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Volume 22 - No.47 • 12 Pages

T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER

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NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, SAN DIEGO, LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

Marcos secures more than $672-M USA investment pledges from APEC meet

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Study: Filipino adults among those likely to suffer from high blood pressure JUST when we thought a few cups of extra rice over our adobo or curries wouldn’t hurt our health, well, think again. A new study reveals that Filipinos and Indians are among the Asian American groups at higher risk for high blood pressure. Given that six to seven percent of the U.S. population make up 24 million Asian Americans, research on cardiovascular diseases and their risks to this group are often overlooked. Apparently, some researchers came up with this new study using data from the 13 million Asian adults who participated in the National Health Interview Survey from 2013 to 2018. Dividing the data into four groups—Chinese, Filipino, Indian, and other Asian descent—the researchers found that Filipinos are at higher risk of having high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes than the Chinese. Findings were presented at the American

by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s participation in the 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)

Economic Leaders’ Meeting resulted in more than $672 million in investment pledges from various sectors, Malacañang reported on Monday, November 20. The investments include $400 million for the telecommunications sector; $250 million for

Marcos says no war with China over South China Sea by JOSEPH L. PERALTA AJPress

 PAGE 5

Is Novavax, the latecomer COVID-19 vaccine, worth the wait? ERIN Kissane, a co-founder of the COVID Tracking Project, rolled up her sleeve for the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine in mid-October soon after it was finally recommended in the United States. Like many people with autoimmune diseases, she wants to protect herself from a potentially devastating covid infection. Kissane’s autoimmune arthritis seems to make her susceptible to unusual vaccine side effects. After getting an mRNA booster last year, her joints ached so painfully that her doctor prescribed steroids to dampen the inflammation. She still considers the mRNA vaccines “miraculous,” knowing covid could be far worse than temporary aches. Nonetheless, when the pain subsided, she pored through studies on Novavax’s shot, a vaccine that is based on proteins rather than mRNA and has been used since early 2022 in other countries. Data from the United Kingdom found that people more frequently reported temporary reactions — like low fevers, fatigue, and pain — as their immune system ramped up in the days following booster vaccination with Moderna’s  PAGE 4

semiconductor and electronics; $20 million in pharmaceutical and health care; $2 million for artificial intelligence (AI) for weather forecasting; and $0.3 million in renewable energy. Marcos was also able to lock in commitments in  PAGE 2

PASKUHAN LIGHTS. Crowds witness the lighting of a giant Christmas tree and the Mandaluyong City Hall facade to kick off the annual “Paskuhan sa Tiger City” on Monday, Nov. 20. The Paskuhan sa Tiger City is one of the most anticipated Christmas events, not only for Mandaluyong residents but also visitors from other cities in Metro Manila. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

SAN FRANCISCO – “I don’t think anybody wants to go to war,” Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos declared during a press briefing with media at the Ritz Carlton on Friday, November 17 when asked about tensions between China and the Philippines. “That is the premise to all the discussions we’ve been having… how to maintain the peace so that the sea lanes and the airways over the South China Sea are open and continue to be the important gateway to Asia as it is today,” Marcos said as he explained how the talks between the two countries on easing tensions in the South China Sea are a work-in-progress and cannot be solved easily. The president also said that both countries are sincere in their desire to keep the peace amid the growing tensions, noting that open communication between China and the Philippines is key to helping calm the heightened situation. Marcos had requested for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacif PAGE 2

Philippines population may reach 115 million by yearend by RHODINA VILLANUEVA Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines’ population may reach 115 million by the end of the year, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) said on Monday, November 20. “The Philippines, based on the 2020 census, has recorded 109 million Filipinos, and it is estimated that it will reach around 115 million by the end of 2023,” CPD deputy executive director Lolito Tacardon said in an interview with “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” program over government-run

PTV. The number is based on the country’s population growth rate of 1.6 percent annually, according to Tacardon. The Philippines is now 13th among the most populous countries in the world. “Meanwhile, in the Asia-Pacific region, the Philippines is at seventh place,” Tacardon said. He noted that the 1.6-percent increase in population growth rate annually meant that the country’s population “has already stabilized.” “Total fertility rate (in the Philippines)  PAGE 4

Dispute with China ‘more dire’ – Pres. Marcos by KRISTINA MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

RARE MEET. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in San Francisco, California. Malacañang photo

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the situation in the South China Sea “has become more dire” as China expands its presence in an area where multiple nations have competing territorial claims. China has shown interest in atolls and shoals that are “closer and closer” to the coast of the Philippines, with the nearest atoll about 111 kilometers away, Marcos said. “Unfortunately, I cannot report that the situation is improving,” Marcos said Sunday, November

19 (Monday in Manila, November 20). “The situation has become more dire than it was before.” Marcos spoke during a question and answer session after he delivered a talk at the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies in Honolulu. He stopped in Hawaii to meet with U.S. military leaders and the local Filipino community on his way home from an AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit meeting in San Francisco. The visit held both geopolitical and personal significance for Marcos. His father, Ferdinand  PAGE 5

Vice President Sara Duterte

Philstar.com file photo

‘We don’t want Sara impeached’ PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stood by Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, November 20, saying she does not deserve to be impeached and that he only has positive things to say about her work. While claiming that it is not unusual to hear about efforts to oust a leader, Marcos said he is closely watching the issue because he is against impeaching the vice president, who was his runningmate in the 2022 elections. “Binabantayan namin nang mabuti (We are monitoring it closely) because we don’t want her to be impeached,” Marcos told reporters here. “She does not deserve to be impeached so we will make sure that this is something we will pay very close

attention to.” “Lahat naman kami mayroong ganyan eh (All of us have been through this). So, I don’t think it’s particularly unusual, I don’t think it’s particularly worrisome,” he added. “There will always be an element that would want to change the result of an election,” he said. He described his relationship with the vice president, who is also the education secretary, as “excellent.” “On a professional level, nothing but good things to say about the work she has done in the Department of Education,” the president said. Earlier, Alliance of Concerned Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro said there were talks  PAGE 2

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From the Front Page

Marcos secures more than $672-M... PAGE 1 technological advancements across key priority sectors in the Philippines, which include the deployment of the first two Internet MicroGEO satellites dedicated to the Philippines. The Department of Science and Technology and the U.S.-based company, Atmo, have signed an agreement to develop Asia’s largest AI-driven weather forecasting program for the Philippines. The president likewise initiated discussion for U.S. companies to invest $1 billion for the Philippine semiconductor industry. The Philippines and the United States have also agreed to work toward

strengthening the Philippines’ semiconductor supply chain. Marcos earlier maintained that the Philippines is ready to take off as the leading investment hub in Asia. “With a solid reform agenda and unabating growth amid headwinds, the Philippines is ready to take off as a leading investment hub in Asia. A wealth of opportunity awaits you in the Philippines, and we are ready to explore new horizons with your investments in the coming years,” he noted during the Philippine Economic Briefing held in San Francisco. He said the young and talented Filipino workforce will help in en-

‘We don’t want Sara...

PAGE 1 about impeaching Duterte at the House of Representatives but leaders of the chamber denied this. Rumors about the supposed efforts to impeach Duterte came

as the vice president is facing controversy over her request for intelligence funds in the 2024 national budget. The House of Representatives, dominated by the allies of Marcos,

ticing investors. “Because of our young workforce, we excel in tech. Technology is easy for us with the talent that we already have in the Philippines. We just need a little more upskilling, and we will already be at the forefront of this technology,” he said in a separate roundtable with the media delegation. “So that’s what we were able to explore, and it just — it goes beyond just the application of technologies. It’s also how to open the markets to the different elements of the technology — the tech industry, such as the experts, the engineers, the coders, all of that,” he added. g has realigned the combined P650million confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education to security agencies dealing with the threats in the West Philippine Sea. (Alexis Romero, Michael Punongbayan, Ghio Ong/Philstar.com)

NATURE’S WONDERS. White herons (egrets) land on a vacant area in Rizal Park, Manila on Friday, Nov. 17. The bird species locally known as tagak is recognizable for its long legs and white plummage. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Marcos says no war with China over... PAGE 1 ic Economic Cooperation forum held from Nov. 11-17 in the Bay Area. President Marcos characterized the face-to-face meeting with the Chinese president as important as he was able to relay in person the issues facing the two countries, including a recent collision between Chinese and Philippine vessels as well as the plight of Filipino fishermen. “I once again voiced to him my concern over some of the incidents that were happening between Chinese vessels and Philippine vessels, culminating in an actual collision as we had seen before. And hopefully to find ways to avoid that and have ways to move forward from this situation. Essentially, we tried to come up with mechanisms to lower the tensions in the South China Sea,” Marcos said. “We were in agreement that the problems that we have should not be the defining element of our relationship.” “As ever, whenever this issue comes up, I bring up the issue of the plight of our fishermen. I asked if we could go back to the situation where both the Filipino and Chinese fishermen were fishing together in these waters… I think the point was well taken by

President Xi,” Marcos added. With regard to what was tackled at the APEC Forum, Marcos revealed that the leaders from participating countries “talked about climate change, artificial intelligence, food security, energy security and what part each of us can play in facing those challenges in the new world economy.” Marcos also revealed that he was not able to meet with businessman and investor Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, as well as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The former did not attend APEC due to illness, while his meeting with Trudeau got sidetracked due to the length of the APEC meetings. “He fell ill, so he was not supposed to come,” Marcos said of Musk. “This was a missed opportunity… I was really looking forward to it. But we’ll find a way again because we have much to discuss with him in terms of technologies we would like for Tesla to bring to the Philippines, specifically battery technology, even the manufacture of fully-electric vehicles… all of these things that we hope to be a part of in the future,” Marcos further said as he noted Musk’s and Tesla’s leader-

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. addresses media at a press briefing at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco on Friday, November 17. AJ Press Photo by Joseph L. Peralta

ship in the industry. While Marcos was not able to meet with Musk and Trudeau, the president was able to meet with Peruvian President Dina Boluarte. In their bilateral meeting, both Marcos and Boluarte discussed some of the topics and issues that may become part of the 2024 agenda. Peru will host the 2024 APEC Forum. After Marcos’ APEC forum participation, he was scheduled to touch base with Filipino communities in Los Angeles and Hawaii, as well as visit the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii. g

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Filipino journalist’s seething memoir of Duterte’s drug war among TIME Magazine’s 2023 100 must-reads

in trying to justify these killings with words like “nanlaban” or “fought back, forcing police officers to shoot them.” Since its release in October 2023, the book subtitled “A Memoir of Murder in My Country,” has received praise by foreign and local press alike including The New Yorker editor David Remnick, who compared Evangelista’s work with that of George Orwell. Evangelista joins other notable novelists, poets, and writers in TIME’s 100 mustread books of 2023 such as the 2022 Nobel Prize in Literature awardee French author Annie Ernaux. Among those featured in CONTRAST. Drivers and operators protest against the public utility vehicle modernization program and oil deregulation along Anonas Extension the list are Emma Cline for in Quezon City on Monday, Nov. 20. As they air their grievances, a Fairview-bound modern jeepney continues its operation. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon America’s newly beloved summer read “The Guest,” R.F. Kuang for her satirical literary masterpiece “Yellowface,” activist Naomi Klein with her PAGE 1 since the FDA and the Centers for I wanted to stay operational,” he incisive look at the modern afflictions of life in her latest mRNA vaccine versus the one by Disease Control and Prevention said. His arm was sore, but he book “Doppelganger: A Trip Pfizer. And those boosted with greenlighted Novavax’s vaccine didn’t have the 24-hour malaise Into the Mirror World,” and Novavax’s had fewer complaints — updated to protect against accompanying his last mRNA omicron coronavirus shot. EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, than either of those. That finding recent Most people don’t strike a fever Oscars, and Tony) award was corroborated in an analysis of variants — about three weeks winner Barbra Streisand with international data published last after recommending updated after mRNA shots. Even when mRNA vaccines in September. they do, it is brief and therefore far her memoir “My Name is year. Waiting paid off for Kissane, less detrimental than many cases Such studies have driven people Barbara.” TIME’s 100 Books is an with long covid and chronic whose arm was briefly sore. of covid. In fact, most reactions annual list that features fatigue syndrome (also known “It was a dramatically different are so minor that they’re hard to fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. as myalgic encephalomyelitis, or experience for me,” she said. “I interpret. During clinical trials on Portrait by Mark Nicdao courtesy of Patricia Evangelista and Book cover courtesy of ME/CFS) to seek out Novavax, too, hope that plays out for others.” mRNA vaccines, for example, up Random House. Photos from Instagram/@patevangelista (Inquirer.net) Another group who waited to a third of people in the placebo on Novavax are biologists who group reported fatigue and geek out over its technology. headaches after injection. When asked why he opted for People with ME/CFS and long Novavax, Florian Krammer, a covid — a potentially debilitating virologist at the Icahn School condition that persists months of Medicine at Mount Sinai, after a covid infection — have replied on X, formerly known as responded to covid vaccinations Twitter: “Because I am [a] vaccine in a wide variety of ways. Most nerd, I like insect cell produced participants with long covid in vaccines.” an 83-person Canadian study Whereas mRNA vaccines direct said their levels of fatigue, the body to produce spike proteins concentration, and shortness from the coronavirus SARS- of breath improved following CoV-2, which then train a person’s vaccination. Inflammatory immune system to recognize proteins that have been linked to and fight the virus, Novavax long covid dropped as well. simply injects the proteins. These However, larger studies have proteins are grown within moth yet to corroborate the hopeful cells in a laboratory, while other finding. Jennifer Curtin, a doctor protein-based shots use cells from who co-founded a telehealth clinic mammals. And Novavax has said focused on long covid and ME/ that a special ingredient derived CFS, called RTHM, said vaccines from the bark of Chilean soapbark seem to temporarily aggravate trees enhances the vaccine’s some patients’ conditions. To power. learn how Novavax compares, she Research suggests that the posted polls on X in late October Novavax vaccine is about as safe asking if people with long covid or and effective as the mRNA shots. ME/CFS felt that their symptoms Its main disadvantage is arriving worsened, improved, or stayed late to the scene. Vaccine uptake the same after Novavax. Most has plummeted since the first replied: unchanged. shots became widely available in “It’s not scientific, but we 2021. Nearly 70% of people got need to figure it out since these the primary vaccines, compared folks don’t want to get covid,” with fewer than 20% opting for Curtin said. “My patients are all the mRNA covid boosters released wondering about what vaccine to last year. Numbers have dwindled get right now.” further: As of Oct. 17, only 5% of Adding to the uncertainty, the people in the United States had rollout of Novavax and mRNA gotten the latest covid vaccines, vaccines has been bumpy according to the Department of as pharmacies struggle to Health and Human Services. predict demand and insurance Daniel Park, an epidemiologist companies figure out how to at George Washington University, reimburse providers for the said low rates might improve if shots. Unlike previous vaccine people who felt lousy after their offerings, these options are last mRNA shots gave Novavax no longer fully covered by the a try. It protects against severe federal government. A testament illness, but researchers struggle to to this season’s struggle to get specify just how effective this and vaccinated is that at least one other vaccines are, at this point, do-gooder has created an online because studies have gotten tricky tool to find open appointments for to conduct: New coronavirus Novavax. variants continuously emerge, Buoyed by anecdotes of relief and people have fluctuating from others with long covid, levels of immunity from previous Hayley Brown, a researcher at the vaccines and infections. Center for Economic and Policy Still, a recent study in Research who has the condition, Italy suggests that Novavax opted for Novavax recently. is comparable to mRNA Unfortunately, her symptoms vaccines. It remained more than have flared. She said a temporary 50% effective at preventing discomfort will still be preferable symptomatic covid four months to risking another infection. “As after vaccination. Some data someone with long covid, the suggests that mixing and idea of getting covid again is matching different types of terrifying.” (Amy Maxmen/KFF vaccines confers stronger Health News) protection — although other KFF Health News is a national studies have found no benefit. newsroom that produces in-depth Given all this, Park held out for journalism about health issues the Novavax vaccine on account of and is one of the core operating its potentially milder side effects. programs at KFF—an independent “Between a demanding full-time source of health policy research, job and two young kids at home, polling, and journalism.

TIME Magazine just published its 100 mustread books of 2023 list, which includes Filipino trauma journalist Patricia Evangelista’s memoir, partly a retelling of the human cost of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody drug war, “Some People Need Killing.” The magazine lauded Evangelista’s newly published book as “one of the most harrowing and brave books published this year.” TIME’s editorial director Lucas Wittman says of the former

Rappler reporter: “She’s unflinching in bearing witness to the thousands of dead killed under Duterte’s reign of terror.” In the book, Evangelista traces the populist rise of Duterte, his egregious track record as Davao City’s mayor for over two decades, and how he fulfilled his promise of killing drug personalities at the cost of Filipino lives during his term as president. She zeroes in on the president’s violent rhetoric and the government’s complacency

Is Novavax, the latecomer COVID-19 vaccine...

Philippines population may... PAGE 1

showed that a woman of reproductive health normally gives birth to two children only. This is based on the 2022 Health and Demographic Survey. This means that the total fertility level slows down the country’s population growth,” Tacardon explained. At the same time, the CPD official stressed that the fertility rate has an impact on the country’s age structure. “The dominant now is the working-age group population of 15 to 64 years old. The dependents, who are aged zero to 14, are getting fewer in number. Its implication is that if the country becomes successful in building human

resources such as the workingage population, there is a chance to accelerate economic development,” he said. “If all or many are working, all will contribute to development rather than receiving help from the government. There is positive contribution to economic development,” he added. If the number of children in the family is manageable, there will be more investment when it comes to their health, studies and well-being as a family, according to Tacardon. He said that the CPD is continuously addressing the increasing number of teenage pregnancy cases in the country. g

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Mindanao earthquake death toll rises to nine MANILA — At least nine people have died from the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani, Davao Occidental last week, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported on Monday, November 20. According to its 8 a.m. situational report, the NDRRMC has recorded eight deaths in Soccsksargen and one in the Davao Region following the 6.8-magnitude quake that shook Mindanao mid-afternoon on

November 17. Meanwhile, at least 15 individuals sustained injuries from the earthquake, according to the NDRRMC. No persons have been reported missing. The NDRRMC said that a total of 12,885 individuals from 43 barangays in Soccsksargen and Davao have been affected by the earthquake that hit the waters off Sarangani last Friday, November 17. Around 97 houses were completely wrecked from the

earthquake while 729 houses were partially damaged, according to the NDRRMC. Three out of 12 roads in Soccsksargen remain impassable. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is currently on a state visit to the United States, virtually met with government officials on Sunday evening, November 19 to order the continued provision of relief operations to families affected by the earthquake. (Cristina Chi/Philstar.com)

DOT sees positive outlook for PH after winning back-to-back travel awards by Luisa Cabato Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Monday, November 20 that it is optimistic about the tourism prospects of the Philippines after winning backto-back recognitions from travel award giving bodies. In a statement, DOT said that renowned travel magazine Wanderlust awarded the Philippines as the fourth Most Desirable Country for Adventure in its 22nd Wanderlust Reader

Travel Awards. Meanwhile, the country was also named as Destination of the Year in the ninth TripZilla Awards. DOT’s attached agency, the Tourism Promotions Board, was also hailed as the Sustainability Leader of the Year for Asia by the same award-giving body. According to DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, the awards affirm the nation’s standing as a “top-of-mind destination among all types of travelers.” “These recognitions underscore the Philippines’ stunning

landscapes, vibrant culture, and Filipino brand of service excellence that makes for an enhanced Philippine tourism experience under the Marcos Administration,” Frasco said. “On behalf of the Department of Tourism, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has risen to our President’s call for tourism transformation, which expands opportunities for livelihood and employment, driving the growth of the Philippine economy further,” she added. g

EYE-CATCHERS. Papier-mâché effigies tower above spectators during the Higantes (Giants) Festival in Angono, Rizal on Sunday, Nov. 19. The festival is an expression of gratitude to Saint Clement, the patron saint of fisherfolk and mariners, while the giant characters symbolize the protest of the working class against landowners during the Spanish rule. PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

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Study: Filipino adults among those likely to... PAGE 1 Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions conference in Philadelphia. According to Heart.org, these results are just the first chapters while the rest are meant for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Filipino adults taking the lead in high blood pressure When it comes to cardiovascular health, Filipino adults are at the forefront of high blood pressure—a major culprit for heart attacks, strokes, and heart diseases. In fact, PRESYON stud-

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outcome, Sudsheesha Perea, a medical student at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, highlighted the need for more studies on the heart health of all Asian subgroups. In addition, Dr. Latha Palaniappan, a professor of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford University and an internal medicine doctor, also noted the importance of more research into the specific Asian group at higher risk for strokes, asthma, cancer, and even mental health. (Mary Villegas/Inquirer.net)

Dispute with China ‘more dire... PAGE 1 E. Marcos Sr., was forced into exile in Hawaii in 1986 after he was ousted in a “people power” uprising. His trip comes at a time when the United States and the Philippines have been deepening their long-standing alliance in a shift after Marcos’ predecessor, Rodrigo Duterte, nurtured cozy ties with China and Russia. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its own territory and refuses to acknowledge claims from the Philippines and four other governments to some or all of the waterway. Beijing has dismissed the findings of a United Nationsbacked arbitration tribunal that invalidated China’s sweeping historical claims under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Marcos reiterated that his nation wouldn’t yield. “The Philippines will not give a single square inch of our territory to any foreign power,” he said in his speech. The U.S. says China has militarized several islands it built in the area, arming them with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment, and fighter jets. Marcos said features in the South China Sea are “slowly being turned into bases.” He said Adm. John Aquilino, the top U.S. military commander in the Indo-Pacific region, showed him a model of one earlier in the day. The level of commitment China made “to those military bases” was “remarkable,” Marcos said. Tensions in the area have risen recently as China has blockaded an isolated Philippine marine outpost on Ayungin Shoal.

Dateline PhiliPPines Huwag maghintay para mapangalagaan ang iyong kinabukasan.

ies in the Philippines found that hypertension rates soared from 22 percent in the 1990s to 37 percent in 2021. With the World Health Organization’s recent confirmation that too much sodium intake can cause high blood pressure, it’s no surprise that Filipinos are top candidates given our penchant for salty, sweet, and savory foods. Furthermore, the study also reveals Filipino adults have higher rates of smoking. Owing to this

President Marcos told reporters afterward that they agreed the challenges in the South China Sea “should not be the defining element” of their relationship. He said the two leaders tried to come up with mechanisms to lower tensions in the South China Sea. Malacañang photo

Last month, a China Coast Guard ship and an accompanying vessel rammed a Philippine Coast Guard ship and a military-run supply boat near the contested shoal, according to Philippine officials. China accused the Philippine vessels of trespassing in what it said were Chinese waters “without authorization” despite repeated radio warnings. The U.S. and the Philippines have a mutual defense treaty dating to 1951. Marcos said the U.S., as its only treaty ally, was its main partner. But he said Manila also was seeking to strengthen ties with other nations sharing its ideals and values, noting the examples of Australia, Japan and South Korea. He said the Philippines also was seeking to negotiate a code of conduct with Vietnam and Malaysia, other nations with whom it has territorial conflicts. Marcos’ remarks came after he met Friday with Chinese President Xi Jingping on the sidelines of the APEC summit. He told reporters afterward that they agreed the challenges in the South China Sea “should not be the defining element” of

their relationship. Marcos said the two leaders tried to come up with mechanisms to lower tensions in the South China Sea. Many Filipino immigrants to Hawaii come from the same province as Marcos, Ilocos Norte, and support him. But he still faced small protests at the airport and at a convention hall where he met members of the local Filipino community. Satu Limaye, the vice president of the East-West Center, noted the U.S. and the Philippines have a long, complicated relationship. He pointed to years when the US ruled the archipelago as a colony, their signing of the defense treaty and when the U.S. military withdrew from major bases in the country in the 1990s. Limaye said it’s important to watch how the U.S. and the Philippines manage their nations’ long and complex relationship while facing their common concern, China. The president was on his last stop of his weeklong official visit to the United States highlighted by his participation in the 30th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held in San Francisco, California. (With reports from Associated Press)

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Ready for AI... or not

THE Philippines, according to President Marcos, is “embracing” the future with artiﬁcial intelligence. He issued the statement as he invited technology companies and venture capitalists in the U.S. to be partners of the Philippines in “navigating the AI future.” The meeting with the tech entrepreneurs was among the highlights of the president’s participation in this year’s AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, California. He said the government is currently crafting a National AI Strategy that “aims to position the Philippines as a center of excellence in artificial intelligence.” Let’s hope the techpreneurs will be enticed and help Filipinos embrace AI. U.S.-based digital tech giant Cisco, in a recent study conducted among companies in the Philippines, found that while 98 percent of the firms want to adopt AI to boost efficiency and competitiveness, only a low 17 percent are ready to employ AI technology in their operations. Nearly half of the firms lack the proper infrastructure to meet AI challenges. Cisco assessed AI readiness based on strategy, infrastructure, data, talent, governance and culture. Apart from helping companies transition to AI technologies, the government must also address the impact of AI on jobs. Experts have warned that one of the biggest generators of employment

in the country, business process outsourcing, is among the most vulnerable as AI increasingly takes over BPO functions. BPO workers aren’t the only ones at risk of displacement. In May this year, management consulting firm Kearney estimated that up to 100,000 jobs in the Philippines could become obsolete within three to four years. Among those expected to be badly hit, Kearney said, are retail and back-office roles involving traditional manual data entry. It noted that the impact is already becoming evident in areas such as financial institutions and telecommunications. Another study conducted by the International Data Corp. ranked the Philippines 12th among 14 economies in the Asia-Pacific on progress in automation. Experts have been stressing the urgency of upskilling and reskilling vulnerable workers. Both the public and private sectors are struggling to get the skilled workers needed for embracing AI technology. Many of the top talents prefer higher paying jobs overseas. AI can also create opportunities for new types of employment, but

Editorial

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this will require proper training in a field that problem must be able to keep up with the rapidly keeps advancing at warp speed. Responses to the evolving challenges. (Philstar.com)

What APEC means for all of us

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ NO matter what some people may think, there is no doubt presidential trips, in my view, are extremely important considering we live in an everevolving global village where barriers to economic growth and development are factors in life. There are trips that directly play a significant role in the lives of people, and obviously, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco is one of many. Composed of 21 member economies, APEC has become an important international body where leaders have an opportunity to tackle free trade and investment concerns in order to advance shared goals and interests through economic and technical cooperation. APEC members are some of the fastest growing economies in the world. They account for almost 40 percent of the global population (approximately 3 billion people), representing 62 percent of world GDP and 48 percent of world trade in 2021,

with real GDP increasing from $19 trillion in 1989 to $58.2 trillion also in 2021. Obviously, the regional forum is important for us since 11 of the Philippines’ top trading partners are members, accounting for about 85 percent of our total imports and exports worldwide. In his keynote address during the CEO Summit last Thursday, November 16, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pointed out that, “As member economies of APEC, we are accountable to our people and future generations to deliver sustained growth and prosperity.” But while signs “point to darker clouds, this opportunity to collaborate once more is light in the economic horizon in our efforts to pre-empt a prolonged downturn and its very negative consequences,” he said, recognizing that the “resolve to gather” during the APEC Summit is already a testament to their “commitment to improve the lives of the people” in the region. “We must leverage APEC’s core value propositions as the premier regional forum in the Asia Pacific, incubator of innovative ideas, pathfinder

for collaborative solutions to emerging trade issues, and platform for forward-looking and responsive economic and trade policies,” the president said, emphasizing that economies must develop in a manner that is “resilient, sustainable, and mitigates negative externalities.” It was very refreshing to see the president engaging in a dynamic manner with CEOs, top business executives, investors and venture capitalists in the technology sector during a roundtable discussion where he highlighted the readiness of the Philippines to embrace artificial intelligence and invited them to become partners in navigating “the AI future.” During the economic briefing that he conducted with U.S. investors, President Marcos explained in simple but eloquent terms what the country is doing and trying to do to attract more businesses to come into the Philippines. “With a solid reform agenda and unabating growth amid headwinds, the Philippines is ready to take off as a leading investment hub in Asia. A wealth of opportunity awaits you in the Philippines, and we are

MAD

Sketches

ANA MARIE PAMINTUAN OK, who started that naughty talk about the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte? No one will admit it in the House of Representatives, where smoke usually indicates the presence of fire. Knowing that impeachment is a game of numbers, the tiny genuine opposition bloc couldn’t have created the spark, although it was ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro who was first quoted by the media about it. She later clarified that the discussions were “informal” and an impeachment initiative at this point is “premature.” Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel confirmed last week that there were indeed such talks, which he said prompted the Makabayan bloc to discuss the prospects for its success. Despite the denials all around, the story had people scrambling to find out who takes over in case the vice presidency becomes vacant. Section 9, Article VII of the Constitution states: “Whenever there is a vacancy in the Office

of the Vice President during the term for which he was elected, the president shall nominate a vice president from among the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, who shall assume office upon confirmation by a majority vote of all the members of both Houses of the Congress, voting separately.” In 2001, after EDSA Dos presented the presidency on a silver platter to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, she picked senator Teofisto Guingona as her VP. The constitutional provision has triggered speculation that some folks want VP Sara’s position, which is just a heartbeat away from the presidency. Officially, the House leaders dismissed the story as “fake news.” But people likened the denial to former President Rodrigo Duterte’s claim that he is not fomenting destabilization, even as he admits meeting with retired military and police officers. In the next breath, he issues a warning to “you who are conniving in Congress,” to “watch the military and the police closely.” * * * The connivers apparently

refer to Speaker Martin Romualdez and Castro, whom Duterte has tagged as a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Duterte believes Romualdez has been wooing the support of different sectors including the left in preparation for his presidential bid in 2028, while at the same time neutralizing the likely strongest rival, VP Sara. Daughterte, after haughtily firing off that salvo against an unnamed tambaloslos, appears to have retreated, leaving her father to fight her battles. The emerging political alliance with the Reds, Duterte says, is causing “uneasiness” among government forces who have lost many colleagues in the counterinsurgency campaign. His warning was issued as the talks swirled about his daughter’s possible impeachment. Certainly, the House super majority has the numbers to send an impeachment complaint against VP Sara to the Senate. The mood in the House can be surmised from the exodus from Rody Duterte’s party the PDPLaban to Lakas-CMD, the party of Romualdez, and President Marcos’ Partido Federal ng Pilipinas. Manuel, however, said the

ready to explore new horizons with your investments in the coming years,” the president highlighted. “By bringing conversations on the country’s macroeconomic fundamentals, policy roadmap, and investment opportunities closer to the international business community, we aim to reintroduce the Philippines and jumpstart meaningful, concrete, and mutually beneficial partnerships,” the president added. We were invited to a small private dinner specifically hosted for the president by VISA executive chairman Alfred Kelly Jr. at his private penthouse apartment located in downtown San Francisco. With us were about a dozen top CEOs in the United States, who engaged in a lively and candid discussion with the president on the economic prospects of the Philippines and our relationship with the U.S. Al Kelly, who also happens to be the APEC 2023 Private Sector Host Committee Co-Chair, lauded President Marcos for his leadership and shared the view of many that the president is now considered to be one of the leading, most influential

world leaders today. The VISA executive chairman had this kind of projection because of the president’s charisma and eloquence, impressing listeners with the way he explained things that showed he is knowledgeable in geopolitics, global economic concerns, the war in Ukraine and other matters worldwide that the businessmen wanted to hear his views on. I was extremely proud to witness our president’s interaction with the CEOs in an area I always knew him to be at his best – a candid discussion on a wide array of topics. The president had an informal cocktail meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and also met with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Peruvian President Dina Boluarte on the sidelines of the APEC Summit. Of course, the meeting with U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, who has become a good friend of the president, was extremely important for both our countries, reaffirming the strength of their alliance and underscoring the shared intent to grow and modernize this alliance. They also discussed “strengthening and broadening

economic cooperation bilaterally and through the IndoPacific Economic Framework.” An important breakthrough was the signing of the landmark 123 Agreement that will pave the way for the U.S. to share nuclear technology and material with the Philippines for peaceful uses. The president sees the agreement as a milestone in ensuring a more energy secure and green Philippines, expressing optimism for nuclear energy to become part of the country’s energy mix by 2032. As of this writing, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already reached out to our Department of Foreign Affairs for the much-anticipated meeting between President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping, where they are expected to discuss the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea and find ways to maintain peace and prevent the situation from escalating. (Philstar.com) ***

Makabayan bloc noted the obvious: if Sara Duterte will be impeached over the P125 million in confidential funds that she requested for her first six months as VP, and spent in just 11 days in December last year, the approving authority (and source of the funds) will have to be included in the complaint. This happens to be another impeachable official – the president himself. This can render the impeachment of the VP into a move leading to MAD – mutually assured destruction – of the warring Duterte and Marcos / Romualdez clans. So perhaps the House denials of the impeachment talk are genuine, and the idea was floated simply to annoy the Dutertes. Tit for tat for Rody Duterte annoying the Romualdez-led House with his continuing tirades, and now vague warnings about military and police unrest. Romualdez has said he’s “not aware of anything. Nothing filed, no news of that… there’s nothing in the offing, nothing in general.” * * * On Friday night, November 17, Romualdez, who is with his cousin BBM as usual in the latest overseas trip, released a carefully worded statement addressing Duterte’s

broadsides. Significantly, there was no categorical denial that Romualdez is eyeing the presidency. Instead he urged everyone to focus on the challenges faced by the nation and called for “collective efforts” to address pressing problems, stressing that elections are not the answer to a hungry stomach. “Regarding my personal political aspirations, I am currently committed to my role as speaker and serving the needs of our nation. My focus is on the present responsibilities and not on future electoral possibilities,” Romualdez stated. He acknowledged the “valuable contributions” of Rody Duterte and maintained he is “grateful for the former president’s engagement with the political discourse, and I understand the curiosity surrounding the 2028 elections.” VP Sara, asked about her political plans, said over the weekend: “I never really aspired to run for vice president, much more for president.” But she did run for VP. Rodrigo Duterte has openly expressed suspicion that the criminal complaint for grave threats filed against him by Castro bears the fingerprint of Romualdez. If that sounds outrageous,

there is also speculation, generated by the worsening rift within the UniTeam, that even the release on bail of former senator Leila de Lima, although ordered by a regional trial court, was aimed at spiting Rodrigo Duterte. Even former opposition senator Antonio Trillanes is now suspected of forging an alliance with the administration, to serve as another thorn in the Dutertes’ side. All these realignments shouldn’t be surprising in our rambunctious democracy. We know that politics is addition; politics makes strange bedfellows. What’s (mildly) surprising is that the intramurals are happening this early. Some folks have warned that VP Sara, whose survey ratings remain high despite the recent double-digit plunge, could suffer the fate of former vice president Jejomar Binay, who made no secret of his plan to seek the presidency. At the rate the UniTeam intramurals are going, however, both the VP and the Speaker can end up bloodied on the road to 2028. (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

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.

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UN adopts resolution on violence vs women by Bernadette e. tamayo ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines and Indonesia have facilitated the adoption of a United Nations resolution calling for measures against violence against women migrant workers. The UN's Third Committee adopted by consensus the resolution Violence Against Women Migrant Workers which was tabled and facilitated by the Philippines and Indonesia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said. The resolution is expected to be adopted by consensus by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2023. Philippine Permanent

Representative to the UN Ambassador Antonio Lagdameo presented the resolution, the DFA said in a statement. The resolution "recognizes the immense value of the work of women migrant workers, while seeking to prevent and address the violence, discrimination and harassment that they often experience," the DFA said. The resolution calls on governments to "put in place zero-tolerance policies and measures towards all forms of violence and harassment, racism, racial discrimination and related intolerance against migrant women," the DFA said. Lagdameo highlighted the role that digital technology may play in increasing the risk

of violence faced by women migrant workers, the Foreign Affairs department said. He raised the need for member states to "establish or strengthen their policies and programs to provide access to technology and facilitate the training of women migrant workers on digital technology skills." Lagdameo cited the member states' concern that women migrants, including those with irregular migration status, are "more likely to be forced to work under deplorable working conditions." He also underscored the importance of achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to "address inequalities that force women to migrate." g

Napoles seeks dismissal of plunder raps by ElizabEth MarcElo Philstar.com

MANILA — Detained businesswoman Janet LimNapoles has asked the Sandiganbayan to dismiss the plunder case against her in connection with her alleged role in the misuse of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) or “pork barrel” of former senator and incumbent Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile. In her 158-page demurrer to evidence filed with the Sandiganbayan Third Division on Nov. 3, Napoles, through her lawyers, said that the plunder case against her must be dismissed on the basis of defective case information or charge sheet as well as “insufficient evidence.” Napoles, the alleged brains of the multibillion-peso “pork barrel” fund scam, argued that the Office of the Ombudsman, in its charge sheet filed in 2014, failed to identify who between her co-accused public officials – Enrile and his former chief of staff Jessica Lucila “Gigi” Reyes – was the “main plunderer” in the case. Napoles said such failure is a “fatal defect” that warrants the case’s dismissal. She cited the Supreme Court (SC)’s July 2016 decision dismissing the plunder case against former president and incumbent Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Gloria MacapagalArroyo, “If two or more public officers

are charged of the crime of plunder, one of them must be clearly identified in the (case) information as the main plunderer because it is an element of the crime of plunder that the public officer who amassed, acquired or accumulated ill-gotten wealth be identified in the information as the mastermind or the main plunderer,” Napoles’ demurrer read. A demurrer allows an accused to seek the dismissal of his or her case without presenting any counter evidence, but solely on the ground of the supposed weakness of evidence presented against him or her by the prosecution. Napoles maintained that under Republic Act (RA) 7080 or the Plunder Law, a private individual cannot be charged with plunder unless there is an allegation that he or she conspired with a public official who must be the main plunderer in the case. In 2016, the SC granted Arroyo’s demurrer to evidence in which she prayed for the dismissal of her plunder case in connection with the alleged misuse of the P366-million intelligence fund of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. In its landmark decision, the SC said that RA 7080 requires that in a plunder case against several individuals, “there must be a main plunderer” with “co-conspirators, who may be members of his or her family, relatives by affinity or consanguinity, business associates, subordinates or other

persons”. Insufficient evidence Furthermore, Napoles argued that the evidence presented against her by the ombudsman’s prosecution panel was insufficient to prove her participation in the crime. She pointed out that state witness Ruby Tuason, who supposedly served as middleman between her and Enrile or Reyes, failed to testify or present any document that would prove that Tuason received money or kickbacks from her and handed the same to Enrile or Reyes or that Tuason delivered money from the office of Enrile to her. Napoles said that even the prosecution’s star witness Benhur Luy supposedly admitted that he had no proof that the kickbacks allegedly received by Enrile through Reyes came from Napoles’ JLN Corp. or from the latter’s non-government organizations (NGOs). Napoles also questioned the authenticity of the Daily Disbursement Report (DDR) and Summary of Rebates (SOR) both prepared by Luy supposedly when the latter was still an employee of JLN Corp. Luy had earlier testified that the DDR contained the logs of the funds drawn from the vault of JLN Corp. supposedly to be given as kickbacks to several lawmakers who had transactions with Napoles regarding their PDAF, while the SOR contained information on the amount of rebates or kickbacks each lawmaker supposedly received. g

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Michelle Dee on Top 10 finish in Dolly hopeful Philippine entry Miss Universe 2023: ‘Thank you so will get Oscars consideration much for raising our flag with me’ by KRISTOFER PURNELL

by HANNAH MALLORCA Inquirer.net

Michelle Dee

MICHELLE Dee has nothing but heartfelt gratitude to her supporters after ending her Miss Universe 2023 journey in the Top 10. The crossover stunner took to her “Hey, MMDVERSE!” Instagram broadcast channel on Saturday, Nov. 18 (morning of Nov. 19 in the Philippines) to thank her fans for the support during the pageant’s coronation night at the José Adolfo Pineda Arena in San Salvador, El Salvador. “Love and kindness over everything! Mahal ko kayo (I love you all). Thank you so much fun for raising our flag with me,” she wrote. On the other hand, Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios was crowned as Miss Universe 2023 after nailing the pageant’s swimsuit, evening gown, and question-and-answer portions. Her court consists of Thailand’s Anntonia Porsild who was named as first runner-up while Australia’s Moraya Wilson earned the second-runner up title. Dee, however, won’t be going home empty-handed as she was named as one of the “Voice for Change” gold awardees and the Spirit of Carnival award during the pageant. Prior to the coronation night, Dee’s mother, Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez, was among the Filipinos seen in the audience cheering for the crossPhoto from Rap Yu via Instagram/@sparklegmaartistcenter over stunner.

Philstar.com

ACTRESS Dolly de Leon is encouraging Filipinos to help promote and market "Iti Mapukpukaw," the Philippines' entry to the Best International Feature Film category of the 2024 Academy Awards. The film, which Dolly stars with Carlo Aquino and Gio Gahol, made history as the first animated feature to be nominated and win Best Film at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival. Dolly received the Best Supporting Actress trophy earlier this year for her role in the film. At the opening night of 11th QCinema International Film Festival, Dolly shared with members of the media including Philstar. com her reactions to the film's

grassroots campaign for awards consideration. "'Yun talaga ang pinakakailangan namin, ang suporta ng mga tao to spread the word about 'Iti Mapukpukaw' na ma-nominate siya for consideration sa Oscars," said Dolly. "Ito na 'yung chance natin, ng Pilipinas, na ipakita gaano tayo kagaling. And it's really a beautiful film." Despite positive remarks for her performance as well as Carlo's, Dolly directed the praise to the movie's director-writer Carl Joseph Papa and the nearly hundred animators who worked on the film. "If not for them, wala 'yung pelikulang 'to. It's a team effort," Dolly ended. The rotoscope animated film follows a mouthless animator named Eric who crosses paths

Carlo Aquino and Dolly de Leon in “Iti Mapukpukaw”

with a familiar alien. The Philippines' entry to the Oscars last year was "On the Job: The Missing 8," a film that won John Arcilla the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 78th Venice International Film Festival. Dolly also appeared in the country's 2019 entry "Verdict," while John starred in the backto-back entries, "Heneral Luna" and "Birdshot." No Philippine submission has made the nominees shortlist since the country's first attempt in 1953 with Manuel Conde's "Genghis Khan." Other popular entries include "Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon?," "Karnal," "Dekada '70," "Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Oliveros," :Crying Ladies," "Ded na si Lolo," "Noy," "Ang Babae sa Septic Tank," "Ma' Rosa" and "Mindanao."

Photo courtesy of Cinemalaya

James on risk-taking and self-discovery by RITO ASILO Inquirer.net

EVEN before he put up Careless Music in 2017, James Reid had already been trying to expand his musical horizons and expressing himself with alluring songs that allow his followers to peel off the layers of his continually evolving musicality. While his sound, style and musical sensibility may have significantly deepened since 2013—from “Alam Niya Ba” and his cover of Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” to his JaDine heyday and the steamier, sassier iterations (“u & i,” “Turning Up”) of his music—James said in a recent one-on-one chat with Inquirer Entertainment that he doesn’t take anything for granted. In fact, he embraces the changes with growth-evincing maturity. When we spoke to the 30-year-old singer-actor to discuss his brand-new single “Jacuzzi,” his catchy, hook-heavy latest collaboration with Grammy-winning producer DJ Flict and South Korean rapper B.I (after “4 Letters”), he said that his attempts at bucking convention didn’t come without risk. James explained, “It was risky and terrifying when I began making my own music with Careless. I would know, because back in 2017 or 2018, I did have a lot to lose. But I decided to follow my passion for music and see where it could take me. “It’s been a lot of self-discovery. I never pretended to have all the right answers. I never said the music I was making would be the future of OPM (Original Pilipino Music). It was just me experimenting, trying out new things. “But I’m not done yet. You said earlier that I hit my stride with my past few songs, but I feel like I’m just about to actually hit my stride. And that’s why I can really combine everything that I used to do and everything that I’ve learned. I want to create something that will transcend borders and make my fans, the Careless team and the Philippines proud.” Diverse music When asked how he wanted music aficionados to remember his songs, James quipped, “Wow, I never thought about that. People probably have dif-

Scene from “Jacuzzi”

ferent opinions about the music I make because it’s so diverse. “But the way I hope people would remember my music is that it’s quite brave, not sticking to what’s traditional or what the norm is—especially because it’s from someone like me who comes from mainstream TV (“On the Wings of Love”) and movies (“Never Not Love You”), then transitions to music.”For his Filipino fans, the matinee idol may be more known for being the first “Pinoy Big Brother” (PBB) teen edition winner and as the other half of the immensely popular JaDine love team (with former girlfriend Nadine Lustre), but music is expanding James’ reach globally. Doesn’t he mind becoming more famous for his music than his films or TV shows? “I’m glad to hear that, actually (laughs),” he replied. “My name has always been bigger than what I do. So, it’s nice to know that people are recognizing me for my music—because it’s something that I myself create.”The rest of our Q&A with James: “Jacuzzi’s” catchy hooks are really right up your alley. After your collaboration with Benjamin Kheng (“Rock Bottom Blues”), what excites you about “Jacuzzi”? The focal point was the chance to work with B.I [again] on this track. Han-bin is an amazing artist and he was really perfect for the song. His style and voice worked really well with the second verse that I gave him. I was also able to collaborate with a Singaporean music label (Cross Ratio Entertainment) to help promote the song, which was interesting. We wanted to try out ways of marketing be-

Photo courtesy of Careless Music

yond the usual way of doing it. For the music video [directed by Hiromi Uematsu], I was also able to collaborate with so many stars, like Maris Racal, AC Bonifacio and Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee. AAs for the concept of the video, we wanted something larger than life—super fun, easygoing, not too deep. Something that would evoke a romantic setting with people drinking champagne in a jacuzzi, although I don’t really own a jacuzzi (laughs). We wanted guest stars who could match that vibe—and Michelle, AC and Maris were perfect for it! Maris looked pretty good despite not ever having played golf before. I told her, “You’re an actress—just act like you know what you’re doing (laughs)”—and she wasn’t bad at all. You’ve always had a knack for catchy hooks and melodies. But for fans who want to know more about your songwriting process, what comes ﬁrst—music or a hook or lyrics? For me, it’s always the music that comes first. I need to start with the chords so I know what the emotion is—that’s when I feel something. Like, “Oh, this makes me feel romantic. I want to dance with somebody.” That’s what the chords, as well as the drums and percussion, make me feel. That decides the pace and rhythm. After that, I’ll just create melodies and freestyle … whatever comes naturally. Then, I’ll write to it. You also recorded “4 Letters” with B.I How did this partnership come about? I was very lucky to have met him backstage at a concert in PAGE 9

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Crewman takes his chances for provisional waiver: An inspiring success story on Citizen Pinoy this Sunday TONY entered the U.S. as a crewman in 2003. While visiting his mother, his family convinced him to jump ship and overstay, so he remained in the U.S. and met his future wife, Georgia. However, because he was a crewman, he could not apply for his green card in the U.S.

Provisional Waivers (PW) became available in 2016. This would forgive Tony for having overstayed. However, his visa must be approved and issued at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Tony’s provisional waiver was immediately approved in 2017 after leading U.S. Immigration

Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel proved to the USCIS that Tony’s wife and his mother, both U.S. citizens, would suffer extreme hardship if Tony would not be admitted back to the U.S. Tony already had a scheduled interview at the U.S. Embassy PAGE 10

PH Consulate presents consular services for Fil-Am residents of San Mateo County

DALY CITY – The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco conducted a presentation on consular services for Filipino American residents of San Mateo County, as part of an educational session organized by the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center (PBRC) on October 21, 2023. Consul Jed Llona and Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Officer Nida Longcanaya were on hand to share information on the Consulate’s consular services, and directly answer questions from the public. Information on the Consulate’s services namely passport, dual citizenship, civil registration, notarials, Philippine visa, overseas voting registration and ATN, including how to avail of these services and general requirements, were discussed. After the session, PBRC Board chair Perla Ibarrientos, president Dorie Paniza, and vice president Michael Pangilinan thanked Consul Llona and ATN Officer Longcanaya for serving as resource persons during the educational session. On behalf of Daly City Mayor Ray Buenaventura, Vice Mayor Juslyn Manalo and Councilmember Rod Daus-Magbual, the PBRC presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Consulate. The PBRC is a non-profit, community-based organization located in Daly City, which provides services and community education for residents

CREWMEN AND PROVISIONAL WAIVERS WILL BE THE TOPIC OF DISCUSSION ON A BRAND-NEW SUCCESS STORY OF CITIZEN PINOY THIS SUNDAY! Tony (left) entered the U.S. as a crewman in 2003 and overstayed. As a result, he could not adjust status, even through marriage to his U.S. citizen spouse. In 2016, Provisional Waivers became available. This would “forgive” Tony for having overstayed, but he had to apply for his visa at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. However, the embassy was taking a hard stance on crewmen with provisional waivers and charging them with fraud. In 2022, Tony saw an episode on Citizen Pinoy where Julie, another crewman, took the risk and flew back to the Philippines with her provisional waiver, and she successfully obtained her immigrant visa. Upon seeing that episode, Tony informed leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) that he also wanted to take his chances. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, November 26 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement) Consul Jed Llona provides a presentation on consular services for Filipino American residents of San Mateo County, at an educational session conducted by the Pilipino Bayanihan Resource Center in Daly City, California

of San Mateo County. It works directly with local governments to connect Filipino Americans requiring public services. For detailed information on the consular services, the public is requested to check the Consulate’s official website (pcgsanfrancisco.org) and social media pages on Facebook, X (formerly

Consul Jed Llona (second from left) accepts a Certificate of Recognition signed by Daly City Mayor Ray Buenaventura, Vice Mayor Juslyn Manalo, and Councilmember Rod Daus-Magbual. Also in the photo are (from left) PBRC Board chair Perla Ibarrientos, PBRC vice president Michael Pangilinan and PBRC president Dorie Paniza. San Francisco PCG photos

James on risk-taking and... PAGE 8

Seoul. He told me he was doing a concert in Manila [last March] and that he would love to have me onstage with him. And I said, “Yeah, I’m down. Let’s do it.” So, I opened for him. After that, I sent him my track for “Jacuzzi,” and he said he’d love to be on it. Then, he sent me “4 Letters,” and I jumped on that. So, these songs actually happened at about the same time. You’re doing well as a solo act. But other than B.I and Benjamin Kheng, you’ve also recorded tracks with other exciting talents, like Zack Tabudlo (“Hatdog”), Manila Grey (“Backhouse Ballin’”), Massiah (“Experience”), Billy Crawford (“Manila Girl”), among others. What did you take away from those collaborations? From the perspective of my music label when I wear my music-label hat, there’s certainly that aspect of cross-pollination of fans [that we can all benefit from] and seeing what else is possible to do. You’re expanding your reach and your market, especially with artists who complement your music.

by MARINEL CRUZ Inquirer.net

But personally, these projects allow me to find out how I am as an artist. Doing them kind of reveals to me what my own style is and what works for me. I learned a lot from working with Benjamin, who’s one of the best out there, and seeing how B.I, who’s excellent at what he does, connects with his rabid fan base. They really push me to be better, which is great because I like challenging myself. What’s exciting about your music is the fact that we don’t quite know what else to expect. Any reaction? I like that. People never really expected me to do something like “Jacuzzi.” But I promise you, people will not be expecting the song that I’m doing next. Do you know how different you’ve become from the young and almost shy James Reid who won “PBB” in 2010? Yes, it’s like they’re two very different people (laughs). You’ve released a lot of music since 2013 or so. For new fans who are just beginning to appreciate your songs, which of your recordings do you think best represents your sound? That’s hard to answer. I have a

lot of musical influences. I definitely have favorites, but I’ve always been very versatile with my sound—from R&B and pop to rock, electronic and “dance-y.” It’s also kind of funky and disco. So perhaps the album, “Lovescene,” would be the album to listen to. If you listen through it, you can kind of get where it’s very diverse. I was really just experimenting with all the things that I like. I think the whole album is a good representation of my taste and all of my musical influences. But definitely, the next album I’ll be working on will be a bit more “refined.” “Refined”? In what way will the next album be different? These current songs (“Jacuzzi,” “Rock Botton Blues”) are not leading up to the next one… no. They’re standalone singles. I want the next one to be a lot more personal, more introspective. The next one will be very different from “Palm Dreams” or “Lovescene.” I feel like this might be the most personal and vulnerable I’ve ever been. It’s definitely going to be a side of me that the fans have not seen.

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NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

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PH Consulate in SF Supports first PAL Golf Cup tourney in Discovery Bay, California

DISCOVERY BAY – The Philippine Consulate General and the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in San Francisco supported the first Philippine Airlines (PAL) Golf Cup Tournament held at Discovery Bay Golf and Country Club in Discovery Bay, California on October 22, 2023. Consul and Economic Supervising Officer Vanessa Bago-Llona, and Tourism Attaché Soleil Tropicales represented the Consulate at the first PAL Cup, held in honor of the late Philippine Airlines Holdings President Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr. In her remarks, Consul BagoLlona congratulated PAL for its first cup, held in conjunction with Filipino American History Month in October. “On behalf of Consul General Neil Ferrer and the rest of the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, I wish to thank PAL for its partnership with the Philippine Government, especially in promoting tourism in the country, which contributes 6.2% to the Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product,” she said. Consul Bago-Llona recalled

From left: Howard Lance Uyking, Philippine Airlines (PAL) Assistant Vice President for Marketing, Attorney Carlos Luis Fernandez, PAL officer in charge and Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Consul Vanessa Bago-Llona, and Tourism Attaché Soleil Tropicales.

that PAL supported the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour in July 2023 to bring close to 300 Filipino American visitors to the country. According to Attorney Carlos Luis Fernandez, officer in charge and Executive Vice President and General Counsel of PAL, the proceeds of the benefit cup will go to the PAL Foundation to

support its social programs. Fernandez noted that PAL has been seeing growth since last year and for the first half of 2023 alone, the national flag carrier has recorded an income of more than US$314 million. PAL is also purchasing nine Airbus A3501000 long-range jetliners to add to its current fleet. (PCGSF Release)

Philippine Airlines (PAL) executives led by Attorney Carlos Luis Fernandez, Officer-in-Charge and Executive Vice President and General Counsel of PAL, Vice President for Sales Salvador Britannico, and PAL Area Manager Delia Merano, with Tourism Attaché Soleil Tropicales. San Francisco PCG photos

New commercial solar rebate program launching in January 2024 BEGINNING in January, Silicon Valley Power will begin offering a commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) rebate program for customers who install a qualifying PV system over 300 kW. The program is intended to help offset the utility’s peak demand, especially during the summer months. Key features of the program: • Customers investing in eligible PV systems have the flexibility to choose between an upfront rebate of $0.75 per Watt or a quarterly performance-based incentive of $0.30 per kWh paid over a two-year period.

• To qualify for the program, projects must fall within the range of 300 kW to 1 MW and may not exceed 80 percent of the customer's annual energy usage. • Projects must receive pre-approval on or after January 2, 2024, to be eligible. It's important to note that projects initiated, or applications submitted before this date will not be considered. Pre-approval is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, emphasizing the importance of early participation. • Upon pre-approval, successful applicants will have a sixmonth window to complete the

installation of their PV systems, ensuring a prompt transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy practices. How to get started For detailed program information and to download the application form, visit SiliconValleyPower.com/BusinessRebates. Silicon Valley Power is committed to driving positive change through initiatives like the Commercial Solar Rebate Program, empowering businesses to adopt environmentally friendly practices while contributing to the overall sustainability and reliability of the community.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK OPENING NIGHT CELEBRATION MARKS START OF HOLIDAY SEASON. Christmas in the Park is returning to the Plaza de Caesar Chavez in Downtown San Jose (Plaza de Cesar Chavez, 1 Paseo de San Antonio, San Jose, CA, 95113) on November 24 with an Opening Night Celebration. Festivities will start at 5:30 p.m. and local dignitaries will turn on the 65 ft Christmas tree at 6:30 p.m., signaling the official start of the holiday season for all of San Jose. After the opening night, Christmas in the Park will be open from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. daily from November 25, 2023 to January 1, 2024. Christmas in the Park is a community-focused non-profit organization dedicated to the celebration of the holiday season by producing a free Christmas event. Our displays, trees, and entertainment, along with special programs and festivities serve the interests of the community. This annual holiday tradition takes place in the heart of Downtown San José at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. For over 44 years, this whimsical walk-thru event has brought people from all over the Bay Area together during the holidays. It is a place of community. Each year the two-acre park is transformed into a holiday fantasy with over 40 musical and animated exhibits, glittering lights and the 50-foot Community Giving Tree. Some of the original displays housed in one of the largest exhibits, the Lima Train, include a melting snowman, caroling mice and elf woodcrafters. Guests enter a winter wonderland of lights, songs and local entertainment while strolling through an enchanted forest of trees decorated by San José schools, community groups and businesses. Christmas in the Park is a non-profit organization that is supported through fundraising efforts and is free to the public. Children can have their photograph taken with Santa, watch nightly entertainment and enjoy holiday themed refreshments, all free of charge. Visit https:// www.christmasinthepark.com/ for more information. Photo at left shows a previous Christmas in the Park opening ceremony.

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Attending the roundtable discussions between Philippine officials and U.S. businesses were (from left) Verinda Fike, Regional Director of Indo-Pacific, U.S. Trade and Development Agency; Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank R. Ferrer; Rod Hirsch, Director of the Oakland Export Assistance Center, U.S. Commercial Service; Joseph Scherer, GreenFire Energy CEO; Hollis Chin, GreenFire Energy Vice President Marketing; and Harish Chandasekar, GreenFire Energy Engineering and Project Development Head. San Francisco PCG photos

Philippine Trade, Energy, and Science & Tech officials meet with US businesses on sustainability

SAN FRANCISCO – The Philippines' Secretaries of Trade and Industry and Energy and Undersecretary of Science and Technology engaged with American companies in a sustainability roundtable on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2023. Philippine Consul General Neil Frank R. Ferrer mentioned that the Secretaries were part of the official delegation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to the APEC Economic Leaders Week in San Francisco. The President also led the 2023 Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) in San Francisco, which had the theme, “Think Growth. Think Philippines.” Hosted by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Silicon Valley, in collaboration with the Philippine Consulate in San Francisco and the Oakland Export Assistance Center of the U.S. Commercial Service/U.S. Department of Commerce & Northern California District Export Council (DEC), the event focused on renewable energy, innovation, and sustainable solutions in the face of climate change. Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual encouraged U.S. companies to invest in the Philippines, emphasizing the dual benefit of supporting the country and contributing to a sustainable future. He highlighted incentives available under the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act (CREATE) law and investment opportunities aligned with the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP). Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla acknowledged existing U.S. companies operating in the Philippines' energy sector and noted new technologies available to harness renewable energy.

Philippine officials at the roundtable discussion included (from left) Philippine Department of Science and Technology Undersecretary Maridon Sahagun, Philippine Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Philippine Department of Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual and Consul Generl Neil Ferrer.

Consul General Ferrer recognized Amber Kinetics for manufacturing flywheel batteries and establishing the world's first flywheel innovation hub in the Philippines, in cooperation with De La Salle University. He also congratulated GreenFire Energy for receiving an Export Achievement Certificate for its U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA)-funded geothermal project in the Philippines. Undersecretary Sahagun highlighted sustainability as a recurring theme in the Department of Science and Technology's priority programs. Rod Hirsch, Director of the Oakland Export Assistance Center, facilitated the introduction of companies interested in establishing a presence in the Philippines. Attendees included NorCal DEC members, Fremont Vice Mayor Teresa Cox, representatives from the office of Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), and

CEOs from various sustainabilityfocused industries such as waste management, renewable energy, and high-tech firms with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Ms. Verinda Fike, Regional Director of Indo-Pacific, U.S. TDA was also present in the roundtable. The Port of Oakland and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Marine Debris Program California Regional Coordinator were also represented. Companies that participated in the roundtable included UltraScale Digital Infrastructure, Equus Computer Systems, GreenFire Energy, Amber Kinetics, Enact Systems, Inc., Lilac Solutions, Hadal, Calwave, KCCTech, LLC, Stellar3, and Ocean Power Technologies. The roundtable also saw representation from the Peralta Community College District, including Laney Community College. (PCGSF Release)

Crewman takes his chances for provisional... PAGE 9

in Manila, but since the Embassy was taking a hard stance on crewmen with provisional waivers and charging them with fraud, Atty. Gurfinkel decided to postpone Tony’s trip to the Philippines. In 2022, Tony saw an episode of Citizen Pinoy where Julie, another crewman, took the risk and flew back to the Philippines with her provisional waiver. Julie was able to obtain her immigrant visa. Inspired by that success story, Tony told Atty. Gurfinkel that he was willing to take his chances and apply for his visa in Manila. Watch this success story on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, November 26 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET)

Tony (left) was finally able to get his immigrant visa in October 2023, 20 years after he jumped ship as a crewman in 2003.

through select Cable/Satellite available on iWantTFC. Viewers providers, right after TV Patrol may download the free app. Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also (Advertising Supplement)

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NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023

NOVEMBER 24-30, 2023 • NORCAL ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (650) 689-5160