to May 13).”

The DOH called on doctors, including their clinics, hospitals, and other health facilities “to accurately and immediately report cases of COVID-19, whether tested by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or rapid antigen test” as mandated by law.

“This will help guide public health decision-making,” the DOH said.

New variants

Variants KP.2 and KP.3 are also called as “FLiRT” by some researchers to describe amino acid changes in the COVID-19 virus’ spike protein.

The WHO observed that “there are currently no reported laboratory or epidemiological reports indicating any association between variants of interest or VUMs and increased disease severity.”

Earlier, the Singapore government said it is closely tracking a new wave of COVID-19 infections after its estimated count of weekly cases nearly doubled from May 5 to 11, 2024 with 25,900 cases compared with 13,700 cases in the prior period.

Its Ministry of Health said the new set of "FLiRT" variants account for over

two-thirds of the country’s cases and the wave is expected to peak in the next two to four weeks.

Travel restrictions

The WHO said there is no current evidence that the KP.2 and KP.3 variants are causing severe to critical COVID-19.

It said further assessment is needed to determine transmissibility and capacity to evade immune response.

The DOH said, “there is no scientific basis for travel restrictions to any country because of an increase in COVID-19 cases.”

“The voluntary use of face masks should be done properly, along with standard precautions like hand washing, avoiding crowds, and choosing good airflow,” it added.

Those who feel ill are advised to stay at home or to wear masks properly should there be a need to go out.

(PNA)

Cerberus and Hyundai Subic partnership...

“white knight” and whose unwavering commitment resulted in the completion of the agreement in April 2022.

As Cerberus senior managing director Alex Benard noted, it was not easy to get an abandoned, 350-hectare facility back on its feet and make it operational again. I remember when we visited the site in June 2022 with members of the U.S.-Philippines Society and Cabinet officials, several of the buildings were already rundown and dilapidated.

But in just two years since the American financial firm took over the facility through its portfolio company Agila Subic, they have managed to attract several tenants that include global subsea fiberoptic cable company Subcom, logistics company V2X and the Philippine Navy that was the facility’s very first tenant, occupying some 100 hectares in the northern portion.

No doubt Cerberus is getting closer to realizing its vision of revitalizing the Subic shipyard and transforming it into a multi-use facility to make it more economically sustainable instead of using it as just one huge shipbuilding site. As explained by Alex, a key component to their business plan is a diversified business model where different parts of the shipyard would be used for different purposes.

The major objective, however, is to bring shipbuilding back to Subic, and Cerberus has taken a very major step towards that direction through the partnership with HD Hyundai that, along with its affiliates, is acknowledged as a global leader in shipbuilding and offshore engineering. As a matter of fact, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro admits that he was “floored” and impressed

by the shipbuilding capabilities of Hyundai during his visit to the Korean shipbuilder’s headquarters in Ulsan earlier this year.

Hyundai is leasing the bigger of the two drydocks in Subic and is expected to bring large-scale maritime manufacturing back to the facility, initially focusing on offshore wind platforms. Site preparations will be commencing soon, with operations projected to start within the next 18 months.

According to the Korean shipbuilder, they plan to build a state-of-the-art maritime complex capable of handling offshore wind structures, ship block fabrication, ship repairs and other services. Aside from creating jobs and boosting the local economy, we’re optimistic that Hyundai’s presence will also equip Filipino workers – who are talented and very hardworking –with world-class skills, knowledge and expertise.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was very pleased by this latest development, saying this is an opportunity that would “bring maritime manufacturing back to Subic and restore the glory days of shipbuilding back to our shores.”

The president also took note of Cerberus’ “impeccable track record,” describing it as a “powerful force that would spur growth and development across many sectors.”

He also expressed optimism that the investments that will be created from thereon will be “especially beneficial to Subic because these will strengthen the freeport area’s vital role as a hotspot for industrial, commercial and other economic activities” – becoming a growth driver for the rest of the Philippines.

AFP chief, US Pacific Fleet head tackle regional peace efforts

* * *

We commend the Atin Ito (This is Ours) Coalition for demonstrating what true Filipino nationalism is all about when its advance team of 10 people successfully breached the blockade put up by China at Panatag Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, and delivered essential supplies to Filipino fishers in the area. They showed the true spirit and courage of the Filipino – standing by what is rightfully ours.

“Talagang atin ‘to” is all I can say to those few misguided individuals who continue to defend China’s harassment and bullying in the West Philippine Sea, saying we are being used by the United States to fight their war. Really?

To those people challenging the leadership of President Marcos, saying he is “masyadong mabait” (too softhearted) or weak – they are gravely mistaken. They are underestimating him for his politeness reflective of his upbringing and British education.

PBBM, born under the Virgo sign, is a perfectionist and I know him well enough to categorically say that when he puts his mind into something – he will get it done. He did not become president by accident. And when he says he will protect our sovereignty and will not give up even a square inch of our maritime territory, you can be darn sure he will – and without a doubt do what is right for our country. (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

MANILA – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. and United States Pacific Fleet commander, Adm. Stephen Koehler met on Monday, May 20 to discuss ways to further uphold peace in the IndoPacific Region.

"In their meeting, Gen. Brawner Jr. expressed his gratitude to Admiral Koehler for the continued support of the enduring U.S.-Philippine alliance amidst evolving security challenges," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a statement on Tuesday, May 21.

During their meeting at the AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Brawner reaffirmed the AFP’s dedication to

upholding a free and stable Indo-Pacific region through rules-based approaches under international law.

Trinidad said Koehler's courtesy call reflects the AFP’s strategic partnership to strengthen interoperability and further advance combined capabilities in the maritime domain.

The two officials also discussed the conduct of the first-ever multilateral maritime cooperative activity and its regular holding between Manila and Washington D.C.

These activities are part of the ongoing effort to underscore collective commitment to regional and international cooperation in safeguarding the Indo-Pacific Region. (PNA)

Marcos pitches...

the country’s transport systems smarter and more responsive to changing needs.

“There is a long way to go still, but we are committed to making the Philippines a leader in smart and sustainable transportation. And we believe that with the right investments and partnerships, we will achieve that goal,” he said.

Infra projects Marcos also invited foreign investors to participate in his administration’s "Build Better More" infrastructure program, which includes 185

high-impact projects worth PHP9.5 trillion.

"These projects contribute to our goal to be the next logistics hub in Asia," he said.

The chief executive said a whole-of-nation approach, particularly private investments, is necessary to achieve this goal.

"Therefore, we invite foreign investors to participate in this endeavor through public-private partnerships, engineering, procurement, and construction contracts, and for feasibility studies, as well," he said. (PNA)

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (right) and US Pacific Fleet commander, Adm. Stephen Koehler, Commander hold talks during the latter's courtesy call at the AFP headquarters on Monday, May 20. The two officials discussed ways to further uphold peace in the Indo-Pacific Region and other areas of cooperation.

Photo courtesy of the AFP

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more immigration questions on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy

LEADING U.S. Immigration

Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel had already featured these individuals as “success stories” in earlier episodes of Citizen Pinoy. However, they all had their own immigration questions that they wanted to ask Atty. Gurfinkel.

So, for a special Your Tanong, My Sagot – we are bringing these Success Story subjects back one more time with their own immigration concerns.

Ayie is a U.S. citizen. She is also a computer engineer and an entrepreneur. She wants to know if she can bring her sister to the

U.S. through an employmentbased petition, to work for her business. She is also asking if she can bring her mother over as a tourist, and then process her mother’s papers in the U.S. Lani, a nurse and an entrepreneur, wants to start her own business recruiting nurses. She wants to know if Atty. Gurfinkel can help her with that.

Dr. Feb is a green card holder (through her U.S. citizen spouse) and wants to know if she can now petition her mother.

Jonas, head cook at Gerry’s Grill Houston, recently obtained PAGE 12

KAPAMILYA IN HOUSTON, TEXAS GET ANSWERS TO THEIR IMMIGRATION QUESTIONS FROM LEADING U.S. IMMIGRATION

ATTORNEY MICHAEL J. GURFINKEL ON “YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT” –ONE MORE TIME! Atty. Gurfinkel (bottom right) answers the following questions – From Lani (top left): I want to start my own recruitment business for nurses. Can your law office help me with that?; From Jonas (top right): Now that I have my green card, how can I bring my children to the U.S.? Can I also bring my live-in partner who is the mother of my children?; From Doc Feb (bottom left): As a green card holder, can I now petition my mother?; From Ayie (bottom right): I am a U.S. citizen and I have a business. Can I petition my sister for an employment-based green card? Get the answers to these questions from Kapamilya in Houston, Texas on Part 2 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” on a brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, May 26 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

Distilled water: Unsafe!

Health@Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

IT is easy to understand how people in general, being more health conscious today, could mistake distilled water as the “cleanest and healthiest” water for drinking. After all, it is nothing but pure H2O. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Distilled water (neutral, pH 7) could come from distillation (tap water boiled into vapor and condenses back into liquid distilled form, leaving all solid sediments behind), as in bottled distilled water.

We are all using recycled water. Water we use for washing, bathing, cooking, cleaning, and toilet flushing all flow into the river, lakes, and large bodies of water. Large cities get their water from rivers, lakes, deep wells, which is piped in from a central water supply, brought in through aqueducts and to water treatment plants for purification.

The other industry purifying method uses tap water that passes through multi-stage, reversed osmosis filters plus UV-C light exposure, saving the beneficial minerals in it, and bottled for drinking.

The popular Zero water filtration pitcher is a very convenient way to remove all total dissolved solid contaminants and produce water with zero level of TDS (total dissolved solids), practically like bottled distilled water.

The standard water industry filtration system usually includes a multistage process: sediment and carbon (2-stage), Reverse Osmosis (3-stage), Reverse Osmosis/Deionization (4-stage)… in other words, mechanical, chemical, mineral, bacterial, including the use of UVC light for further purification.

Boiling city tap water also leaves sediments at the bottom of the pot, and produces “almost distilled” water, safer to drink. This last method could be used in urgent temporary situations where no bottled water or filtered water is available. It may also be used safely for brewing beverages or for

cooking.

Distilled water, produced in any method, is devoid of minerals and solid particulates, including good ones (the harmful ones are pesticides, herbicides, chlorine, mercury, cadmium, benzene, asbestos, copper, particulates, copper, zinc, etc.).

The Zero Water filter does NOT get rid of bacteria, fungi, parasites, which the city water filtration system removes anyway, so it is safe to use it for cooking, CPAP devices, cleaning wounds, iron, steamers, humidifiers, and other devices that require distilled water to prevent harmful calcium deposits. Bottled distilled water, manufactured through condensation process also is free of bacteria, fungi, parasites, besides removing those harmful chemicals.

Unhealthy to drink

However, distilled water is NOT healthy for daily drinking because it lacks all the important minerals our body needs, like fluoride (for tooth health), especially for children. These beneficial minerals include calcium, magnesium, chloride, sodium, potassium, iron, zinc, and chloride.

The basic benefits we get from drinking enough filtered water (at least 8 glasses) each day: (1) Water makes up at least 60 percent of our body, babies, 70-83 percent; (2) Supports the functions of our organs and cells; (3) Regulates our body temperature; (4) Aids in digestion; (5) Keeps our skin healthy; (6) Boosts our alertness and supports brain function; (7) Helps kidneys and gastrointestinal system function well in getting rid of our liquid solid wastes; and, (8) Water is life, it also quenches and satisfies our thirst.

‘Absolute’ly untrue

While distilled water is ubiquitous in the Philippines, very cheap and available even in tiny street stores in the most remote rural areas of the country, in the western world it is sold only in drug stores and big grocery stores. It tastes bland and flat. Boiled tap water, hot or cold, and bottled water taste a lot better.

The brands Absolute (Asia Brewery) and Wilkins (Coca Cola Beverages Philippines) are two popular brands of distilled water in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, distilled

water is advertised in many cities around the world as “cleanest or purest drinking water,” which is not true, a deceptive claim, and a public disservice, bordering on criminal false advertising practice endangering people’s health. The same thing is true with alkaline water, when used by a healthy person.

Side comment: I have a TDS meter and tested the water in our ancestral home in San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City, Philippines, and discovered to my surprise that its city tap water (supplied by the city government’s water filtration plants) has lower TDS (total dissolved solid contaminants) than the water in Munster, Indiana, and even a lot lesser than in the water in Las Vegas, which has one of the hardest (highest TDS level) water in the United States.

Bad side-effects

Drinking distilled water for daily beverage is unhealthy. Imbibing distilled water occasionally when regular bottled or clean tap water is not available, is fine, but not for regular daily consumption.

Bad side-effects of drinking distilled water daily among adults, and more especially for children and those who are not eating a balanced diet, are: the bland and flat taste causes people to drink less; chronic drinkers of distilled water have a high risk of having electrolyte deficiency, imbalance, causing fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, organ failure, etc.; when distilled water is in contact with the air, it can absorb carbon monoxide, a poison, similar to the colorless, odorless gas from car exhaust that kills people in a closed garage.

Final message, a warning: Distilled water is not safe to drink every day – for anyone. Let’s use modern scientific data to help us live a healthier lifestyle, for maximal longevity possible. And let us share the valuable correct information with our fellowmen for a healthier nation as a whole.

* * *

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

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more...

PAGE 11

his green card. He wants to know how he can bring all his children to the U.S. and if he can also bring his live-in partner, who is the mother of his children.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions in this special edition of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” – One More Time in Houston, Texas. Watch this brandnew episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, May 26 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)

Alden Richards, Kathryn Bernardo share story behind 'Hello, Love, Again' teaser

By Kathleen a. llemit Philstar.com

ALDEN Richards and Kathryn Bernardo admitted that they had to rediscover their "Hello, Love, Goodbye" characters when they did the teaser shoot for its upcoming sequel "Hello, Love, Again."

Star Cinema and GMA Pictures will collaborate for the first time in the said sequel scheduled for release in Philippine theaters on November 13.

As part of its promotions, Alden and Kathryn shot a teaser where Kathryn's Joy is seen looking at a snowy mountain in Canada, where the sequel will be set. She turns her head and finds that Alden's Ethan has finally visited her from Hong Kong. In the 2019 film, they had to part ways to pursue their dreams and fulfill their promises to their families. Ethan remained in Hong Kong, while Joy pushed through with her plan of

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.

* * *

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian

migrating to Canada.

"Shino-shoot pa lang namin 'yung teaser, naramdaman ko na e kung ano 'yung mga nangyayari, which also excites me. Siyempre may takot din kasi 'yun 'yung last time na nakatrabaho ko si Direk and si Kath," Alden said. Apart from them, Cathy Garcia-Sampana will return to direct the sequel, so with writers Carmi Raymundo

Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * *

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

and Krystal San Miguel.

"Gaya ng sinabi ni Kath, hindi ko alam on how we're going to react to one another again after five years. More of the takot, it's more of the excitement e," added the actor during last Sunday's (May 19) special announcement confirming the sequel held in ABS-CBN. Kathryn, meanwhile, said that it was sort of a reunion

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, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Ayie (left) and Lani (right)

Dr. Feb (left) and Jonas (right)

'Hello, Love, Goodbye' director Cathy Garcia-Sampana is flanked by her actors Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards at the special announcement of their movie's sequel titled 'Hello, Love, Again' held on Sunday, May 19 in ABS-CBN. Philstar.com photo PAGE 15

Celebrating Filipino artistry and creativity at MoMA PS1 PACITA ABAD'S LEGACY AND ‘LITTLE MANILA QUEENS: MABUHAY!’

by MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPress

LOOKING for a delightful weekend adventure? Hop aboard the 7 train and whisk yourself away to MoMA PS1 for a dose of Filipino art that will surely uplift your spirits!

Start your journey with the vibrant world of Pacita Abad's exhibition, running until September 2. Then, dive into the captivating narrative of "Little Manila Queens: Mabuhay!" which runs from May 16 to October 21, 2024. This exhibition delves into the profound social impact of migration policies on Filipino communities, spotlighting the vibrant Woodside Little Manila neighborhood. It was one of the four new exhibitions launched last week at an Open House that featured talks, performances, and workshops from artists and curators.

After immersing yourself in Filipino creativity, hop back on the 7 train and venture to the heart of Queens' Little Manila. Indulge in a hearty Filipino dinner or stock up on authentic ingredients to recreate your favorite dishes at home. It's a weekend escapade filled with art, culture, and delicious flavors – what more could you ask for?

Pacita Abad and her ‘trapuntos’

This is the first retrospective of FilipinoAmerican artist Pacita Abad. Spanning the artist’s 32year career, the exhibition includes more than 50 works—most of which have never been on public view in the United States prior to this exhibition.

Largely self-taught, Abad is best known for her trapuntos, quilted paintings made by stitching and stuffing her canvases as opposed to stretching them over a wood frame.

After moving to the United States in 1970 to escape political persecution from the authoritarian Marcos regime, Abad sought to give

visibility to political refugees and oppressed peoples through her work.

“I have always believed that an artist has a special

obligation to remind society of its social responsibility,” she said.

Organized by the Walker Art Center in collaboration with Abad’s estate, the presentation celebrates the multifaceted work of an artist whose vibrant visual, material, and conceptual concerns push forward salient conversations around globalization, power, and resilience.

Mabuhay!

“Little Manila Queens: Mabuhay!" is a creative place-keeping project in Homeroom by Little Manila Queens Bayanihan Arts, a grassroots collective of artists and cultural workers who celebrate the diasporic Filipino communities in Woodside, Queens, and throughout New York.

Homeroom, rooted in the building's rich history as Long Island City's first school and later a hub for artistic experimentation since PS1's inception in 1976, serves as the perfect backdrop for this celebration. It's a space where connections

14

Pacita Abad’s first major retrospective celebrates her under-recognized artistry with a presentation of over 50 textiles, costumes, ceramics, and works on paper, most of which have never before been seen in the US. AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

"We Are They (still)” from the Little Manila Queens: Mabuhay! exhibition Image courtesy Diana Diroy/Little Manila Queens Bayanihan Arts

Little Manila Queens: Mabuhay! examines the social impact of migration policies that have deployed Filipino workers outside the Philippines, with a focus on the Woodside Little Manila neighborhood. The centerpiece of this presentation is the Balikbayan Arch, a newly commissioned counter-monument that facilitates exchange between the Philippines and its diaspora. Photo from Instagram_@littlemanilaqueens

During her more than 30-year career, Abad created over 4,500 artworks, adapting the trapunto technique which give her paintings a beguiling, sculptural appearance. Her work—which has been exhibited in over 200 museums, galleries and other venues, around the world— is in public, corporate and private art collections in over 70 countries.

On Medicare, Medigap and LIHEAP

QUESTION 1: I just turned 65. Can I sign up for Medicare?

Yes. Medicare is a health insurance program for people 65 or older.

If you have been receiving Social Security benefits for at least 4 months prior to turning 65, you’ll get Medicare automatically. If not, you must actively sign up. When you first sign up for Medicare during your 7 month-IEP (Initial Enrollment Period), you will have Medicare Part A (hospital/ inpatient coverage) and Part B (medical/outpatient coverage), which is known as Original Medicare or Traditional Medicare.

You must pay a monthly premium for Part B and/or Part A (almost all beneficiaries don’t have to pay a Part A monthly premium if they or their spouse have at least 40 Social Security work credits). You still have to pay 20% coinsurance and deductible. If you want to fill this expense gap, you can choose to purchase either Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage plan) or Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance).

Lastly, there is Medicare Part D, prescription drug coverage. Part D covers prescription drugs. If you have Original Medicare and want prescription drug coverage, you should purchase a stand-alone drug plan; however, many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.

Question 2: What are Medicare Advantage Plans and Medigap?

If you have Part A and Part B, you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan, sometimes called “Part C” or an “MA

plan.” MA plans must offer, at minimum, the same benefits as Original Medicare. Unlike Original Medicare, MA plans can offer additional benefits such as dental or vision coverage and have annual out-of-pocket maximum limits. Many MA plans provide Part D coverage as part of their benefits package. You have to pay a monthly premium for MA, but some MA plans have $0 monthly premiums. So, you can save significantly on your health care costs. However, MA plans typically have network restrictions, meaning that you will likely be more limited in your choice of doctors, hospitals, and service areas. Plans may require a referral for specialist visits or prior authorization from your plan. If cost is your prior concern or you live in an urban area, MA plan may be a good option.

Medigap (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance) is a private health insurance policy to fill cost-sharing gaps such as 20% coinsurance in Medicare Parts A & B and only those enrolled in Original Medicare can purchase a Medigap plan. Medigap offers neither prescription drugs nor additional benefits such as dental or vision. If you want additional coverage, you’ll need to purchase the plan you want to add separately. You will need to pay monthly premiums for Part B and Medigap plan (and if applicable, additional coverage plans), totaling about $400 or more per month. Original Medicare supported by Medigap (with/without a prescription drug plan) would be a good choice for those who need

recurring care for a chronic condition, travel a lot, or live in rural areas.

Question 3: Do you know that you may also be eligible for energy cost assistance?

LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) is a federally funded program that helps low-income households to meet their immediate home energy needs. This program provides your household with an annual cash grant to help you pay for your home heating and cooling costs. The grants are paid either directly to you or to your energy company. To be eligible a household must have an income that does not exceed the greater of 150% of the federal poverty guideline(e.g., $2,555 for a two-person household) or 60% of the state median income level. Enrollment periods may not be yearround, and the open period depends on the state. The application processes and agencies vary depending on the area where you live. Please call us to see if you are eligible.

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages. If you have additional questions about Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, Social Benefits for Seniors, or COVID/ Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today: Call our Senior Assistance Center at: (English) 1-800336-2722, Email: askNAPCA@napca. org, Mail: 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101.

Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles credit children’s role in decision to wed

By Boy ABundA Philstar.com

AFTER my dear friend Kris Aquino played matchmaker to Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles, the celebrity couple became inseparable despite all issues of jealousy and lovers’ arguments. But it took them 18 years before they decided to seal their love in marriage. Troy and Aubrey tied the knot in a civil wedding in June 2022. The actress says she didn’t pressure Troy to marry her as she was already content with whatever they had. Troy, on the other hand, shares their children – Hunter and Rocket – were

Anne Curtis makes ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’ cast mate Joshua Garcia ‘nervous’

by HAnnAH MAllorcA Inquirer.net

JOSHUA Garcia admitted that being paired up with Anne Curtis in the Filipino adaptation of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” will be a “challenge” for him, but he’s confident that he would find his stride in the days to come.

Garcia was earlier confirmed to star as Patrick “Patpat” Gonzales in the remake, who is the local counterpart of Kim Soohyun’s character Moon Kang-tae.

Speaking in an interview with entertainment journalist MJ Marfori via Tiktok, the actor said he would feel challenged working closely with Curtis and admitted to being shy when they were asked to look at each other in a press conference earlier.

“I think macha-challenge ako with Anne, [‘yung titigan] pa nga lang hindi ko magawa. [Pero] feeling ko sa umpisa lang,” he said. (I

think I’ll be challenged with Anne. I can’t even look at her. But I think this would just happen in the beginning.)

Garcia said he’s counting on the workshops and filming days to be more comfortable with the “It’s Showtime,” although he remained mum on the details of the remake.

“Kapag dumaan na ang ilang araw, magworkshop na kami, and of course, makakasama ko na siya everyday, feeling ko masasanay rin ako,” he said.

(When the days go by, we go through workshops, and

be together every day, I’ll eventually get used to it.)

Meanwhile, Curtis said at a project announcement media con that she has been a fan of the series for a long time and always wanted to take on the female lead role.

Also one of the leads is Carlo Aquino who will portray Matthew “Matmat” Gonzales or the Filipino counterpart of Moon Sangtae (Oh Jung-se). The character will be the brother of Garcia in the series, who is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. g

Celebrating Filipino...

are forged, lessons are learned, and new possibilities are imagined, all with an emphasis on care and reciprocity.

For over fifty years, Filipino migrant workers have filled crucial roles in New York's healthcare system, particularly in the neighborhood surrounding Elmhurst Hospital, which bore the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis in 2020. Many of these workers have found a sense of community in Little Manila Queens, where exhaustion in a strained healthcare system is understood and supported.

LMQBA emerged that year as a resource and amplifier of the experiences of nurses, homecare aids, childcare providers, teachers, domestic workers, and other essential care-workers who continue to experience exhaustion in a strained healthcare system.

in which Filipinos were misrepresented as insurrectionists during their struggle for liberation, which led to Philippine Independence in 1946. The war has had a long impact on Filipinos, shaping presentday neocolonial relations that gave rise to the Filipino diaspora.

Constructed from shipping boxes used to send goods to family members in the Philippines, the monument reclaims Filipino labor in a reframing of history that connects the lingering effects of war to present-day migration.

Throughout the exhibition, the structure will be disassembled box-by-box to deliver care packages to community organizations across the archipelago, symbolically dismantling a monument to colonialism and replacing it with networks of care.

among the reasons for them to realize the need to get married.

Theirs is a love story that has all the ingredients of a perfect romantic film. There’s a boy who has been meaning to meet a girl but is too shy to do so. Luckily, the boy mentions it to another girl, who happens to be the girl’s friend, and she makes a way for the boy and girl to get to know each other. Later on, love blooms between the two.

I am referring to Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles who met through my dear friend Kris Aquino. Troy was the guest on

The organization embraces an ethos of compassion in their art-making, centering anticolonial frameworks and  bayanihan, a collective civic spirit. For this project, participating artists created films, murals, banners, and dances in collaboration with members of the Filipino diaspora in Queens.

The centerpiece of this Homeroom presentation is the Balikbayan Arch, a newly commissioned counter-monument that facilitates exchange between the Philippines and its diaspora.

The work subverts the Roman triumphal architecture of Manhattan’s Dewey Arch (1899–1900)—a now-demolished monument that celebrated the U.S. conquest of Spain in the 1898 Battle of Manila, which gave rise to the Philippine-American War (1889–1902).

The Balikbayan Arch reframes histories

During the Open House, chef Dennis Villafranca of Jeepney Guy had a free pop-up Filipino kitchen whose one-day-only menu celebrated Little Manila Queens: Mabuhay!

There was also Sew and Tell, an embroidery workshop hosted by LMQBA where participants were able to give new life to their previously loved clothes. They were also able to share stories about textile traditions, learn three simple embroidery techniques, and stitch a design onto their chosen garment.

Cecilia Lim, a Queens-based artist and conflict practitioner working across visual art, film, and embodied practices and Abby Manwiller, a textile artist and climate activist led the workshop. Lim is the founder and lead artist of the Remember Y(our) Connection / Tandaan Ang Ating Ugnayan project, which supports climate justice. g

Joshua Garcia and Anne Curtis Photos from Instagram/@starcreativestv

Troy Montero, Aubrey...

Krisy’s morning show at that time. Kris asked Troy of his showbiz crush which the latter answered with Aubrey’s name. What followed was Krisy calling Aubrey on national TV and asking permission to give her number to Troy.

Aubrey happened to be the guest in another show and she was in her dressing room when Troy came to personally introduce himself and requested a photo with her.

From that time on, Troy and Aubrey became inseparable despite all issues of jealousy and lovers’ arguments. But why did it take them 18 years before they decided to seal their love in marriage?

Aubrey revealed she still had hesitations to be wed in the church. “He also felt that I was not ready yet. May moment rin na biglang ready (na ako) tapos biglang hindi. Besides, I was not in a hurry (to get married) at that time.”

The actress stressed that she didn’t pressure Troy to marry her as she was already content with whatever they had. “Perhaps, he’s lucky because I’m not the demanding type, so there’s nothing to feel pressured about. I’m happy. I’m super happy with the situation. It’s like why should I change something if it’s okay already? I am happy with him,” remarked Aubrey.

Troy, on the other hand, said their children – Hunter and Rocket – were among the reasons for them to realize the need to get married. “I think, our kids (were) the ones who made us decide it’s time.”

Do they fight?

“During the first three years of our relationship, it was chaotic as if it was a war, and then on our sixth year – no, we were not living in yet that time – it was doubly chaotic because there was still jealousy,” replied Aubrey who also revealed that they started living in on their eighth year of being together.

Aubrey noticed a big change in the level of her patience and love for Troy when their romance reached a decade. “Iba na ‘yung level of love, patience and understanding n’yo (sa isa’t-isa), may stages pala. We thought we experienced those when we were in our first three, five years together.”

“Times have changed. We’re definitely more open compared to before na mas maselos ang isa sa amin,” she added.

Troy and Aubrey agreed that intimacy is important for a couple. “It’s one of the fun parts of the relationship. It’s important, maybe not a necessity that you have to always be sexy. For us, it’s a fun thing to do,” explained Aubrey. Even their children, Aubrey shared, are used to seeing her in bikinis. “They don’t see any malice.”

The two also revealed about sleeping naked every time they travel without their children.

“Whenever we travel, when it’s just the two of us, we’re always naked at the hotel,” declared Troy.

“We sleep naked. It’s normal (for us) even in the bathroom, we talk naked,” added Aubrey.

Troy and Aubrey tied the knot in a civil wedding in June 2022. g

Vilma Santos and director Chito Roño recall

fondly their nearly three-decade-old film

by Leah C. SaLterio Philstar.com

WHEN Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos said goodbye to her showbiz career in 1998, albeit only temporarily, that year also marked her successful foray into politics, when she served initially as mayor of Lipa, Batangas, followed by governor and congressman.

Vilma’s last film was director Chito Roño’s “Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?” based on the novel of awardwinning writer, Lualhati Bautista.

“If I remember right, during the dubbing of ‘Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?,’ when I was asked if I would run for mayor of Lipa,” Vilma recalled. “I was talking to direk Chito at that time and there were press people who wanted to confirm the news. That’s why ‘Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?’ was memorable to me.”

The film, however, was not Vilma’s first project with direk Chito. They earlier worked together in the drama thriller, “Ikaw Lang” (1993), with Cesar Montano and Ronnie Ricketts.

The rights to “Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa?” were earlier acquired by Viva Films. However, no film was being made for a long time.

“I convinced Malou Santos of Star Cinema to buy the rights of ‘Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?’ from Viva,” direk Chito shared. “So, the project went to us and it was Ate Vi, of course, who starred in the film. In fact, 10 years after we did the film, Lea Bustamante pa rin ang pangalan ni Ate Vi sa phone ko.”

When “Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?” was offered to the Star for All Seasons 26 years ago, she didn’t think twice about doing the project.

“When I first learned that the story was by awardwinning writer Lualhati Bautista, there was no reason to say no,” Vilma maintained. “Then, the one who will direct (Chito Roño) was an

ace director whom we all respect.”

“Thirdly, the life of Lea Bustamante, the lead character in the film, that’s my story. She’s a liberated woman. Every woman now is shouting ‘woman empowerment.’

Lea Bustamante is a perfect example of that,” she said.

“There’s nothing wrong if you have two husbands and two kids from different men. That’s me. My two sons came from different fathers. But no one can judge me. What is important is how you will face them and play your character as a woman, wife and mother.”

The theme of “Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?” is meticulous, as described by Vilma. “If the film was not conceptualized and directed well, there were ideas that might be misinterpreted. The good thing is that it was a very good and ace director like Chito Roño for me to appreciate a Lea Bustamante role. He often told me that Lea is very admirable.”

The role of Lea Bustamante as a mom is not easy for Vilma. “It’s not easy to be a mom, much more a single mom,” she explained. “The responsibility of a mom, just like Lea Bustamante in ‘Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?,’ is enormous. We just celebrated Mother’s Day and I was with my two sons, Lucky and Ryan.”

“If you are able to raise your children as decent, humane and productive human being, that’s not easy. You will have to go through

many challenges. There will come a time your children will lead their own lives and make their own decisions, as a mother, you need to adjust,” said she.

“The saying, ‘Mother knows best,’ doesn’t always work, especially now in this computer age, we need to adjust with our millennials. Being a mother is a gift from our Lord and we are the ones to enhance that so we will have good children.”

“I reiterated in the film, ‘Mga anak na desente atmakatao,’ para magkaroon tayo ng desente at makakataong lipunan.”

Vilma admitted her life as a mother is never perfect through the years. “You probably thought, from what you see on the outside, I am a perfect person or woman or mother. Hindi rin.”

“There are many challenges and trials in life. My life is not really perfect. But there will come a time when you will find a solution for your problem, for your family or even for your children.”

She advised: “Face the truth. Just wait. Just give them a good reminder and at the end of the day, they will hopefully make the right decision. You will be surprised because later on, they will realize what they want in life. You have no choice but to be a good mother and give good guidance to them.”

After six decades in the industry, which Vilma marked last year, the multi-awarded actress already psyched herself, whether or not the National Artist award will be

given to her.

“In my six decades in showbiz, I kept on saying, if it’s really meant to be, it will definitely happen,” Vilma said. “But if not yet and it is not yet yours, that will not happen. What is important is what are you as a person and the things you accomplished.”

“Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?” also stars Ariel Rivera, Albert Martinez, Carlo Aquino, Serena Dalrymple, Cherry Pie Picache, Angel Aquino, Raymond Bagatsing, Rosemarie Gil, Cita Astals, Dexter Doria, and Andrea del Rosario.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts presented the restored version of “Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?” at the Manila Metropolitan Theater last Sunday, with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), ABSCBN Sagip Pelikula, and Star Cinema.

The triumvirate of direk Chito, Vilma, and Lualhati Bautista worked together again in another blockbuster project, “Dekada ‘70” (2002). Much later, Vilma and direk Chito teamed up anew in the suspense drama, “The Healing.”

Direk Chito and Vilma are set to work on their fifth project any time soon. g

Alden Richards, Kathryn Bernardo

PAGE 12

for them when she saw that almost the same crew from 2019 were present at their sequel teaser shoot. She also

wore the same scarf that she wore in the 2019 film.

"'Yung feeling na parang reunion. Nag-take na si Direk Cathy parang nangapa

ulit kami. Of course, we're familiar with the characters pero ang tagal na nu'ng five years. Parang nawala na siya sa katawan mo.

But then excited kami and kinakabahan pareho kung paano kami papasok sa characters nina Joy and Ethan," she said. g

Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos graces the special sceening of the 1998 film ‘Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa?’ — an event presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and The Metropolitan Theater, in cooperation with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) and ABS-CBN Sagip Pelikula. Philstar.com photos

Vilma with her ‘Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa’ director Chito Roño (right) during the talkback session.

Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles Photo from Instagram/@troymontero