oAKLAND — A filipino American woman was killed in a multi-vehicle crash allegedly caused by a suspected drunk driver on sunday, september 1 in oakland, Calif.
Criscel Dela rosa suffered fatal injuries after a freightliner box truck crashed into the back of her tesla model Y along the I-880 North embarcadero.
“I received the worst news of my life,” Criscel’s husband, michael Dela rosa, said on a Gofundme page.
Dela rosa said he was awakened by a call about the accident. he then “tried desperately to call her and find out what happened, to see if she was okay.” there was no answer.
Dela rosa said he rushed to the crash site and saw his wife’s mangled tesla.
“It hurt me to see how devastating the car crash was and I can only imagine what pain she went through with that car crash,” Dela rosa wrote on the Gofundme page.
Criscel usually had sundays off, but had decided to work that day, he said. the crash happened on her way to work around 5:30 a.m. near the embarcadero exit.
Breast cancer rises among Asian American and Pacific Islander women
Chr I st INA Kashiwada was traveling for work during the summer of 2018 when she noticed a small, itchy lump in her left breast. she thought little of it at first. she did routine self-checks and kept up with medical appointments. But a relative urged her to get a mammogram. s he took the advice and learned she had stage 3 breast cancer, a revelation that stunned her.
“I’m 36 years old, right?” said Kashiwada, a civil engineer in sacramento, California.
“No one’s thinking about cancer.”
About 11,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander women were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 and about 1,500 died. the latest federal data shows the rate of new breast cancer diagnoses in Asian American and Pacific Islander women — a group that once had relatively low rates of diagnosis — is rising much faster than that of many other racial and ethnic groups. the trend is especially sharp among young women such as Kashiwada.
About 55 of every 100,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander women
‘I
‘PH trial first for Quiboloy before extradition’
by alexiS romero Philstar.com
mANILA — there is no request from the U.s. for the extradition of Apollo Quiboloy, but even if one were to be sent, the alleged sex abuser and human trafficker and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) would be made to undergo trial first in the Philippines before such request can be granted, President ferdinand marcos Jr. said on monday, september 9.
“the extradition request is not yet there,” marcos told reporters in taguig City, adding that Quiboloy would first have to deal with several criminal complaints he is facing in the Philippines.
Quiboloy is on the federal Bureau of Investigation’s wanted list for sex trafficking, fraud and money laundering.
“We will have to look at that,” m arcos said, referring to a U.s. request for extradition. “But for the moment, we are not looking at extradition. What we are looking at are the cases and complaints filed in the Philippines and he needs to face them first,” he said.
“What has been done is that we have implemented and enforced an arrest warrant that was issued by the court. And therefore it is now in the court’s hands, it is no longer in the executive,” the president said.
Justice secretary Jesus Crispin remulla also said Quiboloy “may have to face the music here” even
Two US senators denounce ‘escalating’ Chinese aggression in West Philippine Sea
Senators Chris Coons and Pete Ricketts introduce a resolution celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between US and Philippines
WA sh ING to N – U. s s enators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Pete ricketts (r-Neb.) have denounced the “escalating” Chinese aggression in the West Philippine sea as they introduced a resolution celebrating the 73rd anniversary of the signing of the mutual Defense treaty (mDt) between the United states and the Philippines. the resolution reaffirms U.s. commitment
to defending the Philippines under the treaty “particularly in the wake of persistent and escalating aggression” by China in the West Philippine sea, the senators said in a joint statement released this week.
“Chinese harassment against filipinos simply trying to uphold their territorial sovereignty threatens global trade and security u PAGE 2
am Alice’: Guo insists on Philippine nationality
by jean mangaluz Philstar.com
m ANILA — t he collective temper of the senate flared anew on monday, september 9 upon former Bamban, tarlac m ayor Alice Guo’s insistence on her Philippine identity, despite being presented with her alleged Chinese passport.
Guo and sen. risa hontiveros, the Chair of the Committee on Women, Children, family relations and Gender equality, faced off for the first time in three months since the former mayor’s disappearance. faced with the simple question
of who she was, Guo immediately invoked her right to selfincrimination.
“hindi ko kino-confirm at may kaso na po sa aking sinampa, sasagutin ko po sa korte,” Guo said. (i do not confirm it and there is already a case filed against me, i will answer it in court.)
Guo maintained her identity throughout the more than fivehour long hearing. however, hontiveros said that Guo was not incriminating herself because she was not the one who filed for her late birth certification.
if the U.s. can be expected to file a request for the religious leader’s extradition. he made it very difficult for the police to find him, he also caused suffering to the country. he should be tried here,” remulla said in filipino. he added he would instruct prosecutors to prepare all the evidence against the controversial religious sect leader and his co-accused so they could ask for a continuous trial. But he would discuss with executive secretary Lucas Bersamin a possible U.s. request for Quiboloy’s extradition. In a separate statement, the Department of Justice u PAGE 2
the large, largely untapped bloc of Asian American Independent voters could deliver the win to Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala harris or her opponent, republican Donald trump in an extremely tight race. the New York Times/siena College poll, released one day ahead of the much-anticipated sept. 10 debate, showed trump leading harris by 1 point, with a margin of error at +/- 2.8 points. the two are in a tie in the critical swing states of Pennsylvania, Nevada, and Arizona. harris edges out trump by the slimmest of margins in Wisconsin, michigan, and North Carolina, while trump prevails by 1 point in Georgia. the critical swing states are home to about 1.75 million Asian Americans, Native hawaiians and Pacific Islanders
se NA tor Imee m arcos warned on monday, september 9 some members of the house of representatives that impeaching Vice President sara Duterte would be seen as a direct challenge to the 32 million filipinos who elected her to become the country’s second top leader. senator marcos slammed hor members who are “eager” to file an impeachment case against Vice President Duterte. “Let this serve as a reminder that you’re playing with democracy.”
“Are you challenging the 32
problems at present?” the senator added in her post on X (formerly twitter). f urthermore, “ t hese steps disrespected the nation’s decision and the results of the [2022]
by Sunita Sohrabji
Alice Guo Philstar.com photo
Bernadette tamayo and reina tolentino
Sen. Imee Marcos
Two US senators denounce ‘escalating’...
PAGE 1
and could result in wider conflict,” said senator Coons. he said the U.s. is committed to strengthening the U.s.-Philippines alliance and pledged to “stand with our filipino partners in their efforts to defend their territorial sovereignty and maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific.”
s enator r icketts said this commitment is more important than ever given China’s “increased harassment and intimidation of our allies and partners in the south China sea.” senators Coons and ricketts
are both members of the senate foreign relations Committee.
t he Philippine government has recently conveyed to China its “complaint and displeasure” over the ramming by the China Coast Guard of Philippine vessel BrP teresa magbanua at escoda (sabina) shoal on Aug. 31. It was the fifth incident of Chinese harassment to be recorded in only a month. other incidents included the blocking of a resupply mission to the teresa magbanua five days earlier. the resolution urges President Joe Biden to take “appropriate and
Imee slams plan to impeach...
PAGE 1
disagreed with senator marcos.
“Impeachment is a constitutional mechanism for the people against abuse by high government officials, and an essential part of our democratic processes to ensure that leaders remain accountable
to the people they serve,” house Deputy minority Leader and ACt teachers Partylist rep. france Castro said, on August 30, Castro said there was a basis for impeachment.
e choing Castro, Gabriela Women’s Partylist rep. Arlene
necessary actions in response to escalatory PrC behavior to restore deterrence and help the Philippines defend itself.”
the resolution reaffirms that Article IV of the mutual Defense treaty extends to armed attacks on the armed forces, public vessels, or aircraft of the Philippines, including the Philippine Coast Guard, anywhere in the south China sea.
It considers China’s aggression in the Philippines’ internationallyrecognized exclusive economic zone to be direct assaults on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. (inquirer.net)
Brosas said that there was enough basis to pursue an impeachment case against the vice president.
An impeachment move is not an affront to the voice of the people but a just and proper process to ensure accountability of the elected officials, Brosas said in filipino. n
‘PH trial first for Quiboloy before...
PAGE 1
said Quiboloy would be tried first in the Philippines and if convicted, would be made to serve his sentence in the country before getting extradited on U.s. request. Quiboloy is detained at the PNP Custodial facility in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
Quiboloy is facing charges for violation of section 5(b) and s ection 10(a) of r epublic Act 7610 or the special Protection of Children Against Abuse, exploitation and Discrimination Act.
he is also facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under section 4(a) of republic Act 9208, as amended, before a Pasig City court.
No choice meanwhile, marcos belied the claim of Quiboloy’s camp that he surrendered and was not arrested. t hat’s not what happened. What did happen was he had to surrender because he had no choice as police were closing in on him,” marcos said.
“I am thinking he would not have surfaced if we did not really pursue him,” he added.
“ to his credit, he said his followers were ready to die for
him and he did not want it to happen. s o to his credit... he was still displaying a modicum of leadership to his followers,” he said.
marcos said he was glad that the manhunt for Quiboloy was over.
While Quiboloy’s rights would be respected, he would not receive any special treatment, the president added.
“It is really with some relief that I can say that at least this part, this phase of that operation, is now over. And we now leave mr. Quiboloy to the judiciary, to the judicial system.”
Quiboloy’s lawyers Israelito torreon and ferdinand topacio insisted their client surrendered.
“this is to inform the filipino people that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy decided to surrender to the Philippine National Police and Armed forces of the Philippines because he does not want the lawless violence to continue to happen in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound and he could not bear to witness a second longer the sufferings that his flock was experiencing for many days,” torreon said. he said Quiboloy decided to
make “the ultimate sacrifice” by surrendering himself to the PNP and AfP even if he has the right to await the result of further legal action by his lawyers. topacio, for his part, said that Quiboloy voluntarily surrendered to the Intelligence service of the Armed forces. he was not arrested, especially not by the Philippine National Police under the DILG. therefore, it is epal to the highest level for secretary Abalos to be seemingly taking credit for the non-existent arrest,” topacio said, referring to Interior secretary Benhur Abalos.
‘Kwentong kutsero’
But Abalos laughed off the claim of Quiboloy’s lawyers, calling it ridiculous.
“You were already outside the KoJC compound and you would again enter just to surrender? t hat’s kwentong kutsero ( tall tale),” he said at a briefing on monday. he was arrested inside (the KoJC). (Police) went inside and when they (arresting officers and Quiboloy) were about to leave, the police were ordered to allow them to pass so that they could get out. that’s what
Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy (left) and his co-accused in a sexual abuse complaint are presented by PNP chief Gen.
Rommel Marbil and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos at Camp Crame. Philstar.com photo by Miguel de Guzman
On the flu, COVID-19 and vaccination
the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is collaborating with the Asian and Pacific Islander American health forum (APIAhf) and the Champions for Vaccine education, equity, and Progress (CVeeP) on vaccine outreach initiative. the question-and-answer segments below tackle questions on the flu and CoVID-19, and the importance of vaccination.
<Q1> Are flu and COVID-19 still a serious threat to public health? Both flu and CoVID-19 remain significant health threats, causing thousands of hospitalizations and deaths annually. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), from october 1, 2023 through June 1, 2024, there were estimated to have been at least 35 million flu illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths. In that same period, approximately 44,000 deaths were attributed to CoVID-19 in the Us
<Q2> Why do flu and COVID-19 vaccines need to be updated more frequently than
other vaccines? flu and CoVID-19 viruses change through a process called mutation. these mutations help the viruses avoid our natural immune responses and the protection provided by vaccines. By mutating, flu and CoVID-19 viruses can move more easily from person to person and reproduce faster, ensuring their survival. flu and CoVID-19 viruses mutate frequently, and the vaccines have been updated accordingly. CDC is recommending that all Americans six months and older get an updated flu and CoVID-19 vaccine in the fall, regardless of whether they’ve been vaccinated against the virus in the past.
<Q3> Why are older adults at higher risk for flu or COVID-19?
As people age, their immune systems tend to weaken, making it harder for their bodies to fight off infections and diseases. many older adults have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory issues that can exacerbate the effects of flu or
CoVID-19. therefore, they are more likely to experience severe complications from the flu or CoVID-19, and recovery from illnesses can be slower and more complicated in older adults due to the body's reduced ability to repair and heal itself. many infectious disease experts stress the importance of vaccination for people who are over 65 or who have underlying health conditions. People close to them should also be vaccinated to protect their loved ones. We should make the annual flu shot and annual CoVID shot part of our health maintenance.
*
* * if you have questions about public benefits, here are 3 ways you can reach us today: call: (English) 1-800-336-2722, (chinese Mandarin) 1-800683-7427, (chinese cantonese) 1-800-582-4218, (Korean) 1-800582-4259, (Vietnamese) 1-800582-4336; send an email to askNAPcA@napca.org; or send mail to NAPcA Senior Assistance center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101.
Fil-Am woman killed in DUI crash...
the suspected drunk driver was arrested following the crash.
Dela rosa described his wife as “a wonderful woman,” who was good hearted, church-going and a “loving wife and a great mother.” he said family members
– including their 7-year-old daughter – are heartbroken and devastated.
Dela rosa is raising funds to help with funeral services and to bring Criscel’s siblings to the U.s from the Philippines to attend her funeral.
As of press time, the
fundraising campaign has raised nearly $45,000, exceeding the $25,000 goal.
this demonstrates how much she was loved,” wrote Dela rosa. thANK YoU ALL for all your prayers, love and support through this difficult time.” (Jun Nucum/ inquirer.net)
‘I am Alice’: Guo insists on Philippine...
she also said that this right does not shield her from answering legitimate questions from the senate.
“Identity questions are within the purview of the committee. the senate has a right to know: who are we talking to?” hontiveros said in a mix of english and filipino.
Guo insisted that she is Alice Guo, but confirmed that her parents are Guo Jian Zhong and Lin Wen Yi. Guo admitted that Zhong is Chinese while separate bank documents show that Yi is also Chinese.
t he National Bureau of Investigation has previously confirmed that Guo’s fingerprints matched with a certain Chinese national named “Guo hua Ping”.
NBI Director Director Jaime
santiago, who was present in the hearing, stood by the agency’s results, saying that fingerprints never lie.
Guo, who is known to have a history of being inconsistent with her answers and her stances, said that she does not know how this happened.
If this was not enough, hontiveros presented to Guo her alleged Chinese passport and asked her if this was her.
“I am Alice Guo,” Guo said. “No! that is not my question to you!” hontiveros said. Guo had three default answers for most of the senators’ questions: either she does not know or remember, she invoked her right to self-incrimination, and her life was under threat. the senators had little patience
for Guo after waiting three months for the chance to question her again over her alleged ties to PoGos.
“Nakakapikon ka na! ( You are frustrating! )” said s enate President Pro tempore Jinggoy estrada. the typically even-tempered hontiveros was also visibly irate, saying that she was getting impatient. Guo was cited in contempt for supposedly lying to the committee. the senate is currently vying to keep her in their detention, with senate majority Leader francis tolentino pointing out lapses in the case filed against her. however, she still remains in police custody while the senate coordinates with the tarlac court that issued an arrest warrant for Guo. n
Ang mga Paglilingkod sa Pagtanda ng California ay nag-aalok ng mga Mahahalagang Pagkukunan para sa mga Nakatatanda
Ang mga Paglilingkod sa Pagtanda ng California ay nag-aalok ng mga Mahahalagang Pagkukunan para sa mga Nakatatanda Habang tayo ay tumatanda, ang ating mga pangangailangan at pagkauna ay nagbabago. Sa California, isang malawak na hanay ng mga paglilingkod ay nakahandang tulungan kayong manatili ang iyong pagsasarili, manatiling may kaugnayan, at nanguguna ng isang makabuluhang buhay. Kayo man ay naghahanap ng tulong sa pang-araw-araw na mga gawain, gabay sa pangkalusugang pag-aalaga, o nagbabalak para sa kinabukasan, ang mga paglilingkod sa pagtanda sa California ay narito upang tumulong.
Pagtanda sa Kinaroroonan
Marami sa inyo ay maaaring mas nais na manatili sa inyong sariling bahay habang tumatanda. Ang California ay nag-aalok ng mga programang makakatulong sa mga pambahay na pagkukumpuni, pagbibiyahe, at sa-bahay na pag-aalaga. Dagdag pa rito, ang mga programang pangangalaga sa kalusugan at lipunan, kabilang na ang mga day centers na may mga gawaing gaya ng sa mga sining at pagsasanay, at tutulong sa inyong pagsasarili.
Mga Paglilingkod sa Masustansiyang
Pagkain
Kayo ay masisiyahan sa mga hinatid sa bahay na mga pagkain o mga pagkaing para sa mga nagtitipong pangkat sa mga pampook na lunduyan. Sa mga may maliit na kinikita, may mga pagpipilian upang makakuha ng mga sariwang ani at iba pang mga pakinabang ng pagkain sa pamamagitan ng programang Pinalawak na CalFresh. Gabay sa Pangkalusugang Insurance
Nalilito sa mga pagpipilian tungkol sa pangkalusugang insurance? Ang Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) ay nagbibigay ng gabay sa Medicare at pangmatagalang insurance sa pag-aalaga. Tulong sa mga Nagbibigay ng Pag-aalaga Kung ikaw ay nag-aalaga ng isang mas
nakatatanda, may mga programang gaya ng Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) at ang Family Caregiver Support Program na nag-aalok ng pagpapahinga, pagpapayo, at tulong sa mga panulat na gawain. Ang mga CRCs ay nagbibigay rin ng mga balaking pagkilos sa mga pamilyang may inaalagang maysakit na dementia.
Pambatas na Tulong
Humaharap ka ba sa usaping gaya ng panloloko sa mamimili, pagmamalabis sa mga nakatatanda, o pagtatangi dahil sa edad? Ang mga lingkod pambatas ay nakalaan upang makatulong sa Social Security, pangkalusugang insurance, mga pension, at iba pa. Mga Pagkakataong Magkaroon ng Hanapbuhay
Naghahanap ka ba ng hanapbuhay? Ang mga walang bayad na pagsasanay at paghahanap ng hanapbuhay na paglilingkod ay makukuha para sa nga nakatatandang taga California.
Pagiging Handa sa Panahon ng Kagipitan Ang mga pagbabalak para sa mga kagipitan ay mas mahalaga habang tayo ay tumatanda. Ang California ay nag-aalok ng mga mapagkukunang makakatulong na maghanda sa panahon ng kagipitan sa pangkalikasang kapahamakan, pagkawala ng koryente, at iba pang kagipitan. Ang pagbuo ng isang pansariling balak sa kagipitan, pagkakaroon ng handang pangkagipitang mga gamit, at pananatiling nakakaalam sa mga pampook na mga mapagkukunan ay makakatulong nang husto. Ang lahat ng mga paglilingkod na ito at iba ay mapagtutugma sa pamamagitan ng pampook na Area Agencies on Aging. Alamin ang sa inyo sa pagtawag sa California Aging and Adult Information Line sa 800-510-2020 o sa pagtungo sa aging.ca.gov.
‘PH trial first for Quiboloy before...
happened. t hey (Quiboloy’s followers) were just laying the basis that he surrendered. Just as what I already said, it was purely kwentong kutsero. We should not believe this,” Abalos said.
At the same time, Abalos warned that criminal charges would be filed against those who delayed the arrest of Quiboloy.
“Let me remind you of PD 1829 on the obstruction of justice. Any person knowingly, willfully obstructs, impedes or frustrates or delays the apprehension of suspects and the investigation and prosecution of a criminal, harboring, concealing or facilitating the escape and giving false and fabricated information to mislead or prevent the law enforcement agencies from apprehending offender,” Abalos said.
h e also said he would look into reports that mughshots of Quiboloy were blurred. “I will look into it. I was not aware that his mugshots were blurred,” Abalos said in an interview with the stAr r eps. Joel Chua of m anila’s third district and r aul Angelo Bongalon of Ako Bicol party-list said former President rodrigo Duterte can be sued for harboring a fugitive and for obstruction of justice.
“Duterte, serving as the
administrator of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound where Quiboloy was apprehended, cannot simply distance himself from this troubling situation,” Chua, chairman of the h ouse committee on good government and public accountability, said.
“his (Duterte’s) role within the KoJC compound places him at the center of this unfolding scandal, and the public deserves clear answers about his involvement,” Chua added, noting that Quiboloy’s own tV network sonshine media Network International designated Duterte as “caretaker.”
“the former president can – I think – fit in the definition of an accomplice,” Bongalon pointed out.
“Being a lawyer also means being an officer of the court,” he said of the former president. simply put, he should not be one who should be instrumental in the violation of the country’s laws.” Probe on Sara, Bato?
h e hinted that Duterte’s daughter, Vice President sara, along with their close friend sen. ronald “Bato” dela rosa, may also be investigated, and even charged, for obstruction of justice for trying to divert policemen’s attention from serving the arrest warrant against Quiboloy.
“Let us remember that the VP herself declared that the good
pastor has already left the country. And now with Quiboloy’s arrest, what does that make of her? Did she or did she not protect him and obstruct the administration of justice by diverting police’s attention?” Bongalon asked.
“No false god is above the law,” said house Deputy majority Leader Jude Acidre, as he urged authorities to make sure Quiboloy is made to account for his alleged transgressions.
t hese are very serious charges that, if proven, can’t go unpunished unless we live in a society devoid of rules and respect. No man is above the law, and no false god is above the law,” said Acidre, referring to the cases of sexual and human trafficking against the KoJC founder and leader.
In a statement, Caritas Philippines president Kidapawan Bishop Colin Jose Bagaforo said that while they commend the PNP and the AfP for Quiboloy’s arrest, he said he hoped there was no secret agreement with the religious leader.
“We hope there were no underthe-table deals, particularly with the Department of the Interior and Local Government. transparency is essential, and the process must remain uncompromised.” (With reports from Daphne Galvez, Bella cariaso, Delon Porcalla, Evelyn Macairan)
VENDOR’S LIFE. Darryll Mayuman excitedly describes his daily adventures as a street vendor in an interview with the Philippine News Agency on Wednesday, September 11, in Quezon City. Mayuman, 45, said he has been selling street food on the streets of Quezon City for the last 14 years. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler
The enormous power of the untapped...
PAGE 1 who are eligible to vote. they may represent just 3 or 4% of the voting population in their states, but that small percentage could deliver the margin of victory.
Independents are up for grabs
At a sept. 6 ethnic media services news briefing, republican strategist rina shah said the huge bloc of AANhPI Independents is up for grabs by any party who actively engages with the community. the 2024 Asian American Voter survey revealed that less than 42% of AANhPI voters had been contacted by either party. Immigration reform, education, educational equity, and economic opportunity are key issues that register with AANhPI voters of either party, said shah. Both parties need to engage more directly with the AANhPI community through not only targeted outreach, but also by addressing specific local concerns, she said, adding such outreach could include hosting community events, working with local leaders, and creating policies that address the unique needs of the community.
to court the growing independent AANhPI vote, it’s going to take a mix of relevant policy focus as well as genuine engagement,” said shah. many republicans are dissatisfied with trump at the top of the ticket, said shah, who in 2016 headed up republican presidential candidate evan mcmullin’s bid for the White house. she noted that they may vote for harris at the top of the ticket, but continue to vote republican in down-ballot races. First time voters fifteen million AANhPIs are eligible to vote, noted APIAVote
President Christine Chen. In 2020, about 65% came out to vote. In critical battleground states, roughly one out of four AANhPIs were voting for the 1st time.
In 2020, President Joe Biden won Georgia by less than 12,000 votes. the number of AAPIs who voted in 2020 in Georgia was over 142,000, and 26% were first-time voters, said Chen.
“If you do the math, that’s about 39,000 voters, three times the margin of victory. so these are concrete ways and numbers that we’re seeing where we actually are making a difference,” she said. Bread and butter issues, along with immigration, and crime are
among the most important issues for AANhPI voters, but Chen said that a significant number of voters see little difference in which party can successfully tackle those issues.
‘The reason for victory’ “the AANhPI vote is very significant,” said shekar Narasimhan, chairman and founder of the AAPI Victory fund. “I prefer actually, instead of saying that we are the margin of victory, to saying now that we are the reason for victory,” he said, speaking from the battleground state of michigan, where he had organized a massive Get out the Vote effort.
Narasimhan agreed that AANhPI voters of any persuasion need to be more effectively courted. Asian Americans are among the most active on social media, but in 2020, the first truly virtual year for campaigning, more than half the community was not reached.
“Candidates don’t know how to talk to us, which language to reach, which communities to talk to, the WhatsApp channels that we frequent, or the television. And therefore, there is an absence of information,” said Narasimhan, who noted that a huge percentage of AANhPIs are low-information voters. “We tell every candidate to show up in our communities, talk to our voters about the issues that matter to this community,” he said, noting critical issues include immigration, and access to capital for small businesses.
Vietnamese American shift left?
Dr. tung Nguyen, founder and president of the Progressive Vietnamese American organization — PIVot — said that Vietnamese American voters, among the most conservative AANhPIs who traditionally vote republican, are slowly shifting left. “there is a toss-up between republicans and Democrats, with a significant portion of around 25% who are Independent and can still be persuaded,” said Nguyen. there is rampant misinformation and disinformation in our communities, both in english, but especially in Vietnamese, with much of that bad content coming out on Youtube, he said. PIVot has created Vietfact Check. Nguyen described the resource as a “nonpartisan information service that has really served as a model for bilingual anti-
disinformation work in Asian American communities.”
PIVot has also created a bilingual Get out the Vote ad campaign, which the organization is disseminating through many platforms, including conservative, trump-supporting groups.
Additionally, the organization plans to distribute 100,000 handwritten postcards before election Day Nov. 5.
Asian American conservatism
“older Vietnamese American voters who use to support trump are either less vocal about him or less enthusiastic about him or have been turned off by him, mostly not around policy issues, but around character issues.
And this seems to have started with the insurrection in January 2021,” said Nguyen. the Biden Administration’s handling of the Israel-hamas war has turned off some younger Vietnamese Americans, who are not yet backing harris, he said.
University of san francisco
Professor Dr. James Zarsadiaz discussed the history of Asian American conservatism. Until the 1990s, Asian Americans traditionally voted republican, believing that the party was aligned with their values of traditional families and supporting economic growth. George hW Bush successfully courted AAPI voters in 1992, and Bob Dole followed in 1996, though there was also considerable enthusiasm for Democratic candidate Bill Clinton.
the year 2000 saw a dramatic shift, as AAPIs voted for Democratic Presidential candidate Al Gore, who won the popular vote, but lost the electoral college. A wave of anti-Asianism, along with the new “hard right policies” of house speaker Newt Gingrich’s Congress made many AAPIs question their loyalty to the republican Party, said Zarsadiaz, who is working on a book: “the Asian American Conservative.”
Democrats ‘Soft on Crime’
But the shift left may be turning again. “there are a lot of registered Asian American Democrats who are starting to move more right, voting for maybe central left or more moderate Democrats, as opposed to backing folks who are more liberal or more progressive,” said Zarsadiaz.
During the CoVID-19 pandemic, which brought with it a wave of anti-Asian hate
u PAGE 5
Breast cancer rises among Asian American...
under 50 were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, surpassing the rate for Black and h ispanic women and on par with the rate for white women, according to ageadjusted data from the National Institutes of h ealth. ( h ispanic people can be of any race or combination of races but are grouped separately in this data.) the rate of new breast cancer cases among Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50 grew by about 52% from 2000 through 2021. rates for AAPI women 50 to 64 grew 33% and rates for AAPI women 65 and older grew by 43% during that period. By comparison, the rate for women of all ages, races, and ethnicities grew by 3%. researchers have picked up on this trend and are racing to find out why it is occuring within this ethnically diverse group. they suspect the answer is complex, ranging from cultural shifts to pressure-filled lifestyles — yet they concede it remains a mystery and difficult for patients and their families to discuss because of cultural differences.
h elen Chew, director of the
Clinical Breast Cancer Program at UC Davis h ealth, said the Asian American diaspora is so broad and diverse that simple explanations for the increase in breast cancer aren’t obvious.
“It’s a real trend,” Chew said, adding that “it is just difficult to tease out exactly why it is. Is it because we’re seeing an influx of people who have less access to care? Is it because of many things culturally where they may not want to come in if they see something on their breast?” there’s urgency to solve this mystery because it’s costing lives. While women in most ethnic and racial groups are experiencing sharp declines in breast cancer death rates, about 12 of every 100,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander women of any age died from breast cancer in 2023, essentially the same death rate as in 2000, according to age-adjusted, provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. t he breast cancer death rate among all women during that period dropped 30%. t he CDC does not break out breast cancer death rates for many different groups of Asian American women, such
as those of Chinese or Korean descent. It has, though, begun distinguishing between Asian American women and Pacific Islander women. Nearly 9,000 Asian American women died from breast cancer from 2018 through 2023, compared with about 500 Native h awaiian and Pacific Islander women. h owever, breast cancer death rates were 116% higher among Native hawaiian and Pacific Islander women than among Asian American women during that period. rates of pancreatic, thyroid, colon, and endometrial cancer, along with non- h odgkin lymphoma rates, have also recently risen significantly among Asian American and Pacific Islander women under 50, NIh data show. Yet breast cancer is much more common among young AAPI women than any of those other types of cancer — especially concerning because young women are more likely to face more aggressive forms of the disease, with high mortality rates.
“We’re seeing somewhere almost around a 4% per-year increase,” said scarlett Gomez, a professor and epidemiologist
‘FIESTA DE INTRAMUROS’. Churchgoers join the parade for the first-ever Fiesta de Intramuros, in honor of the Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa in Manila on Sunday, September 8, coinciding with the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Manila City Council recently declared the Nuestra Señora de la Consolacion y Correa as the Patroness of Intramuros and bestowed on her the title of “Queen and Protectress of the Distinguished and Ever Loyal City.”
PNA
photo by Avito Dalan
Missing Fil-Am nurse found dead, neighbor faces murder charges
Family and friends started to worry when Melissa Jubane did not show up for her morning shift at the hospital by
mary Villegas Inquirer.net
A fILIPIN o American nurse from oregon, who went missing after returning home from her h awaii wedding, was found dead s aturday, s eptember 7. her neighbor was arrested and charged with murder, police said. on sept. 4, 2024, 32-year-old melissa Jubane, a nurse at st. Vincent h ospital in s outhwest Portland, failed to show up for her morning shift and was reported missing.
s he had just returned from hale’iwa in oahu, where she got married to Bryan Llantero last August 24.
After not hearing from Jubane for days, her family, friends and co-workers started to worry and reported her to the police as missing.
In a f acebook post, the Beaverton Police Department confirmed receiving a welfare check request at around 10:18 a.m. after several unsuccessful attempts to reach the fil-Am nurse.
Arriving at her residence at sW 160th Avenue in Portland, the police officers conducted a search but Jubane was nowhere to be found. there were no signs of foul play inside her unit, the police said. the police officers and family members continued to reach out to her, but her phone stayed off. A review of her credit card and bank records showed no clues either.
Jubane’s husband had last contacted her around 6 p.m. on the day she failed to report to work, according to KhoN.
h er sudden disappearance
after their wedding drew more questions among family and friends.
A public facebook group, “find melissa Jubane case Discussion and Updates,” was set up on Aug. 26 to help search for the fil-Am nurse.
By 3:12 p.m. on sept. 4, she was officially entered into the national law enforcement systems as a missing individual.
Investigators later identified a possible suspect, 27-year-old Bryce Johnathan schubert, her neighbor.
schubert, who was also a nurse and a former Providence Portland medical Center employee from september 2022 to october 2023, was arrested after investigators found evidence linking him to Jubane’s disappearance.
s chubert has been charged with murder.
“While we acknowledge the significant community interest and concern, we must withhold further details to preserve the integrity of the investigation,” the Beaverton Police Department said in a facebook update.
Breast cancer rises among Asian American...
at the University of California-san francisco’s helen Diller family Comprehensive Cancer Center. “We’re seeing even more than the 4% per-year increase in Asian/Pacific Islander women less than age 50.”
Gomez is a lead investigator on a large study exploring the causes of cancer in Asian Americans. she said there is not yet enough research to know what is causing the recent spike in breast cancer. the answer may involve multiple risk factors over a long period of time. one of the hypotheses that we’re exploring there is the role of stress,” she said. “We’re asking all sorts of questions about different sources of stress, different coping styles throughout the lifetime.”
It’s likely not just that there’s more screening. “We looked at trends by stage at diagnosis and we are seeing similar rates of increase across all stages of disease,” Gomez said.
Veronica setiawan, a professor and epidemiologist at the Keck school of medicine of the University of southern California, said the trend may be related to Asian immigrants adopting some lifestyles that put them at higher risk. setiawan is a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed a few years ago at the age of 49. “Asian women, American women, they become more westernized so they have their puberty younger now — having earlier age at [the first menstrual cycle] is associated with increased risk,” said setiawan, who is working with Gomez on the cancer study. m aybe giving birth later, we delay childbearing, we don’t breastfeed — those are all associated with breast cancer risks.” moon Chen, a professor at the University of California-Davis and an expert on cancer health disparities, added that only a tiny fraction of NIh funding is devoted to researching cancer among Asian Americans. Whatever its cause, the trend has created years of anguish for many patients.
Kashiwada underwent a mastectomy following her breast cancer diagnosis. During surgery, doctors at UC Davis health discovered the cancer had spread to lymph nodes in her underarm. s he underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy and 20 sessions of radiation treatment.
throughout her treatments, Kashiwada kept her ordeal a secret from her grandmother, who had helped raise her. her grandmother never knew about the diagnosis. “I didn’t want her to worry about me or add stress to her,” Kashiwada said. “she just would probably never sleep if she knew that was happening. It was very important to me to protect her.”
Kashiwada moved in with her parents. her mom took a leave from work to help take care of her.
Kashiwada’s two young children, who were 3 and 6 at the time, stayed with their dad so she could focus on her recovery.
“the kids would come over after school,” she said. “my dad would pick them up and bring them over to see me almost every day while their dad was at work.”
Kashiwada spent months regaining strength after the radiation treatments. she returned to work but with a doctor’s instruction to avoid lifting heavy objects.
Kashiwada had her final reconstructive surgery a few weeks before covid lockdowns began in 2020. But her treatment was not finished.
her doctors had told her that estrogen fed her cancer, so they gave her medicine to put her through early menopause. t he treatment was not as effective as they had hoped. h er doctor performed surgery in 2021 to remove her ovaries. more recently, she was diagnosed with osteopenia and will start injections to stop bone loss.
Kashiwada said she has moved past many of the negative emotions she felt about her illness and wants other young women, including Asian American women like her, to be aware of their elevated risk.
“No matter how healthy you think you are, or you’re exercising, or whatever you’re doing, eating well, which is all the things I was doing — I would say it does not make you invincible or immune,” she said. “Not to say that you should be afraid of everything, but just be very in tune with your body and what your body’s telling you.” (Phillip reese/KFF Health News)
Phillip reese is a data reporting specialist and an associate professor of journalism at california State University-Sacramento.
This article was produced by KFF Health News, which publishes california Healthline, an editorially independent service of the california Health care Foundation. Supplemental support comes from the Asian American Journalists Association-Los Angeles through The california Endowment.
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.
Community mourns following the news of Jubanes’ death, there was an outpouring of love from colleagues, friends and the health care community. many have placed flowers near her apartment.
“ s he was just very, very sweet, very kind,” said h alina Brant-Zawadzki, one of Jubane’s former professors, recalling her compassion and service as a student nurse.
t o commemorate her legacy, the o regon Nurses Association organized a vigil on sept. 10 at the ridgewood View Park in Portland. the Beaverton Police Department is gathering more evidence and has urged the public to come forward with any information related to the case. the department can be reached at (503) 526-2280. n
The enormous power of the untapped...
crimes, Zarsadiaz said many AANhPIs felt unsupported by the Democratic party, which has been characterized as “soft on crime.”
Pennsylvania: The ultimate battleground mohan seshadri, executive director of the Asian Pacific Islander Political Alliance, spoke to reporters from the battleground state of Pennsylvania, which several pundits believe will determine the outcome of the 2024 Presidential election.
“Pennsylvania is the battleground of battlegrounds. It’s where everything’s going
down. And that means that for our community, when we’re the margin of victory, there’s an intense opportunity to build local grassroots political power,” he said, noting that organizations need to be long-term resourced, so that they’re doing day-today outreach in the community, outside of election cycles.
“When we launched in 2020, we doubled the Asian-American vote in Pennsylvania, and that doubling provided fully half of President Biden’s margin of victory in the state,” said seshadri, adding that his organization was also successful in flipping downballot races.
“We’re going to knock on 500,000 doors in 22 languages; make 5 million phone calls in 22 languages. We’re going to send a million pieces of mail in the languages our communities speak with representation from our community leaders on it
Melissa Jubane (left) and Bryce Johnathan Schubert. Photos from @iamlegacy23/X
HOLIDAYS IN THE AIR. Christmas trees of various colors and sizes are on display at a mall in Davao City on Tuesday, September 10. Prices range from PHP600 to PHP7,500.
PNA photo by Robinson Niñal Jr.
OPiniOn Features
True reckoning for Duterte drug war
Barely a month old, the House of representatives quad committee has hit the ground running, assembling witnesses and gathering testimonies that cast new light into the brutal drug war of the past administration.
And its labors appear to be bearing fruit. Although criticized by some as a political witch hunt, the panel has arguably accomplished in weeks what law enforcers and prosecutors failed to do in six years under the shadow of former President rodrigo Duterte at the peak of his power. the inquiry’s latest bombshell: one of Duterte’s trusted police officers allegedly forced a Davao prison warden to go along with a plot to murder three Chinese drug trafficking convicts in 2016. Police Col. Gerardo Padilla, former officer in charge of the Davao Prison and Penal farm in Panabo City, Davao del Norte, testified on Wednesday, september 4 that he was “subjected to intense pressure” by royina Garma, then a police colonel heading the Central Visayas regional command of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police. ‘Cooperate or else’
Garma, who went on to lead the Cebu City police before being tapped as general manager of the Philippine Charity sweepstakes office in June 2019, allegedly told Padilla to “not question (the operation) whether you like it or not” and to “cooperate or you will be sorry” in the sinister conspiracy against Chu Kin tung, Li Lang Yang, and Wong meng Pin.
At the time, the official story reported by Davao authorities was that the three prisoners were stabbed dead by two filipino inmates in an altercation on Aug. 16, 2016.
In making the fresh allegations, Padilla recanted his earlier testimony, reasoning that he had withheld information in fear of his life and that of his family. the former warden, however, stopped short of throwing any direct accusations against Duterte himself, a manifest illustration of the former president’s potent hold over his former subordinates.
IN four days, the administration of President ferdinand marcos Jr. made two major and sensational arrests.
one, Alice Guo, aka Guo hua Ping, accused of various crimes like lying before Congress under oath, human trafficking, tax evasion, money laundering, graft and corruption.
two, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who has proclaimed generational divinity for himself and been accused of child abuse, sex trafficking, sexual abuse of minors, as well as federal grand jury charges in California of conspiracy, sex trafficking of children and sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion. U.s federal agents have been looking for him since November 2021. says the U.s state Department: h uman trafficking is both a grave crime and a human rights abuse. It compromises national and economic security,
WheN sara Duterte and ferdinand marcos Jr. joined forces ahead of the 2022 elections, which ultimately sealed the fate of that historic race, a bizarre torrent of monickers and iconographies burst onto the scene. for the supporters of the “Uniteam,” the tandem represented an unbeatable coalition between the “tiger of the North” (marcos Jr.) and the “ e agle of Davao” (sara Duterte). thus, the birth of a surreal cottage industry of posters, memes, and billboards drenched in self-aggrandizing zoological fantasies. for critics, the so-called “Uniteam” was nothing less than a coalition of brats, namely the alliance of convenience between
Padilla said he had felt “pressured” because he knew Garma had the backing of the higher-ups.
“By intense pressure, you meant that there was a bigger person behind Garma’s instructions?” manila rep. Bienvenido Abante pressed him. “Is that ‘big person’… our former president?”
Padilla’s reply was immediate: “I’m not implicating him.”
Emboldened lawmakers still, the testimony had succeeded in giving renewed attention to an eight-year-old cold case that would otherwise never have been brought to light were it not for the breakdown of the marcosDuterte alliance.
more than anything else, it was this feud that allowed lawmakers to grow a spine and challenge the formerly untouchable former president by investigating the serious crimes allegedly committed with impunity under his watch, motivated by the impulse to please the new chief executive.
o f course, whether the joint h ouse panel–comprising the committees on dangerous drugs; public order and safety; human rights; and public accounts–would be able to establish that such crimes were done with Duterte’s imprimatur is a question that won’t be answered anytime soon.
But as a start, it is an encouraging one, and the hope is that the emergence of new whistleblowers creates a ripple effect so that more eyewitnesses will surface to reveal what they know.
Last month, for instance, the committee learned from the former drug war “poster boy,” Police Lt. Col. Jovie espenido, former police chief of Albuera, Leyte, that Duterte’s closest associates allegedly ordered police officers to use “all means necessary” to eradicate drug suspects and to reward the deed under a so-called “quota and reward system.”
undermines the rule of law and harms the well-being of individuals and communities everywhere. It is a crime of exploitation.” Life imprisonment and/or $1.5-million fine is maximum penalty for human trafficking.
o n tuesday, s ept. 3, 2024, Alice Guo, 34, was seized by Indonesian authorities in the Indonesian city of tangerang, near Jakarta. o n s ept. 5, at 4 a.m., Guo was turned over to the Philippine arresting party composed of Interior and Local Government secretary Benhur Abalos and Philippine National Police chief r ommel m arbil who, using a private plane, flew the fugitive to manila where she was read her rights, processed, handcuffed, fingerprinted and made to wear an orange detainee uniform. the long arm of the law finally caught up with Guo. At 6 p.m., s unday, s ept. 8, Quiboloy was arrested, after a 15-day siege by a 2,300-strong arresting PNP force at the sprawling Davao worship compound of the self-appointed son of God. Whether it was divine
the untested and unproven offspring of two notorious filipino strongmen. o n her part, s ara Duterte had no relevant experience beyond local government politics. she simply lacked the audacity and eloquence for national leadership, which would require a certain effortless pizzazz in dealing with global statesmen. she also seemed like a poor copy of her dad—an already problematic original—in wit and spontaneity. As for ferdinand marcos Jr., he had all the glamour and eloquence of his parents, thanks to his exposure to the global elite throughout decades at the pinnacle of national power. But the namesake son neither have the gravitas and academic credentials of his dad nor the spontaneous charm of his notorious mom, who dazzled world leaders—from m ao Zedong
Not a court of law
It is important to note that the quad committee’s findings, much like the discoveries of s enate blue ribbon investigations, are only as good as their legal outcome. the committee, after all, is a congressional body and not a court of law, and no Philippine judge to date has attempted to bring Duterte and his subordinates to justice for the alleged crimes raised during the inquiry. t hat brings us to the touchy issue of the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor’s investigation of drug war killings. While we hope that the result of the quad committee’s findings is the prosecution of all those culpable in the drug war in Philippine courts, any criminal charges arising
from them should not preclude the ICC prosecutor from pursuing a separate and independent inquiry. We applaud the house quad committee members for their newfound zeal in digging up Duterteera skeletons, but ultimately, their actions serve interests that are more political than legal, however those interests may coincide with the quest for justice for the thousands killed in the drug war.
In the end, the true reckoning for the war on drugs waged by Duterte and his lieutenants won’t be made before a panel of lawmakers but before the eyes of the law. If that’s unrealistic for local courts in today’s legal and political climate, then an international tribunal must be allowed to take on the task instead. (inquirer.net)
inspiration or deux ex machina only the devil can truly relate the circumstances of Quiboloy’s capture by force of arms.
Now, I want President marcos Jr. to execute another kind of arrest. t his is arresting the unbated rise in prices of prime commodities, particularly food, and the atrocious interest rates slapped by the Bangko sentral on hapless money users in the past four years. t here is no fine nor prison penalty for B s P people unilaterally raising interest rates to their heart’s desire. the 91-day t-bill rate has risen more than five-fold, from 1.1 pct in 2021 to 5.61 by 2024. they call rising interest rates a stability measure, although the effect has been one of political instability which cannot be measured by monetary aggregates. t he more useful aggregate is solid stone which hungry small folks use when they start storming the palace looking for something to eat or someone to blame. there is also no penalty for unabated inflation.
But the rewards for arrest are huge and are something for
and fidel Castro to muammar
Ghadaffi—throughout her unforgettably decadent reign as the Philippines’ de facto queen. the tandem ended up winning the greatest share of votes in more than half a century of presidential elections in the country. And then came the inevitable political divorce. A very ugly one at that. It didn’t take long before former “Uniteam” aficionados turned on each other with gusto. the most notorious propagandists ended up turning on their former patrons with exquisite brutality. some went so far as accusing the incumbent of being a “drug addict” (“Polvoron Boy”) and, in a zoological reversal, ended up branding now President m arcos as a kitten (“ Kuting ”) rather than a t iger (“ Tigre ”).
Bizarrely, former President rodrigo Duterte has echoed similar statements, thus exposing major political realignments within a
the soul, especially if you are a politician, a pro-poor politician. Arrest is a french word meaning to stop or stay. so arrest the rise in prices of food. Arrest the high interest rate regime of the BsP.
In the first half of 2024, the average farmgate prices of the following major crops showed hefty price increases: palay, up 35 percent to P24.74 per kilo; banana 15.3 percent, coconut 17 percent, pineapple 68 percent, coffee 46 percent, tobacco 8.6 percent, abaca 10 percent, tomato 37 percent, potato 2.3 percent, calamansi 8.8 percent and cacao 10 percent.
Production of palay, banana, mango, sugar, onion and mongo declined in the first half. In livestock, hogs 8.8 percent, cattle 9.1 percent, carabao 5.6 percent, goat 13.2 percent and dairy 7.5 percent, all showed large price increases despite higher production.
h ow important is food and agriculture? f armers and fishermen are the poorest filipinos. their poverty incidence is 30 percent, double the national average. Yes, agriculture employs 10 million f ilipinos. t he food shortage is 25 percent of demand.
tempestuous landscape.
so far, however, “team Kuting” has proven itself as far more formidable than its former ally, which will likely be redubbed as team itik,” since the self-styled venerable eagle has looked as vulnerable as a baby duck. By all indications, the Dutertes and their proxies have devastatingly underestimated the incumbent. mr. marcos may not be a tiger himself, but he clearly surrounds himself with capable ones. earlier this year, one of those tigers told me that the president is not going to be a sitting duck. If anything, he will strike back—at the moment of his choosing. And that political moment seems to be arriving, at last.
t he “repatriation” of Bamban’s former Chinese m ayor Alice Guo was clearly headline-grabbing news, but the Apollo Quiboloy “surrender” may be the real clincher. After
the shortage is covered mainly by imports, worth P1.14 trillion a year. Production is hampered by huge harvest losses, 14.5 percent in rice, 16 percent in fisheries, 20 percent in fruits and vegetables, 26 percent in mongo and 32 percent in onion. food needed to feed the hungry – numbering 15 million – is simply wasted.
Inflation is high because of low production or no production of food, which has been half of the inflation rate in the past two years. Yet, BsP keeps imposing high interest rates to solve the inflation problem when it should be focusing on production. According to e conomic Planning s ecretary Arsi Balisacan, high interest rates cut our economic growth by half percent. And reduced food production. You need money to produce food and if that money is very expensive you don’t produce food instead. so instead of enjoying 6 percent GDP growth we should have had 6.5 percent, the best in Asia. A half percent missed economic growth rate to me means P250 billion worth of lost production and 100,000 jobs that should have been created. Laments sec Arsi:
o ur growth performance could have been even more impactful on all f ilipinos if not for the high inflation and interest rates that the country experienced in the last two years. Considering the lagged effect of interest rate hikes that the BsP carried out in response to the high inflation in 2022 and early 2023, we estimate that economic growth could have been over half a percentage point higher in 2023 if such rate hikes did not materialize. m ore importantly, with slower increases in food prices, our efforts could have reduced the poverty incidence to around 13 to 14 percent in 2023 – instead of the actual reported figure of 15.5 percent – if inflation had been within target during the year. this would have translated to an even higher reduction in the number of poor people by 4.4 million instead of the actual reported 2.5 million between 2021 and 2023.”(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.
* * * Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com
weeks of tense standoff, Brig. Gen. Nicolas torre III ably salami-sliced Quiboloy’s gigantic compound until the de facto fugitive was forced to come out of hiding. In the process, torre defied all odds, including constant pressure from Davao’s political and legal establishment, and deftly avoided both violence and fatigue until the enemy blinked. In retrospect, this should have come as totally unsurprising. As General torre told me during the first night of siege: “We are under great pressure [to see this through].” Quiboloy’s arrest marks a milestone on many levels, especially for justice, thanks to the tireless efforts of the likes of sen. risa hontiveros, who single-handedly exposed all alleged abuses within the controversial pastor’s sect. most fundamentally, it broke a major psychological barrier, namely the impunity of the
Duterte-Quiboloy joint kingdom in Davao. As one of mr. marcos’ tigers recently told me, there are currently more than 200 legislators who are open to backing impeachment proceedings against the vice president based on a myriad of charges. Another admitted that the International Criminal Court has been communicating with them ahead of a potential issuance of a warrant of arrest. In many ways, this month may end up as the most consequential one in mr. marcos’ presidency. Will he decisively strike at the Dutertes, or risk confronting their vengeance in the future? (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
Marcos rallies nations vs weapons of mass destruction
by helen FloreS Philstar.com
mANILA — President ferdinand marcos Jr. called on nations on monday, september 9 to strengthen collaboration in controlling the export of strategic goods or items that can have both civilian and military applications, to ensure these do not become weapons of mass destruction.
speaking at the Philippine strategic trade management summit in taguig City, marcos said emerging technologies – both in civilian and military fields – pose challenges in trade management.
the rapid pace of advancement demands us to be more agile, more responsible and it requires us to address both the speed and dual-use nature of these new technologies,” marcos said.
t his summit is not merely about managing trade; it is also about mitigating risks, promoting stability and confidence in our regulatory regimes and ensuring that the tools of our progress do not become weapons of our destruction,” he said.
the summit is an annual export control forum focusing on regulatory updates and best practices for the implementation of strategic trade management (stm) systems.
It also serves as a platform to discuss counter-proliferation challenges, such as emerging technology, intangible technology
transfer, transit and transshipment and sanctions.
Around 300 delegates from various local and international organizations attended the forum at shangri-La the fort in taguig City.
Among those who attended the summit were trade secretary ma.
Cristina Aldeguer-roque, foreign Affairs secretary enrique manalo and U.s. Ambassador maryKay Carlson.
Apart from representatives from member states of the Association of southeast Asian Nations, this year’s stm summit was also attended by partners from the U.s Japan, europe and Africa, marcos said.
“this demonstrates our faith in the power of collaboration to improve and secure our global supply chains as well as to open our doors for trade to flourish, for wealth to grow and for people to prosper,” he said.
the Philippines, marcos said, has launched a strategic investment plan focused on developing key industries.
“We have developed policies that require individuals and entities engaging in stm-covered activities to register and to receive authorization to deliver their services,” he said.
the country has also implemented programs to educate not only the border control and import/ export officers in fulfilling their responsibilities but also stakehold-
ers to properly comply with the Philippines’ rules and regulations. the Philippines is also conducting post-authorization audits, compliance checks and compliance consultations through monitoring and inspection activities, he added.
“But the work does not end there – we will continue to upgrade industry standards, modernize regulations and further establish linkages through various trade and investment frameworks,” he said.
marcos emphasized strategic trade management is more than just a bureaucratic exercise but “upholding the rule of law, protecting our people and contributing to global peace and security.”
he cited the Philippines’ improved ranking in the latest Peddling Peril Index, which indicates that the country is on the right track in strategic trade management.
“however, there is much work to be done. As the first Asian republic, the Philippines has always stood for principles over power,” marcos said.
As one of the original framers of the United Nations Charter, marcos said the Philippines’ commitment to peace and stability has been unwavering.
today, as we pursue a non-permanent seat on the UN security Council for 2027 to 2028, we are doubling down on that same commitment,” the chief executive said. n
Nancy Binay: Ready to serve Makati
by Francis Earl cuEto ManilaTimes.net
seN. Nancy Binay appears to be gearing up for a mayoral bid in makati City, as indicated by her latest social media post. on sunday, september 8, Binay posted on facebook: "ready to serve..." with a hashtag #makati2025. the post had a photo of her holding a heart-shaped sign with "100%" written on it, probably signaling her full commitment. speculation about her candidacy has been swirling for months. In August, Binay said that she will "most likely" run for mayor of makati. earlier, she said that she was waiting for a sign. Binay's candidacy has the full support of her family, including her father, former vice president Jejomar Binay, who also served as makati mayor for decades. her last term as a senator will end in 2025. her sister, makati mayor Abigail Binay, earlier said she may run for mayor of taguig City.
VP Sara accuses House leaders of meddling with DepEd classroom budget
by criStina chi Philstar.com
m ANILA — Vice President
sara Duterte has accused house speaker martin romualdez and the chairperson of the powerful house appropriations committee of manipulating the Department of education's budget for classroom construction over the past two years.
In a video interview released by the office of the Vice President on tuesday, september 10, Duterte said the house of representatives inflated Deped's budget for classroom construction beyond its requested sum in 2023 and 2024. this, she claimed, allowed romualdez and rep. elizaldy Co (Ako Bicol) to control billions in additional funds. the oVP sent Duterte's video to reporters on the same day the lower chamber resumed its deliberations on the oVP's proposed 2025 budget.
Unlike the previous hearing on August 27, where the vice president had heated exchanges with lawmakers, Duterte did not face the appropriations panel this time, saying in a letter that she "[defers] entirely to the discretion and judgment" of the committee on the oVP's proposed budget.
DepEd irregularities
In the nine-minute video — a continuation of another video the oVP sent on monday, september 9 — Duterte detailed her concerns about the alleged irregular insertions in the budget of Deped, which she led before her resignation on July 19.
Duterte recalled being approached by house members who asked for a portion of Deped's proposed P5 billion outlay for classroom construction in the 2023 budget.
"I was taken aback when they asked, 'how much of that is ours? how much do we get?'" Duterte said in mixed english and filipino.
Duterte said she refused the lawmakers' requests to give Deped a free hand to construct new classrooms based on its backlog.
so, sinabihan ko ‘yung isang congressman, ' s abihan ninyo si m artin r omualdez na hindi pwedeng chop-chopin ang classroom construction na 5 billion' (i instructed one congressman, 'Tell Martin romualdez that we cannot allow the P5 billion for classroom
Ex-President Duterte files complaints vs Abalos, Marbil over KJC raid
by john eric mendoza Inquirer.net
mANILA — former President r odrigo Duterte has filed a malicious mischief complaint against Interior s ecretary Benjamin Abalos Jr., Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General r ommel m arbil, and other police officials over the operation in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound in Davao City.
Duterte is the new administrator of KJC properties. m alicious mischief is filed when there is a destruction of property.
the cases against Abalos and PNP officials were lodged at the regional trial Court Branch 15 in Davao City. on August 24, around 2,000 members of the PNP raided the 30-hectare KJC compound to serve the arrest warrant against fugitive KJC leader Apollo Quiboloy. the police dug an underground tunnel in the basement of Jose m aria College, one of the structures inside the KJC compound.
construction to be split up')," the vice president said.
Because she did not agree to the lawmakers' demands, Duterte alleged that Deped's proposed P5 billion funds for classrooms were bumped up to P15 billion, with the additional P10 billion being placed under the "control" of romualdez and Co. Philstar.com has reached out to romualdez and Co for comment and will update this story with their response.
the vice president said house leaders did the same in the 2024 budget, where an initial P19 billion allocation for classroom construction was raised to P24 billion. this time, the additional P5 billion was allegedly taken from the funds allocated for classroom repairs.
“so, what was left for repairs for the poor classrooms is just 1 billion," Duterte said. for the 2024 budget, Duterte said house leaders attached a list specifying where the P17 billion for classroom construction would go even though the department did not approve this.
"You can see that on paper. When we went to the senate, the senators saw this. they asked the Department of education, ‘Is it true or not that the list of 17 billion for classroom construction came from you?’" Duterte added. romualdez and Co's alleged insertions in the Deped budget led Duterte to resign and also fueled her decision to forego the question-and-answer portion of the house appropriations committee's deliberations of the oVP's budget. that is one of the reasons why I resigned from the Department of
education. I will not allow them to do the same thing next year and hold me accountable for their actions," Duterte said. that's why I’m saying, 'Why are we still having a Q&A session where you attack me? In the end, only two people control the budget,'" she added.
on monday, Duterte justified her stonewalling of the house appropriations committee's deliberations of the oVP's proposed budget, arguing that the lawmakers who faced her were simply not used to "tough responses."
the vice president also said the budget hearing of the oVP was being used by "certain lawmakers" to launch political attacks against her.
the August 27 hearing where Duterte repeatedly traded insults with lawmakers and refused to coherently answer their queries, especially on her use of confidential funds, is a marked departure from previous years' house deliberations of the oVP budget.
In 2022 and 2023, Duterte enjoyed the privilege of having the oVP budget hearing terminated within minutes due to h ouse lawmakers' "courtesy" to her. motions to end the budget hearing early were usually met with objections from the three-member makabayan bloc. however, since the start of the year, Duterte and her father, former President rodrigo Duterte, have publicly feuded with President ferdinand marcos Jr. and other administration allies over issues related to Charter change and the president's foreign policy. this marked the breakup of the Uniteam alliance that swept sara and marcos to power in 2022. n
Quiboloy, Jackielyn roy, Ingrid Canada, Cresente Canada, and s ylvia Cements were already arrested inside the KJC compound on sunday, september 8. they were later detained at the PNP custodial center on sunday night, and were presented to a press conference on m onday afternoon, september 9.
Quiboloy and the five coaccused face child abuse cases before the Davao City court. o ne of them has been under the custody of authorities since July.
Quiboloy also has a standing arrest warrant for human trafficking issued by a Pasig City court. n
Sen. Nancy Binay ManilaTimes.net file photo
Apollo Quiboloy and Rodrigo Duterte Inquirer.net file photos
File photo shows Vice President Sara Duterte and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Philstar.com photo
TRANQUIL. A small boat navigates Manila Bay under hazy skies on Tuesday, September 10. Manila’s air quality index showed “moderate” pollution level. PNA photo by Yancy Lim
fILIPINo fans of olivia rodrigo are in for a special treat as the filipino American pop star is set to bring her “GUts” world tour to the Philippines. Presented by Live Nation Philippines, the much-anticipated concert marking the young hitmaker’s first show in the country, is scheduled for oct. 5 at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
In an exciting twist, all tickets for the manila show will be sold at a flat rate of P1,500 (including taxes), giving fans a chance to enjoy the concert at an affordable price. ticket sales for the concert will begin this saturday, sept. 14 at 10 a.m. fans can purchase up to four tickets per transaction, and all tickets will be sold as “silver star tickets.” seat locations will be revealed only when tickets are picked up after sept. 28. sections will be assigned randomly, covering everything from floor seats to limited-view and upper-level sections, ensuring all fans have an equal chance at securing prime spots. What makes this event even more meaningful is that all net
proceeds from the ticket sales will go to olivia’s “fund 4 Good.” the “fund 4 Good” is a global initiative established by olivia to support community-based nonprofits focused on empowering women and girls. Its mission includes advancing girls’ education, supporting reproductive rights, and preventing gender-based violence.
By attending the concert, filipino fans will not only experience a night of incredible music but also contribute to a worthy cause. olivia previously thrilled fans by hinting at an upcoming visit to the country in a video message pro-
moting her new single obsessed. the singer first exploded in the music world via her debut track, drivers license, released in January 2021. the song became a huge hit, topping charts around the world and breaking streaming records. following this success, she released more songs such as deja vu and good 4 u, which made her debut album, soUr, become a hit. It won her several Grammys, including Best New Artist and Best Pop Vocal Album. she has sinne won several other awards, including American music Awards and mtV Video music Awards. (Philstar.com)
KaladKaren, non-showbiz partner Luke Wrightson tie the knot
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
m o N ths after their second marriage proposal, KaladKaren and her longtime beau Luke Wrightson finally said “I do” in the latter’s hometown in North Yorkshire, england. the actress-news anchor announced that she and Wrightson got married on sunday, sept. 8 at raven hall County hotel, a cliff-top wedding venue with the “best overlooking views,” in scarborough, North Yorkshire, england.
KaladKaren was a breathtaking bride in her francis Libiran tube serpentina gown with a short wedding veil, while her partner looked dapper in his white-and-black suit with a bowtie, as seen on her Instagram post on monday, sept. 9. other photos showed the couple sharing a kiss at the ceremony, walking down the aisle at the garden venue, and posing for photos. the Wrightsons. 8th of september 2024. Wedding in the clouds. Luke and I dreamed of a beautiful sunny day in this fantastic cliff-top wedding venue in england. It’s supposed to have the best overlooking views in North Yorkshire,” she wrote. “on our wedding day, ironically, the views were covered by a thick fog! It was almost zero visibility!!!!!! What a one in a million chance!” Despite the foggy weather, KaladKaren didn’t mind since she nevertheless married the love of her life, while being surrounded by their loved ones. “Unlucky? Not at all. But marrying the love of my life surrounded by our dearest friends and families … makes me feel the luckiest woman alive! And hey, who else can say they got married in the clouds?! mr. & mrs L Wrightson,” she said. the couple received well wishes from celebrities, drag performers, content creators, and KaladKaren’s colleagues in the comments, including sassa Gurl, Adrian Lindayag, Kylie Verzosa, mac Igarta, Bela Padilla, enchong Dee, Karla estrada, francis Libiran, Jessy mendiola, Awra Briguela, rufa mae Quinto, Astrid mercury, and John fedellaga.
Nice Print Photography, the couple’s wedding photographer, shared more glimpses of the couple’s special day on Instagram.
“Beautiful captured moments for our newlyweds @kaladkaren and Luke Wrightson. It’s official! Congratulations and Best wishes @kaladkaren and Luke Wrightson. such a lovely, beautiful intimate wedding at raven hall County, United Kingdom,” its post read. In a recent interview with the Philippine Daily inquirer, KaladKaren said it was her and Wrightson’s decision to get married. she also said that apart from being an advocate for LGBtQIA+ rights, she wanted their wedding to be remembered as a celebration of their love.
KaladKaren received a second marriage proposal from Wrightson in July 2024, four years after they got engaged on their home balcony during the pandemic. the couple dated for 12 years before tying the knot.
Sandro Muhlach: A time for healing
by ronniE carrasco iii ManilaTimes.net
PeNDING resolution of his case — unfortunately for him — sandro muhlach will have to contend with an indefinite period of zero showbiz work from hereon.
A number of tV program managers as well as film directors have expressed their reluctance in getting the 23-year-old actor to be part of their projects. their collective stand seems valid in the sense that they fear sandro might not be able to deliver the quality of thespic performance expected of him.
“What if there’s a scene that requires intense emotions, is it not likely that sandro will lose his focus as he relives his traumatic experience?” a famed director opined.
ergo, the director vowed he’s not about to take the risk at the expense of the project, all the more for sandro’s own good.
But isn’t sandro into counseling to help him overcome the horrors in the hands of his sexual abusers?
Kyline Alcantara, Kobe Paras,
Dee hit New York Fashion Week runway
by HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net
K YLIN e Alcantara, Kobe Paras, and michelle Dee proved they have what it takes to be international supermodels, after prancing on the runway for the spring/summer 2025 shows of the New York fashion Week. Alcantara looked fierce in a black turtleneck mini-dress completed with matching black tights and silver platform heels, as seen in a clip on sparkle GmA’s Instagram page on saturday, sept. 7. the actress graced the runway of Chris Nick Delos reyes’ spring/ summer 2025 collection.
“Kyline Alcantara brought the heat to NYfW, owning the runway in black and opening Chris Nick’s spring/summer 2025 collection with fierce energy and unmatched style,” the post read. meanwhile, Kobe Paras was statuesque on the runway, after he was chosen to walk the runway of milarri’s spring/summer 2025 collection. h is long hair was
pushed back in a half ponytail while donning an oversized ensemble featuring a blazer with long black lapels and trousers, as seen on one @malich53 on tiktok. Another clip of Paras on the runway was captured by fashion content creator marc Gueco on his Instagram story.
Paras also expressed his support for his rumored beau on his Instagram s tory, while sharing a glimpse of the “shining Inheritance” star on the runway.
Alcantara and Paras’ budding romance has gained attention after they were seen getting cozy on multiple occasions, including the GmA Gala 2024 and a viral video where the actress sat on the baller’s lap.
Despite this, both maintained that they’re “great friends,” and that Alcantara feels “different” toward Paras.
From Miss Universe to Fashion Week
m ichelle Dee, on the other hand, made a splash as the closing
model for Chris Nick Delos reyes’ show, where a glimpse of her walk was uploaded on sparkle GmA’s Instagram on monday, sept. 9. the miss Universe Philippines 2023 titleholder was breathtaking in her black turtleneck midi dress and knee-high boots. the queen is serving elegance. michelle Dee stole the spotlight as she closed the show with her stunning walk for Chris Nick Delos reyes at #NYfW,” the post read. Dee’s runway appearance came weeks after signing with the international modeling agency o ne m anagement in August. on Instagram, Dee said her new milestone is a step towards a new chapter in her career. “Now fast forward after several @gmanetwork shows, 2 crowns, 3 national stages, and one amazing mUPh journey — here I am with goals brighter than ever… Cheers to opening a new chapter with @ onemanagement! Can you believe this is real,” she said. Dee is previously managed by sparkle GmA Artist Center.
In particular, he cited sandro’s sleepless nights even after more than a month since the incident took place, which he confessed at the senate hearing. the director, however, has expressed confidence that it won’t take long before s andro gets himself back in acting form.
“It’s just that time doesn’t seem to be on his side as I speak now,” he said.
however, he couldn’t ascertain exactly when sandro will have put everything behind him.
h e may not be a licensed shrink: “It will take a while. But as we always say of any unpleasant life experience that we encounter, this, too, shall pass.’ the least that I can do is not to rush sandro. Let it happen on his own terms.”
If it’s any consolation, he promised never to have second thoughts of casting sandro in his future assignment once he’s completely out of the woods.
“I heard he’s a good actor. No doubt, he inherited his father’s genes!”
there’s no doubt that counseling is such a big help. But we’re not sure though once s andro steps out of the session,” the director countered.
GmA Pictures and Columbia Pictures have entered a landmark deal to distribute the upcoming films "Green Bones" — a finalist to the upcoming metro manila f ilm festival in December — and "KmJs' Gabi ng Lagim: the m ovie." t he contract signing took place at Columbia Pictures' Philippine office on september 5. this marks Columbia Pictures' return to distributing local films in the Philippines. representing GmA Pictures at the signing were GmA Network senior Vice President for Programming, talent management, Worldwide and support Group and President of GmA films, lawyer Annette Gozon-Valdes, along with G m A Pictures e xecutive Vice President and GmA Public Affairs first Vice President Nessa Valdellon.
signing for Columbia Pictures were managing Director Christopher sy and sales & operations m anager Andra de e rquiaga manas. Under this agreement, Columbia Pictures will manage the local theatrical distribution of "Green Bones" and "K m J s ' Gabi ng Lagim: the movie." this will be the first time in eight years that Columbia Pictures has distributed locally produced films. "GmA Pictures is proud to announce that two of its upcoming films, 'Green Bones' and 'KmJs' Gabi ng Lagim: the movie,' will be distributed commercially by Columbia Pictures. As one of the leading film production companies in the world, Columbia Pictures has brought some of the biggest hollywood blockbusters to Philippine theaters. We are honored and grateful to have Columbia Pictures with us as we strive
to produce high-quality films. this deal ensures that these movies will reach more moviegoers," said Gozon-Valdes.
"Columbia Pictures has always been committed to the theatrical experience, and we are thrilled to partner with GmA Pictures to distribute the mmff entry 'Green Bones' as well as 'KmJs' Gabi ng Lagim: the movie.' GmA Pictures has a rich legacy of producing award-winning and commercial films, which we look forward to bringing to as wide an audience as possible," said sy. the event was also graced by "Green Bones" lead actors Dennis trillo and ruru madrid.
Directed by Zig Dulay, "Green Bones" is a gripping, inspirational drama that tells the story of a man accused of murdering his sister and niece and a relentless corrections officer driven by an unquenchable thirst for justice. It is GmA Network's official entry to the 2024 metro manila film festival. National Artist for film and Broadcast Arts ricky Lee is among the film's screenplay writers.
meanwhile, "KmJs' Gabi ng Lagim : the movie" is the film spin-off of the annual halloween special of "Kapuso Mo, Jessica soho," which features real-life horror-themed stories and episodes. Columbia Pictures, owned by s ony Pictures e ntertainment, has released some of the biggest blockbusters of
KaladKaren, non-showbiz partner Luke Wrightson tie the knot. Photo from Instagram/@kaladkaren
From left: Kyline Alcantara, Kobe Paras, and Michelle Dee. Photos from Instagram/@itskylinealcantara, @_kokoparas, @michelledee, @sparklegmaartistcenter, @marcgueco
Michelle
September at Graton Resort & Casino: Tacomas & Cash Giveaway and new parking garage
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Unveiled last month, Graton resort & Casino’s new five-story parking structure adds 1,600 spots and 32 eV charging stations to the resort. Using next generation wayfinding, the garage’s new digital signage system displays real-time parking space availability on every level, ensuring an effortless experience for guests. the new construction features several sustainable elements, highlighted by a 1-megawatt photovoltaic solar panel system that completely offsets the building's electrical energy usage. other eco-friendly features include LeD light fixtures and water-conscious landscaping. the garage also includes elevated floor heights and extra-wide spots to prevent dings. the new parking structure marks the first completed project in a multi-year expansion that began last summer. the upcoming phase will involve extending the casino to the east of the current facility, adding a new poker room, a high-limit gaming area, a sports bar, and a rooftop restaurant.
artists like Lan Nha, Quang Dung, Bang Kieu, Uyen Linh, Le Quyen, and Bui Lan huong, with tickets on sale friday, November 6. Visit www.gratonresortcasino.com for ticket details.
Graton resort & Casino is hosting two back-to-back incredible concerts this November! on the 17th, join us for the Vocal Champs filipino concert, with tickets available starting friday, september 13. then, on the 30th, enjoy a live Vietnamese concert featuring top
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Atty. Gurfinkel was warmly welcomed by Lana marcaida, senior Business head for max’s North America, who shared her experiences managing the popular chain in the U.s the episode also features questions from Jael and Jharmaine, the daughters of the restaurant’s owner, who are both part of the working staff. rohNert
Citizen Pinoy visits Max’s Fried Chicken in Seattle to answer immigration questions
CItIZeN Pinoy brings “Your Tanong my Sagot” encore episode from max’s fried Chicken in tukwila, seattle, Washington – a beloved spot for filipino Americans to enjoy traditional filipino cuisine and celebrate special occasions. Leading U.s. Immigration Attorney michael J. Gurfinkel visited the restaurant to answer immigration questions from staff members and customers.
A h UG e congratulations to Biyaya Animal Care and Biyaya Animal sanctuary on its 2nd Anniversary. Its unwavering dedication to spreading love and hope to fur babies across the Philippines is inspiring. this year’s goal of providing 2,000 + free spay and neuter services to dogs and cats shows the power of compassion in action. sen. Grace Poe has been supportive of Biyaya, an organization that aims to make a positive change in companion and street animal welfare. * * * slay model management director Cece Asuncion has created a filipina-led reality show, “manila matriarchs,” starring singer Karylle, myrza sison, Joanna Preysler- francisco and trisha Bantigue-tsao. he was in manila recently to do some shots.
t he LA-based f il-American filmmaker said to me that fashion is fickle and really not glamorous: “What goes on behind the camera is more interesting to me. I’ve learned not to take things personally and that rejection is part of life. sometimes, you’re on the receiving end of it and sometimes you’re the one who rejects. It all evens out, so enjoy the journey that is life.” on weekends, he leads a quiet life and is lucky to have a tight circle of friends that he can be “unapologetically myself with.” he likes to cook as it takes his mind away from his day-to-day worries, but most importantly, he spends time with his dog, Kenzo. I asked him what he misses about the Philippines. h e responded, “the beaches and the hospitality, however, it would be the kindness people have.” And his advocacy? “I am an advocate for shedding positive light on communities that may not have the platform to do so. I am a proud ally to the trans community and of course, to my filipino community,” he revealed. he concluded the brief interview with his personal philosophy:””When you’re in a position to help, do so.”
* * * Pet tJ was the recent cynosure during visual artist Joy rojas’ 8th solo exhibition in Artistspace in makati City. his “Japan’s Cherry Blossom,” french riviera summer,” “Winter solace,” and “New england’s
Filmmaker Cece Asuncion produces ‘Manila
foliage” mixed media works based on his travels in different countries have caught the attention of art enthusiasts. Likewise, his three “historica filipinas” mixed media works based on Philippine history and “metanoia” series drew rave reviews.
In his latest show, rojas delves into the intrinsic nature of objects. he uses mixed-media creations, canvas-shaped pieces and sculptures.
During the Ipso facto art show at Ayala museum Annex, I saw People Asia magazine’s editor-in-chief Joanne rae ramirez, Aliw Broadcasting Corp. chairman edgard Cabangon, and former Press secretary Ignacio “toting” Bunye.
* * * through the years I’ve been doing writing as a mission. I gave up my comfortable, glamorous, social life in the U.s. and my rising journalism career in the Japan times. I’m accustomed to living simply. Perhaps, the nature of my work as a writer requires freedom from mental, emotional and physical stress and pressure. I know you will agree that the “real well of ideas” is the subconscious, which is the storehouse of facts, observations, impressions and other memories. But there comes a time when thinking becomes clogged, when errors pile up and when no significant insights occur. At this point, a writer stops for the moment and turns to something entirely different.
I was associated with the late french priest who turned filipino, fr. Pierre tritz, sJ, a mother teresa awardee and a ramon magsaysay awardee, in volunteering to the foundation for Assistance to hansenites, to help our leprosy patient brethren and to the samahan ng mga Batang Nananambakan, to help in the education of former child scavengers in tondo, manila. my life story is just a tip of the iceberg of the many interesting stories to hear from the recipients of the 2nd Philippines finest Business Awards and outstanding Achievers.
*
* * mrs. Philippines 2016 Dr. fritzie Lexdy Noche graced the recent artist reception of “Batangan: Batangueño Art at its finest,” a special exhibition at museo orlina in tagaytay City from september 1 to october 30, 2024. the exhibit showcases the rich and diverse talents of 6 award-winning visual artists from Batangas (artists Lino Acasio, Jorge Banawa, Nante Carandang, Yelcast, Zorrick e nriquez and r amon o rlina),
bringing together a curated selection of paintings, sculptures, and mixed media works by the Dangal ng Batangan Awards recipients. their unique artistry reflects the region’s unique cultural heritage and artistic expression. each piece tells a story of Batangas, from its vibrant landscapes to its deep-rooted traditions, captured through the eyes of its most celebrated artists. the exhibit honors the individual achievements of these artists and highlights the collective spirit and creative potential of the Batangueño community.
* * * thanks to sam Azurel and to the Amerika Prestige Awards for the Inclusive media excellence Award to be given on November 17, 2024 in North hollywood, California. other awardees are Ludivina Lelim Nacionales, thelma Calabio, Benny Uy, roland Abante, Lourdes oliva,
sonia Bermejo, Dr. elvis mopera Verzo, Agnes Gonzalez, Yamani Caliwara, saira Bunny Paras, Gina faucher, Chef heikichi racuya Allida. Kimberly Carter, Carmen Cordero, Dr. Peter morante, and henry Bio. Guest speaker will be ricardo Brown of PBA Legend rB23.
Congrats too to some Amerika music Awards recipients on october 27 (Comm. James Baker II, Yannie rumbaoa, Joym msantiago, michael Luke, Kevin ray Amores, matt relox, David Bustamante, Dakila, Khaye rodriguez, rod Navarro Jr., Prince Capucino, Claire Isabel Wong, sam richey, Genous Band, John mirisch, hagibis UsA, sol Glass, Vynz Vs, Wala ng Iba (Live), marissa Pascual, Pedro Leguro, Jameson Juliander, madz Johnson, haven richey, heather richey, sam richey, George Umali Nalapo, henry Lopez, Yuhgirlfran,
Imelda Bosing Wood, malou Zagala toler, DJ Arnold, ricardo Brown, Prescious Cejo, Queen Corazon Ugalde Yellen, sab Baker, Didi Caneda, mekong Bistro, PhLV radio, tina Cruz, Paulette mouquet, serenity entertainment, Dr. rica silbol, Caren mempin, Jenny taimanao, Violeta martin, Jenor Zapanta maniti, Lito Nuqui, Klique, millie Cadag, renato de Jesus Jr., rhea tan, Angel Cheryll Klein, JC Garcia, romm Burlat, rose Lucier, mJ saragoza, Jane magan Chang, and Imogen Atangan) and to the event hosts Louie roa, shekinah Austria and Naiia Lajoie and director Jules Graeser.
* * * Asian t V h eritage Network News UK and Global Asia Insider-International correspondent Chino hansel Philyang, a jiu-jitsu master and a paralegal advocate, is the author of 12 books, including
the new children’s book series, “Zeno” (named after his male cat), to help kids learn valuable life skills. he is an ex-VJ of Channel V malaysia and Indonesia. he studied at the Univ. of British Columbia Canada and later at harvard Univ. in the U.s he completed his international law degree in Belgium. What is admirable in this guy is living life simply with “my belief in simplicity, sustainability, and intentional living. It’s a decision that allows me to live a life filled with purpose, contentment, and a deeper connection to what truly matters.”
* * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
*
* * rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
HOUSING SERVICES SERVICES
“Manila Matriarchs” director and cast members (from left) Karylle, Myrza Sison, filmmaker Cece Asuncion, Joanna Preysler-Francisco and Trisha Bantigue-Tsao.
Amerika Prestige Awards take place on Nov. 17, 2024 in Burbank, CA.
Rina Ortiz with Sen. Grace Poe
At the recent Rojas solo art exhibition: (from left) Sharon Tan, Joy Rojas, TJ, Trisha Bunye, and Edgard Cabangon.
Glass sculptor Ramon Orlina and Mrs. Philippines 2016 Dr. Fritzie Lexdy Noche at the Museo Orlina in Tagaytay City.
Journalist-author Chino Hansel Philyang with a fan who reads Chino’s “The Book of Zeno.”
Visual artist Joy Rojas (5th from left) with his father-in-law Toting Bunye (3rd from left), wife Trisha Bunye and TJ and guests during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Photos courtesy of Rogelio Medina
Photo above shows Raymond Pedroso & PFBA awardee Salvie Paparon with kids Shawn & Sheanne, awardee Rogelio Medina, awardee Lae
Manego, Mica Chely Manego, awardee Wej Cudiamat, Miller Daniolco and Nirro Marcelo (at the back).
Consul General Ferrer welcomes new PH trade commissioner
sAN frANCIsCo – Consul
General Neil ferrer welcomed on september 3, 2024 Anne marie Kristine Umali as she assumed her new role as trade Commissioner at the Philippine trade & Investment Center (PtIC) – silicon Valley.
PtIC – silicon Valley, a government agency under the Department of trade and Industry, is dedicated to promoting the Philippines as a prime investment destination and facilitating trade between the Philippines and the United states.
“I welcome the addition of trade Commissioner Umali to the Consulate,” said Consul General ferrer. “her vast experience in Philippine trade and investments will undoubtedly strengthen our efforts to advance the Philippines as a prime investment destination and partner of the United states.”
Trade Commissioner of Philippine Trade & Investment Center – Silicon Valley. San Francisco PCG photo
Umali will cover Northern and Central California, Alaska, Northern Nevada, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, montana, Washington, oregon, and Wyoming. In her role, she will be responsible for promoting the Philippines' trade and investment interests through investment promotion, export
and trade promotion, trade policy negotiations, and commercial and market intelligence.
Anne marie Kristine Umali brings extensive experience in the field of trade and investment. she previously served as Commercial Counsellor and Director of PtIC in moscow, russia, and as Commercial Attaché and Director of PtIC in London. Prior to her diplomatic postings, she held supervisory positions at the Department of trade & Industry and the private sector.
Umali’s diverse background encompasses marketing, commercial and economic diplomacy, public relations, finance and economics, microfinance, events organization and management, bidding and procurement, and international trade. her expertise in these areas will undoubtedly contribute to the success of her role at PtIC – silicon Valley.
(PcGSF release)
PH consulate in SF brings consular outreach program to Salinas, CA
sALINAs – A 14-member team from the Philippine Consulate General in san francisco conducted a consular outreach at the filipino Community of salinas Valley Inc. Community Center in salinas, California on september 7, 2024. the consular outreach was organized in cooperation with the filipino Community of salinas Valley, Inc, which offered the free use of its facilities.
Consul rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil and Vice Consul hannah eloisse Go led the provision of passport, dual citizenship, overseas voting registration, and emergency notarial services to filipinos in salinas, the most populous city in monterey County, and located south of the san francisco Bay Area. In total, 264 services were rendered during the day-long outreach.
Consular applicants were briefed about the programs and activities of the Philippine Consulate including the ongoing overseas Voting registration which is set to conclude on 30 september 2024 and the monthly free Legal Aid Clinic conducted in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines – California Chapter, among others. (PcGSF release)
Draft Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant guide seeks public comment
sACrAmeNto – Caltrans on tuesday, september 10 released for public comment a draft application guide intended to help local communities and tribal governments prepare to access regional sustainable project funding and achieve statewide greenhouse gas reduction targets. stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback within the 30-day period for the draft 2025-26 sustainable transportation Planning Grant (stPG) Application Guide and submit comments by oct. 10, 2024.
Caltrans updated the stPG application to increase the Native American tribal Government set-aside to $3 million from $800,000. this includes up to $2 million for sustainable Communities and up to $1 million for Climate Adaptation Planning.
Caltrans will conduct two virtual workshops for stakeholders on oct. 2 and oct. 3 from 9 to 10 a.m. prior to releasing the final guide and call-forapplications. Details regarding these workshops and the Draft Application Guide are available along with additional information about Caltrans’ at https:// dot.ca.gov/programs/transportation-planning/ division-of-transportation-planning/regional-andcommunity-planning/sustainable-transportationplanning-grants.
Additional updates to the stPG Application include:
• Expanding eligible primary applicants for the strategic Partnerships – transit (ftA 5304 funding) grant category to include transit agencies.
• Expanding the eligibility of the Strategic Partnerships funding (fhWA sPr Part I funding) to align with transportation, land use, housing, and climate change goals.
• Removing the Limited Waiver of Sovereign Immunity requirement for Native American tribal Government contracts with Caltrans.
• Removing the local match requirement for Native American tribal Governments (previously 11.47% minimum). the program includes several grant programs. sustainable Communities grants include $25 million annually from senate Bill (sB) 1, and the road repair and Accountability Act of 2017. strategic Partnerships grants (ftA 5304 and fhWA sPr Part I) include $4.5 million annually to support transportation and multimodal studies that address regional, interregional, and statewide needs. Climate Adaptation Planning grants include approximately $3 million from Governor Gavin Newsom’s historic $15 billion clean transportation package from the 2022-23 state budget to continue furthering the state’s ambitious climate goals. Caltrans awards transportation planning grants each year through a competitive process to encourage local and regional projects. Applications are evaluated on how projects advance state transportation and climate goals by identifying and addressing statewide, interregional, or regional transportation deficiencies on the highway system. the grant program began in the 2015-16 fiscal year. since then, Caltrans has awarded 685 planning grants totaling $266 million, and more than 60 percent of those projects have been completed. find more projects that are building California’s climate-friendly future at build.ca.gov and rebuildingCA.ca.gov.
(cA DoT release)
Odette Quesada takes the stage at Sky River Casino
sKY river Casino is thrilled to announce an enchanting evening with filipino singer-songwriter odette Quesada on friday, september 20, at 8 Pm this spectacular concert, taking place in the North Casino Lot of sky river Casino, marks the opening of the casino’s three-day Anniversary Concert series, celebrating the rich tapestry of Asian musical talent. odette Quesada, a luminary in the world of original Pilipino music (oPm), brings her timeless melodies and heartfelt lyrics to sky river Casino. With a career spanning over four decades, Quesada has left an indelible mark on the Philippine music industry, crafting songs that have become the soundtrack to countless lives. As Quesada celebrates her 40th year in the music industry, her contributions to oPm continue to be recognized at the highest levels. recently, she was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by both the Aliw Awards foundation and the Philippine movie Press Club star Awards for music, acknowledging her enduring impact on Philippine music. furthermore, Quesada is set to receive the prestigious ryan Cayabyab Award for music excellence at the upcoming Pinoy Playlist music festival on November 17 at the BGC Arts Center, further cementing her status as a true icon of oPm rising to prominence in the 1980s, Quesada quickly established herself as a prolific song-
writer and performer. her breakout hit “till I met You,” catapulted her to stardom and remains a beloved classic to this day. throughout her illustrious career, Quesada has penned numerous chart-toppers, including “friend of mine,” “Give me a Chance,” and “Don't Know What to say (Don't Know What to Do).” her recent concerts in manila have all sold out, demonstrating her unwavering popularity and the timeless appeal of her music. At sky river Casino, concertgoers can expect an evening filled with nostalgia, powerful vocals, and the unparalleled songwriting that has made odette Quesada a true icon of Philippine music. from soul-stirring ballads to upbeat pop hits, the concert promises to be a journey through the best of oPm tickets for this not-to-bemissed event start at $50 and are available now. music enthusiasts and fans of oPm are encouraged to secure their spots early for what promises to be a magical evening under the stars. for tickets and more information, please visit www.skyriver. com or honorglobal.net/tickets. Join Sky River Rewards sky river rewards, is one of the most hi-tech rewards programs among casinos in Northern California, allowing guests cardless play, cashless wallet, and more. the sky river rewards card is your key to receiving points for
Citizen Pinoy visits Max’s Fried Chicken...
marylou asked how her niece can come to the U.s. legally to find a job or a husband.
Jenny is concerned about issues with her name on her passport, which lists her middle and last names as “marcialmarcial,” and wonders how this might affect her ability to petition her husband and kids.
Jael has a friend who came to the U.s. as a visitor and got pregnant. Jael asks if her friend could now get her papers in order through her son, who is turning 18.
Jharmaine wanted to know if their relatives in the Philippines can immigrate to the U.s. to help in the restaurant.
Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions and more in “Your Tanong, my Sagot” at the seattle branch of Valerio’s tropical Bakeshop. Watch this encore episode of Citizen Pinoy on
Marylou (right) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Jael (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Jenny (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel
Jharmaine (left) with Atty. Gurfinkel
The San Francisco PCG team, led by Consul Rowena Pangilinan-Daquipil (7th from right) and Vice Consul Hannah Eloisse Go (8th from left,) poses with the Filipino Community of Salinas Valley Inc. president Mars Rocamora (6th from right). San Francisco PCG photos
Anne Marie Kristine Umali called on Consul General Neil Ferrer on September 4, 2024 as she assumed her post as the new
