Anti-Muslim, Jewish and LGBTQ hate crimes are on the rise in California
DESPITE an overall decrease in the number of hate crimes reported in California, biasmotivated attacks against Muslims, Jews, and the LGBTQ community are on the rise in California, according to the 2023 Annual Hate Crimes report released by Attorney General Rob Bonta.
In 2023, a total of 1,970 hate crimes were reported by law enforcement agencies in California, a drop from 2022, in which 2,120 bias attacks were reported. In 2021, 2,180 hate crimes were reported throughout the state. Hate crimes based on sexual orientation continued to rise, with 405 overall, a spike from 391 in 2022. Jewish people were the most frequent targets of religiouslymotivated hate crimes in California: 289 attacks were reported in 2023, exactly 100 more than the previous year. Hate crimes targeting Muslims also rose from 25 in 2022
One year after a rmative action is overturned, what’s next for higher ed?
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
Marcos to Quiboloy: Come out from hiding
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 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.
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.
Philippines-US nuclear deal for ‘peaceful uses’ takes e ect
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.
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
at an economic summit in San Francisco, California.
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 information for nuclear research and civil
Filipinos among most positive globally, but sadness takes a toll – Gallup
MANILA — The Philippines ranked among the 10 countries with the highest positive experiences in 2023, a worldwide poll showed.
In D.C.-based firm Gallup's 2024 Global Emotions Report, the country scored 82 of 100 on the Positive Experience Index.
This means 82% of Filipinos reported more positive emotions the day before the survey was conducted.
The score puts the Philippines in the fifth place globally on par with Malaysia, Senegal and Thailand, indicating that pleasant feelings are more
pervasive than negative ones. Notably, 75% of Filipino adults reported learning or doing something interesting the day before the 2023 survey, ranking them third in the world. This is well above the global average of 54%.
While the Philippines' positive experience score of 82 is still among the highest in the world in 2023, it was lower than the 85 it garnered in the 2022 Gallup survey.
Not all feel-good
While the country scored highly on positive experiences,
"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
a P10-million
PNP eyes charges vs Rodrigo Duterte for ‘obstructing’ search for Pastor Quiboloy
by CRISTINA CHI Philstar.com
KLARIZE MEDENILLA AJPress
by CRISTINA CHI Philstar.com
Maureen and Karen shower their five-year-old niece Altea with kisses during their bonding time
Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City on Saturday, July 6. On International Kissing Day, it is another opportunity to show affection toward people valuable in one’s life. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
Marcos to Quiboloy: Come out...
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 co-accused.
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
PNP eyes charges vs Rodrigo Duterte for...
pesos, to locate these people. It's the obligation of citizens to help the government," he added.
This comes after Duterte told reporters in Tacloban City on June 1 that he knows where the Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder is but that he would keep the information "secret."
Duterte is a close ally of Quiboloy and volunteered to manage KOJC properties in March after the controversial preacher was cited in contempt for failing to show up to a Senate committee inquiry about the sexual abuse and human
trafficking allegations against him. The Senate has since ordered his arrest.
Quiboloy also has standing warrants of arrest from the Davao City and Pasig City courts for child sexual abuse and human trafficking cases.
In June, heavily armed law enforcement authorities barged into Quiboloy's compounds in Davao City to serve a warrant of arrest against him and his other KOJC companions.
Civilians vocal about protecting Quiboloy attempted to stop authorities from entering the three KOJC properties, resulting
in a scuffle that wounded at least three KOJC members.
Marbil said that he has already ordered the PNP legal service to pursue a case against Duterte because of the difficulties that cops face when trying to serve warrants of arrest against Quiboloy.
"Every time we go there, when we serve a warrant of arrest, someone gets hurt. That's what we want to avoid: innocent people being used to protect fugitives," Marbil said in a mix of English and Filipino.
On Monday, Interior and Local Government chief Benhur Abalos announced a P10 million reward for anyone who can provide information that will lead to Quiboloy's arrest.
A P1 million reward will also be given to any informant who can provide the whereabouts of Quiboloy's subordinates facing child sexual abuse charges, specifically Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Camanes and Jackiely Roy.
On top of his pending cases in the Philippines, Quiboloy is also wanted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation for human rights violations, including sexual abuse of minors.
One year after affirmative action is overturned...
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.
“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 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 u PAGE 5
“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.”
PAUNAWA NG PANGKALAHATANG MUNISIPAL NA HALALAN
IPINAHAHAYAG DITO ANG PAUNAWA na ang isang Pangkalahatang Munisipal na Halalan, kasama ang Pangkalahatang Halalan ng Pangulo, ay gaganapin sa Lungsod ng Menlo Park sa Martes, Nob. 5, 2024, para sa mga sumusunod na tanggapan:
Dalawang posisyon ng Konseho ng Lungsod para sa mga termino ng apat na taon sa Distrito 3 at 5
Ang mga botohan ay magbubukas sa pagitan ng mga oras ng 7 a.m. at 8 p.m. sa Araw ng Halalan sa Nob. 5, 2024.
Magbubukas ang mga lugar ng maagang pagboto sa loob ng 29 na araw bago ang Araw ng Halalan at sa pagitan ng mga oras na 7 a.m. at 8 p.m. sa Araw ng Halalan
Ang mga kandidato ay dapat na mga rehistradong botante at residente ng distrito kung saan sila tumatakbo mula sa petsa ng pasugsumite ng kanilang mga dokumento sa nominasyon. Ang lahat ng mga dokumento ng nominasyon ay dapat kunin at ibalik kay Judi A. Herren, Kleriko ng Lungsod, sa City Hall Administration Building, 701 Laurel St., Ikalawang palapag, Menlo Park, California.
Magbubukas ang oras ng nominasyon sa Lunes, Hulyo 15, 2024 at magtatapos sa Biyernes, Agosto 9, 2024 sa ganap na 5 p.m. Kung ang isang kasalukuyang nanunungkulan ay hindi maghain ng mga dokumento ng nominasyon bago ang Agosto 9, 2024 sa 5 p.m., ang paghahain para sa opisinang iyon ay palalawigin nang limang araw hanggang Agosto 14, 2024 sa 5 p.m., para sa sinuman, maliban sa kasalukuyang nanunungkulan.
Ang Lungsod ay may binagong iskedyul ng oras ng trabaho Ang mga oras ng opisina para sa mga dokumento sa nominasyon ng kandidato ay sa pamamagitan lamang ng appointment Maaaring mag-iskedyul ng mga appointment sa pamamagitan
Former President Rodrigo Duterte with Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder and leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy during a pre-recorded TV interview of the Sonshine Media Network International in Davao City aired in 2022. Malacañang file photo by Joey Dalumpines
Muni receives highest customer rating in over 20 years
SAN FRANCISCO – Recently, Mayor London N. Breed and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) officials announced that Muni received its highest customer rating in over 20 years. The survey found that 72% of Muni riders rated service as good or excellent, an increase from 66% last year and the highest rating since annual customer surveys started in 2001.
This improvement comes as the on ridership on key Muni lines has surpassed 2019 levels. The Muni Rapid bus lines reached 116% of pre-COVID ridership. The Muni Rapid Network prioritizes reliability and frequency in the city’s busiest transit corridors. The SFMTA increased service across the system prior to the pandemic and recently expanded connections to the Bayview, Mission Bay, and the Presidio.
Additional key improvements in the survey found:
• Frequency of service: 63% excellent/good up from 51% in 2022
• Reliability/on-time performance: 60% excellent/good up from 47% in 2022
• Accurate arrival estimates: 64% excellent/good up from 49% in 2022
• Trip time: 69% excellent/ good up from 64% in 2022.
To improve service for customers coming out of the pandemic, SFMTA has focused on making Muni reliable, safe, and clean.
• Muni is reliable: Muni ser-
vice is more reliable than ever, with faster buses and fewer subway delays from improved maintenance strategies. Major subway delays have fallen 76% since 2019, and short delays are down 89%.
• Muni is safe: SFMTA has launched key strategies to make vehicles and stations safer than ever. This includes adding staff and using cameras to deter criminal activity and to help the police address crimes when issues arise. SFMTA has also focused on driver safety so that operators are better protected from harassment or any threats.
• Muni is clean: SFMTA has prioritized cleaning vehicles and transit platforms and shelters, so that riders have a positive experience whether they are waiting for their next ride or on a bus or train.
“Riders are recognizing our focused investment and efforts to bring Muni back and make it reliable, safe, and clean,” said Mayor Breed. “An efficient and reliable Muni is essential for driving our economy, supporting workers, and connecting residents across neighborhoods. I want to thank our Muni workforce, from our operators behind the wheel to our maintenance workers in the yards and our ambassadors and support staff across the entire system. Let’s keep doing the work to keep Muni rolling.”
“Thanks to the creativity and commitment of our staff, Muni is safer, faster, cleaner, and more
reliable than it’s been in decades,” said Jeff Tumlin, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “Our passengers have noticed. Muni ridership continues to grow, with our most popular routes exceeding pre-COVID levels, and we have the best approval ratings we've seen in over two decades.”
“San Francisco’s future depends on being able to deliver safe, reliable and abundant public transportation,” said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who also serves as Chair of the and SFCTA. “Even in the challenging post-COVID environment, the city has been able to prioritize investments in transit, and these survey results vindicate those investments. I am proud that the County Transportation Authority has been able to contribute to the effort and congratulate the MTA on this great news.”
“Muni is more reliable now than it has ever been in my lifetime,” said Amanda Eaken, Chair of the SFMTA Board of Directors. “The team has been innovative and determined in their goal to deliver high quality service and the results are there to show for it.”
These are the top line results from the survey. The full results will be released this July. The survey was conducted between February 12, 2024, and April 2, 2024. 553 interviews were conducted in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
(SF Mayor’s Office Release)
PH Consulate meets with Global Maharlika Foundation to discuss community initiatives
SAN FRANCISCO – Philippine
Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer met with Don Orozco, executive director of nonprofit Global Maharlika Foundation, Inc. (GMF), to explore collaborative efforts aimed at empowering the Filipino community.
Mr. Orozco presented GMF’s upcoming projects that aim to promote Philippine culture and talent, especially of the Filipino American diaspora in California.
“The Consulate General aims to continue to support initiatives by Filipino American organizations like GMF that aim to create a positive impact and foster the community’s growth,” said Consul General Ferrer.
Also present at the meeting were Yoliesil Pontino, GMF’s
Google Translate now includes Hiligaynon, Kapampangan and more
“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
Until recently, Google Translate expanded to include even more of the country’s regional languages. This update includes more regional languages from Luzon and the Visayas, such as Bikol, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Pangasinan and Waray.
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)
Seated, from left: Thelma Orozco, Don Orozco, Melissa Ann Layson, ConGen Neil Frank Ferrer, Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, Vice Consul Adrian Audrey Baccay and Yoliesil Pontino. San Francisco PCG photo
Executive vice president and director, Thelma Orozco, Melissa Ann Layson, owner of home care provider MeliCor Home Care,
Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, Vice Consul Adrian Audrey Baccay, and Economic Assistant Jennifer Sto. Domingo. g
SUSPENDED. The construction of the new Senate building in Chino Roces Avenue Extension, Taguig City, photographed on Tuesday, July 9, is on halt for now. Senate President Francis Escudero ordered a comprehensive review amid escalating costs while the Department of Public Works and
Highways said the construction is already delayed by 852 days as of July 3 due to variation orders.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Anti-Muslim, Jewish and LGBTQ hate crimes...
to 40 last year.
Few convictions
Consistent with previous years, Black people were overwhelmingly the most frequent victims of hate attacks: 518 in 2023, a significant drop from 652 in 2022. 679 hate crime cases were sent to prosecutors in 2023, a small rise from previous years. 224 cases
LUNGSOD NG SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO PAUNAWA NG PANGKALAHATANG
MUNISIPAL NA ELEKSYON
IBIBIGAY DITO ANG PAUNAWA na ang Pangkalahatang
Munisipal na eleksyon ay gaganapin sa Lungsod ng South San Francisco sa Martes, Nobyembre 05, 2024, para sa mga sumusunod na Tanggapan:
Isang (1) Miyembro ng City Council District 2 Buong termino ng apat na (4) taon
Isang (1) Miyembro ng City Council District 4 Buong termino ng apat na (4) taon Ang panahon ng nominasyon para sa bawat isa sa mga nabanggit na Tanggapan ay magsisimula sa Hulyo 15, 2024, at magsasara sa Agosto 09, 2024, sa ganap na 5:00 p.m. Kung ang mga papeles ng nominasyon para sa nanunungkulan na opisyal ng Lungsod ay hindi naihain bago ang Agosto 09, 2024 (ang ika-88 araw bago ang halalan) hanggang Agosto 14, 2024 lang ito sa mga botante (ang ika-83 araw bago ang halalan) upang magmungkahi ng mga kandidato maliban sa tao na nanunungkulan sa ika-88 araw bago ang halalan, para sa elective office ng nanunungkulan na iyon. Ang ekstensiyon na ito ay hindi naaangkop kung saan walang hinirang o nahalal na nanunungkulan na karapatdapat na mahalal. Kung wala o isang tao lamang ang nominado para sa elektibong opisina, ang appointment sa elektibong opisina ay maaaring gawin ayon sa inihatol ng Seksyon 10229, Elections Code ng Estado ng California. Ang mga botohan sa Araw ng Halalan - Nobyembre 05, 2024 - ay magbubukas sa pagitan ng mga oras ng 7:00 a.m. at 8:00 p.m. /s/ Rosa Govea Acosta, MPA, MMC, CPMC City Clerk, City of South San Francisco
7/12/24
CNS-3830252# ASIAN JOURNAL (NORTHERN CALIF.)
were rejected, and 322 were filed with hate crime charges. Of those, 15 were not convicted, 43 were convicted on other charges, and 57 pleaded guilty/no lo contendre.
Only 5 hate crimes cases went to trial last year. In 2022, 6 biasmotivated cases went to trial in California, and in 2021, just one case went to trial, out of the 610 cases referred to prosecutors.
Hate crimes hard to prove
Speaking to Ethnic Media Services last April on the sidelines of the United Against Hate summit at Fresno City College, Bonta noted that hate crimes are notoriously difficult to prosecute.
“They require a proof of intent. By design, a hate crime must originate with the hate element, which is often difficult to establish,” he said. “Hate crimes are an augmentation of sentencing: it is seen as something additional. You’re already charging assault or battery,” said Bonta, noting that a successful hate crime conviction might add just 2 to 5 years to a sentence.
“The California Department of Justice has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to hate, and will continue working with law enforcement, elected leaders, and community organizations across the state to keep our communities safe through education, prevention, and enforcement,”
said Bonta on the release of the hate crimes report. Islamophobia and anti-semitism
The Council on American Islamic Relations said July 2 that it welcomed the release of the new data.
“This report underscores the critical need to address the persistent and growing issue of hate crimes targeting Muslim, Palestinian, and Arab communities,” said CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Managing Attorney Brittney Rezaei.
“Despite an overall decrease in hate crimes, the alarming rise in anti-Muslim bias incidents, which have increased by 60%, is a stark reminder of the pervasive impact of Islamophobic rhetoric and actions that have intensified since Oct. 7, further endangering and marginalizing these vulnerable communities,” she said.
In April, the Anti-Defamation League released a report noting an alarming spike in hate crimes in Los Angeles. ADL found that in 2023, the Jewish community in Los Angeles experienced 503 recorded incidents — up 112 percent from 237 incidents in 2022 — including 326 incidents of harassment — up 120 percent from 143 in 2022 — and 159 incidents of vandalism of businesses, places of worship and schools, up 85 percent from 86 in 2022. (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)
Biden-Harris campaign launches...
the coalition will provide voters with “culturally competent and linguistically appropriate” materials to help AANHPI voters stay informed on the most crucial issues for AANHPI communities— such as health care, immigration, public safety, and others.
The team kicked off the coalition on Tuesday in Las Vegas and will visit Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Georgia in the coming weeks. 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 BidenTrump.
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
Filipinos among most positive globally...
the Philippines did not rank exceptionally low on negative ones. The country reported a score of 35 of 100 on the Negative Experience Index.
The Philippines' negative experience score is higher than the global average of 31. Filipinos also had the
highest reported loneliness in Southeast Asia, a region that leads globally in positive experiences. With 34% reporting feeling sad the day prior, the Philippines' score is higher than the global average of 23%.
The report, released earlier this month, was based on
nationally representative samples of at least 1,000 citizens aged 15 and older from each of the 142 countries surveyed face-to-face or over the telephone. The margin of sampling error ranges between ±2.2 and ±5.5 percentage points at the
confidence level.
Philippines-US nuclear deal for ‘peaceful...
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 longterm 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.
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. g
PALARONG PAMBANSA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, July 9 acknowledged the Palarong Pambansa as the country’s pinnacle of national sporting events. In his speech at the opening ceremony for the sporting event at the Cebu City Sports Center, the president said Palarong Pambansa is the country’s main platform where future record holders and Olympic champions are honed. “Today, we continue this important legacy, celebrating not just the games but also celebrating the unity, the camaraderie, and the national pride that these games inspire,” President Marcos said. Malacañang photo
SWS: 44% of Filipinos see improved quality of life in next 12 months
by AdriAn PArungAo, FAith Argosino Inquirer.net
MANILA — Forty-four percent of Filipino adults expect their quality of life to improve in the next 12 months, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey.
The survey showed that 44 percent of Filipinos believe their quality of life would improve (optimists), another 44 percent see no change, 7 percent think it would worsen (pessimists), and the remaining 6 percent did not respond.
The survey was conducted from March 21 to 25 using face-to-face interviews with 1,500 adults 18 years old and older.
Six hundred survey participants are from Balance
Luzon or areas outside Metro Manila within Luzon, and 300 each from Metro Manila, Visayas, and Mindanao.
“The sampling error margins are ±2.5 percent for national percentages, ±4.0 percent for Balance Luzon, and ±5.7 percent each for Metro Manila, the Visayas, and Mindanao,” SWS said.
The data also revealed that net personal optimism (the percentage of optimists subtracted by the percentage of pessimists) has slightly decreased to +37 compared to SWS’ last survey in December, which was at 39+ — both classified as “very high.”
“Compared to December 2023, Net Personal Optimism fell from excellent to very high in Mindanao, down by 11 points from +43 to +32.
It stayed excellent in Metro Manila, although down by 5 points from +47 to +42,” SWS said on Monday. “It stayed high in the Visayas, although down by 3 points from +27 to +24. It stayed excellent in Balance Luzon, up by 4 points from +40 to +44,” SWS added.
In addition, SWS found that 46 percent of Filipino families believe they are poor, 30 percent said they are “borderline” (by placing themselves on a horizontal line dividing poor and not poor), and 23 percent said they are not poor.
Net personal optimism was also highest at +49 for adults who consider themselves “not poor,” followed by those who are “borderline” at +43, and lowest at +28 for adults who consider themselves “poor.” g
Aquino grandsons pay visit to first lady
by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net
JAMES Carlos "Bimby"
Aquino-Yap Jr. and Joshua Aquino, sons of actress and TV host Kris Aquino and nephews of the late President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, visited First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in her office on Tuesday, July 9.
No Marcos order to revise history, says Angara
by MArc JAyson cAyAbyAb Philstar.com
MANILA — There was no order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to revise history in the education curriculum, including the teaching of martial law in schools, according to incoming Education Secretary Sonny Angara.
In a dwIZ radio interview on Monday, July 8, Angara said the president’s instruction to him was to make the teaching of history more fun and “conversational.”
“The president did not single out any period in our history,” the senator said when asked if the president wanted to whitewash his family’s role during the martial law period when his father, the late strongman Ferdinand Sr., held on to power until he was ousted in a people power revolt in 1986.
“What he said was he wants our children to learn history and be taught correctly,” Angara added.
in a borderless world,” the resolution read.
The resolution was signed by national chairman Gov. Dakila Cua and national president Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr.
The first lady shared a snapshot with the two Aquino scions on her Facebook page, thanking them for the visit.
"Thank you, Bimby and Josh, for dropping by. It was so nice to see you guys after all these years," Araneta-Marcos said.
The Marcoses had a complicated relationship with the Aquinos, dating back to before the imposition of Martial Law by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
There is a need to improve the teaching of history to instill a sense of nationhood in the youth, he said.
The Aquino patriarch, former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr., was jailed during Martial Law and assassinated upon returning from the United States. His wife, former President Corazon "Cory" Aquino, and son, Noynoy, both went on to become presidents of the country. g
One year after affirmative action is overturned...
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 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.” (Selen Ozturk/ Ethnic Media Services)
“The president wants the teaching of history to be interesting and inspiring. History should be part of the youth’s national identity,” Angara said.
He vowed to improve the country’s dismal performance in the Program for International Student Assessment, which showed Filipino youths lagging in terms of reading, creative thinking, math and science.
The incoming education secretary also promised to abide by the president’s directive to improve the employability of senior high school graduates.
Support
The League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) has expressed support for Angara’s Department of Education (DepEd) appointment.
In a special resolution, the LPP manifested its full-fledged support for Angara in his new role as head of DepEd.
“The LPP expresses its heartfelt gratitude to honorable Sen. Angara in leading and managing DepEd in preparing our youth in the face of scientific and technological advancement
They noted that Angara’s background and work throughout his terms have provided him with the experience and qualifications to lead DepEd, and also lauded Angara’s previous efforts in building over 100 classrooms and providing funds for scholarships.
The LPP also noted significant legislations authored by Angara to enhance basic education, including the Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education Act.
The Private Education Assistance Committee (PEAC) also expressed strong support for Angara’s push to further expand government assistance for poor students.
The DepEd Secretary serves as PEAC’s chair, a five-member committee constituted to serve as trustee of the government’s Fund for Assistance to Private Education.
“We are eager to collaborate closely with Secretary Angara to further the mission of the PEAC, striving towards an inclusive, equitable and superior educational system for all,” PEAC executive director Doris Fernandez Ferrer said in a statement.
With Angara at the helm of DepEd, PEAC hopes to help more students through the expansion of their programs, which aim to make private education more accessible. Among these are the Education Service Contracting (ESC) program, which provides financial assistance to students transitioning from elementary to junior high school and the Senior High School Voucher Program for senior high school students.
PEAC also implements the Teacher Salary Subsidy, which offers annual subsidies to qualified teachers in ESCparticipating schools, and the InService Training program, which enhances teacher competencies through targeted training.
“In school year 2022 to 2023, these programs co-implemented by DepEd and the PEAC demonstrated their impact by benefiting over 2.2 million students. After more than 20 years of service, approximately 9.7 million students in about 8,000 schools have benefited through this noble work,” Ferrer said.
She noted that Angara’s appointment heralds “an era of renewed commitment and strategic initiatives for education in our nation.” g
“We are committed to sustaining our mission of alleviating classroom shortages and student overflow in public schools by providing financial support to Filipino learners in private high schools through the Government Assistance and Subsidies Programs,” Ferrer added.
Incoming Education Secretary Sonny Angara
Philstar.com file photo
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
the
of
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 buy over four hectares of land in
Pampanga town
Mexico. Did these 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)
FILIPINO
THE ASIAN JOURNAL MAGAZINE
IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Friday, July 12 , 2024
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."
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
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.
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
Ruffa Gutierrez Photo from Instagram/@iloveruffag
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 pre-pageant 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.”
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
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.
What makes Vice Ganda ‘LOL’
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.
nowadays
“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.”
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
Celebrity couple Jak Roberto and Barbie Forteza Photo from Instagram/@jakroberto
actress answered in the affirmative with a knowing grin. Barbie shared Jak often sends her wedding videos on Instagram, which
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.
Bistro 101, this exciting new space features live entertainment, weekend DJs, Sunday brunch parties, and more. B-Side Lounge offers guests a glamorous full bar, premium lounge seating and a lively dance floor. The menu includes a selection of local craft beers on tap and specialty cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic drinks.
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Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music and culture from the spectacular Vietnamese Summer Show on Friday, July 12 at Graton Resort & Casino!
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MISHEEL, bald from chemotherapy, pulls up a chair on the second-floor inpatient unit. A younger child shouts, “The balloon girl!” Suddenly, she’s surrounded by other children. She reaches into her backpack for colorful balloons and inflates and twists them into a bunny, then a unicorn, then a giraffe, then a butterfly. Then she gives them all away.
During Misheel’s nearly seven months of treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she learned to make balloon creations and gifted them to her comrades in cancer treatment.
Misheel was 11 years old in the summer of 2023 when her parents noticed no matter how much water she drank, she still felt thirsty. At first, they thought it was a healthy habit, far preferable to drinking juice or soda. But her thirst was never quenched. Misheel began excusing herself to go to the restroom so frequently they knew something must be wrong.
Her mother Undrakh took Misheel to the family doctor near their home in Illinois. Tests revealed a tumor on Misheel’s pituitary gland, as well as two other spots in her brain. She was diagnosed with a type of cancer called mixed germ cell tumors. Soon, her parents obtained a referral to St. Jude. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital leads the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food — so they can focus on helping their child live. Because of generous donor support, they can provide children cutting-edge treatments not covered by insurance, at no cost to families.
"We were so worried and nervous, but as soon as we walked into St. Jude, we had a feeling that we'd be okay," said Undrakh.
Misheel learned how to create balloons from her 82-year-old godfather, Robert Dunn. On the circus stage, his name is Robert “Onionhead the Clown” Dunn. Misheel knows Dunn through UniversalSoul
Circus, where her father, Gantulkhurr, is part of an acrobatic teeterboard troupe from Mongolia called The Nomads.
When Misheel and her family moved to the U.S. from Mongolia in 2019 for her father’s job, she didn’t speak English. It was a whole new language and culture. But a circus is a traveling family of sorts, and Dunn, who values education, often purchased books for the children of the performers and encouraged them to read.
When Misheel was diagnosed with cancer, “It tore me up,” said Dunn. “It hurt me so much.”
So, he visited her family at St. Jude soon after she started treatment. To help cheer her up, he taught her how to make a few balloon creations, knowing it might spark something.
“She took it from there and ran with it,” said Dunn. “She’s better than me at making animal balloons now.”
Misheel had come to the U.S., a strange and unfamiliar place, and Dunn showed her family friendship.
Misheel pays his kindness forward every day — or every time she reaches into her backpack for another balloon.
Pinoy is excited to announce the start of a special series of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” episodes, taped at Valerio's Tropical Bakeshop in Chicago, IL. Valerio’s, a beloved chain of bakeshops with 17 stores across North America, serves as the perfect backdrop for
DID someone supposedly spot fraud or criminal activity on one of your accounts? Did they offer to help “protect” your money by moving it from your bank, investment, or retirement account? Maybe they even asked you to share a verification code? If anyone did any of those things, it’s always a scam. So, what do you do next?
Never move or transfer your money to “protect it.” Your money is fine where it is, no matter what they say or how urgently they say
CITIZEN
this engaging and informative series.
Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel PAGE 10
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).
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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.
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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.
This film shows the essence of protecting our environment. The movie is being shown in more than 50 theatres in the Philippines.
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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
SAN FRANCISCO – The South of Market Community Action Network (SOMCAN) through its Reclaiming Our Space (ROSe) program presents Kahayágan, an art installation on the windows of the Children’s Creativity Museum honoring Filipino/a/x change makers and leaders.
In partnership with the Children’s Creativity Museum and artists Wilfred Galila and Ramon Bonifacio, the unveiling and ribbon cutting of Kahayágan is on Friday, July 12 starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Children’s Creativity Museum.
Kahayágan (kah-hah-yáh-gahn) is from the Hiligaynon/Visayan language meaning clearness, lucidity, intelligible, visible, and manifest. The Kahayágan Art Project is a project dedicated to the leaders and legacies that has helped build, empower, engage, and continue to inspire our communities ongoing contribution for a just society.
Wilfred Galila and Ramon Bonifacio’s mixed media art installation, evoking stained glass portraits, highlights 23 Filipino/a/x individuals who have manifested progress and change through their invaluable work and contributions to the Filipino community—from history, art and culture, health and wellness, youth and families, safety, Filipino studies, language access, workers rights, and LGBTQ+ rights.
The featured honorees for Kahayágan are Alexis David,
Andrea Almario, Arlene DausMagbual, Bernadette Herrera, Christopher Cara, Conrad Benedicto, Evangeline Naredo, Gayle Romasanta, Glesaree Valdez, Helen Serafino-Agar, Herna Cruz-Louie, Joyce JuanManalo, Kali Diwa Lebon Ildefonzo Redondiez, Kevin Nadal, Maria Luz Torre, Maya Masagca, Necolasa TuthillDelute, Rico Reimedio, Rogelio “Roger” Gadiano, Ruby Turalba, Teresa Dulalas, Tim Figueras, and Tina Alejo.
This project was made possible with funding from the Specific General Fund for the Museum Grant Program under the California Cultural & Historical Endowment.
SOMCAN’S ROSe program uplifts Filipino language, culture, and history by combining art and design with community planning to educate, organize, empower, and strengthen the Filipino community's civic engagement in shaping their neighborhood and city.
Citizen Pinoy airs special ‘Your Tanong, My Sagot...
was at the branch to answer immigration questions from customers of Valerio’s in Chicago.
Joining us in this episode is Elaine Valerio, the daughter of the founder of Valerio’s and one of the co-owners. Elaine shares the rich history of their family business and highlights some of their most popular products, including pandesal, carioca, empanada, siopao and cheese rolls. In a delightful twist, Elaine even poses her own immigration question about bringing friends and relatives from the Philippines to assist at Valerio’s.
Elaine asked if it is possible to petition workers from the Philippines to help with the work at Valerio’s.
Other customers who visited the store during the taping were also able to ask their questions.
Benny, a divorced U.S. citizen, wants to know if he can bring his married girlfriend, who has been separated for 15 years, to the U.S. to marry him.
Vency, an employee at the branch, just immigrated to the U.S. She wants to know how she can bring her children, who are 17 and 22 years old, to the U.S. Baby’s daughter wants to
petition her dad, who is now Baby’s ex-husband. He is disabled. Baby wants to know if petitioning her ex-husband is still possible.
Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions and more in part 1 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” Valerio’s Chicago branch.
Watch this brand-new episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, July l4 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET through select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app. (Advertising Supplement)
Got a call about fraud activity on your...
it. Someone who says you have to move your money to protect it is a scammer. Period. Never share a verification code. Ever. Banks and retirement and investment companies use these codes for online accounts to prove you’re really you. If you share that code, the scammer can use it to prove they’re you. No caller — especially someone from your bank or investment company’s fraud department — will ever ask for the verification code. That’s always a scam. Stop and check it out. If you’re worried, call your real bank, broker, or investment advisor. Use the number you find on your statement — never the number the caller gave you, which will take you to the scammer. And if you think your bank or investment fund will protect you, think again. Bank accounts have different (and fewer) protections than credit cards. If you are scammed into moving your money out of your account, you won’t be protected. And you probably won’t get that money back. If you get a call, text, or message like this, tell your bank or fund right away. Especially if you moved money or shared a verification code. Then tell the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Now that you know, share this advice — it could help protect your buddies and their life savings. (Terri Miller/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC)
Carla Abellana (left) with columnist Rogelio Medina
Bea Alonzo (left) and Carla Abellana take the lead roles in the new GMA teleserye “Widows’ War.”
Atty. Gurfinkel (left) and Elaine Valerio at Valerio’s Tropical Bakeshop in Chicago. Benny (right) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Baby (right) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Valerio’s employee Vency with Atty. Gurfinkel
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.
