012822 - San Diego Edition

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JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

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Mayor Gloria unveils new strategic plan DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

5 things you should know about ‘free’ at-home COVID tests

MAYOR Todd Gloria released on Wednesday, Jan. 26 his administration’s updated strategic plan which outlines the changes he hopes to see in the lives of individuals, families, organizations and communities in San Diego.

This Strategic Plan is a part of Gloria’s continuing efforts to transform San Diego and improve quality of life for all San Diegans. The plan and the interactive dashboard for the City of

San Diego are designed to track metrics related to these expected outcomes. It is also intended to grow and evolve over time and will help the city create opportunity in every neighborhood and offer excellent service for every San Diegan.

“What makes this plan unique is a focus on people and progress,” Mayor Todd Gloria said.

“The new plan will empower and support our City employees to make San Diego better every day

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GOVERNOR Phil Murphy signed a couple of bills last week that will ensure that the contributions, history, and heritage of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are included in the New Jersey Student Learning Standards for Social Studies for students in kindergarten through Grade 12.

S4021 will create an AAPI curriculum requirement for schools and S3764 will establish the Commission for Asian American Heritage within the Department of Education.

“The members of our Asian American/ Pacific Islander community have contributed so much to our state and nation,” said Governor Murphy. “By teaching students about the history and heritage of our AAPI community, we can ensure that the diversity of our state is reflected in our curriculum and create a more tolerant and knowledgeable future for New Jersey. I am proud to sign these bills into law.”

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Attorney General Bonta warns Californians to beware of illegitimate COVID-19 testing sites

CALIFORNIA Governor Gavin Newsom recently announced his plan for universal healthcare, which would extend coverage to the state’s 1.1 million undocumented residents.

If approved, California would be the first state in the nation to provide universal health care.

Speaking at the Clinica Sierra Vista’s Lamont Center in Kern County, an agricultural region which serves as home to roughly 70,000 undocumented people, Newsom laid out his plan for universal access throughout the state, regardless of pre-existing conditions, ability to pay, or immigration status. Long-time labor activist Dolores Huerta and California state Assemblyman Rudy Salas took the mic to commend the governor on his proposal.

“This is a historic moment,” said Huerta. “Thank you, Governor Newsom for including all undocumented people in

Gov. Murphy signs bills requiring New Jersey schools to teach Asian American history

and will help all San Diegans track our priorities and measure our progress.”

This action-oriented plan outlines the specific outcomes and related strategies on which city leaders and employees will work collaboratively to deliver what the community needs.

As part of Mayor Gloria’s commitment to transparency, an online dashboard has been

EXTRA DOSE. Some workers receive booster shots of the COVID -19 vaccine from volunteer medical workers at a mall in Ermita, Manila on Wednesday, January 26. Aside from malls, the government has also tapped select pharmacies and private clinics to ramp up the vaccination drive against COVID-19.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

CALIFORNIA Attorney General Rob Bonta issued an alert warning Californians to beware of fake COVID-19 testing locations and websites.

With an increased demand for COVID-19 testing due to the recent spike in cases, scammers are exploiting vulnerable individuals looking to determine whether they have the COVID-19 virus.

These unverified sites pose as legitimate companies and healthcare clinics offering COVID-19 testing.

However, after receiving payment for a COVID-19 test, these fake testing sites oftentimes fail to provide their patients with their test results. These sites may also ask for a patient’s personal identifiable information with the intention of committing fraud. In the recent alert, Attorney General Bonta shared tips on how to avoid testing site scams, as well as how to search and locate legitimate, verified testing sites.

“Throughout California, fake testing sites are sprouting up to exploit families and individuals

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Mark Magsayo: There’s no next Manny Pacquiao

by Bong lozada Inquirer.net

MANILA — Mark Magsayo made it clear—he’s not the next Manny Pacquiao.

Being tagged the “next Manny” has always carried lofty expectations for any Filipino boxer and Magsayo believes that there will never be anyone who can match, let alone exceed, the mythos that Pacquiao created in the sport.

In an appearance at WBC’s Coffee Tuesdays, Magsayo said that he won’t be able to surpass what Pacquiao did but what he can do is walk the path that the Pacman set for him and his generation.

“There’s no next Manny Pacquiao, there’s only one Manny Pacquiao and I’m following his footsteps,” said Magsayo.

“He’s my idol since I was a kid, he was my hero there in the Philippines. He’s my hero.”

Magsayo (24-0) got his career-defining moment on Sunday, January 23 (Manila time) when he defeated Gary Russell Jr. for the WBC featherweight title via majority decision.

The Filipino’s victory ended Russell’s reign with the strap that lasted for six years and 10 months.

Matching Paquiao’s collection,

Photo credit: DoD photo by U.S. Army Private 1st Class Laura Hardin

Biden, Harris enter second year with mixed public opinion, social progress Billionaire Manny Villar to become Philippines welcomes lukewarm White House AANHPI representatives celebrate diversity despite low US affirmation of next media tycoon after taking approval ratings for current admin 2016 SCS ruling over ABS-CBN frequencies u PAGE 4

by Miguel

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by JanviC

r. CaMus

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

Mateo

Philstar.com

Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte once told Manuel Villar Jr. he would back the campaign supporter, billionaire, and former senator if he ran a second time for president.

Villar, the head of a powerful political and business clan, is not seeking any post in the 2022 presidential elections but through a Malacañang-supported move, he would nevertheless gain a new title, that of media tycoon.

Villar-linked Advanced Media Broadcasting System Inc., whose 25-year franchise extension was approved in 2019, is taking over the television broadcast frequencies previously held by Lopez-led Filipino billionaire Manny Villar

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Photo from his Facebook/@Manny Villar

MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, January 21 welcomed the U.S. State Department study that found China’s maritime claims in the South China Sea as “unlawful” and “inconsistent” with international law.

In a statement, the DFA said the study is consistent with the vision statement issued by the Philippines and the U.S. on Nov. 16, 2021, “which states that the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea are inconsistent with the international law of the sea as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”

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ONE year ago, on Jan. 20, 2021, when President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala D. Harris were sworn into office, they inherited a host of national problems.

The Biden administration effectively took over the largely lackluster coronavirus response from the Trump administration, stressing the rollout of vaccines, tests, funding for the health care sector, and economic relief for a country struggling to make ends meet.

A side effect of the coronavirus response came the response

to the sharp uptick in anti-Asian harassment, discrimination, and violence that percolated across the country, a trend that prompted the White House to increase efforts to stand by the Asian American community.

On Thursday, Jan. 20, the White House Initaitve for Asian Americans Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) hosted a closed press briefing that featured Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander leaders in the Biden administration — including Harris herself — to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the inauguration and discuss the

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JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The FronT Page

Attorney General Bonta warns Californians...

Manny Pacquiao and Mark Magsayo at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Boxing gym.

Photo from Instagram/@markmagnificomagsayo

Mark Magsayo: There’s no...

PAGE 1 however, will need some work as Magsayo will need to capture 11 more World titles across seven weight divisions.

“No one can surpass the history of Manny Pacquiao but I’m following his footsteps now,” said Magsayo who could defend his title

against Mexico’s Rey Vargas.

“I’m doing my best every training, every sparring, every fight. I’ll do my best to win every fight. n

PAGE 1 seeking COVID tests. It is important to recognize the signs of sham testing sites to protect both your money and personal information,” said Bonta. “I urge Californians to do their part to avoid fake testing sites by utilizing state resources, including the California Department of Public Health’s website, to find a verified COVID-19 testing site.”

Tips to avoid COVID-19 testing site scams Do your part to avoid fake COVID-19 testing sites by utilizing the following tips: • Only get tested at verified COVID-19 testing sites or through medical groups: To find a testing site near you that is verified to perform COVID-19 testing, use the California Department of Public Health’s test site search tool. You may also search for local testing sites through your county’s local public health department. You can find your county’s public health department website at COVID19.CA.GOV’s Hotlines and Local Info web page.

Also check with local medical groups to see if they offer testing services within their facility.

Should you choose to use an unaffiliated testing site, be wary of the following:

• If a provider insists on documenting your nationality or immigration status; • If a provider does not offer a notice of privacy practices, or cannot explain how it will use and share your personal data; or • If a provider insists on accessing your passport or driver’s license when you have other documents that show your insurance status.

• Identify and avoid “lookalike” websites: Fake testing sites may require you to sign up online. Beware of fake websites that purposely look identical to those belonging to well-known, trusted organizations and state agencies.

Before entering personal information into an online form, always make sure that the website you are visiting is secure and does not display misspellings or unfamiliar names in the URL. • Be cautious of unsolicited calls regarding testing sites: A legitimate company or health clinic will not call, text, or email you without your permission.

If you receive an unsolicited message from an individual, do not provide the caller or sender with any personal information until you have confirmed it is coming from a legitimate source. If you feel pressured to

provide personal information, just hang up.

If you believe that you have been scammed by a fake COVID-19 testing site, you are encouraged to report it to your local police or sheriff’s office and file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office online at oag.ca.gov/report.

Free COVID-19 test kits This month, the federal government announced the launch of a new federal resource where individuals can get free FDA-authorized athome COVID-19 test kits.

Visit COVIDtests.gov, or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888720-7489) to order free COVID test kits from the federal government. When placing an order online, you will be redirected to the United States Post Office website to fill out an order form. The form only requires you to provide your first and last name, shipping address, and an optional email.

Remember that no one from the federal government will call, text, or email you to ask for additional information to help you with your order. If someone reaches out asking for additional information such as your credit card information or Social Security number, do not respond – it is a scam. n

Biden, Harris enter second year with...

PAGE 1 administration’s commitment to “diversity and inclusion.”

“One year ago today, the president and I were sworn in and I will speak for both of us in saying that when we took that stage and took that oath, all of you as leaders were there with us,” Harris said, addressing WHIAANHPI. “It was an oath that in many ways, we took together which is to continue with the work that has to be done to make sure that we are a government that represents all the people and that we fight for the equality of all people and the dignity of all people.”

Areas that are heavily concentrated with Asian communities, like Los Angeles County and New York City, saw steep increases in anti-Asian hate crimes and hate incidents. To address these disturbing trends, the Biden administration passed a bill to improve the nation’s response to hate crime reports, increased funding toward research to better tackle bias and xenophobia against Asian Americans, and signed several memoranda related to improving civil rights practices and accessibility to resources for the multilingual Asian community.

The massive $1.9 trillion COVID relief package and the $1.2 trillion infrastructure law each helped families across the country navigate the coronavirus crisis. Biden also presided over an economic uptick: 6.4 million jobs created, rising wages and low unemployment.

“There’s still a lot of work to do, in that regard,” Harris said, regarding anti-Asian hate. “I think one of the most important things that we can all do together is to continue to speak truth, but not only to the strength of community but also to the particular needs of communities, and to do that is to understand and embrace that the diversity of our country is part of our strength.”

The Biden administration’s response to the Covid crisis emphasized the increased accessibility to vaccines, a triumph that WHIAANHPI emphasized.

“When President Biden took office, only 2 million Americans were fully vaccinated, but today,

210 million Americans are highly protected from the most severe outcomes of COVID,” said Krystal Ka’ai, executive director of WHIAANHPI. “There have been historic investments made to ensure that we are tackling this crisis.

However, it’s difficult to ignore the overwhelming public disapproval of the progress (or, lack thereof) undergone by Biden and, by extension, Harris.

A new poll from the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, only 43% of Americans approve of how the administration is handling its job. The poll, released this week, also found that just 28% of Americans said they want Biden to run for re-election.

A Gallup poll in December found that 44% American approve of Harris’ job so far, a similar outcome to Biden’s rating in that same survey.

In November, an approval rating by USA Today shared that Harris’ public approval rating sat at 28%, making her one of the least vice presidents in contemporary American history — a significantly lower approval rating than that of former Vice President and driver of the Iraq War Dick Cheney in his first year in office.

The glaring disapproval rating is only punctuated by the seemingly absent Harris, who was once a driving force toward the administration’s emphasis on better racial and gender representation but had become a lukewarm answer to the social clarion call.

According to WHIAANHPI, in addition to Harris being the first Black, South Asian, and female vice president, 15% of all agency appointees within the White House are Asian American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander which exceeds the 7% population share that the same group has across the nation. Additionally 26% of the president’s appointed officers within the Biden administration identify as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander, making the Biden administration one of the most diverse administrations in American history.

The speakers stressed vague goals of “diversity and inclu-

sion” with Harris — who is South Asian, Black, and female — as the standard bearer after a predominantly white and male Trump administration, which, for the most part, had a dubious relationship with racial, ethnic, and gender equality and equity.

But diversity and inclusion should go beyond presenting a variety of skin colors and genders; it should mean constantly taking action on the broad and specific issues and struggles of a nation that is becoming more diverse and inclusive. The Biden administration has so far failed to forgive the mounting national student loan problem, It’s also worth noting that in her first year, Harris’ task list included tackling two hot national issues: improving the precarious situation at the U.S.-Mexico border and enacting national voting reform — two uphill challenges decades in the making.

In early 2021, Harris’ negative public perception kickstarted with the border crisis, notoriously telling Guatamalan migrants, “Do not come. Do not come. The United States will continue to enforce our laws and secure our borders. If you come to our border, you will be turned back.”

Harris, and the Biden administration at large, suffered a blow, with many Latino American leaders, like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, expressing disappointment in the once-progressive former senator.

Most notably, the Biden administration has been criticized for the too-often confusing and shifting guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventing (CDC) and a shortage in testing and personal protective equipment. (This week, after weeks of criticism, the White House announced it would make 400 million N95 masks and free at-home tests available.)

“We certainly have a lot more work to do and we will do it together,” Harris said in her final remarks. “But we must be committed to ensuring that the ideals that we hold dear are fought for because we can sometimes think they’ll just happen, but I think we all know that also, we have stand up and be vigilant.”n

5 things you should know about...

PAGE 1 your budget. California is the first state in the nation to finally recognize our immigrants and their contributions,” she said, expressing her confidence that the state Legislature would pass the budget.

The $614 million proposal is part of the 2022-23 state budget known as the California Blueprint, which the governor unveiled a day earlier. The budget must be approved by the state Legislature; Newsom said he expects to see the finished package on his desk by May. If approved, expanded coverage would be rolled out by the end of 2022.

Currently, Medi-Cal covers all low-income children and young adults under the age of 26, regardless of immigration status. Last year, the state expanded Medi-Cal eligibility to lowincome undocumented adults over the age of 50. The new proposal would expand Medi-Cal coverage to low-income people between the ages of 26-49, regardless of immigration status, Newsom addressed the concerns of critics who fear an increase in state taxes. “We already have universal health care, but it is at the back end and called the emergency room. It’s costing you a bundle, with all of us paying higher premiums.”

“Why not have access to preventive care at a much lower cost?” he queried, expressing his hope that other states would follow his lead to

extend coverage to the nation’s 10.5 million undocumented residents.

The California Taxpayers Association raised its objections to the proposal Jan. 7, before the plan was formally announced, noting that taxes would be increased on businesses and individuals earning more than $149,000 annually. California state Assembly members Ash Kalra and Alex Lee, both Democrats who represent portions of the Silicon Valley, have introduced ACA 11, which would raise an estimated $200 million annually to support universal health care in the state.

“This measure would add to the cost of living in California and lead to job losses, without any guarantee that the billions in new taxes would benefit anyone,” said CalTax President Robert Gutierrez in a press statement. “Taxpayers want and deserve quality healthcare services, but there is no guarantee that a government-run healthcare system will deliver better care for Californians at an affordable price.”

Kalra defended his bill in a press statement: “Those that profit off the immoral status quo may not like it, but I am confident that the vast majority of working and retired Californians will see the benefit of significant cost-savings as we remove debilitating insurance costs, outof-reach prescription drugs and arbitrarily high hospital fees.” (Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services) n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Mayor Gloria unveils new strategic plan...

PAGE 1 created to keep San Diegans updated on different areas of progress over time.

Residents will now be able to track street repair, sidewalk maintenance and safety trends based on collisions of various types. They can track police and fire response times and view amenities in each neighborhood.

Priority actions include supporting the regional economy, improving infrastructure and implementing homelessness solutions. This includes ways to optimize street repairs and maintenance to ensure all San Diegans can get around safely and effectively.

The updated plan also identifies strategies to help San Diegans find affordable housing

and ensure unsheltered residents are quickly placed in stable housing options. In addition, the plan outlines steps to reduce populations experiencing homelessness through enhanced prevention programs and more permanent housing options.

Ensuring equitable access to libraries, parks, digital resources and public-safety services is another focus of the Strategic Plan, with Mayor Gloria making a concerted effort to bring better amenities and services to historically underserved areas.

Prioritizing climate equity is also a major element of the plan, with a target of reaching zero net emissions by 2035 and expanding San Diego’s green infrastructure. n

In a statement, the DFA said the study is consistent with the vision statement issued by the Philippines and the U.S. on Nov. 16, 2021, “which states that the People’s Republic of China (PRC)’s expansive maritime claims in the South China Sea are inconsistent with the international law of the sea as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”

AFP photo

Philippines welcomes US affirmation...

PAGE 1 The DFA said the study was also consistent “with the unanimous July 12, 2016 Award in the South China Sea Arbitration (Republic of Philippines v.

People’s Republic of China), a decision that, pursuant to the Convention, is legally binding on the Philippines and the PRC.” The 47-page research paper titled “Limits in the Seas,” prepared by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, said that Beijing has no basis under international law for its maritime claims in the region.

“The overall effect of these maritime claims is that the PRC unlawfully claims sovereignty or some form of exclusive jurisdiction over most of the

South China Sea,” read the executive summary of the report.

“These claims gravely undermine the rule of law in the oceans and numerous universally recognized provisions of international law reflected in the Convention. For this reason, the United States and numerous other States have rejected these claims in favor of the rules-based international maritime order within the South China Sea and worldwide,” it added.

The Chinese government described the study as misleading and claimed that the U.S. misrepresented “international law to mislead the public, confuse right with wrong and upset the regional situation.”

“It want only misrepresents the

convention and adopts double standards out of selfish gains.

Such political manipulation is irresponsible and undermines international rule of law,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin.

“Our sovereignty and relevant rights and interests in the South China Sea are established in the long course of history and are in line with the UN Charter, UNCLOS and other international law,” he added, claiming that the arbitral tribunal that ruled on the Philippine claim “violated the principle of state consent.”

China’s expansive claim in the South China Sea, invalidated by the arbitral ruling, covers maritime features within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian nations. n

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JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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Covered California has a record 1.8-M enrollees with the Jan. 31 deadline approaching, encourages uninsured Filipino Americans to sign up now

SACRAMENTO — With the by the American Rescue Plan, final deadline for the current the federal response to the open-enrollment period quickly pandemic, which expanded approaching on Jan. 31, Covered the amount of financial help California announced that 1.8 available to consumers. The law million Californians have signed builds on the Affordable Care up for coverage as of Jan. 24, Act and work done in California, which is a new record high for the where Gov. Newsom and the exchange. The total represents Legislature established a state an increase of more than 350,000 subsidy program that provided people compared to the start of more financial help and — for 2020, as Covered California has the first time — extended it to used the increased financial help middle-income consumers. Due from the American Rescue Plan to the American Rescue Plan, to expand coverage and meet the two-thirds of Covered California needs of people affected by the enrollees are eligible to get Peter Lee (left), executive director of Covered California, and Julia Liou (right), CEO of Asian coverage from a brand-name COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has highlighted Health Services, during the most recent media event of Covered California. plan for 2022 for $10 or less per Photo contributed by Covered CA the importance of having quality month. In addition, financial help ECONOMIC FRONTLINERc. A delivery rider hands over a package to a resident at Molino coverage, and with a surge of for middle-income consumers is more than $127,000 in California.

The California Department Homes II Subdivision, Salitran 3, Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Thursday, January 27. Last “We are all struggling to adjust lowering many of their premiums week, the Senate approved on third and final reading Senate Bill 2302 or the “Food, Grocery COVID-19 infections across the of Public Health projects that during the to the changing nature of this by hundreds of dollars every and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act”, which criminalizes “hoax ordering” to state, now is the time to make hospitalizations protect delivery riders from scammers and abusive customers. PNA photo by Gil Calinga sure you have health insurance,” current COVID-19 surge will pandemic,” Lee said. “Some month. said Peter V. Lee, executive surpass last winter’s peak, constants, however, are that “California paved the way director of Covered California. while the California Hospital we know that we all need to get for the American Rescue Plan, “We want to encourage anyone Association expects the increased vaccinated, wear a mask, and get and the increased financial help who is currently going without hospitalizations and infections to insurance to stay well and protect is allowing more people to get health care coverage to check out last until the end of February. ourselves from financial disaster covered and stay covered,” Lee their options and sign up so they said. “That’s critical because In addition, a recent study if we need hospital care.” can be covered in 2022.”

The American Rescue Plan a quality health plan through found that the average cost More than 6 million for a complex care COVID-19 is helping Californians get Covered California gives you Californians have been infected hospitalization, in which patients covered and stay covered access to needed primary care PAGE 1 The record-high number of or mental health services, and “By incorporating instruction on the history and contributions by the virus, and the state’s death required ventilation or admission into an intensive care unit, was enrollees is being made possible u PAGE 7 of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, New Jersey schools can total is nearing 80,000. provide a curriculum that reflects the diversity of our state,” said Dr. Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education.

A Commission on Asian American Heritage will be established within the state’s Department of Education and will serve as a resource to enhance classroom instruction throughout the state. selection process or “beauty contest”.

This would also extend Advance Media’s PAGE 1 Senator Vin Gopal said that though Asian Americans and Pacific ABS-CBN Corp., according to documents The last time radio frequencies were hold over the Channel 2 frequencies.

Islanders “continue to make significant and positive contributions from the National Telecommunications awarded was during the rigorous 2018 Democracy.Net.Ph co-founder Pierre Galla to our state, they remain misunderstood and are often targeted for Commission (NTC) that were seen by the bidding for the third telco license—which said the issuance of a temporary permit can race-based violence and bigotry.”

Inquirer. was bagged by Dito Telecommunity, a be subject to “misuse.”

“With these new laws, and implementation of learning standards The frequencies were recalled from ABS- venture between Duterte campaign donor “One method of misuse is if a permit is that do more to highlight the history and achievements of Asian CBN after Duterte and his allies in Congress and business tycoon Dennis A. Uy and China granted whose nature is indefinite and not Americans and Pacific Islanders, I am confident we will be able to allowed the company’s franchise to expire in Telecom. short in duration,” he said. better educate students about Asian American culture and foster 2020 in a move that was decried as politically The documents also showed Malacañang’s It is an anti-competitive behavior designed greater understanding across the many diverse communities of motivated. support for the move. “to prevent any other entity [from using] the our state,” he added.

The Inquirer received the documents on The NTC said the 18-month provisional frequencies covered by the permit,” Galla In a joint statement, Assembly sponsors Raj Mukherji , Mila Tuesday morning, January 25 and made authority to Advanced Media was reviewed told the Inquirer.

Jasey, Britnee Timberlake, and Sterley Stanley called the “erasure multiple requests for comment to the NTC, by the Department of Justice and Office of According to Forbes Magazine, Villar is of AAPI history is unacceptable and incredibly harmful for young whose officials have yet to reply. the Executive Secretary, which issued a “no the county’s richest individual with a fortune people who are being robbed of valuable representation that Based on the NTC documents, Advanced objection” on the assignment of the vacated worth $7.2 billion. He owns property giant could have a positive impact on their lives.”

Media was given a “test broadcast” permit and available frequencies last December 29. Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., broadband “Excluding the rich history of the AAPI community from our to use the coveted Channel 2 spectrum last Advanced Media will broadcast the Channel company Streamtech apart from water and schools’ curriculum not only prevents students from gaining January 6 and provisional authority to use 2 frequency from the Villar Group’s Starmall infrastructure assets. a full understanding of our nation’s history, but also opens the digital TV frequencies in Metro Manila and shopping center along EDSA in Mandaluyong In September last year, the House of door for racial biases that can turn into violence and hatred,” the Mega Manila on Channel 16.

City, Metro Manila, the documents showed.

Representatives approved the sale and statement read.

This effectively gives the Villar group Moreover, the NTC said the test broadcast transfer of control of Advanced Media to They added that one of New Jersey’s best qualities is its control over the frequencies, a scarce public permit will be effective until the final shut off Villar-owned Planet Cable Inc. diversity, which should be highlighted in the schools. asset, while blocking future attempts by ABS- of analog TV, which was earlier set in 2023.

In latest financial statement to the Securities “By expanding the K-12 curriculum to include lessons on CBN to regain use of the spectrum.

Industry player Felipe Gozon, GMA and Exchange Commission, Advanced Media the history and contributions of the AAPI community, we can It was unclear how the NTC vetted Network Inc. chair and CEO, previously reported an 80 percent decline in 2020 help break down persisting negative stereotypes and show the Advanced Media’s capacity to run a TV shared his views that the deadline would be revenues to P3.1 million while losses widened over 140,000 Asian American and Pacific Islander students in our network. Before awarding the frequencies, extended anew due to the Philippines’ low to P3.1 million from P1.82 million in 2019. It state that their stories and experiences matter,” they said. n it also did not hold the traditional public adoption of digital TV. had total assets of P35.7 million. n

Gov. Murphy signs bills requiring New Jersey...

Billionaire Manny Villar to become next...

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Dateline PhiliPPines

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US ‘looks forward’ to working US Navy holds two-carrier with elected PH president operations in South China Sea

by Bernadette

e. tamayo

ManilaTimes.net

THE United States “looks forward” to working with whichever candidate is elected by Filipinos in the May national polls, U.S. Embassy Chargé d’affaires Heather Variava said.

During an online interview on Thursday, January 27 Variava was asked what the U.S. expects in the upcoming Philippine election and change of administration.

“We very much support the Philippine democratic process and [we] look forward [to] working with whichever candidate is elected by the people of the Philippines,” Variava said.

Among those seeking the presidency in the May 2022 elections are Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo, Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao, Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and labor leader Leodegario “Ka Leody” de Guzman.

Asked how the U.S. would react if the winner in the next election is a so-called “Manchurian” candidate, Variava said, “We have a lot of faith and believe in the democratic process here in the Philippines.”

According to www.dictionary.com, a Manchurian candidate “is a person, especially a politician, being used as a puppet by an enemy power. The term is commonly used to indicate disloyalty or corruption, whether intentional or unintentional.”

“I think the bonds between our peoples are so

strong. I think that regardless of who is elected we look forward to having a strong and productive relationship with the new president,” Variava stressed.

She said Washington looks forward to “continuing that strong partnership and supporting the Philippines’ rights and its sovereignty in the region.”

Pressed whether the U.S. intends to send a delegation of observers to monitor the elections, Variava said, the U.S. embassy in Manila looks forward to “discussions with Comelec (Commission on Elections) about being part of any election process or observation program that Comelec hosts.”

“We may indeed see observers from the United States and joining as well.

We don’t have details on that yet,” the embassy official said.

Variava said the embassy would like “to work with Comelec to participate in whatever program is available.”

The envoy said she was “very excited to be in the Philippines during the national election season as someone who is a proud citizen of a democracy.”

“It is always exciting to see fellow democracies undertake that really important aspect of our free and open society. I think that the relationship between the Philippines and the United States is so long, so broad, and so deep,” she said.

“It’s been very impressive to be as a newcomer to the Philippines to see just how many different ways we partner in the realm of security, in the realm of economics, trade, in the realm of development, [and] in the realm of educational exchange,” she said. n

MAMASAPANO ‘SAF 44’ CARNAGE

Trial of cases vs 88 persons ongoing

by Jomar

Canlas ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Justice (DoJ) on Tuesday, January 25, said trial of the cases in relation with the bloody Mamasapano carnage that killed 44 Special Action Force (SAF) commandos and seven civilians is ongoing before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Taguig City.

This was confirmed by Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on the seventh year anniversary of the Mamasapano carnage.

He said the prosecution is scheduled to continue the presentation of its evidence in chief when the court reopens and resumes its regular hearings.

Guevarra pointed out that the DoJ filed 35 criminal informa-

tions for direct assault/murder against 88 persons in connection with the bloody encounter.

“The cases were filed with the RTC in Cotabato City, but the same were later transferred to the RTC in Taguig City for security reasons,” Guevarra said.

Guevarra said of the 88 accused, three were apprehended by the authorities.

“Two of them were granted bail in view of insufficient identification, while the third was dropped on account of his minority,” he said.

The SAF troopers were killed in a botched operation to capture Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan on Jan. 25, 2015 in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

It has been seven years since

the tragedy occurred, but justice for the slain SAF troopers remained elusive.

Meanwhile, the Sandiganbayan in 2020 dismissed the charges against high-ranking police officials, including former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima, who led the controversial encounter under the administration of then President Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd.

The Fourth Division of the anti-graft court granted Purisima’s motion to quash the charges against him for graft and usurpation or unlawful use of authority.

It also found no probable cause to issue an arrest warrant against former PNP-SAF Commander Getulio Napeñas for the same charges. n

SOUTH CHINA SEA — Carl Vinson and Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Groups began dual carrier operations in the South China Sea last January 23.

The U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Groups, led by their flagships USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1 and USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, will engage in joint operations.

The operations include enhanced maritime communication, antisubmarine warfare, air warfare, replenishmentsat-sea, cross-deck flight operations and maritime interdiction to strengthen integrated-at-sea operations and combat readiness. The

training is being held in accordance with international law in international waters, according to a U.S. Indo-Pacific Command press release.

The ships and aircraft of the two carrier strike groups, with over 14,000 sailors and Marines, will hold coordinated surface and air operations in a complex maritime environment to demonstrate the U.S. IndoPacific Command Joint Force’s ability to deliver a powerful maritime force.

Coordinated maritime engagements and operations in the South China Sea are part of the U.S. Navy’s routine presence in the Indo-Pacific.

As the U.S. Navy’s largest forward deployed fleet, U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates between 50-70 ships and

submarines and 140 aircraft with approximately 20,000 Sailors.

U.S. 7th Fleet’s area of operation spans more than 124 million square kilometers, stretching from the International Date Line to the India/Pakistan border; and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the South Pacific, “providing security and stability to the region.”

“U.S. 7th Fleet works with 35 other maritime nations to build partnerships that foster maritime security while conducting a widerange of missions to support humanitarian efforts and uphold international laws and freedoms of the sea,” the press release stated. (Inquirer.net) n

6

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

OpiniOn

Public disclosure

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Features

HOURS after saying he would not make public his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth if it will be used by his political opponents, presidential aspirant Ferdinand Marcos Jr. shifted gears last Monday, January 24 and said he would be “perfectly willing” to release his SALN if he wins.

Unresolved questions about his family’s enormous wealth continue to hound Marcos, so it was unsurprising that the SALN controversy has been revived in the course of his campaign for the nation’s highest office. He initially cited the ouster of Renato Corona as chief justice as an example of the use of the SALN issue for political purposes.

Corona, however, was found guilty of lying in his SALN based on his own admission about his undeclared dollar accounts, before an impeachment court presided over by the Senate president at the time, Juan Ponce Enrile, who is a Marcos ally and opponent of then president Noynoy Aquino.

Republic Act 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, requires the filing of the SALN within 30 days upon assumption of office, and every year thereafter. The law, which stresses that public office is a public

trust, states that “the public has the right to know” the “assets, liabilities, net worth and financial and business interests” of government officials and employees “including those of their spouses and of unmarried children under 18 years of age living in their households.”

The public disclosure can sometimes be a farce, with the help of topnotch accountants. In previous Congresses, Marcos’ mother Imelda had emerged as the poorest member of the House of Representatives, based on her SALN. Still, in the interest of public accountability, transparency and good governance, the nation’s highest officials should release their SALNs to the public, even without mass media invoking freedom of information and seeking the public disclosure. It’s called leadership by example, and the public should remember the persons showing this quality as they apply for high office. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Election red flag: Resistance to transparency, accountability of candidates seeking public office

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS TO hold public office is one of the most sacred privileges a citizen can ever have because along with it comes the opportunity to affect change for the greater good.

This is especially true for those running or are appointed for local or national posts because such positions of power, especially that of the Office of the President, are accorded and entrusted with public trust.

After all, citizens pay taxes to fund the government and its operations, programs and services in faith and in trust that our public servants are working for our interest. We, the People, are their “boss.” These public officials work for us, and not the other way around.

Working for the government does not give an employee a hefty salary so it is not the job one would want if he/she aspires to be rich. However, we have heard how some people had been willing to kill other people just to hold a position in government — from the top post to the “baranggay tanod.”

We also wonder how with a meager salary, some government officials and employees have been able to acquire wealth and live extravagant lifestyles.

We have seen families holding public office together in the

legislative and executive branches of government in both local and national offices, clinging to these positions in a merry-go-round dance, generations after generations.

“Corruption is a cancer within the body of societies—a disease that eats at public trust and the ability of governments to deliver for their citizens. The deleterious effects of corruption impact nearly all aspects of society. It exacerbates social, political, and economic inequality and polarization; impedes the ability of states to respond to public health crises or to deliver quality education; degrades the business environment and economic opportunity; drives conflict; and undermines faith in government. Those that abuse positions of power for private gain steal not just material wealth, but human dignity and welfare,” the White House official page states.

This truth is very palpable in the Philippines. Elections after elections we hear campaign promises about fighting against and abolishing corruption, but the promises remain to be empty rhetoric of many sweettalking scheming politicians who fear and therefore tactically workaround and game the system to avoid two important requirements of these sacred

positions of public trust in government: transparency and accountability.

Transparency means to be open and proactive in disclosing everything that is material and important to how the public official will conduct himself and make decisions while in office, and this starts the moment he/ she has signified and formalized intent to run for office or accept an appointment to serve in government.

This is the sacred resume a candidate presents to the people on his qualifications and personal information why we, the people, should entrust with him the position of power to work for our greater good.

The public official is expected to be proactive in his/her disclosure about his personal, social, economic ties; his/her assets, liabilities and net worth; about his/her clean record involving crimes and moral and ethical turpitude; about principles, visions, and platform to make our lives better, and our democracy stronger.

Campaigns are free to present their candidates in the best possible light to convince the electorate they are best suited for the position. That is their public relations function. But all these this need to be checked, examined, questioned, and explained as required by the

principle of transparency.

Political appointees are vetted, their past dug up, and they are subject to hearings which are like “cross examinations” about their fitness to be in office before they are confirmed pursuant to the rule of law.

For elected officials, part of the process by which the citizenry can make a more informed decision in hiring or rejecting a candidate for office is by thorough research, investigation and the job interview, which take the form of debates, interviews, panel discussions, town hall meetings, etc., done by the fourth estate — the free, independent press in a democracy.

A candidate applying for the job, therefore, should be ready, willing and able to go through this rigorous process of job application because no one is entitled to the job. He/ she could not cherry-pick who should conduct the interview and face only those who accept his claims as gospel truth. That would be PR. A true, honest, trustworthy candidate should be ready, willing and able to face the press who are like hungry hyenas ready to devour him/her until all his skeletons are revealed with hard, mean, incisive questions.

That is the role of the press

in a democracy because this will serve the public better in their sacred decision-making process of choosing the right and deserving public servant.

This is also a pre-cursor to how a candidate, when elected in office, will be transparent in his/her actions as an elected public servant. Government information, government records, transactions, dealings should be made available to the public, whether proactively and/or when asked.

Former President Barack Obama wrote a Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and their Agencies” and part of it read: “We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration.

Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government. Government should be transparent.

Transparency promotes accountability and provides information for citizens about what their Government is doing. Information maintained by the Federal Government is a national asset.”

When do we demand transparency, which promotes accountability from our own public officials in the Philippines?

This is not

“paninira” or putting the government down. In fact, it is our sacred obligation to keep our government officials transparent and accountable in all their actions because that will push them to serve us better and strengthen our democracy.

Systemic corruption has been perpetuated in government not just by those in power, but by the voters who, knowingly or unknowingly, have been condoning, approving, and even nurturing this very chronic social ill that has been keeping the Philippines a “third world” country. This coming election, don’t turn a blind eye to the red flags. Demand transparency and accountability from all candidates, especially from those running to be president of the Philippines. *** 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.

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989 with ABS-CBN and is now serving the Filipino audience using different platforms, including digital broadcasting, and print, and is working on a new public service program for the community. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos.

Major global challenges ahead

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez WHILE people are seeing a spark of hope that the COVID-19 situation will eventually transition from pandemic to endemic, what is really worrisome now, especially for the U.S. and its friends and allies, is the escalating tension in Ukraine, with the buildup of Russian troops over the border now estimated at 100,000.

The encouraging news is the decline in the number of Omicron infections worldwide. In the United States, cases are also going down in places such as New York, California, Colorado, Florida, Pennsylvania and several other states, indicative that the surge is peaking, according to experts. But while the situation is becoming less grim, people should not be complacent and should maintain masking and health protocols.

In the Philippines, the number of cases is decreasing particularly in Metro Manila, with the one-week growth rate falling to

-20 percent, according to OCTA Research, noting that the downward trend is similar to the pattern seen in South Africa where a rapid surge was followed by a “dramatic decrease in infections.” Daily cases in the National Capital Region could go down to 1,000 in mid-February, and possibly less than 500 daily infections by the end of February, OCTA also said.

But the world will be coming out of this pandemic with new challenges not only economically but politically as well. U.S. intelligence sources are convinced Russian president Vladimir Putin will use the troops to move into Ukraine, a strategically important nation for NATO and the United States. State Secretary Antony Blinken has decried the Russian troop buildup, saying there was “no provocation, no reason” for such action and raised the possibility that Russia could attack Ukraine “on very short notice,” warning of tough sanctions if that happens.

“We know that there are plans in place to increase that force even more on very short notice,” Secretary Blinken said in a press conference.

Reports that Russia is also moving troops and military hardware to Belarus – with plans to conduct military drills in February dubbed as “Allied Resolve” – has fueled the tension even further. Lithuania, which shares a border with Belarus, has expressed concern about the presence of Russian troops.

“In the current situation, we consider the entry of Russian military forces into Belarus not only as a destabilizing factor of the security situation, but also as an even greater threat to Lithuania,” Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said.

Both the UK and Canada are also showing support for Ukraine. The UK has sent antitank weapons and British personnel to provide training, while Canada has warned about severe sanctions and also deployed special forces.

Russia has denied allegations that it is looking for an excuse to invade Ukraine. Security experts believe that such course of action would be costly – economically and otherwise – for Russia, and would be damaging to the political standing of Vladimir Putin. However, they also ac-

knowledge the risk of war if talks between the U.S. and Russia will fail to ease tensions. Ukrainians meanwhile have expressed their readiness to defend their nation from any attempt at invasion, saying they will fight to the end.

North Korea’s recent firing of suspected ballistic missiles is also another cause of tension, aggravated by a statement from North Korean state media KCNA that the “hostile policy and military threat by the U.S. have reached a danger line that cannot be overlooked anymore,” thus the need to prepare for “a long-term confrontation.”

Japan has issued a condemnation, with Japanese Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi saying that the “repeated launching of North Korea’s ballistic missiles is a grave problem for the international community, including Japan.” And while the missile launches did not pose an immediate threat to the U.S. and its allies, these highlight the destabilizing impact of North Korea’s illicit weapons program, said the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

Aside from North Korea and Ukraine, the virtual meeting between President Biden and

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Friday, January 21 also tackled China’s increasing aggressiveness and how they can work together to preserve stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Last Wednesday, January 19 Chinese military fighter jets entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone in yet another act of intrusion. In his congressional testimony last year, then-Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Philip Davidson said China could attempt to take control over Taiwan within six years, observing that China’s military capability has evolved throughout the 21st century.

Malaysia’s Foreign Minister Saifuddin Abdullah also warned about China’s new strategy in advancing its territorial claims.

Instead of the nine-dash-line – which was rejected by the Permanent Court of Arbitration as having no legal basis – China is now using the “four sha” (four sands archipelagos, referring to disputed island groups which China has named as Dongsha, Xisha, Zhongsha and Nansha) to justify its claims of sovereignty over the South China Sea. A 47-page report released by

the U.S. State Department outlines the “unlawful” maritime claims of China which “gravely undermine the rule of law in the oceans and numerous universally recognized provisions of international law reflected in the Convention,” the report said.

Countries in the Asia Pacific, especially ASEAN member-nations, will need to be unified in their stand because clearly, any escalation will only make it difficult for nations to recover from the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy.

President Biden has already sent out formal letter invitations to all the ASEAN leaders for a face-to-face summit in Washington within the next couple of months. The summit is expected to cover a wide range of issues about post-pandemic economic cooperation and security in the region. (Philstar.com) *** 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.

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022

7

Covered California has a record 1.8-M enrollees with the Jan. 31 deadline...

PAGE 4 protects you from a six-figure hospital bill if you get sick or injured.”

The historic reduction of the uninsured rate in California California has reduced its uninsured rate by more than any other state in the nation since 2014, when coverage first became available through the Affordable Care Act. The decrease has benefited every major ethnic group in the state and been driven by the state’s expansion of Medi-Cal and the enrollment in Covered California.

Between 2013 and 2020, AANHPI uninsured rates have dropped by nearly 60 percent and the uninsured rate among California Latinos has been cut by more than half.

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, Covered California has played a critical role in expanding coverage to reduce the uninsured rate even further. Covered California established special-enrollment periods to help people get insured and benefit from the new financial help included in the American Rescue Plan.

As a result, Covered California has seen significant increases in enrollment Asian segments, including among Filipino (38%), Asian Indian (33%), Chinese (23%), Korean (11 percent), and Vietnamese (5 percent).

“When the pandemic started, Covered California opened its doors to everyone eligible to make sure they had access to the health care coverage they needed,” Lee said. “We have seen dramatic enrollment increases across the board — including in our communities of color — but we know there is more work to do.”

The open-enrollment deadline is quickly approaching Covered California joined AANHPI health care and health policy advocates to urge people to enroll before the final open-enrollment deadline. Despite the dramatic expansion of health care coverage for nearly all AANHPI communities in California, significant disparities remain.

Dr. Ninez Ponce, director at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, a professor at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and the Principal Investigator for the California Health Interview Survey

(CHIS), has been tracking the progress made in health insurance coverage for over two decades. Dr. Ponce spoke about the health insurance and health care disparities in the AANHPI communities.

“Looking at the population under age 65, AANHPIs have the secondhighest uninsured rate in the state, after Latinos,” said Ponce. “But within this average, there are differences across Asian subgroups. In 2020, the uninsured rate for Filipino Americans in California is at 6.4 percent, higher than the AANHPI statewide average of 5.8 percent. Prior to the American Rescue Plan, top reasons for not having insurance include some confusion on how to get insurance as well as concerns about cost, not being eligible or being dropped from coverage from their jobs.”

Asian Health Services has provided health care, advocacy and social services for the Bay Area community since 1974, and has been a partner for Covered California enrolling nearly 4,000 Californians since the first open enrollment. CEO Julia Liou spoke about the importance of being insured.

“Access to the highest quality and affordable health care in language and culture is essential for the health and well-being of our families and communities, especially during this historical time.” said Liou. “Preventive care, including regular doctor visits and screenings that can detect and treat serious illnesses – all which are part of Covered California plans – is key to protecting your family’s health and preventing financial hardship from unexpected medical bills. Connect with your local community health center today to help you find out what you are eligible for in care.”

Covered California’s open-enrollment period runs through Jan. 31 — unlike the federal deadline, which ended on Jan. 15 for states that use healthcare.gov. Consumers who sign up by Jan. 31 will have their coverage start on Feb. 1.

Consumers can easily check out their eligibility and options at CoveredCA.com Those interested in applying for coverage can explore their options — and find out whether they are eligible for financial help — in just

a few minutes by using the Shop and Compare Tool at CoveredCA. com. All they need to do is enter their ZIP code, household income and the ages of those who need coverage to find out which plans are available in their area.

In addition to signing up consumers through its website, Covered California also partners with certified and licensed enrollers who provide free and confidential help throughout the state. Covered California works with more than 11,000 Licensed Insurance Agents, who have established more than 500 storefronts in communities across California. Consumers can visit https://www.coveredca.com/ support/contact-us/ and search for the agent nearest them.

Consumers can also call Covered California at (800) 300-1506 in English or (800) 983-8816 in Tagalog and get information or enroll by phone.

Covered California’s online enrollment portal and certified enrollers will also help people find out whether they are eligible for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal enrollment is available year-round, and the coverage will begin the day after a person signs up. In addition, people can apply for Medi-Cal online or by picking up an application at one of the many county resource centers throughout the region.

Covered California is the state’s health insurance marketplace, where Californians can find affordable, high-quality insurance from top insurance companies. Covered California is the only place where individuals who qualify can get financial assistance on a sliding scale to reduce premium costs. Consumers can then compare health insurance plans and choose the plan that works best for their health needs and budget. Depending on their income, some consumers may qualify for the low-cost or no-cost Medi-Cal program.

Covered California is an independent part of the state government whose job is to make the health insurance marketplace work for California’s consumers. It is overseen by a five-member board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. For more information about Covered California, please visit www.CoveredCA.com.

(Covered CA Release) n

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

CASE NUMBER: 37-2021-00053993-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Maria Zeniada De Guzman Thomas on behalf of minor child filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Carla Juan Panlilio De Guzman to Carla Juan De Guzman Thomas.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 02/10/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: DEC. 29, 2021 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna A. Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 845 01/07, 01/14, 01/21, AND 01/28/2022.

ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD 845

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF: JAMES WILLIAM FOSTER CASE NO. 37-2021-00032479-PR-LA-CTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: JAMES WILLIAM FOSTER A Petition for Probate has been filed by HERTA KATHARINA SHOCKLEY in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN DIEGO. The Petition for Probate requests that HERTA KATHARINA SHOCKLEY be appointed as personal representative to administer with will annexed the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date:02/16/2022 Time: 1:30 P.M. Dept.: 502 Address of court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 Branch Name: Central, Probate If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing.

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor.

You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

ATTORNEY: EDWING FRANK KELLER FIRM NAME: KELLER LAW GROUP ADDRESS: 22760 HAWTHORNE BLVD., SUITE 103 CITY: TORRANCE STATE: CA ZIP CODE: 90505 TELEPPHONE: 310-548-7240 ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER: HERTA KATHARINA SHOCKLEY 01/14, 01/21, 01/28/2022 AJ 850 AJSD 850

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00001282-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Javeed Wafa; Soraya Javeed on behalf of minor children filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. FNU Hela to Hela Javeed b. FNU Yalda to Yalda Javeed THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 02/24/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: JAN 12, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Lorna A. Alksne Judge of the Superior Court AJ 852 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD 852

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00001679-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Bibianna Alexa Saldivar filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Bibianna Alexa Saldivar to Bibianna Alexa Saldivar-Mongé THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/01/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: JAN 14, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 854 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #854

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001431

Pacific Westcoast Properties located at 244A Palomar St., Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: PW Inc., 244A Palomar St., Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 08/05/2004.

Signature Robert Pennell.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/19/2022.

AJ 867 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, and 02/18/2022.

AJSD 867

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000068

GarMat Mobile Truck Repair located at 7931 Airway Road, San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: Hugo Daniel Garcia, 616 G St., Apt 51, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 02/15/2021.

Signature Hugo Daniel Garcia.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/03/2022.

AJ 868 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, 02/18/2022.

AJSD 868

8

JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

ANNOUNCEMENT

LEGAL SERVICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001732

SD#0098

Advertisement for Bids

a. CRISPR QC INC. located at 8969 Kenamar Dr., Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92121. b. CRISPR QC located at 8969 Kenamar Dr., Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92121.

Registrant: CRISPR QC INC., 8969 Kenamar Dr., Suite 104, San Diego, CA 92121.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/10/2021.

Signature Ross Bundy.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/21/2022.

AJ 862 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, and 02/18/2022. AJSD 862

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will receive “ELECTRONIC-ONLY” bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: ROOF REPAIRS AT PHYSICAL PLANT OPERATIONS A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022, outside the main entrance of Physical Plant Operations, 4860 Ruffner Street, San Diego, CA 92111. ALL CONTRACTORS MUST PREREGISTER WITH THE DISTRICT PRIOR TO ATTENDING THE SITE WALK. Please send only one representative per Company. Contact mmoyers1@sandi.net for the link to preregister. (PLEASE SEE BID FOR DETAILS No. CP22-0760-39).

REVISED COVID-19 SITE WALK SAFETY PRECAUTIONS WILL BE ENFORCED Please refer to Planwell (www.crispimg.com, click on PlanWell, Public Planroom, search SDUSD and project bid number CP22-0760-39) for Site Walk Safety Precautions AND preregistration information. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on FEBRUARY 17, 2022. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to https://www.planetbids.com/portal/ portal.cfm?CompanyID=43764 then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP220760-39 Roof Repairs at Physical Plant Operations. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. The project estimate is between $1.1 million and $1.6 million. This is a PSA

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001849

project and requires prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B, C-39, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval.

SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Andrea O’Hara, M.A., Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Officer, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CP22-0760-39

LEGAL SERVICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9027333

DIGNIFIED STAFFING REGISTRY, INC. located at 1945 CAMINITO DE LA CRUZ, CHULA VISTA, CA 91913.

Registrant: DIGNIFIED STAFFING REGISTRY, INC., 1945 CAMINITO DE LA CRUZ, CHULA VISTA, CA 91913.

This business is conducted

by CORPORATION. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature MARI ROSE FERRER. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/11/2021.

AJ 846 01/07, 01/14, 01/21, AND 01/28/2022. AJSD 846

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028340

Ron V Consulting And Marketing located at 127 50th Street #303, San Diego, CA 92102.

Registrant: Ronald Vinluan, 127 50th Street #303, San Diego, CA 92102.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 12/01/2021.

Signature Ron Vinluan.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/27/2021.

AJ 847 01/07/2022, 01/14/2022, 01/21/2022, and 01/28/2022.

AJSD 847

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028757

HAPPY LOVE DESSERTS, ATBP located at 1925 VIA LAS PALMAS #47, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950.

Registrant: ANAHAW GROUP OF COMPANIES LLC, 1925 VIA LAS PALMAS #47, NATIONAL CITY, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/15/2021.

Signature GRACE TREVILLA. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/30/2021.

AJ 848 01//07, 01/14, 01/21, AND 01/28/2022. AJSD 848

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000119

JV Scooters LLC located at 1512 La Playa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109.

Registrant: JV Scooters LLC, 1512 La Playa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92109.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/04/2022.

Signature Joao Vitor Lagoa Bovino.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/04/2022.

AJ 849 01/14, 01/21, 01/28, and 02/04/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001322 Rath’s Corner located at 2417 E. Plaza Blvd., National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Rath Sy, 2929 Alta Drive, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 11/10/2020.

Signature Rath Sy. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/18/2022.

AJ 855 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000075

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000074

AJSD 849

A Dignified In Home Care, Inc. located at 1945 Caminito De La Cruz, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: A Dignified In Home Care, Inc., 1945 Caminito De La Cruz, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Mari Rose Ferrer.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/03/2022.

AJ 851 01/14, 01/21, 01/28, and 02/04/2022.

AJSD 851

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000854

KT CAB located at 4105 Georgia St., #204, San Diego, CA 92103.

Registrant: Teshome Gudeta Senbete, 4105 Georgia St., #204, San Diego, CA 92103.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/12/2022.

Signature Teshome Gudeta Senbete.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/12/2022.

AJ 853 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, 02/11/2022.

AJSD 853

AJSD 855

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028413

Bad & Boujee Beauty located at 333 Highland Ave., #C, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Bernardo Macias, 1436 S. 40th St., #225, San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Bernardo Macias.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/28/2021.

AJ 859 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022. AJSD 859

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028709

El Dorado Apartments located at 309 Richmar Ave., Ste#100, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant: Barry Cottle, 14211 Yorba St., Ste 200, Tustin, CA 92780.

This business is conducted

by Limited Partnership.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 06/01/2021.

Signature Barry Cottle.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/03/2022.

AJ 856 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022. AJSD 856

Sunshine’s Cleaning located at 777 Ada St., Unit S, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Mirna Salcido, 777 Ada St., Unit S, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/22/2020.

Signature Mirna Salcido.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/30/2021.

AJ 860 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000575

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028584

a. Rebeldemigods located at 665 12th St., Unit 1, Imperial Beach, CA 91932. b. Shado Radio located at 665 12th St., Unit 1, Imperial Beach, CA 91932.

Registrant: Rebeldemigods, 665 12th St., Unit 1, Imperial Beach, CA 91932.

This business is conducted

by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 12/16/2021.

Signature Erick Garcia.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/10/2022.

AJ 857 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022.

AJSD 857

AJSD 860

Mystic Grill Of San Diego located at 857 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101.

Registrant: Best Of San Diego Inc., 857 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92101.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Ammar Farah.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 12/29/2021.

AJ 861 01/21, 01/28, 02/04, and 02/11/2022.

AJSD 861

Hans Strom Inc. located at 675 G Street, San Diego, CA 92101.

Registrant: Hans Strom Inc., 675 G Street, San Diego, CA 92101.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 10/01/2001.

Signature: Hans Strom.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/24/2022.

AJ 863 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, and 02/18/2022. AJSD 863 CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00001895-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Omar Alexandro Eli Torres Lombrozo filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Omar Alexandro Torres Lombrozo to Alex Lombrozo.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/02/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: JAN. 22, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 858 01/21. 01/28, 02/04, 02/11/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #858

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000031

Mahal Skin located at 438 Camino Del Rio South #211, San Diego, CA 92108.

Registrant: Micah Espinoza, 1074 Alta Crest Street, San Bernardino, CA 92407.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME. Signature Micah Espinoza.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/03/2022.

AJ 865 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, and 02/18/2022.

AJSD 865

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001647

K.S. Spin Cycle Coin Laundry located at 1355 Broadway Suite N-S, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Soon K. Kim, 6204 Bernadette Ln., San Diego, CA 92120.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/04/2004.

Signature Soon K. Kim. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/20/2022.

AJ 866 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, and 02/18/2022.

AJSD 866

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00002739-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Keila Gaxiola Lucero filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: Keila Gaxiola Lucero to Keila Gaxiola Hernandez.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 03/10/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: JAN 24, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 864 01/28, 02/04, 02/11, and 02/18/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD #864

SAN DIEGO

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022

JOURNAL

9

9

JA N UA RY 28 , 2 0 22

TURNING A MAJOR LOSS INTO A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

Filipina doctor runs a company that offers free COVID-19 tests in NYC

by MoMar

G. Visaya / AJPress

ILIPINO American doctor and businesswoman Jona Jane Tajonera lost her older sister Gina to COVID-19 in April 2020.

F Back then, coronavirus was well on its way to wreak havoc in New York City and make it the epicenter of the pandemic’s first wave.

people across the city.

Tajonera felt helpless. As a Despite her exposure to public health advocate (she possible clients who tested holds both a Masters and a positive, Tajonera is thankful Doctorate in Public Health), that she hasn’t contracted she thought she could COVID-19 yet. She is have done something to extra careful since at least help her sister. her 81-year-old mom She slipped into Lerma lives with her depression until she in Brooklyn. realized that more She would like and more people to believe that were getting she has a strong affected. protector in her She began sister. Outside her talking to some home, she always of her friends double masks and Dr. Tajonera outside their Hell’s Kitchen site. She showed us the new batch of PCR tests that were just delivered to them that morning. in the medical gets rapid tested every industry - doctors, day, and once a week, lab technicians, nurses. she gets the PCR test.

She wanted to learn more She said she couldn’t afford about the virus and what to get infected because she’s she can do and realized that immuno-compromised. there was a need for testing.

While rapid testing is of Tajonera’s U.S. Mobile Care Group started to run Jona Jane Tajonera says she is doing all of these great help, she recommends getting the PCR test, which mobile COVID-19 testing sites in honor of her sister Gina. she calls the gold standard in by setting up tents. Among AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya COVID testing especially since her first locations were in she has seen several times Queens and the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, provider, and put together an people who test negative using providing free tests to the MSO or management service the rapid test and positive in their underserved communities in the organization to widen their reach. PCR. She remembers the earlier area.

With this partnership, she is able Almost a year later, around to venture into more testing sites, days when they used to May 2021, she saw the slowdown including the United Nations call the cases of vaccinated individuals getting infected as and entertained the thought twice a week. of stopping the tests. People Her team also does testing for “breakthrough cases” because were getting vaccinated and the the Metropolitan Opera, Clarion on the week of December 13 last infections began to dip. Less Society, a couple of high schools year, she noticed that 85 percent than a couple of months later in Queens, and Montessori of those that tested positive were Tajonera credits her team for working extra hard to support her advocacy of getting more people in underserved communities, including the vaccinated. there was another uptick.

School. uninsured, to get tested. She said that her job has given her a different kind of fulfillment.

“Of course we know naman “At that point, I looked at the For Tajonera, it’s not really data and realized that no, this is a difficult job. On the contrary, for a fact that even vaccinated not going away,” she shared. she finds it easy because she people can still get infected but Armed with this knowledge, has created a system that works. with the omicron variant, ang Tajonera got a van so she and It is tedious, yes, and sleep is a daming vaccinated ang nag positive,” she remarked. “That her team could go to more luxury. underserved neighborhoods in Operating almost two dozen was quite alarming.”

Based on their figures, she the city. The response was good, testing sites has become her life so she decided to get another of late and it’s her interaction identified what vaccine those who tested positive had. one. with clients that gets her going.

“That’s where I started to see Little did she know, she had “Recently, one of our clients turned a bad memory into a good who tested positive previously that Moderna is better against and inspiring thing. saw me and he said ‘Thank omicron than Pfizer or J&J. Today, U.S. Mobile Care Group you for doing this because if I There were more people who has four vans and runs 22 testing didn’t see you here, if you’re not tested positive that had Pfizer as sites providing free RT-PCR and here, I would have been to my vaccine,” she shared.

Also based on her experience rapid antigen testing around grandmother who is 90 years old, New York City to anyone who and I would have given her the with four of her staff vaccinated needs it. During the peak last virus and then she will give it to with Moderna who tested month, they were testing up to some of my cousins who will be positive, all of them had no 500 people per site daily. visiting her as well,” she shared. symptoms.

This drives back to her She has partnered with She is also proud of the strong, Steinway Hope Medical, also hardworking, and cohesive team point why testing is necessary, u PAGE 10 a Filipino-owned primary care that she has built to help her test

Gold House, other API brands to usher in Year of the Tiger with campaign for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Gold House is partnering with several Asian and Pacific Islander-owned brands for its second annual Lunar New Year campaign for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® to bring good fortune to St. Jude patient families and raise awareness and support for its lifesaving mission: Finding cures. Saving children.® From February 1 through April 30, when shoppers purchase from participating brands, they will have the option to donate to St. Jude during the checkout process. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from each sale will go toward St. Jude research and treatment of childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Pediatric cancer is a trillion-dollar, multi-year problem, requiring millions of supporters coming together to solve. The public and partnerships like this one make it possible for St. Jude to save children together.

“Gold House is proud to once again partner with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to direct the collective power of API-founded businesses in the Gold House community toward supporting and advancing its crucial research and treatment of cancer and other catastrophic children’s diseases,” said Mikkoh Chen, Head of Gold House Futures.

Last year St. Jude launched its six-year, $11.5 billion strategic plan – the largest in St. Jude history – to create a brighter future for children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases by delivering on its promise to triple its global investments and help more of the 400,000 children with cancer around the world each year.

Thanks to generous supporters, St. Jude has pressed ahead with a vital collaboration with the World Health Organization to increase global access to pediatric cancer medicines, which will allow St. Jude to impact as many as 120,000 young cancer patients in 50 countries by 2027.

Participating brands in the Lunar New Year campaign include Covry, Dagne Dover, Duck Duck Books, Fly By Jing, Glow Recipe, Health-Ade, Neuro

Gum, Nona Lim, The Qi, Sanzo, and Tochi Snacks.

These companies offer a wide array of products, including food, condiments, beverages, books, eyewear, beauty and handbags. Several of them are members of the Gold House Founder Network, a cross-industry community of promising Asian and Pacific Islander entrepreneurs and business leaders.

St. Jude patient families embody the strength and courage of the Tiger. Among the children who are thriving after receiving treatment at St. Jude are Calvin who had an aggressive, non-cancerous brain tumor called craniopharyngioma, Max who had retinoblastoma, a cancer of the eye, and MaelinKate who was diagnosed with a rare blood disease called Fanconi anemia. A limited-edition Tiger plush toy named after St. Jude patient Maelin-Kate is available via the St. Jude Gift Shop.

For additional campaign information, visit stjude. org/lunarnewyear.

(St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Release) n

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JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

‘The hash brown goes where?!’ For the first time ever, McDonald’s® USA officially introduces fan-inspired hacks to menus

Four ‘hacked’ menu items will be available for customers to order by name, assemble and enjoy at participating restaurants nationwide starting Jan. 31 CHICAGO – Hacks this delicious deserve a spot on the menu (at least, for a limited time). From putting a crispy Hash Brown in between their Sausage McMuffin® with Egg, to adding Chicken McNuggets® to their favorite sandwich, our fans are always coming up with different ways to make a McDonald’s meal uniquely their own. That’s why, for the first time ever, we’re spotlighting their creativity by officially debuting four fan-favorite creations on menus across the country for a limited time.

Starting Jan. 31, customers can visit their local participating McDonald’s or go on McDonald’s App to order the custom ‘Menu Hacks’ by name and receive all the delicious menu items needed to build them by hand (because that’s half the fun)!

So, which of the many mashups seen on social were chosen as the lucky four for our menu? To help introduce these craveable combos, we asked a few self-identified ‘menu hack masters’ to share the deets on their favorites: The Hash Brown McMuffin®* “I’ve been saying for years that the Hash Brown goes inside of the Sausage McMuffin with Egg …

that extra little crispy bite is the real breakfast cheat code.” – Sarah Sandlin (@sarahmargaretsandlin) The Crunchy Double “It’s simple, yet so tasty...Chicken McNuggets topped with a Double Cheeseburger, then drizzled with Tangy Barbeque Sauce. Order it now and thank me later.” Greg Simms (@grubwithgreg) The Land, Air & Sea “A McChicken**, stacked on a Big Mac, stacked on a Filet-OFish… it’s the flavor I never knew I needed, until I needed it. Go big baby!” - Julian Broadway (@julianbroadway) The Surf + Turf “Sometimes I’m craving the

flaky crunch of a Filet-O-Fish, sometimes I want the juiciness of a Double Cheeseburger, and sometimes I want both. So why choose?” - PJ Mattingly (@heavyhands94).

If you want more pro tips from these customers, check out our new TV commercials premiering nationwide on Jan. 31.

“From Hip-Hop icons to Christmas queens, everyone has a unique go-to McDonald’s order, including our everyday customers. This campaign shows that it has never been ‘our menu’ — the menu belongs to our fans,” said Jennifer Healan, Vice President, U.S. Marketing, Brand Content and Engagement for McDonald’s USA. “We’re excited to celebrate them in a bigger way than ever before by putting their delicious hacks – as seen on social media – on our menus. I personally can’t wait for our fans to try my favorite hack, the Hash Brown McMuffin.

IYKYK.” The Hash Brown McMuffin, the Crunchy Double and the Land, Air & Sea are available at participating restaurants nationwide via carry-out, at the Drive Thru, on the McDonald’s App or through McDelivery. The Surf + Turf is available to order exclusively on the McDonald’s App and via McDelivery.

Fans are encouraged to share their favorite builds on social media and tag @McDonalds with the hashtag #McDonaldsHacks. Happy (menu) hacking! *Available only during breakfast hours. **Served with a Hot ‘n Spicy McChicken sandwich at select restaurants. n

PECHANGA RESORT CASINO WISHES EVERYONE A PROSPEROUS YEAR OF THE TIGER!

Come celebrate the Lunar New Year with $100,000 EasyPlay, Cash Drawings at Pechanga AS 2022, the Year of the Tiger, approaches, Pechanga Resort Casino welcomes everyone to join in the celebration of the festival with a series of promotions and giveaways this February.

Lunar New Year $100K EasyPlay & Cash Drawing Pechanga Resort Casino celebrates the Lunar New Year by giving away $100K in EasyPlays and cash prizes on Friday, February 11 & 18. Club members can earn entries to the drawing by playing slots or table games from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. each day for a chance to win big prizes. 60 winners will be drawn to receive $250, $500, or $750 in EasyPlay. 1 lucky winner will be drawn at 10 p.m. for the ultimate cash prize of $25,000. Come discover the thrill of possibly of winning multiple times! $5K Lucky Red Envelope Giveaway Pechanga lets players become even luckier with the “Lucky Red Envelope” promotion this February. Club members just simply visit the Promotional Area every Tuesday in February from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a chance to win up to $5,000 in EasyPlay!

Lunar New Year Luck Lion Dance In celebration of the Lunar New Year, Pechanga Resort Casino will arrange a splendid Lucky Lion Dancer Performance on February 5. Starting at 3 p.m., the “Lion Dancer Team”, which symbolizes auspiciousness and good luck, will start at the north entrance, and cruise around the casino floors. Everyone will be able to get Red Packets to give to the Lion Dancers to pray for a Good New Year.

Exclusive Dining and Drinks Specials Pechanga Resort Casino also welcome guests to reserve tables for Family Dinner or Business Lunch to enjoy exclusive “Lucky” Lunar New Year Dining and Drink Specials that have been meticulously prepared by the chefs of Bamboo, Blazing Noodles and Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar. Tastily made by Umi Chef Kiyo Ikeda, the Lobster Three Ways ($98), Sticky Rice Stuffed Chicken ($58) and the Eel Lotus Wrap ($42) will certainly bring you to a new level of dining experience.

Chef Marie Surakul at Bamboo

serves Steamed Whole Fish ($98), which means an increase in prosperity, and Long-Life Noodles with Beef Tenderloin ($38). She points out that noodle is a symbol of happiness and longevity, and guests will experience instant happiness while eating these Lunar New Year specialties.

Blazing Noodles, just off the Pechanga hotel lobby, dishes up eight traditional Asian specialties for the occasion. From Fried Red Snapper to Stir-fry Lamb Meat with Spicy XO Sauce, these special dishes’ prices range from $22 to $92.

The dining specialties in Blazing Noodles, Bamboo and Umi will be available from Jan. 28 through Feb. 13. Reservations are recommended at Umi Sushi & Oyster Bar and can be made by visiting www.Pechanga.com/ eat or calling (951) 770-8504.

Above all, Pechanga’s expert mixologists created a 5 Spice Old Fashioned Cocktail for the Lunar New Year. Each spices represent one of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, water, and metal, which is symbolic for an everlasting luck and fortune. Guests can stop by the Acorn, Corner or Round Bars from Jan. 28 to Feb. 13. Guests can taste this specialty cocktail for just $12.75.

Lunar New Year Property Décors The Lunar New Year symbolizes the fresh start of a new year, a new beginning.

In celebration of this festival, Pechanga, starting from January 17, 2022, have decorated the entire property with traditional New Year elements, such as bright red lanterns, refined oriental-style garden bridge, and beautifully bloomed peach blossoms, traditional calligraphy

spring couplets and more.

Throughout the floor, you will be able to find countless photo-op spots for your selfies or a family portrait, while capturing the stunningly displayed Lunar New Year decorations.

For more information on Pechanga events and promotions, please call (877) 711-2946 or visit our website Pechanga.com. Must be at least 21 years of age to participate in promotions.

Come enjoy Pechanga’s four diamond-rated service with a peace of mind, and to learn more about the health and safety measures that have been implemented, please visit pechanga.com/covid.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the number one casino in the country by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay. Pechanga offers more than 5,000 of the hottest slots, table games, world-class entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community. Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians.

For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com. Follow Pechanga Resort & Casino on Facebook and on Twitter @ PechangaCasino.

(Advertising Supplement)

Filipina doctor runs a company...

PAGE 9 something that the New York Times feature on Tajonera focused on: “Test, test, test, test and test some more.”

“This is the best thing to stop the spread. You have to realize that the vaccine is not really a cure. It’s just another layer of protection. So it’s like me wearing a mask and also, sanitizing and social distancing,” she explained.

“You could still get a virus with the vaccine, but at least you’re a little bit more protected, and also to minimize the hospitalization and also the other effects of COVID.” The Times article is more than a source of pride for this Filipina from Mindoro. She shared that they have received congratulatory calls from Texas, California, Florida, and the Philippines as well.

“Nakakatuwang isipin na may effect siya. At least, more people now realize that testing is key,” she said.

Tajonera laments the fact that almost two years into the pandemic that has killed almost 5.6 million people globally and almost 900,000 in the United States alone, there are still plenty of people who are hesitating in getting the vaccine.

She said she knows some antivaxxers personally and her best efforts to tell them about the

Tajonera showing their CLIA waiver certification from the New York State Department of Health, which allows them to conduct mobile testing around New York City.

AJPress photo by Momar G. Visaya

benefits of the vaccine have fallen on deaf ears. She even had to let go of an employee from another office because she did not want to get vaccinated.

“It makes me sad that there are people like them. Some of them even tell me that there’s really no COVID-19,” she said.

So instead of training her energy on them, Tajonera decided to focus on the things that she can do from within. Her next move is more about the long-term both for her and the clients they hope to help navigate the effects of long COVID. Her advocacy does not stop in testing since she wants to extend her company’s services to clients who test positive,

particularly the patients who may have developed long COVID or the long-term problems brought about by getting infected.

Some of these patients may have developed cardiology, respiratory and gastroenterology problems or pain management and mental health issues. She has built a strong team of doctors and specialists, including a mental health counselor, as she takes her idea to the next level.

“My goal is to get mobile urgent care van that can go around or we can actually go in one location, do some testing, like EKG and sonogram that we can do in the van so the patient doesn’t have to go all the way to anywhere else,” Tajonera said. n

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Community

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022

SFIO announces 2022 roadmap following successful year of acquisitions, restructuring

SMOKEFREE Innotech, Inc. (SFIO), a leading asset management company and innovation group, is pleased to share details around its pending name change to Starfleet Innotech, Inc., its ongoing transformation initiatives, and its progress towards uplisting to the Nasdaq within the next three years.

In the weeks to come, SFIO hopes to receive final confirmation on their proposed name change to Starfleet Innotech, Inc. – a company name that truly captures the team’s mission of innovating across new frontiers. It’s a step of SFIO’s team and they’re really excited about it.

When SFIO began developing their plans for a network of innovative companies working in conjunction to explore new frontiers of innovation, SFIO couldn’t help but draw inspiration from the scifi classics they grew up with. As Starfleet, the team is leading this new alliance, sharing knowledge and resources to help their businesses boldly go where none of their industries have gone before.

The name change will be a fitting start to 2022, following a big year of restructuring for SFIO. As SFIO continued to grow the global portfolio of companies throughout 2021 and embarked on a series of vertical and horizontal integrations to best consolidate their resources, resulting in a more efficient, more productive, and ultimately more profitable family of businesses operating across a shared, streamlined supply chain. Today, SFIO’s three core divisions – Food & Beverage, Real Estate, and Technology – represent a clear, coherent strategy for growth over the next three years.

The Food and Beverage (F&B) division was a consolidation of the businesses that comprised their international supply chain powering brands like the flagship enterprise, Epiphany Cafe. These consisted of firms across food, franchising, coffee, and beverage solutions. To date, they’ve established partnerships with wholesale bakeries and food commissaries; developed better supply chain management, logistics, and administrative systems; localized the franchising and license procurement strategies; and forged new distribution channels for their coffee and beverage solution products.

In consolidating these businesses under one division, SFIO’s team was able to more effectively organize their complementary resources, and focus efforts towards turning their F&B businesses into SFIO’s vehicles for entering new global markets.

This year, SFIO is exploring expansions for Epiphany Cafe across Australia, the Philippines, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. Market research, feasibility studies, and financial modeling are already underway, with pilot sites across these regions currently being selected. SFIO is also in the process of shortlisting the master franchise partners and developing brand conversion strategies nuanced to these new markets.

In the Philippines, SFIO partnered with FJ Prime Management, Inc. to spearhead the growth of Epiphany Cafe in the country. Similarly, SFIO has established a partnership with Epiphany Ventures Corporation to grow their footprint across Malaysia.

As part of these plans, the team of SFIO is currently in talks with key convenience store brands in Malaysia and Australia to carry Epiphany’s signature pillowsoft donuts. As for the 5-in-1 instant coffee offering under SFIO’s Gorgeous Coffee brand, they already

received initial orders from the partner distributors across the United States and Australia, with the United Arab Emirates and the Philippines soon to follow.

To fuel this expansion, SFIO team built the Real Estate division around a series of high-yield projects, the proceeds of which will be reinvested in their future growth. SFIO ended 2021 announcing that local permits have been obtained and land development initiatives are already underway for many of their exciting and innovative township projects. In addition, they are actively exploring non-dilutive funding options for these initiatives, the details of which they will be sharing in the months to come. As SFIO begin pre-selling and staging marketing roadshows for these projects, they will be launching a new brand around SFIO’s Real Estate division to communicate the type of future-ready communities SFIO aim to create – communities that embrace the best of smart city technologies, health and wellness systems, and opportunities around medical tourism.

Finally, SFIO established a Technology division as SFIO’s key enabler, underpinning all their efforts as a conglomerate. In terms of strategy, this division will not only augment business operations, unlock innovative new revenue streams, and grow the intellectual property assets, but will also serve as SFIO’s backbone as they grow as an agile organization.

For example, as SFIO concurrently enters new markets with Epiphany Cafe, part of ensuring the sustainability of the growth is embracing new technologies to better manage the operations at scale – starting with a unified, streamlined logistics platform. With this platform, SFIO’s goal would not only be to standardize the operations of different businesses across the supply chain, but to also bring value to the franchisees, and, ultimately, their customers who will now benefit from a truly seamless, tech-powered system.

Similarly, their Technology division is hard at work on a proprietary platform to manage all the global Real Estate projects, specifically when it comes to supporting their agents’ customer engagement and sales workflows. Through the use of artificial intelligence tools, this platform will serve as the scaffolding for future tech services, housing their pipeline of real estate innovations. SFIO’s goal with this suite of tools is to eventually offer it to other developers as well, to help them showcase their real estate portfolios and augment their operations.

SFIO’s technology efforts around real estate aren’t limited to showcasing them, however, but will be fundamentally integrated into each of the developments, beginning with the big investments they’re making in pioneering community health systems. SFIO recently partnered with Fort Health Data Systems, a startup that develops health and wellness dashboards for communities-as-a-

whole. With Fort Health, they’re able to pull in individual health data points, as well as environmental data from Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensors to build predictive models for proactive community care. And to really take those data gathering systems to the next level, SFIO has NeuroSky, a Silicon Valley-based biosensor solution firm that develops bleeding edge hardware like brainwave monitoring headbands and smartwatches for tracking wellbeing. The company believes that integrating NeuroSky’s hardware with Fort Health’s community health platforms, then deploying those systems across the township projects will be a real gamechanger for tech-driven public health systems.

Just as SFIO intends to do with the real estate platform, this community approach to care will then be expanded and deployed to other settings, taking a blend of proprietary software and innovative hardware to health institutions, universities and workplaces around the globe. By providing the means to meaningfully gather and analyze health data, SFIO will be enabling communities to build measurable, proactive health strategies, leading to greater savings by ensuring people don’t become ill in the first place.

Finally, the most fascinating is the work the Technology division is doing with digital tokens – specifically NFTs (nonfungible tokens) – to allow the shareholders, partners, and other community stakeholders to participate more meaningfully in SFIO’s growth and operations. They’ve been studying a lot of the interesting ways grassroots communities are using decentralized technologies to structure their organizations. In designing this new system, SFIO will be taking cues from the firms experimenting with blockchain and digital tokens to build what they hope will be the new gold standard for asset management platforms.

While these technologies will serve SFIO well as they grow exponentially in the years to come, the real test of the conglomerate’s mettle will not be in its ability to innovate, but in its ability to do so collaboratively. This past year SFIO’s team has built SFIO into a truly global community, adding to their presence in New Zealand and Australia with the launch of new offices and teams across the UAE, Malaysia, the Philippines, and the U.S. – where they’ve engaged with experienced firms to help lead the marketing efforts. With such an expansive footprint, the only way to accomplish their shared mission is to establish a united front. And so, following 2021’s restructuring, SFIO has embarked on a new commitment – investing heavily in building SFIO into a truly agile ecosystem.

As an asset management company, SFIO decided to adopt the same lean-agile framework prevalent among hyper-scale tech developments firms for three reasons. First, it is the best way to ensure that as SFIO grows exponentially in the years to come,

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they do so flexibly and sustainably. It is essential that they decentralize decision-making wherever possible, so as to allow each of SFIO’s global units and business divisions to champion their own growth and efficiently respond to their own needs. Second, this framework provides the means to rapidly stage new innovations within the divisions and iterate on them independently, before scaling their successes across the SFIO ecosystem-at-large. Third, this framework recognizes the vital role that talent plays in fueling growth.

To accomplish all this, SFIO has gathered a worldclass team of professionals tasked with spearheading SFIO’s various initiatives. Transforming their corporate framework is no small task and will require a strong community, united by a culture of collaborative innovation. Just this month, SFIO established a new communication team, whose role will be to both shape a clear and consistent external messaging strategy as SFIO operates in concert with their many stakeholders, and to organize many corporate teams around their shared goals, supporting each and every one of SFIO’s units, and establishing the channels they need to collaborate freely.

That collaborative, transparent culture extends beyond their business units, encompassing the entire corporate community. Beginning this month, they will be facilitating regular video conferencing calls with their key investors and partners to keep the stakeholders abreast on their activities. In each of these monthly sessions, they will be introducing new initiatives, sharing important updates, and calling for they shareholders and investors’ feedback – all of which reflect the stance that each member of the SFIO community plays a vital role in SFIO’s growth.

Further, SFIO has been curating the growth of the top-level leadership to guide their expansion, led by the appointment of additional non-voting advisory board members. A series of appointments to leadership: Jonathan Petalver, Roger Oriel, and Michael Venezuela. These leaders have been crucial to helping SFIO achieve corporate excellence in these early stages, and they will continue to play even more vital roles as SFIO expands. Joining now on board, Jeths Lacson, the chairman of SFIO, is excited to announce Jose Gerardo Noble, Stanley Yang, and Vince Caruso, as its global leaders in real estate development, technology, and marketing.

In the coming weeks, SFIO will be sharing more information on their progress towards developing the audited financials of each of their subsidiaries; introducing a new class of preferred shares to be used in securing strategic partners, hiring key officers, and closing new acquisitions; and placing SFIO on the OTCQB Venture Market, as a stepping stone towards their larger goal of uplisting to the Nasdaq.

The CEO and chairman of SFIO, Jeths Lacson ,would like to outline the strategies they will be employing as SFIO embarks on an ambitious mission of growth and transformation. They have a world-class team assembled to make this happen. But to achieve their goal of uplisting in the next three years, they will need a united front – not only among their global teams and divisions, but across all stakeholders in the community. With the shareholders and valued business partners’ continued support, they will accomplish SFIO’s mission to boldly go where no conglomerate has gone before. (Advertising Supplement)

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JANUARY 28 - FEBRUARY 3, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588