082925 - Las Vegas Edition

Marcos orders lifestyle audit of all gov’t officials

mANiLA — What began as a sightseeing trip from Niagara falls to New York city ended in tragedy when a charter bus carrying 54 passengers overturned on the New York state thruway last week. five people lost their lives and dozens more were injured in one of the deadliest highway crashes in upstate New York in recent years. the Department of foreign Affairs confirmed that filipino nationals were among those on board. three filipinos were hospitalized after the accident but have since been discharged and cleared to travel, according to DfA spokesperson Angelica escalona. None of the filipino passengers were among the fatalities. escalona said the Philippine consulate General in New York has been working closely with local authorities and medical institutions. Our thoughts and prayers

the trump administration, through the Department of homeland security (Dhs), has proposed a regulation that would limit how long foreign students, exchange visitors, and most foreign media visa holders can remain in the United states. Published on August 28, 2025, the draft rule would end the current “duration of status” (D/s) policy—where students may stay as long as they maintain full-time enrollment and make progress toward their degree—and instead impose fixed admission periods. Public comments are due by september 29, 2025, with related submissions accepted until october 27, 2025.

Key provisions of the proposal

• F and J visas (students and exchange visitors): Admission until the program end date listed on their forms, but no longer than four years. students in longer programs or those requiring additional time would need

mANiLA — Janet Lim-Napoles, long associated with the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam, has been sentenced again by the sandiganbayan. she received a combined 55 years in prison for misusing P7.55 million in Priority Development Assistance fund (PDAf) allocations tied to then Davao del sur representative marc Douglas cagas iV. the anti-graft court found Napoles guilty of two counts of graft and two counts of malversation, and ordered her to pay fines equal

NeW YorK — Alexandra maniego eala’s campaign at the 2025 U.s open ended in the second round after spain’s cristina Bucsa defeated her, 6–4, 6–3, on Wednesday, August 27, at the UstA Billie Jean King National tennis center. First-round breakthrough eala, 20, made history in her opening match against Denmark’s clara tauson, seeded 14th. After winning the first set, 6–3, eala dropped the second,

to the amounts misused plus civil indemnities with legal interest. convicted with her were former technology resource center officials Dennis cunanan and maria rosalinda Lacsamana, and former NABcor official rhodora mendoza. Napoles remains detained at the correctional institution for Women in mandaluyong, serving multiple sentences while appealing. Cagas’s PDAF liability addressed in earlier plea bargain the PDAf allocations at the center of this

mANiLA — No threats have been detected against the filipino troops stationed on the BrP sierra madre at Ayungin (second thomas) shoal in the West Philippine sea, despite the recent reported swarming of chinese vessels in the area. But should the need arise, the country has “contingency plans” to drive away invaders attempting to go near the military outpost.

“At this time, there’s none. We are not seeing anything that may endanger the lives of the Filipinos in BRP Sierra Madre,” Defense secretary Gilberto “Gibo” teodoro Jr. said on monday, August 25 at the sidelines of the commemoration of National heroes’ Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in taguig city. But of course, we always remain alert,” he added. the BrP sierra madre, the rusting but still active service

the President’s directive now widens that scope to all government officials, regardless of agency or rank. u

mANiLA — in a swift and unforeseen move, Lt. Gen. Jose melencio Nartatez Jr. has been appointed as the new chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), replacing Gen. Nicolas torre iii, whose brief tenure came to an abrupt end. the appointment was formalized through a memorandum signed on August 25, 2025, by executive secretary Lucas Bersamin and took effect immediately following President marcos Jr.’s approval. Nartatez officially assumed the post on August 26, 2025. What’s behind the change Gen. Nicolas torre iii began his term on June 2, 2025, becoming the 31st PNP chief and the first

Vico sotto’s social media post questioning why veteran journalists feature controversial public figures for alleged multi-million peso fees drew a sharp response from the camp of broadcaster Korina sanchez-roxas, which branded the remarks as “slanderous” and possibly constituting cyber libel. on August 21, sotto took to facebook to comment on resurby

mANiLA — Pasig city mayor

interviews of sarah and curlee Discaya that aired on programs hosted by sanchez and fellow broadcaster Julius Babao. the mayor wrote that a figure like “P10 million” was “not exact” but suggested such amounts were being spent to secure airtime. While not illegal, he said, the practice undermines the spirit of journalistic ethics. It is shameful and violative of the spirit of ethics,” sotto wrote, adding that credibility should

Marcos orders lifestyle audits...

Implications for governance

Lifestyle audits are generally used to compare a public official’s declared assets with actual spending and property holdings, with the aim of uncovering unexplained wealth. Advocates say these checks can strengthen accountability if conducted consistently and transparently. the Palace has yet to release details on which agencies will oversee the audits, how they will be implemented, or when results will be made public.

Lifestyle checks in the Philippines Under republic Act No. 6713, also known as the code of conduct and ethical standards for Public officials and employees, all government officials are required to file an annual statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (sALN). these documents serve as the foundation for many lifestyle audits. in 2020, however, the office of the ombudsman suspended its own lifestyle check program and restricted public access to sALNs,

citing concerns about misuse. that move drew criticism from advocates of transparency, who argued it weakened an important safeguard against corruption. the new directive from marcos represents one of the most sweeping calls for lifestyle audits in recent years, covering not just a single department but the entire government bureaucracy. observers say its effectiveness will depend on independence, uniform application, and whether findings are acted upon decisively. n

Economists look to Las Vegas to diversify economy as tourism softens

LAs VeGAs — With visitor numbers slipping this summer, economists and local officials are renewing calls to broaden southern Nevada’s economy beyond gaming and hospitality.

According to the Las Vegas convention and Visitors Authority (LVcVA), June visitation fell 11.3 percent year over year, and visitor volume for the first half of 2025 was down 7.3 percent compared with the same period in 2024. hotel occupancy and room rates also declined, pulling revenue per available room down 13.8 percent.

Jeremy Aguero of Applied Analysis said Las Vegas remains among the least diverse large metropolitan economies, underscoring the urgency to expand sectors less tied to the tourism cycle. he called the current dip a soft patch, but stressed the need to accelerate growth in logistics, manufacturing, health care, and other industries that can cushion downturns in visitor spending.

A key development is federal legislation unlocking industrial growth in North Las Vegas. in July, President Donald trump signed the Apex Area technical corrections Act, authored by sen. catherine cortez masto and rep. steven horsford. the measure clears federal hurdles for utilities and transportation rights-of-way at the 18,000-acre Apex industrial Park. city officials say it will fast-track infrastructure for water, power, gas, rail and roads, enabling longstalled projects to move forward.

North Las Vegas leaders project that a full build-out of Apex could support 73,000 jobs and about $7 billion in private investment over the next two decades. major tenants already announced include Air Liquide, Kroger, and crocs’ one-million-square-foot distribution hub. Logistics giant Prologis recently acquired 879 acres to develop an industrial campus. economists at UNLV’s center for Business and economic research (cBer) agree diversification is essential but caution that tourism will remain central. cBer’s stephen miller forecasts visitor volume and gaming revenue will soften into 2026 alongside a cooling national economy. Andrew Woods of cBer added that health care is emerging as a major employer, citing growth in the Las Vegas medical District and the UNLV Kirk Kerkorian school of medicine. Despite diversification efforts, experts emphasize that hospital-

ity remains Nevada’s backbone. the Nevada resort Association reported nearly $100 billion in statewide economic activity tied to tourism in 2024, supporting 436,600 jobsand accounting for 34 percent of the state’s general fund revenue. state forecasters have also trimmed the revenue outlook for 2025 amid weaker consumer confidence and trade uncertainty. Analysts warn that tourism weakness could persist in the near term, though clark county’s longterm population and employment growth remains positive. Las Vegas is facing a manageable slowdown in 2025. Leaders are betting on industrial expansion at Apex, along with growth in health care, logistics, and manufacturing, to help balance the economy. tourism will continue to dominate, but diversification efforts aim to make southern Nevada more resilient when visitor spending cools. n

Cyberattack disrupts Nevada state services; ransomware confirmed, impact felt in Las Vegas

LAs VeGAs — Nevada officials have confirmed that the widespread network outage that began on sunday, August 24, 2025, was caused by a ransomware attack that also involved the removal of state data from government systems. the incident has closed multiple agencies — including the Department of motor Vehicles (DmV) and the Nevada supreme court’s portals — for four days, with no set date for full restoration.

Ransomware and investigation tim Galluzi, director of the Governor’s office of science, innovation and technology, said investigators confirmed data exfiltration, though the type of data remains under review. federal agencies, including the fBi and the cybersecurity and infrastructure security Agency (cisA), are assisting the state. Governor Joe Lombardo is scheduled to brief the public thursday afternoon in Las Vegas.

Impact on services the Nevada DmV remains closed statewide, with online and in-person transactions suspended except for rapid registration and turbo titles. Appointments canceled on August 25 will be honored as walk-ins for two weeks after reopening. the Nevada supreme court reported outages affecting phones, email, and its public case portal, although electronic filing is still being accepted. in rural areas, the Nye county sheriff’s office suspended fingerprinting and offender registration. Despite these disruptions, officials confirmed 911 remains fully operational.

What’s secure

Authorities emphasized that state payroll, unemployment benefits, and medicaid services continue uninterrupted. the Department of employment, training and rehabilitation is still processing claims, and the Nevada health Authority confirmed health coverage and provider

payments are unaffected. Nevada’s secretary of state added that voter registration systems run on separate infrastructure and were not impacted.

Broader context the attack underscores Nevada’s vulnerability to cyber threats, following high-profile incidents at mGm resorts and caesars entertainment in 2023 that disrupted casino operations. Las Vegas’s reliance on state licensing and records systems makes the current outage particularly disruptive for residents and businesses.

Guidance for residents officials advised Nevadans to monitor state websites and social media for updates and to remain alert for phishing attempts. they stressed the state will never request passwords or bank details via email or phone. As of thursday, August 28, the investigation is ongoing, and the state has not identified the attackers or disclosed ransom demands. n

Vico Sotto questions ‘paid interviews’...

not be traded for publicity. the Discayas have been linked to construction firms with government contracts under the Department of Public Works and highways. sarah Discaya also challenged sotto in the 2022 Pasig mayoral race, where she was soundly defeated.

Korina Sanchez camp responds on August 22, the production team behind rated Korina and Korina interviews issued a signed statement rejecting sotto’s claims. executive producers ferdie Dugay and catherine torres Lulu stressed that no P10-million payment was made for the feature and said the programs were lifestyle and human-interest shows, not investigative exposés.

the producers asserted that sotto’s post unfairly damaged sanchez’s professional reputation and “constitutes cyber libel.” they said the mayor’s remarks implied wrongdoing

without evidence. Both sanchez and Babao also denied that their interviews with the Discayas involved any paid placements. According to reports, Babao’s Youtube feature aired in september 2024, while sanchez’s episode was no longer available on official platforms as of this week.

Dispute over ethics and rep-

utation the controversy highlights a broader debate on the intersection of journalism, media platforms, and political figures. sotto has framed his post as a call for higher standards of media ethics, while sanchez’s camp has positioned its response as a defense of reputation and professional integrity. n

A century on court: Filipino trailblazers who took on tennis’ biggest stage

Their names may be little remembered today, but from Paris to New York, Filipino tennis players have been competing in the sport’s most iconic arenas long before Alexandra Eala’s historic win

by AJPress

NeW YorK — in the 1950s, felicisimo “mighty mite” Ampon and raymundo Deyro carried the Philippine flag onto the clay courts of roland Garros and the grass of Wimbledon. Barely five feet tall, Ampon battled giants of the sport and reached the quarterfinals in Paris, while Deyro matched his feats with deep runs of his own and a record-setting Davis cup career. together they made the Philippines one of Asia’s most respected tennis nations in an era when few from the region reached the game’s highest stages.

The pioneers of the pre-open era

Felicisimo “Mighty Mite” Ampon (1920–1997)

Known for his fearless style despite standing only 4 feet 11 inches, Ampon won the Wimbledon Plate championship in 1948 and the singles gold medal at the 1950 Pan American Games. he holds the Philippine record for most Davis cup wins, competing for nearly three decades.

• Grand Slams: French championships quarterfinalist in 1952 and 1953.

• Legacy: Passed away in 1997. celebrated in the Philippine sports hall of fame as one of the nation’s greatest athletes.

Raymundo Deyro (1928–2019)

A longtime teammate of Ampon, Deyro won two gold medals at the 1958 Asian Games and played in a national-record 37 Davis cup ties. he was inducted into the Philippine sports hall of fame in 2016.

• Grand Slams: French championships fourth round in 1953.

• Legacy: Passed away in 2019. remembered as one of the Philippines’ most enduring Davis cup heroes.

The modern era: From Manila to the majors By the 1970s and 1980s, filipinos began stepping onto the global stage during the open era.

Beeyong “Virgilio” Sison (b. 1957)

An open era pioneer, sison was the first filipino to play in all four Grand slam main draws. his best performance came at the 1981 french open, where he reached the doubles quarterfinals.

• Current Status: Following his playing career, sison coached in switzerland for many years and founded a tennis school. he now serves as the head Varsity tennis coach at Junípero serra high school in san mateo, california, continuing his lifelong commitment to developing young players.

By the 1990s, filipinoAmerican players carried the torch further into the professional tour.

Cecil Mamiit (b. 1976)

An NcAA singles champion at Usc in 1996, mamiit reached the AtP final at san Jose in 1999 after defeating Andre Agassi and michael chang. representing the Philippines, he later won bronze medals at the 2006 Asian Games in singles and doubles.

• Grand Slams: In the Grand slam stage, mamiit advanced to the second round of the Australian open, french open, and U.s open while representing the United states, becoming the first player of filipino heritage in the open era to win Grand slam main-draw singles matches. he later switched allegiance to the Philippines in 2005 and went on to win Asian Games medals and lead the national Davis cup team. the open era to win maindraw singles matches.

• Current Status: Resides in california, where he runs the tennis mechanix Academy in Burbank and mentors young athletes.

Eric Taino (b. 1975)

A standout at UcLA, taino won the 1999 singapore open doubles title with max mirnyi and later partnered with mamiit for a doubles bronze at the 2006 Asian Games.

• Grand Slams: Competed in U.s open singles main draws but did not advance past the first round.

• Current Status: Based in Los Angeles, retired from the tour and active in coaching and community tennis.

Treat Huey (b. 1985) specializing in doubles, huey captured eight AtP doubles titles and reached the semifinals of Wimbledon and the Australian open in 2016. that same year, he qualified for the AtP finals with max mirnyi, peaking at world No. 18 in doubles.

• Current Status: Retired in 2023 and now serves as assistant coach for the University of Virginia men’s tennis team.

The junior grand slam champions filipinos also made their mark in the junior ranks, proving that talent from the country could compete with the world’s best.

Francis Casey Alcantara (b. 1992) the first filipino to win a junior Grand slam, Alcantara captured the 2009 Australian open boys’ doubles crown with hsieh cheng-peng. he has been a long-time Davis cup team member.

• Current Status: Active on the professional circuit, competing in doubles on the itf and challenger tours while representing the Philippines in Davis cup play.

Felix Barrientos (b. 1967)

A Wimbledon boys’ singles semifinalist in 1985, Barrientos later starred at Louisiana state University (LsU) and won southeast Asian Games gold in 1991. he reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 180.

• Current Status: Based in singapore and now working in private banking.

National pride on the world stage for generations, filipinos have represented their country not only on the professional circuit but also in international team events.

• The Davis Cup, founded in 1900, is tennis’s premier men’s team competition. Ampon and Deyro carried the Philippines in

Malacañang relieves PNP Chief Torre...

graduate of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to head the organization. his tenure, however, lasted less than three months. A major factor behind his relief was a controversial reshuffle of senior police officials, which attempted to reassign multiple generals, including Lt. Gen. Nartatez. the move was swiftly overturned by the National Police commission (NAPoLcom) through resolution 2025-0531, issued on August 14, which declared the reshuffle null and void, citing procedural lapses and limitations on the authority of the PNP chief. the decision created tension within the police organization and its supervising agencies. malacañang ultimately opted to replace torre, a decision interior secretary Jonvic remulla later described as a leadership shift rather than a disciplinary action. he clarified that torre did not commit any legal violations and was not facing administrative charges, but that the president had simply chosen to “go in another direction” for the leadership of the PNP.

Who is Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr.?

Before his appointment as PNP chief, he served as Deputy chief for Administration, the second-highest post in the 230,000-strong police force. over the past three decades, Nartatez has built an extensive résumé across both field and administrative commands. he once served as Provincial Director of ilocos Norte, where he was recognized for strengthening community-based policing. he also rose to key leadership roles in metro manila (NcrPo) and cALABArZoN, managing law enforcement in two of the most challenging regions in the country. At the national headquarters, he headed the Directorate for intelligence, overseeing sensitive security operations, and later led the Directorate for comptrollership, ensuring accountability over financial and logistical resources.

earlier this year, torre had reassigned Nartatez to Western mindanao as Area Police commander, but this reshuffle was among the moves nullified by NAPoLcom ironically, that same controversy paved the way for Nartatez’s elevation to the PNP’s highest post.

What this means for the PNP the abrupt turnover at the PNP highlights the ongoing struggles within the institution over command prerogatives, internal reforms, and the balance of authority between the chief of Police and oversight bodies like NAPoLcom. While malacañang has yet to announce Nartatez’s formal priorities, officials from the DiLG underscored the need for stability and adherence to legal procedures in appointments and reshuffles. Nartatez now takes on the challenge of leading the national police at a time of transition and heightened public scrutiny. his leadership will be closely watched for signs of reform, professionalism, and efforts to rebuild trust in the institution after a period of turbulence. n u PAGE 4

Lt. Gen. Jose melencio Nartatez Jr. is a veteran police officer and a graduate of the Philippine military Academy tanglaw-Diwa” class of 1992.

Known among colleagues as a methodical and disciplined officer, he is seen as a stabilizing figure with both operational experience and organizational management expertise.

PH Olympic weightlifter Vanessa Sarno accepts two-year ban due to violation

by Yoniel Acebuche Philstar.com

PhiLiPPiNe weightlifter Vanessa sarno has been banned for two years due to an anti-doping rule violation.

in a statement, the international testing Agency confirmed that sarno has agreed to the consequences for her violation under Article 2.4 of the iWf Anti-Doping rules.

Athletes are required to provide the Anti-Doping organization with their whereabouts for drug testing. this information includes their home address, regular activities, and competition schedules, as well as a specific 60-minute window each day when they can be tested.

A "whereabouts failure" happens if an athlete is not at the location they provided during their designated testing window (a missed test), or if they fail to submit their information on time or provide inaccurate details (a filing failure).

Per itA, sarno committed three whereabouts failures within 12 months. her ineligibility began on Aug. 4 and ends on Aug. 3, 2027.

Because of this, sarno's individual competitive results from the date of commission of the ADrV, which is January 1, 2025, until the start of the period of ineligibility, are disqualified, including forfeiture of medals, points, and prizes.

remain with all of the victims of this tragic incident,” she noted, adding that consular officials continue to provide assistance until all cases are fully resolved.

The crash

According to New York state Police, the accident happened on August 22 at 12:22 p.m. near Pembroke in Genesee county. the bus, operated by m&Y tour inc., was en route from Niagara falls to New York city when it veered into the median, overcorrected, and rolled down an embankment.

five adults were pronounced dead at the scene. Dozens of passengers, including children, sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical. erie county medical center treated 24 patients, Kaleida health hospitals admitted around 20 more including five children, and the University of rochester medical center received additional patients.

Victims identified Authorities released the names of the five individuals

to apply for an extension of stay through U.s citizenship and immigration services (Uscis).

• Optional practical training (oPt/stem oPt): Admissions would be tied to the work authorization period, plus a 30day grace period to prepare for departure or seek further authorization.

• I visas (foreign media representatives): Admission up to 240 days, with extensions available. holders of chinese passports (excluding hong Kong and macau) would be limited to 90-day extensions. Current rule (still in effect)

Under existing policy, f J, and most i visa holders are admitted for duration of status (D/s). this allows them to legally remain in the U.s as long as they are enrolled

she will also not be able to participate in the upcoming 2025 southeast Asian Games, the 2026 Asian Games, and the 2026 Asian Weightlifting championships.

the mentioned article said that athletes have the right to choose not to have their case referred to a hearing panel wherein the anti-doping organization will "assess the athlete's case file and establish the applicable consequences pursuant to the anti-doping rules and the athlete will have the right to accept the proposed consequences."

The decision may be challenged before the appeal division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport by the parties with a right of appeal in accordance with Article 13.2.3 of the IWF ADR," itA said. the statement concluded, "The ITA will not comment further on this case."

'This is not a drugs case' meanwhile, samahang

who died in the crash:

• Shankar Kumar Jha, 65, of madhu Bani, india

• Pinki Changrani, 60, of East Brunswick, New Jersey

• Xie Hongzhuo, 22, a columbia University student from Beijing, china • Zhang Xiaolan, 55, of Jersey city, New Jersey

• Jian Mingli, 56, of Jersey city, New Jersey the victims were among passengers ranging in age from one to seventy-four years old. many of those on board were indian, chinese, and filipino nationals.

Investigation the National transportation safety Board (NtsB) has launched a formal investigation. New York state Police ruled out alcohol, drugs, and mechanical failure as causes. Driver distraction remains under review, but officials cautioned that the investigation is ongoing. the NtsB is analyzing event data recorders, braking systems, and engine modules. A preliminary report is expected

full-time, in good academic standing, and complying with visa requirements. the rule has not changed—D/s remains in effect until a final regulation is enacted. this is not the first time Dhs has attempted to replace D/s with fixed terms. A similar rule introduced in 2020 was later withdrawn in July 2021 after receiving more than 32,000 public comments and widespread opposition from universities and advocacy groups. the 2025 proposal revives the effort but standardizes a four-year cap across f and J visa categories. Implications if finalized • Students in doctoral, medical, and other programs longer than four years would need to apply for extensions, adding costs and uncertainty.

• International graduates

Weightlifting ng Pilipinas President monico Puentevella said that sarno's suspension was not due to a failed drug test. "This is not a drug case. No tests. No doping. Just failure to report her whereabouts," Puentevella told the media outlet, highlighting that her sanction stemmed from not reporting where sarno is, as "every national team lifter must report quarterly."

Every [national] team lifter must report quarterly on where she is. In her case, she got pregnant, so she didn't bother to report anymore. She's resting in Bohol now. No drugs issue." sarno won a gold medal during the 2020 Asian Weightlifting championships and the 2023 southeast Asian Games. she also made history by winning three gold medals at the 2023 Asian Youth and Junior championships. n

in about 30 days.

Support for families A family Assistance center established at the Amherst senior center in Buffalo has since closed, after all families of the deceased were contacted. the red cross provided grief counseling and coordination during the initial response. for filipino families, the DfA urged relatives of passengers to contact the Philippine consulate’s Assistance-toNationals hotline at (917) 294-0196. consular officials continue to monitor the situation and provide direct assistance to those affected.

Continuing aftermath As of August 27, 15 victims remain hospitalized, including one child and one adult in serious condition. for the families of those who perished, the tragedy has left an irreplaceable void. for the survivors, including the filipinos who were injured, a trip that was meant to be joyful has turned into a painful ordeal that will take time to heal.

(AJPress)

seeking post-study employment under oPt or stem oPt would face new procedural requirements.

• Journalists holding I visas would be subject to shorter admissions, with stricter limits for chinese passport holders.

How to participate the proposed rule is open for public comment on the federal register under docket number iceB-2025-0001. the trump administration has proposed ending the openended stay system for foreign students and exchange visitors, replacing it with fixed terms capped at four years. for now, however, nothing has changed: international students remain covered by D/s and may stay in the United states as long as they maintain lawful student status.

(AJPress)

Sec. Teodoro: Heightened Chinese activities...

vessel of the Philippine Navy, was deliberately grounded in 1999 to help secure the country’s assertion of sovereignty over the area of Ayungin, which is some 315 kilometers west of Palawan and within the country’s 370 km exclusive economic zone.

Unusual spike the Armed forces of the Philippines on friday saw an unusual spike in chinese activities in the shoal, including the deployment of coast guard ships, militia vessels, and fast boats equipped with mounted weapons.

As of Aug. 20, the AfP has detected five china coast Guard (ccG) vessels encircling Ayungin. they were supported by 11 rigid-hulled inflatable boats and fast boats and nine chinese maritime militia vessels, along with a helicopter and a drone.

for Undersecretary Alexander Lopez, spokesperson of the National maritime council, the Philippines had “expected” the significant increase in china’s activities in the West Philippine

sea following the Aug. 11 collision between a ccG vessel and a chinese Navy warship that were pursuing a Philippine coast Guard ship off Panatag (scarborough) shoal. he described it as Beijing’s way of recovering from “embarrassment” after the incident, as well as a way to convey the message that it is still in control of the south china sea, especially in the West Philippine sea.

citing reports from the AfP Western command as of monday, Lopez said in an interview on state-run PtV that the situation near BrP sierra madre has “returned to normal, and the chinese’s unusual activities have subsided.”

the number of chinese vessels near Ayungin has gone down, with only one or two ccG ships remaining, along with several chinese maritime militia vessels, he added. n

Alexandra

Eala exits US Open in second round...

2–6, and trailed 1–5 in the third. she recovered and forced a tiebreak, eventually sealing the victory, 7–6 (13–11). the match lasted 2 hours and 54 minutes. the result marked eala’s first career main-draw victory at a Grand slam. According to tournament records and international press reports, she became the first player competing under the Philippine flag in the open era to reach the second round of a singles major.

Second-round match in the round of 64, Bucsa won

in straight sets, 6–4, 6–3. official match statistics show Bucsa put 73 percent of first serves into play, winning 60 percent of those points. she converted 6 of 8 break-point opportunities and saved 6 of 9 break points on her serve. eala won 55.6 percent of her first-serve points and converted 3 of 9 break points. the match lasted 1 hour and 36 minutes. With the victory, Bucsa, 27, advanced to the third round of a Grand slam for the first time in her career.

Philippine tennis context c ecil m amiit, a f ilipi -

no-American who represented the United s tates early in his career, previously reached the second round of Grand s lam tournaments in 1999 and 2001. h e later competed under the Philippine flag in international events, but his Grand s lam results were recorded while playing for the United s tates.

eala’s achievement at the 2025 U.s open stands as the first time a player representing the Philippines has reached the second round of a Grand slam singles draw in the open era. n

A century on court: Filipino trailblazers...

the 1950s, while sison, mamiit, taino, huey, and Alcantara added to the country’s legacy in later decades.

• The Billie Jean King Cup, originally launched as the federation cup in 1963 and renamed in 2020, is the women’s equivalent. Alexandra eala made her debut for the Philippines in late 2024 during Asia/oceania Group iii, helping the team secure promotion to Division ii and continuing a long tradition of national representation on the global stage.

Eala: A new era begins in 2025, Alexandra eala made history as the first filipina—and only the second filipino after cecil mamiit—to win a Grand slam main-draw singles match in the open era, stunning 14th seed clara tauson in a dramatic first-round U.s open comeback.

her momentum was halted in round 2, where spain’s cristina Bucsa edged her out 6–4, 6–3, ending eala’s U.s open run in flushing meadows. Previously, eala had already turned heads by capturing the 2022 U.s open girls’ singles title, a first for the Philippines, and junior doubles titles at the 2020 Australian open and 2021 french open. her fearless spirit in New York signaled a new chapter—not only for her career, but for Philippine tennis overall.

current status: Active on the WtA tour. Achieved a careerhigh singles ranking of No. 56 on June 30, 2025; currently ranked No. 75 as of August 2025. Widely regarded as the Philippines’ most prominent tennis player. What the Grand Slams and the eras mean

• Grand Slam: The Australian open, french open, Wimbledon,

and U.s open.

• Open Era (1968–present):

When professionals and amateurs were allowed to compete together in Grand slams.

• Pre-Open Era (before 1968): Amateurs only. filipinos like Ampon and Deyro excelled in this system. A legacy continued from Ampon and Deyro’s early triumphs in Paris and tokyo, to sison’s open era breakthroughs, to mamiit’s slam victories in melbourne and New York, to huey’s Wimbledon semifinal and Alcantara’s junior slam title, filipinos have long left their mark on tennis’s grandest stages. in 2025, Alexandra eala carried that legacy forward with her U.s open win. she is the first filipina to achieve this milestone, the latest in a line of pioneers carrying forward a legacy that spans nearly a century of Philippine tennis achievement.

Others who carried the flag

While not all reached the Grand slam stage, several filipino players left their mark through national dominance, regional medals, and team competitions.

• Marissa Sanchez – National champion in the 1970s and one of the Philippines’ early international women’s competitors.

• Dyan Castillejo – Former Fed cup player (1981–1990) and the first filipina to earn a WtA world ranking. Later became one of the country’s most prominent sports broadcasters.

• Dianne Matias – Represented the Philippines in the 2008 fed cup, going undefeated in singles and doubles.

• Marisue Jacutin de Mariona –A fed cup veteran with 14 ties in

the late 1990s and seA Games appearances.

• Tin Patrimonio – Multisport athlete and seA Games competitor who brought visibility to women’s tennis.

• Jeson Patrombon – Once ranked world No. 9 in juniors, he represented the Philippines in Davis cup but did not advance to Grand slam main draws. together, they form part of the wider story of filipino tennis, carrying national colors in regional competitions, collegiate arenas, and international team events.

Carrying the torch other names also shaped the development of Philippine tennis through Davis cup, fed cup, and administration:

• Randy Villanueva – Former Davis cup player and later vice president of PhiLtA, contributing to the sport’s governance.

• Rolando “Randy” del rosario – Anchored the national Davis cup squad in the 1970s and 1980s.

• Johnny Jose – Early postwar Davis cup campaigner and contemporary of felicisimo Ampon.

• Ruben Gonzales – FilipinoAmerican doubles specialist who has represented the Philippines in Davis cup and seA Games.

• Denise Dy – Multiple SEA Games medalist and fed cup representative in the 2000s.

• Katharina Lehnert – FilipinaGerman player who represented the Philippines in fed cup during the 2010s, achieving a WtA career-high ranking inside the top 400. though their names may not appear in Grand slam record books, their contributions helped keep Philippine tennis alive, competitive, and visible on the regional and international stage. n

Napoles gets up to 55 years in new...

case were linked to cagas’s congressional term. in 2022, he entered a plea bargain, pleaded guilty to lesser offenses including fraud, failure to render accounts, and falsification of public documents, and paid P12.95 million in restitution. he was placed on probation instead of serving prison time, which cleared him from further liability. Because of this deal, he was not a defendant in the 2025 Napoles ruling. today, cagas serves as the Vice Governor of Davao del sur.

Other convictions in 2025 the August conviction is Napoles’s third this year.

• June 6 — Mamfi case (P1.17m): Napoles, cunanan, Lacsamana, and Napoles aide evelyn de Leon were convicted of graft for diverting PDAf from then-ciBAc rep. Joel Villanueva to the bogus NGo masaganang Ani Para sa magsasaka foundation inc. they were sentenced to up to 10 years, ordered to reimburse the government, and barred from office. they were acquitted of malversation. Villanueva was not a defendant in the case but faces separate pending sandiganbayan charges from his 2008 term, including two counts of graft and one count of malversation through falsification. in 2016, the ombudsman ordered his dismissal from public service, which the senate did not enforce. he was elected senate majority Leader on July 28, 2025.

• May 30 — Biazon case (P2.7m): Napoles and muntinlupa

mayor ruffy Biazon were convicted of graft for channeling PDAf to the NGo Philippine social Development foundation inc. they were sentenced to 6 years and 1 month to 8 years in prison and disqualified from office. malversation and bribery charges were dismissed.Biazon has filed a motion for reconsideration; the conviction is not final, allowing him to continue as mayor while on appeal.

Broader backdrop Napoles, often dubbed the “Pork Barrel Queen”, rose to notoriety in 2013 after whistleblower Benhur Luy exposed how her NGos siphoned billions in PDAf into ghost projects. the supreme court later struck down PDAf as unconstitutional, triggering dozens of graft and plunder cases. Other notable outcomes:

• Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.: Acquitted of plunder in 2018 while Napoles and his aide richard cambe were convicted and sentenced to reclusión perpetua (20–40 years without parole). revilla’s 16 graft cases were dismissed in 2021. he lost reelection in 2025 and is no longer in office.

• Juan Ponce Enrile: His 2024 plunder acquittal was upheld in June 2025.

• Jinggoy Estrada: Acquitted of plunder in 2021 and bribery in 2024, but still on trial for 11 graft counts after the sandiganbayan denied his motion to dismiss in April 2025. he currently serves as senate President Pro tempore.

• Fertilizer Fund scam: Napoles and others were cleared in 2023

due to inordinate delay.

• Money laundering (2024): Napoles was convicted by manila rtc Branch 24 of laundering PDAf proceeds, sentenced to 7–14 years in prison, and fined P16 million. How long will Napoles serve? Napoles now faces cumulative sentences from multiple cases that, if added up, exceed 150 years. this includes the 2018 plunder conviction with reclusión perpetua (20–40 years), the 2024 money laundering conviction (7–14 years), and several graft and malversation rulings in 2025, including the latest 55-year term. however, under Philippine law, the revised Penal code caps imprisonment at 40 years regardless of the total length of penalties (Article 70, the “threefold rule”). this means that even with decades of convictions, Napoles will serve a maximum of 40 years in prison, though her civil liabilities and fines remain enforceable.

Significance of the ruling the August 22, 2025 conviction adds 55 years to Napoles’s string of prison sentences and marks her third guilty verdict this year. Alongside earlier convictions, acquittals, and plea bargains involving other high-profile figures, it reinforces the enduring legacy of the pork barrel scandal. more than a decade after PDAf was struck down as unconstitutional, the case continues to shape Philippine politics and underscores both the progress and the limits of accountability in the country’s justice system. n

DAteline PhiliPPines

by AJPress

mANiLA — Judy Aranetaroxas, a business leader, philanthropist, and matriarch of one of the country’s most prominent families, passed away on monday at the age of 91. her family said she died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on July 31, 1934, Judy was the eldest of three children of Jesús Amado Araneta and ester Araneta. her father founded the Araneta Group, the real estate and commercial empire behind landmarks such as Araneta city, the smart Araneta coliseum, and Gateway malls.

Business leadership

Araneta-roxas served as vice chairperson of the Araneta centre corporation, where she helped guide the family’s businesses through decades of transformation. While she inherited her father’s legacy, she was known for steady leadership that sustained Araneta city’s role as a hub of commerce, culture, and leisure in Quezon city.

Commitment to social development she was equally active in civic work. Araneta-roxas was president of the J. Amado Araneta foundation, inc. (JAAf), which advances education, cultural programs, disaster relief, and community resilience. she also chaired the Gerry roxas foundation, continuing her late husband’s legacy through initiatives on good governance, justice reform, health, youth leadership, and microfinance. in addition, she served as president of the President manuel A. roxas foundation, honoring her fatherin-law’s contributions to the nation.

Honors and recognition her contributions to Philippine society were recognized internationally. in 1987, she

received a Papal Award from Pope John Paul ii for her service to the catholic church. she was also a recipient of the Benigno s. Aquino Jr. Award for Nationalism, honoring her civic leadership and commitment to national development.

Family and personal legacy she married the late senator Gerardo “Gerry” roxas in 1955. they had three children: maria Lourdes (ria), former senator and interior secretary manuel “mar” roxas ii, and former congressman Gerardo “Dinggoy” roxas Jr., who passed away in 1993. mar roxas, announcing his mother’s passing, wrote:

We are very sad to share that our mother Judy Araneta Roxas passed away peacefully this morning, surrounded by family and loved ones. Please include her in your prayers.” though she was connected to two of the nation’s most influential clans, Judy Aranetaroxas built her own legacy – one of business acumen, philanthropy, and principled leadership. colleagues and beneficiaries alike remember her as a woman who matched privilege with responsibility, leaving behind institutions and initiatives that will continue to serve the filipino people for generations. n

by AJPress

mANiLA — Global ferronickel

holdings, inc. (fNi) chairman Joseph c sy has taken a voluntary leave of absence, effective August 27, following his arrest over alleged misrepresentation of citizenship. the company confirmed the move in a disclosure to the Philippine stock exchange.

the securities and exchange commission (sec) said it is closely monitoring the case and reminded listed firms to promptly disclose material developments, citing rules under the securities regulation code and the Philippine stock exchange’s disclosure requirements.

Immigration case on August 21, the Bureau of immigration (Bi) arrested sy at Ninoy Aquino international Airport, alleging his fingerprints matched those of a chinese national previously issued a Philippine visa and Alien certificate of registration. Deportation proceedings are being prepared while sy remains detained at the Bi Warden facility in taguig city.

Company and industry

response

Global ferronickel denounced the arrest as a “grave injustice,” insisting that sy is filipino. the firm cited his valid Philippine passport and previous affirmations of nationality by government bodies—including the Department of Justice, Bureau of immigration, the office of the President, the sec and the supreme court. (these claims reflect the company’s position and have not been adjudicated in court.)

the Philippine Nickel industry Association (PNiA), also chaired by sy, called for his release, describing the arrest as unlawful and warning of negative signals to investor confidence in the mining industry.

Leadership transition following sy’s leave, the fNi board appointed company president Dante r. Bravo as acting chairman and created a vice chair position filled by independent director Jaime f. Del rosario, to maintain governance continuity.

Market reaction

fNi’s stock fell 12.14% to P1.23 by the close on August 27 amid volatility, though it partially recovered intraday. the company assured stakeholders

that operations remain stable and that contingency protocols are in place.

The “Alice Guo” comparison A senate panel has reportedly determined that sy was “born and raised in china,” raising fresh scrutiny over the validity of his Philippine citizenship claims. the revelation prompted parallels with the case of former Bamban mayor Alice Guo, who was found by a manila court to be a chinese citizen despite presenting herself as filipino. senator risa hontiveros, who has been pressing for a probe, underscored the similarities, saying both cases involve allegations of forged or questionable documents, entry into sensitive institutions, and national security concerns.

“This looks like Alice Guo Part 2 — pretending to be Filipino with questionable documents,” hontiveros said earlier this week however, key differences remain: Guo’s case concluded with a final court ruling voiding her citizenship, while sy’s case is still under investigation, with no judicial decision yet issued. Until a court rules, sy’s legal status remains unresolved.

PCG delisting the Philippine coast Guard confirmed that sy has been delisted from its Auxiliary roster for alleged misrepresentation.

officials said vetting procedures will be tightened to prevent future lapses.

china-linked deal in 2016 in october 2016, fNi signed a cooperation agreement with china’s state-owned Baiyin Nonferrous Group, announced during former President rodrigo Duterte’s state visit to Beijing. the deal involved potential financing for fNi’s Palawan mining operations and a proposed steel plant. subsequent public filings have not reported full implementation of the agreement. Broader implications the unfolding controversy now spans corporate governance, immigration enforcement, and national security. the sec is focused on transparency for investors; the Bi is handling citizenship proceedings; and lawmakers are investigating possible institutional lapses. the senate’s finding that sy was born in china, paired with comparisons to the Alice Guo case, has sharpened political and public attention. Whether the case follows the same trajectory as Guo’s, or diverges, will depend on the outcome of Bi proceedings and potential court rulings. for the mining sector and capital markets, the matter is a critical test of institutional credibility and investor confidence.

that the family is not eligible for a preference. SNRHA is then responsible for conducting the informal review.

(h) Once an owner selects the family from the waiting lists, the owner refers the family to SNRHA who then determines the family’s final program eligibility. The owner may not offer a unit to the family until SNRHA determines that the family is eligible for the program.

(i) All HCV waiting list administration requirements that apply to the PBV program apply to owner-maintained waiting lists.

(j) SNRHA is responsible for oversight of owner-maintained waiting lists to ensure that they are administered properly and in accordance with the program requirements, including but not limited to non-discrimination and equal opportunity requirements under the authorities cited at 24 C.F.R. 5.105(a). The owner is responsible for maintaining complete and accurate records as described in 24 C.F.R.

The owner must give SNRHA, HUD, and the Comptroller General full and free access to its offices and records concerning

management as described in 24 C.F.R. 982.158(c). HUD may undertake an investigation to determine

HCV and PBV Programs during SNRHA’s

from SNRHA’s waiting list shall be extremely low-income families based on area median

The

at 24 C.F.R. 982.201(b)(2) apply to the total of admissions to SNRHA’s HCV and PBV Programs during SNRHA’s fiscal year from SNRHA’s waiting list (including owner-maintained PBV waiting lists) for such programs.

9. In selecting families to occupy PBV units with special accessibility features for persons with disabilities, SNRHA must first refer families who require such accessibility features to the owner (see 24 C.F.R. 8.26 and 100.202).

(b) Preference for Services Offered. In selecting families, SNRHA may give preference to disabled families

1. Preference Limits.

The preference is

FeAtures OPiniOn

Buwan ng Wika: Between legacy and relevance

When the architects of the Philippine republic debated the foundations of nationhood, one question loomed large: how could a fragmented archipelago, divided by hundreds of tongues, stand as one nation?

for manuel L. Quezon and the framers of the 1935 constitution, the answer lay in the creation of a wikang pambansa, a national language that would serve as a bridge across regions.

Editorial

in 1936, Quezon established the National Language institute to determine which native language could best serve as the basis of this unifying tongue. By 1937, the institute recommended tagalog, citing its rich literary tradition, widespread use, and central location. the decision was not without controversy, but Quezon declared tagalog as the foundation of the national language, seeing it as both a symbol of independence from colonial rule and a practical step toward unifying the people. the institutional celebration of the national language began a decade later. in 1946, President sergio osmeña proclaimed march 27 to April 2 as Linggo ng Wika to honor the birth anniversary of francisco Balagtas, the great tagalog poet. in 1954, President ramon magsaysay moved the celebration to August 13–19 to coincide with the birthday of President Quezon on August 19. finally, in 1997, President fidel V. ramos signed

Proclamation No. 1041, expanding the observance into a full Buwan ng Wika, celebrated every August. this history shows that Buwan ng Wika was never just about costumes or contests. it was meant to embody a vision: that language could be the cement of a fractured republic and the soul of a free nation. Yet the national language project has always carried tension. critics argue that elevating tagalog to “filipino” marginalized other languages such as cebuano and ilocano, leaving many feeling excluded from the very idea of national identity. some scholars describe it as a form of linguistic imperialism, where one region’s tongue overshadows the others. there are also questions of practicality: in an economy and academic world dominated by english, is filipino an obstacle to global competitiveness?

Advocates counter that filipino was never meant to be a frozen tagalog. By design, it is dynamic and evolving, enriched by other Philippine languages and even foreign borrowings. far from being ex-

Root causes of graft & corruption

clusionary, its adaptability makes it stronger. for advocates, filipino is not simply a tool of communication but an assertion of dignity, independence, and self-definition in a globalized world. this debate between inclusivity and exclusion, between pride and practicality, explains why Buwan ng Wika remains relevant today. it is not a

month for nostalgia but for reflection. What does it mean to have a national language in the 21st century? is it merely symbolic, or is it still essential to nationhood? the framers of the constitution were practical. they believed a shared language could unify an

it is a well known historical fact that before the marcos martial law dictatorship, the Philippines was the second wealthiest country in Asia next only to Japan. today, we have fallen behind nations like south Korea, taiwan and china and even southeast Asian neighbors like singapore, malaysia, Vietnam and thailand.

We are a naturally rich country in resources. our people are among the most competent, as evidenced by the high demand for filipino skilled workers and professionals in the middle east, United states, Japan, Australia, canada and other advanced nations. Where did it all go wrong? the main reason is that we are now one of the most corrupt societies in this part of the world. i am not saying that corruption is a uniquely filipino trait as suggested by some. corruption has existed for as long as governance itself. in ancient civilizations such as egypt, Greece and rome, there are documented instances of

if our economy was a stool, only two legs are holding it up: ofWs and BPos. the two other legs, agriculture and manufacturing, are broken and undependable.

Now, our two good legs are facing threats and opportunities from world developments. hopefully we are ready. sending filipino workers abroad was supposed to have been a temporary strategy taken by the first marcos administration to address local joblessness and the need for foreign exchange.

As it happened, the 1973 oil crisis significantly increased demand for construction and labor in oil-rich middle eastern countries. exporting labor earned dollars through remittances and kept restive unemployed people from worsening domestic political pressure. With other sectors of the economy underperforming

corrupt practices. in medieval europe, corruption was rampant in both religious and secular institutions. the catholic church has been accused of corruption as far back as the medieval period. During the colonial period, imperial powers institutionalized corrupt systems to extract resources from colonies. corruption flourished in the Philippines during the spanish colonial period. there was a time, however, when corruption was not as rampant and systemic as it is today in the Philippines. however, as recent as during the administration of president Noynoy Aquino, we have shown that we could be successful in minimizing corruption. one example is that the Department of Public Works and highways under secretary Babes singson was much less corrupt than it is today. President Aquino waged a campaign against the abuse of “pork barrel funds” and was even able to put in jail several sitting senators. the following administration, however, saw the reemergence of widespread and systemic corruption.

today, if President BBm is sincere, we can only laud his attempt to cleanse the DPWh starting with the corruption in the flood control projects. however, no matter how successful this attempt to minimize corruption, it will keep recurring for as long as the root causes are not addressed. the persistence of graft and corruption comes from a combination of systemic and institutional factors which are the root causes. • Weak institutions. In a nation where the rule of law is fragile, judicial systems are easily compromised and oversight mechanisms are ineffective, corruption flourishes. officials are more likely to abuse power when there are no meaningful consequences. in the Philippines, it is known that the judiciary is rife with corruption. Judicial trials take years before their final judgements, and it is a financial burden so only the rich can afford to go to trial. Another weakness is that the rich and the powerful can find ways to eventually stay out of jail, like the senators who were put in jail during PNoy’s u PAGE A7

Our two economic legs

through the years, what was initially temporary became permanent. exporting labor was institutionalized with the 1974 Labor code. Labor exporting is now earning close to $40 billion a year. it is interesting to note that ofWs sent slightly more dollars home in 2024 than the total amount of foreign direct investment that Vietnam attracted during the same year. the numbers are nearly identical, with ofW remittances ($38.34 billion) slightly exceeding Vietnam’s fDi inflows ($38.23 billion) in 2024. true heroes of the country, indeed. imagine if we provided ofWs ways of properly investing a good part of that. from the marcos martial law years to recent times, it was the dream of many young filipinos to go abroad, like their parents. their choice of college courses indicates their desire to make their fortune out of the country. times are changing. there is now increasing evidence

suggesting that younger generations are gravitating toward digital gigs, remote work, and flexible arrangements, rather than working abroad.

in 2018, 96 percent of young filipinos wanted to work overseas. that figure dropped to 80 percent by 2024. it is still high but showing a downward trend in overseas aspirations over the years.

this brings us to our BPo industry. this noticeable shift in goals from becoming ofWs to staying at home to work in outsourcing companies and digital gigs is spreading with our younger generations.

Growing up as digital natives, young filipinos are comfortable with technology. they still want to work for foreign employers, presumably because of the higher pay, but remotely.

A 2024 study conducted by Jobstreet with Boston consulting Group indicated that “filipino professionals are now more eager for remote internau PAGE 7

As provided in our country’s 1987 constitution, anyone who holds office in government, whether elected or appointed, is accountable for all his acts. this is explicitly specified under Article XI on “Accountability of Public officers.” in section 1 of this provision, it states outright: Public office is a public trust. it goes on to provide: “Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice and lead modest lives.” thus, this constitutional provision of Article XI was officially adopted as the battle cry of the newly launched anti-corruption group called “Artikulo onse.” convenors of Artikulo onse precisely timed their launching program last monday to coincide with the nation’s observance of National heroes Day. the convenors – led by ex-congressman erin tañada, former sanlakas party-list rep now private law practitioner

No Free Lunch

Before the pandemic, the biggest portion of our jobless were those who got up to junior high school; now, it’s those who have gone to college. in January 2020, the Philippine statistics Authority reported that workers who reached or completed junior high school made up 39.5 percent of the unemployed (28.7 percent of whom finished Grade 10). college-educated workers made up 36.9 percent (26.9 percent of whom graduated). June 2025 data show that more than half of our unemployed went to college (50.4 percent, 38.2 percent having graduated). While the total unemployed workers went down by nearly half a million from 2.39 million in January 2020 to 1.95 million in June 2025 (good news), our college-educated jobless actually swelled by 100,000 (bad news). it’s enough to make a senior high school graduate think twice about pursuing college. technical-vocational graduates,

JV Bautista, labor leaders Luke espiritu and Leodegario “Ka Leody” de Guzman – declared their “citizens War Against corruption.” in our Kapihan sa manila Bay forum last Wednesday, Bautista and Ka Leody announced the advocacy of Artikulo onse takes off from the on-going national brouhaha over “ghost” flood control projects. “We chose this because this is exactly what ‘public office is a public trust’ means, tigilan na ang onsehan sa ating taong-bayan,” Ka Leody declared. onsehan” is a filipino slang derived from the tagalized spanish word for eleven (onse), which means to cheat or double-cross, or to scam another person, or betray each other for their selfish gain. the immediate target of Artikulo onse, according to them, are the 15 contractors earlier identified by President ferdinand “Bongbong” marcos Jr. (PBBm) who cornered billions of pesos worth of nonexisting flood control projects but got paid by the government. funded in this year’s budget of the Department of Public

Works and highways (DPWh), these unscrupulous contractors made a lot of illegal money out of the congress-approved 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Ka Leody deplored that such public funds – or our taxpayers’ money – lined the pockets of erring DPWh officials from regional and district engineers and their other cohorts in the national to local governments, all the way to congress. the worse part of this, Ka Leody rued, is that lawmakers started conducting their own investigations into these identified congressional insertions in the 2025 GAA. the two chambers of the 20th congress are currently conducting separate probes into the issue. these are the house tri-committee and the senate Blue ribbon committee led by sen. rodante marcoleta.

Although he ran but lost in the last may senatorial elections under the labor group Partido Lakas masa, Ka Leody scoffed at the so-called “investigations in aid of legislation” in congress. Ka Leody fears nothing will come out of these congressional u PAGE A7

When skills don’t match jobs

who only make up 3.8 percent of the unemployed, actually stand a better chance at gainful employment. for every tech-voc graduate who is jobless, there are four who are college-educated. social Weather stations survey data on joblessness uphold the same observation. their latest jobs survey showed college graduates and those with post-graduate education making up the single largest portion (22 percent) of those who reported having no job. Junior high school graduates accounted for 21 percent, elementary school graduates 20 percent, and those who didn’t complete elementary grades comprised only 9 percent—suggesting that the easiest jobs to come by are low-level ones requiring little education. there’s more. in the job fairs conducted by the Department of Labor and employment, only a tiny fraction of the available jobs gets filled, and only one in six job applicants gets hired. DoLe’s last Labor Day job fairs nationwide saw a total of 261,581 local

and overseas jobs being offered, exceeding the jobseekers (numbering 37,279) six-to-one. top vacancies were in the manufacturing, retail, accommodation, business process outsourcing, and financial/insurance industries for production operators, salesclerks, call center representatives, service crew, and microfinance officers. But only 5,780 (15.5 percent, or fewer than one in six applicants) were readily hired, while only 2.2 percent were filled, or fewer than one for every 45 available jobs. these were mostly for low-level positions: cashier, service crew, bagger, sales associate, clerk, production crew, loan officer, store clerks, and teachers of english as a second language (esL teacher). We clearly don’t lack jobs; we just don’t have the right people for them. there’s more anecdotal evidence of our glaring jobs-skills mismatch. in a past study, my research team encountered a large industrial firm in Batan-

Root causes of graft...

Buwan ng Wika: Between legacy...

archipelago divided by geography and history. in modern times, practicality takes on a different form. filipino and english coexist in schools and workplaces, while regional languages remain anchors of identity in the provinces. to push one at the expense of the others risks division. to let filipino shrink into ceremonial use would be to abandon a central pillar of statehood. for the global filipino diaspora, Buwan ng Wika carries a different weight. it is not only

a reminder of home but also a bridge across generations and continents. for children of immigrants who risk losing touch with their roots, the national language becomes a lifeline of identity. for overseas workers, it is solidarity, a code of belonging in faraway lands. in an age where borders blur but identity can be fragile, filipino remains a compass. Buwan ng Wika reminds the diaspora that even as they thrive abroad, their words carry the rhythm of home.

the way forward is balance. filipino must be nurtured as the common language of unity. english must be used as a tool for global engagement. regional languages must be preserved as treasures of cultural heritage. only then can Buwan ng Wika move beyond ritual into real nation-building. Language was the bet of the framers of the constitution. it is still our wager today. if we let filipino fade into a once-a-year ritual, we lose more than words - we lose a part of who we are.

(AJPress)

Our two economic...

term.

• Lack of transparency and accountability. When government actions and financial dealings are hidden from public view, it becomes easier for officials to divert resources and make decisions that benefit themselves or their allies. the lack of transparency and accountability in the budget process has led to the syndicate of contractors, lawmakers and DPWh district engineers to successfully divert billions of pesos from legitimate projects into the pockets of the members of this syndicate. it took an exposé by President BBm to focus public attention on these anomalies. Another example is the refusal of senate members to agree to an impeachment trial in spite of the need for accountability for the actions of Vice President sara Duterte.

• Concentration of power. In systems where power is centralized and unchecked, people in leadership positions

often operate without fear of accountability, leading to the abuse of authority. in the Philippines, political and economic power is centralized in family dynasties. there are provinces and cities where a single family controls almost all political positions and the existence of a political opposition is almost negligible. in fact, the real political organizations in this country are not political parties but families.

• Cultural acceptance. There are societies like the Philippines where corruption is viewed as a normal part of doing business or navigating bureaucracy. social norms that tolerate bribery or nepotism make reform more difficult. in fact, politicians who have been identified with corruption still manage to get reelected and those that amass fortunes become socially acceptable, even among the socalled elite society.

• Political patronage. corruption thrives in systems where loyalty is

rewarded over merit and public resources are used to maintain political support rather than to serve the common good. there must be effective strategies to combat the root causes if we want to minimize graft and corruption. the government is not the proper institution to address these root causes. the only institutions that have a chance to combat these root causes are the educational system or schools, the catholic church and its affiliated organizations, civil society and the media. hopefully, we can witness a national dialogue among these sectors on how they can address the root causes of graft and corruption in the country.

(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.

* * * Email: elfrencruz@gmail.com

Accountability applies to all public...

PAGE 6 investigations unless the filipino citizens take it upon themselves to wage war against corruption.

Bautista echoed the call of his fellow Artikulo onse advocate and asked PBBm to ignore self-serving investigations now taking place at the DPWh as well as in the 20th congress. they’ll just cover each other up, declare everybody innocent and will go on their own merry ways of raiding the coffers and putting the money into their own pockets,” Bautista pointed out. instead, Bautista reiterated Artikulo onse urged the President to issue an executive order (eo) that would create an independent body to investigate these shenanigans involved in these “ghost” flood control projects at the DPWh. Bautista, currently dean of the Wesleyan University-Philippines college of Law, cited one of the many precedents of independent fact-finding body was no less than the Agrava fact-finding commission. he recalled this independent probe body was created by PBBm’s late namesake father that looked into the assassination of the late sen. Benigno Aquino Jr.

As envisioned by Artikulo onse, he explained the President will sign an eo to create a citizen’s commission on truth and Accountability (cctA) as

a citizen-led fact-finding body. offhand, Bautista said the cctA will be empowered to pursue legal actions against these erring contractors and the rest of their private-sector collaborators in the “grand conspiracy” of corruption in these flood control projects.

Bautista floated names of certain personalities known for their high degree of credibility and not being identified with any political camp to avoid politicizing the investigation. off the cuff, he mentioned the likes of retired chief Justice reynato Puno, who now heads the Philippine constitution Association (Philconsa), and caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio cardinal David, who is ending his term as the president of the catholic Bishops’ conference of the Philippines (cBcP) to represent the church.

And since the Philippine National Police (PNP) cannot have two four-star generals at the same time, Bautista suggested that its newly relieved top cop, Nicolas torre iii, pursue his next career in a civilian capacity as a crack police investigator. “the best way for him (torre) is to get out of the PNP,” he quipped, without batting an eyelash.

Bautista explained Artikulo XI was actually inspired by the biopic “Artikulo 1,” about the great Philippine revolutionary hero,

the slain Gen. Antonio Luna. During that period, “Artikulo 1” referred to the Philippine revolutionary military decree that stated any soldier or officer refusing to follow his orders would be summarily executed without trial. since “firing squad” is too extreme a punishment and the fact that our country had abolished the death penalty, Bautista agreed with the “personal” recommendation of Ka Leody to add “shame campaign” for those found liable. roughly translated from tagalog, Ka Leody suggested a “monument of shame” with the names of those grafters will be built in a popular public place like Luneta, where people can throw tomatoes or eggs at them. since we are guided by our country’s constitution, the filipino people can demand accountability from all our public servants. isn’t it “accountability” has been the mantra of many leaders of congress and people pushing for the impeachment of Vice President sara Duterte over her alleged violations of public trust? Now who’s talking? (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.

When skills don’t match...

gas that needed dozens of engineers for its expansion but couldn’t find suitable recruits. A government agency needed dozens of specialists in a particular field, but among numerous applicants, it found only two who were qualified. And we all recall the mad rush to nursing schools that happened in past years, and the equally mad rush of colleges and universities to offer nursing courses. soon, there was a glut of nursing graduates, and they ended up being the ones actually paying hospitals to gain the needed work experience to bolster their credentials. many ended up working in call centers or in totally unrelated jobs. in the same study, we came across another mismatch that’s even harder to fix. human resource officers indicated that they often sought in recruits

qualities that were not so much technical skills learned from stem courses (science, technology, engineering, and math), but more of “soft” skills. these include motivation, analytical ability, creativity, resourcefulness, honesty, the ability to work in teams, communication and presentation skills, and the like—things not normally taught in schools but gained from family and community experience and basic education. these are even harder to find.

As to hard skills, our neighbors are way ahead of us. indonesia and Vietnam reportedly produce 140,000 and 100,000 engineers yearly, respectively. We graduate 50,000 engineers yearly, but only about half of them pass the licensure exam. We have a problem on the supply side, but there’s a lingering problem on the demand side as well, because

we can’t attract enough investors in manufacturing industries that will employ more of those engineers. this is unfortunate because it’s in manufacturing where labor productivity is highest and job quality is superior. What’s the implied homework? one, we need industry and academe to talk more and coordinate better. two, we need to fix the long-standing issues that deter job-creating investments by both filipinos and foreigners alike. Neither is easy, but the first is a bit easier. As for the second, i’m not holding my breath. (Inquirer.net) * * * The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

* * * cielito.habito@gmail.com

tional work than ever (84 percent), way above the southeast Asia and global averages.” in the study, the southeast Asian average is 68 percent while the global average is 66 percent. someone posted this comment on reddit: “i’m in cebu, working remotely for a New Zealand company, earning around P100k per month… excellent work-life balance.” so, for younger filipinos with the necessary skills, they are increasingly choosing digital gigs, and flexible work arrangements over becoming traditional ofWs. for many of them who grew up with absent ofW parents, the shift in preference is understandable. they want to be close to their children in choosing digital opportunities at home that offer both income and stability.

A November 2023 study by Agile Data solutions found 60 percent of filipino survey respondents were engaged in part-time work within the “digital revolution,” specially among younger people.

Jason Gaguan, chairman and ceo of Agile Data s olutions, notes “ f ilipinos today aren’t just adapting to the digital age – they’re truly making the most of it. With all the new technology and online platforms out there, many are finding jobs that fit their preferences and skills. i t’s a testament to the adaptability and spirit of the modern f ilipino workforce.”

But how sustainable are these digital opportunities in a

country struggling to properly educate its young people?

one thing working for filipinos is how we have embraced technology. According to Datareportal’s “Digital 2025: the Philippines” report, at the start of 2025, there were approximately 97.5 million filipinos using the internet, which corresponded to an internet penetration rate of 83.8 percent of the total population. As of early 2025, about 90.8 million filipinos are active social media users — equivalent to 78 percent of the country’s population. on the dark side, the Philippines has frequently been referred to as “patient zero in the global disinformation epidemic,” due to how early and extensively we embraced organized trolling, particularly during elections.

A 2018 study by ong and cabañes revealed a professional network in the Philippines where campaign operatives, Pr strategists, influencers and fake-account operators work together to create disinformation and the illusion of online support.

the Philippines stands out in southeast Asia — and even globally with having one of the most developed ecosystems of organized political trolling. our troll networks are known to be sophisticated and professional, with proven capacity to dominate political conversations online.

i imagine those dark operations also provide opportunities that keep young Pinoys busy at home.

the formal BPo industry is still heavily on call center operations. But there are threats. the “Keep call centers in America Act of 2025” is a bipartisan sponsored bill pending in congress threatening our $38-billion BPo industry. some 70 percent of clients in our it-BPm sector are from the Us the bill is expected to get some pushback from Us businesses as it affects their bottom line. cost is the big advantage of the Philippines. the average monthly salary for call center agents is around P32,200 in 2024 or about $575. compare that to around $3,570 per month in the Us however, upskilling must be prioritized. Ai has started to eat the call center jobs. the Philippines must accelerate its pivot to higher-value, non-voice services like software developers, data analysts, etc. We should also diversify client markets beyond the Us to hedge against protectionist policies.

the country depends on these two legs of our economy to deliver economic growth. We need proactive responses to threats and opportunities these sectors face. (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.

Boo Chanco’s email address is bchanco@ gmail.com. Follow him on X @boochanco

John Rey Malto, a Modern Renaissance Man

In a world where talent often waits for opportunity, John Rey Malto of La Union has emerged as one of Philippine showbiz’s most dedicated talent managers and creative visionaries. Known for his relentless pursuit of discovering and nurturing hidden gems, Malto has become a trusted figure for aspiring artists determined to make their mark in the industry.

His story is one of perseverance and purpose. From humble beginnings, he built a career grounded in a passion for the arts, a commitment to education, and a vision of elevating local talent onto national and international stages.

Malto began in entertainment as a researcher, writer, and talent coordinator, contributing to programs like Rated Korina. One of his most memorable assignments was helping tell the life story of Johnny Manahan, the iconic “Mr. M” of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic.

In 2018, he transitioned to fulltime talent management, mentoring contestants for TV competitions, pageants, and films. That same year, he became Philippine Director for the International Modeling Competition – Runway Model Universe. He also worked as casting director for international films such as Spring in Prague and The Mariana’s Web, and served as assistant event director for the charity concert Friends for Love Festival at the Music Museum.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, he was recognized at MMTV Asia’s Golden Eagle Achievement Awards as Asia’s Most Outstanding Talent Manager of the Year.

The following year, his songwriting talent gained the spotlight. “Pangako Mo,” performed by Joice Espinoza, earned more than 1.2 million Facebook views and multiple international honors, including:

• Silver Medal – Original Score/ Soundtrack for Film and Television (Global Music Awards 2024)

• Best Musical (Europe Music Video Awards 2024)

• Best Asian Music (Parai Musical International Awards 2024)

• Best Asian Song in Southeast Asia (World Music and Independent Film Festival 2024) Also in 2024, he was named Outstanding Showbiz Personality of the Year at Asia’s Triumphant Awards and honored by Top Model Philippines as a “Contributor Writer in the Showbiz World.”

Health @Heart

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, faCS, fPCS

Today, Malto continues shaping the next generation of performers as a talent scout for Viva Entertainment’s Artista Academy—soon to air on TV5—and as production supervisor for Viva’s high-profile game shows.

A Family Wedding Remembered Several years ago, I attended my favorite niece’s wedding—one of the few I’ve witnessed in decades. It was a bright Monday afternoon at St. John Paul II Parish in Eastwood, Quezon City, where nurse Leane Cruz wed Dr. Mark Bunag, then an emergency medicine resident. Leane and Mark had been sweethearts for 10 years, first meeting at the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. Watching her walk down the aisle, I held back tears, remembering her as the thoughtful, humble child who always cared for me whenever I visited her parents, police officer Beng Cruz and Atty. Edel Cruz.

The church was filled with family. Among the principal sponsors were Mrs. Blesilda Licup (wife of then Guiguinto Mayor Ambrosio “Boy” Cruz) and Mrs. Prescila A. Cruz, owner of St. Agatha Resort and Country Club in Bulacan. My cousin-in-law Mrs. Wilma GillegoMedina and her husband Arnie Medina, with their children, also stood as sponsors. Also present were pastry chef and author Romeo A. Bueno with his wife Eleonor M. Bueno and their children; cousins Agatha Medina with Christian Tugade, Analiza Mendoza Medina, Carlo and Edgar Medina, Trizia Cruz, Jannebelle Dellosa, Revo and Peach Cruz; businessman and Rotarian Celso Cruz, who represented his brother Mayor Boy Cruz; and cousins Douglas, Ariel, Perry, Ronald, Jasmin Medina, Amor Creencia Medina, and Texasbased Ervi Sagaral Bunag. Dr. Mark, calm and smiling,

ProtectiNG the public from misinformation, fraud, and all forms of scams is one of the reasons i write this column. inspiring people to live a healthy lifestyle has been my goal since i was at the Arellano (Public) high school, where i wrote my featured health column, Ultra-facts, in the student paper, the chronicler and tambuli. i continued the same column in the Philippine collegian at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon city. (my Ultra-facts column logo was designed by my good high school buddy, Gus figueroa, Jr., now a neurosurgeon in cumberland, maryland, UsA).

We are currently bombarded with advertisements selling brain, heart, liver, and kidney supplements, cleansers, boosters, and countless other food supplements. even the seemingly “healthy” commercial about fruits and vegetables in capsules is medically questionable, as far as the number of capsules (sufficient dose) needed a day to have any health benefit. eating fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts is better and less costly as part of a healthy lifestyle. the unsuspecting, gullible, misinformed, and ignorant segments of society are, unfortunately, the obvious targets of the unconscionable money-hungry entrepreneurs. But more fall victim to the rampant commercial scams. since the trillion-dollar “food supplement” (which are actually drugs) industry is unregulated, the public is left unprotected, with their health and life in jeopardy, as they try to get healthier. review of the medical literature reveals liver, kidney, brain, and 99 percent of other “food supplements” are a scam, with no clinical evidence-based data to support their claims on tV, print, and social media about the benefits these supplements provide our organs or our body. there is also no research evidence about their safety and counter-effect with other medications, either.

Cancer warning

People who eat red meat, in general, have a greater risk of cancer compared to those who do not consume red meat. the risk for pancreatic, colon, liver, breast, and prostate cancer goes even higher for those who consume a lot of smoked meats or

welcomed guests alongside his parents, Dr. Victor del Rosario Bunag Jr. and Anne Lyn Tamayo Bunag of Laoag City, and his sisters Katrina and Nery. Soon after, the Eucharistic celebration began—a solemn and memorable moment for all present.

Gratitude for Recognition

My heartfelt thanks to the 3rd Philippine Finest Business Awards & Outstanding Achievers 2025 for including me among this year’s awardees.

The awards night will be held on September 30, 2025, at the Newport Performing Arts Theater in Newport City, Pasay. It is organized by La Visual Corporation and SIRBISU Channel.

This year’s awardees include: Aga Muhlach, Tirso Cruz III, Roderick Paulate, Jennylyn Mercado, Dennis Trillo, Rhian Ramos, Luis Manzano, Enchong Dee; Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, Mayor Junjun Ynares, Mayor Vergel Meneses, Councilor Aiko Melendez, Councilor Alfred Vargas, Councilor Angelu de Leon, Sen. Bong Revilla, Sen. Lito Lapid, Col. Jun Dimayuga, Atty. Caroline Cruz; Bernadette Sembrano, Boy Abunda, Toni Gonzaga, MJ Marfori, Jervi Wrightson, Dr. Pong Magtibay, Dr. Jerome Laceda, Chaye CabalRevilla, Anna Andrea Magkawas, Jojo Bragais, Wynwyn Marquez, Michelle Dee, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, PVL Commissioners Ricky Palou and Mozzy Ravena, MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes; Edwin Lisa, Janice Delima, Lae Manego, Salvacion Paparon, Marc Logan, Jamin Lim, Bon Jheo Exconde, Jigo Postolero, Jeffrey Dy, Alfonso “Fifi” Delos Santos, Audrey Gorriceta, Wej Cudiamat, Annabelle Surara, Earlo Bringas, Gilbert De Los Santos, Rogelio Constantino Medina, Braggy Braganza, Dennis Antenor Jr.,

Liver pills: A scam

high-heat-grilled or high-heat pan-fried, and barbecued meats, especially with the black-charred surfaces. super high temperatures release carcinogens, like heterocyclic amines (hcAs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAhs). During grilling, the juice from the meat that hits the charcoal is burnt, turns into carcinogens, and evaporates back into (and absorbed by) the meat. eating red meat, cooked with medium heat, with no black charred surfaces, once a week could lower this risk. Avoiding smoked meats will achieve the same. Boiling, steaming, and baking meats appear to be safer. Processed foods (meats, veggies, etc.) also increase the risk for cancer. raw fish, like sashimi/ sushi, prime and hygienically prepared by experienced chefs, are very nutritious and healthy food items.

Slowing down aging in man’s quest to live longer, scientists around the world are searching all avenues to extend longevity to the maximum possible, even beyond 100 for the majority of us. Diet is the major determinant of health, even greater than exercise, which is second in importance to health. the mediterranean Diet (modified by reducing the carbohydrate in it) has been shown to be a healthier diet, and together with an overall healthy lifestyle, could improve longevity. recently, caloric restriction (quantity control) has also been associated with a longer lifespan by 0.6 years in 2 years compared to those who did not restrict their caloric intake. there are around 200 million people around the world, 20.4 million in the United states, and around 4.7 million in the Philippines are taking metformin for type 2 Diabetes mellitus. since metformin was introduced for t2 Diabetes in 1957 in france, 1958 in the UK, and approved by the fDA in the United states in 1994, the drug appears to improve longevity in some people.

A first-line drug for t2 Diabetes, metformin, a biguanide, has now been shown to slow age-related biologic processes. this drug inhibits mitochondrial complex i, which increases AmPK (adenosine monophosphate protein kinase), which enhances autophagy (“clean-up and recycling process to create energy and new building blocks”) and mitochondrial biogenesis (reproduction process). All this is postulated to increase longevity. metformin

Shirley B. Belangel, Judge Tarcelo A. Sabarre Jr., Joey S. Guillen, Mark Javier, Mart Krystelle Galano; JP Catering Services, Lucky GHL Advertising, JFBV, Vicente-Isabel Multispecialty Clinic & Diagnostic Center Inc., Rank Fortress White Label SEO Agency, White Jade Glutathione Film Strip, Eyeleen Hair and Make Up by Aileen Sebua, TV5’s Top 5 Mga Kwentong Marc Logan, Renaissance Credit Collection and Recovery Solutions Corp., TGIF Pharmaceutical Trading Inc., Biosafe Pest Control Services Inc.; PTV4’s Rise and Shine Pilipinas, Sheanne Roll Up Construction Service, Edwin Lisa Brows and Aesthetics, Alegre de Pilipinas, Jam Lim Enterprises, Bhylinns Modern Fashion, Gown and Events Management by Touting, 97.9 Home Radio, Aliw Channel 23, DWIZ-AM, Saludable Barley, and Aeternitas Chapels and Columbarium.

To be included among such distinguished company is both humbling and inspiring.

A Lesson in Honesty

Lastly, I wish to commend two Manila high school students, Vince Xyrick Macaraeg (Arellano High School) and Gabriel Vench Jimenez (UE High School), who rushed to return my cellphone after I accidentally left it in a dining place. Their honesty reflects the good values instilled by their parents and schools. Acts like these remind us that integrity is alive in the next generation. I hope Manila Mayor Isko Moreno hears of their example.

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

also shows survival benefits for patients with her2-positive breast cancer.

Vit D overdose Vitamin D3 is an excellent supplement to take for brain, bone, and muscle health, for boosting the immune system, and its anti-cancer effects in melanoma (skin cancer), colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and possibly other forms of malignancy.

the popularity of Vitamin D, which is an over-the-counter drug, has led to widespread use and abuse, which has led to overdose and toxicity, which has caused abdominal pains, nausea, vomiting, acute kidney failure, and even death. in view of the extraordinarily high number of Vitamin D overdoses in the Balearic islands, spain, its ministry of health has recently issued a warning about the risk of consuming vitamin D without proper indication and medical supervision. in the United states, there are about 4500 cases a year, uncommon; no stats found for the Philippines, where Vitamin D deficiency is about 49 percent in the general population. the fDA and the mayo clinic recommend 600 iU for young adults and 800 iU for older adults, but the endocrine society recommends 1,500 iU to 2,000 iU, especially for those not exposed to the sun every day. A maximum of 4,000 iU is considered safe, but not necessary for the majority of us. if taken more than the printed dose, any vitamin and mineral supplements could also cause overdose and toxicity, which can be life-threatening. Anything in excess is unsafe, even oxygen, love, or food.

* * * 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.

* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, a 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 recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award, whose past awardees included President Harry S. Truman, President George HW Bush, Astronaut Gus Grissom, Mohammad Ali, distinguished educators, and renowned scientists (Source: Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888. com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

by AJPress

QUeZoN citY – Quezon city mayor Joy Belmonte welcomed Naga city mayor Leni robredo on tuesday, August 26, 2025, for the renewal signing of the sister city Agreement between the two local government units. first established in 2017, the partnership was reaffirmed in a ceremony that underscored the two cities’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in governance, public service, and community development. in a statement posted on her official social media page, Belmonte highlighted the importance of the renewed accord. “Sa tulong nito, mas makakapagbahagi sila sa isa’t isa ng kani-kanilang mga best practice, at mas madaling makakapagpadala ng tulong sa panahon na ito’y kakailanganin,” she said, which translates to “Through this, they will be able to share each other’s best practices, and it will be easier to send assistance at times when it is needed.”

the Department of the interior and Local Government defines a sister city agreement as a cooperative arrangement between local government units designed to foster goodwill, cultural exchange, and collaboration in areas such as trade, technology, and disaster response. for Quezon city and Naga, the renewal serves as both a mechanism for sharing best practices and a framework for mutual support during emergencies, while also encouraging educational and economic linkages.

mayor Belmonte, who has led Quezon city since 2019, has pushed initiatives in digital transformation, disaster response, and expanded social services for the country’s largest LGU. robredo, elected in 2025 as the first female mayor of Naga city after serving as Vice President of the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, began her term with a zero-tolerance policy against corruption in local governance. their partnership reflects a shared emphasis on transparency, inclusivity, and citizen-centered leadership.

Beyond ceremonial reaffirmation, the renewed pact ensures continuity in cooperative governance that transcends political terms. it reinforces Quezon city’s role as a model for metropolitan management while sustaining Naga city’s tradition of peoplefocused governance, a legacy long associated with the late interior secretary Jesse robredo. for residents of both cities, the agreement offers not only symbolic goodwill but also a practical framework for stronger resilience, innovation, and improved public services. n

Marcos slams ‘useless’ Kennon Road projects

mANiLA — President ferdinand marcos Jr. on sunday, August 24, expressed his frustration yet again as he witnessed for himself another pair of “useless” infrastructure projects in tuba town in Benguet province that should have been overseen by the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh).

A visibly irate marcos vowed to address the controversies surrounding the botched, if not nonexistent, projects implemented by the DPWh before he steps down in three years.

he added that he is restoring a policy that gives local governments the power to accept or reject poorly constructed public works projects, so they would have a greater role in curbing systemic corruption in government infrastructure programs.

the president’s travels across the country, which uncovered public works anomalies in the past weeks, had led him to questionable projects that failed to protect century-old Kennon road, which links the lowland to Baguio city, during the days of deluge in the last weeks of July.

together with Baguio city mayor Benjamin magalong, tuba mayor clarita sal-ongan and DPWh officials, marcos inspected on sunday the rock shed project at Purok millsite sitio camp 6 in Barangay camp 4, on Kennon road. in an angry outburst, marcos described the project as “sloppily made” after parts of its foothold caved in due to soil scouring at the height of typhoon emong and monsoon rains in late July.

According to the president, the slope protection of the project disintegrated, causing boulders from the mountains to fall and damage the road.

the foundation supporting the shed’s opening was also eroded because “the protection wall they built was extremely weak and undersized,” he noted. “so when the floodwater came in, when it grew heavier, it (the foundation) was immediately swept away.” Kennon road has since been closed to motorists due to risks of rockfalls and landslides.

“Here is the problem: This P260-million project [is] useless. It’s like the government threw

money into the river. Useless,” the president lamented.

According to the DPWh, the national government allocated P274 million from its 2022 budget for the construction of a 152-meter, two-lane rock shed along Kennon road to serve as a protective structure to safeguard motorists from rock falls and landslides. the P264-million project, which was awarded to 3K rock engineering, started on Jan. 10, 2023, and was reported to be completed on April 13, 2025. Based on DPWh records, 3K rock listed engineer francis cuyop as its general manager. cuyop ran under the banner of marcos’ Partido federal ng Pilipinas (PfP) as congressman of ifugao’s lone district in the may 2025 elections but lost to lawyer solomon chungalao.

the President said reconstructing the rock shed would cost the government at least twice the original amount. The P260 million that the government spent [on] this project had no effect whatsoever as to protect the slope. It’s like nothing has been constructed in the first place,” he told journalists accompanying him.

“It’s like they did not build anything—no walls, no riprap, no slope protection. That’s what happened. That’s why the value of their work is zero, complete zero,” he added.

‘Notorious for corruption’ marcos also inspected the rock netting technology employed at Kennon, saying these devices were overpriced and 75 percent

of the bloated expenses ended up as kickbacks. the President said the key element missing in these projects was the coordination or consultation that the DPWh needed to do with local officials and residents concerning programs that may affect their lives.

he said a long-neglected public works practice was for local governments to evaluate and accept national projects within their jurisdictions. Before a national project is released to the local government, the local government has to formally accept it, and that is something we will reinstate, “ marcos said, citing his experience as ilocos Norte governor. Under the P114.18-million contract also won by 3K rock, a 3,479-square-meter active mesh system should be put up on the portion of Kennon road at Purok maramal, sitio camp 5, also in Barangay camp 4, to stabilize rock formations and minimize landslide risks. the installation of the rockfall netting started on April 24, 2018, and was reported to be completed on June 15, 2019.

“This rock netting is very notorious for corruption. Rock netting has already been banned, but it kept being implemented,” the president said.

“I know the supplier of the rock netting. The price of rock netting is P3,200 [per square meter], but what was charged to the government was more than P12,000,” he added. n

asian

Journal

by AJPress

is embracing his heritage while taking on one of his most prominent studio roles

yet. speaking about Disney’s new film freakier friday, Jacinto said that being able to represent the filipino community on a global stage “means the world,” adding that he hopes to “continue to represent well.”

A major studio role in freakier friday—the longawaited sequel to the 2003 hit—Jacinto plays eric reyes, a widowed British chef and father who becomes the romantic interest of Lindsay Lohan’s character, Anna coleman. the movie reunites Lohan and Jamie Lee curtis under director Nisha Ganatra and introduces a new multigenerational body-swap storyline. Disney confirmed the title and August 2025 release, positioning the film as one of the studio’s headline projects of the year. the film opened in U.s theaters earlier in early August and heading into its third weekend.

Correcting past missteps the project has been notable for its efforts to update aspects of the original film that previously drew criticism for stereotyped depictions of Asian culture. Ganatra acknowledged those shortcomings, saying the creative team wanted to “make it right.” Jacinto echoed that view, noting that while he initially had concerns about how the franchise had handled Asian representation, the sequel approached the material with greater cultural awareness.

Background of Manny Jacinto manuel Luis Jacinto, known professionally as manny Jacinto, was born on August 19, 1987, in manila, Philippines, and immigrated with his family to canada at age three, growing up in richmond, British columbia. he earned a civil engineering degree from the University of British columbia, but his passion for performance eventually drew him to acting. Jacinto began with guest

appearances on shows like once Upon a time, supernatural, the 100, and iZombie, while also honing his stage presence through hip-hop dance. his breakthrough came in 2016 as Jason mendoza on NBc’s the Good Place, a role that made him a fan favorite and highlighted his comedic timing. since then, he has built a versatile career across genres, appearing in top Gun: maverick (2022) as Lt. Billy “fritz” Avalone, hulu’s Nine Perfect strangers (2021) alongside Nicole Kidman, Netflix’s Brand New cherry flavor (2021), Disney+’s star Wars series the Acolyte (2024), and now headlining Disney’s freakier friday (2025). Beyond acting, Jacinto has emphasized the importance of filipino and Asian representation in hollywood, openly discussing how he grew up rarely seeing actors who looked like him. his engagement to canadian actress Dianne Doan, known for Disney’s Descendants films, has also brought him into the spotlight as part of a rising generation of

Asian talent in North America.

Box office performance freakier friday debuted with a strong $28.6 million domestic opening weekend and about $45 million worldwide. By its second weekend, it had added another $14.5 million domestically, and as of August 20, its cumulative gross stands at roughly $92 million worldwide—already surpassing its reported $42–45 million production budget.

industry analysts say the film is on pace to surpass $100 million worldwide during its theatrical run, underscoring its commercial success.

Why representation matters Jacinto’s remarks resonate beyond standard film promotion. his casting highlights how filipino and Asian actors are increasingly taking central roles in hollywood blockbusters while studios revisit past portrayals with a more respectful lens. for Jacinto, the role is not just another career step, but an affirmation of heritage, visibility, and the responsibility of representation.

Karen Davila says she has faced bribe offers but never accepted any and explains why integrity remains central to her journalism

by AJPress

VeterAN broadcast journalist

Karen Davila, one of the most recognizable voices in Philippine television news, has revealed that there were moments in her career when she was offered money to compromise her reporting. she firmly denied ever accepting, saying, “All the times that i have been offered, i’ve never taken a single centavo in my life. Because i don’t want to taint my profession.”

A painful price of visibility

As a long-time anchor for ABs-cBN, Davila has often been in the public eye, admired by audiences but also subject to scrutiny. she admitted that while it was easy for her to turn down the offers, what proved more difficult were the rumors that she had been “paid off.”

It’s painful, because you try your best to be conscientious and to do the right thing,” she said, reflecting on how false accusations can erode a journalist’s reputation. “But in the end, what matters most is that God knows the truth, and my bosses at ABS-CBN know.” her admission highlights a persistent problem in the media industry where “envelopmental journalism,” or the practice of bribing reporters, remains an uncomfortable reality. those who resist, like Davila, often find themselves the target of suspicion rather than commendation.

A stand she has repeated Davila’s remarks are not new. Back in 2021, she appeared in a Youtube interview with host ogie Diaz where she candidly recalled being told to “name your price,” a direct invitation to compromise her integrity. she explained then, as she does now, that accepting money would permanently undermine her credibility. for her, the line was never negotiable. “Once integrity is surrendered, trust in journalism collapses,” she emphasized, underscoring that her stance was about principle, not image.

Integrity as a constant Although Davila has not identified individuals or detailed specific circumstances behind the attempted bribes, she has consistently chosen to speak about them in broad terms to make a larger point. the pressure is real, and the decision to resist is a choice every journalist must face. By reaffirming her refusal, she draws attention to an issue many in her profession quietly endure. for Davila, credibility is not negotiable. it is, in her words, the reason she can continue her work with her head held high.

More than a decade after his death, Comedy King Dolphy’s estate continues to support his heirs through royalties, businesses, and real estate ventures

by AJPress

mANiLA — more than a decade since his passing in 2012, the late rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon sr., the Philippines’ comedy King, continues to provide for his family through royalties, businesses, and real estate that he left behind. Dolphy, who fathered 18 acknowledged children, left not only a towering career in film and television but also a carefully managed inheritance. According to his sons, the estate was divided into 20 shares, ensuring that each child—and even the descendants of siblings who have since passed—benefits from what he built. in a recent interview, actor and director epy Quizon revealed that he and his siblings still receive what he calls an “allowance” from their father. he clarified that this income comes from royalties and business ventures tied to Dolphy’s name, including Pidol’s Bakeshop and Banayad Whisky, brands inspired by Dolphy’s on-screen persona and humor. epy stressed that the family is not “billionaire-rich” but continues to enjoy modest, regular support from these projects. “There are 18 of us, and the shares are divided,” he said, adding that even heirs of deceased siblings are included. his brother eric Quizon, who serves as co-executor of the estate alongside Zsa Zsa Padilla,

has explained that all ventures using Dolphy’s likeness or intellectual property are managed transparently, with royalties distributed among the heirs. the family has also acted to protect Dolphy’s image, filing cases in the past against unauthorized use of his name on products. one of the family’s most visible legacy businesses is Pidol’s Bakeshop, rolled out as a franchise in 2024–2025 through a partnership with Global franchise house. the bakery, named after Dolphy’s affectionate nickname “Pidol,” was designed to connect his memory to the everyday filipino table. With branches opening in mindanao, including

Zamboanga, the bakeshop reflects Dolphy’s wholesome persona, offering affordable breads and pastries while serving as a steady source of royalties for the family. in 2025, the heirs also launched the official Banayad Whisky, inspired by a running gag from Dolphy’s hit sitcom home Along Da riles. marketed as a tribute product, the whisky quickly became a pop-culture item. the launch followed the family’s earlier legal efforts in 2023 to block unauthorized products that misused Dolphy’s image.

Beyond these businesses, Dolphy also left behind real estate PAGE 10

Ghost Month 2025: History, rituals, and what to know This

by AJPress

mANiLA – Ghost month, a centuries-old tradition observed across chinese and southeast Asian communities, falls this year between August 23 and september 21, with the hungry Ghost festival, or Ghost Day, taking place on september 6. more than a season of caution, Ghost month is a religious and cultural observance rooted in Buddhist and Daoist traditions, highlighting remembrance, filial piety, and community harmony. Religious and cultural roots in Buddhism, the Ullambana sutra tells of the monk maudgalyayana (mulian), who sought to save his mother from the realm of hungry ghosts. through offerings and prayers on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month, he brought her relief, giving rise to the Ullambana festival focused on compassion and filial devotion. in Daoism, the same day is observed as the birthday of Diguan Dadi, the earthly official, who pardons sins and accepts offerings. families not only honored ancestors but also remembered wandering souls, ensuring peace for both the living and the dead. over time, these practices merged into what is now known as the Ghost festival.

Dates for 2025

According to the hong Kong observatory’s lunar calendar, Ghost month in 2025 started on saturday, August 23. the hungry Ghost festival falls on saturday, september 6, and the period concludes on sunday, september 21. these dates are consistent across recognized lunar–Gregorian conversion tables.

Rituals and observances throughout Ghost month, families set up altars with fruits, rice, tea, and incense, and burn joss paper – often fashioned into houses, clothing, or other goods – to provide for spirits in the afterlife. in many communities, particularly in hong Kong, singapore, and malaysia, the season is also marked by open-air banquets and chinese opera performances, with the first rows symbolically reserved for unseen guests. Another vivid tradition is the

release of floating lanterns on rivers and seas, meant to guide wandering souls back to the underworld as the month draws to a close.

Customs and cautions the season is also marked by traditional taboos. swimming is avoided, as waters are believed to be particularly dangerous. marriages, moving into new homes, or launching major business ventures are often postponed until after Ghost month.

People are advised against whistling, traveling late at night, or picking up coins from the street, customs believed to prevent encounters with restless spirits.

While these practices are not grounded in science, many families observe them as a gesture of respect for tradition.

Enduring relevance Ghost month continues to hold deep meaning in communities across Asia and the diaspora. it reinforces filial piety by honoring

ancestors, emphasizes communal responsibility by remembering souls without families, and strengthens cultural identity by preserving practices across generations.

in the Philippines and other multicultural settings, Ghost month remains both a spiritual observance and a cultural marker, linking communities to a heritage that endures across centuries. the 2025 observance which started on August 23 and peaking with the hungry Ghost festival on september 6, continues a cycle of remembrance that blends history, ritual, and cultural identity into one of the most distinctive traditions of the lunar calendar.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and cultural purposes. It presents Ghost Month in its historical and religious context and does not endorse or disprove spiritual beliefs, astrology, or related practices.

Dolphy’s estate continues to provide for...

investments that formed part of his inheritance to his children. Known for valuing property ownership, he acquired land and homes over the years, some of which were later sold to cover mounting medical expenses during his final years. eric Quizon revealed that the family spent up to P17 million during Dolphy’s last confinement, prompting the sale of select properties. in 2014, the estate announced that certain holdings would be auctioned, though not the entire portfolio. Among the more notable assets was the Dolphyville

subdivision in calatagan, a family-owned property that proved especially valuable during the coViD-19 pandemic. When income streams were scarce, the heirs entered a joint venture to sell portions of the subdivision, closing deals within six months and generating much-needed cash flow. Dolphy had also begun transferring some properties to his children before his death, ensuring that they were directly provided for. the Quizon heirs remain visible in entertainment, politics, and music. eric Quizon built his reputation as an actor, director,

and producer while serving as the family’s spokesperson. epy Quizon established himself as a dramatic actor and filmmaker, often in independent cinema. Vandolph Quizon became a comedian and later pursued public service. meanwhile, Zia Quizon, daughter of Dolphy and singer Zsa Zsa Padilla, pursued a career in music, gaining recognition as a singer-songwriter. the inheritance arrangement also accounts for heirs who have since passed away, such as rolly Quizon, Dolphy’s son who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as part of the classic sitcom John en marsha. rolly portrayed the youngest son, rolly Puruntong, acting alongside his real-life father and Nida Blanca. he died in 2018 at the age of 59 after suffering a stroke, but his descendants continue to receive his share of Dolphy’s estate.

Dolphy died on July 10, 2012, at age 83 due to multiple organ failure. more than a decade later, his presence continues to be felt not only through reruns of his classic films and television shows but also through the businesses, properties, and royalties that continue to provide for his heirs. for his children, the comedy King’s greatest gift was not just financial security but the legacy of laughter and the enduring reminder that his life’s work still touches millions.

WooDsiDe, cALiforNiA

— Just south of san francisco, where the city yields to golden hills and oak-lined ridges, a quiet turnoff from i-280 leads not to the coast or the vineyards, but to something altogether more reflective. set at the edge of the santa cruz mountains, filoli is a historic estate that feels suspended in time. With its Georgian revival mansion, 16 acres of formal gardens, and more than 600 acres of preserved woodland, the property offers far more than a picturesque stroll. filoli is a place that asks its visitors to slow down, to breathe more deeply, and to consider what it means to live with intention.

A name with a message the word “filoli” is not a family name or a geographic reference but a philosophy. William Bourn ii, the san francisco mining magnate who built the estate in 1915, coined the word from the first syllables of his personal credo:

fi — fight for a just cause

Lo — Love your fellow man

Li — Live a good life

this guiding belief is still etched into the stone of the estate. it is carried forward today in the way the gardens are cultivated, the land is preserved, and the stories of its past are told. filoli was never built merely for grandeur. it was built to endure, to inspire, and to teach.

A summer retreat of quiet beauty

Northern california has its celebrated summer destinations, from carmel’s coastal drives to Napa’s wineries. filoli offers a different kind of retreat, one rooted in stillness and meaning. in summer, the gardens are at their most generous. Lavender spills along low stone walls. roses climb brick terraces. fruit trees heavy with figs and apples add a rustic abundance. hydrangeas burst in hues of soft blue and pink, while fountains sparkle under the afternoon sun. the layout is formal in design but never stiff, encouraging visitors to linger at every turn. the mansion, designed by architect Willis Polk, anchors the estate with quiet elegance. At 54,000 square feet, its paneled rooms, sweeping staircases, and sunlit courtyards reveal the layered lives of two families: the Bourns, who built filoli, and the

roths, who later preserved it.

Walking through its halls feels less like stepping into a museum and more like entering a home with a history still unfolding. Unlike many summer attractions, filoli is rarely crowded. Weekday mornings offer the most peaceful experience, with only the sound of fountains, songbirds, and the rustle of wind through oak branches.

A living classroom filoli is not only a historic estate but also a working landscape and a center for education. its garden staff practice sustainable stewardship, from composting on site to restoring native habitats. seasonal programs teach visitors about pollinator health, droughtresistant planting, and climateconscious land use.

Beyond the manicured gardens, over 600 acres of oak woodlands and chaparral are preserved as a sanctuary for local wildlife. the biodiversity here is striking—deer, birds, and even rare species thrive in habitats that predate the estate itself. in every detail, filoli shows that beauty and responsibility are not opposites. they are partners.

If you go filoli historic house & Garden 86 cañada road, Woodside, cA open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: Adults $34, seniors and students $24, children under 5 free more information: www.filoli. org

Summer highlights

• Sunset Series with evening garden strolls, live music, and wine tastings

• Family Days with hands-on activities and orchard walks for all ages

• The Quail Café featuring seasonal, estate-inspired fare

A Lesson Beyond the Garden filoli is not a place that dazzles with spectacle. its power lies in its invitation to reflect. here, legacy is not measured by wealth or scale but by care. the true richness of filoli lies in how it reminds visitors to live with intention, to notice more, and to give back to the world around them. the motto of William Bourn still lingers in the quiet air. fight for a just cause. Love your fellow man. Live a good life. this summer, let those words be your compass.

BiNi's Jhoanna robles has responded to the controversy surrounding the group's street food video, reflecting on the backlash and sharing the lessons they’ve learned from the experience. the girl group drew the ire of some online users when they appeared on the People Vs food Youtube channel in July to try out filipino snacks.

Jhoanna shared she was shocked to see their 25-minute street food video had gone viral after being trimmed to just two minutes.

"Puro 'yung mga reaction nga lang namin na pangit 'yung nandoon, nagulat ako," Jhoanna said during her interview on ogie Diaz's vlog. "Yung mga tao, feeling ko hindi na rin pinanood 'yung buong video," she added. May mga explanation kami, ang nakita lang nila 'yung talagang negative side. Parang natatawa lang din ako sa mga comments ng iba na nakisakay sa hate train, na feeling ko hindi naman pinanood ‘yung buong video. she stressed that their reactions came from how the food presented to them tasted, not from filipino street food in general.

Iba po ‘yung pag-prep sa food. Kumbaga, iba talaga ‘yung ditong gawang 'Pinas,” BiNi's leader added. "Ang ni-reactan namin 'yung mismong food na 'yun, hindi 'yung buong betamax sa buong mundo." Jhoanna also responded to comments that tagged the group as "maarte." Totoo naman po, maarte naman po kami,” she replied with a laugh. "Siyempre, nag-i-English kami kasi nasa ibang bansa kami, para sign of respect din po du’n kasi nag-guest po kami," she added.

BiNi was on the North American leg of their "BiNiverse" world tour at the time of filming. Kahit paano naman po, nakakapag-salita naman po kami ng English kahit kaunti lang ‘yung baon namin,” she explained. When asked about where she thinks the

hate train for the group comes from, Jhoanna acknowledged that it may be because of the consecutive issues they've faced. Kahit 'yung iba gawa-gawa na lang, feeling ko doon na ginawa na lang kaming punching bag

" she said. After the backlash, Jhoanna shared the lesson they had learned from their recent issue. Siguro hindi lang kami naging careful kung paano kami nag-react since nasa ibang lugar kami.

BiNi, through their legal

Atty. Joji Alonso, has taken legal action against an unnamed individual for unjust vexation after the person made a negative edit of the girls' People Vs food appearance.

Las Vegas Book Festival announces

headline authors

Plan to attend free festival Oct. 18, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. at Historic Fifth Street school

LAs VeGAs — the 2025 Las Vegas Book festival will feature renowned authors and political icons former U.s senator richard Bryan, former Nevada Governor Bob miller; authors from the New York times Bestsellers list, including taylor Jenkins reid, Katherine stewart, tim Alberta, Jasmine Guillory and Julie murphy; and all the rest of the authors from Disney’s meant to Be romantic comedy series — christina Lauren, Zoraida córdova and Jesse Q. sutanto. open to all ages, the Las Vegas Book festival, now in its 24th year, returns to Las Vegas saturday, oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Plan to attend this free

annual event held downtown at the historic fifth street school, 401 s fourth st. Local author, editor and historian Geoff schumacher will host the “Destined to Lead” panel with political icons Bryan and miller at 10:30 a.m. in the historic fifth street school auditorium. Local television reporter and political analyst steve sebelius will host the “is separation of church And state over?” panel with stewart and Alberta at 2 p.m. in the same auditorium, followed by a conversation with taylor Jenkins reid at 3:30 p.m. All the meant to Be authors will be on a panel together for the first time (with sutanto joining virtually) at

12:15 p.m. in the same location.

the headline authors will have their books for sale and will hold book signings after their panel discussions. A full schedule of book festival activities that includes panel discussions, book signings, arts and crafts for children and readalongs will be shared closer to the event.

Presented by the city of Las Vegas with support from Nevada humanities, the Las Vegas-clark county Library District and clark county Parks & recreation, the event also is supported with funding from donors and sponsors. for updates and information, visit lasvegasbookfestival. com.

Las Vegas Civic Center and Plaza ribbon-cutting ceremony Sept. 4

Events scheduled throughout September

mAYor shelley Berkley and councilwoman olivia Diaz will join other officials to cut the ribbon on the new Las Vegas civic center, located at 525 s main st., at 8:30 a.m. thursday, sept. 4. the $190 million office development encompasses the entire city block bordered by main street, Goodman Way (formerly clark Avenue), first street and Bonneville Avenue. this new development features carolyn G. Goodman Plaza, which will serve as a gathering place for our community and will be programmed with festivals, performances and more right in the heart of the city. following the ribbon-cutting, media will be able to tour civic center. media parking will be available on south first street, north of Bonneville Avenue. the development includes two buildings, a five-story, 176,982-square-foot building and a four-story, 72,223-squarefoot building. the contractor on the project is core construction and LGA Architecture is the architect in collaboration with BNim the development also includes two pads for future restaurants as well as a 2,400-square-foot contemporary gallery space expected to open in october with an exhibit that will be a partnership between the city of Las Vegas, the Las Vegas museum of Art and the Los Angeles county museum of Art. civic center also will feature public artwork inside and out. for more detail on these

installations, visit the city website. entertainment in the plaza will begin with a free outdoor concert featuring Jessica manalo at 6:30 p.m. sept. 4. A Las Vegas-based singer-songwriter, manalo brings her signature blend of soul, grit, and inspiration to Goodman Plaza. As a contestant on “the Voice,” manalo is known for her raw vocal power and emotionally charged performances. manalo promises an unforgettable night of music, empowerment and soul. Additional scheduled entertainment and events at Goodman Plaza include: Paige and The Overtones thursday, sept. 18, 2025 | 5 p.m. free and open to all. Born in the mojave Desert, Las Vegas native Paige overton has been singing and writing since she could make sound and hold a pencil. As frontwoman of the clydesdale, a Las Vegas staple in the alternative country genre for 14 years, Paige has shared the stage with legends like Link Wray, Junior Brown, Dick Dale and Wanda Jackson, all the while paving the way for the slicker, much more refined project, Paige and the overtones.

Meet the Artists: New Artwork at the Civic Center friday, sept. 19, 2025 | 6-7 p.m. Las Vegas civic center Public meeting room 525 s main st., second floor free and open to all.

enjoy an evening with the artists who created the new

public artworks at Las Vegas civic center. through brief talks and open conversation, the artists will share insights into their practices, ideas, and the works currently displayed. hosted by Vogue robinson, the event will feature artists tim Bavington, chris Bauder, erik Beehn, Gig Depio, fawn Douglas, sam Ganados, trevor Ganske, shawn hummel, Alina Lindquist, Krystal ramirez, Alexys Quezada, sean slattery, Brent sommerhauser and Valentin Yordanov.

Carolyn G. Goodman Plaza Grand Opening Celebration saturday, sept. 20 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. free and open to all. celebrate the grand opening weekend of the carolyn G. Goodman Plaza with a day of live music performances, an array of tasty food vendors and locally brewed alcoholic beverages. the festival will feature artisan vendors; a kid zone with art activities and free face painting; food by ole manny’s seafood shack, southern BBQ Pit, Barfly Bites, simply Pure, and smokalicious Brisket BBQ; desserts by super chill; and beer by Able Baker. the event will begin with an opening land acknowledgement and dancing from fawn Douglas of Nuwu Art, followed by music by Jacob smigel, B. rose, the Dirty hooks, & home cookin’. Bring a blanket or low-back chairs to be more comfortable on the plaza. the first 200 families will receive a free blanket. event parking is available in the nearby 500 s main st. garage.

Aiko Melendez denies Ozempic speculations amid weight loss

by anne Pasajol Inquirer.net

AiKo melendez’s recent weight-loss progress caught the attention of netizens, with some speculating that she has been taking ozempic to help her shed pounds.

ozempic is a prescription medication used to lower the blood sugar levels of individuals with diabetes. the drug also became popular as a weight-loss medication among hollywood stars. the actress-politician showed herself all smiles in her red tube top and plum hair, through her instagram page last friday, Aug. 15. Noticeably, melendez’s face and arms looked slimmer.

“Good AM! Each sunrise is life’s gentle reminder that you have another chance to grow, to smile, and to make today a

Korina sanchez and Karen Davila then complimented melendez’s figure via the comments section. meanwhile, one instagram user seemed curious about how the actress successfully lost weight.

Nag-Ozempic ho yata siya for weight loss. Not good. Too skinny,” the netizen said, to which melendez replied with a clarification, “Nope. No Ozempic for me. I have a meal replacement.” in a succeeding post, melendez also gave a glimpse of her active lifestyle.

“There is good in everything,” she said, adding the hashtag “workout.”

melendez is a mom to her two children Andre and marthena. Aside from being an actress and content creator, she serves as a councilor of Quezon city’s fifth district.

Veteran filmmaker Mike de Leon passes away

reNoWNeD filipino filmmaker mike de Leon has passed away. he was 78. the news was confirmed by the film Development council of the Philippines and a french film distributor, carlotta films, which worked closely with him on thursday, Aug. 28. [His] life was dedicated to film. His consistent imagination to explore the language of cinema shaped what we understand of Philippine filmmaking today, " fDcP chairman Jose Javier reyes said. De Leon was a key figure in Philippine cinema. he was the grandson of Narcisa de Leon, the founder of LVN studios, one of the most prominent film companies in the Philippines. Known for his critical political films, de Leon’s work was a staple of the martial Law era. his works include Kisapmata (1981), sister stella L. (1984), and Batch '81 (1982), an award-winning film about fraternity and hazing. in 2018, he came up with another film, citizen Jake, starring journalist Atom Araullo. De Leon also worked as a producer on Lino Brocka’s masterpiece, maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag (1975). De Leon was famously outspoken, often using his art to comment on the country's political

landscape. in 2022, his film, itim (1976), was screened at the cannes classics. During this time, he released a statement recalling the martial law era and criticizing the return of the marcos family to power. I was asked if the government was doing anything to support films like Itim. I was young and had an attitude. I said the government's sole commitment to filmmaking was documenting the daily existence of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos," he quoted one of his books. his candid remarks about the government’s lack of support for cinema led to his passport being pulled, leaving him unable to attend international film festivals under the marcos sr. dictatorship. Horror has now acquired a more sinister meaning. It is no longer about a ghost but about the monsters of Philippine politics, monsters that, after a long wait in the subterranean caverns of hell, have returned to ravish and rape my country all over again. The crazy thing is that we invited them back," he continued. I am happy that my film is participating in this great festival, but I feel utterly humiliated to be a Filipino today," he ended. (Philstar.com)

Legendary dim sum restaurant Nom Wah coming soon to JW Marriott

Las Vegas and Rampart Casino

LAs VeGAs – Nom Wah, New York city’s first and oldest dim sum restaurant, is bringing its rich legacy and celebrated cantonese flavors to the west coast this fall, marking a major milestone in its 105-year journey. revered for authentic dim sum and signature dumplings, Nom Wah will open at JW marriott Las Vegas resort & spa and rampart casino at the resort at summerlin on saturday, september 13, 2025. Dim sum —meaning “a little bit of heart”— originated as a light snack with tea but has evolved into a communal dining tradition. Nom Wah has long embodied this spirit, gathering families and friends around shared tables.

“For more than 100 years, Nom Wah has been more than a restaurant—it’s been our family’s story, told one dumpling at a time,” said Wilson tang, owner and ceo of Nom Wah and chinatown hospitality Group. “Expect a curated collection of the classics crafted just as they were a century ago, alongside fresh energy and a nod to the future of dim sum.” Nom Wah blends forwardthinking riffs on cantonese American cuisine with family recipes that made it a New York icon. menu highlights include stuffed scallion Pancakes, crispy Vegetable spring rolls, turnip cakes with taro crust, Pork and chicken soup Dumplings, shrimp Dumplings, shrimp siu mai, chicken and cabbage Dumplings, and edamame Dumplings. other specials range from egg fried rice and Wonton Noodle soup to crispy chicken Buns, Peking Duck sandwiches, and sweet chili tofu Buns.

As we reimagined the culinary offerings at JW Marriott Las Vegas and Rampart Casino, our goal was to find brands that reflected sophistication and compelling stories,” said michelle mchugh, Vice President & General manager. “Nom Wah brings an unmatched heritage to Las Vegas, and we are honored to carry its legacy forward.” the new space will feature moody vintage woods, mosaic flooring, red barstools, and yellow accents—merging nostalgia with

a bustling big-city vibe. hours are 11am–8pm daily at 221 North rampart Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89145. for more details, visit theresortatsummerlin.com.

About JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa

Located 20 minutes from the strip, the JW marriott Las Vegas resort & spa features 548 guest rooms across 54 landscaped acres, with spa, dining, golf, and 110,000 square feet of event space. recognized by condé Nast traveler, Vegas magazine, and tripAdvisor, it remains a premier Las Vegas destination. About Rampart Casino the 50,000-square-foot rampart casino offers 1,400 slot machines, a 300-seat Bingo room, and 32 table games, with its rampart rewards program providing exclusive resort benefits.

About Nom Wah founded in 1920 as a modest bakery in chinatown, Nom Wah has become one of New York city’s most iconic dim sum houses. in 2010, Wilson tang took over from his uncle Wally tang, expanding the brand while preserving its heritage. Nom Wah has since grown to multiple locations in manhattan and Philadelphia, launched an experimental Nom Wah test Kitchen, introduced a nationwide frozen dumpling line, and released the Nom Wah cookbook in 2020. tang also operates chinatown hospitality Group, which developed concepts like cha cha tang and sal tang’s.