152224 - Southern California Midweek Edition

OFFICIALS from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of National Defense (DND) on Monday, May 20 told members of the House of Representatives they were not aware of the purported "gentleman's agreement" between former President Rodrigo Duterte and China concerning the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

DFA Assistant Secretary Aileen Mendiola-Rau said the department "has no record of a gentleman's agreement. ..with regard to Ayungin Shoal" and reiterated that "the Philippines has not entered into any agreement abandoning its sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf including on the Ayungin Shoal."

Defense Undersecretary Ignacio Madriaga said the DND is "not privy to any gentleman's agreement with China" and has no record "detailing or potentially showing the contours of a deal."

The Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) diaspora has spread across the United States but one county stands out as a hub for these vibrant communities: Los Angeles.

A mosaic of AAPI communities, Los Angeles County is a melting pot of cultures.

The term “Asian American,” coined by Chinese, Japanese and Filipino American activists in the late 1960s, was first perceived as a political identity.

Today, it is attributed to ethnic groups tracing their roots to Southeast, East, Central and South Asia. These communities and their contributions are recognized in the U.S. this May during Asian American, Native Hawaiian and

MANILA - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, May 21 extended his support to Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, who has taken over the post as the country's new Senate President.

Escudero replaced Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri, who resigned from the position over his supposed failure to follow instructions from "powerful" blocs in the Senate.

"I extend my support to the new Senate President, Chiz Escudero. His legislative record and commitment to public service have distinguished him as a dedicated leader," Marcos said in a statement posted on his social media.

"Senator Chiz steps into this role following the commendable tenure of Senator Migz Zuburi, and I am confident that under his

Mendiola-Rau and Madriaga were among the resource persons who gave testimony during the joint hearing of the Committee on National Defense and Security and the Special Committee on the West Philippine Sea.

National Security Council Deputy Director General Nestor Herico said National Security Adviser Eduardo Año "will not support any such agreement that will compromise the" country's national security and interest.

Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant, said the PCG "has no knowledge" of the gentleman's agreement, adding that "it won't matter to us because the Philippine Coast Guard will only follow the directive being issued to us" by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The president himself has denied knowledge of the agreement but made it clear that he will rescind it if it exists.

Joel Garcia, a former PCG officer in charge and

MANILA — Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero is the new Senate president, replacing Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri.

No one objected on the Senate floor on Monday, May 20 when Senator Alan Peter Cayetano nominated Escudero to be the next Senate president. Escudero, accompanied by his actress wife

leadership, the Senate will continue to prioritize transformative laws to achieve our shared vision for a Bagong Pilipinas," he added. 

Heart Evangelista, immediately took his oath administered by Senator Mark Villar. In his speech, the new Senate chief was all praises for his predecessor.

“Nais kong pasalamatan si Senate President Zubiri sa kanyang talino, sa kanyang galing, sa kanyang pasensya, sa kanyang kasipagan, sa kanyang hindi mapagkakailang pagmamahal sa bayan, at gayun din sa institusyong ito, at sa ating mga kababayan,” Escudero said.  PAGE 2

WHEN a doctor in Pasadena, California, reported in October that a hospital patient was exhibiting classic symptoms of dengue fever, such as vomiting, a rash, and bone and joint pain, local disease investigators snapped into action.

The mosquito-borne virus is common in places like Southeast Asia, East Africa, and Latin America, and when Americans contract the disease it is usually while traveling. But in this case, the patient hadn’t left California. Epidemiologists and public health nurses visited 175 households to conduct blood draws and local pest control workers began fumigating the patient’s neighborhood. In the process, they discovered a second infected

MANILA — The Philippine peso touched the 58-per-dollar level for the first time in almost two years during the morning trade on Tuesday, May 21.

As of 9:47 a.m., the local currency’s weakest showing stood at 58 against the greenback.

The last time that the peso was in this territory was on Nov. 10, 2022, when the local unit finished at 58.19 to $1.

Analysts said the 58-level is a critical barrier for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, which had been intervening in the foreign exchange market “in small amounts” recently to soothe any volatility. 

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte continue to enjoy the trust of the majority of adult Filipinos but their ratings declined in March, the latest survey results of OCTA Research show.

In face-to-face interviews held from March 24-27, 2024, with 1,200 male and female respondents ages 18 years and above, 69 percent said they continue to trust Marcos, while 65 percent said they approve of him.

The trust rating, however, was 6 percentage points lower than the 75 percent he obtained during OCTA's December 2023 survey.

"His trust and performance ratings significantly declined by 6 percent — higher than the margin of error of +/-3 percent for national estimates in the first quarter of 2024 compared to his trust and approval ratings in the last quarter of 2023," OCTA said.

Similarly, 68 percent of adult Filipinos continue to trust Duterte, and 64 percent approve of her performance.

However, her trust rating also declined significantly, falling by 9 percentage points from the previous survey period. Her performance  PAGE 4

DFA, DND have no record of...

commandant, said they had no knowledge of any gentleman's agreement between the two presidents.

Earlier this year, Duterte admitted that he had an agreement with China's President Xi Jinping to keep the WPS status quo.

Under their pact, Duterte said there would be no attempt by the Philippines to repair the beached Navy ship Sierra Madre, the country's outpost on Ayungin Shoal.

At the start of the hearing,

House Assistant Majority Leader Jefferson Khonghun, who filed the resolution that sought the

probe, said that any agreement on the West Philippine Sea would have a deep impact on the country's economy, food security and the livelihood of Filipino fishermen.

Iloilo Rep. Raul Tupas said that former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, former defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana, and former national security adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. were invited to the hearing.

Medialdea sent a representative and wrote the joint committee that he has a prior commitment, Tupas said.

Medialdea's representative manifested his willingness to

appear at the hearings on some other date.

Antipolo City Rep. Romeo Acop moved "that those who were invited and did not come here without any valid excuse or providing any valid excuse be issued a show cause order to explain their absence in today's hearing."

Acop's motion was seconded and approved.

House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro called for Duterte to be invited to the inquiry, but Tupas said he would hold Castro's motion in abeyance "subject to the statements that our resource persons will give us." g

Chiz Escudero is new Senate president...

(I want to thank Senate President Zubiri for his wisdom, patience, diligence, and undeniable love for our country, for this institution, and for our countrymen)

“My hats off to you Senate President Zubiri. I salute you, and I hope I will make you proud. You especially among our other colleagues and hopefully you will not leave my side whenever I ask you for guidance. Whenever I ask for help, and whenever I ask for your wisdom,” he added.

Before this, Zubiri announced his resignation, saying he “failed to follow instructions from the powers that be.”

“I fought the good fight. If I have ruffled some feathers in doing so, if I have upset the powers that be, then so be it,” he said in a privilege speech Monday.

“I did not accept the Senate presidency just to let it go down,” Zubiri also said.

In leaving his post, Zubiri promised to continue serving as an independent member of the Senate.

“I leave with my head held high, knowing I did what is right for the Senate and for the nation,” he said.

Speaking to reporters before the session, Zubiri indicated that he lost his post probably “for not following instructions.”

He did not elaborate, even when asked if the ongoing probe into alleged leaked Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency documents had something to do with his removal as Senate’s top leader.

“That includes everything,” Zubiri simply said.

In another interview, he said he was saddened by what happened, noting he did everything to protect the Senate’s autonomy.

“But that’s just how politics is. There’s nothing we can do about it,” he said.

The change in leadership happened Monday after several talks of an ouster plot against Zubiri since heading the Senate in July 2022.

Zubiri dismissed a coup rumor against him, which first floated in March 2023 — or barely a year after

he was elected Senate president. This was supposedly because of the low output of the chamber under his watch and his stand on Charter change (Cha-cha).

Just months after, Zubiri’s allies in the Senate had to openly express their support for his leadership after another talk of an alleged move to remove him in June 2023. Zubiri’s leadership was again confronted with another ouster rumor early this year. This time, however, a colleague – Sen. Imee Marcos –confirmed it.

“Yes, there’s a lot of pressure to change Migz Zubiri,” Marcos said then.

But this move fizzled out after majority of senators signed a statement of support for Zubiri. g

Gov. Newsom boosted Califonia’s public health...

person who hadn’t traveled.

Both patients recovered, and in that neighborhood nearly 65% of the carrier mosquitoes, part of a genus called Aedes, were eradicated within seven days, said Matthew Feaster, an epidemiologist with the Pasadena Public Health Department.

The swift and intensive response was funded largely by a new bucket of money in the state budget for public health and preparedness across California, said Manuel Carmona, Pasadena’s deputy director of public health.

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and facing pleas from public health officials who said they didn’t have enough resources to track and contain the disease, California Gov. Gavin Newsom had agreed to allocate $300 million each year for the state’s chronically underfunded public health system.

Two years after the money started to flow, and facing a $45 billion deficit, the second-term Democratic governor proposes to slash the funding entirely.

“This is a huge step backwards,” said Kat DeBurgh, executive director of the Health Officers Association of California. “We can’t go back to where we were before the

pandemic. That future looks very scary.”

Michelle Gibbons, executive director of the County Health Executives Association of California, said about 900 public health workers have already been hired with the new funding — including some of Pasadena’s disease investigators — positions that are at risk should Newsom prevail.

The governor unveiled his updated budget plan for the 202425 fiscal year on May 10, saying it pained him to push such deep cuts to health and human services but that the state needed to make “difficult decisions” to balance its budget. Unlike the federal government, it cannot operate on a deficit.

Tense budget negotiations are underway between Newsom and the leaders of the state Senate and Assembly, who must reach an agreement on the state’s estimated $288 billion budget by June 15.

“We have a shortfall. We have to be sober about the reality, what our priorities are,” Newsom said after unveiling his suggested cuts.

“This is a program that we wish we could continue to absorb and afford.”

Public health officials lobbied Newsom hard in 2020 and 2021 to get more resources, and secured

additional annual funding of $100 million for the state Department of Public Health and $200 million for the 61 local health departments that form the backbone of California’s public health system.

Now they are fighting to preserve their funding — just as cities and counties had begun using it to bolster California’s public health defenses.

Some of the workers hired with the money are battling homelessness, fighting climate change, or surveying farmworkers to identify their health and social needs, but most are communicable disease specialists such as epidemiologists and public health nurses charged with investigating threats and outbreaks.

Measles infections are breaking out in Davis, San Diego, Humboldt County, and elsewhere. Long Beach declared a public health emergency early this month over an outbreak of tuberculosis, which spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, speaks, or sneezes. Los Angeles public health authorities are investigating a spate of hepatitis A infections among homeless people.

And around the United States, the spread of bird flu from animals to humans is causing widespread PAGE 4

ECO WARRIORS. Young volunteers

at Gateway Mall

Cubao, Quezon City on Monday, May 20. The event presented by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization-Philippines, Gerry Roxas Foundation, Araneta City and J. Amado Araneta Foundation joined the global community’s

to reexamine the relationship with the natural world and help preserve the ecosystems. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

After announcing his resignation, Juan Miguel Zubiri later approached his wife, Audrey (upper photo), and his successor, Senator Francis Escudero. PNA photos by Avito Dalan

The lure of specialty medicine pulls

FOR many patients, seeing a nurse practitioner has become a routine part of primary care, in which these “NPs” often perform the same tasks that patients have relied on doctors for. But NPs in specialty care? That’s not routine, at least not yet. Increasingly, though, nurse practitioners and physician assistants are joining cardiology, dermatology, and other specialty practices, broadening their skills and increasing their income.

This development worries some people who track the health workforce, because current trends suggest primary care, which has counted on nurse practitioners to backstop physician shortages, soon might not be able to rely on them to the same extent.

“They’re succumbing to the same challenges that we have with physicians,” said Atul Grover, executive director of the Research and Action Institute at the Association of American Medical Colleges. The rates NPs can command in a specialty practice “are quite a bit higher” than practice salaries in primary care, he said.

When nurse practitioner programs began to proliferate in the 1970s, “at first it looked great, producing all these nurse practitioners that go to work with primary care physicians,” said Yalda Jabbarpour, director of the American Academy of Family Physicians’ Robert Graham Center for Policy Studies. “But now only 30% are going into primary care.” Jabbarpour was referring to the 2024 primary care scorecard by the Milbank Memorial Fund, which found that from 2016 to 2021 the proportion of nurse practitioners who worked in primary care practices hovered between 32% and 34%, even though their numbers grew rapidly. The proportion of physician assistants, also known as physician associates, in primary care ranged from 27% to 30%, the study found.

Both nurse practitioners and physician assistants are advanced practice clinicians who, in addition to graduate degrees, must complete

distinct education, training, and certification steps. NPs can practice without a doctor’s supervision in more than two dozen states, while PAs have similar independence in only a handful of states.

About 88% of nurse practitioners are certified in an area of primary care, according to the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. But it is difficult to track exactly how many work in primary care or in specialty practices. Unlike physicians, they’re generally not required to be endorsed by a national standard-setting body to practice in specialties like oncology or cardiology, for example. The AANP declined to answer questions about its annual workforce survey or the extent to which primary care NPs are moving toward specialties.

Though data tracking the change is sparse, specialty practices are adding these advanced practice clinicians at almost the same rate as primary care practices, according to frequently cited research published in 2018.

The clearest evidence of the shift: From 2008 to 2016, there was a 22% increase in the number of specialty practices that employed nurse practitioners and physician assistants, according to that study. The increase in the number of primary care practices that employed these professionals was 24%.

Once more, the most recent projections by the Association of American Medical Colleges predict a dearth of at least 20,200 primary care physicians by 2036. There will also be a shortfall of non-primary care specialists, including a deficiency of at least 10,100 surgical physicians and up to 25,000 physicians in other specialties.

When it comes to the actual work performed, the lines between primary and specialty care are often blurred, said Candice Chen, associate professor of health policy and management at George Washington University.

“You might be a nurse practitioner working in a gastroenterology clinic or cardiology clinic, but the scope of what you do is starting to

overlap with primary care,” she said. Nurse practitioners’ salaries vary widely by location, type of facility, and experience. Still, according to data from health care recruiter AMN Healthcare Physician Solutions, formerly known as Merritt Hawkins, the total annual average starting compensation, including signing bonus, for nurse practitioners and physician assistants in specialty practice was $172,544 in the year that ended March 31, slightly higher than the $166,544 for those in primary care.

According to forecasts from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, nurse practitioner jobs will increase faster than jobs in almost any other occupation in the decade leading up to 2032, growing by 123,600 jobs or 45%. (Wind turbine service technician is the only other occupation projected to grow as fast.) The growth rate for physician assistants is also much faster than average, at 27%. There are more than twice as many nurse practitioners as physician assistants, however: 323,900 versus 148,000, in 2022.

To Grover, of the AAMC, numbers like this signal that there will probably be enough NPs, PAs, and physicians to meet primary care needs. At the same time, “expect more NPs and PAs to also flow out into other specialties,” he said.

When Pamela Ograbisz started working as a registered nurse 27 years ago, she worked in a cardiothoracic intensive care unit. After she became a family nurse practitioner a few years later, she found a job with a similar specialty practice, which trained her to take on a bigger role, first running their outpatient clinic, then working on the floor, and later in the intensive care unit.

If nurse practitioners want to specialize, often “the doctors mentor them just like they would with a physician residency,” said Ograbisz, now vice president of clinical operations at temporary placement recruiter LocumTenens.com.

If physician assistants want to specialize, they also can do so through mentoring, or PAGE 4

This

Not just a

medal win, the world No. 2 also became the only athlete in the competition to clear the 5.8-meter mark, solidifying his dominance at the event.

Ahead of the event, Obiena took to Instagram to share his excitement and invite support from the local Filipino community.

“Kicking off the Olympic season this Saturday in [Los Angeles Grand Prix]. See you all at Drake Stadium at 12:20pm local time,” he wrote, along with photos of his preparation.

The competition, held at the Drake Stadium, saw Obiena face tough competition in a field of seven internationally renowned vaulters, including American record-holder KC Lightfoot, Saudi recordholder Hussain Assem Al-Hizam and 2020 Olympic silver medalist Chris Nilsen.

Despite the fierce competition, the Filipino athlete ascended to the top, outperforming Norwegian Simen Guttormsen and Lightfoot, who claimed silver and bronze respectively.

Reflecting on his performance, Obiena described the Olympic season-opener as a bonus win.

“2024 Olympic Season Opened,” he shared on

were even wearing the #EJxPUMA shirts!!!” He concluded his post writing, “5.80m to get things rolling and a bonus win,” accompanied by photos with his Filipino supporters and his winning leap. EJ Obiena has spent the past six weeks in the U.S., honing his skills and preparing for the forthcoming season. He will soon head to Europe for more competitions, using these events to fine-tune his performance ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games. The international athlete continues to defy gravity and expectations, finishing 2023 with a score of 1,443 to maintain his position as number two in the World Rankings. g

social media. “[Los Angeles Grand Prix] was a blast with all the Filipinos who came out waving flags and screamed their hearts out. Some

Trust ratings decline for Marcos...

rating dropped an even sharper 11 percentage points, the survey said.

The trust and performance ratings of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and House Speaker Martin Romualdez also decreased by 3 percentage points, which was still within the margin of error from the December 2023 survey. That means their ratings

remain statistically unchanged, OCTA said. His highest trust rating is in Balance Luzon (79 percent), and his lowest trust rating is in Mindanao (48 percent), the survey said.

Marcos obtained his highest trust ratings from adult Filipinos in Class D (69 percent) and lowest trust rating from Classes ABC (64 percent).

The vice president obtained her highest trust rating in Mindanao (95 percent) and her lowest in Balance Luzon (57 percent). Zubiri obtained a trust rating of 56 percent, while Romualdez had 61 percent. Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo got a trust rating of 15 percent — 8 percentage points lower than the 23 percent rating he received in December 2023. g

LA County is home to the largest Filipino...

PAGE 1

Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Her-

itage Month, which also honors the Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders from Polynesia, Micronesia and Melanesia.

Overview of AAPI communities in Los Angeles

With more than 6 million Californians of Asian or Pacific Islander descent, California is home to the “dynamic AAPI communities that are an invaluable part of our state and nation,” California Governor Gavin Newsom said as he proclaimed AANPI Heritage Month in the state earlier this month.

Seven Southern California counties, including the counties of Los Angeles and San Diego, account for half of AAPI’s overall population.

To further shed light on the AAPI diaspora in Southern California, 40 years’ worth of data from the Census Bureau was distilled into this story in the Los Angeles Times penned by Aida Ylanan and Sandhya Kambhampati.

For decades, census documents presented Asians as a monolith and didn’t include categories per race, according to the LA Times article. In 1980, roughly a million Asians and Pacific Islanders in Los Angeles County were recorded as “Other.”

Furthermore, over a quarter of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders in LA still record as a group unlisted on the latest census forms. Although there are over 25 Asian countries and five Pacific Islander countries recognized by federal statistics, the allocation of federal funding still depends on a complete enumeration of AAPI individuals.

“Since our state’s founding, AAPIs have been instrumental in writing the California story and building our state as we know it,” Gov. Newsom said in his proclamation of AANHPI Heritage Month.

AAPI communities have helped shape Southern California since

the 1800s, with some of the region’s first Asian settlers building ethnic enclaves such as the Old Chinatown and Little Tokyo.

With the influx of migrants following the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, neighborhoods like Historic Filipinotown, Koreatown and Thai Town came to life. AAPI population in Los Angeles grew from 198,000 in 1970 to nearly a million in 1990, according to UCLA researchers.

Fast forward to the present, AAPI communities have tripled in size, with Santa Clarita having the fastest-growing Asian population – from less than 600 to almost 19,000 today, reported the LA Times.

Antonio Miranda Rodriguez, recorded as a Filipino in the 1783 census, was one of the early settlers who founded the pueblo that became Los Angeles.

Chinese laborers were recorded in the census of 1850 — the year when California officially became a state.

Meanwhile, Japanese immigrants first appeared in the census in 1870 with two Japanese-born men who were recognized as servants to a judge in San Marino.

The Vietnamese people opted to settle in Orange County, with the world’s largest Vietnamese community outside Vietnam.

Home to the largest number of Bangladeshi, Koreatown in Los Angeles is also where the second biggest Thai population lives.

In the Westside, the Indian population grew by six times, from just below 350 people in 1980 to over 2,200 by 2022.

Meanwhile, Hawaiians showed significant interest in the continental US after World War II. The majority of the settlers moved to areas with a rich music scene, including Los Angeles, while some settled south for its affordable cost of living.

Filipino influence

Established in the 1920s, Little

Manila was the first Filipino community in downtown LA.

A thriving business, cultural and entertainment hub for Filipinos, Little Manila’s existence diminished in the 1950s following redevelopment in the area.

In the 2020 Census, 41.6 percent of Filipinos make up the total AAPI population in LA County. Today, around 321,000 Filipinos live in Los Angeles County and 400,000 reside in other Southern California counties.

Many Filipinos served in the U.S. military and settled in areas in close proximity to military bases, including Long Beach – site of a former naval center. Filipinos and Cambodians make up almost two-thirds of the Asian communities in Long Beach.

Even with the addition of 30 Asian And Pacific Islander ethnicities to census records since 1980, AAPI community advocates say other communities remain underrepresented.

“We know, without data, [the AAPI population doesn’t] exist in the eyes of policymakers,” noted Karthick Ramakrishnan, founder of AAPI Data.

Gov. Newsom has acknowledged that throughout California’s history, AAPIs have been “the target of violence, disenfranchisement, efforts to restrict immigration, and other xenophobic policies at the federal, state, and local level.”

“The echoes of this dark history are evident today in the shameful Anti-Asian hate acts seen across the country,” he said.

“It is imperative that we confront past and present racism and fight for the safety and inclusion of our AAPI friends and neighbors.”

During AANHPI Heritage Month, President Joe Biden honored the legacy of AAPI communities, recognizing their “ingenuity, grit and perseverance” and contributions to American society.

(Mary Villegas/Inquirer.net)

Fil-Am PhD student arrested at UCLA explains why they’re protesting

SAN FRANCISCO – Student

protests over the Israel-Hamas war have recently rocked college campuses, and police have arrested more than 2,000 protesters nationwide.

Students and faculty at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), including Filipino Americans, were calling for an end to the Israel-Hamas war and divestment from companies supporting Israel’s military efforts in Gaza.

Most of the rally participants declined to be interviewed for fear of retaliation by the university, but one Fil-Am protester courageously stepped forward and gave us an interview to shed light on why students have participated in rallies and encampments.

Lauren Daus is a PhD student in the Urban Schooling Division, Department of Education at UCLA.

Q: Why have you staged protest rallies and set up encampments on campus?

A: As the No. 1 public university in the United States, UCLA needs to stop being complicit in the genocide of the Palestinian people. As a student collective fighting for the liberation of Palestine, we have five demands:

• Divest funds from companies and institutions that support Israeli occupation.

• Disclose all assets such as investments, donations and grants for full transparency

• Abolish the heavy policing of Pro-Palestinian advocacy on campus and cut all ties with the LAPD (more cops on campus do not make us feel safe).

• Call for an immediate ceasefire (in Gaza).

• Boycott by severing all UC-wide connections to Israeli universities, programs, fellowships and collaborations, such as UCLA’s Nazarian Center.

I believe (what’s happening in Gaza) is not a conflict. This is a war on Gaza in which over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 14,500 children as of May 7, 2024,

which marked seven months of this ongoing genocide.

We have been witnessing a genocide happening right in front of our eyes for the past seven months. College students across the country are mobilizing their power to speak out and stand against white supremacy, imperialism and repression. The same fascist tactics being used to execute a genocide in Gaza are being used to silence and repress college students across the nation. Our struggle and fight for liberation are tied together.

Q: Who are the rally/ encampment participants?

A: Participants range from UCLA students, alumni and professors to community members.

Q: Can you tell us what happened when law enforcement officers dismantled the encampments and share your thoughts on this incident?

A: The California Highway Patrol (CHP) made 210 arrests (myself included) at UCLA’s Palestine solidarity encampment early Thursday morning, May 2, 2024. Despite peacefully protecting our encampment with wooden and human barricades, CHP violently stormed our encampment with rubber bullets, flashbangs and batons.

It is a complete disgrace that UCLA’s administration would rather call in the police to inflict violence on their own students and faculty than engage with our demands to stop being complicit in the genocide (in Gaza) and the militarization of our campus.

We are reminded of the many times students have resisted UC war profiteering, such as in 1985, when UCLA students and community members fought for divestment from the apartheid in South Africa, eventually forcing UC regents to divest from the apartheid in 1986.

From the unwavering mobilization of students, we are continuing to learn the importance of abolishing the police, divesting from war and continuing to hold onto our collective liberation. We are the ones who protect each other and

we are the ones who keep us safe.

Q: Can you share more details about your arrest and the arrests of other students?

A: My initial reaction was that I couldn’t believe that UCLA’s administration would approve of such violence and arrest its own students and faculty.

I was arrested with a few faculty members and I deeply admire the way they stood up for us students, consistently telling CHP not to harm students, that students were unarmed and that there was no reason for them to respond with batons, flashbangs and rubber bullets.

Yet, students were trampled over, shoved, pushed to the ground and shot at with rubber bullets before being arrested. I was also reflecting on how police have been violently responding to the encampments across the nation.

This tells us that police are not here to protect us. I was detained for almost six hours. I was so upset that it took so long for them to process our information. I could barely move my arms the moment they removed the zip ties from my wrists.

When we were released around 9 a.m. on Thursday, we were welcomed by community members who were waiting for us to provide rides home, feed us and provide us with legal support.

My experience has definitely motivated and inspired me even more to continue fighting for the liberation of Palestine and for the liberation of college students who have been subjected to institutional violence. We take care of each other and are willing to do what it takes to stand against the dehumanization of all peoples.

Q: Any other insights on the issues you have mentioned?

A: The struggles of Palestine and the Philippines are interconnected. In the Philippines, we see the violent repression of people fighting for their basic needs. It is vital that our mass mobilization continues, to struggle towards collective liberation for all. g

The lure of specialty medicine pulls nurse...

they can receive “certificates of added qualifications” in 10 specialties to demonstrate their expertise. Most employers don’t “encourage or require” these certificates, however, said Jennifer Orozco, chief medical officer at the American Academy of Physician Associates.

There are a number of training programs for family nurse practitioners who want to develop skills in other areas.

Raina Hoebelheinrich, 40, a family nurse practitioner at

a regional medical center in Yankton, South Dakota, recently enrolled in a three-semester post-master’s endocrinology training program at Mount Marty University. She lives on a farm in nearby northeastern Nebraska with her husband and five sons.

Hoebelheinrich’s new skills could be helpful in her current hospital job, in which she sees a lot of patients with acute diabetes, or in a clinic setting like the one in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where she is doing her

clinical endocrinology training. Lack of access to endocrinology care in rural areas is a real problem, and many people may travel hundreds of miles to see a specialist.

“There aren’t a lot of options,” she said.

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

concern.

“The more time this virus is out there transferring between cows and birds, the more chance it has to evolve and spread human to human,” DeBurgh said. She argues that public health agencies must have enough funding to hire workers who can halt threats as they emerge — like they did in Pasadena.

“That dengue outbreak was stopped because we had more ability to hire, and that was a huge public health success,” she said. Pasadena public health authorities teamed up with the local mosquito control agency to spray pesticides and deployed 29 staffers to test residents for dengue.

“We put our best people on that case,” Carmona said, adding that four of the disease investigators were funded with about $1 million in new state money the department receives each year. “Without it, we wouldn’t have a timely response and we probably would

have identified dengue as West Nile or some other type of viral virus.”

Rob Oldham, the interim public health officer and director of Health and Human Services for Placer County, said he’s weighing the “devastating” cuts he’d have to make if Newsom’s proposal passes. The county has hired 11 full-time and six part-time workers using about $1.8 million in new annual state funding, he said.

“This money was just starting to take hold,” he said. “Honestly, we’re scrambling, just as we’re responding to another measles case.”

Legislative leaders were reluctant to say whether they would try to safeguard the funding, as they face deep cuts in nearly every sector of state government, including early childhood education, public safety, energy, and transportation.

“We’re knee-deep in budget negotiations but we’re working like hell to protect the progress we’ve

made,” said state Senate leader Mike McGuire, a Northern California Democrat.

Public health officials warned the state would be vulnerable to health and economic disasters should they lose the hard-won funding.

“It’s tempting to go back to what we had before, because when we do our jobs, we are invisible. Crises are averted,” Gibbons said.

“But it’s devastating to think of going back to this boom-and-bust cycle of public health funding that goes neglect, panic, repeat.” (Angela Hart/KFF Health News) This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

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

by Jun nucum Inquirer.net

RISKY

Agriculture losses due to El Niño reach P9.5 billion BI warns travelers vs. ‘foreign currency fine’

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported on Tuesday, May 21 that the ongoing El Niño phenomenon has caused around P9.5 billion in damage to the agriculture sector.

El Niño’s wrath has affected 175,063 farmers and fisherfolk, and devastated 163,694 hectares of agricultural land, according to the DA.

Regions most affected were

Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, Western Visayas,

Marcos pitches PH as key player in Indo-Pacific Dateline PhiliPPines

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday, May 21 touted the economic strengths of the Philippines as he positioned the country to become a key player in the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking at the 6th IndoPacific Business Forum at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Marcos cited the country’s outstanding economic record and soaring foreign investments which will make the country a major contributor to the IndoPacific region’s economic activity.

Marcos said the Philippine economy grew by 5.5% last year, surpassing major economies in Asia. He added that foreign direct investments (FDI) continue to flow in with four consecutive months of expansion.

The president noted that the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF) partner countries play a significant role in the country's robust economic growth, contributing substantially to the Philippines' FDI and approved investments.

The forum, according to the president, provides a platform for the country to “showcase our investment opportunities, economic potential, and ongoing development projects, solidifying our leadership role in the Indo-Pacific region.”

Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Central Mindanao, Davao Region and Soccsksargen.

The agriculture department also reported that El Niño has caused an estimated 426,798 metric tons (MT) in production losses across various crops, including 185,561 MT for palay, 180,807 MT for corn, 48,949 MT for high-value crops, and 147 MT for cassava.

The impacted area accounted for 3.91% of the targeted planting area, while the production loss was equivalent to 2.01% of the production target for this year’s dry cropping seasons

Meanwhile, corn losses represent 6.08% of the targeted planting area and 4.02% of the production loss.

The DA said that it has provided financial assistance of around P8.59 billion and P658.22 worth of aid for production support.

El Niño, a climate pattern associated with extreme heat and drought, continues to weaken, but its impacts are expected to persist until June.

There is around 60% chance of La Niña, a cooling climate pattern, developing in the JuneJuly-August season. (Gaea Katreena Cabico/Philstar.com)

MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday, May 21 warned the public against unscrupulous individuals using the agency's name to scam people.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco issued the warning after the agency received a request for verification from a Filipino woman whose American partner was allegedly held at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) on May 15.

The American supposedly received an order from a BI Facebook account to pay PHP40,000 as a penalty for arriving with undocumented foreign currency found in his luggage, which exceeds the legal amount.

Tansingco clarified that the BI does not deal with incoming currencies and luggage, noting this is a scam.

BI records show that Wang previously traveled in the Philippines by presenting a Chinese passport. Wang revealed during interrogation that he acquired the fraudulent document after allegedly investing US$200,000, but admitted to have never traveled to Mauritius for the processing. He instead received the passport and identity card while he was in Thailand.

A verification done by

forensic documents laboratory revealed that the documents presented were counterfeit.

Tansingco has ordered the foreigner’s immediate exclusion from the Philippines, and his inclusion in the BI's blacklist to prevent him from returning to the country. (PNA)

socioeconomic growth.

“With this region accounting for over one-third of global economic activity, this presents immense opportunities for our nation,” he added.

Game-changing legislations

In his speech, Marcos also cited “game-changing” reforms that his administration has pushed for to provide investors with a conducive business environment.

The president identified the reforms such as the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) ACT, the Ease of Doing Business Act, and the Green Lanes for Strategic Investments Executive Order.

He said the CREATE More Act “represents a significant leap forward” as the Philippines expands and refines the incentives introduced under the CREATE Act, making the country even more attractive for investments.

“Through these reforms, we assure you that the Philippine government is fully committed to supporting and facilitating your business endeavors in our country. We extend our hand in partnership and stand ready to provide any assistance that you may require as you navigate the business landscape in the Philippines,” Marcos said.

Smart, sustainable transport Likewise, the chief executive emphasized the importance of a sustainable and efficient transport system to the country’s

“As the Philippines occupies a strategic position in the IndoPacific, we are leveraging our strategic geopolitical location, economic engagements, and participation in regional agreements,” Marcos said.

Marcos said he has directed the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to develop and implement transportation projects that meet the needs of Filipinos and businesses, adding that the government is embracing new technologies in making the country’s transport systems smarter and more responsive to changing needs.

“There is a long way to go still, but we are committed to making the Philippines a leader in smart and sustainable transportation. And we believe that with the right investments and partnerships, we will achieve that goal,” he said.

Infra projects Marcos also invited foreign investors to participate in his administration’s "Build Better More" infrastructure program, which includes 185 high-impact projects worth PHP9.5 trillion.

"These projects contribute to our goal to be the next logistics hub in Asia," he said.

The chief executive said a whole-of-nation approach, particularly private investments, is necessary to achieve this goal.

"Therefore, we invite foreign investors to participate in this endeavor through public-private partnerships, engineering, procurement, and construction contracts, and for feasibility studies, as well," he said. (PNA)

He said these matters are under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Under the BOC's rules, travelers must declare foreign currencies in excess of US$10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies.

Earlier this month, the BI also received a request for verification from a Filipina whose South Korean partner received a similar order.

The BI said the Facebook account reportedly sent a message to the Filipina demanding payment of US$350 for fines.

Tansingco also lauded the effort of the two Filipinas for coming forward to verify such demands for payment.

The public has been advised to send verification requests to the BI’s Facebook account at Facebook.com/ officialbureauofimmigration or via their hotline at +632 8 4652400.

Chinese with fake docs intercepted

Meanwhile, BI officers recently intercepted a passenger traveling from Bangkok at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 for presenting counterfeit documents.

According to the BI’s Immigration Protection and Border Enforcement (I-PROBES), 32-year-old Wang Weiqiang arrived in the country onboard a Philippine Airlines flight and attempted to clear the immigration counter with his counterfeit Mauritius passport and identification card on May 17.

OPINION FEATURES

Leadership change

IT has happened many times in the history of Congress, so it was no big surprise that Juan Miguel Zubiri was replaced on Monday, May 20 as Senate president. Zubiri, who held the post in the first two years of the Marcos administration, was accorded a graceful exit, by officially resigning instead of being ousted in a vote, although he counted 14 colleagues who wanted him out.

Zubiri cited the Senate’s opposition to the people’s initiative to amend the Constitution and its timetable on economic Charter change that is deemed too slow by the House of Representatives, along with the ongoing probe of the so-called PDEA leaks, as key reasons for his ouster. With his replacement, Senate committees are also being reorganized, with Sen. Ronald dela Rosa likely to lose the panel on public order and dangerous drugs.

Editorial

down on Monday, Dela Rosa himself cited in contempt his star witness, former PDEA agent Jonathan Morales, along with another person for inconsistencies and lying to the committee. President Marcos had earlier dismissed Morales as a “jukebox” that would play any song when a coin is inserted.

The panel is undertaking the probe on the alleged inclusion of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the watchlist of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in 2012. The PDEA allegedly failed to validate this raw intel because it was stopped by the executive secretary at the time, Paquito Ochoa, a partner in the law firm of Marcos’ wife Liza. Ochoa faced Dela Rosa’s panel on Monday and denied stopping the PDEA surveillance. PDEA officials had previously denied the existence of any document that mentioned Bongbong Marcos as a drug personality. Ironically for Zubiri, as he was forced to step

WE are extremely pleased with the announcement by Cerberus Capital Management that they have finalized a lease agreement for HD Hyundai – the global leader in shipbuilding and offshore engineering – to lease a portion of the Agila Subic facility in Subic Bay. It can be recalled that the Subic shipyard was abandoned by Hanjin Heavy Industries that declared bankruptcy in 2019 after incurring over $412 million in debts, leaving thousands of Filipinos jobless.

We were fortunate to play a role in saving the facility during a meeting at the White House with then-deputy national security adviser Matt Pottinger to discuss the shuttered facility in Subic Bay. The administration of president Donald Trump was interested in saving the shipyard and put it to good use, such as a docking and repair facility for U.S. ships and still make it commercially viable. Obviously, what was important for us was to make the Subic site economically viable and get our local banks paid, plus making sure that it does not fall into the wrong hands. The process was very challenging and complex because Hanjin had a lot of lenders, both domestic and international. It took almost three years for us and then-finance secretary Sonny Dominguez to put the Hanjin project together,

PALO Alto — Whenever I visit Stanford University, with its gorgeous architecture and temperate climate, I tend to succumb to a surreal combination of healthy skepticism and cautious optimism. On one hand, I never bought into the whole techno-optimist hype of “Big Tech” companies in the surrounding Silicon Valley. From laying out underwater fiber optic cables to launching satellites into space and dumping billions on speculative metaverses and cyborgs, the market hegemony of Tech Titans evokes a neomedieval era of aristocratic selfindulgence with a vengeance. The unjustifiable meta-wealth and puerile rants of Elon Musks of this world are a mockery of our most fundamental ideals as

An emotional Zubiri explained on Monday that he was forced out of his post because “I failed to follow the instructions of the powers that be.” He stressed that he had no regrets, and he took pride in maintaining the independence of the Senate amid pressure from those powers on various issues.

Although the probe on the PDEA leaks was among the factors believed to have led to his ouster, Zubiri congratulated Dela Rosa for standing firm in efforts to ferret out the truth. The Senate has in fact been seen as a chamber that shows independence even when its members are predominantly allies of the administration. Senators can even be deemed independent to a fault; their description as “independent republics”

not

public has come to expect this

from senators.

the

Cerberus and Hyundai Subic partnership

with leading private equity firm Cerberus emerging as the “white knight” and whose unwavering commitment resulted in the completion of the agreement in April 2022.

As Cerberus senior managing director Alex Benard noted, it was not easy to get an abandoned, 350-hectare facility back on its feet and make it operational again. I remember when we visited the site in June 2022 with members of the U.S.-Philippines Society and Cabinet officials, several of the buildings were already rundown and dilapidated. But in just two years since the American financial firm took over the facility through its portfolio company Agila Subic, they have managed to attract several tenants that include global subsea fiberoptic cable company Subcom, logistics company V2X and the Philippine Navy that was the facility’s very first tenant, occupying some 100 hectares in the northern portion.

No doubt Cerberus is getting closer to realizing its vision of revitalizing the Subic shipyard and transforming it into a multiuse facility to make it more economically sustainable instead of using it as just one huge shipbuilding site. As explained by Alex, a key component to their business plan is a diversified business model where different parts of the shipyard would be used for different purposes.

The major objective, however, is to bring shipbuilding back to Subic, and Cerberus has taken a very major step towards that direction through the partnership

with HD Hyundai that, along with its affiliates, is acknowledged as a global leader in shipbuilding and offshore engineering. As a matter of fact, U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos del Toro admits that he was “floored” and impressed by the shipbuilding capabilities of Hyundai during his visit to the Korean shipbuilder’s headquarters in Ulsan earlier this year.

Hyundai is leasing the bigger of the two drydocks in Subic and is expected to bring large-scale maritime manufacturing back to the facility, initially focusing on offshore wind platforms. Site preparations will be commencing soon, with operations projected to start within the next 18 months.

According to the Korean shipbuilder, they plan to build a state-of-the-art maritime complex capable of handling offshore wind structures, ship block fabrication, ship repairs and other services. Aside from creating jobs and boosting the local economy, we’re optimistic that Hyundai’s presence will also equip Filipino workers – who are talented and very hardworking –with world-class skills, knowledge and expertise.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was very pleased by this latest development, saying this is an opportunity that would “bring maritime manufacturing back to Subic and restore the glory days of shipbuilding back to our shores.”

The president also took note of Cerberus’ “impeccable track record,” describing it as a

“powerful force that would spur growth and development across many sectors.” He also expressed optimism that the investments that will be created from thereon will be “especially beneficial to Subic because these will strengthen the freeport area’s vital role as a hotspot for industrial, commercial and other economic activities” –becoming a growth driver for the rest of the Philippines.

* * * We commend the Atin Ito (This is Ours) Coalition for demonstrating what true Filipino nationalism is all about when its advance team of 10 people successfully breached the blockade put up by China at Panatag Shoal in the West

Philippine Sea, and delivered essential supplies to Filipino fishers in the area. They showed the true spirit and courage of the Filipino – standing by what is rightfully ours. Talagang atin ‘to” is all I can say to those few misguided individuals who continue to defend China’s harassment and bullying in the West Philippine Sea, saying we are being used by the United States to fight their war. Really? To those people challenging the leadership of President Marcos, saying he is “masyadong mabait” (too softhearted) or weak – they are gravely mistaken. They are underestimating him for his politeness reflective of his upbringing and British education.

PBBM, born under the Virgo sign, is a perfectionist and I know him well enough to categorically say that when he puts his mind into something – he will get it done. He did not become president by accident. And when he says he will protect our sovereignty and will not give up even a square inch of our maritime territory, you can be darn sure he will – and without a doubt do what is right for our country. (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

modern citizens. Tech Titans’ self-serving libertarian policy advocacies and Nietzschean nihilism constitute a clear threat to democracy, which is anchored in egalitarianism and robust state institutions. Nevertheless, I always welcomed visionary leadership based on realistic recognition of potential and positive trends. My latest talk at Stanford concerned the future of the Southeast Asian region. Joined by Indonesia’s former trade minister Gita Wirjawan as well as Professor Don Emmerson of Stanford University, I forwarded a vision of a region filled with increasingly assertive and self-assured middle powers. From Indonesia to Vietnam and Thailand, the region is set to feature multiple trillion-dollar economies with relatively robust militaries—and a greater sense of themselves and their place in the world. Far from a rosetinted worldview, however,

I acknowledged increasing political polarization at home, growing economic inequality, and the disruptive power of climate change and artificial intelligence, which could upend some Southeast Asian societies in coming decades. It’s my contention, however, that, against all odds, the Philippines is Asia’s unsung success story. Despite our broken politics and kakistocracy, the country has managed to become one of the fastest-growing economies on earth. In fact, the Philippines is expected to go toeto-toe with Vietnam and India in terms of annual GDP rate in the coming years. Thanks to our more favorable demographic trends, and healthy rates of remittances from overseas, the Philippines will likely outgrow Vietnam, which has a similar per capita income to us. As The Economist magazine recently put it, “Without fanfare, the Philippines is getting richer”

(4/23/24).

Global interest in the Philippines is growing. Over the past year alone, I have met with at least three senior journalists from The Economist magazine, including a deputy editor, who picked my mind on the country’s overall political economy and long-term prospects. I think the dynamic and visionary Sabin Aboitiz was up to something when he argued, before global investors, that the Philippines is “the next big thing in Asia.”

It goes without saying that we should up our game. Unlike Vietnam, which has successfully lifted tens of millions out of poverty, the Philippines is yet to build a robust manufacturing sector, which is sine qua non for inclusive and sustained development. And unlike India, which is set to become the third largest economy on earth, we don’t have a particularly large domestic market to leverage on

the global stage. As I have repeatedly argued in these pages, the Philippines desperately needs, not only good governance, but also a proactive industrial and trade policy. As Harvard economist Dani Rodrik has correctly argued, an effective 21st-century industrial policy will have to combine specificity (i.e., targeting particular sectors), social partnership (i.e., based on public-private collaboration), and systemic scrutiny (i.e., subsidize and support only successful firms and sectors). For instance, we need a more modest version of America’s CHIPS and Science Act to develop our semiconductor industry. Just as crucial, however, is developing a proper narrative of national success. As my copanelist in my latest Stanford engagement, Gita Wirjawan, rightly emphasized: We also need “good story-tellers” in our region to inspire economic

dynamism and good governance. At once, we should reject both politically motivated naysayers as well as toxic-positivity propagandists. Instead, we need thought leaders, who transcend poverty porn narratives about the Philippines in favor of those that celebrate our large aspirational middle class, worldclass professionals, and young and dynamic entrepreneurs, who are collectively catapulting our country into a new era of prosperity and self-confidence. Time to dispense with selfdefeating mindsets and performative populism—and make the most out of our new moment in the sun. (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

Babe’s Eye View

RICHARD HEYDARIAN

ManilaTimes.net photo

is

always given as a compliment. Still, the

independence

Under new leadership,

senators must not forget that their loyalty is not to whoever is in power, but to the nation and the Filipino people. (Philstar.com)

The Asian Journal MDWK MAGAZINE

Wednesday MAY 22, 2024

PRIME steaks. Caviar. Wagyu beef. Lobster. These fine dining dishes speak for themselves. Though when combined with the brand new, inviting and modern ambiance and more than 200 wine selections inside the completely remodeled Great Oak Steakhouse, guests get a dining experience to remember and return to. Pechanga Resort Casino proudly reintroduces its signature restaurant, the Great Oak Steakhouse, following an intensive seven-month remodel. From the front façade to the back kitchen, the entire 8,000 square foot space underwent a refresh. Inside the dining room, warm and rich gold, brass and earth tones woven with complementary soft colors draw the eye up to accent lighting and bold chandeliers. A 30-foot long by five-foot tall stained glass, textured façade looking out to the casino designed and executed entirely by hand by a local, San Diego glass artist, serves as the restaurant’s first nod to the Tribe’s sacred Great Oak Tree.

Once inside the restaurant, guests can start their evening at the new bar and lounge located off the main dining area. The lounge offers menu choices such as Wagyu beef tartare or oak grilled oysters beginning at 3 p.m. each day. Guests may choose among 16 seats at the bar and 36 seats within the lounge. The menu features 15 cocktails, many created with locally and responsibly sourced ingredients.

The remodeled restaurant ushers in an exciting menu featuring eight steak cuts, as well as Wagyu selections, cooked to order by Chef Emmanuel Inocencio, an 11-year culinary veteran of Pechanga, and his highly trained team. Steak, poultry, fresh seafood, incredible vegetables, and side dishes are prepared to perfection by Inocencia’s acclaimed team. Pechanga procures much of its ingredients from local farms.

For guests looking for an unmatched dining experience

in Southern California, parties of six to 10 can reserve the Chef’s Table. A semi-private dining experience situated between two glass enclosed walls encasing 288 bottles of red wine, the Chef’s Table offers an eightcourse culinary journey with wine or cocktail pairings. Two additional dining destinations within Pechanga recently received updates. Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar, renowned for its 2nd place finish in USA Today’s Best Casino Restaurant readers’ poll, expanded its bar area and lounge area. Guests may order up a cool drink or delicious

appetizer in the new bar area Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Paisano’s, serving authentic Italian cuisine, underwent a refresh of its front entrance, restaurant lighting and many interior finishes. Chef Amanda Colello, who appeared on “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Chopped,” heads the culinary offerings at Paisano’s, taking recipes and cooking specialties from her New York upbringing and pairing them with the freshness and unique ingredients only found on the west coast.

LOOKING FOR FINE DINING DURING A CASINO/RESORT EXPERIENCE?

The all-new Great Oak Steakhouse reopens with a flair for elegance, fare to return for

The Great Oak Steakhouse is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The bar-lounge opens at 3 p.m. and closes with the restaurant. For more information or for reservations, visit Pechanga. com/eat/the-great-oak-steakhouse.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted best casino outside of Las Vegas by Newsweek and 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, 152 table games, a 1,100 room and suite hotel, dining, luxury spa, and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination unrivaled anywhere 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 Instagram, Facebook and on X @PechangaCasino. (Advertising Supplement)

As he marks his 15th anniversary, Xian Lim is ‘living truthfully’

By marinel Cruz Inquirer.net

XIAN Lim, who is celebrating his 15th year in the business, said he would want to be remembered as an actor unafraid to take on unconventional roles, who puts in time on improving his craft and, most of all, as someone who is known “for living truthfully.”

From the time Xian joined show biz in 2008, to when he landed his first lead role in 2011 (“My Binondo Girl”), to when he portrayed a man who gets pregnant in 2022 (“False Positive”), he has always maintained that he is “a shy kid.”

This was why he couldn’t understand why he is such “a magnet of intrigues and fake news,” he said. It didn’t help his cause after his “painful breakup” with actress Kim Chiu, his girlfriend of 12 years, in November 2023. He claimed to have begun receiving “below-the-belt messages” from former supporters of their love team, KimXi.

“My friends say, ‘Things are getting out of hand. Hahayaan mo na lang ba? Just tell the truth.’ Again, I don’t want to be defined simply by all these. I worked really hard to get to where I am today. Fifteen years is no joke. I don’t want people to remember me just because of this breakup, just because of the made-up things that people are saying now. I want to be remembered for living truthfully,” he said in a recent interview.

In this hourlong chat with Xian, not only did he discuss his goals as an actor and filmmaker, he also bravely answered questions on topics that he described as “absurd,” as well as clarified an issue related to his work behavior. “These are the things that played out. I wouldn’t say talking about them felt liberating, but people deserve to know the truth,” he pointed out.

Excerpts from the interview with Xian: What are some of the highlights of your 15 years as an actor?

A highlight would be lasting this long in this field, which isn’t for everyone. It’s hard to land a job or exist in this space. Another one would be my evolution or growth. Prior to joining ABS-CBN, I was a shy kid. I wasn’t used to performing. So, the growth of being an actor, then becoming a writer and filmmaker…I never imagined that would be me. As a sporty guy, I’ve always thought of becoming someone famous in sports. But this was where fate brought me. What are the things you consider major blows or setbacks, and what have you learned from them? Each artist has a different path. For some reason, I feel like I’m a magnet for intrigues and fake news. Maybe because, to be honest, I don’t really care. But I’m only human and I also feel hurt and I question why this is happening to me. I try not to let this get to my head. It was difficult in the beginning, but I’ve learned to live with it. So be it. I’m just going to be myself. What direction do you see yourself heading in terms of being an artist?

Alden Richards, Kathryn Bernardo share story behind ‘Hello, Love, Again’ teaser

By Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com

ALDEN Richards and Kathryn Bernardo admitted that they had to rediscover their “Hello, Love, Goodbye” characters when they did the teaser shoot for its upcoming sequel “Hello, Love, Again.”

Star Cinema and GMA Pictures will collaborate for the first time in the said sequel scheduled for release in Philippine theaters on November 13.

As part of its promotions, Alden and Kathryn shot a teaser where Kathryn’s Joy is seen looking at a snowy mountain in Canada, where the sequel will be set. She turns her head and finds that Alden’s Ethan has finally visited her from Hong Kong. In the 2019 film, they had to part ways to pursue their dreams and fulfill their promises to their families. Ethan remained in Hong Kong, while Joy pushed through with her plan of migrating to Canada. “Shino-shoot pa lang namin ‘yung teaser, naramdaman ko na e kung ano ‘yung mga nangyayari, which also excites me. Siyempre may takot din kasi ‘yun ‘yung last time na naka-trabaho ko si Direk and si

Kath,” Alden said. Apart from them, Cathy Garcia-Sampana will return to direct the sequel, so with writers Carmi Raymundo and Krystal San Miguel. Gaya ng sinabi ni Kath, hindi ko alam on how we’re going to react to one another again after five years. More of the takot, it’s more of the excitement e,” added the actor during last Sunday’s special announcement confirming the sequel held in ABS-CBN. Kathryn, meanwhile, said that it was sort of a reunion for them when she saw that almost the same crew from 2019 were present at their sequel teaser shoot. She also wore the same scarf that she wore in the 2019 film. Yung feeling na parang reunion. Nag-take na si Direk Cathy parang nangapa ulit kami. Of course, we’re familiar with the characters pero ang tagal na nu’ng five years. Parang nawala na siya sa katawan mo. But then excited kami and kinakabahan pareho kung paano kami papasok sa characters nina Joy and Ethan,” she said.

I think all [my experiences] work hand in hand. Being an actor made me so curious about the world, especially through the roles I agreed to portray. From the time I left my previous network up to now, I’ve been given a chance to do things I like. They led me to wonderful stories. This is also the reason I have this dream of becoming a filmmaker, which I’m pursuing now. Everything is possible. It’s not true that actors are always busy. We have plenty of time, to be honest. When did you fall in love with the industry?

I was an introvert. I was introduced to an acting workshop years ago. I auditioned. Every Wednesday—this is open to the public—they show potential talents to Mr. M (Johnny Manahan, founder of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic), then whoever has potential will have to attend a workshop.

I was picked to attend a basic acting workshop with personalities like Robi Domingo, Ejay Falcon and Maricar Reyes. We were all just starting then. That’s when I realized, “Oh wow! There is actually a world that allows you to live a crazy life!” In this world, anything is possible. Have you ever felt so frustrated that you thought of quitting? What kept you going?

Yes, a lot of times—from not being able to memorize my lines to not being able to cry [on cue]. [There was also] the time when the director always shouted “cut!” because he didn’t like my acting.

Being an actor, you constantly get judged for your appearance, for how you carry yourself. What kept me going was the love [for the craft]. I would always remember that spark, the time I fell in love with the industry and I try to return to that moment. I wouldn’t have it any other way. How proud are you of this milestone? As much as possible, I didn’t want

Shaina Magdayao attends Meryl Streep’s talk in Cannes

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

ACTRESS Shaina Magdayao was starstruck to be in the same room as award-winning actress Meryl Streep at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Shaina was in Cannes for the Directors Factory program of the festival’s Directors’ Fortnight (Quinzaine des cinéastes), which is highlighting Filipino filmmakers. She stars in one of the four films, “Walay Balay,” alongside Ruby Ruiz, who is also in Cannes with several other Filipino filmmakers and actors. The actress wore a white terno dress by Russel May Cordero, shoes from True Story, a bag from Bling & Co. and accessories by Farah Abu.

Right after the Directors’ Fortnight event, Shaina rushed to a different venue to catch the talk by Meryl, who was presented with an Honorary Palme d’Or during the festival opener. “I am so excited,” Shaina said in an Instagram story when she arrived in the Claude Debussy Theatre. A different Instagram story by Shaina shows Meryl

receiving a standing ovation when she arrived.

“I had a wave of feelings. This flow of tears in the audience, that was a lot to process,” Meryl recalled after receiving the special Palme d’Or. “So much love, here, in Cannes, was overwhelming. At home, nobody respects me!”

Meryl also talked about her past iconic roles like “Sophie’s Choice,” “The Devil Wears Prada” and “The Bridges of Madison County,” her opinion on French films and female roles today, and her advice for young actors.

“You are my hero! What a beautiful and extraordinarily talented human being!” Shaina praised Meryl. “Thank you, bestest actress!” The 77th Cannes Film Festival runs until May 25, as presided by “Barbie” filmmaker Greta Gerwig, where 22 films, including Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Kinds of Kindness” and Sean Baker’s “Anora,” are competing for the Palme d’Or. Apart from Meryl, Studio Ghibli and George Lucas are set to receive their own Honorary Palme d’Ors in the coming days.

‘Hello, Love, Goodbye’ director Cathy Garcia-Sampana is flanked by her actors Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards at the special announcement of their movie’s sequel titled ‘Hello, Love, Again’ held on Sunday, May 19 in ABS-CBN. Philstar.com photo

Xian Lim Photo from Instagram/@xianlimm

Shaina Magdayao in Cannes for Meryl Streep’s talk. Photo from Instagram/@shaina_magdayao

The private dining area at the Great Oak Steakhouse.

Great Oak Steakhouse, the signature restaurant in Pechanga Resort Casino, underwent a 7-month remodel.

Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar inside Pechanga Resort Casino.

Paisano’s serves authentic Italian cuisine.

Baculio receives Lifetime Achievement Award from LBBA

THE Long Beach Bacolod Association (LBBA) will recognize and give its Lifetime Achievement Award 2024 to Atty. Augusto (Jun) Baculio on June 10, 2024 at the Recreation Park Community Center (4900 E. 7th Street) for his pioneering spirit in launching the first geo stationary satellite devoted only to the Philippines which will provide internet and broadcast connectivity to the entire country’s 7,000 islands. Right now, 60% of the population does not have connectivity. Traditional fiber optic cables have become time consuming and too costly and subject to weather conditions. Jun has teamed up with a U.S. firm called Astranis to build and launch its first satellite for the Philippines.

Jun has used his expertise as a legislator to change and develop the laws to obtain an over-the-air franchise. His business acumen is similar to Elon Musk in making the internet affordable to all Filipino residents.

According to Peter Ramirez, LBBA president, “There are businessmen and then there are truly entrepreneurs who have the vision to make major changes in the way we do our daily routines. In 1967, I was fortunate to meet a young Jun. We both were dorm students at the Ateneo De Manila University. I ran an informal class in Tae Kwon Do at 6:00 a.m. every morning. And Jun was my student. At this early age he exhibited leadership qualities and became one of my favorite students. Jun eventually graduated from Law

School and eventually became a congressman. He wrote numerous legislative laws on the environment and laws about running an over the air franchise.”

Jun later teamed up with CTO and Engineer Danny Rostrada and formed Orbits.

According to the CEO of Astranis, John Gedmark, “Orbits and Astranis have very similar interests to bring internet connectivity to the masses.”

The Long Beach Bacolod Association (LBBA) was formed in 1994 as a sister city organization to promote the cultural and educational ties of two port cities, Long Beach and Bacolod. This relationship actually began in 1994 and was revitalized in 2016 with the assistance of founder Joe Gamboa from Bacolod and other Long Beach city officials, such as Mary Barton and Richard Madeira.

LBBA is part of the Sister Cities of Long Beach and is a nonprofit organization with an EIN number of 33-067-0943.

Orbits Satellite Corporation is a Philippine corporation formed by Atty. Augusto Baculio and Randy Rostrada to bring internet connectivity to the Philippine. Jun Baculio’s late wife of 43 years, Estella Reyes was born and raised in Bacolod. Meanwhile, Astranis Corporation is a privately owned corporation to bring low-cost satellite technology to underserved communities to the world. Its CEO is John Gedmark. (LBBA Release)

Childhood sweethearts Mika Dela Cruz, Nash Aguas are now married

By AngelicA VillAnueVA Inquirer.net

FORMER child actors turned sweethearts Mika Dela Cruz and Nash Aguas were now officially married.

In an Instagram post on Saturday, May 18, Mika, glowing in a stunning offshoulder serpentina gown by Julianne Syjuco, shared a heartfelt message for her husband.

“Walking towards my Godsent, my Love, and my forever,” she wrote in the caption, adding their wedding hashtag #NASHakanyanasiMIKA.

The photo captured her emotional moment at the end of the aisle, holding a bouquet and ready to meet her groom, Nash.

Mika also expressed her gratitude to the stylists, crew, and everyone who helped make

As he marks his 15th...

From Page 8

to count the years. I love motorcycles. To become a good rider, you can take as many workshops and courses as you can, but it’s all about saddle time, or how long you’ve been on the motorcycle, about how comfortable you are staying there. I think being an actor takes a little more time to get in tune with your emotions. I’m proud that I’ve been doing this for 15 years and hope to do more.

I remember when I did “Everything About Her” with Ms Vilma Santos, the two of us had a talk. Because I was so nervous and I couldn’t memorize my lines, she told me that she’s been doing it for 50 years and one can’t fully grasp what it is that we do.

We are still under the baton of the director, of everyone around us. To be an actor is to be a vessel. I’m not saying that I already know everything, but I’m proud of the experience.

What advice can you give your younger self?

Just be prepared to work hard. I knew very little of the industry when I first joined. I did not grow up here [in the Philippines]. Another advice is to try to know everyone around you, and to be prepared to get out of your comfort zone. That’s one of the hardest things I’ve experienced. I was just in my shell as a kid. If I’m surrounded by people and they’re trying to talk to me all at the same time—like on a set, where everyone seems to be shouting at one another—I would feel rattled. So, be prepared, work hard and be ready to roll with the punches.

Speaking of criticisms, can you react to the issue about a scriptwriter saying you’re difficult to work with?

There’s really no relationship between an actor and a writer for a TV show. This is possible when doing a film because it’s a collaborative process, so you get to jam. But in a TV show, it’s very systematic. So, the only people I talk to are the production manager and the creative head of GMA 7.

I remember they pitched this show (“Hearts on Ice”) to me very vaguely. They just said, “Xian, are you willing to accept a project, a love story that happens on ice?” When I asked about the role, I was told, “Naku! ’Di pa namin alam ang full details, but you will fall in love on ice. [It’s about] figure skating.”

comfortable I was on ice. I proudly showed the certificate. I just asked about my character and what I was expected to do. I think this was valid because I will be the one portraying the character.

I’ve never even met the guy. I just wish he can elaborate. I’ve done nothing but put in the time.

Your breakup with Kim sparked controversies. Who helped you cope with them?

My mom. She advised me to stay away from the news, from all social media platforms, because things were getting too out of hand. She also advised me to not mind all the fake news and the things people are saying about me, that deep inside, we know the truth and that’s all that matters. She also said that if people like to believe all these, then there’s nothing I can do about it.

She’s my support, my pillar, the wall I lean on, even until now. I’m lucky that she’s a strong woman. Other people might have broken down because of what’s happening. She’s been getting harmful, below-the-belt messages, even threats. For some reason, people got hold of her number.

I just want to explain this well and give it some context so people will understand. Our fans—I don’t even call them fans because they eventually became our friends, they became family—have my mom’s number. For the past 12 years, we were OK. She was always just a text away from our followers. All of a sudden, this happened—Kim and I broke up. I just don’t understand why these people we know are now going out of their way to say hurtful words to my mother. What for? We gave a reason for the split, that’s it. Just take that. ‘Di na kailangan himayin. We were very sad, of course. These were people we trusted. We considered them family. My mom had to change her number. We don’t even talk about it in the house anymore. She just tells me, “As long as we know the truth, we don’t have to play this game with them.”

Maybe they reacted that way because they felt disappointed by the breakup.

their special day perfect. Giving fans a glimpse into their beautiful ceremony, the couple’s event planner La Belle Fête also shared some photos of the wedding showing Nash looking dapper in a white suit, while another captured the newlyweds facing each other, surrounded by a romantic setting of lush trees and flowers. Mika and Nash first met on the long-running comedy show “Goin’ Bulilit” as cast members and continued their on-screen partnership in projects like “Dahil May Isang Ikaw”, “Tiyanaks”, “Guns and Roses”, and “Luv U”.

I said, “This is amazing! What a perfect time to show how hard I work as an actor.” I didn’t know how to figure skate, but I said “yes” to the project and paid for private lessons with my own money. That’s what I want to be proud of—the amount of time I put in with Coach Ronan (Capili) and Coach Dale (Feliciano), who are both talented figure skaters. I went in for six months.

The two officially confirmed their relationship in 2018.

It took a year for us to start this particular project. I even got my FS1 certificate. This only means you’re comfortable on ice. It took six months before I was issued one. Finally, the show began and during the initial [meeting], the creatives asked how I was doing and how

All I can say is that, we also felt hurt. I know it’s painful, but we never wanted this to happen. This relationship lasted for 12 years because we worked on it. It’s just that life happened. It was also painful for us. It was unexpected, but it’s best if we all just move on with our lives. What is your current mindset? Are you moving on?

There are no ill feelings. Where am I now? I want to be more creative as possible. I just finished writing and directing a horror movie called “Kuman Thong.” We shot it in Thailand. This is why I have so much to do. I just want to be creative, to work. That’s where my focus is now. There were no ill feelings because we talked about this when we last spoke. It

Continued on Page 11

Nash Aguas and Mika Dela Cruz

Photo from Instagram/@zackwey

community

Ensuring child safety and best interests: The implications of California Family Code 3011

Barrister’s Corner

Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

FAMILY Code 3011

represents a significant development in family law, specifically addressing cases where there are allegations of a history of abuse by one parent. When allegations of abuse have been brought to the attention of the court and the court makes an order for sole or joint custody o unsupervised visitation to that parent, Family Code 3011(a)(5) mandates that the court state its reasons, in writing or on the record, for determining that an order is in the best interest of the child and ensures the safety of both the child and the parties involved.

This article explores the key aspects of Family Code 3011 and its implications for child custody cases. Child custody cases often involve complex considerations, particularly when allegations of abuse by one parent are present. In the past, courts may have struggled to adequately address these concerns and provide appropriate safeguards for the child’s well-being. Family Code 3011 seeks to address this issue by requiring the court to provide explicit reasoning for its decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Family Code 3011 emphasizes the paramount importance of the child’s best interest in custody determinations. The court is now obligated to consider factors such as the child’s health, safety, welfare, and any

history of abuse or domestic violence when making custody decisions. In cases where there are allegations of a history of abuse by one parent, the court must prioritize the safety of the child and the parties involved. Family Code 3011 requires the court to consider the nature, severity, and frequency of any past abuse when evaluating the appropriateness of custody arrangements. A significant aspect of Family Code 3011 is the requirement for the court to provide a detailed statement of reasons for its custody orders. This includes a clear explanation of how the order serves the child’s best interest and protects the safety of the child and the parties involved. The purpose of this provision is to enhance transparency and enable meaningful review of custody decisions.

The introduction of Family Code 3011 brings several notable benefits to child custody cases involving allegations of abuse: 1. By explicitly considering the history of abuse and prioritizing the safety of the child, Family Code 3011 aims to provide greater protection for children who may be at risk in contentious custody disputes. 2. Requiring the court to articulate the reasons for its decisions promotes accountability and transparency in the judicial process. This allows parties involved to understand the court’s rationale and facilitates effective review of custody orders. 3. Family Code 3011 ensures that allegations of abuse are given due consideration and weight in custody determinations. This provision helps prevent potential biases and ensures a fair evaluation of the facts and circumstances of the case.

The implementation of Family Code 3011 represents a significant step forward in ensuring child safety and best interests in custody cases involving allegations of abuse. By requiring the court to explicitly state its reasons for its custody orders, this legal provision promotes transparency, accountability, and fairness. It is crucial for legal professionals, parents, and other stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the implications of Family Code 3011 to navigate child custody cases effectively and safeguard the well-being of children involved.

Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.  The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.  This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.  The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APC.  This article is not a solicitation. *

Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. He is founder and Managing Partner of LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APC located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com. (Advertising Supplement)

‘Back to basics 2.0 summit’: Importing the right way

LONG BEACH – In response to the rapidly evolving landscape of the importing industry, EC Ferrer Customs House Brokers (CHB) Inc. in partnership with the Filipino American Chamber of Cerritos and Gateway Cities and the Pangasinan Brotherhood USA Inc., is proud to announce “Back to Basics 2.0,” an informative summit designed to equip importers with essential knowledge and strategies for success in today’s dynamic marketplace. This “Back to Basics 2.0” information summit will be held on June 7, 2024 (Friday) from 8 am to 12:30 at the Long Beach Airport Marriott Hotel on Spring Street and Airport Plaza Drive. This is a follow through of a similar forum held in 2013 at the same venue. With a focus on providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of importing fundamentals while highlighting the latest industry advancements, “Back to Basics 2.0” promises to be an invaluable resource for importers seeking to navigate the complexities of global trade.

“At EC Ferrer, we recognize the importance of staying informed and adapting to

the rapid changes in the importing industry,” said Eddie Ferrer, President of EC Ferrer. “Through ‘Back to Basics 2.0,’ our goal is to empower importers with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing business environment.”

The summit will kick-off with keynote speaker, Eric Elnar, Trade Commissioner of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry and feature a series of informative sessions by industry leaders covering a wide range of topics essential to importing success, including:

• Make it easy to import the right way: Strategies for streamlining the importing process and ensuring compliance with regulations.

• Broker expectations with clients and customs: Best practices for communication and collaboration between brokers, clients, and customs authorities.

• Reasonable care and responsible supervision: Understanding the importance of due diligence and oversight in the importing process.

• Food & Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines: Navigating FDA regulations and requirements for imported food and drug products.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Exploring the role of AI technologies in optimizing importing operations and decision-making processes.

• Insurance – Marine & surety bond: Insights into the importance of insurance

Keeping our neighborhoods clean as we commemorate Memorial Day and continue to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month

By Vince Yuen Community Organizer

MAY is an exciting month for the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Not only is May AAPI Heritage Month, a monthlong celebration that pays tribute to the generations of AAPIs who have shaped our nation’s history, it is also when we honor and recognize our brave men and women who sacrificed for our freedom. As we commemorate Memorial Day, celebrating what our community has achieved and sacrificed, I encourage all of us right here in California to do our part in honoring our community by keeping it litter free and beautiful.

As a long-time community organizer dedicated to mobilizing residents to keep our communities clean, I know the holidays can create a bit more trash than we would like. Not only does litter and debris create an unwelcoming and unattractive atmosphere for us, but it also damages the environment and can be harmful to wildlife. So, whether you’re out on a fishing trip, road tripping or having a barbeque with your family at the park during this extended Memorial Day weekend, please remember we all have a part to play in keeping our community at its best. To help, here are some simple tips we can all practice to keep our community litterand debris -free.

• Pack out what you bring in. Litter builds up and easily ruins our environment. To prevent this, bring a trash bag with you on your outings to ensure you’re able to easily dispose of your trash. Whether you’re outdoors hiking or picnicking or on a road trip, be responsible and pick up after yourself. I encourage you to go the extra mile and pick up litter you see, even if it’s not yours. Picking up even one piece of trash can make a drastic change if we all work together.

• Choose reusable over single-use items. This sustainable practice reduces

waste and helps prevent harmful toxins from getting into our water and recreational spaces through litter. Plus, reusable items are more economical in the long run.

• Properly dispose of trash, recycling, and broken large items like canopies, chairs, and coolers. Plastic is one of the main contributors to waste and litter. Recycling contributes to a healthier environment when done correctly. Trash and recycling should not mix, and improper sorting can lead to more trash, so please sort your items beforehand, especially if you use cans or plastic water bottles. Leaving large and/ or broken items at beaches or parks can be considered illegally dumping, even if it’s near a trash bin, and you could be fined up to $10,000. Don’t take the risk—take it home to dispose of properly.

• Secure your load. Make sure you are properly tying down items to your vehicles to prevent them from falling off onto highways and roads during transit. This small step of extra care can go a long way towards keeping our roads safer and cleaner.

• Teach your children or families how to be litter conscious. Change starts with you, and this is something I practice in my house too. Pick up small, littered items such as bottle caps, food wrappers, and cigarette butts and dispose of them. Encourage your family to pick up after themselves and educate them on how they

can contribute to a cleaner California.

I have made it a priority in my house to maintain and beautify our public spaces. I encourage my family to do the same. I do this because I believe change starts with us, and by motivating our families to do the same, we can create a ripple effect that will also inspire others to participate. We all want to live in a healthy, clean, and beautiful community. Let’s be diligent and do our part to keep our communities clean, preserving our resources for our children and their futures. Not only is it our responsibility, it’s also the right thing to do. By making small changes and utilizing sustainable practices, we can keep our spaces clean for future generations. If you would like to join the statewide movement to keep California litter free, organize a cleanup in your neighborhood or order cleanup kits, visit Clean California’s website at CleanCA.com.

Have a wonderful, clean Memorial Day Weekend, and let’s make zero litter in California our goal!

Vince Yuen, Community Organizer and Founder, Refuse Refuse

Vince Yuen is a regular Californian who cares about creating a clean environment for future generations. He started out by cleaning his block with his two daughters. Through these local clean-up efforts, he discovered others who felt the same way and were already picking up trash. Word spread to neighbors from all over the city. They came together and joined the Refuse Refuse movement to keep their city clean. Yuen discovered that caring for San Francisco was one of his greatest passions. He established Refuse Refuse in March 2021 and has organized over 1,500 community cleanups. Through a collective community-driven effort of 10,000 volunteers, Refuse Refuse has collected more than 425,000 gallons of litter. Learn more about Vince Yuen and his work at Refuse Refuse by visiting www. refuserefusesf.org.

Anne Curtis makes ‘It’s Okay To Not Be Okay’ cast mate Joshua Garcia ‘nervous’

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

JOSHUA Garcia admitted that being paired up with Anne Curtis in the Filipino adaptation of “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” will be a “challenge” for him, but he’s confident that he would find his stride in the days to come.

Garcia was earlier confirmed to star as Patrick “Patpat” Gonzales in the remake, who is the local counterpart of Kim Soo-hyun’s character Moon Kang-tae. Speaking in an interview with entertainment journalist MJ Marfori via Tiktok, the actor said he would feel challenged working closely with Curtis and admitted to being shy when they were asked to look at each other in a press conference earlier. “I think macha-challenge ako with Anne, [‘yung titigan] pa nga lang hindi ko magawa. [Pero] feeling ko sa umpisa lang,” he said. (I think I’ll be challenged with Anne. I can’t

Continued on Page 11

As he marks his 15th...

From Page 9

coverage for various aspects of the importing process, including ocean, air, land, and warehouse shipments.

• Trucking - Border crossing: Strategies for efficient and compliant trucking operations across international borders and

• Security partnerships – CTPAT: Understanding the benefits and requirements of participating in Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) for enhancing supply chain security.

“Back to Basics 2.0” will provide attendees with actionable insights, practical tips, and expert guidance to help them navigate the complexities of importing with confidence and success.

Due to limited seats for the summit, interested parties may RSVP or register with EC Ferrer CHB via email at christine@ ecferrer.com or at phone number 562-422-6492.

* * * 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

was a wonderful 12 years. It wasn’t a toxic relationship. You never heard us fight in public. In those 12 years, nothing scandalous happened. So when the breakup happened, we ended on good terms.

This may seem petty, but it’s putting you in a bad light. Can you clarify the “steak” issue? (Talk has it that Xian asked Kim to cook steak for him before breaking up with her.)

There’s no truth to it. It’s absurd. I don’t see where it’s coming from. Is it because people are using us for entertainment? I cannot orchestrate that. I wasn’t the one who initiated the breakup. All these fake news, all these dagdag-bawas, are just too much already.

There’s also the issue about you calling Kim to ask her permission to announce that you already have a girlfriend. What was that about?

When this story first came to me, I didn’t understand it, to be honest. There’s also no truth to it. But I’ll say this—the truth is that I really did call Kim. When we parted ways, there were various stories coming out. Some parties are purposely becoming noisy. This was also the time when my family started getting messages that were below the belt.

If I may give an example for the sake of context, there was an instance when they said, “Sana mamatay na ang lola mo.” They even brought up her cancer. This was from a supporter whom we know and eventually became like family. It had already gotten way out of hand during the two weeks since we broke up, so I had to give her a call.

This was around November. I was actually begging Kim, saying we should release a statement that we’ve already gone our separate ways, that we separated on good terms at walang sigawan. Of course, there were tears, pero walang masamang tinapay. I said, ‘Can we just release it? A lot of people are getting dragged into this, including my mom and grandmother.” I begged her that both of us could release a statement, but she said not yet because they’re doing the press launch of her series. I said, “But this isn’t work-related. It’s personal.”

That’s the truth to it. I don’t want any conflict between us. My intention now is to tell the truth—that I called

to beg her, but she said, “in time.” I guess by that she meant late December, before Christmas. I don’t know why they decided for us to do it then. I was just glad that we both got to release statements. I guess some people, whoever they are, want us fighting. We haven’t spoken after I begged for the statement, but we are on good terms. From the time we separated, we were OK. Does it feel liberating to talk about these things now?

I wouldn’t say it’s liberating, but I think people deserve to know the truth. Again, I don’t want to be defined simply by all these. I work really hard to get to where I am today. I don’t want people to remember me just because of this breakup, just because of the negative and made-up things that people are saying now. I want to be remembered for the projects that I do, for living truthfully. How do you de-stress these days?

I posted this on Instagram recently. I find doing hand pan therapeutic. It’s actually sound therapy. It makes me calm, gets me grounded. It takes my mind away from all the craziness. Tell us something about your interest in puppetry.

To begin with, I’ve always been a fan of “Sesame Street” and “Batibot.” I love the ambiguity and the feeling that puppets give you. During the pandemic in 2020, the CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) came to me and asked me make a puppetry film to explain “Ibong Adarna” to kids in easier terms. Also because of this fascination, I reached out to Filipino puppeteers Wan Lu and Ony Carcamo, who introduced me to the basics of ventriloquism. We have a solid community here in the Philippines. Through puppetry, we were able to recreate “Ibong Adarna.” What’s next for you?

I still have a couple of things that I’m writing and directing. I just returned from Thailand. The star of the horror film I’m directing is Thai star Max Nattapol Diloknawarit. It’s under Viva Films. What’s next are more edgy, out-of-thebox roles. I like to do things that you wouldn’t expect from me. I’m not going to let go of the rom-com genre because that’s my core. I also want to do action, either a film or a series. It’s something I haven’t fully explored.

Pictured are the stalwarts of Pangasinan Brotherhood-USA who are co-hosting the “Back to Basics 2.0 Summit”: Importing The Right Way as an educational forum as one of its programs promoting livelihood in the Philippine especially goods and products from Pangasinan province. From left: Dean Mandapat, Dan E. Nino, Rowena Estrada, Ellen Rodriguez-Swing, Eddie C. Ferrer, Jann Doctor-Bergado, Sue Ann Estrada-Tumakay, Jacqueline Ferrer and Neil M. Estrada. PB-USA Photo

From My Point of View

Vince Yuen

Troy Montero, Aubrey Miles credit children’s role in decision to wed

By Boy ABundA Philstar.com

AFTER my dear friend Kris Aquino

played matchmaker to Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles, the celebrity couple became inseparable despite all issues of jealousy and lovers’ arguments. But it took them 18 years before they decided to seal their love in marriage. Troy and Aubrey tied the knot in a civil wedding in June 2022. The actress says she didn’t pressure Troy to marry her as she was already content with whatever they had. Troy, on the other hand, shares their children –Hunter and Rocket – were among the reasons for them to realize the need to get married. Theirs is a love story that has all the ingredients of a perfect romantic film. There’s a boy who has been meaning to meet a girl but is too shy to do so. Luckily, the boy mentions it to another girl, who happens to be the girl’s friend, and she makes a way for the boy and girl to get to know each other. Later on, love blooms between the two.

I am referring to Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles who met through my dear friend Kris Aquino. Troy was the guest on Krisy’s morning show at that time. Kris asked Troy of his showbiz crush which the latter answered with Aubrey’s name. What followed was Krisy calling Aubrey on national TV and asking permission to give her number to Troy.

Aubrey happened to be the guest in another show and she was in her dressing room when Troy came to personally introduce himself and requested a photo with her.

From that time on, Troy and Aubrey became inseparable despite all issues of jealousy and lovers’ arguments. But why did it take them 18 years before they decided to seal their love in marriage?

Aubrey revealed she still had hesitations to be wed in the church. “He also felt that I was not ready yet. May moment rin na biglang ready (na ako) tapos biglang hindi. Besides, I was not in a hurry (to get married) at that time.”

The actress stressed that she didn’t pressure Troy to marry her as she was already

content with whatever they had. “Perhaps, he’s lucky because I’m not the demanding type, so there’s nothing to feel pressured about. I’m happy. I’m super happy with the situation. It’s like why should I change something if it’s okay already? I am happy with him,” remarked Aubrey.

Troy, on the other hand, said their children – Hunter and Rocket – were among the reasons for them to realize the need to get married. “I think, our kids (were) the ones who made us decide it’s time.”

Do they fight?

“During the first three years of our relationship, it was chaotic as if it was a war, and then on our sixth year – no, we were not living in yet that time – it was doubly chaotic because there was still jealousy,” replied Aubrey who also revealed that they started living in on their eighth year of being together.

Aubrey noticed a big change in the level of her patience and love for Troy when their romance reached a decade. “Iba na ‘yung level of love, patience and understanding n’yo (sa isa’t-isa), may stages pala. We thought we experienced those when we were in our first three, five years together.”

“Times have changed. We’re definitely more open compared to before na mas maselos ang isa sa amin,” she added.

Troy and Aubrey agreed that intimacy is important for a couple. “It’s one of the fun parts of the relationship. It’s important, maybe not a necessity that you have to always be sexy. For us, it’s a fun thing to do,” explained Aubrey. Even their children, Aubrey shared, are used to seeing her in bikinis. “They don’t see any malice.”

The two also revealed about sleeping naked every time they travel without their children.

“Whenever we travel, when it’s just the two of us, we’re always naked at the hotel,” declared Troy.

“We sleep naked. It’s normal (for us) even in the bathroom, we talk naked,” added Aubrey.

Troy and Aubrey tied the knot in a civil wedding in June 2022.

Anne Curtis makes ‘It’s Okay To Not Be...

From Page 10

even look at her. But I think this would just happen in the beginning.)

Garcia said he’s counting on the workshops and filming days to be more comfortable with the “It’s Showtime,” although he remained mum on the details of the remake.

“Kapag dumaan na ang ilang araw, mag-workshop na kami, and of course, makakasama ko na siya everyday, feeling ko masasanay rin ako,” he said. (When the days go by, we go through

workshops, and be together every day, I’ll eventually get used to it.)

Meanwhile, Curtis said at a project announcement media con that she has been a fan of the series for a long time and always wanted to take on the female lead role.

Troy Montero and Aubrey Miles

Photo from Instagram/@troymontero

Joshua Garcia (Top) and Anne Curtis Photos from Instagram/@starcreativestv

Also one of the leads is Carlo Aquino who will portray Matthew “Matmat” Gonzales or the Filipino counterpart of Moon Sang-tae (Oh Jungse). The character will be the brother of Garcia in the series, who is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder.