Philippine News Today

PHL, US TROOPS SINK ‘ENEMY’ WARSHIP AS MARCOS WATCHES

Show firepower at sea, land in biggest war drills amid growing China tension

By ALFRED GABOT, Editor in Chief

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales – As Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., United States Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson and other officials watch ashore, Filipino and American troops blew up a “mock enemy warship” miles away in West Philippine Sea off Zambales in the first live fire drills at sea of the soldiers from both nations.

Frasco launches tourism campaign in San Francisco

By Jun Nucum

SF CAUSE garners 3 awards from Chinese New Year parade

Marcos, Biden set for talks at White House on May 1

By CLAIRE MORALES TRUE, Managing Editor

WASHINGTON D.C. – For the second time in United States, President Ferdinand R.

US-China tensions over Taiwan cast cloud over BidenMarcos meeting

By Be�ng Laygo Dolor, Editor

MANILA – While not exactly trapped between the proverbial rock and a hard place, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will be walking a figurative tight rope when he meets with US President Joe Biden next week.

Filipino family in US wins, loses in filing case against man who assaulted them

By Gilda Balan, Correspondent

SAN FRANCISCO - To further boost tourism in the Philippines by giving opportunities to invite foreign friend, guest, spouse and loved ones to the

Philippines, the Philippine Department of Tourism launched its Bisita Be My Guest (BBMG) program in San Francisco.

Tourism Secretary

CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City - As top American military officials warn of a likely war between the United States and China by 2025 due to heated

tensions in the South China Sea, among others, it appears that US and Philippine troops are now preparing for “a possible war” with China.

LOS ANGELES -- When is a hate crime against Asians not a hate crime against Asians? A California-based Filipino family wants to know. Page 8

New PNP chief told to serve with integrity P6

Pope names new bishop for Zamboanga

VIEWS & COMMENTS

Are you deportable for committing a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT)?

SPORTS SHOWBIZ

Lea Salonga performs at White House

Pacquiao in US, attends hearing of boxing case

$1.00= P56.09

WAR DRILL IN ZAMBALES. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnesses the Combined Joint Li�oral Live Fire Exercise of the Philippines and the United States troops as they sink an ‘enemy’ ship miles away in West Philippine Sea. With the President are US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (Alfred Frias/Rolando Mailo/PNA)

TOURISM CAMPAIGN. Tourism Secretary Chris�na Garcia Frasco (center) during the launch of the Bisita Be My Guest program with Director/Attache for San Francisco Marie Soleil P. Tropicales (extreme le�) and her delega�on at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco.

To seek specifics on U.S. defense commitment under 1951 treaty

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By Jeanne Michael Penaranda QUEZON CITY

Many parts of the country may experience the impact of El Niño as it worsens in the coming months, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

“If it will happen, the worsening will a ect at least 11 provinces by August and then by October it will become 46,” NDRRMC Executive Director Ariel Nepomuceno disclosed.

Ilocos Norte, Bataan, and Cavite could be hit hardest as they are now experiencing the e ects of l Nino, Nepomuceno said. There is a need to harmonize interventions planned by the government to address the ill e ects of the El Niño phenomenon, Nepomuceno said.

“There are several points that we need to address. We need to prepare for the possible worst case

scenario and identify and harmonize short

Fisher folk troop to SMC’s head office, protest Manila Bay dredging, reclamation

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

MANDALUYONG CITY - On the occasion of this year s arth Day, fisherfolk under the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) and environmentalists from the Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment held a protest outside the head office of San Miguel Corp (SMC) in Mandaluyong City, demanding an end to the company’s reclamation and dredging operations in Manila Bay.

PAMALAKAYA condemned the ongoing destructive projects that have caused irreparable damage to the marine ecosystem of Manila Bay The fishers also expressed deep concern about the livelihoods of impacted fishers, including those from Navotas, where a 650-hectare reclamation project backed by SMC is underway, as well as those from the province of Cavite, where one of the company’s dredging projects is being carried out.

“Marami nang sinira at marami pang masisira sa kalikasan at kabuhayan ng

mga maliliit na mangingisda kapag nagpatuloy pa ang mga mga mapanirang proyektong ito ng mga malalaking korporasyon katulad ng San Miguel,” PAMALAKAYA National Spokesperson Ronnel Arambulo said.

“Sa Rosario at iba pang kalapit na bayan nito sa Cavite, dalawang taon nang idinadaing ng mga mangingisda na halos wala na silang mahuli dahil sa pagkabulabog ng mga isda sa ingay at polusyon na likha ng dredging,” Arambulo said.

Arambulo added that aside from putting a halt to its reclamation and dredging projects, SMC should also be held accountable for the damages it has caused to the environment and the livelihood of fisherfol

“Sa inabot ng pinsalang nagawa nito, hindi sapat na itigil lang ng San Miguel ang mga nasabing proyekto, dapat magbayad din ito sa pagkawasak ng kalikasan at ng mga komunidad na umaasa rito,” said Arambulo.

PAMALAKAYA continued its Earth Day protest in Mendiola, Manila, where it, together with other progressive organizations, denounced the Marcos admin-

istration for continuing the destructive reclamation projects in the country, especially in Manila Bay.

The group said it has monitored around

reclamation projects in various stages of application across the archipelago, with about 16%, or at least projects, located in Manila Bay alone.

Makati City told to hold hearings on address ordinance

MAKATI CITY - The Makati City government has been urged to hold pub- lic hearings before enforcing a ordinance standardizing the local government’s address system.

“The local government unit’s rationale for the ordinance is sound,” said Maria Ela L. Atienza, who teaches political science at the University of the Philippines.

“However, did they hold public consultations with all stakeholders? Did they conduct research?” Atienza said.

“The ordinance was issued in during the first year of the pandemic and lockdown, so people might not have paid attention to it at that time,” she added.

Makati City Mayor Marlen Abigail Binay-Campos did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment, Businessworld reported.

A copy of the ordinance could not be found on Makati City’s website, it was learned.

The local council of Makati City in passed an ordinance replacing all existing address numbers in the city with

new standardized numbers.

An April Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) column based on an interview with a resident from Magallanes Village in the city noted that if implemented, residents would have to change the addresses on important documents such as utility bills, bank statements and parcels, among other things, the Businessworld reported.

The ordinance aims to “ensure that every individual, building or organization can easily be found and reached, especially during service delivery in times of disasters.”

The city’s Urban Development Department had only notified Makati residents of the start of the implementation on March 29, “with the barangay residents expected to submit their new address numbers by April 24,” according to the report.

Ms. Atienza said it is the obligation of local governments to consult the people on any planned ordinance.

Expect hotter days ahead, especially in May, weather agency warns

QUEZON CITY Hotter and more humid conditions are ahead for Metro Manila and the Philippines.

The weather bureau said the country could experience hotter days especially in May before the rainy season begins.

The state weather bureau PAGASA warned that temperatures may reach up to degrees Celsius in Northern Luzon, over degrees Celsius in the lowlands of Luzon, above degrees Celsius in the lowlands of Mindanao, and between to degrees Celsius in Metro Manila,

according to the weather agency.

State climatologists, meanwhile, forecast that the rainy season will start between the second half of May and the first half of une the normal onset of the season.

Near-normal rainfall is forecast from May to September over most parts of the country.

Above-normal rainfall, however, is expected in some areas of Northern and Central Lu on beginning in uly

Super bridge linking Mindoro and Batangas pushed

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda BATANGAS CITY -- Good news to Batangas and Mindoro residents and businesses.

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) said it plans to build a 15-kilometer “super bridge” that will connect Mindoro island to mainland Luzon through Batangas and expected to spur growth in the two island provinces, Batangas as well as its neighboring provinces.

In a statement, SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said it is in talks with Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito Dolor on the proposed 15-kilometer bridge initially estimated to cost P18 bil-

lion.

SMC first presented the proposal during the time of Batangas Governor Rosa Vilma Santos Recto and Oriental Mindoro Governor Alfonso Umali.

SMC said the planned bridge project will begin from Barangay Ilijan in Batangas City, and pass through Verde Island which spans 6.4 kilometer and ends in Barangay Sinandigan in tourist town of Puerto Galera for a span of 4.4 kilometers.

Reports said the proposed BatangasMindoro bridge is touted to be the first oating bridge in Asia with high ship passage on its pontoons. The bridge will have pedestrian and bicycle lanes. The

bridge will be designed to withstand typhoons with winds up to km/h (220 mph).

The bridge will be a big boon to Oriental Mindoro and Occidental Mindoro provinces which su er from unstable electricity supply, destructive oods, lack of clean and potable water, lack of cold storage for produce. At present, it takes to hours to travel from Manila to Batangas City then to Calapan City.

SMC said the project is included in the programs of the Marcos Administration for public-private partnership (PPP).

During the presidential campaign, then candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged to pursue the multi-million “su-

perbridge” if he is elected president.

Marcos said the ambitious bridge project will further usher development of the two provinces of Oriental and Occidental Mindoro and neighboring provinces in the MIMAROPA (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan) region.

The super bridge pro ect was first proposed by Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali in and is currently being pushed by the province’s governor “in a bid to help spur growth and development in Oriental Mindoro and the entire MIMAROPA region post-pandemic,” according to the company.

Filipino, American, Australian troops hone airdrop resupply skills in Palawan drill

RIZAL, Palawan – Filipino, American and Australian special troops on Friday (April 21) conducted resupply bundle drop operations (also known as parachute resupply or airdrops) in the coastal waters of Barangay Punta Baja, Rizal, Palawan as part of this year’s “Balikatan” exercises.

The Western Command (Wescom), in a Facebook post Sunday, said participating units are from the Army 18th Special Forces, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Special Operation Group alongside their American and Australian counterparts.

“US and Australian Special Operations Forces facilitated the training activity that

involved the simulation drop of resupplies employing a Lockheed Martin C-130J ‘Super ercules of the US Air Force ying at low altitude. After which, participating forces immediately recovered the materials utili ing Indigenous fishing boats This realistic scenario is designed to train the participants in the e ective conduct of resupply missions in a denied area,” it added.

Wescom said this “Balikatan” exercise is a good opportunity for local and foreign allied forces to share knowledge and skills together toward boosting their capabilities, combat readiness and interoperability.

Meanwhile, Wescom said that its 3rd

Marine Marine Brigade and its subordinate units, participated in so-called “visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) exercises held at the Joint Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center in Barangay Magarwak, Sta. Lourdes, Puerto Princesa City.

Among the participants were the PCG, 2nd Special Operations Unit of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the US armed forces.

The 10-day event, which started April 12, was facilitated by the US Marine Corps’ Marine Special Operation Command. Some of the actual VBSS training was conducted on board M/V Palawan Coast at the port

area of Barangay Liwanag, Puerto Princesa City.

“VBSS is a critical skill set for military personnel, particularly those involved in maritime operations. The ability to quickly and e ectively board and search a vessel is crucial in preventing illegal activities at sea and maintaining security in the maritime environment. The exercise, which included scenarios involving boarding of vessels suspected of engaging in illegal activities, was designed to enhance the capabilities of troops in carrying out VBSS operations, which are often conducted in challenging situations,” Wescom said.

Gen. Acorda is new PNP chief, told to be visible, serve with integrity

By Jeanne Michael Penaranda

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed and installed Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. as new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

At the installation and turnover rites in Camp Crame, Marcos directed Gen. Acorda Jr., to make his presence felt and like other top cops before him, “serve the people with integrity, with accountability, and genuine justice.”

Marcos also assured the police force of the administration’s full support, including the upgrade of personnel and equipment, during the retirement honors for Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and Acorda’s installation at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

“Make your presence felt in the streets, make them safer. Defend our democratic institutions, our ideals. Protect the people, especially the weak, the vulnerable, and those who indirectly work with us in the same cause, such as journalists, civic action groups, civic volunteers and the like,” Marcos told Acorda. a native of Ilocos Norte, in his speech.

He said the PNP must “enhance operational ties with other law enforcement agencies, both at the local and national levels, ensure integrated coordinated, and systematic approaches in addressing our recent peace and order and internal security issues.”

Under his watch, the President said the administration will “boost the morale of our personnel, hone their skills, and advance their capabilities.”

Acorda said he believes that there are more good cops than erring ones as prov-

en by statistics based on his tenure at the PNP counterintelligence service division.

“I was assigned as the counter-intelligence chief, kokonti lang yang mga nakalista diyan (there are only a few included on the list), and I do believe based on the statistics na nakita, malayong-malayo marami ang mas mabubuting pulis (there are far more better good policemen than bad), and I want the people to know that being the chief of the counter-intelligence. Kokonti lang sila,” Acorda told reporters in his first media briefing after his first command conference

“I also want to take this opportunity -- napapansin ko sa counter intelligence yung kasabihan na wala na gagawin ang mga mabubuting tao (the saying that good people have nothing to do) for evil to succeed. Baliktarin natin (Let’s turn it around). Let us do good things to defeat evil, yun ang gusto ko ma-encourage sa ating kapulisan (that’s what I want to encourage in our police force),” he added.

The PNP is currently facing a controversy regarding the alleged involvement of policemen in illegal drug activities.

Meanwhile, the five-man advisory group tasked to look into the records and documents of 5 police officers in the service has asked the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to subject the senior police officers to another round of vetting.

PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that an independent advisory council which evaluated and assessed the possible involvement of police officials in the illegal drugs trade has recommended for the Napolcom to conduct further investigation against senior police officers before submitting their recommendation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“As per info from the secretariat, today po nila naka schedule ibalik sa Napolcom ang report (they are scheduled today to return the report to Napolcom) regarding evaluation of the courtesy resignation of

rd Level PNP Officers, Fa ardo said in a message to the reporters.

She said out of the total fulledged police colonels and generals who filed their courtesy resignation and whose records were scrutini ed by the five-man advisory council, were “cleared.”

Acorda said he has called for “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa, a unified service anchored on the administration’s call for unity and nation-building.

He explained that “Serbisyong Nagkakaisa” means the police force are united in really promoting the respect that will be earned in the community and those who are wearing police uniforms should be respected as he urged all commanders to treat each and every police personnel as a family member.

“Yun ang gusto kong i-encourage sa kapulisan. Kumbaga, kung [ang] nanay or tatay [gustong paluin ang anak], huwag naman na ipahiya mo sa buong bayan. Kung kailangan ipakulong, ipakulong natin whether he is a family member (That’s what I want to encourage in the police. So, if [the] mother or father [wants to punish the child], don’t embarrass the whole town. If he needs to be jailed, let’s jail him whether he is a family member),” Acorda said.

Serbisyong Nagkakaisa with the other government agencies, according to Acorda, is expected to promote inter-agency coordination and to include the community and the media.

“Dapat iisa tayo, iisa lang ang bansa natin, mahalin natin, magtulungan tayo (We must be one, we have only one country, let’s love it, let’s work together),” he added.

PHL, US, Aussie troops conduct air assault drill in Ilocos Norte

PASIQUIN, Ilocos Norte – Filipino, American and Australian troops on Sunday (April 23) conducted air assault exercises in Ilocos Norte province as part of the ongoing “Balikatan” exercises.

“Philippine Army (PA) soldiers and their counterparts from the US Army, US Marines Corps, and the Australian Defence Force conducted air assault operations as part of the ongoing Exercise ‘Balikatan’ at the Paredes Air Station, Barangay 32 Sapat, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte on April 23, 2023,” said Army spokesperson, Col. Xerxes Trinidad.

Trinidad said in a PNA report that 81 troops from the 99th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army together with the US Army and Royal Australian Army soldiers conducted air assault e ercises at the airfield

“Participating troops also conducted defensive operations in the area during the exercise,” Trinidad said. “Balikatan” is an annual exercise between Philippine and US militaries designed to strengthen interoperability, enhance capabilities, and deepen trust and cooperation built over decades of shared experiences.

Around 17,600 Filipino and American soldiers are participating in this year’s Balikatan -- the largest iteration of the exercise to date.

Some 111 personnel contingent from the Australian Defense Force are also part of the military exercises.

arlier, PA and US Army Pacific (USARPAC) troops conducted an air assault planning exercise which is part of the ongoing Balikatan at the Aviation Regiment Airstrip in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija province on April 21.

Around 81 personnel from the PA’s 99th Infantry Battalion and their USARPAC counterparts conducted hot and cold load training aboard UH-60 “Black Hawk” helicopters as part of the exercise.

“Cold load training allows soldiers to load and unload the helicopter while it is not in operation. In contrast to cold load, hot load training allows the troops to load and unload a fully functioning UH-60 ‘Black Hawk’ with full combat gear,” Trinidad said.

NEW PNP CHIEF. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the change of command ceremony and re�rement honors for Philippine Na�onal Police chief, P/Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., at the PNP Headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City on April 24, 2023. In another photo, P/Ma . Gen. Ben amin Acorda Jr., PNP Director for Intelligence, assumes the command as the 29th PNP chief. (Rey Bani uet/PNA)

Par�cipa�ng soldiers alight the US Marines Super Stallion helicopter during the air assault opera�ons which is part of the ongoing Bali atan Exercise held at the Paredes Air Sta�on, Barangay 32 Sapat, Pasu uin, Ilocos Norte.

Pope Francis appoints new Zamboanga archbishop

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Pope Francis has appointed 66-year-old Ipil Bishop Julius Tonel as the new archbishop of Zamboanga.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said the Vatican announced the appointment on Tuesday.

The archbishop-elect will succeed the late Archbishop Romulo de la Cruz, who died on Dec. 10, 2021. He was 74.

Zamboanga Auxiliary Bishop Moises Cuevas has been the apostolic administrator of the archdiocese.

The Catholic prelate urged the faithful to pray for the new head of the archdiocese.

“Let us come together as one Body of Christ with the archdiocese to pray for our new archbishop as he begins his new ministry among us. May the Holy Spirit guide and strengthen him as he leads us on the path of faith and spiritual growth,” Cuevas said in a statement.

“May God bless our new archbishop and our local Church of Zamboanga. May we continue to grow in faith, hope and love under his spiritual guidance,” he added.

(From page 1) Frasco...

Tonel was born on Aug. 31, 1956 in Davao City. He studied Philosophy at the San Francis Xavier Regional Major Seminary of Mindanao (SFX-REMASE) and

Christina Garcia Frasco led the launching with her delegation at the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco introducing the program that will “allow fellow Filipinos abroad to become tourism ambassadors for our beautiful country.”

“The Bisita Be my Guest center program gives opportunities to invite foreign friend, guest, spouse and loved ones to the Philippines in exchange for incentives such as ra e pri es in the form of condominium, house and lot, free airline tickets, trips to holiday destinations,” Frasco said. “If you invite a foreigner to come to the country, you will also be entitled to receive a free travel passport that you can stamp in certain areas in our country in exchange for prizes in selected establishments as you travel around the Philippines.”

Frasco said that the e ort really is to reintroduce the Philippines to the world and to tap into the over million diaspora of Filipinos all over the world and the over million Filipinos in the United States to help us push for Philippine tourism.

“This is not a new tagline for the Philippines but rather a guest-incentive program the origins of which find itself years ago when the Philippines had its bring home a friend program. The idea was again brought to us by the Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan Ople who is our partner, along with the Tourism Promotions Board in taking a look at that program, innovating it, improving it and presenting it now on a matter that is current and relevant to our markets all over the country,” Frasco said.

Frasco added that as far as campaigning for Philippine tourism under the directive of the President, the task is to herald the best of the Filipino to the world by not only conveying the Philippines as a fond destination but more importantly reintroducing the Philippines as a hub for cultured heritage identity and diversity.

The aim of the program also includes getting to know the people through various nuances of the Filipino culture by visiting the destinations.

“The intention is to roll out this program all over the world. We just came from a successful showing of the Philippine delegation in Berlin and we were able to meet the vibrant community there. We were also able to launch this in Japan during the state visit of President Marcos,” Frasco stressed.

The lady secretary said her office is riding on the

Theology at the University of Santo Tomas Central Seminary in Manila.

He was ordained priest on April 12, 1980 for the Archdiocese of Davao, where

crest of surpassing expectations since they took over last year as the Department of Tourism was able to exceed expectations after the Philippines had 2.65 million arrivals (90% of which were foreigners) although there was only an expected 1.7 million international arrivals into the country.

“We also were able to sustain the growth of domestic tourism and fully recovery as far as domestic tourism this year is concerned with no less at least than million domestic trips. As far as reaching our prepandemic goals which was pegged at over 8.2 million arrivals, that is no longer our target. We are targeting so much higher both domestic and international,” Frasco said waxing optimism. “For this year, we anticipate that

he served as its Vicar General and Rector of SFX-REMASE.

The archbishop-elect also holds a licentiate degree in Liturgical Theology from the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Liturgy in Rome.

Pope Benedict XVI appointed him as prelate of then Prelature of Ipil on June 30, 2007. His ordination to the episcopate was held on August 20.

On May 1, 2010, the prelature was elevated to a diocese Tonel became its first bishop.

Zamboanga is one of 16 archdioceses in the country It is the first of the four in Mindanao including Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Cotabato.

In 1910, Zamboanga became a separate diocese from Cebu, becoming the mother diocese of the Catholic Church in southern Philippines.

The archdiocese also has as its su ragans the Diocese of Ipil, the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo, and the Prelature of Isabela de Basilan.

our baseline will be 4.8 million international arrivals and next year we foresee that we will be able to meet the pre-pandemic numbers in terms of international arrivals.”

Frasco said she is aware that the pillars that need improvement as far as tourism development and that in drafting the national tourism development plan, they have decided to take a look not just tourism promotions but more importantly product development including addressing challenges to infrastructure, connectivity, digitalization enhancement of the overall tourism experience and spreading countrywide development through tourism to focus not only to our key destinations but as well as our emerging and lesser-known destinations.

Filipino...

(From page 1)

A judge from the state rejected the hate crime charges against a man who is accused of assaulting the Ro ue family after what was originally a minor vehicular accident.

(See last week s StopAsian ate story)

Nicholas Weber had rear-ended the car driven by Nerissa Ro ue with his eep while both were ueueing at a McDonald s branch in North Hollywood. Nerissa was with her daughter Patricia, who was able to record the altercation that followed in her cellphone.

Mother and daughter called on their

Marcos...

(From page 1)

Marcos Jr. will meet with US President Joseph Biden Jr. onb May 1, this time at the White House for a longer bilateral meeting.

The White House announced in Washington D.C. the forthcoming Biden-Marcos talks, their second after the September meeting at the sideline of the United Nations General Assembly session in New York City.

A third meeting is expected this November in San Francisco when the city by the bay hosts the Asia Pacific conomic Cooperation (AP C) Leaders Summit and several meetings of ministers, business and economic leaders, among others.

In their first hite ouse dialogue, Biden will reaffirm the US ironclad commitment to the defense of the Philippines and discuss with Marcos e orts to strengthen the two nations alliance, White House Press Secretary Karine ean-Pierre said in a briefing

(From page 1) US...

Marcos leaves for the US this weekend for a four-day official visit, and his meeting with Biden is considered the highlight of his trip. That face-to-face meeting is set for May , or Labor Day

While the meeting of the two leaders will tackle such issues as deepening economic cooperation, climate change, human rights, and promoting a free and open Indo-Pacific region, there will be an elephant in the room in the form of China s recent warning to the Philippines

patriarch, 2-year-old Gabriel Ro ue after Weber attempted to grab Nerissa by the neck.

Weber then turned his ire on the senior citizen, punching the old man until he fell to the ground and broke his ribs. During this time, Weber was heard and recorded shouting insults and threatening to kill the Filipino family.

The LAPD soon arrived and the Ro ue family decided to file criminal cases against Weber, including a hate crime which is considered a federal o ense

While agreeing that Weber should be tried for his physical assault on the Ro ues,

“The two leaders will review opportunities to deepen economic cooperation and promote inclusive prosperity, expand our nations special people-to-people ties, invest in the clean energy transition and the fight against climate change, and ensure respect for human rights,” she said.

“The two leaders will also discuss regional matters and coordinate on e orts to uphold international law and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific, she added

Following the White House announcement, Marcos said he would make clear from Biden the e tent of ashington s “ironclad commitment” to protect the Philippines under the Mutual Defense Treaty between their two countries in case it comes under attack by land, sea or air.

The clarification, officials said, was needed as China continues its military and Coast Guard buildup in South China Sea, even encroaching on the West Philippine Sea and the Philippine exclusive economic zone with the swarming of warships,

over supporting the US s supposed plan to have an independent Taiwan.

A statement from Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian regarding the fate of the 150,000 overseas Filipino workers was seen as a veiled threat to the government to be very careful where statements regarding Taiwan are concerned.

The Chinese embassy later said their envoy was mis uoted, while President Marcos said it was likely a miscommunication problem since nglish was not uang s native tongue

Judge Neetu S. Badhan said that while the assailant did make o ensive and vulgar statements, it did not ualify as a hate crime

It was, the judge ruled, “a general intent crime,” and Weber will proceed to face trial only on two counts of felony battery.

Weber pleaded not guilty.

Weber had shown a disregard for the court when he failed to attend his arraignment three times after he was first arrested on June 16, last year.

On July 11, 2022, Weber pleaded not guilty to two counts of battery, including a felony and a misdemeanor, with hate crime enhancements.

Coast Guard and militia vessels there.

Marcos will be in the US from April 0 to May on an official working visit where he will also meet with members of the Filipino community, US legislators, major US corporations, and business organizations.

His bilateral talks with Biden will be followed by an expanded meeting with key Cabinet officials

From Washington D.C., Marcos is e pected to y to London to attend the coronation of King Charles on May 6. Marcos had confirmed his participation in the event.

Marcos said in a radio interview that the US-Philippines mutual defense treaty may have to be adjusted in the wake of the rising tension in the Indo Pacific region.

It (the treaty) needs to ad ust because of the changes in the situation we are facing in the South China Sea, Taiwan, North Korea,” Marcos said. “The situation is heating up,” he added.

The ongoing Balikatan exercises which end this week plus the recent expansion of the nhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or DCA has been seen by Beijing as a threat to its One China policy, which sees Taiwan as an integral part of the People s Republic of China.

The Philippines recently reminded Beijing that the country has long subscribed to the One China policy, as has the US.

But the Chinese envoy noted that three of the four new DCA sites are close to Taiwan, the Philippines closest neighbor to its north.

The Philippines now has nine DCA sites and along with the decades old PH-US Mutual Defense Treaty has been cause for concern for China.

Two of the president s cousins who occupy high government posts have also not shied away from making their pro-US leanings known.

Said House Speaker Martin Romualde the president s cousin this week, “Our security alliance under the Mutual Defense Treaty is ironclad. Our economic partnership is robust. And the friendship between our two peoples is solid.”

The Speaker also took an apparent swipe at the president s predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, under whose six-year term the Philippines veered towards China and away from the US.

Romualdez said the president “has reintegrated relations with the US not only to provide peace and stability in our re-

As of April 18, this year, Weber was facing two counts of felony battery but without the hate crime charges.

Judge Badhan noted the 10 to 15 minute duration between eber s alleged use of racial slurs and the supposed physical assault. The judge further noted that assailant Weber stopped using the slurs after coming back.

Thus, while the Ro ue family may yet find ustice should the court find eber guilty of two criminal cases, the court did not agree to the hate crime that they believe they underwent.

It could therefore be seen as both a victory and a defeat.

arlier, the Philippines and US agreed to boost their military alliance, with the Philippines allowing US troops to base in four more sites under their nhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement ( DCA), raising these bases to nine.

At the same time, the Philippines and US expanded their annual military drills called “Balikatan 2023” with the participation of almost 18,000 troops, the inclusion of live fire and rescue drills, including one o Ba o de Masinloc in ambales province.

Meanwhile, Marcos and Foreign Secretary nri ue Manalo met visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang in Manila after which they reportedly pledged to work together to resolve their maritime di erences in the South China Sea

As to the con icts, we agreed to establish more lines of communications so that any event that occurs in the West Philippine Sea that involves China and the Philippines can immediately be resolved,” Marcos said in a statement.

gion, but also prosperity for our people.”

Yet another cousin of the president, Philippine ambassador to Washington ose Manuel Babe Romualde , had earlier spoken out against China s intrusions on the country s waters in less-than-diplomatic terms. But he said that the four new DCA sites would not be e tensively discussed by Biden and Marcos as it had recently been raised in the 2+2 meeting between the foreign and defense secretaries of both nations earlier this month.

The Philippine ambassador noted another layer in the complex relations that the Philippine president faces where the US and China are concerned.

China, he said, “is our number one trading partner.” This was a position that the US had occupied for many decades.

After China, Japan is the second largest trading partner of the Philippines.

“So the US is one of those countries that we would like to be able to have more trade (with), he said

He said the president would likely seek Biden s help for the US Congress to renew the Philippines access to US trade preferences for developing economies, which expired in 2020.

He added that part of the tightrope that President Marcos has to walk is assuring China that it remains a valued friend and trading partner of the Philippines.

Ambassador Romualdez said the country did not want its powerful neighbor to feel that we are out on an o ensive because of our relationship with the US verything we are doing is purely for the defense of our country.”

PHL... (From page 1)

The event was part of the troops of the Philippines and US largest joint military exercises with almost 18,000 participants in years since undertaking the annual “Balikatan” war drills using various weapons platforms, including missiles which were used for the firs time

Troops of other countries allied to US and the Philippines also joined the drills held also in Fort Magsaysay in Laur, Nueva ci a in Ilocos Norte, Mr Marcos home province, and Palawan as tension with China continues to grow leader top generals to predict a possible war by 2025 which some officials, however, downplayed

It was the first time that the US and the Philippine troops sank a target ship, a decommissioned Philippine Navy corvette, in a joint littoral exercise to the delight of Mr Marcos as he prepared for ne t week s trip to the White House for longer bilateral talks with US President oe Biden

Marcos watched as the US and Philippine combat units participate in a combined oint littoral live-fire eercise involving the sinking of an old Philippines Navy ship some 2 kilometers from the Naval ducation Training Doctrine Command (NETDC) in San Antonio, ambales

Marcos expressed hope the country could benefit from enhanced cooperation with the United States through these oint military drills

Both Filipino and American military officials believe that the training event represented a tangible demonstration of the US-Philippine commitment to strengthen military capabilities and interoperability to meet shared modern-day security challenges

Among key Philippine officials who attended were AFP Chief of Sta Gen Andres Centino, National Security Adviser duardo A o, ambales Rep Doris Mani ui , ambales Governor ermogenes bdane r and acting Defense Secretary and Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galve r (See related stories )

Joining Ambassador in the US side were US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey Ford and US ercise Director Lt Gen illiam urney

Approximately 1,400 Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Coast Guardsmen from both countries took part in the Combined Joint Littoral Live Fire Exercise (CJLLFX), which involved detecting, identifying, targeting and engaging a target ship using a variety of ground and air-based weapons systems

The e ercise featured U S and Philippine weapons platforms delivering coordinated fires on a target ship, a decommissioned Philippine Navy corvette towed into Philippine territorial waters

The bilateral weapons systems used in the war games

consisted of U S and Philippine artillery, igh-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and the Avenger air defense systems

State-of-the-art combat aircrafts were also mobilized including AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, Philippine Air Force FA-50 Golden agle fighter-attack aircraft, F- Fighting Falcons, U S Marine F- 5B oint Strike Fighters, and the U S Air Force Special Operations Command AC- 0 Spectre gunship

One of the most anticipated weapons from the U S arsenal was the HIMARS, a full-spectrum, combatproven, all-weather, 24/7, lethal and responsive, wheeled precision strike weapons system

IMARS is a C- 0 air transportable wheeled launcher mounted on a 5-ton Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles XM1140A1 truck chassis organic/assigned to Field Artillery Brigades

Built to support an expeditionary, lethal, survivable and tactically mobile force, the HIMARS carries one launch pod containing either si Guided MLRS (GMLRS) MLRS rockets or one Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) missile

During the littoral live-fire event, a U S Marine Corps command and control and sensor network enabled the various firing platforms to sense their target, develop firing solutions and deliver precision integrated fires against the target vessel

According to Filipino and American military officials, the training event represented a tangible demonstration of the U S -Philippine commitment to strengthen military capabilities and interoperability to meet shared modern-day security challenges

Balikatan 202 aims to develop interoperability and enhance bilateral capabilities in the areas of maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban and aviation operations, cyber defense, counterterrorism and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. witnesses the Combined Joint Li�oral Live Fire Exercise of the Philippines-United States armed forces in San Antonio, ambales. (Alfred Frias/Rolando Mailo/ PNA)

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Fight trainer rose above abuse

First of Parts

ASouthern California millennial is crushing the stereotype of the Filipina as shy, submissive and dependent. On the contrary, amille sabel Manalo defines today’s FilAm woman: strong, assertive and self-reliant.

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EDITORIAL

An unexpected way to end Ukraine war

The recent statement from NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was one that most certainly angered Russian President Vladimir Putin, but if it pushes through will guarantee a quick end to the war, now going on its 15th month.

Stoltenberg said NATO is where Ukraine belongs, and President Vladymyr Zelensky was in full agreement.

Membership in NATO is the last thing that Putin wants. The mere possibility was his excuse for invading his ne t door neighbor in the first place

In his mind, Putin still thinks in terms of Russia being the center of the old Union of Soviet Socialist Republics with Ukraine as one of its satellite states. He wants nothing more than to revive the USSR, thereby regaining their lost glory.

Unfortunately for him, Putin’s invasion has not gone as well as planned. At best, Ukrainian forces have fought the Russian invaders to a standstill, although there is even reason to believe that Zelensky’s highly committed forces are winning the war.

Accurate data is hard to come by as the two warring sides produce di erent versions of the daily events in the war one, specifically the key city of Bakhmur, which is become almost totally devastated but which neither side can claim to be in control of.

With Russia failing to achieve the great victory that was expected to happen within weeks of its invasion of its neighbor, imagine what would happen if Ukraine were to suddenly become a member of NATO.

The North American Treaty Organization exists on the principle that an aggressor invading one NATO member nation is tantamount to declaring war on all member nations. Russia would absolutely be defeated in any kind of conventional war with NATO, and its insane use of nuclear weapons – the worst possible scenario – still does not guarantee that Putin’s war machine would win. What it can guarantee is that Russia would eventually cease to exist as a single nation.

There are indications that Putin is now ready to work on a peace plan, one that would still allow him to maintain some semblance of victory, without which his own head would remain on top of his shoulders.

e may be forced into some kind of advisory or senior leadership role in the aftermath But at least he will still be alive, and the senseless deaths of Russian and Ukrainian fighters would end All he has to do is pull out all Russian and allied troops out of Ukraine, declare a moral victory, and mend all the fences he destroyed with his ill-advised bid to absorb its neighbor into Russian territory.

There is one major hurdle though. This would be the Crimean peninsula which was an integral part of Ukraine when Russia annexed it in 2014.

That might be the one thing that Putin will refuse to negotiate. He will not surrender Crimea because he will claim that the majority of its people are of Russian descent. Here, he does have a somewhat solid argument.

But if and when Ukraine becomes a regular NATO member, all bets would be o Putin would be placed in a position of weakness, one which he may not be mentally able to accept.

Russian’s war is lost. Ukraine’s membership in NATO assures that another Russian invasion would never happen ever again.

At least the world will be in a better place than where it is now.

Call her Coach Kammmm, the four M’s for her and her mother s maiden surname Magadia plus two e tra for air, because that’s how she’s known in her profession, perhaps the one least expected of a woman of Asian heritage: She is a world-class fight trainer, developing individuals of all ages in the sport of bo ing at Cannonnation Bo ing Fitness Gym she and co-owner Brandon Adams conceived and opened the Santa Fe Springs, California, spot last October.

CHERIE M. QUEROL MORENO

The Gym cements Adams’ place in the boxing circuit as trainer-owner, having carved a niche as a trainer in Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties A current BC ( orld Bo ing Council) bo er, the NABO (North American Bo ing Organi ation) champion goes by The Cannon, hence the institution name.

When Adams takes on his comeback pre-title bout May at the Commerce Casino in Los Angeles, Manalo will complete his corner team, the first pro woman coach at a fight, touts Mike Ares, Coach Kammmm’s photographer and social media adviser.

The Center fulfills Manalo s aspiration to indulge her passion to train amateur and professional fighters 5 of every age to date That focus has earned her the title The People s Coach, echoed in news outlets that have featured her like Fo Los Angeles and Spectrum News1 Raleigh, North Carolina.

Promo videos ash her sleek form, uick moves and firm motivation hen you re out there, nobody cares about you – you gotta learn how to take care of yourself, you’re just as good as the boys, she goads a riveted young girl who spars with intensity

Every day, Coach Kammmm zips back and forth from her home in Rancho Cucamonga to the gym miles away, gloves up to ab, reach, shu e and weave from am 2 pm She takes a break and catches up on business matters until pm, when she heads back to the ring to train youths, at pm pro and amateur fighters and then at pm general adults er day is not over until she and Adams debrief and discuss more business until 11 pm, when she hops into her red Dodge Challenger emblazoned with her name on the fender for the hourlong commute home.

Her schedule is tight and she’s on top of it. A single mom to Jaden, 17, Manalo keeps her priorities straight.

ROAD TO BO ING

Bo ing, however, is not what the only daughter of Ruben and merita Manalo dreamed of as a child. Mom was a traveling nurse in the Philippines while Dad was a professional basketball player on the men’s national team of Oman on the Persian Gulf. Seeking better opportunities, they uprooted with their three children from Manila and landed in Garfield in Bergen County, New ersey when amille was years old (Continued on page 26)

Faith is a wondrous thing. It can move mountains, figuratively speaking, it can change defeat into victory, it can change minds and hearts.

Lately, I have been thinking of people I know or heard about who have survived the deadly Big C for years, strengthened by their faith in the Almighty.

I have utmost admiration for three women I know whose faith has kept them whole: Joey Albert, Aliw s Best Filipino Performer based Abroad, Goya Navarrete, a family friend, and Kara Magsanoc Alikpala , daughter of the late journalist Letty Jimenez Magsanoc., all cancer survivors.

I remember being told about how Iligan City in Mindanao was saved from the onslaught of Muslim marauders centuries ago , through the power of prayer and faith.

Miracles attributed to faith have been witnessed at Lourdes, France and Fatima, Portugal as well as other parts of the world. Faith has sustained me all my life. It has helped me overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, ignore my detractors, survive losses of those dear to me, accept defeats . Faith has kept me sane.

Faith can make the impossible possible. Even the hardest of hearts can melt, if one has faith that such coukl happen. I cannot imagine life without faith: faith in the kindness of human beings, faith in one’s ability to rise from defeat, faith in the goodness and mercy in God.

What do YOU think, dear readers?

This thing called faith

Manalo’s assurances

In Washington a few weeks back, Enrique Manalo told a Reuters journalist the Philippines and the United States would still discuss what activities would be allowed in the four new military bases where American troops were allowed access.

“There will have to be, as in the case of the other sites, discussions on terms of reference, the type of activities these all have to be agreed on It will all depend on how discussions go,” Manalo said.

IN THE TRENCHES

Washington and Manila did not go beyond identifying the new locations two in Cagayan, one in Isabela, and another one in Palawan.

Manalo was obviously avoiding a controversial issue when the Reuters journalist asked him if missiles and rockets could be deployed in the new sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

He could have stirred up the hornet’s nest if he told the Reuters journalist during a Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) that the Americans have a lot of leeway under EDCA which was signed on Apri 28, 2014.

Truth is the United States is not allowed to store and preposition nuclear weapons in any EDCA locations in the country. That is clear under EDCA.

It would violate the Constitution and the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapons Free Zone treaty.

However, the Philippines has no capability to detect if munitions and other materiel stored in the EDCA sites are nuclear-capable.

The US has a policy of neither confirming nor denying if its ships and planes are carrying nuclear weapons. However, any nuclear-powered attack submarine that lurks somewhere in the IndoPacific area has strategic nuclear missiles

Are we to believe the Americans that they will remove these strategic weapons every time an Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine visits the country?

irginia-class and Los Angeles-class fast attack submarines have regularly visited Subic after 1992 when they were kicked out from the naval base after 12 senators voted to abrogate the 1947 Military Bases Agreement (MBA) in 1991.

So, why did Manalo tell the Reuters journalist that further discussion will be necessary when EDCA’s terms of reference were clearly established in 2014?

He was skirting the issue because there were domestic concerns about US deployment in the new EDCA sites, which could be a potential magnet for attack in case a con ict erupts in the Taiwan Straits.

China has also protested the US presence in Cagayan and Isabela, which it fears could potentially play a role in case Washington intervenes in Taiwan.

Back home, appearing before the Senate’s foreign relations panel headed by the president’s sister, Imee Marcos, Manalo said the United States would need the Philippines’s permission if it could use DCA sites to launch o ensive military operations to target a third country.

Of course, that is true ashington will not start a con ict with Bei ing That would preclude an o ensive action

But if the United States would respond to an attack on any of its vessels and planes in the South China Sea and Taiwan Straits, the action could be considered defensive.

The Philippines has an obligation under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) to help the United States. It could support Washington by allowing its local bases to become logistics hubs as well as refueling and repair stations.

It has no capability to send troops, ships, and planes to fight alongside the United States. But the EDCA sites would be a valuable asset for the military operations in the region.

It is also no-brainer that the United States will deploy surfaceto-air missiles, shore-to-ship missiles, and other defensive weapons to protect EDCA sites where it had prepositioned planes, ships, and troops, as well as logistics.

Let’s go back to the Reuters journalist’s query. Will the US be allowed o ensive weapons in the country

The United States has been asking allies in the region if they are willing to take deployment of strategic ballistic missiles, rockets, and other armaments to prepare for a possible showdown with its adversaries.

apan and the Philippines declined

But there is a gray area under DCA Under Section or Article 1, the Philippines allowed the US to conduct security operations exercises, joint and combined training activities, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief activities, and “such other activities as may be agreed upon by the parties.”

The last clause is very broad and general and could be interpreted in many ways, a leeway for the Americans to introduce new elements in the agreement.

Manalo could be right when he said further discussions were needed

(Continue on page 27)

The guns of August

Another unforgettable experience I had as a journalist was when I covered the failed coup d’etat staged by rebel soldiers against the government of President Corazon C. Aquino on August 28, 1987, eighteen months after she assumed the presidency following a four-day People Power revolution that toppled the 20-year regime of President Ferdinand E. Marcos.

The rebel soldiers who called themselves Reform the Armed Forces Movement (RAM) led by charismatic Army Col. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan attacked Camp Aguinaldo, the headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in suburban Quezon City, Metro Manila, and partially occupied some strategic areas.

The RAM was the same faction of rebel soldiers that participated in the People Power uprising way back on Feb. 2225, 1986.

The violent uprising on August 28, 1987 nearly toppled the edgling government of President A uino were it not for the timely counteraction by loyal military troops led by Armed Forces Chief of Sta Gen Fidel Ramos Previous coup attempts were also nipped in the bud.

On the third week of August 1987, reports of yet another coup intensified in the military camps, but the intelligence could not pinpoint the exact date on which the plotters would hit.

A day or two before the coup, Maj. Gen. Renato S. De illa, Constabulary chief, also received an intelligence report that military rebels would come from Fort Magsaysay, the largest military reservation of the Armed Forces based in Nueva Ecija and some 200 kilometers north of Metro Manila.

Gen De illa immediately relayed the information to Gen. Ramos, who quickly planned a pre-emptive counteraction. He alerted the 5th Army Division to verify the report of a coup. He also told Brig. Gen. Ramon E, Montano, deputy AFP chief of sta for operations ( ), to go with him to Fort Magsaysay early morning of August 28 to check the situation themselves.

But on the evening of the 2 th, Gen Montano confirmed reports that more than 2,000 heavily armed soldiers were spotted by government forces that have passed Sta. Maria, Bulacan, taking the North Diversion Highway going towards Manila. The soldiers were on board dozens of 6X6 trucks and three tanks. President Aquino’s visit to Central Luzon on that day was aborted because of the unauthorized movement of troops.

Gen Montano figured out that the rebel soldiers would strike in half an hour. “They will hit tonight,” he told his colleagues in Camp Aguinaldo.

Maj. Gen. Restituto Padilla, Sr., Army chief, immediately dispatched five tanks to reinforce the AFP head uarters

The rebel soldiers first tried to enter Gate of Camp Aguinaldo, but Col. Emiliano Templo, who was backed up by a s uad of soldiers and a - 50 armored vehicle, tried to convince the rebel troops to move out. However, with more men and superior firepower, the rebels forced their way and successfully took over a few areas.

Numbering about two battalions, including 600 Army Scout Rangers led by Col. Gringo Honasan, they had occupied some portions of Camp Aguinaldo through the South Gate By 0 pm, military rebels had occupied several tall buildings, including the Department of National Defense.

I remembered knocking o from my beat at Camp Aguinaldo earlier that night of August 27. I passed by Gate and exchanged a smile of recognition with two sentries on duty whose relaxed mood never gave away a hint of a coup in the offing

However, at a.m. on August 28, I woke up to a blaring coverage over radio station DZRH of an ongoing coup by rebel soldiers. The frantic voice of my colleague Bing Formento was describing the attack on the General Headquarters.

At that point, I called up our news desk in the Philippines News Agency about the ongoing coup. I was told they were monitoring the incident. I hurriedly dressed up and proceeded to Camp Aguinaldo which is about eight kilometers away from my residence.

(Continue on page 27)

Client orders copies of ‘Longevity Tips’ as lasting gifts to friends

As book author, accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DR 00 5 ), I was blessed to meet new client Rosemary last Friday, April 2 , 202 in my home office in San Francisco, California.

Wealth

She was referred to me by an old client. She then scheduled an appointment with me three days before our appointment. Rosemary requested assistance in the preparation of Quitclaim Deed on a property located in the Outer Mission District of San Francisco. She also requested the Quitclaim Deed to be notarized by me.

Since I don’t have blank form of Quitclaim Deed available, I told Rosemary that I’ll get copies of the blank form of Quitclaim Deed and then prepare the draft for her review the following day. She came back the following day (Saturday morning) and we drafted together the Quitclaim Deed to be typewritten by Rosemary before the signing of two parties involved before my notarization.

As my customary practice, I always give to new and old clients autographed copies of my four books now printed (print on demand) and marketed through Amazon like “REAL ESTATE YOU” subtitled “Your Basic Guide Information for Successful Investing in Home, Land and Income Property, LIF ST L FOR LONG IT subtitled ow to be Healthy Emotionally, Financially, Physically, Sexually and Spiritually, ISTORICIT OF SUS subtitled Facts and Evidences for Agnostics, Atheists, Believers and Christians, and LONG IT TIPS subtitled Secrets ou Can Discover and Do for Good Health and Longevity.”

On the day I first met our new client Rosemary, I decided to give her an autographed hardcover copy of my latest book LONG IT TIPS Upon receiving the autographed copy, Rosemary was wide-eyed and exclaimed:

“Oh my God! I’ve been looking and searching for a book like this. I want to order more copies as gifts for my friends and associates,” Rosemary echoed.

“I have many friends and associates who are diabetic and overweight. They need to read this book,’ explained Rosemary after uickly browsing the inside pages of LONGITY TIPS.”

I told Rosemary that copies of LONG IT TIPS are now available through Amazon in hardcover at $15.95 per copy; paperback at $12.95 and E-book at $7.95 per copy, plus shipping and handling.

I want to buy all the hardcover copies of LONG IT TIPS” you have in stock. These are the best and lasting gifts I can give to my friends and associates,” said Rosemary, who is connected with a big and established financial services firm

As book author and founder of FITNESS FOR HUMANIT , I personally recommend LONG IT TIPS subtitled “Secrets You Can Discover and Do for Good Health and Longevity” to our readers and the general public.

Foreword of the book was written by Dr. Yvonne P. Bulong, M.D. from Baguio City, Philippines. The back cover includes our courtesy call picture with then Congressman and former Senator Manny Pacquiao inside his mansion in General Santos City, Sarangani, Philippines last February 19, 2016. Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is now doing most of the “secrets mentioned in the LONG IT TIPS ere are some reviews and comments on the book:

“As nursing educator and practicing nurse, I commend Art Gabot Madlaing, founder of FITNESS FOR HUMANITY, for writing this timeless book, It is a must reading for everybody,” echoed DEBORAH QUINIONES MARCOS, registered Nurse with KAISER PERMANENTE, San Francisco, California USA.

This latest book of Art Madlaing LONG IT TIPS is a must reading for anyone interested to have good health and longevity in life, wrote NR T BRA O, vangelist lder, SURR C URC OF C RIST, ancouver, B C Canada.

LONG IT TIPS, a new bestseller, is the best and lasting gift we can give to our students and the new graduates,” said DARL N GAMBL , Teacher who finished her BA in Special ducation and MA in Reading, ARDING UNI RSITY, Searcy, Arkansas, USA.

ART GABOT MADLAING Health &

BEN CAL

MANNY MOGATO

Comparing US and PHL broadcast news

The sudden and unexpected firing of Tucker Carlson from Fo News and Don Lemon from CNN had their followers wondering what was the real reason for their forced departure

It did not make sense that the two popular anchors would be removed without even giving them the benefit of an honorable e it, where they could bid their fans and followers good-bye

Fo and CNN both epressed their thanks for the long service given by both men to their networks, and wished them well in their future endeavors The farewell messages were as generic as they come In the case of Lemon, he accused his now former employer of being dishonest for not revealing the truth behind his a ing Carlson pretty much received the same treatment e had his usual show last Friday and appeared to have no inkling that it would be his last

This was odd considering he was Fo s top talking head, although his show did not uite bring in the advertisers to back his popularity

Lemon did not have the same level of popularity, but he too was considered an important, if fre uently too opinionated, member of CNN s broadcast crew

It is also no secret that Carlson was the favorite newscaster of the e treme right, and Lemon of the left

Both men can be considered to still be youngish and at the top of their game, and will find new homes in other networks soon enough

hat happened to them is considered as newsworthy enough to merit e tensive air time in other networks It s become a case of news media reporting on news media, which shouldn t be the case, but it is

The situation in the Philippines has its similarities, but also marked di erences

The firing or e it of top print and broadcast newsmen and women is not unusual It s happened many times in the past, and I daresay it will happen again in the future

In a lot of cases, the newsfolk I ust coined that word stepped on some big toes, either of their organi ation s owners or friends of their owners

In other cases, the anchors got too swell-headed or too corrupt to the point that they were bringing their companies down with them, with the almighty advertisers abandoning the shows of the dirty anchors

I can relate a few e amples

I recall a dear and now departed friend who submitted his resignation on the spot because he felt insulted by the owner s telling him that they would be supporting a pair of siblings running for national position

Coy, ain t I

I, of course, refer to now senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, who approached the owner of an old but no longer large newspaper seeking support Since the owner never hid the fact that he was an active public relations practitioner, he promised the siblings full support e then called my friend who was editor-in-chief and in a short meeting that henceforth, the paper would provide full backing to the pair

My friend e cused himself, went to his office, and typed out his resignation e ective immediately

The person I refer to is named Ping, and he left the paper on a matter of principle is case has happened multiple times because most media owners do not really appreciate the independence newmen need in order to be e ective

In another, more recent occasion, a top columnist of the country s largest broadsheet was told that her column would no longer be appearing in the paper

She was one of their most well-read opinion writers and remains a widely respected economist In her case, no warning came No one from the top e ecutives so much as bothered to talk to her in person to e plain that the current administration was not too happy with her constant attacks on the president, whom she attempted to teach the rudiments of economics to no avail

I am sad to say that I was connected with both newspapers in di erent times, and now have no respect for the first eample, and only a small measure of respect for the latter

In local broadcast media,

A reflection: best friends forever (BFF)…right?

NAR ACAN, Ilocos

Sur

The legendary Luis Chavit Singson remains to be the actively engaged, hands-on, sought-after and pretty much occupied man that he s been

Acknowledged as a political kingmaker, the former Ilocos Sur governor is chie y responsible for the stepping down of a sitting President and the ascendance to power and the presidency of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

e s also credited as one of the ma or players who figured in the election victory of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos r last year

hat s keeping him busy nowadays To begin with, the former Ilocos Sur governor has always been busy with nary a sign of slowing down Be it private business among which is his LCS Group or politics, he is everywhere

But what strikes me most is the fact that he is building a helipad right on top of newly built a structure that s standing on a coast along Sulvec bay in Ilocos

To me, that means there s no slackening in his frenetic ways and activities e has been crisscrossing Manila and the Ilocos by air on board one of his airplanes It s my first time to hear of a helicopter among his air assets Abroad, he occasionally ies to Seoul to check on an international business partnership he had invested on in South orea

The helipad pro ect is close to his vast seaside mansion comple where the northern region s political kingpin entertains visitors whenever he is in the province

Like during the oly eek break All of his guest rooms were occupied when we saw him

I was ama ed at how the idle and rocky seashore metamorphosed into a beautiful world class resort-paradise

hen I was a teenager, I used to fancy the area along with my friends where we used to swim, catch fish and hold picnics

e each had with us a crude fish catching gadget featuring a thick wire with a sharpened end that s attached to a wooden frame shaped like a pistol

e would gently move around and peer through the clear and shallow waters and ready to shoot our prey upon sight

Back to the present The Chavit mansion resort has a owing swimming pool that s similar to what I ve seen in onolulu

The famous pool adorns the Disneyland-owned Aulani otel which is known as a Disney Resort and Spa in onolulu The owing pool snakes around the seaside front of the beachfront hotel which is busy all year round Ilocos Sur native and awaii s top builder Lito Alcantra, did the finishing phase of Aulani thru his Group Builders construction firm

There s a sea lion being raised in the Chavit resort by the side of the sea and it s no wonder because he is a known animal lover

More animals are staying and maintained at the Chavitowned Baluarte comple in igan where it s famous owner used to live Among them are iguanas, bengal tigers, lions, civet cats, various types of birds, cloud rats, snakes and others The property has become the top tourism drawer in igan

Nearby is Safari otel which is part of the Chavit Singson tourist- drawing enclave Baluarte and Safari are connected to each other by a road If you take the road, watch out for gira es along the way

The Chavit story is not complete without mentioning his hosting and lone sponsorship of the Miss University pageant in 20

Reports have it that when the hosting of the pageant was o ered to the Philippines, then President Rodrigo Duterte reected it citing financial constraints e said that the government can not a ord the costs

Ne t, the Miss Universe management o ered it to the Philippines elite circle of the wealthiest and mightiest but no one was willing to step forward

The elite Pinoy businessmen didn t want to sink their money in an enterprise that didn t assure them a return of their investment (ROI) To them, the pageant was a losing proposition

Do you have one a few some ho are they

Batch 5 graduates of the Urdaneta Community igh School (UC S,) now the Urdaneta City National igh School (UCN S), consider themselves best friends forever (BFF) despite being dispersed and separated by physical boundaries all over the world They are so close they are a family e tended family that wherever they are, and how far they are, they find a way to meet despite the distance to be able to reminisce the grand old high school days

I met one of them years back, when I found out he and his wife resided in the area where my daughter Tweety and her husband onathan and awaiian-born daughter llie reside in South Carolina during one of our visits there My daughter s family ust settled in South Carolina after a -year assignment in Oahu, awaii onathan is a Sergeant First Class (SFC) in the US Army, a weapons artillery instructor for new cadets and the drill sergeant of cho Company

e have to drive about two hours and a half (2 ) from my daughter s house in Blythewood, South Carolina to my friend s residence in Beaufort, South Carolina I haven t seen him for a long time, so the encounter was very memorable

My BFF s name is David Dave Sumera, UC S Batch 5, married to Merry, long residents of Beaufort, South Carolina The last time I saw and met him and Merry were during the Multi- igh School Reunion in Las egas, Nevada on October , 20 where the deadly 20 Las egas shooting happened

I recall, on the evening of October , 20 , Stephen Paddock, a -year-old man from Mes uite, Nevada, opened fire upon the crowd attending the Route arvest Music Festival on the Las egas Strip in Nevada From his 2nd oor suites on the Mandalay Bay otel, he fired more than ,000 bullets killing 0 people and wounding others About an hour later, Paddock was found dead in his own room with a self-in icted gunshot wound The incident was later recorded as the deadliest mass shooting in the history of the US e both survived the shooting e, his wife Merry and his cousins were trapped in the Strip and locked down at the iolago otel, while we were likewise grounded lockdown at ad oining Tropicana otel where we were billeted, when the shooting started at about 0 00 o clock in the evening of October , 20 veryone scampered for their lives towards our hotel s parking area as police officers positioned themselves to track down the active shooter

I remember another BFF Batch 5, Alberto Lapena and his wife eny from Melbourne, Australia who were also scheduled to attend the reunion with purchased tickets of the concert failed to make it due to an unforeseen circumstance ad they made it, they may have been victims also considering that they will surely be attending the concert, so it turned out to be a blessing on their part

vent coordinator Fe Gon ales Sepulveda, a graduate of the Our Lady of the Lilies Academy (OLLA), one of the three high schools attending the reunion, was worried and tried to call everyone making sure everybody is fine She was happy we all are safe The third high school in the multi-high school reunion was the Divine ord Academy (D A) cept for hours of fears, tension and no sleep till the early morning the following day due to the lockdown, all the BFFs in attendance were safe and sound Going back to the Tropicana otel at 00 in the morning the following day when they were released by the police, Dave and company have to rush to the airport only to find out their ight was cancelled All morning ights were cancelled but they were able to get booking for alternate ight bound to Atlanta and then to Georgia where they were able to get back home to South Carolina They were given preferential treatment from ticketing to meals and other airline services because they came from the Las egas massacre which suddenly became an international breaking news

ere comes the legendary Cha-

(Continue on page 27) (Continue on page 27)

e were also due to go back to San Francisco the following day but since our ight was in the afternoon where afternoon ights were not cancelled, we were able to y safely back to San Francisco as scheduled (Continue on page 27)

The legendary Chavit Singson, still active and busy as ever

BETING DOLOR

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO

TEDDY P. MOLINA Breaking Through

IMMIGRATIONS

Are you deportable for committing a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT)?

Acrime involving moral turpitude can make you inadmissible and deportable D S will find inadmissibility when you travel outside the U S and then return ou will be sent to second interview where they will ask you uestions 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 in ict great bodily harm, as well as some reckless or malicious o enses and some o enses with lewd intent

A nonciti en 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

To prevent deportability for a single CIMT ask your attorney to

a) Avoid a conviction by getting pre plea diversion or treatment in uvenile proceedings or

b) Plead to an o ense that is not a CIMT or

c) Avoid a potential one year sentence by pleading to a misdemeanor with a si month ma imum 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 ma imum possible sentence of si 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 ad usting status within the U S

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

A nonciti en 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 adusted status

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

A nonciti en is INADMISSIBL FOR MORAL TURPITUD , USC 2(a)(2)(A) if Inadmissible for One or More Convictions of a CIMT

There is an e ception which is Petty O ense ception automatically means the person is not inadmissible for CIMT

To ualify for the e ception

a) Defendant must have committed only one CIMT ever

b) The o ense must have a potential sentence of one year or less ere a one year misdemeanor, or a felony wobbled down to a misdemeanor, will ualify for the e ception

c) Sentence imposed is si months or less For e ample, suspended imposition of sentence, three years probation, si months ail ordered as a condition of probation will ualify outhful Offender ception applies rarely, but benefits youth who were convicted as adults

A nonciti en is not inadmissible for CIMT if he or she committed only one CIMT ever, while under the age of , 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 Lo ano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse which could lead to deportation and family separation

IMPORTANT

P

Economic managers raise 2023 PHL inflation outlook

MANILA conomic managers have revised the government s in ation assumption for this year as prices of basic goods, energy and transport rates remain on the rise given the same direction for oil prices

In a briefing, Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, also head of the inter-agency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), said the latest in ation assumption for this year has been hiked to a range of 5 to percent from 2 5 to 5 percent

Nevertheless, the government, through the Inter-Agency Committee on In ation and Market Outlook (IAC-IMO), is committed to pursuing an all-of-government approach to continuously implement immediate and medium-term strategies to alleviate in ation, ensure food and energy security, and return to the target range of 2- percent between 202 and 202 , she said

The rate of price increases in the country slowed for the third consecutive month last March to percent from percent the previous month, and the -year high of percent last anuary

The average in ation in the first uarter this year stood at percent, way above the government s 2 to percent target band until 202

Monetary authorities e pect in ation to return to within-target levels in the last uarter of this year, with the average in ation forecast for this year at percent

The DBCC lowered its assumption for Dubai crude oil for this year to USD 0USD 0 per barrel from US 0-US 00 per barrel which, Pangandaman said, was made in line with the latest easing of prices of oil in the international market

prices over the medium term, she said

Pangandaman said the assumption for the e change rate for the Philippine peso and the US dollar this year was changed to 5 to 5 from 55 to 5 , and this range is epected to be maintained at the same level until 202

This positive outturn is attributed to the BSP s policy normali ation measures, as well as e pected in ows from improvements in tourism revenues and OF (overseas Filipino workers) remittances due to the reopening of the country s economy, she said

Another item that was changed is the assumption for the services e ports for this and ne t year following the recovery of the tourism sector and the continued resilience of the BPO (business process outsourcing) sector

The latest figures are at percent and percent for this year and ne t year, respectively, from 2 percent and percent previously.

ANNOUNC M NT

TITION FOR NURS S L N AND CAR GI RS

Our Law Firm entered into agreement with nursing facilities in the U S to process applicants for Nurses, L N and Caregivers in the US

ou may ualify if you have RN or L N license Caregivers will need a year of caregiving e perience

Applicants Inside or outside the United States may ualify

Bankruptcy Basics

e also process Bankruptcy cases

Bankruptcy will actually improve your credit within one year because your unsecured debts are discharged Although the bankruptcy will be in your records for 0 years, not filing bankruptcy will make your credit even worse until most your debts are paid.

2 If you are being sued by your creditors, most money udgment can be eliminated in bankruptcy.

Collection actions continue and you can be sued if you are in debt settlement

Chapter will eliminate all unsecured debts If you are near retirement age, you must eliminate most of your debts

CAR

ACCID NTS

Our Law Firm successfully settled a car accident for 5 000

FAMIL LA

e also handle uncontested DI ORC

ITIN and INCOM TA PROBL MS

e can help you if you need an ITIN (Individual Ta payer ID number) e also prepare income ta returns and if you are under IRS audit, and need a representation with IRS, need to reduce your ta liability or need to o er a payment plan to IRS, we can help you with that SUCC SS STORI S

For the month of March 202 , we received approval from USCIS for three naturali ation applications, one Fianc e visa petition, one removals of condition on residence and five ad ustment of status applications

If you have immigration problems the Law Offices of Crispin C Lo ano can help you find a solution before your problem gets worse, which could lead to deportation and family separation Chris Caday Lo ano, s is an active member of the State Bar of California, the American Immigration Lawyers Association and San Francisco Trial Lawyers e has practiced immigration law, bankruptcy, personal in ury and income ta representation since une is contact phone is - - 5 - 2 , email info CCLlaw net ebsite www crispinlo anolaw com with offices in ayward and Cerritos, CA

The latest forecasts suggest that global crude oil prices will continue to decline in 202 before stabili ing at US 0- 0 per barrel between 2025 and 202 as the latest forecasts suggest falling global crude oil

Pangandaman said services imports growth estimates were also hiked from percent to percent for 202 and from percent to 0 percent for 202

The trade assumptions re ect the gradual normali ation of economic activity both globally and domestically, she added

SM eyes $1-B REIT listing by H2

PASA CIT The country s largest mall operator SM Prime oldings, Inc aims for a real estate investment trust (R IT) listing in the second half of the year to raise US billion

SM Prime president e rey Lim made the announcement during the company s annual stockholders meeting in Pasay City

Lim said they have started the process of incorporating the R IT company and are now in discussion with its advisers, including banks, accounting and legal e can launch the R IT by the second half of this year, of course sub ect to market conditions, especially now that interest rates still keep on moving up, he said.

In a press conference, Lim said the total valuation for its R IT listing will be around US 5 billion to US billion e said the company s R IT unit will initially involve 2 to 5 of its shopping centers.

SM Prime currently owns and operates 2 shopping malls in the country and

seven malls in China

And I think right now, probably we have 0 to 5 (shopping malls) are fully matured So, we can easily transfer 2 to 5 into the R IT, and then the rest will be in the future for the growth of the SM R IT, Lim said

SM Prime chief finance officer ohn Nai Peng Ong said proceeds from the R IT listing will be used for the firm s e pansion pro ects

If we will be able to proceed with it, that proceeds of the US billion will be used for the SM Prime s e pansion proects --for our recurring business, malls, residences, commercial and hotels but also including Bay City reclamation proect here in Pasay, Ong added

Reclamation pro ect

The 2-hectare Island A of SM Prime s reclamation pro ect has already emerged from the sea The company targets Islands B and C to shape up in second half of 202

A big chunk of the R IT proceeds will finance the reclamation pro ect

Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman

Harry Belafonte, Jamaican-American Singer, Actor, Activist, Dies at 96

BySelen Oztur , Ethnic Media Services

Harry Belafonte, the Jamaican-American singer, actor, and political activist, died aged on Tuesday.

His longtime publicist Ken Sunshine said Belafonte died of congestive heart failure at his Manhattan, New York home, his wife Pamela Frank beside him.

Belafonte is most widely known for his hit songs “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song,” “Jump in the Line (Shake, Señora),” and “Jamaica Farewell,” released in the mid-1950s and early 1960s. His third studio album, “Calypso” (1956), stayed at the top of the Billboard chart for weeks, and was the first album by one artist to sell over one million copies within a year. Three years later, he was the highest-paid Black performer in history.

On Twitter, President Biden eulogized this “groundbreaking American who used his talent and voice to help redeem the soul of our nation. Harry Belafonte’s accomplishments are legendary and his legacy of outspoken advocacy, compassion, and respect for dignity will endure forever.”

Born in Harlem in to Jamaican-born parents Harold George Bellanfanti Sr., a chef, and Melvine, a housekeeper, he lived from age five to with his grandmother in Kingston, Jamaica. He returned to New York to attend George Washington High School, dropped out for reasons of dyslexia and delinquency, and served in the Navy during World War II.

Though a calypso, folk, gospel, and blues musician, Belafonte was also a stage, T and film actor from the 1940s through the 2010s. In 1954, when Black faces on Broadway beyond what he deemed “Uncle Tom” roles were few and far between, he won a Tony award for starring in the musical revue “John Murray Anderson’s Almanac In 5 , he became the first Black performer to win an Emmy for the TV show “Tonight with Harry

Belafonte.”

On Twitter, Mia Farrow bid farewell to this “beautiful singer, brilliant and brave civil rights activist, a deeply moral and caring man.”

The rapper Ice Cube called him “more than a singer, more than an actor and more than a man.”

The activist and football quarterback Colin Kaeperinick quoted Belafonte himself, writing “Movements don’t die, because struggle doesn’t die.”

Belafonte’s boundarybreaking success continued in ollywood is first lead role, in Robert Rossen’s drama “Island in the Sun” (1957) alongside Joan Fontaine, was part of the first interracial romance between a Black man and a white woman in the country.

Although his acting career continued as late as Spike Lee’s Oscar-winning “BlacKkKlansman” (2018), in which he fittingly played an aging political activist, Belafonte devoted himself to civil rights from the late 1950s on.

Alongside his mentor the singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson he counted among his friends Sidney Poitier, Joan Baez, Marlon Brando, Muhammad Ali, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr., who Belafonte bailed out of jail in 1963.

Mar�n Luther King Jr., le�, and Harry Belafonte, right, at a U.S. civil rights gala in Paris on March 29, 1966. Credit AGIP/RDA/Evere� Collec�on.

First-time screen partners Alden Richards and Julia Montes show each other their ‘real’ selves

In a Twitter Q&A session back in 2012, Alden Richards was asked by a fan which actresses he would like to work with in the future. Julia Montes was one of them.

Eleven years later, in what seems to be another instance of a celebrity manifesting dreams into reality, Alden and Julia are set to make their debut as screen partners in the upcoming romantic drama movie “Five Breakups and a Romance.”

“I once tweeted about wanting to work with her. I had already forgotten about it. But then the fans were able to unearth my old tweets!” Alden said at a recent press conference. “I got excited when I found out that I was going to be paired with Julia, because I know how brilliant an actress she is.”

The two actors knew each other from their respective films and television series “I watched her movie ‘Way Back Home.’ Of course, I also knew about ‘Mara Clara’ and ‘Doble Kara,’” Alden said.

“The last one I saw from Alden was his soap ‘The World Between Us,’” Julia said. So how did their first meeting go hat was their first impression of each other Alden admitted that he found ulia intimidating. “Before working together, I thought of her as a strong woman, someone who knows what she wants. Now that I’ve gotten to know her, I found that she has all those traits and uses them for good,” he told the Inquirer.

From our first meeting alone, I could immediately tell that she would be easy to work with,” Alden added. “So I get excited every time we see each other for this project That s the vibe she gives o , so I try to reciprocate that. When I’m with her, I feel like I can be my raw self.” Julia, on the other hand, had always had a hunch that Alden is a “kind” person. She was right. “And he proved that he was more than what I expected,” she told the Inquirer. “I realized that he is where he is right now as Alden Richards because of who he is.”

“Usually, we just know him from interviews and what other people or his friends say about him. But the real Alden, which not a lot of people see, I was blessed to have seen for myself,” she said. Directed by Irene Villamor, “Five Breakups”— which will be shot partly in Singapore— will tackle “the complexities of romance and relationships in the modern era.”

‘Flower’ ni Beauty Gonzalez nag-viral, asawang si Norman Crisologo na-shock: hat ower are you talking about Gab Valenciano tuluyan nang nilisan ang Pinas, sa US na maninirahan: ‘I’m back in LA for good…a new season, a new chapter, a new step…’

“We’re used to stories where we already know where they’re headed. This movie is about the realities of relationships the petty or big fights that people don’t really show to the public. It’s about

complications and misunderstandings. And I hope the film makes viewers feel like, ‘This happened to me’ or ‘This is me now,’” he related.

“Love is a complicated thing and something you don’t know anymore if you’re fighting for the right reasons or people, he added.

“Love doesn’t come with a manual or guidelines,” Julia pointed out. “So we don’t really know when enough is enough or when to stop. We all have our way of giving love And your story can be di erent from my story. But in the end, love is

something you can’t really plan or prepare for.”

Shooting has already started, and the first two days saw the two actors already doing the heavy dramatic scenes. So it was important that they feel comfortable with each other from the get-go.

“We already did some big scenes, the confrontations… It’s a big thing that you’re comfortable with your costar because you can’t fake connection. Sometimes, the characters you play are very di erent from your real personalities, but the connection has to be there,” Julia said.

Lea Salonga to perform at White House state dinner with 2 other Broadway stars

By Claire Morales True Special to Philippine News Today

WASHINGTON D.C. - Yes, Virginia, multiple award-winning Filipino Broadway star Lea Salonga will be at the White House.

But no, it’s not during US President Joe Biden’s meeting starting May with Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but with another Asian leader, South Korea’s President, Yoon Suk-yeol, who is on a state visit a week earlier.

The star of the acclaimed “Miss Saigon” was invited to the White House together with two other Broadway stars -- Norman Lewis and Jessica Vosk.

Reports from the White House and Broadway stated that Lea Salonga, Norman Lewis, a Tony nominee, and Jessica Vosk who starred in “Wicked” will perform at the state dinner for the South Korean President on April 26 (US time).

Salonga, 52, whose full name is Maria Lea Carmen Imutan Salonga and is married to Robert Charles Chien with a daughter, shared the reports on her own website and Twitter account and wrote, “This is happening!”

Reports on Lea’s newest event was

widely circulated in Manila through ABSCBN, GMA News, the newspapers Daily Inquirer and Manila Bulletin, among others.

Earlier, Lea Salonga announced her Broadway comeback as a cast member and production sta of the musical ere Lies Love,” which is about the late Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and former First Lady Imelda Marcos. Salonga will play the role of Aurora Aquino, the mother of the late senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. in the musical.

“Here Lies Love” will have a limited engagement from July 11 to August 13 at New York City’s Broadway Theatre, where Lea made her Broadway debut 30 years ago in “Miss Saigon.”

Joining Lea in the musical are Conrad Ricamora and Jose Llana who will play Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. and Ferdinand Marcos, respectively.

President Biden will be joined by First Lady Jill Biden while President Yoon Suk Yeol will have First Lady Kim Keon Hee during the April 26 state dinner at the White House.

In her own website post, the Filipino singer and actress shared a Broadway World report which stated that the event, hosted

by first lady, ill Biden, will also have Korean-American James Beard Award-winning chef, Edward Lee as event’s guest chef.

According to the report, Lea Salonga is renowned across the world for her powerful voice and perfect pitch. She is best known for her Tony Award winning role in Miss Saigon. In addition to the Tony, she has won the Olivier, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World Awards, in the field of musical theatre

The Broadway World also reported that Lea Salonga was also the first Asian to play ponine in the musical Les Miseìrables on Broadway and returned to the beloved show as Fantine in the 2006 revival.

According to the report, many fans of all ages recognize Lea as the singing voice of Princess Jasmine from Aladdin and Fa Mulan for Mulan and Mulan II. For her portrayal of the beloved princesses, the Walt Disney Company bestowed her with the honor of “Disney Legend.”

The report posted by the multi-awarded Filipino actress and singer also stated that Lea’s 2019 The Human Heart Tour saw sold-out audiences and record-breaking sales across North America and the United Kingdom.

On Broadway, Lea most recently starred in the 2018 Broadway revival of Once on This Island as the Goddess of Love, Erzulie, the report added. The show’s return to the Broadway stage earned a Tony Award for “Best Revival of a Musical” and also garnered Lea and the cast a Grammy nomination for “Best Musical Theater Album.”

In the fall of 2015 Lea began her critically acclaimed run as Kei Kimura in the Broadway production of Allegiance. The musical, inspired and developed by legendary actor George Takei, tells the story of a

Japanese American family forced into an internment camp during World War II.

It was reported that chef Lee was personally selected by First Lady Jill Biden for his orean-in uenced Southern American cuisine.

Lee won a James Beard Award for his cookbook Buttermilk Graffiti, is the owner of 610 Magnolia restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky, and is culinary director for Washington, D.C. restaurant Succotash.

Lee worked alongside White House chef Cristeta Comerford, a Filipino American who graduated from the University of the Philippines, to develop the menu, which will be announced later.

According to the White House, the state dinner hosted by First Lady Jill Biden will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and South Korea.

The name of Lea Salonga will be added to a list of international celebrities who have performed at the White House. They include Usher, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Aretha Franklin, Buddy Guy, Ricky Martin, Regina Belle, B.B. King, and Esperanza Spalding, among others.

2023 Philippine Independence celebration in San Jose

San Jose City District Councilmember David Cohen joins District Supervisor Otto Lee, Filipino-American City Employees of San Jose (FACEs), and Bayanihan Fil-Am Foundation (BFF) in celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence through BFF2023 Fiesta on Saturday, June 10th and Flag Raising on Monday, June 12th. BFF have been at the forefront of organizing these celebrations for over eleven years. BFF2023 is a way of introducing Filipino culture to the larger Santa Clara community. In past years, with the support and partnership of Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee and past Councilmember Sylvia Arenas, we successfully raised the ag and celebrated with great pride at the County and City, which allowed us to showcase and share our unique cultural heritage and contribute to further enrich the multi-cultural diversity of the county. This year, we will continue our tradition with back-to-back events

commemorating the declaration of Independence and tradition. Our programs will consist of ag raising, cultural performances, local talents, prize drawings, free health screening, free legal clinic, resource fair, food booth, games, and so much more.

Please join us in commemorating the 125th Anniversary of the Philippine Independence. Mark your calendar for the following events:

FIESTA: Saturday, June 10th from 11am-4pm at Santa Clara County, W. Hedding St, San Jose

Flag Raising: Monday, June 12th from 5pm-8pm at San José City Hall, E. Santa Clara St, San Jose

For more information, please contact: Rose Flores 408-463-8650 rdwf@ live.com

Michelle Amores 408-712-1008 Ramvirgo112@gmail.com

Evangeline Sangalang 408987-1052 angelsjvr@gmail.com

Distict 3 Supervisor Otto Lee, District 4 Council member David Cohen and Bayanihan Fil-Am Foundation

GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV, and GMA News

and its affiliates in their respective countries and territories, i antTFC continues to solidify its position in the global video streaming industry as the primary home of Filipino stories Available in 2 countries and territories, i antTFC is accessible via multiple viewing devices, and has the largest library of Filipino content, whether original movies or series, classic or restored, news, sports, live channels and on-demand shows.

SAN FRANCISCO, California – Two Asian media giants, ABS-CBN and GMA, make history with the collaboration of ABS-CBN International and GMA Network, Inc. to o er outside of the Philippines GMA s international channels GMA Pinoy T , GMA Life T , and GMA News T , as well as certain GMA on-demand programs, on i antTFC starting May this year.

The collaboration benefits i antTFC viewers in Asia Pacific (APAC), specifically in Australia, New ealand, apan, South orea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Macau, Brunei, ietnam, India, Laos, Myanmar, and Pakistan in urope, covering Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Swit erland, and the United ingdom in Middle ast namely, Afghanistan, Cyprus, Ira , Israel, Libya, Palestine, Turkey and emen in North Africa covering Algeria, Chad, D ibouti, Malta, Mauritania, Morocco, Somalia, and Tunisia and in certain territories in the South Pacific Caribbean Islands where the three GMA channels and certain GMA on-demand programs will be available on i antTFC

GMA is the Philippines leading broadcasting company, while its overseas arm, GMA International, provides premium Filipino content distributed across multiple platforms globally GMA International o ers a diverse selection of linear and on-demand programming designed to serve the needs of the global Filipino audience

ABS-CBN s i antTFC is the world s leading Filipino streaming platform Distributed by ABS-CBN International

‘Hamilton’ extends Manila run until Nov. 26

ith the agreement, viewers of i antTFC in select countries and territories in APAC, M NA, urope, and the South Pacific Caribbean Islands can en oy watching GMA Pinoy T , GMA Life T , GMA News T , and GMA programs on demand on i antTFC, including Maria Clara at Ibarra, Abot amay na Pangarap, Apoy sa Langit, First aya, and The orld Between Us, among others starting May

As GMA Network s agship international channel, GMA Pinoy T delivers e ceptional Filipino entertainment and news programming since its inception in 2005 GMA Life T , on the other hand, was launched in 200 and delivers a diverse range of program genres that include lifestyle, travel, food, health and beauty, talk and infotainment, blockbuster movies, and top-rated nglish-dubbed drama series, all available in nglish and Filipino Backed by the most trusted and multi-awarded Philippine news and public a airs teams, GMA News T has been providing global Filipinos with the latest, most comprehensive, and most credible news from the Philippines since 20 GMA On Demand is the go-to source for the most premium content from GMA with its unparalleled selection of catch-up, subscription, and transactional OD content

GMA Network remains true to our vision of enriching the lives of Filipinos with superior entertainment and the responsible, unbiased, and timely delivery of accurate news and information, shared GMA Network Senior ice President for Finance and ICT Ronaldo Mastrili. “This collaboration with ABS-CBN is another validation of this commitment

as we make our world-class content available to a wider audience At the end of the day, the Filipino viewers our boss will greatly benefit from this, he added

GMA International takes another bold step in bringing world-class content to our global Filipino audience with this historic collaboration with i antTFC in selected territories, said GMA Network First ice President and ead of International Operations oseph Francia GMA has always welcomed collaborations, especially those that involve bringing Filipinos closer together e remain grateful for the continued trust of ABS-CBN, this time around through i antTFC ABS-CBN has always focused on being in the service of the Filipino Our i antTFC platform is committed to providing the widest spectrum of Filipino content appreciated and en oyed by our countrymen worldwide e are delighted to add a slate of live streaming channels and popular shows from GMA to our ever-growing news and entertainment o erings As the home of Filipino stories, we will continue to give our audience easy access to content they trust us to deliver, said ABS-CBN International Managing Director un Del Rosario

For more information or to start watching in your location GMA Pinoy T , GMA Life T , and GMA News T , the latest channel additions to i antTFC, the home of Filipino stories, visit https www iwanttfc com

Good news for amilton fans the hit musical will be adding show dates for its Philippine leg GMG Productions announced that amilton will be e tending its Manila run until Nov 2 , citing an overwhelming demand in the ticket pre-sale which started earlier in the day.

New tickets will be made available to the waitlist and the general public, it said in its advisory ritten by actor-playwright Lin-Manuel Miranda, amilton was initially supposed to close on Nov 2

The award-winning sung-and-rapped-through musical narrates the life of Ale ander amilton, one of North America s foremost founding fathers The play is also based on Ron Chernow s 200 book of the same name The show will premiere in Manila on Sept

Condo developer to venture into ‘lot only’ biz

PASAY CITY – With the growing demand from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to buy parcel of land to build their own houses, condominium builder SM Development Corporation (SMDC) will be launching a “lot only” product line.

SMDC president Jose Mari Banzon said this new product line of the company will be located in Pampanga, Tarlac, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Bacolod.

e will be selling the a ordable ones ou cannot find properties in Metro Manila For that, you have to go outside,” he told reporters on the sidelines of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. in Pasay City.

Banzon said the company wants to tap the “big opportunity” in selling parcel of land only, with bulk of these demands coming from OFWs.

“Actually, when our people go overseas, many of our overseas Filipinos look for lots only because when they come home in Manila, they want to build their homes themselves, that’s one; and number two, is also for their children -- investing for their children,” he said.

Meanwhile, SMDC will be launching 10 condominium projects this 2023 worth P80 billion.

“We normally roll them out as the sales dictate. For example, when sales are strong, if existing inventory is depleting, then, we can throw them out,” Banzon added.

Meanwhile, an executive of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) underscored the company’s willingness to work with the government to further boost infrastructure development in the country.

During the company’s virtual annual stockholders

meeting, ALI chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala said “at the Ayala Group, we’ve always aligned our business aspirations with the needs of our country.”

Zobel also cited the establishment of the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), which is tasked to study the situation and recommend projects that will bolster development of the country’s infrastructure, and disclosed that several officials of Ayala Group are part of

“I think we’ve had a long history on that front. Our President has recogni ed the significance, I think, in this administration of the private sector‘s involvement in tackling persistent development challenges,” he said.

Zobel said ALI can participate in some of the infrastructure projects, tourism, and job creation opportunities that may arise from initiatives of the government.

“As part of the private sector, we’re eager to develop meaningful solutions in these areas. Ayala aims to continue its role as a positive partner of the government in these and many other areas,” he added.

The government intends to sustain the increase of its infrastructure investment to around percent of domestic output to ensure a long-term gain for the domestic economy.

Among the projects that were recently approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board are the construction of the PHP6-billion University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Cancer Center, the PHP17-billion new Dumaguete airport, and an increase in the budget for the rehabilitation of the Metro Rail Transit Line (MRT 3) rehabilitation project.

Help for those who have lower Fico Scores to get better rates than those who has higher Fico Scores

Help for those who have lower Fico Scores to get better rates than those who has higher Fico Scores

Homebuyers with good credit scores will soon be facing higher mortgage fees as the Biden administration seeks to close the racial homeownership gap and get more firsttime and low-income buyers through the door. A new federal rule could raise the monthly mortgage payments of buyers with good credit scores by over $60 a month, while riskier borrowers will get more favorable terms because their fees will be reduced.

Starting in May, the current structure of the Loan-Level Price Adjustment (LLPA) matrix will be upended by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) in the hope of addressing housing a ordability challenges in the U S

But there have been complaints that the rule change is unfair and potentially ine ective

“In the short term, this may increase homeownership among the targeted group, but I’m afraid it could decrease homeownership among the middle class,” Jerry Howard, CEO of the National Association of Home Builders, told Newsweek. “I’m not sure that we’re not robbing Peter to pay Paul here.”

Only about 25 percent of homebuyers with Federal Housing Administration loans are people of color, according to the White House. Black and Hispanic people, on average, have fewer savings to use as a down payment on a home and tend to have lower credit scores, according to David Stevens, former CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) and a former FHA commissioner during the Obama administration. The current policy is being rolled out by the FHFA.

He told Newsweek that this can be attributed to factors like distrust in the banking system or being a first-generation American e added that low credit scores can be a significant barrier to homeownership.

I see this new ruling that it may actually help those who su ered during the pandemic and is not trying to make better of their situation, we have to look at this from both sides. I also figured out that those who really have bad credit will not be able to take advantage of this rate reduction because there will be a limititation.

But in order for the FHFA to close the gap by bringing down LLPAs for those borrowers, the agency will compensate for the reduction in borrowing fees by raising the LLPAs of borrowers with higher credit scores, who tend to be white.

The average credit score in white communities was 727 in 2021, compared with 667 in Hispanic communities and 627 in Black communities, according to data analyzed by FinMasters, a personal finance blog

Although the new rule, which takes e ect May , is designed to assist low-income and minority borrowers by encouraging homeownership, industry experts have expressed concern that the plan fails to meet that goal.

Stevens said that while the generational limitations on homeownership among racial groups in the U.S. need to be addressed, FHFA director Sandra Thompson’s actions weren’t enough to lower borrowing costs to the point it will “make a di erence

“We just went through to this completely convoluted discipline around risk-based pricing in the hopes of accomplishing something that isn’t going to be accomplished,” he said.

However, in a statement shared with Newsweek, the FHFA defended the changes. It called the recalibration of its pricing framework “minimal” and stressed that the agency’s goal of making sure that the government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac fulfill their role in any market condition.”

But former National Economic Council director Larry Kudlow said those GSEs have never “penalized” people who don’t need government programs to help them own homes, calling the Biden administration’s new rule a “middle-class tax hike.” e learned the hard way in 200 that if you can t a ord a home, just getting a subsidy one time to get a mortgage, you won’t be able to carry it,” Kudlow told Fox News on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the National Association of Realtors (NAR) told Newsweek that a GSE could still incentivize homeowners without punishing others and stressed that such a move is “especially needed” at a time when

(Continue on page 27)

Pacquiao testifies in case trial in California court, mulls comeback fight

LOS ANGELES, California – As reports swirl that Filipino boxing icon Emmanuel Manny Pac uiao is set to fight professionally again anytime this year, he ew to Los Angeles and testified as a witness in the civil lawsuit brought on by Paradigm Sports Management.

Paradigm sued Pacquiao in 2021 for alleged breach of contract in connection with the botched fight with UFC star Connor McGregor who was represented by Paradigm .

The sports management company had signed Pacquiao in February 2020 with talks of a possible megafight between him and the British UFC fighter

McGregor.

Paradigm sought to block the Pacuiao-Spence fight Spence eventually pulled out of the fight due to in ury and was replaced by ordenis Ugas

Last year, Pacquiao countered the said lawsuit with his own cross-complaint against Paradigm.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao was reported to be close to making his professional boxing return.

Pacquiao admitted that he dreamed of making a comeback and was already in training, Asian MMA reported

“There is still that dream to return to boxing. Right now, I’m focused on train-

ing and conditioning so I will not lose my speed and power,” Pacquiao was quoted as saying in the report.

Earlier, it was bruited about that Pac uiao was to fight one of the brightest stars in the sport identified as Conor Benn last June in Abu Dhabi, but this fi led out

In his last professional fight in Aug 2021, Pacquiao lost a unanimous decision to ordenis Ugas before returning for an exhibition with South Koreab DK Yoo last December.

ABS-CBN and TFC reported that Pacquiao’s jury trial began last month in Orange County. Earlier this April, PSM’s

founder and C O Audie Attar testified in several hearings.

Pacquiao was at the witness stand for six hours on Monday and answered questions from his lawyer Bruce Cleeland before a cross examination by Paradigm’s attorney, Judd Burstein, TFC and ABS-CBN reported.

The boxing legend and former lawmaker arrived in the U S over the weekend with his wife Jinkee, where they attended the Tank Davis-Ryan Garcia fight

Pacquiao returns to the courthouse on Wednesday, with the jury set to begin its deliberations by Thursday.

Marcos sends off, rallies athletes for SEA Games

MANILA - Some 107 million Filipinos will be cheering the Philippines’ 840-strong delegation as it competes in the 32nd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Monday, emphasizing the country has high hopes for the Filipino athletes in the regional sporting event.

“You have 107 million na kakampi na walang ginawa kung hindi magdasal na maging successful sa inyo, walang ginawa kung hindi isipin kung papaano kayo panalunin, kung papaano kayo tulungan, kung papaano kayong palakasin,” President Marcos said during the send-o rites for the athletes at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

“Alam naman ninyo. Kahit nandoon kayo sa Phnom Penh, kahit nasa Cambodia kayo ay maririnig niyo. Basta makinig kayo nang mabuti, maririnig niyo ‘yung sigaw namin to encourage you,” he said.

And with the hard work of the athletes, trainers, and coaches, the President expects them to bring home medals, trophies and honor after the event.

Highlighting the importance of sports to society, President Marcos vowed to continue backing Filipino athletes and the Philippine sports programs.

“If this administration, this government, can do anything more to support our athletes, to support sports in our country, that this administration can do, that I personally can do, you please make sure you will tell me because we are all rooting for you,” he said.

Sport is one of the very few activities without a downside, the President said, stressing its importance to athlete’s discipline, health and overall camaraderie.

At the same time, President Marcos honored those who have always been in the sporting arena and have managed to make a name for themselves and put the Philippines on the athletic map, thanking them for the honor and the glory that they brought to the country.

The 32nd SEA Games will take place from May to 17 in Cambodia, with Filipino athletes vying for podium finishes in 38 disciplines at the region’s biggest biennial multisport event.

Joining the President were Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, Philippine Sports Commission Chairperson Richard Bachmann, Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino and other officials

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), meanwhile, vowed to fully support the members of Team Philippines when they compete in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games scheduled May to May 17 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

PSC chairperson Richard Bachmann said the support includes funding preparation, supplies, manpower and logistics.

Asked to predict Team Philippines finish in the biennial meet, Bachmann said he hopes for a better performance this year.

“I just want to support them. If we were fourth place last year, then hopefully we can improve this year,” Bachmann said during his guesting at the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Com-

plex in Manila.

Team Philippines will be banking on the 840-strong Philippine delegation that will carry the country’s tricolors in 38 disciplines in the biggest biennial multisport event in the region.

Boxing, one of the country’s medalrich sports, will be bannered by 2020 Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam. Olympian and world gymnastics champion Carlos Yulo and world No. pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena are also strong gold medal contenders in Cambodia meet.

Weightlifting Olympian Elreen Ando and Asian champion Vanessa Sarno will spearhead the national weightlifting squad in the absence of the Philippines first Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz who is deep in training to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“Our national athletes have been working hard and hopefully, all their hard work will pay o , added Bachmann who has

been visiting the training and preparations of the di erent national teams since anuary.

Aside from the SEA Games, Bachmann also encouraged each National Sports Association (NSA) to look at the bigger picture, especially at other major events that are also set this year like the Asian Games, World Championships, and qualifying events for the Paris Olympics.

“I’m not putting down the Southeast Asian Games, I’m just saying that, we should win that all the time. We have many events this year, suportahan natin ang atletang Pilipino (let’s support the Filipino athletes),” Bachmann said.

There will be a send-o party for Team Philippines on April 24 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

No less than President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. is expected to attend.

County of Santa Clara Teams Up with Valley Transportation Authority to Get the Word Out: Call 988 for Mental Health Crisis

High-profile ads on public transit are latest addition to yearlong campaign encouraging residents to use new service for mental health and substance use crisis support

SANTA CLARA COUNT , CALIF

The County of Santa Clara Behavioral ealth Services Department (B SD) has teamed up with the Santa Clara alley Transportation Authority ( TA) as part of a high-visibility, multi-lingual campaign to raise awareness about critical mental health services The campaign aims to let the community know that they can access mental health crisis and suicide prevention services any time 2 hours a day, seven days a week by dialing

The new ads including a wrapped bus and placards inside and on TA vehicles, and at transit stops throughout the county promote the County s Crisis and Suicide Prevention Lifeline (CSPL) Ads highlight the new CSPL number as easy to remember and easy to dial the number to call when you are having a mental health crisis or are concerned about someone else who may need help The ads also include an 00 number, for people with phones from outside the 0 , 50 or area codes, that gives them direct access to the County CSPL

The lifeline makes it easier than ever to access the kind of critical help that is needed for individuals e periencing a mental health crisis, said Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors President Susan llenberg Unlike many communities, Santa Clara County has sta ed mobile crisis teams to respond in the field when necessary a tremendous resource that ensures residents get the right kind of help in situations where traditional emergency services may not be appropriate

TA Chief System Safety Officer Aston Green said public transit can play a key role in getting the word out about

Local transit vehicles can act as rolling billboards to get widespread messaging

(From Page 1)

This as live-fire training, using naval artillery gunfire and aviation rockets and bombs to sink a vessel in the est Philippine Sea, where China continues its aggressive maneuvers, will highlight the epanded Balikatan military e ercises of troops of the two countries starting ne t month

It was gathered that the military drill will also feature the first live-firing of a US Patriot missile as part of e ercises in coastal defense

The e panded Balikatan oint USPhilippines war e ercises will open on April and scheduled to end on April 2 It will be staged in Batanes, Palawan and ambales

The war drills will be participated in by ,000 troops, the biggest since the drills started years ago These will include 2,000 Americans and 5,000 Filipinos In addition, troops from apan, South orea, Australia and New ealand will oin as observers

Some members of the US forces oining the Balikatan drills arrived in the Philippines on March 20

Col Medel Aguilar, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

out to the community that there is hope and help for those in crisis, Green said TA is proud to partner with the County of Santa Clara Behavioral ealth Services Department to amplify messaging around services

The partnership is the latest e ort in a yearlong campaign that started last fall, featuring online, television, radio, and social media ads The campaign has rolled out in phases, each focused on a di erent community in Santa Clara County, including those who speak Spanish, ietnamese, Chinese, Tagalog, and Farsi These communities are reached through native language ads online, on social media, television, and radio, as well as in print Promotional materials in each campaign language have been, and continue to be, distributed to the public through community partner organi ations and county school districts

The lifeline is sta ed 2 hours a day, every day, with teams of trained counselors who can o er support by phone or an in-person response, depending on the nature of the situation Since its unveiling in mid- uly, more than 5,000 calls have been handled by crisis counselors owever, County officials said they e pect calls to will increase in the coming months as more people learn about the service Call data indicates that among the operators in Santa Clara County, ,000 to ,000 calls each month could be diverted to crisis call centers

Mental health issues are universal to all segments of society and are nondiscriminatory you will find them among all ages and ethnicities, regardless of socioeconomic status and geographical location, said Sherri Terao, Director of the County of Santa Clara Behavioral ealth Services De-

(AFP), said the troops will first work on various humanitarian civic assistance programs before the annual military e ercises formally begin April

Both the AFP and the Australian mbassy earlier confirmed that around 00 members of the Australian Defence Force would be active participants in the war drills

Australia is proud to return as an active participant in ercise Balikatan 202 This is a significant activity that o ers the opportunity for the Australian Defence Force to continue to work closely with our partners, particularly the Philippines and the US, the Australian mbassy in Manila said in a statement

In 202 , Australian participation will be our strongest yet -- with appro imately 00 personnel from conventional and special forces participating in multiple scenarios throughout the Philippines, this includes field training and live fire activities apan, meanwhile, will deploy observers

Tokyo and Manila are still in talks over the proposed establishment of a Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) or a Status of Forces Agreement which would

partment It is critical that we get the word out to the whole community, some of which may be harder to reach than others since they do not rely on traditional media outlets for news and information

Calls to are confidential and not identified Callers can re uest in-person response The goal of the CSPL is to deescalate situations by phone, and in-person response is only used in about of calls received

Our approach will always be to take the lowest level of response possible given the need and nature of the crisis, said Bruce Copley, Director of Access and Unplanned Services for the County B SD The lifeline will provide uick, compassionate and fitting support for people e periencing a crisis that could result in harm to themselves or others This can often be done through a phone consultation, with referral and connection to ongoing support as needed If it re uires in-person contact, we have teams to best facilitate such a response without aggravating the situation

A national model was rolled out last uly that focuses on suicide prevention hile the campaign is tied to the national e ort, the County s lifeline goes further In addition to supporting those in suicidal crises, in Santa Clara County supports those e periencing other emotional or mental health distress such as feelings of fearfulness, or other mental health or substance use crises Loved ones and others can also call if they are concerned for someone else

Callers seeking mental health and substance use crisis support should know

The service is free, anonymous, and confidential, with no information shared unless in-person dispatch is re uested

is sta ed 2 hours a day, seven days a week, by trained counselors

Language interpretation is available in more than 200 languages, including Spanish, ietnamese, Chinese, and Tagalog

In-person response is available if needed from the County s uni ue mobile crisis teams, made up of crisis clinicians and peer outreach specialists to help callers services that both involve or do not involve law enforcement are available

The lifeline also serves as a connection point for County Behavioral ealth Services and community-based organi ations

Calls to are routed by area code if the phone used does not have a 0 , 50 or area code, the Santa Clara County service can be accessed by calling - 00- 00 00 and pressing The same 00 number can be used for non-emergency calls to County Behavioral ealth Services regarding general mental health and substance use treatment services information and referrals

ABOUT T COUNT OF SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA

The County of Santa Clara government serves a diverse, multi-cultural population of million residents in Santa Clara County, Calif , making it more populous than states in the U S The County provides essential services to its residents, including public health protection, environmental stewardship, medical services through the County of Santa Clara ealth System, child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal ustice system, and many other public benefits

pave the way for more enhanced training and e ercises between the two nations

AFP Chief of Sta Gen Andres Centino led a Philippine delegation to the Defense and Security uipment International in Tokyo, apan on March to arlier announcement by the Armed Forces indicated that the target vessel will be located 22 kilometers from ambales or 5 kilometers from Panatag Shoal, the traditionally open fishing ground

which China sei ed from the Philippines and controlled since 20 2 e will be sinking a target vessel using a combination of artillery naval gunfire and aviation weapons e will be firing IMARS igh-Mobility Artillery Rocket System , a combination of Philippine Air Force and US Air Force rockets and bombs , Balikatan spokesperson Col Michael Logico said during a briefing

Children Are Dying at Rates Not Seen in 100 Years

BY PETER WHITE

Between 2019-2021, gun deaths among young Americans rose 50% and surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death for the first time

Guns and Kids Dying

Guns are the biggest killers of American children and are tied to an unprecedented rise in suicides and homicides among this generation, according to new data that paints a damming portrait of childhood mortality in the US

Drugs are now the third leading cause of death, according to the most recent figures

“Put in plain terms, it basically means the probability of young people reaching age 20 is now decreasing, said Steven oolf, a professor of Family Medicine and Population Health at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine e re now losing our most cherished population

oolf is the author of a new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showing that in addition to guns, deaths among adolescents from drug poisoning rose in 2020 In 202 , of all teen overdose deaths involved fentanyl

Speaking during thnic Media Services weekly news briefing last week, oolf stressed that death rates among infants, children, and teenagers in most industrialized countries have been falling for many years But in the US, pediatric success in treating childhood leukemia and curing birth defects has been o set by deaths from guns and drugs

Dr Steven oolf, MD, MP , Professor

of Family Medicine and Population Health at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, discusses one of the less considered impacts of gun violence – the diminishing likelihood that a child will reach adulthood

Rise in gun deaths

“This data was so striking to us and is obviously a trend,” said Kim Parker, director of Social and Demographic trends at Pew Research Center Pew conducted a national survey last fall looking at some of the most pressing concerns currently impacting parents and kids

Mental health topped the list Pew asked a very large sample of parents, broken down by racial and ethnic groups, how worried they were about their children getting shot

“Place and setting really matter,” Parker said

It turns out parents living in urban areas were significantly more likely to e press a high level of concern about their children or child being shot than parents in rural or suburban areas

Government figures show an overall increase in gun deaths of 23%, but the rate is twice that for young Americans In 202 , for this age group, 60% of gun deaths in the US were homicides, whereas 2 were suicides, says Parker

Homicide is the leading type of gun death among children, regardless of the age of the child Most gun deaths involving Black children in 2021 were homicides, whereas most gun deaths involving Asian and white children were suicides

Mass killings continue to make headlines about once a week in the US, including the recent shooting at a private elementary school in

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Nashville, Tennessee, where state lawmakers e pelled two Black legislators after they joined in protests calling for tighter gun control The two lawmakers were later reinstated But the incident highlighted the struggle gun-control advocates face in changing America s la gun laws

Still, oolf says school shootings do not account for the largest proportion of deaths among young people, which are occurring day by day

Fear, racism fuel gun sales

Research, including a paper from the National Institute of ealth, has demonstrated that the higher rates of gun violence that Black and Brown Americans e perience is directly linked to policies put in place to economically and socially marginalize their communities, says Kelly Sampson, Senior Counsel and Director of Racial ustice for Brady United

The US approach to guns and the Second Amendment is related to our history of white supremacy and racism, says Kelly Sampson, Senior Counsel and Director of Racial Justice for the nonprofit Brady United Against Gun iolence

“There is an interplay between the sheer number of people who feel the need to arm themselves, and the way that we characterize threats and safety, that is sort of underlying all of the gun culture in society,” she noted, adding self-defense is racially coded in American culture

The National Shooting Sports Federation reported gun sales have been going up for years and that in 2020, 40% of retail gun sales came from first-time buyers The FBI says million background checks were conducted in 2020, up from roughly 2 million in 20

The unprecedented rise in gun deaths among young Americans coincided with the banner year in gun sales in 2020

At least 20 years worth of research now show that having a gun in the home increases the risk of a gun-related death, oolf says Sampson stressed that ready access to firearms is what sets the US apart hat is di er-

ent about the US is its lack of regulation and the ease with which someone who is going through a mental health crisis, or who might be racist, or who is ust angry, can get access to a firearm and kill people

According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and plosives (ATF), only a small fraction of gun dealers sell about 90% of the guns that are traced to crime

Cracking down on the problematic dealers will go a long way to keeping guns from being used in crime, Sampson says

A moral obligation

The United Against Gun Violence website has a map that shows ATF dealer inspections in every state The Brady organi ation is working with state and federal authorities to target those specific gun dealers and manufacturers for inspection

“Too many of our children are dying sooner than they need to,” says Mayra Alvarez, President of The Children s Partnership, which works to advance child health and e uity in California

“Our children are dependent on the adults in their lives to take care of them and our elected officials, all of us, have a moral duty to take care of our kids, she said

Alvarez says passing common sense gun reform will reduce gun deaths among the young She says it s ust as important to make it easier to enroll in public benefit programs so families can access the health, the food, the housing and other supports that they need

“Those are all issues that are interconnected and related to the struggle of poverty, and what poverty is doing to contribute to these numbers today, she said

Social Security Update

PLAN YOUR RETIREMENT WITH SOCIAL SECURITY

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

Social Security benefits factor into the retirement plan of almost every American worker

If you are covered under Social Security, you should know how much you might receive in future benefits These monthly payments are likely to be an important part of your retirement income

e base your benefit payment on how much you earned during your working career igher lifetime earnings result in higher benefits If there were some years you didn t work or had low earnings, your benefit amount may be lower than if you had worked steadily or had higher earnings ven if you never worked and did not pay Social Security ta es, you may be eligible for benefits from a spouse s record ou must be at least 2 years old, and your spouse must already be receiving retirement or disability benefits

Our Retirement page at www ssa gov retirement is a great place to start mapping out your retirement plan

For e ample, have you considered

hen is the right time for you to start receiving your retirement benefits hat documents you may need to provide Social Security for your retirement application

hich factors may a ect your retirement benefits

ou can use your personal my Social Security account at www ssa gov myaccount to get an instant estimate of your future retirement benefits ou can also see the e ects of starting your retirement benefits at di erent ages

ou may also be wondering about Benefits for a spouse or children ow work a ects your benefits

If you will have to pay ta es on your benefits

Medicare ou can learn more at www ssa gov retirement Please share this information with your loved ones to help them prepare for their retirement

Watch For the Yellow Envelope – 15 Million California MediCal Enrollees’ Eligibility Under Review

By Mark Hedin

MediCal enrollees are encouraged to update their information to keep their status as the state reviews eligibility for the first time since the Covid pandemic

For the first time in three years, an estimated 80 million Americans whose health care is through Medicaid will have their eligibility for it checked

If you’re one of those people and live in California, keep an eye out for a yellow envelope appearing in your mailbo , state Department of Health Care Services officials said at an April 2 press briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services and California Black Media

2020 s Families First Coronavirus Response Act required Medicaid programs nationwide to keep everyone enrolled during the CO ID- public health emergency, suspending the redetermination process

But with that emergency now considered over as of March , states have to confirm everyone s eligibility again

California s Medicaid program, MediCal, is the country s largest, serving about 5 million people including 5 million children, 0 of them nonwhite Over the ne t months, the state will be reviewing accounts to make sure contact information is up to date and that everyone enrolled is still eligible

The yellow envelopes that began going out earlier this month in the mail indicate

that DHCS is requesting additional information If you get one of those, D CS Assistant Deputy Director Yingjia Huang said, reply within the deadline it states, usually about 5- 0 days

But people can also check their coverage status online and over the phone uang also estimates that 0 of Medi-Cal recipients will receive notices that they’ve been automatically renewed for a year

Health care for undocumented immigrants

On top of that, she noted, California has become the first state in the country to allow undocumented 2 - to -year-olds to enroll in its Medicaid program

Mayra Alvare , ecutive Director of Children s Partnership, a national children s advocacy agency, added that the state has extended its policy of providing continuous coverage for children up to 5 years old

The full breadth of medical services on the table includes everything from typical medical and preventive care to dental care and prescription coverage

You don’t have to indicate your citizenship status when applying for MediCal, Alvare said, and furthermore, she eplained, undocumented Californians also need not worry that using Medi-Cal will impact their applications for a green card under public charge rules, a widespread, long-standing fear

New rules in late 2022 barred any past, current or future use of public safety net

protections, such as Medicaid, but also including housing, food and ta credits, from being deemed a public charge, and eopardi ing immigration applications Nor does signing up your child for benefits count against you

2- million could lose benefits

Nonetheless, uang said, the state e pects between 2 million and million Californians will lose their benefits, many others may become newly eligible

People who have been hired at jobs where health insurance is included may lose their eligibility for MediCal Others may now be earning enough that they will be shifted from Medi-Cal coverage to the Covered California program, which subsidizes people’s health care on a sliding scale

For families on Medi-Cal, it may have been a long time since they last renewed their coverage, Alvare noted

She said that her biggest fear is that people who are still eligible for MedicaidCal will lose their coverage in this unwinding process, simply because the state can no longer find them

If, for e ample, a termination notice is sent to an old address, they may never get that information, and those who actually might still be eligible may end up losing their coverage Families need to know that if they ve moved since March 2020, they need to update their contact information, she emphasi ed

This redetermination won t happen overnight, and the yellow envelope D CS

Upside...

officials mentioned is only one of several ways to find out about your eligibility status

Community outreach

You can also call or email your county office The contact information for all 5 California counties can be found here Or you can check on your account online That page will direct you to one of two web pages, benefitscal com, that applies to 5 California counties, or mybenefitscalwin org home for the other , where you can see if you re eligible, apply for benefits, report changes and more

On top of all that, uang said, the D CS is devoting a huge budget for partnerships with community-based organizations to hire trusted messengers in the community to augment its own , 00 coverage ambassadors to help people get or stay insured

Another thing to take into consideration is if there are new members of the family who hadn’t been born at the time of the last eligibility check, or if you ve assumed new caretaking responsibilities

Now is the time to make sure we re taking the necessary steps to keep our coverage, Alvare said Anybody, regardless of their immigration status, regardless of their income, can apply for MediCal

This is especially important for people of color, who are more likely to rely on MediCal for coverage, and more likely to be at risk of losing that coverage

It s a lifeline for so many in our communities

(From Page 11)

Ruben worked at a refinery and merita resumed her nursing profession in the Garden State To save money, the family lived in a residential garage amille was when her parents chose to drive across the country to Southern California to unite with e tended family in Fontana

Like most preteens of 0s, amille imagined herself the star of a concert like her favorites, anet ackson and Paula Abdul, whose song-dance moves she mastered She did land in the spotlight but on a di erent stage er grace and e ibility nabbed her a slot on the Miami eat B-cheer s uad in 20 , a year after she earned her medical assistant certification

Sports turned out to be her happy place But what catapulted her there was the lowest point in her life

She and her friends attended a recreational basketball game where a player asked for her phone number She declined, but gave in when he asked again at the ne t game They dated after a month and began a 5-year relationship that taught amille more about herself and life itself - Adapted from original reprinted with permission from INQUIR R N T

To be concluded

Philippine News Today ecutive ditor Cherie M Querol Moreno is

A�y Chris Caday Lozano successfully represented Ms. Connie Pa arillo to get her naturaliza�on approved.

Manila-born Kamille Manalo s childhood dream was to star on a concert stage.

World-class self-defense trainer Kamille Coach Kammmmm Manalo is a story of resilience and courage. All photos by MICHAEL AREA/CANNONNATION GYM

(From Page 13)

Offlinethere are a number of radio and TV anchors who serve as blocktimers and who earn tons of money from two sources.

One is advertising revenue, while the other is their charging godly sums to interview men and women running for local or national positions.

One formerly well-known TV and radio man has become so notorious as to be deemed too toxic to hire.

He very likely earned millions during his days in the sun, but in recent years has been reduced to o ering his comments on various issues, and we media practitioners know full well that he was angling for a government post in the previous administration, and appears to be doing the same thing with the current regime.

It says a lot that two presidents whose administrations have or had a number of questionable personalities still treat this aging broadcaster like he was infected with leprosy, AIDS, and coronavirus all at the same time.

So these are but a few cases of both good and bad journalists being dropped like hot potatoes, or in the first case dropping his employer with his middle finger aimed at the owner

All are well known, and in some respects can be considered local equivalents of Carlson and Lemon.

Tucker Carlson became a larger than life personality because he was able to tap into the psyche of the followers of Donald Trump and became the de facto spokesman of GOP extremists.

In many ways, he is like Frankenstein’s monster, a creation of his bosses at Fox News who gave him too much power to the point that even he believed that he was untouchable.

More than anybody, Carlson is the anchor who caused the serious legal problems the Murdochs are now facing.

The worst part is that while he praised Donald Trump to high heavens, behind the scene Carlson said that he actually hated the guts of the 45th POTUS.

There have similarly been many print and broadcast journalists in the Philippines who also have no shame, in fact they take pride, in being mouthpieces of certain politicians. They may lost their credibility but manage to remain employed.

One former broadcaster from the former Big Two that was ABSCBN and GMA now finds himself in the limbo that is ALLT , the troubled and essentially inconsequential broadcast station of billionaire Manny Villar.

It goes without saying that the US and the Philippines have their share of news anchors who are addicted to fame and fortune, and would sell their very souls to make their wicked dreams come true.

Ken Go

stores his catch in a big free er as food for the future and giveaways to friends who visit them.

When we visited them, with my daughter Tweety driving and navigating the 2-hour-and-a-half distance from my daughter’s house in Blythewood to Beaufort, we took home a bagful of fish, dehydrated shrimps, bitter melon, and calamansi grown from their backyard.

My BFF Dave is enjoying a blissful retirement life with his wife Merry, children and grandchildren, as he claimed to have worked for 5 years throughout his lifetime e hope to see him again this une as we will be travelling to South Carolina and acksonville, Florida for a -day vacation

(Elpidio R. Estioko was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist/author 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 and Barnes Noble. For feedbacks, comments, email estiokoelpidio@gmail.com.)

Breaking Through

(From Page 13)

vit Singson who bravely stepped forward to save the Philippines from losing the chance to promote the country worldwide thru the Miss Universe event

Many people considered Chavit as a hero for making the supreme sacrifice by sponsoring the pageant

I had a chance to interview our hero after the pageant. He admitted he lost a lot of money and knew it even before he stepped up to finance and host the event

But I had to do it for the sake of our country, he told me.

Nobody was taking it so what should I do I have to step up.

It s always worth the sacrifice if you know you re doing it for your country, he stressed

As for the absent ROI, he ventured to say that the Philippine government and Filipinos shall eventually earn from what he did in terms of tourism revenues kicked in thru the in u of tourists who are e pected to come in as a result of his hosting of the world renowned beauty pageant.

That s the ROI, he said

Well said and well done Gov.

In the Trenches

(From Page 20)

there is limited a ordable housing in all areas of the market

NAR urges the F FA to eliminate the fee increase on strong credit borrowers, the spokesperson said

The DTI is calculated by taking a person’s monthly debts, including minimum payments on credit cards and loans, and dividing it by that individual’s income. The result is used to assess a person’s ability to make the necessary monthly payments on a loan.

In a March 15 statement, MBA president and CEO Bob Broeksmit warned that because the DTI often uctuates throughout the mortgage application and underwriting process, the new fees will further vary those estimates, thus increas ing compliance costs and confus ing borrowers

Thanks for your inquiries and comments, call Ken Go to get preualified for a 0 - down payment program, article to follow CALL 5 2-50 - 0 or write to kennethgo veri on net CABR 0 02 22 NMLS 2

As I See It

and drove back home to Milpitas, California.

(From Page 12)

That was a scary moment of our life which we were able to avoid and thank God we were all safe!

Going back to Dave, after graduating from high school, he left Urdaneta and went to Tarlac, Tarlac where he had to do odd jobs to survive. He went through a lot of challenges in life until he and his two brothers applied to the US Navy. He was the only one of the siblings who passed the test and, so he joined the Navy which actually changed his life. It was the turning point of his life… actually!

He became a dental laboratory technician through the years which propelled him to be the chief of the department where he was assigned to di erent places including apan, Philadelphia, and awaii is last assignment was in South Carolina where he finally retired and settled after retirement as an (got the rank of upon retirement)

He met his wife Merry, in Hawaii when he was stationed in Oahu. They are blessed with two sons and five grandchildren, now all grown-up. He is now living with his wife in South Carolina since all their children and grandchildren are all grown-up and have their own separate life.

His hobbies include fishing and playing golf spending almost 4-hour minimum in both sports almost every other day. He

Fortunately for the government forces, rebel soldiers forgot to cut o the telephone lines when they entered the camp Gen Ramos took the opportunity and immediately called up Gen. Montano to inform the latter that the planned counter-attack that night was moved the following day from 11 a.m. to 12 noon as consolidation of troops continued.

In the meantime, the security at Malaca ang, the presidential palace, was assured by prompt actions of the Presidential Security Group under Col oltaire Ga min, supported by G Q reserve forces under Marine Brig Gen Rodolfo Bia on

The whole morning I was at the intersection of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue ( DSA) and Col Bonnie Serrano Avenue waiting for the massive counter-attack when I saw Col Cesar Na areno of the PCINP, supervising the deployment of his troops. I took the occasion to interview him inquiring about the time of the counter-attack.

e are ust waiting for the order to move in, he told me

Then at about 5 a m , Col Na areno received the order from Gen Ramos to launch the counter-attack e ordered a soldier armed with a 0 Recoiless Ri e ( 0RR) to fire at Gate 2 The first salvo missed and hit a coconut tree nearby.

Fire another round, Col Na areno said The trooper fired and this time it was bull’s eye.

But before government forces could move in, rebel troops who were holed up in the three-storey AFPSLAI building beside Gate undetected overlooking where government forces were deployed, opened fire with their automatic ri es

Immediately, an e change of gunfire ensued as pandemonium broke loose in the street where civilians, including myself and fellow reporter Roy Sinfuego of the Manila Bulletin, were caught in the crossfire

There were e plosions from M grenades as we ran for our lives ust behind me a civilian shouted for help I continued running when I saw a man who fell to the ground with blood oo ing from his right leg

Please help me, he said Instinctively, disregarding the gunfire and grenade explosions all over, some civilians and I picked up the wounded man and carried him to a house nearby where he was given first aid after which we called an ambulance

The rebel soldiers adamantly held their ground as fierce fighting raged Tora-Tora planes were called in and strafed rebel positions, dislodging them.

It was the turning point of the military s counter-o ensive, crushing the coup.

Health & Wealth

(From Page 12)

under the clause and that the Philippines’s permission is needed before other activities could be allowed in the EDCA sites.

However, there is one non-negotiable. The deployment of nuclear weapons is prohibited.

There is no stopping the United States if an Ohio-class ballistic submarine fires one of its 2 strategic missiles somewhere in the depths within the Philippine waters.

The US has 14 Ohio-class ballistic submarines and they could be prowling and lurking somewhere beneath the Pacific and South China Sea.

In addition, the US has nearly 50 Los Angeles-class and irginiaclass fast attack submarines for tactical operations. All US submarines are nuclear-powered.

Manalo is the country’s top diplomat. He could play on words to avoid controversial statements and outwit journalists and legislators with vague, broad and boring statements about bilateral agreements that could have far-reaching and serious implications on the country’s security and interests.

However, Manalo’s assurances did not remove genuine concerns from some sectors about a looming con ict in the region

(Editor’s Note: Pulitzer Prize winner Manny Mogato wrote this article originally for PressOne.ph.)

Blast from the Fast

(From Page 12)

As I stepped out of our house, I saw the sound of aircraft ying from a distance three Tora-Tora or T-2 planes and a couple of helicopters which I figured out were over Camp Aguinaldo

I found out that all vehicles going toward the besieged camp were re-routed upon reaching Cubao, the business district of Que on City I had to walk more than a kilometer to reach Camp Aguinaldo. But I could not enter because all gates were padlocked.

I waited and loitered around and through my contacts I learned that several top military officials were holed out at the AFP ead uarters

They were Brig Gen Montano, Lt Gen duardo R rmita, AFP vice chief of sta , and Brig Gen Orlando Antonio, deputy chief of sta for civil military operations.

By dawn the rebels had surrounded the G Q building, triggering a fierce gun battle with government forces On the other hand, government troops had consolidated their forces and clashed with the rebel soldiers.

During the fighting, Montano observed that rebel troops had established their stronghold at the DND building ust 00 meters away from G Q

Gen Ramos whose command post was in Camp Crame ust across Camp Aguinaldo was continually updated of the fighting e ordered Gen rmita and Gen Montano to hold their positions as intense fighting between government forces and rebel soldiers raged when the right wing of the four-storey G Q building caught fire

Compounding the situation was that rebel snipers had taken strategic positions that we had to crawl towards the left side of the building, otherwise we would have been roasted alive, Montano said

(From Page 12)

I commend and salute Art Madlaing for writing his latest book LONGEVITY TIPS. Every couple and Christian family must read it, discover and do the secrets for good health and longevity, echoed F LI L OLIDAN, R, vangelist Minister, ANC AI C URC OF C RIST, anchai ong ong

As founder of CAR MINISTRI S, I am glad that Art Gabot Madlaing wrote this book. I encourage everybody to order a copy, read it, heed it, and be blessed, wrote LARR ST, vangelist Founder, CAR MINISTRI S, est Monroe, Louisiana, USA.

BU ON BOO G T ON FR To commemorate our th edding Anniversary on May 5, 202 , my beloved wife IRGINIA IM N MADLAING and I are o ering Special o er of BU ON BOO , G T ON FR through our BOO S MINISTR ou can order now your autographed copy of LONG IT TIPS and get one FR copy of either R AL STAT OU, ISTORICIT OF SUS, , LIF ST L FOR LONG IT , or LAUGT R FOR GOOD ALT

YOU can order extra copies for your personal or family library and as lasting gifts to your FRANC (Friends, Relatives, Ac uaintances, Neighbors, Co- orkers) like what Rosemary did This Special Offer is good only in the United States until August , 202 , my th Birthday.

For your autographed copies of LONGEVITY TIPS, just send your number of orders and title of FR BOO S with corresponding payment in check or money order to ART G MADLAING, 0 Madrid Street, San Francisco, CA 2 tel ( 50) - 5 or ( 5)

5 - 0 5 or email artmadlaing hotmail com

(ART GABOT MADLAING is accredited and commissioned Notary Public and licensed Real Estate Broker (DRE #00635976) in California since 1981. He is founder of MOBILE SIGNING SERVICES, FITNESS FOR HUMANITY (aka FITNESS FOR CHRIST ) and ACAPINOY. Art is active Evangelist with the GOLDEN GATE CHURCH OF CHRIST in San Francisco, California USA.)

NOW OPEN FOR CERTIFIED NURSE ASSISTANT (CNA) PROGRAMS!

Aprende Health Careers Institute Opens to Elevate Levels of Health Care

Thought-out voca�onal cer� ca�on programs to address growing trend and need for excellence in health care now opens in the Silicon Valley community of Evergreen in San Jose, California

Aprende HCI (Health Careers Institute) announces the opening of its doors today to welcome those who are interested in pursuing or shifting to careers in health care. The institute was established to address the growing trends of the elderly population, chronic illnesses, and the need for quality training and education of various levels of health care vocations Aprende CI o ers an accessible and a ordable CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant) training program that will prepare students for their state e am and eventual certification. Within this year, it will also roll out more allied health professional programs. “To certify anyone can be easy. But to certify AND properly educate, as well as train, brings the vocation to higher levels of care and service to the receiving end,” says Dr. Alvin Teodoro, Principal and co-

founder of Aprende HCI. Dr. Alvin Teodoro graduated from the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine and completed his pediatrics residency at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City. He practiced pediatric medicine as an Attending Physician and served on faculty teaching as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Columbia University Medical Center/College of Physicians and Surgeons prior to moving back to the Bay Area, where he practiced as an Attending Physician at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and taught medical, physician assistant, and advanced practice registered nurse students, as well as resident physicians, as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Inspiration to establish Apre-

Belonging, attitude

nde HCI came to Dr. Teodoro as a practicing physician, who worked alongside all levels of health care professionals for many years. During his years practicing at hospitals and other facilities, he observed that CNAs were among the first to provide care to patients day to day. This initial interaction with patients is a crucial but often critici ed first eperience in a clinical setting. His experience, in addition to the shortage of quality training programs in the area, brought about his vision to establish a school that would produce a new generation of CNAs and other healthcare professionals. To further augment its programs, Aprende HCI has partnered with nearby clinical skills facilities where students will have onsite, hands-on practicum experience.

Heart of Hope

ou and I, and the billion people around the world, are social animals. Our two-legged and four-legged friends are also “social” creatures. Like us humans, these animals also value, long for, and enjoy companionship. The loners among them usually do not survive long. Most obviously, social life, a sense of belonging, a comfortable feeling of security in number, a natural mental sense of community, is essential to health, mental and otherwise.

That social nature starts the day we are born, in the arms of our mother, nurtured in the crib, and developed into a complete positive mental state through interactions with both our parents, siblings, grandparents, and friends. All this enables us to develop lasting relationships and a rewarding mental health, which a ects and in uences all other lives we touch. Human beings’ capacity to live a stable and happy life and our survival as a species heavily depend on our culture, education, social skills, attitude, and social behavior.

The history of man on earth shows that cavemen started forming small groups, literally for security and for survival against the harsh and unforgiving environment, and vicious attacks from animals preying on them. That dependency on each other is still very evident even today, in this modern, technologically advanced society of ours. Indeed, no man is an island, and a loner is, comparatively, at a much graver risk of ill-health and attrition.

A sense of belonging keeps us, humans, connected with our fellowmen, within our own circle, our community, conferring upon our being the reward of acceptance, a gratifying inner satisfaction that we are “in,” and “one of them,” akin to being a member of a club or a fraternity/sorority or a party. This sense of belonging is fundamental for our emotional and physical well-being, a powerful prescription that e ectively enables each of us to cope with the sometimes unfriendly and harsh environment and social order.

Attitude

Our social skills, which are vital to our acceptance as a member of a group or community, are developed or impeded

by our attitude, which, like social prowess, also significantly impacts our life and our health. Both are pre-requisites to health, happiness, and inner peace in each of us human beings. A good attitude compliments and boosts our social skills and acceptability to “belong.”

Here are some quotes of wisdom I have come across which are inspiring philosophical parachutes in life for those who, like many of us, sometimes find themselves falling towards the pit of discouragement and despair.

Anthony J. D’Angelo, in The College Blue Book, said “Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.” To quote Oscar Wilde, “If you don’t get everything you want, think of the things you don’t get that you don’t want.”

Voltaire expressed it beautifully when he stated, “Life is like a shipwreck, but we must not forget to sing in the lifeboats.” An ancient Persian saying puts a great perspective on our daily aches and pains in life, “I had the blues because I had no shoes until upon the street, I met a man who had no feet.” And as some of us may curse some bad days we encounter and wish they never came Cavett Robert o ers these poignant words: “If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one.”

Indeed, every day is a good day, although others are better, and others not as good. But each day is a gift. Not waking up to another day is a deadly waste, but not appreciating another day as we open our eyes each morning in our journey through life is a tragedy. How each of us greets the day depends greatly on our attitude. Indeed, attitude impacts our health, our life, and our everyday happiness and success. A person with a chip on his shoulder, with a negative attitude or pessimistic view of life, will obviously be miserable most of the time. And the opposite is true, as Annette Goodheart brilliantly points out: “Just because you’re miserable doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy life.”

Happiness is basically an attitude. Gaining inner peace is an attitude. We have that God-given power to feel what we want to feel. And we can even psyche ourselves.

In a world where global peace is still a dream, a world beset with an economic crisis, with terrorism, with greed and corruption, with energy, food and water shortage, global warming and its devastating side-e ects on typhoons, earth uakes and ooding, a good social skills and attitude, in the midst of all these disasters, are one of our best weapons

against helplessness, despair and depression. They indeed impact our health and life.

With all these complex problems confronting us, we often find ourselves in the gutter of hopelessness, wherefrom, Oscar Wilde suggests, we can look up at the heavens and “see the stars.” Indeed, a positive attitude, a happy outlook in life, especially these days, can help us tremendously in conquering our fears, insecurities, and dilemmas. Without total surrender, when we sometimes lose or fail, we should remind ourselves to get up and fight even harder After all, defeat is not bitter unless you swallow it,” as Joe Clark states. To this, I will add my own: “No one can succeed in life who does not have the courage to fail”; and, “The greatest risk in life is in not taking any risk at all.”

Someone said, “You cannot adjust the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sail.” Very true, indeed. Simple words of wisdom that could make our day, if not our life.

But, of course, we should not simply leave everything to God. We must do our share. He promises to help those who help themselves. As I live my life each day, I remind myself of an ancient proverb that says, “To everyone is given the key to heaven; the same key opens the gates to hell.” It’s indeed a matter of personal choice. And that choice inevitably depends on our attitude in life. Some people believe their fate is predestined, and that they can’t do anything about it. Others, inspired by good attitude and a positive social frame of mind, design, create, and charter their own destiny.

Finally, I strongly believe that leaving this world after this life is not a tragedy Dying without significance, without making a di erence, without leaving behind a good legacy certainly, is.

Philip 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. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com

PHILIP S. CHUA

INSPIRATIONAL ARTICLE FOR THE WEEK

IT IS IN SHARING THAT WE RECEIVE

By TIM PEDROSA

We should never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts. When we scatter seeds of kindness everywhere we go; when we scatter bits of courtesy and watch them grow and grow; when we gather buds of friendship and keep them till full-blown we will find more happiness in our lives than we have ever known. I have learned that aside from generously sharing our possessions, one of the greatest gifts of kindness we can share is the gift of inspiration, encouragement and motivation. By inspiring others, we learn and we grow; they learn and they grow; everyone learns and grows for the better. owever, it s sad to say that we tend to share for selfish reason(s) due to our innate desire for self-importance, search for control and self-centeredness. We share for instance, to attract attention, to gain recognition and for other egotistical intentions. It is very easy to notice these trends in our daily interactions with others. We seem to forget that it is when we give ourselves; when we share without expecting something in return that we truly give. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes and kindness in you smile – Mother Teresa. The kindness we do for others always come back exceedingly more in many folds. As the story goes, a man stopped to help two women whose car had a at tire on a remote Wisconsin highway. Just minutes after this Good Samaritan got back into his car and continued driving, he started to have a heart attack. Almost immediately, the women whom he had just helped were able to pull over, perform CPR, and save his life. Had this man not stopped to assist with their tire, it is unlikely that there would have been anyone on the road to help him. Basically, because he went out of his way to help two strangers, his life was saved. This incredible story clearly shows us the value of acts of kindness and the spiritual power of sharing. We never know the ramifications of even the smallest actions we take. When we are a part of something bigger than ourselves or when we inject sharing into our daily actions, we can actu-

Victories of the Victim

We all know of Christ’s Paschal Mystery; His Passion, Death, and Resurrection. However, focusing ourselves on the Passion and Death, on Christ s bloody sacrifi ce, we cannot stop wondering what could be their fruits and e ects In Isaiah 5 4-9, we read these words: “Surely he took up our pain and bore our su ering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and a icted But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and a icted, yet he did not open his mouth he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression[a] and judgment he was taken away. et who of his generation protested For he was cut o from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was punished. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth.”

As esus Christ is our sacrifi cial victim what e ects and fruits would is self-oblation give us Of course, infi nity is the correct answer There is no limit to the e ects to an act of love that was done boundlessly. There is no limitation to the fruits of God’s act of compassion and mercy that were done out of is infi nity owever, let us learn and acknowledge some The fi rst, our Lord esus s dying and rising has recreated our human heart Indeed, from the Old Testament, God said, “I will remove your hearts of stone… and I will give you a new heart ( 2 mphasis mine) Christ s victory has transformed our hearts, not only from being heart of stone to being a new heart; but also, that this new heart is capable of loving as God loves The human heart can love heroically, sel essly, unconditionally, and boundlessly. St. Maximilian Kolbe for love of God and love of neighbor was able to give himself in exchange of a man about to be executed; that is heroic love. A mother who chooses not to abort her baby even if it would mean a danger to her own life; such is the story of St. Gianna Beretta Molla; she died and her baby lived. St. John Paull II, an assassination was carried out against him. He was fatally wounded, but having survived, he went and pardoned his assassin. We cannot forget also the many unknown great of act of love done by many people; and maybe even by you, dear reader. Secondly, Christ won the restoration and renewal of our identity; we were sinners, now in Him, we are children of God. In sin, the divine image and likeness destroyed; but in Christ, God’s image and likeness in us restored and we have become a new creation. What does this mean for us e are enabled to live and behave like God God is holy, we are enabled to be holy and to pursue holiness. God is generous, we are enabled to be generous and be bold in giving and being charitable. God is Truth, we are capable of telling and staying by the truth; even if, that could mean losing our human status; but will never lose your divine status as a servant and child of God. Such is the story for example of St. Thomas Moore: He was told to support the divorce and separation of the king from his wife, and to defy the Church’s position. He remained steadfast to the truths of his faith. He was martyred. They took away his human status, but God gave him divine status. We are restored and given a new identity and dignity in Jesus, our Risen Lord; let us not render this useless but live it fully in daily living.

Third, the Risen Lord Jesus gained and won for us the new and heavenly paradise. In Genesis, when sin occurred, humanity was banished from the garden of den, the earthly paradise But now, we have a new destiny, a heavenly one. This means, humanity can and possess in Christ Jesus a meaningful existence. An existence that has direction and purpose; glorious union with God in the heaven. We are, therefore, to never take for granted the Season of aster but live this season with the daily purpose of pleasing and giving honor and glory to God. Having this disposition; we will always be in the right direction towards the eternal and heavenly Paradise. Amen.

REV. JOSE PELAGIO A. PADIT, SThD

Afl ame The Heart

Oriental Mindoro beaches rise up after oil spill; other tourist spots cited, beckon Recipe of the Week

Mais at Patola, Sweet Corn and Luffa Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

young corn in a cob

medium size patola, peeled, cut crosswise medium size eggplant, sliced into strips

kilo pre-boiled pork, cut into strips

cup small shrimp, shelled

2-3 long green chili

1/4 head garlic, chopped small size onion, chopped medium size tomato, chopped cup fish sauce salt to taste cooking oil

Cooking procedure:

Using a knife cut of the corn kernels of the cob, keep aside, discard cobs In a sauce pan suttee garlic, onion and tomato until lump. Add in the pork and shrimp, stir cook for a minute Add in fish sauce and stir cook for another minute. Add to cups of water bring to a boil and simmer for to minutes. Add in the corn and continue to simmer for to minutes, add more water as necessary Add in the vegetables and simmer for to 5 minutes, correct saltines if re uired Now add in the green chili and cook for another half a minute Serve with steaming hot rice

PUERTO GALERA, Oriental Mindoro -- Amid concerns about water quality in certain areas of Puerto Galera, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco disclosed that aside from swimming and water sports, Oriental Mindoro hosts a wealth of attractions that o er various activities for tourists to enjoy.

Adventure-seeking tourists for example, can hike up Mt Malasimbo, enjoy the scenic Tamaraw waterfalls, which is just one out of the many breathtaking waterfalls in Oriental Mindoro, explore the Puerto Galera Mangrove Conservation and cotourism Area, and visit the Iraya Mangyan Village to immerse in the rich and colorful culture of the Iraya Mangyan tribe the tourism chief said.

Additionally, there are other cities and municipalities in Oriental Mindoro that also have a wide range of tourism o erings that await visitors

Tourists needing a break from the hustle and bustle of the Metro can opt to rela by the river and go on a picnic at the Infinity Farm in Baco which ust takes an hour of land travel from Puerto Galera go on a food crawl in Calapan City or visit sites such as the Silonay Mangrove Conservation copark and Oriental Mindoro eritage Museum go walking, biking, or ogging around Nau an Lake trek to Talon Falls or see the famed heritage houses in Pola and go on a culinary tour in Pinamalayan.

“The Department of Tourism (DOT) notes that while the joint statement of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of nvironment and Natural Resources (D NR) advised against consumption of water in a ected areas of Puerto Galera and which the DOT also relayed to the public, the DOH in a subse uent announcement advised against partaking in recreational water activities in the said a ected areas though without attributing the contamination directly to the recent oil spill. Therefore, we wish to highlight the plethora of o erings that this beautiful town and province has to o er particularly to nature lovers and adventure seekers, Frasco said in a statement

“Paramount of course is the safety of tourists while giving importance to the need to balance the life and livelihood of the people, added the Tourism chief

Frasco also stressed that the DOT defers to the D NR and the DO in making the recommendations on the allowed operations in Puerto Galera based on scientific evidence and environmental and health standards, emphasizing that the health and safety of the public always come above all else

The DOT, she noted, is grateful for the

tireless work of the provincial and local government units of Oriental Mindoro, and that the department in line with the Marcos administration s whole of government approach towards helping the province throughout the crisis, is ready to assist a ected tourism workers and front-liners should the destination be closed or tourism activities be suspended

In addressing the needs of tourism stakeholders, we look not only at the primary tourism enterprises but also the secondary enterprises as well as the entire tourism value chain involved including all of the informal and indirect employment generated in the areas such as, for e ample, the vendors, the boatmen, the pasalubong makers, the dive shops, divers, among others, Frasco said

The DOT chief said that following the directive of President Ferdinand R Marcos r to ensure assistance for losses in livelihood, the department is providing training and livelihood programs as well as other forms of assistance in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOL ) to ualified beneficiaries

This, she said, is a way of providing alternative means of livelihood as tourismrelated activities continue to be a ected by the oil spill situation in the province

The tourism chief also announced that the DOT shall start its training programs for a ected tourism workers and community-based tourism organizations that can provide them with alternative livelihood such as Farm tourism Urban Farming Tourism Micro Retail Beadwork and Lei making Food Tourism ulinarya Training ealth and ellness Tourism ilot Training, and Basic aircutting Training

Earlier, the DOT said the joint report on the quality of waters in Puerto Galera indicates no direct link or evidence that the popular dive destination has been affected by the oil spill from the sunken MT Princess Empress last February.

In a Malaca ang presser, Secretary Frasco said the Department of Health (DO ) advised the public to proceed with caution but “no swimming ban has been indicated, only that concerns have been e pressed in the ingestion of water

California surpasses 1.5 M ZEVs goal 2 years ahead of schedule

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom announced California has exceeded 1.5 million ZEV sales two years ahead of schedule.

To date, nearly $2 billion in ZEV incentives, as part of a broader $9 billion ZEV budget, have been provided to help Californians – especially those who are low-income a ord making the transition, Newsom said in a statement sent to Philippine News Today.

In 2012, then-Governor Jerry Brown set a goal to hit that sales level by 2025. This year, 21% of all new cars sold in California this year have been ZEVs, and 40% of ZEVs sold in the U.S. are sold in California.

“No other state in the nation is doing as much as we are to accelerate our electric and zero emissions future,” said Governor Newsom. “California is setting the bar for climate action –and we’re achieving our goals years ahead of schedule thanks to unprecedented investments secured in partnership with the Legislature e re making real progress on the world’s most

ambitious plan to end the tailpipe so our kids and grandkids are left with a cleaner, healthier planet.”

California’s ZEV leadership continues to inspire other states to follow California’s example.

And earlier this month, the Governor applauded the Biden-Harris Administration for proposing new federal emissions standards that e ectively require half of all cars sold in the U.S. to be zero emissions vehicles (ZEV) by 2030, calling it a “great day for America.”

Also today, in an e ort to supercharge the state’s EV charging infrastructure, California announced a new Joint Statement of Intent between several state departments and agencies to help guide planning for energy supply, facilities, grid development, as well as EV chargers and hydrogen stations.

CALIFORNIA’S ZEV RECORD:

21.1% of all new cars sold this year in California were ZEVs, according to the California Energy Commission 124,053 ZEV sales in California in

Q1 2023

1,523,966 total ZEV sales in California to date

40% of ZEVs sold in the U.S. are sold in California, according to the Velo Market Report

Context: California has more ZEVs than New Hampshire has cars, twice as many ZEVs as Wyoming has cars and more than twice as many ZEVs as Norway

Up to $24,500 in grants rebates available for low-income Californians (learn more here)

California has provided consumers with nearly $2 billion in incentives and rebates through programs like the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project and Clean Cars All

California approved one of the world s first regulations last year requiring 100% of new car sales to be ZEVs by 2035, following Governor Newsom’s 2020 executive order to develop new rules for in-state sales.

U.S. EPA last month approved California’s plan to require nearly half of

all new heavy-duty trucks be ero emissions by 2035 s are a top state e port thanks to California’s success, spurring major advances in manufacturing and job creation

California is home to 55 ZEV and ZEV-related manufacturers and leads the nation in ZEV manufacturing jobs

Billions of dollars are going out the door to build ZEV charging infrastructure across the state, with a record amount dedicated to disadvantaged communities:

$2.9 billion investment plan approved by the California Energy Commission in December accelerates California’s 2025 electric vehicle charging and hydrogen refueling goals

$2.6 billion investment plan approved in November by the California Air Resources Board supports a wide range of ZEV projects, with 70% of the funds directed to disadvantaged and low-income communities – the state’s largest-ever investment in the equitable expansion of clean transportation