012523 - Southern California Midweek Edition

Filipino American family mourns the loss of 68-year-old Monterey Park shooting victim

AROUND the world, Lunar New Year is celebrated in many unique ways: as Spring Festival in China, Tet Nguyên Đán in Vietnam, Seollal in Korea, Losar in Tibet, Tsagaan Sar in Mongolia, not to mention diaspora communities across the globe.

While ancient traditions are frequently discussed, the more recent history of these celebrations is less well-known. In the U.S., Asian Americans developed their own Lunar New Year traditions that were inflected by immigration, international relations, orientalism, and complicated relations with mainstream American society.

The origins of the term “Lunar New Year”

The English term “Lunar New Year” is actually a misnomer: The holiday is based on a lunarsolar, rather than a strictly lunar, calendar.

Lunar calendars have one major flaw: 12 full moon cycles last around 354 days, just short of a solar year. To bridge this gap, many cultures incorporate solar patterns into their calendars.

WHILE California is known for its sunny days, it is hard not to notice the recent storms that have flooded the state.

As the Filipino community is very much a large presence within California and with family as a core center of tculthe ure, the storms and their impact have left many of us wondering what’s next, especially for our loved ones.

A webinar, recently held on January 17, informed California residents on how to stay safe and alert throughout the storms that have severely impacted the state. The news briefing was hosted by Listos California, a program from California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES). In partnership with Ethnic Media Services (EMS) and California Black Media (CBM), more briefings will be held similar to this one in the future. These briefings will focus on sharing important information, especially resources, for those who have been heavily impacted by the storms.

California’s preparation and readiness Diana Crofts-Pelayo, assistant deputy direc-

by KLARIZE MEDENILLA AJPress

by DONNABELLE GATDULA-AREVALO AJPress

In his opening remarks during the

Deputy Consul General Ambrosio Brian F. Enciso III said they are looking forward to this tourism event as this is a major comeback activity of the Philippine consulates in the United States after the COVID pandemic.

“We are so excited as this is one of the activities that we haven’t done in a while. By doing this, it makes us feel more normal and that the world is actually going back to normal. That is why as the world emerged from

Marcos to travel abroad less, but APEC in November still a priority

by KAYCEE VALMONTE Philstar.com

MANILA — After going on eight official foreign trips in the first seven months as chief executive, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he plans to cut down on travels this year to implement the agreements made in those trips.

In an almost hour-long pre-recorded interview with news anchors and aired on state television on Monday evening, Marcos Jr. said he wanted to travel and attend conferences first because he was the “new kid on the block.”

He added that the visibility of the Philippines in the international arena would also be helpful in securing potential investors.

“We’re cutting our travels for the rest of the year now because we want to take inventory of what we started with while attending the ASEAN Summit, APEC, even the work we did with the EU in Brussels, as well as the trip to Davos,” Marcos Jr. said in Filipino.

“We need to take into account what we had agreed upon and take stock of the discussions and decide which ones to

by DAPHNE GALVEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — The government is not planning to privatize the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said in a panel interview on Monday, November 23.

This was contrary to a remark that Transportation Jaime Bautista said earlier that the government was working to expedite the privatization of NAIA.

“We have no plans of privatizing. There’s no plan to privatize anything. Rather, we do the opposite,” Marcos said.

He did discuss NAIA with Bautista. But the transportation chief probably “misspoke or was misinterpreted,” he said.

“You cannot privatize an airport, to begin with. They cannot own the airport. A private firm cannot own the airport,” Marcos said.

He said, however, that the government was looking to hire a foreign private company to manage traffic and increase movement at NAIA. He said he and other government officials met with a company,

MANILA —  The Philippines and the United States vowed Friday, January 20 to "invigorate" defense cooperation to address shared security concerns including disputes over the South China Sea.

Manila hosted a high-level security dialogue with its top defense ally as part of efforts by President Ferdinand Marcos to restore a seven-decade partnership that was unsettled by his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.

The allies agreed "to invigorate defense and security cooperation and ensure the alliance adapts effectively to face new and emerging challenges", a joint statement said.

"I can assure you that during our

conversations, the important issues related to the South China Sea were central to our conversations," U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink told a news conference.

China and the  Philippines  are at odds over the South China Sea, with Beijing claiming sovereignty over almost the entire area despite an international court ruling that its claims have no legal basis.

The  Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei have overlapping claims to parts of the sea.

"We agreed on several important initiatives that demonstrate our 

Monterey Park massacre shortly followed by Half Moon Bay shooting — the second California mass shooting in recent days

The long, overlooked history of Lunar New Year in the US

vendors and other activities that welcomed the Year of the Water Rabbit. PNA photo by Avito Dalan Ninoy

LOS ANGELES — Filipinos living in the United States are invited to travel back to the Philippines this summer.  The Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles officially launched the Very Important Pinoy (VIP) Tour 2023 with special packages and affordable rates for a nine-day travel itinerary to Manila-Iloilo-Boracay.

launching ceremony,

FOLLOWING the tragic mass shooting that took place in Monterey Park on Saturday, Jan. 21, a

Filipino family has confirmed that one of their relatives was among the 11 confirmed victims who were killed.

The family of 68-year-old Valentino Alvero first mourned the loss of their loved one along with the other victims in an official statement posted

US-based Filipinos encouraged to visit PH...

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the pandemic, we are doing this once again. We are reviving this annual activity, the VIP Tour, formerly Ambassador, Consuls and Tourism Directors’ Tour (ACGTDT). As you know, we want it to be more eccentric and we wanted it to be more about you, so we renamed it, VIP Tour,” Enciso said.

The nine-day VIP Tour 2023 with the theme “See, Taste and Feel” will be held on July 14 to 24, 2023. Eco-adventures, cultural excursion and gastronomic treats in Manila, Iloilo and Boracay await the VIP guests whether they be Filipinos (balikbayans) or foreigners who have never gone to the Philippines.

In a video message shown during the launch, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez urged the Filipino American community to

join the VIP Tour.

"As the post-pandemic travels beckon, let the 2023 VIP Tour treat you to the warmth of the Filipino hospitality and the natural beauty of the Philippines. Join the VIP Tour 2023 and experience [what] Manila, Iloilo, Boracay have to offer,” Romualdez said.  Rajah Tours Philippines Inc. (RTPI) president Jose Clemente III, on the other hand, said the company, along with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), spent more than six months to come up with a uniquely packaged tour and very affordable prices for this year’s program.

Clemente said this year’s participants deserve to enjoy anew the Philippines’ natural beauty, rich culture and sumptuous cuisine after being restricted from traveling to their

home country for a long time.

Rajah Tours has been a pioneer partner of the Philippine government in this tourism initiative since it was first launched in 2005.

One unique feature of this tour, Clemente said, is that it runs longer than usual. The itinerary also incorporates activities that would be appealing to both participants of all ages.

“What made this special is that we lengthen the tour from the previous four days to nine days. It gives us an opportunity to show more to our  kababayans  who have not been home for years due to COVID and the Filipino Americans from younger generation to 3rd to 4th generation, the beauty of the Philippines so they could all enjoy this tour to the fullest,” Clemente said. PAGE 3

PH, US vow to boost security ties to...

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unwavering commitment to our alliance and partnership," Philippine Foreign Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro told the news conference. The two countries, bound by a

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA REGIONAL RAIL AUTHORITY

IFB NO. EP231-23

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The Southern California Regional Rail Authority (SCRRA) is seeking Bids for a Mobile Train Wash. Bid documents may be downloaded at SCRRA’s website at http:// www.metrolinktrains.com/ contracts. Bids are due on 3/3/23. For further information contact: Dorothea Cantero, Contract Administrator, at canterod@scrra.net.

1/25/23 CNS-3660768# ASIAN JOURNAL (L.A.)

1951 mutual defense treaty, agreed to hold talks in mid-2023 that would allow their governments to "plan ahead for and ensure more coordinated responses to potential flashpoints".

They also agreed to speed up the completion of projects that allow US forces to store equipment at select Philippine military bases, as well as to identify "additional agreed locations" for the purpose.

Washington will host a "maritime dialogue" with Manila this year to identify potential joint maritime activities.

Poorly armed Manila also agreed Friday to take steps to "streamline technology transfer" and develop a "roadmap for defense modernization".

On Wednesday President Marcos expressed renewed concern over the South China

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Sea including tense interactions between US and Chinese warships in the area.

"If something goes wrong here we are going to suffer," Marcos said at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

During his 2016-2022 presidency, Duterte repeatedly made public his doubts that the United States would come to the aid of the  Philippines  in the event of armed conflict with China, despite their defense pact.

He worked to build ties with Beijing to bring in trade and investment, while setting aside the territorial dispute.

Kritenbrink reiterated Friday what he called "America's ironclad commitment to the security of the  Republic of the Philippines". (Philstar.com with reports from AFP)

have no plans of privatizing...

which he did not name, during their trip to New York City last year.

“They said that without new equipment, without building a new runway, they can increase the traffic from what is presently they refer to as 35 movements per hour to 45 movements per hour.

We want that. They have a huge experience in running ports and running airports,” Marcos said.

Representatives from that company, he said, were in Manila “last week to look at the operation of the airport.”

Marcos raised the possibility of a “management contract” with the unnamed firm.

Filipino American family mourns...

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by Alvero’s grand-niece Karmel Kwan on Monday, Jan. 23.

“Overnight, we became unwilling members of a community who has to mourn the loss of our loved ones due to gun violence. We are left frustrated, stuck with this vicious cycle,” the family said.

The family also shared what Alvero was like, describing him as “a loving father, a dedicated son and brother, a grandfather who loved his three granddaughters fiercely, an uncle who loved his nieces and nephews like his own.”

The family noted his love for dancing and community, describing Alvero as “the life of any party”; the shooting had taken place during a Lunar New Year celebration at the Star Ballroom Dance Studio.

“Most importantly, please remember that Valentino is more than just a headline or a news story,” the family affirmed. “He loved people and hearing about their lives and in return, he shared his own stories with so much gusto and enthusiasm that you couldn’t help but listen and laugh along with him.”

The family added that Alvero was a devout Catholic and asked fellow Catholics to pray for him by his baptismal name, Valentino Marcos Alvero. Stated in Kwan’s post, Alvero “was a faithful servant of God and we know he would want the world to lift his family in prayer more than anything.”

Following the events in Monterey Park and the confirmation of a Filipino victim, the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles said in an official statement that it is ready to help out in whatever way they can in the aftermath of the tragedy.

“Our prayers go out to the families of the victims and we mourn with them during this lunar new year festival, which is supposed to be a time of gathering and celebration,” the consulate’s office said on Tuesday.

They added, “The Consulate General understands his family’s desire for privacy and space during this time of unimaginable difficulty. Nevertheless, we are

ready to assist them in whatever possible way should they reach out for any help we could give.”

In addition to Alvero, the LA coroner’s office confirmed the identities of three other Star Ballroom victims: 65-year-old My Nhan, 63-year-old Lilian Li, and 57-year-old Xiujuan Yu. These three were three of the six women who were killed.

Nhan’s family said in a statement that Nhan was an enthusiastic dancer whose kindness radiated.

“Unfairly, Saturday was her last dance. We are starting the Lunar New Year broken. We never imagined her life would end so suddenly,” Nhan’s family shared.

The LA Coroner’s Office released the identities of the remaining victims: Lilian Li, 63; Diana Tom, 70; Chia Yau, 77; Yu Kao, 72; Hong Jian, 62; Muoi Ung, 68; Wen Yu, 64.

The investigation into “why” ensues

As of Tuesday, Los Angeles County officials are working alongside local police departments in the investigation of the shooting, which authorities confirmed was carried out by a lone 72-yearold Asian man named Huu Can Tran.

Like Alvero, all the victims who passed away were over 50 years old.

“What drove a madman to do this? We don’t know, but we intend to find out,” said LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a press briefing. After the massacre, Tran had driven

to neighboring Alhambra, to another dance hall where he reportedly planned a second shooting.

But at the second location, an employee named Brandon Tsay wrestled with the shooter and was able to take Tran’s modified 9 mm submachine gun-style semi-automatic weapon away from him before Tran fled the scene, officials said.

On Monday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom met with Tsay, whose grandparents founded the dance hall.

“This remarkable young man who, without hesitation [and] though with moments of fear, took it upon himself to save countless lives — who knows how many lives he saved,” Newsom said of Tsay.

Tsay told reporters that while he’s proud of his actions, he noted that he wanted the focus to be on the victims and their families.

“Some of these people I know personally. They come to our studio. It’s a tight-knit community and I hope they can heal from this tragic event,” Tsay said.

Law enforcement said that the day after the shooting, Tran was found in a Torrance parking lot in a white van, dead from a selfinflicted gunshot.

The legal and civil rights organization Asian Americans Advancing Justice of Southern California joined other Asian American advocacy groups in raising funds to support the Monterey Park victims.

‘We

Valentino Alvero, a 68-year-old U.S. citizen of Filipino descent, was among 11 killed in a shooting massacre at Monterey Park in California on Saturday, January 21, his family confirmed in a statement. Photo courtesy of Karmel Kwan/Twitter

US-based Filipinos encouraged to visit PH...

Tourism attaché Richmond Jimenez echoed Clemente’s enthusiasm, pointing out the efforts that the government has put in place to make sure that these travel destinations included in the VIP Tour for this year will measure up to the expectations of the participants.

“We are really keen on our sustainability efforts. We are not here just to bring some people in. We want to offer quality. We want to make sure that the things that you enjoy about the Philippines are something that the future generations will also enjoy. Rest assured that DOT and Rajah Tours are always looking for exciting destinations and things you can enjoy once you get to the Philippines,” Jimenez said.

According to Jimenez, another exciting highlight of the VIP Tour is the meet and greet with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. He said most of those who have signified keen interest in joining the VIP Tour 2023 are looking forward to seeing and mingling with President Marcos. "In Honolulu alone, they might get all the slots. They are excited that they get to see the president. It’s a come on, too, for them to have a lunch or a meal with the president, which is really a oncein-a-lifetime experience,” the DOT official said.

Jimenez noted that the tour and airline rates are exclusive only to those who would avail of the VIP Tour program.

Philippine Airlines' Los Angeles area manager Michelle Narvaez said the all-in prices, which include airfare, land arrangements, taxes, travel insurance with COVID coverage, being offered under the VIP Tour are affordable.

“Participants could also bring two 50 pounds luggage even in domestic trips so you don’t have to worry if you want to go on a shopping spree,” Narvaez said.

Upon arrival in Manila on July 16, VIP Tour participants will be greeted with Filipino hospitality at the airport with a welcome reception hosted by the DOT and Rajah Tours staff.

The next day, VIP Tour guests will start their day at Rizal Park Monument. They also have the option to tour in Charms of Old Manila in Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church and Museum; Chinatown Walking Tour, Walking Tour in Binondo Church, Market and Ongpin Street.

They will also have a chance to interact with young Filipino entrepreneurs and visit the gold collection at Ayala Museum.

On Day 3, the tour group will travel from Manila to Iloilo. Upon arrival in Iloilo, the tour will commence and take the group to Oton, the first Spanish settlement on the island. Then to Tigbuan, the location of one of Panay’s most beautiful churches; and then to Miag-ao town, the site of the UNESCO Heritage Church, Church of Santo Tomas de Villanueva. In Iloilo City, travelers will visit Museo Iloilo, Nelly Garden, Jaro Cathedral and Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art and Balai Ilonggo (Hablon Styles and Hues).

On Day 4, the VIP guests will have the option to choose which excursion they want to take. They could either choose to have a Culinary Tour — try Iloilo’s famous Batchoy and Puto at a local restaurant and visit a Barquillos Factory and then snack on Molo Soup and Tablea Chocolate Drink. Lunch and cooking demonstrations will take place at an ancestral home.

There is also an adventure tour at Damires Hills Tierra Verde Leisure Farm where they can hike around a lush “instagrammable” tropical forest and admire the beautiful landscape of Northern Iloilo. Activities include zipline, canopy walk, fruit picking and swimming in any of their three pools.

Another option is to go on Isla de Gigantes Day Tour from Iloilo. They could join this private tour and appreciate the sand, the sun and the waters as they bounce from island to island at Isla de Gigantes in Carles, Iloilo, This escapade is perfect for beach and island lovers wanting relaxing escapade with seafood feast.

Take a scenic island-hopping boat ride around the island and surrounding islet of Isla de Gigantes. This tour is known for the freshly harvested scallops which you can bountifully eat along the sandbar of Bantigue Island.

From Iloilo, the group will proceed to Boracay on Day 5 of the tour. They will enjoy the scenic road trip through the charming landscape and have a seafood lunch in Capiz City. They will also have a chance to interact with the Indigenous people of the island.

Optional tours are available on Day 6 in Boracay where they

could proceed to the Tibiao Eco-adventure Antique Tour where they could plunge into the cool waters of the Bugtong Bato River. They could also trek to the Bugtong Bato Waterfalls where you can explore three out of seven of its waterfalls. They could also try extreme water tubing and brave the rapids. The group could engage in a unique experience and get “cooked” in a kawa or huge wok. A kawa hot bath is a perfect way to relax.

They also have the option to go on Blue Lagoon & Eco Cold Spring Adventure where they could enjoy the picturesque scenery of the province of Antique on this day trip to Malumpati Cold Spring and Bugang River and experience river tubing in one of the Philippines’ cleanest waters.

Another optional tour is a day to Ibajay and witness the beauty of the Katunggan It Ibajay, a natural mangrove species. It is home to the centuries-old and biggest api-api or bungalon (Avicennia rumphiana) mangrove tree in the Philippines. They would also go on a one-hour trek to reach 50 meters high Nawidwid Falls and another one-hour trek to Mt. Balinsasayaw.

Day 7 in Boracay would allow the VIP Tour guests to do their own whims, such as island hopping, water sports, or playing golf. On Day 8, guests will be back in Manila for a farewell dinner and get ready for the trip back to the U.S. on Day 9.

It was targeted that the 2023 VIP Tour, which will be on a first-come first-served basis, will be able to gather some 300-400 participants in the whole of the United States. The proponents of the VIP Tour have already launched the program in San Francisco and Hawaii. The launching in Los Angeles was simulcasted in San Diego and Dallas. The New York launch will be held soon.

Aside from the United States, the VIP Tour is going to be held for Canadian travelers in January 2024 with the theme “Winter Escapade." Other territories being tapped as potential markets for the VIP Tour program are: Latin America, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and some European countries. It was also held on a one-time basis for Australia and New Zealand participants.

For online registration and more information on the VIP Tour 2023 can be found at  http:// viptourphilippines2023.com.

The long, overlooked history of Lunar... Staying safe through California’s...

The calendar used by many countries within China’s sphere of influence is speculated to have originated during the Xia dynasty (2070 – 1600 BCE). Though the new year based on this calendar may have been celebrated during the earlier Shang dynasty, its date was fixed during the Han dynasty, roughly 2000 years ago.

Still, not all cultures that celebrate Lunar New Year use this calendar. For instance, Tibet and Mongolia use their own calendars to determine the dates of Losar and Tsagaan Sar, respectively. These holidays do not always overlap with the dates of Chinese-originated New Year, pointing to the lack of specificity in the term “Lunar New Year” and the even more inaccurate “Chinese New Year.”

So where did the English term “Lunar New Year” originate? One theory dates its beginnings to the 1920s, during the height of Western colonial expansion: Examples include a missionary in China, a travel writer in Frenchoccupied Vietnam, and a train rider in Changsha, China.

The history of U.S. Lunar New Year celebrations

According to the Smithsonian, the first documented Lunar New Year celebration in the U.S. was a “feast” held by a Chinese businessman for American upper class attendees on February 1st, 1851. The first community-driven celebration occurred in the 1860s, when Cantonese immigrants in San Francisco fused traditional New Year practices with a uniquely American format: the

parade.

As Chiou-Ling Yeh writes in “Making an American Festival: Chinese New Year in San Francisco’s Chinatown,” early Chinese New Year parades were targets for discrimination. Police, for instance, prohibited New Year firecrackers—despite fireworks being overlooked during Fourth of July celebrations. Throughout subsequent decades, Chinese New Year celebrations would be subject to xenophobia, police blockades, restrictions on sending money home, and import bans on New Year’s goods.

In 1912, the Republic of China under Sun Yat Sen controversially eliminated the holiday ostensibly to distance itself from the recently defated Qing Dynasty. To show support for the new government, most Chinese Americans stopped observing the holiday. Celebrations, however, were soon revived—though with a different ethos.

In 1931, the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce organized a Chinese New Year Parade. Leaders realized that Orientalist portrayals of Asian culture would attract business to Chinatown. As a result, the event featured new additions specifically aimed at an outsider audience, such as Chinese American women serving guests as “Chinese maids.” This shift, Yeh writes, made festivals less accessible to the Chinese community: Firecrackers were banned again after visiting whites unsafely set them off, and events had limited and costly seating that excluded the local population.

During the Cold War, Chinese Americans were subject to a different kind of scrutiny: the pressure to prove their loyalty to the US. Thus, the 1951 revival of the parade in San Francisco was explicitly anti-Communist, to demonstrate the community’s patriotism. These celebrations continued as the New Year was cancelled again under China’s communist government from 1967 until its reinstatement as the “Spring Festival” in 1980.

The 1970s also marked the arrival of refugees from Vietnam, who who brought celebrations of their new year, Tet. To these refugees, however, Tet was marked by wartime trauma and homesickness, and colored by memories of the Northern Vietnamese coalition’s surprise attack during the 1968 Tet offensive.

At the same time, Tet celebrations promoted intracommunal support and the preservation of cultural identity. A 1977 celebration in New York, for instance, raised money to support other Vietnamese refugees still in Asia. Meanwhile, Vietnameselead grassroots organizations in Virginia organized a Tet festival for local refugees in 1979.

Meanwhile, many Koreans also came to the US in the 1950s. However, the celebration of their New Year, or Seollal, was impacted by a long history of repression in their home country. Seollal was banned during Japanese occupation in 1907 and continued to be prohibited during Syngman Rhee’s dictatorship.

tor of crisis communications and media relations at CalOES, shared the level of California’s preparedness regarding the recent storms.

The information she provided is valuable to understanding the current situation in the state, as well as what the state and federal government are doing to address the needs of those affected.

“CalOES is a critical hub to direct state emergency activities and harness the expertise of the whole of state government while working with our local, federal, and tribal partners,” Crofts-Pelayo emphasized. “We firmly believe every Californian, regardless of age, ability, income, or language deserves a culturally competent education to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters, including flooding,” she said.

Crofts-Pelayo explained that the severe storms have caused destructive flooding that has affected homes, businesses, and communities. Some weather occurrences include rain, snow, levee breaches, mudslides, hurricane-force winds, and even a tornado in one community.

“These storms are among the most deadly natural disasters in the modern history of our state,” she declared, signifying just how severe the weather has been, where 20 deaths have been reported.

She, however, reassured webinar attendees that “The full weight of state and federal government has been rapidly deployed to protect impacted communities.”

One such form of aid was requested on January 12 by Gov-

ernor Gavin Newsom in the form of an expedited Major Disaster Declaration. This was promptly approved by President Biden on January 14. This aid will only be in effect, as of now, for three specific California counties: Merced, Sacramento, and Santa Cruz.

Crofts-Pelayo detailed how this is declared by the president for any natural event that they believe has caused damage of such severity that is beyond something that state and local governments can handle on their own. The program will provide a full range of federal assistance programs for individuals and infrastructure that has been affected by the storm.

“Cal OES continues to work closely with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to maximize aid and support communities during this storm event,” she continued, noting how the organization has requested for more counties to be added to the declaration after assessing the damage within their communities.

“To add a county as a designation in the major disaster declaration, it’s imperative that emergency response and life-saving activities still remain a priority and go uninterrupted during storm conditions,” Crofts-Pelayo stated, emphasizing that CalOES is working with local authorities to quickly assess the damage all the while ensuring that people are safe.

She ended her section with a glimmer of hope. “We received a report this morning from the national weather service and as we look to the coming days, we are seeing clear skies ahead,” where the big storm event that has been affecting California will be over and clear skies would be seen starting Friday, January 20.

However, Crofts-Pelayo also made sure to emphasize that while these storms may be coming to an end, it is not too late to be prepared for the next emergency.

“Have those conversations with your family now. Have an emergency kit ready,” she strongly encouraged.

Keeping vulnerable communities safer

The next section of the webinar was led by Vance Taylor, Chief of the Office of Access and Functional needs at CalOES, who spoke on a variety of resources that are being prepared and utilized amidst this storm season, especially for those who are more vulnerable.

“Even though we have a break in the weather, just like anything, that could change,” Taylor, similar to Crofts-Pelayo, emphasized how while the weather is clearing up, it does not hurt to be prepared.

“What we recognize is that anytime there are these types of disasters there are individuals who are disproportionately impacted,” he continued, acknowledging that while there are many affected, there are also those who are severely impacted that may not have the right support or access to things they need to recover.

Taylor listed that these people include older adults, people with disabilities, those who are economically disadvantaged, and people with access or functional needs. “To ensure that our emergency management systems, programs, and services are being rolled out in a way that is equitable and accessible to everyone,” he detailed one of the main priorities that CalOES has.

In reference to the Major Disaster Declaration that was approved on the 14th, Taylor detailed how within approved counties, as well as those they hope to be approved, those who were impacted will be available to apply for federal assistance through FEMA.

Some of these resources include grant money, aid in receiving essential items (such as furniture and durable medical equipment), rental aid, housing provision, assistance in receiving low interest SBA loans, and anything else that will help people recover and financially get back on their feet.

“In order to apply for that disaster assistance, there is a phone number, 800-621-3362, that you can call. You can also use the FEMA mobile app or apply online,” Taylor described how to gain access to these resources, noting that the services are available in multiple languages, including ASL, as well as, the provision of closed captioning.

Furthermore, he detailed how FEMA will be sending out disaster survivor assistance teams to shelters and approved areas in order to help people register. CalOES will also be setting up mobile registration intake centers. This service will be driving to people who do not otherwise have any transportation service available for them.

“We’re essentially trying to get to the community by one-on-one approach and make sure that everyone who has been impacted, that lives in an approved county, is able to register for services,” Taylor declared.

He emphasized that people should continue to be prepared.

“Just because it is sunny today, it does not necessarily mean you are out of hazard’s way,” he re-

iterated, further suggesting that individuals, especially those with access or functional needs, should create an evacuation plan.

Taylor then emphasized another way the public can continue to be alert and that is by staying informed and listening to local authorities. If they say to evacuate, it is essential that one follows their guidance. He spoke on how shelters are accessible and take into consideration the access and functional needs one may need.

“If you don’t know what’s going on, you won’t know what to prepare for or what appropriate action to take,” he encouraged webinar attendees to stay in the know by signing for free emergency alerts. The following website is where one can go to sign up: https://calalerts.org/ Post-flood health tips

Dr. Jason Wilken, who is a CDC Career Epidemiology Field Officer, was next to speak on information regarding the public’s health when returning home after a flood.

“The best thing you can do to protect your health is avoid contact with flood water,” Dr. Wilken said, emphasizing how flood water can contain things that are harmful to one’s health. He detailed some of the following things as toilet waste, bad germs, hazardous chemicals such as gas, heavy or sharp objects that can injure you, as well as live or even dead animals. Contact or consumption of food or water contaminated by flood waters can lead to serious illness like diarrhea and skin infections.

“Children are especially at risk based on their behavior,” Dr. Wilken warned audience members, urging them not to allow their children to play near or in flood water as well as steering them away from toys that may have been contaminated.

If one does need to be in contact with flood water, he encourages them to wear rubber gloves and boots in order to protect their skin from contact.

“Floods can have a substantial impact on your drinking water,” Dr. Wilken continued, highlighting how it is unsafe to drink contaminated water. He also provided suggestions on what to do if one is unsure of the water source they have. Regarding tap water, Dr. Wilken emphasized that local authorities would let you know if it is safe to use or has to be boiled. Those with flooded wells also must stay safe by getting in touch with local environmental health or the water department in order to get the water tested and disinfected.

Lastly, bottled water, while generally safe due to being sealed, also must be handled with care especially if the outside container has been in contact with flood water.

“Flooding can also contaminate food. Contaminated food is unsafe to eat,” Dr. Wilken added, further suggesting that other than undamaged cans or pouches, one would need to throw out any fresh or packaged food that has been touched by flood water. The sealed containers, while the food is safe, will also need to be disinfected if they have been contaminated on the outside.

This then led into a discussion about how to clean and disinfect surfaces or items that have been contaminated. Dr. Wilken suggests a common cleaner recipe of one tablespoon of bleach mixed into a gallon of water. “Never mix cleaners,” he additionally emphasized.

Another safety hazard that can appear due to flood waters, is the presence of mold. Dr. Wilken made sure to point out that drying your home as well as removing items that are damaged by the water, is the best way in preventing mold from growing. “Mold will grow on hard surfaces. You can contact your local health department for guidance on mold remediation,” he described, adding that after 48 hours, one can assume there is mold on an item or surface unless it has been dried.

Dr. Wilken provided the following links for more information on how to safely return home after flood as well as some further details about mold.

Social Safety Net Program

Kim Johnson, Director of the California Department of Social Services, spoke next on a variety of resources that people can turn to for assistance. She first directed people to turn to the following website (https://www.cdss.ca.gov/ ) by the CDSS that acts as a disaster assistance resource center and hub.

“A lot of our safety net service delivery is expanding in real time,” Johnson described, highlighting one of the resources that people can turn to, CalFresh. During this time, the three approved counties under the Major Disaster Declaration will have disaster CalFresh offerings at local assistance centers, which essentially provides people with resources needed regarding food essentials. If one is already in the program, they can essentially replace the food resources they lost due to the floods within ten days of the loss.

Filipino American family mourns...

The GoFundMe is seeking $750,000 and so far has raised $503,293. The coalition running the fundraiser said that 100% of the funds would be distributed to the victims and their families.

While this fundraiser is legitimate, California Attorney General Rob Bonta — who is Filipino American — warned Californians against fraudulent crowdfunding and to remain vigilant while mourning the sudden tragedies.

“Our nation has once again been forced to confront more senseless gun violence. From Monterey Park to Half Moon Bay, our entire state is reeling,” said Bonta, who is Filipino American.

While encouraging Californians to extend helping hands whenever they can, he said, “If you plan on giving, please be wary of scammers and do your research before you donate.”

California mourns “tragedy upon tragedy”

Two days after the horrific massacre in Monterey Park, another shooting that killed seven people took place across two separate scenes in Half

Moon Bay up in Northern California on Monday, Jan. 23.

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the victims were of Asian descent and Hispanic descent, and the shootings took place at two separate nurseries. At the first location along Highway 92, four victims with gunshot wounds were found dead Monday afternoon.

At the second location along the 2100 block of Cabrillo Highway South, three more victims were found. Local authorities identified the suspect as 67-year-old Chunli Zhao, a Half Moon Bay resident who was taken into custody after he was discovered in the parking lot of a Half Moon Bay sheriff’s office substation.

San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus believes Zhao acted alone and that the motive is currently unknown.

“This is a devastating tragedy for this community and the families touched by this unspeakable act of violence,” Corpus said. “This kind of shooting is horrific. It’s a tragedy that we hear about far too often, but today it’s hit home here in San Mateo County.”

During his visit to Monterey Park, Gov. Newsom responded to the Half Moon Bay shooting: “At the hospital meeting with victims of a mass shooting when I get pulled away to be briefed about another shooting. This time in Half Moon Bay. Tragedy upon tragedy.”

President Joe Biden also extended his condolences to the victims of both massacres while affirming his commitment to gun control and stronger barriers to assault weapons access.

“Jill and I are praying for those killed and injured in the latest tragic shooting in Half Moon Bay. For the second time in recent days, California communities are mourning the loss of loved ones in a senseless act of gun violence,” Biden said in a statement.

He added, “Even as we await further details on these shootings, we know the surge of gun violence across America requires stronger action. I once again urge both chambers of Congress to act quickly and deliver this Assault Weapons Ban to my desk, and take action to keep American communities, schools, workplaces, and homes safe.”

Marcos to travel abroad less, but APEC...

PAGE 1

prioritize, none of which we’ve done yet because we keep going out of the country.”

Despite this, he said they have already confirmed the Philippine delegation’s attendance to this year’s APEC, which will be held in the United States in November. Marcos Jr. did not say if his planned  state visit to the US  this year would push through.

Marcos Jr., the jet-setter

Since he assumed office in June last year, Marcos had gone on eight official travels —  a mix of state visits and official trips to international conferences. He was in Indonesia and Singapore for state visits in the first week of September, before flying to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

The chief executive also went on a weekend trip to Singapore for the Formula One Grand Prix  in October. In the face of criticism for being abroad while a typhoon was battering parts of

the country, Marcos Jr. said the trip was "the best way to drum up business."

In November, he went to Cambodia for the ASEAN Summit and then attended the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting held in Thailand.

He ended 2022 with a trip to Belgium for the ASEAN-European Union Commemorative Summit and started the year with a state visit to China.

Just last week, Marcos Jr. came back from a trip to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. He was criticized after the Philippine delegation reportedly had 70 members, prompting the public to ask – who foots the bill for these trips?

‘Return of investment’

“I don’t have the figures,” Marcos Jr. said when asked about the cost of his trips and the number of individuals in the official and the unofficial entourages.

Citing investment pledges, most of which have yet to come to fruition, Marcos Jr. just emphasized that the official travels are important because of the business he brings back.

“[In] terms of the cost, the way I see it, you have to look at it in terms of [return of investment]. Do we bring something back or do we not?" Marcos said.

He also added that apart from his Cabinet secretaries and their respective staff members and security, the Philippine delegation is also formed by members of the private sector – most of whom, he says, spend their own money during their travels.

"There’s accountability and transparency in everything that we do," Marcos Jr. said.

"The critics will have their say but those who are actually contemplating putting good money into the Philippines have other issues and accountability and transparency is not an issue,"  he adds.

Big Tobacco is Exploiting AAPI Youth for Profit. Here’s How.

by

Californians recently stood up to the tobacco industry and voted to end the sale of most flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and vapes. Voters upheld Senate Bill (SB) 793 by voting “Yes” on Proposition (Prop) 31, which prevents retailers from selling these products, and makes it harder for Big Tobacco to prey on and profit off of kids and other targeted communities.

California’s new flavored tobacco law marks a significant victory for California’s Asian American communities, especially young Asian Americans, as Big Tobacco has a deceptive strategy of making tobacco seem like a normal part of our culture, and has been effective in getting young Asian Americans to vape.

The tobacco industry has long considered the Asian American population a “potential gold mine” due to high rates of smoking in Asia and the Pacific, thereby labeling this community as being “predisposed toward smoking.”

For decades, Big Tobacco has placed more advertising on billboards and inside stores in neighborhoods where people who predominantly identify as Asian American shop, and often co-opt cultural holidays like Lunar New Year to masquerade their multi-million-dollar marketing machine as support and celebration of these unique cultures and communal experiences.,, Looking back to what got us to this momentous point, there is no denying that the tobacco industry has reduced their view of the vibrant and diverse Asian Californian communities to only one thing — profits.

The tobacco industry targets Asian teens and young adults by advertising their products with flavors like lychee, guava, and passion fruit, and sponsoring cultural events important to Asian communities. They also design vapes as sleek and high-tech specifically to appeal to tech savvy young people. These tactics work: among Asian youth in California who report currently using flavored vapes, 73% indicated that fruit

was the flavor they used most often. The fresh, sweet taste is a trap the tobacco industry uses to get youth hooked on tobacco and once hooked, they can battle that addiction for life.

When it comes to young people and the dangers of vaping, what’s important to know is that vapes can harm the body and mind. Not only are flavors a trap but vapes have been engineered by the tobacco industry to be as addictive as possible. Nicotine, which is as addictive as heroin, is poison for the developing brain, and rewires it to crave more.

Nicotine can also cause lasting damage to adolescent brains — increasing anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.

Vaping may also put young people at higher risk of chronic lung issues such as asthma and bronchitis.

Ending the sale of flavored tobacco brings us significantly closer to creating a California in which all communities and future generations are free from the tobacco industry’s predatory, and deadly, hold. Anyone looking to quit vaping, can text “KICK TOBACCO” to 66819 or visit KickItCA.org for free support.

Staying safe through California’s...

“We find in these events that

individuals, families, and households are impacted in ways they aren’t anticipating. In addition to all the great federal resources that have been mentioned, we do have the most robust safety net array of any other state across the country,” Johnson expressed, noting that there is support provided based on every individual’s need, such as food, cash, and even housing assistance.

While this time is stressful on the physical, Johnson emphasized how the state also acknowledges that this stress can also impact one mentally and emotionally, especially if they are navigating through the changes brought upon by the storms. One program that is in place with hopes to ease these stressful times is called CalHOPE. This program can be reached through the following phone number, 833-317-HOPE, and their website www.calhope. org.

The CalHOPE program also has a separate number that focuses on acting as a “friendship line” for those who are isolated, especially older adults. They can be reached at the following number, 888-6701360.

“We’re putting out these opportunities and resources for real connections for those impacted and disrupted in their living circumstances and situations,” Johnson emphasized, where the variety of resources that everyone has detailed ranges in how they help those who have been impacted, from their physical needs to being able to talk to someone.

California Department of Insurance

Tony Cignarale, Deputy Insurance Commissioner for Consumer Services & Market Conduct Branch at the California Department of Insurance, spoke on how to handle damages caused by the flood through insurance.

Cignarale detailed what can and cannot be covered by insurance during winter storms. He emphasized how it is all dependent upon what coverage one has. “In order to get covered for a tree falling on your car or flood damage you would need what’s called comprehensive coverage on your vehicle,” he described, where “for homes, businesses, or renters” it would be covered under standard homeowners, renters, and commercial property insurance policies.

However, even so, the type of

damage and the cause is also crucial to every case. “Flood damage, which could include mudflow and debris flow, wouldn’t be covered under the standard policies unless you have separate flood insurance,” Cignarale explained, where rather most flood insurance is based upon the FEMA sponsored flood insurance program, the National Flood Insurance Program. If you don’t have this insurance purchased, flood damages on your home or business will not be covered.

“However, there is one exception. If you’re in an area that had a prior wildfire and if the cause of the flooding to your property was from the burn scar of the prior fire, then you could have coverage under your home, renters, or commercial policy,” Cignarale described, emphasizing how the person would just have to be able to prove their claim by showing that there was a direct relationship between the fire and flood.

Cignarale ended his section by providing the following link (https://www.insurance.ca.gov/) to access more details on insurance and coverage during these times, as well as a number to call the California Department of Insurance, 800-927-4357.

Final thoughts

The webinar ended with, once again, the emphasis on the safety of the public, where the information provided was encouraged to be spread through media outlets and of course in telling loved ones.

A webinar attendee asked one

final question. The speakers were asked to address how we can help protect our loved ones, especially elders, during these times. This is significant for the Filipino community, as our elders are very much central to many of our family lives.

“If you are able to spread this information, about the right and wrong places to go, I think that will be a huge help,” Diana Crofts-Pelayo answered, showing how we, as community members, can do our part to really help others and spread the word that can possibly change or even save a life.

“I think a lot of it comes down to a support network. That we have to be willing to do a bit of handholding… keep in close contact with the whole community and make sure we support each other on that front,” Vance Taylor added, further encouraging people to use the resources talked about in the webinar and essentially guiding those who may not be able to utilize them on their own.

Therefore, you, as a community or family member, can do your part in spreading the information that was provided above. Help keep your loved ones safe as well as yourself. Be prepared and diligent as we know not what the future will hold. If you, or a loved one, is currently in need of assistance in recovery or if you have been impacted by the recent storms, please visit the following link: https://www.disasterassistance.gov. (Amrylois Ferido/AJPress)

Dr. Pamela Ling is an internal medicine specialist and primary care doctor. She has a special interest in caring for underserved urban populations. Ling’s research investigates the intersection of tobacco use, media and social marketing as relates to young people. Her work focuses on understanding how tobacco marketing encourages youth and young adults to begin using tobacco, and how to apply similar strategies to improve tobacco control programs.

Dr. Pamela m ling Professor at the School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco

Signs of the times

THE maintenance work at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport lasted only for nearly two hours, but it still delayed at least 47 flights as Philippine airspace was shut down anew early Sunday morning, January 21.

It was a continuation of the problem that crippled air travel in and out of the country on New Year’s Day. As initial investigation showed, a cooling fan broke down on Jan. 1, making the uninterrupted power supply for the Communications, Navigation and Surveillance for Air Traffic Management system break down. The standby UPS, however, failed to kick in. When the CNS / ATM was connected to the NAIA’s commercial power line, a circuit breaker failed to work and the system was fried, grounding flights across the country. The probe is not yet complete.

Editorial

delayed or diverted around 300 flights, affecting an estimated 56,000 travelers both in the country and abroad. Many of those stranded at the NAIA were overseas Filipino workers waiting for their flights to their host countries after the holiday break.

Sunday’s shutdown was for the replacement of the blowing or cooling fan for the second UPS, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, which operates the CNS / ATM. But the shutdown still delayed at least nine flights at the NAIA taxiway and another 38 flights that were awaiting clearance.

This time, at least, airlines received notice on Saturday about the maintenance work scheduled to begin at 4:20 a.m. on Sunday. It was supposed to last for only an hour, but the notice to airmen was lifted only at 6:19 a.m. Last Jan. 1, the shutdown

President Marcos later apologized for the New Year shutdown and said emergency procurements were being made for circuit breakers and cooling fans. Probers are still trying to establish conclusively if the technical problems were not caused by sabotage. Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista has said that depending on the outcome of the probes being conducted by several agencies including Congress, heads could roll.

In the meantime, the damaged CNS / ATM system will have to undergo continuing maintenance works, which could mean more delayed flights.

This is bad news as people resume traveling after the COVID restrictions. The NAIA, the country’s main gateway, suffers enough from inadequate facilities and years of bad reviews from travelers.

Authorities will have to work harder to improve airport services and make arrival and departure in the country a pleasant experience. (Philstar.com)

Rea rming our commitment to PH-US relations

also took into consideration the current realities and challenges that both the Philippines and the United States may face.

BABE ROMUALDEZ

THE four-day 10th  Bilateral Strategic Dialogue held in Manila hosted by our Department of Foreign Affairs and Department of National Defense was very successful and productive, with discussions centering on various issues that are of mutual interest between the United States and the Philippines.

Aside from DFA Undersecretary Teresita Lazaro, with us in the Philippine delegation were DFA Assistant Secretary JV Chan-Gonzaga, DND Undersecretary Angelito de Leon and Assistant Secretary Henry Robinson. Leading the delegation from the U.S. for the BSD was Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink along with delegation co-chair Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Lindsey Ford and of course our dear friend, U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson.

In November 2021, the 9th  BSD hosted in Washington, DC was held with a very small delegation from both sides due to COVID-19. But despite that, the discussions were very substantial, with both delegations coming out with a  “Joint Vision for a 21st  Century United StatesPhilippines Partnership” that not only outlined several  areas of cooperation aimed at boosting security and economic ties, but

From My Point of View

DAN E. N INO

JANUARY is the start of income tax filing once again. It is due on or before April 15, 2023. However, due to the natural disaster caused by the so-called atmospheric-river storm that battered California, the Internal Revenue Service just announced that your tax filing can be extended to May 15 for counties covered by a federal emergency declaration — to file their income tax returns for 2022. Among the counties included are Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura and San Diego and the rest of several beleaguered counties. But we don’t have to wait if we can do it now to get it out our way.

During the 9th  BSD, we agreed to enhance the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in light of the prevailing geopolitical tensions, particularly in the maritime areas of the Philippines.

An annual consultative mechanism that allows both nations to discuss the full range of political, security and economic cooperation between the Philippines and the U.S., the BSD helps us envision the path that we want the partnership to take in order to navigate an evolving geopolitical landscape and deal with challenges that have been aggravated by the pandemic and the situation in Ukraine.

We’re pleased to note that the face-to-face discussions during the 10th  BSD provided a great opportunity for both sides to talk about concrete ways by which the Philippines and the United States can further boost all other aspects of their bilateral relations. Defense matters were naturally discussed, but the dialogue also tackled economic concerns, people-to-people ties and other issues that also cut across regional and global levels.

As noted by Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink, the Indo-Pacific is the most dynamic and fastest growing region in the world, and keeping it free and open is vital in ensuring that maritime trade remains peaceful, considering

that the region is comprised of 40 economies, many of which are still trying to recover from the impact of the pandemic and the continuing war in Ukraine.

The region contains over 60 percent of the world’s total population and is projected to be the largest contributor to global growth over the next three decades, with 50 percent of the world’s gross domestic product by 2040. I agree with Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink that the future and prosperity of IndoPacific nations, including the United States, is “inextricably intertwined with the future of this important region.” In fact, the future of the whole world is also impacted by the Indo-Pacific, which is why it is important to keep it open and free in the decades to come.

I am aware that virtually all eyes – and that is not an exaggeration – are upon the U.S. and the Philippines and the delegation members representing both nations, with critics and supporters alike closely watching and following what we will do together next.

Let me just reiterate that we maintain the great optimism through which we view our current relationship, along with high expectations on the outcome of our next courses of action. Let’s not forget, a great majority of Filipinos continue to see the U.S. as the most trusted nation as underscored by several surveys. Filipinos likewise consider the alliance to be vital in helping maintain peace and

stability in the Indo-Pacific.

There is no doubt that our neighbors in the region, and the wider international community, are also closely watching how the relationship between the Philippines and the U.S. is progressing, and how this could impact peace, security and prosperity particularly in our part of the world.

I am especially looking forward to convening the 2+2 Ministerial Meeting among our foreign and defense ministers in the spring where we expect to discuss strategies to bolster efforts in maintaining a stable and secure Indo-Pacific region.

Since day one, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been intent on further exploring more areas of cooperation, especially in terms of trade and investments as underscored during President BBM’s in-person meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden in New York last September.

In the past few months, we have been discussing with the White House a possible visit by President Marcos to Washington to further cement the ties between the longtime allies on various areas of mutual concern and interest. We hope to find a suitable schedule for both our leaders to meet this year.

In the weeks and months ahead, it is incumbent upon the officials and leaders from both nations to really deliver on what they are planning to do and reaffirm the commitment of the Philippines and the United States in solidifying and strengthening

this partnership. There is no doubt that there is a lot more work to be done in order to have concrete deliverables. But make no mistake: we are ready and eager to roll up our sleeves and do what must be done to enhance this relationship, friendship

(Philstar.com)

Income tax updates and non-pro t orgs deadlines

And if you have a tax-exempt non-profit organization, the tax filing for both federal and state agencies is from January to May 15 if you are on a calendar year. If you file on a fiscal year, your entities’ tax return is filed within five months after the end of your fiscal period. Here are the salient pointers to consider in filing our tax returns. We need the figures of all our income from all sources that are listed in our W-2s, 1099s, IRA/ Pension distributions, social security benefits, capital gains, dividends, interests, unemployment compensations, lotto and gambling winnings, business income, personal property rental income, stock options, among others.

The next important information are our deductions, exemptions, withholding taxes, property taxes, mortgage interest, dependents that

you claim like your minor or qualifying children, parents whom you provide more than half of their support, gifts to charities, etc. And whatever is more beneficial to us, the tax software will choose it for us whether it’s standard or itemized deductions.

Shown below are some of the updates that I want to share with you. And due to some space constraints, I will mention some of them, then continue it in our next issues.

Earned Income Tax Credit

What is an Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)? It is a refundable tax credit for low to moderateincome working individuals and couples, particularly those with children. The amount of EITC benefit depends on a recipient’s income and number of children -- to get a tax break. The main requirement is that you must earn money from a job. If you qualify, your refunds might

increase or it can eliminate federal taxes you owe.

The minimum age to collect EITC for a taxpayer without a qualifying child is 25 and below 65 which is the same as pre2021 rules.

The maximum amount of EITC to be reimbursed for a single taxpayer without children is $560 in 2022. This is a significantly lower amount than in 2021. The Adjusted Gross Income for a single filer or Head of Household to claim EITC without a qualifying child is $16,480.

Taxpayers must use their 2022 earned income to claim the credit.

Taxpayers filing Married Filing Separately that are separated from their spouse and living apart for the last six months of the year may be eligible for EITC if they have a qualifying child that lived with them for at least six months out

of the year.

No Recovery Credit On Tax Year 2022

The Recovery Rebate Credits or Stimulus Refunds were authorized by Congress to address the Coronavirus pandemic and were issued in 2020 and 2021.

No recovery rebate credit was authorized for 2022 and the taxpayer cannot claim any Recovery Rebate Credit on the 2022 tax return.

Child Tax Credit Provisions

What is Child Tax Credit? It is a tax break a tax filer can take for qualifying children to offset the costs of raising kids.

In 2022, the Child Tax Credit is $2,000 for each qualifying child under age 17 that is claimed as a dependent on the tax return. If you are above 17, you are not eligible for the CTC.

The refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit for additional child is up to $1,500 for each

qualifying child. The refundable amount has been increased over the 2020 amount because the refundable portion of the CTC is adjusted based on changes in the US Chained Consumer Price Index.

To receive the Additional Child Tax Credit, the taxpayer must have an earned income. This is the same calculation that existed in 2020.

Child Tax Credit is phased out if the Taxpayer’s Adjusted Gross Income is more than the following:

• $400,000 for Married Filing Jointly. • $200,000 for all other filing statuses Should you have inquiries, you can reach me at 562-508-8099 or email at denino1951@gmail.

DING CARREON Videographer

ANDY TECSON Photographer

Babe’s Eye View

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management,

and alliance – ultimately for the benefit and interest of our peoples.

* * * 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.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with U.S. President Joe Biden (top photo) and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. Malacañang file photos

PH econ team to foreign investors: ‘Think growth, think PH’

MANILA – Whenever foreign business leaders and investment companies think of growth, they can think of the Philippines.

This was the message underscored by members of the Philippine economic team during the Philippine Economic Briefing (PEB) held in Frankfurt, Germany on Monday (Philippine time) as they assured investors that diverse investment opportunities await them in the country.

The PEB serves as the platform for the Philippine government to provide international business and financial communities with updates on the country's robust economic performance and investment opportunities.

During the briefing, the economic team spelled out the reasons why the Philippines has a “comparative advantage” over other ASEAN countries in terms of its investment environment.

They cited the country’s structural reforms, young workforce, strong private sector support, priority on infrastructure spending, strategic regional coordination and stable political environment.

"This administration has more than a hundred implementationready infrastructure projects so if the investors are ready to come in, these are projects that are easy to implement," said Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman in the discussion on the Marcos administration’s Build, Better, More program.

Department of Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, in his keynote message, invited the German investing community to explore opportunities in the fields of telecommunications, airports, toll roads, agribusiness, renewable energy and shipping.

Also present in the briefing were Bangko Sentral Governor Felipe Medalla and Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier welcomed the Philippines’ inclusion in the "VIP Club” or a list of Southeast Asian countries with bestperforming economies as tagged by economic leaders at the 2023 World Economic Forum (WEF). Climate and disaster resilience

Meanwhile, Pangandaman also shared that a significant number of government agencies in the Philippines have already mainstreamed climate and disaster resilience in the preparation of budgets for their programs and projects in response to the increasing need for climate and sustainability investment.

The DBM, in partnership with the Climate Change Commission, launched the Climate Change Expenditure Tagging (CCET) which encourages agencies to intensify their efforts to implement climate change mitigation and adaptation programs.

These include building disaster-resilient infrastructure and low carbon transportation and promoting climate-smart agriculture and regulated renewable energy systems, among others.

The DBM has tagged a record-high PHP453.11 billion for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the 2023 national budget, which is 56.4 percent higher than last year’s PHP289.73 billion. (PNA)

PNP: Crime down 23.6% in first weeks of 2023

MANILA — Crime was down across the Philippines in the first three weeks of 2023, Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said Monday, January 23 as he declared a strong start to the year for the Philippine National Police.

In a briefing, Azurin said crime incidents "generally decreased" by 23.66% with 8,391 cases recorded from January 1 to 21 against 10,991 during the same period in 2022.  Index crimes — those against persons, such as murder, homicide, physical injury and rape and against property, like theft and cattle rustling — have also gone down by 29.96% to 1,576 against 2,250 last year.

Azurin partly credited the decrease in incidents to the Kasimbayanan program, where the PNP partners with religious leaders and organizations as well as community stakeholders for peace and order. "We are now harvesting the fruits of our labor," Azurin, who relaunched the program last October, said.

At the same briefing, the PNP chief said anti-narcotics police operations resulted in the

confiscation of around P81.29 million in illegal drugs in 1,831 police operations between January 1 and 16. He said that among 2,518 drug suspects arrested in the same period, 146 were identified as "bigtime drug pushers."

Azurin said Monday that antidrug operations are still "among the priority of the PNP" this year, with "greater emphasis" on demand reduction through the rehabilitation and treatment of drug users alongside operations to catch dealers and reduce supply.

Part of the drive against illegal drugs, the controversial call for courtesy resignations, has also been going well, the PNP chief said. He said that 942 senior PNP officials from among 953 third-level officers have already filed theirs and have agreed to undergo a review to clear them of suspected links to the drug trade.

The move, which Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos has acknowledged is a shortcut to the long process of filing cases against corrupt cops, has led to the PNP's Directorate

of Personnel and Records Management waiting for just 11 letters of courtesy resignation from eight police colonels and three police brigadier generals. (Philstar.com)

Marcos rejects proposal to use GOCC money for Maharlika fund

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has rejected a proposal to use dividends coming from government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) for the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund.

Speaking to reporters in Malacañang, Marcos said that it would be illegal to use GOCC funds for the MIF.

"You cannot use funds of the GOCC; pera ng gobyerno 'yun (that's government money). What will the government spend? It was a proposal. It's not something that we have adopted," he said.

The

PAGE 4

The President said that the government would have to revise the charters of GOCCs if it were to tap their funds.

"I don't think that's a viable proposition, at least not for us. I know that there are other sovereign wealth funds that have been in that way. But it is not appropriate for us," he added.

Marcos said that the idea of using GOCC money for the MIF was broached in Davos, Switzerland, but that he was "lukewarm" about it after discussing it with Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno.

The House of Representatives passed House Bill 6608 or the proposed Maharlika Investment

Fund Act on its third and final reading on December 15 last year. It was transmitted to the Senate on December 19.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he expects the bill establishing the Maharlika Fund to be passed by the upper chamber on final reading after the Holy Week in March.

Meanwhile, the President allayed fears of possible money laundering, saying while private money will be involved, the funds will be used for specific projects. "On our end, we will only deploy funds when there is a very specific project to be paid for. So money laundering just won't come into it," he said.

long,

overlooked history of Lunar...

Though the holiday was still informally celebrated, it was only officially reinstated in 1989. This complex past makes it difficult to pinpoint the history of Seollal celebrations in the United States.

Lunar New Year today Focusing exclusively on the ancient roots of Lunar New Year can erase the current history of how celebrations have evolved across the world. After all, the holiday is celebrated worldwide today, including in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Suriname and countless

other nations, each featuring foods, events, and other customs unique to locals.

In the US, the Lunar New Year is popularly recognized and celebrated. California officially recognizes the holiday, with efforts underway to federally recognize it. The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade is the largest of its type outside of Asia; Organizations across the country have planned events for Tet, Losar, Seollal, alongside Lunar New Year Fairs. And importantly, this popularity also brings increasing recognition

of the diverse communities that observe it: The term “Lunar New Year” has gained important significance as a way to recognize these frequently overlooked celebrations from non-Chinese communities.

Ultimately, Lunar New Year in the US is multidimensional: a reflection of the experiences and struggles of Asian American communities, of a diaspora’s shifting relationship with their heritage, and, above all, a time for family, joy, relaxation, and reflection to welcome the new year.

‘Triangle of Sadness’ nominated for Oscars Best Picture, but Dolly de Leon snubbed

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

FILIPINA

Despite being well-received by critics and audiences for her portrayal in the 2022 Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness” by Swedish director Ruben Östlund, De Leon was not nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category.

Nominated instead by members of the Academy Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were Angela Bassett for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” Hong Chau for “The Whale,” Kerry Condon for “The Banshees of Inisherin,” and “Everything Everywhere All At Once” co-stars Jaime Lee Curtis and Stephanie Hsu.

Notably snubbed from the category like De Leon were Janelle Monáe from “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” Carey Mulligan from “She Said,” Michelle Williams from “The Fabelmans,” and “Women Talking” co-stars Jessie Buckley and Claire Foy.

De Leon was also previously snubbed at the 2023 Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, often regarded as a major precursor for the Academy Awards with the Outstanding Cast winner often going on to win the Oscar for

Best Picture and winning actors replicating their honors.

De Leon, Bassett, Curtis, Condon and Mulligan were nominated at the 2023 Golden Globes, with Bassett coming out victorious for her second Golden Globe.

The same five actresses, along with Chau, are vying for the same category at the British Academy Film Awards, where De Leon’s successful nomination was a first for a Filipina actress.

“Triangle of Sadness” however is one of the 10 films vying for Best Picture, with Östlund also receiving nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay.

It was ineligible for the Best International Feature Film category as Sweden opted to submit “Boy From

Heaven,” which also premiered at Cannes, though it wasn’t nominated but did make the shortlist.

Artists with Filipino heritage that have been nominated at the Oscars include actress Hailee Steinfeld, cinematographer Matthew Libatique, makeup artist Frederic Aspiras, visual effects pioneer Ariel VelascoShaw, and filmmakers Ronnie del Carmen, Pia Clemente, Trevor Jimenez and Bobby Pontillas.

Winners include singersongwriter H.E.R. and songwriter Robert Lopez in the Best Original Song category (Lopez has won twice), while production designer Paul Denham Austerberry won in 2018 for “The Shape of Water.”

‘Kapamilya, Kapuso together’: ABS, GMA collaborate to produce Jodi, Richard ‘Unbreak My Heart’ series

By Kathleen a llemit Philstar.com

IN what is seen as an unprecedented move by longtime competitors, ABS-CBN and GMA-7, the two networks together with streaming platform Viu, will produce the reunion series of Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap titled “Unbreak My Heart” to be shot in Switzerland.

Gabbi Garcia and Joshua Garcia will also star in the anticipated show scheduled to air on GMA-7 and stream in 15 territories on VIU this year.

The announcement was made today all over the two network’s social media

platforms.

“It’s a first for Philippine TV and I’m sure it’s the audience that will be the winners in this collaboration. We’re very excited to be working with ABSCBN on TV for the first time,” said GMA Senior Vice-President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Groups Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes at the story conference today.

“This is a milestone in the industry. We’re thankful for this opportunity and we’re very happy to work with GMA to serve our audiences. We unite as one team. We never imagined that this was going to happen,” said ABS-CBN

It is a welcome development for both stations, which also have their respective talent agencies where the four stars are signed with.

Richard and Gabbi are identified with GMA-7, while Jodi and Joshua are ABS-CBN talents.

Prior to his projects in GMA7, Richard shot to stardom when he became the leading man of Jodi in their 2012 romantic-comedy series “Be Careful With My Heart,” which aired for two years.

It will be the first time for Gabbi and Joshua to star in a series together.

Andi reveals crying for not bagging ‘Marimar,’ ‘Dyesebel’

By Jan milo severo Philstar.com

ACTRESS Andi Eigenmann revealed that she cried when she didn’t bag the “Marimar” role.

In her Instagram story, Andi posted a screenshot of a fan comment on her IG saying she looks like Marimar.

Andi, however, clarified that she didn’t audition.

“FUN FACT: I cried so hard when I didn’t get cast as Marimar (FYI I was so young and I didn’t even audition) (same w/ Dyesebel!!),” she said.

Nonetheless, Andi said that she’s living like Marimar and Dyesebel now in real life in

Siargao. “But you get it! LOL! And now here I am living that Marimar and Dyesebel and Marina life in real life!! Manifestation is REAL!” she said.

Since moving to Siargao, Andi and Philmar Alipayo set up Kanaway Surf School and Bar to help instructors whose livelihoods were affected by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021.

The couple have been engaged since December 2020 and have two children together, Lilo and Koa. The actress also has another daughter, Ellie, with Jake Ejercito, while Alipayo has two sons from previous relationships.

Atta Boy!

By ronnie CarrasCo iii ManilaTimes.net

I’D like to dwell this time on Boy Abunda’s much-vaunted, not necessarily contentious, return to GMA, his original home.

Already a PR consultant for GMA, Kuya Boy, as I fondly address him, was convinced by then-network executive Bobby Bareira to try TV hosting.

It was on the late-night program Show and Tell with co-host Gretchen Barretto where Boy got his proverbial baptism of fire.

It was in October of 1995 that I joined Startalk as one of the pioneer writers (thanks to the late Tita Mina Aragon’s recommendation).

Boy was one of the original hosts alongside Kris Aquino and Lolit Solis.

I remember him telling me that it was the glaring disparity among his colleagues that, surprisingly, if magically, made them strike a peculiar chemistry.

However, their trio didn’t last long enough as Boy left the weekend show in 1999 and moved to ABS-CBN via “The Buzz.” leaving Lolit behind (Kris was the first to go).

But while with GMA, Boy seemingly enjoyed the company of those in the production team and vice versa.

Rommel Gacho, then Startalk’s executive producer, is now his director for the entertainment-oriented Fast Talk (FT) with Boy Abunda, which aired its pilot episode yesterday with guest Marian Rivera. (FT’s guest lineup for the week in this order are Glaiza de Castro and husband David Rainey, Alden Richards, Bea Alonzo and Paolo Contis).

Reylie Manalo, who’s FT’s EP, used to be one of Startalk’s segment producers.

To top it all, GMA’s Vice President for Talk, Janine Piad-Nakar, already held a key position during Startalk’s fledgling years.

In short — as Boy rightfully claims — he’s in familiar territory.

Despite his GMA exit and transfer to the rival network, Boy has never severed his friendly and professional ties with these well-meaning program staff: “I don’t burn bridges.”

In a sense, Boy is reliving his glory days, secure in the thought that he’s surrounded by people worthy of his trust and admiration.

Looking back, Boy then was more than just a host who’d storm into the studio dressed to the nines, slipping into branded stylish outfits without fail every week.

During brainstorming powwows, he fiercely shared his creative, often far-fetched and outrageous, inputs whenever necessary.

Here’s one no-nonsense host who detests complacency.

The “puwede na ‘yan” line of thinking is absolutely a big no-no to him, an unforgivable lapse in a world where cutthroat competition thrives, more so with the social media and internet onslaught these days.

As I speak now, Boy’s FT is a daily afternoon program. His other show − a public affairs one − is with the Cayetano siblings.

But if he had his way, Boy still dreams of hosting an interview show − after all, this is where his strength mainly lies.

Of course, there’s still his famous “imaginary mirror” where his subject faces, talks to and unleashes his bottled-up emotions upon himself.

I have yet to see his idea be brought to fruition, this via a separate show he already has a working title to “Tell Me Your Story.”

If a good deal is swung in his favor, Boy would like to co-produce this on GTV, GMA’s sister channel.

And why not?

But will the King of Talk be able to muster enough physical energy given his existing shows on GMA, his YouTube channel vlogs and interviews, and other hosting stints on the side?

For sure, he will--just as he was able to finish his master’s (in communication in 2011)

Dolly de Leon as Abigail in the Palme d’Or-winning film “Triangle of Sadness.” Photo courtesy of Imperative

actress Dolly de Leon was snubbed in the recently announced nominations for the 2023 Academy Awards, which would have been a historic nod for a Filipino actor.

Chief Operations Officer Cory Vidanes.

GMA-7 and ABS-CBN together with streaming platform VIU will produce “Unbreak My Heart,” a romantic-comedy series to be shot in Switzerland and stars (from left) Joshua Garcia, Gabbi Garcia, Jodi Sta. Maria and Richard Yap.

Actress Andi Eigenmann

Photo from Instagram/@andieigengirl

San Gabriel Valley Mega Mix Expo brings business community together

CALLING all entrepreneurs, business leaders and consumers! The San Gabriel Valley Mega Mix Expo is back this Thursday, February 2 from 3 to 8:30 p.m. for you to buy, shop, support and invest in the local business community.

“We are confident that your business would gain a lot of value again as we partner with our manufacturers, local businesses and community leaders to provide a dynamic, networking venue that promotes business opportunity, wellness and education,” according to event organizers. The expo will present engaging workshops, such as programs and grant opportunities, grant writing, and choosing a business entity.

From 5 to 8:30 p.m., the expo will feature over 120 business exhibitors, food tastings, live music entertainment, a fashion show, raffles, giveaways and networking opportunities.

The 2023 San Gabriel Valley Mega Mix Expo will be held at the Hilton Los Angeles/San Gabriel at 225 W Valley Blvd, San Gabriel, CA 91776.

Head to Sgvmegamixexpo.com for more information and to register for admission. Asian Journal readers can get $10 off admission by using promo code: 10offAsianJournal. (Advertising Supplement)

Atta Boy...

From Page 8

and doctorate (in social development) degrees (2016) around the same time when he had his hands full with hosting workload.

Atta boy!

***

Trivia about Boy: Did you know that he has dentophobia or odontophobia, as in he’s scared to see a dentist?

That he and his partner Elmer “Bong” Quintana have been together since 1983?

That even if he has nothing against same-sex marriage, Boy is not keen on getting hitched: “Kasi nai-imagine ko na magtatawanan lang kami.”

That he has a different perspective as far as cheating on one’s partner is concerned: “It makes me fall in love with my significant other even more.”

40th 9-hour Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague to be held on January 28

THE Annual Nine-Hour Novena to the Infant Jesus of Prague reaches its 40th year on January 28, 2023. This milestone event will be held at Our Lady of Grace Church in Encino starting at 6:45 a.m.

The novena which is organized by the Infant Jesus of Prague Apostolic Group, is attended by devotees not only from different parts of the USA, but also Canada, the Philippines, and Australia, to name a few.

The Novena has a theme and hourly topics presented by invited dynamic speakers. The 2023 theme is “But to all who

received Him, He gave power to become children of God.” (John 1:12). This theme and the hourly topics are based on Pope Benedict’s circular, Verbum Domini. The topics include: 1) “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God, and the Word became flesh.” (John 1:1, 14); 2) The obedience of faith must be our response to God who reveals. (Romans 16:26, Romans 1:5, 2 Corinthians 10:56). In the Book of Psalms, God gives us the words to speak to Him; 3) Sin is a refusal to hear the Word of God; 4) A faith-

filled understanding of sacred Scripture must always refer back to the Liturgy; 5) Liturgy of the Hours is a form of prayer that emphasizes Sacred Scripture. It brings the faithful into contact with Scripture and the Living Tradition of the church; 6) “No one has ever seen God.

It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made Him known.”

(John 1:18). Through all these years the theme and the topics have never been repeated.

Among the invited speakers in January are Reverend Claude A. Williams, Pastor of Saints Peter

633-3926.

Glaiza weds husband anew in star-studded beach ceremony

By Kristofer Purnell Philstar.com

KAPUSO actress Glaiza de Castro had a star-studded wedding as she exchanged vows once more with her husband, Irish businessman David Rainey, in a second celebration.

Glaiza and David had their initial “Game of Thrones”-inspired wedding in Northern Ireland back in October 2021, but opted to have another ceremony in the Philippines so that Glaiza’s friends and family could be in attendance.

In fact last January 8, Glaiza’s close friends held a surprise bridal shower for her in preparation for the ceremony, the first time the group had been together for a while.

The second wedding held in a beach in Botolan, Zambales was as regal as the first time around, with Glaiza wearing a modern Filipina gown designed by Jo Rubio paired with shoes by Jefferson Si.

In an Instagram post, Glaiza shared that the beachside wedding was inspired by the upcoming Flor de Mayo and Santacruzan festivities and wanted to pay homage to their heritages.

Fellow

Chynna’s

respectively.

and Paul Church in Wilmington, Reverend Thomas Asia, Pastor of Saint Martha’s Church in Valinda, Reverend Kevin Rettig, Pastor of Holy Angels Catholic Church in Arcadia, Reverend Lawrence Santos, Pastor of Saint Genevieve Church in Panorama City, Reverend Steve Davoren, Pastor, Saint Mel Catholic Church in Woodland Hills, and Reverend Jacob Hsieh, School Rector of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

For more information on the Novena, please visit www. IJPAG.com or call Leo at (818)

King of Talk Boy Abunda

GMA photo

Composite image of Glaiza de Castro with her husband David Rainey and wedding entourage. Photos from Instagram/@glaizeredux

actress Angelica Panganiban was Glaiza’s maid-of-honor, while good friends Alessandra de Rossi, Sheena Halili, Isabel Oli-Prats, Chynna Ortaleza, and Rochelle Pangilinan made up the entourage dressed in beige dresses from Zoo The Label.

plus-one was her husband Kean Cipriano, while Maxene Magalona, Ketchup Eusebio, Kakai Bautista, and

Gabby Eigenmann and his wife Apples Arizabal-Eigemann were also in attendance.

Glaiza’s “Running Man Philippines” co-stars Kokoy de Santos, Lexi Gonzales, Angel Guardian, Buboy Villar, Mikael Daez, and Ruru Madrid also attended the wedding, the latter two accompanied by their partners Megan Young and Bianca Umali,

Bishop Solis celebrates Sto. Niño Mass in Gardena on Jan. 27

How important is it to have a living trust?

Barrister’s Corner

the estate. If it is necessary to post bond, the premium on the bond would have to be paid as well. There is also the cost of administering the estate such as selling some of the assets to satisfy the estate’s obligations and to divide the estate according to the will or the intestate line of succession if there is no will.

Drag Race PH winner Precious Paula Nicole to perform at drag convention in Los Angeles

By HannaH Mallorca Inquirer.net

Precious will perform with fellow “Drag Race” franchise winners Jaida Essence Hall (RuPaul’s Drag Race season 12), Kylie Sonique Love (All Stars 6), Danny Beard (Drag Race UK season four), and Spankie Jackzon (Drag Race Down Under season 2) at the event, according to a statement from U.S.-based World of Wonder (WOW) Productions on its official website.

“Get ready to meet all the winners, baby! Danny Beard, Spankie Jackzon, Precious Paula Nicole, Jaida Essence Hall, and Kylie Sonique Love are all joining the festivities,” WOW was quoted as saying.

The Filipino drag performer represented the Philippines at the “RuPaul’s DragCon” event in London, United Kingdom earlier this month. During the event, she was spotted with “Drag Race” stars Jinkx Monsoon, Trinity the Tuck, and Blu Hydrangea, among others.

Precious also stunned fans with her “Lakambini”-inspired costume at the event.

Precious was crowned the winner of “Drag Race Philippines” season one after lip-syncing to Gloc-9’s hit song “Sirena” against first runner-up Marina Summers in October 2022.

The Philippine franchise of the hit reality show opened a casting call for its upcoming second season, which ran until December 2022.

THINKING about one’s demise is not something people want to spend time thinking about. However reality is that we all have to face this one day. It is just a matter of whether you depart this world prepared or unprepared.

If you pass away with at least $184,500 in gross assets and you do not have a living trust (even if you have a will), your beneficiaries would have to open up a probate case before title to the assets can pass to them. When I say gross asset, I mean regardless of how much debt you owe on them. For example if you own a house valued at $350,000 at the time of your death, it does not matter that your mortgage balance is $300,000, a probate case has to be opened in order to pass title to that property. The same is true with other types of assets such as owning a business, a professional practice, bonds, equities, etc. This is a very low threshold to exceed specially in California where real estate prices, even after the economic crisis, remains in the upper end of the curve among the 50 states.

Commencing a probate case is expensive and a very slow process. Someone qualified will have to file a Petition with the probate court to have someone appointed as executor or administrator. The Petitioner’s attorney gets paid a statutory rate for attorney’s fees commencing with 4% of the gross estate. The probate referee will have to be paid for appraising the assets of

The entire process could take up years specially if certain beneficiaries and creditors file certain claims. The probate court file would be public record.

On the other hand if you have a living trust, your estate can avoid the entire court system and court supervision. In certain situations, the process may also save you estate taxes which may be

trust would not be under the direct management of the probate court, your assets and their value and your beneficiaries’ identities would not become a public record. Your heirs and beneficiaries would still have to be notified about the living trust and advised, among other things, of their right to obtain a copy of the trust.

If you are contemplating setting up a trust or have an existing trust that needs to be updated because your family circumstances have changed over the years, you should set an appointment with an experienced attorney that understands and can competently advise you in the law.

* * * Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.  The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.  This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.  The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you.  This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C.  This article is not a solicitation.

substantial if your assets exceed a certain threshold. Basically, you and/or your spouse can be named as the initial trustee of the trust while you are alive. The trustee is the person who manages the trust. This means you retain control of all your assets the same way as if you never had a trust. For revocable trusts, you can later on, at any time during your lifetime, revoke the entire trust if you change your mind.

The assets held in your living trust will be managed by the trustee and distributed according to your directions without court supervision and involvement when you pass away. This can save your heirs time and money. Since the

* * * Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Certified Family Law Specialist. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kenneth@ kenreyeslaw.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

(Advertising Supplement)

“On the other hand if you have a living trust, your estate can avoid the entire court system and court supervision. In certain situations, the process may also save you estate taxes which may be substantial if your assets exceed a certain threshold.”

MOST Reverend Bishop Oscar A. Solis of Salt Lake City, Utah, will be the main celebrant of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for the Feast of the Infant Jesus of Prague (Sto.Nino) at Maria Regina Church located at 2150 W. 135th St., Gardena, CA 90249 It will be held on Friday, Jan.27, 2023 at 7:00 pm.

The exact replica of the Infant Jesus of Prague (Sto. Nino) is clothed in a reiic of the

Holy Robe that adorns the original statue in the shrine of Prague. Everyone is invited to join the mass celebration and devotion of bringing your own images of Sto. Nino to touch the Holy Robe of the Infant Jesus of Prague at the conclusion of the Mass.

“Unless you become like little children, you will not enter the “Kingdom of Heaven”, Matt. 18:3.

Precious Paula Nicole Photo from Instagram/@preciouspaulame

PRECIOUS Paula Nicole, winner of “Drag Race Philippines” season one, was tapped as one of the performers

at “RuPaul’s DragCon” which will be held in Los Angeles, California, in the United States on May 12 and 13.