MANILA — The combined effects of Super Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) and the southwest monsoon has impacted the lives of 1.3 million people, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Friday, July 26.
In its latest situational report, the NDRRMC reported that the death toll still stood at 14 people, while there are two people injured and two others missing. However, the number of people affected rose from July 25’s 1.1 million to 1,319,467 people. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao recorded the most number of people affected with at least 552,000 individuals affected.
Soccsksargen reported around 260,000 affected while Central Luzon had 183,000 persons affected.
The NDRRMC also recorded at least 211,000 people served inside evacuation centers across the country. Meanwhile, there are at least 1,400 farmers affected by the weather systems. Damage to agriculture is estimated at P9.7
Meet the Fil-Am athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics
The 2024 Paris Olympics are just around the corner, kicking off on Friday, July 26. The grand opening ceremony will be historic, with athletes from around the world parading not in the stadium but along the Seine River on boats!
This year, the Philippine delegation is the largest in over three decades. Ranging from boxing and pole vaulting to gymnastics, Filipino athletes are aiming to secure a podium finish or another gold medal, the first of which was won by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in 2020.
Before the games begin, here are the Filipino American athletes who will be showcasing their prowess, whether as part
Governor Gavin Newsom orders state agencies to address encampments in their communities with urgency and dignity
SACRAMENTO — Building on California’s ongoing work and unprecedented investments to address the decades-long issue of homelessness, Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Thursday, July 25 ordering state agencies and departments to adopt clear policies that urgently address homeless encampments while respecting the dignity and well-being of all Californians.
With the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Grants Pass v Johnson, local governments now have the tools and authority to address dangerous encampments and help provide those residing in encampments with the resources they need.
“This executive order directs state agencies to move urgently to address dangerous encampments while supporting and assisting
MANILA — Former Police Chiefs Sen. Ronald dela Rosa and Oscar Albayalde, along with three other former and current police officials, have been formally tagged as suspects in the ongoing drug war investigation of the International Criminal Court (ICC), former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV said on Friday,
July 26. Trillanes released portions of a four-page document purportedly released by the ICC’s Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) on July 3. He said the confidential document, which The STAR is still trying to independently verify, was sent to the Philippine government through its embassy in The Hague, Netherlands. Based on the document released by Trillanes on
his social media accounts, the ICC OTP supposedly found “reasonable grounds to believe” that five former and current officials of the Philippine National Police (PNP) “have committed crimes within” its jurisdiction. Former President Rodrigo Duterte, meanwhile, is the principal suspect, Trillanes said. Dela Rosa was the first PNP chief under the Duterte administration and the PAGE A5
MANILA — The Chinese Embassy in the Philippines welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to ban all Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), stating that this move will benefit Filipinos and the Chinese.
"We have noted President Marcos' announcement of banning all POGOs and welcome this development. We believe this decision echoes the call of the Philippine people and serves the common interests of the people of both countries," the Embassy said on Thursday, July 25. In addition, the embassy pointed out that Chinese law prohibits all forms of gambling.
Further, it stated that the Chinese government forbids Chinese citizens engaging in gambling businesses abroad, including POGO, which breeds serious crimes such as kidnapping for ransom, human trafficking, and murder.
POGO harms Philippine and Chinese interests, and China-Philippines relations.
"In recent years, Chinese and Philippine law enforcement agencies have maintained close communication and cooperation and conducted joint operations to bring down cross-border gambling and telecom fraud.
"In 2023 alone, China had assisted the Philippines in shutting down five POGO hubs and repatriating nearly 1,000 Chinese citizens through the joint effort of governments," according to the embassy.
THE Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Thursday, July 25 finally broke its silence about the foreign trip taken by Vice President Sara Duterte and her family shortly after midnight on July 25, the day government efforts were to focus on disaster response amid the widespread flooding caused by Supertyphoon “Carina” (international name: Gaemi).
In a statement, the OVP said Duterte went on a “personal trip” to Germany and that she was granted travel authority by Malacañang on July 9.
“The timing of the trip coinciding with Typhoon Carina is unfortunate. Nonetheless, the Disaster Operations Center of the OVP, institutionalized by the vice president, is always ready to assist families affected by calamities,” the OVP said.
As of Thursday afternoon, the OVP has extended assistance to individuals and families taking shelter in at least nine evacuation centers in Manila, the Inquirer learned.
On Wednesday, July 24 the OVP initially declined to confirm or give additional details of Duterte’s flight or the nature of
MANILA – Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is treating his upcoming exhibition match against Japanese kickboxer
Anpo as a real fight with major implications, not just a quick cash grab. After all, there have been reports that Pacquiao is eyeing a return to the pro ranks before the year ends, and his three-round showcase bout on Sunday, July 28 should be enough indication that the 45-year-old icon still got what it takes.
The former eight-division world champion buckled down to work a day after arriving in Japan for his fight with Anpo — a former K-1 champion whose youth and height could pose problems for ageing Pacquiao.
Sen. Ronald dela Rosa
Philstar.com file photo
Rukiya
‘Carina’ aftermath: 1.3 million...
LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION
AUTHORITY
(LACMTA) INVITATION FOR BID
LACMTA will receive Bids/ Proposals for DR113989CABLED STERTIL-KONI
LIFTS ST-1085- 3FSA at the 9thFloor Receptionist Desk, Vendor/Contract Management Department, One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
A Pre-Bid conference will not be held. All Bids must be submitted to LACMTA, and be filed at the reception desk, 9th floor, V/CM Department, on or before 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, August 23, 2024, at which time bids will be opened and publicly read. Bids received after the above date and time may be rejected and returned unopened. Each Bid must be sealed and marked Bid No. DR113989. For a copy of the Proposal/ Bid specification visit our Solicitation Page on our Vendor Portal at https://business.metro. net or for further information email Veda Sargent at sargentv@metro.net.
7/27/24 CNS-3836215# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)
million. The NDRRMC also reported damage to irrigation systems, which was tallied at P6.5 million so far. According to the NDRRMC, damage to infrastructure has reached almost P1.3 million. However, the agency said these numbers are subject to change. A total of 24 cities and
municipalities still have disrupted power lines, while 90 roads remain unpassable.
While "Carina" has left the Philippine area of responsibility, a new low pressure area (LPA) has been reported east of Mindanao. The new LPA is unlikely to develop into a tropical cyclone but it will still bring cloudy skies to parts of Visayas and Mindanao.
Sara’s foreign trip...
her trip.
‘Lack of empathy, concern’
The day saw netizens criticizing her absence at a time when government agencies were being mobilized as Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon went underwater due to the heavy monsoon rains induced by Carina.
Some social posts drew comparisons between today’s OVP and the time of Vice President Leni Robredo, who personally oversaw relief efforts during calamities and gave situational updates.
Robredo on Wednesday reactivated her nongovernmental organization Angat Buhay for relief operations in several provinces hit by the typhoon. The group also revived Bayanihan E-Konsulta, an online medical consultation service provided by volunteer doctors.
Following the OVP statement, Liberal Party chair and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said Duterte pushing through with her family trip showed an “appalling lack of empathy and concern” at a time when “hundreds of thousands of Filipinos (are) in agony and despair.”
“It is not an excuse that the trip has long been planned and she has a travel authority. It does not justify her leaving the country at a time of crisis,” Lagman said. “She should have allowed the members of her family to go ahead with the trip and she could have just followed after attending personally to the needs of the victims as is expected of a genuine public servant.”
“The sincerity of public leaders must be gauged by their selflessness and support in times of nationwide calamities and emergencies,” the opposition lawmaker said.
China welcomes Marcos ban on...
"Since 2018, nearly 3,000 Chinese citizens implicated in the cases are victims of the Philippine offshore gambling industry," it added.
"In line with this commitment, China is ready to continue its strong law enforcement cooperation with the Philippines and better protect the safety and well-being of the citizens of both countries."
In his third State of the Nation Address on July 22, President Marcos said, "The grave abuse and disrespect to our system of laws must stop."
Also, the president directed the Department of Labor and Employment to find new jobs for Filipinos affected by the closure, in coordination with economic managers.
Meanwhile, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said on Friday that the hearing by her Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality is ongoing despite the president's order to ban all POGOs.
"Effective today, all POGOs are banned," the president said to the delight of lawmakers and guests, who gave the president resounding applause and a standing ovation. Thus, Marcos ordered the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. to wind down and cease the operations of POGOs by the end of the year.
"It's not over yet. It's not just Mayor Guo who is under investigation; it's the entire POGO industry that has brought various crimes to our country," she said, referring to the controversial mayor of Bamban, Tarlac. Hontiveros pointed out that even though the ban on POGOs has been announced, the Senate's oversight function ensures that the phaseout is genuinely implemented, that those involved in crimes are identified, that victim-survivors receive justice, and that workers are given a just transition. "We also need to address our regulatory failures," she added. Hontiveros also said that many government institutions appear to have been compromised by POGOs, and that the Philippine government needs to address this through state policies.
Pacquiao ‘all-business’ vs Japanese...
Pacquiao, who last fought professionally in 2021, went several rounds on the mitts with longtime trainer and childhood friend Buboy Fernandez, looking sharp and serious, as if he’s preparing for a 12-round title fight.
The former senator is just right in viewing the Anpo bout as a regular assignment, as it could also serve as a gauge for his readiness to take on another pro fight. Pacquiao is reportedly
interested in challenging reigning World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios in October or November this year.
Pacquiao already had a taste of the lucrative boxing exhibition scene when he dominated Korean YouTuber DK Yoo two years ago. That fight, held in Seoul in December 2022, saw Pacquiao battering Yoo over six rounds, knocking down the latter in the final frame for a unanimous decision win.
The fight with Anpo, however, will go for only three rounds but under the same boxing rules. But the thing is, the 26-yearold Anpo is a more seasoned fighter, with more than 30 kickboxing matches under his belt. At six feet tall, he also enjoys a significant height advantage over the 5-foot-5 Pacquiao.
How Pacquiao fares against his Japanese foe on Sunday should determine if he still has business being in the ring.
Governor Gavin Newsom orders state agencies...
the individuals living in them — and provides guidance for cities and counties to do the same. The state has been hard at work to address this crisis on our streets. There are simply no more excuses. It’s time for everyone to do their part,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement released by his office.
Governor Newsom’s executive order directs state agencies and departments to adopt humane and dignified policies to urgently address encampments on state property, including by taking necessary and deliberate steps to notify and support the people inhabiting the encampment prior to removal.
Governor Newsom has made record-level investments to address the housing crisis, investing over $24 billion across multiple state agencies and departments, including billions of dollars in funding to assist local jurisdictions in providing services and wrap-around support to people living in encampments.
In Fiscal Year 2022-2023, these investments helped lift more than 165,000 people out of homelessness and into interim or permanent housing.
California blueprint Governor Newsom’s order directs state agencies and departments to adopt policies and plans consistent with the California Department of Transportation’s (Caltrans) existing encampment policy. Since July 2021, California has resolved more than 11,000 encampments, and has removed 248,275 cubic yards of debris from encampments along the state right of way in preparation for Clean California projects. Prioritizing encampments that pose a threat to the life, health, and safety of the community, Caltrans provides advance notice of clearance and works with local service providers to support those experiencing homelessness at the encampment, and stores personal property collected at the site for at least 60 days.
The order encourages local governments to emulate the
state’s successful model to adopt local policies and to use all available resources, including those provided by the state’s historic investments in housing and intervention programs, to address encampments within their jurisdictions.
Proposition 1 funding available for local governments
Governor Newsom also encourages local governments to apply for the newly available $3.3 billion in competitive grant funding from Proposition 1 to expand the behavioral health continuum and provide appropriate care to individuals experiencing mental health conditions and substance use disorders — with a particular focus on people who are most seriously ill, vulnerable, or homeless.
Proposition 1 includes two parts: a $6.4 billion Behavioral Health Bond for treatment settings and housing with services, and historic reform of the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA) to focus on people with the most serious illnesses, substance disorders, and housing needs.
The state also recently released the Proposition 1 Behavioral Health Services Act: Housing Supports Primer (July 2024) for counties, which explains how to spend the projected $950 million annual BHSA revenue on housing
interventions.
Unprecedented investments to support communities
Governor Newsom is tackling California’s homelessness crisis head-on. Since he took office, the state has developed a Statewide Action Plan for Preventing and Ending Homelessness and the governor has demanded unprecedented accountability from local governments to do their part to end the homelessness crisis through regionally coordinated action plans.
The governor has also pioneered nation-leading homeless and housing reforms and invested more than $24 billion to address this crisis with state and local support, including $4.85 billion for Homeless, Housing Assistance and Prevention Grants for local jurisdictions to prevent and reduce homelessness, $1 billion in Encampment Resolution Funding to assist local jurisdictions in providing services and supports to people living in encampments, and $3.3 billion for Homekey to rapidly expand housing for persons experiencing homelessness.
A copy of Thursday’s executive order can be found at https://www.gov.ca.gov/wpcontent/uploads/2024/07/2024Encampments-EO-7-24.pdf. (CA Governor’s Office Release)
Nurse sta ng crisis in Las Vegas: A call for more educators
LAS VEGAS – The nurse staffing crisis is intensifying, driven by an aging population, an aging workforce, increased burnout, and a shortage of nursing faculty. These critical factors are putting immense pressure on healthcare systems, particularly in Nevada.
Recently, the Health and Science Department at the College of Southern Nevada hosted a seminar focused on transitioning from Registered Nurse (RN) to Nurse Educator. This initiative aims to address the pressing need for more nursing educators in the state.
Aleli Malonzo, a Filipino-American Nurse Practitioner in Nevada, shared her thoughts at the seminar, saying, "It's nice that you are imparting knowledge after all those clinical experiences that we have."
Nicky Velasco, a Filipino-American RN in Nevada, added, "Nurs-
ing is so versatile. You can have nursing experience wherever you go. You can go to med-surg, you can teach, you can be a nurse practitioner. That's one thing we love about nursing—it's so flexible."
Filipino-American registered nurses working in Clark County expressed their enthusiasm for the new teaching methods introduced at the seminar.
Harvey Del Rosario, an RN in Nevada, commented, "I want to give back to the community as a nurse, especially I want to teach future nurses the good etiquette that we Filipinos have."
Erwin Magbuhos, a Filipino-American charge nurse in Nevada, shared his aspirations, "I'm still young, only 30 years old, and I'm exploring other avenues. I've been a bedside nurse for years, but I want to see other aspects and teach younger students so we can provide better care for our
patients."
Dr. Elizabeth Solomon, Dean of the Department of Nursing at the College of Southern Nevada, emphasized the impact of the nursing shortage on healthcare quality in Nevada. "We don't have enough nurses in the workforce, and we need nurse educators to contribute to having more nurses. We can't just have nurses; we have to train them, educate them, and nurture them," she stated.
Dr. Solomon highlighted the urgent need for qualified professionals as Nevada's population grows and healthcare demands increase. "We have to fill the pipeline with nurse educators. Nevada ranks 48th in the United States for the number of nurses per thousand, which is concerning given the needs of our residents and the influx of visitors during events and conventions."
Nevada ranks second to last among states for the number of RNs per 1,000 jobs. The shortage is especially severe in rural areas, which heavily depend on traveling nurses. However, many traveling nurses are now working more frequently in urban areas, further exacerbating the rural nursing shortage.
Organizers of the RN-to-Nurse Educator program are optimistic that teaching beyond hospital walls and sharing real-world experiences outside the classroom will help mitigate Nevada’s nursing shortage.
(Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN News,
Meet the Fil-Am athletes competing in the...
of Team Philippines or Team USA, in this year’s summer Games.
Lauren Hoffman, Track and Field Track and field star Lauren Hoffman is sprinting towards success as she heads to the Paris Olympics. Known for her record-breaking feats, Hoffman has etched her name into the Duke University record books with a 55.67-second time in the 400-meter hurdles.
Additionally, she set a new national benchmark in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.34 seconds at the Duke Invitational in Durham, North Carolina.
Logan Edra, Breaking Representing Team USA in the first-ever Olympic breakdancing competition, Fil-Am dancer Edra is poised to make history as “breaking” debuts in Paris. She will join three other dancers to represent the United States in breakdancing’s inaugural appearance at the Paris Olympics on Aug. 9 and 10.
Edra’s vision for the sport extends beyond personal achievement; she aims to captivate audiences around the world by showcasing breaking as an “art-sport,” much like skateboarding.
Levi Jung-Ruvivar, Gymnastics
Joining Carlos Yulo in representing the Philippines at the Olympics, 18-year-old JungRuvivar is the youngest member of the Philippine delegation.
Born in Hawai’i, her Filipino heritage comes through her father, Anthony, a former
member of the U.S. junior gymnastics team. JungRuvivar’s multicultural background and strong family connections have profoundly influenced her athletic career and her choice to compete for the Philippines on the global stage.
In her first few days in Paris, she’s already made some friends and embraced the “barbie vibes” of the gymnastics arena, writing, “I’m so here for it!” Mitchell Saron, Fencing Fil-Am fencer Mitchell Saron will be competing for the USA Fencing men’s team at the Paris Olympics. A senior economics major at Harvard, Saron credits his wellness habits for helping him reach this milestone. From the halls of Harvard University to the fencing pistes in Paris, the Fil-Am athlete is living his dream.
Few days ago, Saron already touched down in Paris.
Samantha Catantan, Fencing Another Fil-Am fencer, who represents the Philippines, is Sam Catantan. At 22 years old, Catantan is making history as the first Filipino fencer to compete in the Olympics since 1992.
In a recent Instagram post, Catantan expressed her excitement and preparation for the Games: “The passion, the energy, the spirit – it’s all so real here!”
She also wrote in a separate post, “I can hardly believe I’ve made it this far. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me in my preparation for the 2024 Olympic Games. I feel truly blessed to have the best support system on this journey.
Lalaban para sa bayan!” Emma Malabuyo, Gymnastics
UCLA varsity member Emma Malabuyo is adding to the excitement as she becomes the fourth gymnast to represent the Philippines at the Olympics, joining Carlos Yulo, Aleah Finnegan and Levi JungRuvivar.
Taking to Instagram with her picture of the Olympics logo, Malabuyo couldn’t believe she’s living her dream, captioning, “Is this real life?!”
She clinched her Olympic berth on May 24 at the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where she bagged bronze in the individual all-around category.Aleah Finnegan, Gymnastics
Joining the gymnastics team is Aleah Finnegan. Previously a member of the US women’s national gymnastics team, the Fil-Am gymnast made history by becoming the first Filipina gymnast in six decades to secure a spot in the Olympics, according to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines.
During her first few days in Paris, Finnegan shared a photo with teammates Emma Malabuyo and Carlos Yulo. Like many other athletes, she also posted a photo with the Olympics logo, captioning it, “Checking in from the Olympic Village.”
The future looks bright for the Philippine and U.S. teams with these Fil-Am athletes. The Opening Ceremony is set to begin at 1:30 p.m. EST and is expected to last over three hours. (Hans Carbonilla/Inquirer.net)
Bridging the Divide: How A ordable and Reliable Internet Connects Our Communities
Imagine a world where opportunity is just a click away – where education, healthcare, staying in touch with family, and a brighter future are within reach for everyone. For far too many Angelenos, this world remains out of reach due to a lack of affordable, reliable internet access.
In Los Angeles County, a staggering 325,015 households (nearly 10%) lack reliable internet access and 156,060 (nearly 5%) don’t have a computer at home, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a critical issue that disproportionately impacts low-income communities and communities of color.
The internet is no longer a luxury; it’s a lifeline. It is a gateway to education, allowing students to learn remotely and access a world of knowledge. It is a pathway to healthcare, enabling residents to connect with doctors and manage their health. It is a virtual embrace, keeping families connected despite distance. It is a launchpad for economic opportunity, empowering individuals to find jobs, start businesses, and participate in the digital economy.
L.A. County is committed to bridging the digital divide and empowering residents in our most under-resourced neighborhoods. In August of 2021, the Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a motion to assess options for the County to facilitate residential access to reliable broadband service in low-income communities that lack affordable, highspeed internet service. This effort became the County’s
Community Broadband Networks initiative.
Supported by major funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, L.A. County’s Internal Services Department and WeLink Communications have partnered to bring affordable and reliable broadband internet to underserved areas in East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights and South Los Angeles. These first target areas have been greatly impacted by the digital divide, which was heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative represents a giant leap forward in our mission to ensure everyone has a fair shot at success.
The Community Broadband Networks initiative goes beyond providing internet access. Through Delete The Divide, a broader initiative led by Internal Services, we partner with various organizations to empower residents with the skills and knowledge to navigate the digital world because it’s not enough to give access, we must also demonstrate what is possible. Delete The Divide has distributed thousands of free laptops to households without a suitable computer to access the internet and will provide thousands more.
WeLink’s groundbreaking low-cost internet plan, starting at just $25 per month, will connect 50,000 qualified households. The company will also offer plans starting at $65 per month to households without qualification requirements, no promotional rates, excluding government fees or taxes, and at rates fixed until at least September 2027. The service will feature
by Michael Owh
multilingual support and consumer-friendly terms.
Construction will begin soon, and service will begin rolling out this fall! Interested households in the two initial service planning areas can sign up for updates and be notified by WeLink when service is available at https:// WeLink.com/LACounty/.
The communities in the East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights and South Los Angeles areas include:
• Supervisorial District 1: East Los Angeles, Boyle Heights, Lincoln Heights, Montecito Heights and El Sereno
• Supervisorial District 2: Adams-Normandie, University Park, Historic South-Central, Exposition Park, Vermont Square, South Park, CentralAlameda, Chesterfield Square, Harvard Park, Vermont-
Slauson, Florence, FlorenceFirestone, Manchester Square, Vermont Knolls, Gramercy Park, Westmont, Vermont Vista, Broadway-Manchester, Green Meadows, Watts, Athens, Willowbrook and West Rancho Dominguez
• Supervisorial District 4: Walnut Park
Let’s not just imagine this, let’s make it a reality. Together, we can close the digital divide and unlock a brighter future for L.A. County!
Michael Owh is the Director of Los Angeles County’s Internal Services Department. Paid content provided by LA County
Photos from Instagram @aleahfinn,@ mitchellsaron, @emma_malabuyo
Fil-Am RNs participated in the three-day seminar hosted by College of Southern Nevada, Health and Science Department, spearheaded by Dean of Nursing Dr. Elizabeth Solomon. Photo courtesy of Bev Llorente/ABS-CBN News Las Vegas
California speeds up indoor heat protections amid sweltering summer weather
by SAMANTHA
SACRAMENTO — Californians
working indoors are getting immediate protections from extreme heat as much of the state bakes in triple-digit temperatures this week.
California has had heat standards on the books for outdoor workers since 2005, but the state announced on Wednesday, July 24 that a set of rules for indoor workers had been finalized following an expedited review. The state’s Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board approved the regulation last month, but it needed to be vetted for legal compliance.
“This regulation provides protections for workers across California and helps prepare employers to deal with the challenges of rising temperatures in indoor environments,” said Debra Lee, chief of California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health.
California is among a few states responding to the growing impacts of climate change and extreme heat with worker safety standards. Earlier this month, the Biden administration proposed federal rules to protect indoor and outdoor workers from heat exposure as extreme heat, already the No. 1 weather-related killer in the U.S., becomes even more dangerous.
Worksites that don’t have air conditioning may use fans, misters, and other methods to bring the room temperature down.
The rules allow workarounds for businesses if they can’t cool their workplaces sufficiently.
In those cases, employers must provide workers with water, breaks, areas where they can cool down, cooling vests, or other means to keep them from overheating.
But even with workarounds, businesses are concerned about the cost of complying with the regulation, especially small businesses that don’t own their storefronts or are in old buildings, said Robert Moutrie, a senior policy advocate at the California Chamber of Commerce.
“The simplest answer to this regulation is AC, and that’s a costly investment,” Moutrie said.
“If you’re a small business and you don’t own your structure, you can’t make changes like creating a new space to cool down.”
The rules have been in development since 2016 — delayed, in part, because of the covid pandemic. The worker safety board requested the regulations be expedited. A standard review would have delayed the regulation taking effect until the fall, leaving workers largely unprotected from the summer heat.
The regulation applies to most indoor workplaces, including classrooms and even delivery vehicles. But state regulators exempted prisons and local correctional facilities after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s administration projected it could cost the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation billions of dollars
to implement.
The board intends to draft a separate regulation for the tens of thousands of workers at the state’s 33 state prisons, conservation camps, and local jails. That could take a year, if not longer.
In 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services reported, 1,602 heat-related deaths occurred nationally, which is likely an undercount because health care providers are not required to report them.
In 2023, HHS reported, 2,302 heat-related deaths occurred.
It’s not clear how many of these deaths are related to work, either indoors or outdoors.
Meanwhile, global temperatures in June were a record high for the 13th straight month.
“This is really one of the biggest safety issues we see workers experiencing across California in many different industries,” said Tim Shadix, legal director at the Warehouse Worker Resource Center, which lobbied for the protections. “And the problem is only getting worse with climate change and hotter summers.”
This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.
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.
On changes to Medicare Part D via the In ation Reduction Act
CONGRESS recently made some big changes to Medicare’s Part D benefit through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families, selected some questions about these big changes and would like to share the information.
What are the changes to Medicare Part D?
The new rules are designed to make it easier for seniors to afford their prescription drugs. For the first time, the federal government negotiates prices on certain drugs covered through Medicare. The law establishes annual limits on your out-of-pocket spending for all drugs, with a special cap for insulin. Beneficiaries are also able to spread out their cost sharing throughout the plan year, and you no longer have to pay out of pocket for adult vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control.
How will my drug costs be affected?
First, if you use insulin, your spending is now capped at $35 per month. This is great news for many seniors with diabetes, especially those in the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, who are more likely to have diabetes.
Second, starting 2025, there will be a $2,000 annual limit on how much you pay for all prescription drugs covered through Medicare. This means that no matter how many medications you need, your total yearly cost won't go over $2,000. Note that the annual limit is $8,000 in 2024.
Third, starting next year, you can choose to spread your drug costs evenly over the year instead of paying large amounts all at once. This option could make it easier to manage your budget if you're on a fixed income. But remember, you need to optin for this option – it won't happen automatically. If you have questions, we encourage you to reach out directly to your Medicare drug plan insurer.
Can I receive more assistance with my Medicare
THIRD OVERALL. Core Regina Coeli, choral group of Mary Help of Christian Parish in General Trias City, Cavite, finishes third
61st International Choral Singing
by NATIONAL ASIAN PACIFIC CENTER ON AGING (NAPCA)
Asian Americans are the least likely population to access mental health care. One out of 5 AAPIs need services, but only 1 out of 50 access care.
by SUNITA SOHRABJI Ethnic Media Services
OAKLAND, California —
Free Qigong classes and and accupressure massages are just two of the many benefits MediCal members are now eligible for, as California’s Department of Health Care Services attempts to draw in low-income people who may need mental health support but are too ashamed to get it.
In many ethnic communities, mental health issues are still a taboo topic: few people access services for the help they might need.
The crisis in California is especially acute among low-income non-citizens. In 2021, more than 15% of this population experienced severe psychological distress, but just 8% of those needing help sought it out, according to data from the Public Policy Institute of California. By contrast, almost 25% of low-income U.S. citizens in psychological distress sought out mental health services.
New acupuncture program
In Alameda County, in the San Francisco East Bay Area, one out of four residents are AAPIs. Dr. Eric Yuan, deputy director at Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services, noted at a recent news briefing at Laney College in Oakland that 1 out of 5 AAPIs in the county need mental health health support, but fewer than 1 out of 50 actually access it.
Yuan discussed a new acupuncture program that was developed by a team of psychiatrists and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. The program was piloted last year at community centers in Fremont, California.
“The Eastern model of healing the body creates a natural bridge to behavorial health,” said Yuan. There are over 2,000 acupuncture points linked to 14 meridians in the human body. A blockage in any meridian can cause mental health disturbances, he said.
Qigong The acupunture program pilot was combined with Qigong classes at community centers in Fremont. Doctors stationed onsite also made medical consultations.
Yuan said he hopes to scale the program to all 19 cities in Alameda County, and eventually throughout the state.
In May, California Governor Gavin Newsom cut acupuncture out from state-subsidized health care services, causing a huge uproar in the Chinese American community. The community fought the cuts, and in the final budget released in June, funding for acupuncture services was included.
Mental health taboos
Dr. David Lee, director of the Asian American and Native American Pacific IslanderServing Institution — ANNAPISI — program at Laney College here, said: “Hard to reach populations typically don’t seek services because of the stigma surrounding mental health.”
Laney College serves a large number of Asian American and Pacific Islander students.
Lee said many students feel there is shame surrounding walking through the door of a mental health counselor’s office. He offers a bi-weekly program attended by about 3040 students, who sit in a circle and talk about their mental health struggles. “It really destigmatizes mental health, and we hope students take this back to other family members,” said Lee.
‘No wrong door’
Sun Hyung Lee, Division Director of Transition Age Youth Services, Child and Young Adult System of Care at Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services, noted that services are provided to those experiencing moderate to severe behavioral health challenges beginning as early as birth. Partnering with the The California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal program — CailAIM — ACBHCS is able to provide a variety of services, including crisis care, substance abuse disorders,
and prevention and treatment for other mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and psychosis.
“Through CalAIM, we have no wrong door,” said Lee, later explaining to EMS that her agency also contracts with a number of community-based organizations to serve as firstline responders.
988 Crisis Hotline
Children over the age of 12 do not need consent from their parents to avail of services, she said. People experiencing a mental health crisis can call 988, the suicide prevention and mental health crisis line.
Mona Shah, Interim Office of Ethnic Services Administrator at ACBHCS, said the agency prioritizes advancing equity and inclusion, aiming to reach underserved populations, including AAPIs, Blacks, Latinos, and the LGBTQ+ population. ACBHS aims to provide culturally and linguistically-appropriate mental health services, she said.
Medi-Cal eligibility
On Jan. 1 this year, California became the first state in the nation to offer Medi-Cal services to all its low-income residents, including undocumented residents. Individuals with less than $20,783 in annual income are eligible for Medi-Cal. A family of four with income under $43,056 is also eligible for Medi-Cal. Income guidelines can be viewed here.
Beginning this year, assets are no longer counted in determining eligibility for Medi-Cal, said Adriene Clark, Client advocate at the Alameda County Department of Social Services. Asset elimination allows people who qualify for Medi-Cal based on their income to own multiple homes, multiple vehicles, a retirement portfolio, jewelry, and other assets. The elimination program has been rolled out in two tiers since 2021, after Newsom signed AB133.
A number of students attended the July 17 briefing at Laney College and received free accupressure massages, and onsite health consultations.
‘ICC noti es Philippine government...
implementor of the former president’s war on drugs. In addition to Dela Rosa and Albayalde, who both served as police chiefs under the Duterte administration, also tagged as suspects were former PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief Maj. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr., National Police Commission commissioner Edilberto Leonardo, and former PNP chief intelligence officer Brig. Gen. Eleazar Matta.
Caramat is currently the PNP’s area police command in Northern Luzon, while Matta is the director of the PNP Philippine Drug Enforcement Group.
“The OTP is currently focusing its investigation on allegations of widespread and systematic killings of individuals in the Philippines, as part of a policy to eliminate drug users and suppliers between 2011 and 2019,” read the document, portions of which were redacted. “During this period, large numbers
of drug offenders were killed during police enforcement activity,” it said.
“Under Article 54(1) a of the Rome Statute, the OTP is obliged to conduct investigations which cover all the facts and evidence. This includes providing individuals under suspicion of crimes to provide their version of events.
In this context, the OTP has reasonable grounds to believe that the following retired and serving members of the Philippine National Police have committed crimes within the jurisdiction of the OTP,” it added.
Article 54 of the Rome Statute – the treaty that created the ICC – defines the duties and powers of the ICC prosecutor. Those named in the document have yet to issue statements on the matter.
In an interview with “Storycon” on One News, Trillanes said it is still unclear if the five would be included in the first batch of arrest warrants that are expect to be released soon.
“From persons of interest, now they are primary suspects or principals by indispensable cooperation,” Trillanes said. Trillanes said the Marcos administration should act on the matter, noting that some of those named in the document are active members of the police force.
He clarified, however, that the ICC is not in the position to demand anything from the Philippine government.
“But the bottomline is, it’s now up to the Philippine government and President Marcos on what he will do with this information,” Trillanes added.
Albayalde earlier said he was ready to face an investigation on the war on drugs, stressing that his conscience is clear.
However, he maintained the probe should not be conducted by the ICC.
“It should always be through channels. Any international court or foreign entity cannot just enter and conduct such without following protocols,” Albayalde said.
pa huli
Ang mga kwalipikadong indibidwal ay maaaring makakuha ng hanggang $10,000 sa Earned Income Tax Credits, Child Tax Credits, at iba pa!
OPINION FEATURES
Waste management
YOU can’t stop nature’s wrath, but there are ways of minimizing the devastation that it causes. The damage caused by flooding, for one, can be significantly mitigated through various forms of human actions or interventions.
Major human interventions include the construction of floodways or spillways and the installation of water pumps. There must be continuing efforts to ensure that natural drains such as creeks are not obstructed.
Editorial
Flood control works best with citizen participation, through proper disposal of garbage. This critical component of flood control, however, seems to be an intractable problem all over the country. Every tropical cyclone or heavy monsoon rain sends tons of garbage washing up along the shores of Manila Bay, with big waves sometimes carrying the trash over to nearby roads.
Following the massive flooding all over Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon this week, officials have again pointed to garbage-clogged drains as major causes, particularly in areas such as the Quezon Boulevard underpass and Lagusnilad in the city of Manila. Floods again rendered the two underpasses – two of the busiest passageways in Metro Manila – impassable at the height of torrential rains dumped by the typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon. People complained that it took a long time for this week’s floods to subside; this was also partly blamed on garbage-clogged
WHOEVER said a week is a long time in politics is old-fashioned. With modern communications technology, a day could be a long time in politics – as Donald Trump and his cohorts are finding out.
One day after Joe Biden made that fateful decision to withdraw from the presidential race, the newly-constituted Kamala Harris campaign drew over a $100 million in contributions from small donors. Over a million of those small donors were giving money to a political campaign for the first time.
A week before Biden withdrew and endorsed Harris, a CBS poll showed Harris beating Trump among women voters (52 percent to 47 percent), among black voters (76 percent to 21 percent) and among voters aged 18 to 29 (62 percent to 37 percent).
A Reuters/IPSOS poll taken the day after Biden’s fateful announcement gives Harris a 44
BARCELONA — Following the emphatic victory of the UniTeam tandem in the 2022 elections, the Duterte dynasty expected a new golden era of power and influence in the Philippines. True, former President Rodrigo Duterte botched any attempt to engineer a favorable succession after haplessly vacillating between supporting either his consiglieri or daughter. In the end, Duterte ended up “neutral” on the presidential race, even as former Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso desperately courted his endorsement against all hopes. Nevertheless, the powerful dynasty from Davao had all the reasons to remain confident about its prospects throughout the second decade of the 21st century. After all, the Dutertes were keenly aware of their pivotal role in enabling the return of the Marcos dynasty to Malacañang. Despite her inexperience in national politics, Sara Duterte had topped multiple pre-election presidential surveys until she dropped out of contention in favor of the second most powerful
drainage, apart from blocked waterways. Filipinos have long been aware that clogged drains worsen flooding. Yet the problem keeps popping back up every wet season. Some quarters have wondered if being filthy is a cultural issue or a governance problem. Do people see nothing wrong with discarding used tissue, cigarette butts and even half-eaten sandwiches wherever they please, or do they do this because decent garbage bins can be found only in commercial complexes and open areas operated by the private sector? The answer could be a combination of both.
Local government units, with their much increased share in national revenues, should invest in the installation and proper maintenance of garbage bins in public areas. LGUs should also consider drastic improvements in waste management even in informal settlements. Are LGUs worried that if the slums are cleaned up, the informal settlers will never leave?
Garbage is not seen in shopping malls because there are trash receptacles everywhere, with the contents collected regularly by maintenance personnel who also sweep the floors regularly for litter. Tenants are required to put their garbage
percent share against Trump’s 42 percent. Momentum is building on her side. Thousands of volunteers are signing up for her campaign.
Less than two days after Biden withdrew, Kamala Harris won the endorsement of more than enough delegates to next month’s convention. She was endorsed by all the Democratic governors and nearly all the elected Democrats in both houses of Congress. A sea change has happened just a hundred days before the elections.
Neither Biden nor Trump truly excited the voters. Both are old men with tired ideas to match their failing cognitive functions. Many voters were resigned to abstaining next November. Biden’s sudden withdrawal and Harris’ early consolidation of support changed all that. The dreaded internal chaos due to party infighting did not happen. The electoral atmosphere is now positively charged. The base of the Democratic Party is energized – and united. Undecided voters have now found a candidate they would want to support. The Republicans
office of the land. Her individual charisma was also far from inconsequential. I vividly remember how it was Sara Duterte who elicited the largest and most passionate reaction from the crowd during UniTeam’s miting de avance, even if she did not represent the top of the ticket. No wonder then, many expected her to serve as the true power behind the throne once her father vacated Malacañang.
It goes without saying that the Duterte dynasty did not hold President Marcos in the highest regard. Back in 2022, well before his explosive rants and open incitement to rebellion against his successor, Rodrigo Duterte dismissed the namesake son of the former Philippine dictator as nothing more than a “spoiled brat” and a “weak leader.”
To almost everyone’s astonishment, however, Mr. Marcos was quick to cut down his self-entitled allies to size as soon as he assumed power. To her consternation, Sara Duterte was denied her earlier and very public request to take the national defense portfolio. Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was seen as one of the main brokers of UniTeam, was also passed over for speakership in favor of Martin Romualdez, the de facto right-hand man of the new president.
in bags for collection at specific hours. Similar schemes are followed in certain gated communities. While such efficiency in waste management may be challenging to apply in public areas, it’s a worthy objective
who reject Trump now have a comfortable option.
The swiftness of Democratic Party consolidation tells us that Harris has been quietly moving while everyone fretted over Biden’s failing health. The moment Biden announced, Harris’ organization sprung into action.
Harris labors under several vulnerabilities. She is a woman in a country that has never yet elected a female president. That she is a woman of color magnifies things. Both vulnerabilities could be overstated, however. Years before, Americans overwhelmingly supported Barack Obama. In the 2016 elections, Hillary Clinton actually garnered more votes than Trump – except that the mystifying electoral college feature of U.S. presidential elections awarded the old white man the majority of the electoral votes. In both instances, neither skin color nor gender proved insurmountable barriers.
No two candidates are as different from each other as Harris and Trump. The Harris
campaign is exploiting this to the hilt, characterizing the contest as one between a prosecutor and a felon.
After weeks of hammering Biden over his age, Trump now finds himself the oldest party presidential nominee ever. He is the old man in this contest, beset with questions over his cognitive competence. Harris represents the next generation of leaders. Trump, as we know, thrives in bare-knuckled negative political campaigning. His campaign organization has been rightly characterized as “feral.”
Unable to articulate complex issues, Trump relies on insults and lies. He demeans his opponents, calls them names and spouts all sorts of conspiracy theories. The record shows he is twice as cruel against women rivals. He will not hold back against Harris.
But Harris has shown she could hold her ground and cut through Trump’s lies. She cuts a charismatic presence during political rallies and a deft hand in handling even the most divisive issues.
As a sign of the Trump
campaign’s desperation, they put out attack ads showing Harris laughing. These ads are meant to suggest the female candidate is unserious. But that line of attack has backfired.
Trump has no sense of humor. That is beyond his intellectual competence. All his speeches are disdainful, hateful and griping.
He paints a despairing picture of his country. He does not inject an element of joy in American politics.
Kamala Harris, by contrast, laughs from her belly. She finds joy in even the dreariest political moments. With her, Americans may laugh again. We are now less than a hundred days to fateful elections.
The past three weeks treated all of us to the sudden twists and turns of political fortunes. Biden may have withdrawn from the presidential race. But in doing so, he might have created the next president.
If a week is a long time in politics, the next three months will be an eternity. There could be more surprises down the road.
But it is more likely momentum has shifted to the Harris
Marcos’ most de ning year
In his first State of the Nation Address (Sona), meanwhile, Mr. Marcos made it clear that he was not interested in a “Second Duterte” presidency. He outraged Duterte loyalists by refusing to substantively discuss any of their pet issues— namely drug war, constitutional change, and communist rebels. Instead, Mr. Marcos unveiled a new brand of leadership, which combined elements of classic statesmanship, technocracy, and self-styled historical revisionism.
In short, the UniTeam divorce was inevitable. And the vice president left nothing to the imagination after boycotting this year’s SONA and, bizarrely, “appointing” herself as “designated survivor.” Refusing to end up as the “boiling frog,” namely awaiting her subtle yet steady total political marginalization, she had earlier resigned from the Marcos Cabinet and, crucially, presented herself as the de facto leader of a new “opposition” by threatening that, inter alia, as many as three Dutertes could run for national office next year.
I don’t necessarily foresee a civil war situation akin to what once devastated great cities such as Barcelona. As an OCTA Research survey earlier this year showed, only 20 percent of respondents counted themselves as Duterte
campaign.
Biden withdrew from the campaign after the Republican Party convention proclaimed Trump the standard bearer. Trump chose a novice runningmate who has proven to be uncharismatic and prone to make mistakes.
Trump is trapped in a set campaign strategy aimed at vilifying Joe Biden. He is blamed for taking away women’s reproductive rights – a potentially powerful campaign issue. He is burdened with the extreme rightwing Plan 2025 that inspired fear among American voters. In a word, Trump has less opportunity to reinvent his campaign. He does not have the flexibility to move away from his tired old campaign playbook. By contrast, his Democratic opponent could change the tone and focal points of this campaign. We should see this happen in the next few days. (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.
loyalists, compared to 31 percent firmly in the Marcos camp. Nevertheless, the Dutertes still present a formidable challenge to the incumbent, including in next year’s elections.
In the most recent Pulse Asia Survey, Sara Duterte secured the highest approval rating (71 percent) among all elected officials, way ahead of the president (52). The explanation is simple. First of all, she has a solid Vis-Min base, securing 80
percent support in Visayas and 95 percent support in Mindanao. Moreover, her marginalization from office has shielded her from widespread disapproval of the government’s management of the economy, which secured a net negative 71 percent approval on inflation management, the most urgent issue for Filipinos. In the coming months, the incumbent will have to secure a formidable coalition, which could dent the appeal of the
* * * 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.
* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph
ManilaTimes.net photo
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Malacañang photo
Kamala
that should not prove impossible to attain, even to a limited degree. Surely the government can do better in maintaining cleanliness in public areas. (Philstar.com)
Duterte-backed ticket in next year’s midterm elections. What is at stake is nothing short of Mr. Marcos’ legacy—if not political survival—in his twilight years in office. (Inquirer.net)
DATELINE PHILIPPINES
China vessels spotted o Manila Bay, El Nido
by GHIO ONG Philstar.com
MANILA — Two China Coast Guard (CCG) ships were spotted off Manila Bay, conducting “intrusive patrol” in the area and in some parts of Luzon waters in the past days, according to defense and maritime security expert Ray Powell.
“China’s intrusive patrol continues with China Coast Guard 3301 cruising outside Manila Bay this morning,” Powell, director of SeaLight and a former US Air Force official, said in a post on X on Thursday, July 25.
He reported that another CCG ship, with bow number 3105, has been “AIS-dark since 22 July.” AIS refers to the automatic identification system that large ships are required to activate for safety and security purposes.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)
spokesman Commodore Jay Tarriela confirmed the presence
of the two CCG vessels in the area.
Powell’s X post was an update of his previous post last July 22 wherein he revealed the presence of CCG vessels – also “on an intrusive patrol” some 40 nautical miles from El Nido in Palawan.
On the same day, President Marcos declared in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) that the West Philippine Sea was not a figment of imagination.
“Intrusive patrol” is “a key component of China’s strategy to reinforce its expansive maritime claims in disputed waters,” according to an online article from SeaLight.
In a statement, Tarriela said the PCG “detected the Shucha IIclass China Coast Guard Vessel 3301 traveling at a speed of nine knots approximately 62.08 nautical miles west of Capones Island, Zambales.”
The vessel “departed from Bajo de Masinloc on July 21, 2024, and headed towards El
Nido, Palawan, where it joined the Zhaotim-class (CCG vessel) 3105,” Tarriela said. Bajo de Masinloc is another local name for Panatag Shoal, the international name of which is Scarborough Shoal.
“On July 23, 2024, it moved to the northeast of Recto Bank and stayed there for more than a day before proceeding towards its current location” or the west of Capones Island in Zambales, he also said, referring to one of the Chinese vessels.
Tarriela also confirmed that CCG 3105 “has been experiencing irregular AIS transmission since July 22, 2024.”
The vessel, he added, “showed no significant movements and remained 64.5 (nautical miles) away from Tapiutan, El Nido, Palawan.”
The PCG used the “Dark Vessel Detection technology” provided by the government of Canada in monitoring the Chinese vessels, Tarriela noted.
Opposition on SONA: Avoid generalities, give details
by DELON PORCALLA Philstar.com
MANILA — While he conceded that President Marcos’ third State of the Nation Address was welldelivered, opposition legislator and Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman still found the speech wanting, more specifically on details on how to go about the policies set forth.
“What is lacking are the important details in the implementation of said policies,” said the president of the Liberal Party, who declared that the president’s strong stand on the West Philippine Sea “would evoke concurrence on some major policy statements.”
He noted Marcos’ unequivocal upholding of Philippine sovereign rights over the resourcerich West Philippine Sea was rather a “repetition of previous declarations.”
Lagman said the same was true with pronouncements the chief executive made on his request for Congress to review for purposes of amending the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), as well as the total ban on all Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs) by the end of 2024.
Thus, Marcos’ rather vague and ambiguous SONA still
necessitates a counter-SONA from them.
For his part, Sen. Bong Go expressed support for the programs and plans of President Marcos enumerated during his third SONA.
Go thanked President Marcos for his commitment to significantly expand the number of Super Health Centers nationwide to complement the Malasakit Centers that serve as a one-stop shop to provide medical and financial assistance to indigent and financially incapacitated patients.
“This is one of the things we have been fighting for a long time to be funded to bring basic medical services closer to the poor and those living in isolated and remote areas,” said Go, the chairman of the Senate health committee.
He noted the need for health initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure, strengthening medical assistance programs, improving PhilHealth benefits, and implementing the Regional Specialty Centers Act.
Go also supported President Marcos’ announcement of a total ban on POGOs. “The peace and order and security of Filipinos should be prioritized,” he said.
Go also expressed strong
ESPN names Pacquiao top Asian athlete of 21st century
by RALPH EDWIN VILLANUEVA Philstar.com
MANILA – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has been named the best Asian athlete of the 21st century, according to an article by sports website ESPN.
Pacquiao is the top Asian athlete of the century and is one of the three Filipinos in the list.
In its report, ESPN acknowledged that Pacquiao is “arguably one of the greatest boxers of all time.”
“He won world titles in an unprecedented eight weight divisions, showcasing his versatility and dominance.
Pacquiao's career spanned over three decades, during which he defeated numerous boxing legends,” the sports media company said.
The article highlighted the former senator’s 35-6-2 pro record since January 1st of 2000, and the fact that he held world championships in the 2000s, 2010s and the 2020s.
“Pacquiao's remarkable achievements and impact on boxing highlight his extraordinary legacy and has now stemmed into a career in politics and as an executive in various sports,” it added.
The fighting pride of the Philippines was previously ranked 71st in ESPN's top athletes since the start of the millennium, a move that had drawn flak among Filipino sports fans on social media who claimed Pacquiao should have placed higher.
Meanwhile, aside from Pacquiao, Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz was named in the ranking as the 19th best Asian athlete. The weightlifter won the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal in Tokyo.
“Diaz's dedication and resilience are evident in her journey, overcoming numerous challenges to reach the pinnacle of her sport. She has also won multiple medals in the Asian Games and World Championships,” the report said.
Instagram/@mannypacquiao
“Diaz's historic achievement and her role in elevating weightlifting in the Philippines are testaments to her exceptional talent and determination.” Coming in 25th in the list is basketball player June Mar Fajardo.
The San Miguel Beerman has bagged seven — and counting — Most Valuable Player awards in the PBA and 10 championships. He was also instrumental in Gilas Pilipinas’ gold medal finish in the Hangzhou Asian Games and was part of the Philippine squad that stunned World No. 6 Latvia in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament team earlier in the month.
“Fajardo's consistent excellence and influence on Philippine basketball underscore his significant impact on the sport that Filipinos love,” said ESPN. Coming in second in the list is
MANILA – Camille Jesalva, the Filipina caregiver who saved her elderly ward during the Oct. 7 Hamas offensive against Israel, was honored by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
support for expanding the benefits and coverage of PhilHealth. He argued that there is indeed potential to enhance the programs provided by PhilHealth to alleviate the burdens faced by less fortunate patients if available funds are utilized properly.
Jesalva was recognized by Herzog during an event on July 16 for the authors and heroes whose stories were featured in the bestselling book One Day in October that tells 40 inspiring stories from the Oct. 7, 2023 attack.
“Camille’s display of courage as well as compassion and
malasakit (concern) in the face of extreme personal danger brings both inspiration and pride, and more importantly, strengthens the emotional link and deep friendship that bind Filipinos and Israelis,” the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv said Friday, July 26.
Jesalva was taking care of 95-year-old Nitza Hefer when the Hamas attacked their community Kibbutz Nirim.
She convinced the militants who entered their house not to harm them by offering her USD370 savings and mobile
phone.
When the attackers
with the
and
locked themselves inside the
room until they were rescued by the Israel Defense Forces.
Jesalva's story went viral and received widespread media coverage, turning her into a national hero of sorts in Israel.
During their conversation, Camille underscored her taking pride in being a Filipino to Herzog, who in turn praised Camille for her quick thinking amidst the ordeal. (PNA)
fled
valuables, she
Nitza
safe
Manny Pacquiao Photo from
Gloc-9 reveals Francis Magalona lent him money for his nursing studies
By HannaH MallorCa Inquirer.net
GLOC-9
“I
by Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net
Gloc-9 and Francis Magalona
Photo Instagram/@glocdash9
Gloc-9 reveals Francis...
mo,’” Gloc-9 recalled, referring to Magalona using his nickname.
(When I didn’t have enough money for my tuition fee for nursing, I swallowed my pride. I asked, “Sir Kiks, is it okay if I can borrow money from you?”
He would tell me, “Come to “Eat Bulaga,” I will give you money for your tuition.”)
The “Sirena” hitmaker pointed out that Magalona had “no strings attached,” and he made it a point to return the money to not break the late rapper’s trust.
“Walang strings attached.
Siya ang nagsabi nito. ‘Ang pera kinikita. Ang kaibigan, mahirap.’
I made it a point na ibalik ‘yun
(There were no strings attached.
He told me this, ‘You can earn money. You can’t earn friends.’ I made it a point to return it),” he said.
“Walang strings attached.
Siya ang nagsabi nito. ‘Ang pera kinikita. Ang kaibigan, mahirap.’
I made it a point na ibalik ‘yun
(There were no strings attached. He told me this, ‘You can earn money. You can’t earn friends.’ I
made it a point to return it),” he said.
“Si Sir Kiks ay ibang level. Ninong siya ng aking mga kambal… There was one time noong inimbitahan ko siya sa binyag tapos meron siyang lunch with his family and [kumain sila] malapit d’un sa binyag para maka-attend,” he said.
(Sir Kiks is on another level. He’s the godfather to my twins. There was one time when I invited him to their baptismal ceremony. He had a lunch with his family then, and they chose to eat near the venue so he would be able to attend.)
Despite their friendship, Gloc-9 would always consider himself as Magalona’s “number one” fan, and grateful for the chance to be friends with the “Kaleidoscope World” singer as well.
“Nahihiya pa rin ako minsan kay Sir Kiks pero kapag nagtetext kami, ang tawag niya sa’kin, anak. Ako’y fan, parang understatement pa nga ang number one fan. Pero ang isang tagahanga ay magkaroon ng
relasyon sa kanyang iniidolo ay isang sobrang tagumpay para sa’kin,” he said. (I’m still shy towards Sir Kiks but when we used to text, he calls me, son. I’m a fan. And calling myself his number one fan is an understatement. But having the chance to develop a good relationship with your idol is a huge success for me.)
On the other hand, Gloc-9 said he is good friends with Andrew E as well, and he would sometimes visit the latter at his home.
Magalona is one of the biggest names in Philippine hip-hop. He is best known for his hit songs “Mga Kababayan Ko,” “Kaleidoscope World,” “Cold Summer Nights,” “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy,” and “3 Stars and a Sun,” to name just a few. He died of Acute myeloid leukemia in March 2009.
Born Aristotle Pollisco, Gloc9 is another leading figure in local hip-hop, having released the hit songs “Sirena,” “Upuan,” “Simpleng Tao,” “Magda,” and “Hinahanap ng Puso,” among others. g
Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista join in relief efforts for Typhoon Carina victims
By Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net
FILIPINO celebrities, including Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Heart Evangelista and Rocco Nacino, among others, participated in relief efforts for Filipino families affected by the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat.
Rivera and Dantes, along with their two kids, Zia and Sixto, personally wrapped more than 700 relief goods to turn over to the GMA Kapuso Foundation for Operation Bayanihan for the affected individuals of Typhoon Carina.
On Instagram, the Kapuso primetime queen shared some of her photos and videos preparing the relief goods. She asked her followers for their respective locations to be able to extend help to those in need.
Meanwhile, Dantes, alongside co-Navy reservists Nacino and beauty queen Beatrice Gomez, led the distribution of relief goods in a school in Marikina.
On the other hand, as the president of the Senate Spouses
Foundation, Evangelista spearheaded the packing and distribution of relief goods in
Celebrity couple Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo took to Instagram to ask for donations for individuals and pets affected by the typhoon.
Celebrity couple Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo took to Instagram to ask for donations for individuals and pets affected by the typhoon.
Other celebrities who volunteered for the packing and distribution of relief goods were Enzo Pineda, Ashley Ortega, Faith Da Silva, and “Unang
Hirit” hosts Shaira Diaz and Suzi Entrata-Abrera, among others.
Meanwhile, Gerald Anderson and actor-singer Ronnie Liang participated in rescue operations for a stranded family and other residents of Quezon City, respectively.
“Joining the rescue operations for the victims of the flood caused by Typhoon Carina at Barangay Roxas, Quezon City. Reporting for duty as a reservist of the Philippine Army together with the other troops of the 1302 Ready Reserve Battalion, Reserve Command, Philippine Army,” Liang wrote on his Instagram update on Thursday, July 25. g
Rachel Alejandro plays Filipina mom in upcoming international film
AN elated Rachel Alejandro announced that she was cast to play the role of a Filipina mom “of one of the main teenage characters” in an upcoming international film, although she kept her lips sealed on the details.
Alejandro took to her Instagram page on Sunday, July 21 to make the announcement, while sharing a snippet of the acceptance letter from the film’s production team.
“Submitted an audition video (wearing no makeup) for a role as a Filipina mom of one of the main teenage characters in an upcoming feature film and was so happy to learn I got the part,” she said.
The actress-singer then shared that filming will take place “tomorrow,” while showing excitement for “more Asian stories” to be told on various platforms.
“Excited for the shoot tomorrow and happy that slowly but surely, though we definitely have a long way to go, more Asian stories are starting to be told in cinema,” she wrote. Alejandro received congratulatory messages from fellow celebrities such as Vina Morales, Jennifer Sevilla, Iza Calzado, and Raymond Bagatsing in the comments.
Details on Alejandro’s upcoming film such as the title, co-actors, storyline, and premiere date are yet to be revealed, as of this writing.
Alejandro, who is based in the U.S., returned to the Philippines in April to participate in the Awit ng Panahon: Noon at Ngayon” concert with her father and fellow singer, Hajji Alejandro. (By Hannah Mallorca/Inquirer.net)
Tirso Cruz III on relinquishing FDCP...
these years. I’ve managed to raise my family through acting. I’ve accomplished so much, and even managed to receive recognition for it. That’s why I decided to give up the other. I want to give it my 100 percent focus and attention,” Cruz told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent interview.
“Work had become too taxing for me [as FDCP chair]. I thought I would be able to balance, since I was able to do that before. Somehow, the other one suffered because my focus was split,” said Tirso, who continued to receive acting offers even as FDCP head.
“I’m very thankful to industry people because they understood my situation. There were even times when I had to back out of commitments because there were pressing matters to attend to at the FDCP. Of course, at the time, no matter how you look at it, I had to prioritize FDCP over my profession.”
‘We have no issue’
Only recently, Cruz’s name was included on the list of personalities sued by former FDCP Chair Liza Diño for cyberlibel. The complaint stemmed from a series of articles that the entertainment website PEP published about Diño in May 2023.
“Yes, I’m aware of this because I read it in the papers. I would rather not answer any questions related to it. I kept telling people, let’s leave the legal things to the legal minds,” Cruz said. “When Liza and I see each other, we would say ‘hi’ and ‘hello.’ I guess things like this happen, but in show biz, we have no issue.
Meanwhile, Cruz was also asked whether he would be open to assuming other government positions in the future. To this, he replied: “Let’s see if I get another offer—if I could, I would. It’s always something to be proud of when you’re entrusted to be a public servant. However, it’s hard to accept a
job when you know you won’t be able to do well. I’m confident that I was able to leave the FDCP in the hands of a very capable person, Direk Joey (Reyes). Even when I was chair, he was already my adviser.” He continued: “Now, politics is a different thing. I’d rather stay in my comfort zone, which is acting. If there’s something that any performer will not run out of, it’s room for improvement. I feel that I still have a lot to learn. Hopefully, I will keep receiving challenging roles.” Fortunately, Cruz has been getting good reviews for his performance in the political drama series “Pamilya Sagrado” as patriarch Jaime Sagrado.
“I’m enjoying the work. It’s challenging because I’m working with young and talented actors. In the series, I play the uncle of Piolo (Pascual as Rafael). I raise him after his father dies when he was still very young. My brother was being groomed by our father to become president, but he passed away too early,” Cruz explained. 25 main characters Cruz said he was aware of the high ratings that
household responsibilities. Her brother Marvin and sister-in-law Genalyn seemed like ideal candidates for this opportunity. Aside from alleviating her own workload, Lani recognized the immense opportunity this presented for her nieces, Karen and Kyla, to pursue their education and have a better life in the United States.
From left: Lani’s brother Marvin, nieces Karen and Kyla, and sister-in-law Genalyn.
Lani (left) with Atty. Michael Gurfinkel
Tirso Cruz III
ABS-CBN photo
Rachel Alejandro Photo from Instagram/@racheljalejandro
Marikina.
PAGE B5
Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista and others join in relief efforts for Typhoon Carina victims.
Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera, @iamhearte, @sparklegmaartistcenter
GIGIL bags Silver Cannes Lion, delivering Grab its first win in the world’s top advertising honor
Philippine agency’s win showcases creative excellence with business impact
PHILIPPINE creative powerhouse GIGIL clinched its third Cannes Lion in four years, winning its first Silver in Film at the 2024 Festival of Creativity, home of the world’s most prestigious advertising awards. The award reaffirms the agency’s position as a leading independent agency and marks a milestone for Grab, which has earned its first ever Cannes Lion.
GIGIL’s campaign for Grab, “Summer” was also the only finalist from the Philippines in the said category. The agency previously won a Bronze Film Lion for RC Cola and Cheers in 2021 and 2022, respectively.
“This milestone pushes us to scale greater heights in the creative industry as we embark on a transformation. Our present and future clients, especially as we expand our reach globally via our New York and Toronto offices, can expect nothing less than a hundred percent from us,” Jake Yrastorza, GIGIL managing partner, said. Creativity that delivers business results Grab “Summer” helped the superapp achieve record-breaking transactions for both its mobility and on-demand delivery services after the campaign launch.
“More importantly, this is further proof that GIGIL’s good ideas deliver good business results,” Yrastorza said.
GIGIL’s work is marked by a history of delivering business results. From 2020 to 2023, it won in the APAC Effies, the known arbiter of marketing effectiveness of advertising ideas.
“Summer” has been viewed over 45 million times and generated over 2.6 million engagements on various social media platforms.
Set in the Philippine summer season, which has brought unprecedented heat levels to the tropical country, the film features a Filipino everyman character who goes about his day – from his commute, office work, to cooking a home meal –while literally sweating buckets in the middle of summer. The creative team uses this exaggerated depiction of the daily grind to highlight Grab’s services that Filipinos can avail during summer like the air-conditioned GrabCar and the delivery of cold drinks through GrabFood.
GIGIL first partnered with Grab in 2022, and has delivered some of the most engaging creative work for the brand in recent years. The film is GIGIL’s first collaboration with award-winning Thai production house Factory01 Bangkok. For more information on GIGIL’s work visit www. gigil.com.ph.
Founded in 2017, GIGIL has become the Philippines’ premier independent creative agency, with offices in New York and Toronto. Known for its boundary-pushing campaigns, GIGIL consistently produces content that captures the attention of viewers, generating unprecedented
attention and conversations. It has garnered international acclaim, among which are the prestigious APAC Effies for four consecutive years (2020-2023), underscoring the agency’s capability to craft campaigns that not only captivate, but also deliver measurable business results. It has also won the world’s most respected advertising awards, the Cannes Lions, in 2021, 2022, and 2024. GIGIL has also been ranked Number 1 among Network and Independent Agencies in the Philippines by Campaign Brief Asia. This set of recognition cements its dominant market position and provides a testament to its ability to stand among the best networks of agencies in the world. For more information on GIGIL and its body of work, visit www.gigil.com.ph or contact Duke de Ramos via duke.deramos@gigil.com. ph or+639272287446 to discover possibilities for your business. (GIGIL Release)
Playback Jukebox and CMLA take over South Bay
PLAYBACK Jukebox, one of the most sought-after rock bands in California, and Club Manila Los Angeles (CMLA), a group of DJs and promoters of the largest and most attended dance parties in Southern California, converged and brought together some of the most popular New Wave hits from the ‘80s to The View Music Bar, a packed hotspot in Torrance last Friday, July 19.
Purveyors of the ‘80s New Wave scene, Playback Jukebox and CMLA have been at the helm of bringing some of the most infectious songs from the ‘80s to concert attendees and dance enthusiasts in Southern California and beyond since their inception.
Playback Jukebox, now in its second year of existence, is composed of lead singer Benjie Collantes, keyboardist JJ Buencamino and drummer Paco Arespacochaga. Together, they take their audience on a breathtaking musical adventure.
The trio has performed in the U.S. — all over California, in other states such as Nevada, Washington — and in Canada. They are slated to perform in other countries later this year.
Never losing their passion for music and DJing, CMLA has never been distracted by the monetary aspects of organizing dance parties since it started 26 years ago. Marking its 29th year of bringing the dance club scene of Manila to Los Angeles, CMLA with Jake Martin’s leadership and its guest DJs — Jerome Sto. Domingo, Lemuel Pia and Dean Andrew Pantilo — once again took its arsenal of chart-topping dance tracks to the dance floor of the Torrance nightspot.
Brimming to its seams, the jam-packed nightclub saw an unprecedented combination of rock music connoiseurs and dance music enthusiasts that the Filipino community in Los Angeles has never seen.
Several members of rock
bands and staples of the local rock band scene such as P&P leader singer Pia Alvarez; Thieves Like Us lead singer Dennis Diaz; Monarc frontman Monty Rili and drummer Michael Abad; Paco Arespacochaga’s wife Jaja Arespacochaga; Benjie Collantes’s wife Joyce Punzalan Collantes; longtime friends of Playback Jukebox Bryan and Kristine Elazagui; Viva recording
the
Receiving GIGIL’s Silver Cannes Lions Award are (from left:) Bev Lubid, group account director; Dana De Leon; associate creative director; and Nanais Hernandez, senior strategic planner. Photos courtesy of GIGIL
GIGIL’s campaign for Grab, “Summer,” won a Silver in Film at the 2024 Festival of Creativity in Cannes.
artist Avon Rosales; business leaders Fastfix Jewelry and Repair owner Javier Suarez; and Rubilou Productions owner Rudy Villaverde were present. DJs Darryl Silva, Ricky Fabre, and Toktok Reyes; steadfast dance party supporters from
Party Party People (PPP) Facebook group such as founder Michelle Sto. Domingo and
DJ Jerome Sto. Domingo and DJ Jake Martin Paul Pablo/Photo Op Studio
DJ Lem Pia
Jason Bascon photo
Playback Jukebox members lead singer Benjie Collantes, keyboardist JJ Buencamino and drummer Paco Arespacochaga performing on stage. Jason Bascon photo
GMA’s new drama war series ‘Pulang
Araw’ unfolds;
Jim Fernandez, ‘Zuma’ creator
MAE Trono, marketing activations manager of GMA Pinoy TV, recently hosted the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour’s 15th Anniversary dinner program at Seda Manila Bay, welcoming some 250 balikbayan delegates from New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Texas, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, and Washington, D.C. who were scheduled tours of Manila, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Malaybalay, and Iligan cities. In full support were Philippine Consuls General Senen Mangalile of New York, Neil Frank Ferrer of San Francisco, Emilio Fernandez of Honolulu and Rosario Lemque of Agana as well as Acting Heads of Post Maria Alnee Gamble and Gilbert Segarra of Houston. Also giving support to the 2024 VIP Tour were Foreign Affairs Secretry Enrique Manalo, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez, Assistant Secretary for DFA’s Office of American Affairs Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, and Tourism Promotions Board Philippines Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles.
In the private sector, giving a helping hand were GMA Pinoy TV, Rajah Tours Philippines, Ayala Land International Sales Inc.(thanks to its Regional Director Hazel Gendrano for the overview of the Philippines’ progress during the first day and sharing opportunities with Ayala Land’s Residential property developments), Napa Valley Distribution, and Liberty Insurance Corporation (LIC), a non-life insurance company that is endorsed by actor-TV host Dingdong Dantes and is headed by its president Josefina M. Salvador.
* * * Arienne Calingo has been selected to serve as a member of
the Junior Board of Directors of the Children’s Place Association, which is based in Chicago, Illinois in the United States.
“We support Chicago’s most vulnerable children and their families who are challenged by poverty, health disparities, and racial injustice,” says Calingo, 1st runner-up (1st Princess) to 2016 Miss World Philippines Catriona Gray, Miss Universe 2018 winner. Her artwork “Rise” is on
display at an ongoing exhibit at the South Bend Museum of Art until the end of August. “Rise” is an artwork inspired by Iranian women protesting against the compulsory hijab. Previously, her creative works in mixed media, photography, and poetry have been featured in exhibitions at Harvard University, the St. Joe County Public Library, and the University of Notre Dame. “In general, I seek to use my artwork
EMPLOYMENT
as a vehicle to raise awareness of international human rights and social justice issues.”
In 2023, she was one of 15 Filipino Americans selected nationwide to serve as a 2023 delegate of the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), a joint initiative of the Philippine Embassy, Consulates General in the United States, and the Ayala Foundation. “Through FYLPRO, I aim to carry out projects that advance education, youth development, women empowerment, and the arts in the Filipino and Filipino American communities,” she says.
* * * Pulang Araw” tells stories during World War II (WW2) and the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. It expounds stories of courage, sacrifice and hardships.
This is the first family drama of GMA that brings together Barbie Forteza, Sanya Lopez, David Licauco, Aldren Richards and Dennis Trillo in a very special role.
It also stars Abraham Lawyer (beauty queen Michelle Dee’s brother), Japanese film directoractor Jacky Woo, Japanese model and former pornographic film actress Maria Ozawa, Epy Quizon, Rhian Ramos, Angelu de Leon, Rochelle Pangilinan, Julie Anne San Jose, Aidan Veneracion, Ashley Ortega, Mikoy Morales, Derrick Monasterio, Jay Arcilla, Neil Ryan Sese, Robert Sena, Isay Alvarez, Sef Cadayona, Tyro Dylusan, Zephanie Dimaranan, Billy Ray Gallon, and beauty queen Rabiya Mateo.
Under the helm of brilliant director Dominic Zapata and award-winning writer Suzette Doctolero, “Pulang Araw” airs on GMA Prime beginning July 29.
Playback Jukebox...
members Mona Sto. Domingo Santos, Phil Santos, Jing Sto. Domingo, Karla Rodriguez Alba, Liza Lopez, Carlo Lopez, Lem Pia, Rachel Gatchalian Pia, Regi Libre, Charisse De Leon, Karla Rodriguez-Alba, Mackie and Ela Catt, Bel Domingo and Mayee SalgadoFutterman; co-founder of the Filipino-American Press Club of California Andy Edralin; former Vicor dancer Katrina Llanes; Movessential owner Abigail Castillo, Sammy Estrella, Lizette Villafranca, Majoy Resurreccion, Romichelle Ligot-Del, Rosario, Tin Cabrera-Fontanilla, Melany Gan Del Rosario and Francesca Borromeo-Lewis were in attendance.
Generous sponsors such as CBR Entertainment, Deepz Investments Inc. and Paco’s Place made this event possible. Charina Vergara, owner of Titos Pizza Bar and Grill provided food for everyone to enjoy.
This unprecedented event brought followers of the local rock band scene and dance parties under one roof, led by new audiences to Playback Jukebox and CMLA alike, and took their music to unparalleled heights.
Playback Jukebox drummer Paco Arespacochaga affirms, “This journey has been nothing short of remarkable, and I am filled with gratitude for the support we have received along the way.”
Jake Martin of CMLA invites everyone to
EMPLOYMENT
Actor Butchoy Ubaldo
Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina Illustrator-writer Jim Fernandez
GMA Pinoy TV’s “Pulang Araw” starts airing on July 29.
From left: Shigeyoshi Rintaro, Matsuda Shigehiro, Ambassador Endo Kazuya, GMA Network president/CEO Gilberto Duavit Jr., GMA executive VP/CFO Felipe Yalong and Oliver Victor Amoroso.
Rogelio Constantino Medina
Can my children’s derivative social security benefits be offset against my monthly child support obligation?
CALIFORNIA Family
Code section 4504 allows a noncustodial parent to be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of federal government payments they are receiving on behalf of the child. The payments that qualify for this credit include:
• Social Security retirement or disability benefits
• Railroad Retirement benefits
• Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
To be eligible for the credit, the child must be potentially eligible for the benefits. This means that the child must meet the requirements for the benefits, such as being the child of a deceased or disabled worker.
The custodial parent or other child support obligee is responsible for applying for the benefits on behalf of the child.
The noncustodial parent must cooperate with the custodial parent in making the application and providing any necessary
information.
If the custodial parent refuses to apply for the benefits or fails to cooperate with the appropriate federal agency, the noncustodial parent may be credited towards their child support obligation for the amount of benefits that the child would have received. The noncustodial parent must provide evidence to the local child support agency indicating the amount of benefits the child would have received.
This credit is intended to help ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents, even if one parent is deceased or disabled. It can also help to reduce the financial burden on the custodial parent.
If you are a noncustodial parent who is receiving federal government payments on behalf of your child, you may be eligible for a credit towards your child support obligation. You should speak with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your specific case. Here are some additional things to keep in mind about California Family Code section 4504:
• The credit is not available for all types of federal government payments.
• The credit may not be available if the noncustodial parent is already receiving a credit for child support
payments from another source.
• The amount of the credit may be limited.
If you have any questions about California Family Code section 4504, you should speak with an experience family law specialist attorney.
* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC. This article is not a solicitation.
Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.
Tirso Cruz III on relinquishing FDCP...
the series has been receiving. He credits this to the show’s writers and three directors—Andoy Ranay, Law Fajardo and Rico Navarro. “We have 25 main characters. We each have our own subplots. How they are able to make us work as an ensemble amazes me. Also, I feel proud whenever young actors would approach me to say it’s been their dream to work with me,” the veteran actor said.
“Grae (Fernandez) plays my grandson here. We’re together in many scenes. He’s really good. I can say the same for Kyle (Echarri),” Cruz recalled. “The set is generally happy. After taping, we tell stories and joke around. We’re usually in Baguio for a week to 10 days, and then come down for at least a week to rest. Our last taping cycle lasted two weeks. We’re now on break.” Cruz added that he still has shooting days to
finish on the set of “The Bagman,” a spinoff of the hit digital series starring Arjo Atayde. The new cast includes Judy Ann Santos and John Arcilla. Cruz was also asked to comment on the nomination of his batchmate, Vilma Santos, for National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. For Cruz, who even attended a recent gathering to announce Santos’ nomination, “the move was long overdue.” “She has done so many things in her life as an artist. She deserves the nomination and the title. If there’s one person who deserves it—other than my love-team partner (Nora Aunor), of course— it’s Vilma, with her achievements be it personal, industry-related, or as a public servant. This title isn’t just for actors. We’ve also recognized the works of deserving directors. They’re also worthy. As they say, everything depends on the right timing and purpose.” g
The gifts of the Eucharist and ourselves to the world
Pastor’s Notes
reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAs
TYPICALLY, we do not perceive ourselves as gifts bestowed upon the world. Instead, we view ourselves as workers, consumers, caregivers of families, leaders in communities, governments, and businesses. Consequently, we regard our responsibilities and obligations as cumbersome burdens that sap our joyful spirits. This perception often leads us to eagerly anticipate leisure and vacation times.
However, when we recognize ourselves or our lives as “gifts” given to the world, our attitudes undergo a transformation. We discover more significant meaning and purpose in our actions, alleviating the dread of each passing day. We begin to regard our work and the lives we lead as blessings, as gifts from God.
I acquired this insight while listening to Cardinal Luis Tagle’s homily at the Concluding Mass of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress held at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Addressing an energized congregation of
50,000 Eucharistic pilgrims by reflecting on the “Bread of Life” discourse from the Gospel of St. John, Cardinal Tagle emphasized that Jesus was sent into the world by His Father “to be a gift.”
“He is not merely sent to wander and enjoy Himself,” Cardinal Tagle affirmed. “He is sent to be given. The missionary is a gift. Mission is not solely about work but also about giving oneself. He declares, ‘This is my body for you; my blood for you.’ This gift is intended for you, not for me.”
Expanding on this, Cardinal Tagle elucidated, “If our horizon is only that of achievement, success and profit, there is no room to see and receive gratuitous gifts. There is no place for gratitude and self-giving. There will only be a relentless search for self-affirmation, that eventually becomes oppressive and tiring, leading to more selfabsorption or individualism. And, when pessimism takes over, we see only darkness, failures, problems, things to complain about.”
Cardinal Tagle’s insights deepen our comprehension of the Eucharist. We receive Jesus in the Eucharist as a gift, and as recipients of this precious gift, we are called to venture into the world as Eucharistic missionaries. We are to regard ourselves and our roles in this
world, including our vocations and careers, as “gifts” endowed with the Spirit of Jesus and the Gospel, empowered by the Holy Spirit through the Sacraments of the Church.
In concluding his homily, Cardinal Tagle challenged the pilgrims with these words:
“Let us give a gift of presence to each other. Go to church. Go to Mass with the gift of your flesh, your singing voice, your sweats, your tears, your smiles. Jesus gives us his flesh. Why can we not give him and the community the gift of our fleshly presence? We have received the gift of Jesus. Let us go out to proclaim Jesus zealously and joyfully for the life of the world.”
The impact of Cardinal Tagle’s homily extended far beyond the confines of Lucas Oil Stadium, resonating with audiences across various social media platforms. Let us respond to Cardinal Tagle’s challenge. Let us regard ourselves and our lives, nourished by the Eucharist, as gifts meant to be shared with the world.
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.
RA 12001: Essential information for overseas Filipinos
What overseas Filipinos need to know about the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act (RPVARA)
SAB’s Review
shAron Ann BAthAn-sAn Pedro
UNDERSTANDING RA 12001
On June 13, 2024, President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12001, commonly known as the Real Property Valuation and Assessment Reform Act
(RPVARA). This landmark legislation aims to overhaul the outdated property valuation system in the Philippines. RA 12001 standardizes property valuations across the country, aligning them with current market values and international standards.
For overseas Filipinos, this means a more transparent and consistent property valuation system, making it easier to manage and invest in real estate back home.
Key changes introduced by
The new law separates the technical valuation process from the political taxation process, establishing a
base for
purposes. This simplification will alleviate the complexities overseas Filipinos face when dealing with property taxes and transactions, including:
Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.
Another remarkable edition of Philippine American Friendship Day
From My Point of View
OVER three thousand people trooped to the verdant 84-acre Don Knabe Community Regional Park in this city, 20 miles southeast of Los Angeles – to witness another stellar edition of the Los Angeles County’s largest 3rd Annual Philippine American Friendship Day held on July 13 overlooking the sparkling lake.
Both Filipino American and mainstream councilmembers from nearby cities graced the occasion in a show of solidarity to this signature event. Led by City of Cerritos Councilmember Lynda Johnson who is also this year’s event chair, the other councilmembers who were in attendance were Cerritos
Councilmembers Frank Aurelio Yokoyama, former mayor and current Councilmember Sonny Santa Ines of Bellflower, Artesia Mayor Pro Tem Ali Taj with fellow Councilmembers Melissa Ramoso and Rene Treviño, Carson Councilmembers Arleen Bocatija Rojas and Jim Dear and Lakewood Councilmember Jeff Wood. Cerritos former Mayor Mark Pulido delivered a stirring
Dignitaries graced the PAFD event: (from left) L.A. County Field Deputy Lauren Yokomizo representing Supervisor Janice Hahn, Consul Maynard Maleon, Cerritos Councilman
and Cerritos “Let Freedom Ring” Committee Member and 2022 PAFD Event Chair
E.
Bobby Crisostomo keynote speech about the contributions of the Filipino American community in America.
Also in attendance were Philippine Consul Maynard S. Maleon and L.A. County Field Deputy Lauren Yokomizo representing County Supervisor Janice Hahn who presented rolls of proclamations like the rest of the councilmembers from neighboring cities.
The whole-day festivities was kicked off by a fun parade with 17 community organizations
that snaked through the sparkling lake and circled the vendors booths around the main canopy. An invocation followed led by Rev. Fr. Matthew Ma. Fernandez, MHHC, assistant pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church-Artesia. The program proper commenced with the banging of the gong by event chair Lynda Johnson. Welcome remarks were delivered by host organizer Noel S.V. Omega.
In partnership with the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and hosted by
the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) of Greater Los Angeles, this year’s celebration was wider in scope because the Mexican-American community was well represented by Ballet Folklorico Almitas Mexicanas based in the South Bay with three groups of about 40 youthful folk dancers who elicited nostalgic admiration from both the Filipino and Mexican community in the audience because of their Spanish-Mexican folklore dance like “La Cucuracha.” After all, this year’s theme is: “Fostering Friendships Beyond Borders.”
Fresh performers during this event include the “Party of Three” who dished out popular songs from APO Hiking Society, an iconic recording trio of the Philippines, and was a revelation when the crowd reacted with swooning praises. This trio includes Jun Sison, Raul Escudero and Oscar Angeles.
The Dalisay Filipino American Dance Company showcased Filipino folk culture in its purist form through traditional dance suites representing various regions in the Philippines. It brought teary eyes from the appreciative audience especially those who haven’t visited the Motherland in decades.
One of the performers who earned admiration was multiawardee and well-rounded Lyndon Apostol with his velvety
B7
Before noted Filipino illustratorwriter Jim M. Fernandez, a product of University of Santo Tomas (in 2019 he was awarded as one of the UST’s outstanding alumni) and a CPA, migrated to Canada, he left me a copy of his works years ago. My uncle wanted me to be a comics writer, just like him, but I turned out to be a journalist-writer-columnist. In 1946, after WW2 ended, he got to read comics books which featured Captain America, Green Lantern, Superman, Batman and Robin, Captain Marvel and Wonder Woman. He credited his elder sister Gilda FernandezPerez who supplied him books of Tarzan during his teenage years. Then he got to read first Filipino comics magazines. He had dreamed that one day he would be part of the Philippine comics industry.
Soon he showed his first samples of his drawings to Tony Velasquez, the Walt Disney of the Philippines. Later, he got paired with No. 1 comics writer Mars Ravelo (who said that “Jim M. Fernandez would be my successor as a comics writer”). He got to draw Darna and Captain Barbell for him.
Eventually Fernandez turned to writing in 1969. In 1974, he created Zuma (the Zuma series became the first twice a week circulation comics novel) and Galema, characters that brought comics circulation to phenomenal levels. They were featured in two movies in 1985 and 1987 and were featured in TV series by ABS-CBN in 2013-2014.
During the end of the 1970s, he started writing and illustrating his own novels. His first novel was “The Fighting Priest” in Hiwaga Komiks. Some of his novels were adapted into film. Among them were “Nunal sa Balikat,” “Farida,” “The Dormitory,” “Life Everlasting,” “Kingpin,” “Brutus,” “Kambal sa Uma,” and “Anak ni Zuma.” His brother Rolly became his illustrator assistant when Jim’s volume of illustrated novels doubled.
“His novels elevated the comics readership intelligence,” says Judy Garcia, wife of Uncle Jim.
While in Canada, Jim Fernandez made his last novel. He and his brother Federico had a plan to publish Jim’s novel but Jim passed away on June 13, 2022. But I hope his brother Federico, president of a huge semi-conductor company, will publish Jim’s novel in honor of his memory.
* * * Butchoy Ubaldo is a freelance actor with over 35 years of experience in stage and screen. He performed in various classic Filipino literary works, such as Noli Me Tangere, El Filibusterismo, Ibong Adarna, and Florante at Laura. He also won several awards for his work, including Best Actor from CinemaTech-StudentDigital-Film-Festival for the film “Kwentong Barbero.” He is also a versatile performer who can act in various genres, as well as play the piano and the guitar, dance
From left: Cris Pablo, Nancy Deocarez and Richard Hinola.
Lapu Films director-creator Michael Isip in Hawaii
From left: Roger Oriel, Mae Trono and Rogelio Medina.
Columnist Rogelio Medina and Ayalaland’s Hazel Gendrano
Arienne Calingo at GMA-7 Studio
Jessica Soho, Kara David...
and sing.
He did a superb performance recently in the musical film “A Thousand Forests” (thanks to Ema Trinidad for the invitation), enacting the role of a father to child actress Ramjean Entera (who will soon be part of “The Miracle of Fatima The Musical”).
* * * For Lapu Films director-creator Mike Isip, it has been his passion and aspiration to capture fleeting experiences and spontaneous moments, through wedding photography and videography, that enable him to share with friends and family. He sees to it to provide each couple an authentic wedding experience and deliver a photo album and film they can truly call their own.
His primary goal is to bring timeless and elegant wedding photos and films which allow couples to relive their special day. Having a great and professional team dedicated and committed to capturing every important detail and moment in its raw and honest form, and translating those moments into a cinematic masterpiece is something to be proud of.
“As a team, we are in a relentless quest to raise the bar higher, having a group of dedicated artists who thrive in love stories,” he says with enthusiasm as he is making a name for himself after leaving California to be based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Interestingly, he has 5-star reviews in Yelp and Instagram.
* * *
GMA Network president and CEO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr. welcomed recently Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya at the GMA Network Center.
Accompanying Ambassador Endo were Director of Japan Information & Culture Center
Matsuda Shigehiro, Press Officer Shigeyoshi Rintaro, and National Staff members Angela de la Rama and Dyan Lamando. Meanwhile, Duavit was joined by GMA Network executive vice president and CFO Felipe S. Yalong and senior vice president and Head of GMA Integrated News and GMA Regional TV and Synergy Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.
“GMA has been a remarkable storyteller showcasing the beauty and wonder of Japan to Filipino audiences,” Duavit said, citing the network’s live-action series adaptation of the iconic Japanese anime “Voltes V” as a shining example of this collaboration. “These anime stories aren’t just shows; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has captured the imagination of generations of Filipinos, and particularly the generations of ours. Through these adventures and triumphs, Voltes V has become a symbol of hope, * courage, and unity, and values that resonate deeply in our culture.”
* * * Congratulations to Richard Hinola for holding a successful 1st People’s Legacy Awards for persons with disabilities. Among the awardees were Jo Berry of GMA’s TV series “Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law” and Dagul Pastrana of ABS-CBN’s “Goin’ Bulilit.”
Helping him were Cris Pablo of GMA Network, Inc. as well as Nancy Deocareza of NobleLife that will participate in the July 28, 2024 Perlas ng Silangan Basketball League grand opening at Araneta Coliseum.
*
* * 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
RA 12001: Essential information for...
• Value-added tax. The importance of RA 12001 Local government units in the Philippines have historically relied on outdated valuation systems tied to real estate taxation. As of 2024, 97 cities and 40 provinces were not compliant with the requirement to revalue properties every three years. This non-compliance has led to a decrease in the share of real property tax in local tax revenues.
RA 12001 addresses several critical issues:
• Unified valuations: Eliminates multiple and overlapping valuations from different agencies, providing a clear property value.
• Transparency: Enhances transparency in the property market, boosting investor confidence.
• Automation: Accelerates the automation of the Real Property Information System, streamlining processes.
• Efficiency: Improves the efficiency of tax collection, benefiting both the government and property owners.
Implications for overseas Filipino property owners
With RA 12001 in place, many overseas Filipino property owners are concerned about potential increases in real property taxes and other implications. Here’s what you need to know:
• Property taxes: While the new valuation system aims for fairness and consistency, it may lead to adjustments in property taxes. However, the standardized approach will ensure these taxes reflect true market values.
• Investment confidence: The transparency and efficiency
brought by RA 12001 are expected to enhance investor confidence, potentially increasing the value of real estate investments in the Philippines.
• Ease of transactions: Simplified taxation processes will make buying, selling, and managing properties more straightforward for overseas Filipinos.
RA 12001 represents a significant step forward in the Philippine property market. For overseas Filipinos, understanding these changes is crucial for making informed decisions about property investments and management back home. Stay informed and be proactive in adapting to these new regulations to maximize the benefits of your real estate investments in the Philippines.
SAB Realty: Your partner in
voice dishing out Broadway, Opera and pop songs. He was a mainstay of the original Filipino production opera “Karim at Jasmin” that was shown at Ebell Theater in Los Angeles. After his performance, his new fans sought him out for pictorials with him.
Club Magkaisa of Cerritos High School on their third year of performance was also a hit. They performed the “Cariñosa”, a folk dance of the romantic Spanish colonial period Maria Clara suite and Tinikling, a classic with a modern tweak without the traditional Filipiniana costume.
The “Love Cats,” an-all girls garage band by Millikan High School students who love to share their passion for music to the public came to the fore.
Multi-talented as an actress, singer, song writer, model, beauty pageant runner-up, event host and businesswoman, Shekinah Austria who debuted on stage in this year’s event got rave reviews from the crowd not only with her dynamic singing performance, communication skills and interaction with the audience but her stunning beauty. In her spiel, she dispelled the notion that not all Batangueñas are tough but also sweet.
Other performers who made their mark and earned notice from the discerning crowd were Jhala Angelique, Buck Palace Tribe, the Iligan City-Lanao Del Norte Dance Group, IDance headed by Nonie Belarmino (who danced the Zumba), Shiloh Baylon (both artist and a songwriter), Pamana Kali, Move Essential on their third year in a row were eye-catching with their jumping boots on, Jane Rock Star Magan Chang who operates a salon by day but is a Christian gospel singer after hours, and many more who had made an impact on the audience. There’s a saying to save the best for last.
Two scintillating groups straight from the Philippines: RTPACT, a well-choreographed street dancing performance, and Junior New System brought the house down with their high energy acrobatic on their six-inch high heels shoes without messing up. For two years in a row, a noble idea was executed to incentivize parade participants with a $200 cash prize. This year, three groups defended their crown: The “Largest Delegation” went to the Filipino-American Catholic Community of Holy Family Church; the Liveliest Delegation was garnered by the joint APO Fraternity Alumni of Greater Los Angeles/ APO South Bay singing their APO Toast hymn while marching; and the Most Colorful Costume was awarded to Lanao Del Norte Iligan-Marawi Association of So. California with their black outfit laced
with Sarimanok (chicken wings) emblem.
Another new feature at this year’s event was the display of about 80 high-end cars at the parking lot courtesy of Carsilog Foundation, an association of car enthusiasts of exotic, fancy, offroad, luxury and classic cars headed by businessman Lee Natividad. Before the day was over, the symbolic key was transferred to NaFFAA officer Mary Ann Omega to be the next event chair for next year’s Philippine American Friendship Day. Brace yourselves for another spectacular event in the offing.
* * * 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. *
denino1951@gmail.com
Columnist Rogelio Medina (left) and LIC president Josefina Salvador flank a life-size company endorsement poster featuring Dingdong Dantes.
1st People’s Legacy Awards winner Jo Berry (left) with Richard Hinola.
NaFFAA Greater Los Angeles organizing committee members receive a proclamation roll from L.A. County Field Deputy Lauren Yokomizo.
