053124 - New York & New Jersey Edition

Gary V, Apl.de.Ap to headline Carson’s PH Independence Day event

A DAY of music and culture awaits as the City of Carson gears up for its 126th Philippine Independence Day Celebration on June 8.

The city will be buzzing with excitement as two Filipino music icons, Apl.de.Ap and Gary Valenciano, take center stage to mark this special occasion.

The Black Eyed Peas founding member will also serve as the parade grand marshal. Presented in collaboration with the Philippine Independence Day Foundation, the festivities will commence at 7:30 a.m. and run until 6 p.m. at Veterans Park, located at 22400 Moneta Avenue. And

DFA: China’s Coast Guard rules violate international

by dona Z. PaZZibUgan Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippines warned China that it would be “in direct violation of international law” if it orders its coast guard to detain for up to 60 days without trial supposed

“trespassers” in the West Philippine Sea where the Philippines has jurisdiction.

MANILA — Senate President Francis Escudero has categorically denied that the investigation on the so-called Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) leaks, linking President Marcos to illegal drug use, triggered the ouster of Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri as head of the chamber. Escudero, however, refused to reveal the reason why 15 senators signed a resolution calling for a change in Senate leadership.

others over Chocolate Hills fiasco

A surprised Aumentado steps aside on Tuesday, says its ‘business as usual’ at the provincial capitol

by Leo Udtohan Inquirer.net

— Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and 68 other public officials, including town mayors and local heads of national agencies, have

under preventive suspension by the Ombudsman for six months over the construction of a controversial resort near the famous Chocolate Hills. In an order dated May 22 and released on Tuesday, May 28 the antigraft office said the operation of the u

Domestic laws “cannot be applied nor enforced in the high seas under international law,” added the DFA.

“China would be in direct violation of

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said China’s coast guard regulations, set to take effect on June 15, may not be applied in other states’ territories, maritime zones or jurisdictions and would “violate other sovereign states’ rights and entitlements under international law.”

by dexter CabaLZa Inquirer.net

THE Philippines protested China's imposition of a "unilateral," four-month-long fishing moratorium in the South China Sea as the ban covered the Philippines' maritime zones.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in a statement on Monday, May 27 said China began the fishing ban on May 1, which is expected to last until September 16.

"Through a diplomatic note, the Philippines protested the ban insofar as it includes the Philippines maritime zones over which the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights,

MANILA — The government has zero budget set aside this year to procure updated doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to protect vulnerable Filipinos from the new “Flirt” variants driving a wave of infections around the world, according to the Department of

Health (DOH). The jabs are seen as crucial to the safety and protection of the elderly as well as people with compromised immune systems from the fastspreading Flirt variants, which, while not considered deadly, are sparking concerns of a COVID-19 resurgence four years since the advent of the pandemic.

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

SECURITY AUGMENTATION. The Philippine Coast Guard's BRP Gabriela Silang (OVP 8301) arrives at the Panacan Wharf in Davao City on Wednesday, May 29. Its visit is in line with the security augmentation for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Coast Guard Forum to be held in the Island Garden City of Samal,

by bernadette tamayo ManilaTimes.net

Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri Philstar.com file photo

F rom the F ront P age

DFA: China’s Coast Guard...

international law should it enforce these new regulations in the waters and maritime features within the illegal, null and void, and expansive 10-dash line, which would effectively cover areas of the West Philippine Sea where the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, or in the high seas,” the DFA said in a statement on Sunday, May 26.

The DFA reminded China that its domestic laws should “abide by its commitments and obligations under international law,” particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, as well as the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

“We reiterate our call for China to comply with international law and desist from any action that would undermine peace and security in the region,” the department said. Detention

Under the new regulations announced on May 15, the Chinese coast guard was authorized to interrogate and detain for up to 30 days, and up to 60 days in some cases without trial, foreign vessels and persons suspected of crossing China-claimed waters.

Beijing issued the order as the Chinese coast guard has lately been aggressively blocking Philippine vessels at Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal and at Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, areas that lie within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer (200-nautical mile) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the West Philippine Sea.

China continues to claim most of the South China Sea, including the West Philippine Sea, despite the July 12, 2016, ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidated China’s sweeping claims and upheld the Philippines’ EEZ.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called China’s regulations “unacceptable” while

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. called it a “provocation and violation of the United Nations charter.”

Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo said the illegal regulations affect not only the Philippines but “every country in the world, theoretically.”

Aside from the Philippines and China, other claimants to the South China Sea features are Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

‘Advisory opinion’

The DFA again urged China to abide by the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea after the ruling was repeatedly cited by the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (Itlos) in its May 21 “advisory opinion” on the obligation of states to protect the marine environment from the impact of climate change.

“This bolsters and reinforces the legitimacy of the final and binding 2016 arbitration award, and its unassailable status as part of the corpus of international law,” the DFA said on Saturday, May 25.

“The Philippines therefore takes this opportunity to reiterate its continuing call for full compliance with the award,” it added.

The DFA said 26 states or groups of states also cited the arbitral award as a legal authority in their respective statements during the Itlos proceedings.

China, which has refused to recognize the arbitral ruling, participated in the proceedings along with the Philippines and several other nations.

In the first international judicial opinion on state obligations concerning climate change, the Itlos said states are under obligation to take all necessary measures to control maritime pollution from greenhouse gas emissions.

The tribunal also said states are under special obligation to protect and preserve the marine ecosystem from the impact of climate change. g

Gary V, Apl.de.Ap to headline Carson’s...

here’s the best part — admission to this cultural extravaganza is absolutely free, inviting everyone to join in the fun.

Organizers emphasized the significance of including Apl.de.Ap and “Mr. Pure Energy” in the lineup, ensuring an unforgettable experience for attendees celebrating the spirit of freedom and unity that defines the Filipino people.

"The Philippine Independence Day Foundation is extremely proud to once again partner with the City of Carson, California, in planning and presenting one of the largest and longest running annual celebrations of Philippine Independence Day in the state and the entire U.S.,” Philippine Independence Day Foundation (PIDF) President Fred Docdocil told Inquirer.net USA.

Docdocil said they are thrilled to have Gary V and Apl.de.Ap headlining the celebration. “Their talent and passion for music, along with the rest of the PIDC Carson 2024 performers, embody the essence of our cultural heritage and the resilience of our nation,” he said.

“We’re glad we have someone with Apl’s caliber as grand marshal of the parade.”

Docdocil told a press conference he was proud that the event was taking place in the city of Carson, where 20 percent of the population are of Filipino descent.

“If you factor in the Filipinos in the rest of the South Bay and in the LA area, that’s huge,” he said.

There are more than half a million Filipino Americans in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, according to the latest census.

“As Apl mentioned, this is Filipinotown. We may not have that historic designation, but we definitely have that representation in this community,” Docdocil added.

Joining the star-studded lineup are numerous Filipino artists, including Junior New System, Annie Nepomuceno, Jules Graeser, Irene Cruz, Alexis and Jojo Riguerra, Jason Lustina, Jaime Barcelon, Jo Awayan, Kayamanan ng Lahi, Lea Auditor, Hoku Mae’Ole Polynesian Dancers, Chris Chatman, Janice Javier, Kindreds and 4th Impact.

Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes extended

PH protests fishing ban in South China Sea...

and jurisdiction," the DFA said.

It added that the unilateral imposition of the fishing moratorium "raises tensions in the West Philippine Sea and the South China Sea."

The fishing ban "directly contravened" the understanding between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Chinese President Xi Jinping to manage differences through diplomacy

and dialogue and to de-escalate the situation at sea, the DFA said.

The Philippines called on China to "cease and desist from the conduct of illegal actions that violate the Philippines' sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction in its maritime zones."

It said Beijing should comply with its obligations under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations

Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and the "final and binding" 2016 Arbitral Award.

In July 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, invalidated China's expansive claim in the South China Sea, which encroached on the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

The DFA said that paragraph 716 of the Arbitral Award states that China, by

her appreciation to the Philippine Independence Day Foundation for their tireless efforts in highlighting the diversity and richness of Filipino culture in Carson.

“Thank you for giving the community the opportunity to see and experience the richness of Philippine history and culture, and for making a wonderful contribution to the ethnic diversity that makes Carson great,” the mayor added.

Docdocil encouraged FilAms to attend the event, saying, “this is the only way our story gets told – if we show up and represent ourselves.”

In other news, The Voice of the Philippines former coach Apl.de.Ap recently visited schools in Cavite to underscore the significance of education in the realm of electrification and electric vehicles, showcasing how it could benefit the country. Additionally, he collaborated with K-pop icon and Filipina actress Sandara Park.

Addressing retirement rumors, Valenciano clarified that he has no plans to step away from the industry, as evidenced by his concert titled “Pure Energy, One Last Time.” (Hans Carbonilla/ Inquirer.net)

promulgating its moratorium on fishing in the South China Sea "without exception for areas of the South China Sea falling within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines and without limiting the moratorium to Chinese flagged vessels, breached Article 56 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea with respect to the Philippines' sovereign rights over the living resources of its exclusive economic zone." g

NEW PATROL BOAT. The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao presents its new high-speed response boat during a ceremony held at the Discovery Samal Shore, Barangay Limao, Island Garden City of Samal on Tuesday, May 28. The patrol boat will augment maritime security, safety, and operational capabilities in the Davao Gulf, particularly in the island and Davao City.

PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Foreign Sec. Enrique Manalo, and Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. Inquirer.net photos

‘PDEA leaks’ probe not behind Zubiri ouster...

He said even Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, chairman of the Senate committee on public order and dangerous drugs, initially thought he was to blame for the change in Senate leadership.

“That’s why Sen. Dela Rosa became emotional, because he said he was the reason why Sen. Zubiri was removed. Well, in that case, then we should have just removed Senator Dela Rosa (from his committee), instead. I told Dela Rosa maybe we should have just removed you, not the Senate president? But that (PDEA leaks probe) was not the reason,” Escudero on Sunday, May 26 told dzBB.

To prove that the PDEA leaks probe was not a factor in Zubiri’s unseating, Escudero said Dela Rosa is free to continue the investigation of his committee. At present, Dela Rosa has presided over four hearings in the Senate, all motu proprio.

The Senate president said he has advised Dela Rosa to file a resolution to formally call for an investigation to address questions of some quarters.

“It is an option during the recess to file a resolution, which will be referred to his committee so that his hearing will not be questioned and there will be clarity on the sides,” Escudero noted. Initially, some quarters suspected that the ouster of Zubiri from the Senate helm was due to the Senate’s failure to support the House of Representativesinitiated people’s initiative, and Dela Rosa’s refusal to conclude the PDEA leaks’ probe which dragged the name of the Chief Executive to illegal drug use.

A few days ago, another factor seen in the removal of Zubiri from the Senate presidency was his refusal to allow Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. to attend the plenary session virtually as his Achilles tendon surgery wound had reopened.

Revilla said Zubiri initially decided not to allow him to participate in the Senate deliberations virtually. However, the Senate itself eventually decided to allow him to join the sessions remotely.

‘Solid 7’ seen to back LEDAC priorities

Escudero said he does not believe that the so-called Solid 7 – Zubiri, Senators Loren Legarda, Joel Villanueva, Sonny

Angara, Nancy Binay, JV Ejercito and Sherwin Gatchalian – would serve as a stumbling block to the LegislativeExecutive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) since they were the same senators who supported such measures from the very beginning.

“They were the ones promoting it then and I don’t see any reason why (they would do otherwise) because the leadership in the Senate just changed. If we have something to debate, it is the new proposals,” Escudero added.

Meanwhile, Escudero is set to meet with Speaker Martin Romualdez while the 19th Congress is on sine die adjournment to discuss priority bills of the legislative branch.

“I would like to meet with him (Romualdez) during recess to discuss the priority of the chamber as an institution and the priority of each member, may they be national or local. Maybe we can help,” Escudero said on dzBB.

He said he also intends to discuss with the speaker “How to fix the relationship between the House of Representatives and the Senate.”

The relationship between the Senate and the House of Representatives was seen affected by the effort to push for a people’s initiative, a move to amend the 1987 Constitution.

The proposal was pushing for Congress to vote as one, diminishing the power of 24 senators over 350 members of the House.

Escudero said he and Romualdez had already talked over the phone and the Speaker congratulated him.

“We talked on the phone last Thursday. He (Romualdez) greeted me through Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, who called me and coincidentally they were together,” he noted.

Zubiri touts ratification of key measures

Three important priority measures that were ratified by the 19th Congress would stem corruption, prevent smuggling of agricultural goods and protect the rights of Filipino seafarers, Zubiri said on Sunday.

He lauded the ratification, saying he is “confident that these soon-to-be enacted measures will address some

of the most pressing concerns of our people. It is important that we listen to the voice of the people and identify the things that should be changed in running our government.

“The ratification of these measures is living proof that the Senate is doing its mandate in serving the Filipino people. The laws we endeavor to pass are consistent with the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Filipino families and help our economy grow,”

Zubiri said.

“I’m proud that we were able to shepherd these bills into fruition despite the outside partisan political noises that only serve the interests of a few,” he said.

Before the Senate and the House of Representatives adjourned last week, they were able to ratify the following measures: Senate Bill 2593 or the New Government Procurement Act (NGPA), SB 2221 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, and SB 2432 or the Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

“Allow me to thank my fellow senators who made sure that these measures are closely scrutinized so that they will serve their intended purpose,” Zubiri said.

The NGPA, Zubiri said, will replace Republic Act 9184, or the Government Procurement Reform Act once President Marcos signs the measure into law.

He said the NGPA, principally authored and sponsored by Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara, will introduce major reforms in the government procurement process, specifically in ensuring transparency and efficiency in the bidding process and awarding of government contracts.

The former Senate chief said the measure was one of the priority bills of the president identified in the LEDAC.

“We started defending this measure several months ago. I have committed to the president that we will prioritize this, and we were able to deliver on that promise,” Zubiri said.

Also ratified was the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, which is envisioned to safeguard the welfare of local and international Filipino seafarers and improve their working conditions.

Zubiri said the measure will likewise ensure that the training and education of Filipino seafarers are compliant with the Maritime Labor Convention of 2006 and the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers.

The Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, meanwhile, repeals Republic Act 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.

Zubiri said the measure, principally authored by Ejercito, will impose harsher penalties on individuals behind the smuggling, hoarding and cartels manipulating the supplies and prices of agricultural products.

“I’m optimistic that this measure will not only protect our local farmers from greedy opportunists but will also help us attain food security in the years to come,” he said. (by Cecille Suerte Felipe/Philstar.com)

Ombudsman suspends...

controversial Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort at Barangay Canmano in Sagbayan town was allowed even without the required environmental impact assessment, environmental compliance certificate and special use agreement in protected areas from the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“The respondents acted with manifest partiality, evident bad faith, gross inexcusable negligence and committed gross violations of the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 (Nipas Act of 1992) and Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018 (E-Nipas Act of 2018) when they remained adamant and continuously tolerated the operation and expansion of Captain’s Peak despite its lack of environmental clearances and permits,” it said.

A first

The Ombudsman said the resort was issued with a mayor, business, building and locational permits for the years 2020 to 2024, despite the repeated failure to secure the permits and clearances from the DENR.

The respondents are facing investigation for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.

Sought for comment, Aumentado, 46, said it was his first time to get suspended as a government official since he was elected as representative of Bohol’s second district in 2013 until he became governor in 2022.

He said he received the orders from the Ombudsman

on Tuesday afternoon.

“I did not expect this. But we can’t do anything about it. We have to comply with the order. We will face this. God knows what is inside my heart,” the governor told employees of the Capitol.

“My request is for Capitol employees to continue working. Remain clean in serving the people. It’s business as usual in the Capitol,” he added.

Aumentado said the Provincial Government of Bohol has no direct participation in the issuance of permits or licenses for the operation of Captain’s Peak Resort.

Vice Gov. Dionisio Victor Balite served as Bohol governor starting Tuesday.

Aside from Aumentado, also suspended were Mayors Restituto Suarez III (Sagbayan), Antonino Jumawid (Batuan), Elizabeth Mandin-Pace (Catigbian), Eugeniano Ibarra (Clarin), Norman Palacio (Bilar), Michael Doria (Sierra Bullones), Dionisio Neil Balite (Valencia) and Conchita Toribio-Delos Reyes (Carmen).

Former mayors who were impleaded in the case were former Mayors Manuel Jayectin (Bilar), Simplicio Maestrado Jr. (Sierra Bullones), Maria Katrina Lim (Valencia), Calixto Garcia (Valencia), Ricardo Toribio (Carmen), and Bilar Vice Mayor Ranulfo Maligmat. Also suspended were Ma. Victoria Abrera, regional director of DENREnvironment Management Bureau; Paquito Melicor; DENR regional executive director; and Gilbert Gonzales, regional director of DENR-Central Visayas; Eugene Cabrera, regional director of the Office Civil

PRESERVING TRADITION. Members of the Matigsalug tribe perform a ritual to welcome delegates of the Department of Tourism’s Philippine Experience Program: Northern Mindanao in Barangay Sinuda, Kitaotao, Bukidnon on Saturday, May 25. The Matigsalug (meaning from Salug River) is one of the province’s seven tribes, the others being Talaandig, Higa-onon, Bukidnon, Umayamnon, Manobo and Tigwahanon. PNA photo by Robert Oswald Alfiler

PAGE 1

Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado

Photo by Leo Udtohan

Features OpiniOn Avoiding FLiRT

TRAVEL restrictions aren’t being imposed and mandatory masking is not being restored. But health experts are urging the public to take precautions as the so-called FLiRT variants of COVID-19 spread in

On Monday, May 27, the Department of Health confirmed that it had ordered the Bureau of Quarantine, which is under the DOH, to conduct “thorough screening” of arriving passengers at all points of entry nationwide as a precaution against the spread of FLiRT. The BOQ issued a memorandum dated May 24, placing all its stations and other concerned agencies under “heightened alert” for the COVID variants.

Editorial

FLiRT is an acronym for the sites of the mutations that the variants share on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID. The World Health Organization says the FLiRT variants have become the dominant SARS-CoV-2 strain circulating globally this year. Unlike previous variants, experts warn that FLiRT may evade antibodies. This month the WHO labeled the FLiRT variant KP.2 as a “variant under monitoring” amid a surge in

THE ongoing saga of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo continues to keep Filipinos not only riveted but extremely concerned, with the burning question in the minds of everyone who has been keeping track of the Senate hearings: is she Filipino, or not?

COVID cases in Singapore, with patients filling up hospitals.

Most Filipinos acquired vaccine and natural immunity to SARS-CoV-2, although this has waned, and the previous vaccines were not designed for FLiRT. Still, while epidemiologists say FLiRT poses “low public health risk” at this point, they also warn that vulnerable sectors such as the elderly and persons with comorbidities must be protected from infection. New COVID cases are generally mild, but hospitalization is still required when patients find difficulty breathing or waking up, feel persistent chest pain or pressure, experience confusion or see their lips or face turning bluish. Filipinos are familiar with COVID symptoms as well as the basic health safety protocols: hand hygiene, cough and cold etiquette, masking and avoidance of crowded places.

Those with symptoms must be responsible enough to isolate themselves until they become well.

Health experts keep reminding the public that COVID continues to kill and impair both physical and mental health. Hospitalization is expensive. There are also increasing reports of long COVID, which causes a wide range of long-term debilitation. The problem is still the subject of monitoring and research, and treatment remains hit-and-miss. When it comes to this continually mutating deadly virus, it’s better to be safe and healthy than sorry. (Philstar.com)

Bamban Mayor Alice Guo: Is she Filipino, or not?

It all began with the raid last March on a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) located in Bamban, Tarlac due to reports that the Chinese company was engaged in human trafficking as well as a front for scams and other illegal activities. There were also suspicions that the facility was a hub for espionage, hacking and cyberattacks against government agencies. During the raid, hundreds

of workers of various nationalities – mostly Chinese – were found to have no valid working permits. Inside the compound located just behind the Bamban municipal hall, the raiding team also discovered “torture chambers,” vaults containing several millions of pesos, passports of workers and documents showing a possible link between the POGO and Mayor Guo, who owned half of Baofu Land Development

Inc., the company that leased the property to the POGO.

During the Senate hearings, Mayor Guo’s evasive and dubious answers to basic questions such as her educational background, her childhood, her family ties including the fact that her birth was only registered when she was 17 years old made it look like she “came out of nowhere,” as Senator Risa Hontiveros put it. According to the senator, all

to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, causes of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer

PAGE 10 Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo

Philstar.com photo

Dateline PhiliPPines

dead, over 36,000 affected due to ‘Aghon’ — NDRRMC

MANILA — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday, May 28 reported that Typhoon Aghon (Ewiniar) has left one person dead and more than 36,000 affected.

The NDRRMC said in its latest report that a 14-yearold female from Misamis Oriental was killed after a tree was toppled by Aghon's strong winds. Meanwhile, eight people were injured.

Aghon impacted 36,143 people in CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol region, Central Visayas, Eastern

Visayas, and Metro Manila. Around 22,000 individuals were displaced after the country's first cyclone this year brought heavy rain and triggered floods. Of those, 16,426 people sought temporary shelter in evacuation centers, while 5,614 stayed with relatives or friends.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday that he has directed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Health to provide aid to

affected residents.

According to the NDRRMC, the government has provided P3.66 million in assistance.

Aghon was last located 315 kilometers east of Tuguegarao City in Cagayan. State weather bureau PAGASA said impacts from Aghon's winds are now unlikely following the lifting of all wind signals.

The typhoon is also not forecast to "directly bring significant amounts of rainfall within the next three days." (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)

Ombudsman suspends...

Defense; and Joel Elumba, regional director of Department of Agriculture – Central Visayas, as well as some local village captains in Bilar, Carmen, Sagbayan, Batuan, Bilar, Dagohoy and Clarin.

Geological wonder

The Chocolate Hills, a geological wonder, consist of some 1,776 conical shapes and sizes spread over the towns of Bilar, Carmen, Batuan, Sierra Bullones, Sagbayan and other towns.

According to the DENR, they’re named and protected under the Nipas Act, or Republic Act No. 7586, as amended by Republic Act No. 11038.

Chocolate Hills Natural Monument is one of the 17 protected areas.

Over the years, there were at least 500 establishments constructed within the Chocolate Hills Natural Monument.

Sagbayan Peak in Sagbayan was opened in 2003 and has a viewing deck, a restaurant, a butterfly dome, a little amusement park, a zipline and a swimming pool.

In 2018, Captain’s Peak Garden and Resort was established at Barangay Canmano in Sagbayan town. It has a pool, slides and cottages nestled at the foot of several hills.

In Carmen town, the

DOH: No budget for new vaccines...

PAGE 1

The DOH spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, said the public’s immunity from the virus due to the original primary series of COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots administered from 2021 to 2023 had waned over time, although “not totally lost.”

“There may be some degree of residual immunity left, which is still better than having not been vaccinated at all,” Domingo said in a message to the Inquirer.

But the DOH has no budget under the 2024 appropriations law to acquire updated COVID-19 vaccines considered more effective against the Flirt variants, the official said, noting that the department’s current funding was focused on procuring doses for the routine immunization of children.

“Budget allocations for COVID-19 vaccination are made based on an assessment of public health needs. In situations where the case severity is low or mild only, there may not be an urgent need to budget and procure as before,” Domingo explained.

The country is currently facing an outbreak of measles and pertussis (whooping cough) due to the low vaccination coverage in previous years spurred by pandemicinduced community lockdowns.

1 million doses

For COVID-19 doses, the DOH is relying on donations, including a million doses pledged by the Gavi Vaccine Alliance, a global health partnership formed in 2000 to provide equal access to new and underused vaccines for children living in the world’s poorest countries.

The first tranche of 500,000 jabs is set to arrive in the second quarter.

“The DOH is processing this to obtain the best/most updated COVID-19 vaccines given the circumstances,” Domingo said.

According to the DOH, it is the duty of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) “to encourage and accept applications for registration of the newer COVID-19 vaccines so that they may be made available in the local market.”

variants of COVID-19.

The new strains have been detected in Singapore, Thailand, India, China, Hong Kong, Nepal, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, the United States and 14 countries in Europe, including the United Kingdom. Flirt (or FLiRT) is an acronym coined from the technical names of the mutations that caused the family of new COVID-19 variants, usually with lineage names starting with KP or JN.

Here are four new variants under monitoring by the World Health Organization (WHO), namely JN.1.7, JN.1.18, KP.2 and KP.3. All these are descendants of JN.1, an offshoot of the Omicron variant.

The WHO designation signals public health authorities that a COVID-19 variant may require prioritized attention and monitoring.

Citing information from the WHO, the DOH assured the public that there was no evidence to date that the Flirt variants were causing severe to critical COVID-19 cases.

However, the DOH urged Filipinos to continue practicing minimum health standards, advising them to wear face masks when going out in public or entering enclosed spaces with large gatherings.

There are no confirmed cases of the Flirt variants in the Philippines.

The new Flirt variants cause “self-limiting and mild” symptoms, from which most patients will recover without taking any medicines, according to infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante.

These include fever, cough, sore throat, congested or runny nose, headache, muscle ache, and fatigue, he said.

But Solante, the president of the Philippine College of Physicians, said the public must remain cautious as such mild symptoms may turn severe when contracted by the vulnerable population, especially senior citizens and the immunocompromised, even those previously vaccinated.

Rainy season

Chocolate Hills Complex in Barangay Buenos Aires was established in the 1970s. This is the main viewing point for the Chocolate Hills, which is run by the municipal government.

The Chocolate Hills, the tourism signature of Bohol, is recognized as the first Global Geopark of Unesco.

The hills are composed of 1,776 limestone mounds surrounding the island’s interior plains.

In 1997, then President Fidel Ramos, through Presidential Decree No. 1037, declared the Chocolate Hills as a natural monument, ensuring its protection. — with a report from Dempsey Reyes g

The emergency use authorizations issued by the FDA for nine COVID-19 vaccines administered in past years are set to expire in July, a year after President Marcos lifted the state of public health emergency in the country due to COVID-19 on July 23, 2023.

This means that COVID-19 vaccines without a certificate of product registration (CPR) from the FDA could no longer be administered or sold in the country.

The FDA did not respond to a request for comment regarding the updated COVID-19 vaccine brands available in the country.

In June last year, the FDA granted CPR to Pfizer’s Comirnaty bivalent vaccine. As of August 2023, however, it was not yet available in the local market.

Mild symptoms

On Monday, the government placed the country’s airports and seaports on heightened alert to thoroughly screen foreigners or Filipinos coming from countries with reported cases of the Flirt

He said Filipinos should also be careful, as the Flirt variants’ emergence might coincide with the arrival of the rainy season. The wet season typically brings in diseases with symptoms similar to COVID-19, such as influenza, pneumonia and respiratory syncytial virus.

“It is just unfortunate that because of the mutations, we are no longer protected against these new variants from the previous COVID-19 shots we received,” he said.

“In fact, there are reformulated and updated COVID-19 vaccines available in the market abroad already, but these are not currently available in the Philippines,” Solante noted.

For those who never received a COVID-19 vaccine, the WHO recommends one dose of an updated COVID-19 vaccine for the general population and two to three doses for immunocompromised individuals.

For the previously vaccinated, the WHO urges revaccination six to 12 months after the last shot, but only among senior citizens, adults with comorbidities, healthcare workers, and pregnant women. g

In this handout photo taken on Sunday,, May 26 by the Philippine Coast Guard, children are evacuated from a flooded area by coast guard personnel in Lucena, Quezon Province, amid heavy rain brought by tropical storm Ewiniar. PCG photo

Postpone travel to Israel, Filipinos urged

by Bernadette e. tamayo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv advised Filipinos to "postpone all nonessential travel" to Israel until the security situation in the Jewish State has stabilized.

In an advisory on May 24, the embassy said nonessential travels "include pilgrimages and other tours to Israel."

The embassy said that traveling to Israel to render "volunteer work is also highly discouraged because of the continuing risks."

The embassy, on Facebook, said it "will not be responsible for the safety of those who travel as 'tourists' or 'volunteers' at this time."

"The public is advised to exercise caution and not to fall for any schemes by individuals, organizations, companies, or tour companies organizing tours or pilgrimages to Israel at this time, or encouraging volunteers to work in farms or hospitals," it added.

The Bureau of Immigration has been alerted about these schemes, the embassy said. "Persons who attempt to travel to Israel under these arrangements run the risk of getting offloaded from their flights," it said.

The embassy urged Filipinos "to prioritize their safety and security."

Philippine Ambassador to Tel Aviv Pedro Laylo Jr. joined fellow diplomats at an event at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center to mark the 76th anniversary of Israel's independence.

Laylo talked about the historical links Filipinos and Israelis share, particularly President Manuel Quezon's rescue of 1,300 Jews during the Holocaust, the embassy said. "Thanks to President Quezon's Open Door Policy, these Jewish refugees, who were later called Manilaners, escaped

Marcos to OFWs: Things looking up at home, try doing business in PH

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, May 28 urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to try investing in the Philippines by putting up their own businesses at home, citing the country’s improved business environment and economic stability.

Speaking before the Filipino community in Brunei Darussalam, Marcos thanked migrant workers for their sacrifices and dedication that cultivate the reputation of the “special brand of Filipino service” abroad.

“Over the years, every time I go abroad, I talk to my foreign counterparts, I get compliments for the strong work ethic of Filipinos. I'm always told that Filipinos have unparalleled skills [and are] efficient and are trustworthy. And I know that is the same here in Brunei,” Marcos said.

“You may all have different professions, [but] what we bring to all that we do, not only in the Philippines, but even abroad, as is proven by

the record that Filipinos have made and the reputation that you have gained that what we bring is a special brand of Filipino service everywhere we go,” he added.

The president also said he remains committed to fulfilling his promise of making more opportunities in the Philippines for Filipinos.

This, according to Marcos, resulted in increased investor confidence as seen in the approximately PHP1.26 trillion worth of investments

the country sealed last year.

“Ang unang namin target ay sabi namin 1.151 trillion pesos. Ngunit, ito'y umabot na sa mas mataas na numero (Our initial target is PHP1.151 trillion. But we managed to surpass this figure),” Marcos said.

Marcos said the projects are expected to produce 49,030 jobs for Filipinos. With a conducive business environment in the backdrop, the President then encouraged OFWs to

try investing in the country to help the economy flourish further.

“Alam po natin na kapag masigla ang ekonomiya, maayos ang kabuhayan (We all know that when the economy is robust, businesses are vibrant). Things are looking up for the economy,” the chief executive said.

“Bukod sa mga remittance na nanggaling sa inyo, sa ating mga OFW (Aside from the remittances that we received from you all, our OFWs), I also encourage all of you to someday to return, and invest, and set up your own business at home and in the Philippines,” he added.

Marcos is in Brunei for a two-day visit upon the invitation of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah.

Improved airport

In the same speech, Marcos said that among his priorities is to improve infrastructures through the “Build Better More” program.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

Malacañang photo

SC orders transfer of Quiboloy cases to Quezon City

by Franco Jose c. Baroña ManilaTimes.net

MANILA — The Supreme Court ordered the transfer of venue of the criminal cases of controversial pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy from Davao City to Quezon City to avoid a miscarriage of justice.

The decision of the high court's second division comes following the request of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to move the venue of two criminal cases from the Davao City Regional Trial Court (RTC) to the Quezon City RTC.

In its decision, thee Court found compelling reasons to justify the transfer of venue as the cases involve public interest, with the accused, a well-known religious leader, being influential in the area. As this could cause local biases and a strong possibility that witnesses cannot freely testify due to

fear and influence of the accused, the Court found it prudent and judicious to order the transfer of the cases to Quezon City.

The Court directed the Branch Clerk of Court of Branch 12, RTC, Davao City to forward the entire records relating to the cases of Quiboloy to the Office of the Executive Judge of the RTC, Quezon City within three days from notice.

The Quezon City RTC was also directed to raffle the cases, upon receipt of the records, among the judges in the station.

The Court further directed judges in Davao City and in other stations in Mindanao where future related cases involving Quiboloy and his coaccused may be filed to motu proprio order the transmittal of the records to the Office of the Clerk of Court of the RTC and Metropolitan Trial Court in Quezon City. g

Marcos to OFWs...

PAGE 9

Among the projects in the multi-billion program is the rehabilitation of the four-terminal Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Although the entire rehabilitation program will take 15 years to finish, he said its effects may be felt as early as next year.

“Mayroon tayo pong PHP170.6 billion na dadalhin para pagandahin ang ating mga passenger terminal, ang ating mga airside facilities, at saka mas madali ang paglipat mula sa isang terminal hanggang sa kabilang terminal, mula sa airport hanggang sa terminal ng bus para maka-uwi sa probinsya (We set aside PHP170.6 billion to improve our passenger terminals, our

airside facilities, and also to make it easier to move from one terminal to another, from the airport to the bus terminal to go home to the province),” Marcos said.

“Lahat po iyan ay bubuuin po natin para hindi na po nahihirapan ang ating mga bisita at ang ating mga balikbayan (We will develop all of that so that our guests and our returning countrymen will not have any difficulties).”

Earlier this year, the SMCSAP & Co. Consortium, led by San Miguel Corporation, won the bid to operate and rehabilitate NAIA.

The consortium bagged the PHP170.6 billion publicprivate partnership project by offering the biggest revenue share of 82.16 percent to the government. (PNA)

Postpone travel...

9

the pogroms and found safe haven in the Philippines," the embassy said. Laylo also discussed

AFP honors PH, US WWII soldiers on Memorial Day

strong Philippines-Israel cooperation in the trade, agriculture, science and innovation, labor, and defense sectors. g

Bamban Mayor Alice Guo: Is she Filipino...

PAGE 6

these raised the possibility of Mayor Guo being a Chinese “asset” whose supposed Filipino identity is being used to “gain a foothold” in the country’s political system and possibly “even our national security sector.”

While it is true that the burden of proof lies with the ones levelling accusations against the Bamban mayor’s citizenship, it is simply unbelievable that she could not recall the names of teachers who homeschooled her from elementary to high school and does not remember the people who took care of her, since the mayor claims her mother abandoned her.

Residents in her village do not seem to know much about Guo – which is surprising considering that people in the provinces usually know everything about their neighbors. Even if she was raised in a farm, those who worked for her father would have been aware of and, at some point, interacted with this cloistered child who would have been the subject of village gossip.

Mayor Guo owns a helicopter as well as over a dozen vehicles, purchased a huge tract of land and financed her 2022 campaign for mayor from her hog raising business that she said suffered during the pandemic. The subsequent hearings with Senator Risa Hontiveros doing the questioning revealed that the mayor’s parents also seem to have dubious origins, since they have no existing records of birth in the files of the Philippine Statistics Authority. Her father is listed as a Chinese citizen in business records but in the birth certificate of Guo and her newly disclosed siblings, he is

identified as a Filipino.

Let me very clear however: this column is not about creating an atmosphere of Sinophobia, most especially since many of us have Chinese blood running in our veins. I for one have a Chinese ancestor named Pei Ling Po, possibly from Fujian, who put up a shop in Binondo and later converted to Christianity to marry a Filipina who happens to be the sister of a bishop. Pei Ling Po then took on the name “Luis Romualdez,” adopting the surname of “Father Romualdo,” the priest who baptized him. I also happen to have many Filipino-Chinese friends who are successful businessmen, doctors, teachers and other professions. In fact, one of my closest friends at the Ateneo grade school was Eddie Chan, the son of prominent lawyer Manuel Chan Sr.

The revelations about the mayor of Bamban, plus the fact that she was able to obtain a passport and even run in the 2022 elections despite her questionable background, are making people concerned about how easy it is for foreigners – not just Chinese but other nationalities – to obtain fake birth certificates, fake passports, driver’s licenses and other government-issued IDs and documents possibly with the help of a syndicate.

What people also find worrisome is the purchase of vast tracts of land in EDCA sites and near major air and seaports by Chinese nationals in connivance with “Filipino enablers,” according to Congressman Ace Barbers, who disclosed that warehouses are “sprouting like mushrooms” in Central Luzon. The AFP is also looking into the possible

security implications of the influx of Chinese nationals of military age that are enrolled in schools near an EDCA site in Cagayan.

Senator Nancy Binay also expressed alarm at the issuance of special resident retiree visas to Chinese nationals as young as 35 through the Philippine Retirement Authority, whose records indicate the presence of 78,000 foreign retirees in the Philippines, “of whom 38,000 are Chinese.”

We need to seriously vet foreign nationals coming into the Philippines since we are now receiving disturbing reports about members of drug syndicates and criminal gangs or worse, operatives engaged in spying activities. The Bureau of Immigration, the Department of Justice, the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other concerned agencies should coordinate and assess the implication on our national security.

Time and again, I have written in this space of how serious and formidable the challenges our country faces today. No one in this country wants to be overrun by unwanted foreigners – except perhaps a few corrupted individuals. (Philstar. com)

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

babeseyeview@gmail.com

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) joined the United States Embassy and other dignitaries in the commemoration of Memorial Day, highlighting the longstanding military ties between Manila and Washington, D.C. AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the event held at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City on Sunday, May 26 honored the valor and sacrifices of the American and Filipino soldiers who fought together during World War II.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. led the Filipino military delegation.

"Despite inclement weather, the ceremony included the laying of wreaths, a moment of silence, and firing salute and taps that echo the enduring alliance between the United States and the Philippines," Trinidad said in a statement Monday.

Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors military personnel who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

The Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, the largest of its kind in the Pacific, is the final resting place for over 17,000 American and Filipino service members. (PNA)

Vice Pres. Sara Duterte asks dismissal of confidential funds cases

– Vice President Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio has formally asked the Supreme Court to dismiss three petitions questioning the propriety of PHP125 million in confidential funds in the Office of the Vice President (OVP) under the 2022 budget.

In a 16-page consolidated comment filed before the tribunal last May 10, Duterte, through her counsel, former Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza, sought the dismissal of the petitions separately filed by Christian Monsod, Howard Calleja and the ACT Teachers Party-list.

Mendoza, in his comment, said "none of the petitions present an actual case or controversy and none of the petitioners alleged a legal demandable and enforceable right which calls for the exercise of judicial power."

The mandate of the High Court, he said, "does not include the duty to answer all of life's questions," adding that “the petitions are mere apprehension and speculation about contingent funds or confidential funds, which does not constitute a justiciable controversy."

Mendoza argued that the Court's power "is not unbridled authority to review just any claim of constitutional violation or grave abuse of discretion." (PNA)

Filipino and American service members render salute during the U.S. Memorial Day rites at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial on Sunday, May 26. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Embassy in Manila honored the valor and sacrifice of the American and Filipino soldiers who fought together during World War II. PNA photo

MANILA

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

Atty. Gurfinkel answers more immigration questions on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy

LEADING U.S. Immigration

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

First Filipina Black American Miss Universe Philippines Chelsea Manalo shares first night as 2024 winner

MANILA —  Bulacan’s Chelsea Manalo shared how her first night went as the newly crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024.

In an interview with the media following her coronation, Chelsea recalled what’s on her mind upon hearing her name winning the prestigious pageant.

“Oh my gosh. I’m Miss Universe Philippines 2024. That’s what kept running in my head because it really couldn’t sink it in,” she said.

She then shared that her parents were happy and loud when she arrived in their room.

“When I went back to my parent’s hotel room with the sash and the crown, they were screaming,” she said.

“I said, ‘Please huwag kayong maingay may natutulog na.’ That’s what I told them,” she added. (By Jan Milo Severo/Philstar. com)

Ten million die

Health@Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

ONE out of three adults worldwide (more than 2 billion of the 6.02 billion adults out of a total global population of 8.05 billion) have high blood pressure and about 10 million of them die each year from complications of hypertension, like heart attack and stroke, or ruptured aneurysm.

In the United States, at least 48.1 percent of people (more than 164.5 million), 18 and older, have high blood pressure, highest among Blacks. Sixty-three percent of those 60 and older have hypertension.

Recent studies from the Queen Mary University of London in the United Kingdom “have identified more than 100 new regions of the human genome and more than 2,000 independent genetic signals that appear to influence blood pressure.” These data may help physicians better predict a person’s risk of developing hypertension.

There are unmodifiable risk factors include ethnicity (genetic) and some existing health conditions. The modifiable risk factors (within our control) include lifestyle: diet, salt-intake, exercise, weight, smoking, and alcohol, which could help prevent then development of high blood pressure.

should have at least one initial blood pressure checkup. If normal, one every 3 months thereafter. If high, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Adults should have their blood pressure checked at least once a month for those normotensives (normal BP) and every day for those with severe high blood pressure on medications; every week for those with blood pressure (medically) controlled at 140 systolic/90 diastolic. If it goes higher, or with symptoms, notify your healthcare provider; (2) NEVER miss any medications. Countless people have suffered a stroke for missing to take their BP pills, even for a day; (3) Have a regular medical check-up at least once every 6 months; (4) Eat a healthy, mostly plant-based diet with a little red meat once a week, a lot of fish, some fruits and nuts, exercise daily, no smoking, occasional 1-2 drinks with dinner; (5) DIY stress managing with minivacation or stay-cation.

Smoothies vs arthritis

Arthritis of the hips or knees, etc., means inflammation (“itis”) of those joints from natural wearand-tear of aging and abuse. If you could see these joints, they will look red, inflamed, warm, and swollen, which causes the pain, just like in conjunctivitis (pink-eye) or skin infection.

when consumed.

Independent global studies have shown that eating all types of berries (blueberries, strawberries, red berry, blackberries), pineapple, celery, broccoli, papaya, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, mustard green, lettuce, sweet potato, are all anti-inflammatory food items; they prevent and quell inflammation.

Famous daily beverage in smoothies (even in a portable USB blender) containing pineapple and its juice plus celery, papaya, and all the berries listed above, imbibed at least two times a day effectively minimize if not totally relieve joint pains after drinking the smoothies for a month, allowing discontinuance of joint pain medications. It is really amazing when you hear patients boasting they have abandoned all anti-arthritis injections, medications, gel, and cream, and are living without arthritis pains after embarking on these antiinflammation smoothies.

Rice and Diabetes T2

Medical researchers discovered a “troubling link between higher consumption of white rice and Type 2 diabetes mellitus,” which is of epidemic proportion in Asia and other regions where white rice is the staple food.

The investigations are also probing into the association of diets high in sugar and fats to this most common diabetes. Worldwide, about 350 million people have Type 2 diabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Caveats: (1) Teenagers PAGE 15

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 encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, June 2 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)

Inflammatory food items, like nightshade veggies (tomato, eggplant, potato, pepper, paprika, etc.), red meat, especially processed meats, all cause inflammation in our body

Ayie (left) and Lani (right)

Dr. Feb (left) and Jonas (right)

Miss Universe Philippines 2024 Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan at the coronation night on May 23, 2024 in Mall of Asia Arena. Miss Universe Philippines via Instagram

Taste of the Philippines: Recognizing Filipino talent at the 2024 James Beard Awards

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

AS the highly anticipated James Beard Awards draw near, Filipino talent emerges at the forefront, poised to seize the spotlight. Chefs and creators from the community have garnered nominations and acclaim, boldly waving the flag and propelling Filipino cuisine into the culinary mainstream.

Four Fil-Am chefs were named finalists for the Restaurant and Chef Awards where winners will be announced on June 10 during a ceremony at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.

Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura in Charleston is up for the Emerging Chef Award. Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord in Los Angeles and Tara Monsod of Animae in San Diego are finalists for Best Chef: California while Chris Mauricio of Harana Market in Accord is up for Best Chef: New York State. Kaya in Orlando is up for the Best New Restaurant award.

For the Media Awards, which cover outstanding achievements in book, broadcast media, and journalism, there are three Filipino names to watch out for - Erwan Heusaff and his team at FEATR who nabbed three nominations, and two women named Abi – Abi Balingit, nominated for Best Cookbook and Abi Marquez, nominated for Social Media Account. The winners will be announced on June 8 during a ceremony at the Columbia College, also in Chicago.

The James Beard Awards, considered to be among the nation’s most prestigious honors, recognize exceptional and talented leaders in the culinary and food media industries, as well as a demonstrated commitment to racial and gender equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive. The awards celebrate excellence across a range

of experiences, from finedining establishments to casual gems, and emerging talents to established luminaries.

Media Awards

“The James Beard Media Awards shine a light on the exceptional storytellers whose work has the transformative potential to educate, inspire, and foster connection through a shared love of food,” said Clare Reichenbach, James Beard Foundation's CEO. Returning champion Erwan Heussaff, a Filipino-

French chef, restaurateur, and content creator, is back after last year's triumph in the Social Media Account category. This time, his team at FEATR has secured three nominations, spotlighting their impactful docuseries episodes delving into Philippine culinary heritage. Their ‘Philippine Salt Series’ episode is a finalist in the Docuseries Visual Media category while ‘Most Expensive Chocolate in the World (Heirloom Ingredients of Negros Occidental Philippines)’ and ‘Why

Is the Filipino Calamansi Being Left Behind?’ are two of three finalists under the Visual Media-Long Form category.

In an Instagram post, FEATR expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort behind their success, acknowledging the contributions of artisans and diligent Filipinos worldwide who contribute to the elevation of Pinoy food and heritage.

“Thanks to everyone who worked with us on these stories—the people who shared their knowledge with us and the great storytellers who made these documentaries come to life,” FEATR posted. “It's been truly a humbling experience to collaborate with the country's best artisans and the hardworking Filipinos around the globe who continue to push the boundaries of Pinoy food and heritage.”

Filipino-American author and baker Abi Balingit is a finalist in the Baking and Desserts category for her innovative cookbook, "Mayumu: Filipino-American Desserts Remixed." Overwhelmed with emotion, Balingit took to social media to share her disbelief and gratitude for the recognition. “LITERALLY CRYING thank you so much @ beardfoundation for the Baking and Desserts cookbook nomination for #MAYUMU!!! Never in a million years would I have thought this would happen

One of FEATR’s stories about calamansi is nominated for a James Beard Media Award Photo from Instagram/@featrmedia Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura in Charleston File photos

Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord in Los Angeles

Tara Monsod of Animae in San Diego

Chris Mauricio of Harana Market in Accord

Abi Balingit, author of Mayumu Photo from Instagram/@theduskykitchen

Abi Marquez recently won a Webby Award in New York Photo from Instagram/@abigailfmarquez

Erwin Heussaff won a James Beard Media Award last year for his Instagram account, which highlights Filipino culture and food. His company, FEATR, is nominated for three media awards this year. Photo from Instagram/@erwan

Celebrating selfhood: AAPI artists illuminate identity through Art at 3.1 Phillip Lim

By MoMar G. Visaya AJPress

AS AAPI Heritage Month drew to a close, DIAGEO and 3.1 Phillip Lim hosted an evening of conversation around bridging art and identity across generations moderated by Karen Wong, former Deputy Director of the New Museum with panelists Wen Zhou, CEO and co-founder of 3.1 Phillip Lim, joined by featured artists Helena Dong, and Lena Imamura.

3.1 Phillip Lim’s Great Jones Street location hosted a month-long program called Crafting Selfhood, an exhibition of Asian American femaleidentifying artists and designers working in ceramics and sculpture, celebrating the creativity, resilience, and cultural contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) women in the arts.

Co-curated by Lora Appleton, founder of the Female Design Council, and Wong, Crafting Selfhood assembled a myriad of ceramic and sculptural works by these artists, opening a dialogue on how form, technique, and medium illuminate the

creative process as these artists integrate heritage, identity, and, oftentimes, sly humor, into their work.

“Together we keep building on our relationship with Baileys/Diageo to align on moments that bring our community and culture together. Both our brands have a playful spirit that we bring to every project and this year, we’re all about celebrating joy and togetherness,” Zhou said.

As a part of DIAGEO’s Society 2030 plan to foster an inclusive and diverse culture for better business and a better world, DIAGEO partnered with ASL interpretation and performance

group DEAFinitely Dope Angela ‘AV’ Vilavong to translate the discussion in real-time as it continues its commitment to inclusion, accessibility, equality and celebrating diversity.

“As we toast to AAPI Heritage Month, let's also raise awareness and appreciation for the unique stories and experiences within the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Together with 3.1 Phillip Lim, we honor the journey towards selfhood and cultural empowerment today and every day," said Zia Lotfi, Brands in Culture Manager of Multicultural for Diageo North America.

Among the featured

artists in the exhibition were Janny Baek, Julia Chiang, Cecile Chong, Phaan Howng, Lena Imamura, Sonya Yong James, Myung Jin Kim, Antonia Kuo, Eunji Jun and Halin Lee, Eny Lee Parker, Linda Sormin, and Steffany Tran. These artists integrated heritage, identity, and, oftentimes, sly humor in ceramics, textiles, and sculptural objects, from Kim's terracotta vessels referencing her passion for gardens to Baek's porcelain creature figures inspired by "alien beauty" and Imamura’s self-portraits from her ongoing series called “Heads” where she explores evolving identities. g

‘Love takes time’ and other romance lessons from KimPau

by Nathalie toMada Philstar.com

KIM Chiu and Paulo Avelino’s romantic moments in the Philippine adaptation of the hit South Korean series “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” have consistently trended online. But their next big kissing scene could break the internet.

The original version of this legendary kiss scene, where the characters of Park Min Young and Park Seo Joon take their romance to the next level, has garnered nearly 350 million views on YouTube alone. It wouldn’t be hard to imagine the anticipation of the fans of KimPau, as their tandem is called, over their upcoming take on what has been described as one of the steamiest scenes in K-drama history.

The STAR learned from KimPau that taking on the kiss scenes in the K-drama spelled challenging. In “What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim,” Kim portrays Kimberly Liwanag, the secretary of Vice Chairman Brandon

Manansala played by Paulo.

“Actually, there’s huge pressure because everyone was really rooting for the scenes maybe because when they’ve watched the original and (those scenes) made a mark on them so our the production was very aware of it and also our director,” said Paulo in response to The STAR’s question.

“So, it took a considerable amount of time to shoot those scenes dahil ayaw namin mapahiya as someone who is adapting an original work for the Philippines.”

Kim cited as an example the recently-aired cabinet kiss, which was meticulously executed to the extent that three different kinds of cabinets had to be made for the scene.

As for their first kiss, Kim added, it took them “two days” to film it.

“Even our first kiss, if people have seen it, we had to go back (to it for) another day,” shared Paulo. “Just to make sure we were able to do what direk (Chad) wanted to happen in that

Taste of the...

for me,” she posted.

Content creator Abi Marquez is up for the Social Media Account category, which recognizes excellence in a food-related social media account or platform.

Known as the "Lumpia Queen", Marquez won the 2024 People's Voice Award for Food and Drink in Social at the 28th Annual Webby Awards held earlier this week. Marquez was recognized for her popular online presence showcasing and celebrating Filipino cuisine, particularly the beloved lumpia dish, through her social media content, particularly on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Restaurant and Chef Awards

Nikko Cagalanan of Kultura in Charleston is one of the five finalists in the running for the Emerging Chef Award, given to “a chef who displays exceptional talent, character, and leadership ability, and who is likely to make a significant impact in years to come while contributing positively to their broader community.”

Chef Nikko hails from the Philippines and later moved to the United States in 2011, initially working as a nurse.

Driven by his passion for Filipino cuisine, he decided to transition to a career in cooking. In 2018, Chef Nikko made the move to Charleston, taking significant steps in his culinary path.

In early 2019, he founded Mansueta's Filipino Food to share his love for Filipino cuisine with the community.

Cagalanan achieved recognition as the Best Filipino Restaurant in South Carolina by Food & Wine magazine, coupled with the prestigious title of Chopped Champion in November. Last year, he opened Kultura, a personal space where he can welcome guests and collaborate with chefs from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to showcase

their own cultures through the art of food.

Kaya, a contemporary Filipino restaurant situated in Orlando, is up for the Best New Restaurant Award. This accolade is dedicated to recognizing recently opened restaurants that showcase outstanding excellence in cuisine and hold the promise of making a significant impact in the years to come.

Kaya is run by Chef Lordfer Lalicon and Jamilyn Bailey, who expressed their profound gratitude for the nod on their Instagram account, stating, "What an incredible honor and testament to the hard work and love of the village that lifts us. We are humbled to represent our culture and our city in this special way."

"I am floored and humbled to be a semifinalist. I'm proud of the work my team has done and grateful for the support from the community. To be able to create the food I want and push the culture forward means the world to me,” Monsod said about the honor. “The San Diego food scene deserves to be recognized and I'm proud to represent."

In New York, Harana Market, formerly of Woodstock recently moved to its bigger location in Accord. Their lease in Woodstock ended and since they have been growing since they opened, the owners Chris and Eva decided to expand. They have since become the go-to Filipino spot in the Hudson Valley area.

Founded more than 30 years ago, the James Beard Foundation “celebrates and supports the people behind America’s food culture, while pushing for new standards in the restaurant industry to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive,” according to its announcement. g

DIAGEO and its Brands Champion AAPI Heritage Month

Photos courtesy of Sonovisuals

Phillip Lim CEO & Co-founder Wen Zhou celebrates Crafting Selfhood Exhibition

Kim Chiu and Paulo Avelino topbill the Philippine adaptation of the South Korean megahit ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim.’ ABS-CBN photo

Lordfer Lalicon and Jamilyn Bailey of Kaya in Orlando File photo

Get to know the Filipino actors in ‘Bridgerton’

For Season 3 of the hit Netflix series, viewers are introduced to Filipino nobility in characters

Lord Barnell and Lord Basilio

by LaLa Singian Preen.ph

MAYFAIR’S posh society is refreshing its roster with Filipino representation this season. In the first two episodes of Season 3, viewers are introduced to Filipino actors James Bradwell as Lord Basilio and Martin Sarreal as Lord Barnell, marking the debut of Filipino nobility in the hit Netflix series “Bridgerton.”

Bradwell was originally slated to play a character of East Asian heritage. However, the actor seized the opportunity to propose incorporating his own Filipino roots into the role. In a social media post, Bradwell shared, “I was met with an enthusiastic response welcoming and encouraging my input. I suggested a number of Filipino surnames and Basilio was born! (Maybe Basilio of Bicol? The Viscount of Visayas? The Lord of Longganisa?)”

In a hilarious scene rife with awkward tension, Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) approaches Lord Basilio to demonstrate her social prowess and ability to converse casually with potential suitors—all in an attempt to impress Colin Bridgerton.

However, the exchange takes an unexpected turn when the aristocratic Lord, standing at the refectory table, abruptly breaks down in tears, lamenting the loss of his beloved horse. Bradwell’s portrayal of the emotionally distraught Lord contrasts with Penelope’s

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“What we’ve found is white rice is likely to increase the risk of Type 2 diabetes, especially at high consumption levels such as in Asian populations,” according to Qi Sun of the Harvard School of Public Health, who added that “the link emerged from an analysis of four previously published studies, carried out in China, Japan, Australia and the United States.”

The clinical investigations involved 350,000 people followed closely from four to 22 years, where 13,000 of them developed Type 2 diabetes.

Those studies conducted in Japan and China revealed that who ate the most rice (three to four servings a day) had 55 percent higher risk to develop diabetes compared to those who ate the least (one to two servings a week). The part of this research performed in Australia and in the United States, where people eat less rice, the difference was 12 percent.

Are soft drinks harmful?

Yes, very, but in a subtle way, and the damage they cause takes time to show. In a previous column, we condemned all soft drinks, which I called poison (“liquid candy”), to be associated with Metabolic Syndrome among those who imbibed them. The cluster of conditions in this syndrome includes central obesity leading to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, insulin resistance, diabetes, heart attack, and stroke.

I have stated, and am repeating it for emphasis, that soft drinks are subtle poisons to the body, for all of us, and especially for children. In my book in the USA, “Let’s Stop

‘Killing’ Our Children,” I challenged parents to stop drinking soft drinks and to dissuade their children from imbibing soft drinks, diet, light, or regular, cola or uncola. They are all unhealthy. Saying “No” with wisdom to our children is a form of love.

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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.

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, U.S. senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

flustered discomfort, creating a delightfully cringeworthy moment that will leave viewers in stitches.

Meanwhile, Sarreal writes on Instagram, “Had loads of fun stepping into Lord Barnell’s shoes (and sticking on those sideburns) on a wonderful job jam packed with fantastic people… There are now officially TWO Pinoys in the ‘Bridgerton’ universe. What more can you truly ask for?” he adds, tagging Bradwell in his post.

Sarreal debuts as Lord Barnell, witnessing Penelope Featherington’s attempts to shed her wallflower persona at a ball. Donning daring fashions, the hapless Penelope stumbles through more cringeworthy social blunders and stilted banter at the ball.

Lord Barnell observes with expressions moving between confusion and second-hand embarrassment, amplifying the humiliation and the ton’s unforgiving scrutiny.

On requesting more Filipino representation on the show, Bradwell wrote, “This exchange was that I was made to feel like a collaborator on my role, not a beggar at the door as these conversations can sometimes feel in this industry. Thank you @shondaland and @bridgertonnetflix for dignifying me in that way.”

The inclusive move adds to the people of color in the already-diversified historical drama while also opening doors for more Filipino talents in the British film industry, and “Bridgerton’s” fictional, multicultural

society. g

‘Love takes time’ and other romance...

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scene.”

One thing is sure, Kim and Paulo have been getting their assignment right and further fueling support for the teamup since their first series together, “Linlang.”

Asked by this paper how they are dealing with the pressure of fans wanting them to be together in real life, Paulo said, “I get where they’re coming from, like, when you see people on screen that you want to work, I would ship them as well but ahm, hinay hinay lang (let’s take it slow).

“Kim just came from, hindi naman sa nangingialam (not that I’m meddling), but Kim just came from a relationship so hayaan muna natin mag-enjoy yung mga tao (let’s allow people to enjoy) and give them time to explore a bit more,” he said.

Kim agreed, saying: “Tama naman, i-enjoy na muna natin yung ngayon, ito. (That’s right, let’s just enjoy the present moment for now.)

“And then, kung napapasaya namin sila, very thankful din kami sa suporta na binibigay nila samin, pagpapatrend every episode so masaya kami na napapasaya namin sila. (We’re also very grateful for the support they’re giving us, making each episode trend, so we’re happy that we’re able to make them happy.)”

KimPau first knew that they had chemistry during the airing of the dark drama “Linlang,” where they played an estranged couple whose marriage broke down due to infidelity.

“Actually with ‘Linlang,’ I couldn’t imagine people shipping us because it was really dark,” recalled Paulo.

“We were always fighting and screaming at each other,” added Kim.

Continued Paulo, “There was a bit

of a flashback for the sweet scenes but the whole time, we had a cat-anddog relationship, always fighting. So I never really expected it but since ‘Linlang,’ people were shipping the teamup. And okay naman, it worked, people liked it.”

Kim couldn’t be any happier with the reception to their tandem. “Oo naman. Sino ba namang hindi kasi sa dami ng ginawa namin sana naman suportahan kami? Sobra din kaming happy,” she said.

“The reason why we’re trending (is I think because of that) so I appreciate the time given (to the show). It’s not easy to like keep tweeting or like talk about someone you admire all the time on social media. So, I appreciate that time and effort that they’ve given us,” Paulo said.

In the first place, they didn’t expect their tandem will continue to click in another streaming platform — Viu.

“Actually, it’s scary when you’re doing a show for a streaming platform because it’s hard to gather people to go to the platform or maybe if it’s a paid platform, to subscribe,” said Paulo.

“And that was what I was most nervous about — it’s how to bring more people in because of the show that we’re doing. I just wanna say that it’s really hard and nerve-wracking because there’s no certainty that people will patronize it.”

That’s why, Kim said they’re “very thankful because consistently, it’s No. 1 on the Viu app” since its debut. “I hope until the show ends, it’s still on the same position.”

But don’t call KimPau a loveteam.

“Loveteam is very pre-pandemic,” laughed Kim.

“As our producer says, production teams in other countries don’t

understand what a love team is; they always ask (what it is). I’d prefer that we’re called a tandem or onscreen partners because I don’t want the stigma attached in the Philippines when it comes to love teams.”

Kim, on the other hand, suggested that the term is no longer applicable for them who have more years, experiences and control over their careers.

“Siguro parang nalipasan na siya na salita. Because we are the right age to decide on what we want to do, on what path we want to take in showbiz,” she said.

“If the project is good, if the roles are okay for us, to give us growth or to give our audience a different taste, why would we not do it? Siguro maganda lang ang kwento.”

Speaking of the story, what have they learned about love — so far — from the series?

Paulo said, “Maybe one thing that they could take away with our adaptation of ‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim’ is it’s really a give and take. Ang hirap kasi ng may relationship sa work but it’s always give and take. Just know the boundaries of when to stop and I mean when to be romantic with each other and when not to.”

Kim said, “As for me, based on the story, love takes time. You don’t look for it, you also don’t ask for it, if it comes, it comes. Hindi mo siya hahanapin. Darating lang talaga siya sa tamang panahon (It will come at the right time).”

Meanwhile, this early, there are talks of another project for KimPau. Paulo teased, “I’m not 100 percent sure because it might not push through but I know something is being cooked up. But it’s not for me to divulge it. It’s a surprise.” g

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Filipino actors (from left) Martin Sarreal and Jimbo Bradwell in “Bridgerton” season 3 Preen.ph photos