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DECEMBER 29, 2023-JANUARY 4, 2024 Volume 17 - No.12 • 16 Pages

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PH to China: Respect, sincerity DATELINE USA are key to sea row dialogue FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

by FRANCES MANGOSING Inquirer.net

CHINA should first stop its hostile actions at sea before it enters into a dialogue with the Philippines, an official of the National Security The 2023 Larry Itliong Leadership Award was presented to California Council (NSC) said on Tuesday, December 26, Attorney General Rob Bonta. Photo above shows (from left) Carson Mayor Emeritus Jim Dear, FAVU Chairman Nimfa Gamez, Bonta, Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, FAVU Director Evelyn Andamo, FAVU President Jerry Perez de Tagle and City of Tacoma Commissioner Maricres Valdez Castro. Contributed photo

amid worsening tensions in the West Philippine Sea. The territorial disputes between the two countries have grown more tense this year as Beijing seeks to assert its maritime dominance in the South China Sea. “Dialogues can only succeed in an atmo-

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Marcos’ foreign trips yield P4 trillion worth of investments

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is the 2023 National Larry Itliong Leadership awardee LOS ANGELES – During Filipino American History Month last October, the state celebrated the more than 400 years of Filipino presence in the United States. Filipinos, numbering around 4.4 million nationwide, have a deep and rich history in California. Many have heard of the Mexican American labor leader Cesar Chavez. But few are aware of the all-American national hero of Filipino

sphere of mutual respect and sincerity between two sovereign nations. The Philippines is ready to reciprocate provided that the bullying, harassment, and aggressive actions are ended immediately,” NSC spokesperson and Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya

by ZACARIAN SARAO Inquirer.net

LUCKY CHARM. A salesperson shows a lucky charm dragon figurine at the Christmas Bazaar in Ali Mall, Araneta City in Quezon City on Wednesday, Dec. 27. In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of luck, wealth, and power and with the Year of the Wood Dragon set to begin on Feb. 10, 2024, dragon figurines and charms are in high demand. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

MANILA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s foreign trips have obtained P4.019 trillion ($72.178 billion) worth of investments as of December 21. The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said the total investment value consists of 148 projects based on DTI’s latest monitoring of consolidated and processed investments. However, the exact period of when the investments – whether pledges or actual – were acquired was not mentioned. “These investments – realized and in the pipe-

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TIP students’ edible cutleries project wins in Marcos marks 2023 with structural Lifting restrictions on Swiss innovations contest changes in his policies and decisions foreign investments by JANE BAUTISTA

by JEAN MANGALUZ

TO reduce plastic pollution, a group of engineering students from the Technological Institute of the Philippines (TIP) in Quezon City have proposed making cutleries from flour instead of single-use plastics. Collectively called “Edgetec,” the six students from the TIP in Quezon City came up with the idea of turning flour into “edible cutleries”—an alternative to disposable utensils that earned them a third-place finish at the recent 2023 Swiss Innovation Prize competition.

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been in office for a year and six months. As he spends his second Christmas as the chief executive, he describes 2023 as the period for changes at the core. “Those structural changes were necessary because we have to remodel, or readjust rather, our… for example, our fiscal policy, even our monetary policy, our spending policy, so that we

Inquirer.net

Inquirer.net

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are slowly moving, or not so slowly, so, we’re moving away from the COVID economy,” observed Marcos. He made the remark during a media interview as he went to Japan trip in December. Changes were, indeed, present in the halls of Malacañang. The events this year included Marcos signing the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund and the completion of the presidential cabinet. The president’s cabinet was capped by the appointment of Francisco Tiu

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‘good for economy’ REMOVING the protectionist provisions of the Constitution will make the Philippines more attractive to foreign investors and power up economic growth, the government’s chief socioeconomic planner said. “Clearly, if we can remove all these restrictions, particularly constitutional restrictions, it’s good for the econo-

my because we know all along that these very protectionist [and] restrictive provisions have prevented us from moving as fast as we want to,” Secretary Arsenio Balisacan of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) said in an interview with reporters. Balisacan was responding to questions on moves at the

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From the Front Page

PH to China: Respect, sincerity... PAGE 1 said in a statement. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Monday, December 25 said China was open to a dialogue, stressing her government was ready to work with the Philippines to handle maritime issues through negotiation and consultation. But Mao, at the same time, asserted Beijing’s claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including those within the 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the Philippines. “China will not weaken in its resolve to protect its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,” she said. “For months, the Philippines has been making provocations on Ren’ai Jiao (Ayungin Shoal) and other issues and drawing forces outside the region into those issues. China is compelled under those circumstances to take necessary measures to firmly respond to it,” she

said. Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal is a low-tide elevation within the Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf, one of the country’s nine occupied features in the Kalayaan Island Group, or the Spratlys. Chinese ships have been harassing resupply vessels to BRP Sierra Madre, the grounded warship that serves as a Philippine military outpost in Ayungin. “We welcome China’s offer of dialogue, negotiation, and consultation but for it to prosper, China must immediately stop its bullying, aggressive actions, and illegal moves in the West Philippine Sea which seriously undermine… regional peace and security,” Malaya said. A 2016 arbitral ruling voided China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea, but Beijing has refused to recognize the decision. Last week, the top diplomats of the Philippines and China spoke by telephone where they discussed the ter-

ritorial disputes. The Department of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, “noted the importance of dialogue” in addressing the issues of concern. Wang earlier accused the Philippines of “constantly provoking trouble at sea and undermining China’s legitimate and lawful rights.” Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar, meanwhile, said Beijing was the one “committing all the violations” at sea, in response to accusations by China’s state-controlled newspaper, the People’s Daily, that the Philippines was stirring tensions in the West Philippine Sea. He accused China of starting hostile actions that sometimes risk collisions at sea. The Philippines, Aguilar said, is boosting its alliances and has the support of other nations because its claims are backed by international law, including Unclos. g

Marcos marks 2023 with structural... PAGE 1 Laurel Jr. as Agriculture Secretary, replacing Marcos himself. Inquirer.net takes a look back at Marcos’ movements and decisions in 2023: Economics Many of Marcos’ policies and actions this year centered around the economy. Eager to move away from a financial situation devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Marcos pushed for easier business dealings to help entrepreneurs. Another notable reform is that foreigners can now own 100 percent of renewable energy projects, as per Department of Energy. An economic charter change is also being mulled to further ease business processes in Philippines. The president has yet to issue a decisive stance on amending the 1987 Constitution. Marcos merely said proposals are being studied. Most notably, the chief executive promptly signed and enacted into law the controversial Maharlika Investment Fund. Despite questions on its constitutionality, the measure was quickly passed by both chambers of Congress through overwhelming majority votes. The crafting of the Fund’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) was briefly suspended in October, sparking more criticisms on the ways that it will be executed. In November, the IRR was finalized. Travels While Marcos’ many overseas trips this year are connected to his push for economic improvement, the volume of his travel warrants a separate

discussion. In January, Marcos said he would lessen his flights to foreign countries in 2023. But with 12 countries visited this year, Marcos took trips that are twice as many as the travels he made in 2022. Government appointments “We have changed the structure of the different agencies and equally… importantly, we are beginning to find the best people for each of those positions,” said Marcos. In 2023, Marcos finally completed his cabinet. Presidential Communications Office Secretary Cheloy Garafil was appointed in January after serving as the agency’s officer-in-charge for four months. Gilbert Teodoro was named as Defense Secretary and Teodoro Herbosa was chosen as Health chief in June. Marcos initially appointed himself as the country’s agriculture secretary. He held on to the post for more than a year. The president defended his position from criticisms, saying that his stature as chief executive would allow agricultural policies to be prioritized. To this day, Philippines, however, continue to experience rampant high prices of agricultural commodities. Marcos attributed the high prices to hoarders. He ordered Department of Justice and National Bureau of Investigation to go after them. High food prices became so rampant that Marcos ordered a rice price cap in September. He lifted the price ceiling a month later in October. Bongbong Marcos also ordered price caps for rice at P41 to P45 per kilo.

A month later, Marcos appointed business tycoon Francis Tiu Laurel Jr. as the new Agriculture Secretary. In June, another controversy ensued with the appointment of Supreme-Court disbarred lawyer Larry Gadon as an anti-poverty czar. The position was not that of a cabinet member. In November, Marcos appointed Rafael Consing Jr. as president and chief executive officer of Maharlika Investment Corporation. Defense Marcos began 2023 with a visit to Beijing with hopes of alleviating the territorial dispute. However, Philippines’ relations with China were continuously tested by multiple confrontations between Philippine Coast Guard and Chinese Coast Guard in West Philippine Sea (WPS). Beijing constantly blamed Manila for these incidents. China told the Philippines to withdraw the military outpost BRP Sierra Madre from Ayungin Shoal. This time, Marcos deviated from the position of his predecessor, former president Rodrigo Duterte, who was close with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The president made stronger pronouncements against the confrontations in WPS. He vowed that Philippines will not lose one square inch of its territory to the sea row. The chief executive ended 2023 with a request for a reciprocal access agreement with Japan. If the accord will be sealed, it will mark the first time Philippines is drawing a Visiting Forces Agreement with another Asian country. g

Lifting restrictions on foreign... PAGE 1 House of Representatives to amend the charter for the sake of attracting more investors. No less than President Marcos himself said he would study the latest attempt at the House led by his cousin, Speaker Martin Romualdez, to revise the Constitution for the purpose of making the Philippines “an investment friendly place.” However, analysts have said that the Philippines might have already missed the economic Charter change (Cha-cha) boat, adding it would take more than constitutional tweaks to convince foreign investors to come here like enacting new business-friendly reforms. Experts also said there were existing laws, which could achieve the same objective of Chacha. During the twilight years of his administra-

tion, former President Rodrigo Duterte enacted two key reforms meant to open up the economy to more foreign investments. The first one was the Retail Trade Liberalization Act that sought to simplify and ease restrictions for foreign retailers that wish to set up shop in the Philippines. The other was amendments to the Commonwealth-era Public Service Act, which opened industries once deemed off-limits to foreign capital—such as telecommunications, airlines and railways—to full foreign ownership. While those laws helped eased restrictions on foreign investments, Balisacan said those were “kind of a piecemeal thing.” He added that Mr. Marcos has not yet given any instructions to study the Cha-cha proposal being pushed at the lower chamber. “We’ll look at it when we get there,” Balisacan said. (Ian Nicola Cigaral/Inquirer.net)

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Group promotes increased Fil-Am participation in baseball

FAMILY TIME. Families bond during “the most wonderful time of the year,” as the song goes, at Rizal Park in Manila on Christmas Monday, Dec. 25. For Filipinos, it is a day to come together and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

Patricia Evangelista’s ‘Some People Need Killing’ is one of Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2023 Evangelista’s work also made the New York Times’10 Best Books this year by Hans Carbonilla Inquirer.net

FILIPINO journalist and author Patricia Evangelista has achieved another milestone as her nonfiction book, “Some People Need Killing,” secured a spot among former President Barack Obama’s favorite books for 2023. Known for his avid interest in literature, Obama shared his book recommendations in a post on Dec. 23. In his caption, he encouraged readers to explore these selections during the holiday season, suggesting support for independent bookstores and local libraries. “If you’re looking for a new book over the holidays, give one of them a try. And if you can, shop at an independent bookstore or check them out at your local library,” he wrote. Expressing her gratitude on the same platform, Evangelista shared the post, adding, “Humbled to be in the company of these astounding authors and works. Thank you so much.” The former reporter for independent news site Rappler’s masterpiece found itself in dis-

Patricia Evangelista’s ‘Some People Need Killing’ breaks into Barack Obama’s favorite books of 2023. Photos from Instagram/@BarackObama and patevangelista

tinguished company alongside notable works such as “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” by James McBride, “Poverty, By America” by Matthew Desmond, and “This Other Eden” by Paul Harding, among others. The recognition comes shortly after Evangelista’s work was included in the New York Times’ list of the 10 Best Books this year. The masterpiece, which explores the harrowing narratives of the drug war in the Philippines during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency (20162022), offers a poignant and

deeply personal perspective on the dark chapter in the nation’s history. The book skillfully weaves personal memoir and Philippine history, compelling readers to confront uncomfortable truths through intimate disclosures and socio-political insights. “Some People Need Killing” continues to resonate with readers, fostering a dialogue on critical issues and reaffirming the power of storytelling in raising awareness about the challenges faced by the communities and the nations around the world. g

TIP students’ edible cutleries project wins in Swiss... PAGE 1 “We believe it can be a sustainable solution to lessen our need for single-use plastics … It won’t cause a problem to the community, especially for marine animals, because even if they ingest it, it is safe,” said the group’s team leader Stanley del Rosario, a fourth-year civil engineering major. According to the TIP, the paper titled “Edible Cutleries with Biodegradable Packaging as an Alternative to Sin-

gle-Used Plastics” was part of the students’ coursework for their Tech 101 Engineering and Entrepreneurship class. The group worked on the project for two months and entered their research proposal in the 2023 Swiss Innovation Prize organized by the Embassy of Switzerland in the Philippines in September, in partnership with the Swiss Cultural Fund and Swiss Chamber of Commerce.

Among the 150 entries from students and professionals nationwide, their work was awarded third place in the sustainability category. The group’s edible spoons and forks come in different flavors like chocolate, pandan, strawberry, vanilla, and mustard. With an estimated price of P50 to P100, the cutleries come in plastic packaging that degrades after two years, as it is mainly made of water, glycerin, and gelatin. g

THE Philippines Baseball Group (PBG) has recently met with Consul General Neil Ferrer at the Philippine Center in San Francisco to discuss its mission to promote Filipino and Filipino American baseball players on a global scale. Among those who met with Ferrer on Dec. 15 were PBG President Bill Picketts, PBG Northern California Re-

gional Director Matt Lopez, community leader Roberto de Lara and Philippine News Today publisher Francis Espiritu. The PBG aims to promote Filipino and Fil-Am baseball players and “address the decline in baseball participation at the collegiate level in the Philippines” by providing comprehensive support and opportunities for talented

Fil-Am players in the United States. The group has been enhancing its presence in the Fil-Am community by participating in community events. Last week, the PBG set up a booth at the Fil-Am Winter Market in Los Angeles that highlighted small businesses, community and culture with DJs, parol-making, ven-

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Marcos’ foreign trips yield P4 trillion...

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line – are mostly in the sectors of manufacturing, IT-BPM, renewable energy, data centers, and telecommunications,” DTI said in a statement released by PCO on Tuesday, December 26. According to the PCO, the DTI categorized the investments on the following: • Registered as business or investment promotion agencies (IPAs) with operations – $205.53 million or P11.4 billion • Registered as Business/IPAs – $983.21 million or P54.75 billion • IPA registration in progress and ongoing operations – $5.079 billion or P282.8 billion • Signed agreements specifying a clear financial project value – $9.771 billion or P544.152 billion • Signed memoranda of understanding/letters of intent (MOUs/LOIs) – US$28.529 billion or P1.588 trillion • Confirmed investments not covered by MOUs/LOIs and still in the planning stage – $27.345 billion or P1.522 trillion Another 20 projects, which have been given a green light and registered with the IPAs of DTI, Board of Investments, and Philippine Economic Zone Authority, are also currently being monitored by the DTI, according to the PCO. The DTI said the investments were gained during Marcos’ business engagements in the

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Malacañang file photo

United States and Japan, among others. This month, Marcos attended the Association of Southeast Asian Nations-Japan Commemorative Summit this month where he secured nine investments worth $263.08 million or P14 billion. In November, Marcos visited the U.S. for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting where he secured six investments worth US$672.3 million or P37.2 billion. (Based on $1 = P55.686 BSP exchange rate on December 22, 2023) g

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is the 2023... PAGE 1 descent, Larry Itliong. He was the union organizer and civil rights leader who invited and led Chavez to join the 1965 Delano Grape Strike. This was a triple grand slam of organizing Filipino seasonal workers, uniting with Mexicans and unifying the American people in boycotting California grapes. It was a historic victory in 1970, acknowledged by the late Senator Robert Kennedy for its milestone impact in the U.S. and around the world. To cap off the 2023 Filipino American History Month, the Filipino American Voice United (FAVU) hosted a gala awards dinner at the Carson Community Center on Oct. 28. The event recognized leaders who served above

self, who fought against the odds and achieved victory for their community and country. During the event, the 2023 Larry Itliong Leadership Award was presented to California Attorney General Rob Bonta. The inscription on the plaque presented to Bonta read: “Your actions and accomplishments exemplify the Filipino American spirit of valor and victory, of courage and character in uniting people and succeeding against the odds.” The award celebrates Filipino-American virtues and exemplifies the greatness of the American spirit. It also provides the momentum for the October 25th Movement: Larry Itliong National Day and for awarding a posthumous

White House Freedom Medal Award to Itliong. The October 25th Movement: Larry Itliong National Day aims to push for the recognition of Itliong not only in the United States but also in the Philippines and around the world, as FAVU petitions the United Nations, the International Labor Organization and the Committee on Migrant Workers to recognize the Fil-Am labor leader and civil rights icon. (Jorge Perez de Tagle/Inquirer.net) Jorge Perez de Tagle lives in the U.S. and the Philippines. He taught at Syracuse University, New York. He was among the 10 Outstanding Entrepreneurs in the Philippines in 2009 and is currently chair of the Alliance for Asian American Voters. g

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OPINION

NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • DECEMBER 29, 2023-JANUARY 4, 2024

FEATURES

Safe and healthy celebration

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THE shopping malls and Christmas markets are full. Hotels are starting to recover from the pandemic as large gatherings return and the travel industry bounces back. Carolers have returned to neighborhoods – both children and older folks who need a permit for the activity. Nearly four years after COVID-19 turned the world upside down, life is almost fully back to normal. Livelihoods are being restored and jobs returning, although there are those that may never be revived. For the millions who lost loved ones to COVID, the mourning may not be over. And yet all signs point to the end of the pandemic, which is reason for rejoicing this holiday season. Families can gather again to celebrate, free to greet each other with hugs and kisses, singing carols and sharing food without worrying about sharing potentially deadly pathogens. There’s always the possibility of another pandemic, but the world looks better prepared for it. Reliable and peer-tested COVID vaccines were rolled out in record time, and the science continues to advance rapidly. Pharmaceutical companies have responded quickly to numerous mutations of SARS-CoV-2, the original virus from China’s Wuhan City that causes COVID-19.

With borders fully reopened and all travel restrictions lifted, it was inevitable that those SARSCoV-2 mutations have entered the Philippines. The latest is the Omicron JN.1, described by health officials as a “variant of interest” but not yet “of concern.” As of Saturday, December 24, the Department of Health had recorded 18 confirmed JN.1 cases nationwide, which were detected through genome sequencing between Nov. 16 and Dec. 3. With RT-PCR testing significantly down nationwide, the actual number of cases could be higher. COVID is on the rise again, particularly in crowded Metro Manila, and it continues to debilitate and kill. While most people have acquired natural and vaccine immunity to the coronavirus, infection is still possible. Fully vaccinated and boosted President Marcos himself just recently recovered from his third bout with COVID. The rise in COVID cases is on

Commentary

ICAPP and the ‘Asian Guru’: the one and only JDV

Editorial

SENATOR MUSHAHID HUSSAIN

CHAIRMAN, SENATE COMMITTEE ON DEFENSE, PAKISTAN CO-CHAIRMAN, STANDING COMMITTEE, INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF ASIAN POLITICAL PARTIES (ICAPP) IT is interesting that this time around, the birthday of one of Asia’s most eminent statesmen, His Excellency Jose de Venecia, Jr., coincides with the 23rd anniversary of his founding of the ICAPP, International Conference of Asian Political Parties. These two happy anniversaries are a testament to the resilience

and vital role of ideas in the shaping of events and the moving of Asian history. A great son of the Philippines and, actually, a greater son of Asia, Jose de Venecia, popularly known as JDV, is a unique one of a kind leader, innovative lawmaker, businessman, statesman, diplomat, journalist, family man, and a man of vision who founded what is today, almost a quarter century after its founding, the leading organization of political parties

of Asia, ICAPP. It was at the turn of the century, the beginning of the 21st century which is now being seen as the Asian Century, that JDV, then not holding any office in government or parliament, conceived and launched the ICAPP. By then, he already had a track record of a person who galvanized people and places with ideas, issues, and initiatives, as a leader with the tenacity to pursue goals that would otherwise be thought

ManilaTimes.net photo

top of a spike in cases of influenza-like illness in recent months. As always, the elderly, the immunocompromised and those with comorbidities are the most vulnerable and at highest risk of serious infection. If only for these

an ‘impossible dream.’ This self-made statesman started writing when he was in his teens giving expression to his ideas about the world shaping around him, and in his late 20s, he was sitting on the high table in what was then the center of strategic gravity in Asia, Saigon, the capital of then South Vietnam, where one of the biggest conflicts of the postWorld War II was emerging. Representing his beloved country, the Philippines, JDV

vulnerable sectors, health experts are urging the public to temper holiday celebrations with caution. Health officials are encouraging people to wear masks when possible, and to continue observing respiratory and hand hygiene. (Philstar.com)

as a diplomat made his mark among the senior diplomats and generals with whom he rubbed shoulders. And from then on, there was no turning back for this young lad from Pangasinan. He was a participant in several historic moments and movements, from conceiving the Filipino workers’ remittances program in the 1960s which was of immense help to the economy of the Philippines, to seizing the first opportunity for Filipino

workers in the Middle East oil boom of the 1970s, JDV was always found at the frontlines of happening events not just in the Philippines but also in Asia as a whole. JDV’s life is an embodiment of the Asian spirit of resilience, overcoming setbacks, facing challenges head on, and bouncing back like a bang. JDV was financially shattered in the aftermath of the IranIraq War in the 1980s, with his contracts and business in 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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Dateline PhiliPPines

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Marcos lauded for issuing order promoting LGBTQIA+ rights by Kristina Maralit ManilaTimes.net

YEAR OF WOOD DRAGON. Shirts in peach fuzz, declared Pantone Color of the Year for 2024, and with the text “Welcome 2024” are sold in Manila’s Divisoria commercial area on Tuesday, Dec. 26. According to Chinese astrology, 2024 is also the Year of the Wood Dragon which will foster growth, progress and abundance, and is related to success, intelligence and honor. PNA photo by Yancy Lim

92% of Filipinos hopeful for 2024 – survey MANILA – Almost all Filipino adults, or 92%, said they are hopeful for the new year, according to a recent survey by Pulse Asia. The survey conducted Dec. 3 to 7 showed that only 1% will face 2024 without hope, while 7% were neither hopeful nor without hope for the coming year. "Amidst the various challenges Filipinos face on a daily basis, most of them continue to remain optimistic, with 92% saying they will face the new year with hope. This is the prevailing sentiment in every geographic area and socio-economic grouping," Pulse Asia said in its report.

Ninety-five% of respondents from the Visayas said they are hopeful, followed by Balance Luzon at 94%, National Capital Region at 92%, and Mindanao at 84%. The same survey also showed that 41% of the respondents believe that their holiday celebrations this year will be as prosperous as last year's. Around 30% are expecting their celebrations this year to be more prosperous than in 2022. 16% said their upcoming holiday celebrations will be the same as last year in the sense that it was not prosperous. Meanwhile, 13% said it

would be “poorer” than last year. The survey on the high optimism of Filipinos was made during the same week of the escalating tension in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Surigao del Sur, the bombing at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City and a nationwide transport strike, among others. The nationwide survey was based on a sample of 1,200 representative adults 18 years old and above. It has a ± 2.8% error margin at the 95% confidence level. (PNA)

Passenger arrivals continue to increase THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) is confident that passenger arrivals would reach or even break pre-pandemic levels amid a significant increase in travelers during the Christmas week. Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco on Monday, December 25 said that as per immigration record, "we are already pretty close to the pre-pandemic numbers." Figures also showed that the volume of arriving and departing passengers continues to increase. Arrivals have increased from around 50,000 during the first week of December to almost 60,000 during the Christmas week. On December 1, the BI recorded 51,390 arrivals in all international airports of the country. The figure rose to 59,541 on December 22 and 58,993 on December 23. Tansingco shared that more than 85 percent of passengers arrive via the Ninoy Aquino

International Airport (NAIA). There were 31,408 departures on December 23, far from the 25,759 on the first day of December. Before the Covid pandemic, the number of arrivals reached 1.7 million during December. The arrivals for the entire year are already more than 80 percent higher than in 2022. Tansingco urged arriving Filipinos to use the e-gates for faster immigration clearance. He also reminded passengers to register via the etravel portal at etravel.gov.ph at least 72 hours prior to arrival or departure. Tansingco lauded immigration officers who remain on duty during the holiday season. "All hands on deck for our immigration officers," he said. "We commend our frontline personnel who remain on duty and sacrifice time with their families during the holidays to be able to service the traveling public." (ManilaTimes.net)

MANILA — Civil rights group LGBT Pilipinas lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for being the first Philippine leader to issue an Executive Order creating a special committee further advocating the affairs and rights of the LGBTQIA+ community. Marcos issued EO No. 51 which reinforces the country's Diversity and Inclusion Program, reconstitutes the InterAgency Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, and creates the special committee on LGBTQIA+ affairs. "This is a first in Philippine history. This landmark development is a dream come true for our community — the start of many beautiful things to come," LGBT Pilipinas national president Dindi Tan said in a statement on Tuesday, December 26. The special committee will be led by a chairman with the rank of undersecretary. There will be three members

with the rank of assistant secretary. Tan said that she personally lobbied to create the committee during a Pride event at the Palace last June, an idea which was "gladly welcomed by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos." In issuing the order, the chief executive said he saw the need "to strengthen existing mechanisms to address the continued discrimination being experienced by the members of the LGBTQIA+ community." Marcos likewise wanted "to ensure the country's continuous compliance with its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights." "President Marcos' responsiveness to our appeal demonstrates a commitment to fostering inclusivity, understanding and equality for Filipinos, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression," Tan said. "This executive order holds immense implications

for the ongoing fight for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality in the Philippines. By establishing a dedicated committee, we are paving the way for informed policies and strategic initiatives that will enhance the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals," she added. Tan said Marcos' move signals "a progressive step forward in dismantling barriers, challenging stereotypes and promoting a society that celebrates diversity." "This will not only foster a sense of belonging but also contribute to the overall betterment of our society. We look forward to collaborating with the committee to ensure that the voices and needs of the LGBTQIA+ community are heard and addressed effectively," she said. Tan said that he group remains "dedicated to working hand in hand with the government, civil society and all stakeholders to build a Philippines where everyone can live without fear of discrimination." g

Ex-president top Senate bet in 2025 by Catherine s. Valente ManilaTimes.net

FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte is the top choice for senator in the 2025 midterm elections, a survey conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. showed. The polling firm said its Pahayag End of Year voting disposition survey showed that the former president got the "vote" of 48% of the respondents and an "impressive" trust rating of 59%. Following closely is Anti-Crime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who secured a 44% voting predisposition and a parallel 44% trust rating. Dr. Willie Ong, the former vice presidential candidate and cardiologist, secured a substantial 43% voting predisposition and a commendable 50% trust rating. "Notably, Erwin Tulfo experienced a drop in support in

Mindanao, sliding from 50% to 44%," the polling firm said. "Likewise, Dr. Willie Ong witnessed a decline in trust in Mindanao, dropping from 50% to 42%, along with a decrease in support from 44% to 39%," it added. Aside from Duterte, Tulfo and Ong, the survey also revealed that reelectionist Senators Christopher "Bong" Go (40%), Maria Imelda Josefa "Imee" Marcos (38%), and Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa (36%) "are also notable figures in the early electoral landscape." "The National Capital Region (NCR) sees an increase in voting predisposition for Go, rising from 29% to 38%, and for Marcos, climbing from 35% to 41%," Publicus Asia said. Also in the survey are former Senate president Vicente Sotto III who got 33%, former Manila mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, 31%, former senator Panfilo "Ping"

Lacson, 31%, and former vice president Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo, 27%. Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro Jr., who was one of the top-performing Cabinet members in an earlier survey, got 26%. Completing the roster is Sen. Pilar Juliana "Pia" Cayetano, who is in the 12th spot with 25% voter support. The Pahayag 2023 End of the Year Survey, conducted by Publicus Asia Inc. from Nov. 29 to Dec. 4, 2023, was non-commissioned. The survey used a purposive sampling of 1,500 respondents randomly drawn from the market research panel of over 200,000 Filipinos maintained by the Singapore office of PureSpectrum. The sample was restricted to registered Filipino voters maintained by PureSpectrum, a U.S.-based panel marketplace with a multinational presence. g

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Sara thanks Pinoys abroad for Christmas ‘sacrifice’ PH reaffirms participation by Red Mendoza, WilliaM B. depasupil and aRic John sy cua ManilaTimes.net

VICE President Sara Duterte thanked all Filipinos abroad for their continued sacrifices to their families back home and for helping keep the country’s economy afloat through their remittances. In her Christmas Day message, Duterte said that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and Filipinos abroad are a “reflection” of Philippine progress and talent. She prayed that their efforts be rewarded by having a comfortable future for themselves and their family. “Makakaasa kayo na ako ay nasa inyong likuran upang sumuporta sa inyong mga pangarap, pagsisikap at sa iyong paglalakbay tungo sa magandang kinabukasan (I promise that I will be behind you to support your dreams, efforts, and your journey towards a better future),” the vice president said. Duterte also thanked soldiers, policemen, firemen, medical personnel, disaster response personnel and other frontline workers on duty during Christmas, calling them

symbols of bravery and charity. “Hindi man napapansin ang inyong mga sakripisyo ngunit nagdudulot ito ng karangalan sa inyong pamilya (Your sacrifices may not be noticed, but your work brings honor to your family),” Duterte said. Several lawmakers shared their Christmas hopes and wishes. Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez called on Filipinos to embrace the spirit of bayanihan and practice kindness and compassion this season. “In doing so, we light up the lives of others, just as the parols (Christmas lanterns) light up our skies,” Romualdez said. House Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe hopes that Filipinos reflect on the true spirit of Christmas that “transcends political affiliations and unites us in shared warmth and compassion.” Assistant Majority Leader Atleta Rep. Margarita Ignacia Nograles urged everyone to “continue to love amidst all the negativity, hate and anger that surround us.”

House Deputy Minority Leader Francisca Castro said she hoped for justice for all Filipinos and the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and communist rebels. In his Christmas Eve Mass homily at the Manila Cathedral, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula said Christmas is a reminder of God’s love for the people. Advincula said Christmas is not about wealth, material things, influence or power but a reminder for all of us that the son of God was born in this world bereft of anything in life. He said the tradition of the Belen or Christmas tableau started 800 years ago by St. Francis of Assisi in response to the question of why Jesus, despite being the son of God, was born in a manger. “St. Francis wanted people to realize that the Christmas story is not a fiction but a real story of God who humbled himself and was born as a baby lying in a manger,” Advincula said. “This baby is the savior who gives himself to us to deliver us from our sins, as St. Paul told us in the second reading.”

“If you feel your life is at its worst, if you feel small, insignificant and weak, God is there with you,” he said. In its Christmas message, the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) called on its congregations to fulfill the Lord’s commission to make disciples. “While we eagerly await the fulfillment of His reign, let us also fulfill the Lord’s commission by making disciples of all nations. Let us live as true disciples, proclaiming the gospel and demonstrating kingdom values in our lives.” The evangelical group called on Christians to reflect on the significance of Christmas, which is to remember the birth of Jesus Christ. “In the midst of any hardships and trials we face, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us,” the PCEC wrote. It explained a biblical passage in the book of Isaiah, which was prophesied 800 years before the birth of Christ, who is called the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. g

in UN peacekeeping by FRancisco Tuyay ManilaTimes.net

THE Philippines, through the Department of National Defense (DND), reaffirmed its readiness to participate more in international peacekeeping operations. DND Undersecretary for Capability Assessment and Development Angelito de Leon, who led the Philippine delegation to the 2023 United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting (UNPKMM) last week, committed one Quick Reaction Force Company and one Military Engineering Company to the UN Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. De Leon said the commitment of a quick reaction force company is in addition to the existing Force Headquarters Support Unit and Aeromedical Evacuation Module that the Philippines pledged to the UN to strengthen the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. He also reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to continue providing trainers for the UN Mobile Training Teams and the UN Military Experts on Mission (UNMems). The UNMems are composed mostly of female officers in various mission areas in recognition of the vital role of women in holistic approaches in peacekeeping environments. For 60 years, the Philippines had been actively engaged in UN peacekeeping, deploying 15,000 Filipino soldiers to 21 peacekeeping operations and special political missions. Undersecretary de Leon also said that the Philippines is building up a Formed Police Unit, in addition to the Individual Police Officers, for the UN Mission in South Sudan. He also manifested the intent of the Philippine National Police to host the 2024 rollout of the UN Certified Instructors Development Course, catering to international participants from neighboring Police Contributing Countries. PAGE 10

10 DECEMBER 29, 2023-JANUARY 4, 2024 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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2 Pinoy survivors of Hamas attack share their ordeal MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, December 22 met with two overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who survived the attack launched by the Hamas group on Israel on October 7. In a statement, Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil confirmed that Marcos had a meeting with OFWs Jimmy Pacheco and Camille Jesalva, who recounted their ordeal in the hands of Hamas militants. “President Marcos said he was pleased to meet Pacheco and Jesalva, and that they returned home safely,” Garafil said. Pacheco, a caregiver in Israel who was among the hostages freed after 50 days of captivity in the hands of the militant group in Gaza, arrived in the Philippines on Dec.18. On the other hand, Jesalva is a 31-year-old caregiver from Nueva Ecija who became an instant hero in Israel after sharing her story about how she saved herself and her 95-yearold employer when the terrorists entered their house. Garafil said Pacheco, who was released on Nov. 24 on the first truce, shared with Marcos how their kibbutz was infiltrated by members of the Hamas group who shot his Israeli ward to death. “He also told the president about his ordeal while in captivity together with other Israelis, and how they moved from one tunnel to another to avoid Israeli troops amid heavy bombardment,” she said. According to Pacheco, he survived by eating a meager ration of dates and water in his more than 40 days of captivity. He is one of the two known Filipinos held hostage by the Palestinian militant group during its Oct. 7 rampage in southern Israel that resulted in the death of more than 1,000 people on that day alone. Noralin Babadilla, the other Filipino national taken hostage in Gaza, was freed days after Pacheco’s release.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (right, in light-colored shirt) meets with overseas Filipino workers Jimmy Pacheco and Camille Jesalva at Malacañan Palace in Manila on Friday, Dec. 22. The two survivors of the attack by the militant Hamas group on Israel on Oct. 7 shared their ordeal with Marcos. PNA photo

Meanwhile, Jesalva earned public admiration because of her courage, dedication, and loyalty as she refused to leave her 95-year-old patient, Nitza Hefetz, during Hamas’ onslaught. “Jesalva and Nitza were residing in Nirim Kibbutz on the Gaza-Israel border, which was attacked by Hamas on Oct. 7. Several militants entered their home and robbed Jesalva of her money that she was supposed to spend for her planned vacation in the Philippines,” Garafil said. She and her employer were rescued by responding troops from the Israel Defense Forces on the same day of the attack. Jesalva, during the meeting at Malacañan, thanked Marcos for his guidance. “At least nakauwi kayo, at saka Merry Christmas. Napakabigat naman nung experience niyo. Isulat ninyo o i-video ninyo (It’s good that you returned home. Merry Christmas. Your experience is very difficult to bear. Write it or take a video about your story),” Marcos told the OFWs. “Dapat gawin nating lahat nung mga… lahat ng repatriate. Ikuwento sila, para malaman ng tao kung ano ‘yung pinagdaanan nila. ‘Yung Israeli, mahal naman tayo eh (We should also do it with all repatriates. They should tell their story, so people would know what they went through. The Israelis, they love us),” he added. (PNA)

PH reaffirms participation in UN... PAGE 9 The UNPKMM is a biennial high-level event that gathers foreign and defense ministers, as well as other senior leaders from UN member states, in a collective effort to strengthen the effectiveness

of peacekeeping operations and their impact on the communities they serve. On the sidelines, Undersecretary de Leon also held bilateral meetings with Nigeria, Ghana, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Fiji, France, Latvia, Mongolia and New Zealand.

De Leon was accompanied by officials from the Philippine Permanent Mission to the UN in New York, the Office for UN and Other International Organizations of the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. g

Group promotes increased Fil-Am... PAGE 4 dors and Filipino food. “We’re glad to meet so many new people who want to grow the Fil-Am community in any way possible,” the PBG said in a statement. “We had the opportunity to meet some pillars of the Fil-Am community.” The event also featured Fil-Am celebrities, including Saweetie, Ylona Garcia, Leilani Shiu and Justin Cabanting. PBG also participated in the Golden State Warriors‘ Filipino Heritage Night last month. “We’re looking forward

to attending more Fil-Am events in the future,” the group said. The PBG was founded in December 2021, holding its first camp at Los Angeles Valley College, with 50 participants. They now have 200 players. The group has competed in numerous tournaments across the U.S. and Canada. Some of their players, Isabella and Reggie Fong and Kyle Soberano, have competed internationally representing Team Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games, the Baseball Federation Cup and the Asian Games held in

Hangzhou, China. “Our mission is to recognize, develop and promote Filipino-American and Filipino players both here in the United States and Internationally,” PBG says on its website. “In the future, we hope that our relationship with the Philippines Amateur Baseball Association and its leadership, Chito Loyzaga, Pepe Munoz, Boy Tingzon and Oscar Marcelino will help us establish state-of-the-facilities all over the Philippines to aid in our quest to become one of the top nations in international baseball.” (Inquirer.net)

PRICELESS JOY. Children enjoy one of the free amusement rides at the Malacañang Palace grounds in Manila on Saturday, Dec. 23. The Palace opened the grounds since Dec. 18, including Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass) outside the Mabini Hall. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

ICAPP and the ‘Asian Guru’... PAGE 5

the Middle East destroyed, he was at life’s lowest ebb, and then, he met the love of his life, Gina, who was been his sheet anchor since. Gina’s steady hand helped in JDV’s phoenixlike revival and resurgence, both in business and politics: ICAPP followed, then the longest serving Speaker in Philippines history, plus a presidential bid where JDV landed second in the field of 10 candidates. It is thus no extent that this man of unique intellect and remarkable brilliance took the initiative to launch ICAPP almost a quarter of century back in Manila, inviting Asian leaders to join him at the creation of what has become one of the most influential and important political organizations in Asia. What is unique in the ICAPP is it is an inclusive body which includes opposition and government, Left and Right, secular and religious, radical and conservative, Marxist and Muslim, in fact it is like a rainbow representing the finest of Asia’s unity in diversity. My own connection with JDV also began through ICAPP and it is now an almost a quarter of century old bond, reinforced by our common commitment to Asian values and a common worldview, where we see Asian resurgence inextricably intertwined with peace, harmony, cooperation, connectivity, and camaraderie. ICAPP is also a blessed body, bringing good luck for many of its key members and leaders as a role in ICAPP is often a fortuitous stepping stone for the future. The Chairman of ICAPP

JDV and Senator Mushahid Hussain of Pakistan

His Excellency Chung Euiyong came out of semiretirement to become the Foreign Minister and National Security czar of South Korea. Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, after a long spell in the wilderness under the military regime of Thailand, has become a member of the cabinet and a key adviser of the Prime Minister on trade and investment after the recent election in the country. The wheel of fortune has also turned for the better for our friends in Cambodia, Her Excellency Madame Khuon Sudary, has now become the first woman Speaker of Cambodia, and the young and dynamic parliamentarian Sous Yara, who is a worthy successor to the late Dr. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, serving his country with distinction and dedication, and he has now become an ‘Asian rising star,’ an indispensable political trouble-shooter for Cambodia. In Sri Lanka, ICAPP leader Daya Gamage also became a cabinet minister while ICAPP has produced two prime ministers in Nepal, Madhav Kumar Nepal and K.P. Sharma Oli. So ICAPP is not just a

blessed organization but also a blessing for its leaders and members' success! Today, ICAPP represents the hopes and aspirations of Asia and it is without any iota of doubt, the institutional and political voice of the Asia Century. As we celebrate the ICAPP success story, let us not forget its amazing Founding Father JDV, who planted this seed 25 years ago that is blossomed into a huge tree with strong branches and deep roots, blossoming into an all-inclusive Asian family that is marching forward to build a better tomorrow for the world’s largest continent, a brighter, peaceful, prosperous future, with no overlords and no underdogs! Thank you, JDV, for all you have done, above all, being a great friend and a doer who has delivered! Wishing you happy birthday and may you live a long life in good health and may the ICAPP continue to flourish as a democratic and inclusive organization, with its truly unique character! *** 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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Visa issued despite a criminal record, a traffic violation, and an eight-peso fine, on an encore episode of Citizen Pinoy IN an earlier episode of Citizen Pinoy, leading U.S. Immigration Attorney helped Allen obtain her fiancée visa through U.S. citizen Wendel, who is now her husband. Since then, Allen has become a U.S. citizen herself, and she petitioned her parents. Nanay had no problem with her case. But Tatay Florentino encountered several obstacles when the family tried to handle it

themselves. He had worked in Iraq, which created issues. He also had to go through three sputum tests. But most importantly, his NBI records showed a criminal matter and an arrest warrant from over 40 years ago. Apparently, an arrest warrant was issued against Tatay Florentino for the traffic PAGE 12

Christmas ailments Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

WHAT is Christmas Disease? This name does not have nothing to do with the Christmas season. Christmas Disease is a blood disease, also known as Hemophilia B or factor IX hemophilia.

It is a hereditary bleeding disorder due to deficiency in coagulation factor IX. This condition is X-linked recessive inheritance, affecting only males, and occurs in 1 in 100,000 male births. This PAGE 12

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AN 8-PESO CRIMINAL CASE FROM 1979 ALMOST PREVENTED TATAY FLORENTINO FROM JOINING HIS FAMILY IN THE U.S. When U.S. citizen Allen (4th from left) petitioned her parents, Nanay (2nd from left) had no problems, but Tatay Florentino (extreme left) had several problems when the family tried to handle it themselves. His NBI records showed a criminal matter from over 40 years ago – a traffic violation for a broken taillight, to which he pled guilty and paid the P8.00 fine. Tatay believed this case had been settled and terminated, until the U.S. Embassy refused to issue his visa due to “administrative processing.” Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (center) instructed Tatay to provide documents establishing his identity and other court records. After a thorough process and submission of key documents and evidence, Tatay Florentino’s visa was finally issued. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 31 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. (Advertising Supplement)

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Christmas...

PAGE 11 illness causes spontaneous bleeding in the joints. What is Christmas Blues? Christmas Blues is a form of mild depression (called Seasonal Affective Disorders, or SAD for short) that happens to some of us, normal and healthy people, during the Christmas season or other festive family occasions. Empty nest syndrome, where the grown-up or married children have left home, creating an empty and lonely feeling in the parents, especially the mothers, is one such type of emotion that is magnified by family occasions like Christmas, New Year, birthdays, etc. Frequent visits from the children or family reunions during the holidays minimize these “blues” and provide a sense of parental security and happiness, especially among elderly parents. The other common cause of this extreme sadness is poor financial situation in life, where self-pity, panic, a sense of hopelessness and helplessness prevail especially on a holiday like Christmas. Is guilt more common at Christmastime? Yes, somehow this season of the birth of Christ, according to psychologists, brings out in most of us our good and better qualities, such as a more youthful exuberance, honesty, sincerity, compassion and humanity. During this season, many of us become more critical of ourselves and our past actions (sins of omission or commission against our parents, siblings or friends, or our less privileged fellowmen) and hence the feeling of guilt is more common on this holiday, and also a contributing factor to Christmas Blues. What is the shelf life of food at room temperature? Different types of food have different “spoilage times.” Fish, processed meat, cream-filled pastries, custards, fruits salads, noodles (pancit), food cooked with tomatoes provide good media for bacterial growth after more than 6 hours of exposure to room temperature, depending on how warm the ambient temperature is. Some dishes, like adobo or paksiw could last for even a week in room temperature without spoiling, unless contaminated by handlers. The prudent thing to do is to refrigerate the leftovers as soon as the meal is completed. Those who do not have a refrigerator should not cover the food airtight, since this will not allow the food “to breathe” and would tend to increase the heat and pressure, leading to a much shorter “spoilage time.” If using a plastic wrap, poke a few holes on it to allow for better ventilation. Keep the food in an ice box or in the coldest part of the house and eat it within 24 hours. What are the other common winter illnesses? The dozen common ailments of Christmas include: the common cold, the flu, Christmas tree allergies, Chilblains (small itchy swellings in extremities), dry skin and eczema, SAD, alcohol poisoning, indigestion, ear infection, Norovirus, sore throat, frostbite and hypothermia. We can add: RSV and COVID-19. Do wines or beer prevent diarrhea? To some extent, yes, but the dose of the enteroxins determines the potential seriousness of the condition. Imbibing alcoholic drinks during a (contaminated) meal does not confer guaranteed immunity from these bacterial or parasitic diarrheas. The low alcohol content of all these drinks is not enough to “sterilize” our gastrointestinal tract. What is Chinese Food Syndrome? This condition could sometimes mimic a heart attack. For some people, it causes chest

pains, headache, facial pressure and warmth, and burning sensations throughout the body, sometimes with dizziness or fainting. This phenomenon is a pharmacologic reaction to monosodium glutamate (MSG or betsin), a popular white powder food seasoning used in cooking. The symptoms are not really due to an allergic reaction and is dose related. Most people are not bothered by MSG, but a small percentage react to it more severely. Although death is very rare with this syndrome, a surgeon classmate of mine, who was attending a meeting in France several years years ago, had so violent a reaction after ingesting food with monosodium glutamate that he expired within an hour thereafter. But this is very rare. MSG has been studied a lot and found to be safe for most people. Those who develop any of the four symptoms enumerated above after eating food cooked with MSG should clearly request chefs or cooks in restaurants, at home, or anywhere else, not to use MSG in preparing their food. Because of this syndrome, most Chinese (and other) restaurants today no longer use MSG. If in doubt, ask the manager or waiters, and instruct them accordingly. What is Holiday Heart Syndrome? Prevalent during holidays, this symptom complex is mainly characterized by cardiac arrythmias (heart rhythm irregularity), mostly due to alcoholic binges. The excitement brought on by the festivities and ingestion of a lot of caffeine (coffee, chocolate, cola drinks) during the holidays could also play a role in this syndrome. On this sacred season, there is nothing more hurtful than being forgotten, neglected, or abandoned, especially our elders, friends or family, who are far from us. Let’s make sure they know we are thinking of them, we love and value them. That’s the best gift we could give them, not found in stores, but plenty in our heart. That will warm them during the winter of their life. Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Christmas and a New Year blessed with love, good health, cheers, prosperity, and peace. Let’s all pray for understanding, compassion, forgiveness, and serenity around the world. *** 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). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today. SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

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Jo Koy to host 81st Golden Globes by Billy De la Cruz AJPress

MARK your calendars for January 7, 2024 as Filipino American stand-up comedian and actor Jo Koy is set to take center stage as the host of the highly anticipated 81st Golden Globe Awards. “I’m super excited to announce that the Golden Globes [is] in a couple of weeks. And you’re probably wondering who the host is,” Jo Koy said, as he shared the big news on his Instagram account on Thursday, December 21. “It’s me! Jo Koy! That’s right,” the Fil-Am comedian exclaimed. Following the announcement, Jo Koy said that he is looking forward to making his kababayans proud. “I’ve stepped onto a lot of stages around the world in my career, but this one is going to be extra special. I’m so excited to be hosting the Golden Globes this year,” the 52-year-old said. “This is that moment where I get to make my Filipino family proud. Mahal Kita (Google it)!” Just last month, Jo Koy was among the slew of iconic comedians featured in Netflix’s animated musical “Leo”. “Leo,” played and co-written by Adam Sandler, takes the

Stand-up comedian and actor Jo Koy

audience on a captivating journey through the last years of Leo’s life, as seen through the perspective of a lizard on a quest for an extraordinary fifth-grade adventure. Alongside big names in comedy like Bill Burr, Jason Alexander, Stephanie Hsu and Rob Schneider, who is also of Filipino descent, Jo Koy adds his comedic touch to the animated lizard world in the role of Coach Komura. Jo Koy’s brand of comedy draws inspiration from growing up in a Filipino American household. He has continuously captivated audiences worldwide and filled arenas to capacity. The “Funny Is Funny World Tour” shattered sales records at venues globally. Before that,

Instagram photo/@jokoy

he delighted viewers with five top-rated stand-up specials on Comedy Central and Netflix, including his latest Netflix special, “Live From The Los Angeles Forum.” In 2022, the Fil-Am comedian starred in the film “Easter Sunday,” produced by Universal Pictures. He has also appeared in Disney’s “Haunted Mansion” and lent his voice to the character Bendo in Netflix’s animated film “Monkey King.” He is set to voice the character of The Monkey King in the upcoming animated feature film “Tiger’s Apprentice,” which will premiere on Paramount+ on February 2, 2024. Helen Hoehne, the president of the Golden Globes, said PAGE 13

Visa issued despite a criminal record... PAGE 11 violation of having a broken taillight, which he never had the chance to take care of. Consequently, he pled guilty for the offense charged and paid the P8.00 fine. He thought the case had been settled until it surfaced some 40 years later, preventing him from joining his family in the

U.S. Lost records and damaged files due to fire, flood, or termites did not help Tatay Florentino’s case either. Fortunately, Atty. Gurfinkel handled the case, gathering documents, requesting court records, and guiding the client every step of the way until his visa was finally issued.

Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, December 31 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)

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Dingdong very proud of wife Marian, co-stars in ‘Rewind’ By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

THERE was not a dry eye in the theater as Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes hugged Mae Cruz-Alviar, director of their Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Rewind,” which they hope to serve as a reminder to value what matters most. “Rewind” tells the story of John (Dingdong Dantes) who would lose his wife Mary (Marian Rivera) to a car accident, which prompts him to make a deal with the Lord to turn back time to make things right. As soon as credits rolled, the real-life couple were seen wiping off their tears before hugging Alviar tightly. “‘Yun ang feeling noong binasa ko ang script, kailangan mong i-proseso

dahil maganda talaga ang mensahe niya. Now that I watched it, parang nabuhay ang binasa ko (That was how I felt when I first read its script, you have to process it because it has a beautiful message. Now that I watched it, it’s like the text came to life),” Dantes told reporters during its premiere night. Dantes, who expressed how “happy and proud” he is of Rivera and his “Rewind” co-stars, admitted the MMFF entry also made him look back at his own life to see what he can do better. “I’m very, very happy. I’m very, very proud of my wife and co-actors and paano nilatag ito ni Direk Mae,” he said. “Mahalaga ang [magiging] pakiramdam mo pagkatapos panoorin

ang ‘Rewind.’ Meron kang gustong gawin sa sarili mo. May kanya-kanya siyang impact. There’s really not just one lesson. It really depends on how one will receive it. I hope everyone will watch it kasi iba-iba talaga magiging atake nito sa tao.” (I’m very, very happy. I’m very, very proud of my wife, co-actors, and how director Mae Cruz-Alviar weaved this together. The feeling you get after watching “Rewind” is important. You want to do something in your life. It has a different impact per person. There’s really not just one lesson. It really depends on how one will receive it. I hope everyone will watch because it will impart something different to others.) On the other hand, Rivera couldn’t help but laugh in

response when asked if she considers herself as one of the possible nominees for Best Actress at the MMFF’s awards night. “Hindi ko alam! Basta maganda ang pelikula, maganda ang message, at ‘yun naman ang sinasabi namin lagi. As long as kapag lumabas ka sa sinehan, may makukuha kang message na matututunan na ano ba talaga ang mahalaga para sa’tin,” she said. (I don’t know! As long as the movie is good, the message is good, and that’s what we say all the time. As long as you realize and learn the message of the film, and that is to ask yourself what matters most.) “Rewind” marks Rivera’s first film as the lead role since 2014’s “My Big Bossing,” to

Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes

Photo from Instagram/@marianrivera

which she admitted was a “huge adjustment” period for her, although she’s grateful to her husband and the director’s company along the way. “Nag-adjust ako. 13 years eh… Marami kaming naging bonding together with Direk Mae, especially with Dong kapag kailangan niyang

mag-break down [in certain scenes]. Nand’un ako for him,” she said, referring to Dantes using his nickname. (I adjusted a lot. It’s been 13 years. I had a lot of bonding moments with director Mae Cruz-Alviar, and especially with Dong if he needs to break down in certain scenes. I’m also there for him.)

Xian pens message for Kim after breakup Jo Koy to host 81st... PAGE 12

By KatHleen a. lleMit Philstar.com

JUST minutes after Kim Chiu confirmed their breakup Saturday evening, December 23, Xian Lim penned a heartfelt post on Instagram. Calling her “dearest Kim,” Xian said he was thankful for the 12 long years they had together. “The 12 years of my life with you was the best gift I could ever ask for. We have expressed our love for each other to the fullest and knowing that I got to share those moment with you, knowing our hearts beat as one at one point in our lives is truly something I will cherish for life,” Xian wrote. Unlike Kim whose accompanying photos were in black-and-white, Xian’s photos consist of only one black-and white snap while the rest were not. “Like all good things, it must eventually come to an end. I am grateful for all the moments we shared together. Thank you for all the unconditional love throughout the years. My respect and admiration for

EMPLOYMENT

Xian Lim and Kim Chiu at the premiere night of their movie “Always.”

you as a person, as an artist, and as some one I spent more than a decade with will always remain,” he added. Xian said that he wishes for Kim to find all the happiness and love she is searching for, adding that she deserves nothing but the best. “No goodbyes here, i’ll see you around petunia,” Xian ended his post that

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tagged Kim. Prior to the ex-couple’s admission, rumors were rife that they had already separated. Among the events that fueled it was when Xian’s YouTube channel were only left with a few videos and their videos together were no longer seen on his channel.

she is thrilled about Jo Koy hosting the prestigious ceremony mentioning that the comedian’s infectious energy and relatable humor will set the perfect tone for Hollywood’s award season. “We can’t wait to see what he has in store for the stars in the room and a global audience. We know Jo is bringing his A-game,” Hoehne shared. The Golden Globes stands as the grandest award ceremony honoring the best in both film and television. This year’s ceremony will introduce two new accolades: the Best StandUp Comedian on Television and the Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. “Barbie” dominates the nominations at the Globes, securing a staggering nine nods. The film is recognized in the Best Picture Musical or Comedy category, along with acting nominations for Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling. Additionally, three of its original songs have received well-deserved recognition. Following closely behind is Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer,” which has garnered eight nominations. The film is nominated in the Best Picture Drama category and has earned acting nominations for Cillian Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., and Emily Blunt. The 81st Golden Globes will be aired live on CBS, for those watching on cable or broadcast. Additionally, the program will be streamed on Paramount+ and can be accessed through the CBS app, thanks to a new agreement between the network and the Golden Globes. g

14 DECEMBER 29, 2023-JANUARY 4, 2024 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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‘Me, Myself and You’: Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish’s Poetic Dance of Love and Remembrance by MOMAR G. VISAYA / AJPress

midst the celebration of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s 65th anniversary season, Filipina American choreographer Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish, a former Ailey A company member, introduces her captivating work, “Me, Myself and You.” Premiered on

Dec. 7 and running until Dec. 31 at the New York City Center, the mesmerizing duet delves into themes of reminiscence, love, and passion. The genesis of Roxas-Dobrish's latest piece was an introduction by Robert Battle to Brandie Sutton's operatic rendition of "In A Sentimental Mood." Asked to craft a short dance piece, a pause between longer performances, Roxas-Dobrish seized the opportunity with a resounding "Yes!" Reflecting on the uniqueness of the Alvin Ailey Company, she emphasizes its commitment to the theatrical aspect, paying homage to Mr. Ailey's legacy. "In this piece, the music speaks for itself as a story. I envisioned a woman, perhaps in her bedroom, holding on to an item that reminds her of either a past love or someone who might have moved on," she shared. “As she opens her vanity mirror, she reminisces about a moment in time. As she begins to dance thinking of him, he somehow emerges from the mirror and catches her as she falls. They then go into a dreamlike duet of love and remembrance.” The choreographer’s tale where the boundary between reality and dream blurs sets forth new questions. Was it all a dream? Did he come from another dimension? And can she follow him now into the mirror and enter another world? Addressing her return to the Ailey family, Roxas-Dobrish dismisses the notion of merely returning; instead, she embraces the idea of life's cyclical nature. "Sometimes one has to leave to be able to come back," she told the Asian Journal. Acknowledging her age as a reflection of the company's

65-year journey, she humorously intertwines her Filipino roots with her Ailey tribe, expressing gratitude for the weaving circles of her life within the Ailey loom. “I may be Filipino and my people are my countrymen but my tribe is definitely Ailey,” she said. Though Roxas-Dobrish's creations have primarily resonated with the Ailey Organization's repertoire, she acknowledges the influence of her cultural background in her latest piece. "My history of dance and theater have always been connected with the Ailey Organization," she noted. In her creative journey, Roxas-Dobrish meticulously documents each choreographic endeavor in a dedicated book, capturing the intricate details from musical choices to conceptual ideas, and even sketching out imagined lifts, whether practical or whimsical. “I like to use the word bespoke, for I look at each project totally differently and create for whatever the project calls for,” she explained. “Looking back at the pieces I’ve done so far, there isn’t one piece that looks like any other.“ Her artistic process commences with storytelling, a practice she tailors to fit the context of each project, weaving narratives, whether literal or abstract, that guide her musical selections. "I hope to leave the audience with a feeling, to touch their hearts and move them," she shared. The challenge in "Me, Myself and You" lies not just in steps but in conveying a compelling storyline, a feat she trusts the exceptional Ai-

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Caroline Dartey and James Gilmer in Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish’s ‘Me Myself and You’’.

Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish

Photo by Ernest S. Mandap

ley dancers to accomplish. As the company celebrates its 65th anniversary, Roxas-Dobrish, at 65 herself, is honored to contribute. Her career's trajectory began at the Ailey School, continued with her membership in the Ailey company, and later saw her return to teach the Horton technique. Now, having choreographed for both the 2nd and 1st Company, she finds herself humbled by the depth of her involvement. While she never actively sought out choreography, her passion lies in projects that resonate with her, a sentiment PAGE 15

Photos by Paul Kolnik

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No ‘hysterics,’ just sweet, simple love story for comeback of Vilma-Christopher teamup By nathalie tomada

By Ronnie CaRRasCo

Philstar.com

VILMA Santos and Christopher de Leon are happy to veer from the epic and explosive dramatic showdowns of their past films, embracing a tender and feel-good love story in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 entry “When I Met You In Tokyo”. The OFW-themed film that explores why love knows no place, time and age, is the latest project of the teamup that has spanned 48 years now, withstanding different circumstances in their lives and careers. They first worked together in Celso Ad. Castillo’s 1975 romance drama “Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw” with the late Eddie Garcia. Their pairing became so formidable that they subsequently starred in 20 more films together. These included Ishmael Bernal’s “Relasyon,” “Ikaw Ay Akin” and “Broken Marriage”; Elwood Perez’s “Masarap, Masakit... Ang Umibig”, “Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali”, “Pinay”, “American Style!” and “Magkaribal”; Eddie Garcia’s “Imortal”, “Sinasamba Kita and Paano Ba Mangarap?”; Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan”; Laurice Guillen’s “Ipagpatawad Mo” and “Dahil Mahal Kita The Dolzura Cortez Story”; Jose Javier Reyes’ “Nag-iisang Bituin”; Chito Rono’s “Dekada ‘70” and the last one was almost 20 years ago, Joel Lamangan’s “Mano Po 3”. What made their “loveteam” a success, despite never developing into a real romance off-screen as hit pairings usually do, was attributed to respect. Vilma said, “The main thing for us, right from the start, is respecting each other. When we did our first movie, Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw, he was already married.” “Imagine, when I first worked with Yetbo (Vilma’s nickname for Christopher), it was before I became pregnant with Lucky (Manzano), who is now 42. “There was even a scene where I was eight months pregnant, and we had to do a kissing scene. He joked, ‘Why am I kissing someone who’s eight months pregnant?’ I was 27 then, so kaya pa ng mukha even if you’re pregnant because bagets. We went through all that.” Aside from respect for each other as persons with individual loves and lives, they also have deep respect for their friendship. Vilma further shared, “We really took care of that.” Though falling in love could happen anytime between coactors, Christopher believes that having a romantic relationship might negatively affect the working relationship. He said, “I think, okay, diretsuhin ko na ‘pag na-in love kayo with each or let’s say, na-in love ka, pero ‘pag nagkaroon kayo ng relasyon, masisira eh ‘pag nagkaroon kayo ng away. Let’s say, you’re fighting, you have a personal squabble, and then you work together, wala na, sira na.” They were also very aware of their boundaries and there wasn’t any chance to turn it into something more. Boyet laughingly recalled that Vilma’s boyfriends would also often visit their movie sets, especially during shoots for intimate or love scenes that he would jokingly appeal to her to send them home. Vilma also said, “Boyet and I are both Scorpios. Pareho kaming scorpion ni Boyet. Lagi kaming may boyfriend-girlfriend. Alam ko ang nangyari samin before, when I was free, he wasn’t. When he was free, I wasn’t. “If Yet had a girlfriend, I knew where I stood, you get my point? May girlfriend siya, respeto ko sya. ‘Pero ‘pag may eksena tayong mag-asawa, asawa kita. But after the scene, you are in a relationship and vice versa.” But beyond mutual respect, it’s also about professionalism. Vilma said that it’s their responsibility to immerse themselves in their roles, making the scenes as realistic as possible. “You don’t play around with the character; you take it seriously. Yetbo is also serious about acting. That’s why every time he acts, I don’t know, but I just respond to him, and vice versa. We just look at each other, and the chemistry comes out,” she noted. “(We’d tell ourselves) let’s not play with the movie. Let’s not play around with the idea that we are in love, we’re not. Let’s do our job. When we portray a couple, we respect each other’s talent, and it’s like we challenged each other more on our talent. We took care of each other as co-actors,” she added. Their onscreen chemistry is also regarded as the secret to

Why Marco has reached his ‘quota’ ManilaTimes.net

Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon’s OFW-themed MMFF 2023 entry, ‘When I Met You In Tokyo’, explores why love knows no place, time and age.

their tandem’s enduring appeal. “Perhaps, the most beautiful thing about my working relationship with Yetbo is that… the chemistry is there,” Vilma mused. Owing to this effortless chemistry, Vilma recalled that there came a point, especially during the time of Bernal and Guillen, that directors would leave the scene up to them, instructing them to just improvise and create it themselves. “And we brought that here in ‘When I Met You In Tokyo’,” said Vilma, adding that they had a lot of scenes in the film that had no rehearsal beforehand. They also have their many great directors — some of them National Artists — to thank for taking this chemistry to its full potential. “What we learned all throughout these years, when we were handled by big-time directors, was how to be partners, how to be like as if we’re in love. ‘Look at her eyes, look at her face, embrace her, I want this, I want that,’” Christopher said. “We would learn the techniques, until we became very accustomed to the process. Perhaps, we have carried that art until now,” added the veteran star. In “When I Met You In Tokyo”, they got to try something different and refreshing by moving away from the signature intense drama of their previous works. Vilma said, “This is one movie that I can say we both have matured, Yetbo and I. There are many things we’ll show here that you’ll see for the first time in our team-up. “It’s a love story — very, very simple. If you’re looking for hysteria from us, you won’t find any. Because you’re used to it, there’s always a third party, Yetbo and I arguing and shouting. But this movie, it’s very endearing. You’ll be happy watching it, you’ll feel giddy, and at the same time, you’ll experience emotions. I’m very proud of this movie,” she stressed. For Christopher, he felt proud and fortunate to be asked by Vilma to also serve as the film’s associate director to directors Rommel Penesa and Radu Peru with Suzette Doctolero as screenwriter. “They (directors) also requested my help because, you know, Vilma is the Star for All Seasons, and it would be challenging for them to approach her and give directions for some scenes. So, that’s the biggest difference,” he said. “What’s great about Vilma is how quickly she absorbs information and understands what you tell her — whether it’s for emotions, a light scene, a heavy scene, or a romantic scene. She immediately knows how to approach it. If you tell her what’s needed, the flow of shots, and emphasize ‘less is better,’ the result is different from our previous movies. “Before, our scenes were very hyper and high-strung. But now, it’s more raw, organic, simple, realistic, and we don’t exaggerate. Since we read the story and with some suggestions from Vi on the material, it became very pleasing, light, and enjoyable to watch. It’s very simple but very touching,” Christopher stressed, echoing Vilma’s earlier description. “Our goal was to achieve something different from the melodrama that makes you cry… It’s very different from the movies we did before.”

AT one point in his career, an actor has to decide which direction he thinks is best for him. In the case of Viva Hottie Marco Gumabao, whatever path he’s treading now, he owes it to TV director Ruel S. Bayani. Having carved a name in the soap “Luv U,” Marco sought Direk Ruel’s advice on what other career opportunities to take, realizing, “I can’t forever be projecting a tweetums image.” Direk Ruel’s advice was all too simple: “Go hunk.” Already with killer looks, all that Marco had to do was to enhance his body, make it look even hotter and that was it. Marco knew that once he did as he was told, he would have to trash his wholesome image and take the sexy route, as do most actors. Came his launching pad, “Just A Stranger,” opposite Anne Curtis. Shot in Portugal, Marco found a convenient excuse to shed his goodygoody image. “Anyway, it would be filmed there where there could be no more restrictions.” Yes, with a mindset coming literally from “just a stranger.” Marco initially took the shot by showing his “behind” even if such exposure was nowhere in the script: “Even our director Jason Paul Laxamana was stunned I did it in one of the scenes!” For the actor, who was admittedly on the cusp of exploring all possibilities, “I’d say it was more of a gut feel. I felt that by doing that, it would be of help to the

As much as he can, the actor tries to dodge film assignments that nowadays are way too bold. Photo from Instagram/@ gumabaomarco

story. And it was! Of course, that was opposed to other directors’ instructions to go slightly daring when it wasn’t necessary at all.” Marco never loses count of the number of times he had similar exposures on the big screen. “But I must say that the last one would be the last,” he declared. As much as he can, Marco tries to dodge film assignments that take interest in him, going way too bold. “Granting I go sexier in this movie, people expect me to outdo it in my next film and so on. If I’d have shown everything to the world, what else is there to offer? Wala na (no more), right?” So, is Marco implying that doing frontal nudity next time around is a no-no? “Yeah! I’ve already reached my ‘quota.’ But most importantly, it’s a personal decision.” In what sense is it? Clearing his throat, Marco sheepishly replied, “May magagalit na kasi,” then laughs. (There’s someone bound to get angry now.) Of course, Marco need not say who. But definitely, this is their first sugary Christmas together.

‘Me, Myself and You’... PAGE 12 that has guided her artistic pursuits. She thrives on collaboration, engaging with diverse artists and contributing to several short dance films via virtual platforms. She fondly recalls the privilege of hearing Mr. Ailey's words, dancing in his beautifully poetic ballets, and cherishes the profound moment when he walked her down the aisle. The indelible imprint Mr. Ailey left on her life serves as a poignant reminder of her enduring connection to the Ailey legacy. Roxas-Dobrish's ultimate goal is for the audience not just to see her choreography but to feel its profound impact. With a dedication to storytelling and a masterful expression of emotions through dance, she aims to leave a lasting impression. As "Me, Myself and You" embarks on a national tour as part of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's 65th-anniversary celebrations, she looks forward to weaving more circles and continuing to share powerful stories through her unique choreographic lens. g

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