AS California grows older than ever, the demand for caregivers is growing too.
Caregivers statewide have through the end of August to earn up to $6,000 to learn and use caregiving skills through CalGrows.
The program, run by the California Department of Aging, offers free online and in-person classes through September 30, but unlicensed caregivers, home health aides and certified nursing assistants have until August 31 to enroll to get paid for the training.
CalGrows
By 2030, over 10.8 million Californians — a quarter of the state’s population — will be over the age of 60.
California is already facing a shortage of up to 3.2 million caregivers, with serious consequences like long wait times and social isolation for older adults who are most in need of care.
Despite this great demand for care, “The program is tied to state funding that is expiring, so jump on this opportunity now,” said Connie Nakano, assistant director of the
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
5 other nations hit Chinese actions
by BERNADETTE TAMAYO AND CATHERINE VALENTE ManilaTimes.net
the dangerous actions by China against "lawful" Philippine maritime operations in the West Philippine Sea on Monday, August 19 that left two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) ships damaged. Australia, Canada, Japan, Germany and the United Kingdom — through their respective embassies in the Philippines — turned to X, formerly Twitter, to express deep concern over the incident, which took place early dawn of August 19, while Manila contemplated filing a case against China before the United Nations.
The BRP Bagacay and BRP Cape Engaño were damaged in collisions with Chinese vessels that were conducting "unlawful and aggressive maneuvers" near Escoda (Sabina) Shoal, the National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) said in a statement.
The two PCG vessels were sailing within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone and were en route to Patag and Lawak Islands in the WPS, the task force said.
Philippines to process ‘limited number’ of Afghans seeking US visas
MANILA — The Philippines said Tuesday, August 20 it 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 last year.
A foreign department spokeswoman did not immediately provide further details of the agreement on Tuesday.
DOJ defends P10-M reward for info leading to Quiboloy’s arrest
by CHARIE ABARCA Inquirer.net
MANILA — The Department of Justice
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.
After the incident, U.S. State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said the U.S. reaffirmed that the Mutual Defense Treaty between the two nations extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels or aircraft — including those of its Coast Guard — anywhere in the South China Sea. Patel said the "PRC (People's Republic of China) ships employed reckless maneuvers, deliberately colliding with two Philippine Coast Guard ships, PAGE 2
‘Unity pa rin’: Party leaders meet at Malacañang for 2025 strategy
by GABRIEL PABICO LALU Inquirer.net
MANILA — It seems the Marcos administration’s “unity” campaign slogan is still on as leaders of political parties met at Malacañang to discuss a common strategy for the 2025 midterm elections. In a statement on Tuesday, August 20 Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez confirmed that a meeting was convened on Monday night, August 19 under the guidance of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who heads the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP).
According to Romualdez, the coalition will be under the banner of “Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas.”
(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
“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
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy File photo
‘Unity pa rin’: Party leaders meet...
Aside from Marcos’ PFP and Romualdez’ LakasCMD, 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 administration. g
US court rules in favor of Pacquiao in case...
at Paradigm had a manager’s license in 2019. Mr. Attar testified 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
Philippines to process ‘limited number’ of...
Tens of thousands of Afghans fled their country in the chaotic evacuation of August 2021 as U.S. and allied forces pulled out to end Washington’s longest war, launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks.
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. 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)
US, 5 other nations hit Chinese...
causing structural damage and jeopardizing the safety of the crew onboard."
"These actions are the latest examples of the PRC using dangerous and escalatory measures to enforce its expansive and unlawful South China Sea maritime claims," Patel said.
U.S. Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson said the U.S. "stands with the Philippines in condemning the China Coast Guard's (CCG) dangerous maneuvers near Sabina Shoal that endangered lives and caused damage to two Coast Guard Philippine vessels."
Australia's Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu said, "These dangerous actions undermine efforts to deescalate tensions. We urge restraint and adherence to international law, particularly Unclos (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea).
Canadian Ambassador David Hartman said, "These actions are inconsistent with China's obligations under international law and undermine efforts to de-escalate tensions in the South China Sea."
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya said that "any harassment and actions which increase tensions or disturb navigational rights are not tolerated."
German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke urged "all parties to avoid escalatory actions and to fully respect international law as set out in Unclos and the binding 2016 arbitral award."
British Ambassador Laure Beaufils said, "The UK calls again for respect of international law, including Unclos, and adherence to the 2016 Arbitral Award, which is legally binding on the parties."
French Ambassador Marie Fontanel called for the "respect of Unclos and freedom of navigation."
Endo said he was "seriously concerned over the recent aggressive conduct causing damage to Philippine vessels." He added, "Japan stands with the Philippines by upholding rules-based order and peaceful settlement of disputes based on international law."
"We are committed to supporting the rights of our friends, partners, [and] allies under international law," Carlson wrote on X.
The U.S. called on China to "abide by international law and desist from its dangerous and destabilizing conduct."
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the National Maritime Council (NMC), Alexander Lopez, said the Chinese actions violated international law, including Unclos and the 1972 Convention on the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
Presidential Assistant on Maritime Concerns Andres Centino, who joined Lopez during the Palace press briefing, confirmed that the case against China could be filed before a UN body, although he did not go into specifics.
In a statement on Monday, Beijing claimed that the PCG vessel collided with the CCG vessel in an "unprofessional and dangerous manner" and warned the Philippines to stop further provocations or else "all the consequences arising from this will be borne by the Philippines."
But the NMC spokesman expressed Manila's "serious concern over the deliberate harassment and infringement by China against Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea."
Lopez said the Department of Foreign Affairs is already working on lodging a diplomatic protest following China's latest hostile action.
He said that while the Philippines remains steadfast in protecting its sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, the country continues to pursue diplomacy in addressing the West Philippine Sea dispute.
No right to intervene
China warned the United States on Tuesday, August 20 that it has "no right to intervene" in its maritime disputes with the Philippines after the August 19 incident.
China and the Philippines have had repeated confrontations in the waters over the past year, including around a warship grounded in 1999 by Manila on the contested Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, which hosts a garrison.
and Urban Development (HUD) ay nag-aatas sa mga hurisdiksyon na
sa progreso ng Lungsod sa pagtugon sa mga layunin na inilalarawan
Asked about Patel's remarks on Tuesday, his Chinese counterpart Mao Ning defended Beijing's "legal measures to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests."
"The U.S. is not a party in the South China Sea and has no right to intervene in maritime disputes between China and the Philippines," Mao told a regular briefing.
"The U.S. should stop provoking confrontation in the South China Sea, not disrupt regional stability and not escalate tensions," Mao said.
Analysts have said Beijing's aim is to push eastwards from the Ayungin Shoal towards the neighboring Escoda Shoal in the Spratly Islands, encroaching on Manila's exclusive economic zone and normalizing Chinese control of the area.
The confrontations have echoes of 2012 when Beijing took control of Scarborough Shoal, another strategic feature in the South China Sea closest to the Philippines.
Despite the recent incidents, a Philippine Navy (PN) official said China's increasing aggression in the West Philippine Sea is not expected to result in a full-blown conflict.
"First and foremost, all of the actions of the PLA (People's Liberation Army) Navy, the Chinese Coast Guard and the maritime militia will be below the threshold of conflict; it will not reach the point that they will initiate escalation to the point of conflict," Philippine Navy spokesman for the WPS Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad said in a press briefing in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
"We should focus on the bigger picture of the vast expanse of the South China Sea, a portion of which is the WPS. Again, the presence of the agents of aggression of the Chinese Communist Party is causing all of the dynamics, all of the aggressive maneuvers in the WPS. This may shift from Ayungin Shoal to the eight other features to Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal)," Trinidad said. He said these "dynamics" of the Chinese Communist Party include the Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force's act of dropping flares in the path of a Philippine Air Force plane conducting maritime patrol in the Bajo de Masinloc on August 8. Despite this, the naval official said the Armed Forces of the Philippines, along with the PCG, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, will continue to work in ensuring the integrity of Philippine territory.
"We will not back down from performing our mandate of showing the flag, of resupplying the troops, of rotating the men," he said.
Trinidad added that Manila's actions in the WPS will be guided by the rules of engagement and international law. g
Magbibigay ito ng oportunidad para sa pampublikong komento.
Ang iminungkahing Ikalawang Mahalagang Amyenda na nag-a-update sa inaprubahang FY 2021-2022 AAP ng Lungsod. Tatanggapin ang mga komento para sa Ikalawang Mahalagang Amyenda mula Setyembre 09, 2024 hanggang Setyembre 24, 2024. Magbibigay ito ng oportunidad para sa pampublikong komento.
Kung gusto mong magbigay ng mga komento sa draft na CAPER, inaanyayahan ka ng Lungsod na dumalo sa alinman sa mga pagpupulong na nakalista sa schedule sa ibaba. Bilang karagdagan, ang mga komento ay maaaring ibigay sa pamamagitan ng telepono, regular na koreo (sa City of San José Housing Department, 200 E. Santa Clara Street, 12th Floor, San José, California 95113), o sa pamamagitan ng pag-email sa impormasyon sa pakikipag-ugnayan na nakalista sa ibaba para sa mga nagsasalita ng Ingles at sa mga may limitadong kasanayan sa Ingles. Ang draft na CAPER ay makikita para sa pampublikong komento sa Housing Department's website mula Setyembre 09, 2024, hanggang Setyembre 24, 2024. Upang humiling ng mga espesyal na akomodasyon para sa alinman sa mga pagpupulong o isang alternatibong format para sa anumang nauugnay na naka-print na materyales, mangyaring tumawag sa (408) 294-9337 (TTY) sa lalong madaling panahon, ngunit hindi bababa sa tatlong araw ng negosyo bago ang pulong. Ang lahat ng mga pampublikong pagpupulong ay maa-access ng mga may kapansanan sa pagkilos. Schedule ng Mga Pampublikong Pagpupulong
IMPACT DAMAGE This handout photo taken and released by the Philippine Coast Guard on Aug. 19, 2024, shows damage to the Coast Guard ship BRP Cape Engano (MRRV-4411) following a collision with a Chinese coast guard vessel near Sabina Shoal.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Photo from the Office of Speaker Romualdez
Bonta, Cervania lead Fil-Am delegates at...
the Democratic nomination to be the next president and vice president of the United States respectively.
Rob Bonta is an American lawyer and 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:
• Alaska – 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 Curry-Nunez, 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
• Hawaii – Hon. Joy S. Buenaventura, Tyler Dos Santos-Tam
• Illinois – Julianne Micoleta, Aurora Austriaco
• Marianas Pacific – Joan Flores Reyes
• Nevada – Hon. Erica Mosa
• New Hampshire – Hon. Luz Bay
• New Jersey – Ludivina Hughes, Hon. Arvin Amatorio
• New York – Glenn D. Magpantay
• North Carolina – Hon. Maria Cervania, Edward Binanay
• Northern Mariana Islands –Shawna Indalecio
• Virginia – Rose Fabia, Hon. Bobby Scott
• Washington – Gavin Cruz
• Wisconsin – Reynaldo Villar. (FAFHW Release)
Last chance for CA caregivers to get paid...
CDA Office of Communications.
“Time is of the essence … You’re not only advancing your career, but also positively impact the lives of countless people in your community.
The program has over 600 courses in nine languages, varying in lengths from five minute units to five hour series; varying in formats from inperson, online, live and selfpaced; and varying in topics including CPR, dementia care, older adult nutrition and older adult mental health.
About 14,000 caregivers
statewide have already taken a collective 89,000 courses, and been paid about $7 million.
The program is uniquely lucrative for an often undercompensated part of the health care sector. Direct care workers in California earn an average annual salary of $20,000, with one in four workers falling below the federal poverty line.
California’s nearly five million caregivers spend about four billion collective hours helping their family and friends each year. This time is valued at $63 billion annually.
“Caregiving isn’t onedimensional, it isn’t just in a nursing facility or in-home. There’s care for all aspects of how people choose to age,” said Nakano. “That’s the purpose of CalGrows, to have a trained support system for everyone to choose how they’d like to age in place.”
Caregiver experiences
“CalGrows taught me, medically, what’s happening inside the seniors that cross my path, and how it affects their needs in daily life,” said Lidia Mawalu, a Fijiian CalGrows graduate working as a live-in caregiver for Corrina Rucka, an older adult in Monterey County.
“It helped me with practical, physical preventive care at home — for example, nutrition, not falling, preparing blood pressure medication and cleaning catheters,” she continued. “I understood what I need to do to help the person’s life enjoyable, which is different with each person, even each day.”
“Back in Fiji, we grow up in extended families, so we fit caregiving into our school days and weekends. It’s an inbuilt thing in us, that as our population ages, we bring home to them, because the time given to them is so precious until the end of life,” Mawalu explained.
“My previous client used to tell me, ‘Do not grow old.’ and I’d say ‘Is there any other way out of old age?’ It was her funny way of telling me, ‘Let’s keep going in a positive way.’ And these courses have made me love the work of doing that for our elderly people,” she added. “’Bula’ in our language means ‘life’, and in the mornings Corrina and I call to each other, ‘bula,’ ‘bula’ — ‘life,’ ‘life.’”
“’If I didn’t have Lydia there in the mornings, It would be very difficult, because as soon as I wake up, she’s there, and she’s asking me if I need anything, and she’s excellent. She’s very aware of my needs,” said Rucka. “She’ll ask and gauge how I’m feeling, and suggest things to do that day depending on that.”
“I put myself in her shoes,” added Mawalu. “We remind each other, ‘Have you drunk your water?’ Care is a mutual relationship, helping each other
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.
“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.
“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.
through life. We do it together.”
“Often, patients — especially those new to the illnesses they experience, or who don’t understand the doctors’ language — just need someone to be there and explain, step by step, everything they need to have the best quality of life that they can,” said Carmen Contreras, a CalGrows Home Health Aide (HHA) graduate caring for her father in Ventura County.
“My father recently suffered a stroke, and with all the care and joy our family has given him, he’s about 90% recovered,” she continued. “Going through it together, our relationship of care changed. Now he depends on me a little more versus me always depending on him to move forward … With graduating, I feel more prepared to help him now.”
CalGrows graduates can receive a HHA or Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certificate to renew with continuing education. This professional advancement is crucial given that caregiver retention in California remains low. Over 21% of caregivers leave the field each year, with 40% transitioning out of the workforce and around 22% being unemployed when they leave.
As a certificate graduate, Contreras explained, “Now you can work in a hospital, maybe as a radiologist or phlebotomist, or as the requirement for Licensed Vocational Nurse or Registered Nurse programs. It opens up so many life-changing career paths to touch so many lives.”
“Working in a community setting, one class that really stuck with me was about symptoms in the process of aging, because not everyone ages the same or has the same needs in their life stages,” said Sean Hidalgo, classes manager at ACC Senior Services, a CalGrows course host grantee in Sacramento.
He said that as the CalGrows program approaches its end, the past few weeks at ACC have seen “a huge influx of people signing up for classes, whereas before I was the one registering everybody. We’ve been doing outreach to boost numbers, mainly with in-person presentations at other community centers and distributing flyers throughout the city in different languages.”
“What stands out to me the most is how flexible and accessible classes are, given the amount of skills you can learn for free and the money you can earn for it, and the fact that you’re able to better serve your loved ones as a result,” he added.
Caregivers can sign up for the program online at CalGROWS. org, by phone at (888) 991-7234 or by email at help@calgrows. org. (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services)
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
REMEMBERING A LEADER. Wreaths of flowers are offered at President Manuel Quezon’s monument commemorating his 146th birth anniversary at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Diliman, Quezon City on Monday, Aug. 19. Quezon, the first president of the Commonwealth of the Philippines, is regarded as the Father of the National Language as it was during his administration when Tagalog was selected as basis of the national language. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
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
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
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, 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
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
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
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
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
ManilaTimes.net photo
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
entered
Dateline PhiliPPines
Remittances hit 2024 high of $2.88B in June
But possible US recession may clip inflows
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.
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.
The 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.
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, August 20, 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.
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 Carpio was recently accused by former Customs intelligence officer Jimmy Guban of being involved in the illegal drug trade.
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.
(We are just waiting for
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.
PAUNAWA TUNGKOL SA BLOKENG GAWAD SA PAGPAPAUNLAD NG KOMUNIDAD / PROGRAMA SA MGA PAKIKIPAGSOSYO SA HOME INVESTMENT NG LUNGSOD NG ALAMEDA (COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT-CDBG/HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM-HOME) FY 2023-2024 PAG-UULAT NG PAGSASAGAWA
Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay magsusumite ng kanyang Pinagsamang Ulat ng Taunang Pagsasagawa at Blokeng Gawad sa Pagpapaunlad ng Komunidad FY 2023-2024 Pagsusun sa (Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report-CAPER) sa Kagawarang Pederal ng Pagpapaunlad sa Pabahay at Urban sa o bago ang Setyembre 27, 2024. Ang CAPER ay nagbibigay ng impormasyong pampinansyal at pamamalakad sa mga aktibidad sa CDBG / HOME at nagsusuri ng isang malawak na hanay ng iba pang pabahay, komunidad, at aktibidad sa pagsusulong sa ekonomiya para sa panahon ng Hulyo 1, 2023 hanggang Hunyo 30, 2024. Ang layunin ng paunawang ito ay upang gawin na mabatid ang mga paguulat ng CAPER para sa pampublikong komento.
Sa Agosto 23, 2024, ang CAPER ay maaari ring makita sa website ng Lungsod, www.alamedaca.gov. Ang mga nakasulat na mga komento tungkol sa mga aktibidad ng CDBG/HOME at ng CAPER ay tatanggapin mula 5:00 p.m. sa Setyembre 19, 2024 sa City of Alameda Community Development Department, 950 W. Mall Square, Suite 205, Alameda, CA 94501, o sa pamamagitan ng email kay Andre Fairley, afairley@alamedaca.gov. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon tungkol sa paunawang ito, tumawag sa (510) 747-6883 (tinig).
MGA TADHANA PARA SA MGA TAONG MAY KAPANSANAN
Kung ang sinumang taong may interes sa paglahok sa programang CDBG / HOME ay isang taong may kapansanan gaya ng nilinaw ng Seksiyon 504 ng Batas ng 1974 sa Rehabilitasyon na nag-aatas ng isang kaluwagan upang lumahok o magkainteres, ang isang kahilingan para sa kaluwagan ay maaaring gawin kay Andre Fairley sa (510) 747-6883 (Boses) o magpadala ng email sa afairley@alamedaca.gov. Ang naturang kahilingan ay dapat kabilang ang isang paglalarawan ng kaluwagang hinahangad, kasama ang isang pahayag ng kapansanan na nangangailangan ng kaluwagan. Anumang kahilingan para sa kaluwagan ay dapat suriin at ang isang sagot ay ipagkaloob sa loob ng limang araw ng trabaho pagkatapos matanggap ang naturang kahilingan. Ang paunawa ng anumang kaluwagan na iginawad ay agad ipagkakaloob sa humiling.
MGA TADHANA PARA SA MGA RESIDENTENG HINDI NAGSASALITA NG INGLES
Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay may ugnayan ng mga empleyadong nagsasalita ng 45 wika na maaaring gumanap bilang mga tagasalin para sa mga residente na naghahangad ng impormasyon na nauukol sa mga programa ng CDBG/HOME. Kung binigyan ng paunawa nang maaga ng limang araw ng trabaho, makikipagayos ang Lungsod upang makakuha ng isang tagasalin. Mangyaring kontakin ang Lungsod sa (510) 747-6883 (Tinig) o email afairley@alamedaca.gov.
PATAKARANG WALANG-DISKRIMINASYON
Ang Lungsod ng Alameda ay hindi nagdidiskrimina laban sa sinumang mga tao dahil sa lahi, kulay, relihiyon, bansang pinagmulan, angkan, sekso, kasarian, kinikilalang kasarian, pagpapahayag ng kasarian, oryentasyong sekswal, katayuang marital, katayuang pampamilya, pinagkukunan ng kita, henetikong impormasyon, kondisyong medikal, kapansanang pisikal o kapansanan ng isipan, o anumang ibang kategoryang protektado ng batas.
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
She cited the ongoing quad-committee 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.
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.
REDWOOD FOREST
Dahil ano ba ang gusto nilang gawin? Gusto nilang pabagsakin ang pamilya Duterte sa politika,” Duterte said.
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.)
Vice President Sara Duterte File photo
SAFE. A row of lechon (roasted pig) is ready for pickup at a stall in La Loma, Quezon City on Saturday, Aug. 17. Business owners at the lechon capital of Metro Manila said African swine fever cases in provinces have affected their profits, which decreased by 30 percent in recent weeks.
PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
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.
Nora Aunor laments
how she lost her singing voice after botched surgery
by JESSICA ANN EVANGELISTA Inquirer.net
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 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
Martin Nievera:
by LEAH SALTERIO Philstar.com
MARTIN Nievera’s “Concert King” title started 42 years ago when an entertainment editor refused to label him as such.
“He was calling me ‘Concert King’ kuno,” Martin shared. “But he meant it sarcastically because he didn’t want to really call me that. Somehow, the title stuck.”
Although Martin ever got used to the “Concert King” title because he never believed it. “Because if you believed you’re king, I don’t think we would be having this conversation and you wouldn’t like me too much,” Martin admitted.
“Maybe the people believed because I was the first guinea pig of the big concert venues.
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 Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts attempted to sing again in the movie “Pieta.”
I’m still not out of the game
director of my 42nd year concert.
See how times have changed?
There’s true love, there’s family. It’s very important that my friends from the press know it’s true love and they are all sincere to help.” Martin refuses to be at the top even after 42 years in the business. “I don’t want to be at the top. I want to be the one reaching for the top. That is nicer. I want people to constantly see what I’m doing.
“I think it is better to strive to be on top, rather than being on top. To be on top, the only other way is down. I want to strive to be on top without having to step on anyone, without having to worry about what people think. I’m 42 years in the business and that shouldn’t matter to me anymore.”
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.
Remember ‘Martin’s Rage’ at the Ultra Football Field with 55,000 people? That was huge. The construction of the Ultra basketball court was also rushed for my first concert, ‘On the Right Track’.”
Martin’s Araneta Coliseum concert on Sept. 27, “The King 4Ever,” was Ogie Alcasid’s idea.
“Ogie told me, I think it’s about time I have a major concert in a big venue,” Martin said. “He and Cacai (Velasquez) came together.” They were the ones who masterminded Araneta.
“I have my Theatre at Solaire and I’m happy there,” Martin allowed. “I didn’t think I have to go back in a big venue. There was a time all you need was my name and people were there. Let’s see if all of them are still alive.
“The kids today in ‘ASAP Natin
‘To,’ I always tell them, ‘Don’t brag about your fans. Because my fans made your fans.”
Not too long ago, when Martin, Ogie and Regine Velasquez were doing brisk walking with Martin in Los Angeles, where “ASAP Natin
‘To” happened, Martin asked Ogie why the latter decided to produce a concert in a big venue for him.
Ogie simply answered, “Gary was not available” and laughed.
“But it was the Christmas special of ABS-CBN last year, when I asked Martin what was he doing for his concert,” Ogie said.
“I broached the idea of producing his concert at Araneta Coliseum. So he said, ‘It’s up to you.’ He didn’t think I was serious.
This is a dream-come-true for me. He was my idol back in high school. In fact, my audition song at Kundirana was his song, How Could You Be So Blind? We were aping his voice.”
They never even talked about the talent fee of Martin after he seriously gave his nod. They also never consulted Martin’s manager, Joy Alonzo
“So when we put it together, I asked Cacai to join us in our family,” Ogie said. “She produced Regine’s concerts and some for me.”
Ever since Cacai was young, she has been a big fan of Martin. “I knew a lot of his songs,” she said.
“It wasn’t hard for me to decide to produce his concert.”
Surprisingly, for the producers, all the artists volunteered to guest in the concert and support Martin. From Ogie and Regine to Gary Valenciano, even the vocal quartet, The CompanY joined the lineup. Gary was one of the first artists to clear his schedule.
“I told them if you want to come, just surprise me,” Martin said.
“I never mentioned their names. But these artists want the people to know that they support me and they will be there for me.”
Pops Fernandez will be in the concert and their son, Robin Nievera, will fly in from the U.S. to join them with his baby. Martin’s godson, Paolo Valenciano, will be the concert director, while Frank Lloyd Mamaril will be the TV director.
“In ‘ASAP, we don’t envy each other,” Martin said. “When Jed Madela had his concert (at the Music Museum last July), the three of us, OMG (Ogie, Martin, Gary), volunteered to work with the production. “Now, Paolo Valenciano is the
Neither does Martin contemplate about retirement.
“A singer will never really end his career,” he said. “He may stop for a while, slow down, lower some of his songs, but for me, there’s really no such thing as a small show or a small venue.
“Everything is equally big.
Nothing is a step down or a sign of retirement. That’s why I’m again doing a show in a big venue. That’s so tiring. You all know how I can fill up a big venue, three or four shows in a year.
“That doesn’t happen anymore but that doesn’t bother me. I know I’m still not out of the game or out of the loop, I’m still around and still very much interested in the industry. I still want to make it better and leave a lasting legacy so that people will follow my footsteps and have a nice path to follow their dreams.”
Sure, he still has dreams, at this point in his career.
“What’s nice about my dreams is that they’re no longer mine,” said Martin.
“It’s about the industry. As I get older, I think about my children, where they will be. Will I live long enough to see my children realize their dreams?
“You all know I have a special son (Santino). He’s turning 18 in October. He’s be turning 21 in a couple of years and will be an adult. What is he going to do? That is the biggest challenge that a special child will do when he turns into an adult.”
At 42 years in the industry, Martin feels it’s time for him to do what he wants. “I did so many different things to please all of you,” he said. “Or what I think you missed. I started changing genres. I realized doing rock was not my thing.”
Martin’s Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 27, ‘The King 4Ever,’ was the idea of Ogie Alcasid. ‘Ogie told me, I think it’s about time I have a major concert in a big venue,’ Martin says. ‘He and Cacai (Velasquez) came together.’ They were the ones who masterminded Araneta. Philstar.com photo
Nora Aunor (left) and Maricel Soriano
Photo screengrabed from YouTube/Maricel Soriano
Gayle’s inspiring journey to a new
CITIZEN Pinoy is proud to share the inspiring success story of Gayle, a determined mother who, despite facing numerous challenges, achieved her dream of securing a future in the United States for herself and her daughter, Sofia. Gayle married her U.S. citizen boyfriend in 2010, and in 2017, Gayle and Sofia came to the U.S., and her husband filed petitions for their residency. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. The marriage did not work out, and he abandoned Gayle and Sofia. Left to fend for herself, Gayle took caregiving jobs, eventually finding a supportive Italian family who treated her as one of their own. Though the elderly parents she cared for passed away, their son Ernie continued to support
Gayle. Facing insurmountable obstacles to obtaining permanent residency, Gayle sought the help of leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel after seeing an announcement on TFC for in-person consultations in Chicago. Atty. Gurfinkel provided hope by advising Gayle on pursuing her husband’s
NaFFAA announces Ryan Namata as new national president
DETROIT — The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) proudly announces the election of Ryan Namata as the organization’s new national president, following a pivotal election held on the afternoon of Saturday, August 17, 2024, during the 15th National Empowerment Conference in Detroit. This historic moment marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for NaFFAA, as Namata, a visionary leader deeply rooted in the Filipino American community, takes the helm with a commitment to steering the organization toward unprecedented growth and impact.
Ryan Namata’s association with NaFFAA began in 2016, driven by a passion for effecting meaningful change within the Filipino American community. Over the years, he has risen through the ranks, initially serving as the Director of Human Capital and later as the leader of the organization’s national operations. His dynamic leadership has been crucial in shaping NaFFAA’s trajectory, including the recruitment of key staff members, organizing significant national conferences, and championing the organization’s mission. Namata’s dedication is evident in his hands-on approach – whether coordinating logistics or fostering camaraderie through activities like karaoke, he embodies NaFFAA’s spirit of unity and service.
Professionally, Namata serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer at the Center for American Progress, a prominent think-tank based in Washington, D.C. With nearly 25 years of experience in human capital management, he has led both domestic and international teams across various sectors, including finance, cybersecurity, and nonprofit organizations. Namata’s expertise in organizational development, leadership coaching, and diversity, equity, and inclusion has made him a respected voice in the field.
– The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco conducted a consular outreach at Saint Joseph Church in Pinole, California on July 27, 2024. This is the ninth outreach mission spearheaded by the consulate for the year.
Led by Vice Consuls Adrian Baccay and Hannah Go, the consular outreach in the Bay Area’s East Bay afforded Filipinos and Filipino Americans passport, dual citizenship, and overseas voting registration services without having to travel to San Francisco.
A total of 188 services were provided – including 50 passport applications, 59 dual citizenship petitions, and 72 overseas voting registrations. During the outreach, Assistant District Director Lilita Hom of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (DOL-WHD) Office in San Jose, California also participated in the outreach, and provided information on DOL-WHD’s services that aim to promote compliance with U.S. federal labor standards and protect workers’ rights. The DOL-WHD also set up an information desk for consular outreach clients. The outreach was held through the support of Reverend Father Geoffrey Baraan, the FIlipino American rector of Saint Joseph Parish. Filipinos residing under the jurisdiction of the Consulate may visit pcgsanfrancisco.org/
As he steps into his new role as National President of NaFFAA, Namata is focused on two key priorities: empowering the youth and fostering an inclusive environment for all Filipinos.
“NaFFAA must get younger,” Namata emphasized. “We need to inspire and motivate the next generation of leaders, ensuring that our organization remains vibrant and relevant for years to come.”
He envisions NaFFAA as a central hub for education and dialogue, where Filipinos can connect with their heritage, culture, and the power of unity.
The election also saw the appointment of other key officers, including Chris Rivera as vice president, Giselle Rushford as secretary, Rod Mercado as treasurer, and Mariela Fletcher as national chair. This leadership team, under Namata’s guidance, is poised to lead NaFFAA into a new era of growth and engagement. Outgoing NaFFAA national president Mariela Fletcher expressed her full confidence in Namata’s leadership, stating, “Ryan Namata is the right leader at the right time for NaFFAA. His experience, vision, and unwavering commitment to our community make him uniquely qualified to guide our organization forward. I am confident that under
his leadership, NaFFAA will reach new heights and continue to make a profound impact on the lives of Filipino Americans across the nation.”
As NaFFAA embarks on this new journey, Namata is determined to build upon the strong foundation laid by his predecessors and lead the organization toward an even brighter future. He is committed to ensuring that NaFFAA remains a vital and dynamic force within the Filipino American community and beyond.
Ryan Namata shared his thoughts on the privilege of serving as NaFFAA’s national president: “It is a profound honor to lead NaFFAA at this crucial moment in our history. The opportunity to serve and empower the Filipino American community is both a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly. Together, we will continue to elevate our voices, celebrate our heritage, and build a future where every Filipino American feels connected, supported, and empowered.”
With Namata’s election, NaFFAA stands poised to enter a new era of leadership, unity, and empowerment — ensuring that the voices of Filipino Americans are heard, valued, and acted upon across the nation.
The National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA) is the largest national organization advocating for the interests and well-being of nearly 4.2 million Filipino Americans in the United States. Established in 1997, NaFFAA promotes the active participation of Filipino Americans in civic, political, and social affairs, and works to build coalitions that advance the aspirations of Filipino Americans in the broader society. NaFFAA is committed to fostering leadership development, civic engagement, and cultural preservation within the Filipino American community. For more information, visit www. naffaa.org.
PALO ALTO – U.S. Representative Anna G. Eshoo (CA-16) and U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) on July 30 introduced legislation to allow the National Park Service to acquire the 896-acre Scarper Ridge property in San Mateo County adjacent to Rancho Corral De Tierra, a 3,858 acre site which is already managed by the Park Service.
“Corridors and connecting trails in the park are important for wildlife and people who recreate in Rancho,” said Rep. Eshoo. “President Biden’s 2025 Budget includes $7 million to purchase two nearby smaller parcels from Peninsula Open Space Trust, but the National Park Service determined it cannot purchase a third parcel, Scarper Ridge, without a legislative boundary adjustment which my legislation addresses. Adding this land to Rancho will close gaps and ensure that these scenic trails and coastal vistas are protected for future generations.”
“The Golden Gate National Recreation Area is one of the most popular urban parks in the world, flush with rich biodiversity, extensive military artifacts, and stunning recreational opportunities,” said Senator Padilla. “Expanding the park’s boundary to incorporate the Scarper Ridge Property would allow the National Park Service to help protect critically threatened and endangered plants and wildlife,
while connecting public lands and hiking trails for locals and visitors alike to enjoy.”
“We are grateful to Congresswoman Eshoo and Senator Padilla for their continued efforts to expand and improve the Golden Gate National Recreation Area on the San Mateo Coast,” said Walter Moore, President of POST. “With help from public and private funds, POST obtained this 896-acre property in 2014. As a vital property filled with a variety of irreplaceable natural habitats, and species, we have long hoped for its incorporation within the Rancho Corral de Tierra landscape. Throughout her career, Congresswoman Eshoo has championed GGNRA expansions in this unique coastal area. With her help and the support of the National Park Service, these lands will be preserved for future generations of Californians to enjoy forever.”
The Golden Gate National Recreation Area consists of more than 80,000 acres of diverse properties managed by the National Park Service across three Bay Area counties that includes historic sites, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and open space for outdoor recreation. In addition to famous landmarks like Alcatraz Island and the Presidio of San Francisco, the Park includes hundreds of acres of open space on the San Mateo County Coastside. (Rep. Anna Eshoo Office Release)
Ryan Namata, newly-elected NaFFAA national president Photo courtesy of NaFFAA
PINOLE
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.
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“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.
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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.
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“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.
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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.
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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.
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. * * *
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.
689-5160
PCGSF in full force at Pistahan Parade and Festival State selects and funds 94 wildfire projects to build community and climate resilience
SAN FRANCISCO
–
The
Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco and its partner government agencies, led by Consul General Neil Ferrer, showed its full support to the Filipino American Community in the Bay Area for the 31st annual Pistahan Parade and Festival, held in downtown San Francisco on August 10-11, 2024.
During the pre-parade program at the San Francisco Civic Center on 10 August 2024, Consul General Ferrer commended the Filipino American Arts Exposition (FAAE) and the Filipino American Community for the 31st year of the Pistahan.
“I thank Al Perez of the Filipino American Arts Exposition, and everyone behind Pistahan – from the sponsors, donors and volunteers, to the parade contingents, festival exhibitors and performers – for their invaluable contributions as ‘citizen ambassadors’ of Filipino culture here in the United States,”
Consul General Ferrer said.
In line with the 2024 Pistahan’s theme “Embracing Our Bayanihan Spirit,”
Consul General Ferrer said:
“I invite everyone to join the movement for a New Philippines or Bagong Pilipinas. It is a call for transformation: The transformation of our idea of being a Filipino; the transformation of the way we present ourselves to each other and to the rest of the world; and the transformation of our governance, economy, and society.”
“May we all work together towards cooperation and unity within the Filipino American community... In empowering each other and realizing our dreams for our community and our home country, we can truly leave behind a Bagong Pilipinas that
our children and grandchildren can be proud of,” Consul General Ferrer added.
The Consulate, the Department of Tourism (DOT) Office in San Francisco, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Silicon Valley, and the Philippine Center Management Board joined the parade on Market Street – downtown San Francisco’s premier thoroughfare – to the tune of the DOT’s Bisita, Be My Guest campaign jingles.
The two-day outdoor festival at San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens featured specially curated pavilions that hosted booths and events on Philippine arts, dances, literature, fashion, sports and martial arts, food, and innovation, as well as kiosks by Filipino American organizations that offer services and linkages to the public.
As one of the festival exhibitors, the Consulate ran a booth where the public could inquire about its passport and consular services, as well as travel packages from the DOT and trade information from the PTIC.
The Consulate also conducted a special Overseas Voting Registration during the two-day festival, affording Filipino citizens the opportunity to vote for the
upcoming Philippine National Elections in 2025.
Fil-Am retired White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford served as the Pistahan Parade’s Celebrity Grand Marshal.
For her remarkable career which spanned almost three decades and five U.S. presidents, which included her role in the welcome dinner for world leaders during the 2023 APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in San Francisco, Supervisor Safai authored a proclamation declaring August 10, 2024 as “Cristeta Comerford Day” in San Francisco.
Fil-Am South San Francisco Councilmembers Buenaflor Nicolas and Mark Nagales served as the parade’s Community Grand Marshals, while FilAm LGBTQ+ activist Tita Aida became Pistahan’s first-ever transgender Hermana Mayor.
The Pistahan Parade and Festival was first held as part of the opening of San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Gardens and Center for the Arts in August 1993. The FAAE and the Filipino Arts and Cinema International (FACINE) respectively staged the Pistahan and the then-Filipino American Film & Video Festival (now known as the Filipino International Cine Festival).
SACRAMENTO — As part of the Newsom Administration’s key priorities to bolster the state’s wildfire response and resilience efforts, CAL FIRE has announced grants for 94 local wildfire prevention projects across California, supported by $90.8 million in funding.
Over the last five years, CAL FIRE has awarded more than $450 million in its Wildfire Prevention Grants Program to over 450 projects across the state.
“In addition to huge investments in personnel, equipment and technology, proactively building community resilience to wildfires is another key part of California’s strategy to reduce the impact of catastrophic wildfires. These investments support local fuel reduction, forest health and other projects that build natural resilience and protect lives and property in at-risk communities from the intensifying impacts of climate change,” Gov. Newsom said in a statement released by his office.
Wildfire Prevention Grant projects include hazardous fuels reduction and wildfire prevention planning and education, with an emphasis on improving public health and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Over two-thirds of the projects are awards to communities that are low-income and disadvantaged.
The 94 local projects that are receiving awards in this latest round are located across the
state, including in:
• Alameda County to support tree trimming and removal along evacuation routes within the City of Oakland, while doubling as a significant fuel break along these vulnerable corridors.
• Fresno County for a project removing 12,000 dead or dying hazard trees and 50,000 cubic yards of ground fuels, to improve protection for at least 1,000 habitable structures.
Funding will also support wildfire prevention education for property owners.
• Mendocino County to remove hazardous vegetation along roads and driveways serving around 300 habitable structures near Leggett in an area that has not burned in the last half-century, to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, reduce the rate of spread of fire, create safe ingress and egress and reduce the forest fuel load along roadways.
• Nevada and Placer counties Tahoe Truckee Airport District for fuel reduction projects near Truckee that will improve forest health and restore the landscape to a more fire resilient condition through maintenance on existing fuel breaks and prescribed burning, which would decrease fire intensity and improve forest health by reducing fuel loads and ladder fuels.
• Orange County for a multiphased project to remove hazardous fuels, including 953 eucalyptus species on interior slopes to safeguard 1,228 single
family homes.
• Riverside County to increase defensible space and roadside protection between habitable structures and open spaces within Murrieta, improving fire safety for more than 115,000 residents and in excess of 32,000 structures within the city.
• San Luis Obispo County for 19 wildfire prevention projects in nine wildland urban interface communities, treating hazardous vegetation through prescribed grazing, shaded fuel breaks, roadside clearance, forest thinning and prescribed fire.
• Santa Cruz County for roadside fuel reduction projects on critical evacuation routes, and funding a county-wide chipping program to support residents’ defensible space requirements and reducing wildfire impact on properties.
• Siskiyou County to protect habitable structures within the City of Weed and surrounding areas through fuels reduction, thinning and burning to reduce the fuel loading and fire hazard near communities already i The Wildfire Prevention Grants Program furthers California’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan and is funded in part through California Climate Investments, which puts capand-trade dollars to work. For a full list of the Wildfire Prevention Grants, visit CAL FIRE’s website at https://www. fire.ca.gov/what-we-do/grants/ wildfire-prevention-grants. (Gov. Newsom’s Office Release)
Gayle’s inspiring journey to a new life...
original petition despite his abandonment. Through Atty.
Gurfinkel’s dedicated efforts, Gayle's adjustment of status as the spouse of a U.S. citizen was approved eventually, and she received her green card, ensuring a stable and promising future for her and Sofia.
Watch this success story on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, August 25 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.
(Advertising Supplement)
Philippine Consul General Neil Ferrer (front row, 2nd from left) gives his remarks during the kick-off program of the 31st Pistahan Parade at the San Francisco Civic Center.
The 31st Pistahan Parade contingent of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, with the
