Former Philippine Vice President Leni Robredo and Rogelio Constantino Medina Photos collated by Rogelio C. Medina
THE first time I saw Leni Robredo was during the wake for her husband Jessie Robredo at Malacanang’s Kalayaan Hall (I used to work there as Presidential Message Writer under the late Press Secretary Teddy Benigno). She showed courage in the midst of the tragic death of the man believed to be a country’s future leader.
I vividly remember she inquired who was the owner of the attache case beside her, and I answered politely that it was mine for it contained some paperworks to be edited; I was then connected with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office as a writer consultant.
She smiled, and I extended my sincerest condolences to her. As I shook her hand, I could see a vision that she would enter public service to continue her husband’s legacy of serving the people.
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Gemeline Braga-Calingo, widow of my late boss, Dr. Luis Calingo, who was the president of Holy Angel University in Angeles City, Pampanga, was recently with her daughter, my friend beauty queen-writer-educator-artist Arienne Calingo in Paris, France.
I remember Gemeline’s intelligence, kindness, humility and courage that will inspire other women to go on with life amidst the trials one has to confront in this world. Confidence, determination and faith in the Divine Providence will guide us to a right direction.
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Omen Ortiz, a pet lover, is the chairman and founder of the Manila International Film Festival in Los Angeles, California. On its 2nd year, the said film festival was a huge success.
Thanks too to Janet Nepales and other members of the MIFF for their untiring efforts.
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Beyond acting, 2024 FAMAS best child actress Elia Ilano is making waves as a TV host. She is nominated for Best Children’s Show Host at the 38th PMPC Star Awards for TV for her work in Artsy Craftsy, which is now on its 4th season. Her impact in the industry has also earned her a nomination at the 2nd Philippine Young Faces of Success, recognizing her contributions to film, TV, and theater.
As she approaches her 15th birthday on March 24, many are wondering: will Elia be the next young star to be part of a popular loveteam? With her undeniable talent and growing fanbase, the fans of Elia can only wait and see what’s next for this rising star.
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Victoria Isip, who will celebrate her birthday on March 24, is an accountant for the Contra Costa County’s Department of Conservation and Development. She has been working there for 27 years. She has been happily married for 44 years to Vincent Isip who works for Contra Costa County’s Department of Child Support for 34 years. They have four children and three grandchildren. Their eldest daughter Ann is a senior fashion designer for Stateside; Kristine, a talent acquisition lead for Global Hiring Programs and Initiatives at The Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation; Michael owns Lapu Films, a videography and photography business in Honolulu, Hawaii; and Aiko, a program assistant at the Hawaii Pacific University’s College of Liberal Arts and also a part time photographer.
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Jerry A. Aguilar, LPT, Ed.D., Ph.D., had learned the value of perseverance and hard work even at early age. At age 8, he began joining singing contests — sometimes winning, sometimes losing. These experiences instilled grit, resilience, and a growth mindset, teaching him that life must go on despite challenges. Beyond competition, music also provided him with significant exposure and opportunities to connect with diverse people, enhancing his communication and interpersonal skills. To support his education, he engaged in retail merchandising at a local public market, sharpening his entrepreneurial abilities and financial independence. These experiences laid the foundation for his business acumen and adaptability.
After obtaining his degrees, he built a dynamic career spanning multiple industries, gaining valuable experience with foreign employers and diverse work cultures. In 2017, he was honored as an Outstanding Educator Award by the Consortium of the South. It highlighted his commitment to academic excellence, student mentorship, and innovative teaching methods.
As a business development consultant, he has successfully leveraged his networking skills to create new business opportunities, build strategic partnerships, and drive growth.
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LA-based accountant JR Arugay II, CPA, who finished his B.S Accounting degree in Isabela State University and Master’s in Business Administration with a major in Financial Management in Polytechnic University of the Philippines under ETEEAP (Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program), has been fascinated with numbers that have been a part and parcel of his life. A pet lover (his terrier dog’s name is Millton), he will be celebrating his birthday on March 25.
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This year’s Oscars is filled with surprises. I do agree with the 2025 winners.
Some of the winners of 2025 Oscars are Best Actor Adrien Brody of “The Brutalist,” Best Actress Mikey Madison of “Anora,” Best Supporting Actor Kieran Culkin of “A Real Pain,” and Best Supporting Actress Zoe Saldana of “Emilia Perez.”
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The late Remedios S. Isip, born on November 6,1928 to parents Valentin and Antonia Santiago, was married to Tax Commissioner Elpidio O. Isip and was blessed with 10 children. She was a genuine, positive, generous and jolly person.
In 1978, she was introduced to Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and Lord. The succeeding year, she opened her home to Friday Nights Bible Study. In December 1987, she became a U.S. immigrant. She drew life lessons from the lives of Bible men and women, and she used those gifts to support her local church. She assisted as a greeter and usher, attended prayer meetings and did in-home visitations with other ministry helpers. She enjoyed traveling that enhanced her twilight years. She cherished her trips twice in Japan and her travels around other states to visit her growing family. She helped them improved their lives in the best of her abilities.
She epitomized Psalms 1:2-3 which states that: “… but her delight is in the law of the Lord, and she meditates day and night. She is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither; whatever she does prospers.”
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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.
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