Fil-Am artist unveils memorial for mass shooting victims in Florida
TO honor the memory of the 49 victims of the 2016 Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Orlando, Florida, Filipino American visual artist Jefrë has unveiled a monumental memorial titled “Wings of the Rainbow.”
The sculpture, a 49-foot-tall polychromatic structure, now stands prominently in Osceola County’s Brown Weiss Park, overlooking Lake Toho.
Each aspect of Jefrë’s design symbolizes the LGBTQIA+ individuals whose lives were tragically lost during the mass shooting.
In a statement, Jefrë, who also did
“The Victor” at Robinsons Bridgetowne in the Philippines, expressed that “Wings of the Rainbow” serves not merely as a static memorial, but as a symbol of unity, resilience and hope for the community.
“As we conclude today’s ceremony, let us remember that ‘Wings of the Rainbow’ is not just a sculpture but a lasting tribute to the 49 angels,” Jefrë shared on Instagram. “It stands as a beacon of hope, unity and resilience. May it inspire us to embrace diversity, cherish our shared humanity and continue to strive for a world filled with love and acceptance.”
During the unveiling ceremony, Jefrë conveyed deep gratitude to those
Fil-Am motorcyclist
Michael Navarette Guardian dies in southwest Las Vegas crash
LAS VEGAS – A tragic accident claimed the life of 44-year-old Filipino American Michael Navarette Guardian in the southwest Las Vegas Valley on Thursday, June 20.
According to the police report, Guardian was riding a Suzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle south on Durango Drive at high speed. As he approached the intersection with Arby Avenue, a Chevrolet Colorado truck traveling north on Durango entered the left turn lane just south of Arby Avenue. The truck stopped before making a westbound
u PAGE 3
Pres. Marcos recalls his dream legacy: ‘No more hungry Filipino’
by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net
Marcos announced on Wednesday, June 26 his administration’s commitment during the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and Galing Pook Foundation’s “Walang Gutom Awards” (WGA) held in Malacañang. During his speech, Marcos recalled an interview
Philippines issues protest note over China’s latest aggression in West Philippine Sea
by KriStine Daguno-berSamina Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippines issued a note verbale in response to its latest act of aggression against Filipino forces in the West Philippine Sea.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo announced during an international media conference that the Philippine government issued a note verbale to China last week, according to a GMA report.
The incident happened on June 17 as the Chinese coast guard personnel wielding bladed weapons foiled a Filipino navy
Mayor Alice Guo is also Chinese woman Guo Hua Ping, NBI confirms
by charie abarca Inquirer.net
MANILA — Bamban Mayor Alice Guo’s fingerprints matched with Chinese woman Guo Hua Ping, Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Thursday, June 27. In a statement, Hontiveros said the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confirmed that Mayor Guo and Guo Hua Ping’s fingerprints have matched.
“It means, they are the fingerprints of one and the same person. This confirms what I have suspected all along. Mayor Alice is a fake Filipino — or should I say, Guo Hua Ping. She is a Chinese national masquerading as [a] Filipino citizen to facilitate crimes being committed by [Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators],” Hontiveros said. According to Hontiveros, this revelation is a great insult not only to voters in Bamban, but also to the Philippine government.
LOOKS FAMILIAR? Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian produced these documents which he said may support claims that Bamban Mayor Alice Guo was also Guo Hua Ping, a Chinese citizen. At left is a passport presented by Guo’s supposed parents when they applied for a special investor’s resident visa (SIRV). Guo’s ID picture is attached to the SIRV.
attempt to resupply troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre that sits atop Ayungin Shoal.
The move resulted in injuries to Filipino troops, including a Navy servicemember who lost his thumb. Footage released shows the Chinese coast guard looting items and damaging boats, including navigational and communication equipment.
The incident is the latest and most serious in a series of escalating confrontations between Chinese and Philippine ships in recent months, as Beijing intensifies efforts to assert its claims over nearly the
by charie abarca Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Philippine government has communicated with the United States regarding an alleged campaign run by its military to sow hesitancy among Filipinos with regards to Chinese-made COVID-19 vaccines.
Speaking at a Senate hearing on Tuesday, June 25, Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga said they immediately reached out to the U.S. after the Reuters article was published. “We reached out immediately to the
US asks Philippines to solve politically motivated cases after De Lima acquittal
Senator Leila De
of
from her last drugrelated case and urged the Philippine government to resolve all “politically motivated cases” in the country. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement on Tuesday, June 25 that the U.S. remains “committed to working with the Philippine government to strengthen democracy and human rights.”
“We continue to urge the Philippines to resolve politically motivated cases, including those against journalists and civil society, in a manner consistent with its international human rights obligations and commitments,” he also said.
On Monday, June 24, a Muntinlupa court granted De Lima’s demurrer to evidence petition for the dismissal of the third and final drug case filed against her by the u PAGE 2
Here come the Dutertes
Rody, Polong, Baste for Senate in 2025; Baste for president in 2028 by eDith regalaDo, Diana lhyD
MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte and sons Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte and Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte shall each seek a Senate seat in the 2025 midterm elections, according to Vice President Sara Duterte.
The vice president also confirmed that the family is already preparing for the 2028 presidential race, with Baste being groomed as their presidential candidate.
The vice president disclosed that all three Dutertes are ready to join the Senate race.
“All of them are raring to
run. PRRD (president Rodrigo Roa Duterte), senator. My older brother, Paolo Duterte, who is congressman now, senator. Even Sebastian Duterte,” the vice president said in Filipino in an interview with the media in Cagayan de Oro.
The Duterte brothers are reportedly bent on landing Senate seats. Paolo is on his third term as congressman while Baste is on his second term as Davao City mayor. The vice president said that in 2028, she will probably run for mayor of Davao City.
“My mother told me to go u PAGE 3
MANILA — The dream legacy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is to end hunger in the country.
CULINARY FEST. “Puso” (steamed rice in coconut leaves) takes the spotlight at the start of the 1st United Nations Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Asia and the Pacific in Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu on Wednesday, June 26, with (from left) UN Tourism Ambassador Chef Vicky Cheng, Basque Culinary Center Director Idoia Calleja (partly covered), UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili, Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, and Lapu-Lapu City
former
Lima
Suelto Philstar.com
Photo posted in 2018 shows then Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte taking a selfie with her father, then President Rodrigo Duterte, and brothers Sebastian and Paolo. STAR / File
Mayor Alice Guo is also...
PAGE 1
“This is a very strong evidence to remove Mayor Alice from public office,” she added in Filipino.
With this development, Hontiveros pressed the Office of Solicitor General to expedite its filing of a quo warranto case against Guo, emphasizing that the suspended local official needs to be held accountable for all the crimes she and her Pogo hub has committed.
“This revelation is not the end. Guo Hua Ping, soon, we will know the full extent of your deception. We will dig deeper and locate the systemic roots of our Pogo problem,” Hontiveros added. To recall, it was also Hontiveros who ordered the NBI to examine the biometrics data of Guo Hua Ping and Alice Guo, directing them to specifically compare their fingerprints.
This came after Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian alleged that the
suspended mayor’s true identity is that of a Chinese woman named Guo Hua Ping. Guo has been the subject of scrutiny after the Senate committee on women bared her alleged ties to Zun Yuan Technology, an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operator in Bamban, Tarlac. Guo, however, repeatedly denied all accusations hurled against her, including being an alleged China spy. n
PH reaches out to shed light on US’...
Embassy and to U.S. authorities through our regular consultations and mechanisms. The initial response was that we were referred to the Department of Defense—so we also got a copy of the statement that you had read,” said Chan-Gonzaga.
The statement neither confirmed nor denied the alleged conduct of such a secret campaign against Chinese vaccines.
“Essentially, they are looking into the matter and though we have not received any official and formal response yet in terms of confirmation, denial, or anything we are waiting on that. We continue to monitor and to ask for information,” he added.
Sen. Imee Marcos, who was presiding over the hearing as chairperson of the Senate panel on foreign relations, appealed to the DFA
to continuously seek answers from the U.S. Department of Defense. Marcos earned DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo’s assurance who then emphasized that they are doing so, adding that if there is anything alarming in their reply, they would immediately seek assistance from relevant agencies.
“Let’s work together, many Filipinos fell seriously ill. Many Filipinos died, we don’t know if it was a direct result of this. But we can see from the numbers that its effect is truly terrifying. So, we should be all hands on deck on this matter,” Marcos answered. The Reuters article in question was published mid June. It indicated that U.S. officials supposedly launched the campaign as a payback for Beijing’s efforts to blame Washington for the pandemic. n
US asks Philippines to solve politically...
Duterte administration.
De Lima’s camp filed the petition in March, arguing that the prosecution’s case has insufficient evidence.
The lower court’s decision to dismiss the drug charges against De Lima is tantamount to an acquittal of the former senator, a staunch critic of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Now, all three drugrelated cases that the Duterte administration filed against her are dismissed.
“I feel immense relief and joy right now. I can now rest easier and sleep more soundly,”
De Lima said in Filipino during an ambush interview with members of the media after the Muntinlupa court’s decision on her third drug case was announced Monday.
Earlier, European Union (EU) ambassador to the Philippines Luc Véron said the bloc welcomed De Lima’s acquittal as
they stand alongside the verdict of justice and human rights.
“I share the joy of Atty. Leila De. Lima and her co-defendants who were cleared of all charges today by the Muntinlupa City Court. After so many years, this is a victory for justice!” Veron said on X (formerly Twitter).
De Lima’s colleagues in the political opposition also expressed happiness over her acquittal.
“Noon pa man, alam kong walang sala si Sen. Leila at umaapaw ang kaligayahan sa puso ko na ngayon ay nakamit na niya ang hustisya. From ‘Free Leila Now’ to ‘Now, Leila is free’,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros said in a statement Monday.
(Even before, I knew that [former] Sen. Leila was innocent and I am extremely glad now that she has achieved justice. From “Free Leila Now” to “Now, Leila is free.”)
“Ito’y patunay na ang katotohanan ay mananaig pa rin
ang hustisya sa gitna ng mga kasinungalingan,” human rights lawyer Chel Diokno said on X.
(This proves the truth that justice will still prevail even in the midst of lies.)
Both Hontiveros and Diokno, however, stressed that people who unjustly accused De Lima of wrongdoing “must face the consequences of their actions.”
“[W]e need to focus our attention on those who have wrongly accused her. False charges compromise not only the accused’s reputation but also the integrity of our legal system. We call upon the authorities to pursue and hold accountable those who have perpetuated these unfounded.
“Ang hukuman ay takbuhan ng taumbayan para matamo ang hustisya, hindi ito instrumento para sa maruming pamumulitika (People go to the court to get justice, it is not an instrument for dirty politics),” Diokno also said. (Moss R. Laygo/Inquirer.net) n
Fil-Am artist unveils memorial for...
in attendance for their unwavering support in bringing this memorial to fruition.
“Thank you all for being here and for your unwavering
support. Together, we honor the memory of those we lost, celebrate their lives and reaffirm our commitment to a future where love always triumphs,” he concluded.
“Wings of the Rainbow” represents a collaborative effort between Jefrë and the Osceola County Government of Florida. This initiative resonates with similar endeavors across the United States aimed at honoring victims of mass shootings. Memorials in Sandy Hook, Connecticut; Las Vegas, Nevada; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Charleston, South Carolina, stand as reminders of the lives lost.
“At night, these wings will rise up to create the form of an eternal flame, illuminated from within to create a glowing beacon that lights up the sky, symbolizing the eternal presence and guiding light of the 49 angels,” he added in a separate Instagram post, detailing the memorial. (Hans Carbonilla/Inquirer.net) n
Philippines issues protest note over...
PAGE 1 entire waterway.
During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, June 25, the foreign affairs chief expressed hope that the Philippines-China Bilateral Consultation Mechanism on the South China Sea will convene in early July to address the recent incidents.
“We still believe in the primacy of dialogue, and diplomacy should prevail even in the face of these serious incidents, though I admit it’s also a challenge,” Manalo said.
The last meeting was held on January 17 in Shanghai, where the two parties formulated
“some confidence-building measures,” according to Acting Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. last Monday, June 24 clarified that the latest incident was neither a “misunderstanding” nor an “accident,” describing China’s moves as “illegal use of force.”
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously assured the public that the Philippines will not resort to war in addressing issues in the disputed region. — with report from Agence FrancePresse n
PORT CALL. A Turkish Navy Corvette, the TCG Kinaliada (F514), docks at Pier 15 of the Manila South Harbor on Thursday, June 27 for a two-
PNA photo by Yancy Lim
Photo from Osceola County Government
Fil-Am motorcyclist...
turn onto Arby Avenue, crossing into the motorcycle’s path. The front of the Suzuki collided with the right rear of the Chevrolet, ejecting Guardian onto the roadway.
Emergency medical personnel arrived promptly and transported Guardian to UMC Trauma Center with lifethreatening injuries. Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at University Medical Center.
Police reports indicate that the driver of the Chevrolet remained at the scene, showed no signs of impairment, and cooperated fully with the investigation.
Guardian’s death marks the 77th traffic-related fatality in the Las Vegas metropolitan jurisdiction for 2024.
Family and friends remember Michael Navarette Guardian as a kind, generous, and loving family man. He is survived by his four children, ages 13, 12, 9, and 5. His sudden death has left his brothers, mother, and many friends in the Philippines and Las Vegas in shock.
Joel Malate, a close friend of Guardian, expressed his disbelief, recalling Guardian’s love for family outings and his careful driving habits.
“I was really shocked. It was unbelievable because during the memorial, he was here at my house,” Malate said. “He loved going out with the family.”
Guardian worked as a truck driver for Goodwill and was known for his strict adherence to speed limits and impeccable road manners. Malate emphasized Guardian’s cautious nature, especially when riding motorcycles.
“It’s unbelievable, first of all, he was a careful driver. When we used to ride motorcycles together, he was a skilled rider, even better than me,” Malate added.
Malate shared that Guardian was thrilled about his children’s upcoming arrival in the U.S., making the tragedy even more heart-wrenching. Guardian’s defining traits as a good father and a loyal friend remain unforgettable.
The Guardian family has retained the services of the Richard Harris Law Firm to handle the legal matters arising from the accident.
A GoFundMe page has been established to help with Michael’s funeral arrangements. Contributions can be made at GoFundMe. (Bev Llorente, ABSCBN News Las Vegas) n
Here come the Dutertes...
back as mayor in Davao,” she said in the vernacular.
She, however, said there is still no concrete date as to when she would be going back to Davao City.
Duterte also said there are no plans for her to resign as vice president. “No, that was not discussed,” she told reporters.
The vice president’s announcement unveiled the Dutertes’ political plans following the souring of their relationship with Marcos. It was just this month that vice president Duterte confirmed the breakup of the UniTeam, the tandem that catapulted her and Marcos Jr. 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 said in a previous interview.
Later, the vice president tendered her resignation as Department of Education secretary and vice-chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC).
And while their political tandem seems to have ended, the vice president said she and President Marcos remain friendly on a personal level.
“I think me and President Marcos are still friends,” she said.
‘Duterte dynasty’
A party-list lawmaker on Tuesday, June 25 slammed the plan of the Duterte family to expand their political dynasty following the vice president’s announcement that her father and two brothers will each seek a Senate seat.
“This is the height of bureaucrat capitalism, where a single family wants to control every aspect of a nation’s politics,” said ACT Teachers partylist Rep. France Castro in a statement.
She noted the politicians are treating government positions like a business not
only to enrich themselves but also to cover up their crimes to the people.
She added this development only “exposes the intensifying conflict between two factions of the ruling class,” apparently referring to the Duterte and Marcos families.
The lawmaker called on the Filipino people to remain vigilant and to resist these attempts by political dynasties to “monopolize power and perpetuate their rule at the expense of democracy and the interests of the masses.”
House EJK probe
The House of Representatives committee on justice and human rights has extended a formal invitation to former president Duterte and Sen. Ronald dela Rosa for the Wednesday, June 26 hearing on extrajudicial killings in the previous administration.
Dela Rosa served as the Philippine National Police chief at the height of the drug war, a period marked by a significant increase in alleged EJKs.
“We have informed the former president of this hearing so he knows. For the fourth hearing, I will be inviting Sen. Bato dela Rosa and the former president to come and listen to your testimony,” panel chairman and Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante declared.
“I would even suggest that later on we should invite the former president,” Abante said. He asked the witnesses of EJK victims if they can handle themselves should Duterte and dela Rosa attend the hearings, to which they replied in the affirmative.
Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas made a motion to invite Duterte and Dela Rosa, which was seconded by Rep. Castro. The motion was approved without objections from committee members.
Abante asked Secretary General Kristina Conti of the National Union of People’s Lawyers-NCR and Rubilyn Litao from Rise Up for Life and for Rights if they are really convinced about the former president’s culpability for the EJK killings.
“We firmly believe that because of this
war on drugs, which is more popularly known as ‘Oplan: Tokhang,’ undertaken by the previous Duterte administration, has resulted in massive killings,” Litao told the House committee.
Conti and Litao have been assisting hundreds of families of EJK victims, some of whom were present during the hearing to share their harrowing experiences, where one witness even disclosed that a SOCO team was already underway even before the incident happened.
Participate in probe
Abante likewise reiterated his call for the families of EJK victims under the drug war of former president Duterte to help in the panel’s probe.
“I fully acknowledge the fears and the reluctance that many may feel about coming forward to testify … Now, it is they who will fear you. You should no longer fear them,” said Abante.
Abante made the call as he observed the reluctance of EJK victims to take part in the panel’s ongoing inquiry into the killings associated with Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
“These fears are real. They have a basis. In fact, I was aghast to learn that what has happened in Mexico could also occur in our own country,” he added.
Abante said the committee is steadfast in its commitment to protect the witnesses. “The House of Representatives is here to support you, to safeguard your rights and to ensure your safety,” he added.
The inquiry aims to address the alleged human rights violations during Duterte’s drug war, which has been widely condemned.
Government data show that over 6,200 drug suspects died in anti-narcotics operations from June 2016 to November 2021, but human rights organizations estimate the death toll could be more than 20,000, affecting predominantly poor communities. — Delon Porcalla, Sheila Crisostomo n
Pres. Marcos recalls his dream legacy:
PAGE 1 is my dream,” said Marcos.
“A noble cause we can possibly have is to make sure that every single Filipino, each of whom we love like a family member, never again feel the pangs of hunger… and if we can achieve that, then I think we can claim to have led a good life,” he added.
According to Marcos, hunger remains a crisis in the country, citing a study by the DSWD.
The study showed that nearly 12 percent of three million families continue to experience hunger at least once in the last three months of 2022.
It also indicated that one in three Filipino children under five years old suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition. However, Marcos still expressed optimism that the country can address hunger as he recognized existing government measures and contributions of non-government organizations (NGOs), international agencies and social workers. He also called on local government units (LGUs), private sector and international partners, as well as NGOs to “work together as a united front, and become ‘walang gutom’ (no hunger) advocates.”
The WGA aims to honor and replicate the best practices of local government units (LGUs) to attain food security and provide adequate nutrition. The winners are as follows: Barangay level Barangay Commonwealth, Quezon City Barangay Naggasican, Santiago City Municipal level Asuncion, Davao Del Norte Palompon, Leyte Bacnotan, La Union City level Kidapawan City, Cotabato Bago City, Negros Cadiz City, Negros Occidental
‘No...
The winning LGUs will receive a P2 million funding allocation from the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program. Marcos called on other LGUs to assess the nominees’ and the winners’ programs to “see how and why their programs work.”
He also urged them to examine whether or not it can be applied to their own communities.
“The national government will also be taking notes to see what more can be done at the national level,” he said. n
Mati City, Davao Oriental; Provincial level Biliran.
SSA to reduce work history period to five years
WHEN people become disabled under the statutory definition the Social Security Administration must follow, the agency helps them meet their basic needs and sustain a higher quality of life. Social Security administers disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program. Under both programs, the agency follows a five-step process to determine if an adult has a qualifying disability. In response to President Biden’s executive order on “Transforming Federal Customer Experience and Service Delivery to Rebuilt Trust in Government,” the agency is proud to announce changes that will reduce administrative burdens for applicants and help more people with disabilities receive government benefits and services if they are eligible. On April 18, 2024, Social Security published a final rule, “Intermediate Improvement to the Disability Adjudication Process: Including How We Consider Past Work.” The final rule announces updates that will improve the application process for disability benefits and reduce the time applicants wait for a decision. The new rule simplifies step four of the process, which assesses whether a person applying for disability benefits can perform any of their
for disability
“past relevant work.”
“This new rule will lessen the burden and time our applicants face when filling out information about their work history and will make it easier for them to focus on the most current and relevant details about their past work,” said Martin O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security. “It also improves the quality of the information our frontline workers receive to make decisions, improving customer service, and reducing case processing time and overall wait times.”
Under the final rule, which began on June 22, 2024, when determining past relevant work, the agency will review only five years of past work. The previous policy required people to provide detailed information about 15 years of work history, which was difficult for individuals to remember and often led to incomplete or inaccurate reporting. Also, the agency will no longer consider past work that started and stopped in fewer than 30 calendar days. The new rule makes it easier for people applying for benefits by focusing on their most recent relevant work activity while still providing enough information to continue making accurate determinations.
This final rule is one of several regulation updates Social Security is publishing to improve its disability program. The agency recently announced it will reduce barriers
applicants
to access the SSI program by updating the definition of a public assistance household (visit https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/ releases/2024/#5-2024-3).
The agency also announced it will exclude the value of food from SSI benefit calculations (visit https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/ releases/2024/#3-2024-4). Additionally, the agency announced it will expand its rental subsidy exception, currently only in place for SSI applicants and recipients residing in seven states, as a nationwide policy (visit https://www.ssa.gov/news/press/ releases/2024/#4-2024-1).
The agency continuously examines programmatic policy and makes regulatory and sub-regulatory changes as appropriate. For more information on the SSDI and SSI programs – including who is eligible, how to apply, and how Social Security makes a disability determination – visit https://www.ssa.gov/ disability and https://www.ssa.gov/ssi.
To read the final rule, “Intermediate Improvement to the Disability Adjudication Process: Including How We Consider Past Work,” visit https://www.federalregister. gov/documents/2024/04/18/2024-08150/ intermediate-improvement-to-thedisability-adjudication-process-includinghow-we-consider-past-work.
(SSA Release) n
Exercise safety first when hiking in the heat
THERE are hundreds of hiking trails available to San Diego County residents and visitors, but it can be dangerous, and even deadly, to not take the heat into consideration before lacing up your boots.
Recently, a 50-year-old woman died after leaving a group of hikers she was hiking with and setting
hiker rescue/aid calls, though not all were heat-related.
To avoid becoming ill or injured, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Capt. Brent Pascua suggests people, especially less experienced hikers, avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day, head out early before it gets hot or later in the day, when it is starting to cool off. Additionally, he offered these safety tips to help people prepare for hiking in warm weather:
• Choose hikes that are appropriate for your skills and physical condition. Go with the safest option trail in intense heat.
• Stay hydrated. Drink water before, during and after hiking.
• Check weather forecasts and be familiar with the terrain for your trail.
• Let someone know where you will be and when you plan to return. Don’t just rely on your cell phone because it can lose reception in remote areas.
• Hike with others, never alone.
• Bring a backpack or bag with food and water, extra sunscreen to reapply and a flashlight, first
aid kit, multipurpose tool or knife and a whistle.
• Park rangers recommend one liter (about a quart) for every 2 to 3 miles. Bring more water than you think you’ll need — and even more water on longer or strenuous trails.
• Non-perishable items like dried fruit, energy bars, trail mix, peanut butter, canned tuna, whole grain crackers and jerky are a perfect, healthy snack. They provide fuel to boost your energy levels and to make up for lost calories.
• Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses and apply sunscreen.
• Dress in layers of breathable, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes that you can take on and off, based on the temperature and can prevent sunburns.
• Good boots provide grip in rocky and slippery areas, but they also provide a thick layer of protection from the hot earth.
• Follow posted safety rules.
• Print out a map of the trail to bring along to stay on track. Prolonged exposure to heat can
Senate employees and members of the LGBTQ+ community receive free haircut, manicure/ pedicure, foot spa, massage and bone setting as they celebrate Father’s Day and Pride month at the Senate Building in Pasay City, on Thursday, June 27. ManilaTimes.net
photo by Rene Dilan
Dateline PhiliPPines
Pagcor says ban on POGOs to hurt workers, economy
by William B. Depasupil ManilaTimes.net
DESPITE persistent reports linking Philippine overseas gaming operators (POGOs) to crimes, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) maintains that a total ban would only compound existing problems. Those who want POGOs banned altogether
say the economic benefits that the government derives from them are far outweighed by their negative effects: crimes committed by erring gaming companies that include credit card fraud, serious illegal detention and human trafficking.
The name, in fact, has such a negative connotation that Pagcor now calls them IGLs or international gaming licensees. Pagcor says IGLs significantly contribute to the economy, including thousands of job opportunities for Filipino workers.
The number of Filipino workers hired by licensed POGOs increased from 18,150 in 2020 to 31,322 as of May 2024.
As of May 2024, Pagcor says, Filipinos topped the list of workers hired by licensed POGOs at 31,322, followed by Vietnamese, 12,315; Chinese, 7,870; Indonesians, 4,786; Malaysians, 1,716; Burmese, 1,696; Thais, 843; Taiwanese, 497; Koreans, 272; and others, 450. Filipinos consistently topped the list of hired workers from 2021 to 2025. From 19,941 in 2021 to 24,699 the following year and 27,337 in 2023 to 31,322 during the current year.
In terms of contribution to the government,
Dela Rosa won’t attend House probe on drug war
by Javier Joe ismael ManilaTimes.net
MANILA — Sen. Ronald Dela
Rosa said on Wednesday, June 26 that he would not attend the hearing by the House of Representatives on the war on drugs under his former boss, then President Rodrigo Duterte, even as he has yet to receive an invitation from the committee that would take on the inquiry.
This developed after the House Committee on Human Rights approved the day before a motion by Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas to invite the former leader, ex-senator Leila de Lima, and Dela Rosa. The committee’s decision was based on their roles and involvement in the war on drugs.
Dela Rosa’s decision was not his alone but was based on the advice of Senate President Francis Escudero.
Dela Rosa, however, has yet to receive an invitation from the
House Committee on Human Rights led by Rep. Bienvenido Abante of the 6th District of Manila.
Dela Rosa said he sought Escudero’s guidance following the recent developments at the House.
“I sought the advice of the Senate President on what to do. I have no problem with them and can face them anytime. However, I must follow the guidance of the Senate President as I am a member of the institution, the Senate of the Philippines. I must adhere to the long-standing tradition in the Senate to follow our top leader,” Dela Rosa said in English and Filipino, underlining the significance of institutional practices.
“The Senate President responded, ‘No, you don’t have to attend.’ This is because in the Senate, it breaks interparliamentary courtesy when they mention a senator’s name during their hearings. The
implication is clear: a senator attends their hearings, and the Senate won’t be able to fulfill its legislative function. This is a crucial consideration for Dela Rosa, as he explains, ‘We’re only twenty-four; we’ll just attend their hearings.’
Dela Rosa clarified that he only follows the long-time tradition in the Senate to follow their top leader. “We have to seek guidance because that is an enshrined practice, tradition among chambers of the legislature to observe interparliamentary courtesy,” the Mindanaoan lawmaker said, reinforcing the importance of this institutional practice.
“Every time you make an official act, the Senate leadership is aware of it to prevent us from blaming each other later on, claiming that you made decisions in your official capacity without the knowledge of the Senate leadership,” he said. n
ANTI-DUTERTE UNITY TICKET PROPOSED
Trillanes: Marcos, ‘pink’ camps can join forces
by Jose roDel Clapano Philstar.com
MANILA — With the Duterte family aiming to return to power, the Marcos administration can unite with non-traditional allies, including the so-called “pink” forces of the independent opposition, former senator Antonio Trillanes IV said on Wednesday, June 26.
Trillanes said he has sent a message to the administration about the possibility of uniting with the forces that opposed the return to power of President Marcos.
“We have to set aside sensitivities for a larger cause,” which is “the obliteration of the Duterte forces,” Trillanes told “Storycon” on One News.
“The timing is good. It is a reason to galvanize the unity of all the sectors who are not with the Dutertes. It should be in 2025. We must have unity candidates and absorb all the opposition, the independent opposition,” he added.
Trillanes said he has initiated “exploratory talks” for the administration and the independent opposition to unite.
“We have been reaching out to different personalities involved. Their initial reactions are positive. We just have to sit down with them. I am reaching out to those who are establishing the lists of senatorial candidates for the administration ticket,”
Trillanes said. He said he launched this effort after Vice President Sara Duterte announced last Tuesday that her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, and brothers Paolo and Sebastian intend to run for the Senate in 2025.
Sebastian, currently the mayor of Davao City, would also seek the presidency in 2028, the Vice President said. She clarified yesterday, however, that there was still no final decision on this.
Trillanes said he had sent a message about his proposal to the camps of former senators Bam Aquino and Francis Pangilinan, but not to former vice president Leni Robredo and former senator Mar Roxas, and so far, not to Sen. Risa Hontiveros.
The past two years have shown that the camps of Marcos and those who opposed his rise to power have more common ground than differences, such as over the West Philippine Sea and economic recovery, Trillanes told Storycon. The main divergence of opinion, he noted, is over Charter change.
Asked if he thought President Marcos might be open to the idea, he said, “We’ll know in a few days. Naparating na natin yung mensahe (We have sent the message).”
“That’s a proposition worth looking into,” Trillanes said. “If I am crucified for thinking of the proposal, OK lang naman sa
akin (it’s OK with me).” If his proposal is pursued, he said a united ticket could be fielded in time for the 2025 midterm elections.
“We have already sent messages to the inner circles of some of these candidates,” Trillanes said. “There has to be a consensus… We are calling on them… If the pink forces can see that it can be done, if the Marcos forces can see that this will be the easiest way to finally ease out the Duterte forces.”
He added: “It is in the interest of the Marcos administration and the independent candidates to join forces. Otherwise, they will be weakened.”
Trillanes, who is expected to run for mayor of Caloocan City in 2025, said the Vice President’s announcement of her family’s political plans could galvanize the anti-Duterte forces to unite. Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez yesterday welcomed the plans of former president Duterte and his sons to run for senator in 2025, saying it is part of the democratic process. Romualdez said it is the “democratic right” of the Dutertes to seek an elective post.
Asked about his own plans in 2025, the Speaker noted that he intends to seek reelection as the representative of the first district of Leyte in the House.
He added there are still many things that he wants to do for his district. n
Exercise safety first when hiking...
cause disorientation or heat stroke.
• If your body temperature gets too high during a hike, you run the risk of suffering heatstroke. Heatstroke is usually caused by dehydration, which leads to the failure of the body’s natural temperature control system. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, nausea, disorientation, lack of sweat, and loss of consciousness. If you start to experience any of these signs, stop and find a shady area along the trail where you can rest, drink water and refuel with a healthy snack. If symptoms persist, call 911.
• Leave your dog or dogs at home. Dogs get overheated easily. Never leave your pet in the car. On an 85-degree day, a car can reach 102 degrees in 10 minutes and soar upward to 120 degrees –even with the windows down an inch or two.
• If you do take your dog, bring plenty of water for your pet and please don’t walk your dog on hot pavement, asphalt or sand in the heat, it will burn their paws.
(Yvette Urrea Moe/County of San Diego Communications Office) n
GMA photo
Features OpiniOn
Weak enforcement
THE first law signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was Republic Act 11934, the SIM Registration Act of 2022. Two years later, phishing, smishing and other cyberscams continue to proliferate. Thousands of smartphones with SIMs, used for digital scams, are seized in raids on Philippine offshore gaming operator or POGO hubs.
On top of the continuing proliferation of subscriber identity module cards that are unregistered, or registered under fictitious names, cyberscams persist on over-the-top messaging platforms that are not covered by RA 11934, such as Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram and Messenger.
It’s not for lack of a legal framework to go after the scammers. Under RA 11934, anyone who provides false or fictitious information in registering a SIM card can be imprisoned for six months to two years, fined P300,000 or suffer both penalties. For the fraudulent use of a registered SIM card, the penalty is at least six years in prison, a fine of P200,000 or both.
The other weekend, the National Telecommunications Commission drew fire from Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who said the NTC was “sleeping on the job” after thousands of SIM cards were found in raids on POGO hubs Smartweb Technology Corp. in Pasay City, Zun Yuan
Babe’s Eye View
WITH the resignation of Vice President Sara Duterte from her Cabinet position as secretary of the Department of Education, it is now abundantly clear our country is heading towards another endless chapter of divisiveness, with politics being a primary concern, instead of the many major challenges we face locally and internationally.
Political pundits say that this recent development signals the VP’s plan to seek higher office in the 2028 elections by establishing herself as an opposition figure and reaching out to groups that are hostile to the administration. But as expected, the Liberal Party through former Senator Leila de Lima and other parties as well, voiced their objection to the idea of the VP as the new opposition leader following her resignation from the Cabinet.
There are those, however, who believe that the decision to resign was also a strategy on
ON June 30, 2024, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. finishes the first two years of his six-year presidency.
In two years, Marcos Jr. did five things:
One, he unified the country.
Two, BBM has focused on the economy and infrastructure, the “Build Better More” (BBM) program.
Three, BBM neutralized many of his political enemies.
Vice President Sara Duterte is out of the Cabinet, denied travel, intelligence and discretionary funds. She will be a non-starter in the 2028 elections which a broadcaster could probably win, unless a relative snags the presidency.
Four, BBM traveled a lot, making 24 trips to 17 countries.
The trips generated $72.2 billion in investment pledges (as of end2023), which if they materialize would make every Filipino upper income overnight.
Five, BBM executed a pivot to America and made China Public Enemy No. 1 of the Filipino people.
He has offered Washington
D.C. up to 12 military bases from which to deploy armor, missiles, ships, aircraft and troops, despite
Technology Inc. in Bamban, Tarlac, and Lucky South 99 at the boundary of Porac town and Angeles City in Pampanga.
Reacting to the criticism, the NTC vowed to enhance enforcement of RA 11934, but pointed out that the law, while an “important tool” against SIM-enabled offenses, is “not a silver bullet against messaging scams.”
Even when RA 11934 was being crafted, several quarters including telecommunications companies had stressed the importance of first having in place a reliable national identification system. This point was brushed aside as lawmakers rushed to be rid of the unwanted messages they kept getting on their mobile phones. To this day, registration for the national ID is not yet complete, and the SIM cards seized at the POGO hubs show how easy it is to provide false information in SIM registration.
The National Bureau of Investigation, under a new director, is at least on the job against cybercrime, busting a team of suspected hackers,
one of whom said at a press conference that he operated under the direction of a newspaper editor for technology. The Department of Justice, which has jurisdiction over the NBI, must ensure that heavy penalties are imposed in this case, to send a strong message that hackers can be caught and
punished.
The discovery of those piles of SIM cards at the illegal POGO hubs, however, shows how much still needs to be done. RA 11934 clearly needs better enforcement, and perhaps additional legislation to stop the messaging scams. (Philstar.com)
United we stand, divided we fall
the part of the vice president to distance herself from her father’s political allies and strengthen her own political party, the Hugpong ng Pagbabago – leaving her free to choose a senatorial slate and field candidates for local government positions for the 2025 midterm elections.
According to Senate President Chiz Escudero, VP Sara’s resignation from the Cabinet was “inevitable,” considering her family’s criticisms against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and her silence on certain policy issues, foremost of which is the West Philippine Sea where the Chinese have been escalating their aggression and harassment of Philippine troops and vessels as well as fishermen.
It’s a well-known fact that criticisms against the president stemmed from his tough stance against China’s overly expansive claims in the disputed territories in the South China Sea and his assertion that he will not cede even one square inch of our maritime territory.
But as Chiz pointed out, the vice president has every right to have policy differences with the
president and assert her own beliefs. In other words, VP Sara was elected separately, unlike the U.S. presidential system where the presidential and vice presidential candidates must come from the same party.
No one can argue that if someone firmly believes in something, we have to respect it. And the fact that people can exercise their free will, choose their political affiliations and elect the leaders they want is tangible proof that freedom and democracy is very much alive in this country.
However, it is likewise important for political leaders to be cognizant of, and sensitive to, the sentiment of the majority of the people, especially when it comes to our national security, as seen in the results of the most recent Tugon ng Masa survey conducted by the OCTA Research Group. According to OCTA, a large majority of Filipinos – 91 percent to be exact – continue to distrust China.
Additionally, 76 percent of the respondents also believe that China is a country that poses the biggest threat to the Philippines
– and this sentiment seems to be buttressed by the most recent incident in Ayungin Shoal where the China Coast Guard, People’s Liberation Army Navy and Chinese maritime militia vessels were shown acting in a way that has been described as barbaric, brutal and pirate-like.
Clearly, the conduct of the Chinese during that incident belie the claims made by Beijing that their personnel acted in a restrained and professional manner. Anyone who has seen the video released by the Philippine Navy would be left in no doubt that there was nothing professional or restrained in the actions of the Chinese.
There is no denying that we have to secure our maritime borders, and that we cannot give up our territory, as asserted by President Marcos during his keynote speech at the Singapore Shangri-La Dialogue that we cannot and should not cede any contiguous part of our maritime territory. Simultaneously, we also do not want to escalate the already simmering tension in the West Philippine Sea.
Amid the precarious situation,
Five things BBM did in two years
what the Philippine Constitution says to the contrary on foreign military bases and nukes. Marcos Jr. is the first president elected by the majority of Filipinos, since the last majority presidential winner, Ferdinand Edralin Marcos Sr. in 1969. With 31.629 million votes on May 9, 2022, Marcos Jr. garnered 59 percent of the votes cast for president. He won in 64 of the 80 big provinces and in 25 of the 27 largest cities, including all the 15 cities of Metro Manila and the southern cities of Cebu and Davao. BBM beat Isko Moreno in Manila.
The second presidential placer, Leni Robredo, won in just 14 provinces. Third placer Manny Pacquiao won in one province.
“In nearly four decades, we endured being mocked and oppressed,” recalled elder sister, Senator Imee Marcos Manotoc, who joined her only brother at the rostrum for his proclamation after the May 2022 election. “We are grateful for this second chance.” Ironically today, Ate lmee sounds more like a member of the disparate opposition parties than of the ruling Ang Bagong Pilipinas class. On the economy, from a modest 5.5 percent growth this year, the administration targets minimum average economic growth of 6.5 percent per year til 2028, with eight percent the high target for
the years 2026, 2027 and 2028, despite worsening geopolitical tensions and growing trade wars.
Whether by luck, by accident or by design, the Philippines is today ASEAN’s fastest growing economy, “a leading force among Asia’s emerging economies.”
“Our first quarter GDP growth rate is about the same as Vietnam’s, surpassing other major economies such as China at 5.3 percent, Indonesia at 5.1 percent and Malaysia at 3.9 percent, but slower than India’s projected growth rate of 6.2 percent,” says Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. From double digits, poverty will be cut to nine percent, or 14 million Filipinos rescued from the misery of earning just $2 every day.
“The Philippine economy’s dynamism is anchored on strong consumer demand supported by a vibrant labor market,” says Finance Secretary Ralph Recto. “With our arsenal of growth-enhancing strategies, this administration has the right policy tools and determination to take us to $6,500 income by 2030,” vows Recto. In 2033, he predicts, “the Philippines will be a $1-trillion economy.” Filipinos will be trillionaires, in dollar terms. “We have a bold and decisive leader,” Recto shrugs off cynics.
Under his BBM infra, Marcos Jr. has lined up 185 infrastructure
flagship projects that would cost a whopping P9.54 trillion ($164 billion) which, if carried out, will be the largest infrastructure rollout in the country’s history.
The 185 projects consist of 134 physical connectivity projects costing $142.2 billion; 29 water projects, $12.3 billion; nine agriculture, $3.7 billion; five health, $1.6 billion; three digital connectivity, $2.8 billion; one power and energy, $0.2 billion; one education, $0.5 billion and three other projects, $0.5 billion. Only half of the 185 projects have a good chance of being started and/or completed.
Puzzling is the sparse allocation for energy projects – $200 million, and education infra, $500 million.
We have a severe energy crisis. Within five years, according to forecasts by SMC, additional power capacity needed is between 69,000 megawatts and 92,000 megawatts, an investment of $184 billion. Who will provide that money?
Meanwhile, our 15-year-olds are rated among the most stupid teeners on earth. They cannot read, they cannot count beyond 20 and they are not at all creative. Just like monkeys. Where will BBM get most of the money, the P9.54 trillion? Well, from borrowings, and from our taxes. Since borrowings will be paid with taxes, Filipinos will shoulder the brunt of the cost.
there is the willingness of Vietnam to peacefully resolve our respective claims in disputed areas in the South China Sea.
Last week, the Philippines filed a claim with the UN to an extended continental shelf in the South China Sea, saying such submission “does not prejudice discussions with relevant coastal states that may have legitimate extended continental shelf claims” – something that resonated well with Vietnam that said it “asserts its full rights and interests under international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS, and stays ready to discuss with the Philippines to seek and achieve a solution that is mutually beneficial for both countries.”
This development aligns with the president’s initiative for a separate code of conduct with other ASEAN nations that also have maritime claims in the South China Sea. There are those who oppose our current relationship with the United States and believe that continuing the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement will impede efforts to resolve
the situation with China. After all, differences in policy perspectives exist in any country or government – which can be like trying to mix oil and water. Certainly, political differences are par for the course in a country that has a multiparty system. Yet now more than ever, we must be united and should not allow politics to distract us from what is paramount at this time – ensuring our national security and protecting our sovereignty. Which is why the upcoming 2025 elections will be extremely critical in giving us an indication where our country is heading and who the next president in 2028 will be. In fact, it could possibly determine whether our foreign policy will continue in the right direction or not. The bottom line is – either we are united, or divided we will fall. (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
Only five of 82 identified projects have private sector participation. So expect tax measures to come our way. To entice private companies to undertake the 185 projects, BBM has shortened the processing time for unsolicited projects under the new Public Private Partnership (PPP) Code, from 26.5 months to 16.9 months for local PPPs and 14.9 months for national PPPs.
Speaking of investments, the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) holds its “Investment Night” tonight, Tuesday, June 25, at the Fairmont Makati ballroom. Senior journalists, diplomats and top businessmen will hear the economic czar Frederick Go report on investments and the economy.
Secretary Deck Go built from scratch Robinsons Land
Corp., one of the largest and most innovative property conglomerates in revenues, number of projects and project size, with a record of solid growth and profitability, assets of P228 billion, equity of P130 billion and market value of P75 billion. Deck brings his over three decades of entrepreneurial experience to public service as the economic czar to create a healthy business climate and bring about investments that are real, profitable and will touch the lives of ordinary Filipinos. (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.
* * * Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com
BaBe Romualdez
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Malacañang file photo
Marcos aware of need to go beyond diplomatic protests vs China
MANILA — After nearly two years of dealing with repeated skirmishes in the West Philippine Sea, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. believes the Philippines must do more than file diplomatic protests to address Chinese vessels’ aggression at sea.
Marcos told reporters at the sidelines of an event on Thursday, June 27 that the country has filed “over a hundred” protests and a similar number of démarches to respond to Chinese vessels’ presence in Philippine waters.
“We have to do more than just that,” Marcos said, according to a Presidential Communications Office news release.
On Tuesday, June 25, Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said the Philippines and China are preparing to hold a bilateral consultation mechanism meeting in July.
During this meeting, escalating tensions between the two nations in the South China Sea, the entirety of which China claims, are expected to be brought up.
“Whatever confidencebuilding measures we achieve, they will be not at the expense of promotion of our sovereignty, sovereign rights, as well as our rights and jurisdiction on the West Philippine Sea,” Manalo said.
Marcos earlier assured the
public that the Philippines will not resort to war in addressing issues in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
He said that the country will address issues related to the disputed region through “peaceful means.”
This comes after a June 17 altercation where Chinese vessels foiled Philippine forces’ resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded atop Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to assert Manila’s territorial claim.
During the altercation, a Philippine Navy servicemember, Seaman First Class Underwater Operator Jeffrey Facundo, lost his thumb. (Philstar.com) n
Marcos: De Lima acquittal proves we don’t need ICC
MANILA – Former Senator Leila de Lima’s acquittal from her drug charges is proof that the justice system of the Philippines is working and the country does not need the intervention of the International Criminal Court (ICC), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday, June 27.
Marcos made the pronouncement after the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 206 cleared De Lima of the third and last charge of the series of drug-related cases filed against her in 2017.
In a media interview, Marcos said the court’s decision proved that the Philippines judiciary is functioning.
“Well, maybe this is something we should show the ICC. The judiciary is working properly, our investigative services are working properly,” Marcos said.
“Former Sen. De Lima has been acquitted. I don’t know what further comments there could be. Dumaan siya sa paghusga, na-acquit siya (She went through the process, and then got acquitted),” he stressed.
The ICC has been investigating alleged crimes against humanity under the controversial drug war of former president Rodrigo Duterte.
But Marcos said the Philippine government will not cooperate with the ICC, stressing that the international court has no jurisdiction over the country following its formal departure from the statute in March 2019.
The president said the country’s stand remains.
“We still stay with our position that the ICC had no jurisdiction in the Philippines because we have a working police force, we have a working judiciary, and do not require any assistance in that regard,” he said. (PNA) n
US tells China: Stop harassing Philippine vessels
by LoueLLa DesiDerio Philstar.com
MANILA — The United States called on China on Wednesday, June 26 to end harassment of Philippine vessels and interference in the West Philippine Sea.
U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson said the “chorus against threats to peace and stability in the South China Sea is growing louder and stronger each day.”
“When the United States sees our partners being bullied in their backyard, we speak up. And we encourage others to speak up as well – and they are doing so,” Carlson said in her remarks at the East-West Center’s International Media Conference.
She noted that a “free and open Indo-Pacific” is a region free from coercion from other countries, open to trade and
investment and governed by international law.
“With likeminded partners and all who support the rule of law, we urge the PRC (People’s Republic of China) to cease harassment of Philippine vessels lawfully operating in the Philippine exclusive economic zones; to halt its disruption to states’ sovereign rights to explore, utilize, conserve and manage natural resources in their territories and EEZs; and to end its interference with the freedoms of navigation and overflight of all states lawfully operating in the region,” she said.
When disputes arise, she said they should be resolved in accordance with international law. “We will continue to support the Philippines and other partners on these issues,” Carlson added. Carlson said the Enhanced
Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which operationalizes the U.S.-Philippine alliance, is one of the cornerstones of the Mutual Defense Treaty of the U.S. and the Philippines.
She noted that EDCA enables Filipino and American forces to more closely train together, modernize and respond to shared threats, including natural disasters, in nine mutually agreed locations.
EDCA projects across these locations represent an initial investment of about $100 million or P5 billion, funding the repair of runways and the construction of disaster response warehouses and command and control infrastructure.
“These infrastructure investments at EDCA locations also spur economic growth and opportunity in local communities,” she said. n
Pagcor says ban on POGOs...
licensed POGOs paid a total of P17.678 billion. Of this amount, 5 percent was in franchise fees, 50 percent was the government share, 5 percent was the share of the Philippine Sports Commission, and the rest was income tax.
Pagcor Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alejandro Tengco warned that a total phaseout of offshore gaming operations, including IGLs or legal POGOs, would not only hurt the economy but would also exacerbate the problem because these operators would most likely go underground, making it harder for the government to monitor them. The government would also lose more than P20 billion in revenues annually, he added.
“We have no guarantee that once we ban the legitimate operators, they will simply close shop and return to their countries of origin, where they are likely to face prosecution and jail, or worse,” he said, warning that it is more likely that legitimate operators will join the ranks of illegal operators.
Meanwhile, the Association of Service Providers and POGOs (Aspap) said 23,118 Filipinos, both direct and indirect hires, would lose their jobs if POGOs are outlawed.
Aspap’s membership includes 16 Pagcorlicensed POGOs and 68 service providers. It said they have more Filipino workers than all other foreigners combined.
Aspap spokesman Paul Bongco said a total ban on overseas gaming would also greatly diminish the estimated P61 billion revenues derived from POGOs in terms of taxes and fees paid to Pagcor,
the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
“There are more than 23,000 Filipinos who will lose decent and well-paying jobs if the government will shut down legitimate POGOs and their service providers. What is at stake here is not only their means of livelihood but also their support for their families,” Aspap said, adding that other industries like real estate would also be affected.
“For example, there are legitimate POGOs where the bets and the payoffs are taken from other countries [such as] horse racing in Europe, [and] sports betting; only the matching of bets and payouts are done here, but the bets originate [from] outside [the country],” said Teodoro. He pointed out, though, that it’s in illegal POGOs such as those raided in Pampanga that the bets originate in the Philippines to evade the ban on gambling in China.
Albay Rep. Joey Salceda, chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means, said that a total ban on POGOs would only cause more damage than good because it would result in billions of pesos in losses in tax revenues and an estimated P192 billion more in gross value-added loss on real estate, labor, ancillary cost and related services, as well as in other industries providing support to the offshore gaming industry. Salceda stressed that it is illogical to phase out or ban the entire POGO industry just because of the violations committed by some illegal players.n
HOPE FOREST. Volunteers plant Narra saplings at the La Mesa Eco Park in Quezon City on Thursday, June 27. The activity was organized by the World Mission Society Church of God in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. PNA photo by Ben Briones
LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011556
T&T Tacos & Tequila Grill & Cantina located at 12205 Scripps Poway Pkwy, Poway, CA 92064.
Registrant: J.C.E T&T Group INC , 2336 Grove View Rd, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by A Corporaation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Jaime G Diaz. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/31/2024. AJ 1428 06/07, 06/14, 06/21, and 06/28/2024. AJSD 1428
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011518
Jax Chibugan located at 3142 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: a. Jacquiline Macaspac, 1704 La Posada St, National City, CA 91950. b. Jonathan Macaspac, 1704 La Posada St, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by A Married Couple.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/31/2024. Signature: Jonathan Macaspac. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/31/2024. AJ 1433 06/07, 06/14, 06/21, and 06/28/2024. AJSD 1433
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011686 Info Pioneer located at 5017 Reynolds Street, San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant: Miguel Tillis Jr, 5017 Reynolds Street, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2024. Signature: Miguel Tillis Jr. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/04/2024. AJ 1438 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1438
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012177
Dija Mara located at 232 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054. Registrant: Cafe Zenon, 251 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/20/2024. Signature: Suzanne Nguyen. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/10/2024. AJ 1443 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1443
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9013074
Zakkout Real Estate Services located at 8078 Camino Montego, Carlsbad, CA 92009. Registrant: Aziz A Zakkout INC, 8078 Camino Montego, Carlsbad, CA 92009. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Aziz A Zakkout. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/21/2024. AJ 1449 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1449
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011410
Serena Sachi located at 7805 Tommy Dr #68, San Diego, CA 92119.
Registrant: Tiffani Anderson, 7805 Tommy Dr #68, San Diego, CA 92119. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/30/2024.
Signature: Tiffani Anderson. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/30/2024.
AJ 1429 06/07, 06/14, 06/21, and 06/28/2024. AJSD 1429
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011800
Pacific Roots Realty located at 248 Blackbird Way, Oceanside, CA 92057. Registrant: Pacific Roots Realty LLC, 248 Blackbird Way, Oceanside, CA 92057. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Jomary Tumaquip. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/05/2024. AJ 1434 06/07, 06/14, 06/21, and 06/28/2024. AJSD 1434
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NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9010117
Gina Clinical Counselor A Professional Clinical Counselor Corporation located at 8775 Aero Dr #240, San Diego, CA 92123. Registrant: Gina Clinical Counselor A Professional Clinical Counselor Corporation, P.O. Box 2281, La Mesa, CA 91943. This business is conducted by A Corporation. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Nahyune Lim. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/10/2024. AJ 1439 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1439
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iiba located at 215 East Oxford St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Conner Thomas Tano McKinney, 215 East Oxford St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 006/07/2024. Signature: Conner McKinney. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/07/2024. AJ 1444 06/21, 06/28, 07/05, and 07/12/2024. AJSD 1444
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a. EVAMMA LLC located at 1286 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. b. EVAMMA Retail Store located at 1286 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103. Registrant: EVAMMA LLC, 6725 Paraside Ave, San Diego, CA 92139. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Amma Biaa Acquah. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/20/2024. AJ 1450 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1450
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9010470
Special Blend located at 1171 Adena Way, San Marcos, CA 92069.
Registrant: ARS Equity Holdings LLC, 1171 Adena Way, San Marcos, CA 92069. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2024.
Signature: Adam Shomer. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/15/2024.
AJ 1430 06/07, 06/14, 06/21, and 06/28/2024. AJSD 1430
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9008987
DIMEXCEL located at 1624 Paseo Corvus, Chula Vista, CA 91915.
Registrant: Jose Manuel Cruz Merida, 1624 Paseo Corvus, Chula Vista, CA 91915. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/24/2023.
Signature: Jose Manuel Cruz Merida. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/25/2024. AJ 1435 06/07, 06/14, 06/21, and 06/28/2024. AJSD 1435
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9009673
Vinyl Sky located at 1238 Camino Carmelo, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: Armando Montiel, 1238 Camino Carmelo, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/15/2019. Signature: Armando Montiel. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/06/2024. AJ 1440 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1440
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9010249
Horizon Sales located at 1441 Santa Lucia Rd #535, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: Atisha Lnu, 1441 Santa Lucia Rd #535, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Atisha Lnu. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/13/2024. AJ 1445 06/21, 06/28, 07/05, and 07/12/2024 AJSD 1445
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012535
22 Graphics located at 368 Anita Street SP 25, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Leopoldo Barboza, 368 Anita Street SP 25, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Leopoldo Barboza III. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/14/2024. AJ 1451 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1451
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011703
Lan’s Global Designs located at 1379 Blue Falls Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91910.
Registrant: Leilanie Escarrilla Manalo, 1379 Blue Falls Drive, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Leilanie Escarrilla Manalo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/04/2024. AJ 1431 06/07, 06/14, 06/21, and 06/28/2024. AJSD 1431
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011802
a. The DV Divas located at 9921 Carmel Mtn Rd #309, San Diego, CA 92129. b. SB 553 Consulting located at 9921 Carmel Mtn Rd #309, San Diego, CA 92129. Registrant: 7 Crowns Healing, LLC, 9921 Carmel Mtn Rd 309, San Diego, CA 92129. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/03/2024. Signature: A. Garcia. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/05/2024. AJ 1436 06/07, 06/14, 06/21, and 06/28/2024. AJSD 1436
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011413
Leo’s Auto Detailing located at 679 Rivera St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. Registrant: Leonardo Eli Nuñez, 679 Rivera St, Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/30/2024. Signature: Leonardo Eli Nuñez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/30/2024. AJ 1441 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1441
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012341
Highland Builders Services located at 1559 Ravinia Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91913.
Registrant: Pedro Jimenez, Jr., 1559 Ravinia Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/12/2024.
Signature: Pedro Jimenez, Jr.. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/12/2024. AJ 1446 06/21, 06/28, 07/05, and 07/12/2024. AJSD 1446
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012004
Len’s Jewelry Shop located at 1430 E Plaza Blvd, Suite K-07, National City, CA 91950.
Registrant: Leny R. Nata, INC, 1430 E Plaza Blvd, National City, CA 91950. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/07/2024.
Signature: Leny Nata. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/07/2024. AJ 1452 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1452
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011748
Vegito Blue Cuts located at 930 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103. Registrant: Martin Odeesho Rahhanoo, 8562 Lake Murray Blvd, San Diego, CA 92119. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/04/2024. Signature: Martin Rahhanoo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/04/2024. AJ 1432 06/07, 06/14, 06/21, and 06/28/2024. AJSD 1432
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9010534
Loeza Welding Movil located at 148 Taft Ave #7, El Cajon, CA 92020. Registrant: Jose G Loeza Tixteco, 148 Taft Ave #7, El Cajon, CA 92020. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/16/2024.
Signature: Jose G Loeza Tixteco. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/16/2024. AJ 1437 06/07, 06/14, 06/21, and 06/28/2024. AJSD 1437
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011857
MICACIE Consulting located at 878 Camino Cantera, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: MICACIE LLC, 878 Camino Cantera, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: David Patrick Hamey. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/05/2024. AJ 1442 06/14, 06/21, 06/28, and 07/05/2024. AJSD 1442
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9011721
MM INC located at 6545 Via Barona, Carlsbad, CA 92009.
Registrant: MMI, 6545 Via Barona, Carlsbad, CA 92009. This business is conducted by A Corporation.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Myles Massa. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/04/2024. AJ 1447 06/21, 06/28, 07/05, and 07/12/2024. AJSD 1447
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9013128 Silver Streak Cafe located at 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101. Registrant: Rashida Hirani, 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/01/2018.
Signature: Rashida Hirani. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/24/2024. AJ 1453 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1453
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012951
All That Shabu located at 8105 Mira Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92126.
Registrant: All That Shabu SD, INC, 103 Tinker, Irvine, CA 92618. This business is conducted by A Corporation.
REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Kyeoung Shin Youn. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/20/2024. AJ 1448 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1448
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9012533
JMF Concrete LLC located at 522 Bayona Loop, Chula Vista, CA 91910.
Registrant: JMF Concrete LLC, 522 Bayona Loop, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/15/2024.
Signature: Justin Fulton. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/14/2024. AJ 1455 06/28, 07/05, 07/12, and 07/19/2024. AJSD 1455
SAN DIEGO
S olving for X: How Kyne S antos merges drag and math into one e power ful equation
by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress
queen and author Kyne Santos. Armed with a degree in mathematical finance, Kyne is proving that math is far more than just numbers and equations.
By blending the precision of calculus with the glamour of drag, Kyne’s innovative approach to education is both captivating and transformative.
“I want to show people that math can be fun and learning doesn’t have to stop at the classroom,” she told the Asian Journal. Through her unique lens as a drag performer, Kyne is creating a new formula for success that not only entertains but also educates, redefining the boundaries of both the mathematical and drag worlds. Discovering a love for math and drag
Kyne (he/him when not in drag) grew up practicing times tables with his engineer father and later, at the encouragement of a teacher, participating in math contests. As a student, he excelled in math, finding beauty in its creativity and problemsolving aspects. This passion was nurtured at the University of Waterloo, where he studied mathematical finance and honed his skills. Parallel to his mathematical pursuits, Kyne discovered a love for makeup and drag in high school. While at university, he began posting videos explaining math riddles while dressed in drag. By 2020, Kyne had made his mark on the drag scene by appearing on the first season of “Canada’s Drag Race,” showcasing her talent to a broader audience.
The fusion of Kyne’s two passions happened somewhat serendipitously. During the early days of the pandemic, he began posting educational math videos on TikTok under the handle @ onlinekyne. “I started posting videos on TikTok just because I thought it would be funny to see a drag queen talking about math riddles,” she recalled. To his surprise, the videos went viral, with audiences worldwide embracing his unconventional approach to math education.
Kyne realized that math and drag involve significant creativity, challenging stereotypes, and pushing boundaries through selfexpression. “People usually think that math and drag are these two separate islands that have nothing to do with each other,” she explained. Her content aims to bridge this gap, demonstrating that math can be as imaginative and engaging as drag performance.
The beauty of math and drag
After her TikTok videos became viral, an editor at Johns Hopkins University Press reached out and asked if she would be interested in writing a book about math, like a book adaptation of the TikTok videos that she was doing on social media. “The book just allowed me to go more in-depth into the topics and explored these intersections between math and drag,” Santos shared.
Reflecting on this journey, Santos highlighted the challenges and triumphs he faced while writing “Math in Drag.” She noted that the process was about more than just merging two seemingly disparate fields; it was about breaking stereotypes and making math accessible and enjoyable to a broader audience. “Math and drag, they’re both
controversial for different reasons,” she explained. “You know, a lot of people don’t like math, so I want to change that. I also want to change people’s opinions about drag.”
It took Santos about four years to finish the book, devoting two years to writing and rewriting. For him, the book is half math and half memoir because he talks about his life story, how he fell in love with math and with drag, and how he saw those two worlds intersecting. Each chapter explores a different subject of math whether that’s probability statistics, game theory, or calculus, but he teaches the concepts through stories of his life and anecdotes from queer history and the history of drag.
For his preferred pronouns, he wrote on the book, “I am writing as a gay man who performs in drag, and my pronouns are he/ him when out of drag and she/ her when I’m dressed in my full regalia. But you can call me he, she, they, it, or whatever you please.””
Cultural heritage and advocacy
Born in the Philippines and moving to Canada at the age of five, Kyne has had to reconnect with his Filipino heritage. “Growing up in Canada and being sort of away from my heritage in the Philippines, I had to take it upon myself to learn about what it meant to be Filipino,” she shared. “My parents didn’t really teach me about the history of the Philippines, and I lost even the ability to speak Tagalog.”
This journey of self-education has become central to his content, as he seeks to connect with other Filipino Canadians and Americans who might feel disconnected from their roots. Kyne often creates educational content about Filipino history, aiming to bridge the cultural gap for his audience. His efforts have made him a significant figure in representing Filipino culture in the diaspora, inspiring others to embrace and explore their heritage. “I make it a point with my videos to teach people about the history of the Philippines because so many other Filipino Canadians, Filipino Americans of my generation, we feel kind of disconnected from our heritage,” she added. “I’ve gone back to the Philippines and I filmed videos in the middle of Intramuros in a big Filipiniana and I talked about the colonization of the Philippines and all the things that I had to learn for myself.”
Coming out and inspiring the next generation
Coming from the Philippines, Santos faced significant challenges when he came out as gay. “In the beginning, when I came out of the closet, my parents were just so confused, and they had lots of questions,” she recalled. The stigma surrounding being gay in the Philippines, often viewed with disdain and disbelief in professional capabilities, compounded his struggles.
“They looked down on gay people because they didn’t really think that gay people could become scientists or mathematicians,” Santos explained.
Reflecting on his younger years, Santos admitted she felt the need to hide his femininity to be respected and taken seriously in the field of mathematics.
“Certainly when I was young, I didn’t think that mathematicians looked anything like this,” she said, referring to his drag persona.
However, over time, his parents witnessed the importance of his dual identity and the widespread support he garnered in Canada. “They’ve seen all of the support that I’ve been able to get in Canada, and I’m so lucky that I live in a free country where I can have the same-sex marriage and that I can live and do this as my fulltime job,” she quipped.
Santos emphasized the supportive nature of the Filipino community and his desire to inspire them. “Filipinos are just so supportive, and they’re just the best fans. I just want to make them all feel represented and show them that we can succeed as Filipinos,” she expressed passionately. He aims to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate that LGBTQ individuals can excel in any field, including science and mathematics. “Gay people and all LGBTQ people, we can be scientists and mathematicians, and we can do anything we set our minds to,” Santos affirmed.
Her participation in “Canada’s Drag Race” was a milestone that provided global visibility and an opportunity to humanize and demystify drag. “Drag Race for me represented showing people the human side of drag,” she explained. “To be able to, you know, be on the show and to inspire the next generation of drag queens means a lot to me.”
Challenging math myths
Santos shared his insights on the common misconceptions about mathematics and his innovative approach to teaching
it. He challenges the prevailing belief that mathematical ability is innate, asserting, “We think that you have to just, like be born good at math, that you have to be a math person and that your brain has to be wired a certain way. I really don’t believe that. I think that anybody with enough practice can be good at math.”
Drawing an analogy to music education, Santos critiques the traditional methods of teaching math. He likens it to teaching someone to play the piano by only focusing on scales without ever introducing them to the works of Mozart or Beethoven.
“They wouldn’t walk away thinking I love music, and I love piano. And math is like that, too,” she explained. Santos believes that the current emphasis on rote learning and the mechanical aspects of math fails to capture its inherent beauty. “I think we’re not really doing a good job at representing really the beauty of math and all the great theorems and the works of the mathematical versions of the Mozart’s and the Beethoven’s.”
Santos also addresses the negative impact of societal attitudes towards math. She points out that hearing adults express their disdain for the subject can be particularly damaging for children. “It’s not so helpful for kids to hear adults saying that they hate math. And that they’re not a math person. I think it’s so destructive for young people to be told
you’re not a math
He emphasized the importance of reframing these beliefs to empower students rather than limiting them. You’re putting a limiting belief on someone and telling them there’s something they can’t do.” Ultimately, Santos’s mission is to show that one does not have to choose between being a math person and an art person.
“The whole purpose of what I do is I want to show people that you can do anything. You can be a math person and you can be an art person. You don’t have to choose.” Through his work, Santos aims to inspire a more holistic and inclusive view of mathematics, making it accessible and appealing to a broader audience.
Looking ahead, Kyne plans to continue his education and pursue a graduate degree in mathematics. He remains committed to creating educational content, believing that teaching is a reciprocal process that enhances his understanding. “I love making educational videos. I find when I make educational videos when I teach people I also learn,” she said. To his young Filipino followers, Kyne offers a message of hope and empowerment: “If you don’t see yourself out there, if you don’t see a path for you, you can be the one to blaze it.” His career, blending seemingly disparate fields, demonstrates the limitless possibilities that await those who dare to dream.n
O NE of the standout moments at the first Pride Night hosted by the American Museum of Natural History in New York was a trivia show led by Filipino Canadian drag
Santos with Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Photo from Instagram/@onlinekyne
Sharon Cuneta and Robin Padilla Photo from Instagram/@reallysharoncuneta
Kyne Santos signs autographs at the Pride Night event of the American Museum of Natural History.
AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya
person.”
Eraserheads to bring iconic OPM sounds to Pechanga on July 19
TEMECULA – After delivering an incredible concert last year, Filipino rock legends Eraserheads are returning to Pechanga Resort Casino on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 8 p.m. for a can’t-miss evening of their biggest hits and beloved OPM classics. This follows their sold-out performance at the resort last year, which left fans wanting more.
As part of their highly anticipated Huling El Bimbo World Tour 2024, Eraserheads will perform their greatest hits, including “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” which won the International Viewer’s Choice Award for MTV Asia in 1997 and the “Awit (Song) Award” for most downloaded song. One of the most influential and successful bands in Philippine music history, Eraserheads spearheaded the iconic Manila rock invasion of the 1990s. Led by Ely Buendia on vocals/guitar, Raymund Marasigan on drums, Buddy Zabala on bass, and Marcus Adoro on guitar, their unique sound blended rock and pop, capturing the hearts of fans around the world with their energetic live performances.
Formed in 1989 at the University of the Philippines, Eraserheads quickly gained a cult following with their smart songwriting and unconventional style. Their breakout 1993 album Ultraelectromagneticpop! containing hits like “Tindahan ni Aling Nating” propelled them to mainstream success.
1994’s Cutterpillow went multi-platinum, becoming a mainstay in Pinoy music, selling over 400,000 units in the Philippines and remains the fifth biggest-selling album in OPM history.
Now reunited, Eraserheads are hitting the road again to perform their iconic catalog of songs that defined OPM for a generation. Don’t miss your chance to experience these musical legends live at Pechanga
Resort Casino’s Summit Events Center.
Tickets for the Eraserheads start at $98 and are on sale now through Pechanga.com, the Pechanga Box Office or by calling 888-810-8871.
Pechanga Summit features a 40,000-square foot area for entertainers, concerts, live sporting events, trade shows, weddings, or any large groups to book. In total, Pechanga now offers 274,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor contemporary meeting and event space, which has significantly enhanced the amenities, space and visibility of Pechanga’s event offerings.
Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted best casino in the west by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Offering 5500 of the hottest slots, 152 table games, a 1,100 room and suite hotel, dining, luxury spa, and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination unrivaled anywhere in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Instagram, Facebook and on X @PechangaCasino.
(Advertising Supplement)
Safeguard your home from wildfires
AS temperatures rise this summer, it’s important to consider safeguarding your property from wildfires. Wildfires are the biggest hazard in San Diego County and people should create 100 feet or more of defensible space around their homes and businesses. Why is this so important? Reducing growth and clearing debris around your property can help minimize damage if a gust of wind carries a burning ember into the yard. Assess your property’s vulnerability. What would the burning ember land on? Dried leaves in your gutter? The wood pile stacked against your garage? A tall plant that sits under an overgrown tree with overhanging branches on your roof? All of these could lead to fire. Please note that during hot, dry conditions, such as when a red flag warning is issued, people
• Cutting grass down to a
• Raking
• Using fire-resistant plants.
• Leaving space between plants.
• Creating “fuel breaks” with gravel walkways, driveways or lawns.
• Thinning and pruning shrubs and tree limbs around your home, business.
• Removing lower tree branches especially any dead ones or ones that overhang or touch your roof.
• Moving flammable items such as wood stacks and propane tanks away from your home or business.
• Disposing of tree trimmings and debris piles quickly. Learn more about creating defensible space and other ways to prepare for wildfires by visiting https://www.alertsandiego.org/ en-us/preparedness/wildfire. html.
(Yvette Urrea Moe/County of San Diego Communications Office) n
Lea Salonga, Dolly de Leon to star in ‘Request sa Radyo’ play
BROADWAY superstar Lea Salonga and Hollywood breakout star Dolly de Leon are set to headline the Manila run of the 1971 play from Franz Xaver Kroetz, “Request sa Radyo,” in October.
“Tony and Olivier Award winner Lea Salonga and Golden Globe and BAFTA nominee Dolly De Leon return to the stage for “Request sa Radyo,” read Samsung Performing Arts Theater’s Facebook announcement.
The two women are set to alternate performances as they portray the theatrical piece that “captures the poignant solitude of a woman through her meticulous evening routine.”
“As she navigates her quiet, solitary life, her actions and her favorite radio program reveal the profound loneliness and yearning for connection that lie beneath,” reads the synopsis on the play’s official website.
by KRistofeR PuRnell Philstar.com
ACTRESSES Rhian Ramos and Glaiza de Castro are set to star in a new GL movie together, nearly a decade after they starred in the GL series “The Rich Man’s Daughter.” Film company Wide International Film Productions announced in a series of social media posts that Rhian and Glaiza agreed to do a movie together.
The agreement occurred during the fanmeeting of FreenBecky — stars of the first Thai GL show “Gap: The Series” — last year in Araneta
as
first-ever GL shows in Southeast Asia, dubbing them the “RaStro” love team. Also appearing in the show were Katrina Halili,
and Gloria Romero. n
Katya Santos, Sheree say they hate being called ‘bold stars’
FORMER Viva Hot Babes
members Katya Santos and Sheree admitted that it hurt them to be described as “bold stars” at the time they were doing onscreen sexy roles. During a guest appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, the two actresses were asked if there was a term that offended or hurt them in the past.
Yung ‘bold star.’ I didn’t like that because, for me, I think, we’re actresses. It’s just that during that time ang Philippines parang hindi pa sila ready compared sa Hollywood. Sa Hollywood wala namang ganon, if you’re an actress and you need to be naked, then okay, ‘di ka tatawaging bold star,” said Santos. Santos underscored that what they do takes a whole lot of courage, and it shouldn’t be belittled.
Ayun lang ‘yung masakit minsan, ‘Oh, bold star ka lang,’ Parang ‘yung ‘lang,’ parang ‘why,’ ‘Di niyo ba alam na hindi ganon kadali maging naked on screen. It takes courage and will power na maghubad ka in front of someone,” explained the actress.
Sheree echoed Santos’ statement by saying that at the time they had no choice as it was also a way to ensure more projects for them.
ginagamit pagka dine-describe kami. Kasi if you need to take off your clothes for a certain role or story, wala kaming choice eh,” she said.
Sheree also revealed that her 16-year-old son also asked her to stop doing Vivamax roles.
“Kasi ‘yung one time pumunta kami sa school niya, merong lumapit. ‘I watch your movie,’ ‘What movie’ blah blah. Tapos sabi ng anak ko, ‘What happened’ tapos ini-explain ko sa kaniya tapos sabi niya, ‘I wanna sit down and talk to you,’” shared the actress.
“He said, ‘I just have one request, you can still do ‘yung mga sexy but can you not do the Vivamax na, the bold,’ Sabi ko, ‘Yes. I just tried it lang naman. Even before you told me, I decided to move na to more serious projects,’” added Sheree. Meanwhile, when asked about their motivations for tackling such roles, Santos gave an honest answer.
“Real talk, fame of course. Because if you’re famous dirediretso na ‘yung work mo. Parang naging stepping stone lang siya na magkaroon ka pa ng more projects,” she remarked. Known for their hits “Bulaklak,” “Kikay,” and “Basketbol,” Viva Hot Babes was a girl group formed in 2003, known for their sexy roles and provocative dance moves. Aside from Santos and Sheree, the group also count Maui Taylor, Andrea Del Rosario, Gwen Garci, Jen Rosendahl, as members, among others. n by JeRRy Donato Philstar.com
In an interview with Vogue Philippines, the Filipina icons echoed each other’s excitement.
Meanwhile, De Leon expressed: “With loneliness one of the immediate problems society faces today, my hope is that people will understand mental health more and find compassion for those who suffer.”
The play is set to be produced by Clint Ramos, with Bobby Garcia directing.
“When I was asked by Clint and Bobby if I was interested at all in this project, an experience that told a probable and possible story that absolutely applies to our people, I said sure—even before knowing the details. It will be a challenge, but hopefully it will lend a figurative voice to those who are suffering,” Salonga said.
by Ronnie CaRRasCo
“Through its minimalist approach and profound storytelling, grounded in a specific Filipino lived experience, this production invites audiences to find extraordinary meaning in the everyday and the invisible,” added the producer.
“Request sa Radyo” will open its curtains starting October 10 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City. n
“When we got the blessing to bring it to Manila at the Samsung Theater and have it speak to a specific Filipino condition, we could only think of two of the Philippines’ premier actors: Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon,” Ramos said.
“Actually, ‘yun talaga ‘yung pinaka ayaw naming na word na
Robin Padilla on... PAGE 9
mga manonood. Ang magiging problema lang, ‘yung schedule niya, sana hindi siya busy.”
(I hope she accepts the offer because, once I get to talk to Ma’am (Sharon), I will say that this movie is a true story and there is a lesson for the audience to learn. The only problem is her schedule, I hope she’s not busy.)
During the film’s media conference on Wednesday, June 26, Padilla shared that he asked the production to text the veteran actress right then regarding the offer and awaited her reply.
The actir-politician also revealed that he hasn’t been in contact with Cuneta for a while, and he doesn’t know about the health concerns she’s facing at the moment, based on her social media posts.
“Hindi kami nagkaka-usap ni ma’am. Nag-aalala naman ako. Tatawagan ko,” he said. (We haven’t talked in a while. I suddenly got worried. I will call her.)
Padilla also expressed optimism about the possibility of doing intimate scenes with Cuneta, who used to be his girlfriend, and who at one point admitted that he had proposed marriage to.
“Pwede ba natin unahin ‘yung mga eksena na ‘yon? (Can we prioritize those scenes?)” joked the senator. “Pero seriously, malaki ang maambag ni ma’am, ni Sharon, kumbaga sa mga dialogue-gan. Alam naman natin na magaling na dramatic actress si ma’am.” (But seriously, ma’am, Sharon can contribute a lot to the dialogues. We know that ma’am is a good dramatic actress.)
Cuneta and Padilla have previously worked in “Maging Sino Ka Man,” (1991) “Di Na Natuto,” (1993) “Unexpectedly Yours,” (2017). n
Sheena Halili, Chynna Ortaleza, Pauleen Luna, Paolo Contis, Tony Mabesa,
Glaiza de Castro and Rhian Ramos Photo from Instagram/@whianwamos
Katya Santos (left) and Sheree GMA photo by JessiCa ann evangelista Inquirer.net
Lea Salonga and Dolly de Leon
Photo from Facebook/Samsung Performing Arts Theater
Filing period to open for property tax assessment appeals
SAN Diego County residents and businesses who disagree with their property tax assessments for the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year may file an application to appeal their value between July 2 and Dec. 2.
The Clerk of the County Assessment Appeals Board, Andrew Potter, announced the filing period on Thursday, June 20. Applications and information booklets are available on the county’s website at https://www. sandiegocounty.gov/cob/aab/index.html.
Residents may also pick them up and speak with Clerk of the Board staff at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402, San Diego, CA 92101-2471.
To file an application, taxpayers must know
their parcel or tax bill number, property address and state their opinion of the property’s market value on the application.
The Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Office must receive applications no later than 5 p.m. on Dec. 2 or postmarked by midnight of Dec. 2.
Mail applications and forms to: Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Assessment Appeals, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402, San Diego, CA 921012471. For additional information and helpful tips, watch this video online at https://youtu.be/ wJwKIFfzNZE.
(Tracy DeFore/County of San Diego Communications Office) n
How Derrick Monasterio...
California to focus on pandemic preparedness and prevention through precision medicine research
SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday, June 25, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced an agreement to enhance the state’s ability to prepare for and potentially prevent the next pandemic by integrating the California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine into the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) and broadening its scope to include technologies relevant to pandemic prevention.
Precision medicine, particularly when used with advanced diagnostic tools for infectious diseases, has the potential to alleviate the burdens of future pandemics by enabling early detection, faster response, and more effective countermeasures.
“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the necessity for robust public-private partnerships to respond rapidly to emerging public health threats. By harnessing the power of precision medicine, California is moving to the forefront of pandemic preparedness and prevention,” Gov. Newsom said in a release sent out by his office.
communities, and industry to further the aims of this approach to health and medicine. Precision medicine aims to use advanced computing tools to aggregate, integrate, and analyze vast amounts of data from research, clinical, environmental, and population health settings, to better understand health and disease, and to develop and deliver more targeted diagnostics, therapeutics, and prevention measures.
Max Henderson, co-founder, CEO, and Chief Data Scientist at CovidActNow, a U.S.-based nonprofit formed in April 2020 to provide modeling and infrastructure to track the spread of the pandemic, said, “The time to prepare is now. California already has many promising technologies to mitigate future pandemics, but we need consistent focus to drive down costs and deploy them in the field. This new focus on pandemic prevention will help California lead the way in preventing the loss of life, economic devastation, and large-scale shutdowns from future outbreaks. I commend the Newsom administration for pledging to carry on this important work.”
“This move underscores California’s commitment to advancing public health through innovation.”
For his part, Dr. Steve Luby, Director of Research at the Stanford Center for Innovation in Global Health and globally renowned expert in pandemic prevention, stated: “There are very few actions we can take in this world that could result in alleviating more suffering and saving more lives than preventing another global pandemic – I am glad to see Governor Newsom and the State of California pick up that torch to help Californians and all of humanity.”
10 it. I’m not about to take that right to happiness away from them.”
Nah, it’s not Alden’s way of lending some credence to a farfetched assertion but more of giving in to what delights his bashers. He calmly qualifies, “If that’s what makes them happy, so be
It appears oddly ironic though that amidst these gay issues confronting Alden, talks about his “marriage” to Maine Mendoza and siring a child with her wouldn’t cease to this day — this even if the latter is already a happy, content wife to Quezon City Representative and actor Arjo Atayde. If only for these unnerving, disturbing rumors — there isn’t a scintilla of doubt that Alden’s and Derrick’s careers have flourished by leaps and bounds. With their career trajectory steadily taking an upward turn, should this baseless stuff matter? End of argument. n
Pandemic preparedness and prevention are critical to safeguarding public health and ensuring societal and economic resilience against infectious disease outbreaks. This involves a multi-faceted approach that includes early detection through advanced diagnostics, rapid response mechanisms, and the integration of data and technology to monitor and predict disease trends.
Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, enhancing the public health workforce, and fostering community engagement are also essential components. By strategically investing in precision medicine research to develop next-generation tools and approaches, the state can achieve a more targeted and effective response to infectious diseases.
The California Initiative to Advance Precision Medicine was launched in 2015 to support collaborative research and foster partnerships between the state, researchers, patients,
This reorganization and expansion is reflected in AB/ SB 164. Once this legislation is passed by the Legislature, Californians Against Pandemics, proponents of a ballot initiative eligible for the November 2024 ballot that would create the California Institute for Pandemic Prevention, have agreed to withdraw their measure.
(CA Governor’s Office Release) n
“California aims to set a new standard for pandemic preparedness and prevention, ensuring a safer and healthier future for all residents,” said Dr. Mark Ghaly, CalHHS Secretary.
