052524 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

Marcos tells military: Thwart attempts to overthrow gov’t

by CATHERINE VALENTE

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the military's "mission is not over" as they still needed to fight those who would attempt to overthrow the government.

In his speech during his visit to the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi headquarters in Bongao municipality on Thursday, May 23, Marcos said he has been going around military camps to reiterate the fight against government destabilization.

"When I go around our camps, I always explain our mission to fight those who attempt to overthrow the government for whatever reason," the president told the troops.

Marcos made the statement amid claims that active police officials were planning to oust him from power.

Citing unnamed sources, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV had said that some retired and active

California

SACRAMENTO — In the first year after its launch, the California vs. Hate initiative has provided support services to 1,020 victims of hate crimes and incidents.

At a press briefing here May 20 morning, the California Civil Rights Department, which heads up the multi-year initiative, unveiled new data and findings from the initiative’s first year in operation.

The program’s multilingual hotline — 833-8-NO-HATE, or 833-866-4283 — received approximately 2,000 calls from 80% of California’s counties. The hotline offers services in 200 languages.

Incidents can also be reported in one of 15 languages on the website.

Support services

Four out of six callers experiencing

Los Angeles County launches ambitious plan to tackle medical debt

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County has launched one of the most ambitious efforts in the nation to tackle medical debt, targeting hospitals for their role in feeding a $2.9 billion problem.

For over a year, the nation’s most populous county has worked on a comprehensive plan to track patient debt and hospital collection practices; boost bill forgiveness for lowincome patients; and buy up and forgive billions in medical debt — an effort helmed by its Department of Public Health.

Though LA County isn’t the first government entity to confront this crisis, what sets it apart is how it casts medical debt not as a political issue, but as an urgent public health threat as prevalent as asthma and diabetes.

“Nobody in the county of LA who is facing economic limitations should have that impact their ability to get the kind of health care, the kinds of services and support that we all need and are essential to optimal well-being,” public health department director Barbara

police officers are recruiting personnel to join a destabilization plot against Marcos.

Trillanes, who led rebellions against former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, added that those who were involved in the plot want Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio to become chief executive if Marcos is ousted through impeachment.

While the military's primary mission is to thwart attempts to topple the government, Marcos told soldiers in Tawi-Tawi that they have an obligation to advance peace by giving insurgents the opportunity to return to the fold of the law.

"But the mission is not over, we now have — we transform ourselves from war fighters, we transform ourselves into now peacemakers," the president said.

"You have performed the war-fighting mission to an excellent degree. And now, let us also show them that the peace-making part of your mission,

MANILA — The world’s largest coast guard vessel belonging to China entered the West Philippine Sea near Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal on Friday, March 24 in a move seen by experts as a way for Beijing to assert dominance and “expand its de facto occupation” there.

Ray Powell, director of SeaLight, said over X (formerly Twitter) that “the world’s largest coast guard ship” — a 165-meter CCG (China Coast Guard) vessel with bow number 5901— along with a 102-meter CCG vessel with bow number 5203 were

SANTA ANA – Filipino American Rhean

Jalipa Fontanoza 46, was accused this week of killing his Fil-Am co-worker and childhood friend, 50-year-old Expedito Cuesta De Leon in Orange County, California.

Fontanoza was charged with murder with a special circumstances allegation of a drive-by shooting and murder by lying in wait. He was also facing a sentencing enhancement for shooting a gun causing death.

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) confirmed the legality of the Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy between the Philippines and the United States that was signed in November last year.

"Considering the world's perpetual and unending need for better sources of energy, nuclear energy research is an avenue our country can expeditiously explore with proper regulation and safety measures locked in place," Remulla said in a three-page opinion addressed to the Department of Foreign Affairs, noting that

last spotted there at about 5:15 a.m.

Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad, the Navy spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, also confirmed this, adding that the two vessels were last seen 50 nautical miles off the atoll.

“There will be an appropriate response from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),” Trinidad said in a press conference in Manila.

Powell said the CCG ships “conducted a brief intrusive patrol” inside the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

“It was an unusual sortie, the purpose of which isn’t very clear to me from the tracking data,” Powell, who heads the program of Stanford University’s

De Leon was shot 14 times in 19 seconds, prosecutors said. The shooting occurred at about 3 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of Chrysler and Fleming in Irvine.

Fontanoza and De Leon worked as UPS drivers and both lived in Aliso Viejo in Orange County, California.

Fontanoza allegedly stopped a UPS driver at about 12:30 p.m. Thursday asking if that route was the one assigned to De Leon, and when he was told the victim had another route, the defendant went to the company’s Aliso Viejo station, where he is accused of using a computer there to  PAGE A3

the pact conforms to existing laws and is compliant with international standards, including those of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The agreement, signed on Nov. 16, 2023, in San Francisco, California, mandates the safe and secure use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Under it, the signatories were permitted to transfer and share information about nuclear material equipment and components directly or through authorized entities such as the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.

Remulla issued the opinion as a member of the Nuclear Energy Program–InterAgency Committee. 

Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation that tracks Chinese maritime activities in the West Philippine Sea, told INQUIRER.net in a message. Constant presence a ‘salami-slicing’ move

However, Powell noted that China typically conducts “intrusive patrols deep within the EEZ of neighboring countries… to establish a continuous presence and gradually normalize Chinese jurisdiction over areas granted to its neighbors under international law.”

Don McLain Gill, a lecturer at the De La Salle University’s Department of International Studies,  PAGE A2

MANILA — Despite his stand on divorce, newly-installed Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero said the chamber would decide on the matter based on conscience and personal beliefs.

Even in the past, Escudero has expressed his leaning toward the more affordable and accessible annulment in the country than divorce.

Under his new leadership, however, he expects the Senate to vote on the proposed measure based on conscience and personal beliefs.

“Ang posisyon ko dito sa divorce ay conscience at personal vote ito,” the new Senate chief

(My

“Walang

(There’s no party, no majority, no minority stand on this. It’s a personal decision based on each senator’s beliefs and religion.)

“At bilang

ng Senado, wala akong balak dumiin pabor o kontra dito,” Escudero stressed.

(And as the Senate president, I

said during Thursday’s (May 23) Kapihan sa Senado.

position on divorce is that it’s a matter of conscience and a personal vote)

party, walang majority, walang minority stand dito. Personal na desisyon base sa kanikanilang paniniwala at relihiyon ang mangyayari dyan kada senador,” he said.

tagapangulo

Marcos tells military: Thwart...

you will now fulfill as well to the same excellent degree," he said.

Marcos also commended the development of peace in Tawitawi that allowed him to be the first president to visit the island.

"The reason is not because other presidents did not want to come here, it was because other presidents were not allowed by the security conditions that had passed before to be able to come here," Marcos said.

"And that is why, I am very happy that we can now show that it is peaceful in Tawi-Tawi," he said.

The president said Tawi-Tawi was now peaceful because of all the efforts of all the troops to

transform Tawi-Tawi's reputation as a lair of the insurgents and terrorists in their kidnapping activities.

"Because of the efforts of all our personnel in the Task Force Tawi-Tawi, we have now come to the situation where it is peaceful enough now," he said.

"Now, instead of fighting, the battle is now over which one has the best resort and that is something that we — is a very, very, very big achievement and the part that you played in that is a very, very major part so congratulations for the good work and for a job well done," he added.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Nestor Narag Jr., 2nd Marine Brigade

commander, thanked the president for visiting them.

"We are very much honored and privileged to have you here with us this morning for it is the first time in the history of the deployment of our brigade here in the province of TawiTawi that the highest official of the land sets foot inside this headquarters," he said.

"Along that line Mr. President sir, we are wholeheartedly grateful for joining us, and thank you very much, Sir," he added.

Marcos visited the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi headquarters shortly after distributing aid to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the El Niño phenomenon in Tawi-Tawi. 

Escudero says he will neither push for...

have no intention of leaning in favor or against this.)

He insisted that making annulment more affordable and accessible is still a better choice than allowing divorce as approved by the House of Representatives, believing that this could be done by letting the Public Attorney’s Office handle marriage annulment cases. “At pangatlo, at mas maliwanag, i-define ng Kongreso kung anu-ano ang makokonsider na psychological incapacity,” he said.

(And thirdly, and clearer, Congress should define what constitutes psychological incapacity)

Escudero admitted, however, that he has yet to read the House approved version of the divorce bill.

“Malawak ang spectrum ng definition ng divorce,” he stressed.

(The spectrum of the definition of divorce is broad.)

On Wednesday, May 22, the House said 126 members voted to approve the proposed law on divroce while 109 voted against it

as 20 abstained from voting. The following day, however, the House clarified that 131 voted in favor of the measure after former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto questioned its approval. According to Sotto, the divorce bill did not get the required approval vote based on parliamentary rules that a majority of the quorum is needed to pass a bill. A simple majority would have been 127 or 128 of the 255 House members present during the voting. 

Huge

China coast guard ship powers its way...

noted that China is seeking to further establish its presence there as a part of Beijing’s “salami-slicing strategy” which, he said, is a strategy employed by Beijing “to slowly expand its de facto occupation of particular areas through a mix of nonmilitary means.”

“This is part of an ongoing, but intensifying salami-slicing strategy of Beijing in the West Philippine Sea, which lies in establishing a close to constant presence within Philippine EEZ to eventually alter the status quo and balance of power to its favor without the overt use of military force,” Gill further said in a message to INQUIRER.net.

Such moves align with Beijing’s assertion of sovereignty in almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea, even if such

a claim has been effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal which stemmed from a case filed by Manila in 2013.

China continues to reject this ruling.

Power move

“By using its largest Coast Guard vessel, China is also trying to illustrate its dominance and the asymmetry of power between the Philippines and China,” Gill also said.

Security expert Chester Cabalza also said the presence of the ship “is a show of force of Beijing’s might.”

“It symbolizes the Cold War in the Scarborough Shoal,” Cabalza told INQUIRER.net, noting that the move comes as Manila continues to challenge Beijing’s “illegal control” and reported underwater pipe-laying in the atoll.

its coast

seized control of

in

Philippine vessels, an

disregard of the international tribunal’s ruling declaring the area a shared fishing ground between China, Philippines and Vietnam.

In a bid to challenge this control which prevents fisherfolk from entering the area, a civilian-led convoy attempted to come near the vicinity of the shoal last week but was blocked by 10 CCG vessels in what the PCG branded as an “overkill” response to only five fishing boats.

Also during this event, China announced a unilateral anti-trespassing policy which encroaches most of the West Philippine Sea to take effect on June 15, according to a South China Morning Post report. 

Los Angeles County launches ambitious...

Ferrer said at a medical debt symposium April 10.

Mona Shah of Community Catalyst, a national health equity and policy organization, called the county’s efforts bold — tackling the root causes of medical debt, in addition to providing immediate debt relief, with input and participation from health plans, hospitals, community organizations, and government partners. Shah said the county’s population of about 10 million adds to the significance of its initiative.

But on the eve of the symposium, the local hospital association called on the county to revise its plan.

“We believe the proposed DPH [Department of Public Health] debt relief program and data collection effort will only burden hospitals with unnecessary requirements, without ultimately helping to address the underlying issue,” wrote George Greene, CEO of the Hospital Association of Southern California, in a letter to the LA County Board of Supervisors.

Many of the county’s recommendations would require hospitals to change their processes and add reporting duties. For instance, the county is asking hospitals to inform it when patient debt is sent to collections and pressing hospitals to improve access to financial assistance programs. Although state law requires hospitals to provide assistance, patient advocates say many don’t make it easy for patients to access.

Adena Tessler, LA County regional vice president for the hospital association, told KFF Health News the industry provides ample financial assistance and that the county is putting too much emphasis on hospitals’ role in the debt crisis, when other sectors of the health care system, such as insurers, should share the blame.

Tessler said the county plan should include all players, including health plans, provider groups, and ambulance providers.

“Medical debt is a problem, and we want to be a part of the solution,” Tessler said. “But hospitals are not the only source of medical debt.”

Medical debt affects 4 in 10 adults in the U.S., according to a KFF Health News analysis. LA County found, in its own analysis this year, that about 785,000 residents were burdened in 2022 with a total of $2.9 billion in medical debt.

The county analysis shows that medical debt disproportionately affects people of color, lowincome people, and families with children. Having medical debt more than doubled the likelihood that patients would delay or forgo health care or prescriptions or be at risk of losing housing or going

hungry.

Nationally, a handful of states have passed rules to limit medical debt collection or bolster hospital financial assistance policies.

Some jurisdictions have relieved residents of debt. Connecticut, Colorado, and New York enacted laws in the last two years to ban medical debt on credit reports, which can depress credit scores and make it harder for patients to get a job, rent an apartment, or secure a car loan. California lawmakers have proposed similar legislation, and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is also developing a set of rules.

“It’s a huge public health problem,” said Naman Shah, medical and dental affairs director at the public health department. “We in public health try to shift the determinants of health. Those are things that impact health deeply and impact people widely. Medical debt fulfills both of those. It’s important that we see this as a health issue, and not just a regulatory issue.”

The department made initial recommendations last spring, then further developed them with the backing of the Board of Supervisors, which described medical debt as “pervasive” and “causing financial, mental, and physical harm … especially to those from historically marginalized communities.”

Shah said that while the department continues to take hospital input and has addressed some of the association’s “misunderstandings,” officials are moving ahead with the plan. Tessler agreed the focus is on collaboration, not halting the county plan. Over the next several months,

the county plans to score hospitals based on financial assistance accessibility and provide them with templates and guidelines to make financial assistance less confusing and less burdensome for patients.

States such as Washington, Oregon, and Maryland have developed similar materials for hospitals.

The county’s goals also call for other debt prevention strategies, including working with plans and providers to better educate consumers to avoid surprise billing and out-of-network charges.

Shah said he was surprised by the timing of the hospital association’s letter, especially since county officials and hospital representatives met several times before the April symposium. He agreed it is important to tackle all sources of medical debt but said hospitals are a reasonable place to start.

Nearly 75% of adults with medical debt owe some or all of it to hospitals, according to a 2023 Urban Institute analysis.

“We want to get the most bang for our buck,” Shah said. “The largest bill that a patient receives is not a dental bill. It’s

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. commended Thursday the Joint Task Force (JTF) Tawi-Tawi for helping the government attain peace in Mindanao, resulting in enhanced tourism and business activities in the region.

Photo from PCO

China

Panatag Shoal’s lagoon

2012 after

guard’s standoff with

outright

BUCANA

Fil-Am charged with alleged ambush...

Fontanoza, who

was

to return to work June 1, prosecutors said.

The defendant, who was in a new vehicle the victim likely wouldn’t recognize, tracked De Leon down on his route and shot him from a pickup truck after the victim made a delivery and got back in his truck, prosecutors alleged.

Surveillance footage showed the suspect’s silver Honda Ridgeline 4-door truck pulling up next to the UPS truck before fleeing on Goodyear toward Jeronimo, police said.

Following the shooting, authorities radioed law enforcement in the area with a suspect description, and just before 4 p.m. Thursday, a sheriff’s deputy found a match on Santiago Canyon Road, and the pickup was stopped near Chapman Avenue. Video from the scene around 6 p.m. showed the pickup pinned by a pair of armored SWAT vehicles, with additional officers stationed on a hillside above the standoff.

At about 6:15 p.m., officers were seen firing tear gas into the cab of the truck, and a short time later a police dog was deployed, engaging the suspect in the rear passenger seat of the vehicle. After a short struggle, officers moved in and pulled the man from the vehicle and took him into custody.

Fontanoza was hospitalized following his arrest, but the extent of his injuries was unclear.

The defendant did not enter a plea at his arraignment Monday, and the hearing was rescheduled for June 10 in the Central Justice Center in Santa Ana.

Authorities have not released any possible motive for the killing.

“We are shocked and saddened by the latest developments in Irvine,” UPS said in a statement. “… These are highly unusual circumstances and do not represent the culture of our company and the camaraderie among our employees around the world. Our focus now is on supporting our people and their loved ones during this extremely difficult time. Since the investigation is ongoing, we defer any additional questions

to the investigating authorities.”

Who is Expedito Cuesta De Leon Expedito “X” Cuesta De Leon was born on September 27, 1974, in San Jose, Ormoc, Philippines. At the age of 14, he moved to California, where he ultimately achieved the “American Dream,” according to his obituary.

X proudly served in the United States Army as an E-4 SPC artillery soldier from 1994 to 1997. Following his military service, he embarked on a long and successful career with the United Parcel Service, recently celebrating his 27th anniversary this past January. X was frequently recognized for his outstanding service with UPS.

On November 10, 2011, X married the love of his life, Cindy Yuhico. Together, they traveled the world, creating lasting memories.

X is survived by his beloved wife Cindy, his son Devin (Nicole) De Leon, his daughter Malea De Leon, and Cindy’s two sons, Michael Torrevillas and Dione Torrevillas, and his special companion Mookie. He was incredibly proud of his children and their accomplishments. Anyone who knew X knew his deep love for his family.

X was a kind person with an infectious smile that left a positive impact on many people. He had a passion for rooting for his favorite sports teams, the Raiders, Lakers, and Dodgers, hosting barbecues, and especially mountain biking. He enjoyed the challenges of mountain biking and cherished the sense of community it created. X loved riding with his friends whenever he could. He will be deeply missed by all who know him.

A public viewing will be held May 29, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 5 p.m. led by Deacon Luis Gallardo at Fairhaven Memorial Services, 27856 Center Drive, Mission Viejo, California 92692.

A Mass will be held May 30, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Santiago de Compostela Church, 21682 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, California 92630. A burial will follow, scheduled from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, California 92122 to honor X and his commitment to the country he deeply loved. 

IRVINE – Last year, when Tycho Elling set a record for youngest graduate of Irvine Valley College at 11 years old, his younger sister saw a challenge.

“She basically said anything he can do I can do as well or better,” proud mom Christina Chow said of her 11-year-old daughter, Athena Elling.

“I’m just really happy and excited that I can have this great opportunity to beat my brother in such a meaningful way,” Athena said with a chuckle about her graduation Thursday from the community college.

She admitted she’s a “little competitive,” but added of her brother, “we’re very different people.”

The competitiveness “is more of a one-way thing,” she told City News Service. “We tease each other, but we do get along.”

Another difference is Tycho’s narrowly focused interest in math. He is now studying as a junior at UC Irvine, Chow said. Athena is more interested in the

Gets namin ang aming customer

performing arts and plans to pursue more associate degrees in theater.

“I just really want to get another associate’s and keep going and getting (more),” she said. “I might get another one in theater because I’d like to be an actress.”

Athena and Tycho were both enrolled in an online charter school, said Chow, who was formerly a high school chemistry teacher.

“We tried home schooling,” she said.

But Chow found it harder because of her emotional investment in her prize students.

“It’s easier when you don’t teach your own children,” she said.

Tycho “has been on the math train for years,” his mother told CNS. “For Athena, she does dancing, singing and guitar and she really feels she doesn’t have just one passion.”

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Both graduated at 11 years old, but Tycho was a week away from turning 12, Chow said. Athena is 11 1/2.

“She was so determined to break his record,” Chow said. Initially, Athena took her courses online when she was 9. It was a little nerve-wracking, however, when she started taking classes in person.

“When I started going in person I was scared,” she said.

“There were people double my age sitting next to me … I’m still a little scared.”

But she made friends, she said, adding: “I’m more extroverted than my brother.” Athena will graduate cum laude with a GPA between 3.50 and 3.74, with an associate’s degree and an emphasis on liberal studies.

Tycho graduated last year magna cum laude with a GPA between 3.75 and 3.99 with a degree in math while also taking classes at UCI. (Inquirer.net)

Athena also enjoys sketching and has taken courses in Russian and guitar. “I’m learning songs like `Tonight, Tonight’ by the Smashing Pumpkins,” Athena said. She also has a passion for taekwondo and is a seconddegree black belt.

Expedito Cuesta De Leon Photo from spotfund.com

Medi-Cal expands access to mental health, substance use treatment Has California moved the needle...

by SELEN OZTURK Ethnic Media Services

CALIFORNIA is on the national front lines of making mental health and substance use disorder care easier to access for patients of Medi-Cal, its version of Medicaid.

At an Ethnic Media Services briefing, Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) leaders and community health care providers explained how MediCal is helping Californians needing mental health and substance use disorder treatment lead healthier lives.

An overview of behavioral health

Behavioral health, including mental health and substance use, is just as important as physical health, and the outcomes are intertwined,” said Paula Wilhelm, interim deputy director of behavioral health services at DHCS.

Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, provides coverage for one in three — or 15 million — Californians.

To make it easier for members to access care, Medi-Cal is partnering with community organizations to provide behavioral care like mental health and substance use disorder screening, outpatient therapy and inpatient treatment.

To get these services, members can call their local county’s 24-hour access line.

“One thing we continue to hear from our MediCal members is that the complexity of navigating the healthcare system can keep people from accessing care,” said Wilhelm. DHCS is transforming MediCal to address this through measures like the Mental Health Services Act funding substance use disorder and serious mental health conditions; expanding early intervention and housing support; and the No Wrong Door policy making appropriate, covered treatment available to all members.

Youth mental health

The youth mental health crisis is the defining public health issue of our time according to the U.S. Surgeon General, and Medi-Cal is being transformed to address it through the Children and Youth Behavioral

Health Initiative, a $4.7 billion investment part of Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health.

“For over a decade, outcomes for youth have been worsening,” said Autumn Boylan, deputy director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships at DHCS. “Half of all lifetime cases of diagnosable mental illnesses emerge for youth by age 14, and 75 percent begin by age 24.”

In California, 284,000 kids have major depression, and 66% don’t get treatment.

To address this crisis, “we’re focusing our mental health care not only on hospitals and clinics, but also schools, where youth spend most of their time,” said Boylan.

“We’re working with K-12, community college, University of California and California State University systems to have more reimbursed counselors; implement mindfulness and social skills programs; and invest in community interventions,” she added, “particularly for youth of color, those who are low-income, LGBTQ+, justice-involved and facing housing challenges,” she added.

Behavioral health in Humboldt County

“Our Medi-Cal contract has let us grow over the last few years to become one of the larger programs providing mental health and substance use care in Humboldt County,” said Jennifer Oliphant, director of the Chekws: Hope for Tomorrow program at Two Feathers Native American Family Services in McKinleyville. “We’ve built up intensive and rehabilitative care, workforce training with local universities, cultural workshops, peer counseling and horse therapy.”

In 2022, Two Feathers was also able to begin its youth leadership development program employing teenagers in adult-led groups to learn how to be future employees, develop social and emotional skills, go on college tours and learn about local cultural practices.

“We had one youth come in a few years ago who was struggling with substance use and on the fence about whether to seek counseling,” said

Oliphant. “They entered our youth leadership program and got connected with a peer group, and then was motivated to get connected with our counselors … they’ve been with us nearly two years now and the change has been remarkable as they’ve stabilized their health issues and isolation while learning job skills and connecting with their community.”

“It’s devastating to see how impacted youth here are by the drug crisis,” she continued. In response, “We don’t have a separate substance use treatment service; rather, we’ve included it in mental health services to break down barriers to access.”

“Expanded Medi-Cal has let us have a sustainable, growing behavioral health program with a consistent clinical roster, whereas before we’d have temporary grants here and there,” Oliphant added.

Behavioral health in Orange County

“When I first started in 2008, we didn’t have any mental health program at all, but I saw such a need for it here,” said Tricia Nguyen, CEO of Southland Integrated Services, a health clinic in Orange County which was first established as a Vietnam War refugee resettlement agency in 1979.

Orange County is the largest Vietnamese enclave outside Vietnam, currently home to over 209,000 Vietnamese people, according to the U.S. Census — over 6% of the area’s total population.

“There’s a generational mental health gaps,” Nguyen explained, “between the older generation who has suffered so much, and pass the guilt of needing to be a traditionally successful doctor, lawyer, engineer onto the kids … so we have isolation among seniors and anxiety, depression and suicide among pressured youth.”

The Centers for Disease Control reported in 2020 that suicide was the leading cause of death for AAPI Americans aged 10 to 19 and the secondleading cause of death for those aged 20 to 34.

“Alongside programs like senior wellness classes, veteran counseling, psychiatric

hate asked for and received support from a variety of services including legal and financial aid, and culturally/ linguistically-appropriate counseling, said Kevin Kish, director of the California Civil Rights Department.

“When our nation was confronted with an alarming increase in reported acts of hate, we in California did not just sit back and hope that it would get better,” he said. With the support and commitment of Governor Gavin Newsom and the state legislature, we came together and we launched an array of nation-leading programs to ensure all of our communities feel safe, that they feel protected, and that we live in a California for all.”

Community-based organizations in California pushed for the creation of the program, and shared the needs and priorities of the diverse communities they serve, said Kish. Many CBO leaders spoke at the press briefing, including Mina Fedor, founder and executive director of AAPI Youth Rising and Ariel Bustamante from the Los Angeles LGBT Center.

LGBTQ youth targeted

“Identity based bullying is an all too real part of growing up in America,” said Fedor, who spoke of kids going to school armed with bats to protect themselves, as former President Donald Trump blamed Chinese Americans for the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bustamante spoke of Nex Benedict of Oklahoma and Ethan Henderson of Arkansas, two non-binary teens who died because of their identities.

“These stories are not new. They are not isolated. and they aren’t limited to rural states,” she said, noting an incident in Lake Arrowhead, California, in which Laura Carleton, the owner of the Mag Pi clothing store, was killed by suspect Travis Ikeguchi for displaying a rainbow flag during Pride

rehabilitation and digital literacy workshops already,” Nguyen said, “Medi-Cal grants allowed us to build six-week youth wellness workshops” incorporating arts and crafts, education around healthy sleep and eating, social media habits and parent communication strategies.

month.

In another incident handled by the Center, a transgender woman was terrorized by her neighbor. And Bustamante has received calls from terrified parents of kids targeted at school for their perceived sexual orientation.

Will funding continue?

The future of the initiative is tenuous. California vs. Hate initially received $10 million from the AAPI Equity Fund, and another $1 million from the federal Jabara-Heyer No Hate Act. Given the state’s $44 billion deficit, it is unclear whether funding for the program will continue.

“Hate is not new,” said Becky Monroe, deputy Director of Strategic Initiatives and External Affairs. “We have to recognize that this is an issue that has been targeting communities for generations.”

“Many of the communities who are most targeted now have never been listened to about these issues,” she said.

“We still have more work to do. When I look at the data and I see a county or a community that hasn’t reported hate, we take that as our responsibility to do a better job to reach that community.”

Who was left out?

Monroe said Indigenous people in California have historically been the targets of hate crimes, but have not reported them. The CRD, in partnership with the Shingle Springs branch of Miwok Indians, is working on outreach efforts. Most incidents occurred at or near the home, or at the workplace. The majority of incidents reported were of discriminatory treatment, including verbal harassment and slurs.

Data Race and ethnicity was the largest motivation for bias attacks: 35% of reports were in this category. Black victims were overwhelmingly targeted — 26.8% — while 15.4%

“The parents feel that they’ve sacrificed everything for the kids’ success, while the kids feel that the parents don’t care about their wellbeing,” she continued. “Culturally, we can be open about diabetes and hypertension, but there’s still a stigma around mental health.”

of victims were Latino, and 14.3% were Asian Americans. Gender identity and sexual orientation were also big motivators for hate crimes and incidents. Transgender people and LGBTQIA folks made up the largest number of victims in this category. Hate crimes against Jewish people were also prevalent in the data.

The state is launching a partnership with UC Berkeley’s Possibility Lab for better data collection and analysis. It is also exploring the possibility of a text-based reporting option to support access to the hotline.

Victim’s compensation

Lynda Gledhill, executive officer for the California Victim Compensation Board, spoke at the May 20 press conference, noting that victims of hate crimes are eligible for financial support, including medical and dental treatment, mental health services, income loss, residential security, and relocation. Last year, the Board received 39,000 applications and paid nearly $47 million to reimburse victims of crime in all categories, including hate crimes.

Rebecca Wendt, California’s Deputy State Librarian spoke about collaboration with ethnic media. “Ethnic media outlets serve millions of Californians, acting as a lifeline to the state’s diverse communities. By partnering with these trusted media outlets, we are getting the word out about the new and expanded resources available,” she said.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate. (Suuni Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)

“As we’ve grown our behavioral health programs, I’ve seen that stigma lessen,” Nguyen added. “Parents will come in now and ask for a therapist or screening for their child. It’s difficult to break taboos around mental health and substance abuse, but through these programs, we’re doing it.” 

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

PH may touch on WPS dispute in Asia security summit in Singapore

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. might touch on the country's maritime dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) during the upcoming Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday, March 24.

In a Palace briefing, DFA's Office of the Asian and Pacific Affairs Assistant Secretary

Aileen Mendiola-Rau raised the possibility of President Marcos discussing the WPS dispute in his keynote address at the 21st Edition of the International Institute For Strategic Studies' (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31.

"I presume for all meetings and as well as the speech of the president, his keynote address, this issue will be touched but I do not wish to preempt the statements of the president," Mendiola-Rau said.

The dialogue will be attended by multiple stakeholders in the defense field ranging from heads of governments, heads of states, and defense of ministers to industry players.

Mendiola-Rau said the regional defense summit will serve as a platform for the Philippines to provide relevant stakeholders in the defense field an "important source of accurate, objective information on international strategic issues important to the region."

She said she expects representatives from about 40 countries to attend this year's Shangri-La Dialogue, ranging from heads of governments, heads of states, and defense of ministers to industry players.

"When you have a forum such as this, it gives a good platform for a country to actually expound and articulate its position on key issues. So, it will be an important platform for us to actually also convey our positions relative to what is happening within the region and what we are advocating for. So, it’s something that is useful not only for those who are attending but also for the country who’s actually participating in this international forum," she said.

Marcos will be in Singapore from May 30 to 31, where he is also expected to meet with the country's new leaders, President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Mendiola-Rau said.

"We want to ensure that the relationship continues under the new administration in Singapore," she said, noting that this year commemorates the 55 years of PhilippinesSingapore diplomatic relations and the meeting between the new Singaporean leaders and President Marcos comes at this "very auspicious juncture."

The president also will have a brief meeting with the former prime minister and currently senior minister Lee Hsien Loong on the sidelines of the Shangrila Dialogue.

Before his working visit in Singapore, Marcos is set to depart next week for Brunei Darussalam for his first state visit to the Sultanate.

President Marcos will visit Brunei from May 28 to 29 upon the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the DFA said.

Mendiola-Rau said President Marcos’ visit to Brunei marks the 40 years of bilateral relations between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam, which was established in 1984.

“Our ties are multifaceted

encompassing cooperation in defense and security, maritime, agriculture and trade, as well as people-to-people relations.

The state visit is a signal of our vibrant relations as both countries conducted the joint commission for bilateral cooperation chaired by the DFA last year,” she said.

“This state visit will provide an avenue for both leaders to take stock of the progress of our commitments and ongoing bilateral undertakings, and fine tune them accordingly,” she added.

Aside from being part of the tradition of the ASEAN leaders visiting fellow ASEAN countries, this state visit is in line with the president’s commitment to continue exploring avenues for economic growth and job opportunities for Filipinos as the business forum aims to boost trade and investments in the country, she said.

The Philippines also expects agreements will be signed during the president’s visit to Brunei Darussalam.

“We are actually currently in the process of finalizing text for several MOUs. But I can inform you that the MOUs that we are working with the Brunei insight will include priority areas ranging from agriculture to food security, maritime cooperation, tourism,” Mendiola-Rau said. (PNA)

Nancy Binay eyes Makati mayoral post

by BERNADETTE TAMAYO ManilaTimes.net

SEN. Nancy Binay on

Thursday, May 23 said she is "seriously considering" running for mayor in Makati City in 2025.

Binay is set to end her last term as senator next year, as the law allows senators only two consecutive six-year terms.

Asked what her political plans were afterward, Binay said, "We are seriously considering to run in Makati [City] as mayor."

Pressed if one of her siblings might run against her, Binay

said it was reported that Luis Campos, husband of her sister and incumbent Makati Mayor Abigail Binay-Campos, also wants to run for mayor in Makati.

In January, Mayor Binay said she was considering a run in neighboring Taguig, which won a longstanding legal dispute with Makati when the Supreme Court ruled in 2021 that Taguig, not Makati, had jurisdiction over the Enlisted Men's Barrios and the entirety of Fort Bonifacio.

"At the end of the day, they will not see two Binays in the ballot in 2025 [local polls]," the senator said.

Binay also said her brother, former Makati mayor Jejomar Binay Jr. is helping her decide what to do.

"Of course, even if I'm not 100 percent decided on running [for mayor] we still need to prepare," she added.

In 2019, Binay Jr. ran but lost against his sister, Abigail, who was the incumbent mayor at the time. In all, four Binays have served as Makati mayor — former vice president Jejomar Binay, his wife Elenita, their son Jejomar Jr., and their daughter Abigail.

Senator Binay, in an earlier

interview, said that she was "70 percent" sure of running for mayor in Makati City next year. 

Sen.. Nancy Binay ManilaTimes.net file photo

In a Palace briefing, DFA's Office of the Asian and Pacific Affairs

Assistant Secretary Aileen Mendiola-Rau raised the possibility of President Marcos discussing the WPS dispute in his keynote address at the 21st Edition of the International Institute For Strategic Studies' (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31. Malacañang file photo

OPINION FEATURES

Tightening rules on substitution

THERE will be stricter rules on the withdrawal and substitution of candidates in the 2025 midterm elections.

In addition, the substitute candidate should have the same surname and is affiliated with the same political party of the deceased or disqualified candidate.

This means that between Oct. 1 and Oct. 8, 2024, or the period for filing of COCs, substitutions can be freely made, but after that any substitution has to meet the requirements earlier mentioned in order to be effective.

Rationale

When Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia was asked about the rationale behind the resolution, he said: “This is so that the people will not be deceived. If you really want to render service to the public, isn’t it better if you’re really decided, for you to disclose it quickly [and] file your candidacy already.”

This “withdraw and substitute” scheme drew public attention in 2015 when Martin Diño filed his COC for president in the 2016 polls, then withdrew at the last minute and was substituted by then Davao Mayor Rodrigo Duterte who was eventually elected.

Diño later admitted that he filed his COC without any serious intentions of pursuing it and that he acted only as a placeholder for Duterte. That action earned him an appointment in the Duterte administration as undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

The same act was replicated in 2021 when then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte substituted Lyle Fernando Uy who earlier filed (then withdrew) his COC for vice president in the 2022 elections. She was later elected vice president.

At present, Uy is a director in the office of Tourism Secretary Ma. Esperanza Christina Garcia-Frasco.

IN this month’s column, the National Asian Pacific Center for Aging selected general questions about Medicare and other social benefits from the calls and letters it received, and is sharing the information via the following question and answer segment.

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

THE alliance of the ruling Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP) with the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), the party founded by the late Tarlac Rep. Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., is only a formalization of the standing ties with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM). NPC chairman, erstwhile Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III underscored in our weekly Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum last Wednesday, March 22. Sotto along with the rest of the NPC party leaders joined PBBM – as PFP’s nominal chieftain – in the ceremonial signing of their alliance pact with the PFP last May 19. The PFP and NPC alliance came a week after PBBM also witnessed the signing of their party alliance with the Lakas-Christian-Muslim Democrats (CMD) headed by Speaker, Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez.

On the other hand, Sotto served as Senate president during half of the term of 17th

Political maneuvers

The substitution process in candidacies for local and national elections was conceived to allow a political party to replace a party member-candidate who, for one reason or another, decides not to pursue his or her candidacy, dies, or is disqualified from running.

This way, the concerned political party can continue to participate in the elections through the substitute candidate. On the part of the voters, the substitution gives them a wider choice of candidates to vote for.

Sadly, that otherwise noble objective has, for years, been twisted by many politicians. What’s worse, past Comelec officials either turned a blind eye on it or considered it as par for the course in Philippine politics.

As a result, that process became part of the bag of political maneuvers or tricks of political parties in getting their candidates elected. Because the scheme was widely used by political parties and the voters couldn’t care less, no one questioned its merit.

Placeholders For political dynasties, the “withdraw and substitute” system is the go-to solution in case family members or in-laws cannot agree on who to put up as a candidate or what position to run for within the period for the filing of COCs.

With a political ally acting as a placeholder in the position, the political dynasty has all the time (theoretically up to Election Day) to explore all means possible to prevent family members or inlaws from running against each other and, in the process, lose to the opposing candidates.

That system also becomes handy if, during the campaign period, a political party feels that the

candidate it has fielded does not stand a good chance of winning.

To stave off the risk of losing, that candidate can be quickly replaced by somebody whom the party believes is capable of winning.

In effect, the process has evolved into a political football that can be kicked around by politicians depending on their whims and caprices.

Loopholes

Based on past experiences, it should not come as a surprise if some political parties try to game or look for loopholes in the interpretation or implementation of the Comelec resolution.

The requirements that the substitution shall be allowed only in case of death or disqualification

and that the substituted candidate should have the same surname as the withdrawn candidate would be difficult to go around.

But the same cannot be said for the condition that the substituted candidate should belong to the same political party as the candidate who withdrew.

If the substitute candidate is not affiliated with that party, he or she can simply apply for and be granted membership to it. Problem solved.

Thus, between now and Oct. 1, the Comelec should make sure that the implementing rules and regulations of its resolution can stand legal scrutiny and are capable of fending off any efforts to emasculate it. (Inquirer.net)

On Medicare, Medigap and LIHEAP

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.

period

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 twoperson household) or 60% of the state median income level.

Enrollment periods may not be year-round, and the open

Alliances not just for 2025 elections

Congress under a term-sharing agreement. Sotto got re-elected as Senate chief and served the entire term of the 18th Congress until he graduated from his second and last term at the Senate. Now 76 years old, Sotto earlier announced his plans to make a comeback in next year’s Senate elections.

“I and also my party (NPC) are always been in alliance with President Marcos. It is just a continuation of allegiance of our friendship,” Sotto cited. Sotto and Marcos were together at the Senate from 2010 to 2016.

Sotto disclosed the NPC leadership received an invitation last month from PFP president Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. for a sitdown meeting to discuss a possible “alliance” with NPC. PFP national deputy director-general John Ortiz Teope confirmed that it was upon the instructions of PBBM to the PFP secretary-general Tom Lantion “to strengthen” the party through alliances with other political parties.

Teope recalled PBBM gave these the instructions to Lantion in his presence while spelling out “Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas” as the theme of his administration’s battle cry in the

forthcoming May 12, 2025 midterm elections.

Joining Sotto at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay news forum, Teope hastened to clarify that the alliances being forged by the PFP with major political parties are not for “convenience” but in pursuit of PBBM’s goal to move the country forward in unity of purpose and vision.

Teope described the PFP as a very young, grassroots-based organization, which was formally established as political party on Oct. 5, 2018. He counts most of their members come from the “grassroots,” or at the level of barangays whose like-minded leaders support “federalism” as a better system of government for the Philippines.

Teope recalled Marcos was then at the Senate when he quit the Nacionalista Party (NP) because other party wannabes also wanted to run in the 2022 presidential race. To which Sotto quipped: “I think it was a good move of the President to join the PFP because while the party is still young, the members are old. They have a track record of being in politics for quite some time.”

The PFP, Lakas-CMD, Hugpong ng Pagbabago of

Vice President Sara Duterte, the Partido ng Masang Pilipino of former president Joseph Estrada and guest candidates from different political parties constituted the UniTeam Alliance during the 2022 national elections. The tandem of Marcos/Duterte won the polls by a landslide.

Sotto narrated the NPC was established as political party in 1992 for the presidential bid of Cojuangco. As one of the major political parties in the Philippines, the NPC chairman proudly points to many things they can bring to the alliance with the PFP in terms of support for “common candidates” in next year’s elections.

“We have five senators and 39 members in the House of Representatives, 5 party-list representatives in Congress. More are coming. We have 12 governors, 5 vice governors, 18 Sanggunian Panglalawigan members, 16 city mayors, 19 city vice mayors, 186 city councilors, 163 municipal mayors, 164 municipal vice mayors, and 1,212 Sangguniang Bayan members,” Sotto rattled off.

Sotto conceded, however, the NPC has yet to win the most coveted highest elected office

of the land. “It is a big group nationwide. We have always been No. 2. Majority of our members are not old. From 1992, it is the only party that remained strong. But we have no elected president coming from NPC,” Sotto admitted. Currently, from among the present five NPC Senators, one might get a crack at the next presidential race in May 2028.

The five are, namely, Senators Francis “Chiz” Escudero, JV Ejercito, Sherwin Gatchalian, Loren Legarda and Lito Lapid.

Just last Monday, May 20, Escudero was installed as Senate president in a Senate coup he admitted having initiated against Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri. Escudero was voted to replace Zubiri by 15 of the 24-man Senate. But three of the five NPC Senators did not even vote for Escudero and stayed with Zubiri. During the May 2016 presidential elections, Escudero was the vice presidential (VP) runningmate of Sen. Grace Poe. Both lost to former Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and former Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo. While he was Senate chief, Sotto run the VP running mate of fellow Sen. Panfilo ”Ping” Lacson during the May

2022 elections but got routed by the Marcos/Duterte tandem. A stepping stone to the next higher office, none of the past Senate chiefs ever got elected as President of the country. Teope recalled the only former Senate president who succeeded to be elected as Chief Executive was PBBM’s late namesake father, ex-President Ferdinand Sr.

Going viral in social media now is a college yearbook photo of a young political science student at the University of the Philippines with a caption about the graduate: “,..His one and only dream ever since childhood is to become President of the Philippines and follow the footsteps of his idol-Ferdinand Marcos. LOYALIST !!!”

Sought for his comment about this viral photo, Escudero replied to my query: “Hahaha…That’s youthful folly lang po (only).” Turning 55 years old this October, the PFP-NPC alliance could very well be the platform of Escudero to turn his “youthful folly” into reality. (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.

MASINLOC — “Kapag eleksyon kilala mo kami? Pagdating sa problema hindi niyo kami kilala?”

(During elections, you know us, but when a problem arises, you forget about us.)

Nolly Delos Santos, a fisherman from Sta. Cruz, turned emotional as he aired this sentiment before the lawmakers present during a public consultation and a joint hearing held by the House committees on national defense and security and WPS here in the province.

Delos Santos was among those whose livelihood was negatively affected by China’s increased aggression in Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc.

“Ito po, deretsahan po, deretsahan po ang sinasabi ko sa saloobin ko po, ‘wag po kayong sumama (ang loob) sa aming mangingisda, hirap na hirap po kami, hindi po sapat ang ayuda, malayang pangingisda lang po ang kailangan namin,” he stressed.

(I will say what I really but don’t get offended by us fishermen.

We are having a hard time, and government assistance is not enough. What we need is to fish in the area freely.)

The fisherman also asserted that fishing in Scarborough Shoal has helped him previously sustain his family’s needs

and provide for his children’s education.

“Mangisda kami, hinarang kami ng BFAR (Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources) sinasabi wala kaming ID. Kumuha kami ng ID ng BFAR sa Pampanga para maging malaya kami. Nung nakakuha kami mangisda kami sa ibang shoreline, China naman ang kalaban namin. San ba talaga kami mangingisda, ang tanong namin sa sarili namin ngayon,” Delos Santos further lamented.

(We are fishermen, but BFAR stopped us because we don’t have any ID. When we got our ID, we were able to fish freely in Pampanga. But on other shoreline, China is the enemy. Where can we freely fish? That’s the question among ourselves.)

“Ang sabi ko sa mga anak ko, hinto muna kayo anak dahil di na kaya ng Papa niyo. Dahil ito po, dinadaan ko na lang po sa luha, dinadaan ko na lang po sa inyo dahil ngayon lang po kayo bumaba, ramdam naman ninyo siguro ang kahirapan namin. Dahil pagdating sa mga buyer maraming huli, kaunti ang benta dahil sa utang,” he added.

(I told my children to stop studying because your Dad can’t do it anymore. Because of this, I’m living in tears. I’m just airing this to you hoping you understand

our hardships. Because when it comes to buyers, many are late, sales are low due to debt)

Apart from him, other fisherfolk have their concerns and personal experience dealing with the Chinese Coast Guard’s harassment and bullying in Scarborough Shoal.

Upon hearing their grievances, Zambales 1st District Rep. Jefferson F. Khonghun suggested that BFAR’s budget be increased to help the agency address the needs of the fisherfolk in the province.

He likewise pointed out that BFAR provided 60 to 90 feet of ship for fishermen in Subic, but Leonardo Cuaresma, spokesperson of fisherfolk in Zambales and a member of the New Masinloc Fishermen association, said that they have not received such assistance. Konghun said the agency might have been fooling the fishermen instead of assisting them.

Earlier, Zambales 2nd District Rep. Doris Maniquiz revealed Zambales fisherfolk experienced a series of water cannon attacks by the CCG last week and in February, respectively.

Based on her description, the vessels attacked by the CCG were used for deep-sea fishing with 25 to 35 fishermen and crew aboard. (Inquirer.net)

US approves funds for modernization of Philippine power sector

MANILA

— The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) has approved the release of funds that will support efforts for the modernization and buildout of electricity transmission and distribution networks in the Philippines.

Such support will be carried out by bringing a delegation of government officials and private sector utilities to the U.S. to observe innovations and best practices in smart grid technologies.

The USTDA, which announced the grant at the 6th Indo-Pacific Business Forum held in Manila on Tuesday, May 21, said these innovations can help integrate renewable energy sources, increase service quality and resilience and reduce technical losses and costs.

At a digital press briefing, USTDA director Enoh Ebong said the USTDA intends to engage with the energy industry of the Philippines and is in fact already doing so.

“We have undertaken projects in the clean energy space in wind, in geothermal and exploring more

all the time. Our conversations are continual as we try and scope projects where we can bring U.S. innovation, technologies and goods and services to really enhance the goals and objectives – and accomplish them – of our partners,” she said.

U.S. senior official for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Matt Murray said that during the APEC Economic Leaders Week in November, the U.S. and the Philippines signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement or the 123 Agreement, which supports expanded cooperation on zero-emission energy and on nonproliferation.

“And today at the Indo-Pacific Business Forum, we also welcomed the new partnership in this area held at an MOU signing between the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Philippines’ Department of Energy to develop and implement a comprehensive civil nuclear energy policy. So, in that area as well, it’s really important to note some of the progress that we’re making with the Philippines,” Murray said. (Philstar.com)

CBCP: Pro-divorce lawmakers tarnished sanctity of family, marriage

MANILA — Lawmakers in the House of Representatives who voted in favor of the Absolute Divorce Bill have betrayed their constitutional mandate to protect the sanctity of marriage and family, an official of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said on Thursday, May 23. "In essence, divorce is anti-family, anti-marriage, and anti-children," Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the CBCP -

"The fact remains that divorce is not the ultimate solution to problematic unions. We already have existing legal remedies to couple separation, and yet Congress decided to add more," he added.

Voting 131 in favor, 109 against and 20

‘No border tightening’ amid new COVID threat

THE Department of Health (DoH) on Wednesday, May 22 said it would not recommend border restrictions amid the resurgence of COVID-19 infections in neighboring Singapore.

"I'm not thinking of border control, mandatory mask... I'm not thinking that, but I'm advising every Filipino to observe minimum public health standards,'' Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said during a briefing in Malacañang.

''No requirement for border control, no requirement for mandatory masks, no requirement for additional vaccination. But we're monitoring these cases,'' he added.

The new COVID variants, known as FLiRT, triggered the surge in cases in Singapore that surpassed the 25,000 mark for the period of May 5 to 11.

Currently, KP.1 and KP.2 make up over two-thirds of the cases in the city-state.

The resurgence of the disease has resulted in high demand for at-home testing kits among Singaporeans.

Herbosa advised the public to get tested for COVID-19 when their respiratory distress last longer than five days, adding the number of COVID-19 infections in the country was still very low.

"We are asking our doctors and hospitals to report antigen testing. For now, the testing is not PCR (polymerase chain reaction); it's rapid antigen. So, we are asking our doctors to report that or even our Epidemiology Bureau," he said.

Herbosa added that while it's possible for the new variant to reach the country, it is not as dangerous as many people think.

"That's why it's classified as [a] variant under monitoring. The one we are monitoring really is ILA or influenza-like illnesses, of which COVID-19 is one of those, right? So, we monitor that. Luckily, even the one in Singapore is mostly respiratory tract infection — cough, common colds... If you are sick, you have a cough, cold, sore throat, better to stay home. If you need to go out, wear a mask," he said.

Herbosa reminded President

battled COVID-19

past, to be extra cautious against the disease. Marcos was due to deliver the keynote address at the opening of the 21st edition of the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue, regarded as Asia's premier defense summit, on May 31.

"I'm sure his security would take into consideration the atmosphere or the situation. That's one of the security risks, so they'll take care of that and make sure the President is protected," Herbosa said.

Marcos on Wednesday tasked the Health Department to address the shortage of healthcare workers in the Philippines.

"We will need the human resources, so we saw the gap. I presented to the President that we need to have about 190,000 to actually fill the gaps in our health care system. That's with the net flow, those who migrated as OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) plus those who graduate from our schools," Herbosa said. 

Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has

three times in the

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

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.

Get to know Chelsea Anne Manalo, Miss Universe Philippines 2024

By JESSICA ANN EVANGELISTA

52 other delegates and the first ever half-Black to win the title. Dubbed “Bulacan Barbie,” the 24-year-old was born and raised in Meycauyan City to a Black American father and a Filipino mother, who divorced in 2000. After the divorce, her mother married a Filipino. She has been joining beauty pageants since high school and has also been modeling since she was 14 years old and has landed covers in magazines such as Mega. In 2017, Manalo participated in Miss World Philippines, finishing in the top 15. She graduated with a tourism degree in college, and aside from pageantry, she developed a greater passion for music and dancing. In her journey as a pageant competitor, one of her advocacies is championing the cause of indigenous youth education.

Dennis Padilla on relationship with Julia, Claudia, Leon: Malalim ang sugat

by ANNE PASAJOL Inquirer.net

A HOPEFUL Dennis Padilla declared that his relationship with his children Julia, Claudia, Leon Barretto is “starting to

heal,” although he admitted that it would take some time due to “deep wounds.”

Padilla opened up about the current status of his relationship with his children with Marjorie Barretto, during an interview in

“Cristy Ferminute” on Tuesday, May 21. “Well, okay naman. Nung birthday ko nag-text

Manalo of Bulacan, who was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024 during the grand coronation night on Wednesday, May 22, beating

THE Philippines has found a new queen in Chelsea Anne

Inquirer.net

Chelsea Anne Manalo of Bulacan has been crowned as Miss Universe Philippines 2024 on Wednesday, May 22. Photo from Facebook/Miss Universe Philippines

Dolly de Leon is Dennis Trillo’s mom in ‘Severino’

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

AWARD-WINNING actress Dolly de Leon has joined the cast of “Severino: The First Serial Killer” starring Dennis Trillo as the titular character.

The news of De Leon’s participation was confirmed during the Cannes Film Festival as production company CreaZion Studios revealed its project slate. It can be recalled that De Leon broke into mainstream popularity after a scene-stealing performance in “Triangle of Sadness,” which won the Palme d’Or at the prestigious festival two years ago.

Production on “Severino: The First Serial Killer” is set to begin later this year, with De Leon portraying the mother of Trillo’s Juan Severino Mallari.

The project will serve as a reunion for De Leon and Trillo having both appeared in “On The Job: The Missing 8,” which earned Trillo praiseworthy comments at the 2021 Venice Film Festival where it premiered.

The Catholic priest Mallari, who predated Jack The Ripper, is said to have killed more than 50 people in Magalang, Pampanga during the Spanish colonial era.

For Michelle Dee, authenticity is her greatest asset as Miss Universe PH queen

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

BEING

“unapologetically

authentic” is what Michelle Dee held close to her heart throughout her reign as Miss Universe Philippines 2023.

The moment Dee was named Miss Universe Philippines 2023, she vowed to celebrate her authentic self until her final chapter. This was evident in her many pursuits, such as promoting autism awareness and inclusivity, actively promoting advocacies close to her heart, being firm about her coming out story, and donning ensembles different from the usual beauty queen.

“In the first two pageants that I joined — of course — I was trying to shine as my own woman. But I was still trying to conform to what I believe the stereotype of a beauty queen is — especially what a Filipina beauty queen is,” recalled Dee when asked by INQUIRER.net how she viewed herself from her Miss World Philippines to her Miss Universe Philippines reign. Dee was named Miss World Philippines and ended her Miss World journey in the Top 12 in 2019.

“This year I said, I’m going to be unapologetically authentic because this is the person I’m

also celebrating,” she said. “I embraced my uniqueness and story, and I made sure to take everybody along the journey with me so we can experience the Miss Universe journey with me.”

Touching on her milestones as the reigning queen, Dee said

she’s happy that being firm with her true self worked wonders.

“I am the most authentic version of myself compared to my previous pageants. I guess that authenticity has proven to be successful,” she said.

The titleholder also advised fellow beauty queens to “know themselves and live their lives” as they aim to make a mark in pageantry on their own terms.

“Get hurt, fall, get up, and try again because you can never win everything — but you can always learn from these experiences. You can always find [something to be] grateful for within yourself and you can offer the world your true self,” she said.

Dee said making a unique mark matters more than “trying to be everyone else” in hopes of reaching a certain achievement as a beauty queen.

“If you’re trying to be everyone else, then might as well get someone who is like everyone else. But you have to make your unique mark in this world. You have to embrace yourself because you will not find a single person who is the same.

Embrace that uniqueness,” she said.

The crossover beauty queen will pass her title to her successor at the Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant in Pasay City on May 22. g

Dennis Padilla on relationship with...

start of the healing process,” he said.

“Sometimes, ‘yung healing process [ay] medyo matagal lang [kasi ‘pag] medyo malalim ang sugat, may katagalan bago siya gumaling… ‘Pag may malalim na pain, medyo it takes time bago magkaroon ng healing. Ang importante [ay] the healing is starting now,” he underscored.

Padilla also spoke about his wish to have an opportunity to talk to his children in person, and tell them the whole and

unfiltered version of their family’s story.

“Nung maliliit pa sila, hindi ko pa pwedeng ipaliwanag sa kanila nang buo kasi hindi nila mauunawaan totally. Pero ngayon na lahat silang tatlo ay adults na, they can listen and they can fully understand… Mas mabilis nilang mauunawaan kapag nagpaliwanag [ako],” he stated.

Padilla then revealed that while he already has open communication with Julia and Leon, the actor’s daughter Claudia has yet to reach out to him. Darating ‘yon; sa darating na mga araw, anytime, I know dadating ‘yon,” he hoped. Further talking about his children and fatherhood, he continued, “Ang lagi nilang tinatanong sa akin, ‘Bakit ba hindi ka napapagod mag-effort na mag-reach out?’ Tayong mga magulang, mag-reach out ka lang nang mag-reach out kahit walang bumabalik [ay] itutuloy mo pa rin kasi hindi naman kabawasan sa parents ‘yon e. Kumbaga maliit na lang na bagay ‘yon bilang magulang.” g

According to her Miss Universe Philippines profile, she is a dedicated advocate of youth empowerment, focusing on children’s education, especially among indigenous communities. Her advocacy aims to provide educational opportunities for indigenous youth and unlock their full potential.

Manalo worked closely with Kids for Kids, a youth-led organization founded in 2015 that aims to create a safe space for children. This initiative intends to empower and educate the youth to be the catalysts of change in their respective communities. She also advocates the welfare of the Dumagat people of Norzagaray, Bulacan.

Standing 5’7 tall, when Manalo is not channeling her beauty queen self, she is a loving fur parent to her shih tzu, a basset hound, pomchi dogs, and love birds. She also said that she has a huge fascination with food, which is why she doesn’t follow a diet but is a big advocate of consuming a lot of water.

The Bulakeña beauty also mentioned in one of her Instagram Q&As that she never imagined that she would be a model but rather dreamed of being a car racer instead. But over the years, she learned to love and thrive at what she does best: pageantry and modeling.

Manalo is set to represent the Philippines in the upcoming Miss Universe 2024, which will be held in Mexico sometime this year. g

The Filipina American beauty queen also promotes body positivity, as she openly communicated that she was bullied for her physical appearance, specifically her skin color, which took a great toll on her insecurity. As a beauty queen, she uses her experiences to uplift those who are suffering from cruel beauty standards and to inspire them to embrace themselves as they are.

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 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 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. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)

Michelle Dee Photo from Instagram/@michelledee

A movie on Mallari starring Piolo Pascual and Gloria Diaz as the priest and his mother came out in the most recent Metro Manila Film Festival

Actress Dolly de Leon at the 2023 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival closing ceremony. Philstar.com photo by Kristofer Purnell

Ayie (left) and Lani (right)

Dr. Feb (left) and Jonas (right)

Dennis Padilla, and Julia, Leon, Marjorie and Claudia Barretto

Photo from Instagram/@dennisastig, @marjbarretto

MoTHER confers IMMA Recognition to 13 moms on Mother’s Day in Historic Filipinotown

by

EMOTIONS

soared at the community celebration of Mother’s Day organized by the International MoTHER Movement on Saturday, May 18th at the Pilipino Workers Center Larry Itiliong Village in Historic Filipinotown (HiFi). The certificates were signed by the co-chairs and attested by MoTHER global honorary chairwoman Dyan Kristine Miranda Pastrana who is the Director for Authentication Division, Department of Foreign Affairs

Thirteen mothers were proudly honored with IMMA (International Mother Movement Award) for raising children who have made remarkable achievements, contributing to a better world.

Led by founder-chairperson

Perla Bermudez Santos, the movement, known as MoTHER, took into account the awardees’ children’s accomplishments as the primary criteria for granting the awards. The aim was to galvanize others to follow the example of these exceptional mothers.

The awardees were Salvacion Arugay, accompanied by her daughter Ma. Alnee A. Gamble, the Deputy Consul-General/ Acting Head of Post of the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles; Gigi Caloza, accompanied by Jessica Caloza, a women’s rights advocate running for assembly member for the 52nd District of Los Angeles. She has served as an education policy advisor to President Barack Obama, as an LA Public Works Commissioner, and most recently for California Attorney General Rob Bonta. Jesusita Del Rosario was represented by her daughter, Aileen Michael, who was with Jennifer Taylor, board president of the trade organization Filipinos in Institution Real Estate (FIRE), as well as board president of the multicultural youth group Swirls for Girls, and is a real estate advisor and board VP emeritus to one of the oldest and largest Filipino CBO’s, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA). She recently joined the board of Filipinos Advancing Creative Education (FACE) and is the founder of the HiFi Coalition, among her many affiliations.

Jhonalyn was accompanied by her daughter, Ysabella Loyola, an 11-year-old multiawarded singer, songwriter, recording artist, and actress. Loyola is one of the Top 75 Most Influential Filipino Americans of 2023 and has performed the national anthems at major sporting events for the LA Clippers, LA Dodgers, LA Kings, LA Angels, and twice for the LA Lakers. Ysabella has released ‘Late August’, a song she wrote herself last year. Additionally, she collaborated on a remake of the song ‘What the World Needs Now’ with Netflix star Journey Christine from the TV series ‘The Upshaws’.

Raquel Mejia was with her youngest son Kenneth Mejia, the 33-year-old City Controller of Los Angeles, the first Filipino elected official in Los Angeles.

Ester Pulido was with Mark Emmanuel Pulido who has devoted more than 40 years of his life to community organizing and public service. This includes serving two terms as a Council Member and Mayor of the City of Cerritos, among other positions. Mark retired early last year after working in local, state, and federal government for 26 years. He concluded his tenure as the highest-ranking Filipino American staff member of the 117th Congress.

Cora Oriel was introduced by her niece Gloria Pulido on behalf of Cora’s daughters, Christina, Carina and Catherine. All 3 daughters are deeply involved in humanitarian projects empowering communities through their specialties - financial education and journalism . Christina Oriel is an award-winning editor and communications strategist. She is currently the Vice President of Sales and Operations at Bayani Pay, a digital financial service with the mission of enabling borderless banking for global Filipinos. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree, major in Political Communication from The George Washington University in Washington D.C. Carina Oriel is the current Head of Rise in New York. Rise is the global fintech ecosystem of Barclays Bank. She graduated from Fordham

University’s Gabelli School of Business, major in Finance and Fintech. Catherine Oriel is a Lead Producer at Forbes Media in Washington D.,C. She is a summa cum laude graduate of The George Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts degree, major in Journalism and Mass Communication. Fe Israel Wiest’s daughter Core Destura Suan is known for her environmental programs and pollution prevention efforts, which have led to the Philippine Ports Authority of Cagayan de Oro winning the prestigious Green Port Award system from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) since 2018. This achievement has placed the port of Cagayan De Oro on par with other APEC countries such as Singapore, China, and Malaysia. It’s worth noting that it’s the only port in the Philippines to have received 2 Green Port Awards (GPAs). Consequently, she was funded to travel to London and other countries in Asia to share her environmental story. Two of the IMMA awardees and their daughters, Norma Jorge Lapid and Ethelina Provido, were unable to attend the event. Their daughters are Arleen Penaflor and Ronajane Provido, respectively. Three posthumously awarded mothers, Ruby De Vera, Belen Maniquis Fuentes, and Catalina Nosal Cervantes, were represented by their children Theresa May de Vera, Edith Maniquis Fuentes, and Roberto “Bob” C. Garcia. Theresa sustained a lifealtering injury and discovered her passion for advocating for disability rights. From 2005 to 2020, she served on the LA City Commission on Disability. She was appointed to the Access Services Board of Directors, where she currently serves as the Board Chair. Theresa has been recognized at the federal, state, and local levels for her advocacy work.

Fuentes was a past board member of the United Architects of the Philippines Southern California Chapter (UAPSoCAL) and a past president and executive board member of the Filipino American Business Association of Glendale (FABAG-GLAC). Currently, Fuentes is serving as a planning commissioner for the City of Glendale and as a board of director at YMCA of Glendale. Additionally, Fuentes has served as the past region governor of Soroptimist International of the Americas Camino Real Region and as the past club president of Soroptimist International of

Search for first ever Miss World Phils USA is on

By y DonnabEllE GaTDula-aREval AJPress

LOS ANGELES – The first ever search for

Miss World Philippines USA is officially on, after the recent kick off event hosted by McLelland Entertainment Production, the sole franchise holder of MWP-USA.

In an exclusive interview with Asian Journal on the sideline of the official launch of MWP-USA to the public last May 16 at Invincinal Village in Beverly Hills, MEP executive director Mary Jane McLelland said being able to bring to Miss World Philippines to the United States has always been part of her passion of inspiring and showcasing Filipino women’s beauty and talent to the world.

“It’s my passion and it’s my core and I want to inspire people. Specifically, I want to empower women. I want women specially Filipina women to shine not only in the Philippines, United States but to the whole world,” said MJ, as she is fondly called by her family and friends in the industry.

MJ is not new to the pageantry world. She owns the franchise for Miss World Philippines in six provinces in Western Visayas and Binibining Pilipinas Quezon City.

Targeting to hold the coronation night by August this year, MJ said even before the official launch of MWP-USA, they have been  a number of interests to join the pageant coming in.

“This is the first ever Miss World Philippines USA pageant and we’re very excited. We’ve been getting a lot of inquiries before the launch. Now after the launch, we hope to get more girls from all over the U.S. to join the pageant,” she said.

for not only the candidates but also to the whole Filipino-American community here in the U.S.” MJ said they will make sure that this maiden MWP-USA event will raise the bar of excellence in the pageantry world. “I am confident that we will be able to produce and send Filipino-American beauty queens who will represent the Philippines and the United States (being a Fil-Am) to global beauty pageants with flying colors,” she said.

“MWP USA is dedicated to celebrating the Filipino culture and Filipino American excellence providing a platform advocacies to affect and affect a change to the vibrant world of pageantry and all its partnerships. With a growth on personal growth, community service and advocacy building. MWP USA is headed to set standards of who the global Filipino beauty with a purpose, is,” MJ said. McLelland daughter, Francesca Beatriz, competed in Miss World Philippines 2022 and won one of the crowns and competed in Egypt and won the First Princess Crown.

During the launch, Beatriz said “When you join beauty contests you really need to know yourself, what you’re passionate about. What we are looking for in the US is someone who is proud of being Filipino… We give Fil-Ams a choice to represent the Filipinos, it’s all about breaking borders, it’s about finding the right Filipina that would represent both cultures and make sure she shines within.”

Glendale. Roberto “Bob” C. Garcia is the multicultural development officer of the Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) in Queensland, Australia. Part of his job is to ensure that newly arrived migrants or skilled workers have what they need. He was also instrumental in making Toowoomba a Refugee Welcome Zone in 2014. He joined the event virtually as part of the hybrid awards ceremony from Toowoomba, Queensland in Australia. Also joining on the zoom from the Philippines was nominator Rodolfo Estimo, an international journalist now based in the Philippines.

Ysabel Jurado also attended the event. Her late mom, Jocelyn Jurado was posthumously awarded the IMMA 2023. Ysabel is a lawyer running for the District 14 Councilmember position.

The Tribute to All Mothers program began at 2:00 pm. All the mothers in attendance were presented with a free corsage and a rose, and the audience applauded them. At 3:00 pm, the Star Spangled Banner was led by Tess Nones, a MoTHER Committee member; the Philippine National Anthem was rendered by Elizabeth San Diego, the co-emcee and cochair of IMMA. The invocation and blessing of all mothers was done by Fr. Eusebio Llonoso, Associate Pastor of Our Lady of Loretto Church and the St. Columban’s Filipino Church. The opening and welcome address was delivered by Malou Miravite Villacisneros, representing collaborator PWC Executive Director Aquilina Versoza Soriano, who was out of town.

A duet of “Iingatan Ka,” dedicated to all the mothers, was performed by Jhonalyn and Ysabella. Eusebio “Bing” San Diego composed and recited a poem titled “Inang Mahal,” followed by a dance performance to the tunes of “Mother of Christ” and “Paruparong Bukid” by the Committee choreographed by Cres Go.. The event also included a profile of MoTHER and TLC Family Caregiver Support Group advocacy, presentation of the Committee members that included Nena Ruiz and Debra Romig; followed by the introduction of the guest speaker, Hon. Alnee Gamble, by Perla Santos. While having their refreshments, the mothers and their guests were serenaded with songs including “Mama” (Il Divo) by Cres Go, a duet of “For Mama” by Rosito Go and Jessie Ruiz, and “Dakila ka Inay” by Ike Rongavilla. g

Asked what will set this very first MWP-USA pageant apart from other beauty contests here in the U.S., MJ said “we will definitely step up on our production. This will set a high standard in pageantry. I want to make it  big and memorable

Miss World Philippines is a prestigious beauty pageant that selects the country’s representatives for the Miss World competition, one of the Big Four international beauty pageants. The pageant also sends representatives to minor international pageants such as Miss Eco International. The pageant was officially launched on March 23, 2011, at the SMDC Showroom at the SM Mall of Asia. Arnold Vegafria took over as the national PAGE B4

MoTHER STaff

This photo was taken during the launch of Miss World Philippines USA at Invincinal Village in Beverly Hills. Photo shows: Mary Jane McLelland (front row,seated right) leads  the Miss World Philippines USA 2024 pageant launch in Beverly Hills, California. In photos are (seated): Kiel Ortega, Heather Casignia, Miss Ramonne, Beatriz McLelland, Rizzy Lo, MJ McLelland, and Bill Foy. Standing: Christian  Reasonda, Lyndon Apostol, Raphael Estrada and Wallace Goodwin

Priscilla Meirelles blends Brazilian-Pinoy beliefs in raising daughter with John Estrada

By Boy aBunda Philstar.com

EVERY mother wants only the best for her child. The same goes true for Priscilla Meirelles who is raising her and husband John Estrada’s daughter Anechka in the best way she knows how.

Anechka is a Russian name that Priscilla chose for their now 12-year-old daughter because she wanted a Christian name with a Bible meaning equivalent to grace. “She’s really a grace coming to my life,” declared Priscilla when she recently sat down for “The Talk” segment of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda.”

As a mom, her focus is instilling in Anechka some of the traits that she believes are primarily important as an individual.

“You know, John is a very good provider. He’s an amazing dad but when it comes to raising our child, ako talaga ‘yung nakatutok kay Anechka. I want her to grow up as a Godfearing, intelligent and confident woman. So, I instilled in her the things that I believe are the most valuable aspects of life, of course, including respect for parents and being family-oriented.”

“I’ve been living in the Philippines for so long that I’ve already combined my beliefs from Brazil with positive traits that I’ve seen here. You know, I’m not fully Brazilian anymore. Medyo Pinay na ako, so pinag-halo-halo ko kasi sobrang na-appreciate ko yung Filipinos (na) very close as a family. I really like the closeness,” added the former beauty queen who also stressed the importance of building a strong childhood foundation.

an individual, including respect for parents and being family-oriented. Photo from Instagram/@primeirelles happened to me or my sibling before and then I would ask her what she’s going to do if she were in that situation.”

“I told her that it’s very important that her foundation is strong and that she surrounds herself with good people, and knows what is valuable in life. Whatever happens in her life or career is just a consequence of her hard work, so it means that if you persevere and really work hard, darating at darating ‘yan. But I just wanted her to be a good person first.”

When people think of disciplining the kids, their thoughts often turn to punishment. But discipline, Priscilla agreed, is often more effective when it’s positive. She described herself as a not-so-strict mom as she allows her daughter to do things her way yet calls her daughter’s attention when she feels something is not right.

“‘Pag hindi pasado sa akin, sasabihin ko sa kanya but always with loving words. I don’t spank her, I just talk to her. I apply reverse psychology most of the time like I would tell her what

She, too, maintains a close relationship with John’s children with ex-wife Janice de Belen namely, Inah, Moira, Kaila, and Yuan.

“I’m very close with the kids. They call me ‘Ate’ and they are so sweet that every time I go through trials, they’re always there for me; they reach out and I appreciate that. They know no matter what, whenever they need someone to talk to, I’m just here. I’m just a phone call or a text away,” Priscilla narrated.

It’s no secret that Priscilla and John went through a rough patch in their marriage last year and the former revealed that she learned a lot about herself because of that.

“I’m very easygoing but all of us have limits and I reached mine. Sa nangyari, ang natutunan ko ay, at the end of the day, the most important thing in life is peace of mind because without it, you cannot function well, you cannot be happy,” she said.

Moreover, Priscilla emphasized that she will fight for her husband and their marriage as long as she feels that it’s “worth it.” John, in turn, promised to do his best after they ironed things out.

“He told me that ‘I’m with you and I’m here for the long haul. Please trust me and I’ll do my best.’I believe that he’ll do his best and again, Tito Boy, we’re having a great time and I’m not taking anything that I can’t. Of course, tao lang tayo. I’m in a situation right now – we’re still married.”

“He knows that I’ve reached my limit so whatever happens from this point on, it’s on him. I’ve done my part,” she shared

Priscilla didn’t forget to mention how she appreciated Janice for her effort in reaching out to her in the midst of her “trying” times although they do not have a close relationship.

“When it comes to Miss Janice, never kami naging close pero naappreciate ko siya ng sobra kasi actually last year, nag-reach out siya sa akin — and I hope it’s okay to share,” she revealed.

Priscilla continued, “Womanto-woman, she’s very kind and I appreciate that because we’re never close. We did work once together before but of course, I’m married to her ex. Although I’m not the reason why they separated — let’s make that very clear. ‘Pag-pasok ko sa buhay ni John many years (ago), they were already annulled.”

“Woman-to-woman, I think she can feel me, and she understands where I’m coming from. And I think she appreciates the fact that I’m good to her kids and they love me and I love them.”

I told Priscilla that it means a lot when someone reaches out to a person who is going through trying times and she agreed by saying that Janice’s gesture PAGE B6

Ivana Alawi reveals where she got her diamond ring

By Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actress Ivana Alawi revealed how she got her diamond ring. At a press conference at the recent TikTok Summit in Shangril-La The Fort in Taguig City, the host asked Ivana how she got her diamond ring. “Ito, sa pagla-live sell,” she said. Ivana also explained how she handles her income from her TikTok Shop and her salary from

being an actress. ‘Yung revenue ko for TikTok Shop, it’s actually also for the family kasi they help me with the business so nag-sheshare kami. ‘Yung pag-aartista naman, nilalagay ko siya sa properties so ito nilalagay ko sa bank,” she said, answering a query from Philstar.com. She also revealed that she earned over P10 million in just a few hours of live selling. “’Yung biggest revenue was again eight digits in just a few hours,” she bared. g

Sheryl Cruz reveals she was once engaged to Anjo Yllana

By anne PaSaJol Inquirer.net

SHERYL Cruz disclosed that her ex-boyfriend Anjo Yllana proposed to her before she moved to the United States in the 1990s, but that they broke off their engagement after the actor “got somebody pregnant.”

Cruz made this revelation in the May 23 episode of “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” after show host Abunda asked if she had a closure with Yllana before she married her now-former husband Norman Bustos.

“Actually, nagtampo ako sa kanya noon because he actually

asked for my hand in marriage that time—before I left for the States and decided to actually try it there, and met Norman,” the actress recalled.

“[Nagtampo ako] because he asked for my hand in marriage and I said yes, and then I found that he got somebody pregnant.

So ‘di ba, kahit papaano [he] broke my heart,” she continued.

The actress further revealed that after she returned to the Philippines and got divorced from Bustos, she and Yllana— who was also separated at the time—had a “moment” to reconnect.

“Nagkaroon kami ng moment

wherein we were able to see each other again, catch up on things, and tried to—I guess— have another go at it,” she told Abunda, although she said the relationship unfortunately didn’t work out as well.

During the interview, Cruz also spoke about her past relationships which include her former love team partner, actor Romnick Sarmenta.

The actress noted that Sarmenta did court her, although she doesn’t consider their relationship serious because she was much focused on her other priorities at the time. g

Dolly de Leon is Dennis...

where it won four awards, including Best Supporting Actor for JC Santos. Horror director Yam Laranas is helming “Severino: The First Serial Killer” on a script by Dodo Dayao, Rody Vera, and Rona Co.

Also on CreaZion Studios’ project slate are rotoscope animation movie “The Fantabulous Badingger-Z” based on a comic book by filmmaker and the company’s chief creative officer Real S. Florido who will direct the adaptation and the animated superhero film “Zsa Zsa Zaturnah Ze Movee.”

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After earning Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations for “Triangle of Sadness,” De Leon appeared in a number of local films like “Walang KaParis,” “Duyan ng Magiting,” “Iti Mapukpukaw,” and “A Very Good Girl.”

This year, De Leon starred in two films that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival — “Between the Temples” and “Ghostlight” — and is currently shooting for the second season of “Nine Perfect Strangers” with Nicole Kidman. g

Search for first ever...

director on January 16, 2017, after serving as the talent manager for Miss World 2013 Megan Young. Under Vegafria’s leadership, the pageant now awards seven additional titles, including Miss Supranational Philippines, Miss Eco Philippines, Reina Hispanoamericana – Filipinas, Miss Multinational Philippines, Miss Philippines Tourism, Miss Eco Teen Philippines, and Miss Environment Philippines.

Notable title holders include Megan Lynne Talde Young, who was also crowned as Miss World in 2013, making her the first Filipina to win the title, and Catriona Gray, who won in 2016 and later became Miss Universe in 2018.

Two titles would be at stake at the MWP-USA

2024 pageant: Miss World Philippines USA 2024 and Miss Grand Philippines USA 2024.The two winners will compete in Manila for the Miss World Philippines 2024 and Miss Grand Philippines 2024 later this year. MJ said as they have already started with some preliminary screenings of candidates, they are hoping that they would be able to announce the list of candidates by end of June.

According to MJ, the qualifications to join the MWP-USA are: age must be 17-27 years old; at least 5’4 in height, Filipino-American citizen; female,never been married nor borne a child; beauty and brain.

For more inquiries please contact this number 562-541-2267 or email at mwpfilam@gmail.com g

Ivana Alawi

Photo from Instagram/@ivanaalwi

As a mom, Priscilla Meirelles instills in Anechka, her only daughter with husband John Estrada, some of the traits that she believes are primarily important as

As a mom, Priscilla Meirelles instills in Anechka, her only daughter with husband John Estrada, some of the traits that she believes are primarily important as an individual, including respect for parents and being family-oriented.

Photo from Instagram/@primeirelles

THE high cost of living in California and over regulation has made a lot of parents evaluate whether to move out of state. The most common states that people move to are Texas, Arizona, Nevada, or Florida where the cost of living is lower and taxes are less or non-existent. However, if a parent with shared custody wants to move away with the children, they must follow a specific legal process to ensure the move is in the child’s best interests. The move has to be allowed by the court through a court order because it will affect the non-moving parent’s custody/visitation rights. A parent cannot simply decide to move with the children without a court order. With the distance between the parents, the existing custody and visitation orders will no longer work out.

If a child custody order is in effect, the moving parent must notify the other parent that they intend to move, and oftentimes, they must often bring a request to modify the child custody and visitation order to court. The parent planning to move must provide written notice to the other parent at least 45 days before the intended move date. The notice should include the new address and contact information, the reason for the move, the proposed new custody and visitation arrangements.

The parents can try to reach an agreement on the move and the new custody/visitation schedule can be tuned into a court order by signing a stipulation and order for the move away containing the new custody/visitation orders. This would be the best case scenario where the parents are working together on deciding whether the child gets to move with the other parent and what the new custody schedule is going to be.

If the parents cannot agree, the moving parent must file a Request for Order (RFO) to relocate with the court. The RFO should explain the reasons for the move and how it is in the child’s best interests. The

Navigating the child custody move away process in California

Court will set a hearing on the move away request. Often, the Family Court in Los Angeles would order a Parenting Plan Assessment (PPA2) in which a custody evaluator will evaluate the facts of your case and make a recommendation to the Court whether to allow the move away and what the new custody/visitation order is going to be. The parties will have a chance to examine the evaluator in court and present their own witnesses.

The legal analysis in a moveaway situation depend on the current custody arrangement.

A parent with sole physical custody of a child has the presumptive right to change the child’s residence, subject to the court’s ability to prevent a relocation that would “prejudice the rights or welfare” of the child, pursuant to Family Code 7501, which states: (a) A parent entitled to the custody of a child has a right to change the residence of the child, subject to the power of the court to restrain a removal that would prejudice the rights or welfare of the child. (b) It is the intent of the Legislature to affirm the decision in In re Marriage of Burgess (1996) 13 Cal.4th 25, and to declare that ruling to be the public policy and law of this state. Moreover, under California child custody law the custodial parent does not have to show that the move is “necessary,” assuming the parent is moving in good faith. (See Marriage of Burgess (1996) 13 Cal.4th 25)

The non-custodial parent can then challenge the relocation by requesting a custody modification based on a showing of changed circumstances and detriment to the child. As discussed in Burgess, the non-custodial parent must show a substantial change in circumstances rendering it “essential or expedient for the welfare of the children” that there be a custody change. Family courts are given the widest discretion to fashion orders and make determinations under these circumstances because

each case is unique and these orders determine where, and with whom, minor children will live based on the La Musga factors. The LaMusga Court provided California family judges with a roadmap for deciding whether to modify a custody order in light of a parent’s proposal to change the residence of the child. The following is a checklist of the LaMusga factors family courts will consider:

• The child’s interest in stability and continuity in the custodial arrangement.

• A significant change in circumstances.

• The distance of the move.

• The age of the child.

• The social impact of the move on the child.

• The impact on the child’s education.

• The child’s relationship with both parents.

• The relationship between parents.

• The wishes of the child.

• The reason for the move.

• The extent to which the parents are currently sharing custody.

Move-aways are generally “all or nothing” matters, since there is very little middle ground when one parent proposes to move the child to another state and the other parent is requesting the opposite. The distance becomes a real limitation in crafting a custody arrangement that would be in the best interest of the child. This process can be complicated thus parties are best served having experienced and highly skilled legal representation.

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* * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.  The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.  This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.  The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.  This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC.  This article is not a solicitation.

On the solemn Feast of the Holy Trinity

Pastor’s Notes

reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAs

IT has been three years since our parish council, staff members, and I collaborated to craft our parish’s vision and mission statements. The process of formulating them was deliberate, requiring prayerful consideration, discernment guided by the Holy Spirit, and in-depth discussions on our parish’s history, demographics, values, needs, and priorities.

I am confident that we have created compelling statements that authentically mirror our values, aspirations, and desires. As these statements are shared in our church bulletin every Sunday, I encourage you to not only remember them but also to share them with others.

I wish to direct our attention to our vision statement:

“Joyful, welcoming, and faithfilled, we are the Body of Christ on a journey towards eternal life with God.”

This statement is succinct and easily memorable, and I hope that we all internalize and embody its essence. My aspiration is for

every group and ministry within the parish to exemplify this vision through their actions. Upon reflection, it becomes apparent that this vision is dynamic and proactive, aimed at fostering a warm, cohesive community dedicated to deepening our understanding of the Catholic faith. It is more than just a creed; it is a directive for us to actively manifest our true identity. It is crucial to revisit, contemplate, embrace, and propagate this parish vision statement, particularly as we observe the Solemnity of the Holy Trinity this Sunday. Let us recognize that the Holy Trinity is not simply a doctrinal concept but a relational truth.

As Fr. Ronald Ronheiser aptly states in his weekly reflection on Sunday Gospel, In Exile, “God is not primarily a set of beliefs, doctrines, or abstract ideas that demand our intellectual assent. God is a living network of relationships, a Trinity, a familial source of life which we can step into, experience, embody, and allow to flow through us.”

Friends, this exemplifies our commitment to our faith in God and the practice of our Christian Catholic beliefs. We aspire not only to comprehend and acknowledge our faith but also to live it out joyfully, inclusively, and faithfully as a unified Body of

Christ in our collective journey. Our overarching vision is to extend God’s love to all, cultivate forgiveness, and nurture relationships among the community.

In this context, with reference to the Scripture passage proclaiming “God is love,” Fr. Ron Rolheiser posits an alternative rendering: “God is community, family, parish, friendship, and hospitality. Those who embody these virtues abide in God, and God abides in them. God is a trinity, a flow of relationships among persons. If this is true, and scripture assures us that it is, then the realities of dealing with each other in community, at the dinner table, over a bottle of wine or an argument, not to mention the simple giving and receiving of hospitality, are not pure, secular experiences but the stuff of church, the place where the life of God flows through us.”

Wishing everyone abundant blessings of love, peace, unity, and joy!

* 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.

Darren looks back with gratitude as he blazes ahead

By Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net

NOT many artists today under the age of 25 can claim to have 10 years of experience in show business. Darren Espanto, who now goes by the mononym Darren, is one of the rare ones whose career has not stopped since he first appeared on “The Voice Kids.”

“I feel like it’s been such a long time since The

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County

Voice Kids but at the same time, it feels like it’s been such a quick journey as well. But when I look back on everything I’ve done, I would say to myself, ‘A lot has happened in my life and career.’ I’m just very grateful for the past 10 years,” Darren said. Darren was only 12 when he joined the competition, but it gave him opportunities to grow personally and professionally, paving the way for him to fulfill his dreams of being a performer.

Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. He is founder and Managing

Partner of LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)

Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

Priscilla Meirelles blends...

reflected her good character. “I admire her for that and I thank her. She’s a wonderful person,” she added.

What is her piece of advice to women whose partners are still being chased by other women?

“To a wife, you need to tell your partner what you feel. Don’t keep it to yourself, if you feel different.

You have to let it out because sometimes, bilang babae, we try to cover up, we try to fix things our own way. But at the end of the day, dalawa kayo — it takes two to tango — so if you don’t voice out what you like (to say), then the situation won’t be fixed. Mag-usap kayo and if you don’t agree, you know life is short, so move on,” stated Priscilla. g

Darren looks back...

“When I was 12, my only dream was to join the The Voice’s blind auditions and then join [variety show] ‘Asap Natin ‘To.’ I’m glad I’m able to achieve them.

“Later on, my bucket list also included staging my major solo concert, releasing albums and singles, and being part of acting projects. I’m glad they are happening now and there’s nothing wrong with wanting more,” he shared.

Darren made the statement as he prepares for his star-studded 10th anniversary celebration in “D10” concert happening on June 1 (Saturday) at the Araneta Coliseum.

Joining him in this milestone are some of the amazing talents who have been part of Darren’s journey as a singer, including Erik Santos, Gary Valenciano, Lyca Gairanod, Ogie Alcasid, Sarah Geronimo and Vice Ganda.

“There’s a lot of surprises in the concert, from production to stage design, and of course, the guests — I’m very excited to share the day with everyone.”

Darren, however, admitted that despite the preparations and the many performances he has given onstage over the past 10 years, he still feels nervous about having his first major solo concert.

“I combat that fear and nervousness by enjoying the experience, being present in every process. Right now, I’m excited because we’ve created this lineup and prepared months ago. I’m lucky to have the venue available on June 1 because that’s the exact day of my showbiz anniversary.”

Two weeks before the concert, Darren also released the music video for his latest single “Hanggang Kailan” which features his “Can’t Buy Me Love” co-star Belle Mariano.

“It’s a different kind of beat,

truly evolved. Photo from Instagram/@darrenespanto

because usually the songs I write are pop, ballads with belting. This one’s a lot more laid back. It’s more on the storytelling, being in the moment and asking the universe until when are you going to wait for the right person?”

Looking ahead, Darren said his next big dream is to release music internationally.

“I think about what else do I have to offer to those who continuously support me. It’s all about reinventing yourself at the end of the day. I want to be on the global stage, too, and hopefully that happens soon.”

In ending, Darren said that if there’s one lesson the past 10 years have taught him, it’s this: one doesn’t need to be a winner to feel like a winner.

“I didn’t win but a lot has happened in my career and my personal life, many of which I never expected to happen. So my message is don’t give up as there’s always going be a door that’ll open for you. It might not be now but, when the time comes, as long as you are willing to take risks and improve, it’s going happen.” g

California community college is helping me achieve my dreams – and it can help you too!

by Kevin Dinh

AS a Vietnamese American, May is an important month for me. It is Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a monthlong celebration where AANHPI communities come together to celebrate the diversity of cultures, breadth of achievements and contributions communities like mine have made in the U.S.

For many like me, May is a time to reflect on those who have come before me and paved the way for me to be where I am. While I am still a student pursuing my dreams, I am thankful and proud to be a student at Irvine Valley College because I know my local California community college will expand my future opportunities and help me get to where I want to be.

Growing up in a traditional Vietnamese household, the value and importance of family and community was part of my heritage. While I have a strong family support network I can rely on, life isn’t always easy. California community colleges provide students like me with equitable access to higher education, which is the first step to giving me the skills, knowledge, and qualifications to improve my life and the lives of my family.

As everyone knows, earning a higher education degree is vital to getting ahead, and while community college may not be the right choice for everyone, it is a great choice for many, including me.

For those who are still trying to figure out what they want to do or want to quickly

move into a career, California community colleges offer more than 200 career training programs, making it possible for students to get a high-quality education and take the first step toward their dream careers. That includes jobs that require certifications or advance training, such as welding, firefighting, nursing, emergency medical services and others working on our front lines. California community colleges provide a budget-friendly opportunity for students — of any age — to improve their job prospects, educating more than 2 million people a year. In fact, students who obtain a degree or certificate from a California community college nearly double their

earnings within

For

Kylie Verzosa stuns Cannes 2024 red carpet for 3rd time

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

BEAUTY queen-turned-actress

Kylie Verzosa walked the red carpet of this year’s Cannes Film Festival for a third time, matching the number of appearances she made at last year’s edition.

Kylie’s third red carpet appearance at the prestigious festival this year was for the premiere of Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Kinds of Kindness,” starring Emma Stone, who recently won her second Best Actress Oscar for starring in Lanthimos’ prior film “Poor Things.”

After initially donning two different dresses by Mark Bumgarner, Kylie’s third outfit was a black and yellow gown by Dubai-based label Sophie Couture, founded by Azerbaijani fashion designer Gunel

During this year’s opening ceremony and premiere of opening film “Le Deuxième Acte

The

Verzosa, crowned Miss International 2016 before joining showbiz, recently starred in the movies “Elevator,” “Penduko” and “Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen.”

The 77th Cannes Film Festival runs until May 25, as presided by “Barbie” filmmaker Greta Gerwig, where 22 films, including Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Kinds of Kindness” and Sean Baker’s “Anora,” are competing for the Palme d’Or. g

Kevin Dinh

From the 12-year-old-belting The Voice Kids finalist to an all-around artist today, Darren has

Babayeva.

The yellow dress featured a black velvet corset and flowing, puffed sleeves and skirt printed with flower and avian silhouettes. She accented her red carpet look with Marli diamond jewelry. Kylie also attended a dinner hosted by champagne house

Moet & Chandon and fashion company Dior. She also graced the party hosted by Magnum Ice Cream, wearing a silver outfit by Geyanna Youness and shoes by Gianvito Rossi in the latter.

Kylie Verzosa at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival Photos from Instagram/@kylieverzosa

(The Second Act),” Kylie wore a black custom mermaid dress by Bumgarner, who also designed her outfits when she made her Cannes debut last year.

beauty queen then wore a mauve Bumgarner dress and a Messika diamond necklace at the premiere of “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.”