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JANUARY 2-8, 2026 Volume 20 - No.1 • 16 Pages
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Yearender: Peso faces pressure heading into 2026 DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
Minimum wage increases take effect in key states as new year begins MILLIONS of workers across several large U.S. states are starting the new year under higher statutory minimum wages, as scheduled increases approved in prior years took effect on January 1. The changes underscore the growing role of state and local governments in setting wage floors, as the federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 an hour, unchanged since 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. California California’s statewide minimum wage rose to $16.90 per hour on January 1, 2026, applying to all employers regardless of size. The rate serves as the baseline across the state. In many California cities and counties, however, local minimum wages exceed the statewide floor and must be paid instead. In addition, certain industries are governed by sector-specific wage laws, including a $20 per hour minimum for covered fastfood workers, and higher minimums for some healthcare employees under phased
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by Ian Nicolas P. Cigaral
from its end-2024 level, though well off the record low of 59.22 reached on Dec. 8. That slide came amid slowing economic growth and intensifying political fallout that has dented business confidence. After data showed the economy expanding just 4 percent in the third quarter—its weakest pace in more than four years—President Marcos’ economic team acknowledged that official macroeconomic targets may need to be revised to account for strains linked to the ad-
Inquirer.net
MANILA – The Philippine peso is likely to remain under pressure early next year before strengthening later on, as uncertainty over the pace of interest rate cuts in the U.S. and persistent geopolitical tensions may pose the main risks to the currency. The peso closed 2025 at 58.79 to the dollar on Monday, December 29, down 1.6 percent
ministration’s antigraft drive. External pressures also weighed on the peso this year, with uncertainty over the trajectory of U.S. monetary easing and higher tariffs adding to volatility in emerging-market currencies. 58-61 range “The peso will likely stay under pressure early next year as global uncertainty and U.S. rate cuts unfold slowly,” Jonathan Ravelas, senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said in an
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Infrastructure commission moves to close flood-control probe Rossana Fajardo steps down from the ICI, saying she has completed her role as the ad hoc panel wraps up its probe into alleged floodcontrol project irregularities by AJPress
TRADITION. A stall owner checks the round fruits she’s selling at San Andres Market in Malate, Manila on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025. Filipinos believe in buying 12 or 13 kinds of fruits for good fortune as they welcome the new year. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
MANILA — The government’s Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), created to examine alleged irregularities in flood-control and other public-works projects, is moving toward the conclusion of its work after two of its three commissioners stepped down, according to official statements.
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Palace begins 2026 budget review Filipino American technology by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com
MANILA — Any changes made to the budget are now up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after the Palace received the ratified 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) from Congress. In a statement on Tuesday, December 30, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto confirmed that the Palace received the P6.793-trillion budget the day prior and that a thorough review had begun. “The president and his team are scrutinizing all allocations and provisions to fully account for any changes from the orig-
inally submitted National Expenditure Program (NEP),” Recto stated. Recto said that the review will “take about a week”. Recto initially announced that the signing of the budget would be on Jan. 5, 2026—leaving the country on a reenacted budget for five days. A reenacted budget means that the government will run on the previous year’s fiscal budget The Palace, however, reassured the public that this would not disrupt government services.
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Ombudsman says Leviste pioneer Dado Banatao dies at 79 showed only parts of ‘Cabral AJP files’ amid dispute over access by
ress
DIOSDADO “Dado” Banatao, a semiconductor engineer and entrepreneur whose behind-thescenes innovations helped lower the cost and expand the reach of personal computers, died December 25, 2025, surrounded by family and friends, according to a statement released by the Banatao family. He was 79, five months short of his 80th birthday. The family said he died from complications of a neurological disorder that developed later in life.
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by AJPress MANILA — Investigators from the Office of the Ombudsman sought to examine the full set of documents known as the “Cabral files” in the possession of Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, but the lawmaker agreed to show only selected portions and not the complete collection, according to Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano. Clavano said the approach followed Leviste’s public statements that he possessed documents linked to the late Department of Public Works Diosdado “Dado” Banatao
File photo
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From the Front Page
Yearender: Peso faces pressure... PAGE 1 interview. “Expect it to trade in the 58 to 61 range, with volatility tied to tariff, oil and geopolitical risks.” A weaker peso carries mixed consequences for the Philippines. It boosts the domestic value of remittances sent home by millions of overseas workers and could help make Filipino exports more competitive. But it also risks driving up import costs and reigniting inflation. Prolonged depreciation could likewise inflate the peso value of foreign debts held by the government and private firms. Already, the latest central bank data show that banks’ foreign currency–denominated loans fell 5 percent in the third quarter to $15.13 billion, while foreign currency deposits rose 5.7 percent. The shift suggests borrowers are paring back dollar loans to limit foreign-exchange risk, even as savers build up their hold-
ings to capitalize on the peso’s weakness. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has signaled that it will allow market forces to determine the exchange rate, intervening only if a sustained downturn threatens to fuel imported inflation rather than to smooth out day-to-day volatility. Manageable “The peso is likely to remain volatile but broadly manageable,” John Paolo Rivera, a senior research fellow at the
state-run Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said. “Any sustained appreciation will depend less on rates and more on stronger investment inflows, export performance, and confidence.” For Ruben Carlo Asuncion, chief economist at UnionBank of the Philippines, there’s room for the peso to appreciate next year. “We expect the peso to trade stronger next year, likely moving toward the 55-57 levels as global and local conditions stabilize,” he said. n
Ombudsman says Leviste showed... PAGE 1 and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, which Leviste has said could shed light on alleged insertions in the 2025 national budget. According to Clavano, Ombudsman investigators were permitted to review only portions of the materials responsive to specific inquiries. He said the full set was not presented. Lawmaker denies unlawful acquisition Leviste has denied allegations that he unlawfully obtained the documents, saying the files were given to him by Cabral on September 4, 2025, before her death. He has said he did not take or copy the documents without authorization. His statement followed accusations, reported by local media, from a person identified as a staff member of Cabral, who claimed Leviste illegally obtained and copied budget documents. Those allegations have not been the subject of a formal finding. Claims have also circulated publicly suggesting that the alleged copying occurred under instructions involving DPWH leadership, including Secretary Vince Dizon. The DPWH has denied the allegations, saying the claims are unfound-
Former DPWH Undersecretary Catalina Cabral
ed. Ethics questions raised in the House Separately, Terry Ridon, chair of the House committee on public accounts, said Leviste’s handling of the documents could lead to an ethics complaint if it is shown that the files were obtained or shared improperly. Ridon said Leviste should explain how the documents were obtained, copied, stored, and shared, and whether any authorization was given by DPWH officials. He said issues of provenance and custody are relevant to both ethical standards and the credibility of materials submitted to investigators. Ombudsman cautions against assumptions Ombudsman officials said
File photo
the documents form only part of a broader review and that references to projects or budget entries do not, on their own, establish wrongdoing. Clavano said investigators must still determine whether any projects cited in the documents were implemented and whether any irregularities involve fraud, misuse of public funds, overpricing, or non-existent projects. In Philippine budget practice, allegations of “insertions” or “allocables” are frequently contested, and officials have said criminal liability depends on evidence of unlawful action, not the presence of documents alone. No charges have been filed in connection with the Cabral files as of press time. Investigations remain ongoing. n
OTHER CHOICE. Teal shirts are selling out fast at Novaliches Market in Quezon City on Tuesday (Dec. 30, 2025). Trend forecasting partners WGSN and Coloro pick “Transformative Teal,” a blend of dark blue and aquatic green, as the Color of the Year for 2026 while leading authority on color Pantone Color Institute chooses the shade of white “Cloud Dancer” as its Color of the Year. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Filipino American technology pioneer... PAGE 1 Banatao was not a household name, but his work was embedded in millions of machines. As a co-founder of key Silicon Valley companies, he helped compress functions that once required multiple components onto fewer chips—an engineering shift that reduced costs and improved performance just as personal computers were moving from offices into homes. From a farming town to engineering Banatao described growing up in Iguig, Cagayan, in what he called “very humble” circumstances. In recorded interviews, he said his father was a farmer and his mother worked as a housekeeper, and he recalled walking barefoot to reach his elementary school. He attended Ateneo de Tuguegarao High School, where his education was supported largely through scholarships, before moving to Manila for university studies. He earned a degree in electrical engineering from the Mapúa Institute of Technology where he graduated cum laude. After completing his undergraduate studies, Banatao moved to the United States, where he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University. Engineering foundations In the United States, Banatao worked as an engineer at Boeing, where he gained experience in large-scale systems design and disciplined engineering methods. Authoritative profiles identify his professional path as engineering
training that would shape his later work in semiconductors. Making the PC cheaper and faster Banatao rose to prominence during the personal-computer boom as a co-founder of Chips and Technologies, where he helped develop highly integrated chipsets that consolidated multiple PC functions onto fewer components. The result was lower manufacturing cost and improved performance at a moment when price and reliability determined whether computing would spread. He later co-founded S3 Graphics, a leading supplier of graphics accelerators in the 1990s as graphical user interfaces and multimedia became standard. Industry observers noted that Banatao’s contributions were essential but rarely visible critical infrastructure rather than marquee features. Investing and institution-building Beyond operating companies, Banatao co-founded Tallwood Venture Capital, a Menlo Park–based firm focused on early-stage semiconductor and deep-technology investments. He also devoted sustained effort to education and innovation. He was a co-founder and long-time supporter of the Philippine Development Foundation (PhilDev), which administers scholarships and mentoring for Filipino students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In the United States, the Banatao family established the Banatao Family Filipino American Education Fund, a
scholarship program administered through the Asian Pacific Fund. The program provides financial support to California students of Filipino heritage pursuing STEM degrees. Banatao’s name is institutionally linked to CITRIS and the Banatao Institute, a multi-campus University of California collaboration supporting interdisciplinary research and technology translation. In the Philippines, the University of the Philippines has acknowledged donations supporting engineering education through professorial chairs and academic programs under the Dado and Maria Banatao Institute framework. He also supported entrepreneurship through the Asian Institute of Management, which operates the AIM–Dado Banatao Incubator. A measured presence Despite his influence, Banatao kept a low public profile. Colleagues recall an engineer’s focus on rigor, execution, and long-term impact over visibility - an approach mirrored in his philanthropy, which emphasized access, training, and durable institutions. Banatao is survived by his wife, Maria Banatao; their children; and grandchildren. In the end, Dado Banatao did what engineers do best. He solved problems others accepted as fixed. He reduced barriers others took for granted. And he left behind systems, both technological and human, that will continue to work quietly, long after his name is no longer attached to them. n
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JANUARY 2 - 8, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Makabayan: Secret funds swell to P12B in 2026 budget by Krixia Subingsubing Inquirer.net
MANILA — A coalition of progressive groups in the House of Representatives sounded the alarm over a multibillion-peso surge in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in the proposed 2026 national budget now awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature, warning that the allocations could be a tool for corruption. In their initial analysis of next year’s budget, the Makabayan coalition flagged the “significant increases” to all but two agencies that requested CIF, which they have long marked for their lack of transparency. It also challenged President Marcos, whose office is set to receive the biggest chunk of CIFs, to veto these items. “[…] It is clear to the coalition and to the Filipino people that the proposed 2026 budget that Congress is set to ratify is full of funds that are vulnerable to corruption and fascism,” Makabayan said in a statement. “This, while it has underfunded critical services like education, health, and other social services that the public truly needs.” Comparing the National Expenditure Program (NEP) proposal to the Senate version of the 2026 general appropriations bill, confidential funds rose by P876.6 million to a total of P5.24 billion, while intelligence funds were increased by P231.15 million to P6.63 billion. This amounts to P11.87 billion, or almost P12 billion, for both. Substantial boosts Based on the Senate version, the coalition said, the country’s CIFs are highly concentrated within the Office of the President (OP), which controls a combined P4.56 billion in secret funds. The OP holds 43 percent (P2.25 billion) of the govern-
ment’s total confidential funds and 35 percent (P2.31 billion) of the total intelligence funds. Beyond the presidency, several agencies saw substantial boosts to their confidential allocations in the Senate version compared to the NEP: • Department of Justice (DOJ)-Office of the Secretary: P729.9 million, nearly double the P364-million proposal; • Bureau of Customs: P250 million, a significant increase from P79.5 million; • Department of the Interior and Local Government-Office of the Secretary: P300.6 million, up from P100.6 million; and • National Bureau of Investigation: P300.4 million, up from P174.4 million. The bicameral conference committee has yet to officially release its final report, but based on the figures flashed onscreen during the livestream of its meeting, both panels have approved the figures for the OP, NBI, DOJ and the Bureau of Customs. ‘Bloated’ funds In a move described by the coalition as a historical first, the Anti-Red Tape Authority was also granted P6.7 million in confidential funds. The budget also earmarks significant intelligence funds for the country’s security apparatus. The Philippine National Police is set to receive P871.3 million, while the Armed Forces of the Philippines General Headquarters has been allocated P1.216 billion. The coalition criticized the Senate for “bloating” these funds, which undergo a different audit process and therefore could not be publicly scrutinized. They challenged the President to reject these provisions alongside the equally problematic allocations for what other civil society groups call pork and patronage pro-
President Marcos is expected to sign the budget on Jan. 5, according to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. Inquirer.net file photo
grams, which all saw their budgets double in the bicameral version. Aid programs Among the most contentious items were the sharp increases to what it called “soft pork” programs, which are implemented at the discretion of lawmakers or elected officials—particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) and the Department of Health’s Medical Assistance to Indigents and Financially Incapacitated Patients (Maifip) programs. All three programs saw their budgets more than double from the original proposal under the NEP: Maifip, from P24 billion to P51 billion; AICS, from P27 billion to P63 billion; and Tupad, from P12 billion to P25 billion. At the same time, the bicam upheld the P243 billion in unprogrammed appropriations despite public clamor to strip it after it was revealed to have been used to fund anomalous projects after the enactment of the budget. Marcos is expected to sign the budget on Jan. 5, according to Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. n
Palace begins 2026 budget...
PAGE 1 “The public is assured that a brief period under a reenacted budget will not disrupt government operations. This deliberate review safeguards fiscal discipline and ensures that taxpayers’ hard-earned money is spent wisely and translated into benefits for the Filipino people,” Recto said. The 2026 budget is set to be the most delayed budget
during the Marcos administration, with it being the first one to trigger a reenacted budget. The pending budget comes at the heels of the most controversial corruption scandal of the administration, where billions are suspected of being stolen by lawmakers, officials and contractors in a kickback scheme at the Department of Public Works and Highways
(DPWH). The systemic thievery is believed to have been embedded into the budget, prompting lawmakers to livestream the bicameral conference committee meetings. The bicam, typically held behind closed doors and lasting two days, lasted four days after lawmakers reached a deadlock over the DPWH budget. n
FOOD HUNT. Customers choose from among various pork products at Libertad Public Market in Pasay City on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. Filipinos will welcome 2026 with grand feasts and high hopes that each day of the coming year will be bountiful. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
Infrastructure commission moves to close...
PAGE 1 Rossana Fajardo, one of the commission’s remaining members, in her statement, Fajardo said she had completed the responsibilities she accepted when she joined the panel and described her role as limited and time-bound. Her resignation follows the earlier departure of Rogelio Babes Singson, leaving the commission with one remaining commissioner, alongside its chair and secretariat. A temporary body nearing the end of its mandate The ICI was established by executive order in September 2025 as an independent, ad hoc fact-finding body tasked with gathering and evaluating evidence related to alleged misuse of public funds in flood-control and other major infrastructure projects. The commission was not granted prosecutorial powers; instead, it was directed to prepare case folders and refer findings to appropriate government agencies. Malacañang officials have previously described Fajar-
do’s assignment as focused on financial review and tracing public expenditures linked to projects under scrutiny, and as intended to support referrals to permanent oversight bodies. In her statement, Fajardo said the next phase of the process should be carried by institutions with authority to determine liability, including the Department of Justice, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Commission on Audit. Referrals already submitted ICI chair Andres Reyes Jr. has said in public briefings that the commission has already transmitted multiple case folders and referrals to the Ombudsman and other oversight agencies. The submissions involve contractors and government personnel linked to projects under review. Reyes has emphasized that the commission’s role is limited to evidence-building and fact-finding, and that decisions on whether to file criminal or administrative cases rest sole-
ly with prosecutors and the courts. He has also said the panel is focused on completing remaining documentation before the end of its mandate. Questions over continuity The successive resignations have prompted questions about whether the ICI’s work is effectively drawing to a close. Some lawmakers have urged the executive branch to appoint replacements to ensure continuity, while others have said the commission has reached a natural transition point given its ad hoc nature. Fajardo, in her statement, pointed to legislative proposals seeking to establish permanent, independent bodies to oversee infrastructure spending, arguing that long-term institutions are better suited to sustained accountability than temporary commissions. She described her service on the ICI as an honor and framed her resignation as a handoff to permanent accountability mechanisms rather than a withdrawal from efforts to address alleged abuses in public-works spending. n
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Dateline USA
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Missed retirement withdrawals are triggering Minimum wage increases... costly tax penalties for some seniors EACH year, U.S. retirees risk significant tax penalties not by withdrawing too much from their retirement accounts, but by withdrawing too little. Required minimum distributions, commonly known as RMDs, are mandatory withdrawals from most tax-deferred retirement plans, and failure to comply can quietly erode savings accumulated over decades. The obligation applies regardless of whether the omission was intentional. Federal tax rules place responsibility squarely on the account holder, even when accounts are managed by financial institutions or advisers. A rule intended to defer taxes, not avoid them RMDs apply to traditional individual retirement accounts, SEP IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, and most employer-sponsored plans such as 401(k)s. Roth IRAs are exempt during the lifetime of the original owner. The rules are administered by the Internal Revenue Service, which requires retirees
to begin withdrawals once they reach a specified age. Individuals who turned 72 before 2023 were required to start RMDs at that age. Those who turned 73 in 2023 or later must begin at 73. For younger cohorts, the starting age will eventually increase to 75. The required amount is calculated annually using IRS life-expectancy tables and the account balance as of the previous year-end. Why retirees miss required distributions Federal guidance and retirement analysts cite several common causes of noncompliance: • Confusion resulting from recent legislative changes • Multiple retirement accounts held across institutions • The mistaken belief that withdrawals occur automatically • Continued employment later in life • Health disruptions or diminished capacity One frequent misunder-
standing involves aggregation rules. While retirees may calculate a combined RMD across multiple traditional IRAs and withdraw from one account, employer-sponsored plans typically require withdrawals from each plan separately. Penalties that can compound over time Under current law, retirees who fail to withdraw the full required amount may face a penalty equal to 25 percent of the shortfall. That rate was reduced following passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act, but it remains substantial. If the error is corrected promptly and the appropriate tax form is filed, the penalty may be reduced to 10 percent. The IRS also has discretion to waive the penalty entirely if the taxpayer demonstrates that the failure resulted from reasonable error and that corrective action was taken. Any penalty is assessed in addition to regular income taxes owed on the distribution.
A compliance gap with delayed consequences Missed RMDs are often not detected immediately. In many cases, omissions surface years later during audits or account reviews, when penalties and interest may already have accumulated. Retirement advocates note that older retirees who are no longer actively managing finances are particularly vulnerable. A challenge emerging from evolving retirement structures As Americans live longer and retirement savings are spread across a growing array of accounts, compliance with RMD rules has become more complex. Legislative changes intended to modernize retirement policy have also added layers of administrative difficulty. For retirees, what appears to be a minor oversight can result in lasting financial consequences, underscoring the importance of regular account review and proactive planning well into retirement. (AJPress)
PAGE 1 implementation schedules. New York New York’s minimum wage continues to vary by region. As of January 1, higher wage floors apply in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester County, while a lower - though still elevated rate applies to the rest of the state. These increases are part of a multi-year schedule enacted by state lawmakers, with automatic adjustments written into law. New Jersey New Jersey’s minimum wage also increased at the start of the year, continuing the state’s gradual climb under legislation approved by voters and the legislature. The higher rate applies to most employees, while separate wage tracks remain in effect for small and seasonal employers, farm workers, and certain caregiving positions. Nevada Nevada maintains a single statewide minimum wage, following the elimination of its former two-tier system that differentiated pay based on employer-provided health
benefits. While Nevada’s most recent increase took effect on a midyear cycle, the higher rate remains in force entering the new year. A patchwork system Because wage laws differ sharply by state, county, city, employer size, and industry, the impact of minimum wage increases varies widely across the country. State and local minimum wages supersede the federal rate when higher, reinforcing a system in which pay floors are increasingly determined outside Washington. Labor economists note that while not all workers earn the legal minimum, higher wage floors can influence pay just above the threshold as employers adjust compensation structures. Business groups, meanwhile, continue to cite rising labor costs as a concern, particularly for small employers. What remains clear is that minimum wage policy in the United States is increasingly shaped at the state and local level, producing a fragmented but steadily evolving national wage landscape. (AJPress)
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JANUARY 2 - 8, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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Opinion
On Dado Banatao and the documentation of Filipino achievement
Features
THE passing of Dado Banatao is not simply the loss of a distinguished Filipino engineer, technology entrepreneur, and philanthropist. It is a test of whether Filipino achievement is recorded with precision, proportion, and permanence or allowed to dissolve into shorthand and omission. To memorialize Banatao is not an act of reverence. It is an act of record-keeping. From marginal beginnings to consequential work Born in rural Cagayan Valley, far from centers of capital or influence, Banatao did not begin with inherited advantage. The son of a farmer and a housekeeper, he began with education, discipline, and a practical intelligence shaped by constraint. Engineering became his means of mobility - first as a way out of poverty, then as an entry point into Silicon Valley at a time when personal computing was still uncertain, expensive, and largely confined to
institutions. When Banatao entered the industry, computers were neither ordinary nor accessible. They were complex, costly, and limited in reach. His contribution, stated plainly, was to simplify what happened inside them so they could be cheaper to produce, easier to deploy, and viable at scale. That shift mattered more than novelty. It determined reach. The work that made scale possible Banatao helped reduce the number of components required for computers to function reliably. He helped make network connectivi-
Editorial
Peddler of Hope
George Royeca A COUNTRY’S belief in itself is often reflected in what it chooses to build. For decades, the Philippines has been proud of exporting talent. Our nurses, engineers, seafarers and professionals have proven themselves across the world. But in the digital age, exporting talent alone is no longer enough. Nations that truly prosper are those that build companies, platforms and technologies
ManilaTimes.net photo
ty practical in offices and schools. He helped improve how computers handled graphics so they could be used beyond specialists. These were not decorative changes. They were structural decisions. They determined
Why the Philippines No Free Lunch needs its own unicorns that scale globally while remaining rooted at home. This is why Filipino technology startups matter. And this is why the Philippines must eventually produce its own unicorns. A unicorn is not just a company valued at a billion dollars. It is a signal. It tells young people that success is possible without leaving. It tells investors that the ecosystem works. It tells the world that a country can innovate at scale. When a na-
tion produces a unicorn, the economic impact goes far beyond valuation. It creates jobs, attracts capital, deepens expertise and inspires an entire generation to think bigger. Many countries understood this early. The United States did not become an innovation powerhouse by accident. It nurtured startups, protected local innovators in their early years and allowed them to grow into PAGE 7
whether personal computing would remain confined to institutions or become part of daily life. Widespread adoption followed those decisions. PAGE 7
Fixing a broken Philippines
Cielito F. Habito IT seems that the dreams with which Jose Rizal died exactly 129 years ago at his execution by the Spanish colonizers are the same dreams we dream today, in a society still mired in the corruption, oppression, and injustice Rizal wrote about in his time. The painful difference is that those evils are no longer coming from foreign colonizers, but from fellow Filipinos, making
the social cancer Rizal described then even harder, in many ways, to excise now. We’re caught in an evil web that has permeated all parts and levels of government, business, and economic institutions, the educational system, and even down to the minds and hearts of the ordinary citizenry. We are trapped in a vicious cycle of corruption abetting and funding campaigns of political dynasties whose hold on power is perpetuated by an electoral system that permits them to abuse it, and an educational system unable to
foster the electoral maturity that would stop it. But it is these very dynasties that manage to create the conditions that keep the electoral and educational systems the way they are. Our country is broken because it is stuck in a political-economic equilibrium that rewards predation more than production, thievery more than creativity. It’s in equilibrium because the situation has seemingly become stable, unchanging, and even self-reinforcing. Fixing it requires disrupting PAGE 7
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Opinion & Features
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2 - 8, 2026
Fixing a broken Philippines...
PAGE 6 this equilibrium, which will need profound changes to somehow happen on various fronts: in governance, in education, in the economy, in our communities, and in the very hearts and minds of ordinary citizens. Politics, with the fabulous illicit incomes it can
bring, has become a family business for dynasties that control elections through money, name recall, and patronage, making an antidynasty law a long-needed fix on the governance front. Will the antidynasty measure currently pending in Congress finally change things? Some applaud it as a game
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changer, but others see in it loopholes that would keep dynasties alive. Other critical governance fixes include a strong political party system, strict enforcement of campaign finance rules, independent prosecution of corrupt officials, and complete budget transparency from PAGE 8
Why the Philippines needs its own... PAGE 6 global leaders. Silicon Valley was not built overnight. It was built through decades of policy choices, patient capital and a culture that celebrated entrepreneurship. The result was not just wealth for founders but trillions of dollars in economic activity, technological leadership and national influence. Israel offers another powerful example. A small country with limited natural resources chose to invest heavily in startups, research and technology. Government support, strong education and a willingness to take risks created one of the most vibrant startup ecosystems in the world. Today, Israeli technology companies power industries far beyond their borders. Their success strengthened their economy and reshaped their national identity. Closer to home, we see similar stories unfolding. Indonesia made a conscious decision to back its local startups. It encouraged domestic platforms in transport, payments and commerce. It invested in digital infrastructure and supported founders who understood local needs. The result was not just one unicorn but several. These companies kept profits circulating within the country, trained thousands of local engineers and created services designed for Indonesians. Singapore followed a different but equally deliberate path. It positioned itself as a startup hub by offering clear rules, strong protection for intellectual property and deep government support for innovation. It invested in accelerators, research and early stage funding. Today, Singapore is home to startups that operate across Asia and beyond. The economic windfall is visible not only in valuations but in jobs, skills and long-term competitiveness. Even Thailand, once seen as a slower adopter of technology, has begun investing in its startup ecosystem. By
supporting local founders and digital industries, it is creating new growth engines for its economy. These examples show a clear pattern. Countries that invest in startups do not just grow companies. They future proof their economies. The Philippines cannot afford to ignore this lesson. Without strong local startups, we remain dependent on foreign platforms. Without homegrown success stories, our youth will continue to believe that the ceiling for Filipino ambition is somewhere else. Without unicorns, our ecosystem lacks the proof point that convinces capital to stay and scale. A healthy startup community does something powerful. It changes mindset. When young Filipinos see founders like them building successful companies, they stop asking if it is possible and start asking how. Entrepreneurship becomes a real path, not a fantasy. Risk taking becomes acceptable. Innovation becomes aspirational. This shift in mindset is just as important as policy or funding. But startups do not grow in a vacuum. They need an environment that allows them to compete. This is where government plays a critical role. Supporting local startups is not protectionism. It is good economic sense. Every major technology economy did this in some form. No country allowed its most strategic digital industries to be dominated by global giants from day one without consequences. Protecting local players does not mean shutting the door to foreign investment. It means ensuring fair competition. It means recognizing that global platforms arrive with massive capital, advanced technology and global networks that local startups simply do not have at the beginning. Without smart policy, local companies are crushed before they can mature. That is not effi-
ciency. That is economic self sabotage. Government support can take many forms. Access to early stage funding. Procurement policies that give startups a chance. Regulatory sandboxes that allow innovation. Support for incubators and accelerators. Education systems that encourage entrepreneurship. Clear data and competition rules that prevent abuse of dominance. These are not radical ideas. They are proven tools used by both developed and emerging economies. The payoff is significant. When startups succeed, they create entire ecosystems around them. Employees leave to start new companies. Suppliers grow alongside them. Skills spread across industries. Capital recycles into the next generation of founders. This is how innovation compounds. This is how economies grow from within. Ultimately, the question is not whether the Philippines can produce unicorns. The question is whether we choose to create the conditions that allow them to exist. We have the talent. We have the market. We have the creativity. What we need is belief backed by policy. If we nurture a thriving startup ecosystem, we do more than build companies. We build confidence. We build capability. We build a future where young Filipinos see themselves not just as workers in the global economy but as builders of it. That future is not only desirable. It is necessary. The next chapter of the Philippine economy will be written by those who dare to build. Let us make sure we give them the chance to succeed. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
APPROVED. Senate President Vicente Sotto III leads the ratification of the 2026 national budget on Monday, Dec. 29, 2025 before adjournment and the last plenary session of the year. Session resumes on Jan. 26, 2026. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
On Dado Banatao and the...
PAGE 6 Impact without visibility Banatao did not stop at invention. He built companies that translated engineering choices into products manufactured and deployed at scale. His work moved through supply chains rather than headlines, into machines used by millions of people who never encountered his name but depended on his work nonetheless. This is why his influence is pervasive and largely invisible. It exists not as brand recognition, but as infrastructure. Beyond borrowed comparisons Banatao has often been described, largely for convenience, as the “Filipino Bill Gates.” The comparison is understandable and ultimately insufficient. Gates shaped what people did on computers. Banatao helped shape the conditions that made computing affordable to a far wider public. He was not a software magnate presiding over a consumer-facing empire. His work operated deeper in the system, in the foundational decisions that lowered costs, normalized connectivity, and made computing practical at scale. His influence spread through adoption, not promotion. He was not a Filipino version of someone else. He was Dado Banatao, and his work stands on its own terms. Access as a condition of innovation Silicon Valley has long celebrated personalities and products while overlooking the builders who make entire systems viable. Banatao belonged to that latter group.
By lowering barriers to entry, he expanded participation in the digital age. Innovation followed access, not the reverse. Memorializing him corrects a persistent imbalance in how contribution is assigned and remembered. Filipinos have not merely adapted to global innovation. We have helped construct its foundations. From builder to investor Later in his career, Banatao became a venture capitalist. This role did not replace his identity as a builder; it extended it. As an investor and mentor, he brought an operator’s discipline to capital. He favored sound engineering, long-term viability, and practical problem-solving over financial spectacle. His influence was measured less by deals completed than by companies and people strengthened over time. Philanthropy with intent Banatao understood that success which terminates with the individual is incomplete. He invested deliberately in education, scholarships, and engineering and innovation programs, particularly within Filipino-American communities. His philanthropy was neither symbolic nor episodic. It was designed for continuity. He invested in systems capable of reproducing opportunity beyond his own involvement, guided by a conviction shaped by experience: talent is widespread; access is not. Memorialization as obligation To memorialize Dado Banatao properly is not to elevate him beyond scrutiny. It is to
place his life accurately within the historical record. That requires teaching his story as evidence rather than exception. It requires valuing engineers and builders alongside figures whose work is more visible. It requires documentation that resists exaggeration and omission alike. What continuation demands Continuing Banatao’s legacy does not require another singular figure. It requires sustained attention to the ecosystem he believed in. It requires families who treat science and engineering as legitimate paths. Institutions that fund access rather than symbolism. Community organizations that invest in mentorship over ceremony. Professionals who understand that opportunity, once received, carries responsibility. Progress is not preserved by admiration. It is preserved by participation. The responsibility of record The responsibility here is not merely to commemorate achievement, but to document it accurately and durably. Lives like Banatao’s demonstrate how Filipino contribution can be foundational and yet overlooked when history is written loosely. Remembering Dado Banatao honors the past. Advancing the principles that shaped his work - access, education, and continuity - secures the future. His life leaves a clear instruction: the highest form of success is not visibility, but continuity. Impact is measured by what is sustained after recognition fades. (AJPress)
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Fixing a broken Philippines...
PAGE 7 preparation to execution. Some progress has been made on the last, thanks to Senate finance committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian’s openness and willingness to collaborate with the People’s Budget Coalition and the thousands of volunteer data analysts behind it. But old habits die hard, and shameless politicians appear to have still managed to have their way with the inclusion of disguised pork and spurious public works allocations in the emerging 2026 budget. Critical to achieving the above political and governance reforms is an educated electorate, highlighting the vital role of educational reform to ensure wide access to quality education. But this is a long-haul journey whose impacts would only begin to show beyond the current generation of voters. Much work has been done in the Second Congressional Commission on Education, whose recommendations are being translated into legislation and administrative reforms in the edu-
cation sector. But the often overlooked link is the stillhigh rate of early childhood malnutrition and stunting that has impaired the learning and cognitive abilities of a quarter of our children in school, for whom education system improvements may help little. And equally overlooked is how malnutrition is not about weak feeding programs, but fundamentally traces to inordinately high food prices beyond the reach of the poor, the outcome of a flawed economic environment. The fix on the economic front entails shifting from undue economic concentration marked by monopolies, oligopolies, and cartels to healthy economic competition, where large and small enterprises thrive side by side. A strong competition policy impels innovation and productivity improvement, translating to lower costs and prices for food and nonfood essentials—thereby striking at the root of our malnutrition and education crisis. A competitive and democratized economy friendly to small farms and firms,
in turn, forestalls capture of the political system by moneyed elites and dynastic leaders. The final crucial front is our own communities and families, whose collective power could be harnessed by galvanizing a national reform coalition. Reform champions across business, the academe, church, youth, basic sectors, and the government itself are needed to spearhead this coalition for change. There’s a silent majority out there just waiting to be led to act in unity and solidarity toward achieving the country we all aspire to. It is only when this silent majority is mobilized to act toward making the needed changes on the governance, education, and economic fronts that we can begin fixing our broken country. (Inquirer.net) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** cielito.habito@gmail.com
HORSING AROUND. Children welcome the Chinese Year of the Fire Horse at Malabon Zoo on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025. They also appealed for the implementation of the zero fireworks campaign for the safety of both humans and pets. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc
Rizal Day: Marcos urges integrity, Sara cites freedom from ‘disunity and evil’ by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte touted the legacy of national hero Jose Rizal in separate Rizal Day messages on Tuesday, December 30, urging Filipinos — and public officials — to uphold integrity amid repeated calls for accountability from leaders. Marcos said Rizal’s life and martyrdom offered guidance at a time when Filipinos are pressing their leaders for “integrity and accountability,” saying the commemoration is a reminder of the standards expected of those in power. “Today, as Filipinos demand integrity and accountability from its leaders, we look up to his life to provide us with guidance and strength,” Marcos said.
He called on Filipinos to live by values he attributed to Rizal, including “respect for truth,” the pursuit of “just reform,” and the courage to speak and act for what is right. Marcos added that Rizal’s principles should guide choices in both public and private life, urging citizens to put “country over personal interests.” Marcos also appealed to young Filipinos, saying Rizal, through his writings, placed hope in the youth to combine patriotism with responsible citizenship. He again linked Rizal’s ideals to his administration’s “Bagong Pilipinas” slogan, saying the hero’s vision should be reflected in everyday acts of integrity. Duterte, in her own Rizal Day message, framed Rizal’s legacy as a broader struggle for freedom that goes beyond colonial rule, calling it a fight
against abuse, division and moral decay. “The true lesson of Rizal is clear,” Duterte said in Filipino. “Freedom is not only liberation from foreign powers, but also the liberation of our minds and hearts from abuse, disunity and evil.” She urged Filipinos to stand for truth and justice and warned against allowing the “the spirit of wisdom and unity" to fade. Rizal Day, observed every December 30, marks the 1896 execution of Jose Rizal by Spanish colonial authorities, an event that helped galvanize the Philippine revolution. Rizal’s body of work became mandatory reading in schools under Republic Act 1425, or the Rizal Law, passed in 1956. The law requires the study of his life, works and writings at the tertiary level. n
IN REMEMBRANCE. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the commemoration of the 129th death anniversary of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal at Rizal Park in Manila on Tuesday (Dec. 30, 2025). The First Family also led a gift giving activity at the park’s Open Auditorium. Contributed photo
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Dizon denies links to flood control Pulse Asia: Marcos, Duterte trust ratings insertions alleged by Leviste fall as corruption woes drag on by Keith Clores Inquirer.net
MANILA – Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon denied on Tuesday Batangas Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste’s allegations linking him to supposed flood control insertions in the national budget. “[Dizon] categorically denies the baseless and malicious allegations made by Rep. Leandro Leviste regarding supposed ‘insertions’ or ‘allocables’,” the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said in a statement. Leviste accused Dizon of making insertions in the controversial infrastructure projects funded through the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA). In a separate statement, the BC also shut down Leviste’s allegations, saying “no such funds exist within BCDA projects or its authority. Claims to the contrary are unsupported by evidence and false.”
“BCDA does not receive or control discretionary funds and does not participate in budget insertions. All projects are financed only through approved government programs, released through the National Treasury, implemented under the General Appropriations Act, and governed by procurement laws and Commission on Audit rules,” the BCDA added. The group also welcomed an investigation, saying the BDCA’s records are open to oversight institutions. Meanwhile, the DPWH said the timing of Leviste’s allegations “raises suspicions,” after the agency’s staff reported that the lawmaker “forcefully and illegally” took the late Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral’s files supposedly containing data on infrastructure allocations. Dizon previously denied that he had authenticated the documents in Leviste’s possession, adding that he had never seen them, prompt-
ing Malacañang to call for a probe of how the congressman got hold of the so-called “Cabral files.” The Office of the Ombudsman is set to examine the files in the congressman’s possession. On December 24, Leviste began sparsely releasing the data contained in the documents after Cabral died on December 18. By Christmas Day, Leviste had released data showing the DPWH budget allocations per district, province and region from 2023 to 2026 amounting to around P3.5 trillion. The files showed that the biggest allocations by region went to Central Luzon with P406.9 billion, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) with P341.8 billion, and the Bicol region, P272.3 billion. The summary also revealed unprogrammed appropriations from 2023 to 2024 amounting to P213.8 billion. n
by Jean Mangaluz Philstar.com
MANILA — The trust ratings of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte both declined this December, according to a survey conducted by Pulse Asia. In a report released on Tuesday, December 30, the trust ratings of both Marcos and Duterte declined by two points, with the vice president still holding the higher trust score. Marcos scored a net trust rating of 32, down from his score in September of 34. Meanwhile, Duterte held a trust score of 56 in September, which declined to 54. In terms of performance, Duterte still had a high performance rating of 56 compared to Marcos’ 34—both had a one-point increase from their respective September ratings. Marcos scored the highest in his bailiwick of Luzon for both his trust and performance ratings. Duterte held
the strongest ratings in Visayas and Mindanao. While both Marcos and Duterte’s trust and performance ratings moved by mere inches, fighting corruption remained one of the chief concerns for many Filipinos, only being preceded by controlling inflation. The top five concerns for Filipinos are as follows: controlling inflation, fighting graft and corruption, increasing workers’ pay, reducing poverty for Filipinos, and creating more jobs. Pulse Asia listed 18 concerns overall, with the national administration only scoring one majority approval rating: the protection of the welfare of overseas Filipino workers. The Palace has maintained that the results of the Pulse Asia survey are mere guidelines and will not affect the president. However, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that Marcos’ crackdown on corruption may have led him to be less liked. “Kung ang dahilan ng pag-
baba ng rating ng Pangulo ay dahil sa ginagawa niya sa pagpapaimbestiga sa mga sangkot sa maanomalyang flood control projects na nakakaapekto sa ekonomiya na nagiging sanhi ng political noise, hindi iindahin ng Pangulo ang pagbaba ng rating dahil sa ang ginawa niya ay isang right decision na maaaring hindi popular decision dahil maraming maaapektuhang tao at politiko,” Castro told reporters. (If the President’s ratings decline because of his investigation into those involved in the anomalous flood control projects that affected the economy because of all the political noise, the President will not mind low ratings because he made the right decision that may be unpopular because of how people and politicians are affected.) The Marcos administration was rocked by its largest corruption scandal yet, with billions of pesos suspected of being stolen from the country’s coffers through kickback schemes in flood control projects.
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House to go paperless, adopt blockchain in 2026 — Speaker Dy by Krixia Subingsubing Inquirer.net
MANILA — The House of Representatives plans to adopt blockchain technology starting next year as part of its efforts to modernize and improve transparency in the chamber’s processes, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said. The Isabela lawmaker announced the plan in a video message posted on the House’s official social media accounts on Tuesday, a day after Congress adjourned following the ratification of the P6.793-trillion national budget for 2026. Under the plan, Dy said, the House would move toward a paperless system and use blockchain technology to secure legislative records and transactions. While he did not provide specifics, Dy said the chamber plans to use the technology to “ensure the integrity, security,
and transparency of its internal processes, including the drafting of the national budget.” If implemented, the initiative—which would be carried out with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)— would make the Philippine House of Representatives the first legislative body in Asia to adopt blockchain technology, Dy added. “We are doing this because we believe that transparency is not merely an aspiration or a slogan; it must be practiced and lived. As I have said before, place your trust in me as Speaker; we will continue to do everything possible to make Congress more open, clearer, and more worthy of public trust,” he explained. “I know that we continue to seek accountability. We are in a period of our history marked by deep frustration,” he added. “We will do everything we
can to ensure that we do not fail you.” It may be recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wanted Congress to prioritize at least four bills aimed at improving public trust in government, including Sen. Benigno “Bam” Aquino’s proposed Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability Act or CADENA Act. The measure, which passed on third reading in the Senate last November, seeks to create a blockchain-based digital platform for all government budget documents, aiming to ensure transparency, prevent corruption, and allow public access to tamper-proof spending records. In the House of Representatives, Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima also filed a similar measure, House Bill No. 6898, but it has yet to pass the committee level. n
2026 budget: Foreign-assisted projects in PH suffer cuts again by Krixia Subingsubing Inquirer.net
MANILA — Foreign-assisted projects (FAPs) will again face deep budget cuts in 2026, despite earlier commitments by the Philippine Congress to ensure adequate government support after years of underfunding. According to the bicameral committee conference report uploaded to the Senate budget transparency portal, funding for FAPs under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was reduced to P17.7 billion, down P52.3 billion from the original P70 billion proposed by the House of Representatives. However, another contentious item in the DPWH budget, the Convergence and Special Support Program (CSSP), received a P6.2-billion increase—from P234.2 billion to P240.5 billion—despite being flagged by bud-
get advocates as effectively functioning as a “shadow flood control budget.” Two FAPs under the DOTr also suffered major cuts in the proposed 2026 budget, which could affect their implementation timeline and incur higher commitment (late penalty) fees. The Metro Manila Subway Project Phase 1 (MMSP1) received only P20.4 billion in funding, down from the original P39.2 billion proposal, while the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) system saw its budget halved from P57.6 billion to P28.8 billion. Both projects are funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). During the bicameral conference committee deliberations in Pasay City earlier this month, the panel led by Senate finance committee chair Sherwin Gatchalian and Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Suansing agreed to realign
portions of the MMSP1 and NSCR budget to the Light Rail Transit Line 1-Cavite extension’s Unified Grand Central Station and the automated fare collection system for all the metro’s railways. Budget advocates and civil society watchdogs have been calling on Congress to protect funding for FAPs, which require co-financing from the Philippine government to complement the foreign loan to meet the total project cost. In 2024 and 2025, funding for the FAPs was slashed, even though the Department of Budget and Management requested P246 billion and P215.6 billion for these respective years. Under the 2026 National Expenditure Program, P283 billion was proposed for FAPs, which are funded by multilateral agencies such as JICA, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank.
Photo from the joint explanation of the conference committee on the disagreeing votes on House Bill No. 4058
NEW BEGINNING. Fireworks light up the sky in Imus City, Cavite on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026 as Filipinos welcome the New Year the traditional way. The Philippine National Police said though several people were injured due to firecrackers, the overall celebration was generally peaceful with zero major crimes reported. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
Bersamin denies link to P8.3B DPWH projects in Cabral Files by Christina Chi Philstar.com
MANILA — Former executive secretary Lucas Bersamin rejected on Sunday, December 28, allegations that he is the “ES” tagged in the so-called Cabral Files, saying he had no role at any stage in the approval of public works projects. In a statement, Bersamin said he was “aghast and outraged” by claims that the initials referred to him and that P8.3 billion worth of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects were supposedly allocated to his office under the 2025 General Appropriations Act. “I did not ever request, endorse, approve, or authorize any DPWH project or budget allocation at any stage of the budget process,” Bersamin said. He also denied instructing anyone inside or outside government to use his name or his former position for any budget-related purpose. As executive secretary, Bersamin held one of the most powerful posts in the Marcos administration, overseeing the execution of Marcos' orders and coordinating among different Cabinet secretaries. His exit last month came as the administration tried to contain fallout from allegations it was Bersamin all along who pushed for a whopping P100 billion in bicameral insertions in the 2025 national budget — a claim the former chief justice has denied. Shortly after, Bersamin shared that he did not
In this Dec. 23, 2025 photo release, President Marcos meets with some Cabinet members including then-Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin (second from R) to review the proposed 2025 budget. PCO / Cesar Chavez
resign willingly and was told to step down. Cabral files claims disputed On Sunday, Bersamin stressed that the newly surfaced allegations in the Cabral files were unfounded. “This incident only serves to raise more questions about the deeply flawed budget process followed at the DPWH,” he said, urging that the so-called Cabral documents to be thoroughly scrutinized to identify those responsible for any manipulation. Bersamin added that he was eager and willing to cooperate with any legislative, administrative, or judicial inquiry into the issue. Sen. Ping Lacson claimed at least five Cabinet secretaries and several undersecretaries had “allocables” and “non-allocables” amounting to billions of pesos in the 2025 national budget based on documents linked to former Public
Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral. Lacson said the documents showed a certain “ES” with P8.3 billion in allocables, among others. Questions over document source. Malacañang, however, has questioned both the source and authenticity of the files. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said there were reports indicating the documents were obtained from a staff member, not from former DPWH undersecretary Cabral, after whom the files were named. A copy of the supposed contents of the documents was released on social media by Rep. Leandro Leviste (Batangas, 1st District) on Christmas Eve. The files reportedly include summaries of DPWH allocations by district, province, and region from 2023 to 2026, totaling around P3.5 trillion. n
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people events arts culture entertainment
In Memoriam 2025: Filipino cultural figures and public personalities we lost by AJPress THE year 2025 marked the passing of Filipinos whose work shaped the nation’s cultural, artistic, and public life across generations. From cinema and music to cuisine, television, comedy, and digital media, these figures influenced how Filipinos told their stories, confronted social change, and engaged audiences at home and abroad. Presented below is a factbased accounting of notable deaths in 2025, sequenced strictly by date of death.Causes of death are included only when publicly disclosed. Gloria Romero (September 16, 1933 – January 25, 2025) Gloria Romero was among the most enduring figures in Philippine cinema, with a career that bridged the postwar studio era and the modern television age. Rising to prominence in the 1950s, she became a leading lady before transitioning into character roles that sustained her relevance across generations. She appeared in hundreds of films and television productions over more than seven decades. Romero died at age 91, marking the passing of one of the last living links to the classical era of Philippine film. Margarita Forés (March 23, 1959 – February 11, 2025) Margarita “Gaita” Forés was a pioneering chef and restaurateur credited with reshaping contemporary Filipino dining. Trained in Italy, she helped define Manila’s modern restaurant culture while serving as a culinary ambassador for the Philippines abroad. An Asia’s Best Female Chef awardee, Forés remained an influential voice in hospitality and mentorship. She died at age 65 while in Hong Kong, according to family and media reports.
Matutina (c. 1946 – February 14, 2025) Known professionally as Matutina, Evelyn Bontogon-Guerrero was a comedienne best remembered for her work on the long-running sitcom John en Marsha. Her career also included radio drama and voice work. She died at age 78. Delia Razon (c. 1931 – March 15, 2025) Delia Razon was a Golden Age film actress whose career began in the 1940s. She appeared in numerous postwar Filipino films and remained a respected figure in cinema history. She died at age 94. Gold Dagal (1986 – March 16, 2025) Gold Dagal was a standup comedian and founder of Comedy Roast Battles PH. Known for provocative humor, he was fatally shot in Angeles City. Authorities confirmed that an investigation was launched following his death. He was 38. Pilita Corrales (August 22, 1937 – April 12, 2025) Celebrated as Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales was among the first Filipino performers to achieve sustained international success. Fluent in multiple languages, she recorded more than 130 albums and worked across music, film, and television. She died in her sleep at age 87 and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit. Nora Aunor (May 21, 1953 – April 16, 2025) Nora Aunor rose from rural poverty to become one of the most influential figures in Philippine cinema. Known for restrained, emotionally precise performances, she reshaped Filipino screen acting and storytelling. A National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, she died
at age 71. The Philippine government declared a national day of mourning and accorded her state funeral honors. Hajji Alejandro (December 26, 1954 – April 21, 2025) Hajji Alejandro was a defining voice of Original Pilipino Music during its commercial and artistic expansion. Known for romantic ballads, he helped establish Filipino-language popular music as a mainstream force. He died at age 70 after battling stage 4 colon cancer. Jiggly Caliente (November 29, 1980 – April 25, 2025) Jiggly Caliente was a Filipina drag performer and television personality who gained international recognition through RuPaul’s Drag Race and later served as a judge on Drag Race Philippines. Her work expanded global visibility for Filipino and LGBTQ+ artists. She died at age 44. Ricky Davao (May 30, 1961 – May 2, 2025) Ricky Davao was a disciplined and versatile actor and director whose career spanned film, television, and theater. Known for professionalism over celebrity, he later earned respect behind the camera as a collaborative director. He died at age 63. Amay Bisaya (April 3, 1958 – May 8, 2025) Amay Bisaya was an actor and comedian recognized for his distinctive Visayan delivery and supporting roles in film and television. He also briefly engaged in public service. He died at age 67 following complications from longterm illness. Freddie Aguilar (February 5, 1953 – May 27, 2025) Freddie Aguilar achieved global recognition with “Anak,” one of the most wide-
ly translated Filipino songs in history. His music combined folk sensibilities with social commentary on family, migration, and inequality. He died at age 72. Red Sternberg (1974 – May 27, 2025) Red Sternberg was a television actor associated with 1990s youth-oriented dramas that shaped a generation of viewers. He died at age 50. Reports cited cardiac arrest. Cocoy Laurel (Victor D. Laurel | August 4, 1952 – June 14, 2025) Cocoy Laurel was an actor, singer, and visual artist whose career emphasized music, mentorship, and artistic integrity over celebrity. Rising to prominence in the 1970s, he later became known for guiding younger artists and advocating disciplined musicianship. His later years were marked by declining health. Laurel died in Metro Manila at age 72 from cardiac arrest due to multiple organ failure. Lolit Solis (1947 – July 3, 2025) Lolit Solis was a longtime entertainment columnist, publicist, and talent manager whose influence shaped Philippine show business for decades. Known for her direct style and industry reach, she died at age 78. Fritz Ynfante (1941 – July 21, 2025) Fritz Ynfante was a veteran television director whose behind-the-scenes work helped shape decades of Philippine broadcast programming across news, talk, and entertainment formats. He died at age 84. Mike de Leon (November 6, 1946 – August 28, 2025) Mike de Leon was among the most analytically rigorous filmmakers in Philippine cinema. His films - Itim, Kisapmata, Batch ’81, and Bayaning Third World - interrogated au-
Gloria Romero Facebook/Gloria Romero
Margarita Forés Instagram/margaritafores
Matutina
Delia Razon
STAR/File
thoritarianism, memory, masculinity, and historical mythmaking with formal precision. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2016, he died at age 78 from related complications. His death was confirmed by his family to Carlotta Films, a French distributor that had honored and circulated his work internationally Emman Atienza (February 8, 2006 – October 23, 2025) Emman Atienza was a social media personality and fashion content creator known for lifestyle posts and mental-health advocacy. She died in Los Angeles at age 19. Her family confirmed her death in a public statement. Louie Reyes (c. 1957 – October 26, 2025) Louie Reyes was a jazz and popular music singer best known as a member of The New Minstrels, an influential vocal group that shaped the show-band tradition of the 1970s. She died at age 68 from ovarian cancer. Patrick Dela Rosa (– October 27, 2025) Patrick Dela Rosa was an actor and former Quezon
City councilor whose career bridged entertainment and public service. He died at age 64. The cause of death was not publicly disclosed. Rosa Rosal (October 16, 1928 – November 15, 2025) Rosa Rosal balanced a prolific acting career with decades of humanitarian work, including leadership in national blood-donation campaigns. A recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award, she was widely regarded as both a cultural and civic figure. She died at age 97. Marking a cultural passage Taken together, these deaths marked the closing of several chapters in Philippine cultural history - from postwar cinema and the rise of Original Pilipino Music to the evolution of television, cuisine, comedy, and digital expression. Their passing in a single year underscored a generational transition now underway, as new voices inherit institutions shaped by artists and public figures whose influence extended far beyond their time on stage, screen, or public life.
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Vice Ganda, Krystel Go's historic, Why Hyun Bin chose ‘Made in inclusive wins highlight MMFF 2025 Korea’ as his comeback series by Hannah Mallorca
by Jan Milo Severo
Inquirer.net
Philstar.com
THE recent wins of Vice Ganda and Krystel Go in the top acting categories at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) are seen as milestones in the 51-year-old film festival's history. Vice finally earned his Best Actor award for "Call Me Mother" after headlining several MMFF entries in the past decade. Prior to his first MMFF Best Actor win, Vice was a favorite headliner at the annual Christmas film festival. His entries included "Sisterakas," "Beauty and the Bestie," and "And The Breadwinner Is," the latter film earned him the Special Jury Citation at last year's MMFF. Krystel Go, meanwhile, beat the likes of Nadine Lustre and Angelica Panganiban to go home with the Best Actress award for her role in "I'mPerfect," a film that sheds light on Down syndrome and features actors with the condition, including herself, in the cast. Nadine was nominated for her leading role opposite Vice, while Angelica was cited for her convincing portrayal of a married woman wanting out of her marriage in "Unmarry." Even the three films that won Best Picture were from independent studios: "I'mPerfect" from Nathan Studios, "Manila's Finest" from MQuest Ventures and Spring Films, and "Unmarry" from CineKo and Quantum Films. Following the conclusion of
Vice Ganda (right) and Krystel Go win the top acting awards at the 51st Metro Manila Film Festival held in Dusit Thani Makati on December 27, 2025. Vice is cited for his leading role in "Call Me Mother," while Go leads the cast of "I'mPerfect" produced by actress Sylvia Sanchez's (in black) Nathan Studios. Rikki Mae Davao
the awarding ceremony held in Dusit Thani Makati last Saturday, December 27, juror John Bryan Diamante, also known as Bryan Dy, expressed gratitude to the filmmakers, festival organizers, exhibitors, audiences, and fellow jurors, while underscoring the significance of this year’s awards as a reflection of Philippine cinema’s diversity, ambition and evolving voice. “Watching the official entries this year was not just an exercise in judging films. It was a reminder of the resilience, courage, and imagination of Filipino filmmakers who continue to create despite uncertainty, limited resources, and an ever-changing industry landscape,” Dy said. He also acknowledged the Cinema Exhibitors Association of the Philippines, recognizing the often unseen challenges
faced by cinema operators while emphasizing the need to keep Filipino films accessible to audiences. “Supporting Filipino films should not feel like a burden, but an invitation. Ensuring that cinema remains accessible is a shared responsibility,” he said, adding that audience concerns over rising ticket prices must be taken seriously. Dy emphasized that the results of this year’s festival were shaped in part by the diversity of perspectives within the Board of Jurors, which included filmmakers, actors, critics, educators, cultural workers and industry practitioners. “These wins resonated deeply with audiences,” Dy noted. “They affirmed that Filipino cinema is capable of recognizing excellence beyond age, gender identity, or convention.”
Ex-Miss Universe CEO Anne Jakrajutatip sentenced to 2 years in prison for fraud FORMER Miss Universe CEO Jakkaphong “Anne” Jakrajutatip was sentenced to two years in prison without suspension over fraud charges by a Bangkok court. The Bangkok Post reported that Jakrajutatip, who heads JKN Global Group, was found guilty on Friday, December 26, by the Bangkok South Kwaeng Court in connection with a 30-million-baht corporate bond investment. Jakrajutatip did not appear in court and remains at large. The court said Jakrajutatip and JKN Global Group Plc "deceived" complainant Raveewat Maschamadol by providing false information and concealing "material facts." Maschamadol was persuaded to invest in corporate bonds issued by JKN Global Group, despite the company’s financial difficulties and knowledge that it could not repay the investment on the agreed date. JKN Global Group was fined 40,000 baht, while Jakrajutatip was sentenced to two years in prison.
HYUN Bin is known for being intentional in choosing his next work. So much so that it took him six years to return to the K-drama scene — his last one being the megahit “Crash Landing on You.” This time, in “Made in Korea,” he stars as Baek Ki-tae, an intelligence agent who leads smuggling operations on the side. In South Korea, film actors built a reputation for opting to act in movies, rather than TV. It is not a bad thing per se. But working in different films allows them to explore a wider range of genres and characters that push the boundaries of their abilities. This made them more intentional with picking their next work. Like fellow film actors, Hyun makes conscious decisions with his choice of projects as well, although he has mastered the art of choosing the right series and movie after years of experience. “Made in Korea,” which premiered on Hulu and Disney+ on Dec. 24, revolves around several government and law-enforcement agencies involved in corrupt activities in the 1970s. At the center of them is Ki-tae (Hyun Bin), who established himself as a high-ranking officer of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) while controlling illicit business operations to gain more wealth. This catches the attention of Jang Geon-young (Jung Woo-sung), a public prosecutor determined to uncover the string of corrupt activities among government officials.
One of the reasons why Hyun selected “Made in Korea” as his next project was the opportunity to work with director Woo Min-ho again. “I have immense trust in him. He has this ability to make me pull out certain sides of myself,” he said of his working relationship with the filmmaker. The two of them worked together in the film “Harbin,” which premiered at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Since “Harbin” and “Made in Korea” are period pieces that revolve around power and corruption within the government, Hyun said these projects carry a lot of weight. The series might be a fictional account, but it still pushed him to show a “different take.” “In ‘Harbin,’ it’s about the painful past of Korean history, and I played a real-life figure [An Jung-eun]. That carried a lot of weight and responsibility,” he recalled. “This time around, with ‘Made in Korea,’ it’s fictional characters, fictional story, it was a different kind of take. I was excited to work with Director Woo on a different kind of vibe.” Working on thought-provoking projects allowed Hyun and Woo to be unapologetically honest with each other. “‘Harbin’ was a very difficult piece for us to shoot; it carried a lot of weight. Because we’ve been through that together, I feel like with ‘Made in Korea,’ there was nothing in between us,” the director said of the veteran actor. “We can be very frank with our opinions about the show, and we had a lot of fun on
Hyun Bin during a press conference for “Made in Korea” in Seoul, South Korea. Courtesy of Disney+ Korea
set,” he continued. Since the series features many A-list stars as well, he saw it as a matter of luck. Based on the premise, Baek is power-hungry, corrupt, and seizes more power for himself. In his defense, Hyun said his character comes from a place of always feeling “lacking” in his childhood. “From his childhood, he had something that he always lacked and felt was insufficient, which became a source of his insecurities,” he explained. “Living through that struggle, he focused on what he needed, and his answer to that question is power and wealth.” “On top of that, he is the head of his family, so he has a lot of responsibilities on his shoulders. He wants to protect his family, and the times that he lives in fueled his desire to [push] forward. When I was fleshing out my character, I left it open to more ideas and changes,” he continued. What was noticeable about Hyun throughout the press conference was his muscuPAGE 13
Anne Jakrajutatip
Before her legal troubles, Jakrajutatip served as Miss Universe CEO until stepping down in June. She was replaced by Mario Bucaro last November, who later resigned earlier this month. Jakrajutatip’s JKN Global co-owns Miss Universe with Legacy Holding Group, led by Raul Rocha, who currently serves as the organization’s president. Rocha is facing charges in his native Mexico. (Philstar.com)
The cast of “Made in Korea” during a press conference for the series in Seoul, South Korea.
Courtesy of Disney+ Korea
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Features
The top 40 Filipino athletes of the last century
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2 - 8, 2026 13
Filipino sports have risen to great heights over the past hundred years—here are the ultimate men and women you need to know about by Romeo Moran Inquirer.net
IT doesn’t take a hardcore sports fan to realize it, but in case you didn’t know, we are living in a renaissance of Filipino sports. With three Olympic gold medals and young stars still in the international eye, there’s arguably never been a better time to be a Filipino athlete. While yes, non-basketball athletes still have a relatively more difficult climb to success, the pathways—and Filipino sports fans’ eyes and minds—are more open than ever, especially as our biggest global wins came at the hands of more niche sports. As the Philippine Daily Inquirer celebrates its 40th anniversary, we’ve put together 40 Filipino athletes you absolutely have to know about, spanning around a century of the country’s athletic greatness, and separated by generation. Disclaimer: because we only have 40 spots and a hundred years or so of athletics history to cover, there are unfortunately quite a few omissions—and these omissions are likely to offend. I just want to say that I understand, and I mean no disrespect to all the talented athletes throughout the generations by not including them. Had there been more spots, I’d have included the person you were rooting for, but unfortunately, we must curate. 1. The gold medal era (2010s-2020s) The current era in Philippine sports and arguably the most successful. We can talk about how the 2000s saw prime Manny Pacquiao become a legend, but he was only one person. Millennial and Gen Z athletes such as Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo, EJ Obiena, and Alex Eala wrote their own sports legacies by doing what previous generations of athletes could only dream of doing. And honestly, the more people rise to global success (and lift up local sports because of it), the better. • Hidilyn Diaz, weightlifting • Carlos Yulo, gymnastics • EJ Obiena, pole vaulting • Alex Eala, tennis • Alyssa Valdez, volleyball Phil and James Younghusband, football • Nesthy Petecio, boxing • Eduard Folayang, mixed martial arts and wushu • Rachel Anne Daquis, volleyball • Wesley So, chess 2. The ‘90s and ‘00s icons While the current era could be considered the Philippines’ most winningest, it’s pretty safe to say that the 1990s and the 2000s were the most star-studded era of Filipino sports. We had peak Manny Pacquiao, for crying out loud, who the world’s stars all over still revere (just go watch “Physical Asia” on Netflix to see). But we also had legends like Efren “Bata” Reyes, Olympic medalists like Onyok Velasco, PBA superstars like Alvin Patrimonio and Benjie Paras, and even a proudly Filipino WWE champion pro wrestler in Dave “Batista” Bautista. This was an all-timer generation. • Manny Pacquiao, boxing • Efren “Bata” Reyes, billiards • Onyok Velasco, boxing • Brandon Vera, mixed martial arts • Benjie Paras, basketball • Akiko Thomson, swimming • Donnie Nietes, boxing • Alvin Patrimonio, basketball
Actress Carla Abellana marries her non-showbiz partner Dr. Reginald Santos in a private ceremony held in Tagaytay on December 27, 2025. Mayad Studios via Carla Abellana's Instagram Manny Pacquiao
Photo from Facebook/@MannyPacquiao
• Nonito Donaire, boxing • Dave Bautista, wrestling 3. The ‘70s and ‘80s legends If you’re a young or relatively young Filipino, chances are you’ve heard your parents and titos and titas talk about basketball stars growing up. In the interest of diversity and acknowledgment, we can’t put all of them on this list, but we do have the legends like Jawo, “The Skywalker,” Samboy Lim, and “The Triggerman” Allan Caidic, to name a few. Athletes from this time also grew to be certified legends, like Lydia de Vega, known as the fastest woman in Asia, the iconic Filipino bowler Paeng Nepomuceno, and Long Jump Queen Elma Muros-Posadas. • Robert Jaworski, basketball • Samboy Lim, basketball • Lydia de Vega, track and field • Allan Caidic, basketball • Paeng Nepomuceno, bowling • Atoy Co, basketball • Eugene Torre, chess • Bong Coo, bowling • Ramon Fernandez, basketball • Elma Muros-Posadas, long jump 4. The OGs And of course, Philippine athletics isn’t just recency bias; we have to show respect and honor those who came before in the formative years of modern sports. Flash Elorde—the Filipino boxing icon before Manny Pacquiao, and the name behind a whole boxing dynasty and franchise—may very well be our first-ever sports icon, and fellow boxing legend Pancho Villa did it decades before the Flash in the 1920s, before his untimely demise.We also have early basketball and football legends in Lasallian Kurt Bachmann and Bedan Eddie Pacheco, and we also acknowledge our earliest Olympians (and medalists!) in swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso (the first Filipino and Southeast Asian Olympic medalist), high jumper Simeon Toribio, and father-son boxing medalists Jose and Anthony Villanueva. • Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, boxing • Pancho Villa, boxing • Caloy Loyzaga, basketball • Kurt Bachmann, basketball • Eddie Pacheco, football, basketball • David Nepomuceno, track and field • Teofilo Yldefonso, swimming • Simeon Toribio, high jump • Jose Villanueva, boxing • Anthony Villanueva, boxing (County of San Diego Communications Office)
Carla Abellana calls high school sweetheart Reginald Santos 'first and last love' by Jan Milo Severo Philstar.com
ACTRESS Carla Abellana called her love story with Reginald Santos a "full circle" moment — one that started when they were in high school and ended with each other as their first and last loves. “My first and last. A love story over 20 years in the making. Two lives coming full circle. This is our story. - Dr. and Mrs. Reginald Santos,” Carla wrote on Instagram. The actress, who was radiant in a Rosa Clara wedding gown, tied the knot with the doctor on Saturday, December 27, in a private ceremony in Tagaytay. Carla, who kept Reginald's identity a mystery until their weekend wedding, shared how their 20-year love story unfolded in the same-day-edit wedding video captured by Mayad Studios. “Sometimes the bad things that happen to us in our lives put us directly on the path towards the most wonderful things that will ever happen to us. Who would have known it was still going to be us in the end. Just when I stopped looking for anything and anyone, life surprised me in the
most unexpected way. It felt familiar. It wasn't messy or uncertain. It was real. It was healthy,” Carla said during her wedding vow. Carla's previous relationship with actor Tom Rodriguez was a highly publicized separation. Reginald was similarly going through a phase in his life when he felt lost before he reconnected with his high school love. “Hi, my love. You’re beautiful, as always, it is that same beauty that captivated since I first laid eyes on you, I can still vividly remember we were in high school. We were young back then, we fell in love, and then life had other plans for us,” Reginald recalled. Carla agreed, and added that she once read about how a great love story happens when two people let go of one another only to eventually find their way back to each other. He went on to pursue medicine, while she became one of Philippine showbiz's most beautiful faces to grace Filipino TV screens. Years passed marred with a messy breakup for Carla. But as she continued to move past a heartbreak, she crossed paths again with a familiar face.
“You were as I remember, kind, loving, selfless, God-fearing, we reconnected at the perfect time we are now the best versions of ourselves,” Reginald said. Carla said she could never imagine a life if she had never reconnected with her first love. "I've never laughed so good, eaten so much, slept so comfortably, learned a lot about life, communicated well, been taken care of this way and so much more before you happened again," Carla admitted. Reginald said that with Carla back in his life, everthing is more enjoyable — from their simple TV nights to traveling the world with her. The couple who went through a lot during the time when they were looking for themselves ended their vows with a deep understanding of their luck in finding each other again. For Carla, Reginald's presence in her life again meant the "clearest answer" to her "painful whys." For Reginald who was lost and trying to find peace with himself, every single step was "worth it," declaring that he is "home at last."
Why Hyun Bin chose ‘Made in Korea’...
PAGE 12 lar physique. “I gained a lot of weight, about 13 to 14 kilograms,” he admitted. What led him to bulk up was to show Baek’s desire for “absolute power” as soon as he enters the scene. “The reason I gained a lot
of weight on purpose is that Baek Ki-tae is the chief of the KCIA, which is synonymous with absolute power in 1970s Korea. I wanted the character to dominate as soon as he entered the scene,” he said. “It was a little bit more convenient for me because I do
not have to be as strict. I do think I have the biggest body right now compared to my roles in the past,” he added. “Made in Korea” also stars Jung Woo-sung, Woo Dohwan, Jung Sung-il, Won Jian, Cho Yeo-jeong, Son Eunsoo and Roh Jae-won.
14 JANUARY 2 - 8, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Health@Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS THE holidays may be behind us, but their physical effects, among others, will linger a while. Medically speaking, it is actually a time for “damage control” for those of us who have over-indulged during the festivities. The post-holiday “makeover” is just as a healthy pre-emptive measure, more so for those who really want to maintain their normal weight or those who have diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, etc. As with anything else, damage control is most effective when employed as a preventive strategy. However, special celebrations and holidays, such as birthday parties, wedding receptions, Thanksgiving Day, and especially the Christmas and New Year festivities, which can last for more than a week, expose us all to that great, irresistible gastronomical temptation. For dieters, those who are watching their weight or counting calories, these occasions are tough times. Blessed are those strong-willed souls, whether or not they carry a calorie counter on one hand and a scale on the other. These health-conscious individuals will reap their rewards in terms of stamina, energy, a stronger immune system, and even longevity, as shown by medical statistics. Bear and horse analogy Talking about the impact of our lifestyle on our health, my son-in-law, Jim M. Brown, MD, during a lunch buffet last Saturday, related to me the analogy of the bear and the horse. He said the bear, a carnivore, eats with impunity in one sitting, gaining pounds after pounds, and then sleeps, slowing down its body metabolism, while the horse grazes on grass several times the whole day, and runs around very frequently, and as such, is a more agile, leaner, and healthier animal. Our physiology is at the optimum when we consume just the right amount of calories to maintain our normal weight, and when our glucose (blood sugar) level is on an even keel most of the time. When we overeat and then try to starve ourselves to compensate for our indiscretion, our blood glucose spikes up and down, described as yo-yo dieting. This severe fluctuation in our blood glucose level has adverse effects on our body and
Damage control
on our immune system. And this poses even greater danger for persons with diabetes. Eating several times a day, even 5 or 6 times a day, not exceeding the total 24-hour caloric need of our body, is a healthier habit, which helps maintain our blood glucose level in a more stable, less erratic pattern during the day. But the key is calorie control, especially the ones from carbohydrates (rice, bread, soft drinks, cakes, ice cream, candies, and other sweets). About 4 years ago, we wrote about two main hormones that control our appetite, which is apropos to our discussion. Here is a segment of that column: Hunger and satiety triggers The urge to eat (hungry or not) is, to a large extent, controlled by hormones in our body. And these hormones fluctuate depending on how much sleep we get, what types of food we eat and how many calories we take in, and how much physical activity we indulge in daily. Scientific researchers are focusing on four specific substances they call “fat hormones,” which our own endocrine glands in the body produce. There are hormones that make one eat, and there are also hormones that signal the brain to tell the person to stop eating. These substances control hunger and satiety. The hunger hormone The hunger hormone is Ghrelin, which is secreted by our guts (stomach and intestines). When its level goes up, we feel hungry and have the urge to eat. The level of Ghrelin goes up when we get less sleep or not enough sleep. This is the reason why those who are trying to lose weight should get an adequate amount (about 8 hours) of sleep. An imbalanced meal and stress also elevate the Ghrelin level. Food deprivation obviously increases the Ghrelin level, hence it is better to keep the level of this hormone on an even keel and not fluctuate too much by eating regularly (or even more than 3 times a day) but at a controlled total calorie ceiling, to maintain health and body weight. So, starving oneself is not a good way to lose weight, since this will lead to a Ghrelin “boomerang” in the latter part of the day. The satiety hormone The opposite or counter-hormone, which is called Leptin, signals the brain when to stop eating. It controls the appetite. This “satiety hor-
mone” is produced by fat cells in the body. When a person loses weight, the leptin level in the bloodstream also goes down. As a result, there is a “rebound” weight gain. The best strategy for losing and maintaining a desired weight level is to lose at a slow and steady pace, about one to two pounds a week, and not more. In this manner, there will still be an effective level of leptin in the body to control the urge to eat. Appetite suppressants: Safe? Most appetite control pills, juices, solutions, and powders on the market are not physiological and unnatural ways to suppress (by force) the appetite for weight control. While they are readily available and very popular, they have potential adverse side effects on the heart, liver, kidneys, and brain in the long run. Some serious complications, and even deaths, have been reported from the use of these diet substances. Since greater calorie intake than output is the cause of an increase in body weight, the safest, most natural strategy is to eat less and burn more calories with physical exercises, making the output of calories (energy) greater than the intake of calories (food). The use of appetite suppressants could be dangerous, except for the new GLP-1 class of drugs for obesity and diabetes, which is effective and safe, albeit also with some potential side effects, like any other drug. The healthier “makeover” for our post-holiday misadventures includes daily gradual incremental reduction in the food we eat, daily physical exercises, as simple and easy as brisk walking for about 30 minutes a day, and hitting the scale daily (yes, daily) to check on any progress. Drinking a lot of water (not fruit juices or soft drinks!) can help a lot. Excess weight that does not come down only means a greater reduction in food intake is needed. The excess weight gained over the holidays could be safely eliminated within a week. For those really overweight to begin with, the same strategy (output of calories must exceed the intake). Simply put, more exercise and less food, until the scale tells you that you have achieved your dream weight for the NEW YOU and the new year. A blessed, peaceful, and happy new year to you and your loved ones! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewPAGE 15
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'Kakayanin ko pa ba?': Kris Aquino, Bimby back in hospital after 'heartbreaking' holidays by Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com
HOST-ACTRESS Kris Aquino is back under hospital care alongside her youngest son Bimby after a "heartbreaking" holiday celebration. After spending Christmas at home, the Queen of All Media shared an Instagram story last December 29 of her and Bimby on separate hospital beds, with the younger Aquino wearing a fever patch on his head. "The Christmas-New Year PAGE 15
Kris Aquino and her son Bimby
Kris Aquino via Instagram
Setting boundaries, Filipino-style Do boundaries make sense in Filipino social psychology? by Carl Lorenz Cervantes Inquirer.net
IN the Western mind, “boundaries” often refer to clearly defined terms of engagement—or better yet, something written as a legally-binding agreement. In Filipino psychology, boundaries are constantly negotiated depending on the depth of a person’s relationship with another. These boundaries are enforced through “hiya,” which is our social sensitivity and context-specific manners. More than just shame or guilt On the outside, hiya can look like shame, but we also know that we only have hiya about something if we care about creating or maintaining certain relationships. Psychologists long ago have already pointed out that hiya is not necessarily tied to guilt. I may not feel guilty about what I did—but I feel hiya that you found out about it. Hiya can be an uncomfortable experience, but this is what controls the self-centeredness of our individual ego. It helps us think about others. A person without hiya (walang hiya) is seen as rude and inconsiderate. Some try to “reclaim” being walang hiya because they have been raised as “people pleasers.” But ironically, it only answers the problem by deepening separation rather than strengthening relationships. And the truth is that relationships are not just about pleasure and comfort; it is also, sometimes, the discomfort of growth, going out of your own comfort zone, being challenged to be a better person,
and so on. We cannot just be pleasing others, or be pleased by others. It stunts us and leaves us trapped. If you really think about it, the toxicity hiya supposedly has is actually promoted by people who are walang hiya. They want to impose a standard and suppress uniqueness or disagreement. Nobody should question them or how they have always done things. That is not the real hiya that comes from within a person who cares. That is the kind of hiya that comes from outside—that is forced as a form of social control. Ibang Tao versus Hindi Ibang Tao At the core, we are all kapwa, but that does not mean that we cannot have boundaries with each other. There are two levels of kapwa: Ibang Tao (stranger) and Hindi Ibang Tao (one-of-us). Our treatment of Ibang Tao is different from our treatment of Hindi Ibang Tao. The former does not have the same access to social and physical resources as the latter does. With the Ibang Tao, we just treat them with politeness (pakikitungo). We only start to trust others when they start to really participate in our activities (pakikisama). Our position in this spectrum is negotiated by feeling with others and being sensitive to their needs (pakikiramdam). We stop when we feel that we have offended others, and we act when we feel that others need our help. That is our application of hiya. That is how we become Hindi Ibang Tao. The deepest level of kapwa is pakikiisa, which is oneness.
On crossing and setting boundaries Actually, people cross boundaries when they do not respect the appropriate and patient process of socialization. There are two ways to do this: panghihimasok and pananakop. Panghihimasok means to enter by force, usually by insisting oneself upon another person’s body or space. No time is taken to feel with them. When we knock on doors, we often say, “Tao po!” This is a gentle call to the human (tao) within, by announcing that there is a human outside. But in panghihimasok, they do not knock gently on the door— they blast through it. Pananakop refers to subjugation, usually in the context of colonization. But this happens in a lot of subtle, everyday ways, too. Instead of forcefully entering into our space, they forcefully include us in theirs, without asking us if we wanted to be a part of it in the first place. They take over conversations, projects, and so on. The fact that we have to “set clear boundaries” today implies that we have been crossing each other’s boundaries. The society we live in promotes and encourages panghihimasok and pananakop, especially when they can turn a profit—we enter spaces, assert our dominion, and take what we can. This is the kaniya-kaniya (to each their own) mentality at play. It is the same mentality of the colonizer. So in order to effectively set boundaries, we must recover our sense of care for others, and with it, our social sensitivity—that is, our hiya.
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 2 - 8, 2026 15
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My Visits to Manila's Bgy. 539 and Malacanang's "Tara sa Palasyo"
My P.E.P.
(People, Events,Places)
Rogelio Constantino Medina CONGRATULATIONS to barangay chairman Christopher Clark C. Quito of Barangay 539 in Sampaloc, Manila for he has done lots of good deeds for his constituents. He is recognized for fostering a welcoming and efficient community environment. Visitors have described his barangay staff as accommodating and courteous, indicating a focus on responsive local service and effective administration. He supported the recently concluded Christmas Food Bazaar on Calabash Road in District IV's Zone 53 in Manila and organized gatherings noted for high levels of community support and participation, such as the Barangay 539 Christmas Party for the children. He also led the distribution of educational books for the kids. He has shown a dedicated administrative leadership, heading the Barangay Council and collaborating with local officials to manage neighborhood improvements and support services. *** Malacanang's "Tara sa Palasyo After many years, I visited Malacanang's Kalayaan Hall where I used to work as Presidential Message Writer. It gave me a big smile as I was grateful for how lovelier and more organized it is than ever before. As I gazed at the surrounding breezy trees, the ambience soothed my inner soul as I harked to the enchanting music of Immacolada Concepcion de Malolos Chamber Singers. Malacanang's "Tara sa Palasyo" is truly a relief that I felt I was in James Hilton's novel. I was fortunate to talk to Social Secretary's Office Director Vivian C. Recio that night. She told me there were 10 award-winning choirs that had performed since the start of Simbang Gabi (Christmas dawn masses). "Tara sa Palasyo" is a holiday initiative by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. that opens the Malacañang grounds to the public for Misa de Gallo. Now in its fourth year, the Eu-
Barangay 539 Chairman Christopher Clark C. Quito giving gifts to kids during Christmas party for the children.
Christmas Food Bazaar on Calabash Road in Sampaloc, Manila that started last Dec. 8, 2025 until Dec. 28, 2025.
Manila's Barangay 539 Chairman Christopher Clark C. Quito with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
(From left) SK Ally Miranda, Kagawad Jerome Gallegos, Treasurer Lorna Mendez, Chairman Christopher Clark C. Quito, journalist Rogelio Constantino Medina, and Kagawad Arsenio Q. Mena.
Malacanang chaplain Fr. (LTC) Roel Arceno Isip (GSC) with Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
Barangay 539 Chairman Christopher Clark C. Quito (6th from left) leads in distributing educational books to the children.
charistic celebration is part of the program organized by the Office of the President (OP), inviting Filipinos to experience Yuletide traditions within the historic Malacanang complex. Attendees were welcomed with traditional Filipino Christmas treats, including hot chocolate, bibingka and puto bumbong, adding warmth and flavor to the early morning celebration. I was able to meet Fr. (LTC) Roel Arceno Isip (GSC), Malacanang's chaplain, as I listened attentively to his Christmas message last Dec. 24. Beyond the Masses, visitors enjoyed a host of family-friendly activities, including carnival-themed rides, film showings and a dazzling Christmas display from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. that began Dec. 16 until Dec. 23, 2025. The “Tara sa Palasyo” program has become a hallmark of the current administration, highlighting efforts to make Malacañang more accessible to the public while promoting "Filipino culture, faith and community spirit during the
Vivian C. Recio of Malacanang with Asian Journal Publications columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina.
First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos joins the visitors in "Tara sa Palasyo" and enjoys the ride inside the Malacanang ground.
holiday season." I would surely treasure this moment as how I remember the happy faces and smiles of the family of Jeff and Ann Plar, with their kids Raquel and Atasha, who just live at the back of a church nearby. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** rogeliocmedina@yahoo.com
(From left) Alvin Varsovia, Marissa Varsovia, Pancho Juanitez, and Kat de Castro.
(From left) Alvin Varsovia, Marissa Varsovia, Pancho Juanitez, and Kat de Castro.
'Kakayanin ko pa ba?'...
PAGE 14 break has been 'heartbreaking.' Kakayanin ko pa ba? Prayers please, I'm sorry for asking again," Kris wrote in the comments portion of her story, set to Chelsey Johnson's cover of "You To Me Are Everything." A fan page dedicated to Kris and Bimby later posted that, with Kris' permission, the host-actress was hospitalized after her blood pressure reached 215/118. She has since stabilized and is under close medical supervision with primary physician Dr. Mike Padlan at the helm. Also on Kris' medical team are Drs. Jombi Lichauco, Jonnel Lim, Nic Cruz (who is also Kris' cousin), Dr. Henry Lu and the latter's team. Bimby, meanwhile, is suf-
fering from sore throat, cough and fever. He is being attended to by Drs. Geraldine Zamora, Katrina Canlas-Estrella (after receiving a visiting doctor's pass) and Aye Nuguid — the latter Bimb's primary doctor as his pediatrician since birth. The fan page reiterated Kris' call for prayers that her own fever doesn't get worse, that she's taking all necessary precautions, including double making. Kris even quipped that her hair grew back after severe hair fall had turned wavy despite attempts to brush it straight, "Hindi sumusunod." For the last couple of years, Kris has been battling a number of autoimmune diseases, rarely going out in public or posting on social media given her health condition.
Damage control...
PAGE 14 points expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in
Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, medical missionary, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He is a decorated recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, presented by then Indiana Governor, US senator, and later a presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, pugilist Muhammad Ali, David Letterman, distinguished educators, scientists, etc. (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com. On Amazon.com, search for “Where is My America?” Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
16 JANUARY 2 - 8, 2026 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426