Opinion: The Political Philosophy of VP Leni Robredo | By Manuel L. Caballero

VP Leni Robredo Facebook Page Photo

ON MY WATCH

BY MANUEL L. CABALLERO

THE POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY OF VP LENI ROBREDO

After almost six months of campaign speeches, debates and presidential interviews, VP Leni has clearly conveyed her political philosophy that makes Filipinos embrace her and her team.

In a nutshell, she believes in empowering the people both in policy decision making and policy implementation.

 

Unfortunately for the native country, the Filipino people, and for democracy, the other candidate, Bongbong Marcos, Jr., excused himself from the debates and presidential interviews, thus, failing to educate the people of what he stands for. Why should he be voted then?

Back to VP Robredo, in formal study of politics, her political philosophy can be classified as structural-functional approach in policy-making where policies are driven by the needs and demands of the people. To sum up, people empowerment.

In the latest interview by Rappler's Maria Ressa of VP Leni Robredo, the Vice President was asked how she would explain the huge attendance of people in her rallies that never happened in previous elections? The spark, Ressa said. With her usual humility, the VP said that hope and desire for change are the driving forces. That the people are fed up with trapo politics and she thought the people could have rallied under any leader who will advocate for real change.

Robredo refused to take credit. She always refer to the people. According to her, the people should feel that they are part of the solution.

UMass Amherst Associate Professor of Communication Jonathan Corpus Ong Named Andrew Carnegie Fellow

AMHERST, Mass. – Jonathan Corpus Ong, associate professor of global digital media in the department of communication at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, who also studies social media and disinformation economies,has been named a 2022 Andrew Carnegie Fellow by Carnegie Corporation of New York.

Ong is one of 28 scholars, journalists and authors awarded with $200,000 stipends in recognition of their efforts to address important and enduring issues confronting our society. The stipends, totaling $5.6 million in philanthropic support this year by the Corporation, makes it possible for fellows including Ong to devote their time to significant research and writing in the social sciences and humanities.

Ong’s stipend will support his project, “The Human Costs of Disinformation,” which will explore precarious work conditions and digital harms experienced by pro-democracy civil society frontliners in global context. His project aims to advance his advocacy for worker justice and wellness in the disinformation mitigation space. 

 

Ong says, "I am deeply honored representing UMass and receiving this award. This is a recognition that we need more engaged ethnographic work that can interrupt dominant paradigms about how we think about social media and democracy. We need more stories about the creativity and courage of digital activists, organizers, and 'healers' just as we need to understand root causes of exploitation and deception in digital economies."

Dr. Jonathan Corpus Ong Facebook Photo

In his previous disinformation studies research, Jonathan has uncovered the inner workings of troll farms and disinformation-for-hire operations in Southeast Asia, with a particular focus on the Philippines. His policy engagement has influenced campaign finance reform in Philippine elections and social media platforms’ content policy about inter-Asian racist speech.

An engaged researcher, Ong has a long record of working closely with humanitarian and human rights organizations, and his humanitarian research has shaped policy debates about humanitarian accountability and localizing aid at the 2016 World Humanitarian Summit. 

Since 2020, Ong has also served as a Research Fellow at Harvard University’s Shorenstein Center for the Technology and Social Change Project. He has published dozens of journal articles in the areas of global media ethics, digital politics and the anthropology of humanitarianism, and is author of the book “The Poverty of Television: The Mediation of Suffering in Class-Divided Philippines” and co-editor of the book “Taking the Square: Mediated Dissent and Occupations of Public Space.”

Ong is only the second UMass Amherst faculty member to be named a Carnegie Fellow, following Distinguished Professor of Economics Léonce Ndikumana, who was awarded the distinction in 2021.

The Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program, founded in 2015, involves a competitive nomination and selection process. It is the most generous stipend of its kind, and to date, the program has named 244 fellows, representing a philanthropic investment of $48.8 million. This year’s research proposals focus on U.S. democracy, the environment, polarization and inequality, technological and cultural evolution, and international relations, among other subjects. Selection criteria prioritize the originality and promise of the research, its potential impact on the field, and the scholar’s plans for communicating the findings to a broad audience.

“In recent years, as we have looked to respond to our world’s most complex problems, the Carnegie Fellows have provided important contributions through their exceptional research, pursuit of knowledge and creative approaches,” said John J. DeGioia, chair of the Andrew Carnegie Fellows Program jury and president of Georgetown University. “Our panel of jurors were gratified and inspired by the caliber of the research proposals. We believe that this year’s fellows show extraordinary potential for lasting impact.”

“The winning proposals represent a wealth of knowledge and expertise, reinforcing our conviction that the humanities and social sciences are essential tools in helping to foster a deeper understanding of the world around us,” said Louise Richardson, vice-chancellor of the University of Oxford, president-elect of Carnegie Corporation of New York, and a member of the jury panel. “We were especially impressed with the breadth of approaches to issues such as climate change, political polarization, migrant populations, and racism, as well as the variety of research locations and historical timeframes, including a project based in the Arctic and one that starts with the origins of humankind. The Andrew Carnegie Fellows are setting a scholarly standard for excellence, and we are delighted to support their endeavors.”

Carnegie Corporation of New York was established by Andrew Carnegie in 1911 to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. In keeping with this mandate, the Corporation’s work focuses on the issues that Carnegie considered of paramount importance, including education, international peace and a strong democracy.

The full list of 2022 Andrew Carnegie Fellows and information about their projects can be found on the Carnegie Corporation website.

UniTeam East Coast Thanksgiving Party and Cultural Presentation, May 7

UniTeam East Coast Thanksgiving Party and Cultural Presentation

May 7th (2 to 7pm)

Join our THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION at Our Lady of Mt Carmel (OLMC) at 85 Giles Ave Jersey City.

PROGRAM:

We inspire you to showcase your culture. It would be exciting if you could perform any group presentation (sing & dance) Curacha, Tinikling, Dayan2x etc

BUDGET:

Venue. -$950.

Decoration- $200.

We are knocking your generous hearts to donate a minimum of $10. to defray our expenses

Any donations will be collected upon registration.

FOOD:

This is potluck so please coordinate with the food committee.

ATTIRE:

Feel free to wear BBM-SARA hoodies or shirts

PRIZES:

Best Group Presentation 

Best in Attendance 

Best in Costume

DECORATION:

Ilocano Association in America (IAA) 

UniTeam Official Poll-watchers

RSVP

Jocelyn - (347) 387-3877

Susanne - (917) 497-0290

In New York, A Birthday Song for VP Leni Robredo, A Community Picnic for the Philippines

In New York, A Birthday Song for VP Leni Robredo, A Community Picnic for the Philippines

Let Democracy Blossom New York Community Picnic and Rally for Hope & Democracy in the Philippines Flushing Meadows Corona Park New York City April 23, 2022 Video by Lambert Parong Edited by Lorenzo San Miguel Email us at info@kababayanmedia.com Kababayan Media ©️ 2022 All Rights Reserved

Filipino American Steven Raga Launch Campaign for New York Assembly

Filipino American Steven Raga Announce Candidacy for New York Assembly District 30 Seat; US Representative Grace Meng, State Senator John Liu, State Representative Catalina Cruz, District Leader Melissa Sklarz Endorse Campaign. 

Queens Community Advocates and Members Join the Campaign Launch Held at Diversity Plaza in Queens, New York. April 21, 2022. 

Video by Lambert Parong

Edited by Lorenzo San Miguel

Email us at info@kababayanmedia.com 

Kababayan Media © 2022 

All Rights Reserved

Secretary Delfin Lorenzana Bids Farewell to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin

 

PH Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana (right), accompanied by PH Envoy Jose Manuel Romualdez (center), personally bids farewell to US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (left) at the Pentagon on 18 April 2022. They discussed issues of mutual concern such as the strengthening of the Philippines-US alliance, deepening of bilateral defense and security cooperation, and promoting regional peace and stability. Sec. Lorenzana will end his tenure as PH Defense Secretary in June 2022. (Photo by US Department of Defense)

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Opinion: Happy Birthday VP Leni Robredo on April 23 | By Manuel L. Caballero

VP Leni Robredo Facebook Page Photo

ON MY WATCH

By MANUEL L. CABALLERO 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VP LENI ROBREDO ON APRIL 23

We are writing this on the eve of the birthday of Leni Robredo, the popular vice president of the Philippines, who is running for president of her country in its May 9, 2022 elections.

According to her profile in Wikipedia, VP Leni was born on April 23. 1965.

Happy Birthday VP Leni! 

Her millions of Filipino supporters believe this year is her best birthday ever because of their collective belief that she will emerge as winner and will be the next president of the Philippines. Let me join them by wishing the Vice President with a "Best Birthday Ever" greeting.

Wikipedia introduces VP Leni to the world with the following write-up:

"Maria Leonor "Leni" Gerona Robredo (born Maria Leonor Santo Tomas Gerona; April 23, 1965) is a Filipina lawyer, politician, and social activist who is the 14th and incumbent vice president of the Philippines. Robredo was the wife of the late Jesse Robredo, who was interior secretary from 2010 to 2012. She served as the representative of Camarines Sur's 3rd district from 2013 until her inauguration as vice president in 2016. In the vice presidential election, Robredo defeated Bongbong Marcos by a narrow margin of 263,473 votes. A report released by the Supreme Court further widened her lead to 278,566 over Marcos."

Philippine Consulate in New York Suspends Consular Services Due to Staff Exposure to COVID-19

SUSPENSION OF CONSULAR SERVICES DUE TO STAFF EXPOSURE TO COVID-19

Watch the message of Consul General Elmer G. Cato here https://fb.watch/cwnR4TylBR/

The Philippine Consulate General in New York informs the public that consular services will be suspended beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, 20 April 2022 to ensure the safety of kababayan in view of multiple COVID-19 exposures of Consulate personnel.

Kababayan who visited the Philippine Center on Monday, 18 April 2022 and today, 19 April 2022, are advised to check themselves for symptoms and/or to get themselves tested.

Normal consular operations will resume on Monday, 25 April 2022.

Kababayan with appointments scheduled tomorrow, Wednesday 20 April 2022 until Friday, 22 April 2022, will be contacted by email to inform them of their new appointment dates.

The Consulate will, however, accommodate Filipinos in distress and other emergency cases.

The Consulate will also continue Overseas Absentee Voting preparations and operations.

We ask for the public’s patience and understanding as we endeavor to ensure everyone’s health and safety.

Commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan 2022: Wreath Laying and Unveiling of Carlos P. Romulo Portrait

(From left to right) US Army Brigadier General Roy Macaraeg, Undersecretary of the US Air Force Gina Ortiz-Jones, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel G. Romualdez, US Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Remigio Cabacar (ret), and Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attache to the United States Colonel Amado V. Dela Paz during the Araw ng Kagitingan wreath laying ceremony.

WASHINGTON D.C. – “Sampu ng aking mga kasama sa embahada, pinupugay namin ang kagitingan ng ating mga beterano. Kayo ang bukal ng inspirasyon upang pagkaisahin ang mga Pilipino. Mabuhay ang mga beterano at ang nagkakaisang Pilipino at Amerikano!” said Ambassador Jose Manuel G. Romualdez as he addressed the Filipino veterans during the wreath laying ceremony in commemoration of the Day of Valor or Araw ng Kagitingan held on 08 April 2022 at the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C.

It was on April 9, 1942 when Filipino and American soldiers unwaveringly stood shoulder to shoulder and valiantly fought to defend the Bataan Peninsula. In celebration of the eightieth anniversary of the Day of Valor, this year’s theme “Kagitingan ng mga Beterano, Inspirasyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino” or the Gallantry of the Veterans, Inspiration of the United Filipinos, underscores the courage, sacrifice, and heroism of our veterans. 

Among the distinguished guests during the wreath laying ceremony are Major General Antonio Taguba (US Army Retired), chairman of the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FILVETREP); Undersecretary of the US Air Force Gina Ortiz-Jones; US Army Brigadier General Roy Macaraeg; Philippine Defense and Armed Forces Attache to the United States Colonel Amado V. Dela Paz, Senior Chief Petty Officer 1st Class Remigio Cabacar (US Navy Retired), members of the FILVETREP, and the US Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5471. World War II memorial visitors and passers-by also observed the ceremonies.

In her remarks, Undersecretary Ortiz-Jones highlighted the strong relations of the Philippines and the United States: “In the face of torture but in the name of democracy (they) endured the Bataan death march and the bonds that continue to exist between our country are ones that are strong and will remain to be strong when we look at our collective challenges moving our way forward.”

Brigadier General Macaraeg emphasized the importance of commemorating the Day of Valor during his remarks as he said “Memorials and commemorations like this are very important to give us the opportunity to thank them for their service to continue to remember their sacrifices and to perpetuate their legacy. Today, we are doing just that. We are commemorating and remembering the sacrifices of an extraordinary group of American and Filipino veterans. Members of the greatest generation, the Filipino and American soldiers who served during World War II and who demonstrated complete unconditional patriotism. Today, we give our sincere appreciation and remember their sacrifices for it was them who have paved the way and provided opportunities for so many for future generations.” 

“Remembering this day is necessary and very personal. You see my old brother here and I walked and survived the prison camp. Let us always remember the brave soldiers who participated in the Bataan march and in any war who gave their all so that we have the freedom that we enjoy as Americans.” said by Senior Petty Officer Cabacar, an honored Filipino World War II veteran.

Colonel Amado V. Dela Paz closed the morning ceremonies by delivering his message, “Araw ng Kagitingan reminds us that our valor cannot only be exhibited in the face of defense and battlefields. The act of valor is within us all. We live by and through it in our everyday lives, within our nation, and amongst ourselves. The call of valor is for every Filipino to hold on to its virtues in all of our endeavors, and what we must do to protect and defend our peace and democracy in times of struggles and threats.”

The Philippine and American National Anthems were sung by Filipino-American Mr. Allan Palacios Chan.

Unveiling of the portrait of Carlos P. Romulo by Ambassador Romualdez with the VFW Post 5471, Lagman family, and FILVETREP

Reception and unveiling of a portrait of Carlos P. Romulo

The wreath laying ceremony was followed by a reception and unveiling of a portrait of Carlos P. Romulo at the Philippine Embassy’s Romulo Hall. The portrait by artist Orlando Lagman was donated by the US Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5471, through Senior Chief Petty Officer Cabacar, to the Philippine Embassy.

Before he became a seasoned diplomat and the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Carlos P. Romulo helped lead the joint forces towards Philippine independence during the second world war as a Brigadier General in the Philippine Army and as chief aide to General Douglas MacArthur. He admirably also won a Pulitzer Prize for Peace for his prewar evaluation of the military situation in the Pacific area.

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ICYMI: UniTeam BBM-Sarah Supporters Meet Up at Central Park in New York City

UniTeam BBM-Sarah Supporters Meet Up at Central Park in New York City. 

April 3, 2022.

Organized by UniTeam BBM-Sarah East Coast. Video by Lambert Parong Email us at info@kababayanmedia.com Kababayan Media © 2022 All Rights Reserved

Mayor Eric Adams to Distribute 6.3 Million At-Home COVID-19 Tests, as Federal Government Stalls on Providing Billions in Emergency Funds

NEW YORK – New York City Mayor Adams and city health leaders recently called on all members of Congress to appropriate more than $15 billion in emergency funding for COVID-19. While New York City will continue providing testing and vaccine services to New Yorkers at no cost through NYC Health + Hospitals, gridlock in Washington, DC has threatened the health of communities across New York and the rest of the nation. Earlier this week, Mayor Adams met with the New York City congressional delegation and urged them to push for immediate passage of the COVID-19 aid package. As the city and the nation wait for action from certain members of Congress to protect Americans’ health, New York is taking action to bolster preparedness efforts. Specifically, the NYC Test & Trace Corps will provide an additional 6.3 million free at-home tests in April to over 2,500 community organizations, libraries, cultural institutions, houses of worship, and elected offices across the city.

“We have more tools than ever to fight COVID-19, but now is not the time to scale back,” said Mayor Adams. “As we step up and provide more than 6 million at-home tests to keep our residents safe, we need our federal government to continue pushing for much-needed resources. We remain committed to assisting the New York City congressional delegation as they work to secure COVID-19 supplemental funding, but inaction by certain members of Congress right now puts the whole country at risk. We need federal action now before we left to fend for ourselves if another surge hits our city.”

Test & Trace has distributed nearly 11 million at-home tests to date, with approximately 7 million tests delivered to New York City schools. Test & Trace currently maintains a stockpile of tens of millions of tests that can be rapidly distributed in the event of a surge.

Making at-home testing widely available ensures New Yorkers can test themselves immediately if they have symptoms so they can safely head to work, school, or other gatherings with family and friends, or quickly receive treatment, if needed.

The more than $15 billion in funding Congress has yet to authorize has the potential to:

• Impact the federal supply of vaccines and treatments;
• Eliminate federal reimbursement to private providers for vaccination, testing, and outpatient treatment provided to uninsured people;
• Reduce immediate access to services for testing, treatment, and vaccination, which could lead to delays in testing and care; and
• Put the country at risk of losing its ability to develop and distribute vaccines for new variants in the future.

Recently, rumors began to surface that Congress may soon consider an aid package valued at approximately $10 billion — less than half of the $22.5 billion President Joseph Biden had initially sought to continue the fight against COVID-19. 

Earlier this week, President Biden warned there may not be enough vaccine supply to guarantee free access to vaccines for those who want them this fall, just as the federal government approved a second booster dose for adults aged 50 and older, making this federal funding even more dire. In addition, the federal government is already scaling back allocations for COVID-19 treatments, like monoclonal antibody treatments and oral antivirals. These treatments have been a lifeline for many vulnerable New Yorkers, and without them, severe outcomes due to COVID-19 infection will increase.

Any New York City-based community organization that would like to participate as an at-home test distribution partner is encouraged to sign up online. New Yorkers can find an at-home test distribution location most convenient to them by visiting the city’s coronavirus testing page.  New Yorkers with a disability who need assistance or have questions regarding at home test kits or otherwise should call 311. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing and use American Sign Language can call via video phone at 646-396-5830.  

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ICYMI: Leni-Kiko Angat Buhay Walk of Hope in Jersey City, New Jersey USA

Leni-Kiko Angat Buhay Walk of Hope in Jersey City, NJ USA. April 3, 2022. 

Amidst the Rain

Leni-Kiko Angat Buhay Walk of Hope from Lincoln Park to West Side Avenue/ Union St/ Mallory Avenue back to Lincoln Park.

This Walk of Hope is organized by United Filipinos of North America USA. Overall Event Chairs, Jujo Conol and Nida Gonzales-Chan.

In collaboration with Global Filipinos for Leni, Bicolandia group, Bergenfield Pink Caravan, 1Sambayan NE, Malaya Movement, Anakbayan and Gabriella.

Video by Lambert Parong

Email us at info@kababayanmedia.com

Kababayan Media © 2022

All Rights Reserved

Ma-Yi Theater Production of The Chinese Lady Nominated for 4 Lortel Awards

Shannon Tyo in Ma-Yi Theater Company’s production of The Chinese Lady, written by Lloyd Suh and directed by Ralph B. Peña, at The Public Theater. Photo by Joan Marcus.

The Ma-Yi Theater Company production of The Chinese Lady, written by Lloyd Suh and directed by Obie Award-winner Ralph B. Peña, has been nominated for 4 Lortel Awards. They include Outstanding Revival, Shannon Tyo for Outstanding Lead Performer in a Play, Fabian Obispo for Outstanding Sound Design, and Shawn Duan for Outstanding Projection Design. The Lortel Awards celebrate outstanding achievement off-Broadway and will be announced on Sunday, May 1, 2022 at NYU Skirball.

 

The Chinese Lady, which opened on March 8, 2022, is currently enjoying a sold-out run at The Public Theater and must close on April 10, 2022. The production stars Daniel K. Isaac as Atung and Tyo as Afong Moy. Both are reprising their roles from the 2018 Ma-Yi Theater Company production at Beckett Theater (Theater Row).

 

Inspired by the true story of the first Chinese woman to step foot in America, Lloyd Suh’s critically- acclaimed play, The Chinese Lady, is a tale of dark poetic whimsy and a unique portrait of the United States as seen through the eyes of a young Chinese girl. In 1834, 16-year-old Afong Moy sailed into New York Harbor and was immediately put on display for a paying public who were mesmerized by her exotic ways and horrified by her tiny bound feet. As audiences follow Moy’s travels through America as a living exhibit for decades, The Chinese Lady shares her impressions of a young country struggling with how to define itself.

 

Since its founding in 1989, Ma-Yi Theater Company has distinguished itself as one of the country’s leading incubators of new work shaping the national discourse about what it means to be Asian American today. Please visit www.ma-yitheatre.org for more information. 

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2022 Philippine Elections Virtual Town Hall by the PH Consulate in New York with COMELEC on April 11

 

From the Philippine Consulate General in New York: The ballots are on their way! While waiting for the ballots to arrive, learn the steps on how to vote for this year's national elections. Join the virtual town hall on 11 April at 7pm ET.

Kababayans are encouraged to participate by registering at newyorkpcg.events@dfa.gov.ph  

Email with Subject: Election22

In Photos: BBM-Sarah Supporters Sunday Meet Up at Central Park in New York

BBM-Sarah Supporters Gather in Central Park in New York. Organized by UniTeam East Coast USA. April 3, 2022. New York City.

Photos by Noli Pola © 2022

Photos by Noli Pola © 2022

OPINION: We Predict Leni Robredo will Win; Based on Behavior, Words, Actions of Filipinos | By Manuel L. Caballero

VP Leni Robredo Facebook Page Photo

ON MY WATCH

BY MANUEL L. CABALLERO

As a political observer of events happening and obtaining in the Philippines, I have always maintained, like others do, that looking and observing in from the outside is more keen, better and more objective than looking and observing in from the inside. We said so, especially in this age of zoom, text, tiktok, email, cell and cell camera & video , internet, and social media. Add the traditional types of mass media like newspapers and TV, and you have an on-the-spot picture and live story of an event happening 10,000 miles away.

***

The Philippines, as of 2022, has a population of 112 million. Of that number, 67 million are registered voters (1.8 million are abroad). 65 to 75 percent of registered voters, per my estimate based on 2019 elections, will cast their votes.  Per my research, 65 percent of the 67 million voters belong to 18-55 age group. These are the people we see wearing pink among the mammoth crowds in VP Leni Robredo's team rallies.

***

Now, let's shift to the ongoing election campaign in the native country. We will discuss  two opposing candidates for president, who, indeed, have opposing traits. VP Leni Robredo who always shows up to  face the people in presidential debates and Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. who seems afraid to face his opponents and the people, and who always have an excuse not to show up. I have been noticing that when the Marcos Jr. camp wants to get favorable story to their side, they begin with disinformation. When they notice na hindi binibili ng taong bayan, they stop and start a new false story.

Remember before rallies were allowed under election laws, the false story was that young Filipinos will vote and make Marcos Jr Duterte win. When rallies started and everybody saw that young Filipinos were attending in droves the LeniKiko meetings anywhere in the country and even outside the PH like during last Sunday's Walk for Democracy in New York City, and Walk For Hope in Jersey City, they changed their story.

VP Leni Robredo Facebook Page Photo

Their latest obvious disinformation in order to divide the LeniKiko tandem and deceive the Filipino voters is ROSA or LeniSara. It is being pushed back or rejected in many places even in Davao, so expect a new "song" soon. As one Kakampink said, "Concede na lang kayo. Madali pa yun."

The latest mind-conditioning false story is that Marcos Jr. will win the elections. This fake story is being peddled inspite of the fact that it is widely observed that the Marcos Jr. campaign has lost its appeal to Filipinos because of the lies it has spread like the supposed "golden era" of martial law  in the 70s. When in fact, it was bankrupt era in PH history. The observation is that the Marcos campaign has spiraled downwards and continues to go down as election approaches.

Having written all of the above about the Marcos Duterte campaign, there is nothing much to write about the more popular LeniKiko Team. We are all witnesses to the  mass of crowds that attend the Leni-Kiko rallies anywhere. Majority of  Filipinos seem to have decided to vote for the LeniKiko and the Angat Team. They appear to embrace the theme that "Gobyernong tapat, angat buhay lahat."

It seems the Filipino voters will respond to VP Leni's call for revolution of the heart and the mind. They will vote their conscience on May 9. They want to change the ways things are going in their country for the sake of everyone now and the future.

As a defender of democracy, she repeated her beliefs in people power in her recent speech in Bohol rally before 80,000 supporters, "Walang kayang tumumbas sa pinagbigkis nating lakas." (Nothing can equal our collective strength).

Bataan Death March Heroes Honored Through Memorial March

Members of the Philippine Embassy led by Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon Ascalon, Jr. (4th from the right) with US Undersecretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones during the Bataan Memorial Death March on 2 April 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Philippine Embassy participated in the Bataan Memorial Death March held on 2 April 2022. The Embassy contingent, led by Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon T. Ascalon, Jr., joined the Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) led by its Chairman, Major General (ret.) Tony Taguba, Regional Director and Former US Consul General Sonny Busa in honoring Filipino and American veterans alike.

The event was also graced by the US Undersecretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones. 

Filipino Veterans Recognition and Education Project (FilVetREP) Regional Director Sonny Busa (left) with Deputy Chief of Mission Jaime Ramon Ascalon, Jr. (right) giving their opening remarks

This year’s Memorial Death March marks the 80th anniversary of the horrific event, normally held in New Mexico, was organized with COVID-19 considerations and took place on a 14.2 mile route along the Mount Vernon Hiking and Biking Trail beside the Potomac River. The route started and ended at The Marina on Daingerfield Island in Alexandria, VA.

Other interested participants who were unable to join the march, likewise, participated in the cause through generous donations by sponsoring a specific number of miles walked by the marching team in remembering and celebrating those who were in the death march. All donations will go to the FilVetREP in support of its efforts to continue raising awareness and obtaining national recognition of the wartime services of Filipino World War II veterans to the United States and the Philippines. 

Members of the Filipino and Filipino-American Community join the Bataan Memorial Death March

This year’s March was co-sponsored by FilVetREP, VFW Post 5471, Filipino Young Professionals (FYP-DC), NaFFAA Region 2, Bicol Association of Metro DC, Philippine American Chamber of Commerce of DC, and Philippine American Nurses Association of Metro DC (PNAMDC). 

On 09 April 1942 in the province of Bataan, Philippines, 76,000 Filipino and American prisoners of war were force-marched to camps 65 miles away during the early stages of World War II. This became known as the Bataan Death March. 

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ICYMI: BBM-Sarah Supporters Gather in Washington DC and in New York, Celebrate President Rodrigo Duterte's Birthday

 

UniTeam BBM-Sara East Coast D.C., Maryland and Virginia Road Trip; New York City Dine & Dance Campaign Rally and President Rodrigo Duterte Birthday Celebration.

March 26-27, 2022

Photos courtesy of Jocelyn Cambaya

Video by Lambert Parong

Email us at info@kababayanmedia.com

Kababayan Media © 2022

All Rights Reserved

'Aladdin' on Broadway Surprises Emotional Audience Member with Disney Cruise Line Vacation Giveaway to Mark 8th Anniversary

Michael James Scott, Michael Maliakel and Shoba Narayan Celebrate Aladdin 8th Anniversary (Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)

New York, NY – Aladdin, the hit musical based on the Academy Award^®-winning animated film, celebrated its 8^th anniversary on Broadway on Sunday, March 20 at the New Amsterdam Theatre. To celebrate the occasion, Michael James Scott (Genie) surprised a lucky guest – the 888^th ticketholder scanned at the theatre that afternoon – with a cruise aboard Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish. The giveaway was announced during curtain call in front of the sold-out audience. 

Click here for video of the special occasion. 

Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Wish, sets sail for the first time this summer. New enchantment can be found as treasured stories and characters come to life before your eyes in unexpected ways.

In the 2,681 performances comprising Aladdin’s run thus far, audiences have been treated to a staggering number of special effects: 

• Aladdin and Jasmine have flown over 88 miles on the magic carpet while singing the Oscar-winning “A Whole New World”
  
• The Genie has set off nearly 100,000 pyrotechnics in the showstopping “Friend Like Me” 
  
• In the Act Two opener “Prince Ali,” the cast and wardrobe team have made over 185,000 lightning-fast costume quick changes

Hailed by The New York Times as “fabulous and extravagant!” Aladdin opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre to critical acclaim on March 20, 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years. The Broadway production has broken 14 New Amsterdam Theatre house records and spawned eight productions on four continents, with a new North American tour launching in October. It can be seen currently on Broadway, in Japan, the Netherlands, Mexico and Germany.

The current cast of Aladdin stars Michael Maliakel making his Broadway debut in the title role, Michael James Scott as Genie, Shoba Narayan as Jasmine and Dennis Stowe as Jafar. The show also features Milo Alosi, Zach Bencal and Brad Weinstock as Aladdin’s sidekicks Kassim, Babkak and Omar, JC Montgomery as Sultan and Don Darryl Rivera as Iago. Juwan Crawley, Mark DiConzo, Frank Viveros and Jonathan Weir stand by for several principals.

Aladdin also features Tia Altinay, Michael Callahan, Alicia Charles, Mathew deGuzman, Brian Dillon, Josh Drake, Samantha Farrow, Carissa Fiorillo, Keisha Gilles, Jacob Gutierrez, Wes Hart, Paul Heesang Miller, Cameron Hobbs, April Holloway, Heather Makalani, Pierre Marais, Amber Owens, Jamie Kasey Patterson, Bobby Pestka, Ariel Reid, Tyler Roberts, Jaz Sealey, Angelo Soriano, Charles South, Cassidy Stoner and Alec Varcas.

Michael James Scott, Michael Maliakel and Shoba Narayan Celebrate Aladdin 8th Anniversary (Photo by Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)

ABOUT ALADDIN 

Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, Aladdin features music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar^® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida) and six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).   

Aladdin, adapted from the animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical.  Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exciting world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance.  This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage.

The animated film Aladdin was released by Disney in 1992 and was a critical and box office smash, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year.   

The film won the Oscar for Best Original Score and introduced the hit song “A Whole New World,” which won the second of the film’s two Academy Awards as Best Original Song.  The Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle recording of the tune soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Aladdin is designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, six-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, two-time Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes and sound designer Ken Travis.

The production team also includes illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer, hair designer Josh Marquette and makeup designer Milagros Medina-Cerdeira.  The music team is headed by music supervisor and music director Michael Kosarin, who also created the vocal and incidental music arrangements, joined by orchestrator Danny Troob and dance music arranger Glen Kelly. 

Anne Quart serves as co-producer.

For more information, visit AladdinTheMusical.com.