Advocates for Filipino migrant workers call for justice, release of Jovi Esperanza and Dhenmark Francisco
TWO Filipino nursing aides accused of patient assault in New Jersey acted in selfdefense, according to advocates for Filipino migrant workers.
The advocates, including Migrante New Jersey, have called for the release of certified nursing assistants Jovi Esperanza and Dhenmark Francisco.
Esperanza, 31, of Beachwood and Francisco, 28, from Toms River have been arrested for allegedly assaulting a patient at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility in Berkeley Township, Ocean County in New Jersey on Oct. 14.
When the Yankees hit rock bottom, stellar Anthony Volpe kept the team’s World Series hopes alive
by Mary Villegas Inquirer.net
IT was a historic night for the Yankees’ Filipino American shortstop Anthony Volpe. As his team faced elimination in Game 4 of the World Series after losing the first three games to the Los Angeles Dodgers, he smashed a grand slam, keeping the Yankees’ World Series hopes alive.
The signature Yankees moment sent fans into a frenzy, with the sellout crowd of nearly 50,000 at Yankee Stadium erupting into wild cheers.
He also became the first player ever to register four RBIs and two stolen bases in a World Series game.
Philippines unfazed as China protests new maritime laws
PH consuls to plan help for undocumented Filipinos in US
by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippine ambassador to the United States will meet with all Philippine consuls next month to discuss possible help for undocumented Filipinos at risk of deportation under the incoming Trump administration.
Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said the “planning session” with all seven Philippine consuls in December will focus on possible plans
Fil-Ams advance gov’t representation with election wins across the US
by AJPress
the
group’s
In California,
was made as Jessica Caloza became the first Filipina American elected to the state Legislature. Caloza, a women’s rights advocate, previously worked for California Attorney General Rob Bonta as a special advisor and was the first Filipina American commissioner for the Los Angeles Board of Public Works. She will
represent District 52 in the Assembly, which includes the Los Angeles-area neighborhoods of Eagle Rock, Glassell Park, Silver Lake, Echo Park, Los Feliz, east Los Angeles, and south Glendale.
Christopher Cabaldon, the former mayor of West Sacramento for over two decades, also made history as the first Fil-Am to elected to the state Senate.
Cabaldon replaces Senator Bill Dodd to represent District 3, which covers areas like Napa, Vallejo, Sonoma and West Sacramento.
For the Los Angeles City Council, firsttime candidate Ysabel Jurado declared victory over incumbent Kevin de León in the race for Council District 14, which
for hundreds of thousands of Filipinos who are illegally staying in the U.S.
The Philippine officials’ meeting will occur around a month before Trump assumes office in January.
“That’s one of our top priorities. All the consulates here in America – we’ll be gathering in Washington, D.C. to discuss how we’ll go about it,” Romualdez said in an interview with Radyo DZBB on Monday, November 11.
Filipino American organizers react to Trump winning the 2024 presidential election
WITH another election come and gone, Filipino Americans across all political walks of life are preparing for another presidency with Donald Trump.
As previously reported in the Asian Journal, the Asian American electorate is the fastest-growing voting bloc in the United States, and Filipinos are the third-largest Asian group in the country. (After Chinese Americans and Indian Americans.) Though polls and surveys leading up to Election Day have poised the Asian American community as a guaranteed bloc for the Democratic Party, the reality of political behavior goes beyond sample sizes and percentages.
In other words, one truly cannot paint an accurate prediction of the outcome until the votes are counted.
by alden M. Monzon Inquirer.net
THE volume of tourist arrivals in the Philippines is expected to reach just 6 million by the end of the year, according to BMI Research, a unit of the Fitch Group.
This is a downgrade from an earlier projection of 6.6 million, as the sector is yet to fully recover from the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
BMI Research said that while tourist arrivals hit 4.5 million from January to October, which was higher than the 4.1 million tallied in the comparable period in 2023, it was still not enough to pull up the numbers to what they were before the global health crisis hit in 2020.
“This is just 66.5 percent of the tourist arrivals during the comparable period over 2019, highlighting how the sector is still in a postpandemic recovery phase,” the report read.
As of Friday, Nov. 8, Trump secured 73,693,350 votes (295 electoral votes) and Vice President Kamala Harris received 69,406,833 votes (226 electoral votes), according to the Associated Press.
“The landslide speaks volumes about the Trump coalition and how much it has grown in the last decade,” Marc Ang, Filipino American conservative political organizer, told the Asian Journal on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
As a prominent Trump surrogate for the Filipino American community, Ang has been campaigning for the 45th—and now, 47th—president and shared what he expects from a second Trump administration.
Ang asserted that Trump will bring forth “common sense solutions” especially in the arena of foreign trade and economic balance.
by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net
by Darryl John EsguErra, luisa Cabato Inquirer.net
by Klarize Medenilla AJPress
Filipino American organizers react...
PAGE 1
“Trump is going to be a friend and a partner to the protection of the Philippines and our interests back in the home country,” Ang stated, adding that as a seasoned politico in Filipino American conservative politics, he is “excited to go back and push a lot of my initiatives within helping the Asian community.”
Melissa Ramoso, a co-founder and leader of the Filipino Americans for Harris-Walz campaign (FAFHW), lamented Harris’ loss, sharing that many communities in the U.S. may greatly suffer from a second Trump administration.
Ramoso—who previously led FilAm campaigns for Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden—referenced the MAGA conservative’s views and proposals that harm the rights of vulnerable communities.
“For our rights as women, the future of our children, what this could mean for immigrants, health care, science, education, democracy—it’s all on the line. It’s scary to think that we are going in reverse,” Ramoso said.
In 2020, Biden received a historic 81 million votes, the most votes ever cast for an American presidential candidate, a jarring
contrast to the low voter turnout for Harris. Mirroring what many politicos and media analysts have said over the last few days, Ang believes that there were many factors going against the Harris campaign.
“Let’s say this to be very gracious: Kamala Harris had a very, very tough uphill climb for herself to even win this considering the voters blamed the Biden-Harris administration for the current bad shape of the economy,” Ang acknowledged. Ang also stated that Harris’ relatively late entrance into the presidential race could have hurt her chances, saying Harris
“was hoisted into this position without much preparation” and that Biden “may have won” if he had stayed the nominee.
“It’s a real slap in the face [to] the Democrats that voted for Joe Biden, for them to see that suddenly switched out,” Ang said.
Filipina American Brooke Santos, a New York City-based member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), shared that she believes that Harris lost because of a “massive loss of faith” in the Democratic Establishment.
“I do think that there is a
PH consuls to plan help for undocumented...
The Philippines has consulates in Agana (Guam), Chicago, Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco.
Romualdez said he is also waiting for the Department of Migrant Workers and Malacañang to issue a directive on how to assist Filipino immigrants at risk of deportation.
The ambassador explained that many of these Filipinos entered the U.S. legally but became undocumented after overstaying their visas. Overall, an estimated 200,000 to 300,000 Filipino nationals could be affected by Trump’s mass deportation program, he added.
The envoy advised those without a path to attaining legal status to voluntarily leave the U.S. “There is often evidence that they left the country voluntarily.
This helps them avoid the deportation process,” he said. He cautioned those who choose to stay to seek help from legitimate lawyers, warning against advisers who might exploit their situation with false promises of guaranteed solutions.
The ambassador said in an earlier interview that Trump will likely proceed with his mass deportation policy, based on his conversations with his campaign advisors.
“This time, it might be serious. American sentiments are stronger now. That’s why president Trump won, that’s (immigration) their main issue. There truly are too many illegal immigrants entering the U.S. right now,” Romualdez said in Filipino.
Senate President Chiz Escudero has joined calls for the Philippine government to prepare for contingencies in
case a large number of the hundreds of thousands of undocumented Filipinos are sent home.
“If Trump pushes through with his pronouncement to carry out the greatest mass deportation in U.S. history, then how many of the estimated 300,000 vulnerable Filipinos will be in the first wave of expulsion?” he said in a statement on Sunday, November 10. Escudero noted that even if just one percent of the 300,000 would be deported, “it would require 10 big airplanes.”
Deportation of undocumented migrants was a key campaign promise for Trump, who has pledged to carry out the biggest mass deportation effort in the country if he wins the presidential elections.
Trump was elected president on November 6, defeating incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris. n
Philippines unfazed as China protests...
law to strengthen the country’s maritime claims and bolster its territorial integrity.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act or Republic Act (RA) 12064 aims to declare the rights and entitlements of the Philippines over its maritime zones to establish legal bases for the conduct of social, economic, commercial, and other activities in the areas.
RA 12064 provides for a general declaration of the maritime zones under the jurisdiction of the Philippines, including internal waters, archipelagic waters, territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone (EEZ), and continental shelf.
Meanwhile, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act or RA 12065 designates the sea lanes and air routes suitable for the
continuous and expeditious passage of foreign ships and aircraft through or over its archipelagic water and the adjacent territorial sea.
RA 12065 prevents arbitrary international passage in the Philippine archipelago and prescribes the rights and obligations of foreign ships and aircraft exercising the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage through the established Philippine archipelagic sea lanes.
Tensions between China and the Philippines over the West Philippine Sea have escalated throughout the year, particularly over the Scarborough Shoal where incidents of Chinese harassment have been reported.
Marching orders
In an ambush interview on Thursday, reporters asked Marcos if he had given marching
includes parts of Northeast LA, Downtown LA, and Boyle Heights. She makes history as the first FilAm to serve on the Los Angeles City Council.
Jurado, a tenant rights attorney and daughter of undocumented Filipino immigrants, led with 55.8% of the votes (33,350 votes), while de León received 44.22% (26,442 votes), based on partial returns reported by the LA County RegistrarRecorder/County Clark as of Thursday, November 7. She wrote in a statement that she was “humbled to officially declare victory in the race.”
“This win is not mine—it belongs to our community,” she wrote, crediting the grassroots community support, adding “Together we built a movement focused on the real issues—affordable housing, our youth and our elders, real public safety, the homelessness crisis, and defending our small businesses.”
In the race for San Diego mayor, incumbent Todd Gloria leads with 54.88% of the votes (214,327) in his re-election bid against challenger Larry Turner with 45.12% of the vote, according to results from the county Registrar of Voters, as of November 8.
“Please accept my heartfelt thank you for helping me win re-election as San Diego’s mayor,” Gloria wrote in an email to supporters. “With last night’s strong results, we have an incredible opportunity to move San Diego forward on all the critical issues we talked about in this campaign, and that’s in big part thanks to you.”
Also in Southern California, public health advocate Ryyn Schumacher won his bid for San Buenaventura City Council, District 3, becoming the first Fil-Am and first openly gay person of color elected to the city’s council.
Tatiana Yokoyama Bui, a Filipina-Japanese trial
orders to the Philippine Ambassador to China regarding its condemnation, to which he responded there were none.
“They are objecting to the new law, saying that ‘we do not agree,’ and they will continue to protect what they define as their sovereign territory,” Marcos said in a mix of Filipino and English “Of course, we do not agree with their definition of sovereign territory. So, nothing has changed because our situation remains the same, and our position remains the same,” he continued.
In response to China’s actions, the Department of Foreign Affairs also summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to deliver the Philippines’ protest over China’s drawing of baselines around Bajo de Masinloc on November 10. n
attorney, ran for the ABC Unified School District Board of Trustees to reprsent Area 4, which covers schools in Cerritos.
Yokoyama Bui, who served as a commission on the Cerritos Planning Commission, leads with 54.98% of the votes (2,855 votes) against opponent Anu Gupta with 45% (2,338).
Claremont Mayor Pro Tem Corey Calaycay, who has served for nearly 20 years as a memer of the city council, won his re-election bid with 58% of the vote (2,029 votes).
In Northern California, Daly City Mayor Juslyn Manalo was the top votegetter in her re-election bid for City Council with 49.98% of the vote (14,792 votes), followed by fellow Fil-Am councilmember Glenn Sylvester who garnered 38.22% of the vote (11,311 votes).
“I am so grateful for all the support, votes, endorsements, contributions and volunteerism to my re-election to Daly City council,” Manalo wrote in a social media post. “Together we did it!” Manalo previously made history as the first Filipina American to hold the mayoral position in Daly City.
Mark Nagales has been re-elected to represent District 2 in the South San Francisco City Council with 62.77% of the vote (2,011 votes). Nagales, a long-time resident of South San Francisco, previously served as the city’s mayor in 2022 and held several leadership roles, such as Parks and Recreation Commissioner and Planning Commissioner prior to being elected to the city council.
First-time candidate John Morada for District 3 of the Dublin City Council leads with 53.41% of the vote against opponent Razi Hasni. Other Northern California re-election wins
Members of Filipino Americans for Harris Walz (FAFHW) gathered in Las Vegas for a rally and canvass in support of Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’ campaign. Notable attendees included Hon. Gina Ortiz, Nevada state Assemblymember Erica Mosca, Tennessee state Representative Justin Jones, FAFHW National Co-Chair Hon. Melissa Ramoso, FAFHW National Co-Chair Genevieve Jopanda, and Nevada community leaders Gloria Caoile and Dr. Rozita Lee. Photo courtesy of Filipino Americans for Harris Walz
CA Dep’t of Aging highlights essential, free resources to support caregivers for older adults and adults with disabilities during National Family Caregivers Month
State’s network of aging and caregiving services offers free resources to empower and uplift family caregivers
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Aging (CDA) is proud to recognize November as National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor and support the millions of individuals who provide care for their loved ones. This year, CDA continues its commitment to enhancing caregiver well-being by providing essential tools and resources across California. These resources, available through
local Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) and Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), empower caregivers to thrive while caring for their loved ones.
“Caregiving is a great act of love, and this month – and every day – we uplift California’s caregivers as the under-recognized backbone of our families and communities,” said Susan DeMarois, director
u PAGE 4
PH ‘24 tourism arrivals forecast...
Short of target
“With ten months of tourist arrivals data published for 2024, we maintain our view that arrivals over the year will fall short of a full pandemic recovery,” the report also said.
The latest projection would still mean a 19.5 percent growth for 2024, although still considerably less than the 8.2 million recorded in 2019 and short of the government’s target this year of 7.7 million.
Bank of America said in an earlier report that the Philippine
tourism sector’s recovery has been hampered by the lack of Chinese tourists, with arrivals from China just at 20-30 percent of prepandemic levels.
Global inflation that has reduced discretionary spending is another factor.
Tourism plans
The Fitch Group unit, however, said that they see a full recovery in 2025, projecting that tourist arrivals will grow 38.4 percent to 8.3 million next year.
Earlier on Monday, President Marcos outlined initiatives
aligned with the National Tourism Development Plan 2023–2028 and spotlighted the government’s cruise visa waiver program, which simplifies entry for international cruise passengers.
The DOT said that the Philippines has 125 cruise calls across over 30 destinations in 2023, demonstrating its appeal to the global cruise market.
The government agency said that the Philippines anticipates over 109 calls in 2024, with schedules already extending into 2027. n
SACRAMENTO – The Employment Development Department (EDD) just released a simpler online application for unemployment benefits — another step in modernizing California’s benefit programs and improving the customer experience.
“We’re simplifying California’s unemployment application to serve our customers better,” said EDD Director Nancy Farias. “This new application is easier to understand and faster to complete.”
Unemployment Insurance is one of the more complex public benefit programs, with detailed state and federal requirements. As a result, the application was often considered complex and confusing. In response, EDD asked customers, employees, and advocates for ideas to make the application easier, and then:
• Added simpler explanations to technical terms.
• Clarified questions that many people found confusing.
• Reorganized questions to improve the overall customer experience.
• Eliminated some questions and simplified instructions.
• Replaced many openended questions with more specific drop-down options. For example, many
customers have trouble with technical terms and incorrectly say they were “laid off” from a job, yet the actual reason was something else. These imprecise answers caused payment delays because EDD had to seek more information.
EDD fixed this by clearly defining terms people use for leaving a job.
EDD also reorganized the application and revised the headings to guide customers through the process and gather all information needed for application review. EDD revised hard-to-understand questions like “Which employer did you work for the longest?” to address situations like intermittent employment. Technical terms were replaced with plain language. These improvements — and many others — will also help EDD process applications more quickly and pay customers faster.
EDD’s work to improve customers’ experiences aligns with the state’s plain language equity standard under Governor Newsom’s executive order on equity and discrimination. Plain language makes instructions easier to understand, and EDD forms easier to complete. Plain language also makes translations into languages other than English easier to understand.
EDD’s ongoing plain language improvements build upon a major success in boosting language access for communities speaking California’s top eight languages. The streamlined online application is also now translated into the top languages spoken in California, including English, Spanish, Armenian, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. EDD also has dedicated phone lines connecting call center staff who speak these languages with our customers, free translation services for hundreds more languages, and other expanded Language Access Resources. These enhancements and more to come are part of EDDNext, an ongoing modernization effort to completely transform the EDD customer and employee experience. EDDNext efforts include updating benefit applications, contact centers, the claims process, policies, procedures, and forms, to make the EDD experience easier and faster. It involves working with customer service experts, such as Amazon Web Services and Salesforce, to ensure EDDNext is forwardthinking and embraces the best technology and practices. (EDD Release)
CHEERS TO YEARS!
Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.
INQUIRER PHOTO/RICHARD A. REYES
CA Dep’t of Aging highlights essential...
of the California Department of Aging. “We understand the sacrifices family caregivers make, and we are dedicated to ensuring that they have access to the tools, resources, and support they need to take care of themselves while providing for their families. We encourage all family caregivers to learn about and take advantage of the many free resources California makes available to meet their unique needs.” Family caregivers are the unsung heroes of California’s long-term care system, with every caregiver providing an average of 18 hours of care per week. That amounts to an estimated $81 billion annually in economic value to the state, with more than 4.5 million unpaid family caregivers across California balancing work, family, and caregiving responsibilities. Most caregivers are women, many working outside the home in addition to providing critical support to loved ones who rely on them, often at the expense of their own physical and emotional
health.
According to recent statistics, one in five Americans currently provides care for a loved one, with more than 4.5 million Californians providing unpaid care for family members, friends, or neighbors with chronic illnesses or disabilities. As the population ages, the need for caregiver support continues to grow, making it more important than ever for caregivers to know about the free services and resources available to them.
CDA offers extensive support for unpaid family caregivers through the network of CRCs and AAAs. These local agencies provide free education and training, group counseling, respite care, and financial and legal assistance. Whether helping caregivers plan for long-term care or offering much-needed breaks, CRCs and AAAs are dedicated to ensuring caregivers have the resources and tools to succeed.
In fiscal year 2022-2023, millions of family caregivers accessed these services, with thousands benefiting from
professional care management and respite support. The Aging in California Resource Guide, with information on caregiver support and other topics, is another helpful resource that’s available in six languages.
To learn more about the support available to caregivers, visit CDA’s website at aging.ca.gov and connect with a local CRC or AAA to discover personalized resources that can help empower a caregiver’s journey.
Under the umbrella of the California Health and Human Services Agency, the California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the state.
CDA actively collaborates with many State departments and other entities to deliver services and promote the Department’s goal of every Californian having the opportunity to enjoy wellness, longevity, and quality of life in strong healthy communities. To learn more, visit aging.ca.gov. n
Fil-Ams advance gov’t
include Alexander Walker-Griffin of the Hercules City Council, who is the youngest elected councilmember in the city and previously served as mayor in 2023; and Emily Ann Ramos for the Mountain View City Council.
As ballots continue to be counted, Marjan Philhour could become the first Filipina American and first female Iranian American supervisor in San Francisco. She is currently up against incumbent Connie Chan in a tight race.
Meanwhile, across the United States, several Fil-Ams proved victorious in their respective races at the state and city levels.
Angelito Tenorio, the son of Filipino immigrants who served as an Alderman in West Allis, became the first Fil-Am elected to the Wisconsin State Legislature, representing District 14, with 52.7% of the vote (15,637 votes).
“As a young person and the son of Filipino immigrants, I feel truly blessed to have this opportunity to serve our community in the Wisconsin State Legislature,” he wrote in a statement. “I don’t come from a wealthy, wellconnected family. I’m just a kid from West Allis who deeply cares about his hometown. I entered this race because I’m passionate about building a brighter future for everyone in our community.”
In Nevada, Assemblymember Erica Mosca — a teacher and nonprofit founder who became the state’s first Filipina in its legislature — easily won reelection unopposed, garnering over 14,000 votes.
Long-time congressmember Bobby Scott, the only member of Congress of Filipino ancestry, was re-elected to represent Virginia’s 3rd congressional district.
In Alaska, Genevieve Mina, the first and only Fil-Am elected to the state Legislature, was reelected as a representative for District 19.
Mina, a lifelong Alaskan, is a community adocate and political activist with a background in health policy. Her father migrated to Alaska in the 1980s and worked various jos, while her mother was a nurse.
In Arizona, Junelle Harnal
Cavero, a political consultant who became the First Filipina American in the state Legislature earlier this year, won her re-election bid for state Reprsentative for District 11. Trisha La Chica will continue to serve as a Hawaii state representative for District 37, which covers Central Oahu.
In New York, Assemblymember Steven Raga, who previously became the first and only Fil-Am elected to the state Legislature in 2023, was re-elected to serve District 30, which includes neighborhoods of Elmhurst and Woodside.
In Tennessee, state Representative Justin Jones won re-election to serve District 52, which includes parts of Nashville. Jones, whose mother is Filipina, became the first Fil-Am elected to the state Legislature and is the second youngest member of the state House. He made news in April 2023 when he was expelled for violating decorum rules by participating in a gun control protest on the House floor. Maria Cervania, who has experience in public health and education, cemented her place as a state representative for North Carolina.
In Maplewood, Minnesota, councilmember Nikki Villavicencio won re-election for the city council. She became the first disabled Fil-Am to serve the city. The success of these Fil-Am candidates across the country underscores a powerful trend: the growing visibility and political influence of the Fil-Am community as the third-largest Asian American group in the country.
With historic firsts in state legislatures, city councils, and school boards, these leaders reflect a commitment to advocating for diverse communities and addressing critical issues—from affordable housing and public safety to educational equity and environmental justice. n
North Carolina state Representative Maria Cervania Tatiana Yokoyama Bui, ABC Unified School District Board Trustee
Nevada Assemblymember Erica Mosca Rep. Bobby Scott of Virginia
New EU-PH project aims to boost Filipino seafarers’ training, welfare
by Jown Manalo Inquirer.net
MANILA
— The European Union (EU) and the Philippines have vowed to improve Filipino seafarers’ training, education and working conditions through a technical assistance project.
In a joint statement on Monday, November 11, the EU and the Philippine government announced that the project will run from September 2024 to November 2027.
“The project will support the improvement of the training, certification, and well-being of Filipino seafarers so they can continue working abroad and under good labor conditions,” the joint statement read.
Among the Philippine institutions involved in this project are the Department of Transportation, Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Commission on Higher Education, the Philippine Coast Guard, and various maritime higher education institutions.
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista welcomed the EU’s assistance in enhancing Filipino seafarers’ education, training, and certification, as seafarers need to have internationally recognized certifications for seafarers to secure employment abroad.
According to Bautista, Filipino seafarers remain the preferred choice as crew members in the global
“A law was recently signed – the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers – ensuring the protection and benefits of our highly-skilled mariners,” he said in a statement on Monday.
He further highlighted the maritime sector’s role as a key pillar of the Philippine economy, noting its significant contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“In 2022, the industry directly accounted for 4 percent of the country’s GDP, with seafarers’ remittances adding another 1.7 percent,” Bautista explained.
Meanwhile, EU’s Director for Waterborne Transport Fotini Ioannidou said on Monday that the project highlights the strong partnership between Philippine authorities and the EU in enhancing the capabilities of maritime workers.
“The project will not only bring mutual benefits to both the Philippines and the EU but also contribute positively to the global shipping industry, recognizing Filipino seafarers as a cornerstone of the maritime workforce worldwide,” she said in a statement.
The technical assistance project will also include activities that benefit Indonesia and the broader Asean region, as part of the EU-Asean Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE), according to the EU.
“With a total budget of 60 million euro, SCOPE addresses several shared connectivity priorities to
China Coast Guard harasses, blocks Filipino fishers in Escoda Shoal
by John eriC Mendoza Inquirer.net
MANILA — China Coast Guard harassed and blocked a Filipino boat from entering Escoda (Sabina) Shoal twice last month, a fisherfolk revealed. This was revealed in a three-page handwritten sworn statement of boat captain Arnel Lepalam furnished to the media on Tuesday night, Nov. 12.
Lepalam said FFB Hadassah attempted to enter Escoda Shoal twice—on Oct. 8 and Oct. 17, respectively, both of their attempts being blocked by CCG personnel.
Lepalam said the boat FFB (Filipino fishing boat) Hadassah started to depart from a Quezon town port in Palawan last Oct. 8 (Tuesday), 1:30 p.m., en route to Escoda Shoal.
He said they started to spot CCG personnel about eight nautical miles (NM) away from Abad Santos (Bombay) Shoal, which is situated between the Palawan mainland and Escoda Shoal.
On Oct 9. (Wednesday) at 4 a.m., they also saw a CCG ship with hull number 4108 upon reaching 26 NM east of Escoda Shoal.
“China Coast Guard 4108 started to honk their horn and do a close maneuver near us,” Lepalam said in his letter.
When they reached 16 NM east of Sabina Shoal at 5:50 a.m., another CCG ship with hull number 5203 deployed a speed boat at 6:10 a.m. to apprehend them and prevent them from entering the sandbank’s vicinity waters.
“Because of this, we were scared and we changed our direction, returning to Bombay Shoal,” he said.
Still, the CCG’s 5203 ship and its speed boards tailed the FFB Hadassah while en route to Abad Santos Shoal. Then a small CCG fleet started to retreat at 8 a.m. when the Filipino boat reached two NM of Abad Santos Shoal.
An hour later, they decided to go to Iroquois Reef to fish “so as not to waste our expenditure.” They managed to fish at
Iroquois Shoal for several days before trying to go to Escoda Shoal once more at Oct 17 (Thursday), 8 a.m.
On reaching 29 NM miles away from Escoda Shoal at 1:35 p.m. the same day, they were approached by a “gray ship” at a relatively close distance of 3 NM.
Then at 8 p.m. CCG’s 4103 approached them once more, honking their horns at them to prevent them from entering Escoda Shoal.
“We heard them saying, ‘Filipino fishing boat, you are not allowed to enter’,” he said, prompting their return to Quezon town. The Philippines used to have a more permanent presence in Escoda Shoal.
However, Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Teresa Magbanua left Escoda Shoal in September after anchoring there for more than five months.
Anchored in the shoal since April 16, BRP Teresa Magbanua was the longest-deployed PCG
AFFORDABLE RICE. A worker unloads a sack of rice from a truck in Tondo, Manila on Tuesday, Nov. 12. The Department of Agriculture assured
consumers in Metro Manila of ample supply and affordable rice after a meeting with local market association heads. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
Who’s afraid of Trump 2.0?
AND so it happened: On Nov. 5, Americans catapulted Donald Trump back to power as the so-called leader of the free world.
As nations reeled at the implications of the former United States president’s stunning political comeback, the U.S.’ top diplomat in Manila was quick to offer assurances that a second Trump administration would not adversely affect her country’s relationship with the Philippines as “steadfast friends and ironclad allies.”
Editorial
But the two envoys’ statements are far from a guarantee, as the circumstances have vastly changed from Trump’s first term, when he dealt with a different Philippine president— Rodrigo Duterte.
For reasons obvious to all, fears had grown that a Trump-led U.S. might go back on its commitments to come to the Philippines’ aid in the event of an attack by foreign aggressors like China. But as U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson noted, it was during the Trump presidency, in 2016, when Washington first expressed support for the arbitral ruling that recognized the Philippines’ sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea while invalidating China’s sweeping claims to the disputed waters.
Mercurial and populist leaders
“Remember, when you think about the security situation here in the Indo-Pacific, it was under the Trump administration that (then) Secretary of State [Mike] Pompeo came out and lent credence and support to the arbiter ruling that weighed in favor of the Philippines with regard to access and rights (to its exclusive economic zone),” Carlson recalled last week.
Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez seconded his counterpart’s words, saying the ties between the treaty allies would “endure under any U.S. presidency”—even Trump’s.
“We will continue to strengthen and enhance not only our bilateral defense cooperation but our economic ties as well, cognizant that an economically secure and prosperous Philippines will be an even better ally and partner for the United States,” the ambassador said.
WITH a loud resounding voice, the American people have clearly spoken, electing Donald J. Trump as the 47th president of the United States.
The former president’s victory was so astounding that it was described as a “political comeback for the ages” by Australian journalist Sharri Markson, while vice presidentelect JD Vance called it “the greatest political comeback in the history of the United States of America.”
While there was some apprehension, many couldn’t agree more, saying that Trump’s electoral triumph was also a slap on mainstream media that some say have been obviously partisan in their reportage, with certain journalists and talk show hosts perceived as having a personal dislike for the former president. On the other hand, the support of Elon Musk and the use of
During the previous administration, Trump and Duterte, both known as mercurial and populist leaders, had barely interacted, except for a visit by the former to Manila in 2017 for the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit. The latter, on the other hand, spurned repeated invitations to the White House.
Unshakeable alliance
Trump had even praised Duterte for doing an “unbelievable job on the drug problem” in the Philippines, despite official U.S. policy being critical of the anti-narcotics campaign that had left thousands dead.
It was also during that unprecedented period when relations between Manila and Washington soured as Duterte pivoted sharply to Beijing, pursuing trade and bilateral relations with China that had borne little fruit by the time he stepped down in 2022.
The Philippines-U.S. ties thawed under Duterte’s successor President Marcos, who took a contrasting geopolitical approach. Now, however, it remains to be seen what sort of dynamic he would have with the unpredictable Trump.
Amid concerns that the Republican might shift focus from the South China Sea to the conflict in Ukraine and Israel, Mr. Marcos said he was optimistic about the continuity of cooperation between the United States and the Philippines.
“I am hopeful that this unshakeable alliance, tested in war and peace, will be a force of good that will blaze a path of prosperity and amity in the region and on both sides of the Pacific,” he
his resources like X (formerly Twitter) tilted the balance in favor of the former president because “he provided an alternative platform that allowed voters to monitor the campaign activities of both presidential candidates,” a political observer told me.
A lot of people admitted to me that instead of watching the news from U.S. media outlets, they chose to monitor the election results from other networks like Al Jazeera which they found to be more objective in its coverage and presentation, and quicker in giving updates. The outcome was also a repudiation of sorts for the pre-election polls and surveys claiming that the race was going to be very tight, with many predicting “razor-thin margins” in favor of Vice President Harris and a “near dead heat” or “very close” in the swing states. However, even as the final vote tally has yet to be known as of this writing, there’s no question that Donald Trump has decisively won in a contest that can also be described as momentous for the GOP because they won the
majority in the Senate and most likely Congress, too. This is also the first time that a Republican candidate has won both the popular and the electoral college votes since 2004, when George W. Bush won against John Kerry. The only other instance in recent history of a Republican winning both the popular and electoral college votes was when George H.W. Bush Sr. defeated Michael Dukakis in 1988.
The election of former president Donald Trump can be considered historic as well because he is only the second president in U.S. history to make a successful comeback for a non-consecutive second term – the first one being President Grover Cleveland (a Democrat) who lost his reelection bid to Benjamin Harrison in 1888. Four years later, Cleveland staged a successful comeback in the 1892 presidential election, winning in his rematch against Harrison who failed in his bid for reelection.
Even before the Nov. 5 presidential election, many of my friends in Philippine media have been asking if U.S. economic and
said in a statement that mentioned him meeting Trump “as a young man.”
“We look forward to working with President Trump on a wide range of issues that will yield mutual benefits to two nations with deep ties, shared beliefs, common vision, and a long history of working together,” the president said.
Dealing with a loose cannon
Beijing has been cautiously optimistic, with the Chinese state-run newspaper China Daily stating in an editorial that Trump’s second presidency was a potential “new beginning in China-U.S. relations if the chance that has been offered is not wasted.”
But until Trump himself speaks, there is no telling which direction his foreign policy would go. Some questions spring to mind: Will the annual Balikatan exercises between Filipino
foreign policies will change in case of a win by former President Trump. While the economic policy of president-elect Trump may seem isolationist because of his pronouncements that he will bring American businesses back to the United States, especially those that are already or are leaving China, U.S. investors would want to be present in the ASEAN region because it is a growing market, and there are products that the Philippines can supply to the United States. I am also confident that our economic managers will be able to work out deals that will be mutually beneficial for both countries. After all, business is always a twoway street.
In terms of defense and security, let’s not forget that during the visit to Manila of then secretary of State Mike Pompeo in 2019, he reiterated the message from President Trump that as far as the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty is concerned: “We have your back.”
The defense establishment in the U.S. is clear about the important role the Philippines plays in helping ensure freedom
AS expected, the nail-biter United States elections created an unexpected outcome. In terms of popular vote, Republican nominee Donald Trump won just over 50 percent of the votes, while his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, won 48 percent. But American elections are not decided by total vote tally, but instead the number of electoral college votes–a relic of the Founding Fathers’ aristocratic predilection. Since almost all states adopt a winner-takes-all approach, a few thousand votes can make all the difference in the world. Nevertheless, Trump’s stunning political comeback can’t be overstated. He is not only the first Republican candidate to win the popular vote in two decades, he also swept all seven battleground states after making huge inroads among minority groups, most especially Latino and African American male voters. And yes, it seems that Filipino Americans, including some of my relatives, played a key role in swing states, such as Nevada. And not to mention, the likely Republican Trifecta following the ”Red Wave” across congressional and Senate races. Against the backdrop of a conservative Supreme Court, including three Trump appointees, what we may be facing is a ”Make America Great Again (MAGA) Quad” with immense repercussions for America’s political system and relationship with the world. So, the question, dear reader, is this: What went wrong for the Democrats? And what are the lessons for other besieged democracies like the Philippines? To be fair, one could make
the argument that the 11th hour reshuffle in the Democratic lineup was self-defeating. The Trump campaign team had sufficient time to adjust to Kamala Harris’ late entry to the race, but she also lacked sufficient time to carve her own unique identity. And had Joseph Biden given way earlier this year or even last year, the Democratic Party would have been in a better position to run a proper primary to elect its most competitive candidate.
In an era of ”anti-incumbency” elections amid cost-of-living crises across the West, Harris’ refusal to break with Biden on contentious issues such as the economy, immigration, and the Gaza conflict sealed the deal. And clearly, her prosecutor background may have alienated certain demographic constituencies, most especially African-American male voters. But one could also make the argument that had former president Barack Obama
and American troops continue? Will the deal for the temporary stay of Afghan refugees in the Philippines proceed as planned? Will the Typhon missile system deployed by the U.S. military to northern Luzon stay there?
While these queries remain unanswered, it’s imperative that the Philippines err on the side of prudence and look outward, building coalitions with like-minded allies like Japan and Australia, as well as its Southeast Asian neighbors.
The Philippines is no stranger to a Trump presidency, but more than familiarity, it needs caution and discernment in dealing with the loose cannon that Trump is perceived to be. Manila cannot afford to put blind faith in the promises of diplomats and officials—it must fortify alliances that can outlast the whims of any one leader, be it an American or a Filipino. (Inquirer.net)
of navigation in the South China Sea, where trillions of dollars in maritime trade pass through annually. Certainly, no nation would want to see one country taking control of that vital global artery, and many of our ASEAN neighbors agree that the presence of the United States in Asia Pacific is important.
Let’s not forget, the Trump administration’s Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy recognized the strategic significance of the Philippines, with no less than President Trump himself remarking that it was important for the U.S. to remain allied with the Philippines, which he described as the most valuable prime piece of real estate because of its geographic location.
We were pleased President Bongbong Marcos’ post on X was one of the first – the seventh head of state, to be exact – to congratulate President Trump on winning the U.S. presidential election. The Trump campaign took note of it, and sent word they were thankful to President Marcos for his message.
I consider it fortunate as
well that I have been here in Washington as Philippine Ambassador to the United States since 2017 during the first presidency of Donald J. Trump, giving me the opportunity to interact and network with friends and officials who worked with the president-elect at the White House. In fact, I met with them the other week and was told a number of them will likely join again the incoming administration of President Trump. No doubt the 2024 election results will usher in a new day for America. But as I have said on many occasions, I am confident that our friendship with the United States will remain strong because of our shared values and the enduring people-to-people ties that have always been the bedrock of our relationship. (Philstar.com)
*
* * 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.
* * *
Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com
supported Biden back in the 2016 elections, a Trump scenario could have been prevented altogether. After all, Biden won more than 81 million votes in 2020, with a strong performance among white working-class voters in swing states. One could imagine how a more vigorous Biden—a ”white man” with a folksy touch—could have performed back in 2016. The reality, however, is that something even more fundamental is at play here. In the words of renowned political scientist Francis Fukuyama, this year’s elections represented nothing less than a ”decisive” rejection by American voters of liberalism and the particular way that the understanding of a “free society” has evolved since the 1980s. The MAGA victory this year has exposed the inherent weakness of contemporary liberalism: both neo-liberalism free market economics–and identity-based liberalism—
”woke” culture—have alienated sufficient number of voters to enable Trump’s stunning political comeback.
Across democracies, from Argentina to Germany, ”antisystem” candidates have made tremendous inroads. From Silvio Berlusconi in Italy to the Thaksins in Thailand, populists have repeatedly pulled off political comebacks against all odds by aptly exploiting the weaknesses of liberal-centrist rivals. In the Philippines, the Dutertes have been the ultimate manifestation of the enduring appeal of rightwing populism based on the toxic cocktail of fear, grievance, and theatrics. Thanks to a distinct combination of hubris and avarice, former president Rodrigo Duterte has ended up severely weakening his dynasty’s political base by triggering a losing fight with the Marcoses ahead of next
year’s elections. But should the notorious dynasty politically survive the coming year or two, they will be in a strong position to plot their comeback to power in President Marcos’ lame duck years. Liberal-centrist forces in this country will have to step up their game, abandon vacuous and supine sloganeering, avoid anodyne ”pa-cute” candidates, and establish a robust counter-populist coalition with progressives lest they join the ash heap of history. As for Mr. Marcos, he will have to pin down his bête noire for good— or face the music of demagogic vengeance one he steps down from office. (Inquirer.net)
* * * 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.
* * * rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph
BaBe Romualdez
Babe’s Eye View
RichaRd heydaRian
Filipino American organizers react...
certain energy and fire behind
MAGA Republicans, but I think it’s less to do with that and more to do with the Democrats not keeping up with their base—and not appealing to the more progressive, left-wing community,” Santos told the Asian Journal on Nov. 7.
As an organizer for leftist, progressive causes, Santos did not campaign for either Harris or Trump, noting that neither party “truly has the working class in mind—especially not the Democrats.”
“There are a lot of young Filipino Americans, even within DSA, whom I’ve spoken to that understand that our community is embedded within the workers rights movements in our country’s history,” Santos said.
She added, “By boasting endorsements from conservatives like Dick Cheney—who is largely responsible for the deaths of many of our troops as well as civilians in other countries— she really alienated a key part of the Democratic base, much of which is furthering left, or divesting from the Democratic Party entirely.”
However, Ramoso said that the lower voter turnout in this presidential election compared to the 2020 presidential election was a crucial factor in the outcome. According to the current vote count, 142.5 million registered voters participated in the 2024 election, a 12.7 million drop from 2020’s overall turnout, which was 155.2 million.
“People did not come out to vote, and that is a big reason why things are different this time,” Ramoso shared, adding that the Harris campaign “did the best they could.”
Santos shared that she saw “major flaws” in both major candidates and that Trump’s second election win was a wake-up call of sorts for liberal Americans.
“I think this will create a monumental shift in our country, especially among Democrats. Already those who have historically voted blue see that the obsolete and outof-touch way that business has been operating within [the Democratic Party] really doesn’t work anymore,” Santos said, noting the number of progressive candidates that have won elections in the past decade.
Ramoso said that although many Filipinos who campaigned
for FAFHW felt dejected in the aftermath of Election Day, she acknowledged the power that Filipinos have when they mobilize and organize.
As reported in the Asian Journal, Filipino candidates won several major races across all levels of government, including Christopher Cabaldon, the first Filipino elected to the California State Senate, and Jessica Caloza, the first Filipina American elected to the California State Assembly.
“So now we have, in both houses [of the California Legislature], two Filipinos which is history!” Ramoso said. “It shows that although it wasn’t the vice president’s time, it’s our community’s time.” n
China Coast Guard harasses...
PAGE 5
asset in the West Philippine Sea.
BRP Teresa Magbanua arrived in Puerto Princesa port on Sept. 15, arriving with four dehydrated crew who subsisted on rice porridge and rainwater weeks prior as CCG managed to thwart the arrival of their supplies.
This move comes as Chinese state publication Global Times once claimed that BRP Teresa
Magbanua is “semi-grounded” in Escoda Shoal, similar to what it said the country did with the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded navy warship at the shoal’s adjacent Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal.
In 2012, Manila and Beijing also had a tense standoff over the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, with the former withdrawing its ships from the shoal which led to the latter having effective control of its lagoon to date.
A year later, Manila lodged an arbitration case against Beijing after this standoff, which led to a historic 2016 arbitral award that effectively rejected the latter’s sweeping claims in the West Philippine Sea. Experts fear that the Escoda incident could be a repeat of the 2012 incident in Panatag Shoal, but PCG dismissed such misgivings, citing the different geography of two features, among others. n
They are now facing aggravated assault charges.
Migrante New Jersey has called for justice for the two nursing assistants, highlighting what it described as racial bias in the workplace.
On their website, the group claims Esperanza and Francisco have been arrested and charged “despite acting in self-defense.”
“The patient has a recent history of aggressive behavior. Dhenmark, who was already injured from another work-related incident that week, was assigned to this patient,” the group said.
“The patient became aggressive and threw furniture at Dhenmark in a fit of anger when he tried to uphold the facility policy about smoking.”
The group said Francisco could not implement the standard protocol to restrain the patient due to his injured hand, so Esperanza stepped in to assist him.
“Dhenmark and Jovi are assigned the most difficult jobs at Crystal Lake as temporary workers. As Filipino immigrants, they are just trying to make a living but instead face anti-immigrant and racial discrimination in the workplace,” the group said.
“They are now also being discriminated against by the racist criminal justice system and prosecutor of Ocean County, New Jersey, who are punishing them for defending themselves against physical attacks and doing their jobs. They are being described as ‘violent offenders’ when they were trying to defend themselves during a violent incident in their workplace.”
Esperanza and Francisco were granted temporary release from Ocean County Jail.
Community support Migrante New Jersey has launched a campaign calling for the nursing assistants’ release and exoneration.
The organization has mobilized support through fundraising to help cover the nursing assistants’ legal expenses.
“It has been difficult to acquire a pro bono lawyer in New Jersey given the high level of need for legal representation for immigrants without status,” the group said.
In addition, Filipino human rights movement Malaya NJ has also launched their own fundraising efforts for the nursing aides’ legal defense fund. n
However, upon their release, the nursing aides were immediately detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “and are now being shuffled between different facilities across various states,” added Migrante New Jersey. The Oct. 24 court hearing was postponed as requested by the state attorney, citing the need to interview the patient.
Meet the Yankees’ Fil-Am player...
It was a dream-come-true for Volpe, who adored the New York Yankees as a child.
Born in Manhattan to an Italian father and a Filipina mother, he had been an 8-year-old at the 2009 World Series parade, taking a peek at players like Alex Rodriguez and his idol, Derek Jeter.
His Filipina mother, Isabelle Volpe, described witnessing his son fulfill his childhood dream as “so surreal.”
“We cheered for the Yankees before he was born.
This whole thing is a trip. Us taking him to all those events, spending money to meet [Derek] Jeter when he was eight years old, and he wouldn’t even go up to him because he was too shy. Now he’s out there doing it,” Isabelle, an anesthesiologist who was born and raised in the Philippines, told the New York Post
Volpe has been proud of his childhood connection with the team, captioning an Instagram post, “Born a Yankee fan. Raised a Yankee fan.”
Following the grand slam, the 24-year-old shortstop, who debuted with the Yankees in 2023, reflected on his full-circle moment.
With his usual shy demeanor, he told CBS News, “I was hustling. I didn’t know I got it. And then I blacked out.”
The Yankees ended up losing to the Dodgers, which held on for a 7-6 victory in Game 5 and
wrapped up their eighth championship, but Volpe made his mark in World Series history. Volpe will continue to inspire fans with what his former high school coach Bruce Shatel described as the Fil-Am’s ”tremendous work ethic” and passionate leadership on the field.
Anthony Volpe Photo from Instagram/Anthonyvolpe
Dhenmark Francisco and Jovi Esperanza Photo from migrantenewjersey/Instagram
Marc Ang, a conservative political organizer, poses before a rally for Trump in Arizona.
Filipino American supporters of President Donald Trump gather during a rally ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Photos courtesy of Marc Ang
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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS
NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9021475
Sharetea Mira Misa located at 9827 Mira Misa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92131. Registrant: H & T Investment Group LLC, 8491 Lower Scarborought, San Diego, CA 92127. This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/24/2024. Signature: Tom Ta. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/25/2024. AJ 1555 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, and 12/06/2024. AJSD 1555
Elegance Hair Boutique located at 3030 Plaza Bonita Road Unit 1336 Ste 114, National City, CA 91950.
Registrant: Maria Elena Camarena Fierro, 1915 Avenida Del Mexico Unit 261, San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by An Individual.
REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/07/2024.
Signature: Maria Elena Camarena Fierro. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/29/2024. AJ 1545 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, and 11/22/2024. AJSD 1545
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9020521
P E C Services located at 1436 E 16th St, National City, CA 91950. Registrant: Celedonio Espinoza Polanco, 456 J Street, Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/10/2024. Signature: Celedonio Espinoza Polanco. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/10/2024. AJ 1551 11/01, 11/08, 11/15, and 11/22/2024. AJSD 1551
FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9021312
Solecito Childcare located at 4336 Mayberry St, San Diego, CA 92113. Registrant: Yadira Salazar, 4336 Mayberry St, San Diego, CA 92113. This business is conducted by An Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.
Signature: Yadira Salazar. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 10/23/2024. AJ 1556 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, and 12/06/2024. AJSD 1556
SAN DIEGO
Pechanga Resort Casino the only US resort/casino on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Poll
TEMECULA – With the polls closed and votes tallied,
Pechanga Resort Casino outside of Temecula, California came away the clear winner among resort-casinos in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Poll.
Pechanga Resort Casino was the only one of its kind in the entire United States to have been ranked in the prestigious publication’s 2024 poll for the Best Resorts. In the U.S., 169 resorts across 13 regions made it onto Condé Nast Traveler’s sought after list. Pechanga ranked among the top in the Southern California region.
Condé Nast asked its readers online to rate their favorites among the travel industry –resorts, airlines, ski resorts, spas and more. Across the world, 443 resorts ranked in the Best Resorts category of the admired travel publication.
Pechanga Resort Casino, owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Mission Indians, ranked on the list of the 169 resorts rated with in the U.S., and more specifically, in Southern California. No casino-resorts in other established gaming areas or California ranked on the resorts list.
“We are beyond grateful to all of our amazing and loyal guests who voted for Pechanga Resort Casino in this celebrated readers’ poll,” said Ken Perez, president of Pechanga Development Corporation.
“Making the list with some of the most prestigious properties in the country is truly and honor and a testament to our wonderful team members at Pechanga and the vision of our Tribe.”
Visitors come to Pechanga Resort Casino from across Southern California, but also from around the world to experience elevated resort/ casino excitement. Guests from Korea, China, Europe, South and Central America plus many other regions of the United States have chosen Pechanga Resort Casino as a destination resort in the last year.
“Pechanga Resort Casino’s singular ranking speaks to the supreme level the Pechanga Tribe sets their hospitality bar,” said Scott A. Wilson, CEO of Visit Temecula Valley. “Every time you set foot inside the expansive resort, it’s incredibly clean and the team members can’t wait to be helpful. We’re fortunate to have Pechanga as a
destination within the Temecula Valley. Their ranking will further the region’s tourism efforts.”
Temecula Creek Inn, a Pechanga portfolio property, also ranked among the top Southern California choices in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Hotels category.
Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort & Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay.
Offering 5,500 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination unmatched in California. Pechanga Resort Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on X @PechangaCasino. (Advertising Supplement)
Piolo Pascual shares fatherhood lessons from ‘Pamilya Sagrado’
by charMie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com
ESSAYING the role of President Rafael in the ABS-CBN’s family drama “Pamilya Sagrado” has posed some challenges for Piolo Pascual but he nevertheless gleaned some valuable lessons from his character and the series.
“(It was a challenge) playing the president, playing the father of these two kids (Grae Fernandez as Justin and Kyle Echarri as Moises).
And playing alongside the greats (actors), Tirso Cruz III, John Arcilla, and of course, watching them, Shaina (Magdayao), Aiko (Melendez), they brought so much passion in their work. Ang sarap ‘pag kasama ka dun,” he said at a presscon. “So yun lang yung nakaka-challenge every time to come to the set and you have to prepare for scenes.”
He added that he was able to learn a lot from the show and was also able to apply it to real life.
“Being a father, being a person, being a human being, (and) being a son. I guess dedication to the craft, and being willing to learn and be told what to do. I guess, the attitude is important.”
He further cited the younger actors that he was able to collaborate with in the series and shared how they got close while filming.
“It’s very refreshing,” he offered.
“’Cause you know growing up, you look up to the senior actors and now you’re working with the younger ones.”
He was amazed by their commitment and their professionalism, he mentioned.
“Because it’s difficult to work with some na malaki
ulo or may attitude. And I must (say) with these two, wala akong
naramdaman na ganung ere.”
“They’re always willing to learn, to grow and just to commit, so masaya. It was a good set to
be in kasi nag-enjoy kami lahat sa process,” he continued. Piolo and the other members of the cast have also developed a special bond among them. He recalled having a small get together with “Pamilya Sagrado” friends, like visiting Mylene Dizon in Sta. Rosa and holding a reunion gathering with Kyle, Shaina, Joel Torre, among others.
“We are that close. This is the show na talaga tapos na yung show, we are still friends. We have a group chat and we see each other constantly. Ma-mi-miss mo katrabaho. You will miss your work kasi iba talaga yung binibigay nila. I’ve known Mylene for so long and we became close (through the show).” “Pamilya Sagrado” is now down to its last few episodes. The finale of the series will air on Nov. 15 at 9:30 p.m. on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, Kapamilya Online Live, and TFC. The latest episodes can be enjoyed on-demand for up to 21 days after they are first streamed on Kapamilya Online Live on YouTube. The series also streams
Korina Sanchez to tackle ‘Face to Face’ through journalist’s lens
by Jessica ann evangelista Inquirer.net
AWARD -winning broadcast journalist Korina Sanchez is eager to add a fresh and journalistic edge to the tabloid talk show “Face to Face” after she was recently announced as the new host of the program.
During a media conference and special screening of the show’s pilot episode on Monday, Nov. 11, Sanchez emphasized that the format of the show hasn’t changed as they still intend to delve into real-life issues, yet she is now inclined to add a more journalistic touch to it.
“The purpose of “Face to Face” from before until today has not changed, that is, to show the real life, the daily life of ordinary Filipinos. Because fighting really happens, there are serious ones, there are hidden ones. The goal of our program is to find a solution that we can also learn from. We don’t just gossip about the lives of other people,” she said.
Sanchez is the first woman coming from a journalism background to assume the “Face to Face” hosting mantle.
“Because my background is also a little different from Amy Perez, Gelli de Belen, and Karla Estrada, I have a slightly different shape because my background is journalism. As for the journalist’s style, I do a lot of research on each case study. What I want people to learn is information, statistics, and science; I have something like this that contributes to our discussion,” she added.
The veteran journalist shared that people initially questioned her decision to
accept the job considering she was known to lean into a more serious or sometimes “upper-class” tone. She said some were concerned that she might lose her “branding,” but the award-winning anchorhost said her brand was for the “masa” ( masses ). She said one of the reasons why she accepted the hosting job was because she has never before dipped her toes into this kind of program format.
“It’s a challenge. I want to inject my own brand into the format. ‘Korina, do you know they are fighting sometimes they are pulling each other’s hair,’ We actually saw something like that; I was shocked but the challenge is how do you arrive at a resolution that they can agree on and at the same time how do you become a national referee,” she said.
“They keep asking me what
about your brand; I never thought about my brand, I just go and go. My brand is the people; to be close to them, even if Rated K was still alive. My forte is really real-life stories,” she further said.
Given that the show is known for the “chaotic” situations that take place on air, Sanchez stressed that it only goes to show that it “mirrors true poverty” in the Philippines.
“I say, this is a reflection of human poverty. When people are so poor, they will really brawl on live TV because their emotions are very raw. This mirrors true poverty in this country. That’s what happens—the lack of knowledge, what the local government can provide, they don’t know. Many things can be learned. And I think this is a great vehicle for people to learn how to resolve problems,” she said.
48 hours before its TV broadcast on iWantTFC. The show is also available to viewers in and out of the Philippines on iWantTFC, while viewers outside of the Philippines can watch on The Filipino Channel on cable and IPTV.
The viewers can watch out for “very explosive revelations and a lot of touching and moving scenes,” Piolo teased. He even sobbed while watching the remaining episodes.
“I cried at my own scenes,” he shared. “Because it’s that heavy, intense yung mga nangyayaring revelations. And of course, when you found (out that) he’s my son (Moises) and then he confronted (me) and then I’m estranged with my real son. Of course, they’re both my sons.”
“It’s tough, you’re on the run, you’re a fugitive, and then you have to deal with these things and it was a difficult journey. So, it needs to have a great ending. And asahan ng mga tao na mapapasaya naman sila sa ending because even my mom would tell me, ‘Son, ang bigat bigat naman ng show mo.’”
Pechanga Resort Casino Resort & Casino Towers with The Cove pool oasis in foreground.
Photo courtesy of Pechanga Resort Casino
Of 169 resorts rated, Pechanga Resort Casino is the only casino on the list
Korina Sanchez at the media conference and special screening of “Face to Face” pilot episode. Inquirer.net phobot by Jessica Ann Evangelista
Piolo Pascual during a mediacon for ABS-CBN’s family drama ‘Pamilya Sagrado.’ Philstar.com photo
A HALL of Fame awardee in journalism, Chino Hansel Philyang is an author of 18 books who started in the radio industry at age 16. Armed with a degree in broadcast communication and mass communication, he took his cultural upbringing and strong ideas to carve a path out of his own in the visual world. His childhood, spent primarily with his grandparents and cousins in Hawaii, was filled with care and generosity, both strengths of character that involve giving to others.
His children’s book series, Zeno, named after his male cat, is developed to help kids learn valuable life skills. Fun,
For journalist Chino Hansel Philyang, kindness matters
pint-size characters in comedic, coloring books easy enough for young readers, yet witty enough for adults. It is geared for children ages 3 to 11. Perfect for boys, girls, young readers, students in primary school, or toddlers. Excellent resource for counselors, parents, and teachers alike. We all sometimes have lonesome days but don’t fret –whether we are kids or adults. The “ZENO: Book 1 – The Silver Lining and the Komodo Dragon,” for example, gives helpful advice on how to turn a bad or negative emotion into a good one just by taking the time to look for the things in life that we are grateful for. Sound advice for all ages in a cute kid-friendly package.
A former VJ of Channel V Malaysia and Indonesia, Chino is now with the Asian TV Heritage Nexus Broadcast which was created to establish a foothold and deepen comprehension of Asia, proudly aligning itself with respected World Media Organizations and extending its presence across the UK, the U.S., and the Middle East as well as Global Asia Insider-International, the world’s 1st continental digital broadcast, with footprints in Asia, UK, the U.S., and the Caribbean Islands. He has built a network with international reporters from respected outlets like Fox News and BBC London. His role as managing editor of a magazine, which includes ten digital
County, Prebys Foundation join forces to help local artists, support art and culture sustainability
A NEW partnership will dramatically boost funding opportunities for local artists.
The San Diego County Arts and Culture Commission and Office of Economic Development & Government Affairs in partnership with the Prebys Foundation are announcing a new matching grant program to boost funding for local arts and cultural projects.
Starting Dec.1 and until Jan. 31, 2025, organizations applying for County Community Enhancement grants can receive dollarfor-dollar matching funds from the Prebys Foundation when hiring artists or cultural practitioners for their projects.
The foundation will provide $250,000 in matching funds for the $250,0000 available through the county’s Community Enhancement grants for a total of $500,000.
Grant amounts to organizations will range from $2,500 to $5,000 and could be put toward murals, public art pieces for buildings, dance performances and more. When matched, the partnership will fund projects of $5,000 to $10,000.
“This program effectively doubles the impact of arts funding in our community,” said County Director of Economic Development & Government Affairs Matthew Parr. “This partnership with the Prebys Foundation will really make a difference to artists and people who enjoy different forms of art and cultural events.”
“Envisioning our county as a dynamic hub of arts and culture, we are excited to
magazines and newspapers, is not merely a job for it is “a lifeline, a way to channel experiences into something meaningful.”
Chino studied at the University of British Columbia Canada. He also pursued international law in UCLouvain in Bruxelles, Belgium and completed a special course at Harvard University. His insights have been shared in law constitution sessions at Ateneo de Manila University, where he hoped to leave a mark, but he has struggled with the lingering question of whether he truly belongs in such esteemed circles not to mention his link with international ambassadors.
He has quietly dedicated himself to helping young people secure scholarships, particularly for out-of-school youth and those with disabilities. Giving more of one’s self to others can help one feel better and improve one’s inner harmony. It can also help one to understand what one shares with others, and break down barriers between people. This work, done in silence and without the desire for recognition, has brought him a flicker of hope, reminding him that even in one’s darkest moments, he can still make a difference. As Mother Teresa once said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
* * * Philippine First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos had a recent luncheon at the Goldenberg Mansion, San Miguel, Manila in honor of Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (where I was a contributing writer for the Gulf News newspaper and the Emirates In-flight Magazine).
* * * The fight for love, family, and country is about to get more heart pounding as Sanya Lopez captivates audiences with her powerful portrayal of Teresita Borromeo in the historical
City
drama series “Pulang Araw.” The gripping moments in which Teresita hears the cries of fellow Filipinos show not only her character’s dilemma but also the sacrifice that the program aims to show.
“Pulang Araw” is more than just a historical drama; it is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the Philippines, shedding light on the enduring spirit of families who faced the horrors of war. Sanya’s performance is indeed a powerful reminder of the struggles endured by many Filipinos, bringing depth and authenticity to the series. Catch it Mondays to Fridays at 8 p.m. on GMA Prime, Kapuso Stream, and GTV. Global Pinoys can also catch it via GMA Pinoy TV. Viewers can also stream it on Netflix Philippines.
* * * Multi-awarded public school
teacher Pilar B. De Mesa has been using her retirement days, travelling the world with some teaching colleagues, also retirees in government service. She had
visited some Asian countries like Japan, South Korea and Vietnam. She stayed in California for two months and will soon visit some European countries.
*
* * The Andrean Alumni Association Board of Directors 2024 met recently at the house of RJ Cruz in Paranaque City’s Tahanan Village to discuss preparations for the annual alumni homecoming at Saint Andrew’s School. Famous alumni of this private Catholic parochial school of the Cathedral Parish of St. Andrew managed by the Diocese of Paranaque are Cardinal Chito Tagle and rapper Andrew E.
* * * German Moreno’s That’s Entertainment protege, Sarah Liroe Javier, recently attended a Halloween party at Philstagers Blackbox Theatre and sang a few songs. Also in attendance were singer Jeffrey Hidalgo, FAMAS president Francia Conrado with Christina Aliada, DZRJ’s Raymond Diamzon, PLDT’s
The
was
* * * FAMAS treasurer Christina Aliada was seen recently with “Idol: the April Boy Regino Story” director Efren Reyes Jr., a Filipino actor known for his roles in action films. Reyes Jr. was first introduced as a child actor in the movie “Eskinita 29” in 1968, then later he became an action star in the 1980s, and then took roles as either a main villain or as a supporting character from 1989 up to the present in Philippine films and TV series.
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
* * * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
of San Diego to begin educating drivers on state ‘daylighting’ law
Enforcement to begin Jan. 1, 2025; law aims to protect pedestrians by limiting parking near intersections
announce matching grants that will enhance the funding for artists across our region,” said Prebys Foundation CEO Grant Oliphant. “This initiative aims to help the County Arts and Culture Commission establish a vision that invests in artists in a sustained and meaningful way. We look forward to the thriving arts scene and strengthened partnerships that will result from this collaboration.”
To apply for funding, organizations can:
• Visit the County’s Community Enhancement Grant portal.
• Check the designated box on your grant application to indicate interest.
• Apply Dec. 1, 2024 through Jan. 31, 2025. Current grant applicants will be automatically reviewed for eligibility.
For questions about the matching program, contact arts@sdcounty.ca.gov.
The San Diego County Arts and Culture Commission supports and sustains the growth and vitality of San Diego County’s diverse arts and culture communities.
Prebys Foundation is the largest independent private foundation in San Diego County, a unique trinational area encompassing communities from San Diego, Tijuana, and the Kumeyaay Nation. The foundation works to create an inclusive, equitable, and dynamic future for all San Diegans. For more information about the Prebys Foundation, visit prebysfdn. org. (County of San Diego Communications Office)
SAN DIEGO – In order to improve safety on our roads, the City of San Diego is educating San Diegans about a new state law that aims to protect people crossing the street. The so-called “daylighting” law prohibits vehicle parking within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk to improve the range of vision of approaching drivers, so they are more likely to see pedestrians, skateboarders and others in the intersection.
The California state legislature passed this law (AB413) in September 2023, and it will be enforceable beginning Jan. 1, 2025. It is important to note that this law allows drivers to be ticketed for violating this rule, even if there is no signage or red curb in the area explaining where parking is prohibited.
For the first 60 days after Jan. 1, 2025, San Diego Police will issue warning notices to vehicles parked in violation of the new law, and ticketing will commence after the warning period concludes.
“This is an important step toward improving safety on our city streets,” said Transportation Department Director Bethany Bezak. “Working together, we can prevent needless crashes and save lives, simply by changing how and where we park our vehicles. This new law will bring us closer to our Vision Zero goals, and a future where everyone in San Diego may safely walk and ride.”
Vision Zero, a concept adopted by many cities worldwide, aims to eliminate trafficrelated fatalities and severe injuries for all road users.
Studies have shown that if drivers have greater visibility at crosswalks, crashes involving pedestrians can be more easily avoided. The law prohibits stopping or parking a vehicle within 20 feet of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. This applies across the state and every applicable intersection in the City of San Diego, whether in an urban or suburban area, residential and commercial neighborhoods alike.
“San Diego’s neighborhoods will greatly benefit from the Daylighting to Save Lives Bill, as it removes obstacles around crosswalks, making it easier for everyone to walk to local shops, schools and parks,” said Jeremy Bloom, acting CEO of Circulate San Diego. “This law aligns with our city’s goals for connected, walkable communities.”
and Minister of State Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina
Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle and Rogelio Medina
FAMAS member Cristina Aliada with directoractor Efren Reyes Jr.
Chino Hansel Philyang’s works
Retired teacher Pilar de Mesa in (clockwise, from bottom left) Vietnam, Japan, Korea and California (U.S.).
Chino Hansel Philyang
Sanya Lopez
Sarah Liroe Javier (4th from left) with director Vince Tanada (2nd from left) and other friends enjoying the night.
From left: Rogelio Medina, Raymond Gerard de Leon, RJ Cruz, Opee Bernardo, John Carabeo, Eman Mapada and Alvin Tarrosa at Tahanan Village in Sucat, Parañaque discussing preparations for the 2024 SAS alumni homecoming.
Chris Lim, young performers
Pia Caduyac and Reign Lanz, photographer Wilson Fernandez, and writers Robert Manuguid Silverio and Ymman Jake Biaco.
show
hosted by OJ Ar Ci and director Vince Tanada.
San Diegans invited to join the conversation during second phase of Trash Study outreach
‘Safe Streets for All’ program launches interactive website and online survey
SAN DIEGO
– As the City of San Diego enters the second phase of community listening sessions for enhanced trash collection services and potential new fees, San Diegans are once again invited to participate in the process. During Phase 2 of the Trash Study outreach for residential customers serviced by the city’s Environmental Services Department (ESD), the city will host meetings in each Council District, which started Nov. 12, to share what has been learned so far and to gather additional feedback.
The city’s robust Trash Study community engagement kicked off in August 2024 with a series of open house meetings designed to gather diverse perspectives and build an understanding of preferences. Community members living in residential properties currently serviced by ESD were invited to learn about the history of waste management in San Diego, find out how services are presently funded, and to share their thoughts and views about the services they currently receive.
In Phase 1, the city heard from more than 6,000 residents through events, surveys and monthly meetings with leaders from several communitybased organizations. The city also completed much of the financial work that will inform recommendations to the City Council.
“We are very pleased with both the quantity and quality of what we’ve learned so far,” said Andrea Deleon, deputy director, Environmental Services Department. “We heard from thousands of people about the current services they receive and what enhanced services they would be interested in. Several themes came up again and again as priorities, including bulky item pickup, increased recycling collection and replacement of broken bins at no additional charge. This kind of insight is invaluable as we move forward with this firstever, historic opportunity to engage with San Diegans about waste management.”
Another key takeaway from
Phase 1 engagement is the desire for ongoing education and outreach for how to properly dispose of trash, recyclables and organic waste. These insights will be considered as the city moves toward Phase 3 (another round of meetings and the completion of an extensive Cost-of-Service Study) in spring 2025, leading up to the City Council considering a proposed fee schedule in June 2025.
Phase 2 meetings will consist of a brief overview to include priorities expressed by residents and a comparison of trash and recycling services and charges in nearby cities. An open house will follow, during which participants can review the data, ask questions and provide feedback. Spanish speakers will be on site to provide translation at each meeting. Requests for other language translation services can be made in advance.
A virtual meeting, in English and Spanish, will be offered on Dec. 6. In addition, community members are invited to take a second questionnaire that builds on an earlier version to help the city better understand their views about trash, recycling and organic waste collection services. Residents who prefer more formal presentations of study information can attend meetings of Community Planning Groups and Town Councils where the Trash Study is on the agenda. The city also continues to host tables at farmers markets and other community events. A complete schedule is available at cleangreensd.org.
The city’s Trash Study comes as a result of the passage of Measure B in 2022, amending the “People’s Ordinance” to allow the city to charge a costrecovery fee for trash and recycling collection services. Such a fee would apply to approximately 285,000 residential properties currently serviced by the city. This includes single-family homes and residential complexes of four or fewer units that meet city requirements for city-provided trash and recycling collection. Currently, these properties
do not directly pay for trash and recycling collection, while residents in apartment complexes and those with homeowner associations, for example, do pay private waste collection companies for these services.
For more information about the Trash Study, visit cleangreensd.org.
Phase 2 open house meeting schedule:
• Council District 2: Nov. 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Cathy Hopper Friendship Center at the North Clairemont Recreation Center, 4425 Bannock Ave., San Diego, CA 92117
• Council District 7: Nov. 19, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Tierrasanta Recreation Center, 11220 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego, CA 92117
• Council District 3: Nov. 20, 4 to 5:30 p.m., San Diego Central Library @ Joan Irwin Jacobs Common, 330 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
• Council District 5: Nov. 25, 5:30 to 7 p.m., San Diego Oasis at Rancho Bernardo, 17170 Bernardo Center Drive, San Diego, CA 92128
• Council District 8: Nov. 26, 5:30 to 7 p.m., San Ysidro Library, 4235 Beyer Blvd., San Diego, CA 92173
• Council District 9: Dec. 2, 5:30 to 7 p.m., College-Rolando Library, 660 Montezuma Road, San Diego, CA 92113
• Council District 4: Dec. 3, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Educational Cultural Complex Upstairs Lobby, 4343 Ocean View Blvd., San Diego, CA 92113
• Citywide: Dec. 6, 10 to 11 a.m., online via zoom. Visit cleangreensd.org to register.
• Council District 1: Dec. 10, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Pacific Beach/ Taylor Library, 4275 Cass St., San Diego, CA 92109. The Environmental Services Department (ESD) ensures that City of San Diego residents have a clean and safe environment. The department pursues waste management strategies that emphasize waste reduction; recycling and composting; and environmentally sound landfill management. (City of San Diego Release)
‘To
See A Landscape As It Is’ group exhibit to be shown at Silverlens Manila
IN 2014, the Santos family — husband and wife, Soler and Mona, and their three children, Luis Antonio, Carina, and Isabel — showed their work collectively at Silverlens, in their previous site, along the same road. At this point, Soler and Mona had been working on their practice for decades, while their children were newly exploring their own expressions, coming from studies and professions decidedly removed from the fine art background they grew up around.
In “Gathered Narratives,” both Soler and Mona created large scale paintings drawing from nature, with Soler refiguring flora and detritus into geometric abstractions and Mona recreating the same chiaroscuro effect of her carefully painted flowers in the still life of a bed and rest.
Luis Antonio’s photorealistic oil paintings of skulls were at the forefront of his artistic practice at this time, but the inclusion of galvanized iron sheets (painted in perfect precision) and photographic impressions on non-traditional materials are early indications of where his interests are currently and have continued to move towards. At this time, Carina’s work was less painterly, only working with found materials, mixed media, and personal ephemera to reference references. Isabel began developing her visual language, populating this personal alphabet with distinct imagery and text that she still employs in her work today.
Ten years later, the Santoses are returning to Silverlens for their only group exhibit since then, occupying the entirety of Silverlens’ new site, with new work that encompasses all their current practices, a catalogue of their individual progressions in the last decade.
“To See A Landscape As It Is” provides a view of the five artists’ different trajectories — with 2014’s “Gathered Narratives” as the last save point — and the ways in which these particular oscillations between mediums and genres provide markedly different expressions which are often expansions of their initial curiosities.
The five artists’ work move in different directions, engaging with one another, in less visible ways, as most communication between families goes, creating a singular language that eludes
complete comprehension.
“To See A Landscape As It Is,” curated by Nilo Ilarde, will be on view from November 21 through December 21, 2024 at Silverlens Manila. n
