Harvard may run trade schools under Trump’s proposed $500M deal
The proposed $500M settlement would shift Harvard into an unprecedented role running trade schools in technical fields. The university has yet to confirm the plan, and its legality remains unsettled
WAshiNGtoN — President Donald trump said this week his administration is finalizing a $500 million settlement with harvard University that would require the ivy League institution to establish and operate a series of trade schools, a dramatic break from its centuries-old identity as a center of elite scholarship and research. trump described the initiative as a way to redirect higher education toward workforce needs, saying harvard would run schools focused on artificial intelligence, engineering, and other technical training. the President called the settlement a resolution to months of disputes with the university. Then their sins are forgiven,” he told reporters, without u PAGE A2
Filipino American Ritchie Cajulis is new City of Walnut mayor
Filipino American Ritchie Cajulis was appointed Walnut mayor on Sept. 24, 2025, joining Antonio “Tony” Cartagena as one of two Filipinos to have held the city’s top leadership role
WALNUt, cALif – the city of Walnut entered a new chapter of leadership after the city council, during its annual rotation on september 24, 2025, appointed ritchie cajulis as mayor. Walnut’s five councilmembers serve staggered four-year terms, and each year they select from among themselves who will serve as mayor. the mayor presides at council meetings, represents the city at official and community functions, and signs city documents, while day-to-day administration remains under the city manager.
by AJPress
by AJPress
week as corruption concerns over flood-control projects rattled investor confidence and prompted the internation-
was P57.9180 per U.s. $1. Bloomberg data showed the peso hovering near P58.18 per U.s. $1 on saturday, its weakest since Au-
PICC reopens as renewed stage for art, culture, and diplomacy
The Philippine International Convention Center reopens after six months of renovation, unveiling upgrades and curated artworks ahead of its 50th anniversary and ASEAN 2026
by AJPress
mANiLA — President ferdinand marcos Jr., joined by first Lady Louise Araneta-marcos and former first Lady imelda marcos, led the reopening of the Philippine international convention center (Picc) in Pasay city on tuesday, september 30, 2025, following a six-month renovation.
A home for Filipino creativity in his remarks, marcos described the Picc as “a home of the filipino spirit” and called on the public to support filipino painters, musicians, and performers. the ceremony highlighted the complex not only as a convention venue but also as a space for culture and creativity. Modern upgrades ahead of ASEAN 2026 the refurbishment introduced upgraded audio-visual systems, energy-efficient lighting, highspeed Wi-fi across the complex,
Senate urges ICC to consider house arrest for Duterte on humanitarian grounds
The Senate urges the ICC to consider house arrest for ex-president Rodrigo Duterte on humanitarian grounds, citing medical evaluation and strict trial safeguards
by AJPress
mANiLA — the Philippine senate on Wednesday, october 1, 2025, adopted senate resolution No. 144 urging the international criminal court (icc) to place former President rodrigo Duterte under house arrest on humanitarian grounds. the measure passed with 15 votes in favor, three against, and
two abstentions.
the resolution, presented by senate minority Leader Alan Peter cayetano, asks the icc to appoint a physician to assess Duterte’s medical condition. if further detention is deemed harmful to his health, the court is urged to consider house arrest or similar confinement. Lawmakers stressed that the
7. interior and environment –Department of the interior, ePA, forest service, National Park service.
8. Labor, health and human services, education (Lhhs) –Department of Labor, hhs (cDc, Nih), Department of education, job training, student aid.
9. Legislative Branch – congress, Library of congress, Government Accountability office.
10. military construction and Veterans Affairs (milcon–VA) –Veterans’ health care, VA hospitals, military housing.
11. state and foreign operations (sfoPs) – state Department, UsAiD, foreign aid, UN contributions.
12. transportation, housing and Urban Development (thUD) – Department of trans-
portation (fAA, highways, transit), hUD housing and community development. Who is affected
• Essential workers: Active-duty military, Border Patrol, federal law enforcement, air traffic controllers, and hospital staff continue working without pay until funding resumes.
• Nonessential workers: Hundreds of thousands are furloughed and placed on temporary unpaid leave. historically, back pay is granted after a shutdown ends.
• New in 2025: The White house has warned that agencies may consider permanent reductions in force if funding does not return soon.
Services that continue and those that slow
• Social Security, Medicare, medicaid: Benefits continue, though new claims may face delays.
• Mail service: The U.S. Postal service remains open, funded by postage and fees.
• Passports and visas: Services may continue through fees, but closures of federal facilities can cause slowdowns.
• Parks and museums: Many close or operate with limited staff.
• Economic data: Reports like the monthly jobs report are suspended, affecting markets and policymakers.
The economic stakes shutdowns ripple through the economy. federal contractors face delayed payments, small businesses near federal facilities lose customers, and uncertainty spreads without timely government data. the White house council of economic Advisers estimates the economy could lose $15 billion in GDP for every week the shutdown continues. Programs like Wic (Women, infants, and children) could run out of funds within weeks. for filipino-American households, the impact is personal. many are federal employees, health workers in VA hospitals, or families waiting on immigration and passport services. even without exact counts, filipinos are a significant presence in public service. Delays in paychecks or services hit these communities directly.
The broader significance for the public, the effects unfold gradually: slower passport processing, closed parks, delayed economic reports, and federal workers missing pay. for government, shutdowns show how essential the 12 appropriations bills are to daily life, and how political stalemate translates into real costs. Until congress and the White house strike a deal, the shutdown will continue, serving as another reminder of how Washington’s budget battles ripple through American families, including the filipino community in Los Angeles and beyond. n
Harvard may run trade schools under Trump’s...
offering further detail on the governance structure or timeline of the proposed schools.
An unconventional role harvard’s role in running trade schools would be unprecedented for the 388-year-old university, whose reputation rests on academic prestige, professional schools in law and medicine, and global research output. While the university already manages advanced professional programs, the administration’s proposal would place it directly in the realm of blue-collar vocational training, a role rarely linked to the ivy League.
A standoff behind the deal the negotiations follow a bitter clash between the administration and harvard. earlier this year, the White house froze billions in research grants and threatened to curb federal contracts and international student access. Last month, a federal judge struck down the funding freeze, ruling it violated constitutional and administrative law principles.
trump has also cited separate settlements with other universities, including columbia and Brown. those agreements involved financial payments only and did not include operating trade schools.
Harvard’s silence and concerns harvard had not issued a public statement confirming trump’s description of the deal. in a separate filing last week, the university contested federal findings that it was “deliberately indifferent” to antisemitic incidents on campus, saying the process was flawed and punitive. critics argue the proposed trade school mandate could challenge academic independence and set a precedent for federal influence over curriculum. supporters within the administration frame it as a corrective to elite institutions, aligning them more closely with national workforce needs. (AJPress)
MAG-ARAL PARA SA MAS MAGANDANG
Kumuha ng edukasyon at suporta para makabuo ng mas magandang kinabukasan para sa iyong sarili at sa iyong komunidad.
Sa isang California community college, maaari kang makatanggap ng serbisyo para sa estudyante, tulong-pinansyal, at mga scholarship para matulungan kang maabot ang iyong mga layunin.
Pumili mula sa 116 na community college, kabilang ang higit sa isang dosenang may on-campus na tirahan at isa na ganap na online. At dahil may higit sa 200 na career education programs at garantisadong transfer sa nakalaan na puwesto sa isang kalahok na four-year university, makakakuha ka ng edukasyon na kailangan mo para magtagumpay.
Cebu toll rises, thousands displaced
inactive.
Casualties and displacement the National Disaster risk reduction and management council (NDrrmc) confirmed 72 fatalities and 294 injuries as of october 2. Authorities warned the toll could still rise as rescue teams reach damaged structures. relief agencies reported that more than 20,000 people have been displaced, with families sheltering in evacuation centers. At least 600 houses and 87 pub-
lic buildings were damaged or destroyed, while roads, bridges, and power lines were disrupted across northern cebu.
Aftershocks PhiVoLcs has recorded over 848 aftershocks since the main shock, though only a handful were strong enough to be felt. the strongest reached magnitude 4.8.
Heritage church collapse Among the most notable structural losses was the Archdiocesan shrine of santa rosa de
Lima in Daanbantayan, a spanish-era church whose façade collapsed. the Archdiocese of cebu ordered parishes not to use quake-damaged sanctuaries until engineers conduct inspections. Government and relief response Governor Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro suspended classes and government work to allow safety checks. cebu Province declared a state of calamity, enabling the release of emergency funds. the Philippine red cross deployed medical and relief teams, while President ferdinand marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Public Works and highways and the Department of social Welfare and Development to assist in rehabilitation.
A familiar risk the Philippines lies along the seismically active Pacific ring of fire. the cebu disaster comes on the heels of past deadly quakes in the region, including the 2012 Negros (m 6.7) and the 2013 Bohol (m 7.2) events that killed hundreds and destroyed heritage sites.
PhiVoLcs has urged residents to avoid damaged structures, prepare emergency supplies, and remain vigilant for continuing aftershocks. n
Senate urges ICC to consider house arrest...
measure is a non-binding advisory expressing the chamber’s position, not an attempt to dismiss charges or grant immunity.
since march 2025, Duterte has been held at the icc detention centre in scheveningen, the hague, where he awaits trial for alleged crimes against humanity linked to the government’s anti-drug campaign. he has not been convicted and continues to deny wrongdoing. the resolution does not call for his return to the Philippines. if granted, Duterte would likely remain in the Netherlands, confined to a private or icc-supervised residence under strict monitoring to ensure trial compliance.
Legal basis Under Article 60 of the rome statute and rule 119 of icc procedure, judges may grant conditional interim release when justified by medical or humanitarian grounds. this can include house arrest, subject to conditions such as
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano sponsors Senate Resolution No. 144 urging the ICC to place former President Rodrigo Duterte, 80, under house arrest for humanitarian considerations. Senate photo by Wendell Alinea residence at a specified address, restrictions on contact with witnesses, and mandatory court appearances. A notable precedent is the case of Jean-Pierre Bemba, a congolese politician and former rebel leader who was arrest-
ed in 2008 and transferred to the hague to face war crimes and crimes against humanity charges.
While detained, his defense repeatedly sought interim release or house arrest, which icc judges considered under strict conditions. his case remains one of the most prominent examples of how the court weighs humanitarian appeals while safeguarding the integrity of proceedings.
Voting record and reactions
Among those who opposed the resolution were senators risa hontiveros, Bam Aquino, and francis “Kiko” Pangilinan.
senate President Vicente tito” sotto iii and raffy tulfo abstained, while 15 senators, including cayetano and majority Leader Juan miguel Zubiri, supported the measure.
supporters argue the move reflects compassion without undermining accountability, while critics warn it may be seen as political pressure on international judges. n
From DACA renewals to citizenship, California’s ‘Find Your Ally’ is reshaping campus support for immigrants
by AJPress
Los ANGeLes — california community colleges are stepping into the immigration debate with a program that is as unusual as it is urgent: a state-funded promise that students will not have to face deportation risks or complex immigration cases without a lawyer by their side. the initiative, find Your Ally, was launched in 2019 and now stretches across all 116 community colleges. the program guarantees free immigration legal services not only to students but also to faculty and staff, creating a safety net unmatched elsewhere in the country.
We’ve supported more than 30,000 people since launch, and nearly 9,000 in just the last nine months,” said Alonso Garcia, senior manager at the foundation for california community colleges. “At a time when enforcement has escalated, these services have become essential.”
How the program began find Your Ally grew out of a 2018 statewide study known as the Dreamers Project report, which identified immigration sta-
tus as one of the biggest barriers to student success. the report called for comprehensive legal services, and by 2019, the california Department of social services’ immigration and integration Unit, working with the foundation for california community colleges, secured funding to create the higher education Legal services Project.
With an annual state investment of about $10 million, ten nonprofit partners including cAreceN-LA, chirLA, and the UfW foundation began providing direct legal representation on campuses. the effort was the result of coalition-building among state leaders, education officials, and immigrant rights advocates. Services and security
Unlike legal aid clinics tied to income thresholds or specific visa categories, find Your Ally requires only one thing: affiliation with a community college. students and staff can access help with DAcA renewals, family petitions, naturalization, or special immigrant juvenile cases, all without cost. even filing fees, often hundreds of dollars, are covered.
for many students, safety remains the deciding factor. Yadira Gutierrez Vargas, a supervising attorney with cAreceN-LA, said confidentiality is built into every step. information is kept private, consultation locations are disclosed only at the last moment, and offices are designed to protect students from exposure.
“We go as far as covering office doors,” she said. “Students need to feel invisible to everyone except their lawyer.”
From fear to success Gutierrez Vargas described how access to legal services has turned fear into opportunity. DAcA renewals remain the most frequent request, keeping students eligible to work and study. others have completed naturalization applicationsand become citizens. family petitions have reunited relatives after years of separation.
one area of growing demand is special immigrant Juvenile status, which provides protection for young people under 21 who have been abandoned, abused, or neglected by a parent. through the program, students have secured
Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry in Pasay City on Wednesday, October 1. The ministers are expected to tackle the U.S. tariff exemptions during their two-day meeting. Photo courtesy of the Department of Agriculture
The Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima in Daanbantayan, Cebu after being damaged by
the 6.9 magnitude earthquake on Tuesday, September 30. Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima via Facebook
Philippine economy under pressure...
gust. By october 2, traders said the peso’s volatility remained a “live trend,” with corruption headlines discouraging inflows and driving dollar demand.
Flood-control probe rattles markets the senate inquiry into anomalies in flood-control projects worth more than P545 billion has stirred investor caution. former Department of Public Works and highways engineers testified that contracts were overpriced, substandard, or never built, enabling huge kickbacks.
the scandal widened after the court of Appeals froze 135 bank accounts and 27 insurance policies, while regulators traced hundreds more to suspicious transactions. the BsP also tightened rules on cash withdrawals, requiring stricter checks for transactions above P500,000.
finance secretary ralph recto warned that corruption in the program may have drained as much as P118.5 billion in economic value since 2023.
IMF cuts forecast on october 2, the imf low-
Sotto
ered its 2025 Philippine growth outlook to 5.4 percent, down from 5.5 percent, citing “structural risks from governance concerns.” it warned that business confidence and foreign investment could weaken if scandals remain unresolved, noting that allegations of “ghost projects” erode trust in infrastructure spending.
While the Philippines remains among Asia’s faster-growing economies, the imf said restoring public confidence is vital to sustain momentum.
Peso under double pressure Analysts describe the peso as caught in a “double squeeze”: political risk at home and hawkish U.s federal reserve signals abroad that are lifting the dollar. BusinessWorld reported that turnover in manila’s spot market surged to U.s. $2.15 billion from U.s. $1.73 billion, reflecting heavier sell-offs. the peso’s weakness has spilled into equities, with the Philippine stock exchange index sliding to a six-month low. Government response recto acknowledged the imf’s downgrade but maintained that
“fundamentals remain sound.” he pointed to moderating inflation and fiscal revenues on track, while citing reforms under the independent commission for infrastructure (ici) and the BsP’s cash-withdrawal rules as efforts to restore trust. the administration has kept its 6–7 percent official growth target, banking on remittances, domestic demand, and infrastructure spending.
Confidence at stake for households, a weaker peso makes fuel and food imports more expensive and raises debt costs, though remittances may stretch further for overseas filipino worker families.
economists caution that while the imf’s 0.1-point cut is modest, the signal is significant. repeated corruption headlines risk deterring investors, raising borrowing costs, and testing consumer confidence.
the peso’s slip past P58 and the imf’s downgrade underscore how domestic scandals can magnify external pressures, leaving the economy exposed to both political shocks and global market swings. n
and Manny Jacinto named...
gory. his profile was written by Nobel laureate journalist maria ressa, who described him as a young politician confronting the entrenched system of dynastic politics and corruption in the Philippines. ressa highlighted sotto’s efforts in practicing “radical transparency” through initiatives such as livestreamed government bidding processes, a 24/7 citizen complaints hotline, and reforms that eliminated padded costs in public contracts. he was also commended for his data-driven management during the coViD-19 pandemic, where aid was distributed based on need rather than political loyalty. for many observers, sotto’s inclusion reflects how local leaders can set national examples by introducing systemic reforms even within limited jurisdictions.
Manny Jacinto: Filipino Canadian actor breaking barriers Jacinto, who was born in manila and raised in canada, was recognized in the Artists category. his tribute was written by emmy-winning writer and producer Alan Yang, who praised Jacinto’s versatility as a perform-
er and his personal character.
Best known for his breakout comedic role in NBc’s the Good Place, Jacinto has since taken on diverse projects including Disney’s the Acolyte and the fantasy comedy freakier friday. Yang described him as a rare combination of “talent and kindness,” noting that his presence in hollywood continues to expand the space for Asian representation in mainstream media.
Significance of the recognition the recognition of sotto and Jacinto highlights how filipinos are shaping two vital arenas—public service and the arts.
sotto’s inclusion validates the idea that reform can take root even in local politics. his emphasis on transparency, accountability, and citizen participation presents a model of governance that resonates far beyond Pasig, challenging the dominance of dynasties and patronage-driven politics. Jacinto’s rise, meanwhile, reflects the growing visibility of filipino talent in international entertainment. At a time when hollywood is reckoning with
inclusivity, his versatility and integrity as an actor strengthen the case for broader Asian representation and spotlight the filipino diaspora’s contributions to culture.
Other Filipinos on TIME’s influential lists While sotto and Jacinto are the only filipinos in the time100 Next 2025, they join a lineage of filipinos and filipino Americans who have previously earned recognition from time
Among them is Nobel Peace Prize laureate maria ressa, who was named to the time100 in 2019 and earlier honored as part of the magazine’s 2018 Persons of the Year, “the Guardians,” for her fight for press freedom. in the cultural sphere, olivia rodrigo was included in time100 Next 2021 and later named time’s entertainer of the Year, celebrated for her impact as a filipino American singer-songwriter at the top of global charts. the inclusion of sotto and Jacinto this year extends this tradition, underscoring the continuing presence of filipinos in global conversations on governance and the arts. n
PICC reopens as renewed stage for art...
and enhanced security. A new art program integrates works by filipino masters, including pieces from the Bangko sentral ng Pilipinas collection. the renovation was completed in time for the Picc’s 50th anniversary in 2026 and in preparation for the Philippines’ hosting of the AseAN summit.
From Locsin’s vision to a national treasure the Philippine international convention center, designed by National Artist for Architecture
Leandro V. Locsin, was inaugurated in september 1976 to host the international monetary fund–World Bank Annual meeting. Built during the term of President ferdinand marcos sr., the Picc was part of the administration’s masterplan to establish the Philippines as an international center for diplomacy and culture, becoming the first convention facility of its kind in Asia. Located within the cultural center of the Philippines (ccP) complex in Pasay city, the Picc sits near manila Bay and is surrounded by performance halls, museums, and other cultural landmarks. it offers multiple halls and meeting rooms that together can accommodate thousands of participants, making it a venue capable of hosting simultaneous global conferences, trade forums, and cultural showcases. Renewed stage for art, culture, and diplomacy the reopening underscores
the Picc’s dual role as a diplomatic hub and cultural landmark.
With its modernized facilities and curated art displays, the venue reaffirms its place as a bridge between heritage and contemporary use. the restoration highlights how infrastructure can serve both the practical needs of international events and the broader goal of elevating filipino cultural identity.
PICC milestones: 1976–2025
• 1976 — The Philippine International convention center (Picc), designed by National Artist Leandro V. Locsin, was inaugurated to host the international monetary fund–World Bank Annual meeting. it became the first international convention center in Asia.
• 1980s–1990s Hosted a
series of AseAN summits, ministerial meetings, and global trade forums; also served as a venue for national cultural showcases and international pageants.
• 2013 Was officially declared a National cultural treasure, recognizing its architectural and historical significance.
• 2020–2021 Served as a government vaccination hub and emergency venue during the coViD-19 pandemic.
• 2025 Reopened on September 30 after a six-month renovation, unveiling upgraded facilities and a refreshed art program, ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2026 and the Philippines’ hosting of the AseAN summit. n
The Philippines is in talks with the Women’s Tennis Association to stage the WTA 125 Manila Open in 2026, potentially bringing top-tier women’s tennis to Manila for the first time
by AJPress
mANiLA — the Philippines is in active discussions with the Women’s tennis Association (WtA) to stage a WtA 125 tournament in 2026, a move that would bring the country its first event at this level of professional women’s tennis. the Philippine sports commission (Psc) confirmed that negotiations are underway for the competition, with tentative dates set for January 26 to february 1, 2026.
Psc chairman Patrick Gregorio said the effort goes beyond hosting matches, emphasizing its role in inspiring young players and raising the country’s standing in the global tennis community. the Psc and the Philippine tennis Association (PhiltA) are collaborating to meet WtA standards, including the requirement of at least three premium-quality courts. options being considered include upgrading the rizal memorial tennis center in manila and developing a new Philippine tennis center at New clark city in tarlac. officials also want to make rizal’s facilities more accessible to the public as part of wider grassroots development.
As part of preparations, the Philippines will host an itf J30 junior tournament from late November to December 7, 2025, which will feature players aged 13 to 18 from across Asia. the event is seen as a stepping stone to the proposed manila open.
A brief history of the WTA the Women’s tennis Association was founded in 1973 by American tennis legend Billie Jean King, who championed equal opportunities and pay for women in the sport. that same year, the Us open became the first Grand
cajulis’s appointment is a milestone for the filipino American community in the san Gabriel Valley. census-derived estimates show about 3,600 filipino residents in Walnut, roughly 12 percent of the city’s 28,000 residents, forming a visible part of the city’s majority-Asian population.
cajulis and his family have lived in Walnut for more than two decades. he earned his degree in electronics and communications engineering from Don Bosco technical college in manila, Philippines, and now works as an it analyst at a major law firm.
Before joining the city council in 2022, cajulis served on the Parks and recreation commission, where he supported projects such as the Walnut Life Block Party, an event designed to showcase small and local businesses, and the Diversity Plaza project at creekside Park. he has also been a regular volunteer at the city’s annual Walnut family festival, reflecting his steady engagement with civic life.
Beyond his work in city government, cajulis is deeply involved with the community as a parishio-
slam to offer equal prize money to men and women. today, the WtA is the principal organizing body for women’s professional tennis, overseeing the global calendar, rankings, and tournaments from entry-level 125 events to elite WtA 1000 competitions. it represents more than 1,600 players from nearly 90 countries. What is a WTA 125 tournament?
A WtA 125 tournament is a mid-level professional event just below the main WtA tour categories of 250, 500, and 1000. champions earn 125 ranking points, giving players a significant boost in global standings. these tournaments attract rising stars seeking to break into the higher tiers and experienced players looking for match play between larger events. Unlike Grand slams, which are anchored at historic venues, WtA 125s rotate across cities worldwide and are staged throughout the year. recent hosts include taipei, suzhou, Ningbo, Paris, Angers, Bari, colima, and san Luis Potosí.
ner at saint Lorenzo ruiz catholic church. he is active in ministries ranging from the adult basketball league to ushering and church liturgical environment projects, as well as other parish activities. his civic and parish commitments reflect the blend of professional expertise and community service that he brings to his role as mayor. in outlining his vision for the city, cajulis has emphasized the importance of building on Walnut’s existing city services while preserving its natural beauty and open spaces. he has also pointed to improving both public safety and cyber security as key priorities, while steering the long-term development of a downtown area to support residents and local businesses.
cajulis follows in the footsteps of Antonio “tony” cartagena, a filipino American leader originally from Basilan, Philippines, who served multiple terms on the Walnut city council and was appointed mayor in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2013 before retiring in 2016. cartagena was widely recognized for his civic service, with a professional career that included
Prize money is smaller compared to top-tier events, but the tournaments play an essential role in player development and exposure.
Local spotlight A manila-based WtA tournament would give fans the rare chance to watch Alexandra “Alex” eala, the country’s top women’s player, compete at home. eala recently advanced to the quarterfinals of the suzhou open in china, underscoring her growing presence on the world stage. Requirements for hosting for the bid to move forward, organizers must secure funding, sponsorships, and broadcast coverage while ensuring venues meet WtA standards. Analysts say the lasting impact will depend not only on a successful launch in 2026 but also on how the event sustains momentum for Philippine tennis in the years ahead. if realized, the WtA 125 manila open would mark a breakthrough moment for Philippine sports, combining international recognition with a platform for future champions to emerge. n
working as a Los Angeles county financial services supervisor and as an educator. together, cartagena and cajulis highlight the growing civic participation of filipino Americans in local government, contributing to Walnut’s history of shared leadership and diverse representation. Located in eastern Los Angeles county, Walnut is recognized as one of the region’s most livable suburban communities. the city’s population is just over 28,000, with a median household income above $108,000 and one of the highest levels of educational attainment in the san Gabriel Valley, as more than half of its residents hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Walnut’s demographics show a composition of roughly 63 percent Asian, 20 percent hispanic or Latino, 10 percent White non-hispanic, 4 percent African American, and 3 percent from other racial groups. the mayoral transition underscores Walnut’s practice of rotating leadership annually, giving each councilmember an opportunity to help shape the city’s direction while reflecting the diversity of its residents. (AJPress)
From DACA renewals to citizenship...
legal status and pathways to permanent residency. some have also obtained advanced parole approvals, allowing them to study abroad or return to visit ill family members with lawful entry documents. These outcomes illustrate what access really means,” Gutierrez Vargas said. “Without free and confidential legal support, most of these students would never have pursued relief. They would have assumed they had no options.” A continuing commitment since 2019, california has invested more than $40 million into find Your Ally. Despite a projected state deficit, funding has re-
mained intact with strong gubernatorial support. services are structured for continuity. students who begin a case while enrolled can continue receiving representation until it is resolved, even after graduation. the state is also expanding the model through partnerships with the cal stateand Uc systems, ensuring that transfer students can continue working with the same attorneys.
The reality is that immigration status touches every part of a student’s life,” Garcia said. “By continuing this work, California is saying that education cannot be separated from the need for stability and safety.
California’s unique role for now, california stands alone. While csU and Uc programs provide similar services, no other state has built a system-wide legal safety net for higher education. With enrollment rebounding to about 2.1 million, and an estimated 50,000 to 70,000 undocumented students among them, demand for stability is only expected to grow. for Gutierrez Vargas, the work is also personal. “I came from a mixed-status family. I know what it means to study with fear. This program gives students something rare — the ability to focus on their education, not on deportation.” n
DAteline PhiliPPines
Senate and the DOJ clash over witness protection: Must applicants return public funds first?
by AJPress
mANiLA
— A contentious issue surfaced during the senate Blue ribbon committee’s probe into alleged irregularities in flood control projects: should applicants for the government’s Witness Protection Program (WPP) be required to return alleged ill-gotten wealth or public funds before being admitted as state witnesses?
DOJ position: Restitution as proof of good faith
Justice secretary Jesus crispin
“Boying” remulla told senators that while the law does not explicitly require restitution, his department views it as a measure of sincerity. he said that the return of alleged ill-gotten funds would demonstrate an applicant’s good faith and credibility before the state extends protection.
remulla explained that the Department of Justice is evaluating affidavits and cooperation from dismissed engineers and contractors under consideration for witness protection, and emphasized that accountability, in his view, should also involve the surrender of questionable assets.
Senate pushback: Requirement not in the law
senator rodante marcoleta disagreed, arguing that neither republic Act No. 6981, or the Witness Protection, security and Benefit Act, nor the revised rules of criminal Procedure require restitution as a precondition. he cautioned against imposing obligations not written into the law, saying that doing so
would amount to rewriting legislation.
marcoleta underscored that state witnesses are admitted under conditions clearly defined by statute, such as not being the most guilty party and providing indispensable testimony, but restitution is not among them.
Malacañang: Stolen wealth must be returned the Palace has taken a firmer stance. in a statement last week, malacañang said that individuals seeking witness protection in the flood control probe must return alleged stolen wealth before their applications can be approved. the directive reflects the administration’s position that public funds should be safeguarded and restored wherever possible. Legal framework and expert views Under rA 6981, witnesses granted protection must “comply with legal obligations and civil judgments,” but the law does not spell out restitution as a requirement for entry into the program. rule 119 of the revised rules of court likewise makes no mention of returning public funds as a precondition for discharge as a state witness.
some legal commentators have cited Article 22 of the civil code, which requires anyone who acquires property without just legal ground to return it. retired Justice Antonio carpio has argued that this principle applies to alleged ill-gotten gains, even if the WPP law does not expressly mandate restitution.
Analysts also point out that de-
PH lawmaker Zaldy Co resigns as flood-control probe intensifies
by AJPress
mANiLA – rep. elizaldy “Zaldy”
co, a party-list lawmaker representing Ako Bicol, resigned on monday, sept. 29, 2025, as an independent commission pressed prosecutors to pursue graft and malversation charges over a flood-control project in oriental mindoro.
the resignation capped days of mounting pressure. on sept. 26, speaker faustino “Bojie” Dy iii gave co a deadline to return to the Philippines after his travel clearance was revoked. At the time, co said he intended to face the accusations.
By then, he had already left the country for medical treatment, with earlier reports placing him in the United states. Justice secretary Jesus crispin remulla later told reporters that co was in spain, and the Philippine National
ANGELES
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manding repayment upfront may be impractical. Determining the amount owed before a full trial or final accounting could raise due process issues, and critics warn that such a requirement might discourage potential witnesses from cooperating in high-level corruption cases.
Protected vs. state witness status the DoJ has clarified that some individuals, including dismissed DPWh engineers and the Discaya family, are being considered as protected witnesses rather than full state witnesses.
Under this status, they may be shielded from threats but do not automatically gain immunity. this distinction complicates the restitution debate, as obligations may differ depending on the legal track pursued.
Ongoing debate the hearings have highlighted an unresolved legal and policy question: while current law does not explicitly require restitution before entering witness protection, government officials and lawmakers remain divided over whether moral accountability should be added to the statutory requirements.
how this issue is resolved will shape both the progress of the flood control investigation and the handling of future corruption cases. n
Court closes De Lima drug case as Muntinlupa judge reaffirms acquittal
by AJPress
mANiLA — on october 1, 2025, the muntinlupa regional trial court (rtc) Branch 204 formally closed the last drug case against mamamayang Liberal Party-list rep. Leila de Lima after earlier reaffirming on June 27, 2025 her acquittal and that of her former aide ronnie Dayan, ending nearly eight years of litigation in one of the country’s most closely watched prosecutions.
From detention to acquittal
De Lima, a former senator and justice secretary, was arrested in 2017 and accused of benefiting from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison. she repeatedly denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. three separate drug cases were filed against her. two were dismissed in 2021 and 2023. the third, which alleged conspiracy to commit drug trading, was resolved in may 2023 when Branch 204 acquitted De Lima and Dayan. the ruling cited the recantation of key witness rafael ragos and the prosecution’s failure to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Court of Appeals intervention in April 2025, the court of Appeals (cA) voided the 2023 acquittal, saying the rtc decision did not sufficiently explain how ragos’ retraction affected the case. the appellate court remanded the case for a new ruling and held that the judgment could not be considered final due to what it called grave abuse of discretion.
De Lima’s lawyers invoked double jeopardy, but the cA ruled that protection did not apply because the earlier judgment was void.
Reaffirmation and closure on June 27, 2025, the muntinlupa court stood by its original acquittal, declaring once more that the prosecution’s evidence under the Dangerous
Drugs Act was insufficient. Prosecutors initially filed a motion for reconsideration but later sought to withdraw it. on october 1, 2025, Judge Gener Gito granted the withdrawal and declared the case “closed and terminated.”
Aftermath and significance the case’s termination means De Lima no longer faces any pending drug charges. supporters and rights advocates welcomed the outcome as a vindication of due process and a reminder of the risks of using recanted testimonies in politically sensitive prosecutions. De Lima, who won a congressional seat earlier this year, said she intends to push forward with justice reform and human rights legislation. the Department of Justice has stated it will abide by the court’s final ruling. n
Police confirmed that his security escorts had been recalled after his departure. three days after Dy’s ultimatum and just hours after the independent commission for infrastructure (ici) submitted its first referral to the office of the ombudsman, co announced he was stepping down.
in his letter addressed to Dy, co called the decision “irrevocable” and effective immediately. he cited a “real, direct, grave and imminent threat” to his family’s safety and what he described as an “evident denial of my right to due process of law.” the house confirmed receipt of the letter. Within hours, Dy announced that the chamber’s ethics committee would end its investigation, saying such complaints apply only to sitting members. “We accept his resignation,” Dy said, u PAGE A7
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Rep. Leila de Lima House of Representatives file photo
OPiniOn FeAtures
Endure corruption or rise above it
The Philippine flood-control scandal has become more than a test of institutions; it is a litmus test of how much abuse a nation is willing to tolerate.
corruption in the Philippines is no longer an aberration. it has become a recurring feature of political life, repeating across administrations and generations. Governments change, scandals mutate, names come and go, yet the narrative remains unchanged. the current flood-control scandal has already occupied months of senate hearings, global media coverage, and everyday conversations, its scale too large and its details too unsettling to fade quickly. confronted with a controversy of this magnitude, the nation is compelled not only to demand accountability but also to reflect on what it reveals about its own tolerance for abuse.
testimony before the senate and findings from government audits have drawn attention to a flood-control program worth more than P500 billion. Legislators have questioned padded contracts and unusual amount of cash withdrawals. the Anti-money Laundering council has frozen accounts, and what began as a senate probe has widened into one of the largest corruption cases in years - with suspicions reaching not only contractors and government employees, but also politicians who may have benefited from the scheme. the details are contemporary, but the pattern is familiar. extravagance has long carried political consequence in the Philippines.
ferdinand marcos was ousted in 1986 after revelations of hidden wealth fueled the People Power revolt. Joseph estrada fell in 2001 as public anger over gambling payoffs and lavish spending culminated in
Commentary
the Philippines wasn’t born in recognition — it was born in revolution. And it’s time we wrote that truth with clarity, pride, and fire.
thirty years ago, on october 21, 1995, we inaugurated Gintong Kasaysayan, Gintong Pamana — a 150-foot mural that took eight months to complete and was consecrated to the legacy of Larry itliong and the Delano manongs. Painted when i was just 22, it was my first city-commissioned mural, shaped by interviews over meals at the mANiLA restaurant in Delano. their stories didn’t just guide the brush — they sparked a movement. from those conversations emerged the Larry itliong Day organizing committee (LiDoc), a name that restored the longerased “oc” from AWoc founding members — Uncle roy, helen Brown, tita remy Geaga, and Leo Pandac — formed a coalition rooted in truth and remembrance. the manongs were unequivocal: “Larry Itliong was our hero. He united us. He’s the reason we
The long view
Manuel L. Quezon III
here is a quote from the science fiction novel ”ender’s Game” that i’ve used for years to describe the 36-year restoration campaign from 1986 to 2022: “i am your enemy, the first one you’ve ever had who was smarter than you. there is no teacher, but the enemy. No one but the enemy will tell you what the enemy is going to do. No one but the enemy will ever teach you how to destroy and conquer. only the enemy shows you where you are weak. only the enemy tells you where he is strong. And the only rules of the game are what you can do to him and what you can stop him from doing to you.” since he ran for the vice presidency in 2016, i’ve asked people active in edsa one constant question: in 1986, one of those considered the most hawkish in President marcos’ inner circle was his son. Yet today, this is hardly his reputation. so, what happened? No
mass protests. Gloria macapagal Arroyo’s administration was rocked by the NBN–Zte scandal, Janet Lim-Napoles became the face of the pork barrel controversy, and now flood-control contracts are under scrutiny. each episode underscores a troubling cycle: leaders may fall, but the system that enables abuse endures. While public anger has sometimes toppled leaders, it has not dismantled the structures that permit corruption to flourish. the danger lies not only in the scale of each scandal but in their repetition.outrage surfaces briefly, hearings dominate headlines, promises of reform follow. then the public’s attention fades until the next revelation arrives. With each cycle, impunity deepens and shame recedes. over time, corruption is no longer seen as disruption to governance but as part of its very structure.
Corruption is not a flaw in the system but the system itself,” one political scientist observed. Leaders who display ill-gotten wealth without consequence grow bolder, while public funds diverted to vanity projects erode essential services.
Philosophers and political theorists have long debated human nature, whether people are essentially good but corrupted by systems or inherently flawed and restrained only by rules. Whichever view one holds, both agree that external checks are vital. When accountability collapses, misconduct thrives.
Psychologist carl rogers described the tension
Restoring the Filipino spirit, one exile at a time
succeeded in the Grape Strike.” Larry spoke nine filipino languages, plus cantonese, Japanese, and spanish. his words moved hearts into action. though chavez’s terms were initially rejected, it was Larry who persuaded AWoc to unite. his leadership wasn’t just strategic — it was visionary. in the mural, a Babaylan holds a lighted dish above Larry’s portrait, invoking ancestral presence and designating him as the central figure. that moment marked the first known Larry itliong Day celebration in the U.s the mural’s impact was immediate — it helped catalyze and clinch the 2002 designation of historic filipinotown in Los Angeles, the naming of the itliong-Vera cruz Bridge in san Diego (2014), the itliong-Vera cruz middle school in Union city (2015), AB 123 (2014), which added Larry’s story to california’s curriculum, and the signing of Larry itliong Day as a state holiday in 2015. this isn’t just art — it’s a decolonial archive. A civic ritual. to paint is to remember. to remember is to resist. since then, i’ve had the honor of designing key destinations
in historic filipinotown: Unidad Park with its Dap-ay learning circle, yo-yo walkway, Visayan tattoo floral play area, and terraced garden; the shrine of filipino saints at st. columban church; and the eastern and Western Gateways that mark the neighborhood with pride and permanence. each piece is a brushstroke in the long mural of history. each monument is a memory made visible.
But this visibility did not begin with recognition — it began with exile. they did not leave the Philippines. the Philippines left them. Not in blood, but in spirit. Not in geography, but in soul.
When the land no longer speaks the language of its people, when its systems no longer reflect its stories, who would not seek air and authorship elsewhere? the filipino diaspora was not born of abandonment — it was born of remembrance. they left not to forget, but to carry the Philippines where it could still breathe and emit ancestral light. our homeland, once radiant with the light of Asia’s first republic, now flickers under borrowed glow. colonized not only u PAGE A7
The perils of underestimation
one has ever given me a straight answer to this basic question. recently, a friend of the president finally gave me one when he recounted how ferdinand Jr. reminisced about how the late President ferdinand sr., on his good days, spent his exile systematically and thoroughly, passing down to his son and heir a lifetime’s worth of lessons learned in politics (and much else besides). that was a time, incidentally, when the President’s elder sister was in exile, elsewhere in morocco. salvador P. Lopez, former president of UP, once described marcos sr. to the American historian theodore friend in this manner: Lopez said marcos sr. was “obscure, manipulative, calculating (he pointed to his head while frowning and narrowing his eyes).” the term his contemporaries used to compare his political dexterity was jujitsu—something swift, nearly surgical, and lethal. marcos sr. himself once advised time magazine that you should never make a decision when you are angry, hungry, or sleepy. the president’s man in London,
Ambassador teodoro Locsin Jr., posted something on sept. 18, which suggests the hawk of 1986 is still there: “My president grew up in England and admires all things British. He said to me that the English will fight with their bare hands if they must. Let’s learn from them.” the learning, not the fighting or the daring—it goes without saying if you are in the eat-or-be-eaten world of high-stakes politics—is the thing. the public persona of the president today—amiable, imperturbable, and thus, astounding when ruthless—departs from the well-accustomed boastfulness and bluster that passes, most of the time, for political showmanship among the president’s peers. Just because he doesn’t conform to the hyperactivity or the “hyperloquaciousness” that passes for dynamism in these parts doesn’t mean that there is a strategy and not just tactics. What, then, is the strategy? to appear so relaxed as to make whatever ensues seem to be an inevitability. if, as Lao tzu famously u PAGE A7
between the “ideal self,” who we aspire to be, and the “real self,” who emerges when unchecked. that struggle plays out not only within individuals but also within nations.
the Philippines now lives in this tension: its ideal self grounded in justice and dignity, its default self resigned to indulgence and impunity. each scandal tests which self will prevail. history has shown the fall of leaders undone by excess and hubris. But real change requires more than the downfall of individuals. A nation can take a different path only when its citizens refuse to accept corruption as normal. Breaking the cycle demands not just bursts of outrage, but steady commitment, discipline, and the slow, patient work of accountability. the Philippines, once again at a crossroads, faces a choice. it can continue to endure corruption as a way of life. or it can begin the long, difficult work of rising above it. Breaking free will take more than governance; it will require a cultural shift strong enough to redefine public life. (AJPress)
Money Matters
Henry Ong
iN recent weeks, headlines have been filled with public outrage, not only about how flood-control funds were used, but also about the way some relatives of politicians and contractors displayed their wealth online.
Videos of luxury cars, designer items and lavish lifestyles circulated on Youtube and social media, which fueled anger at a time when many communities continue to struggle with basic needs. this reaction is not new. Whenever wealth is flaunted in the middle of public hardship, it sparks controversy. this behavior may look like arrogance, but economics provides a clearer way to understand it. over a hundred years ago, an economist named thorstein Veblen came up with an idea that still makes sense today. in his 1899 book the theory of the Leisure class, he introduced the term ‘conspicuous consumption.’ he said people often buy things not just for their use, but to show them off as symbols of wealth and status.
Why people flaunt their wealth and what we can do instead
Social language for example, a luxury bag that costs P500,000 can carry the same items as a bag that costs P5,000. the difference is not in what it does, but in what it shows. the more expensive bag simply sends a louder message that says ‘i belong to a higher class’.
Veblen’s point is that this kind of spending is not just wasteful or irrational. it is actually deliberate. People use goods as a kind of social language. the bag, the car, or the designer clothes do not matter much for their use but more for the message they send to others. today, conspicuous consumption is more visible than ever, but the stage has changed. What people once showed off at social gatherings is now broadcast daily on instagram, tiktok and facebook.
Posts about new cars, vacation photos, or fine-dining experiences are not just about sharing moments but signals. every like or comment is applause like a quick validation of success. conspicuous consumption
may grab attention, but it also comes with risks. one risk is financial strain. A lot of what we see online is not always backed by real money because it can be a vacation booked on credit, a gadget paid in installments, or lifestyle upgrades that go way beyond what income can support. on the surface, it looks like success, but underneath, it can weaken financial security. Another risk is the cycle of constant upgrading. A purchase that feels impressive today can start to look ordinary tomorrow. to stay noticed, people feel the pressure to buy more, and because each new purchase only gives a moment of pleasure, the expenses keep piling up while the happiness fades quickly.
Backlash there is also reputational risk. in times of crisis, public displays of wealth can backfire. instead of admiration, they invite criticism and outrage. the very signals meant to elevate status can end up damaging credibility instead. if signaling is part of human u PAGE A7
Breakthrough Address the root causes of corruption
elfren S. Cruz
the most important conclusion i have arrived at after watching the senate hearings is to postpone any judgement on the details of the flood control scandals. i recommend that we wait for the final judgement from the independent commission for infrastructure (ici) which is composed of former supreme court Justice Andy reyes, former Public Works secretary rogelio “Babes” singson and sGV country managing partner rossana fajardo.
it seems to me that the senate hearings have become muddled due to the lack of credibility of some of the resource persons. this has happened despite the serious attempts of Blue ribbon committee chairman sen. Panfilo Lacson to have a credible hearing. one glaring example is what happened during the hearing last thursday, sept. 25.
one of the resource persons testified and presented an affidavit that implicated congressmen martin romualdez, Zaldy co, eric Yap and executive secretary Lucas Bersamin. the so-called witness presented a notarized affidavit.
During the same day, the lawyer Atty. Petchie rose espera, who supposedly notarized the affidavit, publicly disowned the affidavit of orly regala Guteza, a retired marine who testified to the senate Blue ribbon committee naming several lawmakers.
According to Atty. espera: “I categorically deny notarizing, signing or participating in the preparation of the said document.
The signature and notarial details attributed to me are falsified and unauthorized. The use of my name and notarial commission in connection with the said document is spurious, fraudulent and injurious to my reputation as a member of the Bar and a commissioned Notary Public.”
this gave cong. martin romualdez the opportunity to issue a statement condemning the accusation against him. “The so-called testimony of Sen. Marcoleta’s witness is an outright and complete fabrication – nothing more than a desperate attempt to show supposed kickbacks where none exist. This is clearly political and the product of coaching. I will not allow these perjurious statements to go unchallenged.” While we are waiting for the findings of the ici, the discussion should now focus on the actions that should be taken to ensure the final end to this corruption. there have been similar serious attempts in the past that have succeeded; but, after a few years, the corruption returns.
De la salle University professor Dr. Ben teehankee in a recent television interview said that outrage alone is not enough to fix systemic corruption, stressing that anger tends to fade without u PAGE A7
ManilaTimes.net photo
Eliseo Art Silva
Lacson: Senators inserted P100B in current budget
by Tina G. SanToS Inquirer.net
mANiLA — Almost all sena-
tors of the 19th congress inserted at least P100 billion worth of items in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said on sunday, september 28. the senate president pro tempore and blue ribbon committee chair cited documents he had gathered showing these were individual insertions, although they were eventually held “for later release.”
Lacson said he has yet to scrutinize the list of house members, but already noted that the roster of congressmen who made similar insertions is lengthy. “For the Senate, the insertions amounted to at least P100 billion.
I was surprised because these are individual insertions, although they were held ‘for later release,’” he said in an interview on radio
dzmm
“It was humongous,” he said.
I have never seen such amounts.
Before the Priority Development Assistance Fund was declared unconstitutional in 2013, ‘pork’ amounted to hundreds of millions.
Now it’s at least P100 billion in total for 24 senators alone.” While insertions or amendments are not necessarily illegal, Lacson said they are questionable, especially when each individual inserts P5 billion or even P9 billion.
Such insertions could threaten the economy because the withheld or diverted funds could have gone
to infrastructure programs that were planned and vetted at the barangay, city, and regional levels,” he pointed out.
Lacson said he may ask the relevant agencies during the upcoming budget deliberations why such insertions were allowed.
“In scrutinizing the budget, especially in the plenary, I want to know how much of the insertions were released and how they were implemented,” he said, adding he was concerned about the release of unprogrammed appropriations.
Role of lawmakers
meanwhile, sen. erwin tulfo said congress should be excluded from the government’s infrastructure projects since its job is not to craft budget proposals, but to create and amend laws. he said senators should relay the needed budget of mayors and other local government units to the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh).
“The lawmaker’s job is not to make budget insertions. Give funds to the DPWH. For example, when a locality needs a bridge, the mayor will relay it to the DPWH through a senator. The senator will write a letter to the DPWH so that the agency can contact the mayor,” tulfo said in an interview on radio dzBB on sunday. This is to prevent lawmakers from interfering, since their job is to create laws, not to run the DPWH or handle project bidding,” he said.
Lacson also said he is studying whether the blue ribbon commit-
tee can release a partial report on its investigation into the flood control corruption scandal.
he said he could not say how many more hearings would be conducted but emphasized that the committee’s investigation will focus on substance and substantial issues.
Self-restraint
Lacson also reiterated his call to fellow lawmakers to practice self-restraint in inserting appropriations for locally funded infrastructure projects, not just in the DPWh but in other agencies such as the departments of education and of transportation, whose budgets include infrastructure projects.
he likewise appealed to lawmakers not to avail themselves of the so-called “leadership fund” in the DPWh that allows lawmakers to insert projects at the level of the National expenditure Program (NeP).
the former police chief-turned-senator said congress, after losing public trust over corruption exposed in the flood-control project scandal, must now start on the path to redemption by ensuring a transparent and pork-free budget.
he said the senate cannot deny that it now faces a crisis after some incumbent and former members were linked to alleged kickbacks in flood control projects.
We must start the process of reform with the preparations for the 2026 budget. The timing is right because the budget bill is u PAGE A8
Address the root causes of...
changing institutions. he urged citizens to transform frustration into sustained action by forming movements consistently monitoring government and using tools like freedom of information requests and direct engagement with public officials.
teehankee emphasized that accountability cannot wait for elections or scandals. it must be pursued regularly.
We should also remember that there were five courageous lawmakers who voted against this scandal-ridden 2025 budget, citing concerns over cuts to social services and the lack of transparency in the process. this honorable list included then-minority Leader sen. Koko Pimentel and sen. risa hontiveros. the three house of representatives members who also voted against the 2025 budget were then-makabayan bloc reps.
Arlene Brosas (Gabriela Women’s Party), france castro (Act teachers Party-list) and raoul manuel (Kabataan Party-list).
manuel criticized the budget for slashing funds for education, health and disaster preparedness while allocating huge increases to infrastructure and unprogrammed appropriations. Brosas assailed the “railroading” of the budget and criticized the higher allocations for the military, police and confidential and intelligence funds instead of basic social services. the house and senate ratified the proposed General Appropriations Act of 2025 through majority vote.
Let me echo and add to the warning of Dr. Ben teehankee. it is not enough to indict and jail even the worst offenders. remember that during the term of president PNoy Aquino, there were senators jailed for corruption for the abuse of the pork barrel funds. however, during the succeeding regime, they were all released and some were even reelected to the senate. We have to address the root causes of corruption, like the continued dominance of family dynasties, the dominance of an economic elite
and a weak judiciary. these must also be shattered and resolved. if this is not done, then corruption will again be prevalent in our society within the next one or two decades. in order to achieve these revolutionary changes, our future political leaders must introduce radical changes that go beyond simple reforms. We should all heed the warning of sister mary John mananzan, osB: This is the way we see our situation. The Sept. 21 rally showed that we are reaching a critical mass. Just like in the atom bomb, this means that when we reach that critical mass, a very little thing (like an unopened envelope) will ignite it and there will be a quantum leap to something radically new. What do you think?” (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
Restoring the Filipino spirit...
by foreign powers, but by foreign values, foreign priorities, foreign dreams. our bookstores overflow with foreign authors while filipino voices are silenced in their own soil. even our toys fail to reflect our children’s faces, our homes, our heritage. Where is the filipina doll with almond eyes and brown skin? the carabao plushie? the bahay kubo dollhouse with capiz windows and maritime rooftops? Where is the christmas banner that proudly says Maligayang Pasko — not merry christmas, mass-produced far from our shores? the soil still bears our names. But the systems do not. if the filipino sun on our 1898 flag was meant to reflect the radiance of a sovereign people, how do we shine again when our light is outsourced? so they left. to remember. to resist. to restore. in exile, filipinos became the keepers of memory, the guard-
ians of culture, the lifeline of a nation that once turned its back. in california, hawai‘i, New York, Las Vegas, and beyond, they built communities where tagalog, ilocano, and Visayan are still spoken. Where parol lanterns glow in December. Where the stories of the Babaylan and Gabriela silang are retold in classrooms, union halls, and murals. they organized labor strikes. taught ethnic studies. sent remittances. raised children who know the taste of pancit and the rhythm of tinikling And still, they send love home — in prayers, in balikbayan boxes, in advocacy for disaster relief and human rights. in stories told to children who have never touched our shores but carry its spirit in their bones. this is not a condemnation. it is a reckoning. to restore the filipino spirit, we must name what was lost: authorship, sovereignty, soul. We must honor those who, in leav-
ing, became the lifeline.
Let us restore the filipino spirit — one exile, one mural, one Larry itliong Day, one act of remembrance at a time. Let us urge our youth to build a Philippines worth staying for. so we may shine again like the June 12, 1898 filipino sun — with a human face, sovereign, luminous, and truly filipino.
happy filipino American history month!
* * *
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.
* * * Eliseo Art Silva is a Filipino artist based in Los Angeles and Manila whose murals and paintings reclaim history, elevate diasporic narratives, and ignite civic dialogue. Best known for the Filipino American Mural in LA and the Talang Gabay Gateway to Filipinotown, Silva fuses myth, scholarship, and activism to restore Filipino identity and authorship to the heart of national and global discourse.
Why people flaunt their wealth...
nature, the goal isn’t to erase it but to point it to a better direction. the real question is what kinds of signals really matter? for ordinary people, the takeaway is simple. Don’t confuse flaunting with financial security. What looks like abundance on instagram may actually be debt in real life. for leaders, the lesson is even sharper. in a country where inequality is high, showing off luxury is not just insensitive. it can also quickly damage credibility. Perhaps there is a better way to use visibility. instead of flaunting consumption, social media can be a platform to highlight value creation. entrepreneurs who share how they built their businesses, or professionals who post about their educational achievements, send signals that last much longer than showing off an expensive purchase. these are signals with substance, not just style.
modesty can send a powerful message too. choosing not to show off, even when you can afford to, shows real confidence because it tells people your selfworth is not tied to possessions. in a society that is quick to envy and criticize, quiet strength often earns more trust than loud extravagance.
this is why many of the country’s wealthiest families practice what is sometimes called ‘quiet wealth.’ their assets may be vast, but their public signals are subtle. in the long run, modesty communicates confidence more effectively than display of wealth ever could.
Status status also doesn’t need to come from what you own. it can come from what you build. creating a business or supporting local communities generates reputational capital that lasts longer than any luxury item. contribution and creation are signals that
outlive consumption because they add real value, not just appearances. the same goes for businesses. companies that reinvest profits, keep their balance sheets healthy and focus on long-term growth send stronger signals than those that rely on loud promotions. the lesson is simple. real wealth is not what turns heads today. it’s about what holds value tomorrow. What you achieve and what you give will always outlast what you show off. (Inquirer.net)
and viewpoints ex-
The perils of underestimation
warned, there is no greater danger than to underestimate an enemy, those dismissing the president as mere “nepo” ought to consider franklin D. roosevelt’s cunning corollary to the warning: “Never underestimate a man who overestimates himself.” since time immemorial, the best defense when the going gets tough has been to run out the clock. And so you have the Bart simpson defense: i didn’t do it, nobody saw me do it, you can’t prove anything. similarly, senators implicated in cash-for-contracts crow they will sign waivers and disclose their bank accounts—maybe, someday; it depends. Do what it takes to fight another day. then, the day of the announcements about the Anti-money Laundering council (AmLc) came. the announcements came two days apart, first concerning sen. Jinggoy estrada, sen. Joel Villan-
ueva, and assorted other suspects. then, covering former senator, now mayor Nancy Binay and former senate President francis escudero. the AmLc announcements came days after filipinos from all walks of life rallied at Luneta and the edsa shrine to express anger while debating what to do about it. And here i want to bring up something few have noticed, and to which all of us should be paying attention. in 2023, the president signed a budget that took out the vice president’s intelligence funds. this was significant because the budget passed in 2023 was for 2024, and that was the actual midterm election budget. in 2024, the president complained about over P100 billion in insertions that he vetoed, because it was the budget for 2025, half of which was after elections. in 2025, after the midterms, where he did worse than expected, he confronted both chambers
of congress and kicked off an offensive still unfolding before our eyes. Days after his state of the Nation Address, the Palace released a list of the biggest contractors, and this got the public furiously digging into the lifestyles of those named. All sorts of allegations, followed by investigations, took place; but it was the Department of Justice that actually started filing cases, and now, the momentum remains with the Palace, as first the senate president, then the speaker, has fallen. When the president pointed fingers at some of his own people, the floodgates opened. Like a demolition, even a flood can be controlled. (Inquirer.net
PH lawmaker Zaldy Co resigns as flood-control...
but stressed that co “still has to return and face the allegations.”
Allegations under investigation on the same day co resigned, the ici filed a 32-page report with the ombudsman recommending graft, malversation, and falsification charges against co and Department of Public Works and highways officials. the case centers on a P289.5-million road dike project in Naujan, oriental mindoro, where investigators alleged contractors used substandard sheet piles and flagged procurement irregularities. the ombudsman will determine whether to pursue charges. Co’s defense co has denied benefiting from the projects. he has maintained that budget allocations were approved collectively in congress and said he received no personal financial gain. in his resignation letter, he claimed that due process had been ignored and that his family faced serious threats.
Although he has been abroad for weeks, co previously told reporters he intended to return and face proceedings. his resignation, however, was announced only after the ici made its findings public. Fallout beyond Congress the resignation halts the house ethics proceedings but does not end outside investigations. remul-
la said co must “face the music” and respond to the accusations before prosecutors. the Ako Bicol party-list is expected to nominate a replacement for his vacated seat. for now, co’s sept. 29 resignation stands as the most significant political fallout from the ici’s early
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investigations, underscoring the commission’s growing reach in scrutinizing public works spending. the accusations against him originate from the ici’s referral to the ombudsman and remain as allegations
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Italy defends men’s volleyball crown, PH shines as first-time world championship host
by AJPress
PAsAY citY — italy defeat-
ed Bulgaria in four sets on september 28 to win the 2025 fiVB men’s Volleyball World championship at the sm mall of Asia Arena, retaining the title it captured in 2022 in Poland and slovenia. the Azzurri prevailed 25–21, 25–17, 17–25, 25–10 before an announced crowd of more than 16,000.
outside hitter Alessandro michieletto was named most Valuable Player after spearheading italy’s attack throughout the tournament. the victory gave italy its second consecutive and fifth overall men’s world championship, the most of any nation.
A milestone for Philippine men’s volleyball the Philippines hosted the men’s World championship for the first time, bringing 32 national teams to metro manila from september 12 to 28, with matches at the sm mall of Asia Arena in Pasay and the smart Araneta coliseum in Quezon city. the host nation delivered a breakthrough when Alas Pilipinas defeated egypt 3–1 in pool play, the country’s first-ever win at a men’s world championship. the result, celebrated widely by fans and officials, was seen as a turning point for Philippine men’s volleyball, which has long been overshadowed by the women’s game.
Bulgaria’s resurgence and Poland’s bronze
Bulgaria reached its first world championship final since 1970, highlighted by a five-set quarterfinal win over the United states.
Poland secured the bronze medal, defeating czechia in the third-place match to earn its first-ever world championship bronze.
Hosting significance the event drew scrutiny over high ticket prices and a revoked media accreditation that was later reinstated following criticism. Despite those concerns, the tournament was widely praised for its energy and attendance. the final weekend drew record
local crowds and highlighted the growing appetite for men’s volleyball in the country. for italy, the title solidified its place as the most decorated nation in men’s volleyball. for Bulgaria and Poland, the podium finishes were milestones decades in the making. for the Philippines, the tournament was both a global showcase and a signal that its men’s volleyball program is ready to expand on the world stage. n
Firm tied to Zaldy Co named in
by John Eric MEndoza Inquirer.net
mANiLA — the construction firm linked to former Ako Bicol party-list rep. elizaldy “Zaldy” co is among the subjects of a bid-rigging complaint referred by the Department of Public Works and highways (DPWh) to the competition body for possible case filings. for its part, the Pcc said its preliminary inquiry on this case was already underway against co-linked firms and four other companies as well as former DPWh officials.
sunwest inc., which was founded by co, is listed as a respondent in one of the two bid-rigging and bid-manipulation cases forwarded by the DPWh to the Philippine competition commission (Pcc) on friday, october 3. the agency also said officials and employees of DPWh regional office iV-B are allegedly involved.
Despite irregularities surrounding flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro, regional officials failed to act and, instead, continued the projects awarded to Sunwest, Inc.,” the DPWh said in a statement. this is in addition to the independent commission for infrastructure’s move asking the office of the ombudsman to recommend filing graft complaints against co and 17 others, including DPWh officials and sunwest,
over an allegedly substandard flood control project in oriental mindoro valued at P289.5 million.
co was accused of receiving billions of pesos in kickbacks from contractors and DPWh officials who testified in congressional inquiries into flood control projects. he vehemently denied the allegations. he has since resigned from the house of representatives, citing a “real, direct, grave and imminent threat” to himself and “the lives of my family members.” in a separate complaint, the DPWh named Wawao Builders, im construction corporation, sYms construction trading, st. timothy construction corporation, and officials and employees of the DPWh Bulacan 1st District engineering office over alleged irregularities in flood control projects in the province uncovered during congressional hearings.
According to the agency, preliminary evidence—including the admissions of contractor Pacifico Discaya and former DPWh Undersecretary roberto Bernardo before the senate Blue ribbon committee—“also suggests collusion among the involved contractors and officials,” which violates section 14, chapter iii of the Philippine competition Act.
the measure prohibits certain anti-competitive agreements between competitors.
Pcc said the DPWh’s submission includes inspection reports, bid documents, and other
relevant documents that may support the Pcc competition enforcement office’s (ceo) ongoing preliminary inquiry into possible bid-rigging and collusion among contractors.
Pcc-ceo Director christian Loren De Los santos said that the competition body is currently gathering evidence, including bid submissions and possible communication exchanges, to determine whether violations of the PcA occurred. if found guilty, the Pcc may impose fines of P110 million for a first offense and between P110 million and P250 million for subsequent offenses on the named firms.
the DPWh said the Pcc has also confirmed that penalties may be applied on a per-incident basis and that public works officials and employees could face liability as facilitators. meanwhile, the Pcc reiterated that individuals or entities “involved in cartel conduct”, such as bid-rigging, price fixing, market allocation, or output restriction, may avail of its leniency program, which offers immunity from suit or a reduction of administrative fines to those who voluntarily disclose their participation in anti-competitive agreements and cooperate fully with the commission’s investigation. Only one applicant per violation may be granted full immunity, so early disclosure is encouraged,” the Pcc said in a statement on friday. n
Lacson: Senators inserted P100B...
now under deliberation,” he said.
Meeting postponed Lacson said a meeting was set last friday between the senate and house leaders, but this was postponed due to bad weather. the senate contingent would have included senate President Vicente sotto iii, Lacson, majority floor leader Juan miguel Zubiri and finance committee chair sherwin Gatchalian. the house contingent would have been led by speaker faustino Dy iii “Had the meeting pushed through, I would have made a call for self-restraint, especially involving funds for local infrastructure projects under the authority of the district engineering office. It would
The passion of teaching Filipino students
I once again left the comfort of life in Fairfield, California, to teach in the Philippines.
My American brother-in-law was openly against my decision and worried about where I would stay, since I no longer have a home in my own country. He also feared I might once more endure the hardship of delayed salaries—an alltoo-common reality for teachers in public institutions who sometimes wait months for pay.
He asked how I could possibly survive, especially given the frequent travel required between Manila and the provinces. In the past, I had even grown accustomed to commuting daily from Manila to my assignment outside the capital.
But teaching remains both my passion and my compassion. It has always been an essential part of my life, and I continue to embrace it as my ultimate service to the Filipino youth—especially now, as they navigate a world reshaped by technology and artificial intelligence.
In the middle of class one day, I received an unexpected call: I had been selected to receive the Rising Filipino Awards 2025’s International Excellence in Journalism and Education. The recognition will be conferred on November 16 at Novotel Manila Araneta Center in Quezon City.
Dra. Phong’s three daughters
I first met Dra. Ma. Flor Ragoro Concepcion, affectionately called Phong, at a Makati condo. A graduate of Mapúa Institute of Technology, she hailed from Valenzuela and was happily married to Ilonggo seaman John Lindres. She ran a dental clinic on Santillan Street, not far from where I lived while working at the Department of Trade and Industry’s Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions. Phong became both my dentist and confidante, always ready with laughter and encouragement. Her three daughters—Iyrah Francesca (my goddaughter), Dra. Pattrice Angelica, and Dra. Leanne Joyce—continue to honor her memory. Even after her passing, they make it a point to celebrate their beloved mother’s birthday each year.
Lessons from TESOL and British Council Recently, I attended the fiveday workshop “AI in the English Language Classroom—From Prompt to Practice: Exploring AI Tools for English Teachers” organized by TESOL International Association with the guidance of our mentor, Ms. Sara Davila of Chicago. There, I learned how to: •Apply effective prompting techniques with AI models such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude; •Adapt lesson materials for learners at different proficiency levels, including multilingual support; •Design scaffolded, studentcentered activities that integrate AI responsibly while keeping teachers’ expertise central; •Use AI tools across platforms (Microsoft, Google) to save time on lesson planning; and •Evaluate the ethical implications of AI in education. I am grateful to TESOL
have been a remedial or corrective measure,” he said.
Tighter scrutiny former senate President franklin Drilon also said the flood-control controversy underscored the need for tighter scrutiny of amendments introduced by lawmakers in the GAA. he proposed that all projects not part of the NeP be placed “for later release,” subject to a thorough review before funds are made available.
“Budget amendments cannot be avoided in Congress. But insertions should not be released unless they are properly examined. That is one way to prevent this from happening again,” Drilon said in a statement on sunday.
Policy reforms Drilon also lamented how the senate has become “adversarial and divisive” in its handling of the controversy, saying the focus should remain on policy reforms rather than political infighting. he said the ongoing investigation into flood works should lead to stronger safeguards in the national budget process, warning that congressional insertions remain vulnerable to abuse.
“Something should happen in this investigation — send people behind this mess to jail and return the public funds,” Drilon said. But he said congress should not lose sight of its primary duty. Let’s not forget that this is in aid of legislation, not prosecution,” Drilon said. n
International Association for electing me as a member of its Board of Directors.
Later this month, from October 14 to 30, I will also join the ASEAN Teaching English Online Conference 2025, organized through the British Council in London.
Wooster and Wright briefings
I recently joined a briefing led by U.S. Ambassador Henry T. Wooster, chargé d’affaires in Haiti, who spoke about advancing U.S. foreign policy priorities in that country. I also listened to U.S. Energy
Secretary Chris Wright, who discussed a return to commonsense energy and climate policies.
Justice Regina Benitez honored Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez, Administrator of the Board of Pardons and Parole and an accomplished painter, paid tribute to his mother, Justice Regina Ordoñez Benitez, during the 80th founding anniversary of the United Nations at the historic Mira Nila Mansion.
I recall writing years ago about the United Nations Association of
the Philippines—founded by Carlos P. Romulo—for Philippine Panorama magazine.
Those in attendance included Prof. Alice Lucas, Ambassador Rosario Manalo, Ambassador June Alma Dumlao Valisno, Cecile Guidote Alvarez, TESDA Director General Dr. Francisco Benitez, Dr. Margarita Consolacion Ballesteros, Dr. Dary Dacanay, Regina Benitez, Roderick C. Cruz, and the TUP Chorale.
Celebrations and farewells Alyssa Daigdigan Varsovia recently marked her birthday with her family at
Farewell to my writing icon and mentor Gregorio Brillantes, whose kindness and
the independent commission for infrastructure will summon former house speaker martin romualdez, ex-Ako Bicol party-list rep. Zaldy co, and sen. mark Villar amid the investigation on anomalous flood control projects.
ici executive director Brian Keith hosaka confirmed to the media on Wednesday, oct. 1, that the three officials will be invited to attend the hearing on the probe into the flood control projects. summons for romualdez and co were issued during the first part of its hearing. When asked about the freezing of the assets of romualdez, hosaka said the former speaker was not yet included in the recommendation to the office of the ombudsman.
What we wrote to AMLC (Anti-Money Laundering Council) was with regard to the freezing of assets of the persons probably liable, the ones we filed in the Ombudsman last Monday,” hosaka explained. meanwhile, Villar will be summoned in connection with his tenure as the former secretary of the Department of Public Works and highways from 2016 to 2021.
"I will let you know when we will be inviting Sen. Villar," he added.
During the senate Blue ribbon committee hearing, curlee Discaya claimed that the DPWh officials he cited alleged the kickbacks were intended for romualdez and co.
co was the chief executive officer of the sunwest Group of companies, which was among the top 15 construction firms that secured contracts with the DPWh for P100 billion worth of
flood control projects nationwide over the last three years. curlee also claimed that Quezon city 4th District rep. marvin rillo always mentions the name of romualdez as a close friend. Sinasabi pa ni Cong. Rillo na lahat ng kanyang request para sa pondo ay galing pa mismo sa unprogrammed funds at insertions na inaaprubahan ni Speaker," he said. meanwhile, escudero alleged in his privilege speech that romualdez is the mastermind behind allegations against senators, including the ex-senate president, in relation to the anomalous flood control projects. romualdez and co have since denied the allegations.
Flood control mess the flood control scandal has already sparked leadership changes in both houses of congress. earlier this month, the owners of a construction firm accused nearly 30 house members and DPWh officials of taking cash payments. the Department of finance has estimated that the Philippine economy lost up to P118.5 billion from 2023 to 2025 due to corruption in flood control projects. Greenpeace has suggested the number is actually closer to P1.025 trillion. the controversy involving the government's flood control projects began in July as the rains triggered massive flooding in the metro.
hearings at the house of representatives and the senate revealed billions of pesos lost to corruption, which prompted the formation of the ici, which will specifically investigate irregularities in flood control projects in the last 10 years. n
the historic Manila Hotel.
guidance shaped my early years at National Midweek and Philippines Graphic magazines.
(Clockwise) John Lindres, Dra. Ma. Flor Concepion-Lindres, Iyrah Francesca Lindres, Dra. Pattrice Angela Lindres and Dra. Leanne Joyce Lindres.
TESOL International Association English training on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Current Board of Pardons and Parole Administrator Atty. Bienvenido O. Benitez.
(From left) journalist Rogelio Constantino Medina, screenwriter-editor Pete Lacaba, artist Danilo Dalena, writer Gregorio Brillantes, and columnist Wilson Lee Flores of the Philippine Star in a Fairview, Quezon City reunion during Medina’s birthday.
Celebrator Alyssa Daigdigan Varsovia with Pilar B. De Mesa at historic Manila Hotel.
Ambassador Henry T. Wooster. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
From left) Dra. Leanne Joyce Lindres, Dra. Pattrice Angela Lindres, Iyrah Francesca Lindres and Asian Journal columnist Rogelio Constantino Medina remember the late Dra. Ma. Flor Concepion-Lindres on her birthday.
Martin Romualdez, Rep. Zaldy Co, Mark Villar File photos
by MElaniE Uson Philstar.com
The Italian men’s national volleyball team celebrates after
HISTORY MADE. The Alas Pilipinas men’s national volleyball team is honored at the Senate on Wednesday, October 1, for its 19th place finish – among 32 nations – in the FIVB World Championship 2025. The team made history by beating Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, for its first ever win in World Championship history. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
4 ways filing for divorce can benefit your immigration case
Barrister’s Corner
COUPLES get divorced for various reasons. California is a no fault state. The reasons why a couple is getting divorced are often irrelevant to the issues of the family law case. Divorce is often a difficult and negative experience for most families. However, getting divorce may have some unintended benefits in the immigration law arena. Four situations in which filing for divorce can be beneficial to your immigration case are as follows:
1. Married sons and daughters of U.S. citizens
If you were petitioned for legal permanent residence by your U.S. Citizen parent as a married son or daughter 21 years old or over, you are classified in immigration law under family sponsored third preference (F3) which usually carries a long wait time. The wait time for Filipinos for example is currently 22 years. The priority date is normally the date the petition was initially filed by your U.S. Citizen parents. If you get divorced, you revert back to single status and your category automatically becomes reclassified to first preference (F1) where the waiting time is substantially shorter. For example, for Filipinos the wait time under F1 category is 10 years shorter than F3 category. This means if your parents filed your immigration petition 12 years ago, then you can adjust to a green card now instead of waiting another 10 years.
2. Married sons and daughters of legal permanent residents
If your parents are legal permanent residents, getting divorced will convert you back single status making you eligible to be petitioned by your legal permanent resident parents under the family based second preference (F2b) category if you are 21 years old or older or under the family based second preference A (F2a) if you are under 21 years of age.
For those who married after they were petitioned by their LPR parents (F2A and F2B), the petition is automatically revoked under operation of law the moment you get married and cannot be reclaimed by a divorce. In theory, it can be argued that filing a subsequent petition after your divorce under the same category inherits the previous petition’s priority date under 9 FAM 42.43 N10 and 8 CFR 204.2(h), Part 205. However, success of such argument is not clear since the old petition was automatically revoked the moment you married. The best thing that can be done in this situation is to have your LPR parent repetition you as an F2A or F2b even if you are unable to reclaim the previous petition’s priority date.
3. Conditional legal permanent residents in failed marriages
For those who obtained their legal permanent residence status through marriage based petition by their U.S. Citizen spouse of less than 2 years marriage, the legal permanent residence status conferred is usually a “conditional legal permanent residence” valid only for 2 years. The couple would need to sign and file a joint petition to remove this condition prior to the expiration of the 2 years or the conditional legal permanent resident spouse would fall out of status.
The problem arises when the marriage is in trouble. Often it becomes difficult to obtain the cooperation of the U.S. Citizen spouse specially when the couple has separated. U.S. Citizen spouse often refuse to sign the I-751 for or appear at the I-751 interview if one is set by the USCIS. Filing for divorce would terminate the marriage and allow you to file a “waiver” of the joint petition to remove the conditional LPR status based on entering into the marriage in good faith.
Terminating the marriage by filing a divorce is a requirement in order to file the “waiver.” It is important to time this correctly as soon as the marriage starts falling apart because by terminating the marriage early on, you might be able to file the waiver before the expiration of your 2 year conditional LPR thus allowing you to extend your LPR status in 1 year increments until a final
decision is made in your case.
4. Married aliens in nonimmigrant visas and those without status
For those who enter the U.S. as a non-immigrant and are separated from their spouse but still married, filing a divorce would open up opportunities in case they meet a new significant other who is a U.S. Citizen and who can petition them as an immediate relative. This is usually the fastest of process in obtaining legal permanent residence. In countries such as the Philippines where there is no divorce, many people come to the U.S. to start a new life after they have been separated from their old spouse (often still married to them). Even if the alien over stays their status as a visitor, the alien can still adjust to that of a legal permanent residence if petitioned by a U.S. Citizen spouse. If the alien was never inspected, the alien can still adjust to legal permanent residence if they are grandfathered under INA 245(i) and there are no special restrictions on their status. To be grandfathered under INA 245(i), the alien must have been a beneficiary of a legal permanent residence petition filed no later than April 30, 2001.
Finally, a common concern of divorcing immigrants is “What happens if my spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers?” The truth is you do not need your spouse’s signature to obtain a divorce in California. You only need to provide your spouse notice that you filed a divorce by personally serving your spouse the divorce petition and summons. In countries that are members of the Hague Convention, special procedures need to be followed to effect service. So yes it is possible to divorce your spouse even if your spouse is in a country that does not recognize divorce among its citizens such as the Philippines. For some immigrants, filing for divorce opens up opportunities in this land of milk and honey.
* * *
Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply
TODAY, we are answering sensitive questions about sex during pregnancy emailed to us by our readers over the years. We strongly believe that a frank discussion of any medical issue, including sex, is fundamental in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and good health in general, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Can I have sex while pregnant?
As long as the pregnancy is normal, yes, you can have sex right up until water breaks. Do check with your doctor first, though, especially if you’re having any problems with your pregnancy, like a shortened or dilated cervix, leaking amniotic fluid, placenta previa, or bleeding, or if you have a history of premature labor, miscarriages, etc. These are some of the situations when you should avoid having sex during pregnancy. Making love will not hurt the baby as long as the pregnancy is normal. There is a thick mucus plug that seals the cervix, which guards against infection, and the amniotic sac and the strong muscles of the uterus protect the baby. The baby may move around a bit more than a usual fetus after your orgasm because of your faster heart rate and not because it knows what’s happening or feels pain. Make sure proper hygiene is exercised before and after sex, and that the act is a tender (not a violent) one. The best is to discuss the matter and its details with your obstetrician.
Will lovemaking be as enjoyable?
Many women enjoy sex better when pregnant, while others don’t feel as good. The natural engorgement of the genitals with increased blood flow during sex heightens the sensation and ecstasy. However, the same engorgement makes other women feel uncomfortable and have a sense of fullness after the act, or even abdominal cramps. The breast can become more enlarged and more tender, causing discomfort when fondled. The wife should be candid with her husband from the very start, and
Sex during pregnancy
the husband should be loving, understanding, and thoughtful. Is libido less when pregnant?
Yes, it is normal for the changes during pregnancy to lessen some women’s desire for sex. But a lot of women, finally free from worries about conception and contraception, may have increased libido. Many pregnant women feel sexier than ever, and others feel too sick to make love, especially in the first trimester. Libido resurges during the second trimester, and wanes in the third trimester as labor, delivery, etc., get closer. The husband must be sensitive and understanding of his wife’s feelings, especially during her pregnancy, which in itself is a taxing situation for the woman to begin with. The husband can play a vital role here to make the pregnancy a sacred and happy event in their life as a couple. Does husband’s sex drive diminish?
The attitude of the husband about sex when his wife is pregnant depends on so many factors, which include upbringing, education, culture and beliefs, and current personal and/ or socio-economic pressures. Many men find their pregnant partner to be as attractive and sexy as ever, if not more. Some are misinformed or not properly informed, and become self-conscious about making love to their pregnant wife for fear of hurting the baby. The wife should understand that if her husband appears not to be “interested” in sex when she is pregnant, it does not mean he does not love her anymore, or that she is no longer attractive to him, or that he has another woman. The husband, on the other hand, should exert his best to make his pregnant wife feel that he is very much in love with her and that he still finds her attractive, pregnancy and all. Making love to a woman is not only through sexual intercourse, anyway. Using the largest sex organ in the body, the brain, with love and tenderness, could be more satisfying than the physical act itself. This is especially true for the woman.
Which sex positions are safer?
Various obstetricians and sex therapists have suggested the following time-tested positions and tips for making love for women who are pregnant:
1. Do it sideways (face to face) to allow your partner to keep most of his weight off your uterus. The proper body and leg positioning must be maximized to provide a comfortable situation for both partners, especially for the pregnant wife.
2. Doing it side-by-side (husband behind the wife) in the “spoon position” will allow for only shallow penetration. Deep thrusts can become uncomfortable to the pregnant wife as the months pass.
3. The woman on top puts no weight on the pregnant abdomen and allows the wife to control the depth of penetration.
4. Sitting on the man’s lap as he sits on a sturdy chair or couch.
5. The woman can lie on her side, and the husband against her at a sitting (perpendicular) position, like two open scissors.
6. The pregnant uterus will not be in the way if the woman lies on her back at the side or foot of the bed with knees bent, then bottom and feet perched at the edge of the mattress (like lying on an obstetrician’s examining table).
Other positions will be comfortable and safe for the mother and the baby. Gymnastic, acrobatic, or violent techniques (even if practiced by the couple before pregnancy) are deemed unsafe and, therefore, discouraged. It will take some imagination, loving cooperation, and experimentation to find the safest, most comfortable, and most satisfying position for both the husband and his pregnant wife Is oral sex safe?
In general, sexologists feel that oral sex is normal, permissible, and healthy, whether the woman is pregnant or not. The only proviso is that the relationship is monogamous and that both partners are HIV negative and have no other STD (sex-transmitted diseases). Also, it is a must that proper pre- and post-oral coital hygiene be practiced to prevent infection. Oral sex is one of the techniques prescribed by sex therapists as a safe alternative if intercourse is deemed unsafe. But everything boils down to the personal preferences and beliefs of the partners. To be mutually enjoyable and positive for mental health, the choice, whatever it is, must be made by both partners, unan-
Sariaya Association of California celebrates 40th Anniversary
On the evening of September 20, 2025, I was invited to witness the Sariaya Association of California’s 40th Anniversary gala at Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel where my dear friend, Asuncion ‘Sion’ Ferrer was Presented as the new president. It was a meaningful evening as the Sariayahins proudly gathered, its members, friends and special guests to celebrate a night filled with cultural pride, accomplishments, achievements and shared aspirations. With deep ties to their hometown of Sariaya, Quezon, and meaningful and strong purpose here in California, they once again unite to honor their heritage and the milestones they have achieved together and plan future projects and development.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome address from our gracious hosts, Brian Ferrer and Myla Crisostomo Carranceja, setting the tone for a festive and heartfelt celebration. Followed by singing of the national anthems of United States and the Philippines, a tribute to our biocultural identity and the values we hold dear.
The new President, Asuncion ‘Sion’ Ferrer formally welcomed the attendees, expressing heartfelt gratitude of their presence and their continued support of Sariaya’s growing community in Southern California. A special highlight of the program was the introduction of new set of officers – dedicated individuals who have stepped forward to serve and lead with pride, passion and commitment.
Asuncion ‘Sion’ Ferrer beaming with pride presented the association’s past accomplishments, present goals and collective vision that drives the association moving forward. A video presentation of the accomplishments was played shortly. As of to date – 8 classrooms have already been built in elementary schools in Sariaya, Quezon, Philippines. And as Ate Sion mentioned in her speech, she envisions to build more classrooms with the help of every member’s contribution. She will make it worthy , of any amount given. She has a big family of teachers which started from her grandmother, the reason she is so passionate with this project, she further mentioned. Part of the program was recognizing Sariayahins who made significant contributions to the
association and to the community as a whole. The President’s award was given to Jimmy Caspio as well as The President’s Merit award to Cristy Ferrer Mecua and Lorie Gagolinan. The Sergio and Ronnie Crisostomo Award was given to Vivian Cadiz. These individuals fully deserved these awards.
A distinguished Guest of Honor representing the Philippines Consul General of Los Angeles graced the event. Deputy Consul General Mrs. Maria Alnee Gamble represented Consul General Adelio Angelito Cruz who was in Phoenix, AZ during that time.
Deputy Consul General Maria Alnee applauds the Sariaya Association’s strong and solid foundation which has been in existence for 40 years. She also hopes that the young generations in the likes of Brian and Myla and the younger generations will continue the association’s legacy.
The evening continued with a celebration of Filipino culture through various performances which include the classic Carinosa dance, a lively and colorful expression of traditional filipino courtship. Followed by a Karate demonstration by Angeline and Jonathan Carranceja, showcasing discipline and artistry. The energy continued with a dance presentation by Lolita Freeman, adding grace and flair to the cultural showcase.
Finally, the evening ended with a Dance Party where everyone was invited to share in the joy of community, music, and camaraderie.
Thrilla in Manila at 50: Heat, endurance, and a fight that still
Fifty years after the “Thrilla in Manila,” the Philippines is commemorating Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier’s legendary 1975 bout at Araneta Coliseum. With Manny Pacquiao leading tributes, the anniversary highlights not only the fight’s place in boxing history but also the roles of promoter Don King and the Marcos family in bringing the spectacle to Manila
by AJPress
The event was well attended by 250 people.
This association is more than an organization – it is a family bonded by shared history, mutual respect, love of thy neighbor and a vision for a brighter future! Kudos to Ate Sion Ferrer and the past and present officers for doing a job well done!
Mabuhay ang Sariaya Association! Mabuhay ang ating komunidad!
New York–based Cecile Licad brings her music home to the Philippines
From her New York home to her ongoing Manila tour, pianist Cecile Licad continues to captivate audiences while honoring the memory of her patron Nedy Tantoco and reaffirming her Filipino roots by AJPress
NEW YORK / MANILA — Ce-
cile Buencamino Licad, the Manila-born pianist acclaimed on the world’s greatest stages, continues to remind audiences of her brilliance as she embarks on an ongoing nationwide tour of the Philippines. Hailed by The New Yorker as a “pianist’s pianist,” Licad lives in New York City, but her music and heart remain deeply tied to her homeland.
This season she is back home, performing for Filipino audiences in a tour that began in Manila and continues through Baguio, Antipolo, Quezon City, Iloilo, and Catanduanes.
Artistry and discipline
Licad was born in 1961 to Jesús Licad and Rosario Buencamino Licad. She began piano lessons at age three with her mother, who was her first teacher, and later trained with Rosario Picazo. By seven she had made her orchestral debut in Manila, already recognized as a prodigy.
At 12 she entered the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where she studied under Rudolf Serkin, Seymour Lipkin, and Mieczysław Horszowski. Her rise was swift. In 1981 she won the Leventritt Gold Medal, a rare and prestigious award given to only a select number of musicians, among them Van Cliburn and Itzhak Perlman.
That victory propelled her into an international career that included performances with the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Boston Symphony, London Philharmonic, and many other major orchestras. Critics praised her virtuosity and intensity, noting how she combined technical brilliance with expressive depth.
Her discography reflects her range. Her recording of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and SaintSaëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2 with André Previn and the London Philharmonic earned the Grand Prix du Disque Frédéric Chopin in 1985. She also recorded Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with Claudio Abbado and the Chicago Symphony, regarded as one of her landmark achievements.
A life between New York and Manila Now based in New York City, Licad has lived much of her adult life abroad, often describing her daily existence as solitary and disciplined, with practice forming the core of her routine. Yet her heart remains firmly connected to the Philippines.
Her current tour opened on September 24, 2025 at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, where she performed with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra under Maestro Grzegorz
Nowak. The program featured Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2 and Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No. 2, alongside Mozart’s Overture to The Magic Flute and Rossini’s Overture to L’italiana in Algeri. The concert, presented by Rustan’s, also served as a fundraiser for the PPO.
The tour continues with scheduled performances in Baguio, Antipolo, Quezon City, Iloilo City, and Catanduanes, including an intimate recital at Gallery MiraNila on October 1. Outreach performances include a free concert at Sta. Ana Parish in Molo, Iloilo on October 6. A second Iloilo concert follows at the UPV Museum of Art and Cultural Heritage on October 7, before the tour concludes on October 11 in Virac, Catanduanes.
The concerts have drawn standing ovations, echoing the success of her Carnegie Hall recital in December 2024, which sold out and received critical acclaim from New York reviewers for its blend of virtuosity and storytelling.
Family and personal journey
Beyond her public life, Licad’s personal journey is marked by family and balance. She married Brazilian cellist Antônio Meneses, whom she met at a music festival in Austria, and together they have a son, Otavio, born in 1987. The marriage lasted nine years, but Licad has spoken openly about
Sex During Pregnancy...
On October 1, 1975, the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City hosted the third and final meeting of Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. To suit U.S. primetime, the fight began mid-morning, around 10:45 a.m. The conditions were brutal. With the aluminum roof trapping heat and television lights glaring, ringside temperatures soared above 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Ali relied on his reach and speed, while Frazier pressed forward with his punishing left hooks. After 14 grueling rounds, Frazier’s trainer Eddie Futch stopped the fight, refusing to send his boxer out for the 15th. Ali, nearly collapsing, later called it “the closest thing to dying I ever experienced.”
Don King and the Philippine stage
The bout came together through the efforts of promoter Don King, who had already staged the Rumble in the Jungle in 1974. King secured broadcast contracts and brought the spectacle to Manila with support from the Araneta family and the Philippine government.
At the time, the Philippines was led by President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and First Lady Imelda Marcos, who welcomed the fight as a chance to showcase the country’s ability to host an international sporting event. Their administration provided the backing that helped transform Cubao into the center of global attention for one morning in 1975.
For King, it was a career-defining triumph. In the decades that followed, he promoted champions such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, and Julio César Chávez. His career, however, was also marked by legal disputes with fighters over financial dealings. Now 93 years old, he remains in Florida, a symbol of both boxing’s grand spectacles and its controversies.
The Marcos family’s story has also evolved. Ferdinand Marcos Sr. remained in power until 1986, when the family went into exile. He died in Hawaii in 1989, while Imelda Marcos returned and later served in Congress. Today, their son Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is the president of the Philippines, his term coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the fight. Ali and Frazier: The final bell Both fighters who made Manila unforgettable are gone.
Muhammad Ali lived with Parkinson’s syndrome for decades before passing away on June 3, 2016, in Scottsdale, Arizona, at age 74. Joe Frazier returned to Philadelphia, where he ran a gym and mentored young boxers until his death from liver cancer on November 7, 2011, at age 67.
Their rivalry ended in Manila, in a contest that is remembered as both their finest performance and their most punishing ordeal. Legacy and commemoration The Thrilla in Manila left a lasting mark. Official scorecards all favored Ali, but the human toll told another story. Frazier left the ring nearly blind, while Ali admitted he had never been closer to collapse.
Historians often describe the fight
as one in which both men gave, and lost, a part of themselves.
This year, the Philippines is marking the golden anniversary with commemorations at Smart Araneta Coliseum, including a special fight card on October 29, 2025. The event is being spearheaded by Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino eight-division world champion and former senator, who is lending his stature to honor Ali and Frazier’s legacy while highlighting the next generation of Filipino fighters. The card will feature Nico Ali Walsh, grandson of Muhammad Ali, alongside Eumir Marcial and Carl Jammes Martin.
Nearby, Ali Mall, built in the champion’s honor, still stands as a reminder of that morning when Cubao became the focus of the sporting world. For many Filipinos, the event is remembered both as a point of pride and as a reflection of the era in which it unfolded.
Fifty years later: The legacy
The Thrilla in Manila is not remembered for flawless boxing technique but for endurance, willpower, and the spectacle of two fighters refusing to yield.
For Don King, it remains a crowning moment in his career.
For the Marcoses, it was a showcase of international visibility. For Ali and Frazier, it was the fight that defined them both and one that exacted a heavy price.
Fifty years later, the echoes still carry in Ali’s grandson stepping into the Manila ring, in Cubao’s enduring landmarks, and in every retelling of the day when the Philippines stood at the center of world sport.
the importance of motherhood in her life, even as she navigated the demands of an international career.
Today, she continues to make her home in New York, where she juggles family, practice, and performance, often reflecting that music remains a lifelong process of learning.
The role of patronage Licad’s journey was shaped not only by her own discipline but also by the support of patrons who opened doors at crucial moments. Her early studies in the
United States were made possible by the Young Artists’ Foundation, established under then –First Lady Imelda Marcos, which named her its first piano scholar. Licad has said that this support made it possible for her to study in America, adding that she and Imelda Marcos “never talked about politics” and that their connection was one of artistic sponsorship. She has freely acknowledged that her flourishing career can be attributed in part to this assistance.
Equally vital was the presence
of the late Zenaida “Nedy” Tantoco, longtime chair of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Society and one of the country’s great arts patrons. To Licad, she was more than an organizer. She was “Tita Nedy,” a confidante who shared her artistic vision and encouraged her to keep performing for Filipino audiences. Her current tour is being presented “in tribute to” and as a continuation of Tantoco’s vision. Licad’s concerts today carry her memory, transforming each performance into both a celebration of Filipino musical excellence and a remembrance of the patron who championed her for decades.
A cultural bridge With her Manila tour still unfolding, Licad remains a living bridge between New York and the Philippines. She represents Filipino artistry on the world’s greatest stages while never losing sight of her roots. For Filipino audiences, her concerts are not just recitals. They are shared moments of pride and cultural identity. They are reminders that while Cecile Licad’s music belongs to the world, her heart remains Filipino.
Official poster of the 1975 “Thrilla in Manila,” promoted by Don King Productions, featuring Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier. Right: Ali Mall in Quezon City, built in honor of Ali after his victory, remains a landmark near the Araneta Coliseum. Poster: Public domain; Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Patrickroque01).
The “Thrilla in Manila” — Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier faced off at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on October 1, 1975, in one of the most grueling and celebrated bouts in boxing history. Left:
Gráfico archive; Right: Araneta City Historical Archives
echoes
A morning in cubao that changed boxing forever
LOS ANGELES
Meet the Filipina who turned a suitcase filled with dreams into a billion-dollar reality
Jen Rubio co-founded Away in 2015. Discover how she turned a broken suitcase nightmare into a $1.4B unicorn and redefined what it means to dream and build
by AJPress
FROM suitcase mishap to unicorn empire: Jen Rubio’s journey with Away
Early roots: From Manila to New Jersey
Jennifer “Jen” Rubio was born in the Philippines and moved with her family to New Jersey at the age of seven. Growing up as an immigrant, she developed
When Jen Rubio’s suitcase cracked open on an airport floor, scattering her belongings across the terminal, she did not just see a travel nightmare. She saw an opportunity. That moment of frustration in 2015 led the Filipina-born entrepreneur to cofound Away, a travel brand that became one of the most recognizable luggage companies in the world and, by 2019, reached unicorn status with a valuation of $1.4 billion. In business, a unicorn refers to a privately held startup valued at more than $1 billion, a milestone rarely achieved and even less common for companies co-founded by women.
adaptability and ambition, qualities that would later define her career.
At Pennsylvania State University, she studied supply chain management through a co-op program with Johnson & Johnson, but she left just short of graduating when offered a fulltime role.
Her early career took her from corporate supply chains into the creative world of consumer branding.
Shaping a digital-first marketer
Before building Away, Rubio gained valuable experience at several innovative companies.
At Warby Parker, she led early social media efforts and partnerships, helping shape the eyewear company’s influential digital brand voice.
Later, as global director of innovation at fashion house AllSaints, she spent more than a year traveling, which kept her close to the frustrations of modern travel and planted the seeds for her next venture.
She also taught social media at the Miami Ad School, reinforcing her reputation as a digital-first storyteller.
The spark that carried Away
The airport mishap was the catalyst, but execution turned the idea into reality. Teaming up with former Warby Parker colleague Steph Korey, Rubio co-founded Away in 2015. Their idea was simple yet disruptive: design high-quality, stylish luggage at accessible price points and sell directly to consumers online.
The strategy resonated. With Instagram-ready design and a strong brand identity that posi-
Sofronio Vasquez reveals details, shares excitement as LA concert nears
“This is honestly one of the most musically ambitious concerts I’ve ever done. I’m planning to sing songs from different eras, and of course, I’ll perform some of the songs that people remember from my time on ‘The Voice.’ ”
IF you’d told that kid he’d one day be making music in a studio with Paul Anka, Michael Bublé and David Foster, I wouldn’t have believed you. Even now, it feels like a dream. And that energy, that gratitude, that’s what I’m bringing to Pasadena,” said Sofronio Vasquez about his recent recording session with those music icons for his coming EP and his fast-approaching Pasadena Civic Auditorium concert.
That day, collaborating in the recording studio with Anka, Bublé, Foster and veteran record engineer Jorge Vivo still inspires the first Filipino and Asian winner of NBC’s “The Voice” today, as he rehearses for his first major Los Angeles show. Tickets are selling fast for “The Voice Winner: Sofronio Vasquez Live in Los Angeles,” a production of GodZella International’s Zelle Ochoco-DeVilbiss and Overture25 Productions’ Dr. Jerry Dayao, on October 11, 7:30 pm.
“That day still doesn’t feel completely real to me,” Vasquez recounted, grateful for the ca-
reer breaks that a talent like him, who “grew up in a small province (Ozamis, Misamis Occidental) in the Philippines,” has been blessed with so far.
“Most people never meet one legend, let alone get to record with three of them in the same session. The fact that they were so welcoming and generous with their time and knowledge, is what I hold onto. These aren’t everyday moments. I know how lucky I am. Beyond their talent, they’re genuinely good people.
That made the whole experience something I’ll never forget.”
The performer, who continues to be humble amid his successes, revealed details about the Pasadena concert that will draw his fans from all over the U.S., Canada and the world.
“I’m so excited for this show at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. What makes it special is that I’m performing again with Troy Laureta, plus two of my friends from ‘The Voice’ Season 26 top 5, Danny Joseph and Jeremy Beloate. We’ll have a five-piece band and a string quartet backing us up, which is pretty in-
credible.
“This is honestly one of the most musically ambitious concerts I’ve ever done. I’m planning to sing songs from different eras, and of course, I’ll perform some of the songs that people remember from my time on ‘The Voice.’ ”
Vasquez pointed out why staging his biggest show in LA means a lot to him: “Performing in Los Angeles means something special for me. This is where my ‘Voice’ journey happened, where the dream started to feel real. The Pasadena Civic Auditorium has hosted so many legendary artists over the years, and just thinking about that gives me chills. But what really gets me excited is sharing the stage with these amazing musicians. When you bring together that history, that level of talent, and genuine heart, something magical happens. That’s what PAGE 13
tioned travel as a lifestyle, Away quickly captured the loyalty of millennials and frequent flyers. By 2017, the company had raised $31 million in funding, one of the largest early-stage rounds for a female-led startup at the time.
Scaling to unicorn status
Under Rubio’s leadership in branding and marketing, Away grew at extraordinary speed. By 2019, the company had sold more than a million suitcases, opened physical retail stores, and achieved a valuation of $1.4 billion, officially making it a unicorn. Publications called it the “Warby Parker of luggage.”
Rubio took over as CEO in 2021 and guided Away through the pandemic’s disruption of global travel and a period of restructuring. In 2025, she transitioned to the role of Executive Chair, with Jessica Schinazi becoming CEO. Rubio remains a central figure in shaping the company’s longterm vision.
Lessons from turbulence Away’s rise was not without challenges. In 2019, the company came under scrutiny after media reports described an unhealthy workplace culture, leading to leadership changes at the time. The disruption was compounded by the pandemic, when Away’s sales reportedly dropped by about 90 percent, forcing widespread furloughs and layoffs.
Jen Rubio stepped in as CEO
in 2021 and worked on stabilizing and reshaping the company.
Her leadership reflects a broader shift among direct-to-consumer brands, moving away from growth at all costs and toward building sustainable and resilient business models.
Life and leadership beyond Away Jen Rubio now divides her time between New York City, Aspen, and New Mexico, where she and her husband, Slack co-founder Stewart Butterfield, are raising their two children. As Executive Chair of Away, she continues to guide the brand she helped build while expanding her role as an investor in new consumer and lifestyle ventures. She also serves as a trustee of the Whitney Museum of American Art and has become a patron of contemporary culture, co-chairing events such
as Aspen ArtCrush.
Her life today reflects a broader vision: not only creating companies but also shaping culture, mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, and balancing these pursuits with motherhood. In many ways, her journey illustrates how the story of a unicorn founder can evolve into something even larger, a sustained influence that reaches beyond business into community, creativity, and family.
A suitcase that carried a dream
From Manila to New Jersey, from Warby Parker to Away, Jen Rubio turned one broken suitcase into a billion-dollar idea. Her story is one of adaptability and reinvention, proving how a single vision can reshape industries and inspire dreamers across the world.
Jen Rubio
Photos from
Sofronio Vasquez
Cardinal Ambo David in Los Angeles: confronting corruption, migration, and the call to solidarity
by C arol o jeda -K imbrough
“Our lives are shaped by stories. Storytelling is one of the most powerful things in our lives as human beings, and I invite you to share your stories. All our values are in line with our stories.”
—Cardinal Pablo (Ambo) Virgilio
David
If you have recently seen the movie The Conclave, you would probably have the impression that a group of the highest-ranking members of the Catholic Church go through the process of selecting the next Pope through political intrigues and alliances. Cardinal Pablo (Ambo) Virgilio David is one of three Filipino cardinals who entered the Sistine Chapel on May 7 to vote for the successor to Pope Francis. Cardinal David dispels this impression as being Hollywoodmade and not reflective of the seriousness and solemn process of choosing the head of the Catholic Church.
Cardinal David is a humble man who prefers to be called Cardinal Ambo or even Bishop Ambo (because he stipulated that technically, he is still the Bishop of the Caloocan Diocese). However, he draws the line on the common title given to cardinals, “His Eminence,” a title that he hopes would be abolished. In previous interviews, Cardinal David had this to say about this title, instituted by Pope Urban VIII in 1630: “I mean, I’m honestly scandalized by that. It’s one of the things I wish mawala sa Simbahan (will be gone from the Church).”
Cardinal David recently spoke at a gathering of members of the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and shared his thoughts on the mission of the Church during the synodal period of Pope Leo XIV. His speech is divided into three main topics, and excerpts of his address are provided below.
On the Challenges Faced by Filipinos in the Homeland
Right at this moment, the Philippines is in a very critical situation. Do you know what is happening in Indonesia? Do you know what is happening in Bangladesh and what’s happening in Nepal? At this moment, the focus
of attention is on the Philippines because of the issue of flood control and the related corruption that is under investigation. People are upset; they are finally sick of corruption. They say, “Shame, shame on you, who take advantage of the taxpayers’ money.” The Philippines is not a poor country, but the country becomes poor because of these corrupt politicians. Let me begin with a story. This is a story I posted on social media that became viral and was shared by 78,000 people. This story is about a boy named Dion Angelo de la Rosa, or Gelo for short. Let me give you some background and context.
Earlier this year, I issued two pastoral letters. The first was as the President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, and the letter was about the legalization of online gambling. You don’t need casinos anymore; you can gamble in the privacy of your bedroom, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Young or old, anyone can gamble.
The second pastoral letter I released was as a local pastor in my capacity as Bishop of the Diocese of Caloocan. This was about the corruption involved with the construction of the floodgates in our region, worth Php 5 billion, but which had never functioned well. Then we heard about an increase in the budget, and a few weeks later, the President gave his State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasan Pambansa. That is where we heard his famous line: “Mahiya naman kayo mga kontratista” (Shame on you contractors). My first reaction was, “Why only the contractors?” And the ironic thing was that the congressmen and senators listening gave him a standing ovation for his remarks, but they were also at fault!
You may think that flood control corruption and online gambling are separate issues, but they came together and intersected in this story of Gelo.
Dion Angelo was 20 years old. He was the eldest of six children and a third-year human resource services student at Malabon City College, hoping to be the first in his family to graduate. His parents were migrants from the province who worked very hard to give their children a better chance at life.
Both parents had jobs, but even with two incomes, they barely survived by earning minimum wage—about $7 a day, not an hour. One day, Angelo’s father was arrested for illegal gambling, cara
y cruz. For days Angelo searched for his missing father, wading through the dirty floodwaters of Malabon. He finally found his father, detained at the police station. But by then, the boy started to develop chills. He did not know that he had been infected with leptospirosis. All his mother could give him was paracetamol (note: a common over-the-counter fever-reducing medication, known under the brand name Tylenol in the US). They had no money for hospitalization. This was on a Saturday; Gelo died on Sunday.
Gelo’s story could be the story of any of us, but he became a symbol. Gelo’s parents migrated from the provinces to the city in search of a better life. But what awaited them was the same violence of poverty. They lived in the slums, and theirs is the story of many of our poor rural migrants: they are always one emergency away from disaster.
Did you know that the population of Cavite grew from 1.5 million to 4.5 million in the last two decades? This is explained by poverty in the provinces pushing families to move to find work in Manila and ending up in Cavite for housing. In Caloocan, including Navotas, our population grew from 500,000 to 2,000,000, most of them poor migrants forced to settle along the riverbanks and coastlines as informal settlers. And the majority of them, about 85%, are Catholic. But they do not attend Mass. Some come to church on holy days, but they stay outside, and this broke my heart. Already they live on the margins of our society; they don’t need to feel unwelcome in the Church. So, we created mission stations and sent priests to go outside the church and mingle with the people. We also inserted them into the poor communities. Our reasoning was: if the poor cannot come to the Church, the Church must go to the poor. The poor are in survival mode; they are trapped in the ayuda culture. They are dependent on politicians who demand votes in exchange for relief goods; they are victims of patronage politics. When floods strike, the poor are the first to suffer. Do you know they are draining Manila Bay, and the garbage—the trash of Metro Manila—is now being dumped in the fishponds of Navotas? And the leachate that comes from the garbage has poisoned the rest of Manila Bay. It used to be very productive, but now parts of Manila Bay are dead because of
these reclamation projects (which destroy natural flood barriers and push water deeper into low-lying communities).
Flood control projects were started, but the real problem is corruption. Garbage is one part, but the real problems are constricting the flow of floodwaters, and that is why our coastal cities are permanently flooded and uninhabitable anymore. Pope Francis was right when he said, “The cry of the poor and the cry of the earth are inseparable.”
Challenges of Filipinos Abroad – Why Filipinos Migrate Migration has become part of our national story. The same powers that drive families to Manila are also what drive Filipinos to go abroad. We are not alone in this; people from Africa, Latin America, and Asia leave home in search of a better life. Among Filipinos, someone in the family must go abroad for the sake of the family to survive. That is the story of our OFWs.
Here in the United States, the search for a better life is called the American Dream. America is the destination of migrants: Europeans settled here, displacing the indigenous peoples, and Africans were brought here for labor.
Over the centuries, the country
has gone through struggles for abolition, civil rights, and women’s suffrage. And out of this emerged one multicultural nation. Being an American is no longer about ethnicity but about belonging to a larger community of diversity. But today, America is facing contradictions: inequality is widening; oligarchs and billionaires benefit from tax systems that leave many impoverished. Racism and white supremacist ideologies are emerging. Migrants that once symbolized American strength are now scapegoated. Interculturality means you can be a good American without erasing your ethnic identity. You bring something innate to this nation of migrants. As a Filipino, you bring bayanihan, your faith, your joy. You have something to contribute to the community of nations that make up America. How has your pursuit of the American Dream changed your life? Do you feel worse or better? How is your Filipino identity here in America? These are not rhetorical questions; they matter because they connect directly to the story of your life back home. Understanding Both Challenges in Light of Pope Leo XIV’s Vision of Embodied Communion and Hope
Lions Clubs International District 4-L3 welcomes Nick Mananghaya as new governor
As Governor, Nicanor “Nick” Mananghaya will lead more than 50 clubs and 1,100 members across Los Angeles County
LOS ANGELES – Nicanor
“Nick” Mananghaya has been installed as governor of Lions Clubs International District 4-L3 for fiscal year 2025–2026, according to the official Council of Governors roster of Multiple District Four (California).
Mananghaya steps into the role after serving as first vice district governor and participating in statewide MD-4 Council of Governors sessions, where records show his involvement in deliberations on community service and disaster relief, including a grant allocation that supported local response in his district.
He is also listed among the officers of the Lions Low Vision Services (LOVE) Program, a statewide initiative that provides resources and advocacy for individuals with visual impairment, and is affiliated with the Los Angeles Cosmopolitan Lions Club, one of District 4-L3’s oldest service clubs.
About District 4-L3 District 4-L3 covers a wide portion of Los Angeles County, stretching from the Palos Verdes Peninsula up the coast toward Malibu, across the Santa Monica Mountains to Downtown Los Angeles, and south to Wilmington and San Pedro. The district is home to more than 50 Lions
clubs and over 1,100 members. Local clubs are engaged in service priorities such as vision screening through KidSight, hunger relief, youth scholarships, and community welfare programs. Financial filings show the district operates as a 501(c) (4) civic and social welfare organization, with revenues and expenses drawn largely from membership dues, fundraising events, and contributions. Community
and
communities that make up
trict 4-L3.
Cardinal Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” David, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, during his visit to Los Angeles. The event
was organized by the Filipino Ministry of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and hosted at Incarnation Church in Glendale by Father Rodel Balagtas, pastor.
Photos by Andy Tecson
David Pomeranz marks 50 years of It’s in Every One of Us with Los Angeles concert
The singer-songwriter of “Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again” and the voice behind “Got to Believe in Magic” returns to Burbank on Nov. 1 for an intimate anniversary show celebrating his landmark Arista album
by AJPress
BURBANK, CA
– For more
than five decades, David Pomeranz has given the world songs that feel both intimate and universal. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, the acclaimed singer-songwriter will return to Los Angeles for a one-night concert commemorating the 50th anniversary of his Arista album It’s in Every One of Us.
The celebration will be held at the Colony Theatre in Burbank, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. and the performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available via Eventbrite under Upward Spiral Entertainment Inc.
From Brooklyn to international acclaim Born and raised in New York, Pomeranz grew up immersed in music. By his teens, he was writing and recording, quickly gaining recognition for his powerful voice and gift for crafting melodies that spoke to everyday emotions. His influences ranged from Broadway cast albums to the Beatles, and those sensibilities would shape his own songwriting style.
By the early 1970s, Pomeranz had signed with Decca Records before moving to Arista Records under the guidance of Clive Davis. It was there that he recorded It’s in Every One of Us, the album that would launch him into international recognition.
Early in his career, Pomeranz also toured as the opening act for artists such as Rod Stewart and Billy Joel, gaining exposure that introduced his voice and songs to wider audiences.
A songwriter behind the hits
The album featured Pomeranz’s original versions of three songs that became classics: “Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again,” “If You Walked Away,” and the title track. Barry Manilow’s cover of “Tryin’ to Get the Feeling Again” climbed into the Billboard Top 10 in 1976 and topped the Adult Contemporary chart, introducing Pomeranz’s work to a global audience.
It’s in Every One of Us was embraced worldwide, later recorded and performed by John Denver, Freddie Mercury, and many others.
His credits extend far beyond his own voice. Over the years, Pomeranz’s songs have been recorded by artists as varied as Kenny Rogers, Bette Midler, Missy Elliott, and The Carpenters. He also co-wrote the score for Little Tramp, a West End musical based on the life of Charlie Chaplin, further proving his versatility as a composer.
An intimate celebration For the November concert, Pomeranz chose the Colony Theatre in Burbank, a venue known for its warmth and intimacy. “We wanted it to feel like a party in someone’s home,” he explained in announcing the event. “Some of the original personnel from the album will be attending, which makes it even more special.”
Most meaningful for Pomeranz, however, is the chance to reconnect with his Filipino fans, who have embraced him as one of their own for decades.
“I especially look forward to sharing this event with my Filipino friends and fans, near and dear to me, because, aside from hearing many of the songs they know and love, they will also see an additional side of my music that I think will surprise and delight them.”
With its mix of timeless songs and new surprises, the evening will celebrate not only a milestone album but also the enduring bond between an artist and his audiences.
A career of endurance
Pomeranz’s career spans
more than music charts. He has worked across albums, film, television, and theater, and his projects have collectively earned 22 platinum and 18 gold albums, with over 40 million records sold worldwide. Billboard Magazine described him as “one of our finer voices,” a reputation he has upheld through decades of performances around the globe.
Beyond pop, his work has extended into television soundtracks and inspirational projects that have made his voice a sought-after presence in faith-based music. His compositions have reached Broadway and the West End, expanding his artistry into theater. Moving seamlessly between pop, stage, and inspirational music, he has remained a relevant figure in an ever-changing industry.
A Filipino connection
Perhaps nowhere has Pomeranz’s music resonated more than in the Philippines. His songs became household staples during the 1980s and 1990s, with “King and Queen of Hearts” and “Got to Believe in Magic” becoming anthems for Filipino fans.
The latter, written by Charles Fox and Stephen Geyer and originally performed by Pomeranz for the 1982 film Zapped!, found new life in 2002 when Filipino band Side A recorded it for the hit film Got 2 Believe starring Claudine Barretto and Rico Yan. The movie’s success introduced the song, and Pomeranz’s voice, to a new generation of Filipino listeners.
Through countless tours across Manila and beyond, Pomeranz has built a loyal following. That connection is part of a broader story of global touring, with performances across Asia, Europe, Canada, and the United States. Wherever he sings, audiences connect with the hope and emotion in his music.
A voice that endures
As David Pomeranz takes the stage in Burbank this November, the evening will be more than a nostalgic revisiting of songs. It will be a celebration of a career that has spanned five decades, a tribute to the music that has traveled across borders, and a moment of gratitude for the audiences, especially Filipino fans, who have carried his songs in their hearts.
Event details
• What: David Pomeranz — “It’s in Every One of Us” 50th Anniversary Album LA Concert
• Where: The Colony Theatre, 555 N. Third St., Burbank, CA 91502
• Tickets: Available on Eventbrite under Upward Spiral Entertainment Inc.https://www. eventbrite.com/e/david-pomeranz-live-in-los-angeles-50th-anniversary-album-concert-tickets-1681476574699
Sofronio Vasquez reveals details...
I’m chasing.”
“Those international shows taught me so much,” Vasquez said about his concerts in the past few months all over the world, from Europe, the Middle East to Asia.
“Music really does cross every boundary you can think of. I’ve watched people who don’t speak English connect emotionally with a song, and that’s powerful. Every country, every audience has given me something different. The energy, the way people respond to certain moments, even hearing different musical traditions firsthand, it all stay with me.
“I’m bringing all of that into the Pasadena show. The venue has this incredible legacy, and I want to honor that while making the night feel personal and new. It shouldn’t just be me performing for people. It should be us,
together, creating something memorable. That’s the goal.” On recently visiting “The Voice” set and being reunited with coaches, including Bublé, and witnessing some hopeful talents in the coming season, Vasquez enthused, “Going back felt like coming full circle. Michael said something during my season about letting a song breathe, about knowing when to hold back before you let it soar. That advice still guides me. “Watching the new contestants reminded me of that hunger I had, that drive. I still have it, honestly. It pushed me to think about this Pasadena show differently. Since winning, I’ve grown a lot as an artist. I want this concert to show that growth – more control, more honesty, more real connection with everyone in that room.” On Bublé, who continues to be
a creative force in Vasquez’s career (he is producing the EP and sings a duet, reportedly Christmas-themed, with the Filipino performer), Vasquez gushed, “Michael has been incredibly generous from day one. He’s opened doors, shared advice, helped me see what’s possible beyond the show (‘The Voice’). What I appreciate most is that it’s real. He listens, he shares from his own experience, and he does it without any ego. That kind of mentorship is rare.”
Vasquez’s Pasadena concert is proudly presented by diamond sponsors, Skin 105 and IVRx Health Group Holdings, with additional support from major sponsors, Nilda Olano-Quiambao, The Filipino Channel (TFC) and Philippine Airlines. Tickets to the show are available at https://www.ticketmaster.com/.
Pia Wurtzbach joins Paris Fashion Week
by AJPress
PARIS — Former Miss Uni-
verse Pia Wurtzbach made her way back to the Paris runway at L’Oréal Paris’ Le Défiléduring Paris Fashion Week in September 2025, staged at the historic Hôtel de Ville. It was her second appearance at the annual showcase, reaffirming her place among a global roster of celebrated women.
Wurtzbach wore a red haute couture gown from Tony Ward’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, its off-shoulder silhouette shimmering beneath the lights. She paired the gown with a Bulgari serpenti necklace and gold hoop earrings, while her sleek hair and understated makeup lent the look a balance of elegance and confidence.
On Instagram, she shared what the moment meant: “To walk alongside women from all over the world … and carry the Philippine flag with me? That’s the real honor.”
A second stride in Paris
This was not her first time on the Le Défilé stage. In 2024, Wurtzbach made history as the first Filipina to walk in the show, which has featured names such as Kendall Jenner, Jane Fonda, Eva Longoria, and Cara Delevingne. Her 2025 return carried a different resonance: she was no longer a novelty but part of the brand’s cast, her presence signaling both artistry and representation.
The 2025 edition carried the theme “Liberty. Equality. Sisterhood. Because You’re Worth It,” echoing L’Oréal’s iconic tagline while underscoring the
show’s identity as both a fashion spectacle and a platform for advocacy. Set against the grandeur of Paris’ city hall, the runway gathered women from across cultures and generations in a collective celebration of visibility and empowerment.
The weight of representation
Wurtzbach shifted the focus to what her walk symbolized: the inclusion of Filipinas on a stage that has long spotlighted mostly Western icons. She embodied representation, carried with grace and certainty.
Her presence in Paris this season reflects a broader shift in global fashion—an acknowledgment that Southeast Asian beauty and identity belong under the same lights that have defined haute couture for decades.
Former Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach on the runway at L’Oréal Paris’ Le Défilé during Paris Fashion Week 2025. Photos from Instagram/@piajauncey
