The Filipino Press: November 18-24, 2022

Marcos returns from ‘successful’ participation in ASEAN summits

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. returned to the Philippines early Monday morning from what he described as his “successful” participation in the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from Nov. 10 to 13.

“I am pleased to report that my visit to Cambodia for the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summit was successful,” Marcos said in his arrival statement delivered past midnight on Monday at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City.

Marcos said the ASEAN Summits gave him and other heads of state the chance to give their positions, get a good idea of where things stand, and learn more about other nations’ concerns and current situations.

“We also got the opportunity to put forward our position, our plans, and to find ways where we can help each other, where we can coordinate, and all that,” he added.

He said his most important “takeaway” from the biannual meeting was a consensus among the ASEAN member states on the need to remain united and use collective strength as the region recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Pare-pareho kasi sa atin, ‘yung food supply, presyo ng fertilizer, presyo ng langis, iyon ang inaalala supply-side problems. Parehongpareho sa atin…Nagkakaunawaan lahat ng member states na hindi kaya

ng mag-isa. Kailangan magsamasama, kailangan magtulungan (We have the same problems, food supply, prices of fertilizer, prices of oil, supply problems. It’s all the same…Member states understand that we can’t do this alone. We need

By: Dr. Dali Fan, UC Davis HealtH

The winter is fast approaching and bringing in colder weather, it is more important than ever to get yourself and your family vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19. For people ages 65 and older, getting the updated COVID-19 booster is critically important since the risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 increases with age.

Covid-19 infection causes the highest hospitalization and death rates among older adults and getting your COVID-19 booster can help reduce the risk of infection and severe illness. Adults between the ages of 50 and 64 are 25 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than adults between the ages of 18 and 29. For older adults ages 65 to 74, the risk increases significantly and rises to 60 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than younger adults. We know that older adults are best protected from severe illness when they stay up to date with booster doses. Getting vaccinated and boosted can help reduce the number of inpatients and avoid overwhelming hospitals and care centers.

I am a physician; I care about your health, and I implore you to do your part and get vaccinated and boosted to protect yourself and your loved ones. If you feel sick, be sure to get tested before participating in any gatherings this holiday season to minimize the risk of exposing others. As we look forward to seeing our family and friends this holiday

season, I am sharing responses to some commonly asked questions to ensure you and your family are protected.

Question: Is it safe to gather with my family for the holidays if infection rates are expected to be high?

Response: We know seeing family and friends are an important part of the holidays. When gathering, it is highly recommended that you take the proper precautions to ensure everyone’s safety. That means it is okay to set rules so that you are all celebrating safely. Before gathering, encourage your friends and family to:

Get vaccinated and their updated booster Test for COVID before and after the gathering • Stay home if you feel sick

Consider wearing a mask. A great host idea is to place a basket of masks at the door to encourage your

to be united, we need to help each other),” he said.

During the Related Summits, Marcos said he and other heads of state tackled ASEAN communitybuilding efforts, pressing regional concerns and issues such as

guests to wear a mask.

Question: The threat of COVID-19 does not feel as dangerous anymore. Do I still need to wear a mask?

Response: Wearing a mask in public indoor spaces also helps reduce the spread of many different respiratory viruses including RSV, flu and COVID.

All of us are tired of hearing about COVID-19, but the virus is still here and continues to have an impact on our lives. Research shows that COVID-19 has shortened our overall life expectancy by about three years, with greater impacts on communities of color. There are many contributing factors to why communities of color are disproportionately impacted, but what we do know is that getting vaccinated and staying up to date with the updated boosters can help close this gap and increase health outcomes.

Question: Why should I prioritize getting my parents and/ or grandparents boosted with the updated booster when they were just vaccinated last Spring?

Response: Booster doses help sustain protection against severe disease. That is why it is especially important to encourage older populations to get the updated booster to reduce their risk of getting COVID-19 and minimize the health impacts if they do get sick. Additionally, there are long-term effects such as strokes, migraines, memory problems, depression and anxiety, seizures and tremors,

the situation in Myanmar, the developments in the South China Sea, the fighting in Ukraine, the application of Timor-Leste for ASEAN membership, among others. He also participated in Summits with ASEAN dialogue partners like

the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

“We reviewed the progress of our relations so far, in the initiatives and projects under ASEANled mechanisms. There was an exploration of possible new areas

of cooperation with our dialogue partners. We exchanged views on regional and international issues,” he said.

Marcos also engaged in a global dialogue with regional and international organizations such as the International Monetary Fund, World Economic Forum, and World Bank and discussed collaborative efforts on a comprehensive postCovid-19 economic recovery.

Bilateral meetings, roundtable discussions

Marcos said he had bilateral discussions with this year’s ASEAN chairperson and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“In these meetings, we discussed how we can deepen cooperation in key areas and we exchanged views on important regional and global issues once again,” he said.

He said the Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines held a roundtable discussion with business leaders on micro, small and mediumsized enterprises (MSMEs).

According to Marcos, he also had the chance to invite business leaders to do business in the country.

“I invited the business leaders to visit and have a look at what the

SAN DIEGO, CA - In the Philippines, Christmas celebration starts when the calendar shows the 'ber months. So as early as September, pinoys will start hearing christmas carols on the radio, families start adorning their homes, shopping malls start displaying christmas related goods/items as well as creating that Philippine themed Christmas ambiance. We all wish that we can spend Christmas in the Philippines but sometimes, its not possible because of work. Or the cost can be prohibitive, as of press

time, we found out round trip ticket to the Philippines is in the upwards of $3,000 per pax.

So what gives?

In the spirit of the upcoming Christmas season, the Filipino Press in cooperation with the Westfield Plaza Bonita and Gerry's Grill and various community partners and organizations will launch a Filipino Holiday Kick Off at Plaza Bonita on December 10, 2022 from 1pm -5pm at the food court area of the mall.

This event is free to everyone to attend and aims to showcase some

of our Philippine tradition, heritage, culture, food and more. The last time there was a Philippine type Christmas celebration at Plaza Bonita was in December 2015 spearheaded by late Francine Maigue when she was the president of the Fil-Am Chamber of Commerce. Its been long time coming, so will we revive the tradition of Christmas celebration at the mall and we thank Veeya and staff of Westfield Plaza Bonita for creating the opportunity for us to

San Diego’s No. 1 Source of News & Information for the Filipino Community • An Award-Winning Newspaper

President Marcos and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sit down for a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 40th at 41st ASEAN Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.(MNS photo)

Rommel Alberto, 4th from left standing, VP of House of the Philippines posed with students and families that participated in the succesful Parol Making Workshop held at Hall of Nations in Balboa Park recently. Singing sensation Cherilyn Mallari provided impromptu entertainment to warm up the activity. Refreshments were served.

contest,

Thanksgiving: The Perfect Turkey

By Francine Maigue

Thanksgiving is nearly here, my friends! Please know how thankful

I am for YOU everyday! I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful day of reflection and, of course, good eats!

I can’t wait for the coming holiday and sit amongst my loved ones and share in good food, lots of laughs and quality time spent watching the parade and musicals, listening to holiday music and playing games (while embracing the inevitable food coma, of course). With all that is going on in our world, a day dedicated to gratitude, peace and positivity feels more necessary than ever.

You all know that few things give me more joy than preparing meals for others. It’s hard to control my excitement as I prepare for this year’s Thanksgiving feast. This week, I’m sharing my tried-andtrue holiday turkey recipe.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family does. This recipe works with chicken, too! The result is flavorful, juicy with crispy, golden, savory skin. I admit – this recipe has many ingredients and several steps. BUT the ingredients are all easy to find in all grocery stores, the steps are all easy, and it’s

(Giblets

and/or gravy.) Cut out backbone (which can also be saved for stock and/or gravy). Turn turkey breast side up, and put weight on one breast at a time to break breastbone, allowing the turkey to lay flat. (This technique is called spatchcocking a.k.a. butterflying. It cuts down on cooking time and allows for more even cooking… Say goodbye to hours of roasting and dry breast meat!) Rinse turkey, including cavity, well.

3. Brine Turkey – Line the bottom of a cooler with a pack of ice (still in its bag). Place a large, open plastic bag on top. Place the turkey (back side up) in bag. Pour cooled brine mixture into bag, filling turkey cavity. Let excess air out of the bag, massage the turkey so brine reaches all areas, and twist and tie the bag. Lay a second bag of ice on top of the turkey, and close the cooler. Let the turkey brine until ready to stuff and roast. (Our 20-pound turkey brined for 18 hours.)

The Stuffing

1 Large Brown Onion

2 Bosc Pears

4 Stalks of Celery, minced

1 tsp. Garlic, minced

1 Tbs. Rosemary, dried + leaves of 2 Fresh Rosemary Sprigs

1 Tbs. Sage, dried + 8 leaves of Fresh Sage, chopped

1 Tbs. Thyme, dried

1 Tbs. Basil, dried

1 Tbs. Parsley, dried

1 tsp. Ground Black Pepper

2 Sticks of Melted Salted Butter

2 Tbs. Chicken Soup Base Powder

1 Cup Italian Style Breadcrumbs

½ Cup Dried Cranberries, chopped

2 Tbs. Dark Brown Sugar

1. In a food processor, combine onion and pears until the consistency of chunky applesauce. Put the mixture in a large bowl.

2. Add celery, garlic, black pepper and herbs. Combine well.

3. Add melted butter, soup base powder and breadcrumbs. Mix well.

4. Add cranberries and brown sugar. Combine well.

See FRANCINE MAIGUE on 12

A succulent Thanksgiving turkey prepared by the one-and-only Pampered Pinay, Francine Maigue.

have a Philippine themed christmas celebration. We would like to continue and enhance what Francine has started with this Christmas community project in 2022 moving forward.

So what are the elements of Philippine Christmas celebration?

Parol – Filipino Christmas Lantern It’s time to embrace the spirit of the season! For our Filipino community, this means giving some strong nods to our culture’s traditions for Pasko (Tagalog for Christmas). This includes creating and displaying parols, Filipino Christmas lanterns.

Meaning of the Parol Parols are traditional, star-shaped lanterns. They symbolize hope and faith and celebrate both the spirit of the holidays and the spirit of Filipino hospitality.

While some members of our community may be able to fly home to the Philippines this season, many will spend Christmas here in San Diego. For these kababayan,the Filipino Press is working to bring a special Philippine Christmas Celebration right to the heart of our hometown through Filipino Holiday Kick off at Plaza Bonita .

This Filipino commUNITY celebration is presented by the Filipino Press in cooperation with Westfield Plaza Bonita, Gerry's Grill and San Diego County Filipino businesses, non-profits, and schools. Pasko sa Plaza will take place at Westfield Plaza Bonita (Café Terrace-in front of AMC Theatres) on Saturday, Dec. 10th 1-5pm. Filipino Holiday Kick Off will feature special performances, a Filipiniana fashion show, activities for kids, a resource fair, and a beautiful display of parols

showcasing different organizations, businesses, families, and students. You (yes, YOU) and your family and friends can play a special role in this special holiday holiday activity!

How do I participate?

All members of our community are welcome to participate Pasko sa Plaza’s free and fun Parol Gallery. Just follow these easy steps:

REGISTER: Email Filpressads@aol.com to reserve your spot in the Parol Gallery. Include your name, cell phone number, the name of the family/organization your parol represents, and a brief description (about 50 words) of what inspired your parol’s design. (Space is limited, so RSVP asap!)

CREATE: Design and make your very own parol. Be creative! You can use any materials that you like. (I’m making mine from recycled water bottles, BBQ skewers, colored paper, tape, and tinsel.) Your parol must be no larger than 2x2x2 ft. in size and light enough to be hung with simple string or fishing line. Make sure to showcase your family/ organization’s name, logo, and/or photo. Pasko sa Plaza parols need not be lit. Electrical outlets will not be available, and candles are not permitted.

DELIVER: Bring your completed parol to Westfield Plaza Bonita at Gerry's Grill between 5:30-7:30pm on Monday December 5, 2022

SHOW & SHARE: Bring your family and friends to Pasko sa Plaza on Saturday, Dec. 10 between 1-5pm, where your parol will be proudly displayed. Parols will be returned to their owner immediately following the event (5pm). Parols left unclaimed by their respective owners may be released to the public.

COMPETE AND WIN PRIZES

for the PAROL Making Contest which will be given to the most creative and attractive parol. First Place wins $150 Second Place wins $100 and Third Place will be $50. Judging will be on December 10th, on day of the event at 4pm at the Filipino Holiday Kick Off.

It’s that easy, my friends! Join in this fun and free way to connect and share one of our beautiful and most beloved Filipino Christmas traditions.

I know it can be hard to spend the holidays away from our relatives. We hope Filipino Holiday Kick off event and our Parol Gallery and the Parol Making Contest will help bring our community closer to “home” and closer to one another. We are most excited that, through this event, families will be able to create parols together, thus passing on our Filipino Christmas traditions to our children.

I can’t wait to see your creations, my friends! Whatever designs you create, whatever materials you choose to use, I know your parols will be lovely, inspirational symbols of hope, faith, and our one-of-akind Filipino hospitality. Feel free to email us at filpressads@aol.com with any questions you may have.

Want some tips and ideas on how to design and build your parol? Here are some helpful YouTube tutorials: https://m.youtube.com/ watch?v=4FrKkCtX4vA https://m.youtube.com/ watch?v=35-8jFvVTYU https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=x0YTFycf9bI

For details on activities on Filipino Holiday Kick Off, check the ad on this issue of the paper. If you need more info feel free to email us at filpressads@aol.com by Francine Maigue and Susan delos Santos

Protecting the Health and Safety of Vulnerable Tenants

By Mara W. Elliott, San DiEgo City attornEy

Holding accountable landlords who subject their tenants to unsafe or unhealthy living conditions is a priority for my Office.

We’ve found that many of these tenants are vulnerable: they’re often elderly, disabled, living on fixed incomes, or one step removed from homelessness. They often know their homes are unsafe, but they’ve compromised their well-being to keep a roof over their heads. If moving to a new place was easy, they’d have done it already.

My Office has a unit devoted to using state and local laws to force unscrupulous landlords to make their properties safe.

Here’s how it works. If code enforcement inspectors or other City staff, like building or fire officials, determine that substandard housing conditions exist at a property, the owner is given the opportunity to comply with the law.

Some landlords will voluntarily bring their property up to code – fixing leaks, repairing holes in roofs and walls, securing exposed electrical wires, and more. When they refuse, City staff can refer the matter to my Office’s Nuisance Abatement Unit (NAU). My Office also receives referrals directly from the community. NAU may then force compliance through the courts.

When tenants must relocate for their own safety, a Victim Service Coordinator in my office steps in and provides housing resource assistance. If a property owner refuses to pay relocation benefits when ordered to do so, as state law requires, then the City may advance relocation benefits to the tenants and later recover the amount from the property owner. In the most egregious cases, we petition for a court-appointed receiver to take over the property until it is safe.

This recently happened with a sixstory downtown building that housed more than 80 residents. Conditions

at the C street Inn were so dangerous that the Fire-Rescue Department ordered the building immediately vacated and closed. Even then, some tenants were reluctant to leave. The landlord offered them reduced rent to remain in a building that lacked, among things, proper fire sprinklers and emergency exits.

The relocation of tenants living at the C Street Inn was by far the most extensive my office has attempted, and it took time for the San Diego Housing Commission to find everyone new places to live due to San Diego’s tight rental market.

These challenges only make my Office more determined to help individuals at risk of fire, disease, or injury, or who are without necessities like heat and running water. No one wants to see a repeat of the “ghost ship” fire in Oakland, where a warehouse that was illegally converted into living spaces went up in flames, killing 36 people.

We have intervened in other troubling situations:

• In San Ysidro, 24 people lived with roaches, rats, mold, and unsafe electrical wiring in buildings constructed illegally on the site of an old motel. My Office successfully relocated these renters, including families with children, and a new owner is working with the city to rehabilitate the property.

• In Redwood Village, 11 elderly disabled people lived in deplorable conditions -- a home infested with rodents and smelling of urine where they were denied access to the kitchen and had no telephone. Though the property owners moved seven tenants to another home they owned in Otay Mesa, under equally bad conditions, all were eventually removed to safety.

Near Chollas Creek, seven Congolese refugee families lived in run-down apartments with mold, rodents, roaches, inadequate sanitation, and dangerous electrical connections. The property owners were charged with 10 criminal counts and made to pay for the

families’ relocation.

These are just a few examples of my office’s ongoing commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among our City’s residents. When people are unable to improve their housing situation, we can and will step in to ensure they are safe and treated with the dignity they deserve.

If you know of a substandard housing situation in the City of San Diego, where conditions present a danger to the health and safety of the residents, please contact Code Enforcement at https://www. sandiego.gov/development-services/ code-enforcement.

Prayer to Saint Expedite

May the intercession of the glorious martyr , St Expedite, recommend us, O my God, to Thy goodness, in order that his protection may obtain for us what our own merits are powerless to do. Amen.

We supplicate Thee, Lord , to inspire by Thy grace all our thoughts and actions, that thou being their principle, we may, by the intercession of St. Expedite, be conducted with courage, fidelity and promptitude, at the time proper and favorable, and come to a good and happy end, through our Lord, Jesus Christ Amen

St Expedite, honored by the gratitude of those who have invoked thee at the last hour and for pressing cases, we pray thee to obtain from the all powerful goodness of God, by the intercession of Mary Immaculate, (today or such a day) the grace we solicit with all submission to the Divine Will Amen

WHY FILIPINOS (OR FILIPINO-AMERICANS, FOR THAT MATTER) SHOULD BE GRATEFUL ON THIS 2022 THANKSGIVING DAY?

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Cheer up! Get yourself ready in your happy place. If that means taking off your shoes, eating whole pack of bacon, downloading your show’s latest episode or all of the above, then by all means, do it!

Are you in your blissful state already? Great!! Now you’re more probably game to say “Happy Thanksgiving!!!”

While this lovely American holiday isn’t prominent back on our beloved old homeland – in the Philippines – this day serves as a reminder of how great it feels to focus on the positive and forget about the negative. You may have a lot of complaints but listing the good things will definitely get you in a better mood.

Aside from your very own personal blessings, here are things that I believe every Filipino (or Filipino Americans, for that matter) can be truly proud of and be so very grateful for.

For our “kababayans” back in the old country, you all live (or have lived in the case of us, expatriates here in the good, old U.S. of A.) in a v-e-r-y b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l nation. You’re only a short trip away from breathtaking views, amazing islands and an infinite pool of adventure. Palawan’s just one of the many natural wonders that the Philippines is blessed with. As Filipinos we live in a place that’s bountifully wealthy with enchanting sights and awesome experiences that we all can absolutely be proud of.

At the same token, the Philippines is a ‘strategic’ piece of real estate that foreign powers are now vying for influence and making numerous offers for. US president Joe Biden spoke with Philippine president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. following the results of the national elections last May, expressing his intentions to continue strengthening the alliance between the two countries.

“President Biden underscored that he looks forward to working with the new Filipino president to continue strengthening the U.S.Philippine Alliance, while expanding bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues, including the fight against COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, promoting broadbased economic growth, and respect for human rights,” the White House

asserted.

Marcos Jr.’s spokesperson said that the Philippines’ relationship with the United States “will get better” under the Filipino president’s administration.

“As far as our relationship with the United States and under the administration of President Marcos, Jr. - I can assure you now that it will get better,” the spokesperson declared.

He added that the foreign policy of Marcos Jr. will be “inclusive” while also ensuring that the interests of the Filipino people come first and are never compromised.

“What I can tell you, you can expect and look forward to a better relationship with our longtime partner and ally, the United States.

The foreign policy of President Bongbong, it would be inclusive,” he reiterated further.

“We will not be exclusive to anyone. The interest of the Filipino people and the national interest come first and will never be compromised especially on our territorial integrity.”

(Incidentally, the Philippines and the US have been allies for almost 70 years now. In 1951, the two countries signed the Mutual Defense Treaty stating that both nations would support each other if either the Philippines or the US were to be attacked by an external party.)

As a people, we are incredibly talented! Manny Pacquiao, Lea Salonga and 4th impact are just three of the numerous names that resound not only to Filipinos but also to folks in many parts of the world. Impressive art is everywhere in the Philippines, no doubts about it at all. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find it in fiestas, on You Tube, on the streets and in other mundane places (like within you, for example…Haha-ha-ha!). Ellen and Oprah are so thankful to be able to feature “Pinoy” (Filipino) artistry on their shows, and so should we.

And we do put family first! It’s no secret that Filipino families are very close-knit. The family’s welfare is always number one, and members are willing to sacrifice their personal comfort for that. The Philippines’ modern day heroes, Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are prime examples of this selfless trait Filipinos can be very proud of. This Thanksgiving, make

the OFWs and the hardworking members of your family feel your gratitude the most – thank them for everything that they do. If that’s you, pat yourself on the back for being a true Philippine gem.

We are relentlessly resilient. The Philippines experiences an average of 20 typhoons per year but “Pinoys” impressively bounce back every time.

In fact, amid super typhoon Haiyan/ Yolanda CNN commended Filipinos for their “survivor spirit”: “Time to get to know the hardy Filipino people…unbelievably buoyant, long-suffering, good-natured, over friendly, loyal, ingenious and a bunch of survivors. At the end of the day, the Filipinos will just shake off the dirt from their clothes and thongs, and go about their business…and S-M-I-L-E. They do not complain much, they will bear it if they can. Maybe therefore they were given the ‘privilege’ of bearing the burden of the strongest typhoon ever recorded in history.”

Truly, Filipinos have suffered through selfish governance time and again, yet they have successfully fought back and continue to do so.

In every disaster, the strong Filipino spirit is revealed and emphasized for the whole country and the entire world to marvel at.

To make a point, too –the Philippine economy beats expectations, growing 7.6 percent in the third quarter of this year. And official says this Asian economy is on track to meet the government’s growth target for 2022.

There is no doubt that the Philippine economy grew at a faster-than-expected clip in the third quarter, but the government said the recovery is not without risks given rising interest rates and soaring inflation that could crimp consumer spending.

Underpinned by pent-up domestic demand, the economy expanded 7.6 percent in the quarter from a year earlier. The economy would likely grow above the government’s 6.5 -7.5 percent growth target for 2022, the Philippines’ economy planning secretary noted.

“While these developments are remarkable, I want to underscore that our nation still faces a considerable burden in the form of high inflation,” the Filipino secretary indicated. That’s according to the World Bank’s

latest edition of Global Economic Prospects. For 2022, the old homeland’s economy is almost twice the country’s long-term growth!

Indeed, the hardworking Filipinos are now slowly but surely transitioning from poverty to riches and with high hopes that the current robust economic growth rates will be sustained in the future.

Forget personal and others’ moments of weakness this Thanksgiving Day. Instead, look back and focus at the many times “Pinoys” have risen above seemingly impossible challenges and be proud of that incredible Filipino spirit.

Surprised? We are able to s-m-il-e through the bad, too!

The slogan “It’s more f-u-n in the Philippines” is no misnomer! Filipinos are wonderfully fun to be with…as we are always wearing a smile – a trait that isn’t only present during karaoke nights, fiestas and “simbang gabi.” Strangely, this cheerful Filipino spirit becomes more evident with adversities. “Pinoys” take selfies of their fail moments, grin (and bear it, too!) through tough jobs and remain optimistic despite disasters and tragedies. Filipinos certainly have a very positive way of coping which we all should be very thankful for.

Next to the most important of all, we l-i-v-e in peace!

Of course, no country is perfectly peaceful. Various groups in the Philippines don’t agree on many things and there are more cases of violence than you can count. However, the old country is still blessed to be free of widespread conflict and terrorism found in other nations.

A majority of Filipinos still get to enjoy going out safely at night, the comforts of their home and the sacredness of their human rights. Be thankful for all those things and for still being able to enjoy life.

(Why do you think, us –expatriates – keep coming back to Manila as that lively song goes?) If anything else be thankful for the sumptuousness of choice – being able to make decisions like going to the market or taking a break to rest is a luxury that other groups of people don’t enjoy.

Last but not least – and, I would add and say the most important of them all – we are F-R-E-E!!!

You may have complained about the Philippines’ political system once or twice (or every day … Haha-ha-ha!) but the fact remains that our “kababayans” get to live in a democratic society and that is something all should be very happy about. Filipinos are at liberty to express their opinions, practice their beliefs and form associations.

You may see some things lacking in the Philippines, but at the end of the day, let’s not forget that our freedom makes us all powerful agents of change in society.

And change is possible!

President Joe Biden had this to say about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when they met in New York last September 22nd of this year: “Well, Mr. President, welcome to you and your delegation. I – I think I woke you up election night. I called you so late to congratulate you. (Laughter.) But it’s a great victory, and I – and my best to your wife as well.

“The relationship between the United States and the Philippines, to state the obvious, has very deep roots. We’ve had some rocky times, but the fact is it’s a critical, critical relationship, from our perspective. I hope you feel the same way.

“And we have strong ties, including millions of Filipino Americans who are very proud of their ancestry and desperately want us to continue to have a strong relationship. And our foundations are strong in the U.S. – Philippine alliance, which is of critical importance.

“For decades, the alliance has strengthened both of us, I believe. And one of the things I want to talk about today is how we continue to strengthen that and work together on the things that are of greatest concerns to you.

“Today, I look forward to discussing the opportunities for a wide range of issues, including COVID-19 recovery, energy

security, and renewable energy. I was impressed with the work you did on windmills and a whole range of other things. You and I both think that’s the future, we can do a lot. We – know how we can do a lot together. I’m desperately interested in making sure we do.

“In addition, I expect we’ll discuss the South China Sea and disputes in a critical global through – throughway. I’ve spent a lot of time – with not only the President of China but others about the international waters and how they have to be respected. And we should talk about that a little bit, I hope.

“And we’re also – thank you for your position on the war against Ukraine and – by Russia – and how it’s impacting energy prices – and food prices. And we – we’re working very hard to be able to do something about that.

“And – and so, we want to talk about human rights, talk about a whole range of things. But I’m mainly interested to know what’s on your mind and how we can continue to strengthen this relationship..

“And again… Congratulations.”

With the old homeland’s deep cultural economic and military ties to the United States – I say that if our “kababayans” back there insist on celebrating this American holiday (as evidenced by the many silly Facebook posts) then a different date must be picked (just like the Canadians and the British did). The last Thursday in November commemorates the American Thanksgiving holiday. There is no reason why our “kababayans” in the Philippines should not celebrate this awesome holiday.

I say make it a genuinely very HAPPY THANKSGIVING for everyone and share it all, too.

MABUHAY!!

So, what else are you so thankful for?

The revolutions that General Emilio Aguinaldo waged against the Spaniards and later the Americans, were revolutions led by the urban working class. In similar ways, the People Power Revolution of 1986 started as a coup by disgruntled military brass who demanded reforms and were supported by society’s elite, the rich who were marginalized by the Marcos dictatorship. Hence, they were not true people, bottoms up revolution per se.

Both colonial powers called it an insurrection, yet Philippine history books refer to them as revolutions. They were rebellions or insurrections in the eyes of the invading forces because the Philippines then was their colonial subject who refused to recognize their rule but acquiesced nevertheless to protect their own individual interests. Make no doubt about it, though, that they were bloody revolutions that cost millions of Filipino lives.

The armed resistance that took place during the Japanese Occupation were carried out by Filipino guerrillas who fought under the U.S. States Army Forces in the

Far East (USAFFE), and separately, by the Hukbong Bayan Laban sa mga Hapon or HUKBALAHAP or Huks. The Huks was a people’s army formed by the farmers of Central Luzon who would later rebel against the very government who tried to disarm the rebel group.

The events that took place after the defeat of the Japanese proved to be the impetus for the Huks to wage a nearly a decade old rebellion that came close to toppling the Philippine government, if not for the military help by the United States. The discontent was actually a carryover from the Commonwealth years over land reform and other matters that the Tydings-McDuffie Act put in place.

The Parity Rights embedded in the law necessitated amending the 1935 Philippine Constitution but made implementation of land reform and access to natural resources very difficult. The war benefits promised to Filipino veterans were rescinded by virtue of the Recession Law signed by President Harry Truman.

The Philippines had no army of its own and was economically

dependent on the Americans. Hence, the Americans maintained oversight functions of the three branches of government plus the foreign affairs portfolio and currency matters to the detriment of the Filipino people. To ensure that the Americans remained in control, a large presence of the American military (Army and Navy) was maintained throughout the Philippines even after Philippine independence was granted.

The agreements were clearly onesided in favor of the Americans, but the Filipino sugar and coconut barons led by would-be president Manuel Roxas wanted their own businesses to thrive, and had agreed to the demands of the Americans.

Philippine Independence was granted in 1946 but the price for such declaration was very steep. Manila and many other cities were in ruins, and the major pillars of the economy were destroyed.

During the Japanese Occupation, the Huks were on the lookout for collaborators (and included President Roxas) and many in government who collaborated with the Japanese for self-preservation. It was a bad situation that Huks exploited to advance their cause. They wanted a wholesale change by instituting communist rule which would prove later as a mistake. Roxas and others made the Huks their expedient excuse to turn to the Americans.

President Roxas declared the Huks

as a “subversive organization.”

The Huks led by Luis Taruc were defeated in 1955 under President Ramon Magsaysay. Magsaysay was the man of the masses who had deep concerns for the well-being of the Filipinos. He tamed the military by changing the Rules of Engagement to include civic action as part of their duties. But he died in a plane crash before his term was over.

Fourteen years later, a new group would take up the cudgels of insurgency and the plight of the marginalized sectors of society. Taruc would later coalesce with Jose Maria Sison who established the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) in 1969 and absorbed the remnants of the Huks to form a new armed group – the New People’s Army. Taruc envisioned a quick overthrow of the Philippine government, but Sison prepared for a protracted war.

The Philippines has ongoing insurgencies with the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Moros of Mindanao. The creation of Bangsamoro has mollified the two Moro groups: The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Both have waged violent campaigns against the instrumentalities of the state.

Philippine society is dominated by powerful oligarchs who make and unmake elections. They control

mass media and dictate the country’s historical narratives through the lenses of democracy that allows them to perpetuate power. The military and the police do the bidding for the state under the theoretical framework of neoliberalism. It is this same democratic ideal that allows the unequal distribution of wealth resulting in a gaping disparity between the rich and the poor. The Catholic Church hierarchy is viewed as in bed with the ruling class although the society is predominantly poor and Catholic.

During the EDSA Revolution, many speculated that the NPA made a strategic error in not joining the People Power. Sison, however, was clear-eyed that it was the elite class who would take over the reins of government after Marcos fled. While the world heralded the EDSA 1986 as a model for modern day revolutions, the NPA insurgency lingers because nearly four decades after “democracy” was restored in the Philippines, the conditions remain the same as if the colonial powers never left.

The government’s failure to implement a meaningful land reform and curb the greed of the oligarchs whose list of billionaires continue to grow; people unrest will continue. Despite being tagged as a terrorist organization, the NPA enjoys support from many fronts, legal or illegal.

Former president Ferdinand Marcos,

Sr. was right when he said that “What good is democracy if it does not benefit the poor?” His son and namesake who is now the president of the republic would do well to listen to his father’s admonition.

Andres Bonifacio, the Great Plebeian, was part of the peasant class and fought the people’s war. But this was an unfinished war. The invaders have left a long time ago, but their legacies continue to shackle the lives of millions of Filipinos. But a citizenry who has been brainwashed by the glitter of democracy and religious belief that shuns communism, the NPA can wage war for eternity but not even achieve a stalemate.

The people will just not countenance a communist government despite the movement’s three institutional instruments of revolution well in place. The CPP fronts as the political party, the National Democratic Front (NDF) serves the legal interest of the party in society, and of course its military component, the NPA. Thus, a neutral societal component will need to intervene to break such impasse. The Christian church needs to find its footing in reshaping society and the government itself. If anything, they need to find inspiration through liberation theology to hear and address the cries of the people through their struggles. To be continued…

Jesse T. Reyes Filipino Potpourri

Spiritual Life

Happy Thanksgiving!

Some years ago, I was in a quandary on what to write for Thanksgiving Day and I ended up writing this poem entitled “Thoughts on Thanksgiving Day”.

What should I be thankful for, Dear God?

What should I be thankful for?

Should I be thankful for the rain That waters the parched terrain?

Should I be thankful for the sun?

That gives light to everyone?

Should I be thankful for the man?

Who loves me in spite of who I am?

Should I be thankful for my friends?

Who gives me comfort when I'm in pain?

Should I be thankful for my children?

Who brings me joy without no end?

Dear God, I am thankful for everything.

For everything I am content. I thank you God for all the things You have given me - my life, my love, My children and their children, my friends, And all those who've touched me

Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera

My Personal Testimony

In a very special way.

Indeed, we have so many things to be thankful for and everyday should really be thanksgiving day. We have a great God who provides all our needs according to His riches in glory. A lyricist and composer, Andrae Crouch came up with this beautiful hymn, My Tribute. How can I say thanks for the things You have done for me.

Things so undeserved, yet you gave to prove Your love to me, The voices of a million angels could not express my gratitude, All what I am and ever hope to be; I owe it all to Thee.

To God be the glory, To God be

the glory,

To God be the glory, for the things He has done.

With His blood He has saved me.

With His power He has raised me;

To God be the glory for the things He has done.

Just let me live my life – Let it be pleasing Lord to Thee; And if I gain any praise, Let it go to Calvary.

With His blood He has saved me.

With His power He has raised me.

To God be the glory for the things He has done!

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all!

Is there someone who needs your forgiveness today?

Hernaez

From

Whom

Corrie ten Boom (1892-1983) was born in Amsterdam and raised in the Dutch Reformed Church. When the Nazis came to power in the late 1930s, Corrie and her family hid Jews behind a false wall in Corrie's bedroom. In 1944, Corrie's family was arrested and sent to Ravensbrück, one of the worst concentration camps in Nazi Germany. There, Corrie's entire family died. Corrie herself was scheduled for execution - but she was released shortly before the end of World War II because of a clerical error.

Corrie concluded that God had saved her for a purpose. She committed her life to preaching the good news of Jesus Christ, speaking in churches, tent meetings, and open-air rallies. At one meeting in Germany in 1947, she taught on God's forgiveness. Afterwards, a man came up to her and introduced himself as a former Ravensbrück guard - but Corrie needed no introduction. She remembered him well. He

All Blessings Flow

was notorious for his cruelty.

"I've become a Christian since the war," he said. "I know God has forgiven me for the horrible things I did, but I would like to hear it from you. Could you tell me that you've forgiven me, too?" He put out his hand.

Corrie stood there for what seemed an eternity, unable to think of anything but the horrors this man had committed. Then she remembered the words of Jesus that required her to forgive ANY sin. She silently prayed, "Jesus, help me!" ...then she took the man's hand and cried out, "I forgive you, brother!" She later recalled, "I had never known God's love so intensely as I did then."

That was the defining moment in Corrie's ministry. Over the

disease and reduce your risk of hospitalization and death.

years that followed, she took the Christian gospel to more than sixty countries around the world and changed hundreds of thousands of lives through her speaking, writing, and the motion picture The Hiding Place, based on her autobiography.

If we want to be used in a great way by God, we must be willing to forgive those who may be a great source a pain in our lives.

The disciples thought they suffered their greatest defeat when Jesus died on the cross. However, this defeat became the greatest victory on earth. Christ's death gave liberty. Forgiveness came to all men. New life came forth - new strength for the disciples. Resurrection and new life came as a result of a "defeat."

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Question: I just received my flu shot. Is it still safe for me to get my booster?

Greetings in the Lord!

Today is the last Sunday in Ordinary Time which has been designated as the Sunday to celebrate the feast of Christ the King. For the past months we have been reflecting on the gospel messages of Jesus concerning the nature of the Kingdom that he promises those who would respond to his invitation to be disciples. Besides speaking about the nature of his Kingdom, Jesus also narrated parables that mentioned the requirements that his followers must do in order to belong to his Kingdom. In this regard, we would know what kind of King Jesus is by knowing the nature of his Kingdom and the requirements that people should do in order to belong to his Kingdom. Allow me, therefore, to share my reflections on the revelation of Jesus about the characteristics of his kingdom, as well as the demands of Jesus for those who would like to follow Him in order to enter into His reign.

The Kingdom of God that Jesus proclaimed in the gospel narratives may be characterized of a Kingdom of Love that unites the Trinitarian nature of God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is a fellowship of unity that is bound by the love among the three divine persons who are equal in dignity but distinct in person. Their personality is described by the relationship they manifested with humanity wherein the Father is the Creator, the Son is the Savior and the Holy Spirit is the Life-giver. A unity that is brought about by their love for one another in relationship of mutual respect and total selfgiving to fulfill itself in order to make

MARCOS

Continued from page 1

opportunities that they might find in the Philippines, arising from the process of transforming the economy, given that it seems our direction for post-pandemic recovery is bearing fruit. Our discussions touched on collaboration on specific sectors such as food processing, energy, housing, medical care, the manufacture of garments [and] bags, education, [and] training,” he said.

Marcos, who heads the Department of Agriculture, also raised the role of the private sector in helping nations ensure sufficient food supply and affordable food.

He thanked his Cabinet members for laying the groundwork and representing their respective sectors during the ASEAN Summits.

He also expressed gratitude to the Cambodian government for extending a “warm welcome” and looked forward to working with Indonesia, the incoming chair of ASEAN Summits next year.

Meeting with Filipino community

On his fourth and last day in Phnom Penh, Marcos said he met with the members of the Filipino community in Cambodia to express gratitude for their contribution to the growth of the Philippine economy.

humanity aware that its final end to be in fellowship with God himself.

From this simple understanding of the mystery of God’s nature which also describes the characteristic of his kingdom we can deduce certain fundamental elements that characterize the Kingdom that Jesus wants us to know and eventually be in fellowship. The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of Unity, a Kingdom of Love and a Kingdom of Justice.

Hence, unity that describes the Trinitarian God, love that unites the three divine persons, and Justice that is manifested in their equality in their dignity. There are other elements that the gospels speak, but the above mentioned are the essential ones.

What does Jesus require so that we would be able to enter this Kingdom.

In the synoptic gospels Jesus mentioned that “if anyone would like to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and come follow me.” Furthermore, in the gospel of John he clearly mentioned that his followers as his friends, not his servants, but stressed before leaving the disciples that he has a new commandment, “love one another as

you very much,” he added.

Earlier this year, Canada announced that it will be accepting more Filipino immigrants and workers.

In the same speech, Marcos vowed to work with the ASEAN and Canada to deliver on its commitment to protect and promote migrant workers’ rights through various initiatives.

He thanked Canada’s support for the TRIANGLE in the ASEAN program which is a part of the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) global efforts to promote fair migration.

“The project has promoted labor mobility across the region along with the improvement of working conditions and labor protection policies, particularly for low-paid migrant workers,” Marcos said.

According to the ILO, the TRIANGLE in the ASEAN program will “create a suite of policies, tools, and services that enhance the contribution of labor migration to stable and inclusive growth and development.”

Women empowerment Marcos also welcomed Canada’s continued support for ASEAN initiatives for the welfare of women such as the ASEAN Regional Plan of Action on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

I have loved you.” The requirements that Jesus has clearly mentioned are the following: acceptance of one self, denial of one self, carrying one’s cross and following Jesus. Self-acceptance is the fruit of the virtue of humility that we have reflected for sometime in the past Sunday. Nobody can accept himself as a mere creature of God unless he is humble enough and nobody can ever deny oneself unless he is believes that only in self-denial can one be able to carry one’s cross and love others as Jesus has loved us.

This is a process that demands not only the virtue of humility but also grace of faith.

Jesus the King has shown us the way, “I am the way, the truth and the life,… no one can come to the Father except through me.” When he told the repentant thief who was hanging on the cross beside Him that “today you shall be with me in paradise,” Jesus wants us to know that in spite of our sinfulness, our weakness and infidelities, we can be with him in the Kingdom he has promised to all once we become sincerely contrite and repentant and be courageous enough to turn away from our wicked past –just like to prodigal son in the gospel of Luke – and return to Him. He will carry us on his shoulders, like the good shepherd who carried the lost sheep whom he found and joyfully bring him to the sheepfold with joy. Let us pray that by being aware of the true nature of our King who is not only loving for mercifully forgiving, we may be able to follow his norms and prepare ourselves everyday to be in fellowship with Him in His Kingdom of Love, Unity and Justice.

Foreign Policy to achieve sustainable global peace, respect human rights and dignity, embrace evidencebased decision-making, and reduce inequality,” Trudeau’s official website read. (MNS)

PH road to economic recovery relies on Filipino workforce -PBBM

The Filipino workforce plays a crucial role in helping boost postpandemic economic recovery in the Philippines, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Sunday.

He made this remark during his meeting with the Filipino community in Phnom Penh, Cambodia after his participation in the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summits and Related Summits.

In his speech, he described the meeting with overseas Filipino workers as a “breath of fresh air” after the four-day biannual meetings.

He praised them for their dedication and hard work, citing their significant contribution towards the growth of the Philippine economy.

“OFW ngayon ang bumubuhay pa sa ekonomiya. Napakahalaga ng inyong ginagawa, napakahalaga ng inyong ginagawang trabaho (Overseas Filipino workers are keeping the economy afloat. The job you’re doing is very important),” he said.

and other symptoms like what is experienced with Parkinson’s disease that could come with getting COVID-19.

Question: I am young and healthy. Why do I still need to get the updated booster?

Response: COVID-19 and its variants are circulating. The updated booster is recommended even if you've already had COVID-19 infection and the COVID-19 vaccination because it helps sustain your protection against severe

Question: Am I eligible to receive a booster? I thought they were limited to only certain groups.

Response: Everyone ages 5 and up is eligible and encouraged to get their booster. Staying up to date on your COVID-19 vaccine and the updated booster shot provides you with the best protection. That is why it is important to get your booster dose as soon as you are eligible, typically two months after receiving your last dose. Also, your booster can be a different vaccine brand than you received previously, which does not impact its ability to protect you.

Response: Yes! Not only is it very convenient, but it is also completely safe to get both your flu shot and updated booster at the same time.

We know the holidays are a busy time of year. Do your part to stay healthy so that you can fully enjoy the many celebrations with family and friends now through the new year.

Learn more about how to stay safe and to make your next vaccination or booster appointment today by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov or call 833422-4255.

“I was honored to meet them, and I thanked them for their efforts and contribution to our nation’s progress and development, as well as that of Cambodia because they have been lauded by even Prime Minister Hun Sen as part of the reconstruction of Cambodia. The Filipinos played a very large part,” he said.

He said he also updated them on what is happening in the country right now, particularly developments on the programs and policies of his administration.

Marcos earlier described Filipinos as “the best people in the world” for making a good reputation with employers here and abroad.

Marcos thanks Canada for employing Filipinos

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has thanked the government of Canada for employing Filipinos and welcoming them to their country with open arms.

“Canada is considered home by over 900,000 fellow Filipinos, and may I say that I have experience of the stories that these people tell me, and it is that they have been assimilated into society and into the workforce so smoothly,” Marcos said in his intervention during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Canada Commemorative Summit in Phnom Penh on Saturday.

“...This is completely due to the warmth and the kindness of Canadian people. For that, we thank

He said the initiatives aim to support the upskilling of women and empowering women entrepreneurship, particularly of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in ASEAN, adding that women stand to benefit from Canada’s support for ASEAN’s digital transformation efforts that are inclusive and enable women to participate in the region’s development.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in his intervention, announced his country will host a Jakarta-based series of WPS dialogues with ASEAN in 2023, in line with ASEAN’s Regional Plan of Action on WPS.

This builds on Canada’s 2021 flagship initiative “Empowering women for sustainable peace: preventing violence and promoting social cohesion in ASEAN,” which was designed to advance WPS priorities, such as ensuring women can participate equally with men in decision-making, including in matters of peace and security.

The dialogue series will engage Canadian civil society and nongovernmental organizations and provide a platform for discussions on the m WPS agenda in ASEAN and other priorities, such as enhancing the role of women in political leadership.

“WPS is a shared priority for Canada and ASEAN and is a core element of Canada’s Feminist

Marcos likewise cited the importance of investing in human capital development, adding that it will return tenfold.

“Malakas ang loob ko magsabi na magre-recover tayo dahil yang mga Pilipino, lahat 'yan ay maaasahan natin na kapag binigyan natin ng magandang pagkakataon, ng tulong.

Hindi tayo mapapahiya (I am confident we will recover because Filipinos are reliable especially if we give them good opportunities, and support. We won’t get embarrassed),” he said.

He described Filipinos as “the best people in the world” for their qualities that foreign employers greatly admire.

“The FilCom in Cambodia are the ties that bind our deep and growing relationship with the Kingdom of Cambodia. Kayo ang dahilan kung bakit madali ako lumapit kay Prime Minister Hun Sen at sa hari ng Cambodia [Norodom Sihamoni] (You are the reason why I can easily approach Prime Minsiter Hun Sen and the king of Cambodia),” he said.

”Tumitingkad ang reputasyon ng Pilipinas dahil sa maganda niyong ginagawa (The reputation of the Philippines is being famous because of the good work you do),” he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos assured all OFWs of the government’s commitment to providing enough local jobs for Filipinos so they would no longer seek employment abroad unless they want to. (MNS)

But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. ((Matthew 6:15)

Danny

Fr. Agustin T. Opalalic

Midterms Offer Glimpse of ‘New American Majority’

By Peter Schurmann/emS

On Tuesday night Ruwa Romman became Georgia’s first-ever Muslim woman elected to the state legislature and the state’s first-ever Palestinian American elected to public office. Her win capped a stronger than expected midterm showing for Democrats nationally that defied polling.

Romman spoke during a November 9 press briefing organized by the national non-profit Emerge, which recruits and trains women seeking to run for Democratic office.

“141 women of color, 62 women under 45, and 21 LGBTQ Emerge alums won races last night,” said Emerge President A’Shanti Gholar. She added her organization fielded more than 650 candidates nationwide this election cycle. “This points to the continued rise of the new American majority,” she said.

The question for many is how Democrats managed to avoid the catastrophe that polls increasingly predicted. High touch beat out high tech, according to Romman and other first time candidates who won.

Romman’s team knocked on more than 15 thousand doors, sent some 75 thousand text messages and made 9 thousand phone calls in the newly drawn 97th district outside metro Atlanta, she said. And the message they got from voters was resoundingly clear.

“We heard from voters who said, ‘I want to vote for you because I know you will protect me,’” Romman explained. She added that Georgia’s governor, Brian Kemp — who just won reelection, defeating his Democratic challenger, Stacey Abrams — has “not ruled out voting to ban contraceptives. People are very worried about that here.”

Abortion, inflation, democracy; it was all on the ballot in an election many saw in existential terms. And

while predictions of a Republican rout began to spike in the waning days of the season, Democrats saw the best results for an incumbent president in more than two decades.

Romman beat her Republican opponent by 15 points in what she described as a hard-fought race that included anti-Muslim attacks from the opposing side.

Exit polling from the Associated Press shows Democrats with a solid lead over Republicans among voters of color, though Republicans did see continued gains among Latinos. Democrats are also heavily favored among younger voters, with important implications for the 2024 presidential race as more young people reach voting age.

“I especially want to thank the young people of this nation… who voted in record numbers,” said President Biden in a briefing with reporters Wednesday. He called the election outcome a “good day for democracy.”

For speakers on the call, despite inflationary woes and an unpopular president, the issue of abortion and reproductive rights remained front and center on many voters’ minds, even among some Republican men.

“We spoke with white conservative men who said they could not vote Republican because of concerns for women’s rights,” said Romman. “This is something polls have not fully captured.”

Gholar agreed. “You come for someone’s rights and there will be consequences,” she said, referring to the Supreme Court’s Dobbs ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. Gholar described the expected “red tsunami” as more of a “drop in the bucket.”

She also echoed Romman, saying the polls that predicted a Republican onslaught failed to capture the “transformation” happening across the electorate, and that too often polls

play a decisive role in channeling party dollars to favored candidates.

“Polling is linked to spending, and we must break that pattern,” she said. “We need a new system to understand the new American majority.”

Candidates of color fared well in other races as well, including in Texas, which is set to send its first two Muslim representatives to the state capital, and in Minnesota, where Black, Hmong and Latina women won seats in their state’s legislature.

In Maryland, Aruna Miller, who is of Indian descent, became that state’s first-ever South Asian Lt. Governor.

“It is a real marker for the community and a continued reflection of the power of women to take leadership,” Shekar Narasimhan, founder and chairman of the AAPI Victory Fund, told India Currents.

And in Connecticut, Stephanie Thomas is set to become the first African American woman in the history of New England to be elected secretary of state. “This is also the first time that two black people will serve at the same time in our executive branch,” she noted, referring to Erick Russel, who won his race for state treasurer. Russel is the first openly gay African American to win statewide office anywhere in the US.

“People were angry for what was happening with women, and they went for candidates who would protect those rights,” Gholar stressed.

She also emphasized the importance of candidate quality.

“Between Dobbs, promoting election deniers and attacking the safety net, Republicans did not help themselves,” she said. “Democrats gave voters a strong group of candidates. That’s why voters showed up.”

Advocates say transformational changes in the American electorate are not reflected in national polling, which they argue distort expectations and campaign funding

Marcos welcomes Thai firm's interest to invest in PH aquaculture

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is elated over a Thai company’s interest in putting more investments in the Philippine aquaculture industry, citing its importance in helping the country achieve food security.

Thai conglomerate CP Group pledged to make additional investments in the Philippines in aquaculture, rice and swine production during a meeting with Marcos in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday night.

Marcos, who also heads the Department of Agriculture (DA), said there were “many opportunities” to address issues in the aquaculture industry now that the country continues to move toward postpandemic recovery.

“The Department of Agriculture of the Philippines will go to your Philippine offices and we will begin by that, and maybe we will set a time when a team of Filipinos can come to Thailand. Then we can see what are the opportunities that you feel are going to be appropriate for the Philippines,” Marcos said.

He likewise recognized CP Group’s wealth of experience and its best practices, considering its presence in 21 countries in the world.

CP Group is Thailand's largest private company with a USD2 billion investment in the Philippines.

The largest and the most significant Thai investment in Philippine Agriculture is Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corporation (CPFPC), a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF)

CPFPC (Agriculture) started operations in the Philippines in May 2010 with rented feeds mill located in Guiguinto, Bulacan.

In 2012, the company made additional investments in aquaculture and agro-business in the Philippines.

Aside from shrimp and fish hatchery farms, the company has built one of the most modern aquaculture feed mills in Bataan. It also produces feeds for fish and shrimp.

Meanwhile, Marcos also reiterated his commitment to intensify the fisheries sector in his meeting with Aboitiz Group President and CEO and Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC) Philippines member Sabin Aboitiz.

“[Aquaculture] is an area where the Philippines can do well… So that's something that we are not doing a lot, and I really feel that we are missing an opportunity because we are a country with over 7,000 islands. I am sure that there are many places that are suitable for this kind of operation," he said.

Food security Meanwhile, Marcos on Thursday reiterated his call for nations to make food security a “top priority” during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Bangkok, Thailand.

"Food security should be a top priority for all governments, developing economies must especially have policy flexibility to ensure increased domestic food production and diversification and improve the local agricultural supply chain," he said.

The President said food insecurity has become a serious global issue

and a problem that every household and family feels.

He said issues such as climate change, high inflation, and geopolitical crises must be addressed as it affects the global food ecosystem.

The APEC is a regional economic forum established in 1989 to leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific.

APEC's 21 members aim to create greater prosperity for the people of the region by promoting balanced, inclusive, sustainable, innovative, and secure growth and by accelerating regional economic integration.

Marcos woos Thailand’s CP Group to invest in PPPs BANGKOK, Thailand, -President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is looking to woo Thai conglomerate Charoen Pokphand (CP Group) to invest in publicprivate partnership projects in the Philippines.

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According to the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS), Marcos had a meeting with the group in Bangkok on Wednesday, November 17, as he touted PPPs as a significant driver of the administration’s economic transformation.

“The centerpiece is our private and public partnership and this is something we feel we will need to encourage for the simple reason that it cannot be done by just the government,” Marcos was quoted as saying.

Marcos told representatives of the CP Group that the Department of Agriculture (DA) can visit the conglomerate’s Philippine offices and eventually offices in Thailand.

“Then we can see what are the opportunities that you feel are going to be appropriate for the Philippines,” he said.

According to its website, the CP Group is involved in industries such as agriculture and technology, made up of both listed and private units.

The President last month encouraged the private sector to take part in PPPs, as he said there were some 74 projects estimated to be worth P2.25-trillion in the pipeline, signaling a shift from the previous administration which preferred projects done under Official Development Assistance (ODAs).

PBBM, Xi to meet on sidelines of APEC summit in Thailand

MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday on the sidelines of the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting in Thailand, Malacañang announced Thursday.

Marcos' scheduled meeting with Xi was confirmed by Undersecretary Cheloy Garafil, officer-in-charge of the Office of the Press Secretary (OPS), in a statement.

Marcos flew to Thailand on Wednesday, while Xi is expected to arrive in Bangkok on Thursday.

This is the first time Marcos and Xi will meet in person.

The bilateral meeting between the two leaders will happen prior to Marcos' scheduled state visit to China in the first week of January 2023.

Garafil echoed Marcos' earlier plan to raise the South China Sea

(SCS) if he meets Xi.

"The Chief Executive said that it’s impossible for him to talk to China without mentioning the West Philippine Sea issue," she said.

China and the Philippines are among the several littoral states which have overlapping claims in the SCS, with Beijing claiming around 80 percent of the contested waters.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague, Netherlands ruled in favor of the Philippines' petition against China, after the arbitral tribunal invalidated Beijing's supposedly historic rights over nearly the entire SCS.

China, however, has repeatedly ignored the PCA ruling on SCS.

During the 25th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Nov. 11, Marcos called for the early conclusion of a final and binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the SCS and emphasized the need to uphold the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the universal framework in oceans and sea activities.

Xi was represented by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during the ASEAN-China Summit.

APEC meetings

Meanwhile, Marcos is also set to attend the APEC CEO Summit and APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting Gala Dinner on Thursday, Garafil said.

"Aside from a bilateral meeting with Chinese officials, Marcos will also participate in the APEC CEO Summit and will join his counterparts at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting Gala Dinner," she said.

In his pre-departure speech delivered at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Wednesday, Marcos expressed optimism that his participation in the APEC summit will bring "good progress" to the Philippines.

APEC, established in 1989, serves as the premier Asia-Pacific economic forum, with the primary goal of supporting sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the region.

Its 21 member economies are the Philippines, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam. (PNA)

PH, SoKor agree to elevate security, infra, energy cooperation President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol agreed on Saturday to step up the Philippines and South Korea’s cooperation in various areas, including security, infrastructure, and energy.

The commitment to a stronger partnership was made when Marcos and Yoon held a bilateral meeting at the Sokha Hotel in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on the sidelines of the 40th and 41st Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits.

“I do believe that it is time that we start to work to elevate our bilateral

Third-party body oversees decommissioning of MILF combatants

MANILA -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) on Thursday said that both the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have agreed to use a third-party body, the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB), to maintain the integrity of the process.

"To ensure the integrity and maintain a high level of trust and confidence, the GPH and MILF parties agreed to designate a third-party body, the Independent Decommissioning Body, to specifically oversee the decommissioning of MILF forces," OPAPRU chief Carlito Galvez Jr. said in a statement on Thursday.

The IDB is composed of international experts from Turkiye, Norway, Brunei Darussalam, Japan and the designation of competent and local experts from the GPH such as retired Lt. Gen. Rey C. Ardo, former commander of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command, and former congressman and Prof. Mario Aguja of Mindanao State University, and other local representatives.

Galvez also said the implementation of the decommissioning process of the MILF forces is guided by the roadmap of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) specifically in the Annex on Normalization, which is agreed upon by the GPH and MILF.

"Under the roadmap, the MILF shall undergo a graduated and gradual decommissioning in four phases by percentage: ceremonial in Phase 1, 30 percent in Phase 2, 35 percent in Phase 3, and remaining MILF forces in Phase 4," he said.

The OPAPRU chief said the decommissioning process is the first step that enables the MILF combatants to smoothly transition from conflict to peaceful, productive and civilian, and consequently allowing them to leave behind their guerrilla identity.

The decommissioning process also involves the turning-in and putting weapons beyond use.

Meanwhile, Galvez said that they would like to set the record straight that it is inaccurate to claim or allege that there is a missing list of MILF forces.

"The list of decommissioned combatants is safely secured and maintained by the IDB and the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development). The list is covered by the non-disclosure agreement and the Data Privacy Act of 2012, which provides for the protection of individual personal information as part of their constitutional rights," he said.

Galvez also said the MILF submits its list of validated combatants and weapons to the IDB.

"The IDB shall conduct verification, registration, validation and inventory of weapons and forces of the MILF with the assistance of the Verification and Monitoring Assistance Teams (VMATs). The VMAT, which is composed of an international representative from Turkiye/Brunei/ Norway, representative from the AFP/ PNP, and representative from the MILF, conducts a careful validation process through interview and stringent vetting process at the decommissioning site," he said.

Galvez also said that each combatant is validated and registered through biometrics by the IDB, with their photos and fingerprints taken

and printed in the IDB-issued ID or the decommissioned combatant's ID. Information derived from the same interview and registration is handled through an IDB database system and is treated with utmost consideration for security and confidentiality."

To further enhance the process of validation, the GPH and MILF established a pre-Assembly and Processing Area (Pre-APA) to jointly conduct a pre-screening and preregistration of MILF combatants scheduled for decommissioning.

The identities of MILF combatants are further verified through civil registration and provision and processing of certificates of live birth to establish their legal identities with the support of the international community," the OPAPRU chief said.

After the decommissioning process, the validated and registered combatants will be turned over for social-intake interview under the Task Force for Decommissioned Combatants and their Communities and DSWD.

Each decommissioned combatant receives PHP100,000 as transitional cash assistance with a DSWD-issued ID (biometric system) as part of their transformation to productive civilian lives.

Galvez said decommissioned combatants undergo a case management process of the DSWD to ensure that the transitional cash assistance is properly utilized to aid them in their transformation.

The OPAPRU through DSWD hired case workers to monitor and manage the status of all decommissioned combatants and assess their status which is essential in programming socioeconomic interventions tailored fit to their needs.

"To guarantee effective and efficient delivery of commitments in the normalization program including the decommissioning process, the parties have created the Third Party Monitoring Team to adequately monitor, assess and evaluate the implementation of the CAB," he added.

Galvez said the processes, protocols and mechanisms established in the decommissioning program of the MILF forces were crafted under the peace agreement to ensure integrity, professionalism, and level of trust and confidence in the process.

It is a product of careful and several consultation processes with various stakeholders, taking into account the best practices from disarmament, demobilization and reintegration processes from other peace processes in other countries.

The complete transformation of combatants, wherein they will be leaving behind their guerilla identity involves the different tasks and contributions from other government agencies and other branches of the government.

"In fact, while the normalization is still ongoing, the MILF as a party of the peace agreement is helping the government in its fight against lawless elements and violent extremism as demonstrated through the efforts of the MILF during anti-illegal drugs operations in Liguasan Marsh in 2016, operations against BIFF in 2016, Marawi siege in 2017, and other major law enforcement operations in Basilan, Sulu and Maguindanao," Galvez said.

He added that the decommissioning process along with other interventions

such as socioeconomic development program, transitional justice and reconciliation, and confidencebuilding measures which forms part of the normalization process of the CAB ensures the holistic transformation and healing towards normalcy, and the attainment of just and lasting peace in the Bangsamoro.

Philippines accepted 200 recommendations in human rights review --Remulla

The Philippines has accepted 200 recommendations made by memberstates of the United Nations Human Rights Council during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has told the UNHRC plenary.

A total of 289 recommendations were contained in the report on the Philippines and Remulla said the responses for the remaining 89 will be submitted to the UNHRC "in due course."

"The promotion and protection of human rights is a solemn constitutional commitment and constant endeavor that the Government of the Philippines shall never waver from," Remulla said.

"In this spirit, and as preliminary action, we are proud to announce the acceptance of 200 recommendations – more than two-thirds of all the recommendations during our UPR," he added.

Remulla said the Philippines accepted the recommendations on the following: UN Joint Program, the Philippine Commission on Human Rights, a National Human Rights Action Plan, combating discrimination and gender-based violence, maintaining a moratorium on the death penalty, preventing extra-judicial killings, conducting independent investigations, decongesting prisons, further expanding access to justice, protecting human rights defenders and journalists, promoting the rights to education, health, and adequate standard of living, upholding the rights of persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, women, children, refugees, and stateless persons.

In his address, Remulla reiterated that the harassment and intimidation of rights defenders, and extra judicial killings are not state policies.

During the “adoption” of the recommendations on the Philippines following the 41st session of the UPR, Remulla said the government will continue to make inroads in promoting human rights.

He said the Philippines was a "vibrant democracy" where freedom of expression, including the right to hold dissenting opinions, and the right to peaceful assembly is protected.

“Let me say this in no uncertain terms: There is no state policy to attack, harass or intimidate human rights defenders, including environmental rights defenders, lawyers and other practitioners of the legal profession, and the media," he said.

The Justice chief continued that "extrajudicial killing is not state policy."

"Classifying a death that occurred during an anti-illegal drug operation as extra-judicial killing by default runs counter to the tenets of due process and the rule of law," Remulla said.

“We will never tolerate the abuse of power and use of force beyond the bounds of law," he added.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. meets with with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a historic bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the 29th APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting (AELM) in Thailand today, November 17. The two leaders arranged the meeting to discuss Philippines-China relations and plan for PBBM's official visit to China in January.(MNS photo)

GOLDEN GIRLS. (Left to right) Maria Yvonne German, Samantha Emmanuelle Veguillas, and Princess Nicole Ramirez present their gold medals during the six-day Women's Martial Arts Festival at Rizal Memorial Coliseum in Manila on Sunday (Nov. 13, 2022). The three won the medals from different categories in karate during the tournament. (MNS photo)

1. Remove the turkey from its brining bag, and rinse. Place in roasting pan.

2. Using fingers, carefully loosen skin from turkey’s flesh, and insert stuffing, spreading evenly.

3. Slather butter rub all over turkey.

4. Place in a preheated 350-degree oven. (Our 20-pound turkey roasted for 3 ¼ hours.)

5. After the first hour of roasting, baste the turkey with soy sauce using a brush.

6. After the second hour of roasting, baste the turkey with lemon tarragon mustard (You can buy seasoned mustard or make your own with mustard, lemon juice and fresh or dried herbs.)

7. After the third hour of roasting, lightly dust the turkey with Chinese Five Spice.

8. At the 3 ¼-hour mark, remove the turkey from the oven, and let it rest before carving.

Enjoy!

From my family to yours, HAPPY THANKSGIVING, my friends! Love, Francine

The UPR, which held its 41st session this year, assesses the UN member-states’ human rights records and addresses violation and abuses if they occur.

Each country review is assisted by a “troika” or a group of three states done through a drawing of lots.

Marshall Islands, Namibia and Poland assisted the Philippines in the report.

Earlier, some member-nations of the UNHRC urged the Philippines to take action to protect and promote human

WELCOME

relations to a strategic partnership,” Marcos told Yoon.

“Our newly launched bilateral platforms on science and technology, fisheries, cooperation and maritime cooperation, all contribute to the deepening of this engagement,” he added. This is the first time Marcos and Yoon met in person.

Diplomatic ties between the Philippines and South Korea were established on March 3, 1949.

South Korea is also among Manila’s largest development partners.

Marcos thanked South Korea for its solidarity initiatives that seek to attain maritime security and entails an “infusion of significant funding in various regional cooperative projects.”

One of the initiatives Marcos mentioned was the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-MalaysiaPhilippines East ASEAN Growth

rights, including addressing killings of the war on drugs and ensuring access to justice for victims.

Remulla said some of the claims and recommendations in the report “rest on less than solid premises or are not in line with our cultural values, religious beliefs, and national identity.”

He also said that “claims of a shrinking civic and media space are unfounded.”

“They arise from a particular politico-security context that is oftentimes overlooked by those that view the Philippines from afar,” he said.

He said the Philippines continues

Area (BIMP-EAGA) Fund of South Korea.

Established in 1994, BIMPEAGA aims to accelerate the socioeconomic development of less-developed, marginalized and geographically remote areas in the four countries as part of a broader goal to narrow the development gaps.

PBBM calls for stronger publicprivate partnerships

Stronger public-private partnerships (PPPs) are vital in revitalizing the economy amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic and other global challenges, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said on Thursday.

Marcos issued the statement during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, as he stressed that strengthening the partnerships between the government and the private sector is the “centerpiece” of the Philippines’ economic transformation bid.

to deal with the longest-running armed communist insurgency in the world, adding that its “adherents deliberately blur the lines between civic activism and armed violence.”

“In the interest of fairness and objectivity, we call on our colleagues – partners - in the UN to exercise due diligence in the consideration of allegations received from various sources,” he said.

Remulla added the administration is determined to solve the insurgency problem through a whole-of-nation strategy anchored on good governance, rule of law and social justice. (MNS)

“Let us continue to build on APEC’s long-running partnership with the private sector and be increasingly in lockstep with the APEC Business Advisory Council which is the voice of the business community in the Asia-Pacific,” he said in his opening remarks.

“APEC’s value and relevance are its ability to work with business. There is no other organization or forum that actively seeks the concerns of business the way APEC does. And this tight engagement is what makes APEC unique, functional and important. And therefore, it is an engagement that must not only be preserved but it must be strengthened,” he added.

Marcos said balancing the “very healthy” competition and cooperation among APEC member economies will bring prosperity and progress to the Asia-Pacific region.

He added that agility is the “key to the future in the long term” for the region, as well as all the countries in the world. (MNS)