Biden-Harris campaign launches
by KLARIZE MEDENILLA
On Tuesday, July 9, Vice President Kamala Harris introduced AANHPI for BidenHarris, a formal effort to boost support for the Biden-Harris reelection. According to a press release, the coalition
will visit Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Georgia in the coming weeks. PAGE 2
BARSTOW, California – A plume of black ash filled the sky, casting a shadow over the side road along the 15 Freeway, startling motorists on an otherwise ordinary Thursday morning.
Luisito Roque, his wife Lolit, and another traveler were in the car heading to a threeday regional convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Mira Loma, California, when disaster struck.
“We left Vegas at 7 AM to avoid traffic. It was my first time driving this car that I bought last April,” Luisito recounted. “We lost power, and I told my wife, 'Mommy, we lost power.' She said, 'Turn to the side.' As soon as I did, white and black smoke came
by CATHERINE VALENTE ManilaTimes.net
PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, July 10 dared Apollo Quiboloy to show up and face the accusations hurled against him, calling him a “fugitive” who is hiding from the law.
The president issued the statement after Quiboloy’s camp questioned the motives of the private individuals who offered a P10 million bounty for his arrest.
“They can question their motives as much as they want. But he should show himself. I question his motives. Let me question his motives. Why is he always questioning us?” Marcos told reporters after the impounding process ceremony of the Upper Wawa Dam in Rizal.
SAN FRANCISCO – The man charged with murder after allegedly pushing Filipino American Corazon Dandan into a BART train last week failed to appear at his arraignment Monday as he was confined in a hospital.
The Monday arraignment was set to continue on Tuesday, but the suspect –Trevor Belmont, 49, also known as Hoak Taing – remained at a medical facility for mental health evaluation, according to the San Francisco public defender’s office. Belmont, 49, has been charged with murder and elder abuse after he allegedly pushed Dandan into the path of a Millbraebound train around 11:06 p.m. on Monday.
The Daly City resident, who fell onto the platform and sustained severe head injuries, was rushed to the San Francisco General Hospital, where she later died.
COINCIDING with the launch of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) for Biden-Harris, over a dozen small businesses in Nevada announced their support for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s reelection campaign. The AANHPI-owned small businesses in Nevada expressed their endorsement for the president and vice president as AANHPIs for Biden-Harris — a national organizing and engagement program to mobilize AANHPI voters and communities across the country — was launched during a special event in Las Vegas on Tuesday, July 9.
The president did not mention who he was referring to, but Quiboloy’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio on Tuesday, July 9 said the reward was wrong on so many levels.
Marcos maintained there was nothing wrong with the government accepting donations from private individuals who wanted to see Quiboloy arrested.
“Why not? They want to help us bring a fugitive to justice. You know, he is a fugitive. He is hiding from the law,” Marcos said.
“If there are private citizens who want to assist the government in that effort to bring him to justice, I don’t see why it is [an issue],” he said. “We’re just following the law. He should do that, too.”
Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos
Philippines-US nuclear deal for ‘peaceful uses’ takes e ect
by CRISTINA CHI Philstar.com
MANILA — The deal between the Philippines and the United States that will allow Washington to export nuclear technology to Manila for peaceful uses has taken effect, the U.S. State Department announced on Tuesday, July 9.
at an economic summit in San Francisco, California.
Among the 15 small business owners in support of BidenHarris is Maya Kwong, owner
of Xiao Long Dumplings, who spoke at the Tuesday event.
“When I decided to start my small business in 2021, it felt like a huge risk. We were in the middle of a pandemic, and starting a new restaurant felt like a big bet,” said Kwong.
She added, “But Joe Biden and Kamala Harris kept our economy strong, and because of them we were able to survive and thrive. PAGE 2
FOR the first time, Vice President Sara Duterte is skipping the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, and named herself as the country's "designated survivor."
Dandan rode the BART train every day to her job at a hotel in downtown San is kept distant to reduce the chance that everyone in the line of succession will be unable to take the presidency in a catastrophic or mass-casualty event.
The landmark nuclear cooperation pact, which the U.S. hailed as a framework for “peaceful nuclear cooperation” based on non-proliferation commitments, came into force on July 2, around eight months after it was signed by country representatives
This deal aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s plan to increasingly tap nuclear energy to meet the Philippines’ growing power demands, but the viability of nuclear as a clean energy source and the government’s slow transition to renewables has also been questioned by environmental and clean-energy advocacy groups.
The so-called 123 Agreement permits the transfer of nuclear material, equipment (including reactors), components, and
"No. No, I will not attend the SONA. I am appointing myself as the designated survivor," Duterte said in a chance interview with reporters in Davao City on Thursday, July 11.
A "designated survivor" is a term commonly used in the United States where a person in the presidential line of succession
The term implies that Duterte would be the one taking over if a mass casualty event happens at the Batasang Pambansa at the time of the president's SONA. The Manila Times has sent queries to the Office of the Vice President on whether Duterte was serious or joking.
House Secretary-General
Maya Kwong, owner of Xiao Long Dumplings, a small business in Nevada, spoke about her support for the Biden-Harris campaign during an event in Las Vegas on Tuesday, July 9. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
Biden-Harris campaign launches...
On Saturday, July 13, Harris will deliver an address at an AANHPI town hall in Philadelphia. Later this month, the BidenHarris campaign will also establish “affinity groups” like Filipino Americans for BidenHarris to further drum up support, according to AANHPI for Biden-Trump. Harris—who is Indian American and the first Asian person to serve as vice president—is at the fore of the outreach program.
“[W]e need to make sure that AA and NHPI are heard at the ballot boxes around our country, just as we need to make sure that those voices are represented in all levels of government. Asian Americans must be in the rooms where the decisions are being made,” Harris said in a launch video released on Tuesday. AANHPI for Biden-Harris is the latest effort from Biden’s team to appeal to key voting blocs. Previously, they launched similar campaigns that focus on Black voters as well as Hispanic/
Latino voters. The Biden campaign’s latest efforts to amp up support follow a disastrous debate with former President Donald Trump in June—and recent polls showcase Biden trailing Trump. Biden’s age and well-being have also been a cause for concern for voters. A Democratic pollster reported on Tuesday that of those who watched the first presidential debate, 61% think that Biden does not have the “mental capacity and physical stamina” to serve a second term. g
Marcos to Quiboloy: Come out from...
earlier said a P10-million reward was offered by private individuals to anyone with information that could lead to Quiboloy’s arrest on outstanding warrants for human trafficking and child sexual abuse charges.
In addition, P1 million will be given in exchange for information that will lead to the arrest of his coaccused.
Abalos, however, declined to name the donors, saying that the individuals were frustrated with the lack of developments in Quiboloy’s cases.
Quiboloy is facing sexual abuse and trafficking charges. The cases were transferred from the regional trial courts of Davao and Pasig cities to a Quezon City court.
Former President Rodrigo Duterte, the televangelist’s longtime ally, said in a previous
briefing that he knew where Quiboloy was hiding but preferred to keep it secret.
This led the Philippine National Police (PNP) to say it was considering filing a complaint against Duterte for obstruction of justice.
However, former Palace Spokesman Salvador Panelo said PNP chief Rommel Francisco Marbil was “humorless” as Duterte was only joking.
“The statement of FPRRD... is at best a joke, for which he is known for — or pulling the leg of the inquiring reporter. It was intended for the reporters to laugh — and they did,” Panelo said in a statement.
“Apparently, the chief PNP is a humorless person and cannot decipher a joke or a jest,” he added.
Panelo also said Marbil’s
plan to file an obstruction of justice charge against Duterte was “laughable” and exposed the PNP chief’s “legal ignorance” on how the crime is committed.
“Under Sec. 1(c) of Presidential Decree No. 1829, a person who knowingly or willfully obstructs, impedes, frustrates or delays the apprehension of suspects and the investigation and the prosecution of criminal cases commits the crime of obstruction of justice,” he said.
Even if Duterte knew where Quiboloy was, Panelo said the former president was not obligated to tell the police where the suspect was, and not informing them was not an obstruction of justice.
Quiboloy, Duterte’s spiritual adviser, is also wanted in the United States for human trafficking charges. g
Man who pushed elderly Fil-Am into...
Francisco, where she had worked as a telephone operator for 40 years, according to her nephew, Dr. Alvin Dandan, a physician in St. Louis. She was returning home from work when she was attacked on the train platform.
“She would want to be remembered as a very beautiful, independent, hardworking American woman. Immigrant if you may – who is basically the life of the party and very kind and generous,” Dr. Dandan told ABC7.
Dr. Dandan said his aunt helped raise him and put him through medical school.
Dandan’s co-workers, who started a GoFundMe to help cover her burial expenses, described her as “a cherished and beloved member of our team whose unwavering kindness and dedication has been a pillar of our workplace for decades.”
A funeral mass for Dandan has been scheduled on July 12 at 11 a.m. at Saint Agustin Church, 3700 Callan Blvd., South San Francisco.
Viewing will be on July 11, 4 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. at Newall Chapel at the Cypress Lawn Funeral Home, 1370 El Camino Real, Colma. (Jun Nucum/Inquirer.net)
AANPHI-owned small businesses in Nevada...
Today, we have grown to three locations around Las Vegas. I am proof of how President Biden and Vice President Harris support small business owners and the American dream.”
Under the presidency of Biden, over 1.5 million jobs for AANHPI Americans have been created, according to a campaign statement, and the country saw an increase of over one-third of SBA loans to community business owners.
Amid anti-Asian hate and violence during the pandemic, the president signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act into law.
“We have also fought to protect our communities from hate and violence, including by passing the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which made it easier for AA and NHPI communities to report acts of hate,” Vice President Kamala Harris told the crowd in Las Vegas.
“On the other hand, the former president consistently incites hate, including toward the AANHPI community. I will not repeat his words. I will not repeat his words because they should never be repeated. But I will say that someone
who vilifies immigrants, who promotes xenophobia, someone who stokes hate should never again have the chance to stand behind a microphone and the seal of the president of the United States,” she added.
The following AANHPI-owned small business in Nevada have announced their support for Biden-Harris: E Cubed Solutions LLC, Sleep Center of Nevada, Noodlehead Las Vegas, Las Vegas Integrative Medicine, Xiao Long Dumplings, Sari Sari Nite,
Corazon Dandan Photo from Dr. Alvin Dandan
NuLife Kicks, HLN Holdings, Kudos Networks, Patranya Media LLC, AO Creative, VersatileParty LLC, The Blended Craft Studio, Truffles N Bacon Cafe, Blucat Group, World of Feng Shui. Nevada for Biden-Harris also launched a paid media blitz in AANHPI outlets, including digital and print ads in the Las Vegas Chinese Daily News, the Asian Journal, Las Vegas Japan Times, Korean Las Vegas Times, and the Philippine Times of Southern Nevada. g
Actress, author and chef Padma Lakshmi joined Vice President Kamala Harris in Las Vegas on Tuesday, July 9 during a campaign event launching AANHPIs for Biden-Harris. AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal
One year after a rmative action is overturned, what’s next for higher ed?
by SELEN OZTURK Ethnic Media Services
A YEAR after the Supreme Court overruled 45 years of precedent with Affirmative Action, how are colleges and universities adapting?
The June 2023 decision, which prohibits public and private institutions from including race in considering applicants to admit, shook up the world of higher education.
While schools saw more applications by nonwhite students than ever, per midyear reports, unprecedented federal student aid delays are expected to drop enrollments — particularly for nonwhite students.
At a Friday, June 28 Ethnic Media Services briefing, education policy, law and civil rights experts discussed new trends among schools since the court prohibition of public and private institutions from including race in considering which applicants to admit.
Delays with federal aid — and thus with enrollment commitments — made it hard to see the road ahead for students of color, speakers agreed. However, after June 2023, many institutions after the decision cut Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs and stopped tracking admissions data by race entirely, although neither DEI nor tracking are prohibited by the court decision.
Speakers said the future of equal opportunity for students of color may hinge on whether schools nationwide continue to overextend the court decision beyond the admissions process, and whether students are allowed the consideration of race and background through alternative routes like admission essays and scholarships.
Financial aid and DEI
Delays and mistakes with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — first when the application deadline was moved from October 1 to December 31, 2023 — were worsened by a new application form involving miscalculations to formulas used to determine aid. This tumult has significantly “impacted our ability to see what’s happening with college enrollment for the coming year,”
said Dr. Vikash Reddy, senior director of policy research at The Campaign for College Opportunity.
Due to continued FAFSA rollout disruptions, many schools have delayed enrollment commitment deadlines, “so we don’t yet know what the new year’s classes will be,” he explained. Many schools, including Yale, “cannot even tell us how FAFSA issues have impacted their admissions for minority applicants, because they separated their race and ethnicity data from the admissions data.”
Broader impacts on funding for DEI programs have been “chilling,” Reddy said. “Officials in Missouri, Kentucky and Wisconsin in particular are interpreting the Supreme Court ruling to mean that raceconscious scholarships should also be discontinued.”
In 2023 alone, over 45 state bills targeting DEI funding were introduced nationwide, particularly in Texas and Florida. Meanwhile, the University of Missouri recently tried to reclassify donor-created scholarships intended for minority students, while the University of Utah shuttered centers for black, LGBTQ and woman students, per HB 261, a new Utah law that prohibits student services for individual students based on “personal identity characteristics.”
However, “there are institutions trying to find equitable ways forward for higher education” through measures like holistic review,” Reddy said. For instance, California has outlawed the consideration of race in public education since 1996 under Proposition 209, “but under the leadership of UCLA and UC Berkeley, we’ve seen some of the most diverse classes in 25 years come in recent years.”
“It’s emblematic of the purpose of the attack on Affirmative Action,” said Jin Hee Lee, director for strategic initiatives at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund: “The falsehood that we already live in a world of equal opportunity … We’re now at a time when a university administrator is accused of discrimination, because they want to address long-standing
barriers for marginalized people.”
“This is not new. These attacks on DEI programs follow attacks on so-called ‘Critical Race Theory’, in K-12 and higher education classrooms a few years ago, just after the summer of 2020,” she continued, “with the largest civil rights demonstration in our nation’s history, when people from all backgrounds came together to demonstrate their opposition to racial inequality.”
“At the very core of these issues is whether we live in a country that is going to address our inequalities,” she added, “or believe in this false notion that we live in a race-blind society.”
Asian American students
“By using terms such as ‘zero-sum,’” the overturning of Affirmative Action “divided the Asian American community from other communities of color … and divided all of us,” said John C. Yang, president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing JusticeAAJC.
“In the trial itself, the district court judge found that after extensive evidence was presented, there was no data to support the notion that Asian Americans are being discriminated against,” he explained, “and prior to the decisions, the incoming class of Harvard University, for example, was approximately 26% to 28% Asian American.”
“But Asian Americans are harmed by these decisions … and benefit from diversity initiatives” well after higher education, he continued. “The Asian American community suffers from a ‘model minority’ myth suggesting that we are doing better than society as a whole, and so that efforts like Affirmative Action and DEI do not benefit them. That belies current demographics.”
For instance, Asian Americans represent only 3% of executives in corporate America, while representing about 7% of the total U.S. population.
There is also an 80% dropoff for Asian Americans when moving from entry-level ranks to the C-suite or board levels of corporations.
White individuals are twice as likely to be promoted as their
Google Translate now includes Hiligaynon, Kapampangan
“I LOVE you” can be expressed in various languages in the Philippines. From “Gihigugma tika” in Cebuano, “Padaba ta ka” in Bicolano, Mahal kita” in Tagalog, to “Palangga ko ikaw” in Hiligaynon, the country’s linguistic diversity shines through everyday expressions of love.
With over 170 languages spoken across its archipelago, the country has a unique linguistic heritage. In the Filipino diaspora, one can hear a variety of languages such as Cebuano, Tagalog, Ilocano, Kapampangan and Chavacano wherever you are in the world.
Sometimes, many Filipinos often turn to tools like Google Translate for help in understanding or expressing themselves in different Filipino languages.
Until recently, Google Translate expanded to include even more of the country’s regional languages.
“We’ve heard your ask for more languages and we are thrilled to announce we’re adding 110 new languages to Translate,” they shared.
Google has added 110 new languages to its translation service, powered by the revolutionary PaLM 2 large language model, bringing the total number of supported languages to 133.
“Now, we’re using AI to expand the variety of languages we support,” they added. “Thanks to our PaLM 2 large language model, we’re rolling out 110 new languages to Google Translate, our largest expansion ever.”
This update includes more regional languages from Luzon and the Visayas, such as Bikol, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Pangasinan and Waray.
“This expansion marks a significant step
Philippines-US nuclear
information for nuclear research and civil nuclear energy production to the Philippines, the U.S. State Department said in a statement.
The agreement also “[enhances] our cooperation on clean energy and energy security and strengthen our long-term bilateral diplomatic and economic relationships,” the U.S. State Department added.
The agreement was named after Section 123 of the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, which requires the completion of a peaceful nuclear cooperation deal for the U.S. to send significant amounts of nuclear material to a country.
The U.S. State Department said that the deal builds on almost 80 years of peaceful nuclear cooperation between the U.S. and the Philippines and establishes a continued civil nuclear trade between the
two countries.
of
Until recently,
towards the 1,000 Languages Initiative, aiming to support the world’s most spoken languages. With a quarter of the new additions coming from Africa, Google Translate now offers the largest selection of African languages to date,” stated Google Philippines.
This development is a stride in enhancing communication and preserving linguistic diversity, allowing more Filipinos to connect with their heritage and each other in their native tongues. To test if it truly works, visit translate.google.com or download the Google Translate app from the App Store and Google Play and translate “I love you” in more ways than one. (Hans Carbonilla/Inquirer.net)
deal for ‘peaceful...
Target for renewables
The Philippines has adopted an ambitious target of increasing its share of renewable energy in its power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
Department of Energy data in 2023 shows coal still dominates the country’s power mix, accounting for 43.9%, while renewables come in second at 29.7% of the mix.
Greenpeace Philippines has urged the Philippine government to move away from relying on nuclear energy for electricity in the Philippines given that Germany, like other developed countries, has weaned off nuclear power — an undertaking that it began in 2002 and was accelerated in 2011 after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan. Solar energy costs have gone down 89% since 2009 while nuclear costs jumped by 26%,
according to the environmental group, which described nuclear energy as an “expensive and risky” investment that needed years of planning.
“Permanent nuclear waste storage and its management are perpetual costs that the government needs to plan for centuries, shouldered by consumers, and using taxpayer money,” the group said in a May 2023 statement.
“Ultimately, nuclear power is just not worth it when we already have a vast potential in wind and solar energy waiting to be tapped,” the group added.
In 2022, when the 123 agreement was first raised by U.S. and Philippine officials, scientists of the Advocates of Science and Technology for the People opposed the plan, saying the Philippines “will be held hostage by the U.S. in adopting nuclear technology in our energy security.
Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Pangasinan
Lack of affordability tops older Americans’ list of health care worries
by Judith Graham KFF Health News
WHAT weighs most heavily on older adults’ minds when it comes to health care?
The cost of services and therapies, and their ability to pay.
“It’s on our minds a whole lot because of our age and because everything keeps getting more expensive,” said Connie Colyer, 68, of Pleasureville, Kentucky. She’s a retired forklift operator who has lung disease and high blood pressure. Her husband, James, 70, drives a dump truck and has a potentially dangerous irregular heart rhythm.
Tens of millions of seniors are similarly anxious about being able to afford health care because of its expense and rising costs for housing, food, and other essentials.
A new wave of research highlights the reach of these anxieties. When the University of Michigan’s National Poll on Healthy Aging asked people 50 and older about 26 health-related issues, their top three areas of concern had to do with costs: of medical care in general, of longterm care, and of prescription drugs. More than half of 3,300 people surveyed in February and March reported being “very concerned” about these issues.
In fact, five of the top 10 issues identified as very concerning were cost-related. Beyond the top three, people cited the cost of health insurance and Medicare (52%), and the cost of dental care (45%). Financial scams and fraud came in fourth place (53% very concerned). Of much less concern were issues that receive considerable attention, including social isolation, obesity, and age discrimination.
In an election year, “our poll sends a very clear message that older adults are worried about the cost of health care and will be looking to candidates to discuss what they have done or plan to do to contain those costs,” said John Ayanian, director of the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation.
Older adults have good reason to worry. One in 10 seniors (about 6 million people) have incomes below the federal poverty level. About 1 in 4 rely exclusively on Social Security payments, which average $1,913 a month per person.
Even though inflation has moderated since its 2022 peak, prices haven’t come down, putting a strain on seniors living on fixed incomes. Meanwhile, traditional Medicare doesn’t cover several services that millions of older adults need, such as dental care, vision care, or help at home from aides. While private Medicare Advantage plans offer some coverage for these services, benefits are frequently limited.
All of this contributes to a health care affordability squeeze
for older adults. Recently published research from the Commonwealth Fund’s 2023 Health Care Affordability Survey found that nearly a third of people 65 or older reported difficulty paying for health care expenses, including premiums for Medicare, medications, and expenses associated with receiving medical services.
One in 7 older adults reported spending a quarter or more of their average monthly budget on health care; 44% spent between 10% and 24%. Seventeen percent said they or a family member had forgone needed care in the past year for financial reasons.
The Colyers in Pleasureville are among them. Both need new dentures and eyeglasses, but they can’t afford to pay thousands of dollars out-of-pocket, Connie said.
“As the cost of living rises for basic necessities, it’s more difficult for lower-income and middleincome Medicare beneficiaries to afford the health care they need,” said Gretchen Jacobson, vice president of the Medicare program at the Commonwealth Fund. Similarly, “when health care costs rise, it’s more difficult to afford basic necessities.”
This is especially worrisome because older adults are more prone to illness and disability than younger adults, resulting in a greater need for care and higher expenses. In 2022, seniors on Medicare spent $7,000 on medical services, compared with $4,900 for people without Medicare.
Not included in this figure is the cost of assisted living or long-term stays in nursing homes, which Medicare also doesn’t cover.
According to Genworth’s latest survey, the median annual cost of a semiprivate room in a nursing home was $104,000 in 2023, while assisted living came to $64,200, and a year’s worth of services from home-health aides cost $75,500.
Many older adults simply can’t afford to pay for these long-term care options or other major medical expenses out-of-pocket.
“Seventeen million older adults have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level,” said Tricia Neuman, executive director of the Program on Medicare Policy for KFF. (That’s $30,120 for a single-person household in 2024; $40,880 for a two-person household.) “For people living on that income, the risk of a major expense is very scary.”
How to deal with unanticipated expenses in the future is a question that haunts Connie Colyer. Her monthly premiums for Medicare Parts B and D, and a Medigap supplemental policy come to nearly $468, or 42% of her $1,121 monthly income from Social Security.
With a home mortgage of $523 a month, and more than $150 in monthly copayments for her inhalers and her husband’s heart medications, “we wouldn’t make it if my husband wasn’t still working,” she told me. (James’
monthly Social Security payment is $1,378. His premiums are similar to Connie’s and his income fluctuates based on the weather. In the first five months of this year, it approached $10,000, Connie told me.)
The couple makes too much to qualify for programs that help older adults afford Medicare out-of-pocket costs. As many as 6 million people are eligible but not enrolled in these Medicare Savings Programs. Those with very low incomes may also qualify for dual coverage by Medicaid and Medicare or other types of assistance with household costs, such as food stamps.
Older adults can check their eligibility for these and other programs by contacting their local Area Agency on Agency, State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or benefits enrollment center. Enter your ZIP code at the Eldercare Locator and these and other organizations helping seniors locally will come up.
Persuading older adults to step forward and ask for help often isn’t easy. Angela Zeek, health and government benefits manager at Legal Aid of the Bluegrass in Kentucky, said many seniors in her area don’t want to be considered poor or unable to pay their bills, a blow to their pride. “What we try to say is, ‘You’ve worked hard all your life, you’ve paid your taxes. You’ve given back to this government so there’s nothing wrong with the government helping you out a bit.’”
And the unfortunate truth is there’s very little, if any, help available for seniors who aren’t poor but have modest financial resources. While the need for new dental, vision, and long-term care benefits for older adults is widely acknowledged, “the question is always how to pay for it,” said Neuman of KFF. This will become an even bigger issue in the coming years because of the burgeoning aging population.
There is some relief on the horizon, however: Assistance with Medicare drug costs is available through the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, although many older adults don’t realize it yet. The act allows Medicare to negotiate the price of prescription drugs for the first time. This year, out-ofpocket costs for medications will be limited to a maximum $3,800 for most beneficiaries. Next year, a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket drug costs will take effect.
“We’re already seeing people who’ve had very high drug costs in the past save thousands of dollars this year,” said Frederic Riccardi, president of the Medicare Rights Center. “And next year, it’s going to get even better.”
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.
One year after affirmative action is overturned...
Asian American counterparts; in fact, Asian American whitecollar workers are the least likely group among any race to be promoted into management.
“Equal access to education has never been zero-sum,” Yang added. “We have heard many stories from Asian American students deciding that they don’t want to apply to a particular college at all … because they’re not sure whether and how their application will be treated.”
The legal road ahead?
“Efforts of the Supreme Court decision’s proponents to extend this ruling beyond higher education, to challenge DEI initiatives across the board … diverts us from efforts to ensure that not considering race in admissions would still ensure equal opportunity for applicants of color,” said Thomas A. Saenz, president and general counsel of the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. When admissions data does
emerge after the tumultuous FAFSA rollout cycle completes, the numbers “may not be an accurate reflection of the full impact of the decision,” he continued. After Proposition 209 outlawing considerations of race in California public schools, for instance, “many said the drop in Latino students was overstated. That was false, and will be false nationwide,” Saenz explained, “because the Latino community is a younger, growing community. So, the number of college-eligible Latino students by age will dramatically increase in years to come, cushioning the data against a drop in admissions … it does not, however, mean that the impact is any less severe.”
“Institutions receiving federal funding, like Harvard, and virtually every other private university in the country … that fail to collect data on race to ensure their admissions criteria doesn’t have an unjustified
First national membership organization for AAPI elected and appointed officials launched
LAS VEGAS — During a 3-day summit hosted by the Asian Pacific American Leadership Foundation (APALF) in Las Vegas, Nevada, alongside NALEO, over 350 leaders from 26 states (plus the District of Columbia) convened to launch AAPI LEAD (Leadership Elected and AppointeD), the first-ever national membership-based organization for and by elected and appointed officials. The summit, held on June 1921, convened the largest gathering to date of AANHPI elected and appointed officials from state, national, and local levels in U.S. history, with the aim of organizing elected and appointed officials.
“As the first president tapped to serve with the newly formed AAPI LEAD Board of Directors, I want our new organization to unleash the incredible leadership potential that AAPI elected and appointed leaders represent, because we are truly stronger together,” said Hon. David Chiu, San Francisco City Attorney & AAPI LEAD President. “We have much more work to do, to ensure that progress continues and that AAPIs have a seat at every table.”
The Honorary Advisory Board of Directors (nonvoting) and inaugural AAPI LEAD Board consist of AAPI elected leaders from 15 states and territories, representing all levels of government -- local, state, and national. The next convening is scheduled for July 23-25, 2025, once again alongside NALEO in Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, visit www.aapilead. org." “Over the past 18 months, the planning for this inaugural summit and organizational launch was received with tremendous enthusiasm, said Hon. David Ryu (ret.), Executive Director of AAPI LEAD & APALF. “We extend our sincere thanks to Arturo Vargas and the NALEO team for their invaluable partnership. The level of interest and engagement from elected and appointed members was truly inspiring. My board and I remain dedicated to evolving and growing AAPI LEAD to provide support and infrastructure to our members.”
AAPI LEAD Board of Directors
President: Hon. David Chiu, City Attorney, San Francisco, California
First VP: Hon. Kaohly Her, Speaker Pro-Tempore, State Rep., Minnesota Second VP: Hon. Nabilah Islam, State Senator,
Georgia
Secretary: Hon. Aftab Pureval, Mayor, City of Cincinnati, Ohio
Treasurer: Hon. Ron Kouchi, President, State Senate, Hawaii
Hon. Betty Lieu, Trustee, Torrance Unified School District, California
Hon. Bev Uipi, Mayor Pro-Tempore, City of Millcreek, Utah
Hon. Duy Nguyen, State Assemblymember, Nevada
Hon. Gene Wu, State Representative, Texas Hon. Erica Mosca, State Assemblymember, Nevada Hon. Grace Lee, State Assemblymember, New York Hon. Lori Stegmann, County Commissioner, Multnomah County, OR Hon. Linda Lee, Councilmember, New York City, New York
Hon. Michelle Wu, Mayor, City of Boston, Massachusetts
Hon. Mike Fong, State Assemblymember, California Hon. Naomi Nakano Matsumoto, Trustee, Fremont Union HS Dist., CA Hon. Phillip Chen, State Assemblymember, California
Hon. Sheikh Rahman, State Senator, Georgia.
AAPI LEAD Honorary Advisory Board of Directors
Chair: Hon. Judy Chu, Congressmember, California
Vice-Chair: Hon. Jill Tokuda, Congressmember, Hawaii
Vice-Chair: Hon. Ted Lieu, Congressmember, California
Hon. Mazie Hirono, U.S. Senator, Hawaii Hon. Ami Bera, Congressmember, California Hon. Andrew Kim, Congressmember, New Jersey Hon. Doris Matsui, Congressmember, California Hon. Grace Meng, Congressmember, New York Hon. Gregorio Sablan, Congressmember, Northern Mariana Islands
Hon. Mark Takano, Congressmember, California Hon. Marilyn Strickland, Congressmember, Washington Hon. Pramila Jayapal, Congressmember, Washington Hon. Ro Khanna, Congressmember, California Hon. Shri Thanedar, Congressmember, Michigan g
Sara to skip SONA, says she’s...
Reginald Velasco told The Times that they have yet to receive official confirmation from the Office of the Vice President over her decision not to attend the SONA.
"We have yet to receive official confirmation if she is not going to come. We are contacting her office about her decision," Velasco said.
Speaker Martin Romualdez said that despite the absence of Duterte, the House of Representatives will remain committed to working with all branches of government to ensure that Marcos' SONA will reflect the country's "collective efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos."
"The State of the Nation Address is a crucial moment for unity and collaboration among our nation's leaders. It is a time to reflect on our progress, address challenges, and outline our vision for the future," Romualdez added.
For Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua, Duterte's joke on appointing herself as the "designated survivor" was done in bad taste considering the current
political tensions between the two leaders.
"Strictly speaking, Vice President Sara Duterte does not have that appointing power for a designated survivor because it is the 1987 Constitution that designates the vice president as the first next in line to succeed the president," Chua said.
Former Bayan Muna congressman Neri Colmenares, on the other hand, said that the nonattendance of Duterte in the SONA only confirms the big break between the Marcos and Duterte camps and the official end of the so-called "UniTeam."
"UniTeam" was the moniker of the running mates in the 2022 elections.
"It has so many messages. One message is that she is not anymore convinced of the president's report on SONA and secondly, she is completely breaking from any alliance that they have," Colmenares said in Filipino during a chance interview with reporters on Thursday.
Kabataan Partylist Executive Vice President Renee Louise Co
believes that Duterte is exhibiting "delusional behavior" and that skipping the SONA is just a "publicity stunt."
Duterte's announcement that she will not attend the SONA ended weeks of speculation after a public spat between her and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos erupted a few months ago over her attendance at the "Hakbang ng Maisug" events, where former President Rodrigo Duterte alleged that the chief executive was high on drugs.
Duterte is set to end her term as education secretary on July 19, three days before the SONA, with Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara replacing her.
Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Larry Gadon expressed disgust over Duterte's decision to stay away from the SONA.
"This is politically incorrect. She must have forgotten that she is the vice president of the country even if she resigned as education secretary and vice chair of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict," Gadon said. g
Family escapes fiery car explosion on...
out of the hood. I told everyone to get out, and that's what we did.”
In less than two minutes after pulling over, the car exploded.
“We were just standing on the side, and we saw the radiator coolant flowing down, and at the same time, we saw fire dripping from the bottom of the car, like melting plastic,” Luisito said.
Eric Daliling, a passerby, captured the dramatic scene on video as he and his wife traveled south on Interstate 15 just past Lenwood Avenue.
The Roque family managed to escape the explosion and, despite the sweltering heat, found refuge in the bushes lining the desert’s edge while they called for help. “All of our clothes and food for the threeday event burned down,” Luisito mentioned.
discriminatory effect, violate the very same law used in the decision,” continued Saenz: Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which also “prohibits race discrimination for recipients of federal funding, including virtually every U.S. university, public or private.”
What can be done to facilitate equal opportunity, in response to the Affirmative Action decision?
“Alternative criteria for admissions that would eliminate or minimize the discriminatory effects of many current criteria,” said Saenz, including “not only standardized tests, which have long had such a demonstrated discriminatory effect, but also counselor recommendations, teacher recommendations, and even who gets assigned to highlevel AP and IB (International Baccalaureate) courses.
“This is the legal situation right now,” he added. “We don’t know yet where the new reality will end up.” g
Lolit emphasized the importance of staying calm in such situations. “Material things can be replaced, but life is more valuable. When we saw the car burning, we ran far away from it. If we had panicked, we might have been trapped inside. It’s
Contributed photod
Tens of millions of seniors are similarly anxious about being able to afford health care because of its expense and rising costs for housing, food, and other essentials. Pexels.com photo by Matthias Zomer
Dateline PhiliPPines
Marcos vetoes PNP reform bill, looks for stronger accountability standards
by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has vetoed a measure that seeks to introduce reforms to the Philippine National Police (PNP), citing its inconsistencies with government policies and the lack of any "significant measure" that would increase cops' accountability.
In a veto message addressed to the Senate, Marcos expressed support for the proposed PNP Organizational Reforms Act's intent to modernize the PNP but stressed the need for alignment with the administration's civil service regulations, salary standardization policies and fiscal constraints.
"While this administration recognizes the laudable objectives of the bill, I cannot approve it because the provisions run counter to administrative policy and efficiency," Marcos said in the letter dated July 5.
The vetoed measure is a consolidated version of Senate Bill 2449 and House Bill 8327. Its principal authors are Sen. Ramon Revilla and House Speaker Martin Romualdez, the president's cousin, respectively.
Marcos said the proposed law may create pay disparities among police cadets, conflict with the government's rightsizing program and redundancy in police operations due to the proposed Area Police Commands. Additionally, Marcos pointed out
potential security risks associated with the creation of a Liaison Office for the Office of the President and questioned the bill's provisions regarding the Internal Affairs Service and the National Police Commission.
'No true reform' without accountability
Marcos emphasized the need to protect the independence of the PNP's Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, the body responsible for investigating erring cops.
"The purported enhancement of the Internal Affairs Service (IAS) consists of adding the ground of the alleged involvement of police personnel in crimes like murder for the IAS's motu proprio investigation," Marcos said.
"However, the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group, supposedly intended to be responsible for information gathering and enforcement operations against PNP personnel reported to be involved in illegal activities, is brought under the National Operational Support Units. This may lead to questions about its independence," the president added.
Marcos also said the bill did not introduce any "significant measure" that would improve the PNP's capacity to "implement the highest standards of integrity and accountability in the police force."
"There can be no true reform if these issues are not prioritized," he added.
Marcos also said that the bill "seemingly tolerates the possible encroachment by the [National Police Commission] into the Civil Service Commission's (CSC) functions."
"The administrative relationships among the CSC, Department of the Interior and Local Government and PNP, including the procedures for disciplinary measures, are not clarified," he added.
Marcos urged Congress to revisit the bill and address the issues he raised to ensure that any future reforms to the PNP become effective and efficient.
The PNP has not filed a single criminal complaint against any of its personnel involved in the anti-illegal drug operations of former President Rodrigo Duterte, which led to thousands dead, according to PNP-IAS Inspector General Brigido Dulay during the House human rights committee's hearing on the so-called drug war in June.
During the House panel's first hearing into abuses during Duterte's drug war, lawyer Neri Colmenares pointed out the government's apparent lack of interest to seriously investigate drug war killings, citing data that shows only 52 out of over 6,000 killings admitted by the police have been so far investigated.
Citing a rule in the Philippine National Police's manual, Colmenares pointed out that if someone dies in the course of a police operation, there should always be an inquest or investigation. g
SC wants Congress to pass law defining political dynasties ahead of 2025 polls
MANILA — The Supreme Court will make public copies of several pending petitions and other pleadings on political dynasties to compel Congress to pass laws that will finally address this longstanding contentious issue.
The move comes as members of well-known political families announced their plan to run for public office in the 2025 midterm elections.
The petitions cited Article II Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution that prohibits political dynasties
"as defined by law." Article II, section 26 of the Constitution says that "the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law." The High Court has previously scrutinized the said provision to resolve similar petitions that were filed in the past.
"Without an enabling law, the Comelec cannot enforce the prohibition against political dynasties," the Court said.
This includes the petition for mandamus filed in 2012 that asked the high tribunal to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to enforce this particular constitutional provision. The petition, however, was dismissed as the High Court held that the provision was "not a selfexecuting provision requiring as it does the legislative act of Congress to define what "political dynasties" are and to prescribe the scope and limits of such prohibition. (ManilaTimes.net)
Roque: Pagcor chief did not say I lobbied for illegal Pogo firms
by Charie abarCa Inquirer.net
MANILA — Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) chief Alejandro Tengco did not say former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque lobbied for Lucky South 99, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (Pogo) in Porac, Pampanga, which was raided due to alleged links to criminal activities.
In a letter to INQUIRER. net, Roque said it was falsely reported that Tengco alleged that he lobbied for illegal Pogo operations.
“This is a complete fabrication and a serious misrepresentation of the facts. During Chairman Tengco’s testimony, no such statement was made. On the contrary, he confirmed that my interaction with Pagcor was solely to schedule a payment for Lucky South 99, which held a valid license from Pagcor at that time,” Roque’s letter reads.
During the Senate panel on women’s hearing on Wednesday, July 10, Tengco confirmed that Roque reached out to his office, asking if an appointment may be made.
According to Tengco, Roque was with Cassandra Lee Ong of Lucky South 99, adding that they were seeking to settle the license and unpaid arrears of the Pogo firm.
Tengco said Roque “did not pressure” Pagcor to grant a license to Lucky South 99. He said Roque only asked Pagcor to help Ong and “did not follow up.” Roque, in a statement issued Wednesday, denied he was a lawyer of Lucky South 99, clarifying that his client was Whirlwind Corporation, a service provider to Lucky South 99, which was then a holder of a valid license from Pagcor. g
FINDINGS. National Bureau of Investigation’s Angelito Magno (left), Assistant Director for Information Communications and Technology, and Central Luzon Director Jerry Abiera, show the fingerprint report of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Aguo during a public hearing on Wednesday, July 10. They confirmed
OPINION FEATURES
Foreign buying spree
IN mid-December last year, a congressman had warned that Chinese nationals were buying up land and other real estate properties across the country. Surigao del Norte 2nd District Rep. Robert Ace Barbers described it as a “creeping invasion” and linked the buying spree to Chinese drug trafficking operations. Barbers chairs the House committee on dangerous drugs.
Recently, the Presidential AntiOrganized Crime Commission sounded a similar alert over largescale land purchases by foreigners.
Editorial
The PAOCC did not identify any particular nationality, but it was responding to concerns raised by a Catholic bishop that foreigners were buying up land in the Palawan municipality of Taytay. PAOCC officials said similar cases have been reported in Nueva Ecija and several other parts of the country, with the foreigners buying mostly farmlands planted to rice. Apart from stirring concern about the nation’s food security being compromised, the developments raise questions about how foreigners can circumvent the constitutional prohibition against foreign ownership of land in the Philippines. PAOCC officials said some of the foreigners would initially rent or lease the land before offering from P80,000 to P100,000 per hectare to buy the property.
The PAOCC is investigating criminal activities linked to massive Philippine offshore gaming
I WAS surprised, but actually more like shocked, about the information passed on to Senator Imee – most likely coming from a rumor-mongering individual – that the Chinese are planning missile attacks on 25 sites all over the Philippines. It’s really unfortunate that this type of fear-mongering or even warmongering could add fuel to the already tense situation our country is facing in the West Philippine Sea. Fortunately, the PRC immediately denied such information.
Another one is this YouTube video going around with such an alarmist title in Filipino that, roughly translated, goes – “Last warning from China! PBBM has been threatened: Will there be dialogue or war if the Philippines refuses to surrender?” – implying that China has threatened to go to war against the Philippines. These people do not realize the magnitude of what they are doing in exacerbating the situation even as our government is doing all it can, using maximum restraint and diplomacy, to de-escalate the tension in the West Philippine Sea.
Clearly, they do not – or deliberately refuse to – fully understand the extremely serious situation our country
THERE are only three certainties in Filipino life: death, taxes, and being late.
For someone who’s always had his calendar full, it was one of my utmost joys to attend occasions, training, or whatever event necessitated a call time. But as I ticked another event off my calendar, it was as if time also ticked along with it and went to waste.
I’m not leading you to the conclusion that my friends could never give me that dopamine rush or even fit a place in my core memory; it was just that they were always late, and I bore the consequences of waiting hours before the party was even complete.
As time eventually went by in its ever-continuous continuum, I also grew accustomed to being late—and I was a true “Pinoy”—
operator hubs that it raided in Bamban, Tarlac and Porac, Pampanga. The POGO in Bamban has 37 buildings; the one in Porac has 46. Each hub occupies a land area of about 10 hectares. Half of the property in Bamban is owned by its suspended mayor, Alice Guo, who says she sold it before running in the 2022 elections. Guo faces ouster as mayor and possible deportation as multiple probes indicate she is a Chinese national who lied about being a Filipino citizen. PAOCC officials have said they are looking at similar cases involving other POGOs in the country. Barbers said he had received reports that Chinese nationals were able to secure government-issued Philippine IDs or else use Filipino dummies to buy land and register businesses with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Department of Trade and Industry and local government units.
According to Barbers, a Chinese national believed to be behind the shipment of 560 kilos of shabu valued at P3.6 billion in Pampanga in September last year has a company registered with
finds itself in today, especially in light of our strategic location with the northernmost portion just 93 miles away from Taiwan. And then of course there is our continuing territorial dispute regarding conflicting claims over the Spratly Islands with fellow ASEAN members Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, plus China and Taiwan.
Surveys show that over 90 percent of Filipinos want the government to have a more assertive stance – and understandably so, because they know the importance of securing our borders and protecting our maritime territory. Losing a portion of our territory today can mean losing more each day until we have no country to speak of.
But Filipinos also fully understand and totally agree with President Marcos when he said that we are not in the business of instigating wars because the priority agenda of this government is to “provide a peaceful and prosperous life for every Filipino.”
And while we are ready to use every means available to defend ourselves, we are also practicing maximum restraint and using diplomacy to ease the tension. A recent survey released by Pulse Asia showed that a big number of Filipinos believe that the most effective measure to reduce tensions is to “continue diplomatic discussions” on coming up with a code of conduct to govern the actions of
for I’ve become someone who perpetuates the never-ending cycle of “Filipino time.” Why should I bear the burden of tidying myself up in a hurry when I could gather my time so I could slay my outfit? Well, the sad thing is that everyone thinks this way, and in the end, we’ve lived long enough to see ourselves become the villains we hated.
But in the same way that Filipinos are so fond of being late, why not apply it to our inner life philosophy?
I don’t have a personal vendetta for time, but if being late to the call time we’ve agreed upon is socially acceptable, why isn’t it okay for us to not be on the same path of success compared to our peers who have found their way to it already? It’s as simple as this: “Buhay ay ’di karera” and I’m sure most have heard this from the viral videos that featured learners dancing and singing “Karera,” BINI’s song, during their ceremonies. And with these videos booming, it’s just another sign
buy over four hectares of land in the
town of Mexico.
these
Maximum restraint and diplomacy
countries that have conflicting maritime claims, which is what President Marcos has been pursuing all along.
I must give full credit to the diplomatic skills of one of our very best career diplomats in the Department of Foreign Affairs, Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and ASEAN Affairs
Tess Lazaro, who has been extremely valuable in navigating this delicate situation in the best way possible and finding ways to bring down the tension with the hope of some success.
USec Lazaro – who obtained her Bachelor of Arts, International Studies from Maryknoll (now Miriam) College and finished her Bachelor of Laws at the University of the Philippines –is a veteran diplomat who has served as Ambassador to France, Monaco and Switzerland. She was the Philippines’ Permanent Representative to UNESCO and was chairperson of the Group of 77 Coalition.
USec Lazaro headed our team in the dialogue between the Philippines and China, where both countries committed to deescalating the tension “without prejudice to their respective positions” regarding the dispute involving Ayungin Shoal. The undersecretary says “both sides recognized that there is a need to restore trust, rebuild confidence and create conditions conducive to productive dialogue and interaction,” noting the incidents involving Chinese and Philippine
Filipino time
that it is time to bolster the fact that it’s okay to be late in life because God has ordained our own paths that will be attained in their perfect timing—for His glory and our good.
But with this fact, it’s only been recently instilled in my mind to heed the truth that I will not always be first, the smartest in the room, or the one people will be pleased with. As a consistently overachieving student, it was as if people and I had been institutionalized with the pretense that it was a sure win for my end, and on the occasion that I lost, I fell into a never-ending spiral of self-doubt. It only led me to the fear of disappointment, and even if I did my best, I always felt like an impostor.
The sad thing is that this lived experience isn’t only my story to attest to, for the conservative roots of our culture have ingrained the idea that being the first to do something always equates to success. While being first may mean that you won a race, the problem is that this isn’t
troops.
Although “substantial progress on developing measures to manage the situation at sea” will hopefully be achieved, it’s not also surprising that “significant differences” still remain. Hopefully, both sides will continue engaging in dialogue to find a mutually acceptable resolution to the issue.
Those present during the dialogue told me they were very proud of, and impressed by, the self-assured demeanor of USec Lazaro, highlighting that we will continue the pursuit of peace using the diplomatic front, but also making it clear to Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong that the Philippines would be “relentless in protecting its interests and upholding its sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.”
The June 17 incident in Ayungin Shoal that resulted in injuries to several Philippine Navy personnel, with one of them losing a thumb in the process, has shocked the international community because of the brutal, unprovoked behavior of the Chinese Coast Guard, who were shown boarding and puncturing Philippine boats and destroying communications equipment.
During the Heritage Foundation lecture given by former Trump Deputy National Security Advisor Matt Pottinger,
the race to dictate our lives; life is more than just one finish line. Now, even if I had faced disappointment, I found beauty in the struggle, in the failure, and in the mockery I made of myself when I lost because I knew that there was always beauty in embracing our individuality. And inevitably, if we choose to accept that we have our own story to tell our grandkids one day, it allows us to grow at our own pace and would transform the abhorrent tragedies we once scorned to forget into valuable lessons. It isn’t fitting to succumb to the pressure that culture puts on us to conform to societal timelines, which can stifle our potential in the long run. And every time we choose to slack off because we know that it’s socially acceptable to be late to gatherings nowadays, it’s much healthier to embrace that it’s okay to be late in our dreams because we give ourselves the freedom to explore, to take risks, and to find our unique path without the fear of judgment or failure—without
whom I know personally, he referred to the June 17 incident in Ayungin, saying that it was a “dress rehearsal” for invading Taiwan and that “Beijing has already attacked to such a degree that it should trigger our mutual defense treaty response if President Marcos, and in discussion with President Biden, decide that that would be the best course.”
Matt put his remarks into context, saying it does not mean we could have war – simply that there is a need to acknowledge what is happening and start imposing much more serious costs to China, including by way of economic measures.
bothering other people’s time or breaching the agreed upon call time.
Just take a look at the success stories that household names in the industry experienced in life, which we once thought were full of success, only to find out that their fruits of labor were the reason their accolades made their way to them. For example, J.K. Rowling didn’t have a magical tale when she wrote “Harry Potter,” as she was rejected by multiple publishers before the book became a global phenomenon. And Colonel Sanders didn’t establish KFC until he was in his 60s. Our stories may never end up as glamorous as theirs, but may these tales be a reminder that lateness doesn’t preclude success; it often accompanies resilience, perseverance, and an appreciation of our achievements.
This is neither a personal love letter to tardiness nor am I romanticizing that Filipinos often struggle with punctuality. Rather, I realized that time wasn’t moving too quickly—I was simply trying too hard to run toward accolades
The bottom line for us, however, is still this – we will continue to assert our sovereignty while following the path of maximum restraint and diplomacy, which the president clearly articulated when he said that in defending our nation, we will stay true to our Filipino nature of wanting to settle all these issues amicably. (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
not understanding that life isn’t a race or that I was running with two left feet. I was chasing goals that weren’t meant for me. Ironically, being late taught me to cherish small moments, even if I missed some because I took my time. “Filipino time” showed me that true destiny isn’t found by rushing.
The world didn’t end when I placed third in the Regional School Press Conference, while all my peers moved on to the National School Press Conference. It didn’t stop when I didn’t attain “with highest honors.” And God didn’t forsake me despite the unfair treatment I received in 10th grade.
I can say, better late than never, it’s okay to be late—I prefer taking my time, and I hope you do, too. (Inquirer.net)
* * * 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.
* * * Sean Michael S. Caguiwa, 15, is an incoming science, technology, engineering, and mathematics student.
the SEC, owns a gasoline station and managed to
Pampanga
Did
things happen because of institutional weaknesses, lapses or corruption? Apart from plugging any loopholes in the system, probers must go after both the foreigners who break Philippine laws and their Filipino enablers. (Philstar.com)
VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL
Barbie Forteza on ‘sure’ friendship with David Licauco, wedding talks with Jak Roberto
by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
THE seven-year itch does not exist for actress Barbie Forteza. In fact, her long-time boyfriend, Jak Roberto, has brought up marriage several times in their relationship.
Barbie appeared on the July 5 episode of "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda" to promote her newest film "That Kind Of Love," opposite David Licauco, her partner in the popular BarDa love team.
The actress described her love as "unbreakable," which she points to the maturity she and Jak have since the early days of their relationship.
Boy praised the BarDa love team for being so open with fans. Barbie said she "slowly but surely" built her friendship with David because their team up was unexpectedly successful.
"Feeling ko, timing has nothing to do with the success of our love team, siguro mas more on luck," Barbie shared, attributing to the huge impact of the "Maria Clara at Ibarra" show.
After giving love advice for fellow actors, including David, Barbie admitted not believing in the seven-year itch.
Fil-Am actor Brandon Perea part of new ‘Twisters’ cast
AFTER starring in the sci-fi saga "The OA" and his big-screen breakout in Jordan Peele's critically acclaimed horror film "Nope," Filipino American actor Brandon Perea is now chasing storms with Glen Powell in next week's epic disaster movie "Twisters." A modern chapter to the 1991 blockbuster, "Twister," the new adventure follows a group of storm chasers as they try to predict and possibly tame one of nature's most destructive forces.
Perea plays an extreme meteorolgist named boon who is part of squad leader Owen's (Powell) group of adrenaline junkies from Arkansas.
"They're a diverse group of fun and crazy hooligans who are [out for the thrills]. They work efficiently together but there's a higher purpose in what they do," Perea says in an interview. "They're cool because everyone's just being their genuine honest self, no false fronts. Their goal is to help people and have fun while doing it, and as they reveal themselves to the audience, they will earn everyone's respect."
Barbie shared Jak often sends her wedding videos on Instagram, which affirms that he is thinking about it and wants to be involved in such plans.
The episode ended with Boy and Barbie in a tear-off — becoming the first to cry on cue — which Barbie handily won.
She reiterated Jak's maturity and being able to tolerate her "alpha female" attitude, though she said they had to give up a lot of quality time following the explosion of the BarDa love team. "Very secure siya sa sarili niya na he lets his woman shine, kahit not with him," Barbie praised Jak. Boy then asked Barbie if they have discussed marriage, and the actress answered in the affirmative with a knowing grin.
What makes Vice Ganda ‘LOL’ nowadays
by Nathalie tomada Philstar.com
VICE Ganda’s comedy game show, “LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines,” has laughed all the way to the No. 1 slot on Prime Video Philippines. The program assembles some of the funniest people in the country as contestants, all aiming to make each other laugh without cracking up themselves. The last one to never laugh wins the competition.
“LOL Philippines” is Vice’s first-ever all-out comedy show. Joining Vice are the comedic talents Victor Anastacio, Jayson Gainza, Pepe Herrera, Chad Kinis, Empoy Marquez, Kim Molina, Jerald Napoles, Negi, Tuesday Vargas, and Rufa Mae Quinto. Petite and Divine Tetay also make appearances throughout the program.
Asked what viewers can take away from “LOL Philippines,” Vice told The STAR in a one-on-one interview: “Ang takeaway ko, gusto kong ma-realize ng mga tao na hindi madali ang pagpapatawa. These comedians are talented, which is why you laugh at them. I want them to realize that those who make them laugh aren’t just funny; they’re showcasing (comedic) skill. I hope their respect for comedians rises, knowing they have the heart, mind, courage, and talent.”
Vice believes that through this program, viewers will get to know the comedians more and understand why their comedy is like that, what they stand for, what message they want to convey through their acts.
“May mga ganun, na nabigla din ako. Natusok ako dun ha! I thought it was just a simple act, but it turns out they have an advocacy, a deeper purpose behind why they want to perform that act on this program and be seen by many people. And I was so surprised. Sabi ko, ang ganda! That makes it an art,” Vice added.
Another takeaway Vice hopes audiences will get out of the show is that comedy takes different forms. “Para ‘pag nalaman nila na iba-iba yung comedy, malalaman nila na ‘Ah, hindi porket hindi ko ito nagustuhan, hindi na ito comedy. Maybe I’m not just the target market of this comedian,’” the host said.
“Because others would react, ‘Is that comedy?’ Kasi kung minsan, on Twitter (X) or on social media, kala mo kung sinong mga nakapag-aral ng anong history ng komedya ang mga tao na, ‘Comedy ba yan? Ganito ang comedy, dapat hindi ganyan.’ Wow! Yung ganun
“Just because you’re not the target audience doesn’t mean it’s not comedy. It’s a genre… There are many forms of comedy, and that’s what you’ll see in ‘LOL’ — a variety of comedic styles and approaches from comedians in the Philippines.” Vice also reflected on the challenges of being a comedian today, acknowledging the difficulty in making people laugh amidst current circumstances. The “It’s Showtime” host stressed the importance of “persistence” and “perseverance” in spreading joy through laughter.
“It really is very hard to make people laugh nowadays but you just have to keep going. You can’t stop. Imagine living in a world without funny people, without fun, ‘di ba?” said Vice. “Kailangan mong paikutin yung tawa sa mundo, kailangang hindi mo pahintuin yung tunog ng tawa sa mundo ‘di ba? I can’t imagine living in a world without hearing laughter or seeing people smile and enjoy themselves, rolling in laughter while watching comedy. That is extra painful. So, that’s why even if it’s hard, you have to keep going.” Nevertheless, Vice takes comfort in the fact that nothing is permanent, including challenging situations.
“Mababago din ang ikot ng mundo ‘di ba kasi pana panahon lang itong panahon (This time will pass, it’s just a phase). Life is really tough now because we came from a pandemic that put such intense fear in our hearts. The stress was so intense that we’re not over that yet, so people nowadays easily get angry, sensitive, and quick to get annoyed.
“And the political scene or climate in the Philippines will also change. Kasi ngayon malaking epekto ang takot sa mga certain personalities kaya ang mga tao rin ay natatakot ding magpatawa. Yung natatakot silang may masaling? They’re afraid of being called out.
“That fear really… don’t let fear consume you because it’s part of your job. You need to have courage to deliver your punchline,” Vice further said, also sharing words of advice to aspiring comedians.
“You have to have, right now, a strong personality to do you. And to do what you do. Kasi kung kahit gaano kaganda ang material mo, kahit gaano ka nakakatawa, kung mahina ang loob mo, lalamunin ka ng takot.”
Sharing more learnings from years of experience and success in the business, Vice also told comics still waiting for their break: “Embrace your craft. If you choose to be a comedian, you have to embrace it and take good care of that craft and hone it, develop it, reinvent it from time to time.”
As for comedians who are already making a name for themselves, Vice said, “My favorite advice to them is to save money. We can’t guarantee how long our careers will last, especially for gay comedians. Save money. You need to have savings.
For someone who has brought joy and laughter to many Filipino fans and households, The STAR asked: What or who makes Vice Ganda “LOL” or laugh out loud nowadays?
Vice was quick to mention two people — longtime partner Ion and mother Rosario.
On Ion: “Oo natatawa ako na hindi niya sinasadya. Mahiyain kasi yun, hindi siya palasalita. Kaya ‘pag kami, syempre kami magkasama lagi, yung sakin lang siya salita ng salita ng salita. Tawang tawa ako sa mga sinasabi niya na hindi niya alam na nakakatawa na minsan.
“I would remind him, ‘Sabihin mo yan sa Showtime ha.’ ‘(Sabihin niya) Bakit?’ ‘Nakakatawa kasi yun.’ ‘Wag mong… ginagawa mo (akong) komedyante.’ ‘Malay mo no yung komedyante ka pala hindi lang natin na-di-discover.’ Sobra siyang nakakatawa. He’s a natural.
“Yung pagiging natural niya ay natatawa ako sa kanya, hindi ko siya pinagtatawanan, alam mo yun? He makes me very happy, that’s why I laugh whenever I hear him.”
On mom Rosario: “Yung Nanay ko nakakatawa siya, oo, parang medyo jologs kaya minsan ayoko pinapa-interview, yung natatakot ako sa kanya, sobrang politically incorrect yung Nanay ko talaga na hindi mo pwedeng sabihin yan. Ganon din siya eh. Hindi naman siya aware sa ganun ‘di ba… Pero tawang-tawa talaga ako sa kanya, sa Nanay ko.”
Perea and the cast found inspiration for the vibe of their fun-loving, rag-tag group from the original "Twister" character, Dusty, played by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman.
"I know that I'm talking about one of the greatest actors of all time," Perea says. "Hopefully I can bring even just a pinkie-nail amount of that funkooky energy he brought to the film."
Director Lee Isaac Chung intentionally wanted to pay tribute to Hoffman and imbued some of Dusty's aesthetic onto Boone: "I also wanted to pay respect to Philip Seymour Hoffman, who was so beloved in 'Twister,' for playing this quirky, thrill-seeking character, Dusty, and whose spirit can be seen in the storm wranglers.
"Perhaps the most explicit of those homages are on Boone, Tyler's right-hand man and hype beast, played by Brandon, who rocks some tie-dye, and
Ruffa Gutierrez recalls untold
stories from her Binibini days 31 years ago
by Nathalie tomada Philstar.com
RUFFA Gutierrez fondly looked back on her Binibining Pilipinas days as the leading national pageant marked its 60th anniversary.
Ruffa was one of the main hosts of the finals night on Sunday, July 7 which saw Myrna Esguerra of Abra and Jasmin Bungay of Pampanga being crowned as Binibining Pilipinas International 2024 and Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2024, respectively. The coronation was made extra meaningful by the presence of Binibini titleholders through the years.
In an exclusive chat with The STAR, Ruffa shared her personal highlights from this year’s edition of Binibining Pilipinas, “Being reunited with more than 100 queens for the 60th anniversary of Bb. Pilipinas.”
“It was not only an iconic moment but nostalgic as well as I remembered my own journey as a beauty queen 31 years ago. March 21, 1993 to be exact when I competed and was crowned Bb. Pilipinas World 1993.”
Ruffa was only 18 years old at that time though she had already been courted to join when she was younger.
“At the tender age of 16, I already received offers to join Bb. Pilipinas because of my height. I kept saying no because I was so busy with my showbiz career doing countless movies with Regal Films, was a Monday mainstay of ‘That’s Entertainment’ and had two regular sitcoms, ‘Ready Na, Direk’ and ‘13,14,15,’” she recalled to The STAR
“After shooting a ‘Blowing Bubbles’ endorsement in Puerto Azul with Jun de Leon, I went to the Bb. Pilipinas screening straight from the beach with my curly hair and polka dot polo shirt to politely tell Madame Stella Marquez-Araneta that I wouldn’t be able to be a candidate that year. I was 50/50 and unsure of myself because I had zero preparations.”
However, a “walkout incident” that happened on the sidelines of the screenings emboldened the reluctant candidate to give the pageant a go at the last minute.
“Much to my surprise, while I was explaining myself to the BPCI executive committee on why I couldn’t join, nagkakagulo na pala outside. More than 60 percent of the aspiring beauty queens walked out. (They were saying) For sure, I was gonna win kasi artista daw ako. My
assistant even got involved in a fistfight with a catty candidate (laughs),” Ruffa shared.
“I was so shocked — the walkout actually boosted my confidence. I decided then and there that I would go for it. There was no turning back!”
Ruffa became a frontrunner to win the competition, eventually taking home the Binibining Pilipinas World crown.
Asked if she ever felt bad that she didn’t get the Binibining Pilipinas Universe title, which went to Dindi Gallardo at that time?
Ruffa said, “To be honest, I felt bad for a day because I grew up in California watching Miss Universe since I was eight years old. I would prance around wearing a plastic Miss Universe crown, cape and scepter in our garage.
“The day after coronation night, my parents told me over breakfast that I shouldn’t be sad because Miss World was just as prestigious. Eric and Julia Morley just struck a deal with business magnate Sol Kerzer and I would be flying to South Africa to represent the Philippines. It was God’s will and my destiny which I fully embraced.”
Revealing some untold stories as the Binibini representative to the international pageant, she shared, “I was thrilled to represent the Philippines in the Miss World Beauty Pageant that would take place in November
1993 at the Palace of the Lost City in Sun City, South Africa. The preliminaries were held in London, England. I was terrified because it was my first time to travel alone. I made a lot of friends but some candidates were competitive.
“The heels I was set to wear for the coronation were stolen from my room and were found under the bed of another candidate’s room. I made headlines in Sun City because during prepageant socials, I ordered fresh milk while everyone was having wine.”
Ruffa went on to be declared Miss World Second Princess, still considered one of the iconic moments in the pageantry world.
Looking back, such transition to beauty queen from being artista — interestingly, not the other way around as is most the case — was a major turning point in her career. “Being Miss Philippines and Miss World Second Princess 1993 has definitely made a significant impact in my life. It was the turning point from being a teenage movie and television star to a beauty pageant titleholder overnight,” Ruffa said.
“Many opportunities came my way. I launched my own foundation for less fortunate children, I traveled the world, and was definitely on top of the world. The rest is history as they would say.”
Now when asked to give some advice to the new Binibini queens, whose lives are about to experience major changes as well, Ruffa said, “My advice to the new set of Binibinis is not to be pressured, overwhelmed and most importantly, don’t lose sight of your authentic self.
“A lot has changed since I joined the world of pageantry 31 years ago — we had no social media back then. Now information is at your fingertips. Use this to your advantage — most especially, since the Philippines has the biggest, the best and most supportive pageant fans!” Interestingly, there are now pageant fans eyeing Ruffa’s children Venice and Lorin as beauty queen material. Will their mom allow them if ever they want to join a pageant?
Ruffa said, “Whatever my daughters decide to be, I will always be here to support them in their respective careers. I’m their biggest disciplinarian but also their number one cheerleader.”
Filipino-American actor Brandon Perea is now chasing storms in the epic disaster movie ‘Twisters.’ Photo from Instagram/@brandonperea
on Lily, played by Sasha Lane, the group's freespirited drone flyer, whose pants have swatches of floral fabric, all nods to Dusty's wardrobe prints," Chung adds. Perea, who was born and raised in Chicago, has always been proud of his Filipino and Puerto Rican roots in Hollywood. Catch him and the gang as they wrangle tornadoes in "Twisters," opening in Philippine cinemas on July 17.
Ruffa Gutierrez Photo from Instagram/@iloveruffag
Celebrity couple Jak Roberto and Barbie Forteza Photo from Instagram/@jakroberto
Vice Ganda hosts ‘LOL: Last One Laughing Philippines.’ The top TV host-comedian admits that ‘it’s hard to make people laugh nowadays, but you just have to keep going.’ Photo from Instagram/@praybeytbenjamin
Bev Llorente launches new talk show ‘Ano Na, BEV: Best Expressed Views’ on TFC
LOS ANGELES – The Filipino Channel (TFC) is thrilled to announce the premiere of its newest talk show, 'Ano Na, BEV: Best Expressed Views,' hosted and produced by the internationally acclaimed and award-winning veteran journalist, Bev Llorente. The show is set to debut on July 14, 2024, promising to bring viewers inspiring stories and in-depth interviews with some of the most remarkable trailblazers, child wonders, and talented individuals from around the globe.
'Ano Na, BEV' will feature a diverse range of guests who have made significant impacts in their respective fields, offering viewers an opportunity to hear firsthand from those who have excelled and inspired. Bev Llorente, known for her incisive journalism and captivating storytelling, will bring her unique perspective and engaging interview style to the forefront, making each episode a must-watch.
"I am incredibly excited to bring 'Ano Na, BEV' to TFC. This show is about celebrating the achievements and stories of extraordinary individuals who continue to inspire and break boundaries. I look forward to
sharing these conversations with our viewers and highlighting the incredible talent within our community," said Bev Llorente. The show's format will include personal interviews, behind-thescenes insights, and exclusive features, providing an in-depth look at the lives and journeys of the guests. Whether it’s a child prodigy making waves in the arts, a trailblazing entrepreneur reshaping industries, or a talented artist captivating audiences, 'Ano Na, BEV' will be the platform where their stories are best
expressed.
Tune in to 'Ano Na, BEV: Best Expressed Views' starting July 14, 2024, on TFC. Don’t miss the chance to be inspired by the stories of some of the most dynamic and influential figures today. The show will air at the following times:
NOLA: Sunday, 3:50 PM Pacific
EMEA: Saturday, 5:15 PM
Saudi / London
ASIA: Saturday, 10:30 AM Hong Kong / Singapore
GUAM: Saturday, 12:30 PM Guam
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District to host launch of National ‘Check Out Your Library’ initiative
Las Vegas stops feature appearance by award-winning author Julia Whelan, interactive library vehicle, and more
LAS VEGAS – This week, the leading brands in digital content for libraries and schools, including Libby, Sora, and Kanopy, announced the launch of "Check Out Your Library," a multi-year effort that aims to reconnect millions of Americans with the invaluable resources and stories housed within libraries. Las Vegas will be the first stop on Check Out Your Library’s nationwide Fiction and Film tour on July 17, 2024. The Fiction and Film Tour features the interactive and postworthy Library Vehicle (LV), previously known as the OverDrive Digital Bookmobile, which will stop at Sunrise Library, Rainbow Library, and AREA15, an immersive entertainment district.
“At the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, our customers are encouraged to learn, to grow, to change, and to explore new experiences, both in our buildings and on our website,” said Kelvin Watson, executive director. “The OverDrive Film and Fiction Tour is bringing to life the books and movies that this company provides to enhance our digital collection. We invite the Las Vegas community to join us for one of three free events in July.”
On July 17 at Sunrise Library and July 18 at Rainbow Library, visitors will be invited to step inside the 53-foot-long LV and discover how they can check out ebooks, audiobooks, magazines, movies, TV shows, and more
for free from their library using OverDrive’s Libby and Kanopy apps, and through school libraries using the Sora app. Throughout the events, attendees can relive the magic of their childhood library visits while learning about exciting upcoming library programs and the incredible free services offered by Las Vegas-Clark County Library District. Guests can also get a FREE library card and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to New York City.
The Las Vegas events will culminate with a unique and engaging Marquee Event at AREA15 on July 20. Guests will enjoy a special story time and two readings by renowned
Father and son duo light up the stage at The Cosmopolitan, Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS – A heartwarming scene unfolded at The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino as Nonoy Zuniga, the celebrated King of Pop Ballads from the Philippines, and his son, Ziggy Zuniga, delivered an impromptu performance at The Barbershop. The emotional moment resonated deeply with the audience as the duo performed the timeless tune, "It's not time to make a change, just relax, take it easy."
Nonoy Zuniga, captivated by his son's talent, watched with pride as Ziggy showcased his musical prowess. Reflecting on the performance, Nonoy shared his amazement: "I'm very proud. I didn't expect that from Ziggy. I thought he was simple. Like most parents, you always see your children as kids. Seeing him perform was a revelation."
Nonoy reminisced about Ziggy's shy nature growing up, believing his son had hidden his musical talents. However, Ziggy's determination led him to hone his skills, primarily through YouTube, evolving from basic guitar chords to mastering various instruments. "Aside from his voice, he's a real performer. He's bolder than I am on stage. You need to command yourself and bring out a good performance," Nonoy noted.
Despite their differing musical genres, Nonoy deeply appreciates Ziggy's passion and respect for his own talent. "We're 40 years apart in our songs, but he sings with gusto and passion. He engages with his audience," Nonoy proudly stated.
Beyond his music, Nonoy attributes his enduring success in the Philippine entertainment industry to maintaining the right attitude. He emphasized, "Songs identified with you are crucial, but it's also about attitude. You
could be the best singer, but if you're arrogant and disrespectful, it's a no!"
Nonoy advised aspiring artists to have multiple original songs to sustain their careers. "If you want to become known, you need original songs, not just one. After a hit song, you need to have
another ready. Even five songs can ensure you're remembered." Nonoy Zuniga has concerts lined up in both the Philippines and the U.S. in the coming months, promising more memorable performances for his fans. (Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN News, Las Vegas)
Health @Heart
PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS
ARE you taking multivitamins like more than 100 million Americans?
Published last Wednesday, July 3, a new study from the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that multivitamins of any kind “won’t help extend your life.” The claim of improved longevity among those taking multivitamins daily is “not medically supported.”
The clinical research posted on JAMA Network Open, involved “400,000 adults over 20 years, participants with a median age of 61.5 years old, were generally healthy, with no history of chronic diseases.”
The study “found no evidence that daily multivitamin consumption reduced the risk of death from conditions such as heart disease or cancer.”
“Rather than living longer, otherwise healthy people who took daily multivitamins were slightly more likely (4%) than non-users to die in the study period,” according to researchers, who also reported “nearly 165,000 deaths occurring during the follow-up period of the study, out of the initial group of 390,000 participants.”
Those with vitamin deficiency obviously need and will benefit from taking multivitamins, or vitamins they are deficient in. Those not eating properly or are on a diet would also benefit from multivitamins.
Vitamin D3, up to 5000 IU, is a strongly recommended supplement for daily intake. Always consult with your physicians about your medications.
Plant-based diet
Studies in the United States and abroad show that the best diet is plant-based. The Mediterranean diet, minus the lectin-containing items in them, is the best diet overall. Beans, legumes, whole grains, contain lectin, like the Nightshade vegetables: Eggplant, potato, tomato, pepper, paprika. Lectins are inflammatory food items that disrupt our microbiome balance in the gut, which causes various ailments. Nightshade veggies aggravate arthritis pain.
Peeling tomatoes and removing the seeds reduces its lectin content. Cooking also lessens the level of lectin.
Red meat consumption is linked to increased cardiovascular illnesses, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Limiting red meat to, perhaps, twice a week, is the current medical recommendation.
Burnt barbeque meats and veggies, with “charcoal” edges, have been linked to pancreatic and other cancers. The high heat, with oil dripping from the meat hitting the charcoal emits carcinogenic fumes that flow upwards and gets absorbed by the meat.
Mental exercise
Daily physical exercise reduces the risk for cancer, besides promoting cardiovascular and metabolic health. It also lowers the risk for anxiety and depression. Exercise produces
Multivitamin warning!
healthy hormones that leads to a healthier body and well-being. Akin to exercising our muscles, exercising the brain daily, with challenges for mental acuity and retentive memory and cognition, results in a “younger, healthier” brain. It also reduces the risk for dementia, like Alzheimer’s.
Alcohol unsafe
There was a time when alcohol, especially wine, was considered healthy, like wine with lunch and dinner. Even pregnant women indulged. Then the medical recommendation was reduced to two drinks a day for men and one for women, abstinence for pregnant mothers. A decade or so later, in the 1990s, it was reduced to just one a day, preferably with dinner. Zero for those pregnant. Today, studies showed that there is no safe level for alcohol consumption. Even one drink is considered unhealthy for the liver, brain, and kidneys. And beer is deemed even worse. Self-imposed prohibition, among a minority with a strong willpower, appears to be popular today.
Latest warnings
Here are some of the latest health alerts:
• Pet food recalled, possible Salmonella health risk (https:// www.emergencyemail.org/ newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37111&z=63)
• Eggs recalled due to misbranding and undeclared allergens (https://www. emergencyemail.org/ newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37100&z=63)
• Chicken recalled due to possible Listeria contamination (https://www.emergencyemail. org/newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37100&z=63)
• Power adapters recalled, risk of shock hazard (https:// www.emergencyemail.org/ newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37078&z=63)
• Drinks recalled, potential safety concern (https:// www.emergencyemail.org/ newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37077&z=63)
• Pajamas recalled, violate the federal flammability standards (https://www.emergencyemail. org/newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37065&z=63)
• Cones, chocolate bars and gummies recalled, toxic levels of muscimol (https:// www.emergencyemail.org/ newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37056&z=63)
• Bookcase recall, due to tipover and entrapment hazards (https://www.emergencyemail. org/newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37049&z=63)
• Pet food recall, Listeria monocytogenes (https:// www.emergencyemail.org/ newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37044&z=63)
• Vacuums recalled fire hazard (https://www.emergencyemail. org/newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37036&z=63)
• Nuts recalled, potential Salmonella contamination (https://www.emergencyemail. org/newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37022&z=63)
• Spinach recall, potential Listeria monocytogenes
contamination (https:// www.emergencyemail.org/ newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=37017&z=63)
• Muffin recall, risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction (https://www.emergencyemail. org/newsemergency/anmviewer. asp?a=36999&z=63).
Identity theft
A plague in our generation today is identity theft, which will adversely affect the mental and emotional health of victims. The common venues of this popular fraudulent scheme are social media, internet, email, phone and mail. It could come as an email “from an old friend, asking for money transfer,” a letter saying you won a lottery, a call that invites you to invest with a guaranteed income of 20% or higher, a letter informing you that you have been named in a will as a beneficiary, even a scheme that alleges your son or daughter is being held hostage, asking for a ransom, etc.
All these modus operandi just to get your personal information (I.D., social security, Medicare, bank account data). The movie “The Beekeeper” vividly shows scammers in an actual onsite operation.
Victims of identity theft or any scam could report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission, or FTC, via Oig@ftc.gov), to IdentityTheft.gov, and to the three major credit reporting agencies: TransUnion, Experian, Equifax. The FTC adds your report to the FTC Consumer Sentinel database. This is a secure online database that is used by civil and criminal law enforcement authorities worldwide. The FTC also uses this information to track patterns and trends.
A healthy degree of paranoia is very effective in avoiding identity theft. This preventive mindset and a disciplined consciousness will ensure personal, financial, and emotional well-being and security.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.
* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
Las Vegas-Clark County Library District to host...
author and audiobook narrator Julia Whelan. Whelan, known for her novel My Oxford Year and narrating bestsellers like Emily Henry’s Funny Story, will engage with fans during a live Q&A session.
"My local public library was a second home to me growing up — I was always front and center at Storytime — and libraries are still so meaningful to me," says Whelan. "I am so excited to be joining the Check Out Your Library initiative on the Fiction and Film Tour. I love talking with book and audiobook fans. Getting to do that while celebrating and supporting libraries? The cherry on top. I can’t wait to see everyone in Las Vegas!"
Event Details:
GMA Sparkle artists tour in US, Canada and Japan; Widows’ War begins
PHILIPPINE Stagers Foundation (PSF), or simply Philstagers, celebrated recently its 24th foundation’s anniversary at Luxent Hotel in Quezon City. It was graced by awardees Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte and Nunungan, Lanao del Norte Mayor Marcos Mamay. Also in attendance were FAMAS president and chairman of the board Francia “Cheche” Conrado, director Afi Africa and La Sallian surgeon Dr. Librado Toledo Jr.
Philstagers, the Philippines’ No. 1 mobile theatre company, is headed by its president and 70th FAMAS Awards best supporting actor Johnrey Rivas. It is chaired by award-winning writer-actordirector Atty. Vince M. Tanada, a renaissance man.
Winners of the Stagers of the Year were as follows: John Paul Santos (for production arts and sciences), Nicole Laurel Asensio (films), Dave Pajanustan (music), Yvonne Ensomo (drama), Godfrey Astronomo (dance), Renz Saavedra (ensemble player), and Chin Ortega (comedy).
* * * In the soft opening of PSF Blackbox Theatre on Calabash A corner G. Tuazon Street in Balic-Balic, Sampaloc, Manila, Philstagers showcased, after 35 years, the five short-act “SA series” (at the carwash, carinderia, rooftop, beauty parlor and dilapidated house or barongbarong) of Vince M. Tanada when he was 16 years old. It was a successful show.
* * * Sparkle GMA Artist Center is picking up the pace as they extend their world tour and bring five shows to global Pinoys in the U.S., Canada and Japan.
The first show will be held on August 9, 2024 at the City National Grove of Anaheim, California, bringing Isko Moreno, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Boobay, Julie Ann San Jose, Rayver Cruz, and Alden Richards, to be produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center and Sky Beverly Hills, in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV. For tickets, you may contact Sky Beverly Hills at (626) 383-9201. This will be followed by a show in South San Francisco High School in San Francisco, California on August 10, 2024 to be produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center and BLVCK Enterainment, in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV. For tickets, you can go to eventbrite.com.
On August 11, 2024, Alden Richards and Boobay will perform at Southview Alliance Church in Calgary, Canada to be produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Berce Enterprises, and V. Fons Productions, in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV. For tickets, please contact Vangie Fons at (587) 8341820 or Ruvie Cruz at (403) 9750085.
On August 17, 2024, the duo
will bring their out-of-the-ordinary combo to Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue, North York, Toronto, Canada and will be produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center, Taste of Manila and the Society of Philippine Artists, Recreation and Community, in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV. Finally, Ruru Madrid, Bianca Umali, Jillian Ward, Ken Chan, Rayver Cruz, Julie Anne San Jose and Betong Sumaya will bring joy to Filipinos in Nerima City, Tokyo, Japan on September 1, 2024. The Asia leg of the world tour will be produced by Sparkle GMA Artist Center and One Network, in partnership with GMA Pinoy TV. (For tickets, you may contact 03-68683880/080-43476888 or One Network Co. Ltd.’s official Facebook account.)
* * * Musical film “A Thousand Forests,” produced by UP Los Banos and I.Syoot Multimedia Production and directed by Hanz Florentino, stars seven children, namely Dennah Bautista, Qhlouey Moreno, Santino Juan Santiago, James Mavie Estrella, Prince Espana, Venice Bismonte, and Ramjean Entera. It also stars Dominic Ochoa, Rolando Inocencio, Butchoy Ubaldo, Chai Fonacier, Aileen Sahibod, Cath Salazar, Jeffrey Hidalgo, Leslie Lina, Trina Tolentino, and Cai Cortez.
film shows the essence of protecting our environment.
is being
in more than 50 theatres in the Philippines.
*
* * From the successes of “Widows’ Web” and “Royal Blood” comes GMA Network’s newest murder mystery drama, “Widows’ War,” starring Bea Alonzo and Carla Abellana in the lead roles and directed by Zig Dulay.
GMA Entertainment Group’s latest masterpiece boasts of a powerhouse ensemble, including Benjamin Alves, Rafael Rossell, Tonton Gutierrez, Jeric Gonzales, Juancho Trivino, Jackie Lou Blanco, Lito Pimentel, Timmy Cruz, Rita Daniela, Royce Cabrera, Lovely Rivero, James Graham, Charlie Fleming, Matthew Uy, and Ms. Jean Garcia.
Based on the original concept of RJ Nuevas and Ken de Leon, “Widows’ War” revolves around Sam (played by Bea) and George (by Carla), former best friends who will go head-to-head to find out who between them is the real sinner or saint.
Global Pinoys can catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV.
* * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. * * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
• Sunrise Library (5400 Harris Ave.): Wednesday, July 17, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM • Rainbow Library (3150 N. Buffalo Dr.): Thursday, July 18, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
• AREA15 Marquee Event: Saturday, July 20, 12:00 PM6:00 PM To learn more about Check Out Your Library and join the initiative, visit checkoutyourlibrary.com/ vegas to discover local events and find ways to get involved with your library.
This
The movie
shown
Rogelio ConStantino MeDina
“A thousand Forests” cast members (standing, from left) Venice Bismonte, Qhlouey Moreno, James Mavie Estrella, Santino Juan Santiago; (seated, from left) Prince Espana, Dennah Bautista and Ramjean Entera. Photos courtesy of Rogelio Constantino Medina
At the Philstagers 24th anniversary event (from left): Marcos Mamay, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Vince Tanada and JR Rivas.
Sparkle GMA artists and other photos during the grand presscon for their upcoming world tour.
Carla Abellana (left) with columnist Rogelio Medina
Bea Alonzo (left) and Carla Abellana take the lead roles in the new GMA teleserye “Widows’ War.”
