061324 Las Vegas Edition

Marcos to Filipinos: Let’s build a new Philippines

by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on

Wednesday, June 12 urged Filipinos to build a Bagong Pilipinas (new Philippines) and achieve a brighter future as he led the commemoration of the country's 126th Independence Day.

"As we celebrate the founding of our nation today, let us dedicate ourselves to the challenging but rewarding task of realizing the full potential of the Filipinos and building a Bagong Pilipinas — one that truly embodies the ideals of a just, progressive, and independent Republic," Marcos

Biden administration advances plan to remove medical debt from credit scores

AMERICANS would no longer have to worry about medical debts dragging down their credit scores under federal regulations proposed on Tuesday, June 11 by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

If enacted, the rules would dramatically expand protections for tens of millions of Americans burdened by medical bills they can’t afford.

The regulations would also fulfill a pledge by the Biden administration to address the scourge of health care debt, a uniquely American problem that touches an estimated 100 million people, forcing many to make sacrifices such as limiting food, clothing, and other essentials.

“No one should be denied access to economic opportunity simply because they experienced a medical emergency,” Vice President Kamala Harris said Tuesday.

CA bill seeks to enshrine medically supportive nutrition as part

KNEE surgery in 2021 limited Elizabeth Duran’s physical activity and caused her to gain weight. Duran, 65, took pills for high blood pressure and dealt with her anxiety privately.

In the fall of 2023, her doctor referred her to a county program, Recipe 4 Health, that delivers fresh produce to her house. Duran, who is Hispanic, credits the program with getting her back on track.

“I was familiar with Swiss chard and kale,” said Duran, “but I never would really choose those things.” After learning their nutritional value in the program, she looked up how to cook them.

Duran said participating in Recipe 4 Health helped her control her blood pressure, sleep better, and reduce her anxiety.

Since its inception in 2020, Recipe 4 Health – part of the “food as medicine” initiative – has connected over 6,000 Alameda residents, 83% of them people of

said in his message. He recounted how the Philippine flag first waved freely in Kawit, Cavite.

"It heralded the birth of the Philippines and declared to the world our untiring resolve to chart our own destiny as a sovereign nation," he said.

The chief executive pointed out that true freedom could be witnessed among ordinary Filipinos who face and overcome their day-to-day challenges.

"While the times may be different, our struggles remain the same. We continue to witness the true spirit of freedom in every Filipino who fights fairly

Armed police fail to arrest Quiboloy at KOJC compound

MANILA — Controversial preacher Apollo Quiboloy evaded arrest on Monday, June 10 after armed police personnel stormed the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Barangay Buhangin, Davao City and did not find him there.

Throngs of Quiboloy’s supporters formed a barricade outside the compound and reportedly made it difficult for law enforcement authorities to enter and search the grounds, according to a report by Super Radyo DZBB.

The arrest warrant was served inside the KOJC compound past 5 a.m. after four teams composed of six personnel were allowed to enter.

At one point, police had to use ladders to attempt to get inside the KOJC compound due to the crowd of

Rodrigo Duterte for senator? Roque says: ‘Mas gusto niyang maging yayo’

by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net

MANILA — Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque shunned speculations that former President Rodrigo Duterte will run for senator in the 2025 elections.

In a radio interview on Tuesday, June 11, Roque said he’s confident that the ex-chief executive is now tired of politics. In fact, there’s only one thing that Duterte has been yearning to do the most—to take care of his greatgrandchild.

“[A]ng alam ko po ay talagang pagod na pagod na ang presidente. Mas ninanais pa nya na maging yayo doon sa kanyang apo sa tuhod na nakatira sa kanya ngayon,” said Roque over Radyo 630.

Former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Inquirer.net file photo

‘Law needed to order singing of Bagong Pilipinas’

by CeCille suerte Felipe Philstar.com

MANILA — Malacañang’s directive to integrate the singing and recitation of the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge into the weekly flag ceremonies of national government agencies and instrumentalities needs a law, according to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III.

“I suggest that the executive branch submit a bill containing those ideas, to amend the

existing law governing the national anthem, pledge and flag-raising ceremonies. The (memorandum circular) is not sufficient. I believe a law is needed in order to authorize that,” Pimentel said. Malacañang has ordered national government agencies and instrumentalities and encouraged local government units (LGUs) to integrate the singing and recitation of the Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge into their weekly flag u PAGE 3

Llera named Best Chef in California; Balingit wins Emerging Voice Award TWO Filipino Americans have made history, securing top honors at the prestigious James Beard Foundation Awards over the weekend in Chicago.

by MoMar G. Visaya AJPress

Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord was named Best Chef in California, while Abi Balingit’s debut cookbook, “Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed,” won the Emerging Voice award. These accolades not only highlight their exceptional talent and

ARAW NG KALAYAAN. Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. (left) and Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla lead the celebration of the country’s 126th

Independence Day at the balcony of the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite on Wednesday, June 12. The event was held at the ancestral home of Emilio Aguinaldo, the country’s first president, and the site of the Philippine Declaration of Independence from Spain on June 12, 1898.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

Lord Maynard Llera of Kuya Lord received the James Beard Award for Best Chef in California. Photos

Rodrigo Duterte for senator? Roque...

(What I know is that the president is really, really tired. In fact, he only wants to take care of his great-grandchild, who is living with him right now.)

Roque’s remarks came more than a month after former Senator Sonny Trillanes IV revealed that Duterte might run

for senator in the 2025 polls. In a post on his social media accounts, Trillanes said there is a need to “spread the truth” about Duterte to awaken his “moderate supporters.”

He even used the hashtag #IbasuraSiDuterteSa2025, which translates to Junk Duterte in 2025.

“Let’s not be passive or else panalo ulit yan,” said Trillanes then. (Let’s not be passive, or he will win again.)

Roque, however, downplayed Trillanes’ allegation, saying that the former senator only wants to be the center of attention, especially now that the midterm election is drawing near. g

Biden administration advances plan to...

The administration further called on states to expand efforts to restrict debt collection by hospitals and to make hospitals provide more charity care to low-income patients, a step that could prevent more Americans from ending up with medical debt.

And Harris urged state and local governments to continue to buy up medical debt and retire it, a strategy that has become increasingly popular nationwide.

Credit reporting, a threat traditionally used by medical providers and debt collectors to induce patients to pay their bills, is the most common collection tactic used by hospitals, a KFF Health News analysis has shown.

Although a single unpaid bill on a credit report may not hugely affect some people, the impact can be devastating for those with large health care debts.

There is growing evidence, for example, that credit scores depressed by medical debt can threaten people’s access to housing and fuel homelessness.

People with low credit scores can also have problems getting a loan or can be forced to borrow at higher interest rates.

“We’ve heard stories of individuals who couldn’t get jobs because their medical debt was impacting their credit score and they had low credit,” said Mona Shah, a senior director at Community Catalyst, a nonprofit that’s pushed for expanded medical debt protections for patients.

Shah said the proposed regulations would have a major impact on patients’ financial security and health. “This is a really big deal,” she said.

Administration officials said they plan to review public

comments about their proposal through the rest of this year and hope to issue a final rule early next year.

CFPB researchers have found that medical debt — unlike other kinds of debt — does not accurately predict a consumer’s creditworthiness, calling into question how useful it is on a credit report.

The three largest credit agencies — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — said they would stop including some medical debt on credit reports as of last year. The excluded debts included paid-off bills and those less than $500.

Those moves have substantially reduced the number of people with medical debt on their credit reports, government data shows.

But the agencies’ voluntary actions left out many patients with bigger medical bills on their credit reports.

A recent CFPB report found that 15 million people still have such bills on their credit reports, despite the voluntary changes. Many of these people live in low-income communities in the South, according to the report.

The proposed rules would not only bar future medical bills from appearing on credit reports; they would also remove current medical debts, according to administration officials.

Officials said the banned debt would include not only medical bills but also dental bills, a major source of Americans’ health care debt.

Even though the debts would not appear on credit scores, patients will still owe them. That means that hospitals, physicians, and other providers could still use other collection tactics to try to get patients to pay, including using the courts.

Patients who used credit cards

to pay medical bills — including medical credit cards such as CareCredit — will also continue to see those debts on their credit scores as they would not be covered by the proposed regulation.

Hospital leaders and representatives of the debt collection industry have warned that restricting credit reporting may have unintended consequences, such as prompting more hospitals and physicians to require upfront payment before delivering care.

But consumer and patient advocates continue to call for more action. The National Consumer Law Center, Community Catalyst, and about 50 other groups last year sent letters to the CFPB and IRS urging stronger federal action to rein in hospital debt collection.

State leaders also have taken steps to expand consumer protections. In recent months, a growing number of states, led by Colorado and New York, have enacted legislation prohibiting medical debt from being included on residents’ credit reports or factored into their credit scores. Other states, including California, are considering similar measures.

Many groups are also urging the federal government to bar tax-exempt hospitals from selling patient debt to debtbuying companies or denying medical care to people with pastdue bills, practices that remain widespread across the U.S., KFF Health News found. (Noam N. Levey/KFF Health News)

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Marcos to Filipinos: Let’s build...

the Rizal National Monument in Manila. In the afternoon, he attended anniversary rites

Armed police fail to arrest Quiboloy...

Video footage posted by SMNI, the media network connected to KOJC and Quiboloy, showed that the gate of the compound was destroyed in the commotion.

The fugitive preacher’s child and sexual abuse cases were transferred by the Supreme Court from Davao City to Quezon City on May 28.

Quiboloy’s case had to be relocated outside of his hometown to “avoid the miscarriage of justice,” according to SC.

“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 SC said.

This arrest warrant is different from the pending arrest warrant issued by the Senate in connection to Quiboloy’s refusal to attend Senate hearings on the sexual abuse allegations that hound him and his church leaders. g

Quiboloy’s supporters blocking their entry.

Pastor Apollo Quiboloy File photo

White House enlists doctors and hospitals to combat gun violence

by saMantha younG KFF Health News

The White House is calling on hospital executives, doctors, and other health care leaders to take bolder steps to prevent gun violence by gathering more data about gunshot injuries and routinely counseling patients about safe use of firearms.

Biden administration officials are hosting back-to-back events Thursday and Friday at the White House for about 160 health care officials, calling gun violence a “public health crisis” that requires them to act.

The strategy also reflects a stark political reality: Congress has been deadlocked on most gunrelated legislation for years, with a deep divide between Republicans and Democrats. If Democratic President Joe Biden wants to get anything done quickly, he will need to look outside the Capitol. He has already enlisted educators to talk to parents about safe gun storage and community workers to help at-risk youth.

“The president has been clear: This is a public health crisis. So, to solve it, we need the leaders from the health care sector,” Rob Wilcox, a deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, told KFF Health News. “Those are the leaders that run the health systems and hospitals that we go to for treatment, and it’s those doctors, nurses, practitioners on the front lines.”

Health experts have long described gun violence as a public health crisis, one that disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic residents in poor neighborhoods.

In 2022, more than 48,000 people were killed by guns in the U.S., or about 132 people a day, and suicides accounted for more than half of those deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

An additional 200-plus Americans are injured each day, according to estimates from Johns Hopkins University research.

Guns are the leading cause of death for children and teens.

Gun violence prevention advocates applauded the Biden administration for attempting to depoliticize the issue by focusing on its health impacts. The healthcentric message also resonates

with the public, said Fatimah Loren Dreier, executive director of the Health Alliance for Violence Intervention, who planned to attend the June 6 event.

“The idea that there can be a bipartisan-driven, apolitical way to address the gun violence problem has created tremendous opportunity,” she said. But the initiative isn’t just about messaging. It’s about numbers and statistics. Relative to America’s other deadly threats — such as cancer, HIV, and automobile crashes — fewer federal dollars fund gun violence research, mostly because of politics.

In 1996, Congress cut federal funding for gun control research by the CDC, essentially shifting the responsibility for funding and conducting the research to the private sector and academia — and with a fraction of the previous budget. In 2019, Congress reversed course and has since agreed every year to allocate $25 million to the CDC and the National Institutes of Health for gun research, but public health experts say it’s not nearly enough. By comparison, roughly three times that amount was earmarked for research on the prevention and treatment of underage drinking in fiscal year 2023, and 10 times as much to Parkinson’s disease research.

Slashing CDC research funding for firearms created decades-long gaps in data — and hamstrung efforts to respond to the crisis, researchers and health officials say. For instance, there’s little government data available to researchers on firearms, even basic statistics such as firearm ownership by city and which guns are used in shootings.

More timely and comprehensive data could give researchers a better understanding of the trends behind gun violence — and the steps to take to prevent it, said Bechara Choucair, an executive vice president and the chief health officer at Kaiser Permanente, who planned to attend the June 6 White House event.

“Anytime you want to address a problem with a public health lens, you have to understand the data,” he said. “You have to understand the data at a granular level so you can design interventions and test interventions and see if it works or if it doesn’t work.”

The White House is asking state and local health departments,

health systems, and hospitals to boost timely data collection on emergency room visits for firearm-related injuries to “support state and local jurisdictions in identifying and responding to emerging public health problems,” Wilcox said.

The goal is “to inform prevention efforts,” he said.

The data will cover fatal and nonfatal injuries. Existing CDC data focuses on deaths, while its data on injuries is limited. For instance, one person was killed in the Feb. 14 shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade, but the CDC data likely will not count the roughly two dozen other people who were injured.

Collecting more detailed data could be costly for hospitals, whose ERs see most gunshot injuries, said Garen Wintemute, an ER physician and the head of a violence prevention program at the University of CaliforniaDavis. Right now, hospitals gather medical information about gunshot wounds and usually don’t get into other details, such as what type of gun or ammunition might have been used.

It’s not clear exactly what data hospitals will be asked to collect.

“It’s an intensive process,” Wintemute said. “The clinicians are going to gather the data that they need in order to treat the patient, and that may not include all the data that a researcher later would want to know about what happened.”

Some of this data is already being collected on a limited basis. The CDC collects near-real-time reporting of gunshot injuries from ERs in about a dozen states. The White House wants data from across the nation.

Wilcox added that federal grant dollars are available to health systems to conduct gun data collection through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which Biden signed in 2022.

This year, Biden asked Congress to again boost funding for CDC firearm research in his proposed fiscal 2025 budget, but his previous efforts have failed in the GOP-controlled House of Representatives.

Lawmakers have yet to release a draft of their spending proposal for the Department of Health and Human Services.

“We should focus our CDC

‘Law

PAGE 1

ceremonies.

needed to order singing of Bagong...

Memorandum Circular 52, which was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, seeks to “further instill the principles of the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ brand of governance and leadership among Filipinos.”

The Palace directed the heads of all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations and education institutions, to ensure that the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge are properly disseminated within their respective institutions and offices.

The Presidential Communications Office was also tasked to implement measures to communicate and make available the hymn and pledge to all government agencies and the public.

Pimentel said the policy “involves the way of thinking of the people. Hence, such a mandate must emanate from the people’s chosen representatives – their legislators.”

“Also, notice that the MC involves SUCs (state universities and colleges). The students therein are not even government employees. They all observe the established flag ceremony under existing law,” he pointed out.

For Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino, the question

in the MC includes “whether that is only for the executive branch or for everyone because the judiciary and then the legislature are separate, so (we need) to clarify that as well.”

Senate Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada explained that insofar as laws are concerned, the singing and playing of the Philippine National Anthem are governed by Republic Act 8491. Section 38 of RA 8491 stipulates that whenever the national anthem is played at a public gathering, it must adhere to the musical arrangement and composition by Julian Felipe.

Attendees are also expected to sing the anthem with fervor.

“It’s important to note that MC 52 is neither illegal nor irregular; rather, it aims to foster a culture of good governance

and progressive leadership across all government levels,” Estrada said.

“It is no different from the singing of the Senate, school and university hymns, which is a way to remind us of the patriotism and unity of us Filipinos,” he added.

On the other hand, law professor Mel Sta. Maria of Far Eastern University declared that the memorandum on the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge is “in violation or goes beyond the mandate of RA 8491” or the Flag and Heraldic Code, and that the Office of the President “just transgressed a law which it claims it is implementing.”

Sta. Maria called the MC 32 a “coercive memo.”

4 u PAGE 4

PASIG RIVER REHAB. Infrastructure works are in full swing in Intramuros, Manila on Thursday, June 13 as part of the “Pasig Bigyang Buhay

Muli: Pasig River Urban Development Showcase Area,” which aims to restore the glory of the 25.2-km. body of water that connects Laguna

de Bay to Manila Bay. The project, under the guidance of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, envisions a living river with safe walkways and bikeways along its banks, with greener surroundings, urban gardens, parks, commercial enterprises, and even regular transportation. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Different government agencies and military personnel attend the flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park in celebration of National Flag Day on May 28, 2024. Philstar.com photo

Two Filipino Americans achieve historic...

dedication but also showcase the rising prominence of Filipino cuisine in America.

Llera, the culinary visionary behind Kuya Lord, was named Best Chef in California by the James Beard Foundation Restaurant and Chef Awards. This award, one of the most coveted in the culinary industry, recognizes chefs who not only demonstrate exceptional culinary skills and leadership abilities but also contribute to creating a sustainable work culture and positively impact their broader community.

“Tonight, we raise a glass to the 2024 Restaurant and Chef Award winners for their phenomenal achievements. These remarkable individuals embody the very essence of our Good Food for Good ethos, showcasing exceptional talent, unwavering dedication to their craft, and a steadfast commitment to elevating the industry,” said James Beard Foundation’s CEO, Clare Reichenbach. “With their passion, skill, and leadership, they are shaping our nation’s dining landscape and setting a new standard for culinary excellence.”

Llera’s win highlights his significant contributions to the culinary scene in California, where he has set high standards through his innovative approach and dedication to excellence. His work at Kuya Lord has been pivotal in showcasing Filipino cuisine’s rich and diverse flavors to a broader audience.

New York-based Abi Balingit and her book “Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed” received the Emerging Voice award, an accolade given to first-time published authors whose work has an immediate impact and lasting significance, expanding the reach of their subject matter. “Mayumu” has captivated readers with its unique take on Filipino American desserts, blending traditional flavors with modern twists.

The James Beard Foundation, which began honoring excellence in food media over 30 years ago, recognized Balingit’s book for its innovative and impactful contribution to the culinary literature. The Book Awards, first conferred by the Foundation in 1990, celebrate cookbooks and other nonfiction food or beveragerelated books published in the U.S. in 2023.

“It’s interesting how it wasn’t always my intention to write a book, it wasn’t my intention to have this blow up the way that it did. But I’m really grateful for it,” Balingit told the Asian Journal in an earlier interview. “But it’s more like, I’m letting the tide take me and that’s how I want the future to be so I will never say no to anything.”

Balingit’s journey as an author began unexpectedly when she posted photos of her Lao Gan Ma spicy chili crisp cupcakes online. Her now-literary agent reached out and suggested she write a cookbook, a notion Balingit initially hadn’t considered.

This happened a few months into the pandemic, around September 2020, soon after she launched her baking blog,

from her Brooklyn apartment. Her blog, which became a platform to share her baking experiences and sell pasalubong treat boxes to support non-profit organizations, laid the foundation for her book.

“Mayumu: Filipino Desserts Remixed” ended up as a blend of Filipino American dessert recipes and essays about her cultural experiences.

Balingit, who has been baking since she was 13, describes herself as a self-taught baker who learned through YouTube and guidance from her mother.

She believes that her diverse influences, growing up in the Bay Area and living in New York, have enriched her culinary perspective. Her book aims to provide options for home bakers, blending traditional Filipino flavors with new, inventive twists. She emphasized respecting the origins of these flavors while exploring new combinations.

Her book, named to honor her parents and their Kapampangan heritage, reflects her personal journey and her dedication to baking as a form of connection and coping during challenging times. Balingit’s parents instilled in her the importance of kindness and doing good for others, values she carries into her baking and writing.

The Restaurant and Chef Awards, established in 1990 with the first ceremony taking place in 1991, are one of five separate recognition programs by the James Beard Foundation. These awards celebrate excellence across a range of dining experiences, from fine-dining establishments to casual gems, and from emerging talents to established luminaries, all while supporting and encouraging a more sustainable industry.

Both Llera and Balingit’s achievements reinforce the growing influence and recognition of Filipino cuisine and culture in the United States. Their awards not only highlight their talents and contributions but also bring pride to the Filipino American community, inspiring future generations of chefs and authors.

Growing list Llera and Balingit join a distinguished group of Filipino and Filipino-American James Beard Award winners.

In 2020, the James Beard Foundation honored Oriental Mart, a beloved Filipino restaurant located inside Pike

CA bill seeks to enshrine medically supportive...

color and more than half Spanish speaking, to healthy vegetables and health coaching. The results are impressive.

“One third of our patients with prediabetes and diabetes show a clinically meaningful reduction in their blood sugars,” noted the program’s chief medical officer, Dr. Steven Chen. “Two thirds of the patients improved their cholesterol indicators, thus reducing heart disease risk” while “44% of our patients are reducing their depression symptoms.”

Such outcomes can help prevent chronic illnesses and cardiovascular disease which ultimately save healthcare dollars, said Chen. He believes that consistent funding for Recipe 4 Health is critical to its longevity.

Currently, Recipe 4 Health receives much of its funding from CalAIM, a multi-year initiative that combines federal and state dollars to address social drivers of health, including food and housing insecurity.

and conditions,” said Bonta, noting her measure would go a long way in advancing health equity in the state.

A majority of those enrolled in Recipe 4 Health are low-income people of color.

Every week for 3 months, program participants receive 16 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, said Sasha Shankar, co-farm director at Dig Deep Farms, which supplies the program’s produce.

Weekly health coaching, meanwhile, helps participants learn about nutrition, exercise, and stress management, while also helping them set and meet health goals.

To participate in Recipe 4 Health, Medi-Cal patients in Alameda County need a referral from their primary care provider at participating health centers, which include Alameda Health System, Bay Area Community Health, Lifelong Medical Care, Native American Health Center, and Tiburcio Vasquez Health Center.

Place Market in Seattle, with the prestigious “America’s Classics” award. This award recognizes locally-owned restaurants with a “timeless appeal” that are cherished regionally for their quality food reflecting the character of their community. Established in 1971 by Mila Apostol, an immigrant from the Philippines, Oriental Mart initially began as a grocery store. In 1987, Apostol’s daughter, Leila Rosas, expanded the business by opening an adjacent lunch counter, which has since become a staple for delicious Filipino classics in Seattle. Tom Cunanan won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic in 2019 for his work at the now-closed Bad Saint restaurant in Washington D.C. Miguel de Leon, a Filipino American sommelier and writer based in New York City, won the 2022 James Beard Foundation Journalism Award for his long-form essay “It’s Time to Decolonize Wine,” which explored his experiences as a person of color in the wine industry.

Last year, Filipino-French chef and content creator Erwan

Heussaff won the James Beard Award in the Social Media Account category for his Instagram account @erwan. Heussaff is the founder of The Fat Kid Inside Studios, which runs the YouTube channel FEATR, focusing on Filipino cuisine and culture.

Also in 2023, Margarita Manzke was named Outstanding Pastry Chef or Baker for her work at Republique in Los Angeles, after being nominated for eight years. Additionally, Marilou Ranta, chef/owner of The Quarry in Maine, won the Outstanding Hospitality category, recognizing her excellence in both food and customer service.

The husband-and-wife duo Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, owners and chefs of Kasama in Chicago, won the Best Chef: Great Lakes category for 2023. Kasama made history in April 2020 by becoming the first-ever Filipino restaurant to receive a coveted Michelin star. These recognitions reflect the growing influence and recognition of Filipino cuisine in the American culinary scene, celebrating the rich heritage and innovative contributions of Filipino and Filipino-American chefs, authors, and content creators. g

White House enlists doctors and hospitals...

and the safety of others in their home, a practice he said many doctors already use to address an array of potential risks in a person’s life. The White House’s call for physicians to talk about gun violence legitimizes that, he said. “A health professional can do what we do about tobacco and alcohol and other sorts of

potentially risky behaviors, and talk with patients about how do we minimize the risk,” Wintemute said. This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

The state Department of Healthcare Services (DHCS) administers CalAIM, and funds local Medi-Cal plans to reimburse programs like Recipe 4 Health that provide medically supportive nutrition.

DHCS was granted a five-year extension for federal funding for CalAIM, which was previously set to expire in Dec 2021. As he inches closer to 2026, Chen is looking for a stable funding source for his program that does not need frequent renewal.

This is why he is urging lawmakers to adopt AB 1975, Assemblymember Mia Bonta’s (D-Oakland) second attempt to require Medi-Cal coverage of medically supported food programs. If passed, California would become the first state in the country to require its Medicaid program to cover this benefit. The bill is currently makings its way through the state legislature.

“Too many Californians, particularly Californians of color, are living with largely preventable chronic illnesses

The program is separate from CalFresh, California’s food stamp program, and many patients are able to receive both Recipe 4 Health and CalFresh benefits at the same time.

Primary care providers can refer patients if they are food insecure, or have a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart failure, or stroke.

Nearly 10% – roughly 154,000 – of Alameda’s 1.6 million residents live in homes that experience food insecurity.

Once participants have been referred by their primary care provider, Recipe 4 Health receives the referral and passes it to the county Medi-Cal plan, Alameda Alliance for Health for authorization. The referral is also forwarded to partners Dig Deep Farms and Open Source Wellness, which provides health coaching. These partners contact the participant to verify contact information before starting services.

Still, despite its successes the program has not been without challenges. “Literally a few

weeks into the program and the pandemic hit,” said Chen. “We went totally to doorstep delivery. And then we went to virtual groups.” The pandemic had several other ripple effects on the program. As fewer people saw their primary care provider for routine care, fewer referrals were made to Recipe 4 Health.

Contact information in the clinic’s medical records also became outdated. If phone numbers were not updated in the clinic’s record, referrals would carry that incorrect information to Recipe 4 Health. When that happens, “We have data to show that drops off significantly,” by as much as 50%. “Wrong number, you can’t reach the patient, kind of dead in the water,” said Chen. Lack of time or transportation can also prevent people from participating in weekly coaching sessions. In 2023, only 1,105 of 1,949 – about 56% – Recipe 4 Health participants attended coaching.

That has put a strain on Open Source, explained Director Elizabeth Markle, who said Recipe 4 Health is currently seeking to renegotiate its contract with the organization by moving to a fee-for-service model.

Rising inflation and food costs have also had an impact. Shankar said that Dig Deep Farms was reimbursed $23 per bag of produce delivered to participants in 2023, and that reimbursement rates had to be increased in 2024.

But compared to the billions California spends each year treating chronic illnesses, Recipe 4 Health’s per-patient outlays –roughly $785 per participant for the year, based on information provided by Chen’s team – are more cost effective.

When critics ask, “How do we pay for this food?” Chen replies, “We’re already paying for it. It’s just through our healthcare system.” (Sejal Parekh/Ethnic Media Services)

Dr. Sejal Parekh is a practicing pediatrician and a Stanford Health Equity Media Fellow.

‘Law needed to order singing of Bagong...

3

Superficial attempt

Meanwhile, teachers are opposing Malacañang’s directive to require schools, national government agencies and instrumentalities to sing and recite the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge in weekly flag ceremonies, calling it a move “reminiscent of the political propaganda tactics seen during the martial law years.”

The directive is impractical, unnecessary and has nothing to do with educating students about nationalism and patriotism, according to the Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC).

“This initiative is a superficial attempt to instill a brand of governance that, instead of genuinely educating schoolchildren about nationalism and patriotism through the exemplary lives of our national leaders, resorts to mandatory recitations and songs,” the TDC said in a statement on Monday, June 10.

“True nationalism and patriotism cannot be enforced through hollow rituals or the blind worship of national symbols, let alone a piece of propaganda,” it added.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed recently MC 52, as approved by President Marcos, which aims to instill the principles of “Bagong Pilipinas.”

The TDC pointed out that the administration does not need to force its own brand of governance and should instead work genuinely in the interest of Filipinos to “truly inspire and educate the youth.”

“The people in power have a duty to be responsive and responsible, exhibiting genuine love for the country through their respect for human rights, adherence to the rule of law

and an active fight against corruption,” the TDC said.

“They must foster social justice through meaningful actions and legislation, not through the forced singing of a propaganda song and the recital of a pledge that appears redundant. The best way to teach our children about nationalism and patriotism is to show them leaders who lead by example, demonstrating their commitment to the country through their actions, policies and dedication to public service,” it added.

The group also stressed that the national anthem is enough to remind students of their duties to the country.

Meanwhile, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said it saw nothing wrong with the directive as, aside from Marcos’ having the prerogative to enforce his policies within the executive branch, instilling “positive values and virtues” to ensure everyone in government is aligned with the administration’s goals.

“If this is tied with the new Philippine Development Plan, then I don’t see what is wrong with ensuring that everybody in government is aligned with the goals and principles being pushed for by the administration,” CSC Chairman Karlo Nograles said at a press conference on Monday, June 10.

While the CSC is not required to follow Malacañang’s directive on the hymn and pledge recital, Nograles noted that he would speak with the rest of the CSC commissioners about implementing it.

Unconstitutional?

The Congress of Teachers/ Educators for Nationalism and Democracy (CONTEND) also

opposed the new Malacañang directive, saying it may be unconstitutional.

Citing law experts’ opinion, CONTEND said RA 8491 or the Flag Law “does not provide the Office of the President the authority to create and require a new hymn to sing or pledge to recite during flag ceremonies in the country.” CONTEND added that the introduction of the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge is reminiscent of the “dark chapter in our history, glorifying an era that brought suffering to countless citizens.”

“The ‘Bagong Lipunan’ of the Marcos dictatorship in the ’70s was a period marked by severe human rights violations, suppression of dissent and economic hardship for many Filipinos,” the group said.

“We challenge all educators to resist this unconstitutional move by Marcos Jr. and instead underscore historical truth and the principles of nationalism and democracy in our classrooms and research,” it added.

Manila complies Some government offices in the City of Manila played the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge during flag-raising rites on Monday.

The Manila LGU and the Manila Police District (MPD) played the soundtrack of the Bagong Pilipinas” hymn. MPD personnel recited in

The Dusky Kitchen,

New York-based Abi Balingit and her book “Mayumu: Filipino American Desserts Remixed” received the Emerging Voice award. Photo from instagram/@theduskykitchen

BAGONG PILIPINAS PLEDGE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and their sons recite the Bagong Pilipinas Pledge during the 126th Independence Day ceremony at the Rizal Park in Manila on Wednesday, June 12. The Bagong Pilipinas Hymn was also played during the ceremony. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

MEDICAL MISSION. A balangay (plank boat) docks at a port in Manila Bay near the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City on Tuesday, June 11 after its expedition at West Philippine Sea. The balangay reached Pagasa Island on June 4 to conduct a medical mission for residents. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Dateline PhiliPPines

Blinken: US commitment of defense unwavering

by Bernadette e tamayo ManilaTimes.net

UNITED States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday, June 12 sent assurances of support through a special greeting to the Philippines as the country commemorated its 126th Independence Day.

"As we work together to uphold international law in the South China Sea, the United States remains unwavering in our commitment to the defense of the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty," Blinken said.

He added that scientific and technology cooperation, as well as economic investment and security collaboration between Washington and Manila, reflect the robust relationship between

the two parties.

"Today, I reaffirm the longstanding United StatesPhilippines alliance and celebrate the vibrant ties between our peoples, rooted in our long and interwoven history and shared sacrifice," Blinken said. He added that the U.S. and the Philippines were committed to realizing their shared ideals as democracies, among them upholding international law and promoting human rights.

Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, in a video message posted on X (formerly Twitter), urged Filipinos to ponder on the theme of this year's Independence Day celebration: kalayaan (freedom), kinabukasan ( future ) and kasaysayan (history).

"These three words encapsulate the importance of honoring the sacrifice of our forebears endured in their struggle for selfdetermination," Manalo said.

He added that the three words were a call for Filipinos to safeguard the freedom they gained in 1898 and the democracy they enjoy today.

"Perhaps most importantly, kalayaan , kinabukasan , kasaysayan should be a constant reminder of the significance of the continuing task of nation-building that lies before us. But while our founding parents gained our independence, we are called to employ innovation, ingenuity, and perseverance to build a thriving democracy firmly on the path to a lasting, broadly shared progress," Manalo said. g

Are POGOs China’s ‘Trojan horse’? NICA investigates

by Jose roDel Clapano Philstar.com

MANILA — National Intelligence Coordinating Agency

(NICA) director Ricardo de Leon said that his agency is validating all information, including the angle that Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) may have been China’s “Trojan horse” – referring to Greek mythology that led to the fall of Troy.

“On Trojan horse, we continue to validate. We cannot say yet that they are capable,” De Leon said.

Cruz said that one of the equipment confiscated during a POGO raid in Pasay City was communication equipment with foreign characters, which experts said may have been used to directly communicate with China.

De Leon said this equipment, as well as other pieces of evidence, are being subjected to forensic examination.

“NICA is coordinating with our intelligence counterpart in other countries for experts to intervene,” De Leon said.

However, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is too early to say if the illegal POGO hub in Pampanga is

involved in espionage. PNP chief information officer Col. Jean Fajardo said investigators have yet to secure evidence that would show that the people inside the raided compound were spying on the country’s government facilities.

Fajardo said the hundreds of computers, cellphones and gadgets seized from the POGO hub have yet to be examined as police will still have to apply for a warrant to examine computer data from a court.

Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission also found what appeared to be military uniforms from the People’s Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Chinese Communist Party, during the raid. They also found a Chinese military sergeant badge, a handgun and several bullets on Wednesday, June 12.

Fajardo said the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is investigating if the uniforms and those who wore them are indeed connected with the Chinese military.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said Tuesday the presence of Chinese military uniforms may likely be used as props in these illicit

online transactions. The limited number of PLA uniforms found suggests they are more indicative of use in deceptive activities rather than any preparation for invasion.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said that while not yet a national security threat, POGO sites in the country are now a national security concern.

“The concern is that we should stop these syndicated criminal activities operating out of our base, which weaken our financial standing, our country ratings… corrupt our society,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.

De Leon said it is up to the policymakers whether to ban or to just regulate POGO operations in the country.

“We are calling on our policymakers to review POGO. Are we gaining or losing the war because it is affecting the youth. The policymakers are the ones making the laws. We gather inputs which we provide to our leaders,” De Leon said.

Speaker Martin Romualdez has expressed openness to the existence of POGO in the country, but issued a stern reminder that all Philippine laws must be strictly adhered to the letter. g

DAVAO CITY — Is the UniTeam still intact?

It was only for the 2022 elections, according to Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte, and it has served its purpose when it launched her and President Marcos to victory.

“The UniTeam was a tandem during the 2022 elections. The elections are over, we won and we are grateful to those who supported us,” Duterte told reporters on the sidelines of the 126th Independence Day rites here in Rizal Park on Wednesday, June 12.

“We are not candidates anymore,” Duterte added when pressed by reporters about the status of the UniTeam.

She also joked that an oppressed person must remain attractive.

“If you are oppressed, make sure you can still wear twopiece,” Duterte quipped when reporters told her that she had lost weight.

Speculations about the status of the UniTeam have swirled,

especially after the statements of First Lady Liza Marcos against the vice president and the suspension of known allies of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

The vice president also refused to comment on the memorandum circular of the president to include the “ Bagong Pilipinas ” song and pledge in weekly flag ceremonies.

At the Independence Day rites here, the hymn and pledge were not sung and recited. Local government units are only encouraged to follow the circular.

Several teachers’ groups have expressed disapproval of the order, saying it is reminiscent of the abusive practices during martial law.

“Today, we are gathered to commemorate 126 years of sovereignty as well as to honor the great legacy left to us by our forefathers, who displayed true courage and bravery. On Independence Day we do not only celebrate our liberation but also place emphasis on the importance of remembering the adversities we overcome and the ideals we fight for,” Duterte said as she led the celebration.

She also stressed that the freedom Filipinos have at present is a result of the unyielding resolve of ancestors to reclaim their rights to govern themselves as a sovereign nation, “as well as pursue the aspirations of our people and manage our own economic resources.”

“While we pay tribute to their countless sacrifices and reflect on the past, we must also look forward to the future,” she said, adding that Independence Day is not only a historical milestone but also an unceasing journey.

“It is our duty and moral responsibility to maintain our freedom by learning from our past mistake and tackling issues that obstruct our growth as a nation,” she said.

Duterte called on the youth to uphold the values of patriotism and democracy as they hold the key to the future as they go out into the world, make wise decisions that not only benefit them but the greater good.

Duterte’s younger, brother Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, was not around during the Independence Day celebration anchored on the theme “Kalayaan, Kinabukasan, Kasaysayan.” g

by Diana lhyD suelto Philstar.com

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION IN DAVAO. Vice President Sara Z. Duterte arrives at the Rizal Park in Davao City to lead the wreath-laying ceremony for the celebration of the country’s 126th Independence Day on Wednesday, June 12. Duterte called on Filipinos to reflect on the courage and patriotism of their ancestors, who fought for the country’s freedom from foreign oppression. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.

OPiniOn Features

External threats

THE country celebrated its 126th Independence Day on Wednesday, June 12 with yet another foreign country threatening Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights. President Marcos, speaking on the eve of Independence Day, warned that external threats faced by the country were becoming “more worrisome” as he alerted the military about heightened tensions between China and Taiwan.

Wednesday’s event commemorated the declaration of independence from Spanish colonizers, which was made by Philippine revolutionary leaders while the guns of the United States naval armada were trained on the Manila Bay coastline. What followed was half a century of U.S. occupation, during which the Philippines developed a dependence on the American security umbrella particularly for external defense. That umbrella disappeared with the shutdown of U.S. bases in 1991 and 1992. With too many other internal problems to deal with, the Philippines was slow in making up for the loss in external defense capability. During that period, China moved in, beginning with its occupation of Panganiban or Mischief Reef off Palawan and its development into an artificial island. Panganiban now serves as a Chinese military outpost, and there are more Chinese artificial islands across the Spratlys including in the West Philippine Sea. Some quarters have described it as a creeping Chinese invasion.

THE keynote address of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the recent International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore was nothing less than historic. For the first time ever, a Philippine president delivered a speech to open the region’s top defense forum. Because of the worldwide attention we are getting in the region, his speech reverberated all over the world, particularly here in Washington, D.C.

The president’s speech was very much applauded, with IISS director-general and chief executive Sir John Chipman remarking, “That is the keynote speech that we needed” because it helped set the agenda, provoked their thinking and spurred them into action.

A number of analysts praised the president’s speech for being subtle yet sophisticated, excellently articulating the Philippines’ adherence to international rule of law and its firm commitment to regional

Editorial

Facing a superior military force, the Philippines turned to peaceful arbitration, invoking international rules to bolster its maritime rights. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, defining not only its maritime entitlements within its 200-nauticalmile exclusive economic zone or EEZ but also invalidating Beijing’s entire claim over nearly all of the South China Sea. The arbitral award was based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to which both Manila and Beijing are signatories. Yet China has refused to abide by the ruling, and has since become more aggressive in staking its greedy maritime claim. It has endangered the lives of Filipino fishermen, coast guard and navy members with blasts from powerful water cannons, prevented fishing and harassed Philippine vessels within the country’s EEZ in the West Philippine Sea.

On Tuesday, June 11, progressive groups staged a rally, calling for freedom from Chinese

Philippine foreign policy taking center stage

and global peace. In his speech, the president emphasized that as responsible members of the international community, nations must adhere to and strengthen the rules-based international order.

“We renew this commitment at this turbulent juncture of our history. I will repeat what I said at the United Nations almost two years ago: amidst challenging global tides, an important ballast stabilizes our common vessel. Our open, inclusive and rules-based international order is governed by international law and informed by the principles of equity and of justice,” President Marcos said.

The president’s words were the perfect response to the observation made by Sir John Chipman that we are seeing a “rules-broken international order. The rules have been marginalized by a multiplicity of bad actors while the good strategic habits for their maintenance have withered and little effort has been made to rekindle them.”

There is no doubt that the attention being given to the Philippines is even greater than ever, with our foreign policy now taking center stage. In fact,

a number of leaders worldwide have been wanting to meet the president. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky went out of his way to see the president in Manila due to the fact that their schedules could not jibe during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

President Zelensky invited President Marcos to attend the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland – knowing fully well PBBM’s presence will lend credence to the leaders’ summit whose main objective is to be united in looking for peaceful solutions to the problems the world faces today.

U.S. congressmen and senators who attended the Shangri-La Dialogue flocked to President Marcos’ table during the gala dinner that it seemed like a small summit was taking place, with practically everyone wanting to talk with him. Obviously, the president is at the center of attention and people are eager to hear his thoughts not only on defense and security but also on the economic front. Here in Washington, we are pleased to see both Democrats and Republicans supporting the Philippines and the central role we play in the Indo-Pacific

region.

Because of the attention we are getting in our region, we have been getting a lot of invitations to speak at economic and security forums.

On June 12, I will be speaking at the Committee on Economic Development (CED)’s Spring 2024 Trustee Policy Summit.

The CED is the public policy think-tank of The Conference Board, a nonprofit organization composed of over 1,000 companies and organizations encompassing 60 countries.

Last Thursday, June 6, I was one of the speakers at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) session on the topic, “Rise of the Minilateral: A New Model for Geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific” along with Japanese Ambassador Shigeo Yamada, the State Department’s Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs Camille Dawson and CNAS Senior Fellow for the Indo-Pacific Security Program Jacob Stokes. Moderating the session was Lisa Curtis, director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at CNAS. I underscored the president’s remarks at the Shangri-La Dialogue that “all partnerships and arrangements must never

displace or dilute, but rather uphold and complement, ASEAN’s central role,” reiterating that one of the three constants that guide our efforts in preparing for the challenges ahead is that ASEAN and ASEAN-led processes must remain central.

Recognizing the importance of minilateralism, the president highlighted the “collaborative endeavors among a few states that share specific interests built into pillars that support the architecture of regional stability.”

There is no doubt the Philippines has benefited from minilateralism, which I believe continues to be a viable option for nations that promote cooperation in dealing with issues of mutual concern.

In 2002, we worked with Indonesia and Malaysia through an information exchange agreement to combat transnational crimes.

In 2017, we entered into a trilateral agreement to conduct joint patrols and share information following a series of kidnapping activities by the Abu Sayyaf Group. Last April, the Philippines, Japan and the U.S. entered into a trilateral cooperation agreement to

advance security and economic prosperity among the three nations. In May, the Philippines, Australia, Japan and the U.S. pursued further collaboration to promote a free, open, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific. No doubt minilateralism enables small countries to address common challenges when they put their resources together, and these efforts become even stronger and more effective when backed by middle and global powers. Let it be clear, however, that while we endeavor to build and strengthen our partnerships with our friends and neighbors in the region, our commitment to ASEAN remains a core element of our foreign policy. All these efforts are in keeping with President Marcos’ pronouncement during the early days of his administration that the Philippines remains a peace-loving nation that merely wants to protect its territorial integrity. (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

Pinoys find their voice on China issue

I WATCHED in awe as a convoy of small fishing boats braved the tide – literally and figuratively – to head toward Bajo de Masinloc as part of a civilian mission to the disputed territory.

Our fishermen, their skin sunbaked from years of crossing the waters to put fish on their tables and ours, boarded their slowmoving boats and courageously escorted the “Atin Ito” civil society coalition. The mission happened last month and as I watched the videos of the convoy that went viral on social media, I realized that now more than ever, Filipinos are voicing out their sentiment on the West Philippine Sea issue. This was in stark contrast to a more quiet stance during the previous administration.

It seems that Filipinos have found their voice again and are using their social media platforms to share their sentiment on the issue. This has been going on for a while now,

even before the Atin Ito mission. These are signs of the times and it’s especially interesting and fitting that this is happening now as we commemorate tomorrow the 126th celebration of the declaration of Philippine independence from Spain in 1898.

More than a hundred years since that day in 1898, it’s good to know Filipinos remain vigilant.

Survey says It hasn’t always been like this and certainly not during the Duterte administration, largely because of the ex-president’s friendly ties with China.

Indeed, if the latest OCTA Research Survey results are to be believed, three in every four Filipinos or 76 percent perceive China as the “greatest threat” to the Philippines.

The survey, released last week, was conducted from March 11 to 14. While three points lower than the 79 percent posted in December 2023, OCTA said the figures may be considered statistically similar, given that the change was within the margin of error for national percentages.

“Across areas, those who see China as the greatest threat to

the Philippines was highest in Metro Manila at 86 percent, followed by the rest of Luzon at 77 percent, the Visayas at 73 percent and Mindanao at 71 percent.” (The STAR, June 7, 2024).

Furthermore, OCTA asked respondents regarding their views on China’s impact on the Philippine economy and 44 percent said China does not have a positive impact, almost similar to 43 percent in December 2023.

OCTA’s non-commissioned Tugon ng Masa survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of plus/minus three percent for national percentages, according to The STAR report.

An OCTA survey showed that 76 percent (or more than three in four) perceive China as the country posing the greatest threat to the Philippines; this is an increase of almost a fifth (17 percent) since the beginning of the Marcos administration two years ago. These numbers show a shift in public sentiment, driven by evolving national policies and geopolitics.

Unlike Duterte, President Marcos has been consistently assertive on Philippine sovereignty and this is

resonating loudly with the populace. Filipinos have become more vocal about the issue and the country’s sovereignty.

In Singapore, at the recent International Institute for Strategic Studies Shangri-La Dialogue, Marcos reiterated the Philippines’ adherence to international rule of law, saying “amidst challenging global tides, an important ballast stabilizes our common vessel. Our open, inclusive and rulesbased international order is governed by international law and informed by the principles of equity and of justice.”

In reality, the distrust toward China goes beyond territorial disputes, also encompassing broader economic concerns.

No less than beer, infrastructure and power tycoon Ramon Ang said the Philippines should protect its territory, particularly in the West Philippine Sea, given its potential to be a major source of oil for the country, which in turn could bring down local power costs.

As OCTA’s findings show, 44 percent of Filipinos now view China’s economic impact negatively, likely stemming

from concerns over unfair trade practices such as higher interest rates on loans extended to the Philippines and the Pharmally scandal which supposedly involved Chinese suppliers.

The controversies surrounding Mayor Alice Guo are also not helping China’s cause.

A more balanced economic policy

Filipinos’ skepticism toward China’s economic role underscores a desire for a more balanced and autonomous economic policy.

Against this backdrop, Filipinos are also seeing the value of strengthening ties with the United States. Oh, how times have changed.

I echo the sentiment of Prof.

Randy David when he said in his Inquirer column last month, “I never thought there would come a time when Filipino nationalism would be trained explicitly against China, rather than its usual target, the United States.”

The OCTA survey shows that the trust rating of the United States remained steadily high, scoring more than 85 percent since July 2021.

The implications of this shift are profound. A populace that

once appeared indifferent to external threats is now engaged and more vocal, demanding accountability and action from their leaders.

Journey to independence This is a welcome development. Moving forward, our government, policymakers and lawmakers must also make sure that we can stand strong – on our own – against any external threats, especially with the dizzying changes in geopolitics. On the economic front, we must strengthen our local industries and our military’s capability so we are not at the mercy of superpowers. The journey toward independence is long and arduous, but reclaiming our voice by speaking out against threats to our sovereignty is a step in this direction. (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.

* * * Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @ eyesgonzales. Column archives at EyesWideOpen (Iris Gonzales) on Facebook.

aggression in the West Philippine Sea. It is a fitting theme as the Philippines celebrates the anniversary of its declaration of independence. (Philstar.com)

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

Star wars: Nora Aunor, Sharon Cuneta, Maricel Soriano, Vilma Santos up for PMPC Movie Actress of the Year

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

MANILA — The 40th Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards will be a special one to look out for with one category packed with "star" power. In announcing this year's nominees, PMPC president Rodel Ocampo Fernando pointed that for the first time in the ceremony's history, veteran actresses Nora Aunor, Sharon Cuneta, Maricel Soriano, and Vilma Santos are all nominated in the same category: Movie Actress of the Year.

"Superstar" Nora is up for "Pieta;" "Megastar" Sharon is nominated for "Family of Two;" "Diamond Star" Maricel got a nod for "In His Mother's Eyes;" and "Star for All Seasons" Vilma received a nomination for "When I Met You In Tokyo." Even their fellow nominees are no slouch, with the likes of Gina Alajar for "Monday First Screening," Kathryn Bernardo for "A Very Good Girl," Ai-Ai Delas

Alas for "Litrato," Alessandra De Rossi for "What If," Gladys Reyes for "Apag," and Marian Rivera for "Rewind."

Even if they miss out on that award, Nora and Vilma won't go home empty-handed as they are both Dekada Award recipients along with Christopher de Leon and Piolo Pascual, based on the number of PMPC Star Awards for

Movies acting they've received in the last 40 years. Additionally, a lifetime achievement award named after Nora will be awarded to fellow veteran actress Liza Lorena.

Leading all nominees is Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 Best Picture winner "Firefly" followed by "Rewind," "Mallari," and "GomBurZa."

Fil-Canadian

Manny Jacinto on being part of ‘The Acolyte’: I was in awe every day

by nathalie toMaDa Philstar.com

IN Disney’s new story within the “Star Wars” universe, “The Acolyte,” viewers are introduced to more characters and creatures beyond just the Jedi. There are droids, aliens and merchants, and one of them is Qimir, portrayed by Filipino-Canadian Manny Jacinto.

ACTOR Xian Lim, who broke into the entertainment industry as a rom-com and dramatic leading man, is excited to enter a new phase in his career, albeit taking outside his comfort zone.

Lim is the star of "Playtime," the local suspense-thriller opening in cinemas today. Joining him in the cast are Sanya Lopez, Coleen Garcia and Faye Lorenzo.

Directed and conceived by Mark Reyes, "Playtime" revolves around three women from three different worlds who find themselves in the same situation involving a man they all mistakenly trust.

Vlogger-influencer Allyson (Lopez) entertains a seemingly harmless fan but soon finds out how dangerous he actually is.

Bride-to-be Roni (Garcia) wants one last adventure before she settles down. She decides to hook up with a stranger in a bar.

Meanwhile, Patricia (Lorenzo) only wants to get away from her abusive ex. She naively trusts a stranger she sees as a 'hero' who rescues her from her boyfriend. Three women. Three strangers of different personalities. Three lives intertwine as Allyson, Roni, and Patricia get entangled with the same man: Lucas (Lim).

Lucas wants to play, but his idea of playing games is far from what these women imagined.

"I'm grateful to be given the chance to portray a character that's out of the box. Not everyone gets the chance to play a role similar to Lucas," Lim said during the movie's media conference.

"I received the phone call while I was shooting 'Love, Die, Repeat.' I remember saying please count me in. And when they told me who I was going to work with, I said, 'just tell me the rest of the details later.' That's pretty much how fast I said yes to be part of this project," the actor added.

Lopez promised that the film will show a different side of her and of her co-actors,

Coleen Garcia, Sanya Lopez, and Faye Lorenzo play three women who find themselves in the same situation involving a man they all mistakenly trust.

Coleen Garcia, Sanya Lopez, and Faye Lorenzo play three women who find themselves in the same situation involving a man they all mistakenly trust.

"We've done several 'new' things here that we've never done before. It's one of those suspense thrillers that I can really say, is different from the usual screen offering. Without spoiling, I also want to share that I did something here that I've never done in my career," Lopez said.

"The three ladies here are different characters with different stories so I hope you will really look forward to the film, it's really suspense. I hope the efforts we exerted during the production will translate to the screen," she added.

Lim, seconded and said, "A huge part of this film is the trust that we, the cast, and the director had for each other."

To effectively portray his character, the actor revealed that the he had different preparations

for the role.

"Physically, I was bulking up for this. When they offered me the role, they said Lucas will be after the three girls. So I thought, maybe, I should veer away from the boy next door, loving son, romantic lead image, and move into like a big guy, right? Like, if I'm with three girls, they won't be able to get away from me. So that was a conscious effort for me to gain a little bit of muscle mass for this. Mentally, it's just getting into the mindset that you're playing a psychopath. So, it's a bit hard, but thankfully we achieved it," he said. Meanwhile, Lim's fellow Viva artist Garcia expressed her excitement at being part of this latest film.

"All the characters are really interesting. It's very thrilling, it's very suspenseful. You wouldn't be able to guess what's going to happen. I think, [for] all of us — the artists in this movie — it's new for us, everything we did [was new]."

Like Lim, Lorenzo also made sure she was physically and mentally ready for her character as Patricia.

"First of all, I needed to work out to fit into the role physically. Then I have to be the character so I really studied Patricia," Lazaro noted.

"Playtime" also serves as a homecoming for Reyes, who began his directorial career in Viva through anthologies and the hit '90s youth-oriented series, "T.G.I.S.," which aired on GMA. From his numerous TV projects such as the hit "Encantadia" franchise, "The Missing Husband," and "Voltes V: Legacy," Reyes is also known for his directorial work in various films such as "Moments of Love," "Eternity," "Till I Met You," and "Voltes V: Legacy (The Cinematic Experience)," among others.

Also part of the cast are Bruce Roeland, Haley Dizon, Kim Perez, Lienel Navidad and Camille Patricia Guzman.

In the eight-episode series, Manny plays Qimir, who owns a shop where he sells medicines and other concoctions. He finds himself right smack in the middle of the mystery surrounding a series of Jedi murders.

Showrunner Leslye Headland thought Manny was perfect for the role of Qimir, saying in the production notes that she might have altered the character if he hadn’t taken the part.

“The Acolyte” is set during The High Republic, an era fans have never seen before in live action. It’s described as the golden age, a time of peace and prosperity in the galaxy, where the Jedi are at their strongest and most powerful. But when Jedi masters start getting murdered, it shakes things up, and a major probe begins, where a Jedi master is pitted against a Force-wielding warrior from the past.

The Force was obviously with “The Acolyte” during its debut week as it recorded 11.1 million views worldwide in just five days, making it the most-watched premiere on Disney+ in 2024.

When The STAR asked Manny during an exclusive virtual interview how he handled the pressure and expectations of being cast in a highly-anticipated series, he said, “Being with friends and family helps. I think rewiring my brain and just reminding myself that, you know, obviously, ‘Star Wars’ is important, and it means a lot to a lot of other people, a lot of people.

“But at the end of the day, it’s also a job that I just took on. And there are other important aspects to my life that, you know, mean just as much, if not more. And, yeah, and sharing these moments with my parents, with my wife, with friends, I think that just alleviates things. It gets me in a better mindset, and it takes me away from the pressure of having to appease, I don’t know, fans or other viewers.”

Born in Quezon City before moving his family migrated to Canada when he was a child, Manny figured in smaller roles on TV before his breakthrough as Jason Mendoza in the fantasycomedy series “The Good Place.” He has since starred in movies like “Bad Times at the El Royale” and “Top Gun: Maverick.”

but being a part of a ‘Star Wars that shows so many faces of color. You know, it’s one thing to be able to work on a big IP (intellectual property), but it’s also one thing to be able to inspire younger kids that look like me, to either tell stories or to play with a little fake lightsaber or just, yeah, to just assure them that there are people that look like them in the world.”

On what fans can expect from

Qimir:

“I mean, talking to Leslye (Headland) about the character, I loved it because he was definitely more on the comedic side of things. With ‘Star Wars,’ there’s gonna be a lot of serious themes and serious, dramatic moments. But with my character, Qimir, he definitely brings the levity. He brings that comedy into specific scenes. And that’s what I loved (about him). He was the one that really was kind of, in his own way, opposing the Jedi.

“And I found that very interesting. Obviously, I had lightsaber envy because I couldn’t play around with the lightsabers. But I think the characters that aren’t Jedi or Sith become fan favorites, like if you look at Lando Calrissian or the Mandalorian or Han Solo, they become some pretty iconic characters.”

On his first shooting day and other experiences on set:

you deal with that? I think that’s a theme that definitely resonates throughout my childhood and also in my acting career. That’s definitely an important theme of mine.”

On his Hollywood acting journey so far:

“I would describe it as ongoing. I feel like the work is never done. I’m very grateful, very fortunate that I get to be an actor during this time because the landscape was so different just six or eight years ago. But, you know, I purposely… really strategize in my career to take on characters that people haven’t seen before. Those are the characters that I love to play with or take on. Yeah, it’s a challenge, but a challenge that can get also pretty difficult, but a challenge that’s worth it. I think it’s because I think it’ll make a greater impact.”

On seeing increased diversity and more representation in Hollywood:

AWARD-winning actress Charo Santos-Concio returns to an executive role in her home network, ABS-CBN.

ABS-CBN Corporation has appointed the former ABS-CBN president and CEO, Ma. Rosario "Charo" Santos-Concio, to its board of directors.

ABS-CBN said the company's Board of Directors elected SantosConcio as a director, filling the board vacancy left by the passing of lawyer Augusto Almeda-Lopez. Santos-Concio served as ABS-CBN president and CEO and held various roles in the company including chief operating officer, chief content officer, president of ABS-CBN University, executive advisor, and head of Channel 2 Mega Manila Management. She was named Asian Media Woman of the Year by ContentAsia, Woman of the Year by the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, and recipient of the Gold Stevie Award in the Female Executive of the Year in Asia, Australia, or New Zealand in the Stevie Awards for Women. Santos-Concio graduated as a cum laude of St. Paul's College in Manila with a degree in Communication Arts. She also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 2007. (ManilaTimes.net)

For sure, there are multiple reasons to be proud of as a main cast member of “The Acolyte,” but for Manny he’s proudest because it’s a “Star Wars” production “that shows so many faces of color.”

Below are excerpts from our interview with Manny about being the Filipino in “Star Wars,” representation and his advice to actors still waiting for their big break in the entertainment business.

On being part of a mega production such as “The Acolyte”: “It means so much. It means the world. I am so proud of not only being a part of ‘Star Wars,’

“It was incredible. So with our show, very much everything was practical. We didn’t do a lot of CGI (computer-generated images) or green screen. All the sets were man-made, and we got to see them built from the scaffolding up until the paint. And it felt I didn’t have to do much work, to be honest, because everything was taken care of. Like I didn’t have to use my imagination as much because I was plopped into this planet, and it made my job so much easier. It was such an incredible feeling. I was in awe every day. I got that feeling as a kid watching ‘The Phantom Menace’ for the first time walking on that set. It was, yeah, it was a day to remember.”

On “The Acolyte” themes and messages he resonated with: “I think the theme of, you know, how do you handle a world that doesn’t necessarily accept or look like you? How do

“Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I think what it comes down to is just having more and more creatives, not just in front of the screen, but behind the screen as well. Like I am seeing or keeping an eye on Filipino directors and Filipino writers all the time and, possibly, hopefully, fingers crossed, getting to collaborate with them, because I can only do so much as an actor, but there’s so much potential. It gets frustrating at times because obviously, there’s not a lot out there right now, but that just means that there’s so much more to be told, and it’s exciting. I think now is the time to be able to do that and to tell those stories.”

On advice to aspiring actors from underrepresented backgrounds:

“Create, right? You know, take it upon yourself to do it. Don’t wait for somebody to give you the opportunity. We need more storytellers, we need more writers, we need more directors. We need more actors, we need more producers. I think it’s just a matter of taking action and creating the opportunity for yourself. I think that’s the biggest piece of advice I can give to like, a younger generation, or that I would give to myself when I was younger, like, don’t wait. Like, just make it happen, because it’s possible. Just take the jump.”

Filipino-Canadian actor Manny Jacinto is proud to be part of ‘The Acolyte’ because it’s a ‘Star Wars that shows so many faces of color.’ Photo from Instagram/@mannyjacinto

by Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net

From left: Nora Aunor, Sharon Cuneta, Maricel Soriano, and Vilma Santos Philstar.com photos

Ruby Rodriguez ecstatic as son graduates from high school in US

by anne Pasajol Inquirer.net

RUBY Rodriguez could not seem to contain her joy after AJ, her son who has an intellectual disability, finished high school and is now set to pursue college in the United States.

Rodriguez, who is based in the U.S. with her family, showed moments from AJ’s graduation ceremony at Los Angeles Unified School District via her Instagram page on Thursday, June 13.

Aside from the former “Eat Bulaga” host, her eldest daughter Antoinette was also present at the event to celebrate AJ’s milestone.

“I’m lost for words! All I can say I’m so proud of you, my son!” Rodriguez said in the caption. “I know you always achieve to do your best in everything! Good luck on your next journey.”

In a separate Instagram video, Rodriguez gushed over her two children who were emotional while sharing a long tight hug.

“When your son graduates, [runs] towards you and went straight to his best friend, sister, confidant, supporter and partner in crime!” she captioned the clip. “Love you both.”

Prior to his graduation ceremony, AJ had signed a “certificate of commitment” that states he will attend Widney College for his tertiary education. Rodriguez earlier opened up about her decision

Marian Rivera on secret to a happy marriage

by hannah Mallorca Inquirer.net

MARIAN Rivera admitted that it’s hard to advise a couple on having a long-lasting marriage since she’s not in a position to do so, but she believes that transparency, love, trust, and faith in God should be the center of a relationship.

In a chance interview on the sidelines of a brand launch in Taguig City on Tuesday, June 11, Rivera shared her two cents on a long-lasting marriage when asked about the topic.

"Ang hirap magbigay ng advice dahil wala ako sa posisyon pero one thing is for sure, kailangan transparent kayo sa isa’t isa, mananaig ang love and trust, at higit sa lahat, kahit pagsamahin niyo ‘yun, kung wala sa center si Lord, nothing lahat,” she said. (It’s hard to advise because I’m not in a position to do so. But one thing is for sure, you need to be transparent with each other. Love and trust must prevail and most of all, even if you put all these together, if God is not at the center of your relationship, it’s nothing.)

The actress also shared that as a mother, she believes in teaching her children Zia and Sixto the importance of going to the dentist at a young age. For her, it has something to do with how she was raised when she was young.

“Hindi naman sa very strict pero at an early age, gusto kong

malaman nila ang meaning ng [pagpunta sa] dentist. Mga bata pa talaga sila… pero aware sila kasi siguro kaming mag-asawa, hindi pwede na hindi kaming nagdedentist,” she said. “Si Nanay kasi, pinapaliwanag niya sa’kin. D’un ko ‘yun nakuha. Kailangan mo siyang, ipaliwanag sa anak mo kung bakit kailangan pumunta sa dentist.”

(Not that I’m very strict about it, but at an early age I want them to learn the meaning of going to the dentist. They’re very young but they’re aware because they see it in us. We have to go to the dentist. My mother did the same to me when I was young. You have to teach your children why they need to go to the dentist.)

Friendship with Max Collins, local cinema When asked about what she would miss about her series “My Guardian Alien,” Rivera said it’s the friendship with the cast including her co-star Max Collins. The fantasy drama is set to air its final episode on June 28 and it will be replaced by “Widows’ War” in its time slot.

"Hindi kami nagkatrabaho ni Max, ever. Pero dahil dito nagkakilala kami and I’m happy na naging close ang friendship namin. Sina Gabby, given na ‘yun,” she said. (Max and I had never worked together before, ever. But because of the series, we got to know each other, and I’m happy that we developed a close friendship. For Gabby, our

friendship is a given.)

Rivera is also grateful that many moviegoers still support “Rewind,” her Metro Manila Film Festival 2023 entry with her husband Dingdong Dantes. It remains the highest-grossing Filipino film as of now.

"Taos-pusong pasasalamat sa mga tao na sumusuporta at nagmamahal sa ‘Rewind,’” she said, touching on supporting local films. “Ipagdadasal pa rin natin na mabuhay ang pelikulang Pilipino dahil ‘yun ang gusto natin, para maibalik ‘yan sa tao. At babalik at babalik ‘yan.” (I’m very thankful to those who support and love ‘Rewind.’ Let’s pray that local cinema will stay strong because that is what we want. And I believe that its former glory will return.)

Jericho Rosales marking acting comeback after 5 years with ‘Lavender Fields’

by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

ACTOR Jericho Rosales will make his return to primetime television later this year in the upcoming series "Lavender Fields."

Jericho last starred in the television show "Halik," alongside Sam Milby, Yen Santos and Yam Concepcion, when it finished airing in April 2019.

Production company Dreamscape Entertainment officially announced Jericho's comeback in social media posts, teasing his character in the upcoming show.

Actor Jericho Rosales will make his return to primetime television later this year in the upcoming series "Lavender Fields." Jericho last starred in the television show "Halik," alongside Sam Milby, Yen Santos and Yam

Last

He

Ruby Rodriguez (right) and her son AJ Photo from Instagram/@rodriguezruby

Jericho Rosales Photo from Instagram/@jerichorosalesofficial

Marian Rivera Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera

to leave her showbiz career in the Philippines and move to the U.S. She said this was mainly driven by her goal to provide proper education and medication to AJ, who also suffers from an autoimmune disease. Rodriguez and her family left the Philippines for good in 2021.

VEGAS’ ENERGETIC POP GROUP 2000TH SHOW. The Bronx Wanderers performed their 2000th show in South Point’s Showroom June 7th weekend. The mayor’s office presented the group with a Proclamation Award. Vinnie “the dad” with his two talented sons, guitarist Vincent, drummer Nicky and high school mates have been performing since 2016 around Las Vegas area.They have been touring the country for 20 years. The wonderful story telling of Daddy Vinnie combined with musical hits of Billy Joel, Paul Anka, Beach Boys, Frankie Vallie gave thrills to the sold out crowd. Photos by Raoul Gatchalian

Concepcion, when it finished airing in April 2019. Production company Dreamscape Entertainment officially

announced Jericho's comeback in social media posts, teasing his character in the upcoming show. The actor will portray Tyrone de Vera, opposite Jodi Sta. Maria and Janine Gutierrez, both of whom are fresh off successful shows "Unbreak My Heart" and "Dirty Linen," respectively. Jericho expressed his excitement in the comments section on Dreamscape's Instagram post, saying he is looking forward to finally working with Jodi and Janine.

April, Jericho teased he has a television show lined up as well as an unnamed Star Cinema movie.

also recently attended this year's Cannes Film Festival with ex Kim Jones for the global premiere of "The Surfer," starring Nicolas Cage and Julian McMahon, which screened out of competition.

PhIlIP s . Chua,

IN this era of informational technology facilitated by search engines, like Google, and websites, like YouTube, to name a couple, access to massive scientific data enables people to instantly educate themselves on proactive and preemptive strategies in disease prevention and in adopting a healthier lifestyle. It also erases the stigma on a scientific discussion of delicate and sensitive personal topic like masturbation, which, contrary to past beliefs, is actually a healthy normal part of people’s lives.

Wikipedia defines masturbation as “a form of autoeroticism in which a person sexually stimulates their own genitals for sexual arousal or other sexual pleasure, usually to the point of orgasm.”

Statistics According to published statistics from a 2022 study, more men (73.8 percent) than women (48.1 percent) masturbate. The percentage for women might not be totally accurate because women, in general, are more private in their sentiments. In an earlier report (2009), the data showed 95 percent of men and 89 percent of women masturbated at one time or another. Both surveys clearly confirm that this practice of self-arousal is normal among the majority of people around the world.

As to the frequency, 57 percent of men between the ages of 18 and 24 masturbate once a week, compared to 48 percent of women in the same age group. More than 40 percent of males and 22 percent of females masturbate daily. About 55 percent of men and 40 percent of women prefer masturbation over sex with a partner, and 53 percent of women and 17 percent of men use vibrators to arouse themselves. The study involved “more than 13,000 subjects and were weighted to be globally representative.”

At this very moment you are reading my column, about 797,151 men and women in the United States are actually masturbating, extrapolated a study. That is more than the total (2024 census) population of Wyoming (600,000), Vermont (647,818), North and Alaska (733,536), and North Dakota (788,940).

Mythical dangers

Misinformed or disinformed naysayers for centuries and social media abusers today have been circulating this long list of falsehood, myths about the side-effects of masturbation: blindness, insanity, hairy palms,

hand tremors, shrinking penises, decrease in sperm count, erectile dysfunction, etc. These are all false. Masturbation does not have any serious side-effects.

If done violently, the excessive force might cause penile skin chaffing, soreness and swelling of the penis, and possible (rare) bleeding under the skin of the penis if someone is taking blood thinner or aspirin.

If one’s mental health is not stable, masturbation could become a compulsive behavior. But this is a mental problem, not a side-effect of masturbation. With this obsessive “hypersexuality” behavior, which fortunately is rare, professional help is needed.

Benefits of masturbation

On October 4, 2023, Moderna announced successful trials with mRNA 1083 vaccine combo to be more effective against COVID-19 viruses and all four A and B strains of the Flu, and superior to the previous 2 individual shots.

Anyway, while waiting for the trio, we look forward to this duo (mRNA 1083) tandem vaccine with great eagerness.

New Alzheimer’s drug

Experiencing Suzuya Patisserie & Café On masturbation

Some of the benefits of masturbation include the release of endorphins, hormones like dopamine, the feel-good hormone secreted by our glands whenever we are happy, like after eating chocolates, sweets, during sex, etc.), and oxytocin, the love hormone that blocks pain and make us feel well.

These hormones increase positive emotions such as happiness, joy, and inner peace. They also counteract adrenalin, Cortisol, the stress hormone to reduce anxiety. Masturbation is beneficial for long term health for those who enjoy it. It also reduces risk for prostatic cancer, since ejaculation prevents build-up of cancer-causing agents, like old semen, in the prostate gland.

In women, masturbation makes a woman more likely to have orgasm during sexual relationships. During pregnancy, masturbation releases sexual tension and helps ease some pregnancy symptoms including lower back pains. It also lowers the rate of cervical infection.

Orgasm (in actual sex or masturbation) also reduces stress, improves sleep, eases pain, boosts our mood, increases focus, and it also prevents anxiety and depression. Those who are deprived of regular sexual pleasure for any reason have the opposite (negative) effects on those health effects listed above.

Masturbation reduces vaginal dryness, relieves menstrual cramps, increases libido, induces greater satisfaction with sex and provides a higher self-esteem. All of these make life more enjoyable and marriage more stable and lasting.

COVID-flu vax combo

More than a year ago, in this column, we were saying hopefully, a triple combo vaccine would be developed for COVID-19, the flu, and the RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) infections. The 3-in-1 vaccine would certainly catapult vaccination compliance, with one shot instead of 3, less needle stick, less clinic visit, more convenience for the public.

Eli Lily’s new drug for Alzheimer’s, Donanemab, announced 6 hours ago while I was writing this column, is the second drug approved by the United States FDA to slow down the progress of Alzheimer’s. The first one was Lecanemab (Lequembi, by Eisai, Inc.), also an amyloid-fighting drug, was granted full approval by the FDA in July 2023. Tacrine, (Cognex) approved in 1993 as the “very first” against Alzheimer’s, has been shown to improve some psychometrics but did not affect the progress of this scary dementia.

Worldwide, there are about 55 million people with Alzheimer’s, with nearly 10 million new cases each year, and predicted to double every 20 years. In the U.S., there are over 6 million cases of Alzheimer’s, mostly those aged 65 and older, which includes 200,000 cases under 65, according to the National Institute of Aging.

For love of family, many would prefer to have cancer than to develop Alzheimer's to spare their loved ones from the daily struggle, pain, and tremendous hardships of taking care of them.

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

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

* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US 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.

Albie Casiño now a father

by jan Milo seVero

ACTOR Albie Casiño revealed that he is now a father.

Albie posted a video of him meeting his baby, Roman Andrew, for the first time with his girlfriend Michelina on his Facebook account.

"A great man told me 'being a dad has no days off and retirement.' I wouldn’t have it any other way," Albie captioned the post.

"I finally got to meet my son. Hello, Roman Andrew, the world is yours little man," he added. Albie's "Can't Buy Me Love" co-stars commented on his post. "Congratulations!! Not a secret anymore, Ahia!!" Ruffa Gutierrez said, referring to the actor's character who played the firstborn son of a wealthy Chinese-Filipino family in the recently ended

by Gloria t caoile

SUZUYA Patisserie & Cafe, a family-owned, Japanese-inspired bakery, is opening a new café on S. Wynn Street. The owners, Chef Misuzu and Chef Mike, partnered with Elevate Hospitality Group, a Filipino-owned company, to make this location a reality. I was lucky enough to attend a sneak preview. I found myself thoroughly enchanted by the experience. From the outset, I can say with confidence – I love this place!

The ambiance of Suzuya is both inviting and charming. You have the option to sit inside or enjoy their delightful petfriendly outdoor patio. The patio is particularly noteworthy, equipped with mist sprinklers to provide a refreshing respite from the Las Vegas desert sun. It’s a perfect spot to relax and savor your treats.

Coming from a Filipino background, my palate is

accustomed to sweet desserts.

However, as I've aged, I've aimed to reduce my sugar intake. Suzuya offers the perfect solution to this endeavor. Their cakes and pastries are a harmonious blend of light sweetness and airy textures, emblematic of Japanese culinary finesse. The desserts are not overly sweet but just right, making them a joy to indulge in without feeling guilty. Beyond the cakes and pastries, Suzuya also serves sandwiches. I tried the egg sando sandwich on Shokupan bread, generously slathered with Japanese mayonnaise. Each bite was a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it an unforgettable experience.

The cafe is helmed by Chef Misuzu and Chef Mike, who prioritize freshness and quality in their products. Their

it's a

in our

The inspiring values upheld by Chef Misuzu and Chef Mike, coupled with the excellent culinary offerings, make this cafe a standout. I am already looking forward to my next visit.

Location Suzuya Patisserie & Café, 3500 Wynn Road, Las Vegas, NV 89103.

by Raoul Gatchalian