PNEWS 2.1-2.7,2024

DUTERTE SAYS MARCOS DRUG ADDICT, WARNED OF OUSTER

counters former ex-President high on

By ALFRED GABOT and CLAIRE MORALES

MANILA/DAVAO CITY – The once strong alliance of the Marcos and Duterte political clans has cracked further as thousands of supporters of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte gathered in separate big rallies in Manila and Davao City where the ex-leader alleged that his successor was a drug addict while his mayor son Sebastian dared the current president to resign.

Page 9

$20 M earmarked vs extreme heat in California

By Cesar Antonio Nucum Jr.

and Research

SACRAMENTO – Despite the chill and the rains being experienced in the Golden State lately this winter season, the State of California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) announced $20 million in funding for the Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program which will support the development of projects that build resilience to extreme heat.

Page 21

Hostilities break out between Marcos, Duterte camps

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – In the strongest sign yet that all is not well within the “Unity” government led by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on one side and Vice President Sara Duterte, on the other, the father and brother of the latter threw serious allegations at the former, and his family.

Over the weekend, former president Rodrigo Duterte accused Mr. Marcos of being a drug addict, even stating that the incumbent president was on the

Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency’s (PDEA) watchlist during the Duterte regime.

This was immediately denied by the PDEA, even after Mr. Duterte said that the Agency itself had informed him of Mr. Marcos’ alleged drug habit.

Amid threats, PHL military gets P2 trillion for weapons, equipment

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the military’s revised modernization for new weaponry and equipment costing P 2 trillion to bolster the country’s defenses against threats in South China Sea and West Philippine Sea and others. This developed as the

Philippine Navy reported that some 15 to 25 Chinese warships have been spotted around Mischief Reef or Panganiban Reef, just some 25 miles away from Ayungin Shoal where the government is set to deploy a resupply mission for troops at a military outpost there.

A most important remembrance of an early victim of Asian hate

By Gilda P. Balan, Correspondent

SAN FRANCISCO -

The ex-president called the incumbent chief executive a “son of a bitch” who should watch his back, as he could meet the same fate as his father, the late dictator Ferdinand E.

Page 7

This week marks the third anniversary of the tragic killing of a very senior Asian American. While there have been a number of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) seniors who had met similar sad fates as a result of Asian hate, the case of ‘Grandpa Vicha’ stands out as it was the spark that resulted in the creation of the StopAsianHate movement.

Over the weekend, a memorial service was held in honor of Vicha Ratanapakdee in San Francisco. It was held three years to the day that Grandpa Vicha as he has come to be known was viciously attacked and killed near his residence.

It was on Jan 28, 2021 that the 84-year-old was on a stroll near his Anza Vista home that he was pushed to the ground.

Page 7

Senators assert Sabah claim in Maritime Zone bill

Paris Olympics possible for Pinoys, says Ramon Ang

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

President Bongbong Marcos and Former President Duterte.

Samuel Assefa, Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning

Senators assert Sabah claim in PHL Maritime Zones bill

PASAY CITY – Senator Robinhood Padilla said he intends to propose an amendment on the definition of baseline under the Maritime Zone bill, to include the Philippines’ position on Sabah.

Padilla made the statement during Tuesday night’s interpellation of the proposed bill as he urged the government to assert its claim not only over its territory in the West Philippine Sea but over Sabah.

He said Sabah has many natural resources that can be used by Filipinos, especially those in Muslim Mindanao.

“Ganoon din nating ipaglaban ang ating karapatan sa Sabah. Hindi ito usapin lang ng maliit na isla. Ito, malaking lupa ito. Ito ay may langis, may minerals (at) talagang dapat nakikinabang ang Pilipino sa Sabah ngayon pa lang. Paano natin ginigiit sa isla sa West Philippine Sea, dapat ay igiit natin ang karapatan natin sa Sabah pero di tayo humi-

hingi ng gulo,” he said.

He noted that the Philippines already has a law - Republic Act 5446, signed in August 1968 - regarding Sabah as a territory over which the Philippines has acquired “dominion and sovereignty.”

In his first privilege speech in 2022, Padilla pushed for the Philippines to assert its rights over Sabah.

Meanwhile, Senator Francis Tolentino, who sponsored the proposed Senate Bill (SB) 2294 or Philippine Maritime Zones Act, agreed to include a line that the Philippines is not abandoning its claim to Sabah, so long as it is phrased properly.

“Kung magagawa ng tamang lengwahe ang pag amyenda di ako tututol (If we can phrase it properly, I will not object to the amendment) as long as it will strengthen not just the bill but our resolve that what is rightfully ours should be ours,” he said.

AFP eyes ‘bigger, more diverse’ military drills with US in April

said this year’s iteration of the “Balikatan”

be longer and more diverse.

“The difference now and last year’s ‘Balikatan’ is we are going to have more exercises in key positions all over the country. Aside from quantity we will heavily lean on towards quality training,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said in a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

The plan for expanded drills comes as US and the Philippines are boosting their security ties in the face of lingering tensions in South China Sea and West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Navy has monitored about 250 China warships and vessels operated by Chinese maritime militia in the South China Sea, Navy spokesperson Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said in the same briefing.

“We have seen them being more aggressive, and that has carried on until now,” Trinidad said.

Padilla said the Philippines and the US plan to hold what could be their largest military exercises in April, in a show of strength of their alliance amid heightened tensions in the South China Sea.

The annual exercises called Balikatan will feature “more complex drills” including cyberspace and information warfare,” Padilla sai.

“We are going to have more exercises in key positions all over the country,” Padilla said. “Aside from quantity, we will heavily lean towards quality training.”

She said the number of Filipino and American soldiers have yet to be determined along with the equipment that will be used in the annual military exercises along with possible locations.

Last year’s “Balikatan” consisted of 17,767 soldiers -- 12,187 Americans; 5, 469 Filipinos; and 111 Australians.

During last year’s iteration, Filipino and American troops conducted the first ever sinking exercise (SINKEX) off San Antonio, Zambales where a decommissioned World War II corvette was sunk jointly.

“Aside from kinetic activities and littoral airspace and landscape, we will also be doing exercises in the non-physical domain such as cyberspace and information warfare,” Padilla said.

Comelec suspends acceptance of signature sheets for PI, to review rules

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday announced it has indefinitely suspended the acceptance of signature sheets in connection with the move to amend the constitution through People’s Initiative (PI).

In a press conference, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said they decided to stop accepting signatures as they want to review first the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

“The Commission en banc came up with a unanimous decision to suspend any and all proceedings concerning the People’s Initiative. Suspend muna namin lahat ng proseso kahit ang pagtanggap ng local Comelec ng mga signature sheets (We will suspend all processes, even the local Comelec’s acceptance of signature sheets),” he said in a press conference at the poll body’s central office in Intramuros, Manila.

“Base sa aming assessment, kailangan amin i-review, enhance and dagdagan ang aming IRR concerning the People’s Initiative. Sa ating palagay, may mga bagay na kulang at wala sa aming guidelines (Based on our assessment, we need to review, enhance and

amend our IRR regarding the People’s Initiative. In our opinion, there are things that are missing and not in our guidelines),” he added.

Senators laud Comelec order

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva said Comelec’s move is the “success of the people.”

“Hindi pa po tapos ang laban, patuloy po tayong manalangin at magbantay para siguruhing maprotektahan ang konstitusyon na siyang kaluluwa ng ating bayan (Our fight is not yet done. Let us continue to pray and observe to ensure that our constitution, which is the soul of our country, is safe),” he said in a statement.

“Glad to know that there are still many government officials who are sensible, who respect our constitution and who will defend our democracy in the face of sinister attempts to subvert it. Let us diffuse the heated situation,” Senator JV Ejercito added.

Senator Grace Poe said the poll body too the “correct path” with its decision which should now put to rest the signature drive “so we can all train our sights on the urgent needs of the Filipinos.”

Senator Nancy Binay called for vigilance

against more possible signature collection drives.

“Maging mapanuri pa rin at huwag po tayong magpaloko (Let us be observant and let us not allow ourselves to be fooled),” Binay said.

All 24 senators signed a manifesto last week, expressing their disapproval of the PI which allegedly involves bribery and other illegal activities. Clearer rules

Garcia said halting the acceptance of signature sheets is necessary to avoid problems, chaos and misunderstandings in the interpretation of rules.

He said a panel will review the rules, to be headed by the executive director and law department director.

“At the same time, we are going to consult with everybody concerning the rules. Kailangan maliwanag sa rules (The rules need to be clear) when you say amendment, revision of the entire Constitution,” he said.

He said signature sheets received by city and municipal election officers will stay with Comelec.

“Kung sa palagay ng proponents dapat

muna withdrawhin at sila mag-safekeep, okay lang ‘yan. Kasama sa magiging instruction namin ‘yan. Bukas loob namin ibibigay sa kanila ‘yan (If the proponents think they should be withdrawn first and they should keep it, that’s okay. That will be included in our instruction. We will gladly give them back),” he said.

The Comelec has received signature sheets from 209 legislative districts so far, out of the 254 that are equivalent to about seven million signatures, Garcia said.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri commended the legislative districts that did not submit the results of PI in their areas.

In his privilege speech, he thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for upholding the bicameralism between the Senate and the House of Representatives, as well as the Comelec for its decision.

Zubiri said he met with Marcos on Monday morning before his departure for a twoday state visit to Vietnam.

Senator Imee Marcos, who chairs the Committee on Electoral Reforms, will preside over an inquiry on Tuesday to find out who are behind the alleged illegal PI attempts

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City –The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)

military exercises with the United States will

Año slams China’s repeated claims over Bajo de Masinloc

eignty” over the Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal) and its adjacent waters, reiterating that the waterway is located inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Ano stressed that Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of Philippine territory, being part of the municipality of Masinloc in Zambales province.

“It is located 124 nautical miles west of Luzon mainland and is well within the 200-nautical mile EEZ and the Philippine continental shelf,” Año said in a statement.

Under international law, Año said Manila exercises sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Bajo de Masinloc, as well as the waters and continental shelf surrounding it.

He added that it is an important fishing ground for local fishermen of the provinces of Zambales, Bataan and Pangasinan.

“China’s repeated claims of sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc have no basis in international law or in fact. International law is clear. China cannot, therefore, lawfully exercise sovereignty over it. As clearly stated by the 2016 arbitral award, UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) superseded any ‘historic rights’ as claimed by China. Therefore, China cannot claim entitlements in areas of the ‘nine-dashed line,’ now ‘10-dashed line,’ that exceed UNCLOS limits,” Año said.

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MANILA – National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año slammed the China Coast Guard’s claims that Beijing has an “indisputable sover-

Marikina awarded P2.3-M good local governance fund

MARIKINA CITY – The Marikina City government got a total of P2.3 million in incentive fund as an awardee of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Mayor Marcelino Teodoro received the incentive check from DILG-National Capital Region director Maria Lourdes Agustin in a ceremony at the Marikina City Hall on Monday.

Teodoro thanked the DILG for recognizing the collective eff orts of the city government.

“Kailangan maintindihan natin na mahalaga ang may pamantayan. Mahalaga na mayroong tayong standard na sinusunod (We need to understand that it is important to have standards. It’s important that we have a standard that we follow). Setting the standard for transparency and integrity and more importantly effi ciently and eff ectively deliver the services of the government, thank you very much,” he said.

Agustin, meanwhile, said the SGLG is a recognition that symbolizes the commitment and dedication of local

government units to adhere to the highest standards of governance.

She added that the incentive is not just a monetary reward but an investment for the future.

“As we celebrate this achievement, let us not forget the responsibilities that come with it. The Seal of Good Local Governance is a constant reminder that the expectations are high, and the bar has been set. Let us use this recognition and the accompanying incentive fund as motivation to strive for even greater heights in the service of our people,” she said.

The SGLG, enacted through Republic Act (RA) 11292, is an institutionalized award, incentive, honor, and recognition-based program that encourages local governments to commit to continual advancement and improvement in several governance areas.

To receive the SGLG award, LGUs must meet assessment criteria in a variety of governance areas, including fi nancial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection and sensitivity, health compliance and re-

sponsiveness, sustainable education, business-friendliness and competitiveness, safety, peace, and order, environ-

mental management, tourism, heritage development, culture and the arts, and youth development.

Deeper devotion of faithful seen as Quiapo Church now nat’l shrine

MANILA – Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna expressed hope that the elevation of the Quiapo Church to a national shrine will inspire more Catholics to develop an even more intense devotion.

“We expect more people to be drawn to our very popular Quiapo Church, which had created a huge religious and cultural impact on the nation as a whole, even bridging the gap between societal classes particularly during the holding of the an-

nual ‘Traslacion’, easily the most deeplyrevered religious event in the country,” she said in a statement.

Lacuna added that even before the official declaration, the Quiapo Church or Minor Basilica and National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno, had long been esteemed as a shrine not only by Manila residents and devotees of the Black Nazarene but also by the Catholic faithful both here and abroad.

During Monday’s rites, Msgr. Bernardo Patin, secretary-general of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), handed over to Quiapo Church rector Fr. Jun Sescon the decree that now classifies the basilica as a national shrine during the solemn declaration which was attended by over 70 bishops, other mem-

bers of the clergy and devotees.

Canonically known as the Saint John the Baptist Parish, the Quiapo Church was recognized by Pope John Paul II in 1987 as the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene for its cultural impact on the religiosity of Filipinos.

It has become world-famous for drawing millions of devotees during the holding of the procession of the Black Nazarene every Jan. 9.

During its 126th plenary assembly in Aklan in July last year, the CBCP has decided and subsequently announced that

(From page 1) Amid...

Commodore Roy Vincent Trinidad said that 200 Chinese militia ships and 10 to 15 China Coast Guard ships were also observed around the area.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will also continue with the resupply missions at the BRP Sierra Madre despite the swarming of the Chinese vessels near Ayungin Shoal, also known as Second Thomas Shoal.

The P2 trillion modernization plan was disclosed by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. in a speech before the Manila Overseas Press Club.

Teodoro said the acquisition plan called “Re-Horizon 3” will focus on “an array of capabilities which will range from our domain awareness, our connectivity, our intelligence capabilities or C4iSTAR (command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, targeting acquisition and reconnaissance) … to our area denial and deterrence capabilities on both the maritime and the aerial domains.”

from being an archdiocesan shrine, the Quiapo Church will be officially declared as a national shrine on Jan. 29, 2024.

It approved Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula’s petition to designate the home of the centuries-old image of the Black Nazarene as the nation’s 29th national shrine.

A national shrine is a Catholic Church or other sacred place which has met certain requirements, and is given the honor by the national episcopal conference in recognition of the church’s special cultural, historical, and religious significance

It replaces Horizon 3 — the supposed final stage of the three-phase modernization program that would have started last year and run until 2028 — consisting of equipment mostly geared for external defense

The previous Horizon 3 list included multi-role fighters, radars, frigates, missile systems, and rescue helicopters.

Meanwhile, National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año slammed the China Coast Guard’s claims that Beijing has an “indisputable sovereignty” over the Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal) and its adjacent waters, reiterating that the waterway is located inside the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

He added that Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of Philippine territory, being part of the municipality of Masinloc in Zambales province.

“It is located 124 nautical miles west of Luzon mainland and is well within the 200-nautical mile EEZ and the Philippine continental shelf,” Año said in a statement.

GOOD LOCAL GOVERNANCE. Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro (2nd from le�) receives the ceremonial check of P2.3 million Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) incen�ve from DILG-NCR director Maria Lourdes Agus�n (2nd from right) at the Marikina City Hall.

Antipolo Cathedral now an ‘International Shrine’

the masses… is so evident [here] in the Philippines. Indeed, it was only last month that all were gathered for the ‘Simbang Gabi’ masses in anticipation of Christmas, a beautiful example of the Philippine popular piety,” he said.

Brown also recounted the “Traslacion” event of the Black Nazarene and the Sinulog Festival of Sto. Nino as examples of the popular piety of Filipinos, which were both attended by millions of Catholic faithful early this month.

Likewise, he contemplated the tradition of ‘AlayLakad’ procession in Antipolo every April 30th and May 1st which he referred to as “a wonderful pilgrimage on foot.”

According to the Papal Nuncio, the ‘synodality’ led by more than 85 bishops that witnessed the declaration shall make believers closer to the church.

He also recognizes that the presence of church leaders in the ceremony serves as a reminder to “walk and listen” to the simple and poor followers of the Catholic church.

2 dead in ferry-water taxi collision off Batangas

BATANGAS CITY – Two died and several others were injured in a collision between a passenger ferry and a water taxi in waters off Verde Island in Batangas on Wednesday.

In a situation report, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the passenger ferry Ocean Jet 6 was on its way to Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro from Batangas, while the water taxi Hop & Go 1 was en route to Batangas from Puerto Galera when the incident occurred.

Coast Guard Station Batangas commander Capt. Jerome Jeciel reported that the captain and a crew member of Hop & Go 1 died, while two Chinese passengers were wounded.

The water taxi was carrying two other Chinese passengers and one Swedish passenger during the incident.

The two remaining crew members of Hop & Go 1 gave their sworn statements at the PCG Substation Puerto Galera after the incident.

ANTIPOLO CITY – The Antipolo Cathedral, otherwise known as the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage National Shrine, has been elevated by the Vatican to the status of Marian “International Shrine.”

The symbolic coronation and rite of solemn declaration was presided by Most Rev. Charles Brown, D.D., the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.

In his message, Brown reflected on the role of the “Our Lady of Antipolo” in the history of the country and the Catholic Church, PNA reported.

“The phenomenon of popular piety, the religiosity of

The arrival of Brown, representing the leadership of Pope Francis, marks the interconnectedness of the local church with the universal Catholic community, and bestows global recognition to the local celebration.

The Latin Decree was proclaimed by Most. Rev. Francisco De Leon, D.D., Bishop Emeritus of Antipolo, while Rev. Msgr. Bernardo Patin read its English translation.

Present during the ceremonies were First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, Rizal Governor Rebecca Ynares, Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares, and other officials from the local government, together with hundreds of priests from the Diocese of Antipolo.

“In total, Hop & Go 1 had four Filipino crew and five foreign passengers on board,” Jeciel said.

On the other hand, all 115 passengers and 19 crew members of Ocean Jet 6 were safe and in good physical condition when they arrived at Calapan Port.

“The responding team is towing Hop & Go 1 to Puerto Galera, where its yard is located,” he said.

The wounded passengers have been given medical assistance while authorities are coordinating with the bereaved families of the two Filipino crew.

PCG commander Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan has ordered an investigation into the collision to determine the cause of the accident.

MARIAN INTERNATIONAL SHRINE. The Most Reverend Charles John Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, presides over the solemn rites declaring the Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage in An�polo City as a Marian Interna�onal Shrine.

PBBM clarifies no rift with VP Sara Duterte;’Uniteam’ is still intact

Sara Duterte continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. despite the criticisms that the President is getting from her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte.

In an interview with the Malacañang Press Corps on the sidelines of his state visit to Viet Nam, President Marcos responded in the affirmative when asked if he will still keep Duterte as DepEd Secretary.

When asked on his relationship with the Vice President given the attacks made against him by her family, the President said their relationship remains

the same.

“Well, it’s exactly the same because she has – of that nature. And, wala naman siyang sinasabi na ganyang klase. So, hindi naman nagbabago,” President Marcos said.

The President also emphasized that his “Uniteam” with Vice President Duterte is still intact.

“I believe so because if you remember ‘Uniteam’ is not just one party of two parties or three parties. It’s the unification of all political, hopefully all political forces in the Philippines to come together for the good country,” President Marcos said.

“And that is still there. It is still vibrant. It is still working, and we will continue,” he added.

President Marcos is on a two-day state visit to Viet Nam to strengthen the bilateral ties with the Philippines.

PAGASA predicts worst El Niño effects in Northern Mindanao by March

CAGAYAN DE ORO (Rappler) – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Northern Mindanao would likely start feeling the worst eff ects of the El Niño phenomenon more than a month from now.

The El Niño, which is characterized by below-normal or no rainfall for months, could render vast tracts of farmlands unproductive.

At least 15,000 hectares in the region currently devoted to agriculture and primarily utilized for palay, corn, and vegetable productions are vulnerable to drought, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region X.

Anthony Joseph Lucero, head of PAGASA’s Mindanao Regional Services Division, said on

Wednesday, January 24, that they expect the worst conditions to be felt in Northern Mindanao between March and April.

“Below normal rainfall conditions have started January this year, but I cannot exactly say when dry spell and drought conditions would occur,” Lucero said.

He dismissed criticisms about PAGASA’s El Niño advisories, especially in light of the recent fl ooding in some areas of Mindanao caused by a shear line and localized thunderstorm weather conditions.

“We never said it wouldn’t rain,” he said.

The onset of the El Niño in the country was offi cially declared by PAGASA on July 4, 2023. But as early as March last year, increasing sea surface temperatures at the central and eastern regions of the Pacifi c Ocean were already observed.

Joel Rudinas, a former DA assistant secretary and current consultant at its Northern Mindanao offi ce, said the El Niño advisories from PAGASA give them the warning signals that are valuable inputs in policy discussions, even when they interact with farmers associations.

Rudinas said they also utilized historical data which identify the southern Bukidnon and western side of Misamis Oriental as among Northern Mindanao’s most vulnerable areas to dry spells.

He said about 15,000 hectares of farmlands in Northern Mindanao that are dependent on rainwater, including those within the communal irrigation and National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-assisted water systems are likely to be aff ected. The provinces of Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Sur, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental compose the region.

MANILA - Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary

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The fall resulted in serious injuries that caused him to die two days later.

The assault was captured on CCTV and the assailant was eventually apprehended. The senseless violence perpetrated against a frail senior citizen became the impetus for the Stop Asian Hate movement.

The assailant has been incarcerated since his arrest and his delayed trial is expected to commence after numerous delays.

San Francisco honored the memory of Grandpa Vicha by renaming the street where he lived and died after him. Family and friends, however, say that justice still needs to be served and his assailant put away.

As reported on the online NBC Bay Area news site, activist Helen Zia paid tribute to Ratanapakdee and other victims of senseless hate crimes when she said during the memorial: “We’re here to do more than remember these incredible people. We’re here to recall their humanity, that they were real people as part of our communities. And for Asian Americans, usually, people don’t even remember the single name of an AsianAmerican ever in American history,

Hostilities...

(From page 1)

Marcos, who was forced out of office by the 1986 People Power revolution.

years ago.

•

let alone who have been with us and then attacked.”

Zia also paid tribute to Fremont resident Michelle Go, who died in 2022 after she was pushed in front of an incoming New York subway train.

The incidents showed that in the US East and West Coasts, and all states in between, attacks against the Asian American community, especially its elders, remains a serious issue.

It is important to recognize that the likes of Go and Ratanapakdee could have been anyone’s grandfather, father, sister, or daughter, Zia said.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/.

Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte also went on the offensive, calling on Mr. Marcos to resign if he could not prove his love of country.

The younger Duterte said Mr. Marcos’s foreign policy “endangers the lives of innocent Filipinos.” He also said the president was lazy and lacking in compassion.

The president did not answer the mayor, but he did say that Mr. Duterte was possibly not thinking clearly due to the effects of his admitted drug use.

“I think it’s the fentanyl,” Mr. Marcos said, adding that he believes the former president “had been taking the drug for a very long time now.”

After five or six years of its use, Mr. Marcos said, “it has to affect him.”

The former president had famously admitted to using the dangerous drug on “doctor’s orders” as a result of his injuries suffered while riding his motorcycle.

Mr. Duterte has also alluded to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for being involved in various anomalies related to alleged smuggling, but did not divulge details.

Political analysts and pundits said that the verbal attacks by the Dutertes showed that the political partnership between the two families was in serious trouble.

Caught in the crossfire is Senator Imee Marcos, sister of the president, who has sided with the Dutertes due to what she maintains is their debt of gratitude to the former president, who was among the early supporters of her brother when he announced his bid for the presidency two

VP Duterte, meanwhile, has tried to show that she remains on amicable terms with the president, even after she has openly taken potshots at House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, first cousin of the president and the lady senator.

The VP appeared to allude to the Speaker when she said she did not deserve the “despicable treatment” she was receiving from “sectors within the circle of the president.”

The Duterte family has spoken out against the People’s Initiative (PI), which has the backing of the Speaker.

Oddly enough, Senator Marcos has also accused Speaker Romualdez of providing the funding for the PI. This despite the denial of Romualdez, who has only said that he favors charter change and was not an “active” player in the initiative.

Ms. Marcos accused her cousin of “doublespeak” after the Speaker had agreed to help stop the PI, but which continues even after several senators said they were sure Romualdez was behind the activity.

The entire 24-member Senate last week blasted the House of Representatives for its apparent move to bulldoze charter change via the PI.

For now, the political battle lines have been drawn, with former president Duterte, VP Duterte, Mayor Sebastian Duterte, and Senator Imee Marcos pitted against President Marcos and Speaker Romualdez, who now has an iron grip on the House after the majority of its members abandoned the Duterte family-run PDP-Laban and transferred to his Lakas-CMD.

Duterte.... (From page 1)

Marcos shot back with a claim that former President Duterte may have been affected by the use of drug-addictive fentanyl that triggered his tirades against him, the First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and his cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez, whom the elder Duterte blamed for aggressive moves to amend the 1987 Constitution through a supposed-to-be “people’s initiative” allegedly to perpetuate themselves in power.

The rare exchange of barbs was described by many as a clear public display of a deepening rift between the powerful clans.

Marcos simply laughed off but did not deny Duterte’s allegation even as the former president dared him to undergo drug test. ?” Duterte said. Marcos said he won’t dignify the drug accusations with an answer.

Duterte’s lawyer and former Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo admitted the former president had used fentanyl due to excruciating pain after a motorcycle accident but stopped before he became president in 2016.

Later, the ex-president himself said he took fentanyl with a doctor’s prescription and that he had stopped using it after he got better. “Now I’m asking you (Marcos), do you have prescription for cocaine? Where do you get your supply

Ironically, Vice President Sara Duterte, concurrent Education secretary, attended the Marcos rally at the President Quirino grandstand in Luneta, which was described as Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) kick-off rally, indicating the two leaders were as close as they were during the presidential campaign which they spearheaded with unprecedented victory under the “Unity Team.” She attended the Davao City prayer rally afterward where she expressed her disgust over the

people’s initiative led by her rival Speaker Romualdez.

Marcos himself said his relationship with VP Duterte remains unchanged and said she would remain in her Cabinet post.

On her father\’s tirade, VP Duterte clarified she does not need to agree with her father over his differences with Marcos saying her views are independent from those of her father and her brother Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte who had called for Marcos to resign.

“May respeto ako sa mga pananaw at opinyon ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte pati na ng aking mga kapatid,” said the Vice President in a statement issued on Wednesday.

“Ngunit, katulad ng posisyon ko sa maraming isyu, hindi kailangan na sumasangayon ako sa lahat ng mga ito. Pinalaki ako ng aking mga magulang na may pagpapahalaga sa malayang pag-iisip at pagpapasya.”

“It’s exactly the same because (Vice President Duterte) hasn’t said anything of that nature,” Marcos Jr. said. “Wala naman siyang sinasabi na ganiyang klase kaya hindi ako nagbabago.”

Marcos Jr. also made it clear that he will keep Duterte as his education secretary, for which the vice president expressed her gratitude.

“Taos puso po akong nagpapasalamat kay Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. para sa kanyang patuloy na tiwala at kompyansa sa akin bilang kalihim ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon,” she said.

“Mahalaga ang kanyang pagkilala sa papel ng lahat ng bumubuo ng Department of Education sa pagsulong ng 8-point Socioeconomic Agenda ng Marcos administration para sa isang Bagong Pilipinas.”

The Vice President also thanked Marcos Jr. for respecting her views especially regarding the controversial People’s Initiative.

Sandigan junks appeal filed by Nabcor execs convicted in pork scam

QUEZON CITY – The Sandiganbayan has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by three former officials of National Agribusiness Corporation (NABCOR) convicted last October for malversation and graft for the alleged misuse of former South Cotabato Rep. Arthur Pingoy Jr.’s pork barrel from 2007 to 2009.

The anti-graft court, in a four-page resolution written by Associate Justice Edgardo M. Caldona dated Jan. 31, denied the motion for reconsideration filed by the three former NABCOR officials --

Director for Financial Services Rhodora B. Mendoza, bookkeeper Maria Ninez P. Guanizo, and paralegal Victor Roman C. Cacal -- who were found guilty of graft and sentenced last October to six to 10 years imprisonment along with businesswoman Janet Lim Napoles. Pingoy was acquitted along with four others in the charges of the misuse of the then legislator’s P20.91 million Priority Development Assistance fund (PDAF) from 2007 to 2009.

The accused had claimed that they should be cleared and said the act of affixing their signatures on disbursement vouchers and checks had the presumption of regularity and that they made sure that all supporting papers were proper and complete.

“In all, the Court thus reiterates its findings that the prosecution has proven the guilt of accused-movants beyond reasonable doubt of the crimes of violation of Sec. 3(e) of RA 3019 and malversation of public funds and finds no strong reasons to disturb its questioned decision,” the court said.

“Nagpapasalamat in ako kay Apo BBM sa kanyang paggalang sa aking mga paninidigan,” she said.

“Katulad na lang ng aking pagtutol sa ‘Pera kapalit ng pirma sa People’s Initiative’ dahil insulto ito sa kahirapan ng ating mga mamamayan at paglabag sa kanilang karapatang magpasya ng malaya.”

The day after the Davao rally, the Duterte clan leader continued his tirade as he threatened to lead a secession of Mindanao from the Philippines. His former Speaker, Pantaleon Alvarez of Davao del Norte is leading a signature drive on the secession bid.

“This is not rebellion, not sedition, there’s a process I think before the (United Nations) where you would gather signatures,” the elder Duterte said.

Meanwhile, former Associate Justices Antonio Carpio and Adolfo Ascuna shot down the House-backed people’s

initiative, saying there can be no charter amendment with only one chamber of Congress.

In a related development, the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) warned Filipinos against “a so-called people’s initiative” to amend the constitution that is not truly initiated by ordinary citizens.

CBCP President and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David in a statement said the country’s bishops were alarmed about reports that the signatures gathered seeking to change several provisions in the constitution were not the result of careful study and discussion.

“It seems that this People’s Initiative was initiated by a few public servants and not truly from the initiative of ordinary citizens,” David said.

Senateto‘moveforward’from PIissuebutprobecontinues

PASAY CITY – The Senate leadership will refrain from commenting on the recent people’s initiative (PI) and will buckle down to work by shifting their focus to pending bills.

“I-slow down po natin ang away Ngayon kasi ang importante dyan ay kapakanan ng bayan (Let’s slow down from this fight because what’s important is the welfare of our people), and I think all these fighting between the different groups is not going to be good for our economy, our country, our children and children’s children,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said.

“Let’s work together and move forward from this PI issue and let’s start helping the people who are in need the most, dun sa kanilang economic issue, yung gutom na nararamdaman nila, kawalan ng trabaho, pagdadag ng sweldo. Yan na muna siguro ang tututukan namin ngayon bilang Senado (on the economic issue, hunger, lack of jobs, and salary increase. That will be our focus now as a Senate),” he added.

Zubiri assured that they will proceed

with the creation of the subcommittee that will discuss the proposed amendment of the three economic provisions of the Constitution in response to the Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 (RBH 6) that he recently filed after a series of discussions with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and House Speaker Martin Romualdez. It was specified in the RBH 6 that only Section 11 of Article XII or the National Patrimony and Economy; Paragraph 2, Section 4 of Article XIV or the Education, Science and Technology, Arts, Culture, and Sports; and Paragraph 2, Section 11 of Article XVI or the General Provisions will be discussed and reviewed.

Meanwhile, Senator Imee Marcos said, in a separate interview, senators are willing to sit down with Speaker Romualdez and other congressmen with the assurance that they will no longer pursue PI.

Marcos, who is now leading the investigation on the irregularities in the PI, was answering the call of congressmen to stop the investigation and hasten the passage of the RBH 6 instead.

Marcos, Duterte supporters rally in Philippines

FRANCIS

ESPIRITU Publisher/President

MARILYN B. KING Senior Account Executive

NEIL GONZALES Chief Correspondent

VAL G. ABELGAS, HOMOBONO A. ADAZA, PERRY DIAZ, JOJO LIANGCO, JO ERLINDA G. NEBRES, ROY C. MABASA, ART G. MADLAING, FR. JOEPEL PADIT, RODEL E. RODIS, LOURDES TANCINCO ESQ, MELANDREW T. VELASCO, DANTES & CYNTHIA VELUZ, CRISTINA OSMENA, LUDY ONGKEKO. COLUMNISTS

SAN MATEO COUNTY Supervisor David Canepa is on to something big.

As the Board of Supervisors on January 30 passed 5-0 a resolution declaring loneliness as a public health crisis, the District 5 representative pressed for the creation of a Minister of Loneliness similar to that already in place in the UK and Japan.

“Many people are suffering alone in silence and there’s no cure for it,” Canepa said in a statement. “…There are ways we all can make a difference by extending love, support and real help to our neighbors, older adults and families before loneliness does become a crisis and leads to horrible incomes such as suicide.”

Too early, ladies and gents Time for Minister of Loneliness?

Almost all Filipino politicians will say the same thing when asked if they are running for higher office in the next elections. Their canned reply is, “It’s too early for politics. I would rather focus on my present job.”

It doesn’t matter if it’s a barangay captain seeking to become a city councilor, a provincial mayor wanting to become governor, or a Cabinet secretary salivating for a seat in the Senate.

It may even be a vice president, Senate president, or Speaker of the House with his/ her eyes set on the presidency.

To be fair, there is absolutely nothing wrong with one wanting to occupy the highest elective post of all. The presidency is, after all, a legitimate post for a qualified politician to aspire for.

What is not all right is for any high-ranking government official to be so focused on being the next Malacanang occupant that he or she is no longer performing the job they presently have.

To be perfectly blunt about it, we find what’s happening now in our beloved motherland, the Republic of the Philippines, as too disturbing for comfort. We find that the positioning of several personalities to be the next president to be affecting the way they work.

We will not single out any one politician. In our view, there is more than one who is hellbent on becoming the next president that the current chief executive is being trapped in the middle of the ongoing turf war.

We have one word of advice to them: Stop.

Indeed, it really is way too early to be silently or even not so silently campaigning for the presidency when the incumbent president hasn’t even been made it through the halfway mark of his six-year term.

Our ‘inang bayan’ is still weathering several storms, including a period of high inflation and an ever-growing threat of invasion by China.

While prospects for sustained economic growth are good, there are still serious headwinds on the horizon.

There will always be a time and a place for a political majority whose powers are regulated by a potent minority. Whether in the US or in the Philippines, or anywhere else for that matter, a system of checks and balances must always be in place. Then and only then can abuses perpetrated by corrupt or incompetent government officials be checked.

An overly bloated government bureaucracy is yet another problem of the Philippines, and overly ambitious politicians use this to their advantage when they present themselves as champions of government workers.

This, too, is highly present now when form is more important than substance for some politicos who want to be president.

The operative Filipino word is ‘palabas.’ They resort to proverbial dog and pony shows to try to convince the people that they are the best person for the presidency

The sad thing is that all of the Filipino electorate can be fooled by scheming politicians some of the time, to paraphrase Mr. Lincoln.

We repeat our advice to some Pinoy politicians – most everybody knows who they are – who want to be president. Stop. It’s too early. Do a good job first, then convince the voters that they should reward you in the next presidential elections with the supreme prize.

Canepa assessed that “In San Mateo County alone, 45% of residents reported experiencing difficulty with isolation and loneliness, with certain demographic groups facing heightened challenges in accessing social support networks.”

The alarm echoes that sounded last spring by US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who declared loneliness an “epidemic” with devastating impact on health all around as he delivered recommendations to combat the “public health crisis.”

“Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight – one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and more productive lives,” said Murthy.

“Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way we have prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders,” he added. “Together, we can build a country that’s healthier, more resilient, less lonely, and more connected.”

If you think loneliness affects only a certain population, you’d off the mark.

Because last year Fortune highlighted a June study by A/B Consulting with Maveron VC firm that found loneliness and isolation afflicting many Americans across the board. While Baby Boomers are often thought to be the most affected, the study found Gen Z at 38% and Millennialsat 37% on top. Gen X composed 31% of those who said they were lonely. Boomers? Way behind at 19%.

The culprit per the study is technology. Or to be fair, attachment to it.

Back to the generation gap: Gen Z said they spent 73% of their time online as opposed to Millennials at 64%, Gen X at 56% and Boomers at 40%. Forty-six percent said they spend more screen time than in-person interaction – for 8 or more hours a day.

“We are ‘50% human and 50% technology,’ and it’s fueling an American health crisis,” the Fortune article blared.

For older adults, the issue likely is lack of access to a strong support system, a priority issue behind the California Master Plan and the Age-Friendly Communities Initiative, both of which fall under Canepa’s purview as BoS liaison to the County Commission on Aging.

As for a Minister of Loneliness? The template was initiated in 2016 by the late British MP Jo Cox resulting in what is now the UK Commission on Loneliness established to reduce loneliness through measurements and strategies in collaboration with multisectoral and government bodies including tech companies and community organizations.

Cherie M. Querol Moreno is Executive Editor of Philippine News Today. Last year she completed her 12-year service as San Mateo County Commissioner on Aging. Currently she manages the Got Wheels! transportation program of Peninsula Family Service.

Thinking of Boots

Last month, the Aliw Awards Foundation honored Boots Anson Rodrigo with its Legacy Award at its 36th Awards Night held at the Centennial Hall of the prestigious Manila Hotel.

I never wondered until now why she was called Boots. If I recall correctly, she was Elisa Anson when she was my student at the Assumption on Herran.

Boots was tall for her age, which was why she was given the role of St. Joseph in a Christmas presentation in my class.

It was not surprising that years later, she joined the movie industry. She was, after all, the daughter of matinee idol Oscar Moreno.

I learned that after high school, Boots went to the University of the Philippines for her college studies.

Boots went on to have a successful movie career, and it was during that period in her life that we reconnected.

I used to invite Boots to host the Friday Celebrity Nights at the National Press Club, where she never failed to mention that I was once her teacher

She was also a judge of the Aliw Awards several times. Boots never declined any invitation of mine.

Last month, she greeted me with the words: “ Hello, Teacher!” and I am sure if the Legacy awardees had been given a chance to talk, she would have mentioned the fact again.

Boots was cited for her body of work in the movie and live entertainment fields and for her support of the members of the movie industry through the Mowelfund which she heads.

Now, as I think of the tall and lovely, intelligent girl that Boots Anson was when she was my student, I am truly proud of what she has made of her life.

CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO

Seven good books to read in 2024

My beloved wife Virginia Jimenez Madlaing and I were blessed and fortunate to have family bonding with our daughters Darlene, Joy and their spouses and our grandchildren (John Micheal, Jeremiah and Brendon) last December 2130, 2023 in Louisiana, USA.

On Saturday, December 23, 2023, we all made unexpected visit to Larry West, founder of ME CARE Ministries, and his wife Peggy West. We had group pictures inside their home, followed by lunch fellowship at the Milano’s Italian Grill in downtown West Monroe, Louisiana. After lunch, we visited and toured the Duck Commander Museum, featuring the popular Duck Dynasty in West Monroe, Louisiana.

On Sunday, December 24, 2023, we all (three generations of Christians) worshipped at the HUNTINGTON PARK CHURCH OF CHRIST in Shreveport, Louisiana. Evangelist and former elder Mike Gamble (father of our son-in-law Bryan Gamble) shared an excellent and timeless message. On Christmas Day, our son-in-law Bryan Gamble treated us with homemade food, dessert and cookies with his great cooking and baking skills. Our grandsons enjoyed playing various games before watching together the 49rs-Ravens football game early in the evening.

In the early morning of December 26, 2023, our son-in-law Ben Gacusan drove our grandson John Micheal Gamble to the Shreveport International Airport together with my wife and our daughters Darlene and Joy for his flight to Greece to attend special classes at the Harding University Extension Campus in Greece.

We then all drove to New Orleans (in two cars) and checked in with our timeshare at the Club Wyndham located at the Wyndham Avenue Plaza in downtown New Orleans, Louisiana. This was our first time to visit and tour New Orleans. Some highlights of our tour in New Orleans include bus tour around the city with our tour guide visiting the French Quarter, Cemetery, City Park where our tour guide showed the actual level of flood water during the height of Hurricane Katrina.

We also toured New Orleans on our own riding the railroad cars, walking the famous Bourbon Avenue at night and dinner at the popular Oceana Seafood Grill, We made our final tour of New Orleans by visiting and strolling inside the NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM which attracts thousands of patrons and visitors every year with its extensive galleries, multi-media displays, special exhibits which now include the National D-Day Museum and Liberation Pavilion in the sprawling complex campus in New Orleans.

During our last night of stay at the Club Wyndham, I experienced a unique incident which delighted me as book author and columnist. While inside a small books display room near the lobby, Mirianne (fellow hotel guest) noticed that I was checking some books to read. She introduced herself and then asked what’s my profession.

“I’m a book author, columnist, commissioned and accredited Notary Public, licensed Real Estate Broker and active Evangelist,” I replied.

“That’s interesting. I’m looking for some good books to read in 2024. Can you recommend some good books,” Marianne requested.

“We have seven list of good books in our BOOKS MINISTRY but for a start you can check in the Amazon the following books I personally authored namely: “LONGEVITY TIPS” subtitled “Secrets You Can Discover and Do for Good Health and Longevity,” “R.A.W. WISDOM” subtitled “FINDING PEACE IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS,” and “HISTORICITY OF JESUS” subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians.” These three books are now available at Amazon in Hardcover, Paperback and E-book, “ I explained.

Marianne immediately opened her laptop, checked the book titles in the Amazon and ordered the three books.

I encourage you the follow the example of Marianne in ordering some good books to read in 2024. In addition to the three books mentioned above, I personally recommend the following four books personally authored by me and John Jeffrey, namely: “LAUGHTER FOR GOOD HEALTH” subtitled “Humorous Anecdotes and Stories on Cooking, Events, Families, History and Personalities,” “REAL ESTATE & YOU” subtitled “Your Basic Guide & Information for Successful Investing in Home, Land and Income Property,” “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY” subtitled “How to be Healthy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and Spiritually,” and “JESUS CHRIST” subtitled “The Final Days on Earth Before His Return to Heaven.” These four additional books are also available at Amazon in Hardcover, Paperback and E-book.

Merly, a close friend and provincemate originally from Malasiqui, Pangasinan, Philippines decorated and fixed my home office and shared a colorful display of quotes on the advantages and benefits of reading as follows:

“READING is the gateway skill that makes all other learning possible.”

“THE MORE THAT YOU READ THE MORE THINGS YOU WILL KNOW. THE MORE THAT YOU LEARN THE MORE PLACES YOU’LL GO.”

Goodbye CNN Philippines

From Thursday last week to Monday of this week, I and about 400 other people, more or less, were trapped in an emotional roller coaster. We were all working at CNN Philippines, the local franchisee of the respected CNN (short for Cable News Network) based in Atlanta, Georgia.

I joined the company a little less than two years ago. I joined as editorial consultant, working a five-day workweek, eight hours a day (nine including the mandatory one-hour lunch break).

A friend whom I had previously worked with in the Manila Times and who was active on Facebook told me about the immediate need for a senior editor. She asked me if I was interested. She also told me that her immediate superior was a gent whom I had worked with in BusinessWorld many years ago.

The guy was a pretty good reporter back in the day, so I said why not?

At that time, I was already retired for a few years following a bout with prostate cancer. An operation proved successful, but I still had my diabetes to contend with on a daily basis.

I did have some concerns because it meant getting up, getting dressed, and heading off to an office a few kilometers away. I knew I could do the work, but would I have the energy to face a daily commute in Edsa traffic? It was only around a week or so ago when the Philippines was tagged as having the worst traffic in the world, but back then I already knew it was.

But my partner convinced me to at least give it a try, which I did to no regrets.

I only had to adjust to the needs of a broadcast station rather than a daily broadsheet, but the essence was still the same. We had to tell the people what was happening and why. We had to be as objective as possible, and we had to produce our stories based on what some would consider a killer deadline.

In a post-mortem, one of the large fellow broadcast news stations referred to CNN Ph as a credible news organization. This, we were. I can vouch that we took great pains to always be a credible source of news for our listeners, readers, and viewers.

Good thing we also had some of the best anchors in the business, and a team of senior editors who knew the business like the back of their hand. In a month or two, I got the hang of it.

Aside from our broadcast operations, we also had an online presence. A separate group of mostly young reporters competed with the other broadcast stations as well as broadsheets in reporting all the important happenings of the day as quickly and as accurately as possible.

I have to admit that some of our writers were a source of daily, regular headaches. But that’s only because we set the highest possible standards.

It was a source of some frustration for me, though.

In the broadsheets that I had worked for, whenever I noticed a reporter not being up to par, I could do something about it. I could take them aside and tell them what was wrong with their work.

There was no time for this in CNN. The few instances when I could find the time to correct their mistakes were too few and far between.

I also faced a challenge that I was not sure I was equipped for. All the broadsheets where I worked were in English. I did also serve as Editor-in-Chief of the tabloid Bandera, owned by the Inquirer. But that was done in Taglish, not pure or formal Tagalog.

When I first came in, CNN shows were in English or Tagalog. And somewhere along the way, reporting shifted to more Tagalog shows than English.

But I told myself, hey you’re a pure Batangenyo, a Tagalogspeaking province. We spoke mostly Tagalog at home, with a scattering of English here and there.

On the other hand, my parents sent me to an exclusive school where English was the medium of instruction and Tagalog was just a subject that we had to pass in high school.

So at the back of my head, I looked to the lessons of my past. Faced with a Tagalog script to edit, I would try and recall how my parents would have said it.

I quickly realized one funny thing. The Tagalog we Batangenyos speak is a little bit different from the Tagalog the Bulakenyos speak, or even the Cavitenyos.

In fact, my partner is a Cavitenya, and there are many words she uses that sound Greek to me.

Then it came to me that there are many ways to say the same thing, and all could be grammatically correct.

Other editors wondered how I could edit the scripts so quickly, and I said half in jest that it was a secret I would never divulge. I would but they would have to buy me a cup of coffee. None of that three-in-one sachets BS, which I always found barbaric.

From the Original 13, Now Down to 5: A Tribute to a Loving Brother

With the passing away of my brother Marciano Reasonda Estioko, Jr., 88, the original 13 siblings are now down to 5!

He is survived by his 5 siblings: Engr. Romy, Dr. Manny, Computer Programmer Mar, Prof. Elpidio, and RT Technician Leo. Siblings who went ahead of him were: Engr. Leopoldo, Dr. Felicidad, Teacher Aurora, Supervisor Aida, Arch. Quintin, and Rev. Fr. Leonardo, SVD. All children were children of the late former Vice Mayor Marciano B. Estioko, Sr. and the late Leonor Esteves Reasonda.

My brother passed away peacefully at home on December 10, 2023 and was buried January 26, 2024 at the Lima Family Mortuary in Fremont, California. He was the one who petitioned my family in the US (we arrived in California in 1977 after 19 years of waiting for our visa.) … that’s how long 5th preference visa applications were at that time (I was told, the 5th preference is no longer in effect). I brought in 5 of my 6 children plus my wife Delia when my youngest Paul was only 4 years old. He is now 31. My eldest Gigi (now a resident of Sydney, Australia with husband Eric), was the only child when we were petitioned by my brother and succeeding births (Jojo, May, Tweety, Jayson, and Paul) were reported to the US Embassy upon birth.

Born on September 28, 1935, he was an all-around athlete and was not only an ordinary sportsperson but a champion, an excellent player with superb moves in sports like chess, tennis, bowling, dart, basketball, and ping pong.

I want to recognize him as my mentor in chess, who taught me the rudiments of chess, chess openings and how to counter them, analyzed games, explained how chess brilliancy works including sacrifices, and kept on telling me that to be a chess player, for every move you do, you need to know at least 5 to 7 moves ahead of your opponent’s moves.

I remember him during his college days at the Central Luzon Agricultural College (CLAC) now the Central Luzon State University (CLSU), he was a chess champion in Central Luzon. At that time, he was already playing with rated players such as National Master Glicerio Badilles, Naranja and International Master and the president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Florencio Campomanes. Had he continued playing, he should have been a Grandmaster by now, even perhaps ahead than GM Eugene Torre.

He promised our parents to earn his college degree (to pursue a chess profession, you need a lot of time, minimum for rated players games, he told me, was an hour. He didn’t have that luxury of time because he needs to concentrate on his college degree.) He graduated with a BS Agricultural Engineering in 1959 and later employed in the Bureau of Soils after graduation.

He even taught me how to organize and sponsor chess tournaments by going over the rules and steps in organizing. So, I organized and sponsored chess tournaments, joined tournaments, in schools and in our subdivision, having in mind all he taught me about chess. Also, with his guidance, I was able to convince San Jose State University, where I was teaching essay writing/English writing, to offer a 3-unit subject in chess (Chess Made Easy for beginners and intermediate players).

With that, I thought I was already a good chess player, so I challenged him to a 3 out of 5 matches one day. I was thinking of the proverbial story of students defeating their teacher might be at work this time.

I was wrong! He won and I lost! My only consolation was I defeated him ones in my life, unlike in bowling where I never won against him. I also never won against him in tennis, ping pong, and dart. He was still the best! In basketball, he was always the center of attraction, not the rest of his siblings who compose the team.

In tennis, he was a champion too! My brother Manny, travelling with him in one of his conventions in his capacity as a cardiologist and surgeon, told me Marciano won the tennis tournament in Puerto Rico.

In a separate story, Manny in one of their travels during the Super Bowl, told me two players were seen playing in the hotel tennis court. Then suddenly, it rained so hard, but the two players never stopped and kept on playing. Then one of the players asked the other player, “Why didn’t you stop playing?” The other player replied: “I was waiting for you to quit!”. It turned out that the two players were brothers Marciano and Manny. Marciano eventually won the game.

Marciano is survived by his wife Rosita Sanchez, RN; and children Marciano V (Glenda); Ronald (John); Virginia Jane (Doug); and his grand children Kristina Rose, Gabrielle Jade, Kendrick Randall (Bailey), and Mikayla Aaliyah,

In 1969, he moved his family to the United States to pursue the American Dream, where he began his career as a draftsman for Guralnick & Lee Engineering, Palo Alto, CA. He later moved onto working at a wholesale nursery in San Jose. From there, he moved onto Real Estate sales, then becoming a successful Real Estate Broker, until his retirement.

(Continue on page 20)

“KEEP READING. It’s one of the most marvelous adventures that anyone have.”

Most editors and even producers at CNN are coffee addicts like myself. It was a big deal for us whenever the company would just announce that brewed coffee was available for everyone on a first come, first served basis.

(Continue on page 20)

We will miss him dearly but are comforted that his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who (Continue on page 20)

ART GABOT MADLAING

How to avoid a charge of a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) that may cause you removable

A crime involving moral turpitude can make you inadmissible and deportable. DHS will find inadmissibility when you travel outside the U.S. and then return. You will be sent to second interview where they will ask you questions about the crime committed. To be safe you should consult an immigration attorney before travelling outside the U.S.

Traditionally a CIMT involves intent to commit fraud, commit theft with intent to permanently deprive the owner, or inflict great bodily harm, as well as some reckless or malicious offenses and some offenses with lewd intent.

A noncitizen is Deportable for One Conviction of a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude (“CIMT”) if:

a) Convicted

b) Of one CIMT

c) That has a potential sentence of one year or more

d) And was committed within five years after date of admission

In you have a criminal case, you should ask your lawyer to prevent deportability for a single CIMT by asking to:

a) Avoid a “conviction” by getting pre‐plea diversion or treatment in juvenile proceedings; or

b) Plead to an offense that is not a CIMT; or

c) Avoid a potential one‐year sentence by pleading to a misdemeanor with a six‐month maximum sentence.

Or in California plead to attempt to commit either a one‐year misdemeanor or a felony that can be reduced to a misdemeanor, for a maximum possible sentence of six months; or

d) Plead to an incident that happened more than five years after the “date of admission.” This is usually the date the person was first admitted into the U.S. with any kind of visa or card.

Or, if the person entered the U.S. without inspection – i.e., never was admitted on any visa – it is the date that the person became a permanent resident by “adjusting status” within the U.S.

If the person left the U.S. after becoming inadmissible for crimes, or for more than six months sentence, get more advice from your attorney.

A noncitizen is Deportable for Conviction of Two or More CIMTs After Admission if:

a) Both convictions must be after the person was admitted to the U.S. in some status, or adjusted status

b) The convictions may not spring from the same incident (“single scheme”)

A noncitizen is INADMISSIBLE FOR MORAL TURPITUDE, 8 USC 1182(a)(2)(A) if:

Inadmissible for One or More Convictions of a CIMT

There is an exception which is Petty Offense Exception automatically means the person is not inadmissible for CIMT

To qualify for the exception:

a) Defendant must have committed only one CIMT ever

b) The offense must have a potential sentence of one year or less. Here a one‐year misdemeanor, or a felony wobbled down to a misdemeanor, will qualify for the exception.

c) Sentence imposed is six months or less. For example, suspended imposition of sentence, three years probation, six months jail ordered as a condition of probation will qualify. Youthful Offender Exception applies rarely, but benefits youth who were convicted as adults.

A noncitizen is not inadmissible for CIMT if he or she committed only one CIMT ever, while under the age of 18, and the conviction or resulting imprisonment occurred at least five years ago.

Note: This is not a legal advice and presented for information purposes only. If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C. Lozano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

1. PETITION FOR CAREGIVERS

Our Law Firm entered into agreement with Care Home Facilities in the U.S. to process applicants for Caregivers in the US

You may qualify if you six months experience as Caregivers Applicants Inside the United States or in the Philippines or other countries may qualify. Your relatives may also qualify.

Bankruptcy Basics

We also process Bankruptcy cases.

1. Bankruptcy will improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged. Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 10 years, not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most of your debts are paid.

Chris Caday Lozano, Esq. is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers. He has practiced immigration law and bankruptcy since June 1999. His contact phone is 1-877-4569266, email: info@CCLlaw.net Website: www.crispinlozanolaw. com/ with offices in Hayward and Cerritos, CA.

Julia Barretto shares thoughts on wide age-gap relationships

Actress Julia Barretto was honest about her thoughts on May-December love affairs while playing the role of Jas in the upcoming Viva film “Ikaw Pa Rin ang Pipiliin Ko.”

“I think love is love, whether it’s in a different form or in the form that we did in the film. I think it’s all the same. Love is equal and the same for everyone,” Julia said during her intimate media conference at the Viva office in Ortigas recently.

The actress emphasized the importance of mutual respect and understanding in this kind of romance.

“If there’s anything that I’ve learned in this kind of romance, it is that it’s always nice to have a middle ground between you and your partner, to have that mutual respect and understanding towards one another,” Julia added.

After the release of their film’s trailer, netizens had mixed reactions to the chemistry between Julia and Aga.

According to Julia, Jas and Michael were the only actors playing a role.

“We’re not trying to normalize anything in this film; we’re just trying to tell a story, and it’s up to the audience what they can learn from the film,” Julia said.

“Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Pipiliin Ko” follows the budding romance between Michael (Aga), a conductor and an arranger, and a choir student, Jas (Julia).

The film is written and directed by filmmaker Denise O’Hara. Also joining the cast are Nonie Buencamino, MJ Cayabyab, Boboy Garrovillo, Nicole Omillo, Janine Teñoso Frost Sandova, and Cindy Miranda.

“Ikaw Pa Rin ang Pipiliin Ko” opens in cinemas nationwide on Feb. 7.

Jolo Revilla and Angelica Alita welcome baby girl

Cavite 1st District Rep. Jolo Revilla and his wife, Angelica Alita-Revilla, announced the safe arrival of their baby girl.

In a statement, Cong. Jolo said: “Today is a very special day for us. We are very happy and grateful to announce the birth of our beautiful and healthy baby girl.”

“We would also like to thank everyone for their prayers and warm wishes,

” he added.

During a gender reveal party last August, the couple announced they were expecting a baby girl. In his social media post, Cong. Jolo said their heart was bursting with joy, and they couldn’t wait to meet their precious daughter and watch her grow.

Jolo and Angelica got married in a garden wedding in Newport Beach, California, USA on Dec. 15, 2019.

Accepting Applications: Independent Civilian Advisory Commission

Do you want to be a part of a NEW advisory commission to the County Board of Supervisors on practices and activities of the Sheriff’s Office?

APPLY NOW! The new advisory commission will provide a public forum for community engagement related to the Sheriff’s Office. San Mateo County residents are encouraged to apply, regardless of citizenship status.

Application Closes: February 23, 2024

To learn more and apply: smcgov.org/cac

Tumatanggap ng mga Aplikasyon: Malayang Komisyon ng Sibilyang Pagpapayo

Nais mo bang maging bahagi ng BAGONG komisyon ng pagpapayo sa Lupon ng mga Tagapamahala ng County sa mga kaugalian at gawain ng Tanggapan ng Sheriff?

MAG-APPLY NGAYON! Ang bagong komisyon ng pagpapayo ay magbibigay-daan sa mga pampublikong pagtitipon para sa pampamayanang pakikipag-ugnayang may kinalaman sa Tanggapan ng Sheriff. Ang mga nakatira sa San Mateo County, anuman ang katayuan ng pangkamamayan, ay hinihikayat na mag-apply.

Scan Here

Pagsasara sa Aplikasyon: Pebrero 23, 2024

Para sa dagdag na kaalaman at pag-aapply, tumungo sa: smcgov.org/cac

Dingdong, Piolo, other Pinoy stars ‘invade’ Hollywood with 10 festival films

LOS ANGELES/MANILA – The Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles has opened as the screening of ten Filipino films of the Metro Manila Film Festival started at the TCL Chinese Theaters on Hollywood Boulevard in California.

The 10 films debuting in Hollywood and other cities in US at the MIFF are: Jun Robles Lana’s “Becky and Badette,” starring Eugene Domingo and Pokwang; Lemuel C. Lorca’s “Broken Heart’s Trip” (Christian Bables); Nuel Naval’s “Family of Two (A Mother and Son Story)” (Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards); Zig Dulay’s “Firefly” (Alessandra De Rossi and Euwenn Mikaell); Pepe Diokno’s “GomBurZa” (Enchong Dee, Dante Rivero and Cedrick Juan); King Palisoc’s “(K) Ampon” (Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay); Derick Cabrido’s “Mallari” (Piolo Pascual and Janella Salvador); Jason Paul Laxamana’s “Penduko” (Matteo

Guidicelli and Kylie Verzosa); Mae Cruz-Alviar’s “Rewind” (Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes); and Conrado Peru, Rommel Penesa and Christopher de Leon’s “When I Met You in Tokyo” (Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon).

The opening was graced by Filipino actors and actresses and other movie personalities from the Philippines.

Leading the Filipino actors in Hollywood is Dingdong Dantes, star of the Philippines’ record-breaking movie “Rewind” with gross of nearly P1 billion. Dingdong Dantes graced the gold carpet for its opening night presentation at the Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) .

Other actors present at the opening were Piolo Pascual, Enchong Dee, Tirso Cruz III, who is now chairman of the Film Development Council of the Philippines; Janella Salvador, Ysabel Ortega and Christian Bables; Alden Richards, Christopher de Leon and John Arcilla.

“To our kababayans here in LA, do watch the MIFF,” said Film Development Council of the Philippines Chair Tirso Cruz III.

Pascual stars in “Mallari,” one of the 10 films that are being screened in Hollywood while Enchong stars in the movie “Gomburza,” the second best film in the MIFF.

Also present were Beauty Gonzales, who co-stars with Derek Ramsey in “(K)ampon.” They invited the Fil-Ams to watch the screenings.

In a statement, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) said the ten movies being shown are the same that premiered during the most recent MMFF.

“These films will likewise be given awards that are separate and independent from the MMFF awards given last December 2023. Filipino Americans who are accomplished in the film industry will serve as jury members and will decide the winners in nine categories,” the MMFF said.

The awards will be given during a gala at the Directors Guild of America on Sunset Boulevard and include a Best Picture award that will come with up to US$100,000 worth of camera rental equipment plus support from other vendors in the film industry.

“The package is valued overall at US$200,000 with the support of industry partners, Atlas Lens Co., BlackOps Studios Asia, CMB Film Services, Inc., and Myriad Entertainment USA,” it said.

In addition, the winners of Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay will each receive the latest version of Final Draft film editing software valued at US$250 through Birns & Sawyer.

“The two other MIFF recognitions are the Audience Award to be voted on by the MIFF moviegoers at the screenings which will run through February 1, and the Monty Manibog Lifetime Achievement Award which is set to be given to actress Hilda Koronel,” it said.

The remaining awards are the Special Jury Prize, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Cinematography.

The MIFF jurors are Marie Jamora, one of the first Filipinos in the Directors Guild of America (DGA); Mari Acevedo, CEO of Birns & Sawyer; Leah Anova, a director of photography; Reggie Lee, a TV, film, and Broadway actor; David Maquiling, academic and artistic director of the School of Cinematic Arts Summer Program at the University of Southern California; and Sumalee Montano, a television and film actress.

MMFF overall chair and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chair Don Artes said the MIFF would be vital in uplifting Filipino films and a testament to their “exceptional and world-class” quality.

“I am confident that the success of the MMFF in Manila last December can be replicated through the support of our Filipino community in LA and the international audience,” Artes said.

WOWOWEE WILLIE REVILLAME READY TO BE A SENATOR

Television host Willie Revillame has declared his readiness to run for senator in the 2025 midterm elections, saying he wants to serve his fellow Filipinos, especially the poor and marginalized.

Willie made this announcement during Sunday’s prayer rally in Davao City, where he was welcomed by thousands of Duterte supporters.

He said he was previously invited by former President Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go to join their senatorial slate in 2022, but he had to turn them down because of his contractual obligations for his TV show “Wowowin.”

“Two years ago, after the COVID-19 pandemic, Sen. Bong Go and our beloved former President Rodrigo Duterte called me to Malacañang and asked me to run for senator. At that time, I was busy with ‘Wowowin,’ my program on GMA. I said I have a contract and I’m not ready yet,” Willie said.

According to him, he is now prepared to face the challenge and he hopes to bring positive change to the country. He said he believed that public servants should not be driven by politics, but by service and love

“Politicians serving the country should not be called politicians. They should be called public servants. Because when politics gets involved, there are fights and ego clashes,” Willie said.

He added: “It’s nice to be in a country where it’s not about fights and the color you choose. It’s about unity and love … No matter what your decision for me is, I think I’m ready.”

Willie began his career in the late 1980s as a cohost of GMA Network’s “Lunch Date” with Randy Santiago. He also recorded songs and acted in movies.

He moved to ABS-CBN in 1998 and hosted several noontime shows, such as “Magandang Tanghali Bayan” and “Wowowee.” He later moved to TV5 and continued to host variety programs like “Willing Willie” and “Wowowillie.”

METRO MANILA FILM FESTIVAL IN HOLLYWOOD

The Philippine cinema is set to expand its horizons as the inaugural Manila International Film Festival (MIFF) is scheduled to screen the 10 official entries of the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for the first time in Hollywood.

The first MIFF is expected to bring some of the Filipino stars and directors of the 10 official film entries to join the five-day festival, with American journalists and filmmakers also expected to grace the event.

The MIFF will be held from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Los Angeles, California, with a starstudded red-carpet and awards ceremony on the last day and a dinner after-party at the Directors Guild of America.

Flying in from Manila to California are Alden Richards, Christopher de Leon, Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes, Beauty Gonzalez, Eugene Domingo, Enchong Dee, Cedrick Juan, John Arcilla, Christian Bables, Ysabel Ortega, Andoy Ranay and Janella Salvador, among others.

Is this the time to consider a Reverse Mortgage to avoid paying your mortgage for Life?

The numbers are worrisome. The typical 54- to 64-year-old with a 401(k) or IRA owns a median portfolio worth about $135,000 and more than a quarter of workers don’t have retirement savings accounts (mainly because their employer doesn’t offer one). Is it any surprise older Americans worry their quality of life could deteriorate during retirement? Your Social Security Income I guarantee will not be enough for you to live on down the line. So, think about what to do now while your property values is at its peak.

On the other hand, the homeownership rate for households age 65 and older has risen to 81% and their median home equity is $143,500, according to the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies. With standard or inflation going up above 8%, your money will be worth less every year. Unless your have other sources of income when you retire, now is the time to evaluate what you should do before its too late.

All of this raises two key questions: Could tapping that home equity through a reverse mortgage help you attain a financially secure retirement while remaining in their homes? And, if so, given today’s interest rates, is this a good time to get one? Yes, you still need to consider what rates you will be getting for the sake of your next of kin.

For many retirees, home equity represents a significant portion of their wealth, many of these older Americans can — and will have to — rely on home equity to supplement their Social Security benefits.

Experts Turning Favorable About Reverse Mortgages

Little wonder that many retirement-research scholars and growing numbers of financial planners like the idea of some homeowners 62 and older using reverse mortgages to turn home equity into income (62 is the minimum age the U.S. government allows).

Yet fewer than 1% of eligible households have taken out a reverse mortgage, according to a Brookings Institution report. Common knocks against these loans: high fees and the notion that only desperate older Americans turn to reverse mortgages, as a last resort. I use to think and suggest that a Reverse Mortgage should be your last resort however, with the equity now opening up a window for retirees to qualify due to the increase in equity. Why not!

Are reverse mortgages about to go mainstream?

I went from not liking them to thinking they aren’t as bad as I thought.

The size of the reverse mortgage you get is determined by a formula that considers your age, the home’s value and interest rates (lately, reverse mortgage rates are hovering around 3.25% to 7% for lump sum, fixed-rate loans and 2% to 5.5% for adjustable loans).

Once qualified, you can take out your equity in a lump sum, a line of credit or monthly payments. Instead of making out-of-pocket repayments, the reverse mortgage gets paid off when you move out or die. (You can lose the home if you fail to keep up with property tax and insurance payments.)

The reverse mortgage business has cleaned itself up quite a bit following bad press and Congressional initiatives in the 1980s. Still, scholars find homeowners aren’t convinced that a reverse mortgage is the way to turn home equity into income.

Thanks for your inquiries, please contact Ken Go of 1st Innovative Finance Group 562-508-7048 or write to kennethgo@verizon.net CABRE 01021223 NMLS 238636

ABS-CBN to show ASTRA TV Awards on TFC and iWantTFC

After showing ASTRA Film Awards last week, ABS-CBN brings Hollywood Creative Alliance’s ASTRA TV Awards to audiences worldwide

LOS ANGELES, California – After successfully bringing last week the 2024 ASTRA Film Awards to international audiences, ABS-CBN, a powerhouse media content producer and distributor in the U.S., and its affiliates quickly follow through during this Hollywood awards season by showing the 2024 ASTRA TV Awards on TFC and iWantTFC. The event was held recently by the Hollywood Creative Alliance (HCA) in Biltmore Los Angeles.

TV fans all over the world can catch the ASTRA TV Awards on TFC and iWantTFC by following this schedule: Making headlines at the 2024 ASTRA TV Awards are the following:

In the streaming programs, Prime Video’s “The Boys” (cast shown above) walked away with the most awards: six consisting of Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Drama Series, Best Streaming Drama Series. Best Directing in a Streaming Drama Series. Best Actor in a Streaming Drama Series. Best Casting in a Drama Series, and Best Stunts. The series is about what happens when superheroes, who become as popular as celebrities and as influential as politicians, start abusing their powers rather than using them for good.

The HCA gave out two honorary awards: to Eric Kripke, creator of “The Boys”, for the TV Icon Award and to Ariel Marx for the Artisan Spotlight Award.

HBO’S “Succession” took home the most awards of the evening for broadcast & network TV with five wins including Best Cable Drama Series, Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Drama Series, Best Supporting Actor in a Broadcast Network or Cable Drama Series. Best Writing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Drama Series, and Best Directing in a Broadcast Network or Cable Drama Series while ABC’S “Abbott Elementary” scored four wins, Best Broadcast Network Comedy Series Best Actress in a Broadcast Network or Cable Comedy Series, Best Supporting Actor in Broadcast Network or Cable Comedy Series and Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series.

While Filipino American actress Hailee Steinfeld took home the Best Voice-Over Performance for her work on “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” at the Astra Film Awards, Filipino American actor Kieran Tamondong was nominated in this year’s ASTRA TV Awards for Best Supporting Actor in a Streaming Limited TV Series of TV Movie for his performance in “Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Netflix). The award went to Paul Walter Hauser – Black Bird (Apple TV+).

In an interview with TFC News Los Angeles correspondent Steve Angeles, HCA Co-CEO and Vice President Yong Chavez said: For many years, we have struggled to be included (in the mainstream) and now we are no longer marginalized. We are front and center at such a huge Hollywood event. For HCA and ABS-CBN to have a partnership is just the beginning of bigger things for both.”

The cast of “The Boys” (Shu�erstock for the Hollywood Crea�ve Alliance)

Paris Olympics breakthrough possible - SMC’s Ramon Ang

year of Philippines’ participation as the country looks to replicate the feat of gold-winning weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in the Tokyo Games.

team will also inspire our athletes to go for more gold medals in Paris,” he added.

Ang, president and chief executive officer of San Miguel Corporation (SMC), received his second PSA Executive of the Year award and this time, he shared it with Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) chairman and president Manny V. Pangilinan as their partnership paved the way for the Asiad basketball gold. He said the upcoming OIympiad will mark the 100th

“Everything is possible when all the country’s stakeholders work together. It was just three years ago when Hidilyn Diaz shone in Tokyo for our first gold in the Olympics. And just last year, we grabbed the Asian Games gold in basketball that eluded us for 60 years. So I think another breakthrough is possible,” Ang said.

“That gold medal was the result of the hard work and effort of not just the players and coaching staff, but most especially, MVP himself. The Gilas Pilipinas program is really his brainchild, and without his vision, commitment, and patriotism to see the program through all these years, we probably would not have a champion Gilas team,” Ang said.

“We are proud to have been given the opportunity to be part of it, and we thank MVP for lifting Philippine basketball to greater heights,” he added.

At the invitation of Pangilinan, Ang supported the country’s successful co-hosting of the FIBA Basketball World Cup, when the Philippine team shared the spotlight with the world’s best basketball teams.

“I thank the PSA for the honor and dedicate it to the Gilas Pilipinas team who worked so hard to bring home the gold medal in the face of tough odds,” said Ang, who was first conferred with the PSA Executive of the Year Award in 2017.

“I hope the amazing feat of the Philippine basketball

Olympian and pole vaulter EJ Obiena led those who were feted during the annual awards of the country’s oldest sportswriting organization.

Also honored were Philippine Women’s Football team Filipinas, Asian Games gold medalists Meggie Ochoa and Annie Ramirez, June Mar Fajardo (Mr. Basketball), Tots Carlos (Ms. Volleyball), Sarina Bolden (Ms. Football), and Alex Eala (Ms. Tennis).

To honor the country’s Olympic medal winners in Tokyo, Ang provided P22 million in incentives, including P10 million to weightlifter Diaz. Boxers Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio also got P5 million each for winning silver medals while Eumir Marcial earned P2 million for his bronze medal feat.

Tim Cone named head coach of Gilas Pilipinas, team lineup unveiled

MANILA – After his successful stint in the Hangzhou Asian Games, where the Philippines ended its 61year gold medal drought in men’s basketball, Tim Cone will be given the reins as head coach.

“Coach Tim accomplished what has not been done in decades with only a few weeks to prepare and multiple challenges in terms of personnel so we’re excited to see what he can accomplish with a long-term program in place especially if such program is supported by all basketball stakeholders.” Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) President Al Panlilio said as PNA reported.

First up for Cone will be preparing the team that will be seeing action next month for the first window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

Gilas will battle Hong Kong on Feb. 22 at the Tsuen Wan Stadium and Chinese Taipei on Feb. 25 at the PhilSports Arena.

The Philippines will also compete in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament from July 2 to 7 in Latvia.

“Earlier this month, coach Tim presented his plans to local leagues from which players will likely be selected from. This program will be put to test this year and adjustments will be made as necessary,” added SBP Executive Director Erika Dy.

Cone’s winning pedigree is second to none as the winningest coach in PBA history with 25 championships. He is the only two-time PBA Grand Slam winner in the league’s 48-year history.

This will be Cone’s fourth stint as the head coach of the national team. He was at the helm of the storied Centennial Team that won bronze in the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games. He also led the gold-medal-winning Gilas squad in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

“I’m looking forward to taking on the role of national team head coach again,” said Cone. “I’ve always firmly believed from back in 1998 when I coached the Centennial Team that you’ve got to go out and get the best players in the country to represent us. We all have different opinions on who the best players are but we’re confident we picked the best players who will form the best team.”

Gilas’ ACQ pool revealed amid uncertainties

The SBP also announced that 12 players have been called up to the Gilas pool for the FIBA ACQ February window.

Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson, Justin Brownlee, and Jamie Malonzo, San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez, Meralco’s Chris Newsome, and TNT’s Calvin Oftana have been chosen to the Gilas pool among the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players.

Backstopping them are Japan B League Asian imports Dwight Ramos of Hokkaido, AJ Edu of Toyama, Kai Sotto of Yokohama, and free agent Carl Tamayo.

MANILA – Longtime sports patron Ramon S. Ang believes the country is geared to win more golds in the coming Paris Olympics as he paid tribute to all Filipino athletes, particularly those who were honored during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards at the Diamond Hotel.

Jed, Sheryn, and Jona Valentine’s Tour kicks-off on February 2 at Cache Creek Casino Resort

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming series of Valentine’s shows this February featuring the dynamic trio of Jed Madela, Sheryn Regis, and Jona, the artists have shared more about the legacy they want to leave behind, their signature moves, and the love songs that resonate with their personal journeys.

In a recent media huddle, the trio shared how many times they were in the U.S. to perform for their fans, what they have learned from these concerts in themselves and from the Filipino fans.

Sheryn admitted that, as a Filipino American TFC has brought her to a lot of different states to perform for Filipinos and Americans and it gave her “so much joy, every time that I perform, feeling like I am in a Filipino gathering, I was never lonely and it even gave me more life and energy because sometimes when you’re at home you know that -- sometimes when you don’t work, in your house you, you feel bored.”

And then when I started singing and performing and traveling in different stages to perform for Filipinos in America and I said oh my gosh, it gives me it gives me the hope that I can be happy here in the U.S. I’ll sing and mingle with a lot of Filipinos. So you know, it’s a great help for the people like me who easily gets sad,” Sheryn delight in sharing.

Jona stated that she hasperformed in U.S. and other parts of the world, numerous times since “I started my career in 2005 2006. I have been returning here and it’s always a pleasure talaga Whenever I perform especially for our kababayans I strongly feel their warmth and love nila. I feel as if like their long-lost

relativethat when they see me in person, it was so joyous with warm greetings telling me, “so good to see you.”

“It is so much fun seeing them all aside from having the chance to perform in front of them because after shows are when there are chances to really talk and get to know more of each other. These are my treasured moments and that has contributed to my disposition as an artist,” Jona beamed.

Jed remembered that he has been to the U.S. almost every year do shows and would bring talents.

“I would do my own concerts and one thing that I noticed with the audience in the U.S., was also the warmth that Jona feels. They make you feel like a long- lost relative that when you see each other, they’re very responsive and you become verry close already,” Jed recalled. “One of the things I really like whenever I perform on stage is that the reaction of the people is automatic and you won’t feel left hanging in the air. If you want to shout, they will shout with you. They are very transparent and I guess it’s also because of the connection that The Filipino Channel gave us.”

Jed also TFC has become the bridge to whatever Filipinos in the U.S. miss in the Philippines.

“Just as when they see us on TV, we become part of their life, we become part of their family to the point that when we come to perform for them, we come to visit a family. And we

are doubly happy because we have a lot of pasalubong to bring home,” Jed giggles.

It is evident that this trio of artists have gone through reallife experiences ranging from pain, longing, and triumph. The wealth of personal stories, and the depth and breadth of heartfelt emotions which they can draw from ensures that audiences will witness magnificent performances in “Jed, Sheryn, Jona Live in Concert.”

The tour kicks-off this weekend, starting on February 2, 2024, Friday at Cache Creek Casino Resort in Brooks, CA. Doors open at 8 PM, show starts at 9 PM. Tickets starting at $65.

Next stop is on February 3, 2024, Saturday at Choctaw Casino & Resort in Durant, OK. Admission is free. To register, call 945-267-1488.

And the final stop will be on February 10, 2024, Saturday at the Special Events Center, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, CA. Show starts at 7:30 PM. Tickets available starting at $38.

“Jed, Sheryn, Jona Live in Concert” is presented by ABS CBN International’s Filipino Channel (TFC) and New Paradise Entertainment (NPE), and is part of the series of events and offerings in celebration of TFC’s 30th anniversary. For tickets and more information, please visit https://mytfc.com/valentine.

Geovani Benagen was approved for Permanent Resident. A�y. Chris Caday Lozano represented his case with the USCIS.

In this month’s column, we want to share what is new in social benefits in 2024. If you have additional questions about Medicare, Medicaid, Affordable Care Act Health Insurance Marketplace, Social Security Retirement Benefit, Supplemental Security Income, or COVID/Flu vaccination, there are 3 ways you can reach us today:

Call: (English) 1-800-336-2722, (Chinese Mandarin) 1-800-683-742, (Chinese Cantonese) 1-800-582-4218, (Korean) 1-800-582-4259, (Vietnamese) 1-800-5824336

Email: askNAPCA@napca.org

Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101

NEW

Delinquency date change allows more homeowners to join tens of thousands who have already taken advantage of federal funding earmarked to help Californians recover from COVID-19

SACRAMENTO, CA – The California Mortgage Relief Program has announced an important update that will extend program eligibility to more homeowners across the state. The program has extended the delinquency requirement for mortgage and property tax relief applicants to February 1, 2024.

California homeowners who were initially ineligible due to the previous delinquency date continue to be invited to reapply.

The application process is fast and easy and can be completed online or via a mobile device by visiting www.CaMortgageRelief. org. Applicants must still meet all other eligibility requirements.

<Q1> How much income do I need to earn to get 1 Social Security in 2024? Do year credits?

<Q1> How much income do I need to earn to get 1 Social Security work credit in 2024? Do I have to work all year to earn credits?

Since launching in midst of the pandemic, the program has been instrumental in aiding 30,205 households in California who have suffered economic setbacks due to COVID-19. Today’s announcement opens the door for additional homeowners to potentially receive a grant of up to $80,000 in federal funds.

For media inquiries, please contact press@camortgagerelief. org.

About the California Mortgage Relief Program:

year the amount needed slightly average wages increase. In 2024, you earn 1 Social Security and Medicare credit for every $1,730 in covered earnings. You must earn $6,920 to get the maximum 4 credits for the year. You might work all year to earn 4 credits, or you might earn enough for all 4 in much less time. You must earn a certain number of credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefits.

Credits are based on your income for the year. Each year the amount of earnings needed to earn one credit goes up slightly as average wages increase. In 2024, you earn 1 Social Security and Medicare credit for every $1,730 in covered earnings. You must earn $6,920 to get the maximum 4 credits for the year. You might work all year to earn 4 credits, or you might earn enough for all 4 in much less time. You must earn a certain number of credits to qualify for Social Security benefits. No one needs more than 40 credits for any Social Security benefits.

Rebecca Franklin, President of the CalHFA Homeowner Relief Corporation, emphasized the ongoing struggles of many homeowners due to pandemic-related financial hardship.

“By extending the delinquency date, we are broadening the reach of our program to assist more families in need,” Franklin said. “Homeowners should not wait to protect their future and apply online today. These grants represent a crucial support system for Californians, enabling them to catch up on past-due bills caused by the pandemic and secure their financial well-being.”

The CalHFA Homeowner Relief Corporation (CalHRC) is a special-purpose affiliate of the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). CalHFA is an independent state agency that assists low to moderate income Californians by acting as the state’s affordable housing lender. Through CalHRC, the agency is able to disburse The American Rescue Plan Act’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) on behalf of the State of California given its extensive expertise in the mortgage assistance and homeownership space.

More Here:

<Q2> I have retired and am receiving Social Security Retirement. Can I still apply for Medicaid and SSI? I heard there is an income and asset limit. I own a house and a car. I also have life insurance.

You can get SSI or Medicaid if you are qualified based on income and assets threshold by each state. One house and one car are exempt, but some life insurance is counted as an asset. The monthly maximum federal amounts for SSI in 2024 are $943 for an individual, or $1,415 for a couple. Some states may provide SSP (State Supplementary Payment) on top of the federal standard. For example, if you live in California and have no income, the monthly maximum payment would be $1,182 for an individual, or $2,022 for a couple. If your income has been increased, it would reduce your SSI amount. Note that the SSA has a special rule to calculate income. The most accurate way to find out whether you are eligible or not is to submit the application and receive the eligibility result through Social Security Administration. Please contact us if you have any questions.

<Q2> I have retired and am receiving Social Security Retirestill for and is an income and asset limit. I own a house and a car. I also have You can get SSI or Medicaid if you are qualified based on income and assets threshold by each state. One house and one car are exempt, but some life insurance is counted as an asset. The monthly maximum federal amounts for SSI in 2024 are $943 for an individual, or $1,415 for a couple. Some states may provide SSP (State Supplementary Payment) on top of the federal standard. For example, if you live in California and have no income, the monthly maximum payment would be $1,182 for an individual, or $2,022 for a couple. If your income has been increased, it would reduce your SSI has to most find you are the application and Social Security Administration. Please contact us if you have any questions.

<Q3> How much can I earn and still get benefits in 2024?

The California Mortgage Relief Program is distributing federal funds to eligible California homeowners in the form of non-repayable grants that can be applied to various housing-related expenses, including:

• catching up on overdue mortgage and reverse mortgage payments,

• addressing unpaid property taxes,

• reducing or eliminating partial claims or loan deferrals.

Program Overview One Pager

Program Eligibility One Pager

Follow us on social media:

Instagram: @CaMortgageRelief

Facebook: @CaMortgageHelp

Twitter: @CaMortgageHelp

Friends of the Filipino American Community PAC is set to award the 2023 Pinay Visionaries and Warriors at its annual Alice Pena Bulos Legacy celebration to be held on February 10, 2024 at Tribu Grill in Union City

You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. However, there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full benefits.

<Q3> How much can I earn and still get benefits in 2024? You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. However, there is a limit to how much you can earn and still receive full benefits.

• If you are under full retirement age for the entire year, SSA deducts $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit ($22,320 for 2024).

• If you are under full retirement age for the entire year, SSA deducts $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit ($22,320 for 2024).

• In the year you reach full retirement age:

As we embark on this memorable occasion, we find ourselves in the midst of a month that holds great importance in various aspects. February not only marks the celebration of U.S Presidents month, where we honor the leaders who have shaped our nation, but it is also a time to commemorate Black History Month, recognizing the invaluable contributions of African Americans throughout history. February 10, a joyous occasion of Lunar New Year, a time when we celebrate new beginnings and the rich traditions of Asian cultures.

Last but certainly not least, February is synonymous with love and affection as we celebrate Valentine’s Day. It is a day to express our appreciation for the special individuals who bring joy and warmth into our lives.

For tickets go to www.ffacpac.org to purchase; or pay.ffacpac.@ gmail.com to zelle payments. Keep receipts for your event entry.

Presenting the 2023 awardees…

• In the year you reach full retirement age: to month before full SSA deducts $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit ($59,520 for 2024).

- Up to the month before you reach your full retirement age, SSA deducts $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit ($59,520 for 2024).

- Beginning with the month you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn.

- Beginning with the month you reach full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn.

- SSA will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months SSA reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings.

- SSA will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for the months SSA reduced or withheld benefits due to your excess earnings.

<Q4> I read in the news that COVID-19 cases are on the rise recently. Is the latest vaccine still effective in protecting us?

<Q4> I read in the news that COVID-19 cases are on the rise recently. Is the latest vaccine still effective in protecting us?

COVID-19 activity is currently high. JN.1 is now the most widely circulating variant in the US and globally and may be intensifying the spread of COVID-19 this winter. COVID-19 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths have increased in recent weeks. Hospitalizations reached 32,861 in the week ending January 13 2024. In that same period, deaths went up by 10.3%, with COVID-19 deaths accounting for 4.3% of total deaths in the US.

COVID-19 activity is currently high. JN.1 is now the most widely be intenthe and deaths have in talizations reached 32,861 in the week ending January 13 2024. In that same period, deaths went up by 10.3%, with COVID-19 deaths accounting for 4.3% of total deaths in the US.

Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to increase protection against JN.1.

Current COVID-19 vaccines are expected to increase protection against JN.1.

As of January 13 2024, only 21.5% of adults reported having received the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Only 40.9% of adults aged 65 years and older reported having received this vaccine, which is concerning given that they are at higher risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19.

As of January 13 2024, only 21.5% of adults reported having received the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Only 40.9% of adults aged 65 years and older reported having received this vaccine, which is concerning given that they are at higher risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19.

Please make sure you have the most recent vaccine which has been available since late September 2023. If your last vaccine was mid-September or earlier, get vaccinated. It’s not too late.

National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages.

you have the most vaccine been 2023. your vaccine earlier, get not National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers and is available in 5 different languages.

Diaspora communities still plays a vital role in elections in countries all over

Almost all living in the U.S. see current year 2024 as an election year but not as many knows that the same is true is over 70 other countries worldwide where major elections are scheduled to be held not the least are in Taiwan, India and Mexico that are among key countries with large diaspora populations in the US that are holding national elections.

In the desire to explore how diaspora communities interact with elections in their home countries, the Ethnic Media Services held a briefing How Elections in Home Countries Impact Diaspora Communities: Taiwan, Mexico and India where speakers looked specifically at immigrants from Mexico, India and Taiwan as well as mainland China, and will also highlight the role of AI and social media in spreading disinformation across diaspora groups.

The speakers in the briefing included Senior Fellow and Co-Founder, Migration Policy Institute Kathleen Newland, Professor of Indian Political Economy, Columbia University Dr. Arvind Panagariya, veteran reporter, Sing Tao Daily (New York) Rong Xiaoqing, Specialist on Mexico, former chief advisor and international affairs coordinator for Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico City Dr. Diana Alarcón González, and Professor of Communication, College of Arts & Sciences, Santa Clara University Dr. Rohit Chopra.

Newland revealed that the right to vote is one of the main demands of diaspora populations and their home countries have responded.

“In 1980, only 21 countries enfranchised citizens abroad, whereas by 2020, 141 countries did — nearly three quarters of the countries in the world. Diaspora voting varies dramatically. In some coun-

Kathleen Newland, Professor of Indian Poli�cal Economy, Columbia University

tries, like India and Taiwan, voters are required to physically return. In others, like the U.S., overseas voting is “hands-off” without outreach to diaspora, so that “people have to find out for themselves how to register,” explained Newland.

Newland added that the electoral influence of diaspora communities depends not only upon the percentage of a country’s population living abroad and whether they can vote, but also upon whether these overseas voters actually exercise their right to vote.

Chopra rued that misinformation from abroad could be as impactful for some elections as votes from abroad and in the context of elections, misinformation not only inserts a fake claim into public discourse

“Misinformation also muddies the difference between what is fake and what is true … with themes, say, like the ‘deep state’ or COVID conspiracies or of strong pro-Modi sentiment combined with criticism of dissenters in the case of the Indian diaspora … It’s like the Wikipedia problem, where 80% may be very accurate, but we don’t know what 20% of it is false,” Chopra elucidated. “As AI is increasingly weaponized to spread fake news, the companies and policies behind it are overwhelmingly U.S.-based — and so impact diaspora countries “like a trigger effect,” Chopra said, contributing to the rise of fake news globally.

Chopra observed that the

Dr. Rohit Chopra, Professor of Communica�on, College of Arts & Sciences, Santa Clara University

rise in fake news has coincided with a global increase in authoritarianism and a crisis of legitimacy for the media and that even initiatives to criminalize fake news will involve serious concerns about the concentration of power.

“The political power of the diaspora is not limited to their voting power … we have to rethink the relationship between the state, technology, and the public globally,” Chopra added.

Panagariya mentioned that the Indian election is the largest by far this year, with about 900 million individuals registered to elect 543 members of Parliament across over 50 state parties through a million election booths between April and May.

Nevertheless, this parliamentary election is very much a presidential one, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the Hindu nationalist BJP party with a 76% approval rating in recent polls.

This popularity owes much to the fact that India has grown from the 10th to the fifth-largest — and fastest growing — world economy, with low levels of inflation and unemployment, and a drastically more efficient social benefits system since Modi’s rise nine years ago.

“Given that during this time, Modi has developed a tech corridor in India and promoted intensive collaboration with tech overseas, an issue at the forefront of U.S. Indian diaspora interests is tech de-

Dr. Arvind Panagariya, Professor of Indian Poli�cal Economy, Columbia University

velopment,” Panagariya explained.

In Mexico, much is at stake in 2024, when Mexican voters will elect a new sixyear president, all 500 Chamber of Deputies members and all 128 Senate members.

“We decide whether we want a continuation of the policies that we have had” under President Obrador, who won as an opposition party by a large margin and “transformed political life in Mexico by aiming to eradicate corruption … or we decide if we want to go back to the past,” said González, former chief advisor and international affairs coordinator for Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico City.

Currently, Claudia Sheinbaum — frontrunner of Obrador’s progressive populist MORENA party — is leading polls with 60% support. Gonzales shared that al-

Dr. Diana Alarcón González, specialist on Mexico, former chief advisor and interna�onal affairs coordinator for Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico City

though the Mexican diaspora, unlike the Indian one, can vote abroad, only 70,000 are registered to vote in June — a very small number, given that 30 to 40 million first, second and third-generation Mexicans (all of whom can register) live abroad.

“For comparison, 98 million are registered to vote in Mexico, and 11 million firstgeneration Mexicans live in the U.S. Thus, although the Mexican diaspora is large enough to influence electoral results, our greatest challenge is to increase their participation,” Gonzales underscored.

On Saturday, January 13, voters rebuffed mainland China by aligning themselves with the DPP-associated view of Taiwan as de facto independent with a historic third consecutive party win of Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te

Rong Xiaoqing,veteran reporter, Sing Tao Daily (New York)

“This win will not only affect Taiwan’s relations with China but also with the U.S., especially given that “an official declaration of independence means Beijing’s military intervention and America’s involvement,” opined Xiaoqing, veteran reporter at Sing Tao Daily.

Nevertheless, throughout his campaign, Lai stressed “that he is not pushing for independence, only allowing the people the option to choose it or not,” Rong continued

“Despite the decisiveness of this victory, voting was hard for the diasporic people of Taiwan; only 4,000 of its 700,000 U.S.-resident citizens were registered in 2024. As remote voting isn’t allowed, and the DPP has opposed attempts to legalize it, you not only have to go back to Taiwan to vote, but you have to go to the city or village where you were registered,” Rong stressed.

Mayor Baby “Armi” Alvarez of Munoz (The Science City), Nueva Ecija, Philippines (center) poses with the Chua Family medical missionaries (L-R) Sheillah Chua Gen�le, MD (Family Medicine), Rachel Chua, MD (Gynecology), Mayor Alvarez, Farida I. Chua, MD (Pediatrics), and Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS (Cardiac Surgery), during a lunch break. The 50-member annual humanitarian mission, held February 7-12, 2024, was headed by Daniel C. Fabito, MD, FACS, president of the Philippine American Associa�on of Nevada.

loved him. He is survived by his wife Rosie, their children; Marciano V (Glenda), Ronald (John), Virginia Jane (Doug), his grandchildren; Kristina Rose, Gabrielle Jade, Kendrick Randall (Bailey), and Mikayla Aaliyah, his brothers; Romulo, Manuel, Elpidio, Mar, and Leo, and an infinite number of extended family and friends.

His friends and family, best knew him for his charismatic dimpled smile, shoulder shaking laughter, his joy of sports, and his love for his family.

Marciano was born in Urdaneta, Pangasinan, Philippines to Marciano Baguio

Estioko, Sr. and Leonor Esteves Reasonda, the 6th of 13 children. He often told stories of the family’s experience during WWII, fishing, playing basketball with his siblings against the others in the neighborhood, fighting spiders, and making slingshots as children. His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy! He was encouraging and supportive of all their endeavors. To know him meant you were incentivized to participate in the many sports he loved to watch and play. Behind his unabashed smile, he would be the first to challenge, first to win, and first to talk some trash!

Heart failure did not stop him from playing his favorite sports and games with his family and friends. No one was spared from his competitive spirit. Each grandchild had the distinct pleasure of receiving one of grandpa’s spinning backhand on the tennis table. Followed by his roaring laughter and lovingly chanting, “come on, you can do it!” Each holding fond memories of him, from taking them on drives and singing everything from boy scout songs and nursery rhymes, “There’s a man and a hole in the middle of the street…” Each grandchild cherished their time with grandpa.

Marciano reigned as President of the Urdaneta Association of America for 2 terms where he and wife Rosie hosted numerous association balls and parties at their home where the cha-cha was mandatory, stories of the old country were told, and roaring laughter resonated through their home at all hours of the night. Through the association, he met and made inseparable relationships from his hometown, bridging “homes” across the Pacific.

An active member of St. Victor’s Catholic Church in San Jose for many years, it was Marciano’s dream to be a member of the Knights of Columbus (KoC). His dream came true and became a Faithful Navigator, St. Joseph Assembly #2246 on August 20, 2016. He was a member of the color guard, and helped make countless rosaries to be dispersed to the faithful.

In June 2023, Marciano and wife Rosie celebrated 60 years of marriage with a small group of family. Despite having lost Rosemarie, his first born in 2021, he was delighted to be surrounded by all his loved ones.

Marciano will always be remembered for making people feel welcomed and loved. His children and grandchildren always imagine hearing him say, “okie dokie” or serenading them with his harmonica, singing Dahil Sa Iyo, or simply peeling them persimmons most of the time. “We could not have asked for a better husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather and will miss him dearly. We are comforted by the fact that his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him,” the children chorused.

May your soul rest in peace, brother … forever!

(Elpidio R. Estioko was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream which is now available with Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments… please email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

There was also, one neat thing about working in CNN, at least for those in the afternoon shift. Four or five days a week, top advertiser San Minguel Corp. would send pan de sal, supposedly for the newsroom only. But guys from the other departments who caught wind of the freebie would also help themselves to the daily bread, which would have either butter or very thin slices of cheese inside.

There was an unspoken agreement that each worker could only get two or three pieces, but one overweight fellow editor got more. He sometimes got as many as eight, excusing himself by saying the rest would be his breakfast the next day. Cheap, huh? But he was the only one who abused the small privilege.

The one thing that we had an unlimited supply of was drinking water. There were water dispensers everywhere, with hot and cold always available.

Coming out of retirement, I joined CNN Philippines in June of 2022 with a goal of working there for three years, before going back to retirement. I would have made it too, had it not been for the sudden and unexpected shutting down of the station.

In our last day on Monday this week, our president explained that closing the business would have been done last year. The company never recovered from the COVID pandemic and the slowing down of the economy. His voice broke at the tail end of his short address to us. No doubt that he did care for the company, as did most everyone who worked there.

Philippine News Today columnist to speak at Golden Gate congregation

SAN FRANCISCO -- Art Gabot Madlaing, book author and columnist with the Philippine News Today, will speak during the Sunday morning worship services at the Golden Gate Church of Christ , 701-8th Avenue (near Golden Gate Park) on February 11, 2024, at 11 a.m.

“I am thankful and glad that James Quitoriano, minister of the Golden Gate congregation, has scheduled me to preach on the Sunday morning nearest to the weekend of Valentine’s Day,” said the book author and columnist.

Art Gabot Madlaing, active Evangelist, will speak on the topic “Effective and Practical Ways of Sharing the Gospel to our FRANCS (Friends, Relatives, Acquaintances, Neighbors, Co-Workers, Strangers).

He is a member of the WE CARE Ministries Team which had been conducting “WE CARE” Evangelism Campaign and Workshop yearly since 2012 in Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao in the Philippines.

Mr. Madlaing had authored six best-selling books printed and marketed by Amazon in hardcover, paperback and E-book namely: “LONGEVITY TIPS” subtitled “Secrets You Can Discover and Do for Good Health and Longevity,” “R.A.W. WISDOM” subtitled “ FINDING PEACE

IN THE MIDST OF CHAOS,” co-authored with Ralondria Antoinette Ward, “LIFESTYLE FOR LONGEVITY,” subtitled “How to be Healthy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and Spiritually” “REAL ESTATE & YOU,” subtitled “Your Basic Guide and Information for Successful Investing in Home, Land and Income Property,” HISTORICITY OF JESUS,” subtitled “Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians,” “LAUGHTER FOR GOOD HEALTH,” subtitled “ Humorous Anecdotes and Stories on Cooking, Events, Families, History and Person alities,” which he co-authored with Mary Ann Gove Chearam from Laveen, Arizona USA.

“I am inviting the regular readers of my weekly column and the general public to join our Sunday morning worship services on February 11, 2024, 11 am. This is a unique opportunity to meet in person the readers of my weekly column, explained Mr. Madlaing.

Guests during the Sunday morning worship services will receive autographed copies of the six best-selling book authored by the columnist. Reserve your copies now. RSVP: Call (650) 438-3531 or (415) 584-7095 or email:artmadlaing@hotmail.com

By G. Samson Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in the Bay Area

If you need a new or replacement Social Security card, we’ve got great news! You may be able to complete, or at least start, your application on our website –and, if necessary, use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment at a local office.

Start your application

Do you need to apply for a Social Security number (SSN) and card? You can visit www.ssa.gov/numbercard to begin the process. You’ll answer a series of questions to determine whether you can:

• Complete the application process online.

• Start the application process online, then bring any required documents to your local Social Security office to complete the application, typically in less time.

• Complete the application process at your local office.

If you can’t complete the application online, you must visit a Social Security office. To learn more, please review our publication, Your Social Security Number and Card, at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10002.pdf.

Replace your Social Security card

Want to replace your card? The Card Replacement Screener on our Replace Social Security card webpage at www.ssa.gov/number-card/replace-card helps you determine the best way to do so.

Depending on your situation, you may be able to request a replacement card without visiting a local office. Choose “Answer a few questions” on the Replacement Card

you need to come into an office, you can use our new Online Self-Scheduling option. This option allows you to:

• Select your language preference.

• Select the most convenient office to receive service.

• Choose to receive communications and appointment reminders through email or text.

I do not consider my time in CNN PH as a waste of time. We were all saddened at the closure, but we all knew that we did our best. We fought the good fight, and left the company with heads held high.

Like Marianne, are you looking for some good books to read in 2024? Just follow what Marianne did. If you are interested to have autographed copies of the seven good books to read mentioned above at a special

• Conveniently use your mobile device to checkin for your appointment.

You can also reschedule, modify, or cancel your appointment online without having to call or visit the office.

Please note that this service is not available in Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, or American Samoa. We hope to make it available soon.

FITNESS FOR CHRIST) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA.)

It’s never been easier to do business with us! Please share this information with your friends and family—and post it on social media.

$20

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Experiencing the hottest year ever on record last year, it is expected that California’s communities will continue to experience extreme heat events with increasing intensity, duration, and frequency,

Average heat-health events are projected to last two weeks longer in the Central Valley and occur four to ten times more often in the Northern Sierra region by 2050 with extreme heat events in urban areas also projected to cause two to three times more heat-related deaths.

The OPR program will keep communities safe from the impacts of extreme heat through investments in extreme heat action plans, mechanical and natural shade, building and surface reflectance, passive or low-energy cooling, and more.

The program will also fund both planning efforts and implementation projects that keep communities safe from the impacts of extreme heat and potential planning projects will include conducting studies, developing comprehensive extreme heat action plans, forging new partnerships, and supporting under-resourced community-based organizations or other local partners.

Potential implementation projects include implementing awareness campaigns, providing resources, and building infrastructure to promote community resilience to extreme heat.

“The Governor’s climate agenda takes historic action to address climate crisis, with extreme heat resilience at the very center of these investments,” explained Samuel Assefa, Director of the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, which administers the grant. “The Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative that will empower California’s communities to build essential projects and partnerships, safeguarding residents and vital systems from the impacts of extreme heat.”

The Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Grant will support a growing movement of community-based organizations, local and regional governments, California tribes, and academic institutions working together to bring communities immediate relief and build longterm resilience to extreme heat.

The Grant will support extreme heat job creation, foster placemaking and place-keeping, and improve the health outcomes of the Californians who extreme heat disproportionately impacts.

The Extreme Heat and Community Resilience Program is part of the Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resilience Program (ICARP) and is distinct from other ICARP grants because of its singular focus on community resilience to extreme heat.

OPR recently announced awards of another ICARP

grant, the Regional Resilience Grant, to enhance climate change resilience on a regional scale.

Additionally, OPR also announced the public comment period for the ICARP Adaptation Planning Grant Round 2 Draft Guidelines.

The Adaptation Planning Grant funds local governments, community-based organizations, tribes, and academic institutions’ work assessing and minimizing an array of local climate hazards, including extreme heat.

Californians are already facing the effects of climate change. Although these impacts – wildfires, urban heat, sea-level rise, mudslides – differ by region, the state’s most vulnerable residents tend to bear their brunt disproportionately. OPR collaborates with broad range of public, private, and community partners to assess climate risks, develop inclusive, integrated strategies to plan and implement solutions to adapt to and reduce them, advancing equitable and resilient California communities.

The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research serves as the State’s Comprehensive Planning Agency. OPR studies future research and planning needs, fosters goal-driven collaboration, and delivers guidance to state partners and local communities, with a focus on land use and community development, climate risk and resilience, and high road economic development.

PHILIP

S.

CHUA Heart of Hope

Anatomy of a Medical Mission

Medical Missions to various remote towns in the Philippines are now a regular ritual for many patriotic Filipino American organizations in the United States. Desirous of helping our underprivileged fellowmen and obviously heeding the call from within their own heart, these dedicated and benevolent countrymen of ours spend time, effort, and personal money, and some risk to their own health and safety, to journey across the oceans to offer their medical expertise and medicines for free to our people.

Balikbayan volunteers, mostly seniors, are quite aware of the fact that theirs is only a small token of what they all want to provide our underserved fellow Filipinos in these villages and rural areas. What impresses me most is their tenacity, sincerity, sacrifices, and perseverance, in spite of all odds, logistic, funding, their personal safety, etc., As could be expected, there are heartless and unsavory comments from some inconsiderate sectors who are just standing by and watching the suffering neglected people, while the missionaries labor and sweat.

The Philippine-American Association of North Carolina (PAANC) in Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.A., is an example of benevolence and service at its best among the medical missions. Founded in 1988, the PAANC has evolved quietly and without fanfare into a respected and proven humanitarian group, known as Carolina Medical Mission (CMM). Among the stalwart members of CMM, who provided significant leadership to the project was the late Fred T. Ng, M.D., his wife, Anita, and Doctors Arturo de Leon and his wife, Rosemary, also of Raleigh. CMM had its latest mission in Pinamalayan, Mindoro, last January 2024.

The other is the Philippine American Association of Nevada, headed by Daniel C. Fabito, MD, FACS, FPCS; the Philippine American Charity Foundation, Luz Micabalo, RN, president; supported by the Filipino United Network-USA Foundation (FUN8888. com) chaired by Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS; and many other groups (medical alumni from various

universities, specialty societies, and professional associations, and countless local Philippine physicians) provide general surgery, cataract surgery, medical and pediatric clinics with free medications, and surgical care to thousands of needy people each year. Locally, in Quezon City, the Hospital on Wheels headed by Jim Sanchez, MD, travels around the country providing free minor surgical care.

Major surgeries during these medical missions include hernia repair, thyroidectomy, harelip repair, lumps and bumps, circumcision, hysterectomy, gallbladder surgery, mastectomy, dental surgery and eye surgery. Intra-ocular lenses are donated by Alcon, U.S.A., and surgical packs by SEE International of Santa Barbara, California. Sometimes, when surgery lasts late in the evening, ordinary flashlights are options and serve to illuminate the operating field for the surgeons, when brown out or power failure confronts the team. It seems nothing can stop them from accomplishing their objectives.

The volunteers pay for their own airfare from the United States to their target countries and other expenses on every mission, on average, about $5,000 per person. Practically all of them are joined by their spouses. They also contribute funds for the mission to buy medications and bus rentals. They leave their loved ones and medical practice in the United States and fly thousands of miles to lend a helping hand, no matter how small or how briefly, to our suffering fellowmen.

On each mission, the medical volunteers bring in surgical equipment and instruments, medical supplies, drugs (mostly purchased in Bambang), besides 15-20 balikbayan boxes of supplies shipped from the USA. Some Philippine-based volunteers provide them with local support. Service hours, including surgeries usually last till the end of each day, because the demand is always heavy, and patients travel miles by foot to seek medical care. No one is turned away unattended. Sometimes the supplies of medications run dry, and they have to dole out additional personal funds for the IV fluids and extra medications.

In our latest medical mission in Munoz and Talavera, Nueva Ecija (January 7-12, 2024), my daughters, Sheillah (Family Physician, second medical mission), and Rachel (Gynecologist) personally purchased at

Mercury Drug Store for hormones (the mission did not have) for their patients, a fact I learned only after the medical mission. My wife, Farida, a retired pediatrician, and I are very proud of our two daughters who joined us in this medical mission. We are most grateful to the other compassionate and hard-working missionaries who toiled with us. Below shows the missionaries posing for a photo, during their break following a hectic morning.

It always breaks our heart to go back to the United States without having been able to serve more sick children, women, and men needing medical care because of time constraint; our only consolation is that we are coming back. This sentiment is shared by all medical missionaries.

Having been the pioneer medical volunteer (my very first medical mission, a year after my graduation from medical school) to the remote secluded Palanan, Isabela, (and my classmate, Dr. Arturo de Leon assigned to Kapangan) in 1962, under the Work-AYear-With-The-People (later called MARIA) project of former Senator Raul S. Mangalpus, Senator Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., and Manuel Quezon, Jr., and having joined medical missions the past thirty some years, I could empathize well with these selfless kababayan colleagues and friends of ours and feel their frustration for not being able to do more for our people. Indeed, theirs is a noble act of sacrifice, charity, and love.

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

Pork and Spinach in Coconut Milk, Pinoy Laing Style Recipe of the Week

Ingredients:

1/4 kilo pork belly, cut into thick strips

1/2 kilo frozen chopped spinach

200 grams fresh baby spinach

1 400 ml canned coconut milk/cream

3-4 clove garlic chopped

1 thumb size ginger, cut into thin strips

1 large size onion chopped

2 tbsp. bagoong alamang (use fish sauce if not available)

1 stalk lemongrass (optional), trimmed crushed

1/2 tsp. cracked peppercorns

3-5 pieces green/red chili, chopped or whole salt cooking oil

Cooking procedure:

In a medium size sauce pan sauté garlic, ginger and onion until fragrant. Add in the pork and stir cook for 3 to 5 minutes add in the bagoong alamang and continue to stir cook for another 1 to 2 minutes. Add in 1/2 cup of water, the coconut milk, lemon grass, crushed peppercorns and chili, bring to a boil and simmer at moderate heat for 20 to 30 minutes or until the pork are tender and the sauce renders oil and almost dry, stirring occasionally. Add in the frozen spinach and baby spinach, cook at low to moderate heat for 15 to 20 minutes until almost dry, stirring occasionally. Correct saltiness if required. Serve with a lot of rice.

DOT affirms support to PH Dev’t Plan 2023-2028

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) president George Barcelon, and Private Sector Advisory Council chairperson Henry R. Aguda.

During the plenary session on economic transformation, Frasco noted the DOT’s steadfast efforts in improving enabling mechanisms for tourism development in the Philippines, outside of its “traditional mandate” to promote tourist destinations.

Digitalization in tourism

MANILA – Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco affirmed the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) commitment to take an active role in realizing the socioeconomic policies, strategies, and programs enclosed in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 of the Marcos administration.

“While the tourism industry is just coming out of the pandemic that ravaged through all of the sectors of this vibrant industry that contributes a lot to our economy, the gargantuan challenges are somehow made more manageable by the fact that our President, President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., has clearly identified tourism to be a priority under his administration,” Frasco said in a news release on Tuesday, lauding the President’s signing of the executive order on the adoption of the plan.

“The past few months, he’s made great efforts and waves as well, to convey an openness to the global community in terms of receiving investments and tourists. And this has put the Philippines in a very good position as far as the efforts towards recovery,” she added.

To recall, Marcos had approved important proposals aimed at spurring tourism activities and increasing travel convenience in the country, among which is the promotion of Holiday Economics, which moved holidays that fall on a weekend to the nearest weekday to boost tourism spending; relaxation of entry protocols and travel restrictions to and within the country to encourage more tourists to visit and for the country to be at par with its ASEAN neighbors; voluntary wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings, except in specific settings; and the replacement of the One Health Pass with a more convenient E-travel platform.

Marcos earlier also approved the value-added tax refund program for foreign tourists starting 2024, and the extension of the e-visa for Chinese and Indian nationals, two of the country’s important source markets in terms of visitor arrivals prepandemic.

Frasco served as one of the panelists during the first-ever Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 Forum: From Plan to Action, alongside Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John E. Uy, Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo M. Lotilla, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual,

She said through the partnership with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), the DOT endeavors to improve connectivity in at least 94 key tourist destinations in the Philippines, and develop a Tourist Lifecycle App that would “provide tourists connectivity in each and every single aspect of their journey, from booking airline, to the hotel, transport services, as well as all other related services.”

In terms of the tourism industry’s contribution to the promotion of human and social development, Frasco also bared the DOT’s initiatives that are anchored on harnessing the strength of the Filipino brand of hospitality and the DOT’s goal of training 100,000 Filipino tourism workers across the country in the Filipino Brand of Service Excellence.

“The idea also being that harnessing upon the strength of the Filipino people in terms of hospitality that the Philippines would become the Center for Hospitality Excellence in Asia and the world. We recognize the necessity of human capital development and the necessity of providing social protections upon our tourism workers,” she explained.

Whole-of-government, whole-of-nation approach

Frasco said to equalize tourism promotions across the country, the DOT offices in the country’s 16 regions would pursue close coordination with local government units (LGUs), particularly on the aspect of identifying the sectors needing the most assistance in terms of tourism development.

Also in close cooperation with LGUs, the DOT seeks to introduce a Tourist Assistance Call Center and a Tourist Concierge to ensure a positive experience for tourists throughout their stay, as well as strengthen the safety and security of tourists through an upcoming tripartite agreement with the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), recognizing peace and security as a bedrock to success.

She also shared on the DOT’s ongoing conduct of due diligence in tourist destinations to pinpoint areas needing assistance in increasing the accessibility of emergency services and improvement in health facilities.

Expressing her optimism in the DOT’s attainment of its programs and plans for the industry, Frasco echoed the President’s call for strengthened cooperation between local and national government and boosting the partnership between government and private sector.

Tourism Secretary Chris�na Garcia Frasco