082224 - Las Vegas Edition

Bonta, Cervania lead Fil-Am delegates at DNC in Chicago

CHICAGO – Attorney General Rob Bonta of California and State Representative Maria Cervania of North Carolina were announced to lead the Filipino American Delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on August 19 to 23, 2024.

Attorney General Bonta was designated as Honorary Chair and Representative Cervania was designated as Honorary Deputy Chair of the Filipino Americans for Harris Walz delegation. Over 40 Filipino American delegates from across the nation represented states such as California, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Illinois, Virginia and the territories of Guam and Northern Marianas Islands.

The Democratic National Convention kicked off Monday, August 19, and at the conclusion of it, Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz were expected to formally accept the Democratic nomination to be the next president and vice president of the United States respectively.

Rob Bonta is an American lawyer and

STILLWATER — Vice President Kamala Harris’ selection of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate is making health care a front-burner issue in the final sprint to the November presidential election.

Walz, a 60-year-old former high school teacher and football coach, has a record of supporting left-leaning health care initiatives during his two terms as governor and while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019. He also leads a state central to the health care industry: Minnesota is home both to the nation’s largest health insurer, UnitedHealth Group, and one of its most prestigious hospital systems, the Mayo Clinic.

Republicans have seized on his record to portray the Harris-Walz ticket as extreme on health care, while Democrats say Walz’s efforts to lower drug costs and preserve abortion access are mainstream positions that appeal to swing voters. Either way, his selection thrusts health care center stage as an election issue, underscoring the primacy of the nation’s battle over abortion access as well as voters’ deep angst over spiraling

‘Unity pa rin’: Party leaders meet at Malacañang for 2025 strategy

has agreed to allow a "limited number" of Afghans to temporarily stay in the Philippines while being processed for eventual resettlement to the United States.

The foreign department announcement gave no timetable or the number of visa applicants to be allowed to transit through the Philippines, a longstanding U.S. military ally. Under the deal, Washington will support "necessary services" including food, housing, security, medical, and transport during their stay in the country.

"The agreement is currently undergoing the final domestic procedures required for effectivity," a foreign department statement said.

Filipino ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said last year that there were about 50,000 such visa-seekers, including the families of those who had worked for the U.S.-backed government that was toppled by the Taliban.

The U.S. request met with domestic opposition on security and other grounds when it was made public

MANILA — The Department of Justice (DOJ) defended on Tuesday, August 20 the P10 million reward to anyone with information that may lead to the capture of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy. Quiboloy and his five co-accused are facing child abuse cases before a Davao City court. A Pasig City court also issued an arrest warrant against him for human trafficking.

Speaking at the Senate panel on public order and dangerous drugs’ hearing on the “excessive force” allegedly used by the Philippine National Police (PNP) within the

KJC Compound, Justice Undersecretary Nicolas Felix Ty explained the difference between a bounty and a reward.

“This is a reward, not a bounty. A bounty is for people who should be arrested because they are convicts of a crime or they have [an] outstanding warrant of arrest,” said Ty.

“This reward covers many things, not just the arrest but information on the whereabouts of the various accused — including Pastor Quiboloy,” he added.

According to Ty, the DOJ has notified the committee about its opinion on the matter, noting that they earlier made clear that the reward to anyone who can offer information

LAS VEGAS  — The excitement is building as Clark County schools prepare to welcome students back for a new academic year.

Amid Nevada's ongoing teacher shortage, the Clark County School District has bolstered its ranks with a new group of special education teachers from the Philippines, who have just arrived in Las Vegas, ready to make an impact.

Since 2017, the district has been recruiting Filipino teachers through the J-1 Cultural Exchange Program to fill high-need areas such as

special education, elementary education, math, and science. This year, the tradition continues with the arrival of 150 new recruits, collectively known as Batch 8. Many of these teachers are experiencing life away from home for the first time and have been warmly welcomed by local Filipino-American and Asian organizations.

"It's so nice to have this kind of community since we're new here. It helps to know that there are groups that will support us during our first year," said Renegin Enrique, a J-1

MANILA — A California court has ruled as “void” the contract entered by Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and a sports management company, ending a three-year legal battle between the two sides.

In a decision dated August 12, 2024, Superior Court of the State of California judge Walter Schwarm said that the contracts entered by Pacquiao and Paradigm Sports Management are “illegal,” a year

after the attorneys of the eightdivision champion filed a motion stating that Paradigm was not properly licensed as a manager under California law.

The decision said that Paradigm chief executive officer Audie Attar

“testified he did not believe he had a manager’s license for boxers in the State of California in 2019, and he did not recall if he had such a license in 2020 and 2021.”

“Mr. Attar did not believe anyone at Paradigm had a manager’s license in 2019. Mr. Attar testified

‘Unity pa rin’: Party leaders...

“Our unity is our strength, and today we solidify that bond to ensure that our vision for a better Philippines will continue to be realized. We are here not only to support the programs and projects of President Marcos but also to help realize his vision of unity towards lasting peace and prosperity for all,” he added. Aside from Marcos’ PFP and Romualdez’ Lakas-CMD, the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), the Nacionalista Party (NP), and the National Unity Party (NUP) were also part of the discussions.

The following party members and officials were present:

- PFP: Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr., Executive Vice President; South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo, president; retired Gen. Thompson Lantion, secretary general; and Atty. George Briones, legal counsel

- Lakas-CMD: Senior Deputy Speaker Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr.; House Majority Leader District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe, executive vice president; Agusan del Norte 1st District Rep. Jose Aquino II, secretary general; and Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David Suarez, treasurer

- NP: Senator Mark Villar, Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron, and Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Yevgeny Emano.

- NPC: Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, president, and Presidential Legislative Liaison Office head Secretary Mark Llandro Mendoza, secretary general.

- NUP: Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, president, and Bataan 2nd District Rep. Albert Raymond Garcia, secretary general

“We are not just allies in name. We are united by a shared purpose—to serve our nation

with integrity, strength, and unwavering resolve,” Romualdez said. “The challenges we face require a coalition that is not only strong but also harmonious. That’s what we are building here today.”

“This is just the beginning. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen our coalition, refine our strategies, and ensure that our vision for a new Philippines is realized in every corner of the nation,” he added.

“Unity” was the central theme of the Marcos administration’s campaign team “Uniteam”, which featured Marcos and his running-mate, Vice President Sara Duterte.

Marcos’ campaign centered on the belief that unity would help the Philippines recover from crises.

However, there are beliefs that the Uniteam has been dissolved, with Duterte leaving the Marcos cabinet, and taking on a more critical stance towards the

Philippines to process ‘limited number’ of...

last year.

A foreign department spokeswoman did not immediately provide further details of the agreement on Tuesday.

to end Washington's longest war, launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

DOJ defends P10-M reward for...

that may lead to Quiboloy’s arrest is legal.

“This reward covers many things, not just the arrest but information on the whereabouts of the various accused — including Pastor Quiboloy,” he added.

According to Ty, the DOJ has notified the committee about its opinion on the matter, noting that they earlier made clear that the reward to anyone who can offer information that may lead to Quiboloy’s arrest is legal.

Tens of thousands of Afghans fled their country in the chaotic evacuation of August 2021 as U.S. and allied forces pulled out

Many of those who had worked with the ousted Western-backed government arrived in the United States seeking resettlement under a special immigrant visa programme, but thousands were also left behind or in third countries, waiting for their visas to be processed.

“Why is this legal? First of all, this is part of our job in the justice sector. We need to implement our criminal laws, and we will not be able to implement them if the accused is nowhere to be found. Apart from that, it is clear in our system that it is not forbidden to offer rewards to be able to locate an accused and present him before the court,” Ty said in Filipino.

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers insist no harm will come to anyone who collaborated with Western powers or the former government, and are encouraging those who have left to return and help rebuild the country.

(Philstar.com)

Prior to Ty’s explanation, KJC Executive Secretary Eleanor Cardona lamented the provision of a P10 million reward in exchange for information on Quiboloy’s whereabouts.

“The second question in this hearing is if it’s right or legal to offer a bounty amounting to

P10 million even if the pastor has not been convicted in court. What was read by DILG hurts us because there’s no truth to it. We personally know that. We’ve been with him for 40 years and even one allegation to what was read by Sec. Abalos, may it be here in the Senate or court, it’s malicious. It’s disrespectful,” Cardona said in Filipino.

Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos earlier announced that the P10 million reward would be shouldered by “friends who would like to help in arresting” Quiboloy. He declined, however, to name the donors, saying they had chosen to stay anonymous and were “frustrated about what’s happening” in the alleged rapist’s cases. g

PART OF HISTORY. The well-maintained monuments of Senator Benigno S. Aquino Jr. and President Corazon Aquino at the corner of Bonifacio

Burgos

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Photo from the Office of Speaker Romualdez

Amid Medicaid ‘unwinding,’ many states wind up expanding

by Phil Galewitz KFF Health News

TRISHA Byers left behind one crucial item when she moved to North Carolina last year to be closer to her family after suffering a brain injury: health insurance.

In Massachusetts, Byers, 39, was enrolled in Medicaid, the government health program that covers low-income people. But she was ineligible in North Carolina, which had not yet expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act. She said she racked up thousands of dollars in unpaid emergency room bills while uninsured for several months after her move.

Then in December, North Carolina joined 39 other states and Washington, D.C., in widening Medicaid eligibility to include adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or $20,783 for an individual.

“I could finally get all the doctor appointments I needed,” said Byers, one of more than 500,000 North Carolinians who gained coverage.

The North Carolina expansion came amid the biggest upheaval in Medicaid’s nearly six-decade history. Since April 2023 — when protections that had blocked states from disenrolling Medicaid beneficiaries during the pandemic expired — states have disenrolled more than 24 million people whom they said no longer qualified or had failed to renew coverage.

This Medicaid “unwinding” led to fears that the number of people without insurance would spike. But it also coincided with moves in more than a dozen states to expand health coverage for lower-income people, including children, pregnant women, and the incarcerated.

These expansions will mitigate the effects of the unwinding to some degree, though it’s still unclear how much. Five states have not finished culling their rolls, and the effect on the uninsured rate won’t be clear until the U.S. Census Bureau releases official figures in September of next year.

“The pandemic was destructive and concerning and clearly demonstrated that Medicaid is so crucially important for our national safety net,” said Jennifer Babcock, senior vice president for Medicaid policy at

the Association for Community Affiliated Plans, a trade group representing nonprofit health insurers that cover people on Medicaid. “These expansions are incredibly meaningful.”

Unwinding-era expansions include:

South Dakota, like North Carolina, expanded Medicaid coverage under the Affordable Care Act last year. About 22,000 people enrolled in the first eight months.

In July, Oregon launched a Medicaid-like coverage option for those who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid under federal limits. The plan is available to all adults with incomes between 138% and 200% — up to $30,120 for an individual — of the federal poverty level. More than 50,000 people have enrolled so far, Oregon officials say.

In January, a new federal law required states to allow children to stay covered under Medicaid for at least a year after signing up.

Several states are going beyond that: Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington, for example, allow children to stay covered up to age 6. California passed legislation to expand continuous eligibility for children up to age 4 but has not yet implemented the policy.

Three states widened income eligibility for children to qualify for Medicaid: Arizona, Maine, and North Dakota.

This year, Utah began offering a Medicaid-like coverage option for children regardless of immigration status, though the program is capped at about 2,000 children.

Several states expanded coverage for pregnant women. Nevada, North Dakota, and Tennessee widened income eligibility to make it easier for pregnant women to qualify for Medicaid. Alabama and Maryland expanded eligibility to cover those who are pregnant regardless of immigration status. And Maine, Oregon, and Vermont extended postpartum coverage to 12 months, up from two. With those changes, 47 states now offer one year of postpartum coverage.

In June, five states — Illinois, Kentucky, Oregon, Utah, and Vermont — received approval from the Biden administration to extend Medicaid coverage to incarcerated people up to 90 days before their release. Those states

will join several states, including California, Massachusetts, Montana, and Washington, in offering that coverage.

States, which split funding of Medicaid with the federal government, typically expand Medicaid eligibility during times of economic growth when they have more revenue. But several other factors have contributed to the expansion trend. These include heightened awareness over rising maternal mortality rates and new restrictions on abortion, which have reinforced the need for expansions for pregnant women, said Allison Orris, a senior fellow with the left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. In particular, the pandemic showed how important health coverage is to ensure people’s health and communities’ safety from infectious diseases, Orris said. “It is not surprising to see states look at their Medicaid programs and find ways to strengthen in the midst of the unwinding,” she said.

For example, while federal Medicaid funding cannot be used for people living in the country unlawfully, a small but growing number of states have used their money to expand coverage to residents lacking legal status.

During the pandemic, as a requirement to gain extra federal funding, states were prohibited from cutting off Medicaid coverage even for those no longer eligible. The experience showed states the benefits of keeping people enrolled, rather than churning them in and out as their income fluctuates, Orris said. It also brought the nation’s uninsured rate to a record-low 7.7%.

Some advocates fear the unwinding of that pandemic-era policy will reverse key gains. A KFF survey published in April found 23% of adults reported being uninsured after they were disenrolled from Medicaid in 2023. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report released Aug. 6 found the uninsured rate rose to 8.2% in the first quarter of 2024, from 7.7% in the same quarter in 2023. Enrollment increased by about 23 million people during the pandemic. As of Aug. 1, with about 85% of the unwinding u PAGE 5

Team Harris-Walz launches new ads targeting AANHPI voters in battleground states

Paid TV and digital spots feature community voices, show the stark contrast between Trump’s extreme agenda and Vice President Harris’ work to expand health care protections, and combat anti-Asian hate

AS the Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago, the Harris-Walz campaign is releasing two new ads aimed at reaching Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) voters across the battlegrounds who are poised to play a pivotal role in this election.

The pair of television and digital spots – “Reduced” and “The Seal” – are the first ads specific to AANHPI communities launched by the campaign since Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee for President and feature the voices of Rozita and Terry, two trusted community leaders who share their fears about a second Trump term. The ads will air in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin as part of a broader and historic $90 million paid media buy for the last three weeks of August. In addition to appearing on outlets including The Filipino Channel (TFC), Crossings TV, 3HmongTV, Nyob Zoo, SBS Television Korea, TVB USA, Hon Viet TV, GEO TV, ARY, SBTN, Zee TV, NTV, and ATN Bangla, the ads will run on Meta, Snap, YouTube, Connected TV, iHeart Radio, Pandora, and elsewhere online to reach these key voters.

In “Reduced,” Rozita focuses on the active threat Donald Trump poses to the health of AANHPI communities and his calls to “terminate” health care protections from the Affordable Care Act that have been implemented by the Biden-Harris Administration, which have helped to reduce the AANHPI uninsured rate by 63%.

Meanwhile in “The Seal,” Terry shows the stark contrast between Vice President Kamala Harris’ continued record of fighting for AANHPI communities and Trump’s incitement of antiAsian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a devastating wave of violence targeting AANHPI individuals and businesses. The ad features Vice President Harris’ keynote

remarks at the Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) Presidential Town Hall on July 13, where she spoke directly with AANHPI voters about the stakes of the election and the dangers of Trump’s Project 2025 agenda.

“These new ads remind Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander voters that the choice in this election is clear for our communities,” said HarrisWalz AANHPI Spokesperson Andrew Peng. “Vice President Harris is working to lower the costs of healthcare — having already capped insulin at $35 per month for over 2 million AANHPI seniors — while Trump promises to tear critical protections away. And while the Vice President continues to fight relentlessly to keep our families safe, Donald

Trump actively encourages anti-Asian hate and remains an active danger to our families and freedoms. Leaders like Rozita and Terry know how much AANHPI communities suffered during Trump’s first term – and that a second term would be far worse.”

“Reduced” and “The Seal” are the latest investments by Team Harris-Walz in paid media to reach the diversity of AANHPI communities. Following the launch of the campaign’s national AANHPI organizing and engagement program in early July, Team HarrisWalz has also hired additional staff dedicated to AANHPI voter outreach and is planning a number of culturally specific direct voter contact activities across the battleground states, including inlanguage canvassing and phonebanking. g

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Harris-Walz ticket sharpens contrast with...

health care costs.

Many of Walz’s stances dovetail with those of Harris.

He has fought for abortion access, signing legislation to codify abortion rights in the state, and in March toured a Planned Parenthood clinic with the vice president.

He supported congressional legislation empowering the federal government to negotiate drug prices in Medicare, a health insurance program for seniors and the disabled. The Biden administration on Aug. 15 released new, reduced prices for 10 drugs in the program that stem from the negotiations between the government and drugmakers. The lower costs will kick in in 2026.

As governor, Walz signed legislation in 2020 to cap outof-pocket insulin costs to $35 a month for eligible residents with an urgent need for the medication. Two years later, President Joe Biden did the same for all Medicare patients.

Early in the covid-19 pandemic, Walz mandated that masks be worn in most indoor public spaces. He extended an executive stay-at-home order in 2020, which led former President Donald Trump to post “LIBERATE MINNESOTA!” on X, the social platform then called Twitter.

“He has common sense when it comes to issues and policy,” said Andy Slavitt, a former UnitedHealth executive and former administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid

Services. “He’s not an ideologue. He’s an independent thinker who cares about people who don’t have resources,” said Slavitt, who served as a senior adviser to the Biden administration’s covid response team.

Walz also has championed fertility treatments, sharing his personal story of how he and his wife, Gwen, relied on them to conceive. Because in vitro fertilization is under increasing threat by some abortion opponents, despite its broad popularity, his firsthand knowledge of fertility challenges is adding political muscle.

“Walz has been articulate and passionate about his experience with IVF, and that connects with people on both sides of the aisle,” said Christoper Sheeron, founder and president of Action for Health, a national nonprofit advocacy organization.

Republicans in Minnesota say Walz’s health care positions will work against the Democratic ticket. They criticize his 2021 covid vaccination or regular testing requirement for state employees, his support of legislation codifying abortion rights, his backing of recreational marijuana legalization, and a bill he signed to expand public health coverage to some immigrants lacking legal residency.

“Under Gov. Walz, we saw one of the most radical, farleft agendas in the country. While Americans are searching for unity, Walz has a record of implementing extreme policies that only divide us further,” the Republican leader of Minnesota’s

state Senate, Mark Johnson, said in a statement. “He has put our state on a path to governmentrun health care and championed restrictive health care mandates that limit Minnesotans’ access to life-saving care.”

Minnesotan Tracy Mitchell said that before Walz’s selection she was leaning toward backing former President Donald Trump in November because she believed he would do more to lower her health care costs. The announcement cemented her decision: She’s voting for Trump.

“I have three kids, and health care gets expensive,” Mitchell, 38, of Ham Lake, said while visiting Stillwater, Minnesota, with her family. She is the director of program operations for a mental health care clinic.

“The wy he handled covid, and in terms of health care, I think he is too extreme,” she said.

Still, Democrats express hope that a greater focus on health care will give them an advantage in the election, tapping into voter concerns about pocketbook issues in swing states.

Forty-eight percent of Republicans or adults who lean Republican said health care affordability is a very big problem in the country, according to a May poll by the Pew Research Center. Sixty-five percent of Democrats or adults who lean Democratic agreed.

The concern tops illegal immigration, the federal budget deficit, gun violence, and drug addiction.

Bonta, Cervania lead Fil-Am delegates at...

politician serving as the Attorney General of California since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a Member of the California State Assembly for the 18th District from 2012 to 2021 and as a Member of the Alameda City Council from 2010 to 2012.

The first Filipino American to serve in the California State Legislature, Bonta chaired the California Asian Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus. After Xavier Becerra resigned as Attorney General to become U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Bonta was appointed by California Governor Gavin Newsom to replace him. Bonta was sworn in on April 23, 2021, becoming the first Filipino American to hold the office. Bonta was elected to a full four-year term in office in 2022.

Born in Quezon City, Philippines, Attorney General Bonta immigrated to California with his family as an infant. He is the son of a proud native Filipino mother and a father who taught him the value of public service to his community. He is married to California Assemblymember Mia Bonta, and they are the proud parents of three children Reina, Iliana, and Andres. Maria Cervania is a Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, who has represented the 41st district (including portions of western Wake County since 2023).

Cervania previously served on the Wake County Board of Commissioners from 2020 to 2022. She is the first Asian

American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander (AANHPI) person to be elected to the Wake County Board of Commissioners. She was born in Vietnam while her father was deployed in the U.S. Navy. She grew up in Sunnyvale, California when her father retired from the Navy. Her mother worked in technology in Silicon Valley. She graduated from the University of CaliforniaBerkeley with an Integrated Biology and Physical Education degree. She taught Anatomy in the Berkeley Unified School District and Physical Education in the Oakland School District. She pursued a Master’s Degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois in Chicago. She served as President of the American Public Health Association Student Caucus and Editorial Board member of the American Journal of Public Health.

She met and married her husband Jon Cervania in Texas.

They later moved to North Carolina. In 2020 she was elected Wake County Commissioner, North Carolina. She was the first Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) elected to the Wake County Board of Commissioners and first Filipino American elected to office in North Carolina.

The following Filipino American delegates listed below represented their states at the DNC:

– Genevieve Mina

• California – Vanessa Carr, Dr. Angelica Cortez, Gabriel Quinto, Gloria Pulido, Hon. Mark Pulido, Hon. Frank Yokoyama, Chris Mateo, Alex De Ocampo, Arnel Dino, Christian Figueroa, Hon. Melissa Ramoso, Meredith CurryNunez, Hon. Rob Bonta, Hon. Todd Gloria, Johanna Hester, Hon. Juslyn Manalo, Mona Pasquil

• Guam – Hon. Regine Lee, Hon. Rory Respicio, Sarah Thomas Nededog, Lawrence Alcairo, Rikki Orsini

US court rules in favor of...

that he did not personally have and that no one at Paradigm had a promoter’s license in 2019, 2020 and 2021,” it added.

Citing a certificate of nonlicensure dated April 18, 2023, the decision also stated that the California State Athletic Commission certified that Attar was licensed as a manager from April 14, 2016 to April 30, 2017, but his “license expired after he did not complete the required annual renewal.”

“The court finds for Mr. Pacquiao on the declaratory relief cause of action and declares the contract void due to illegality,” the decision read.

Pacquiao’s lawyer, Atty. Jason Aniel, said that their camp is “pleased” with the decision.

“After hearing Paradigm Sports Management’s objections to the tentative decision, the court decided the contract that Paradigm sought to enforce Mr. Pacquiao was illegal as Paradigm was not properly licensed,” he said in a statement.

“This decision negates the jury’s findings back in May of 2023. We thank the court’s time and effort in this matter. Mr. Pacquiao thanks his fans for their patience while the court fully resolved all the legal issues,” he added.

MP Promotions president Sean Gibbons, for his part, also lauded the decision.

“Manny Pacquiao has finally proven innocent. He did nothing wrong as the Superior Court of California has already announced its final statement of decision declaring that the contract offered by Paradigm was void due to illegality.”

Last year, a U.S. jury ordered Pacquiao to pay $5.1 million to Paradigm — $3.3 million for Pacquiao’s alleged breach of contract and $1.8 million for breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

But after a couple of weeks, the camp of the boxer filed a motion stating that PSM was not properly licensed as a manager under California law. g

New wave of Filipino teachers...

teacher from Tacloban.

For many of the new arrivals, being in Las Vegas is both exciting and challenging as they adapt to the American education system.

"As this is a cultural exchange program, I'm eager to learn the different teaching styles here. I want to observe how lessons are delivered and learn new strategies.

I also hope to share my culture with my students, their parents, and the community," Enrique added.

Haydie De Guzman, a J-1 teacher from Laguna, expressed relief in finding a support system.

"It’s an advantage to have a family to turn to here. It helps us save a bit too."

Randy Tungpalan, another J-1 teacher from Isabela, highlighted the importance of adjusting to a new cultural environment. "Foremost, I believe it's about understanding the culture and behavior of our students. The best thing I need to do is adjust myself and get to know

Wisconsin – Reynaldo Villar. (FAFHW Release) the kids as well." Randy Salinas, now in his third year as a J-1 teacher in Las Vegas, reflected on the importance of community support. "Without them, I would have had a hard time surviving in this new endeavor. With their support, we are able to survive, and hopefully, they will continue to expand their services not just here in Nevada but also in other states."

Meanwhile, as the 2024 school year kicks off, back-to-school events are happening across Nevada. In Reno, hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies were distributed to children in Washoe County. The annual event, hosted by the Richard Harris Law Firm, saw large crowds lining up for these much-needed items.

"We will do it every year until nobody needs it anymore," said Rick Harris, CEO of Richard Harris Law. (Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN News, Nevada)

California Attorney General Rob Bonta (left) and North Carolina State Representative Maria Cervania.

Contributed photos

Amid Medicaid ‘unwinding,’ many states...

completed, roughly 14.8 million people have been removed from Medicaid rolls. As a result, it’s unlikely the uninsured rate will rise as sharply as some advocates feared a year ago, said Jennifer Tolbert, deputy director of the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured at KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.

“We have seen some amazing coverage expansion in places like Oregon and California,” said Ben Anderson, deputy senior director of health policy at Families USA, a consumer advocacy group. “But if you live in Texas, Florida, and Georgia, since the pandemic your health coverage has been disrupted in ways that were preventable by state leaders.” Those three states are among the 10 that have chosen not to expand Medicaid under the ACA.

Still, Anderson said, the effect

of the expansions, even in a limited number of states, will ensure some people can better afford health care and avoid medical debt. The unwinding process has been rife with fumbling, particularly in states that didn’t steer enough resources to connect people with coverage. A study by the federal Government Accountability Office released in July revealed a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ finding that almost all states made mistakes that led to eligible individuals losing Medicaid coverage. The recent Medicaid expansions provide examples of how some states prioritize health coverage, particularly for certain vulnerable groups.

Tricia Brooks, a Medicaid expert at Georgetown University, noted that some states are “targeting little pockets of coverage and doing it for a variety of reasons.”

Getting and keeping children

insured means they are more likely to have a regular health provider and be ready to learn in school, she said. “There is no doubt there is a return on investment,” she said.

Medicaid advocates wonder, though, whether a second Trump administration would curtail coverage expansions. Republicans have signaled they do not want to extend the federal subsidies that reduce what lower-income people pay for ACA marketplace plans and that are scheduled to expire in 2025.

“We are bracing for that potential impact,” said Erin Delaney, director of health care policy at the Progressive Policy Institute.

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and

Harris-Walz ticket sharpens contrast with...

Three in 4 adults said they are very or somewhat worried about being able to afford unexpected medical bills, based on a poll done in January and February by KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News.

“Republicans have always suffered because they talk about health care in economic terms,” said William Pierce, who is a senior director at APCO Worldwide, a global advisory and advocacy firm, and a former GOP congressional aide. “Democrats talk about it as a personal issue. The selection of Walz gives them a greater opportunity to push it harder.”

Walz’s counterpart on the GOP ticket, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, has less experience with health care issues. But he has sought to show concern about rising costs and barriers to care.

During a recent visit in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Vance said the government must do more to preserve health care access in rural America.

In a July 2017 op-ed published by The New York Times, well before he ran for the Senate as a Republican, Vance expressed support for some provisions of the Affordable Care Act and criticized the GOP push to repeal the law because, he said, the

proposal “withdraws its supports for the poor.”

Since joining Trump’s ticket, Vance has aligned his views with Trump’s on the ACA — a law Trump tried and failed to repeal while president.

“The difference is between those defending the ACA and those who would repeal it; the choice of Walz makes that contrast as clear as ever,” said Anthony Wright, the executive director of Families USA, a nonpartisan organization focused on health care access and affordability.

Vance has backed letting the federal government negotiate Medicare drug prices — a rare point of agreement on health policy with Democrats.

Like Trump, he opposes gender-affirming care for transgender minors. But he has taken firmer positions than the former president on abortion — a vulnerability Democrats have sought to exploit. Public support of abortion rights has increased since the Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade in 2022 and many Republicanled states moved to impose strict bans.

Both the Democratic and Republican campaigns are drawing fresh scrutiny of their positions on health care. California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis’ super PAC, Californians for Choice,

released an ad this month saying Vance supports a nationwide abortion ban, “stripping away our freedom.”

Like Trump, Vance has recently said states should decide specific abortion policies, but he previously supported outlawing abortion nationwide.

Trump’s campaign, meanwhile, has labeled Walz “Tampon Tim” because of a state law he signed requiring menstrual products to be available to “all menstruating students in restrooms regularly used by students in grades 4 to 12, according to a plan developed by the school district.”

A recent Trump campaign ad called Walz “too weird. Too radical.”

But Walz’s addition to the ticket has energized Democratic voters with health care concerns such as Angel Palm, 32, a life coach for people with disabilities who lives in Fridley, Minnesota.

“My son is autistic and has medical costs. It’s so important,” she told KFF Health News. “I’m so stoked.” (Stephanie Armour/ KFF Health News)

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces indepth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Remittances hit 2024

by Ian nIcolas P. cIgaral Inquirer.net

MONEY sent home by Filipinos abroad reached its highest level so far this year in June, although a potential recession in the United States is threatening to clip the growth of remittances. Cash remittances coursed through banks amounted to $2.88 billion in June, up by 2.5 percent year-on-year, data released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed. Figures showed this was the highest inflow so far this year.

Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said remittances were typically high in June as Filipinos abroad hike their money transfers to pay for school-related fees ahead of the resumption of classes. Such a seasonal surge, he explained, may last until August.

Economic slowdown

But Ricafort said the possibility of a recession in the United

States, major host country of Filipino expats, could pose a serious risk to remittances as data showed high interest rates stateside might be starting to weaken the American job market. “Risk of economic slowdown or even recession in the United States, as well as in other countries that host large number of OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) … would still be a drag for remittances especially if there would be job losses,” he said.

The June spike in inflows brought the six-month remittances to $16.25 billion, 2.9 percent bigger than a year ago. According to the BSP, cash remittances from the United States, Saudi Arabia and Singapore contributed mainly to the increase in the first half of the year.

Data showed remittances have been growing at around 3 percent since late 2022, with the BSP projecting the average growth of these inflows to settle

at that level again in 2024. That trend made some analysts believe that the growth of such transfers might be plateauing already even despite the weakness of the local currency in the past months.

Purchasing power Money sent home by Filipinos overseas is a major source of purchasing power in the Philippines, where consumption typically accounts for nearly 70 percent of gross domestic product. That said, a plateauing remittance growth may translate to sub-par support to consumer spending.

But Ricafort said remittances remain a “bright spot” for the economy, as they keep many Filipino families afloat amid stubbornly high inflation.

“Nevertheless, the continued and consistent growth in remittances could be attributed to higher inflation locally that required the sending of more remittances back to the country,” he said. g

REMEMBERING

OPINION FEATURES Fighting bullying

THE digital age has facilitated a host of human activities, including, unfortunately, harmful and criminal undertakings. For the younger generations, many of them digital natives, among these harmful aspects is bullying. This problem has been around for a long time, but digital technology has facilitated bullying among youths particularly in schools.

Republic Act 10627 or the AntiBullying Act was passed back in 2013. It requires all elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies to prevent and address acts of bullying in their institutions. Yet the Program for International Student Assessment tagged the Philippines as the “bullying capital of the world,” with the problem cited as one of the reasons for the poor performance of Filipino 15-year-old students in the PISA.

Editorial

Generation Z. The report describes Gen Z as those born between 1997 and 2012. And their loneliness has been attributed in part to overexposure to social media and the use of smartphones. The problem was exacerbated by the COVID lockdowns, and in many households, by the absence of one or two parents working overseas.

New Education Secretary Sonny Angara has found it necessary to remind all schools, both public and private, that they must craft their respective policies against bullying. The policies, he said, must include disciplinary sanctions against bullies as well as the designation of school personnel in charge of the issue. He also wants guidance counselors in every school to help students deal with mental health issues.

As complicated as the problem of bullying is loneliness. Last year, in a Meta-Gallup report on the global state of social connections, the Philippines was tagged as the second loneliest country in the world and the most lonesome in Southeast Asia. Among the loneliest in the Philippines, the report said, were members of

THERE are clear indications that illegal gambling operators have been, and continue to be, used extensively for the infiltration of Chinese nationals that are engaged in criminal activities and as such, pose serious national security concerns.

I spoke with several Philippine congressmen who are now visiting in Washington, D.C. and they told me that they are extremely alarmed at how serious the situation has become based on the disturbing information they have been able to unearth from the series of congressional inquiries that various committees have been conducting. Major scrutiny regarding the connection between illegal gambling and criminality came about when authorities raided a 10-hectare Chinese complex in Bamban, Tarlac last March over reports that it was engaged in human trafficking and was being used as a hub for scamming, espionage and cyberattacks against government agencies. The raid resulted in the discovery of hundreds of foreign workers –most of them Chinese – who have no valid work permits. Also seized were SIM cards, mobile phones and other gadgets that are used for online scamming activities.

The raiding team also found

WE don’t know who will become America’s next president. Even after dramatically surviving an assassination attempt, Donald Trump is no longer the favorite in the race. By all indications, Vice President Kamala Harris is reconsolidating the Democratic base, thus making swing states in both the Rust Belt (Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan) and Sun Belt (Arizona, Georgia, and North Carolina) extremely competitive. But the outcome of the elections will likely be decided in a few swing counties in a few swing states. What’s more certain is that America is heading for a contentious post-election landscape. And the world will have to buckle up with a potentially unstable America in

Dealing with bullying and loneliness is hampered by the acute lack of mental health workers in this country, from guidance counselors to psychiatrists. The Philippine Mental Health Association estimates that there is less than one health worker for every 100,000 people in the country. While the problem is complex, however, there are ways of discouraging bullying and easing mental health problems among the youth. Digital technology also facilitates pinning down bullies and imposing appropriate penalties. Activities that genuinely interest the youth can be organized by schools to promote positive social interaction. Mental health professionals can provide mentoring to share their expertise with educators and school administrators. The first step in dealing with this problem is the recognition of its urgency and the need for interventions. (Philstar.com)

Illegal Chinese syndicates: A serious security threat

high powered firearms, torture chambers and vaults containing passports and documents that indicated a possible link between Alice Guo and the illegal gambling hub that was located just behind the Bamban municipal office.

The subsequent Senate hearing put the spotlight on the seeming mystery behind the identity of Alice Guo, whose nationality came into question after the Philippine Statistics Authority flagged “discrepancies” in Guo’s birth certificate, with the National Bureau of Investigation also revealing that her fingerprints matched that of a Chinese national named Guo Hua Ping who entered the country in 2003 through a Special Investor’s Resident Visa. Despite her denials, authorities have been able to uncover the connection between Guo and the Tarlac gaming complex, with billions of pesos channeled into her 36 bank accounts that are allegedly being used to finance illegal gambling activities – a “clear case of money laundering,” according to Senator Win Gatchalian, who pointed out that the profits reported in the Guo family corporations’ income statements were just about P100,000 to P200,000.

According to the congressmen I spoke with, what is really worrisome is that a syndicate seems to be facilitating the issuance of birth certificates, passports, driver’s licenses and other government-issued identification papers for Chinese

the near future. Undoubtedly, the Europeans have the most to lose if Trump comes back to power or, alternatively, America embraces a more insular and isolationist foreign policy doctrine.

In fairness, top Republican strategists such as Elbridge Colby have made it clear to me that they would zero in on the threat from China and, accordingly, ramp up their defense aid to frontline allies such as the Philippines should they prevail in the November elections. On his part, our ambassador to Washington, Jose “Babe” Romualdez, has underscored the “bipartisan” commitment to the U.S.-Philippine alliance in America during our recent conversation.

But the reality is that no one can say for sure what Trump’s policies and moods will be should he retake the White House. Nor is it clear how a Democratic administration will cope with yet

nationals posing as Filipinos.

Reports say that the going rate for obtaining the whole package – a birth certificate, passport and driver’s license – can range from P300,000 to as much as P500,000, obviously through a syndicate that facilitates the process.

Just last month, the National Bureau of Investigation disclosed that since 2016, more than 1,200 individuals believed to be Chinese nationals were able to obtain Philippine birth certificates through “late registration” – just like what Alice Guo did – from a municipality in Davao del Sur. It’s not farfetched that certain local government employees, in particular those working at the local civil registry, may be part of the syndicate since they are the ones transmitting documents to the Philippine Statistics Authority that issues official birth certificates.

Intelligence sources clearly show that the Bureau of Immigration is the root cause of the problem, with allegations that corrupt members of the BI are responsible for the influx of Chinese nationals who were then able to obtain Filipino birth certificates and IDs. People still remember the “pastillas bribery scam” that was exposed in 2020, with corrupt BI officials allowing entry to Chinese and other foreigners without going through screening at the airports for a measly P10,000.

Just imagine – illegal aliens can just go to any obscure town

another post-election denialism and populist backlash. Either way, some form of isolationism and protectionism will almost certainly undercut America’s long-term commitment to a liberal international order.

No less than U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has warned that the U.S. will likely transform into a “dysfunctional superpower.” Even President Marcos, known for his measured language and statesmanlike temperament, has hinted at growing concerns among Asian allies over the direction of American politics.

During the recent “Two Plus Two” summit in Manila, he candidly told his American visitors, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III: “I am a bit surprised considering how interesting your political situation has become back in the [U.S.], but I’m glad that you’ve

or municipality, file for late registration of birth to obtain (fake) Philippine citizenship that would enable them to purchase property and put up businesses anywhere in the country. Interestingly, a lot of illegal gambling hubs seem to be located in areas near military facilities. The gambling complex in Bamban, Tarlac, for instance, is very near the Clark International Airport in Angeles City where a Philippine Air Force facility is located. In Quezon City, reports say that there are Chinese casinos and gambling hubs near the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo and the Philippine National Police headquarters in Camp Crame.

As early as December last year, Surigao del Norte Congressman Ace Barbers had sounded the alarm about Chinese nationals buying up vast tracts of land across the country allegedly for their drug trafficking activities. He also said a lot of the properties purchased were near EDCA sites and major air and seaports, possibly with the connivance of Filipino “enablers.”

Barbers, who chairs the House committee on dangerous drugs, described illegal gambling hubs as the “worst curse” to ever befall the government system. While legal gambling operators were allowed to operate because of the revenue they were supposed to bring in, unmitigated illegal operators have become “a monster almost overnight” – linked to spying, hacking, cybercrimes,

found the time to come and visit with us.”

Accordingly, it’s important for us to craft a “Philippines First” foreign policy, which protects our core national interests as well as hedges against any potential turbulence in the international system. To this end, I recently launched a new forum at Café Adriatico. The inaugural episode of the UTAK (Usapan Taft at Katipunan) Forum brought together among the country’s leading strategists, namely former vice admiral Rommel Jude Ong, former associate justice Antonio Carpio, former political affairs secretary Ronald Llamas, National Security Council Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, and Philippine Coast Guard Commodore Jay Tarriela. With our forum coinciding with yet another breaking news in the West Philippine Sea—the collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels not too far

murders, torture, human and drug trafficking, money laundering and other unspeakable crimes.

Obviously, the money from these gambling activities makes it easy for these syndicates to corrupt officials and “buy influence in government” or, in the case of Alice Guo, even become part of government themselves by becoming elected officials, raising suspicion about the presence of sleeper cells and Trojan horses that seek to undermine the government.

As Congressman Barbers said, it’s like a “creeping invasion”

– which is why concerned government agencies must work together to accomplish the President’s order to cease illegal gambling operations immediately – and get rid of these syndicates that have become a serious security threat to our country and our way of life. (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

from the Sabina Shoal—it was a standing-room event. The two-hour-long conversation is available online, but allow me to focus on three key takeaways.

First of all, we need to be aligned in terms of the basic facts regarding our national interest. In the West Philippine Sea, we are not fighting a proxy war but instead upholding our sovereign rights based on modern international law.

Second, we should embrace our newfound position as a middle power since we have a relatively large population (13th in the world) and among the 35 largest economies on earth. If anything, we are set to allocate up to $35 billion to modernize our defense capabilities. Meanwhile, we should double down on our own multi-alignment strategy by proactively developing strategic ties with a full range of likeminded powers from Japan to India and Germany. Instead of

aligning with any superpower against another, we should leverage our existing alliances to enhance our strategic agency. And finally, we need a wholeof-nation approach in the face of China’s full-spectrum attempt at sowing divisions and influencing our domestic politics. We can learn from robust democracies from Australia to Taiwan and Canada how to counter malign foreign influence while preserving our core democratic freedoms. Ultimately, we need to foster internal cohesion, selfreliance, and optimize our role as a pivotal state in the most dynamic region of the 21st century. (Inquirer.net)

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

The subsequent Senate hearing put the spotlight on the seeming mystery behind the identity of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo, whose nationality came into question after the Philippine Statistics Authority flagged “discrepancies” in Guo’s birth certificate, with the National Bureau of Investigation also revealing that her fingerprints matched that of a Chinese national named

Palawan, Boracay in top islands list

by Moises Cruz ManilaTimes.net

PALAWAN and Boracay have made it to Times Travel's "8 Most Visited Island Destinations in Asia," the Department of Tourism (DoT) said on Monday, August 19. In the August 9 issue of the Indian publication, Bali, Indonesia, was ranked first, and Phuket, Thailand, was second. Palawan, known as the "last frontier" of the Philippines because of its beautiful natural surroundings,

took third place. The article highlighted Palawan's beautiful limestone cliffs and blue waters, specifically in El Nido and Coron, as well as the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Boracay, noted for its pristine white-sand beaches and crystalclear waters, ranked fourth on the list.

he report centers on the island's White Beach, known for its appealing surroundings and spectacular sunsets, as well as

its variety of water sports, lively nightlife, and plenty of dining options. Other island destinations on the list include the Maldives; Langkawi, Malaysia; Havelock Island, India; and Jeju Island, South Korea.

Times Travel, the travel publication of The Times of India, offers curated insights into prime worldwide destinations, with an emphasis on places that appeal to Indian tourists' cultural and travel preferences. g

Bersamin orders cancellation of Alice Guo, family’s passports

by Zacarian Sarao Inquirer.net

MANILA — Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Justice to cancel the passports of embattled Bamban Mayor Alice Guo and her family.

In a memorandum signed by Bersamin on Tuesday, the executive secretary cited reports of Guo fleeing the country using her Philippine passport to Malaysia and then meeting her family in Singapore, before traveling to Indonesia.

Besides Alice Guo’s passport, Bersamin also ordered the

cancellation of Wesley Leal Guo, Sheila Leal Guo, and Cassandra Ong’s passports.

“Given the foregoing and in the interest of justice, this Office hereby directs that appropriate action be taken for the cancellation of the Philippine passports of Guo, her family, and Ong,” the order read. g

Duterte clan lawyering up for ICC case — VP Sara

by Jean MangaluZ Philstar.com

MANILA — The Duterte clan is lawyering up in case the International Criminal Court (ICC) comes knocking at their door.

During a press briefing following the Office of the Vice President’s budget hearing in the Senate, Vice President Sara Duterte addressed reporters. She was asked about the ICC case filed against her and how the Duterte family is preparing for it.

“We put lines, hindi kami nagcriss-cross ng problema namin,” Duterte replied. (We put lines, we do not crisscross our problems.)

According to Duterte, she and her husband handle their public issues separately. Lawyer Mans Caprio was recently accused by former Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban of being involved in the illegal drug trade.

Similarly, former Senator Antonio Trillanes IV anticipated that arrest warrants would soon be issued by the ICC against Duterte and her father, former

President Rodrigo Duterte. Trillanes is among those who filed a case with the ICC. Duterte said that her family stays in their own lanes when it comes to such matters.

“Ganoon din kami, ni Pagulong Duterte. We have different set of lawyers for ICC. So iba 'yung nagta-trabaho para sa kanya at iba 'yung kinokunsulta ko para sa akin,” she added.

(We are like that, with President Duterte. We have different set of lawyers for ICC. So there are different ones working for him and I am consulting others.)

Duterte had earlier stated that she will not cooperate with the ICC, urging the Department of Justice to do the same.

The vice president claimed that this was merely part of a political harassment campaign against her and her family due to the threat they pose to those in power.

She cited the ongoing quadcommittee investigation in the House of Representatives as another example. The House megapanel, consisting of four committees, is investigating crimes linked to Philippine offshore gaming operators, drug

war deaths, and the illegal drug trade.

Duterte was also asked about rumors of a possible impeachment case in the House. She said that friends within the Lower Chamber told her that there is an open discussion on an impeachment case against her.

“Basta kami, inaantay lang namin ang kanilang gagawin dahil expected na 'yun na gagawin nila. Dahil ano ba ang gusto nilang gawin? Gusto nilang pabagsakin ang pamilya Duterte sa politika,” Duterte said.

(We are just waiting for what they will do because it is expected that they will do that. What do they want to do? They want to make the Duterte family fall in politics.)

However, the House of Representatives has previously denied that there is an impeachment case being prepared against her.

Duterte has been plagued by rumors of impeachment since November 2023 after her controversial quest for confidential and intelligence funds. House leaders also denied this at the time. g

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Sara says she has no plans to run for president

VICE President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, August 20 said she has no plans to run for president in 2028 and does not care if the House of Representatives would impeach her.

Duterte made the remark in a briefing after she defended the budget of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for 2025, amounting to P2.037 billion, an 8.05 percent increase from 2024, before the Senate.

“We still have friends inside [the House] who have no courage to speak because they are afraid. They said that the [planned] impeachment [against me] was being openly discussed,” Duterte said in Filipino.

“I won’t lose anything if they impeach me. I ran for [vice president in 2022] because I needed to continue the development projects in Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon. I thought that these projects would be given priority if I became the vice president,” she said.

But House Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Erwin Tulfo said Speaker Martin Romualdez had confirmed that there we no moves to impeach the vice president.

Tulfo said House leaders met to discuss the administration lineup for the 2025 elections and did not mention impeachment at all.

Tulfo said that it is “up to her” if she wants to run for president in 2028.

“Anyone can run. It’s her

decision,” Tulfo said.

Duterte’s critic, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro, said Duterte’s name “had no letter ‘H’ for honesty,” referring to a previous Duterte quote that “bets are not required to be honest.”

Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas said Duterte’s announcement should be taken with a grain of salt as she could be like her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who initially said he did not want to run, then did so anyway.

“But if Vice President Duterte indeed refrains from running, it would be her greatest contribution to the country, as it spares our nation from a continuation of governance that prioritizes personal interests over public welfare,” Brosas said.

Duterte said she had no regrets about running for vice president in May 2022. Asked about the progress of the reported plan to remove her from office, Duterte said, “I don’t know about them. We’re just waiting for their next move. That is expected because they wanted to bring down the Duterte family from politics.”

Duterte also said she was not bothered by the impeachment plan against her. But she was bothered by some efforts “to frustrate the people” who had chosen her as their vice president “all because of power and politics.”

She also said that in January 2021 the “Marcos siblings,” referring to now President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Sen. Imee Marcos, had asked her if she intended to run for president. She told them that she had no intention of seeking the presidency. She also dismissed any plans to run for vice president.

“My only dream in life was to seek three consecutive terms as mayor of Davao City. Then, the [Marcos] siblings approached me and told me that they [would] not win if I [would] not help them [campaign] in Mindanao and Visayas,” she said. (ManilaTimes.net)

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Gratitude, passion lead Jericho Rosales back to TV series

by Christina alpad ManilaTimes.net

JERICHO Rosales was in good spirits when he faced a small group of press to promote his upcoming series, "Lavender Fields." His aura was light and no questions were off the table. Even personal questions outside of the show were answered.

To begin with, it was Rosales who first admitted that he and Janine Gutierrez — who play husband-and-wife in a complex relationship for the upcoming Dreamscape production — are more than just co-stars at the moment.

"We're getting to know each other, we're dating," the 44-yearold actor revealed.

Rosales and Gutierrez sparked dating rumors when they were spotted visiting the National Museum in Manila last July.

"I was the one who asked Janine to go to the National Museum because I haven't been," he detailed.

Rosales was a first hesitant to share their real status and insisted that as a gentleman, he can't speak for the 34-year-old actress.

"Just ask Janine," he teased.

But when pressed for the real score, Rosales eventually gave in, "I've known her for a period of time, she's a very sweet person, loving, family oriented and loves her work."

He added that he is in such a good position right now that even answering a personal question seems to comes off easily for him.

"I'm in a really good moment in my life. I wish everyone can experience this cooperation that I'm receiving from God, the universe and everything, with work, with my personal life."

This particular approach to answering showbiz questions was a refreshing shift for Rosales, who previously either evaded questions or gave out answers that could potentially bite him back.

One of them was his declaration that he is never going to sign up for teleseryes (TV series) again.

Addressing this statement, he said during the recent interview: "I ate my word, masarap siya [it's delicious]."

Rosales was last seen in the

2018 drama, " Halik " together with Yam Concepcion, Yen Santos and Sam Milby. Recalling this phase in life, he said, "I was angry, I complained about soap operas, about the industry, the hours, directors, co-actors. I was complaining nonstop because I got burnout."

So, Rosales took a step back and worked on himself. He particularly recalled going to New York and meeting his acting coach who helped him realize that acting is an integral part of him, "I was crying. I said sorry to myself for turning my back on acting."

"One of my realizations in this period is you have to choose a life that you will never want to run away from. So that even when things go south, you can choose to be happy."

Having healed, the role of Tyrone — 'an accountant by day and a gun smuggler in the dark,' as Rosales would describe —

came at the right time.

"He's that kind of person who wanted power and experience the good life until he realized that somewhere in his heart, he wanted a simple life all along."

While others may see Tyrone as a departure from Rosales' usual leading man roles, the actor said he is more than happy to introduce gray characters to the audience.

When The Manila Times asked if he's ready to be potentially hated because of Tyrone, Rosales elaborated, "Ready to be loved? Yes, sure. If I can extract these reactions from people then it's a sign that I'm doing a good job.

"In the characters that I play, in the six months to a year that I'm going to do a project, it has to have something that people will learn from. I'm not here to show grayness or darkness, let's add more color to every character," he ended.

LAS VEGAS  — FilipinoAmerican rap sensation EZ Mil is riding a wave of success and creativity, fueled by his recent collaboration with hip-hop legend Eminem on the new track "Head Honcho" and the launch of an exciting new business venture. The dynamic artist is making waves not only in the music industry but also in the world of entrepreneurship.

EZ Mil, known for his sharp lyrics and powerful flow, recently opened up about his experience recording with Eminem, an opportunity that has left a lasting impact on his career. During an interview, he shared his thoughts on the process, particularly the inclusion of Tagalog lyrics in the song.

"It was a crazy experience because I just can't get my mind off the actual recording situation in the studio with him," EZ Mil said, reflecting on the collaboration. "He just told me, 'Yo! Just be yourself, man. Do your language, bro.' That was really worth it. It was such an honor to be able to do that."

But EZ Mil's ambitions don't stop at music. Recently, he expanded his portfolio by coowning C3 Seafood & Bar, a restaurant located in Shanghai Plaza in Las Vegas' Chinatown. This move marks his first foray into the restaurant industry, an endeavor close to his heart.

"It was a blessing in disguise," EZ Mil shared. "I wanted a restaurant for my family because we had one before. Get your

shrimp and Cajun and everything."

The new venture has also given EZ Mil a deeper appreciation for the hard work that goes into running a business. His fiancée, Rez Casta, expressed newfound respect for business owners, saying, "Hard work at mas lalo kong na-respect yung mga business owners kase very hard work talaga siya. Talagang kailangan mo ng passion, pagisipan every single day what to do."

For EZ Mil’s family, this venture is a return to their roots. They previously owned a restaurant in Olongapo, Philippines, making the transition into the Las Vegas dining scene a familiar yet exciting challenge.

"I cannot thank God enough. Thank you is underrated," said Hazel Miller, EZ Mil's mother. "It's like a déjà vu because I had a restaurant in the Philippines. EZ came up with the idea. He said, 'Mom, I want you to have your restaurant again.' Then this opportunity opened up, so we took it."

EZ Mil’s business partner, Joyce Bacani, echoed the excitement surrounding their new venture, saying, "We are just excited to be co-partners with him."

by hannah MallorCa Inquirer.net

WHILE Kyline Alcantara has yet to clarify the status of her relationship with Kobe Paras, she admitted that what she feels towards him is “different,” and hard to describe.

Alcantara, in an interview with GMA, confessed that she “cannot find the exact words” on how she feels towards him.

“It’s a different feeling po so I don’t know the exact words to describe it. Lumalabas siya ( It comes out) through actions and

our auras, I guess. So I cannot find the exact words,” she said. It was also reported that Alcantara and Paras are headed to China for an undisclosed shoot, although details of the project are yet to be revealed, as of this writing.

Alcantara and Paras have been hounded with dating speculations since May after they were spotted together on multiple occasions, including a Taguig date, attending a birthday party as a pair, and the actress being invited to the opening of Paras’ tattoo shop. They were also

seen together at an undisclosed establishment, where they bonded with Paras’ dad Benjie, brother Andre, and the latter’s non-showbiz girlfriend Honey Escarez. Despite this, both stressed at the recently-held GMA Gala that they are just “great friends.”

In a Philippine Daily Inquirer interview last July, the basketball player-turned-actor said he’s happy for Kobe whoever he decides to date, while noting that whatever makes Paras and Alcantara, in turn, makes him happy for them as well.

UP to now, superstar Nora Aunor still feels regret after losing her golden singing voice when she underwent a cosmetic surgery in Japan 14 years ago, claiming it felt like the botched job was done “on purpose” to ruin her voice.

Despite being the most awarded Filipina actress in the country, Aunor stressed that singing remained to be her greatest love and it hurt her that she cannot sing anymore.

“Ang pinaka love ko talaga ‘yung pag-awit kasi kung hindi dahil sa pag-kanta ay hindi ako makakatulong sa pamilya at hindi rin ako makikilala ng mga tao, kaya nung masira ang boses ko, sinira nila eh, para bang sinadya. Hanggang ngayon, hindi ako nakakakanta,” she told Maricel Soriano in a recent interview.

(What I really love most is singing because if it wasn’t for singing, I wouldn’t be able to help my family and people wouldn’t recognize me, so when my voice broke, they broke it as if it’s intentional. Until now, I can’t sing.)

The 2022 National Artist for film and broadcast arts claimed that she was enticed to endorse a facial clinic in Japan. But after the procedure, she noticed that

As EZ Mil continues to blend his artistic talents with his entrepreneurial acumen, he is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in both the entertainment and business arenas. His journey is a testament to the limitless possibilities that arise when creativity meets hard work and determination. (Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN News, Las Vegas)

she was no longer able to recover her voice.

“Nasa States ako non may nagpunta sakin, dadalhin daw ako sa Japan kasi kukunin ako mag-eendorso ng isang [facial]. Pag dating ko doon, pinahiga ako, pinatulog, pag-gising ko wala na akong boses, ‘ayun ang totoong nangyari doon,” she recalled.

(I was in the States and someone came to me; they said they would take me to Japan because they would get me to endorse a [facial]. When I got there, they put me to bed, put me to sleep, and when I woke up, my voice was gone; that’s what really happened there.)

Aunor said that they tried to sue the people who were accountable for the surgery but she did not disclose what happened to the lawsuit now. She said she had undergone another surgery to

bring back her original voice but that, too, failed. In February 2010, Aunor went back to the Philippines and appeared in a TV interview with a normal speaking voice. In May of the same year, she performed at a concert in Canada with actor Juan Rodrigo, with whom she formed a special friendship. At that time, Aunor was accused of lip-synching her songs during the concert, but Rodrigo then came to her defense. Aunor confided to her fans that her vocal cords got affected by cosmetic surgery in Japan. She said her doctors even forbade her to talk long enough and that the concert in Toronto was going to be her last, which it was. In 2023, the National

Nora Aunor (left) and Maricel Soriano Photo screengrabed from YouTube/Maricel Soriano Screengrab from TFC News

Vince Tañada, a ‘renaissance’ man; Ninoy Aquino’s 41st death anniversary on August 21

My P.E.P. (People, Events,Places)

Rogelio Constantino Medina

RINA Ortiz Podcast Season 2 was broadcast recently with her guest Chel Diokno for the show’s Season 5 episode.

Rina is an animal care advocate.

She began rescuing strays at 5 years old.

* * * “Lupang Hinirang” was played again in the 2024 Paris Olympics, two nights in a row, because of Carlos Yulo who brought two gold medals in gymnastics for the Philippines, thus making history.

In the 1990s, I made a prediction in the Bulong-Pulungan at Sofitel Hotel that a young man will bring honor to the country in the Olympics and it came true several years after.

* * *

The late Butz Aquino, senator and actor, is one of the founders of August Twenty-One Movement which does quietly walking, jogging, running or biking activity through its ROAR (run on against revision) campaign.

On August 18, ATOM's ROAR participants are expected to meet at 7 a.m. on Ayala Avenue, Makati City.

I vividly remember when Jackie Aquino, Butz's daughter, acted on a film with Roderick Paulate, and Butz was in full support. I once saw Butz on a TV series, “I Heart You, Pare!,”  with Dingdong Dantes, Regine Velasquez and Iza Calzado under the directions of Joyce Bernal and Andoy Ranay.

It was on August 17, 2015 that he passed on. August 21 is the commemoration of Ninoy Aquino's death anniversary.

“Emilio Aquino, grandson of Butz, is expected to join the ROAR jog on Ayala Avenue together with Xiao Chua, an ATOM member. The August 18 ROAR is still part of the build-up for the 41st death anniversary of Ninoy Aquino on August 21, in which ATOM is expected to stage a motorcade going to Paranaque City's Manila Memorial Park and offer candles for the late senator, Ninoy Aquino,” said Volt Bohol, current ATOM president.

* * * Vince M. Tañada is a writerdirector-actor of the films “Katips,” “Ako Si Ninoy,” “Ang Bangkay,”

“Why Love Why” and musical play “Hero Z.”

He is considered a ‘renaissance’ man, a present-day man who has acquired profound knowledge or proficiency in more than one field, a notion that humans should embrace all knowledge and develop themselves as fully as possible.

One time Vince posted in his FB account: “A theater luminary once said that other A-list theatre practitioners and directors are mad at me because they think I’m egocentric. I don’t know these people and have not met them. Thank you for judging me without knowing me. I now have big-time haters. That means I have arrived.

Congratulations self.” Ron Gorby remarked: “There’s nothing wrong about being egocentric if that was actually true. As long as you don’t do them any harm for being egocentric then that’s fine. I also don’t think these people actually hate you. Maybe they don’t see it (as) a good idea working with somebody whose talents won’t jibe with theirs.”

Added Wal Den: “You’ve always worked hard for your accolades, thus it’s a natural progression that you become very successful in your life and career.”

Atty. Vince is celebrating his 50th birthday on August 17.

* * * I was a recent guest in Net 25 Radyo Agila DZEC 1062 KHZ's Wej-a-Minute show, hosted by Wej Cudiamat, one Thursday night at 8 p.m. Wej is a recipient of 2nd Philippines Finest Business Award and Outstanding Achievers on September 8, 2024. It was a happy moment with this gifted broadcaster with a gift of gab.

* *

*

“Asia's Queen of Fire” Lae Manego-Franzani (married to Querino Franzani), online TV host and producer of Loreley Entertainment Management, celebrated recently her birthday by bringing joys to the elderly at GRACES in the morning and to the kids with cancer at CHILDHaus Mapang-akit in Quezon City in the afternoon.

Assisting her were friends Edwin Lisa, Mark Lester Lico,

Bertch Ian Namuag Ranis, vocalist

Madonna Decena, and La Visual Corp., organizer of this year’s 2nd Southeast Asian Premier Business and Achiever Award. Thanks to CHILDHaus director Jeannette Cu and Ms. Lalaine Geronimo.

A few months from now, Lae, a recipient of the 2nd Philippines Finest Business Award and Outstanding Achievers, will be leaving for Europe to do concerts in France and the Netherlands.

* *

*

During the recent Film Academy of the Philippines’ LUNA Awards night, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) Chairman and CEO Jose Javier Reyes sounded the alarm about the state of Philippine cinema on what is needed to be done. It urgently needs government support to keep it going. They need to collaborate and work with one another as one, as First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has tried to help resuscitate the film and entertainment industry.

In May 2024, the first lady met with the organizers of the Manila International Film Festival in her office. In April 2024, she held a meeting with Oscar-winning film producer David Shim and some Filipino movie and entertainment industry representatives. She also held a follow-up meeting on how best to support the Filipino film and entertainment industry.

* * *

Elia Ilano, 72nd FAMAS best child actress, will receive the 2nd Lahing Pilipino Award on August 18 at Aberdeen Court restaurant in Quezon City. Young awardees include Kian Co and Atasha Eve Franco.  Other awardees are Lae Manego-Franzani, Imelda Papin, Eva Darren, Marissa Delgado, Liz Alindogan Kho, Beverly Salviejo, Michelle Sia, Renz Spangler, FAMAS president Francia “Cheche” Conrado, Christina Aliada, Cong. Milagros Magsaysay, DJ  Johnny Bukol, Don Orozco, Michael Dautil, Rikki Siao Petilla, Jun Alexter Ferrer, Cecilia M. Salvador, Tess Pambuan, Rolando M. Natividad, Rosalie S. Ferrer, Ferdinand V. Ferrer, Relly Nufable Jose Jr., Shiela Lintan Delgado, Ramil Sison Palisoc, Romm Burlat and many more. This is organized by Ms. Maria Liza F. Lorenzo.

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

Rina Ortiz with guest Atty. Chel Diokno. Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo

The late Senator Butz Aquino

Writer-director-actor Vince Tañada

Lae Manego-Franzani and Querino Franzani Wej Cudiamat (left) with Rogelio Medina

Clockwise, from lower left: Maria Liza Lorenzo, child actress Elia Ilano, Gladys Reyes and Rogelio Medina.

First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos (right) with Jose Javier Reyes, chairperson and CEO of the Film Development Council of the Philippines.

NV Grow empowers Fil-Am entrepreneurs in Southern Nevada with vital business support

LAS VEGAS — In the richly diverse state of Nevada, opportunities abound, and business thrives, creating a vibrant landscape of growth and innovation. Among the initiatives fueling this progress is NV Grow, a distinctive small business program tailored for Southern Nevada’s flourishing enterprises. Working closely with the Asian Community Development Council, NV Grow collaborates with a variety of programs to support and elevate local businesses.

One such success story is that of Kim Dung Ho, a passionate photographer who began her journey in 2016. Running a one-woman show, Kim faced numerous challenges, but her determination to capture life's moments kept her going. When the pandemic struck, her business, deemed non-essential, was hit hard. Kim had to navigate through difficult times, searching for resources to keep her business afloat.

"I didn’t have any income coming in, and I still had bills to pay," Kim shared. "I looked for resources around Vegas and found NV Grow through the Asian Chamber of Commerce. They created a path for my business and gave me lots of opportunities."

Kim credits NV Grow for connecting her with crucial data, marketing strategies, and business intelligence tools that helped her business survive and thrive.

"The counseling team at NV Grow is very helpful," she added. "As a member and a counselor, I can reach out to them directly whenever I need guidance."

LAS VEGAS – One of this summer's most exciting program premieres on TFC, especially for followers of TFC News, was the recent premiere of "Ano Na, BEV: Best Expressed Views" (which is also a play in Tagalog to mean, "What's up, Bev?").  The talk show is hosted by acclaimed and awardwinning TV journalist Beverly "Bev" Llorente who is a regular reporter on TFC News which is aired within "TV Patrol" globally. "Ano Na, BEV" promises to bring "thought-provoking conversations" coming from a wide range of fascinating and interesting people, whether non-celebrities or current newsmakers.

"It was a pivotal moment for me and many other business owners in Las Vegas," Ben said. "To this day, a lot of restaurants and other businesses still use the software I created."

Another entrepreneur benefiting from NV Grow is Ben Kang, a web developer and software engineer. Ben received a grant from NV Grow that allowed him to kickstart his business, hiring developers, designers, and engineers to launch a software that enables restaurants to have digital menus.

Llorente is already an iconic figure among Filipino American journalists.  Based in Las Vegas, the Entertainment Capital of the World and America's Playground, she is known for her knack of nabbing exclusives with perfect timing: from a breakfast interview with Manny Pacquaio at the legendary boxer's penthouse hotel suite before a world championship fight to the only interview granted exclusively to a Filipino journalist by then 2016 presidential candidate Hillary Clinton during a campaign sortie in Las Vegas. Llorente's ability to navigate and break down what could be tough conversations to relevant and meaningful talking points that are understandable to her audience is a primary reason

why she occupies a premier spot in FilAm journalism.

Llorente's interview questions for her guests could accelerate from mild to serious to spicy, but her easy, affable and charming personality always makes her guests comfortable in fielding her questions.

So, whether personal, behindthe-scenes, exclusives or indepth, "Ano Na BEV?" delivers the goods that make for mustsee TV on weekends. Catch the show globally on TFC cable and satellite, TFC TPTV On Demand and iWantTFC on the schedule below: North and Latin America, Sundays, 3:50pm Pacific; Europe, Middle East and Africa, Saturdays, 5:15pm Saudi/London; Asia, Saturdays, 10:30am Hing Kong/Singapore; and Guam, Saturdays, 12:30pm Guam. For more information, visit https://mytfc.com/

"As an interviewer, you always respect the fact that your busy guests took the time to go to the studio and sit down with you because they have something to express or a story to tell. At the same time, you have listeners and viewers who also took the time to watch and listen. You want to make sure you don't waste anyone's time.  So, the job of 'Ano Na, BEV?' is to find guests and stories that resonate meaningfully with viewers in a way that entertain, inspire, encourage and motivate them in their lives," said Llorente. "You have to make each episode count."

THE National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) NV and Fil-Am Political Organization With Equal Representation (FilAm POWER) are excited to announce the upcoming Candidates Forum 2024, a pivotal event aimed at empowering the Filipino American and Asian American Native Hawiians and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities in Nevada.

Scheduled for Friday, September 13, 2024 at 6:00 P.M., this forum will be held at IMMIX Studios +63 FIFTY (3700 South Maryland Parkway, Suite 525 (2nd Floor), Las Vegas, NV 89159, bringing together candidates from various political backgrounds to discuss key issues affecting the community.

Our deepest appreciation to Asian Community Development Council (ACDC) for their unqualified sponsorship and support as well as our other sponsors!

"This event will highlight CANDIDATES addressing critical topics such as immigration; healthcare, education and economic development, providing insights into their platforms and policies. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the candidates and ask questions and express their concerns," states Amie Belmonte, President of FilAm POWER.

"The forum aims to encourage civic participation - voter registration, voter education, voter mobilization and voter protection among our communities, highlighting the importance of the communities voices in shaping local and state policies," emphasizes, Jacque deJoya, President, NaFFAA NV.

This forum is a unique opportunity for the Filipino American and AANHPI communities to connect with potential leaders, gain a deeper understanding of their positions and voice one's concerns!

'Join us and be part of a movement that strengthens our communities political influence and fosters a more inclusive leadership!" states Amie and Jacque in unison. For further information and RSVP: gtcaoile@gmail.com; jacque. dejoya@ naffaanv.org or leobelmonte08@yahoo.com

National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA NV) is a non-profit, non partisan organization state chapter of NaFFAA National. It is the voice that promotes the welfare and well being of Filipinos and Filipino Americans in Nevada.

Filipino American Political Organizataion With Equal represenation (FilAm P.O.W.E.R.) is a non partisan grassroots organization powered by Filipino Americans, helping to advocate, cultivate and educate our community.

Bev Llorente with FilAm rapper Ez Mil

Marilou Romack (top) and John Soriano (bottom), Fil-Am business owners, seek support from NV Grow to expand their ventures.   Screengrab from TFC News

Bev Llorente with U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

HEALTHIEST

bread

Most bread, made of wheat, is loaded with lectins, which wreak havoc on our guts and digestion. Sourdough (fermented) and millet bread are lectin-free. Always read the labels and make certain they do not have glyphosate, a substance that is harmful to our digestive system.

To assist in harvesting wheat, many farmers use Roundup, which is a dangerous chemical. So, besides, lectin in wheat, this toxic agent is an added reason why bread made of wheat is not healthy to consume.

Besides avoiding lectin, it is a good idea to consume gluten-free and anti-inflammatory food items, like fish (salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, cod, trout), broccoli, avocadoes, all berries, cherries, flaxseeds, olive oil, green tea, sweet potatoes, garlic, ginger, turmeric, pineapple, walnuts.

Inflammatory foods include red meat, high-saturated fat foods, sugary items, like pastries, bibingkas , cake, ice-cream, halo-halo, granola, nightshades (Solanaceae family) veggies (eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, pepper, paprika, pimentos) aggravates arthritic pains. All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages likewise cause inflammation in the body.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes belong to the nightshade family, which are inflammatory food items, with harmful lectins. Peeling off the skin and removing the seeds (where the lectins are) make tomatoes safer to eat. Cooking also destroys lectin. Processed tomatoes (paste, sauces, etc.) are safe compared to fresh ones. The processing removes most of the lectins in them.

Peanut warning

Everybody thought peanuts were healthy to eat. Actually, peanuts contain the highest concentration of aflatoxin, a mold toxin that accumulates during storage. It also has a high level of harmful oxalates in them, conducive to kidney stone formation, thyroid disease and gut problems. Peanuts also has elevated level of inflammatory (5 to 120 times more) unhealthy omega 6, which worsens insulin resistance, heart disease, brain inflammation, and even increases the risk for Cancer.

Fish and mercury

Large fish in general contain the highest mercury, like King Mackerel, Marlin, Shark, Swordfish,

giant tuna. Tile fish and Orange Roughie are also high in mercury content. Mercury is harmful to the body, especially to the brain. The smaller fishes, like salmon, light tuna, cod, small mackerel, and trout have lower mercury in them.

developing various illnesses.

Healthiest Smoothies

Health gems Philippine American Charity Foundation ball: A night of hope

Wild-caught fish are healthier, because farmed fish are loaded with antibiotics, hormones, and other chemicals.

Alcohol alternative

There is a trend among youngsters today to stay away from alcoholic beverages and soft drinks, which are harmful to the body. The choice appears to be sparkling water, with or without carbonation. There are now a variety of sparkling water that is flavored and low or zero-calorie drinks. If this trend continues, together with the consumption of a plant-based diet, eating the least meat, we will certainly have a healthier generation.

Processed foods

Food items, popular in Deli shops, that are processed, are most unhealthy. Processed meats (sausages, hamburger, bacon, etc.) contain artificial flavoring, colorings, and preservative chemicals in them. Processed foods are linked to a higher risk of colon/ pancreatic cancer, among other malignancies, and also elevated risk of cardiovascular illnesses, like heart attack and stroke.

Spinach – oxalates

Spinach, once thought to be a healthy veggie, is now known to contain 3-6 times the safe level of oxalates, a chemical responsible for calcium oxalate in kidney stones. Almonds are also high in oxalate and unhealthy Omega-6 level. The healthier nuts are walnuts, macadamia, pistachios, pecan, hazelnuts and chestnuts. Nuts are part of a healthy

Lemon juice

Lemon juice also poses an increased risk for kidney stones. Among some people, lemon juices triggers migraine headache and worsens heartburn among persons with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), to cause irritation of the stomach, nausea and vomiting. Lemon juice can also trigger canker sores and wear down tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

Prebiotic confusion

For decades, people thought adding prebiotics to their medical regimen was enough. Studies have now shown that alone, prebiotic is not effective in preserving gut health. The recommendation now is to take capsules with pro-pre-and postbiotic ingredients (3-in-one) to be truly useful in helping a healthy gut, with a balance microbiome. Any imbalance in the microbiome contributes to higher risk of

The best ingredients for smoothies are all varieties of berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberry, blackberries, redberries), pineapple, (mango and papaya optional), avocado, broccoli, and celery. Using unsweetened pineapple juice (1 and 1/4 cup) at the base of a blender (Popular travel blenders: Blend Jet, Hamilton, Magic Bullet, Ninja, etc.), use a ratio of 1:1 in weight of those items above. To this, 2 scoops of collagen protein powder may be added. This is a complete healthy meal in itself, for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, even without meat. These ingredients are good for everyone, especially for those with arthritis pains and those trying to lose weight. Diabetics must add this to their calorie-counting. Always consult with your physician or dietician before embarking on a diet change.

Vaping more deadly

Smoking e-cigarettes, vaping, is more dangerous than smoking cigarettes. While tobacco contains around 7000 toxic chemicals in them, and less in electronic cigarettes, studies have found that vaping is more prone to cause heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. The change could be likened to jumping out of the frying pan to the fire.

Wisdom and discipline contribute significantly to health and longevity.

* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

* * * The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation, or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable to or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Social Security expands compassionate allowances list

Expedites decisions for people with severe disabilities

MARTIN O’Malley, Commissioner of Social Security, today announced nine new Compassionate Allowances (CAL) conditions and revisions to two existing CAL conditions:  Bainbridge-Ropers Syndrome, Costello Syndrome, Adult Heart Transplant Wait List – Status Levels 1-4, Child Heart Transplant Wait List – Status Levels 1A/1B (revised existing condition), Histiocytic Malignancies, Histiocytosis Syndromes (revised existing condition), Neonatal Marfan Syndrome, PACS1 Syndrome, Plasmablastic Lymphoma, Renal Medullary Carcinoma, and Snijders Blok-Campeau Syndrome.

The Compassionate Allowances program quickly identifies claims where the applicant’s medical condition or disease clearly meets Social Security’s statutory standard for disability. Due to the severe nature of many of these conditions, these claims are often allowed based on medical confirmation of the diagnosis alone. To date, more than one million people with severe disabilities have been approved through this accelerated, policy-compliant disability process, which now includes a total of 287 conditions.   “I am steadfastly committed to reducing the amount of time people wait to receive a decision on their disability claim, and we are making progress,” said

Commissioner O’Malley. “Compassionate Allowances helps in this effort by accelerating the disability application process for people who are likely to get approved for benefits due to the severity of their medical condition.”

When a person applies for disability benefits, Social Security must obtain medical records in order to make an accurate determination. The agency incorporates leading technology to identify potential CAL conditions and make quick decisions.  Social Security’s Health IT brings the speed and efficiency of electronic medical records to the disability determination process. Through electronic records transmission, Social Security is able to quickly obtain a claimant’s medical infomation, review it,and make a determination faster that ever before.

For more information about the program, including a list of all CAL conditions, please visit http://www.ssa. gov/compassionateallowances.

To learn more about Social Security’s Health IT program, please visit http://www.ssa.gov/hit.

People may apply online for disability benefits by visiting http://www.ssa.gov/.

To get more Social Security news, follow the Press Office on X http://twitter.com/SSAPress.

by Gloria T. Caoile

THE highly anticipated PACF Charity Ball is just around the corner, promising an evening filled with purpose, entertainment, dancing and community spirit.

"This year's event will shine a spotlight on the Bags of Hope initiative, a remarkable program dedicated to supporting thousands of disenfranchised families in the Philippines including victims of devastating typhoons," states Luz Sapin Micabalo, President to PACF

"Bags of Hope has been a beacon of light for many, providing essential food supplies and support to those in dire need.

The initiative's impact is profound, offering not just material aid but also hope and a sense of community to those who have faced unimaginable hardships," continues Sid De La Cruz. Chairman of the Board, PACF. Adding to the evening's

allure,  the Ball will feature a special entertainment segment titled "Broadway Comes to PACF."

This segment promises to bring the magic of Broadway to the Charity Ball, offering guests a taste of world-class performances right here at home.

Attendees' dancing is still very much on PACF's agenda and the music of Bohol Songbirds will surely captivate and inspire all in attendance to dance the night away! Join us for an evening of hope; entertainment, dancing and community as we come together for a noble cause.  For tickets please contact Luz Micabalo at luzvi.micabalo@yahoo.com; or Gloria at gtcaoile@gmail. com.

NV Grow empowers Fil-Am entrepreneurs in...

Ben encourages fellow entrepreneurs to utilize programs like NV Grow, emphasizing their accessibility and value in helping businesses not just maintain but grow.

"Programs like NV Grow should be utilized by all the different business owners here. Running a business can be difficult, so it's important to be aware of these programs to help grow your

business," Ben advised. The success stories of Ben and Kim resonate deeply within the Fil-Am business community, inspiring others like Marilou and John Soriano to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Marilou, the owner of a water store, hopes to enhance her business with the support of NV Grow. "I hope NV Grow can help me with marketing so I can reach more people, not just within the

Filipino community but other Asian communities as well," Marilou expressed. "I also need more inventory to make this place more comfortable and accommodating for customers."

John Soriano, who founded a thriving office and residential cleaning enterprise three and a half years ago, believes that partnering with NV Grow could significantly impact his company’s success and expansion.

"We want to continue hiring and providing opportunities for people in the community," John shared. "We aim to create a positive culture and system, and if we can add more people, we can bring more jobs to them. We want to make an impact in the community."

NV Grow offers Fil-Am entrepreneurs the opportunity to join dynamic peer learning groups, engage in roundtables with diverse companies, participate in stimulating discussions, and receive expert mentoring. The program connects them to essential data, marketing strategies, and business intelligence tools, empowering business expansion and job creation.

If you are in Nevada and looking to grow your business, contact NV Grow for free assistance and resources. Visit their website at www.nvgrow.org. (Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN News, Las Vegas) Screengrab from TFC News