U.S. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden
FOR Pres. Joe Biden’s remaining days, how I wish to have been given the opportunity to tour the White House in Washington, D C. My dream is to cover White House events as a journalist.
Journalist Rogelio Medina (extreme right) at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.
To President Biden, many thanks for serving the American people for four years with selfless dedication, determination and integrity.
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Rogelio Medina’s different Press IDs
As a journalist and columnist for the Asian Journal’s LA Edition (my columns are reprinted in the Asian Journal New York and New Jersey, Northern California, San Francisco, Las Vegas and San Diego editions), my legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and unwavering commitment.
I also write for Balikbayan Magazine, Police Files Tonite and Daily Tribune newspaper. I was a correspondent for the defunct Far Eastern Economic Review in Hongkong (I interviewed Asia’s first astronaut, Dr. Mamoru Mohri), The Japan Times newspaper and The Japan Times Weekly in Tokyo, Japan, and the Gulf News and the Emirates In-flight Magazine in UAE.
I topped the 2024 Science Journalism Forum’s leader board and this year it will be held in UAE. I have been active in doing charitable works as a journalist, helping the marginalized sector of our society. I also received the 2024 Amerika Prestige Award for Inclusive Media Excellence Award in excelling in inclusive reporting and advocacy, particularly focusing on issues, stories, and triumphs of persons with disabilities.
I embody the spirit of quiet heroism — a life dedicated not only to uncovering truths but also to giving voice to the voiceless. As a correspondent, I have tackled some most pressing issues. I have broken down complex socio-economic topics with insight and empathy, shining a light on the triumphs and struggles of the people. Every article I write is an opportunity to amplify the voices of those who are often unheard. Journalism is not just about reporting; it’s about standing up for the truth.
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Left photo: Dr. Luis Calingo; Right photo: (from left) Dr. Luis Calingo, Rogelio Medina, and Gemeline Braga-Calingo at Holy Angel University in January 2019. Photos courtesy of Rogelio C. Medina
I miss my former boss Dr. Luis Calingo, the late president of Holy Angel University in Angeles City, Pampanga. He was president of Woodbury University in Burbank, California and executive vice president and chief academic officer of Dominican University of California in San Rafael, California.
I was lucky that I was under his direct supervision. Whenever he told me to report to his office, I was amazed by the brilliance and innovativeness of his mind. He taught me lots of things in life as an educator and leader. He was an internationally tested, visionary leader who was grounded in deep ethical beliefs and drove transformative organizational quality with nearly flawless execution.
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Welcome to year 2025! I randomly asked four persons to answer two questions: (1) What are your plans/projects in 2025?; and (2) Any insights/learnings on the past year?
Here are their replies:
Beauty queen/communications strategist/artist/writer Arienne Calingo
Arienne Calingo, a beauty queen, communications strategist, artist and writer: (1) “I’m kicking off 2025 with a work trip to Kenya, followed by a week in Paris, France for self-care and quality time with my mother. I feel incredibly blessed that my work allows me to integrate my passions for writing, design, and education while engaging with communities abroad. As someone with a genuine interest in traveling and exploring other cultures, I’m also hoping to visit Dublin in Ireland, the Philippines, London in England, and Japan later in the year. Outside of work, I’m excited to continue nurturing my love for art. In 2024, my artwork was exhibited for the first time at the South Bend Museum of Art (Indiana) and in Chicago. I look forward to creating pieces that are inspired by social justice and human rights issues and submitting my pieces to more exhibits across the United States. I am also writing a personal article about my faith journey, which I plan to submit for publication this year. Lastly, I’d like to focus on reaching my fitness goals and further exploring my musical abilities. This year, I hope to produce music or collaborate with musicians to expand my creative endeavors.” (2) “I’ve come to understand the profound power of letting go. It takes courage and strength to let go of people, imagined potentials, and opportunities that were never truly meant for us. If someone chooses to walk out of your life, hold the door open with grace and let them go. If an opportunity you poured your heart into ends in rejection or failure, embrace the lesson it offers and trust that something better lies ahead. Have faith in what’s meant to be. You will be redirected to what is truly right for you.”
Miraflor Mahinan with her cat, Koda.
Milaflor Mahinan, a retired teacher in science at Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School in Manila: (1) “I intend to travel throughout the Philippines to discover its abundant beauty and rich resources and to visit my relatives in the U.S.” (2) “Despite an injury, I was able to join the convention for retired teachers, the Philippines Alliance of Retired Educators, which is organized nationwide for GSIS teacher-retirees. One of the objectives of PARE is to increase the pension of all retired educators and additional benefits similar to those in the active services.”
Bam Aquino (right) with Oggie Medina
Bam Aquino, a Maurice R. Greenberg world fellow at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs and former Philippine senator: (1) “God-willing, I hope to see a return to public service this 2025!” (2) “Last year taught me: to have no fear and only faith! To make that leap with a full heart and hope. To always fight the good fight, even if against the odds, as long as it’s for the right reasons.”
Frederick Francisco with his wife Hersh David Francisco and son Luka and their pets Bear-Bear, Shush and Jaxx.
Frederick Francisco, a sportscaster, basketball coach and founder of Nxt Level Basketball Academy: (1) “Being a dad for over a year, my main goal is to be able to provide better for my family and to spend more time with my kid. I also plan on focusing more on my basketball academy and my sportswear business.” (2) “Last year, I took a huge step in my sportscasting career. This year, I hope I can maintain this momentum into bigger things.”
Watch for the second batch next week.
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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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