– The relentless desert heat has taken center stage in Las Vegas, shattering previous temperature records and making headlines worldwide. With temperatures soaring to unprecedented highs, residents are feeling the impact of the extreme weather.
In Death Valley National Park, known for holding the world record at 134 degrees Fahrenheit, temperatures recently approached this staggering figure, nearly reaching Earth's record high of over 130 degrees.
For Lance and Luke Cachola, playing with melted crayons in their driveway has become the ultimate heat test. "We put a crayon on our driveway to see if it melted," said Lance. "Today we saw and it melted," added Luke. The Cachola twins expressed their frustration with the heat, missing out on their usual outdoor adventures during the summer break. Throughout July, Las Vegas has experienced triple-digit temperatures, ranging from 106 to a scorching 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Some electric vehicle sensors have even recorded highs of up to 150 degrees.
Jo Hann Sayson, a Las Vegas resident,
3 Fil-Am women gymnasts shine in historic Olympic debut
Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Emma Malabuyo and Aleah Finnegan concluded their historic campaign with strength and pride
ONE remarkable aspect of the three Filipina American women gymnasts who represented the Philippines after 60 years was their ability to truly enjoy and embrace their Olympic debut.
Levi Jung-Ruivivar, Emma Malabuyo and Aleah Finnegan concluded their historic campaign with strength and pride, savoring every moment of their journey.
Aleah Finnegan, 21, who finished strongly at 10th on the vault apparatus after subdivision three, shared her reflections through LSU Gymnastics and FIG Gymnastics on Instagram, expressing, “It goes beyond just Olympics. It’s about raising the Philippines flag and showing it to the world.”
Her sentiment resonated with the performances and smiles that the trio maintained throughout their routines at the Bercy Arena. Finnegan recorded 13.733
PH to get $500M military aid from US
by CATHERINE VALENTE AND FRANCISCO TUYAY ManilaTimes.net
THE United States’ top diplomat and defense chief
announced $500 million in military funding Tuesday, July 30 to boost Philippine defenses and progress on a proposed military intelligence-sharing pact as both allies renewed their concerns over China’s continuing aggressive actions in the region.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense
Secretary Lloyd Austin met with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has fortified Manila’s decades-old treaty alliance with Washington as hostilities between
Philippine and Chinese forces flared since last year in the disputed South China Sea.
Marcos hailed “very open” communication lines between Washington and Manila, adding that the two countries’ treaty alliance and key issues in the South China Sea and the Indo-Pacific region “are continuously examined and reexamined so we are agile in terms of our responses.”
He renewed the Philippines’ commitment to strengthen its working relationship with the U.S. in terms of the two nations’ alliance and issues in the West Philippine Sea and the Indo-Pacific region. Blinken also reaffirmed the U.S.’ ties with the
Philippines, saying the upcoming meeting was “genuinely historic” as it was the first time that Manila would be hosting the two countries’ 2+2 joint ministerial meeting with Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. “It’s, I think, really evidence of a steady drumbeat, a very high-level engagement between our countries that are covering the full range of issues and opportunities that bring us together, not only security but also economic, and we’re truly grateful for this partnership,” he said.
After the 2+2 meeting, Blinken and Austin
Fil-Am fencer wins her second women’s foil gold medal in Paris Olympics
Filipino American fencer Lee Kiefer, representing Team USA, defends her Olympic title by HANS
CARBONILLA Inquirer.net
SKILL, tenacity and experience combined, Filipina American fencer Lee Kiefer, representing the U.S., has once again proven her prowess after successfully defending her title in the women’s individual foil at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
Marking the fifth individual gold medal for a U.S. fencer in Olympic history, Kiefer outmatched her fellow American, Lauren Scruggs, in the final held at the Grand Palais on July 28, triumphing with a decisive 15-6 victory. Following her big win in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Kiefer celebrated her latest victory with a joyful pirouette down the piste, becoming only the second American fencer to win gold in the same event
to election."
by CRISTINA CHI Philstar.com
MANILA — Any possible leadership shakeup in the United States from its upcoming elections will not affect the country's commitments to the Philippines, its oldest treaty partner in Asia, Washington's top diplomat and defense chief said on Tuesday, July 30. With less than a hundred days before the U.S. decides on a new president in November, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed that the longstanding alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines "doesn't change from election
Pacquiao defends struggling vs Japanese Anpo in exhibition US support for PH steadfast regardless of election outcome — o cials
“We have a Mutual Defense Treaty that the United States is committed to, that commitment will endure,” Blinken said at a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo. Blinken and Austin are in Manila for a "2+2" dialogue with their Philippine counterparts Teodoro and Manalo, a visit that forms part of the U.S. officials' 10-day tour across six countries in Asia. Both officials came to Manila after holding the same meeting in Japan.
by DINO MARAGAY Philstar.com
TOKYO — Manny Pacquiao may have bitten off more than he can chew when he took on a much bigger opponent in Rukiya Anpo in the their well-attended exhibition fight Sunday, July 28 at the Saitama Super Arena here. The 45-year-old Pacquiao was originally supposed to face
another fighter — one shorter than the 6-feet-tall Anpo — in the three-round showcase bout that was part of an 11-fight show put up by local combat sports promotional powerhouse Rizin. But mixed martial artist Chihiro Suzuki, who is two inches shorter than Anpo, went down with an injury and had to be replaced as Pacquiao’s dance partner.
Japan’s Rukiya Anpo throws a left hook to Manny Pacquiao’s body during their exhibition fight at the Saitama Super Arena on Sunday, July 28. Photo by Wendell Alinea/MP Promotions
LAS VEGAS
PH to get $500M military aid...
PAGE 1
announced the $500 million military funding to help in an ongoing modernization of the Philippine military and coast guard and boost security collaboration amid shared concerns over China’s assertive actions.
“We’re now allocating an additional $500 million in foreign military financing to the Philippines to boost security collaboration with our oldest treaty ally in this region,” Blinken said.
“Both of us share concerns, and many other countries in the region share concerns, as well, about some of the actions that the People’s Republic of China has taken, escalatory actions in the South China Sea, the East China Sea,” including “coercive methods,” he added in a joint news conference.
He renewed a warning that the U.S. would help defend the Philippines if Filipino forces, ships and aircraft come under attack in the Pacific, including in the South China Sea.
Blinken and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi sparred on
Saturday, July 27 over the South China Sea when they met on the sidelines of the foreign ministers meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos.
Wang told Blinken the United States should “refrain from fanning the flames, stirring up trouble and undermining stability at sea,” according to a
foreign ministry statement.
“The risks and challenges facing China-U.S. relations are still rising,” he said.
Teodoro said the additional funding would serve to secure the Philippines’ “credible deterrent posture.”
“Every peso or dollar spent on hardening Philippine capabilities to defend itself and to deter unlawful aggression will be a plus against any threat actor, whether it be China or anyone,” Teodoro said.
Apart from the $500 million assistance, Austin said the U.S. would earmark a separate $128 million funding for repairing runways, building disaster response warehouses, and improving critical infrastructure in Enhance Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites.
The U.S. officials also offered condolences over the dozens of deaths wrought by typhoonworsened monsoon rains in recent weeks and announced an additional $1 million in aid for the victims and to help devastated communities recover.
The visit came the week after the Philippines and China reached a temporary arrangement to prevent clashes around the Philippine-occupied Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, like the violent faceoff between their forces on June 17.
Philippine forces transported food and other supplies and a fresh batch of navy personnel Saturday to Manila’s territorial
outpost at the shoal without a confrontation for the first time since last year.
But the Philippines would continue strengthening its territorial defense with the assistance of the U.S. and other friendly military powers and build new security alliances, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez said.
“The non-confrontational resupply and rotation is purely temporary. The People’s Republic of China will not stop, and we are determined just as well,” Romualdez said.
The $500 million in U.S. military financing would include funding for reinforcing the Philippine Navy’s capability.
About $125 million would be used for construction and other improvements in parts of Philippine military bases to be occupied by U.S. forces under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, he said.
With strong support in Congress, U.S. military funding may double next year “depending on our capacity to absorb it,” Romualdez said.
Progress in negotiations on a proposed military intelligencesharing pact, the General Security of Military Information Agreement, was announced by Austin, who said that the accord may be signed later this year.
The agreement, similar to ones Washington has forged with other allied countries, would allow the U.S. to provide high-level intelligence, more sophisticated weapons, including missile systems, and access to satellite and drone surveillance systems to the Philippines with an assurance that such intelligence and details about sophisticated weapons would be closely kept secret in a highly secured manner to prevent leaks, two Philippine officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to discuss the issue publicly.
Philippine efforts to obtain sophisticated weapons from the U.S. military in the past have been hampered by the lack of such an intelligence deal.
In his meeting with Blinken and Austin, Marcos alluded to the intense political divisions in u PAGE 4
US support for PH steadfast regardless...
The visit is believed to signal Washington's continued support for countries it considers strategic allies and partners ahead of the brewing showdown between U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and former U.S. President Donald Trump in the U.S. presidential elections.
"Elections are a regular feature of our democracy. What's also a regular feature is a long standing alliance between our countries," Blinken added.
Austin said that support for the Philippines in the U.S. is bipartisan, transcending party lines. "And any time you see that level of bipartisan support, you can bet that support will continue."
With over seven decades of bilateral relations, Manalo said that the Philippines-U.S. alliance has "withstood the test of time."
The DFA secretary attributed the strength of the Philippines and the U.S.’ ties is anchored on shared values, strategic interests, and strong people-topeople ties.
Jose Manuel Romualdez, the Philippines' ambassador to the U.S., wrote in a July 21 column
that the Philippines maintains strong relationships with both Republicans and Democrats."
Since assuming the position in 2017 under former U.S. President Donald Trump, Romualdez said the Philippines receives consistent bipartisan support from U.S. Congress members and the American public
“Regardless of who is in the Oval Office, the relationship between the Philippines and the United States will remain strong and stable due to our many shared values and deep people-topeople connections,”Romualdez said.
Blinken and Austin's visit comes right after the Philippines completed a successful resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal without any Chinese vessels disrupting the operation.
China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, while the Philippines, among other Southeast Asian nations, have overlapping claims to parts of it.
Beijing has also persistently ignored a 2016 international tribunal ruling that its claims
have no legal basis.
In 2014, the Philippines and the U.S. signed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a pact that observers say is part of a broader strategy to counter China's aggressions in the South China Sea, portions of which are the West Philippine Sea.
The agreement grants the U.S. military access to Philippine bases for joint training, positioning of equipment and building of facilities such as runways, fuel storage and military housing.
In April, Marcos met with leaders of Japan and the United States for a historic trilateral summit aimed at boosting economic and security ties.
The DFA described the meeting as an “admirable aspiration that should not be considered a threat by any peace-loving country.”
China slammed the trilateral meet among the three countries and scored the Philippines and Japan for "(inviting) factional opposition into the region" and engaging in cooperation that is "at the cost of hurting another country’s interests." g
Anti-U.S. protesters hold rallies at the Boy Scout Circle and Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City against U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Blinken and Austin were at the military’s national headquarters for a dialogue with their Philippine counterparts.
The protesters demanded the junking of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). ManilaTimes.net photo by Ismael De Juan
FL’S COMMUNITY SERVICE. First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos (behind podium) launches the Lab for All: Laboratoryo, Konsulta, at Gamot Para sa Lahat (Laboratory, Consultation, and Medicines for All) program at the Quezon City Hall on Thursday, Aug. 1, along with Mayor Joy Belmonte (not in photo); (seated left to right) Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, Commission on Higher Education Chair J. Prospero de Vera III, and
Health Secretary Dr. Ted Herbosa. Aside from free health care services, various government agencies also provided assistance to residents while a food truck with hot porridge and empanada (pasties) was on standby. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Making sense of political conventions and the 2024 US elections
by Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services
WITH presidential elections coming in the shadow of political violence and division, how will the national conventions and electoral process affect voters?
National political conventions
Conventions “aren’t what they used to be — that’s for sure,” said Sherry Jeffe, retired public policy communication professor for the University of Southern California and former political analyst for NBC4 Los Angeles. “Conventions used to be how delegates chose the presidential and vice presidential nominees … Today, they’re more about campaigning for a choice that’s already been made through the primaries.”
Jeffe joined a panel of speakers for a July 19 Ethnic Media Services briefing, just two days before Biden announced his withdrawal from the campaign, passing the torch to his vice president, Kamala Harris.
Anticipating Biden’s departure, Jeffe predicted the Democratic convention would “have the muscle it hasn’t had for a very long time.”
Harris, the first Black and South Asian woman to serve as vice president, would become the nation’s first female president should she win the election in November. A majority of Democratic delegates have pledged their support for her campaign, while on Thursday
former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama formally endorsed her.
Still, Jeffe stressed, “I could argue that this is the first convention in the social media era, and that has everybody as a ‘delegate,’” She continued, “Even with Obama, social media was mainly a fundraising tool … Now, social media is shaping the debate. Every campaign now has a director of social media, and Donald Trump even has his own social media platform,” Truth Social.
“That shift really accelerated with the pandemic limiting the in-person campaigning ability of both parties,” said Jonathan Diaz, director of voting advocacy and partnerships at the Campaign Legal Center.
“Beyond relying on social media as a fundraising and messaging tool, 2020 is when you first see
the nomination, campaign and convention process exist primarily or initially online,” he explained, adding the result has been “more disinformation circulating through social media than ever … lowering confidence in the electoral system.”
The Pew Research Center reports that as of April 2024, 22% of Americans trust the federal government “just about always” or “most of the time” — a nearhistoric low echoing a June 2024 Partnership for Public Service poll which found that just 23% of Americans trust the government at all.
“The conventions are really public relations events,” said Bill Schneider, professor emeritus of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University and former CNN senior political analyst. “The process of screening the candidates’ moral, medical, legal or financial records, formerly done by party bosses, is now done by the press to inform ordinary voters choosing a nominee” prior to the convention, in the primaries.
The 2024 Republican National Convention, held in Milwaukee the week of Monday, July 15, “proved that Donald Trump has taken complete possession of the Republican Party. There is no opposition anymore,” Schneider added. “It’s not just the party of Trump but Archie Bunker. It’s changed its base from the ‘country club’ league of wealthier Americans to the white working class.”
The 2024 elections and electorate
Trump’s domination of the party has significant consequences for Republican policy, Schneider continued. “The conservatism of Reagan and both Bushes has been repudiated. The Republican Party had been internationalist since 1949, when it voted to join NATO. It’s now an isolationist party. It doesn’t talk about national debt anymore … Now, it’s a populist party — not just economically, but social populism … He intends to deport a million illegal immigrants in his first year.”
Accordingly, Republican voters are realigning culturally.
“White voters without a college degree have been becoming more Republican for about 20 years, the reason has less to do with economics than it does with
cultural issues,” he said. “They resent the power of the educated elite who run the Democratic Party. We call it the ‘diploma divide.’”
The electoral college itself “now has principally Republican supporters because without it, Trump would never have become president. He lost the popular vote,” Schneider said. “But nothing is likely to change in the electoral rules … because to change the Electoral College, you have to change the Constitution, which involves not just Congress, but state legislatures, which are now dominated by Republicans and are likely to be more dominated by Republicans.”
Trump’s domination of the Republican party accompanies new charges by Trump and his allies of voter fraud like those in 2020, which saw over 60 cases nationwide regarding a stolen election, where judges — often appointed by Republicans in swing states — ruled that there was no fraud.
Nevertheless, in 2021, 19 states passed 34 laws restricting voting access.
Similarly this month, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the SAVE Act requiring voters to provide documentary proof of citizenship to register. Although citizenship is already required to vote, the legislation introduces costly administration changes to each step of the registration process which would take months or years to implement.
Trump himself has said he’ll only accept the results of the 2024 election “if everything’s honest.”
“If you say enough times that there’s all this fraud, no matter how little evidence you have, some people will start to believe it,” said Diaz. “If the election’s close, or if he loses, he can take advantage of that uncertainty to try to overturn the results like he did in 2020 … this time with a federal judiciary and a Supreme Court that is much more inclined to take his side.”
Against three Democratic Supreme Court appointees, there is currently a supermajority of six Republican-appointed judges — three appointed by Trump, two by George H. W. Bush and one by George W. Bush.
“What gives me hope is that the concern among regular people over the health of our democracy
4
3 Fil-Am women gymnasts shine in historic...
in vault, 12.566 in uneven bars, 11.466 on the balance beam and 12.733 in floor exercise.
While the group faced challenges in the qualification round of women’s artistic gymnastics, they carried the Philippine flag with pride. Finnegan ranked 33rd overall with a score of 50.498, while Jung-Ruivivar and Malabuyo, both scoring 51.099, held the 28th and 29th places respectively after subdivision three. But after subdivision four, their positions dropped to 40th, 41st and 47th
respectively. Only the top 24 for all-around will advance to the finals. The youngest in the Philippine delegation at 18, Jung-Ruivivar shared a moment on social media, posting a photo with the Philippine flag and captioning it, “Forever an Olympian 07.28.2024.”
Jung-Ruivivar’s scores were 13.600 in vault, 13.200 in uneven bars, 11.866 on the balance beam and 12.433 in floor exercise. Meanwhile, Malabuyo posted scores of 13.266, 12.500, 12.233 and 13.100 in the same apparatuses.
In an interview with One Sports, Malabuyo reflected on her Olympic journey, expressing her trust in God and the process despite falling short in the women’s gymnastics all-around event.
“Golden boy” Carlos Yulo, who is currently heading to the finals for floor exercise, vault and all-around events, expressed that having the three women gymnasts representing the country affected him in a positive way, making him feel not alone in raising the flag in gymnastics. (Hans Carbonilla/Inquirer.net)
Pacquiao defends struggling vs Japanese...
“It’s really surprising to me that they changed the opponent. It’s hard to adjust,” said Pacquiao, who in the first two rounds struggled to crack Anpo’s guard in their fight that automatically ended in a draw with the absence of a knockout.
“Anpo is way, way bigger than Suzuki,” he told reporters in the post-fight conference.
Anpo, also younger at 26 years old, was able to take advantage of his height and long reach
Fil-Am
1
in keeping Pacquiao at bay, unleashing straight right hands and left hooks that often found their mark.
While Pacquiao had his moments in the third round when he peppered Anpo with some flurries, he also struggled to create angles and negate Anpo’s offense with his signature footwork.
There’s a reason for that, too.
“The matting, the floor.
It’s hard to move,” explained Pacquiao, gesturing with his
fingers how thick the ring matting at the Saitama Super Arena was compared to what he’s used to when fighting. Nevertheless, Pacquiao, who added that he is only in 60% form on Sunday, believes he still made a good account of himself.
“But it’s a good experience. I’m happy because we gave a good action(-packed) fight to the fans.”
Pacquiao and his huge entourage flew back home
Monday night, July 29. g
fencer wins her second women’s...
ranks of Mariel Zagunis (2004 and 2008).
Reflecting on her dominant performance from start to finish, Kiefer expressed her amusement that she did it again: “I’m still stunned,” she shared with Olympics.com. “I don’t realize it happened just because it’s been such a long day with a lot of highs and lows. But here we are making history, it’s awesome.”
While Kiefer basked in her victory, Filipina fencer Samantha Catantan made her Olympic debut with a commendable performance.
Despite battling knee pain, the Penn State University graduating student narrowly lost to the topseeded Arianna Errigo of Italy, 12-15, in the table of 32 round. Ranked 266th in the world and seeded 33rd in the event, Catantan made history as the first Filipina fencer to compete in the Olympic Games. She advanced to the table of 32 after a hardfought 15-13 win against Brazil’s
Mariana Pistoia in the previous round.
Catantan’s resilient performance, especially her comeback attempt against Errigo, showcased her determination and skill. Coming back from a four-point deficit to close the gap
gave the four-time Olympian a nerve-wracking game.
Catantan’s efforts have set a new standard for Filipino fencers, inspiring future generations to aim for the Olympic stage because she knows that Filipinos have what it takes to win. g
Lee Kiefer
Photo from Instagram/@leetothekiefer
Young Fil-Am basketball player assaulted during Bay Area game
SAN FRANCISCO – Police are investigating the assault on a young Filipino American basketball player that was captured on camera during a recent game at the College of Alameda in Alameda, California.
The assault happened during a game between Fil-Am youth basketball team, Tumakbo United, and Payton’s Place on Sunday, July 21. The video shows a 13-year-old Payton’s Place player stomping on the Fil-Am teen, identified as the son of Eva and Roderick Guingab.
Guingab caught the ball, which a player from Payton’s Place tried to grab from him. A scuffle ensued as the two players wrestle for the ball. Another opposing player then came over and stomped on Guingab’s head while he was on the ground.
Eva Guingab told ABC7 that her son suffered a concussion. “You could clearly see the size of (the attacker’s) shoe on his face,” she said.
“If we don’t say anything right now, this kid will think it’s OK to do it because he’s young. He thinks
that walking away from this situation is OK, and it’s not OK,” Guingab added. The family of the boy who attacked Guingab said he was standing up for his teammate he believed was kicked and punched during the scuffle.
“I think everyone was just in shock. I think we all kind of went on the court and went to the coach of the other team to say, ‘What just happened? What’s going on?’” said Michael Tolentino, who coaches Tumakbo United, a Fil-Am youth team based in the Bay Area with members from across the U.S.
“There is footage circulating of one of our team’s games this past weekend. Unfortunately, the footage is not a positive representation of our team and our values,” Payton’s Place posted on Instagram.
“The behavior that was exhibited by our player is not acceptable, and is being taken seriously. We do not condone violence. Our players are expected to conduct themselves with integrity on and off the court. At this time, both teams are working together to resolve this matter.” (Inquirer.net)
PH to get $500M military aid...
the U.S. ahead of the presidential elections this year.
“I’m a bit surprised, considering how interesting your political situation has become back in the States, but I’m glad that you found the time to come and visit with us,” Marcos said.
Meanwhile, Romualdez said U.S. support for the Philippines would “absolutely” not change regardless of who becomes America’s next president. Numerous countries have
expressed concerns about the implications of former President Donald Trump returning to the White House in January after President Joe Biden withdrew and threw his support to Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Both Republicans and Democrats are in full agreement for the Philippines,” he said, adding that both sides have given assurances of continued support to Manila.
Marcos approved last year an expansion of the U.S. military presence in four more Philippine
military camps under the 2014 defense agreement, and the largest war drills between Filipino and U.S. forces have been staged under his administration, drawing opposition and alarm from China, which said that increased deployments of American forces would endanger regional peace and security.
The Philippines has responded that it has the right to move to safeguard its territorial interests and national security. (With reports from Associated Press, Agence France-Presse)
Fil-Am doctor, husband accused of $10 million health care fraud
LOS ANGELES – A Filipino American physician and her husband, who operate a clinic in Anchorage, Alaska, have been charged with health care fraud and tax evasion.
Dr. Claribel K. Chua Tan, a 60-year-old rheumatologist, and her husband, Daniel Tan, 69, were indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this month.
The indictment accuses the couple of a $10 million fraud scheme over a 13-year period from 2010 to 2023, according to a July 22 press release from the US Attorney’s Office, District of Alaska.
“The indictment alleges that the couple defrauded health care benefit programs by causing the submission of false claims that misrepresented the type and
dosage of medication, and the scope of medical services provided to patients,” the press release said.
The couple was also accused of creating false medical records and deceiving patients about “the necessity of receiving medications” at the clinic and “what substances (Dr. Tan) injected into their bodies,” court records show.
Federal prosecutors said the Tans received over $10 million in “fraudulently obtained funds.” In a separate civil action, the Justice Department seized $8.5 million of those funds from the defendants’ accounts.
The Tans also allegedly evaded income taxes from 2014 to 2017 by providing false information to their tax preparer and not filing any returns from 2018 through 2021, prosecutors said.
If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison for health care fraud, five years for each count of tax evasion and one year for each count of failing to file a tax return.
The Tans were released on conditions they surrender their passports, undergo supervision by a federal probation officer and not leave Alaska without permission, the Anchorage Daily News reported. Prosecutors cited concerns the couple might be a flight risk as they reportedly have a home in the Philippines, according to a federal agent’s sworn affidavit in support of a seizure warrant.
Record-breaking heat wave sweeps...
remarked, "It's still incredibly hot. We broke records, 120 degrees on the thermometer. When you get inside the car, it's like 150 degrees. It's as if your coffee never cools down, especially here in Las Vegas with so many parking lots but not enough trees to provide shade." Noli Misalucha, who has lived in Las Vegas for 20 years, shared his experience with the heat. "It's very hot, but I'm telling everybody I've gotten used to it. Just drink a lot of water. I don't care if it's 117 or 124. The hottest I experienced
was 124 a long time ago. It's really hot right now, but a heat wave is a heat wave."
Dr. Rom Aragon, a FilipinoAmerican internist, advises that sipping water at shorter intervals is more effective than gulping down large amounts infrequently. "The rule of thumb is to drink to thirst. You don't just drink and drink water because your sodium will also go down. So drink if you're thirsty," he explained. Dr. Aragon also recommended regular meals paired with adequate water intake
California Attorney General...
Bonta acknowledged the legacy of Filipino Americans who have historically fought for justice and equity, both in the Philippines and the United States. He paid homage to the leaders who came before, including his mother, Cynthia Bonta, who fought to restore democracy in the Philippines. Bonta also recalled the contributions of Larry Itliong, Philip Vera Cruz, and the Filipino farmworkers who spearheaded the Delano grape strike of 1965, as well as the activists who fought for housing justice in San Francisco’s International Hotel.
“As Filipino Americans, we carry a very important torch lit by Filipinos who came before us,” Bonta said, reflecting on the community’s deep-rooted history of activism. He stressed that this legacy should inspire current and future generations to continue the fight for justice and equity.
Bonta’s speech took a sharp turn as he addressed the urgency of the upcoming election, describing it as an “inflection moment” in American history. He warned of the dangers posed by a potential return of former President Donald Trump to the White House, referencing Trump’s past policies and the goals outlined in the Project 2025 plan, which he described as a roadmap to consolidating presidential power and rolling back critical rights.
“We’ve seen the darkness of a Trump presidency. We know what he’s capable of,” Bonta stated, underscoring the importance of preventing a second Trump term. He highlighted the threat
to maintain water and electrolyte balance. For prolonged periods of sweating, he suggested sports drinks with balanced electrolytes to replenish lost salts. However, he cautioned against the heavy consumption of energy drinks due to their added sugar content, which can lead to an excess intake of unnecessary calories. Multiple cities across California, including Palmdale, Redding, and Palm Springs, have also set new all-time record highs amid the heat wave. (Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN News, Las Vegas)
PAGE 3 PAGE 1
Dr. Tan’s online profile shows she obtained her medical degree from the UP College of Medicine. (Inquirer.net) to reproductive rights, public education, and social safety nets that would come with a TrumpVance administration, noting that the stakes could not be higher.
Bonta then pivoted to a strong endorsement of Kamala Harris, whom he described as the antithesis of Trump. He praised Harris’s track record as a tough and effective leader, recalling his firsthand experience working with her in California. Bonta noted that while Trump was a “convicted felon,” Harris had spent her career fighting for justice, putting scam artists and sex offenders behind bars, and holding big banks accountable during the mortgage crisis.
“Kamala Harris is our chance to chart a new path forward,” Bonta asserted, emphasizing that her leadership is essential for creating a more inclusive and equitable America. He described her as the embodiment of the values that the Filipino American community holds dear—resilience, justice, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
As the speech drew to a close, Bonta called on the Filipino American community to mobilize and take action in the final stretch before the election. He stressed the importance of unity within the Democratic Party and the need for grassroots efforts to ensure victory on November 5.
“There’s no more powerful power than people power, and we’ve been the heart and soul of the party,” Bonta declared, urging the community to lean in with all their strength and determination. g
Making sense of political...
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Photos from Bev Llorente’s heatwave story for TFC
De Lima: Ex-president Duterte ‘inducer’ of drug war killings
by Reina C. TolenTino ManilaTimes.net
MANILA — Former Senator
Leila De Lima told lawmakers on Monday, July 29 that former President Rodrigo Duterte was the "inducer" of the drug war killings that occurred during his term.
De Lima attended the probe being conducted by the House Committee on Human Rights on the drug war deaths as a resource person.
"There is no doubt in my mind that former President Rodrigo Duterte is the mastermind, as he was the instigator and inducer of the drug war killings. The drug war was implemented as an official Duterte program of government when he assumed office as president," De Lima, who also served as justice
secretary, said.
The Manila Times sought Duterte's comment on the matter through former Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque, who replied that Duterte had none.
Earlier, the House committee approved the motion to invite Duterte to the probe. Roque had said that Duterte would not attend.
"Our former president firmly believes that the Lower House is not the proper forum to investigate any criminal allegation against him," Roque said.
The committee also invited Sen. Ronald "Bato" de la Rosa, the former Philippine National Police chief, but he said he would not attend the probe. g
Smooth sailing on latest Ayungin resupply mission
by Ghio onG, Janvic Mateo Philstar.com
MANILA — A supply mission
to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal over the weekend went smoothly, with Chinese vessels maintaining their distance and showing no sign of hostility, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Monday, July 29.
“The Chinese vessels maintained their distance and did not disrupt the resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal,” PCG Commodore Jay Tarriela said.
Video recording of the supply mission showed four China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, three People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and two militia vessels in stationary position as the supply mission was ongoing.
CCG’s and the world’s biggest coast guard ship with bow number 5901 was reportedly in the vicinity of Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, where it dropped anchor some two weeks ago. Watching its movement is PCG’s 97-meter patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua.
Tarriela said videos “clearly show that there was no boarding or inspection by the Chinese Coast Guard, contradicting the claims made by the Chinese
foreign ministry.” China earlier warned it would stop any supply mission done without its prior knowledge.
“These videos further reinforce the statements made by both the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and NTF-WPS (National Task Force – West Philippine Sea) that the Philippines did not and will not seek permission from the PRC (People’s Republic of China) for such missions,” the PCG official said.
“We have all the legitimate rights to carry out the resupply,” he added. “They do not have any opportunity to board and inspect. We’re not going to allow them to do those kinds of activities,” he added.
Asked on One News’ “Storycon” why China appeared to have backed off from its aggressive actions toward resupply missions, Tarriela noted the wide support the Philippines has received from different countries.
Both China and Philippines, he told Storycon, may have come to a realization that an orderly and peaceful conduct of resupply missions is the best way forward.
The two countries recently came up with a “provisional understanding” regarding the
resupply missions.
Specific details of the agreement have yet to be released, although China claimed that the Philippines agreed to give prior notice and allow prior inspection of the cargo. This was repeatedly denied by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
“We never gave anything to China,” Tarriela said. “As far as the DFA is concerned, for the provisional understanding that they came out, it has no clause that can undermine or be prejudicial to our own national interest.”
No untoward incident
Earlier, the DFA reported there were “no untoward incidents” during the supply mission to Sierra Madre on July 27 – the first “under the ambit of the understanding reached between the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China on principles and approaches for the conduct of RORE missions in Ayungin Shoal for the purpose of avoiding misunderstandings and miscalculations, without prejudice to national positions.”
The DFA slammed China for “mischaracterizing” the supply mission by claiming it was notified by the Philippines, which agreed to onsite inspection by the Chinese. g
SC junks Enrile’s plea to dismiss PDAF case
by ian Laqui Philstar.com
MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) has denied the petition to dismiss the plunder case of the former Senate president and now Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile in connection with the alleged misuse of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).
In a decision dated Feb. 24, 2024, released on Monday, July 28, the high court allowed the Sandiganbayan to proceed hearing the former senator’s plunder case after the SC dismissed Enrile’s petition for prohibition as the anti-graft court refused to include the bill of particulars in the pre-trial order. Included in the Sandiganbayan’s refusal is Enrile’s plea to limit the prosecution’s evidence to the bill of particulars.
A bill of particulars supplements the Information in criminal cases, providing details necessary for the accused to understand the prosecution's theory and prepare for their defense.
Enrile's case pertains to the P172,834,500 worth of PDAF funneled to Janet Lim Napoles’ non-government organizations
from 2004 to 2010 which involved him, his chief of staff, Gigi Reyes, and two other individuals namely, Ronald Lim and Raymund De Asis.
Due to this, the Office of the Ombudsman filed plunder charges against Napoles, Enrile, Reyes and the two others in 2014.
The former Senate president then filed a motion for a bill of particulars before the anti-graft court’s third division, which was denied.
The SC overturned this decision in August 2015 to which the prosecution complied to proceed with the trial in the SB.
However, Enrile also objected the content of the pre-trial, the facts agreed upon by the parties, the issues to be tried and the evidence marked. He argued that the prosecution’s evidence should be limited to those defined in the bill of particulars.
Despite the former Senate president’s objection, the antigraft court proceeded with the trial, prompting Enrile to file the present petition for prohibition before the SC.
In the SC’s decision to junk Enrile’s plea, it said that the prosecution should not be confined to the details outlined
in the bill of particulars.
“Nonetheless, the Information and the Bill of Particulars state only ultimate facts. The evidentiary facts and the manner by which the prosecution intends to prove the elements of the crime and the guilt of the accused are not stated in the information and are not required to be enumerated and discussed in a bill of particulars,” the SC ruling read.
“Because the bill of particulars does not and should not narrate the prosecution's trial plan, it is to be expected that the prosecution, in the course of the trial, will present evidence not mentioned categorically in the bill of particulars,” it added.
The SC further stated that the anti-graft court acted by the law and established jurisprudence and that Enrile's claim of constitutional rights violations was without merit.
“To be sure, the Court will not shirk from its duty to correct the conduct of the Sandiganbayan, and any other lower court for that matter, should it find that they have acted with grave abuse of discretion. This, however, requires proof, and cannot be based on a party's mere suspicions,” the high tribunal's decision read. g
Former Senator Leila De Lima ManilaTimes.net file photo
KADAYAWAN FESTIVAL. The Davao City Tourism Operations Office put up tarpaulins on Tuesday July 30 for the 39th Kadayawan Festival in August. Apart from tribal houses, the festival will showcase the delicacies and products of Davao City’s 11 ethnolinguistic tribes. PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
OPINION FEATURES
Excessive entitlement
LENI Robredo, in her six years as vice president, survived with a security detail of less than 100. In her final full year in office, Robredo had only 78 security personnel.
So people are stunned that Vice President Sara Duterte had 433 security personnel as of 2022 – and has gone ballistic after 75 of them were pulled out last week by the Philippine National Police. In a social media post, Duterte claimed “political harassment” and accused PNP chief Gen. Rommel Marbil of lying about the circumstances surrounding the pullout of her security detail. She also claimed police had “cased” her neighborhood to find out where she lives.
Editorial
Since when did the place of residence of the vice president become so top-secret it needs casing by the police? Also, with Duterte’s resignation from her two appointive posts, she has even less work to do these days. Why would the spare tire need nearly 500 bodyguards, all on the public payroll, under a Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group?
PNP officials are correct in pointing out that assigning too many security personnel to guard a single person – except in the case of the president – deprives millions of Filipinos of equal protection.
Because there are only about 220,000 cops to protect nearly over 100 million people – a long way from the ideal police-to-population ratio of 1:500 –
A LARGE number of Filipinos were extremely pleased to hear President Ferdinand Marcos’ State of the Nation Address as being straightforward and authentic, with the substance zeroing in on what would really impact the lives of Filipinos. He took the bull by the horns at the onset when he said that despite statistical data showing the Philippine economy to be among the best performing in Asia in 2023 – with economic managers expecting the second quarter economic growth this year to hit six percent – these numbers mean nothing to those who are burdened by high prices of food and basic commodities, most especially rice.
Acknowledging that market forces, climate issues such as El Niño, the ongoing conflicts as well as supply problems impact the price of goods not only in the Philippines but all over the world, the president gave his assurance of the government’s unrelenting efforts in mitigating these challenges.
Go Negosyo Pilipinas Angat Lahat!
JOEY CONCEPCION
WHEN President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dropped the bombshell on banning POGOs at the tail end of his State of the Nation Address last week, he quickly directed followthrough actions for government agencies to ensure its effective implementation.
Among the top concerns was the displacement of an estimated 40,000 Filipino workers said to be directly or indirectly employed by the POGOs. This is in addition to the cessation of economic activities that may have trickled down to the local economy through rentals or consumer spending from those who earned money from the POGOs. A few weeks back, there was a similar concern about land ownership; that small farmers might be giving up their land and unknowingly selling to unscrupulous groups. I look at these concerns and think of how urgently we need to make our country and countrymen resilient to these forces. Thinking back
the PNP is correct in rationalizing the deployment of police personnel as bodyguards for VIPs, and even persons who claim to face serious threats to their safety. As for such threats, Duterte must have felt safe enough to even name herself the designated survivor when she skipped President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address. That statement was neither a joke nor a threat, the vice president said in her trademark confusing style of expressing her thoughts. The 75 bodyguards who were pulled out reportedly include 33 who have served as her close-in security since 2007. This detail makes their transfer all the more justified; it’s time for them to stop serving as members of a private army. No PNP member should stay that long in one posting. The PNP is a national police force, and there should be a regular reassignment of all its members, so that no one stays long enough in a particular posting to prevent any politician from using them as taxfunded private bodyguards.
General Marbil deserves commendation for his efforts to rationalize the use of PNP members for bodyguard duty. He should expand it to cover other politicians and private VIPs, all of whom have
POGO, extermination, West Philippine Sea
Support for agriculture will be further enhanced to boost production with the construction of 1,200 kilometers of farm-tomarket roads nationwide by yearend, with 45,000 hectares of new agricultural land to be irrigated this year. More solar irrigation projects are being constructed, like the recently opened solar-powered pump irrigation project in Isabela.
Over the past two years, close to a hundred additional evacuation centers were built.
Last January, the Disaster Response Command Center which serves as the central hub for government disaster efforts began operating. These developments are opportune, considering the recent onslaught of Typhoon Gaemi (Carina) that caused massive flooding in Metro Manila and many provinces all over the country. Additional benefits under PhilHealth also resonated among Filipinos, who welcomed the higher coverage for chronic illnesses and chemotherapy for various types of cancer, along with the construction of two new hospitals dedicated to cancer treatment. The increased number of generic medicines for outpatients plus new
medications for blood pressure and other illnesses were very welcome news because this helps ease the financial burden on those who spend so much on maintenance medication.
But the subject that reverberated strongly among Filipinos is the illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations – which has been widely criticized because of the criminality associated with these POGOs that have become hubs for online scams, human trafficking, prostitution, illegal drugs, kidnapping, torture, spying, hacking and other illegal activities.
POGOs were originally allowed to operate by the Duterte administration because they created thousands of jobs and generated billions of revenue for the government. But as Finance Secretary Ralph Recto pointed out, in the end “the costs outweighed the benefits.”
As it turned out, many illegal operators came into the picture and with them, uncontrolled extensive criminal activities.
When the president said, “Effective today, all POGOs are banned” – the crowd in the Congress session hall broke into thunderous applause with
Right words, right actions
to how we, during the COVID pandemic, rushed to vaccinate the population against the virus, I think it is also high time that we inoculate ourselves against the viruses that threaten our country’s economy.
The president said during the SONA that the benefits of economic development must be inclusive. That “whatever current data proudly bannering our country as among the bestperforming in Asia means nothing to a Filipino, who is confronted by the price of rice at P45 to P65 per kilo.”
Nothing can be clearer. Positive economic indicators make a difference when they translate to tangible improvements in the daily lives of Filipinos. A robust economy makes our country more resistant to the ills of criminal syndicates masquerading as legitimate businesses. It strengthens our countrymen from resorting to desperate measures such as selling their land or taking on jobs that might lead to them being trafficked by criminals.
The president outlined several transformative reforms and priorities that I believe will help drive this inclusive progress. Chief among them is the focus
on agriculture and food security.
Easing farmers’ access to markets and condoning their loans will pave the way for the crucial steps toward greater economies of scale that our own KALAP initiative at Go Negosyo has been championing.
We’ve even expanded this approach to the ASEAN level through the ASEAN Food Security Alliance, bringing a whole-of-region perspective to making food more affordable for Filipinos, especially now that we’re starting to freely trade with one another in the ASEAN. By breaking down the barriers that have traditionally hindered the growth of small farmers, we can empower these hardworking Filipinos to become more productive and profitable. In a nutshell, successful farmers don’t sell their land.
The multiplier effect of having successful farmers cascades even to those outside the agriculture sector. Food security is not just about production – it’s also about ensuring affordability and accessibility for all Filipinos. That’s why I’m particularly encouraged by the president’s emphasis on this issue. Rising food prices have put a tremendous strain on
cheers and chants of “BBM!” – and as confirmed by several media reports, many households watching the SONA broke out into thunderous applause, too. There are concerns, however, that these POGO operators will go underground – so it’s been suggested that a special elite task force be formed to go after them.
On illegal drugs – which is an international concern especially among countries in South America and in the Asian region – the president’s approach has been lauded in international circles, with “extermination” not being one of the strategies. More than P44 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized while 97,000 drug personalities have been arrested, with over 6,000 of them high-value targets, the president disclosed. Regarding education, many absolutely agree that “the quality of our education rests on the quality of our teachers” – which is why upskilling is a crucial component.
The late Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco knew how important this was, and made it his advocacy to provide full masteral and doctoral scholarships to more than 2,000
household budgets, particularly for those living on the margins. By supporting our farmers and streamlining the supply chain, we can help make fresh and affordable food within the reach of every Filipino family.
However, the president’s vision for inclusive growth extends far beyond agriculture. He also rightly emphasized the importance of implementing ease of doing business, physical and digital infrastructure projects and boosting the productivity of the tourism sector. These priorities directly address the key pillars outlined in the latest MSME Development Plan – digitalization, innovation and sustainability. As the lifeblood of our economy, MSMEs stand to greatly benefit from these forward-looking policies. And again, a strong base of hundreds of thousands of thriving entrepreneurs makes for a stronger, more resilient economy.
Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of the Philippine economy because they make up the vast majority of businesses and employ more than half of all Filipinos. Yet they have long struggled with intimidating red tape, limited access to capital and technology and a lack of critical support systems. The president’s focus on easing the bureaucratic burden and
public school teachers in Tarlac through his foundation.
Focus is now on new Education Secretary Sonny Angara, whose appointment was welcomed by many sectors, saying he is a good choice. Sonny’s experience as a legislator will certainly serve him in good stead when it comes to pushing for needed educational reforms, having been co-author of Republic Act 10931 which mandated free tuition in state and local universities and colleges.
On the West Philippine Sea issue, the president was unequivocal: it is ours, and it is not a figment of our imagination – but we will continuously find ways to “de-escalate tensions in contested areas with our counterparts without compromising our position and our principles,” the president emphasized.
Following earlier talks between the Philippines and China, we’re pleased that both sides have come to some form of agreement regarding the resupply mission to BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal without prejudice to each other’s respective positions. Deescalation of tensions has always been top of mind for President Marcos. We are pleased
investing in both physical and digital infrastructure will go a long way in unlocking the full potential of this dynamic sector. We only need to see how social media and e-wallets created instant entrepreneurs during the pandemic.
The president is also giving recognition to the vital role tourism plays in supporting countless MSMEs across the country. From hotels and restaurants to handicraft makers and tour operators, the tourism value chain is teeming with entrepreneurial Filipinos scattered in the remotest villages of the country: selling handicrafts, supplying to hotels, ferrying tourists and many more odd businesses that sprout because of tourism.
Furthermore, the president’s call to upskill our workforce is spot on. Equipping Filipinos with the skills for high-quality, well-paying jobs will help them weather the challenge of food inflation and other economic pressures. As the lead for the Jobs Cluster of the Private Sector Advisory Council, I can attest that the private sector is fully committed to reskilling and upskilling job seekers, with mentorship from established companies and the tools for quality jobs and small business growth. More than altruism,
Saturday’s (July 27) resupply mission went without incident. Make no mistake, however – no right-thinking, patriotic Filipino will want our territorial integrity to be compromised. Those who continue to spread falsehoods about our getting involved in a potential proxy war due to the alliances we have formed should be answerable to 90 percent of Filipinos who strongly believe we are on the right track.
Having been fortunate to be educated in the UK, it’s not surprising that the president ended his SONA with the words of John Stuart Mill – a wellrespected English politician and philosopher: “Let not any one pacify his conscience by the delusion that he can do no harm if he takes no part and forms no opinion. Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” (Philstar. com)
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com
helping create a highly skilled workforce makes for better business.
It’s truly heartening to see the president and the first lady so supportive of these private sector initiatives, such as how they welcomed Go Negosyo into the LAB for All program. This broadened the reach of our mentoring, allowing us to talk to more people in more parts of the country. The Department of Education is also instrumental in enabling us to talk to young people and better prepare them for life after school through alternative pathways like entrepreneurship or agripreneurship. Sustainable, inclusive growth can only be achieved through a collaborative, whole-of-society approach. Economic prosperity won’t happen overnight, and the government can’t do it alone. But with the government and private sector working together under the president’s leadership, I am confident that we will be able to help more Filipinos realize a brighter future. I am glad that I can be part of this transformative journey. (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.
ManilaTimes.net photo
enough money to hire private bodyguards. The next step is to further trim the vice president’s security group.
Babe’s
VP Sara cries ‘political harassment’ over removal of police security
by Diana LhyD SueLto Philstar.com
MANILA — Vice President
Sara Duterte decried “political harassment” and called out Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Marbil for allegedly deceiving the public on the reason why 75 of her PNP security personnel were recalled.
The vice president has said that the recall of her security personnel would not affect her work, but she was irked by the series of interviews granted by Marbil where she said he lied.
“I repeat, I have no problem with the recall of PNP personnel as the security team of the Office of the Vice President (OVP). I can work without security. But I have a problem with the lies being told to the public – especially when these lies are coming from the top police officers themselves,” Duterte said in Filipino in an open letter.
In an interview, Marbil said there is no threat against the vice president, which prompted him to reduce her security personnel.
That, however, was refuted by Duterte, saying that the malicious release of the video footage of her and her family at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) when they left for Germany is a clear threat to her security.
“Wasn’t there a malicious release of a video footage when I was at NAIA? Taken in a place where only airport employees and select people can be there.
I don’t mind having been publicized, but my husband and underage children were also captured and publicized in such a video, which became a great threat to their security,” she said.
She added that there were PNP operatives who went to the place where she and her family are residing to do a “casing” and wanted to know the house they are renting.
“What does ‘threat’ mean to you? Can the threat only come from external elements? Isn’t it a ‘threat’ if the harassment comes from the government personnel themselves?” Duterte asked.
“One more thing, you’re saying that there is no threat,
but you can request additional personnel. Which is which? If you really see no threat against me, why did you leave 45 PNP personnel that you chose?
Remember, when it comes to my family’s security, I get to say who deserves it, not you. You are just the law, not God,” she added.
The vice president also stressed that it was not true that the PNP requested the pull out of the 75 personnel.
“No such request was made.
The vice president was referring to a video supposedly showing President Marcos using illegal drugs that was released by supporters of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, hours before Marcos delivered his third State of the Nation Address, but was immediately debunked by allies.
“Let us spare our people from all the lies. Let us call it what it is – a clear case of political harassment,” the vice president said.
SolGen: PH not obligated to cooperate with ICC, but can’t stop probe
in conducting his investigation.
“Yes, but not all five were exPNP chiefs. (Its) more accurate to say (they were) former and current high-ranking police officers. Not accused but ‘under suspicion,'“ Guevarra said. (PNA) Vice
The PSPG (Police Security and Protection Group) only told the OVP that they would take the personnel. We didn’t argue anymore because you are the law, right? After this, the relief orders came out at your command. This is also based on the PNP document,” she said.
Duterte likewise found it dubious that 38 of the 75 PNP personnel covered by the relief order were from Mindanao and were transferred to the National Capital Region “as if there is no shortage of police in Mindanao.”
She said the recall of police personnel was a “clear case of political harassment.”
“It was obviously a targeted list and a targeted maneuver –nothing else,” she added.
The relieving of PNP personnel for Duterte’s security came after she resigned as education secretary, “after I compared the SONA to a catastrophic event and after the cocaine video was released.”
US, PH to sign pact to share intelligence
by Franco Jose c. Baroña ManilaTimes.net
THE Philippines and the United States signed on Tuesday, July 30, a military intelligencesharing agreement.
The pact was signed during the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in Manila between Foreign Affairs
Secretary Enrique Manalo, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., and their U.S. counterparts, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense
Secretary Lloyd Austin.
The dialogue followed the conclusion of negotiations last month on Manila's General Security of Military Information Agreement with Washington.
On Monday, July 29, the Manila-based think tank Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute (ACPSSI) led a forum in Quezon City to protest the agreement.
"The Blinken-Austin visit for the 2 + 2 diplomatic ritual comes after much doubletalk by the U.S. aimed at the de-escalation deal," said ACPSSI President Herman Tiu Laurel in his opening remarks during the forum.
Laurel was referring to the
July 21 arrangement between the Philippines and China to ease tensions in the South China Sea.
The agreement resulted in a "successful" rotation and resupply (RoRe) mission to the Philippine outpost in the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal on July 27.
"The concern for Filipinos is that while the de-escalation deal may be holding firm at this early stage, it is also still fragile as many elements, foreign and domestic, are continuously besieging it with fake news and disinformation. The BlinkenAustin visit will certainly be another opportunity for the U.S. to put on the pressure again for the Philippine to backtrack from this second de-escalation and, so far, a successful easing of tensions," said Laurel.
The group will hold a protest march on the day of the BlinkenAustin visit.
"Blinken in conjunction with the Asean summit in Laos on one hand criticized alleged escalating actions at sea by China, when it is the U.S. plot in the first place that created the tensions, while hypocritically applauding the Philippines-China de-escalation deal diplomacy," Laurel said. g
Philippines retains 52nd spot in world competitiveness
MANILA — The Philippines remains at 52nd place out of 67 economies in overall competitiveness, although it improved three spots in terms of governance in the 2024 World Competitiveness Report.
Following the release of the report by Swiss-based International Institute for Management Development (IMD), the Marcos administration renewed its commitment to streamline and digitalize government services to make the country more competitive and businessfriendly.
The Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA) made the pronouncement as the Philippines climbed three spots in the area of “government efficiency” to 49th from 52nd last year.
The IMD’s World Competitiveness Ranking for 2024, released last month, showed the Philippines placing 52nd out of 67 economies, the same ranking in the previous year.
In terms of economic performance, the Philippines remained in the 40th spot.
As for business efficiency, the Philippines’ ranking dropped to 43rd place this year from the previous year’s 40th.
In infrastructure, the Philippines fell to 61st place this year from 58th last year.
IMD ranks economies using perceptions of executives with statistical data, based on criteria grouped into four factors: economic performance, government efficiency, business efficiency and infrastructure.
President Marcos has called on government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to promote “the ease of doing business to attract investments in the country.”
Recently, ARTA Undersecretary Geneses Abot said President Marcos aims to limit LGU processing of permits to 10 minutes. Digitalization and wider connectivity are among the Marcos administration’s priority programs. (Philstar.com)
At the end of her open letter, Duterte urged Marbil to stop mentioning her in his interviews and prioritize the needs of the people. g
MANILA – The Philippine government is not obligated to cooperate or facilitate any acts by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against individuals in the country, even as the Philippine government cannot stop the ICC prosecutor from proceeding with his investigation, Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra said on Tuesday, July 30.
“The Philippines disengaged completely from the ICC in 2019. It has no legal duty to lend any assistance to the ICC prosecutor
But the Philippine government cannot stop him from proceeding any way he wants,” Guevarra told reporters.
“He can directly interview persons of interest online, through the phone, by email, or face-to- face, subject to the consent of these persons. But the ICC prosecutor cannot expect that the Philippine government will facilitate it for him,” he explained.
Guevarra confirmed that his office has submitted its recommendations to Malacañang following the ICC’s formal request for assistance. Guevarra said the recommendations are privileged communication, but confirmed that in the ICC list were five ranking police officials in the past administration.
NO DISRUPTION SO FAR. Fishers carry their haul of anchovies to the coast of Barangay Tanza Uno, Navotas City on Wednesday, July 31. They
they hope that the oil spill from the M/T Terra Nova that sank off Limay, Bataan on July 25, would not reach the waters of Metro Manila and disrupt their livelihood.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL
Maine Mendoza, Arjo Atayde mark first anniversary as married couple
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
MAINE Mendoza and Arjo
Atayde celebrated their first anniversary as a married couple by looking back on their wedding in Baguio City, which included their emotional exchange of wedding vows.
The couple, who had previously tried to guard the privacy of their wedding, released snippets of their special day in a series of wedding videos and photos jointly uploaded on Instagram on Sunday, July 28, exactly a year after their lavish wedding held in Baguio City.
The videos featured highlights of the wedding, including their interaction with their family, close friends, and loved ones, and Atayde’s emotional annotation of his vows.
“I remember exactly how I saw you for the first time. And I had to act normal like it’s just a regular
‘hi.’ There was no slow-mo scene like in a movie, but it was so real to me. It was someone I always
had a crush on, someone I always wanted to meet, someone I always wanted to work with,” he said.
Mendoza, meanwhile, reminisced that their anniversary date July 28 was the date her prayers were answered.
“You are an answered prayer. I really prayed for you. Sabi ko sana, i-bless ako ni Lord ng taong magmamahal sakin nang tunay na
ako (I said, I hope the Lord would bless me with someone who would love me for who I am).”
“I just knew that someday, God will leave me to someone who will give me the amount of love so much more that I am capable [of giving]. And He did. He led me to you,” she continued. “July 28 means so much to us. And God gave us another reason to honor this day because this day marks the beginning of us.”
The couple also shared photos of themselves during their special day in a separate post.
“Happy anniversary,” Mendoza captioned her post with an emoji of a white heart.
July 28 is a special date for the couple because aside from their wedding, it also marked the date when they got engaged, first met, and the time when Mendoza posted her viral “Arjo cutie” tweet.
The couple got together sometime in December 2018, although Atayde confirmed they were “exclusively dating” a month later.
Heart turns emotional at GMA contract renewal
by Nathalie tomada Philstar.com
AFTER 26 years in show business, Heart Evangelista no longer has dream roles or dream projects.
“I’ve been in the industry for almost 27 years. That’s a long time and I love it,” she said during an intimate interview with select press after her contract renewal as a Kapuso on Monday, July 29 at GMA Studio 7.
“At this point, I have no dream role. I’m just grateful that after so many years, after three decades, I’m still working. So everything is a blessing, everything is a dream.”
Having to juggle multiple roles, from actress, endorser, style icon, to even head of the organization of Senate spouses, The STAR asked Heart about her top priorities.
“They’re all my priority, it’s just a matter of balancing everything. Because kaya naman. That’s why I start my day at 4:30 a.m. or 4 a.m. I do glam at 4 a.m. I’m done with endorsement shoots or whatever by 11 a.m. Then I go to the next,” she shared.
“But I make sure I get as much sleep as I can. At least eight hours of sleep or six hours minimum para ‘di tayo makakapatol ng bashers on Instagram!” she laughingly added. “Kasi pagkulang ang tulog, mapapa-timing ka. I sleep by 9 or 9:30 p.m.”
On where she gets her energy from besides a good night’s rest, she said, “I truly love working and I truly love what I do. So, I guess it has become seamless and
effortless for me.”
“But sometimes, hinihimatay talaga ako,” she quipped. So, how does a Heart Evangelista de-stress?
“Honestly, I haven’t gotten to that yet,” she admitted. “I haven’t had the time to really de-stress. But going back to… I love working. I guess in a sense, yun din yung idea of ‘de-stress’ ko because sometimes, ‘pag nabibigyan ako ng matagal na pahinga na time, na de-depress din naman ako.”
Meanwhile, Heart has teased new projects as she renewed her enduring ties with her Kapuso home network.
“First and foremost, I feel very empowered. I love the idea that, you know, that we have slowly changed the mindset that when you get married, kailangan ganito, ganyan. I love that I can be able to work, I have a supportive husband (Senate President Chiz Escudero) and I have GMA that really allows me to be myself,” she said.
“So, I look forward to all of these new things that we will be doing together. It’s a surprise! But it’s one thing that I don’t think I’ve ever done in the past. So, I’m very excited to collaborate with them on this one project.”
Is it a movie, perhaps? “I’d love to do something on the big screen. There’s actually a script that hopefully… matagal na namin inaayos. The stars need to align first.”
During the contract-signing event hosted by GMA Sparkle Artist Center, Heart became emotional as she expressed how grateful she is to GMA and its
Aga Muhlach, Charlene Gonzales no stage parents to Atasha, Andres
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
executives for allowing her to be true to herself.
“When I moved to GMA, I didn’t know what to offer. My bosses say that I bring so much life or all the praises that they would say to me. But when they accepted me and gave me one of my biggest contracts, I hadn’t proven anything and I’m very, very grateful,” Heart stated in a short speech.
“Whatever I have, I would like to bring back here (GMA Network) because this is where I feel like I truly began being myself.
“Not just being myself, but they actually gave me wings where I can do whatever I want, so thank you so much to GMA. I am thankful to all of you.”
Heart’s last Kapuso project was the GMA romantic series “I Left My Heart in Sorsogon” in 2021.
EVEN though Atasha and Andres Muhlach have been in the limelight since they were young, they don’t consider Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzales as “stage parents,” but as “true-to-life parents” whom they look up to.
The Muhlachs joined forces in the family sitcom “Da Pers Family” which revolves around the Percival family’s journey to save their struggling bakery from closure. Just like their characters in the TV series, Atasha and Andres don’t consider their parents to be controlling, and would rather allow them to learn on their own terms.
“Our parents are not stage parents,” Andres told reporters at a media conference for the sitcom. “Our parents are [the type of people] whom you can spend your time with and you see every day. We see them as our loved ones who we look up to and idolize.”
Atasha said Aga and Charlene show “moral support” to the twins by imparting the wisdom they learned through their own experiences.
“They will always just guide us with everything. And they would never tell us what we did here or what we did wrong. It’s never about the work. It’s always about the moral support for them,” she said. “I wouldn’t say they’re stage parents. Just true-to-life parents who are very responsible, very kind, and warm-hearted people.”
‘Kaya na ‘yan’
When Aga and Charlene were asked if they had doubts about their children joining show biz, they pointed out that they have no qualms about allowing them to spread their wings. The actor also stressed that what Atasha and Andres decided to do was entirely up to them.
“No, hindi naman. Pagdating sa paga-artista, parang sila na ‘yan. Kaya na nila ‘yan. Kung magtatanong sila sa’kin, d’un ako magsasalita. Pero kung hindi sila magtatanong, d’un ako (No, not really. When they decided they wanted to be a celebrity, it’s up to them. They could decide for themselves. When they ask me for advice, that’s when I’ll say my piece. But even if they wouldn’t ask, I’m still here),” he said. The former matinee idol, however, said he made it a point to remind his twins to show kindness no matter what. “Basta what’s important sa industriya natin is pakikisama and pakikitungo sa kapwa.”
“Growing up, ‘yun lang ang sinasabi ko sa kanila — to always be kind to everyone. Never judge,” he continued. “At the same time, pagdating sa pag-arte niyo, it’s all about confidence. Lakasan mo lang ang loob mo. Mahaba pa ang lalakbayin niyo.”
(What is important in our industry is how we interact with others. Growing up, that’s what I would always tell them — to always be kind to everyone. Never judge. At the same time, when it comes to their acting, it’s all about confidence. Just have courage. You still have a long way to go.)
Parenting style
Touching on their parenting style, Charlene said Aga is not the controlling type, but he’s “firm” with his words. Between them, it’s actually the soft-spoken former beauty queen who is more of the “disciplinarian,” he said.
“Ito ang disciplinarian talaga,” Aga said of Charlene. “Mas strikto ‘yan eh. Pero I’m very firm. Kapag nagsabi ako ng ‘go home’ or other things like that, kailangan you follow. But when it comes to them kung magpapaalam sila, go. Si Charlene pa ang ‘Why?’ Pero pagdating sa decision, kailangan
bago ako, [kailangang may input] din si Charlene.” (She’s more of the disciplinarian… She’s more strict. But I’m very firm. When I tell them to go home or other things like that, you must follow. But when it comes to them asking for our permission, go. Charlene would ask, “Why?” But when it comes to making decisions before I fully decide, Charlene needs to have her input.)
Creative roots
On the other hand, Charlene said she and Aga decided to allow Atasha and Andres to decide for themselves once they “reached a certain age.” She admitted that they were initially surprised when they wanted to join show biz, but were reminded of their “creative roots” while growing up.
“When they said they were interested in joining the entertainment business, nagulat kami,” she said of Atasha and Andres. “But growing up, it was an environment na comfortable sila because they [started] doing commercials and [things] Aga and I would be doing. They were not intimidated by the world they were entering. They were curious. They always had their artistic side talaga. When the right time came, sila ang nag-decide na gusto nila.”
(When they said they were interested in joining the entertainment business, we were surprised. But growing up, it was an environment they were comfortable in because they started doing commercials and other things Aga and I would be doing. They were not intimidated by the world they were entering. When the right time came, they decided what they wanted to do.)
Aside from the Muhlachs, the Danni Caparas-helmed series also stars Roderick Paulate, Ces Quesada, Bayani Agbayani, Chad Kinis, Kedebon Colim, Sam Coloso, and Heart Ryan.
Maine Mendoza and Arjo Atayde Photo from Instagram/@mainedcm
Heart Evangelista Philstar.com photo
Aga Muhlach, Atasha Muhlach, Charlene Gonzales, and Andres Muhlach
Inquirer.net photo
GMA’s new drama war series ‘Pulang
Araw’ unfolds; Jim Fernandez, ‘Zuma’ creator
My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)
Rogelio Constantino Medina
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 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. * * *
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 Fernandez-Perez 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.
AMID troubling headlines, Jehovah’s Witnesses are poised to bring a wave of positivity and aim to uplift spirits with their 2024 “Declare the Good News!” convention series. Renowned for hosting some of the largest global gatherings, this uplifting event will welcome thousands to the Dixie Convention Center in St. George, Utah, from the weekend of July 26, 2024, to the weekend of August 16, 2024. This year’s “Declare the Good News!” convention promises a vibrant array of Bible-based videos, insightful discourses, and engaging interviews. As one of three major Christ-centered programs this season, it showcases a remarkable all-volunteer production. In New South Wales, Australia, dedicated volunteers have recreated historic biblical regions such as Jerusalem, Cana of Galilee, Capernaum, and Nazareth. This backdrop serves an epic video series on Jesus’ life and teachings, with Episode 1 premiering in May 2024.
Titled “The Good News According to Jesus,” this 18-episode series offers an in-depth look at Jesus Christ’s life and ministry, emphasizing his personality and interactions. The first episode will be a special highlight of the 2024 “Declare the Good News!” conventions, with future episodes debuting at subsequent conventions.
Jehovah’s Witnesses, active in around 240 lands, are among the largest nonprofit volunteer Bible educators and producers of scripturally based content, including feature-length video dramas. Filming began in May 2022 at their Australian headquarters, involving over 500 volunteers who built more than 75,000 square feet of historically accurate sets, complete with biblical animals like donkeys, sheep, pigeons, and camels. Some scenes were even filmed on location in the Judean wilderness in Israel.
The “Declare the Good News!” conventions will feature “Episode 1—The True Light of the World” in two parts on Friday and Saturday of the three-day program. A preview of Episode 1 is available on jw.org, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Daily Highlights:
Friday: Explore the Gospels and their contemporary relevance.
Saturday: Reflect on prophecies about Jesus’ birth and childhood, and witness local baptisms. A special video feature will be presented across Friday and Saturday mornings.
Sunday: Attend the talk, “Why We Don’t Fear Bad News,” and learn
GMA Pinoy TV’s “Pulang Araw” starts airing on July 29.
president/CEO Gilberto Duavit Jr., GMA executive VP/CFO Felipe Yalong and Oliver Victor Amoroso.
Actor Butchoy Ubaldo Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina Image courtesy of jw.org
Illustrator-writer Jim Fernandez
Health
@Heart
PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS
THE topic of my column last week was about “Inventions,” which has made the whole world smaller, healthier, smarter, more comfortable, more productive, richer, and happier. Today, I am posting some more of those valuable inventions.
Soap Soap originated back in ancient civilizations, including the Sumerians, Babylonians, and Egyptians, as early as 5000 years ago. Before soap was invented, people used water and mud, as exfoliants. Then, Egyptians used “natron,” a mixture of soda ash (sodium carbonate), a derivative of table salt and oils from vegetables and animals to make soap-like substance.
Clock - Watch
Peter Henlein (1485-1542), a German locksmith and clockmaker from Nuremberg, invented the first clock in 1510, and is often credited with inventing the watch also around the same year, the first small ornamental clock that could be worn on the body, like a pendant or attached to clothing. The automatic winding watch was invented by AbrahamLouis Perrelet. The Hamilton Watch Company of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, a watchmaker since 1946, introduced the first batterypowered electric wristwatch in 1957 (called Hamilton Electric 500), designed by Richard Arbib, an automotive designer.
Toilet
The modern flush toilet widely used today was invented in 1596 by Sir John Harrington, an English courtier and godson of Queen Elizabeth I. It had a 2-foot-deep oval bowl fed by water from an upstairs cistern and required 7.5 gallons of water to flush. The Queen refused to use it because it was too noisy when flushing.
Pencil
The modern pencil was invented by Nicholas-Jacques Conte in 1795, a scientist in the army of Napoleon Bonaparte. The process used by Conte involved roasting a mixture of water, clay, and graphite in a kiln at 1,900 degrees Fahrenheit before encasing the resulting lead in a wooden surround.
Laundry machine
The first clothes washing machine was invented by a German scientist, Christian Schaffer, in 1767. Nathaniel Briggs received the first U.S. patent for a washing machine (wooden box with handcranked agitator) in 1797. In 1908, American engineer Alva J. Fisher invented the first electric washing machine he named “Thor” which he patented two years later. It is the “great grandparent” of our current-day laundry washer.
Camera
The camera was invented by Frenchman Joseph Nicephore Niepce in 1816. He named the
More inventions...
device heliograph and used a film made of pewter. The oldest surviving picture, taken by him in 1826 in Le Gras, France, is a landscape. Others who contributed to the invention of the camera, even as early as 1717, were: Carl Wilhelm Sche ele, a Swedish Chemist, Johan Heinrich Schulze, George Eastman, Stephen Sasson, Louis Le Prince and Johan Zahn.
Computer
The first computer that resembled our modern PCs was invented between 1833 and 1871 by Charles Babbage. He devised the analytical engine and labored for nearly 40 years to improve it to be powerful enough to perform simple calculations. In Asia, a simpler calculating mechanical devise was invented in 1100 BCE, called the abacus.
Dishwasher
Josephine Garis Cochran is credited with inventing the first commercially successful modern dishwasher in 1886, but Joel Houghton patented the first handpowered dishwasher in the United States in 1850.
Toilet paper
Joseph Gayetty is credited with being the inventor of modern commercially sold toilet paper in the United States, first introduced in 1857.
Ink pen
The first pen was actually invented by the Ancient Egyptians in 3200 BC out of bamboo or reed, dipped in ink to write. The original refillable ink fountain pen was introduced by Scottish inventor Robert William Thomson in 1849.
An American lawyer, John J. Loud, invented the first ballpoint pen that he patented in 1888.
Typewriter
The first practical typewriter was invented by Christopher Sholes around 1873 with U.S. Patent No. 79,265. He was responsible for the order QWERTY, which design still exists today. He helped found the Republican Party and was a two-term Wisconsin Senator. President Lincoln appointed him Customs Collector for the port in Milwaukee.
Vacuum cleaner
Hubert Cecil Booth invented the first successful vacuum cleaner in 1901. Six years later, James Murray Spangler, an asthmatic concerned about dust allergen, introduced the first domestic single-operator upright vacuum cleaner. In 1908, Willam Henrry Hoover produced the first commercial-bag-on-a stick upright cleaners.
Joe Jones, of southwest Missouri, invented the first robotic vacuum cleaner he called Roomba in 1989 while working at MIT’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
Microwave
American electrical engineer
Percy Spencer developed and patented the first microwave oven in 1945. His first one was about 6 feet in height and weighed more than 750 pounds. The smaller version became popular in the 1970s. By 1986, about one in four households owned
a microwave oven. In 1997, 90 percent of American homes had a microwave, becoming a $10.8 billion market industry in 2022, projected to rise to $16.47 billion by 2031.
GPS
The Global Positioning System (GPS) was invented in 1973 by Bradford Parkinson, from Madison, Wisconsin. He was born on February 16, 1935, and is an American engineer, a graduate of MIT, a retired United States Air Force Colonel, and Emeritus Professor at Stanford University. The yearly benefit of GPS to the world is estimated by a recent U.S. study “to be 37 to 74 billion dollars, excluding many of the applications, such as saving lives, that were difficult to quantify.”
Enabling people around the world to navigate daily is empowerment by itself.
Luggage on wheels
The first commercial rolling suitcase was invented by Bernard D. Sadow, a former vice president of a Massachusetts luggage company, in 1972, after seeing a porter used wheeled luggage rack to move luggage while Sadow was travelling in Puerto Rico two years earlier.
Alexa
Jeff Bezos conceptualized Amazon’s Alexa in 2011 as a talking device that is voicecontrolled. Actually it is Willaim Tunstall-Pedoe who is considered the “Father of Alexa,” who built an anagram algorithm used by Dan Brown for the Da Vinci Code. Rohit Prasad, an Amazon AI scientist, introduced generalized intelligence and multimodal AI for Alexa.
Bluetooth
Jaap Haartsen of Hague, Netherlands, led the invention of Bluetooth wireless technology, which allows a seemingly endless array of devices to wirelessly connect and communicate over short distances. Amazingly, the beautiful and famous actress in the 1940s, Hedy Lamar, unbeknownst to many, “was a gifted inventor. The technologies she co-invented laid the foundation for future communication systems, like GPS, Bluetooth, and WiFi.”
* * *
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.
* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
Diamond Love: 66 Years Strong
PHIL & Purie Mesina celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on June 8, marking over six decades of devoted partnership since their union in 1958. Their legacy of love continues to inspire their children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren:
- Gie & Andy with Adam, Ayden, Mateo & Kiana
- Leah & Ed with Edward, Lauren, Eli & Jenny
- Philip & Josie with Elisabeth, Anastacia & Dylan
- Vela & Eric with Augustine, Valentine, Angelo, Selene & Sierra
- Frank & Ethan
The Mesina family cherishes this remarkable milestone and looks forward to many more years of shared joy and blessings.
GMA’s new drama war series...
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 CinemaTechStudent-Digital-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 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
Regional convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses...
why millions feel secure despite global challenges. Leading up to each convention, local congregations will invite community members to this free event. Last year’s conventions drew nearly 13 million attendees worldwide, highlighting the event’s significant impact. Saint George, UT (English only) Dates: Friday, July 26, 2024 – Sunday, July 28, 2024 Friday, August 2, 2024 –Sunday, August 4, 2024 Friday, August 16, 2024 –Sunday, August 18, 2024 The event is free and open to all. The daily schedule
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SERVICES
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.
From left: Cris Pablo, Nancy Deocarez and Richard Hinola. Columnist Rogelio Medina and Ayalaland’s Hazel Gendrano
Lapu Films director-creator Michael Isip in Hawaii
From left: Roger Oriel, Mae Trono and Rogelio Medina. Arienne Calingo at GMA-7 Studio
