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OCTOBER 20-26, 2023 Volume 17 - No.2 • 16 Pages
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DFA seeks safe route for Filipinos, expats out of Gaza by Dempsey Reyes, Jerome Aning, Tina G. Santos Inquirer.net
MANILA — The government has appealed for the immediate opening of Gaza’s border with Egypt to let in Filipinos who want to avoid getting caught in the ongoing war between Israeli forces and Hamas militants.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is hopeful for a solution to be reached soonest in order for the Rafah crossing to start receiving foreign nationals so that our kababayan (fellow Filipinos) in
Gaza will be allowed to cross into Egypt,” it said in a statement on Monday, October 16. “From there, our teams will work on their repatriation to the Philippines.” On Sunday, October 15, the 131 Filipinos in Gaza City left the wartorn area after the DFA ordered
their mandatory evacuation with its declaration of alert level 4 in Gaza. “We are hoping that the international communities’ diplomatic efforts to get Egypt and Israel to agree on the safe exit of foreign citizens from Gaza can be successful as soon as possible,” Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de
USA
FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
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by Ronnel W. Domingo Inquirer.net
ARRIVAL HONORS. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right) arrives for the celebration of the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG) 122nd founding anniversary at Pier 15 of South Harbor, Port Area, Manila on Tuesday, October 17, welcomed by Admiral Artemio Manalo Abu (left). He lauded the PCG’s integrity, discipline and professionalism, which have helped the administration advance its collective vision of a stronger, more harmonious, and more resilient Philippines. PNA photo by Alfred Frias
House leaders condemn Hamas tried to infiltrate ex-President Duterte PHM in P2018, 2022 – NSC LEADERS of the political parties in the House of Representatives hit former President Rodrigo Duterte for criticizing the chamber over the reallocation of confidential funds and for declaring that the funds that would have been allotted to the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education aim to crush communists. The political leaders urged the former president to “avoid making threats or insinuating harm against any member of the House or the institution.” “Our foremost duty as public servants is to the Filipino people, and it is incumbent upon us to rise above personal and political
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Marcos suspends Maharlika fund implementation
DATELINE City of LA to celebrate Fil-Am History Month THE City of Los Angeles will celebrate Filipino American History Month (FAHM) with a ceremony highlighting Filipino culture, cuisine and the lighting of LA City Hall in the colors of the national flag of the Philippines. Los Angeles County is home to more than half a million Filipino Americans, the largest population of Filipinos in the world outside of the Philippines. The ceremony at City Hall on Friday, October 20 will honoring outstanding
Vega told reporters. In a television interview, De Vega said that some Filipinos had yet to decide whether to cross the Egyptian border because they were afraid that their Palestinian spouses would not be allowed to come with them.
by
ichael unongbayan Philstar.com
MANILA — Two alleged operatives of the Hamas militant group now at war with Israel were in the Philippines and attempted to operate and ally themselves with local extremists in 2018 and 2022, according to the National Security Council. NSC assistant director general Jonathan Malaya said one was a bomb expert who was arrested and deported five years ago. “We saw there was
intent by Hamas to launch activities in the Philippines. In fact, in 2018, there was a Hamas bomb maker that was arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and deported to Turkey,” he said. “And also last year, there was an operative that talked to local extremist groups in order to operate in our country,” he told on Monday’s (October 16) Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing mostly in Filipino. Malaya revealed that based on the PNP investigation, the
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MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has stopped the rapid push to bring to life the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) this year, directing the key people concerned to stand down and further study the plan. In a memorandum dated Oct. 12 and addressed to the heads of the Bureau of the Treasury, Land Bank of the Philippines, and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said that “upon the directive of the president, the Treasurer of the Philippines, in coordination with [Landbank] and DBP, is
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Teodoro says China a ‘squatter’ in West PH Sea by John Eric Mendoza Inquirer.net
MANILA — In a fiery response to China’s remarks against the country, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday, October 18 called Beijing a “squatter” and an “illegal occupant” in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). Teodoro fired back after China claimed that the Philippines is “illegally occupying” Pagasa Island, which is inhabited by hundreds of Filipinos as it serves as the seat of the local government of Kalayaan municipality in Palawan.
“’Pag in-occupy ng Pilipinas ang Hainan Island, ‘yun, illegal occupation ‘yun; pero ‘pag dito sila within our 200 miles EEZ [exclusive economic zone], sila ang squatter dito — illegal occupants sila dito,” Teodoro said in a Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum when asked about China’s latest pronouncements on Pagasa Island. (If the Philippines occupied Hainan Island, that’s illegal occupation; but if they are here within our 200-mile EEZ, they are the squatters here — they are illegal occupants.) Hainan is the largest and most
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OCTOBER 20-26, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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From the Front Page
House leaders condemn ex-President... PAGE 1 divides to prioritize their welfare and the nation’s advancement,” they said. Duterte earlier defended his daughter over the use of confidential funds, noting that it would be used for the creation of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps program. The former president added that Sara intends to use the intelligence fund to “target the communists in Congress.” “The primary target of the intelligence funds should be France [Castro], the communists that I want to kill, tell that to her,” Duterte said. He was referring to ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Rep. France Castro, one of those who opposed the grant of confidential funds to Vice President Sara Duterte. In a statement sent by House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco on Saturday night, October 14, the leaders said that it was unfortunate that the former
ELECTION PREPS. A City Treasurer’s Office employee is dwarfed by ballot boxes for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) stacked at the Quezon City Hall compound on Tuesday, October 17. The BSKE will be held on Oct. 30, two days after the Oct. 19 to 28 campaign period. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon Vice President Sara Duterte and former President Rodrigo Duterte Malacañang file photo
leader “chose to malign the very institution that for years supported many of his own legislative priorities.” They defended the reallocation of confidential and intelligence funds to security agencies, noting that it was taken in the best interest of national security. “Aside from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education, the House of Representatives also allocated zero
confidential and intelligence funds to other civilian departments including Agriculture, Foreign Affairs and Information and Communications Technology,” the leaders said. They added that the decision to reallocate the funds was for the benefit of the nation and not as a personal affront to any individual. (by Red Mendoza/ ManilaTimes.net) n
Marcos suspends Maharlika... PAGE 1 hereby directed to suspend the implementation of the IRR (implementing rules and regulations)” of the law that created the MIF. According to Bersamin, the suspension stands “pending the further study” of the IRR. The national treasurer and the chief executive officers of Landbank and DBP were also told to notify “all concerned heads of departments, bureaus, offices and other agencies.” Bersamin did not elaborate. Confirmation Enacted on July 18, Republic Act No. 11954 mandated the national treasurer to develop the IRR for the MIF law within 90 days. The Treasury issued the IRR 41 days later, on Aug. 28. When sought for confirmation, DBP president and chief executive Michael de Jesus told the Inquirer on Tuesday evening, October 17: “Yes. I received the letter [from the executive secretary].“ Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, mandated to serve as chair of the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), which will manage the MIF, had earlier reiterated that MIC was expected to be
Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin
operational before 2023 ends. The MIF law provides that, along with the finance secretary, the CEOs of Landbank and DBP would each have seats in the MIC board. As mandated, Landbank contributed P50 billion and DBP P25 billion to the MIF. They remitted the respective amounts to the Treasury on Sept. 14. Relief Soon after, both staterun banks sought relief from compliance with the rules of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas on capital requirements. De Jesus said the request
Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB
for relief was preemptive, considering that the contribution — if not considered part of DBP’s capital—would undermine DBP’s ability to comply with BSP regulations. The MIF advisory body, composed of the budget secretary, the head of the National Economic and Development Authority, and the national treasurer, has been processing applications for the six remaining seats of the MIC board. These include the president and CEO of MIC, two regular board members, and three independent board members.n
DFA seeks safe route for Filipinos... PAGE 1 “Unfortunately, both Israel and Egypt do not seem to be of the position that Palestinians can leave,” he explained, adding that Cairo was worried about the possibility of being infiltrated by terrorists. According to De Vega, not all Filipinos who left Gaza City wanted to return to the Philippines, saying some were trying to look for somewhere else to stay in Gaza. “There are 78 at the border with Egypt. There are another 30 in another part of southern Gaza, and the rest have left northern Gaza or Gaza City. There is not much danger in the southern Gaza compared to the north,” he said. Arrival Another 35 Filipinos staying in Israel were expected to arrive in the Philippines within the week after they sought repatriation, according to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officer in charge Hans Leo Cacdac. “We are mainly flying them out because Ben Gurion International Airport is pretty much operational. At least outbound flights,” Cacdac told ANC in an interview, adding that 388 of the over 30,000 Filipinos in Tel Aviv had also sought assistance. “Only around 35 requested repatriation. It’s because over the years, Pinoys have found a home in Israel. They feel secure in that sense,” he explained. “Another matter is most OFWs are caregivers. Human care workers. Filipinos are dedicated to their patients or alaga. It’s all part of Filipino work ethic.” The 388 were from the same affected areas where three overseas Filipino workers were killed. Emergency aid “Of the 388, 385 are accounted for. Still securing current status for the three OFWs. We’re hoping and praying that the Israeli Defense Forces and their employers will continue the search and find them,” Cacdac said. In a post on social media, the Philippine Embassy in Israel said it had delivered emergency assistance to affected Filipinos after Hamas militants attacked several communities in southern Israel. “The embassy is also grateful to the Filipino community groups and individuals who work hard to provide shelter, groceries and other necessities to our countrymen who are temporarily displaced,” it added. National Security Council Deputy Director General and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya,
meanwhile, said the country’s plan to declare Hamas a terrorist organization was its way of expressing solidarity with Israel and ensuring the safety of Filipinos there. Once done, further actions taken by the government would be in compliance with the antiterror law which was signed in 2020 by then President Rodrigo Duterte. This meant that should a Hamas member enter the Philippines, authorities could immediately arrest them without a warrant, detain them for a certain period, and have their assets frozen by the Anti-Money Laundering Council, he explained. “This is a clear message by the Philippine government that we will not let the Hamas operate here in our country. That’s really the purpose of the planned designation of Hamas as a terrorist organization,” Malaya said during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing on Monday. So far, three Filipinos have been killed in the Israel-Hamas conflict while three others remain missing. Those killed were caregivers Loreta Alacre and Paul Vincent Castelvi, and nurse Angelyn Peralta Aguirre. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., according to a statement from the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), assured the family of Alacre that her body would immediately be brought home as soon as a humanitarian corridor could be opened for affected civilians. The PCO said that Marcos spoke by telephone to Alacre’s sister on Sunday to personally extend his condolences. He told the family that the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) would provide all necessary assistance to those affected by the armed conflict. The PCO, quoting an Owwa report to the president, said a government assistance package would be extended to all Filipinos affected by the ongoing conflict. For the families of the three fatalities, it would include P200,000 in cash assistance from Owwa and P50,000 from the DMW. Both agencies would also provide wake and burial aid of P20,000 while shouldering repatriation and transportation costs from the airport to the victims’ respective houses in the Philippines. For those to be repatriated, Owwa would provide P20,000 cash assistance to inactive members while the DMW would distribute P50,000 in cash. —With a report from Carla Gomez n
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 20-26, 2023
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OCTOBER 20-26, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
City of LA to celebrate Fil-Am History... PAGE 1 Filipino-American leaders across a range of work, including those who have dedicated themselves to the arts. This year’s honorees include: standup comedian and actor Nico Santos, chef Margarita Manzke, DJ E-Man, fashion designer Puey Quinones, beauty entrepreneur Patrick Starrr, artist and cultural ambassador Anna Lisa de Guzman, and Broadway musical “Here Lies Love.” The week after on Friday, October 27, the LA Board of Public Works, with Fil-Am commissioner Susana Reyes, will also present FAHM during its board meeting and honor and recognize Fil-Am employees from the Department of Public Works. October marks the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the continental United States, which occurred on October 18, 1587, when “Luzones Indios” came ashore from the Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Esperanza and landed at what is now Morro Bay, California, according to the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS). October 1992 was the first time the month dedicated to Filipino Americans was celebrated in the United States, a year after FANHS passed a proclamation. In 2009, U.S. Congress declared October as Filipino American History Month, and in 2015, then-President Barack Obama celebrated the first FAHM at the White House. For 2023, FANHS shared this year’s theme as “1898: Recognizing 125 years of PhilippineAmerican History,” marking the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Paris agreement
between Spain and the United States that ended the Spanish American War and led to the U.S. annexation of the Philippines. “As a result of the Treaty of Paris, Filipino people gained access to the U.S. during an era when other Asian countries were prohibited from doing so,” FANHS wrote. Through the treaty, Filipino migrants were considered U.S. nationals until 1965 and could migrate to the U.S. and its territories without restrictions. With this, many Filipinos contributed to the agricultural labor force in Hawaii and the west coast of the U.S. The Pensionado Act of 1903 paved the way for Filipino students to attend U.S. universities until 1943, while American curricula and educational systems were introduced to the Philippines, FAHNS shared. This resulted in English proficiency and the recruitment of Filipino nurses, teachers and other professionals to the U.S. “The year 1898 also marks an important year in Philippine history. After centuries of Filipinos fighting against Spanish colonizers – with the most successful uprising being the Philippine Revolution (1896-1898) – the people of the Philippines declared their independence on June 12, 1898,” according to FAHNS. Throughout October, areas across the U.S. proclaim their own recognitions of the month, host celebrations and festivals, and other activities to highlight the community’s contributions to the country’s history. Several events and exhibitions honoring the Filipino American community will be held throughout LA during this month. (AJPress) n
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Bengals’ Fil-Am rookie Andrei Iosivas lands 1st NFL touchdown on birthday by Hans Carbonilla Inquirer.net
IN an iconic National Football League moment, a Filipino-American rookie marked his 24th birthday with a spectacular touchdown. The Cincinnati Bengals’ promising wide receiver, Andrei Iosivas, caught a threeyard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Burrow. Born in Japan to a Filipino mother and a Romanian father but based in Honolulu, Hawaii, Iosivas displayed exceptional skills and composure as he gave his team a lead of 14-7, firmly establishing presence on the NFL stage. The thrilling play unfolded with 12 minutes and 20 seconds remaining in the second quarter, igniting the stadium with PAGE 7
Andrei Iosivas
Photo from Instagram/@andreiiosivas
Hamas tried to infiltrate PH... PAGE 1 Hamas operatives who tried to infiltrate the country had four main goals. “Number one, kill Jews in the Philippines, that was the plan. Second, raise funds. And third, to use social media to spread their propaganda. And one more, to stage rallies at embassies and different places to create apparent disunity or chaos,” he said. Malaya made the revelations in relation to National Security Adviser Eduardo Año’s earlier announcement that the country’s Anti-Terrorism Council will push to have Hamas designated as a terrorist organization. “We know that Hamas is a terrorist organization, that’s why it was declared as such by the United States, European Union, Australia and many other countries,” he said. Malaya said Año’s move
to have the militant group declared as terrorists is being done in solidarity with Israel and to also protect the Philippines. According to him, the 2018 and 2022 Hamas attempts to gain a foothold in the country were foiled with the help of other nations. “We stopped them. So this declaration of Hamas as a terrorist organization is to protect our countrymen. This is also a domestic act to ensure our security and prevent any Gaza-like scenario,” he said. Malaya explained that declaring Hamas as a terrorist organization will help Philippine authorities apprehend them easier or faster even without arrest warrants and detain them for a certain period of time. He said it will also stop terrorist financing since the Anti-Money Laundering Council would be able to
quickly freeze the assets of persons or groups declared as terrorists. “This is a clear message by the Philippine government that we won’t allow Hamas to operate here,” he stressed. “We are making sure of the safety of our countrymen and… we are expressing our solidarity with the state of Israel with whom we have had a long and fruitful relation.” Asked to comment about the statement of a certain group that declaring Hamas as a terrorist group will not resolve the ongoing conflict and violence in Israel and Gaza, he said resolving the problem is not the main intention. “We do not intend to resolve the Palestinian question,” he said, noting this was a problem dating back decades and the Philippines was not one to give the solution to it. n
Teodoro says China a... PAGE 1 populous island province of China. “Pwede naman silang mag-apply ng visa,” he also said. (Maybe they could apply for a visa.) Teodoro also said that China’s assertion is laughable, noting that not many subscribe to their claims. “Ayoko naman matawa dahil bastos naman,” Teodoro said. “Itanong mo sa kanila ano ang ibig nilang sabihin. Sasabihin nila siguro indisputable sovereignty ng SCS [South China Sea]. Ilan ang naniniwala doon?” (I don’t want to laugh because that’s rude. Ask them what they mean. Maybe they would say that they have an indisputable sovereignty
of the SCS. How many people believe that?) On Oct. 13, a Chinese warship made a “dangerous maneuver” against the Philippine Navy vessel at 5.8 nautical miles southwest of Pag-asa Island that was en route to Rizal Reef for a regular rotation and resupply mission, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. China insists that it owns nearly all of SCS, including the WPS, citing its 10-dash line, which used to be a nine-dash line. In 2013, Manila questioned Beijing’s ninedash line before the Permanent Court of Arbitration. An Arbitral Award was eventually issued in July 2016, effectively dismissing China’s sweeping demarcation. n
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Opinion
Features
Another hazing death
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Despite the passage of two laws prohibiting violent initiation rites in fraternities and sororities, hazing is believed to have claimed another victim. Police said Ahldryn Lery Bravante, a fourth year student of the Philippine College of Criminology, was dead by the time he was brought to the Chinese General Hospital on Monday night, October 16 by two members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity. Bravante, 25, reportedly suffered difficulty in breathing and lost consciousness after being beaten and burned with cigarettes by fraternity members in an abandoned building in Sto. Domingo, Quezon City. It’s unclear if there were other hazing victims. Police arrested the two men who brought Bravante to the hospital: Justine Artates, a third year criminology student in the same school, and Kyle Michael de Castro. Two others – Lexer Angelo Manarpies and Mark Leo Andales – surrendered to the Quezon City Police District early Tuesday, October 17. Police said the four – three of them just 20 years old – admitted participation in the hazing. Whether training for the officer corps or pursuing a criminology course, some
prospective members of the Philippine National Police seem to think violent initiation is a requirement for a career in law enforcement. The PNP Academy continues to be rocked periodically by reports of cadets being beaten to death as part of hazing rites. Deadly hazing cases also continue to be reported at the Philippine Military Academy, whose graduates have been allowed to enter the PNP as officers despite the different skills sets required. The slow pace of Philippine justice has to be among the reasons for the impunity. Even when lethal hazing attracts national attention, the wheels of Philippine justice turn exceedingly slow to serve as a deterrent. The parents of University of Santo Tomas law student Horacio Castillo, for example, are still
Editorial
Babe’s Eye View Babe Romualdez NEVER in the recent history of the world have we seen so much devastation taking place in the past five years alone. It’s as if we all woke up one morning to the reality of a nightmare – catastrophes, calamities and conflicts that have set the world on fire.
When news first came out in December 2019 about a mysterious respiratory illness that was afflicting the residents of Wuhan in China, no one could have imagined that this would result in a nightmare that would kill tens of millions of people worldwide without a single bullet being fired. Caused by a virus named SARS-CoV-2, the COVID-19 pandemic upended the lives of people across the
ManilaTimes.net photo
waiting for justice for the fatal hazing of their son in September 2017 at the hands of Aegis Juris fraternity members. Violent initiation can be particularly worrisome for those who are preparing to pursue a career in law enforcement. The PNP faces enough problems trying to instill respect for human rights among its
Our world is on fire
globe, not caring whether you’re rich or poor, utterly disregarding age, gender, race or religion. The pandemic’s impact has been overwhelming, with over 771 million cases of infection recorded to date, while the death toll associated with COVID-19 is estimated at close to 30 million. While the World Health Organization has declared an end to COVID-19 as a global health emergency
last May, there are still new cases of infection today, with scientists wary about virus mutations. People lost jobs as a lot of businesses closed. And just as many countries were starting to see a glimmer of hope in recovering from the economic ramifications of the pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February last year set it all back, with millions displaced and experts warning that two
personnel. What the police service needs is efficient, science-based methods of criminal investigation, along with public support in crime deterrence and maintenance of peace and order. There must be no room in law enforcement agencies for the senseless violence fostered by violent initiation rites. (Philstar.com)
decades worth of economic progress would be lost with the conflict dragging on. As a United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs article had described it, the war in Ukraine will leave “lasting scars” on the global economy. President Marcos, in calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, warned that the effects would be “so far-reaching and profound to the detriment of the many
economies and the food supply of everyone in the world.” Today climate change is upon us – with heatwaves, floods, wildfires, hurricanes, storms and typhoons increasing in frequency and intensity. In July, temperatures rose to record high proportions of over 110 degrees Fahrenheit across three continents – North America, Europe PAGE 10
The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal. ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board
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OCTOBER 20-26, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 20-26, 2023
Dateline Philippines
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New bill makes EDSA anniversary permanent holiday by Cristina Chi Philstar.com
Former Senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go. File photo
Sotto, Go top senatorial preference survey by William B. Depasupil ManilaTimes.net
FORMER Senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto” III and Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go would be sure winners if the midterm elections were held today, an independent, noncommissioned survey conducted by a nongovernment organization showed. On the third spot was party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo with 64.5 percent, followed by Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. with 63.8 percent and Francis Tolentino with 63.6 percent. Sen. Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos was in the sixth spot with 55.8 percent, followed by her first cousin, Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, with 53.4 percent. Rounding up the top 12 were Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa and former vice president Leni Robredo with 51.7 percent and 50.9 percent, and Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos and Sen. Pia Cayetano with 40.3 percent and 39.6 percent, respectively. Several presidential candidates from the previous election were also in the rankings. Former senator Manny Pacquiao led the group with 37.2 percent, positioning him in the 12th to 14th spot. He was followed by former senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson (36.9 percent) and former Manila City mayor Isko Moreno (36.5 percent), also in the 12th to 14th range. Sen. Manuel “Lito” Lapid got 25.3 percent; Dr. Willie Ong, 24.7 percent; ex-vice president Noli de Castro Jr., 20.2 percent; former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, 19.8 percent; and television personality Willie Revillame, 19.4 percent. Former Quezon City mayor Herbert Bautista completed the list, ranking 20th with a voter preference of 17.1 percent. Dr. Paul Martinez from RPMD said the “2025 Senatorial Preferences” is a segment of the “Boses ng Bayan” nationwide survey. Martinez said that a robust sample of 10,000 respondents was meticulously selected randomly from a vast panel of 65.75 million registered voters across the country. For equitable representation, the percentage of participants was judiciously distributed across various regions of the country: 12 percent were from Metro Manila, 23 percent hailed from Northern Luzon, 22 percent were residents of Southern Luzon, 20 percent were from the Visayas, and the remaining 23 percent were from Mindanao. The survey included only registered Filipino voters who are not affiliated with any political entity, ensuring that the outcome authentically mirrors the unbiased sentiments and preferences of the voting demographic. The results of this extensive survey carry a marginal error of just 1 percent (+/-). n
MANILA — A lawmaker has filed a bill seeking to make the historic overthrow of the Marcos dictatorship a permanent annual holiday after President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. dropped the EDSA People Power anniversary from next year’s holiday schedule. Rep. Edcel Lagman (Albay, 1st District) on Monday, October 16 filed House Bill 9405 declaring February 25 of every year as a regular, national public non-working holiday to commemorate the mass demonstrations that ousted the president’s father. The annual declaration of the 1986 EDSA People Power as a national holiday has largely been left up to the discretion of presidents as there is no law that designates it as such, unlike Ninoy Aquino Day, which became a holiday through Republic Act 9256. Instead, February 25 was declared a “special national holiday” through a presidential proclamation in 2000 by then-president Joseph Estrada. This year, Marcos moved the EDSA People Power anniversary commemoration on February 24 — a Friday. Malacañang made the announcement just a day before, saying that it would create a long weekend and promote holiday economics. For 2024, Malacañang has defended the event’s exclusion from the list of holidays, saying that the event has
“minimum socioeconomic impact” as it falls on a Sunday and “coincides with the rest day for most workers/laborers.” In filing HB 9405, Lagman said that the exclusion of the democratic milestone from the country’s holiday celebrations is a “continuing distortion of the verities about the evils and repression of the Marcos martial era.” Past presidents have declared February 25 as a day of national celebration “irrespective of whether or not it falls on a Sunday,” Lagman said. “The more Marcos Jr. would sweep under the rug of historical perfidy the profligacy and oppression of his father’s dictatorship, the more unreachable reconciliation and justice will be,” Lagman added. Lagman said that the president and his allies in Congress — the lower chamber of which is ruled by his cousin, House Speaker Martin Romualdez — are “forced to good in agreeing with the bill” because doing so otherwise would make them appear to support the excesses of the Marcos dictatorship. “Why is the bill filed only now? We forgot that Filipinos are forgetful and sitting presidents would treat in varying degrees the celebration of the peaceful EDSA People Power Revolution,” the lawmaker said. “For this reason, albeit belatedly, there has to be a law memorializing the Filipino people’s relentless crusade for freedom and democracy which culminated in the ouster of Marcos, Sr,”
Lagman added. The bill’s explanatory note also highlighted the importance of designating events as national holidays in preserving a nation’s collective memory of its past. “The imperative of memorialization cannot be overemphasized. In fact, an October 2020 report of the current United Nations Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of nonrecurrence focused on memorialization processes as a fifth pillar of transitional justice,” the bill stated. The Department of Education last month decided to shorten “Diktadurang Marcos” to a mere “Diktadura” in the Grade 6 Araling Panlipunan syllabus in the revised curriculum for Kinder to Grade 10. Several anti-martial law advocates and human rights groups condemned the curriculum change — which became public knowledge due to an internal DepEd memorandum that circulated online — saying that the Marcos name cannot be detached from the rights abuses and ill-gotten wealth that characterized the Marcos dictatorship. In 2022, Marcos was quick to dismiss any concerns that his administration would rewrite or remove history lessons pertaining to the abuses during his father’s regime — once in his inaugural speech and again in his first State of the Nation Address. n
Air Force general appointed new PSG chief PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has named Brig. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) as the new head of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), Malacañang announced on Tuesday, October 17. “Brig. Gen. Jesus Nelson B. Morales has been appointed as the Commander of the
Presidential Security Group, taking the place of Brig. Gen. Ramon P. Zagala,” Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement. Morales served as the deputy wing commander of the PAF’s Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao, based in Davao City. Garafil said Zagala
would assume his new role as commander of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Zagala comes from a family whose military heritage spans three generations – his grandfather, Col. Ramon Zagala, and father, Maj. Gen. Rafael Zagala. He entered the Officer
Candidate School in 1993 and became his class’ 1st Captain, earning him the Chief of Staff Saber. He was commissioned to the regular force on Aug. 9, 1994. After he graduated from the Officer Candidate School in 1994, Zagala was assigned to different Army and general headquarter units. (PNA) n
Bengals’ Fil-Am rookie Andrei Iosivas lands 1st NFL... PAGE 4 an eruption of cheers and applause. In an interview with Spectrum News, the athlete shared that it was one of the best birthdays he had. “I had a couple of good ones as a kid. A TD on your birthday is comparable.” The Hawaii native was drafted in the sixth round and made his second successful catch in his sixth game of the season. Additionally, the team he plays for achieved two consecutive wins for the first time during the current season, and their overall record
improved to 3 wins and 3 losses. Get to know Andrei Iosivas more With his remarkable journey from college to the pros, the player with a mixed ancestry was nicknamed “The Romanian Rocket” as a child. His rich cultural background played a role in the young Iosivas’ ability to adapt to various environments throughout his upbringing. He set his sights on the prestigious Ivy League, enrolling at Princeton University in 2018. During his freshman year, he joined the junior
varsity football team, where he honed his skills as a wide receiver. According to Kollective Hustle, that season turned out to be quite exceptional and memorable, as it coincided with Princeton’s triumphant Ivy championship year, marking their first undefeated season since the historic milestone of 1964. On Instagram, he posted some snapshots of his first NFL game, allowing fans to catch a glimpse of this momentous milestone in his football career. n
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Cop wanted for PH hailed as ‘Asia’s best malversation falls cruise destination’ by Ian Laqui Philstar.com
MANILA — A policeman who is wanted for malversation was arrested in Manila on Monday, October 16 the Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) announced on Wednesday, October 18. M/Sgt. Joel Jasareno, who went AWOL or absent without leave, was apprehended in Barangay 138 in Tondo, IMEG director Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon said. Jasareno’s capture was based on a warrant of arrest issued by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 81 Judge Madonna Echiverri for malversation of public property under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code. De Leon said Jasareno’s arrest stemmed from a complaint of the Quezon City Police District after the policeman failed to surrender long firearms issued to him. The court set bail for Jasareno’s temporary liberty at P60,000. n
M/Sgt. Joel Jasareno, who went AWOL or absent without leave, was apprehended in Barangay 138 in Tondo, IMEG director Brig. Gen. Warren de Leon said. STAR / File
PAGE 5 and parts of Asia – to the point that climate experts likened the heat to a giant pizza oven. But while some nations experienced hellish heat, other countries were battered by heavy rains and strong typhoons that caused devastating floods and displaced hundreds of thousands, among them the Philippines. And now, the raging IsraelHamas war that began on Oct. 7 when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched a horrific attack on Israeli communities near the Gaza Strip, resulting in the death of at least 1,300 Israelis that include women, children and the elderly, while hundreds of soldiers and civilians, including foreigners who took part in the Supernova music festival in the Negev desert, were taken to Gaza as hostages. In response to the horrific massacre, Israel launched air strikes that has also resulted in the death of over 1,300 people. It was heart-wrenching to see photos of the slain, especially that of an infant whose body was covered in
by Ghio Ong Philstar.com
MANILA — The Philippines has been recognized by an international body as the “best cruise destination in Asia” for this year. The country was awarded as “Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023” at the World Cruise Awards in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last Sunday, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). The Philippines bested other nominees India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam, the website of the World Cruise Awards said. In a statement on Monday, October 16, Tourism Secretary Christina GarciaFrasco said the agency is grateful for the accolade, which was given to the country for the first time. “This first-time recognition as Asia’s Best Cruise Destination 2023 is a big win for Philippine tourism as it reflects a resounding global
Our world is on fire... blood – victim of the brutal assault launched by Hamas. Among those killed are three overseas Filipino workers, one of them a nurse named Angeline Aguirre who refused to leave her elderly patient behind when the Hamas militants attacked Kibbutz Kfar Gaza. In a post on X, Jerusalem deputy mayor Fleur Hassan-Nahoum paid tribute to the heroism of Angeline. “Despite having a chance to flee the Hamas terror attacks, Angeline showed unbelievable humanity and loyalty by remaining by Nira’s side during the violence, resulting in both of them being brutally murdered by Hamas,” Hassan-Nahoum shared. Angeline embodies the kind of dedication that OFWs put into their work – even to the point of sacrificing their lives – unique in many ways for Filipinos and a trait much appreciated all over the world. Admitting that it was a “most difficult phone call” to make, President Marcos assured families of the slain OFWs of his utmost support and directed the Department
of Foreign Affairs to look for the three that remain missing, and to work on exit options for Filipinos seeking repatriation from Gaza. Not surprisingly, the world is looking at the United States and expecting it to play a major role in helping de-escalate the conflict, with State Secretary Antony Blinken assuring Israel of unwavering U.S. support and traveling to countries in the region – Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain – for ways to release American and other hostages and prevent the conflict from further spreading. But the world is concerned about how the United States would help deter the conflict from spreading due to the political situation, as the House has yet to elect a new Speaker and the budget is once again uncertain with the temporary stopgap running out on Nov. 17. The U.S. domestic political situation combined with the two major worldwide conflicts taking place simultaneously are making countries uneasy because a distracted U.S. could
preference for our island destinations,” Frasco said. The World Cruise Awards is the “sister event of the World Travel Awards,” which also hailed the Philippines as “Asia’s leading dive destination” for this year. Meanwhile, the country is expecting 128 cruise calls at 33 destinations, which could “bring in more than 101,000 passengers and some 50,000 in estimated crew,” according to Frasco. So far, Manila and parts of Palawan and Romblon have received passengers and crew from cruise ships this year. Popular beach destination Boracay as well as Subic are also expecting the arrival of cruise ships, while Mindanao is being groomed by DOT as a cruise destination. The agency has vowed to make the Philippines become more attractive to travelers onboard cruise ships as part of the government’s efforts to revive the tourism industry battered by restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. n
encourage some countries in making aggressive moves, particularly in the Indo Pacific region. The conflict has triggered student protests from pro-Israel and proPalestine sympathizers, with universities across cities in the U.S. becoming flashpoints. Street demonstrations from opposing sides of sympathizers have also started in Rome, Barcelona, Brasilia, Buenos Aires, Vancouver, Paris, Pakistan – with fears that this could increase in intensity, putting people on edge that the situation would be exploited by terrorist groups. It is said that “violence spawns more violence,” which only means we can expect more future violence. As Christians, we can only hope and pray for God’s mercy. (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. *** babeseyeview@gmail.com
Students light candles and wrap black ribbons at the gates of the Philippine College of Criminology to pay tribute to Ahldryn Lery Bravante, in a photo posted on Facebook by the PCCR on Tuesday, October 17. STAR/File
PCCR hazing: Student suffered 60 blows – QCPD by Emmanuel Tupas Philstar.com
MANILA— A fourth year student of the Philippine College of Criminology (PCCR) died from at least 60 blows to the body during initiation rites by suspected members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) said on Wednesday, October 18. Probers obtained the pieces of information surrounding the death of 25-year-old Ahldryn Lery Bravante from two of the four suspects who are in police custody. “More or less the victim received 60 paddle hits and the initiation rites lasted more or less two hours,” QCPD director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said in a news briefing. He did not identify who among the four suspects executed extrajudicial confessions in an attempt to become witnesses to the case. The suspects claimed they threw the wooden paddle used during the hazing rites into a river. Maranan said probers are still verifying the claim. Suspects Lexer Angelo Manarpies, Mark Leo Andales, Justine Artates and Kyle Michael de Castro are set to undergo inquest proceedings for violation of Republic Act 11053 or the anti-hazing law. Maranan personally visited the PCCR’s campus in Manila wherein he received assurance from school officials of their full cooperation in the police probe of Bravante’s killing. Based on the information gathered from closed-circuit television footages, Maranan said around 20 people were involved in Bravante’s hazing, who arrived at the scene on
motorcycles. Apart from the four in police custody, six other suspects have been identified by police investigators, all of whom are students from the same campus. Bravante was the only neophyte who was subjected to hazing rites in an abandoned building in Barangay Sto. Domingo, Maj. Don Don Llapitan, who heads the QCPD’s criminal investigation and detection unit, said in the same press briefing. Llapitan said the student was still alive after the hazing rites but collapsed after several hours. This prompted fraternity members to bring Bravante to a hospital in Manila, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Police also have in custody the security guard of the abandoned building, who claimed he was unaware that initiation rites were happening in the compound. Schools scored over death School officials should take more proactive actions against hazing, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said on Wednesday. He noted that the antihazing law imposes life imprisonment and a fine of P3 million upon those who actually planned or participated in hazing that resulted in death, rape, sodomy or mutilation. Gatchalian said under the anti-hazing law, schools are mandated not only to protect their students but also to launch information campaigns at the start of every semester or trimester to students and parents or guardians on the consequences of hazing. The senator is a co-author and co-sponsor of the antihazing law. – Cecille Suerte Felipe n
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From fraud to green card: Watch this inspiring success story on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday IT started in June 1998, when Reggie entered the U.S. under an assumed name. Since then, he obtained a fake entry stamp to the Philippines to make it appear he left the U.S. even while he remained in the United States. He was also able to renew
his visitor visa at the U.S. Embassy in Manila under the assumed name. All these years, Reggie lived under a series of lies. Finally, Reggie and his wife consulted PAGE 12
‘Let’s fall in love’: Vilma Santos on cloud nine after ‘When I Met You In Tokyo’ makes MMFF 2023 list
MANILA — “Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos is on cloud nine after her reunion movie with Christopher de Leon “When I Met You In Tokyo” was included in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).
In a statement sent to several media outlets, Vilma thanked the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for including the film in this year’s edition. PAGE 12
GREEN CARD OBTAINED DESPITE NUMEROUS INCIDENTS OF FRAUD, ON A BRAND-NEW SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Some people commit fraud. They may have entered the U.S. under a different name. Some may have submitted fake documents. Reggie (left) committed multiple acts of fraud on his journey to legalization. Be sure to tune in and find out how leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel was able to secure a fraud waiver and green card for Reggie despite all of his fraud. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 22 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)
12 OCTOBER 20-26, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
Health@Heart Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS
Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) was able to get a green card for his client, Reggie (left), despite the multiple frauds he committed.
From fraud to green...
PAGE 11 with leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel who obtained a fraud waiver and green card through a petition by his U.S. citizen wife. Find out how Reggie was finally able to legally acquire his green card. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, October 22 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.
(Advertising Supplement)
‘Let’s fall in love’: Vilma... PAGE 11 “Congratulations Team WIMYIT (When I Met You In Tokyo). Thank God,” Vilma said. “Thank you MMFF for the trust.” Vilma said that “When I Met You In Tokyo” is a simple love story but there are still lessons to learn from it. “Teamwork ang movie na ito. Very simple love story but beautiful. May mga lessons din kasi [ang] movie. Love has no boundaries. Forgiveness, moving forward in love and life,” she said. “Simple but beautiful. Let’s fall in love.” Instead of the usual eight, the 49th MMFF will have 10 films in this year’s competition, after the MMDA revealed six more entries for MMFF 2023 to join the four previously announced last July. The second batch of
entries with “When I Met You In Tokyo” include “Becky and Badette,” “Broken Hearts Trip,” “Firefly,” “GOMBURZA,” and “Mallari.” The six films join Nuel Naval’s “A Mother and Son’s Story” starring Sharon Cuneta and Alden Richards, Dodo Dayao’s horror movie “K(ampon)” starring Beauty Gonzalez and Derek Ramsay, Jason Paul Laxamana’s fantasy-action flick “Penduko” starring Matteo Guidicelli and Cristine Reyes, and celebrity couple Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes’ reunion movie “Rewind.” The first batch of entries were chosen based on script submissions, while the second batch were all completed films. — with reports by Kristofer Purnell (Jan Milo Severo/Philstar. com) n
Christopher de Leon and Vilma Santos
When I Met Yoi IN Tokyo via Facebook
MY wife, Farida, and I have just been on a river cruise on the Vikings to historic Rouen, Omaha Beach, Normandy, and Paris (where the Faculty of Medicine at the University in Paris-Cite conducted valuable research on the effects on the brain of snoring with apnea (prolonged breath holding while asleep)), with the following findings: “Those who snore (breath holding) can be aging their brains by years and hurting their brain health by depriving themselves of getting deep sleep. Loud snoring and obstructed breathing, often caused by sleep apnea, can lead to higher chances of exhibiting signs of stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, or overall cognitive decline.” “Tiny lesions on the brain, known as white matter hyperintensities, are biomarkers that indicate brain health, becoming more prevalent with age or uncontrolled high blood pressure.” “Participants with severe sleep apnea had more white matter hyperintensities than those with mild or moderate conditions and demonstrated a decrease in the integrity of the axons of the brain that connect nerve cells.” “Deep sleep is one of the best indicators of sleep quality and the study found that for every 10% decrease in deep sleep, the white matter hyperintensities increased, equivalent to the brain aging 2.3 years.” “The same 10% reduction of deep sleep was also associated with reducing the integrity of axons, and that decrease was similar to the effect of the brain appearing 3 years older.” These findings were published in Neurology on May 10, 2023. Snorers or not, if you do not get a restful sleep at night, consult your physician for possible Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and for a Sleep Test to determine if you actually have OSA, which would require Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), the golden standard of therapy (very effective) for those with OSA. Sleep Apnea, when
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Snoring impacts brain untreated, increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, diabetes T2, high blood pressure, etc., manifold. OSA which causes prolonged breath holding (could be more than 100 times a night) decreases the oxygen level in the blood, which deprives the brain, heart, liver, kidneys, and other vital organs of oxygen, resulting in various illnesses. These major diseases are prevented with the use of CPAP, among those diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea. MedWalk and brain health A healthy diet, in this case, the Mediterranean Diet, and active lifestyle, like walking daily, lowers the risk of dementia (7th leading cause of death) and cognitive decline. A combined study, called “MedWalk,” that was just completed in 2023, revealed that following a
which the American Heart Association recommends for cardiovascular health features the following: High intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, and legumes, low-fat or fat-free dairy products, fish, poultry, non-tropical vegetable oils, and nuts, and very limited or abstention from added sugars, sugary beverages, sodium, highly processed foods, refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and fatty or processed meats. Red meats, especially processed, are linked to a higher risk of cancer. To these, the Harvard School of Public health adds the importance of healthy fats – oily fish, olive oil, nuts, and avocados. Eating meat occasionally, and eating fish at least 2-3 times a week, and small quantities of poultry, eggs, and dairy products. One or two SMALL
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity is “one of the most important things you can do for your health. MedWalk program diligently could reduce Alzheimer’s dementia and decline in cognition. This study (among 60- to 90-yearolds) was conducted by researchers in the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. It was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The processes and ongoing analysis were nonetheless published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. These findings are important to the whole world, where there are 55 million cases of Alzheimer’s; about 10 million a year, or one case every 3.2 seconds. From 1990 to 2019, there was a 147.95% increase (from 2.92 million to 7.24 million). In the United States, 6.7 million (33.26 prevalence); Finland has the highest prevalence (54.56 cases per 100,000); the UK, 42.70; the Philippines, 10.6 prevalence, currently about 1 million). The Med Diet The diet based on the historic eating habits of people who live around the Mediterranean Sea,
glasses of red wine each day is part of the Mediterranean diet, for those who enjoy red wine. Personally, I prefer Pinot Noir from Oregon, one with the highest resveratrol (cardio-protective antioxidant). Exercise: Potent weapon Regimented physical exercise, including brisk walking, besides being effective for cardiovascular health, is also helpful in preserving cognitive function especially in old age. Studies have shown reduced risk of neurodegenerative disease (dementia and Parkinson) and also slows the progress of these illnesses after diagnosis. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity is “one of the most important things you can do for your health. Exercise makes us feel better – higher levels are associated with lower levels of depression, and it is thought this is due to a natural ‘high’ from the release of endorphins and endocannabinoids, which can last for some time after
exercising, but the physical effects last longer. The endorphins relieve pains and may reduce inflammation and restress responses.” Nightshades and arthritis Some food items cause inflammation. Examples of inflammatory foods, besides white sugar, soft drinks, processed foods, trans fats, which are all inflammatory foods, are the nightshades (Solanaceae family) vegetables: potato, raw tomato, eggplant, paprika, and pepper (which contain an alkaloid called solanine, a natural pesticide in plants which could be toxic). Eating nightshade veggies aggravates arthritis. Some people with arthritis develop pains hours after consuming them. Food items have medical (chemical) effects. Drinking smoothies (daily) made of various berries, especially blueberries, pineapple, papaya, celery, mango, reduce inflammation and the pain of arthritis. Be sure to include this in your daily caloric count, especially among diabetics.. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995, conferred by then Indiana Governor, later Senator, and then presidential candidate, Evan Bayh. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Related websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.
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Gabbi Garcia stands by her ‘mean’ TV character
NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • OCTOBER 20-26, 2023 13
By Marinel Cruz Inquirer.net
“I DON’T approve of what she’s doing,” said Gabbi Garcia, who added that if she had her way with Xandra Zhang, her character in the drama series “Unbreak My Heart,” the latter wouldn’t have come out so rude and unforgiving. “It’s true that audiences have opposing opinions about her. Sometimes, people approach me in malls and say, ‘You’re so mean’ or ‘You have an attitude!’ While it’s a different story if you place Gabbi in the same situation, I try not to judge my character. If I start forming an opinion about her, then portraying her would not be believable. Those are her own decisions. In order for the character to work, I have to really believe in her,” said Gabbi during a recent media gathering to promote the program’s final five weeks of airing. Gabbi plays Rose, the estranged daughter of Jodi Sta. Maria. Xandra grows up feeling angry toward the mom she never knew. When they meet, secrets and sins emerge, threatening to break hearts that have already started to heal. For Gabbi, what happened to Xandra in the finale “is justified in a way, but I feel that there should have been more,” she said. “That’s what viewers have to watch out for.” Gabbi has been getting rave reviews for playing Jodi’s daughter and leading lady to Joshua Garcia, who plays Renz. “Aside from hard work, it also requires discipline,” she pointed out. “I’ve learned a lot from doing
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Scene from “Unbreak My Heart”
ABS-CBN Entertainment
the series, especially from my directors (Emmanuel Palo and Dolly Dolu). It’s a project that I really wanted to do. It was intentional. I wanted to grow as an actor. Even I was surprised with myself. I realized that I just had to trust the people I work with, take the risk, and then jump.” A different connection “Unbreak My Heart” is a groundbreaking project between GMA Network and ABS-CBN. It was partly filmed in Europe and is currently seen in 15 territories outside of the Philippines via the video-streaming service Viu. Gabbi said working with Jodi in “Unbreak My Heart” drew them close. “I never expected that she would end up as my big sister. We both think that connection we created was different. Even off-cam, we jive,” the actress said. “After the show, I was still able to visit Ate Jodi in her home. Ours isn’t just a ‘taping relationship.’ It went beyond that. It’s rare for me to find that kind of relationship in this industry, so I really treasure and value it.” Gabbi said she knew Joshua prior to working with
him in the series, but it was on the set that they were able to have “deep conversations.” She explained: “He’s always been very open. But since it’s usually the two of us who are together on the set, our relationship grew closer. When it came to deep conversations, these really helped because we trusted each other even more.” Jodi is known to share words of wisdom with her younger co-actors so Gabbi was asked to recall those she heard from Jodi that struck her the most. “She told me, ‘You’re not a robot. It’s okay to make mistakes or feel tired.’ I appreciated the gesture. Ate Jodi also told people that she enjoyed working with me because I take my craft very seriously. It’s because of those compliments that I feel more inspired, that I now have a stronger drive to work.” ‘I’m only human’ However, Gabbi clarified that there was never a point when she felt burned out or that she wanted to quit being an actress. “Ate Jodi just had to remind me that I’m not PAGE 15
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Photo from earlsemitara/Instagram
Pia Wurtzbach takes center stage at Mark Bumgarner’s LA show By Kristel Sambile Inquirer.net
MISS Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach continues to make her mark on the international fashion scene. After capturing the audience at Milan Fashion Week, she mesmerized the fashion crowd again as she graced the Los Angeles show of Filipino fashion designer Mark Bumgarner. As the final muse for the show, Wurtzbach walked the catwalk with grace, donning a striking black strapless corset gown with a plunging neckline, a sheer bodice, and an elegant train. Bumgarner’s collection was celebrated not only for its exquisite designs but also for the hard work of his team. “So many
beautiful pieces in this new collection,” said Wurtzbach. She also shared her longstanding friendship with Bumgarner, recounting how he had been dressing her for significant events since her Miss Universe days. Bumgarner, in return, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Wurtzbach, who had flown from Europe to attend his Los Angeles show. “I’m forever grateful. Love you to the moon and back.” As Wurtzbach continues to shine on international runways, her accomplishments serve as an inspiration for individuals looking to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Without a doubt, Pia Wurtzbach’s journey from beauty queen to fashion forerunner is a story of persistence and passion. n
It’s Your Lucky Day is a dream come true for Luis Manzano
KAPAMILYA seasoned host Luis Manzano has achieved numerous successes in his career, but the Pambansang Host shared that headlining the Philippines’ newest game
variety show It’s Your Lucky Day is a dream come true. Reflecting on the premiere last Saturday, October 14 of ABS-CBN’s noontime offering for 12 days, Luis said, “Noong nag-
opening kami, it just wasn’t happy, happy lang. There was an emotional thug sa akin na ‘wow’ sa more than 20 years ko na ginagawa ito, ito yung ginawa namin na PAGE 15
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From Golden Arches to culinary stardom: Chef Harold Villarosa’s latest culinary project is rooted in his Filipino heritage by Momar G. Visaya / AJPress
n a heartwarming tribute to the diverse community of former and current crew I members, McDonald’s rolled out its new initiative last week, aptly named “1 in 8.” The numbers say it all – 1 in 8 Americans has donned the iconic uniform of the Golden Arches, whether as a launchpad for their careers or a step on a broader journey. This initiative aims to connect members of this special community through a range of unique offerings. They include exclusive events, mentorship opportunities with accomplished alumni who’ve made their mark in various fields, and reunions with old team members, among other exciting prospects. Among those honored at the homecoming event in NYC was celebrity chef Harold Villarosa, a Filipino American from South Bronx. In an interview with the Asian Journal, Villarosa recalled his stint at the McDonald’s store at the corner of 34th Street and Eighth Avenue. He was then 15 years old and was driven by a singular desire: a pair of coveted Penny Hardaway sneakers. It was a modest beginning for a young man whose culinary journey would traverse continents and scale culinary heights. Born in Mandurriao, Iloilo, Philippines, Villarosa’s early years were steeped in the rich tapestry of Filipino culture. At the tender age of nine, he found himself uprooted, his family’s journey taking them from the tropical shores of Iloilo to the vibrant streets of South Bronx. It was here that the foundation of his culinary odyssey would be laid. The world of fast food was Villarosa’s first canvas, and that particular McDonald’s was his inaugural stage. “It
In attendance at the first-ever McDonald’s Homecoming celebration in New York City were a handful of well-known 1 in 8ers, including New York Times Best Selling Author and Peloton Instructor Cody Rigsby, Michelin-star restaurant chef, Harold Villarosa, TV host, actress and entrepreneur Alejandra Espinoza, creative entrepreneur Kendall Hurns, and McDonald’s franchise owner, Paul Hendel – who started as a crew member when he was 16 years old and now owns 31 restaurants. Contributed photo
was a surreal experience,” he recalls, looking back on those early days. He immersed himself in the rhythms of the kitchen, earning $7.95 an hour and discovering that this first taste of the culinary world held invaluable lessons. It was not just about flipping burgers or assembling sandwiches; it was about discipline, teamwork, and the ability to thrive under pressure. Years later, armed with these early lessons, Villarosa embarked on a culinary pilgrimage that would take him to the hallowed kitchens of some of the world’s most prestigious establishments. In 2009, Chef Harold found himself at a crossroads. He had tried various paths, including pursuing higher education, but none seemed
to align with his true passion. It was in the realm of cooking that he discovered his true passion. Determined to forge a meaningful career in the culinary world, he took on an internship at the Food Network, immersing himself in the culture of cuisine. His fascination with the journeys of renowned chefs led him to delve deeper into their experiences, tracing their steps and uncovering the secrets to their success. This pursuit guided him to pinpoint specific kitchens he aspired to be a part of, eventually becoming a vital thread in the rich tapestry of culinary lineage that he now proudly shares with those who work alongside him. Among his culinary influences are Thomas Keller, Gordon Ramsay, and
Alain Ducasse, and admires Chefs Rod Aglibot and King Phojanakong who both left a legacy, something that Chef Harold wants to do as well. “Both chefs King and Rod really set the pavement for us, probably without even knowing it. I am standing on their shoulders. Hopefully, when I go, our culture and our food will be in a better place and the next generation have an easier time getting into what they love and be able to speak their truth,” he shared. “The restaurant business is a dog-eat-dog world... You need to be a strong person to stand on your own,” he added, accentuating the hurdles one may encounter in the cutthroat culinary arena. From the Upper West Side’s West restaurant to the refined elegance of Aureole, Villarosa honed his skills, his hands infusing every dish with a unique blend of passion and precision. The culinary map unfurled before him, leading him to acclaimed kitchens like Acquavit and Rayhuela in the Lower East Side. It was here that he began to understand the subtle alchemy of flavors and textures, honing his ability to create dishes that resonated with diners on a deeply visceral level. He also found himself at the famed Noma in Copenhagen. The celebrated restaurant, under the helm PAGE 15
Born in Mandurriao, Iloilo, Philippines, Chef Harold moved to South Bronx at the age of nine. When he was 15, he asked his mom for some money so he could buy a pair of Penny Hardaway sneakers that he wanted. “Go get a job at McDonald’s!” his mom told him. So he did.
Chef Harold on finding his voice in the kitchen: “I think the way I came up and the way I now have this voice on Filipino food is a great way of seeing it. But if you get the chance to have that voice early, take it, learn all the mistakes, learn all that stuff along the way. But just establish yourself as that person and just go through it because if you wait too long, it might be too late.
McDonald’s has dropped a limited-edition letterman jacket that represents what it means to be 1 in 8 – because a group this iconic deserves swag to match. Designed by McDonald’s alum and founder of lifestyle brand Robotic Minds Concept, Kendall Hurns tapped into his nostalgia and love for the brand to create this one-of-akind jacket, featuring IYKYK surprises for fellow crew. 1 in 8ers can visit www. McDonalds1in8.com to snag their jackets beginning Monday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. ET, while supplies last. AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya
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From Golden Arches to... PAGE 13 of Chef René Redzepi, was renowned for its avantgarde approach to Nordic cuisine. Here, Villarosa was immersed in a world where culinary boundaries were not just pushed but shattered. Returning to New York, Villarosa embarked on a series of culinary adventures that included stints at Fedora in the West Village and the acclaimed, Michelinstarred Batard and Per Se. His tenure at Freemans and The Stand showcased his ability to navigate the vibrant tapestry of New York’s culinary scene. When the pandemic happened, it wrought a shift in the culinary landscape, prompting Villarosa to pivot toward food media at Bon Appétit. It was a year and a half that saw him delve into the intricacies of food culture, sharing his insights with a global audience. Now, on the cusp of a new chapter, Chef Harold finds himself at the threshold of opening his establishment in San Francisco. Villarosa, as he fittingly names it, is not just a restaurant; it is a manifestation of his culinary philosophy, a testament to the myriad influences that have shaped him. “It is going to be a modern Filipino food. Our ethos is ‘we’re colonizing the colonizers’ so we’re taking our flavors and we are going to colonize the other spots,” he shared, a nod to his bold approach to flavor and technique. “We want to educate but we also want to create flavor profiles that people have never seen before.” The menu at Villarosa promises to be a symphony of taste, a fusion of Filipino heritage and contemporary gastronomy. Think karekare pasta, their own style of paella, own siumai flavors. He also plans to go back to the roots of the native Filipino food and understand that flavor profile, like cooking adobo without soy sauce. He is also hoping to impart his knowledge to younger Filipino Americans who want to learn the ropes of establishing a restaurant. “If a young Filipino kid ends up reading this and wants to do something with their life, just go for it. You have nothing else, you have one life to live. You can work at McDonald’s, then if you want to start a restaurant business, you
can work for me, and I’ll give you that work,” he said. “McDonald’s is the best way to start to learn how to be an independent person with a check, learn how to deal with people, work in a restaurant business, and learn the value of money.” Returning after three decades After an absence of 30 years, Chef Harold returned to the Philippines early this year in an eye-opening journey that rekindled connections with his family and filled him with a sense of homecoming. The flavors and dishes of my homeland flooded his senses - oysters crowned with cheesy garlic, pato tim, native chicken, and the comforting embrace of chicken tinola and sinigang soured with batwan. But it was a humble bowl of monggo that stole his heart. These tastes, these memories, have become my compass, grounding me in my roots and infusing me with the confidence to create food that carries the essence of where I come from. As a Filipino-American, the path back to his motherland was not without its challenges. The journey was a vital chapter in his life story, one that paved the way for an extraordinary venture. Now, on the brink of opening a Filipino restaurant in the heart of San Francisco, nestled within the vibrant Filipino community, he is struck by the magnitude of this achievement. From a young, brown-skinned kid in the South Bronx, to a culinary artist in one of the world’s most diverse cities, the trajectory of his life feels like a dream woven with threads of determination and destiny. “Being a Filipino is hard already, being a Filipino child to come to this country is super hard,” he reflects, acknowledging the challenges he and countless others have faced. “That was something I realized when I came back, and I am super grateful to my parents my parents got me here.” As he stands on the precipice of this new endeavor, Villarosa is not just a chef; he is a torchbearer for Filipino pride and identity. His journey from a McDonald’s employee to a chef of international acclaim is a testament to the boundless possibilities that await those who follow their calling with dedication and unwavering resolve. n
Anne Curtis shares what’s in ‘It’s Showtime’ comeback after MTRCB suspension
Photo from Instagram/@annecurtissmith
ANNE Curtis shared what is keeping her and her fellow “It’s Showtime” hosts busy while the noontime show is serving its 12-day suspension from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB). In an exclusive interview with Philstar.com at the opening of Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster in Taguig City early this week, Anne said that after the 12-day suspension, which spans from October 14 to October 27, “It’s Showtime” will be celebrating its 14th anniversary with its annual weeklong “Magpasikat” special. “Magpasikat” is when the show’s hosts team up into groups and pit against each other in doing unexpected performances. Anne herself has become viral and won the challenge for her past death-defying stunts.
“It’s our Magpasikat week! It’s our anniversary week!” Anne exclaimed, confirming that she and her fellow hosts are training for their performances. Indeed, Anne and her co-hosts have turned the situation around as they now use their time off-air to prepare more for “Magpasikat.” “At least may time na kami (to train for it),” Anne beamed. Anne’s good friend Luis “Lucky” Manzano, alongside Robi Domingo, Jennica Garcia and Melai Cantiveros, are hosting “It’s Your Lucky Day,” the temporary replacement for “It’s Showtime.” Manzano recently went viral for showcasing his sign language skills while talking to a person with disability (PWD) in the audience. (Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo/Philstar.com) n
Gabbi Garcia stands by her ‘mean’... PAGE 14 a robot because I had worked on ‘Urduja,’ which is a primetime series on GMA 7, before flying to Europe to shoot for ‘Unbreak.’ I had no breaks at all,” she explained. “When I got back to Manila, I did ‘Urduja’ again and then did ‘Unbreak’ immediately after. Exhaustion was really a big factor. I’m only human, it’s normal to feel tired,” she said. Gabbi said she enjoyed her long chats with Jodi the most. “We can talk for four hours straight. With the two of us, the flow of topics seems endless. We didn’t just talk about show biz. I would seek her advice on something, while, sometimes, I would just rant to her. On some occasions, she would open up to me. We’re always updated with what’s happening to each other,” Gabbi declared. “She also suggested that we bond while she’s cooking dinner, since her house is just close to mine. We’re both from the South. I’ve already met her whole family—her mom, as well
as her famous cat, Naia. I love pets in general. And like me, Ate Jodi also has a senior dog,” she said. In this interview with Inquirer Entertainment, Gabbi revealed that she would be doing a film by the end of the year, but isn’t allowed to share specifics about it just yet. She also admitted that the project she was supposed to do with Jericho Rosales got canceled. “I was just told that there’s no more chance for that one to happen. Of course, I felt sad, especially because I’ve already read the script and liked it. I just feel that there’s a reason for everything. I believe in perfect timing. I’m sure we will cross paths again soon,” she stressed. The event, held on Friday night (Oct. 13) at the ABS-CBN Compound in Quezon City, was also attended by GMA 7 senior vice president for programming Annette Gozon-Valdes and Viu Philippines deputy country manager Vinchi Sy-Quia, as well as cast members Maey Bautista, Will Ashley, Bianca de Vera, Nikki Valdez and Sunshine Cruz. n
It’s Your Lucky Day is a dream come... PAGE 14 para sa amin talaga.” The show took Twitter by storm on its premiere as it dominated trending topics last Saturday. And Luis’ intention is clear. He wants viewers to believe that luck can be found at any given moment and in any place. He shared, “Gusto ko maramdaman nila na yung swerte pwedeng dumating anytime. Yun ang gusto kong i-share sa lahat na malay niyo na isang araw pagka-gising niyo, andyan yung swerte na babago sa buhay niyo.” Joining Luis in the show are Robi Domingo, Jennica Garcia, Melai Cantiveros, Shaina Magdayao, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Andrea Brillantes, Kyle Echarri, Petite, Tetay, Negi, and Long Mejia. Melai expressed gratitude for Luis’ mentorship, saying, “Sobrang thankful kami kay Kuya Luis. Pagdating ko rito,
Joining Luis in the show are (from left) Long Mejia, Negi, Jennica Garcia, Melai Cantiveros, Shaina Magdayao, Francine Diaz, Seth Fedelin, Tetay and Petite.
inalalayan niya ako. Sinabi niya, ‘Mag-enjoy lang at huwag ma-pressure.’ Sinabi pa niya, ‘Hindi ko kayo pinili dahil I want you, pinili ko kayo kasi I need you.’ Sobrang sweet and humble.” Apart from being grateful for their involvement in the show, Jennica and Shaina shared their enthusiasm in being able to serve the viewers. Jennica expressed her gratitude for the noontime
show and said, “One of the things I’m thankful for about this noontime show is that whenever I see our Kapamilyas in person, it feels great to be able to help them through the prizes we give away. The truth is, It’s Your Lucky Day and ABS-CBN exist because of the people who watch and support us.” Shaina shared her personal journey, stating, “For me, personally, the entire process has been
overwhelming. As you all know, I’m an actress, and I never thought of becoming a noontime host. At this stage in my career, my dream is to be of service, and this show has made that a reality. The fact that I’m now a member of the It’s Your Lucky Day family means I get to be a blessing to the viewers and the studio audience.” It’s Your Lucky Day offers studio contestants and people from different barangays the chance to win prizes in the show’s segments, Pang-MaLuck-Cashan, Luckyng Kalye, Lucky Pick, Pot Luck, and Stars for All Seasons. Don’t miss the airing of It’s Your Lucky Day from Monday to Saturday, 12 noon. It will run until Oct. 27 on the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, GTV, Kapamilya Online Live, and Facebook page, iWantTFC, and TFC IPTV. (Kane Errol Choa/Philstar. com) n
16 OCTOBER 20-26, 2023 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL
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