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If this is your first visit, welcome! This site is devoted to my life experiences as a Filipino-American who immigrated from the Philippines to the United States in 1960. I came to the US as a graduate student when I was 26 years old. I am now in my mid-80's and thanks God for his blessings, I have four successful and professional children and six grandchildren here in the US. My wife and I had been enjoying the snow bird lifestyle between US and Philippines after my retirement from USFDA in 2002. Macrine(RIP),Me and my oldest son are the Intellectual migrants. Were were born in the Philippines, came to the US in 1960 and later became US citizens in 1972. Some of the photos and videos in this site, I do not own. However, I have no intention on infringing on your copyrights. Cheers!

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Key Outcomes from the Trump and Marcos, Jr Meeting Today

Trump says Philippines will pay 19% tariffs in deal struck with leader Marcos

Here’s what was accomplished after President Marcos (Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.) and President Trump met today at the White House (July 22, 2025):


๐Ÿ“ˆ Key Outcomes from the Trump–Marcos Meeting

1. Trade Deal Framework Finalized

  • The U.S. will reduce its threatened 20% tariff rate on Philippine imports to 19%. Meanwhile, the Philippines will drop tariffs on most U.S. exports—essentially creating an “open market” environment for American goods The Guardian+15AP News+15New York Post+15.

  • Though figures differ slightly across news sources, both leaders highlighted greater market access, with Manila agreeing to zero tariffs on many U.S. products and Washington conceding on the reduced import tax levelReutersReutersPolitico.

2. Strengthened Security & Defense Cooperation

3. Diplomatic Positioning Amid China Tensions

  • The talks underscored the shared goal of maintaining a “free, open, prosperous, and secure Indo‑Pacific” region. Marcos stressed the Philippines’ independent foreign policy, while affirming the U.S. as its strongest partner AP News+3Spectrum Local News+3mint+3.

  • Trump also hinted he might visit China soon, signaling the U.S.’s openness to simultaneously engaging both Beijing and Manila NonStop Local Tri-Cities/Yakima+1New York Post+1.

4. Business & Government Engagements

  • Marcos held meetings with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Hegseth yesterday. Today’s engagements also included informal encounters with U.S. business leaders, sparking optimism for stronger commercial links Bloomberg.com+10Reuters+10Stars and Stripes+10.


๐Ÿ”Ž What Happens Next?

  • Tariff Implementation: The 19% U.S. tariff will kick in August 1, but is part of the new deal. Full details will emerge as both governments finalize the written agreement NonStop Local Tri-Cities/Yakima+5Politico+5The Wall Street Journal+5.

  • Further Negotiations: Officials from both sides will continue refining both trade and defense details.

  • Strategic Impact: These developments come as part of the U.S.’s broader effort to counter China’s influence in Southeast Asia through economic incentives and security partnerships.


Bottom Line:

  • ✅ A mutual trade framework with lowered U.S. tariffs and broader Philippine access on American exports.

  • ๐Ÿค Expanded defense cooperation and commitment to joint military exercises.

  • ๐ŸŒ Reinforced strategic alliance positioned against regional challenges, especially in the South China Sea.


President Marcos, Jr in Washington DC for Two Days Visit and Talk

President Marcos of the Philippines is currently in Washington DC for a 2-day visit and talk with the Trump Administration. 
Here’s a  breakdown of what's driving President Marcos’ U.S. visit—and what Washington is looking for in return:

1. ๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ญ What Marcos Wants from the U.S.

  1. Relaxed tariffs / favorable trade deal

    • He's seeking to reduce or adjust the new 20% tariffs on Philippine exports, aiming for more favorable terms than Vietnam or Indonesia, and to support Filipino industries like semiconductors, coconut and mango products Reuters+15Reuters+15Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative+15.

    • His team hopes to finalize a “mutually beneficial” reciprocal trade deal before the August 1 deadlineReuters.

  2. Defense and security collaboration

  3. Strategic reassurance and military aid

  4. Support on immigration

  5. Investment in economic modernization

    • He’s pushing for U.S. private sector investment in Philippine infrastructure, semiconductors, critical minerals (nickel, cobalt), renewable energy, digital telecommunications, and possibly even cooperation in civilian nuclear technology CNA+6PCOE Employment+6AP News+6.


2. ๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ What the U.S. Wants from the Philippines

  1. Strategic anchor in the Indo‑Pacific

  2. Shared defense burden

    • Washington hopes the Philippines will take on more responsibility—from hosting missile systems to engaging in Taiwan-related contingency planning, thereby reducing direct U.S. footprint AP NewsThe Diplomat.

  3. Economic reciprocation

    • In exchange for tariff relief, the U.S. expects increased Filipino imports of American goods (e.g., soybeans, frozen meat) and expanded investment ties South China Morning Post+1Reuters+1.

  4. Geopolitical partner on South China Sea

  5. Upholding human rights and Rule of Law


๐Ÿงญ Bottom Line

  • Marcos aims to reduce Filipino tariffs, deepen U.S. military cooperation, gain support for migration issues, and attract investment to modernize the economy.

  • The U.S. seeks a strategically committed Philippines—hosting military assets, sharing geopolitical burdens, bolstering trade relationships, countering China, and maintaining democratic standards.

This visit is a pivotal moment for both sides to realign their economic and security agendas. The next few days of talks (July 20–22) will likely determine if they can find that “ideal policy mix.”

3. In Addition, here are the latest developments surrounding President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration:


๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ US–Philippines Summit in Washington (Jul 20–22)-Now On Going


๐Ÿ‘ฅ Cabinet Shake-Up After Midterms

  • On May 22, Marcos ordered courtesy resignations from all Cabinet secretaries following poor midterm resultsBrigada News+8Inquirer.net+8Wikipedia+8.

  • Multiple phases of reshuffling have since occurred:

    • Resignations accepted for several secretaries (like Foreign Affairs, Environment) while economic, defense, and key positions were retained Wikipedia.

    • As of July 10, new picks include Dave Gomez as Communications Secretary and Sharon Garin as Energy Secretary Wikipedia.


⚓ Stronger Defense Posture

  • Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro emphasized the threat from China’s “expansionist” South China Sea actions, urging military modernization and diplomacy for deterrence AP News+6Reuters+6Newsday+6.

  • Marcos rolled out the “Horizon 3” AFP modernization plan, a $35 billion, 10‑year roadmap aimed at strengthening naval, air, and territorial defense—alongside banning chemical weapons Wikipedia.

  • The Philippines also publicly protested Beijing’s sanction of ex-Senator Tolentino over South China Sea criticismAP News+1AP News+1.


๐Ÿ›️ Fractured Political Landscape

  • Following midterm elections on May 12, opposition backed by Vice President Sara Duterte made strong gains in the Senate, seen as a referendum on Marcos’s leadership The Times+4AP News+4AP News+4.

  • A dynastic feud has escalated: Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by Marcos’s government and sent to The Hague, while Sara Duterte is now facing an impeachment trial AP News+3The Times+3The Guardian+3.


๐Ÿ” Summary

  • Foreign affairs & defense are at the forefront: tariff negotiations and deepened US–Philippine security ties ahead of the Washington summit.

  • Domestic governance is recalibrating via extensive Cabinet renewals and reforms following a disruptive midterm.

  • Internal political struggle has intensified, pitting Marcos directly against the Duterte dynasty.


These highlight the current blend of international realignmentadministrative transformation, and political tumult defining Marcos Jr.’s presidency.


Meanwhile, Did you know that.....
The famous lion head on Kennon Road, the gateway to Baguio, sits along a road with a controversial colonial past.
๐Ÿ›ฃ️ Originally called Benguet Road, it was built in the early 1900s by the Americans to access the Cordillera highlands—but it came at a cost.
๐Ÿ’ธ The project cost a whopping $2.7 million (a fortune back then!), making it the most expensive U.S. engineering project of its time.
⚒️ Despite protests from Washington, the road was completed in 1905 under Maj. Lyman W. Kennon, later giving rise to the name Kennon Road.
๐Ÿฆ The Lion Head, now a popular tourist landmark, was carved in the 1970s by the Lions Club of Baguio—symbolizing strength, watchfulness, and pride as travelers approach the mountain city.
What started as a risky mountain pass became one of the most scenic (and storied) roads in the Philippines.
Lastly, 
Did you know a Filipino king is buried in China? His name was Rajah Paduka Batara (also known as Paduka Pahala)—a ruler from Sulu who traveled to Ming Dynasty China in 1417 to pay tribute to the emperor.
Rajah Paduka Batara was received with full honors by the Yongle Emperor, showcasing the prestige and recognition of Filipino polities in the 15th century. Sadly, he died of illness in Dezhou, Shandong before returning home.
The emperor arranged a royal burial and built a tomb and shrine in his honor—still preserved today. Even more fascinating, his descendants in Dezhou were granted Chinese citizenship and continue to live there, integrating into Chinese society while remembering their Sulu heritage.
This remarkable episode shows how precolonial Filipino leaders were part of a larger diplomatic world, forging relations with the greatest empires of their time long before Spanish conquest.
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