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FEBRUARY 11-17, 2022 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

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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USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

NFL hosts COVID-19 vaccination clinic ahead of Super Bowl in LA

Tel: (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • Email: info@asianjournalinc.com

California to end indoor mask mandate on Feb. 15

by AJPress

Photo courtesy of Los Angeles County

550 East 8th St., Suite 6, National City, CA 91950

THE state of California will end the statewide indoor mask mandate on Feb. 15 and ease more coronavirus related restrictions.

Officials on Monday, Feb. 7 announced that next week, the order to require Californians to cover

their faces in indoor public settings will be lifted.

The mandate took effect in December amid the omicron variant and was slated to expire until Jan. 15 before being extended for another month.

“Omicron has loosened its hold on California, vaccines for children under 5 are around the corner, and access to COVID-19 treatments is improving,” State Public Health Officer Dr. Tomás

by nEil

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Governor to extend the statewide public health emergency

NOTING the significant decline of statewide COVID-19 metrics, Governor Phil Murphy early this week announced that masks and facial coverings will no longer be mandated for students, staff, or visitors in schools and childcare centers effective March 7, 2022.

“We can responsibly take this step given the continuing drop in new cases and hospitalizations from Omicron and with all the evidence projecting a continued decline over the coming weeks,” Murphy said. “We are also buoyed by the continued growth in vaccinations and the expectation that the vaccines will be made available to children under the age of 5 in early March. We strongly encourage parents of school age children to have your child vaccinated.”

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The race is on, campaign season for national posts kicks off

AHEAD of Los Angeles’ hosting of the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 13, the NFL is partnering with the county’s Department of Public Health to host a COVID-19 vaccination clinic.

The clinic will be held from February 1012 at the LA Convention Center, where the Super Bowl Experience is taking place.

Individuals who receive any dose at the vaccine at the on-site clinic will receive a free ticket to the Super Bowl Experience on the day they receive their dose or a future date.

“Our partnership with the NFL allows people to come together safely and experience the very best of American

NJ lifts mask mandate effective March 7

J. Aragón said in a statement. “With things moving in the right direction, we are making responsible modifications to COVID-19 prevention measures, while also continuing to develop a longer-term action plan for the state.”

Masks will still be required for unvaccinated individuals in indoor public settings and

BUSINESS IN BLOOM. Flowers and bouquets of different shapes and sizes are displayed at a stall at the Dangwa Flower Market in Manila, days before Valentine’s Day on Thursday, Feb. 10. Flower prices have skyrocketed ahead of the occasion, with a bouquet of red roses being sold for P1,300 against the usual price range of P500 to P600.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

arwin MErcado Inquirer.net

MANILA — With just three months before the May 9 elections, the race to various national posts kicked off Tuesday, February 8, in different areas in the country.

According to the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec), the campaign period for national positions (president, vice president, senator and party-list groups) will be from Feb. 8 to May 7.

The campaign period for those seeking local posts, meanwhile, will start on March 25.

Campaigns across the country Some candidates started their day early on the first day of the campaign period.

Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate, Senator Francis Pangilinan officially started her campaign for the presidency in her home province— Camarines Sur.

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Bongbong-Inday Sara tandem begins 2022 campaign at Philippine Arena by nEil

arwin MErcado Inquirer.net

MANILA — Red and green flooded the Philippine Arena in Bulacan on Tuesday, February 8 as the tandem of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Sara DuterteCarpio kicked off their presidential and vice-presidential campaign for the May 9 elections.

According to the camp of Marcos Jr.,

at least 25,000 supporters flocked to the Philippine Arena, dubbed as the world’s largest indoor stadium.

Atty. Vic Rodriguez, spokesperson of Marcos Jr., assured that minimum public health protocols were observed during the launch.

The tandem also formally introduced their senatorial slate during their proclamation activity.

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This undated file photo shows immigration counters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Photo by The STAR / Rudy Santos

Philippines ready for arrest not related international travel to PH elections since 2020 — DOT chief

Biden names new US ambassador to PH US: Quiboloy PRESIDENT Joe Biden has named career diplomat MaryKay Loss Carlson as the next United States ambassador to the Philippines, a position vacant for more than a year since Sung Kim ended his fouryear tour of duty in Manila in Oct. 2020.

Carlson currently serves as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Previously, she worked as Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi, India for three years and as ad interim CDA for 10 months; and as principal Deputy Executive Secretary of the Secretary of State in Washington, D.C. She has been a foreign Carlson worked as Deputy Chief of Mission in New Delhi, India for three years service officer since 1985 after and as ad interim CDA for 10 months. She currently serves as same at the

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U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Photo from US.GOV

by EvElyn

Macairan and Pia lEE-Brago Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s declaration of Apollo Quiboloy as a wanted suspected sex trafficker is not related to the upcoming elections in the Philippines, the United States embassy in Manila announced on Tuesday, February 8.

The Philippine government may opt to “temporarily surrender” Quiboloy if the United States seeks his extradition, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

In an interview with “The Chiefs” on One News/TV5 on Monday night, February 7, chief state counsel George Ortha II said the extradition treaty allows the Philippines to send Quiboloy to the U.S. even if the rape

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by rosEttE

adEl

Philstar.com

MANILA — Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said the country is ready to welcome vaccinated tourists from visa-free countries, adding that the Philippines has been ready since 2020.

During the Kapihan Sa Manila Bay virtual forum on Wednesday, February 9, Puyat expressed excitement over the reopening of international travel saying February 10 could mark the beginning of the “next chapter” in the tourism travel sector’s road to recovery.

Before the pandemic, the

country recorded 8.26 million tourist arrivals in 2019.

The number of visitors declined to 1.48 million in 2020.

“These are exciting times for Philippine tourism. We have been ready since 2020; with the significant dwindling of new COVID cases, the Department of Tourism (DOT) can now push forward with our plans and programs for the full recovery of the Philippine tourism industry,” Puyat said.

Late last month, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) approved the DOT’s proposal

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FEBRUARY 11-17, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From The FronT Page

The race is on, campaign season for national posts...

SECURITY CHECK. An Antipolo City police officer (right) checks the documents shown by motorcycle riders at a Comelec checkpoint along Marcos Highway on Wednesday, February 9. The Philippine National Police has reported 921 election violators so far.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

California to end indoor...

PAGE 1 The tandem started their day at the Angat Buhay Village in Camarines Sur with some members of their senatorial slate including Risa Hontiveros, Chel Diokno, Teddy Baguilat, Sonny Trillanes, Alex Lacson, and Sonny Matula.

Another presidential aspirant, Manila mayor Isko Moreno and his running mate Dr. Willie Ong started their day with a motorcade around Manila.

JV Former senator JV Ejercito started his day by attending a mass with his family and some supporters at Pinaglabanan Church in San Juan City.

Ejercito’s half brother, former senator Jinggoy Estrada, is also vying for a Senate seat in the May 9 elections.

Eleazar Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar started his day early and

had a motorcade around General Mariano Alvarez town in Cavite.

He is set to join the LacsonSotto proclamation rally in the afternoon.

Legarda House Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda launched her campaign at the Liberman Gymnasium in Pandan, Antique.

Villanueva Re-electionist senator Joel Villanueva held a hybrid event—a mix of physical and virtual—to launch his campaign.

Videos played during the event show his supporters from different parts of the globe.

Other senatorial aspirants are also expected to join the proclamation rallies of presidential and vice presidential candidates.

Proclamation rallies The presidential and vice presidential aspirants are set to hold proclamation rallies in different locations across the

PAGE 1 Vice President Leni Robredo launches her presidential campaign in her hometown of Naga businesses, such as retail stores, restaurants and theaters. Despite City on Tuesday, February 8.

Philstar.com photo by Jazmin Tabuena the mandate’s lifting, fully vaccinated individuals are recommended to continue indoor masking when the risk may be high. Surgical country to officially start their Lacson and Senate President masks or higher-level respirators (e.g., N95s, KN95s, KF94s) with campaign.

Vicente Sotto III is set to face good fit are highly recommended.

BBM – Sara their supporters in the vote-rich Masks for all individuals will still be required in certain settings, The tandem of former senator Cavite province—where Lacson regardless of vaccination status. The areas include: public transit Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos was born and raised. (e.g. airplanes, trains, subways, buses, ride-shares); K-12 schools Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Before their main proclamation and childcare; emergency shelters; health care settings; state Duterte-Carpio will hold their event at the Imus Grandstand and local correctional facilities and detention centers; homeless proclamation rally at the Iglesia late in the afternoon, the tandem shelters; and long-term care settings and adult and senior care ni Cristo-owned Philippine is scheduled to attend a mass at facilities.

Arena in Bocaue City, Bulacan. the Imus Cathedral.

The following individuals are exempt from wearing masks at all At least 25,000 supporters are Isko – Doc Willie times: expected to attend the event, For Moreno and Ong, their • Persons younger than two years old. Very young children must said Marcos Jr.’s team. As part campaign will kick off at the not wear a mask because of the risk of suffocation. of health protocols, only fully Kartilya ng Katipunan near the • Persons with a medical condition, mental health condition, vaccinated individuals will be Manila City Hall. or disability that prevents wearing a mask. This includes persons allowed inside the arena.

The Aksyon Demokratiko with a medical condition for whom wearing a mask could obstruct Leni – Kiko in an earlier advisory assured breathing or who are unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise Robredo and Pangilinan will that health protocols would be unable to remove a mask without assistance. hold their proclamation rally in observed during the kick-off rally • Persons who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a Naga City — Camarines Sur’s amid the COVID-19 pandemic. person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth capital and the city which her Pacquiao – Atienza is essential for communication. late husband, former Interior Boxer-turned-senator and • Persons for whom wearing a mask would create a risk to the With an emphasis on his rags-to-riches story, senator Manny Pacquiao official starts his secretary Jesse Robredo served now presidential aspirant Manny person related to their work, as determined by local, state, or opening salvo for the 2022 presidential elections in home town General Santos City on Tuesday, as mayor for several terms.

Pacquiao starts his campaign in February 8.

Philstar.com photo by Efigenio Toledo IV federal regulators or workplace safety guidelines.

The tandem of Senator Panfilo his hometown General Santos California is also amending its regulations for “mega” events City. starting Feb. 16. The guidance will return to thresholds of 1,000 Pacquiao is running with attendees for indoor mega events and 10,000 attendees for outdoor House Deputy Speaker Lito mega events.

Atienza as his Vice President.

For indoor mega events, verification of fully vaccinated status or Pacquiao earlier said he pre-entry negative testresult is required of all attendees. wanted to conduct his campaign LA County won’t lift mask mandate kick-off in General Santos City Despite the state’s plan to end the mask mandate, Los Angeles because it was where he dreamt County officials said it will remain in place as cases remain high in of rising above poverty. the region.

“Ka Leody” “This is not the right time to stop wearing our masks when Presidential aspirant Leody de around others indoors, and in outdoor crowded settings,” said LA Guzman and his running mate County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer.

Walden Bello, meanwhile, are set As of Monday, Feb. 7, Public Health confirmed 29 additional to hold their proclamation rally, deaths and 4,360 new cases of COVID-19. The number of cases dubbed “Manggagawa Naman and deaths reflect the weekend reporting delays. Of the 29 new sa 2022”, at the Bantayog ng deaths reported, four people were between the ages of 50-64, mga Bayani in Quezon City. seven were between the ages of 65-79, and 18 were over the age of Several groups are also 80 years old. Of the 29 newly reported deaths, 23 had underlying Presidential candidate Isko Moreno and his running mate Willie Ong along with senatorial candidates Samira Gutoc, lawyer Jopet Sison, expected to converge and will health conditions. To date, the total number of deaths in LA County and Carl Balita attend Aksyon Demokratiko’s kickoff rally at the Kartilya Ng Katipunan, Manila on Tuesday night, February 8. march towards the Bantayog ng is 29,457. n Philstar.com photo by Edd Gumban mga Bayani. n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 11-17, 2022

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NFL hosts COVID-19 vaccination clinic... Bongbong-Inday Sara tandem begins...

PAGE 1 football. Straightforward public health measures including vaccinations, testing, masking and hand hygiene make it possible for so many to enjoy the Super Bowl Experience. We thank the NFL and all the fans for taking care of each other throughout the football season and look forward to welcoming everyone to an extraordinary Super Bowl in beautiful Los Angeles,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The vaccination clinic is open on Thursday, Feb. 10 and Friday,

Feb. 11 from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12.

Appointments are encouraged to reduce wait times but not required. Fans can schedule a vaccine appointment on the MyTurn website.

Entry requirements for Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s will follow current LA County Department of Public Health guidelines for entry into Indoor Mega Events. Fans will need to provide proof of full vaccination or proof of a recent negative test result. All fans 18 and older must also present a photo identification.

If fans arrive at Super Bowl Experience and are unable to meet pre-entry full vaccination requirements, the NFL has partnered with Medea Testing Solutions to provide COVID-19 rapid antigen testing with $0 out-of-pocket cost to fans.

Testing will take place in Gilbert Lindsay Plaza in front of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Appointments are encouraged as scheduling an appointment will reduce wait times but not required.

The LA Rams and Bengals will face off on Feb. 12 at Super Bowl LVI to be held at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. (AJPress) n

US: Quiboloy arrest not related... wanted posters of Quiboloy and two other officials of the religious sect Kingdom of Jesus Christ following their indictment in November 2021.

Quiboloy, a personal friend and spiritual adviser of President Duterte, was indicted for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion as well as sex trafficking of children and cash smuggling.

Any communication related to the case of Quiboloy, who is in the most wanted list of the FBI, should be coursed through diplomatic channels, Malacañang said.

“We will pass through the diplomatic channels.

The DOJ has spoken about the issue,” acting presidential spokesman Karlo Nograles said at a press briefing when asked whether it is Duterte’s obligation to report to the U.S. embassy the whereabouts of Quiboloy.

Nograles echoed the statement of Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra that the DOJ could issue an immigration lookout bulletin order against Quiboloy.

Quoting Guevarra, Nograles said the justice department has not received any official communication from the U.S. to extradite Quiboloy.

“Extradition cannot be done motu propio (upon one’s initiative), especially if the subject is our own citizen,” Nograles said.

Quiboloy’s lawyer Ferdinand Topacio questioned the timing of the FBI’s release of a “most wanted” poster on the religious leader, who described himself as the “Appointed Son of God.” Topacio said the issue is being used to tarnish President Duterte’s reputation and undermine the vice presidential bid of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. On Nov. 10, 2021, the California district court issued a federal warrant for Quiboloy’s arrest.

“The FBI’s release of a wanted poster for Quiboloy follows multiyear efforts by law enforcement,” Heather Fabrikant, spokesperson for the U.S. embassy, said in a text message to The STAR. “It is not related to the Philippines’ presidential election campaign.”

Topacio said the timing may be a “distraction” against the Duterte administration as the May elections draw near, in which the U.S. might be Kingdom of Jesus Christ church founder Apollo Quiboloy Photo from Facebook/Pastor Apollo Quiboloy interfering. n PAGE 1 cases filed against the pastor in Davao has yet to reach finality.

“We can ‘temporarily surrender,’ so parang ipapahiram natin. That’s a possibility,” Ortha said.

“If there are pending cases in the Philippines, he might be needed for trial or assuming he would be convicted, he would have to serve his sentence here. So we cannot fully extradite him.”

Ortha was referring to Article 11 of the U.S. extradition treaty with the Philippines in 1996. It requires the U.S. government to return the involved individual to the Philippines once the proceedings in the foreign country have been concluded.

According to Ortha, there is a possibility for the U.S. to seek the provisional arrest of Quiboloy, which can be done before the extradition request.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Assistant Secretary Eduardo Meñez said the Philippines has not yet received a request from the U.S. government for Quiboloy’s provisional arrest.

“As far as we know, no request has been filed yet either here or in Washington,” Meñez said.

A Filipino diplomat told The STAR that the extradition treaty does not provide for provisional arrest.

“That would be a violation of due process and Philippine criminal jurisdiction,” the diplomat said.

On Saturday, February 5, the FBI released the

PAGE 1 All of the tandem’s 11 senatorial bets were present for the event. The tandem’s senatorial slate currently includes Juan Miguel Zubiri, Sherwin Gatchalian, Rodante Marcoleta, Larry Gadon, Loren Legarda, Jinggoy Estrada, Mark Villar, Harry Roque, Gilbert Teodoro, Herbert Bautista, and Gringo Honasan.

Rodriguez said Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio are planning to complete their senatorial list and may announce the candidate for

the 12th spot in the coming days.

The choice of venue, the Philippine Arena, had raised speculations that Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) would endorse Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio. INC owns the Philippine Arena.

Rodriguez, however, denied this.

“You’re reading too much between the lines. We have not said anything close to that. Ito ay venue lamang,” Rodriguez told reporters.

“Kaya namin ito napili sapagkat ito ang pinakamalaki at

maaaring mag-accommodate sa libu-libo naming mga supporters and followers,” he added.

INC backed the 2016 vice presidential bid of Marcos Jr., who eventually lost to incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo. It also backed President Rodrigo Duterte, the father of DuterteCarpio.

Based on the most recent Pulse Asia survey released in December 2021, Marcos Jr. and Duterte-Carpio lead the presidential and vice presidential race, respectively. n

Biden names new US ambassador to...

PAGE 1 earning her degree in Spanish and International Studies from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee and Master of Arts in International Relations from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. She also served at diplomatic missions in China, Ukraine,

Hong Kong, Mozambique, Kenya, and the Dominican Republic.

“The biggest lesson I learned is the need to treat each applicant with respect,” Carlson said in an interview with the Rhodes College website in 2019.

“Consular officers are the face of the United States, and how we

treat applicants, even those who don’t qualify for visas, matters.”

Heather Variava has been the U.S. Embassy’s ad interim Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) – the embassy’s official representative in the absence of an ambassador — since September last year, succeeding John Law. (Inquirer. net) n

SFIO receives letter of interest from US EXIM Bank for up to $28.75-M in debt financing STARFLEET Innotech, Inc.has received a letter of interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM), in support of SFIO’s real estate development projects in the Philippines.

In their letter, EXIM, the official export credit agency of the United States, expressed interest in extending financing of up to $28.75 million, towards SFIO’s medical and retirement resort in Montemaria, Batangas, just south of Metro Manila in the Philippines. Potential debt financing from EXIM would be eligible for a maximum repayment term of seven years.

This follows a series of partnerships and exploratory talks SFIO has spearheaded

towards non-dilutive debt financing for its various projects. SFIO is currently engaged with a number of local banks in the Philippines to secure similar financing arrangements for their real estate developments, including a bayside, eco-friendly tech village in Batangas.

These projects play a crucial role in the global asset management company’s strategy of collaborative innovation towards building better communities. Profits from these highyield projects are intended to be reinvested into future growth, helping carry the group towards their plans to uplist from the US OTC Markets to the NASDAQ by 2024.

(Advertising Supplement)

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FEBRUARY 11-17, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

VP Harris swears in members of Philippines ready for int’l...

President’s Commission on AANHPIs

by AJPress

UNITED States President Kamala Harris and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra on Thursday, Feb. 3 swore in 23 members, including 3 Filipina American community leaders, of President Joe Biden’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs).

They were joined by U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Katherine Tai, who serves as Commission Co-Chair alongside Secretary Becerra and delivered congratulatory remarks.

In December, Biden appointed the members to advise him on AANHPIs issues. Among them are Amy Agbayani, Teresita Batayola and Luisa Blue representing the Fil-Am community.

“We know there’s still a lot of work to do in an affirmative way, in a purposeful way, in an intentional way about ensuring that people are engaged, that they are involved, and that we are relevant to the way that they are experiencing and living life, and that we are connected with their goals and their dreams for themselves, for their families, and for their community. And that’s why it’s so important to have you all as the leaders that you are together in this advisory group, because the work that you will do is to give us candid feedback,” said Harris to the commissioners.

“On behalf of the president and myself, thank you yet again for the life that you have chosen to live, which has been a life of

leadership and service.”

Agbayani is an Emeritus Assistant Vice Chancellor for student diversity and equity, University of Hawai’i at Manoa.

Agbayani was born in the Philippines and received her education from the University of the Philippines, East West Center and the University of Hawai’i.

She is a former chair of the Hawai’i Civil Rights Commission, conducts research on AANHPI in higher education, member of the Patsy T.Mink PAC and The Legal Clinic for immigrant justice Hawai’i.

Batayola is the President and Chief Executive Officer of International Community Health Services, Washington state’s largest Asian and Pacific Islander non-profit health center providing comprehensive health care to all those who need affordable care, especially immigrants and refugees. Batayola is an advocate for health care access, equity, and addressing social determinants of health. ICHS has received awards for its high quality of care and Batayola has been recognized in the Puget Sound Business Journal’s Award for Outstanding Business & Philanthropic Contributions, Woman of Courage Undaunted from the University of Washington Women’s Center, and the Filipino Women’s Network’s Most Influential Filipino Woman in the World.

Blue retired from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in August 2020 after serving as an Executive Vice President for four years, one of

PLAYTIME. A little girl, her father, and her brother play at a kiddie park in Barangay H2, in Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Thursday, February 10. Authorities are urging parents to bring children to open and well-ventilated spaces such as parks instead of shopping malls to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection.

PNA photo by Gil Calinga

the highest ranking AAPI officials in the labor movement. During her term was responsible for the SEIU Asian Pacific Islanders Civic Engagement and Leadership program, a member of the Racial Justice Task Force, chair of the Environmental and Climate Justice Committee, and chair of the Ethical Culture Committee.

She served on the SEIU Executive Board prior to her election as Executive Vice President. Luisa continues to be active in the community and serves on the Asian Health Services Community Board, a Trustee on Alameda County Health Systems Board of Trustees, and Vice President of the AAPI Victory Alliance Board.

Luisa is the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren.

The Commission will advise the president on ways the public, private, and non-profit sectors can work together to advance equity and opportunity for every Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community. The Commission is also charged with advising the president on policies to address anti-Asian xenophobia and violence, ways to build capacity in AANHPI communities through federal grantmaking and policies to address the intersectional barriers that AANHPI women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities face. The Commission will include civic leaders from across the country and will reflect the rich diversity of AANHPI communities across the United States.

Other commissioners include Ajay Bhutoria, Kimberly Chang, Emily Chen, Daniel Dae Kim, Kerry Doi, Grace Huang, Victoria Huynh, Mia Ives-Rublee, Kamal Kalsi, Michelle Kauhane, Kevin Kim, Sarah Min, Simon Pang, Ai-jen Poo, Naheed Qureshi, Raynald Samoa, Sonal Shah, Smita Shah, Robert Underwood, and KaYing Yang.

Biden on May 28, 2021 signed Executive Order 14031, “Advancing Equity, Justice, and Opportunity for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders” to establish the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and deliver on his commitment to reinstate and reinvigorate this historic Initiative. n

PAGE 1 to allow the entry of fully vaccinated tourists coming from the 157 countries that have visa-free arrangements with the Philippines.

The task force also dropped the color-coded classification system of countries based on their COVID-19 status.

The tourism chief said the opening of the borders to eligible foreign visitors could help the millions of Filipinos working in tourism-related establishments and businesses get back on their feet.

“Allowing the entry of these international travelers is a welcome development that will lead to growth in the travel and tourism sector, the restoration of lost jobs, the generation of much needed revenue for tourism-related enterprises, tourism communities and the government, plus many other benefits that will be felt by the entire tourism value chain,” Puyat said.

Health and safety protocols in place She said that the DOT has implemented health and safety pro-

tocols for arriving travelers.

“I am excited about the prospects of a healthy rebound in tourism for a good number of reasons: the high vaccination rate among our tourism workers, the public health safeguards and guidelines that have been put in place and the number of new tourism circuits that have been developed,” Puyat said.

According to DOT, 92.51% or 317,892 of 349,534 tourism workers already received their COVID-19 shots as of February 4.

Puyat also said a number of tourism destinations have 100% vaccination rate among its workers. These are Baguio City; Aurora; Palawan towns Coron, El Nido and San Vicente ; Puerto Princesa City, and Camiguin island.

“The DOT offices are also facilitating the roll-out of booster shots for eligible tourism workers,” Puyat said.

Meanwhile, Puyat stressed that fully vaccinated Filipino nationals and foreign tourists are exempt from the 5,000-passenger arrivals cap set by the Department of Transportation and

its One-Stop-Shop.

Based on the IATF-EID Resolution 160-B, unvaccinated foreign children below 12 who are traveling with their Filipino parent/s, will be allowed entry and must follow the entry, testing and quarantine protocols that apply to their parent/s.

On the other hand, minors aged 12 to 17 are required to follow the protocols based on their vacation status. They must also be accompanied by their parents during their facility-based-quarantine.

An individual is considered fully vaccinated if he or she received the second dose of COVID-19 jab or a single dose vaccine more than 14 days before the date and time of the departure from the country of origin, according to IATF-EID’s resolution.

Last week, Puyat reminded tourists that while the international visitors are not required to undergo facility-based quarantine, they must still continue self-monitoring and report to the local government unit of their destination should they exhibit any symptoms of the virus. n

NJ lifts mask mandate effective March 7...

PAGE 1 The governor also said that he plans sign an Executive Order to extend the new publichealth emergency he declared in New Jersey on January 11, 2022 to battle a big surge in the coronavirus pandemic for at least another 30 days as it expires on February 10, 2022.

The Public Health Emergency allows the state to continue vaccine distribution, vaccination or testing requirements in certain settings, the collection of COVID-19 data, implementation of any applicable recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to prevent or limit the transmission of COVID-19, staffing and resource allocation, and other critical components of the State’s COVID-19 response.

Under the Emergency Health Powers Act, the Public Health Emergency will expire after 30 days, unless renewed. State COVID-19 metrics will be reevaluated at the time of expiration to determine if an extension will be needed.

No more mask mandate School districts and childcare facilities can continue to implement universal masking policies after the mandate is lifted in March. Schools that do not impose universal masking should revise their COVID policies to utilize masking among other prevention strategies under certain circumstances.

“I must thank the overwhelming majority of students, parents, administrators, educators, and support staffers who have worn their masks without problem or protest since our schools reopened for in-person learning. Thankfully, we have reached a point where we feel confident that we can take another step toward normalcy for our

kids,” Murphy said. “Given the continued drop in new cases and hospitalizations, projections indicating a continued decline over the coming weeks, and the continued growth of vaccinations for our school-aged population, we believe that we can responsibly end the universal mask mandate.”

Schools will not be permitted to bar the use of facial coverings by individuals and will be expected to take disciplinary action in instances of bullying should they arise due to an individual’s choice to continue wearing a mask. Prior to the mandate being lifted, the Department of Health will release guidance to help school districts update their policies to align with the risks and unique needs of their setting and student population to ensure safe learning environments.

“The Department will develop guidance that incorporates all aspects of safety in schools while children are unmasked,” said Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “We know that every parent wants to do what’s best for their children.”

Murphy and the Department of Health continue to encourage parents of school-aged children age five and over to vaccinate children against COVID-19.

“With more than 90% of eligible residents having received a first dose, we are among only six other states to have reached this milestone according to the CDC, but again, while all the signs continue to point in a positive direction, we have to keep it that way,” Murphy said. “None of us should be taking anything for granted, and none of us should be ready to let up. We are moving steadily to a return to a real sense of normal, and let’s get there.” (AJPress) n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

5

PH receives US donation of 3.4-M DND gets P1 billion worth of military, Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine doses engineering equipment from China

by Daniza

FernanDez Inquirer.net

MANILA — Over 3.4 million doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, donated by the United States, arrived in the country on Thursday, February 10.

The National Task Force Against COVID-19 said that the donation of 3,436,290 doses was coursed through the Covax Facility.

The donation arrived via a Silkway West flight at around 9 p.m. at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

The second batch of 780,000 COVID-19 vaccines for children aged five to 11 were also delivered Thursday evening.

With these shipments, the country has now received 222,449,820 vaccine doses since deliveries commenced in February 2021.

Acting presidential spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles on Tuesday, Feb. 8 reported that of the delivered doses, 129,125,464 have already been administered.

He added that 60.1 million of the 77-million target population are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 The government kicked off the third national vaccination drive which will be conducted until Friday, Feb. 11 with the target of administering six million COVID-19 vaccine doses.

The government is targeting to fully immunize 90 million individuals by the end of June. n

by zacarian

Sarao

Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Department of National Defense (DND) received on Wednesday, February 9, P1 billion worth of military equipment from China for the rehabilitation of Marawi City and other humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations.

The equipment was donated by the Ministry of National Defense of the People’s Republic of China, according to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

“This military grant from China speaks volumes on how our two nations can be civil,

diplomatic, and friends despite some issues on territorial claims,” Lorenzana said at the ceremonial handover of the donated equipment.

The donation is made up of various rescue and relief equipment, drone systems, detectors, water purification vehicles, ambulances, firetrucks, X-ray machines, EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) robots, bomb disposal suits, transport vehicles, backhoes, dump trucks, forklifts, and earthmovers.

The shipment first arrived on Jan. 16, as part of a pledge

by Chinese Gen. Wei Fenghe during his visit to Manila in 2020.

Meanwhile, a second batch of equipment worth 54 million renminbi (around P435 million) will be delivered at a later date.

Present during the ceremonial handover were Huang Xilian, the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, and Gen. Andres Centino, the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

There were senior defense officials, including Undersecretary Cardozo Luna and Undersecretary Ricardo Jalad, who heads the Office of Civil Defense.

Dr. Dominador Chiong Jr., the director of the Veterans Memorial Medical Center, also attended. n

Survey: Duterte satisfaction higher among vaxxed

by Janvic

Mateo Philstar.com

File photo shows Filipino voters participating in an election.

Philstar.com file photo

Deployment of election equipment starts

MANILA — The Commission on Elections has started dispatch of equipment, peripherals, forms and supplies related to the 2022 national polls in May. “Election items that are ongoing deployment from the Comelec warehouse in Sta. Rosa Laguna to local hubs nationwide include the vote counting machine external batteries, until 31 March, and ballot boxes, until 10 April,” the commission said Thursday, February 10.

Non-accountable forms and supplies are set to be dispatched on February 16 from the Comelec

warehouse in Quezon City to provincial and city treasurers in priority areas, it added a statement.

VCMs, consolidation and canvassing system (CCS) machines and transmission equipment meanwhile will be deployed from April 2 to 19.

The Comelec also said that official ballots and indelible ink from the National Printing Office will be sent to the city and municipal treasurers from April 20 to May 5.

News5 reported that as of February 8, 17,502,631 ballots have been printed as of February 8.

“Notice has been given to all

political parties, political candidates, party-list groups and accredited citizens’ arms of the Commission through the modes mandated by law,” it added.

The official campaign season for candidates in national posts started on February 8, with presidential and vice presidential bets launching their proclamation rallies across the country.

Comelec representatives also started to remove campaign materials posted in public places outside common poster areas on Tuesday. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar.com) n

VACCINATE

KIDS 5+ TO PROTECT

THEM FROM

COVID-19 Talk to a doctor or learn more by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov or calling 833-422-4255

MANILA — Public satisfaction with President Duterte is higher among those vaccinated against COVID, a survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed.

The survey, conducted from Dec. 12 to 16 with the results released on Tuesday, February 8, showed that 76 percent of fully vaccinated respondents approve of the performance of the President.

Some 77 percent of those who received at least one dose of COVID jab also said they were satisfied with Duterte, as well as 80 percent of those willing to get vaccinated.

In contrast, only 58 percent of the unvaccinated and 65 percent of those undecided gave the President a positive assessment.

The number of those dissatisfied with the President is also higher among unvaccinated at 28 percent, followed by those undecided (18 percent), vaccinated (14 percent) and willing to get vaccinated (12 percent).

The December 2021 survey

Barangay-assisted registrants are inoculated with AstraZenica vaccines at SM Fairview during the drive thru vaccination program of the Quezon City government on May 18, 2021.

The STAR / Michael Varcas

earlier found that 50 percent of the respondents have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, while another 35 percent said they are willing to get it.

Only eight percent were unwilling to get vaccinated, while six percent were unvaccinated.

Overall, public satisfaction with the President is at 75 percent, up eight points from 67 percent he obtained in a similar survey in September 2021.

Those who were dissatisfied with him stayed at 15 percent,

while the undecided dropped from 11 percent to nine percent.

This gave Duterte a net satisfaction rating of “very good” +60, up from the “very good” +52 (67 percent satisfied, 15 percent dissatisfied) in September and similar to the “very good” +62 (75 percent satisfied, 13 percent dissatisfied) in June.

The net satisfaction rating is the rounded off difference between those who said that they are satisfied and dissatisfied with the performance of the President. n

6

FEBRUARY 11-17, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Human capital development

Features

EVEN before the pandemic, development experts had emphasized the need for better education and upskilling of the Philippine workforce. While the country has been one of the biggest global sources of migrant workers, most of them have been in blue collar jobs or household services. Filipino teachers took jobs overseas as maids or caregivers.

Even in business process outsourcing, the country has led mainly in voice services, thanks to Filipinos’ English proficiency. In skills BPO, however, other countries such as India are the world leaders.

And even in English proficiency, the Philippines has been losing its edge, with several BPO companies reporting difficulties in recruiting workers with the required language skills.

With the global economic crisis spawned by the COVID pandemic, hundreds of thousands of overseas Filipino workers have lost their jobs and have been forced to return home. In a working paper, the Manila-based Asian Development Bank said the Philippines must intensify efforts to develop human capital, particularly for repatriated OFWs who will be reintegrated into the economy.

ADB economists said resources must be boosted for quality education and training. They said skills diversification is needed as workers must adapt and respond better to changes in

the labor market. Aside from re-skilling and upskilling, the ADB paper said reintegration can include tapping the skills of returning OFWs so they can help their communities transition to selfreliant microeconomies.

Considered modern-day heroes, OFWs and their remittances have powered the country’s consumption-driven economic growth and helped keep the economy afloat even during global downturns. The OFW phenomenon, however, has steep social costs, as even Pope Francis had pointed out when he visited the Philippines.

And the country must pursue the long-term goal of creating enough decent job opportunities so Filipinos will see no need to seek greener pastures abroad.

Getting meaningful employment starts with proper education. Although education is now free all the way to college, there are still too many Filipinos who cannot afford the miscellaneous costs and other demands of formal education.

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Improving the quality of free education also remains a work in progress, with education officials attributing this to decades of neglect and smug complacency.

The country is just starting to recover from its

worst crisis since World War II. The success of recovery will hinge in large part on the quality of a nation’s most precious resource, its people.

The pandemic should spur greater investments in human capital development. (Philstar.com)

Election season heats up in the Philippines: Who will succeed Rodrigo Duterte?

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS FEBRUARY 8, 2022 marked the official campaign season in the Philippines leading up to the May 9 Election Day. As the candidates held kickoff rallies in different places of the country, all eyes are on the most important position that will potentially change the trajectory of the country, for the better or for the worse, depending on who will win among the presidential candidates vying to succeed President Rodrigo Duterte.

This is how international news agency Reuters described the five leading contenders for the presidency: Panfilo “Ping” Lacson The 73-year-old senator and former Philippine National Police Chief has been in government for more than 50 years.

Lacson rose through the ranks in law enforcement starting off with a post at the PC Metropolitan Command (Metrocom) from the early 70s to Philippine National Police Chief from 1999-2001. He was a retired police officer when he ran for office and became Senator from 2001 to 2013, and again from 2016 to the present.

He was born in Imus Cavite and was educated in Philippine public school in elementary and high school. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Majoring in Philosophy at the Lyceum before going to the Philippine Military Academy.

If elected President, he wants to get rid of corruption and invest in health care and small businesses.

He chose former actor/ comedian and now Senator Vicente Tito Sotto III as his running mate.

Manny Pacquiao The 43-year-old boxing icon has earned the respect and admiration of people around for being the only man to hold world titles in eight different divisions. This achievement also made him win the hearts of the Filipino people for the “Pinoy pride” he brought to the country.

It is a rags to riches story for the Pacman who amassed wealth from the sport. After he became a born-again Christian, he said he wanted to give back to the people by literally giving away money and aid to the needy.

This calling also compelled him to join politics and served

two terms as a congressman and is now a senator.

He retired from boxing in September and is now running for president with the campaign promise “to improve the healthcare system, eradicate corruption, spur economic growth and provide housing for the poor.”

Reuters reported that “Pacquiao was until recently one of Duterte’s staunchest supporters, backing his war on drugs and efforts to restore the death penalty, but their relationship has soured.” He also criticized Duterte for his close relationship with China.

He chose Jose “Lito” Atienza, a congressman and former Manila mayor and environment secretary.

Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso His claim to fame before entering the political arena was his being the celebrity matinee idol they call “Isko Moreno.” Reuters described him as “The mayor of Manila and former movie heartthrob grew up in the slums, scrapping for leftover food in restaurants and collecting junk to help his parents.”

Isko reinvented himself, went

to school to pursue higher studies that would prepare him for a career in politics.

Reuters chronicled that: “He became a city council member in 1998 and Manila’s vicemayor for three terms before an unsuccessful run as senator.

He was elected Manila mayor in 2019, beating incumbent and deposed former president Joseph Estrada.”

Isko won the respect of the people of Manila and of the nation for cleaning up Manila and restoring many of its historic sites.

Domagoso’s campaign promise: “Zero tolerance of Chinese maritime aggression in the South China Sea and his economic agenda centres on housing, labour, health and infrastructure”.

Isko chose Willie Ong, a doctor who has 16 million followers on Facebook looking for free medical advice.

Leni Robredo Let me quote what Reuters stated: “Vice President Robredo, 56, is the leader of the opposition and the only female candidate.

A former human rights lawyer, she served as Duterte’s housing minister but quit after being

excluded from cabinet meetings and has become one his staunchest critics.

“After condemning what she called ‘senseless killings’ in his war on drugs, she was appointed Duterte’s ‘drugs tsar,’ but he sacked her after just 18 days.”

Robredo is pressing for public sector transparency and has vowed to lead a government that cares for the people and to bolster the medical system.

Should Robredo win, she would be the third woman to lead the Philippines after democracy champion Corazon Aquino in 1986 and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2001.

She is running with Francis Pangilinan, a lawyer and senator, and is currently in second place in the polls.

Bongbong Marcos According to Reuters: “The namesake of the late dictator, Marcos, 64, is a former governor, congressman and senator who has emerged as a clear frontrunner in opinion polls.

“Since returning to the Philippines in 1991 from exile after his father’s overthrow, the Marcos family has sought to rebuild an image tainted by the

elder Marcos’ often brutal rule and the plunder of billions of dollars of wealth.

“Known as ‘Bongbong,’ Marcos Jr. has named Sara Duterte-Carpio, Duterte’s daughter, as his candidate for vice president. However, the vice president is elected separately.

Popular with many younger people who were born after his father’s dictatorship, Marcos claims to offer a ‘unifying’ brand of leadership.

“Observers have attributed his lead in polls to a strong presence on social media, one that critics say is attempting to rewrite the family’s controversial history.” *** 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.

What will happen to the billions of the ‘Son of God?’

Sentinel

Ramon tulfo ECCENTRIC religious leader Apollo Quiboloy, who styles himself as the “appointed son of God,” may soon be extradited to the United States after being indicted in a federal court for sex trafficking and money smuggling.

Quiboloy has been placed on the Wanted List of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The pastor of the Davaobased Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name may spend the rest of his life in a federal prison, sex trafficking being a very serious offense.

What will happen to his billions of pesos in the banks and investments in big corporations and real estate?

Quiboloy, one of the country’s richest and most powerful individuals in terms of assets and political connections, is not married and has no children.

Candidates for national office go to him for his “blessing,”

in order to win the vote of his followers, who number by the millions.

In the 2016 election, Quiboloy lent his jet and helicopter to then cash-strapped presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte so he could campaign throughout the country.

Quiboloy has two television channels and a radio network, the Sonshine Media Network International. The network also has an online presence.

The broadcast network has been handed to the pastor by the government on a silver platter.

If the charges against him are true, it’s unthinkable for Quiboloy, who tells his flock that sinners would suffer the fires of hell, to violate his very preaching.

Quiboloy claims to have stopped an earthquake in Mindanao on Oct. 29, 2019.

The preacher once made a veiled threat to a television host, a weirdo like him, by saying that celebrities should not be boastful.

Quiboloy said celebrities shouldn’t be boastful, or else bad things might happen to

them, like what happened to the sacrilegious Beatle, John Lennon, who was shot dead by a fan.

The grade-A eccentric pastor claims to have 4 million followers in the country, and 2 million in other parts of the world.

Many of his followers abroad are in the U.S., the reason he came to visit regularly.

On Quiboloy’s last trip to the U.S. on his private jet, federal agents seized gun parts and a big amount of cash on board. * * * Quiboloy is not the only eccentric leader in the country; there are others who scare the wits out of their followers with their fire and brimstone sermons.

The reason Filipinos are scared to offend religious leaders is that they believe these individuals represent God on earth.

That belief dates back to the Spanish era, when priests impregnated women followers, because “they served God’s purpose.”

Until Filipinos get rid of the notion that they can’t enter

heaven unless they blindly follow the teachings of their church, this country will continue to produce the likes of Quiboloy.

Pinoys need to have more education so they can have the power of discernment. * * * Reports that Quiboloy is President Digong Duterte’s spiritual adviser are downright inaccurate.

The two are good friends, and their friendship dates back many years.

I remember the time Davao City Mayor Duterte and I went on a three-day vacation to Macau years ago, and we were fetched at the Hong Kong airport by Quiboloy’s limousine.

The relationship between Digong and Quiboloy doesn’t go beyond friendship.

Digong is not guided by any religious dogma as he is spiritual. There is a big difference between religiosity and spirituality.

If the President doesn’t believe in priests being Christ’s representatives on earth, why would he believe that Quiboloy

is the anointed son of God? * * * Ferdinand Topacio, one of Quiboloy’s lawyers, says the candidacies of Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte are in jeopardy because the FBI would undermine “whichever candidate the U.S. does not want to win in this country.”

Duh! Why would Marcos and Duterte-Carpio’s candidacies be in peril because of Quiboloy being placed on the FBI’s wanted list?

Following Topacio’s logic, since Quiboloy endorsed Marcos and Duterte-Carpio during a recent visit with the controversial religious leader, the FBI might work for their defeat.

Quiboloy chose his lawyer well; they’re both eccentric. * * * Eccentricity is the name of the game in Philippine politics.

The more “unique” a candidate is, the more likely he’ll win. Voters will likely remember them at the polling booth.

Voters want to see their candidates sing, dance or

perform wacky acts on stage.

But Filipinos don’t have the monopoly of voting for peculiar candidates.

A porn star, Ilona Staller, won a seat in the Italian parliament in the 1987 election. She was known to show her breasts in public.

When Gen. Douglas MacArthur was a military commissioner in Japan in the post-war period, some prostitutes won in the first ever democratic election.

This made MacArthur comment to his subordinates: “They must have had many clients.” * * * Joke! Joke! Joke!

An applicant for unemployment benefits in Australia filled out the needed form.

Here are his answers to the following questionnaire: Occupation: Burglar.

Reason for unemployment: Everyone is home. *** 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.

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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7

Mayor Isko Moreno presents himself as alternative between two ‘feuding parties’ MANILA — An alternative to two “feuding parties” that have ruled for decades was how Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, a presidential candidate, presented himself on Tuesday, February 8 at his proclamation rally at the Kartilya ng Katipunan in Manila.

Domagoso was referring to the camps of former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., son of the late dictator, and Vice President Leni Robredo, chair of the Liberal Party — the party of the late president Benigno WELCOME TO PH. Flying in from Thailand, British tourist Keith Saunders says he is elated to visit the Philippines again in a press conference S. Aquino III, son of Corazon at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Thursday, February 10. Nearly two years into the pandemic, the Philippines Aquino, the country’s first female reopened its doors again to foreign travelers.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan president.

However, Robredo is officially running as an independent candidate, using pink instead of yellow as her new campaign color.

Domagoso pointed out that the late President Ferdinand Marcos 14.7 percent in December 2021. This is lower than

by Neil ArwiN MercAdo, roNNel doMiNgo ruled for 21 years and the three the 16.7 percent recorded a month prior, said the Inquirer.net Liberal Party officials for 18 years PSA. — a total of 39 years.

MANILA — The unemployment rate in the “This was the fifth lowest underemployment rate “Maybe there were good things country slightly increased to 6.6 percent—or in 2021. Underemployed persons are employed 3.27 million Filipinos—in December 2021, the persons who expressed desire to have additional Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on hours of work in their present job or to have an Thursday, February 10. additional job, or to have a new job with longer The PSA said the December 2021 unemployment hours of work,” the PSA noted. rate was an increase from the 6.5 percent—or 3.16 More Filipinos looking for jobs million Filipinos—recorded in November 2021.

National Statistician Dennis Mapa said in a PSA said the December 2021 unemployment press briefing the uptick was due to an increase in rate is the second lowest since January 2021, while the labor force participation rate — 65.1 percent in there were 7.2 million unemployed Filipinos in December compared to 64.2 percent in November.

April 2020 during the first surge of the coronavirus This means that more Filipinos 15 years and pandemic. older actively looked for a job. Mapa said there The employment rate, meanwhile, slightly were 910,000 more people who are in the labor dropped from 93.5 percent in November 2021 to force that took part in the job market.

93.4 percent in December 2021, said the PSA. In time with the holidays last year, the Despite the slight dip in the employment rate, government had eased mobility restrictions, the number of employed persons in the country allowing more people to go out and more increased by 797,000 in December 2021 which is businesses to operate. This was before a new estimated at 46.27 million from 45.48 million in round of surge in COVID-19 infections, with the November 2021.

Omicron variant spreading in the Philippines last The underemployment rate was estimated at January. n

Number of unemployed Filipinos rises to 3.27 million in Dec. 2021

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno Photo from the Manila PIO

they gave us. Maybe there were also things that made us sad, things that hurt our feelings.

Whether good or bad, you be the judge — the Marcoses ruled for 21 years, ” Domagoso said, speaking in a mix of English and Filipino.

“Let’s move on to the other

Comelec junks Marcos DQ case

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) junked the disqualification case against former senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for lack of merit, according to a Manila Times source that was privy to the ruling.

The ruling, which was reached with a 2-0 vote from a three-man panel of the First Division, was penned by Commissioner Aimee Ferolino and concurred by Commissioner Marlon Casquejo.

The Comelec first division said it recognized that the resolution for the case was of paramount importance, considering that the 2022 national and local elections were fast approaching.

However, the division said that the deprivation of one’s right to be voted for in any election should not be exercised whimsically and capriciously, lest “it will be preventing qualified candidates from pursuing a position in public

office”.

To erase doubts as to whether the failure to file tax returns is a crime involving moral turpitude, the poll body cited the pronouncement of the Supreme Court in the case of the Republic of the Philippines vs Ferdinand R. Marcos 2nd and Imelda R. Marcos wherein the high tribunal categorically ruled that “a failure to file a tax return is not a crime involving moral turpitude.” (ManilaTimes.net) n

ANNOUNCEMENT

EMPLOYMENT / FOR SALE Advertisement for Bids

SD#0102

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 to: FURNISH AND INSTALL FENCING AND SINGLE POINT OF ENTRY AT MULTIPLE SITES GROUP J AND GROUP N Mandatory site visits are scheduled for 2 days. The site visits for Group J are scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022 outside the main office of Garfield High School, 1255 16th St., San Diego, CA 92101. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Webster Elementary School, 4801 Elm St., San Diego, CA 92102. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Joyner Elementary School, 4271 Myrtle Ave., San Diego, CA 92105. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to McKinley Elementary School, 3045 Felton St., San Diego, CA 92104. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Florence Elementary School, 3914 1st Ave., San Diego, CA 92103. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Clairemont High School, 4150 Ute Dr., San Diego, CA 92117.

The site visits for Group N are scheduled to start at 8:00 a.m. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022 outside the main office of E.B. Scripps Elementary School, 11778 Cypress Canyon Rd., San Diego, CA 92131. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Miramar Ranch Elementary School, 10770 Red Cedar Dr., San Diego, CA 92131. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Scripps Ranch High School, 10410 Falcon Way, San Diego, CA 92131. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Walker Elementary School, 9225 Hillery Dr., San Diego, CA 92126. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Mason Elementary School, 10340 San Ramon Dr., San Diego, CA 92126. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Hickman Elementary School, 10850 Montongo St., San Diego, CA 92126. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Ericson Elementary School, 11174 Westonhill Dr., San Diego, CA 92126. Contractors must attend all 13 sites to be able to bid this project. ALL CONTRACTORS MUST PREREGISTER WITH THE DISTRICT PRIOR TO ATTENDING THE SITE WALK. Please send only one representative per Company. Contact Sharon Cheng scheng@sandi.net for the link to preregister. PLEASE SEE BID FOR DETAILS (No. CC22-0175-24).

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 CC22-0175-24) for Site Walk Safety Precautions AND preregistration information. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on MARCH 10, 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” CC22-0175-24 Furnish and Install Fencing and Single Point of Entry at Multiple Sites Group J and Group N. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. The project estimate is between $3.2 million and $3.5 million. This is a PSA project and does require 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 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 CC22-0175-24.

side,” he continued. “These are clashing families [referring to the Marcoses and the Aquinos].

The group they [the Aquinos] led also had good intentions. But I summed it up, my countrymen.

The time of the red [the Marcoses] lasted for 21 years. The time of the yellows and now the pinks — we’re just being straightforward — 18 years.”

‘Enough is enough’ Domagoso said the country would need new governance.

“So how’s the Philippines after 39 years? I ask because that’s one reason why I joined the elections. We have experienced the 39 years. We have given them a chance. That’s enough,” Domagoso said.

Domagoso also addressed detractors who said that his presidential bid was premature.

“So they said I’m rushing. We have been waiting for 39 years.

You took our chance for 39 years.

So why not try your luck [with me] for six years,” he said. (By John Eric Mendoza /Inquirer.net) n

8

FEBRUARY 11-17, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

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

LEGAL SERVICES

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

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00001895-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.

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.

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.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000854

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000074

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028413

AJSD 852

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

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.

AJSD 855

AJSD #854

AJSD #858

LEGAL SERVICES

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028584

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

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

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.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000575

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2021-9028709

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001732

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

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.

AJSD 860

AJSD 861

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001849

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001431

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000031

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9000068

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

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

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.

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001647

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9001351

AJSD 865

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9002449

Valencia Parkway Care Home located at 749 Valencia Parkway, San Diego, CA 92114.

Registrant: Alexis S. Artates, 2230 Reo Dr., Apt A, San Diego, CA 92139.

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature Alexis S. Artates.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/31/2022.

AJ 870 02/11, 02/18, 02/25, and 03/04/2022. AJSD 870

Luna Industries Portfolio located at 4280 52nd St., Apt 13, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: a. Marcos Luna-Nieblas, 4280 52nd St., Apt 13, San Diego, CA 92115. b. Dania Hernandez, 4280 52nd St., Apt 13, San Diego, CA 92115 This business is conducted

by IMarried Couple.

REGISTRANT HAS BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE ABOVED NAME AS OF 01/19/2022.

Signature Marcos LunaNieblas.

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

AJ 869 02/04, 02/11, 02/18, and 02/25/2022.

AJSD 869

SAN DIEGO

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

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 11-17, 2022

JOURNAL

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F E B R UA RY 1 1 , 2 0 22

Historic wins for two Filipino fi fillms at 2022 Sundance fi fillm festival

S

AN FRANCISCO – In a historic first for the Philippine film industry, two Filipino film entries received praise and won awards at the recently concluded 2022 Sundance Film Festival, the largest independent film festival in the United States.

Philippine Consul General in San Francisco Neil Frank Ferrer congratulated the filmmakers behind Filipino movies “Leonor Will Never Die” and “The Headhunter’s Daughter”, as well as the Film Development Council of the Philippines

(FDCP), “for representing the best of the Philippines at the largest independent film festival in America.”

Feature film “Leonor Will Never Die” became the first Filipino recipient of the Sundance Special Jury Award

for Innovative Spirit. This comedy-drama movie follows the story of a retired Filipina filmmaker who became an action hero of her own unfinished screenplay.

Jury member La Frances Hui said, “Switching in-between genres, this film within a film follows an ailing screenwriter who enters her unfinished screenplay of a gangster film to experience and edit her own creation. Constantly shifting in tone, the film is a playful display of the love of cinema. Its innovative and risk-taking spirit is especially commendable.”

“Leonor Will Never Die” competed against nine other film entries from around the globe under the Sundance Film Festival’s World Cinema Dramatic Category. According to the FDCP, the country’s last participation in the World Cinema Dramatic section was in 2006, with Auraeus Solito’s In “The Headhunter’s Daughter,” winner of the Short Film Grand Jury Prize at the 2022 “Ang Pagdadalaga ni Maximo Sundance Film Festival, an aspiring country singer traverses the harrowing roads of the Oliveros” (The Blossoming of Cordilleran highlands with her trusty brown horse to try her luck in the city.

Prima Materia film still Maximo Oliveros).

Celebrities hit Toni Gonzaga

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

“Leonor Will Never Die,” winner of the Special Jury Award for Innovative Spirit at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, follows the story of a retired Filipina filmmaker who became an action hero of her own unfinished screenplay.

Film still from Arkeofilms and Anima

Meanwhile, “The Headhunter’s Daughter” became the first Filipino film to bag the Sundance Short Film Grand Jury Prize. In the movie, an aspiring country singer traverses the harrowing roads of the Cordilleran highlands with her trusty brown horse to try her luck in the city.

Jury member Blackhorse Lowe said, “We were entranced by this poetic and dream-like

film, which follows its character’s intimate journey with gorgeous cinematography and direction and acting, capturing a unique sense of place.”

“The Headhunter’s Daughter” is the second participating Filipino short film entry in Sundance history, following Sonny Calvento’s “Excuse Me, Miss, Miss, Miss” in 2021. For this year, “The Headhunter’s Daughter” joined

98 other movies in the Sundance Short Films Program.

The Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, Philippine foreign service posts in the United States, and Filipino communities in the U.S. Pacific Northwest lent their support to “Leonor Will Never Die” and “The Headhunter’s Daughter” through the promotion of the two films.

(PCGSF Release) n

Elisse finds fulfillment as mom, shares dream wedding

emotionally. But Elisse Joson is for a long time.

CELEBRITIES reacted on

By Bot GlorioSo not one to complain. Her realToni Gonzaga hosting the Being a mother to her and Philstar.com life role as a mom has allowed to McCoy de Leon’s first-born Felize grand proclamation rally of MOTHERING takes effort find her own fulfillment which, completes her and makes her presidential aspirant Bongbong — physically, mentally and according to her, she was looking Marcos and running mate Sara u PAGE 10 Duterte.

Toni trended online on Tuesday, February 8 after she hosted the Marcos-Duterte proclamation rally at the Philippine Arena.

The host introduced Representative Rodante Marcoleta as part of the UniTeam’s senatorial slate, one of the congressmen who denied the renewal of ABS-CBN franchise.

Toni Gonzaga with husband Paul Soriano and presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “Representante ng Sagip Photo from Instagram/@paulsoriano1017 party list. May laban tayo sa kanya. Number 43 sa balota. country. Kaya sa aking mga “The victims of both the Congressman but soon to be kapwa Pilipino, kay VP Leni Holocaust and our Martial Law Senator Rodante Marcoleta,” Robredo Leni Gerona Robredo were all real people with names, Toni said. po ang suporta ko. Hindi po ako families and siblings that walked On Wednesday, Feb. 9 Toni binayaran dito,” she added. and talked the earth then and confirmed that she will step Award-winning director Erik even survived by descendants down as the host of the ABS- Matti also took to his Facebook until now. No one can ever say CBN reality show “Pinoy Big account to criticize Toni on her they didn’t exist.”

Brother.”

“I cannot fathom anyone, “misplaced loyalty.”

Former PBB housemate Dawn “Everyone has a right to who have access to the same Chang took to her Facebook their own political stances. But historical facts from our books account to show her disgust when Hitler runs for office after and Youtube like everyone else, toward’s Toni’s actions. slaughtering millions of Jews can still have the gall to hold “I am deeply insulted and and you still support his bid, the their head so high to the point of disappointed by the actions of least you can do is acknowledge being so arrogant and obnoxious my fellow kapamilya actress all the blood he has spilled and to brush away critics and Ms. Toni Gonzaga. Paano nyo with integrity, stick to your dissenters even acknowledging po nasikmurang suportahan own crazy misplaced loyalty in and flaunting it with such an at tulungan ang mga taong private or in silence,” he said. insensitive hashtag,” he added. may malupit na nakaraan sa Former Kapamilya host “In the same way the plunder kasaysayan ng bansa at sa and the horrors of the Marcos Gretchen Ho also posted on her pagkawala ng trabaho ng mga regime to our country the Twitter account “Pretty painful kasama natin sa industriya? Philippines, that no one has to see.”

As a former PBB housemate, claimed responsibility until now “Service crew nga ng Jollibee, alam kong magtatampo nyan si with the players still roaming takot makitang kumakain Kuya,” Dawn wrote. around free, moneyed and sa McDo! Ito, nagpasara ng “Hindi pwede. It is my powerful, is irefutable and a kumpanya niya, siya pa ang privilege to lend my small voice historical fact that cannot be nag-intro! Ang bait naman ni in this battle for the soul of our forgotten and rewritten.”

Kuya!!!” he said. n

Gary reveals it is his first time to vote ever this coming May

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

Gary Valenciano

Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA star Gary Valenciano revealed that the upcoming national elections 2022 in May will be his first time to vote ever.

In his video message during the campaign launch of Vice President Leni Robredo in Naga, Gary V said he believes in the capability of the presidential aspirant.

“Alam ko na wala kayong nakikitang mga posts… wala kayong nakikitang iba’t ibang mga linalagay ko sa social media para maipakita ko kung sino ang iboboto ko sa darating na halalan,” he said in the video.

“Pero sa kulay na ganito, sa kulay na ‘to (gestures) ito, alam niyo na kung sino,” he added.

Robredo’s running mate,

Francis Pangilinan, is Gary’s brother-in-law through his wife Angeli.

“Ito ang magiging first time ko, first time to vote, ever. And I know I’m going to make the right vote kasi naniniwala talaga ako na si VP Leni Robredo ang dapat maging susunod na presidente ng Pilipinas. At si—bayaw ko—si Francis Kiko Pangilinan, ang dapat maging VP (vice president),” he said.

Apart from Gary, other personalities who appeared in the video at the RobredoPangilinan grand rally were Juan Karlos Labajo, Iza Calzado and Jolina Magdangal.

Nikki Valdez, Cherry Pie Picache, Bituin Escalante, Pinky Amador, Red Ollero, Rita Avila, Agot Isidro and The Company were physically present at the event. n

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FEBRUARY 11-17, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

Elisse finds fulfillment... New and improved ‘Think Blue San Diego’

PAGE 9 see the beauty of life in a clearer perspective.

“Masarap talaga sa feeling.

I think ‘yun ‘yung sense of fulfillment na hinahanap ko for a long time. It’s a nice feeling that every time you wake up and you see your child na parang who adores you, who looks up to you na wala s’yang judgment sa ‘yo and she loves you for who you are. It feels really nice to love someone na galing sa ‘yo,” said Elisse when she recently talked to select members of the press, including The STAR, in a virtual media conference to drumbeat iWantTFC’s six-episode original series The Goodbye Girl. Elisse stars in the episode titled The Legally Blind with Joshua Colet.

According to Elisse, she and McCoy are trying their best to be hands-on parents when it comes to taking care of their child, especially when they are free from showbiz commitments.

“Kasi gusto namin na makilala n’ya o makita n’ya kami na laging nand’yan, taking care of her, loving her,” said she.

When it comes to accomplishing her day-to-day activities, Elisse said she’s still finding ways to make all things work with ease.

“I’m still at this stage of trying to learn how to balance things because to be a mom, it’s really a struggle to balance my schedule at ‘yun din ang struggle ko even before. But now that I have a baby, I have to master managing my time like I have to think of what is important to do, for example, this day and then, I do things one by one. I think that’s one of the superpowers of mothers — to finish everything that needs to be done.”

Elisse agreed there is no formula to better perform the role of a mother. “You just do what has to be done and everything will flow naturally.”

Being a mom does not limit her as an actress. In fact, it all the more boosts her confidence to portray roles that will challenge her acting ability.

“Sa ngayon, I feel like nagwiden pa ‘yung mga p’wede kong gawin in terms of characters because before, I felt so limited,” said she. “Now, parang mas naging matapang na ako and I don’t feel boxed (anymore).

Of course, there will still be limitations but I’d like to play roles that are new to me.”

At present, the biggest struggle for her is dealing with the work setup. Lock-in tapings are required to ensure safety of everyone in the production team.

Thus, Elisse has to be away from her baby for a while.

“I feel like if there are projects that will make me grow as an actress, I’ll take them,” shared she. “With Felize, I would never think na pinapabayaan ko s’ya just because I would be away for a while because of work.”

In The Legally Blind, Elisse is the hopeful bride-to-be Julia, who knows her fiancé (Joshua) is a womanizer, but believes he is only making the most out of his remaining bachelor days. She puts up with his behavior as he

launches to highlight importance of stormwater system to our quality of life

San Diegans urged to show love for clean water and clean beaches this Valentine’s Day weekend by picking up neighborhood trash

Elisse Joson Photo from Instagram/@elissejosonn

promises to stop having affairs with other women after they get married.

“Sa pag-ibig, meron talagang nabubulagan. Parang ang logical explanation lang na naiisip ko is because we love through our heart so, minsan hindi na nagagamit talaga ‘yung mata natin,” she reasoned when asked why some people are blinded by love.

She didn’t deny that there were times when personal experiences were useful in portraying her character.

“Sometimes when I feel I need to use my personal experience, I use it to my advantage but kung matagal na ‘yung naging experience ko, it won’t work anymore. ‘Pag ganun, I use other methods,” Elisse told The STAR regarding her acting process.

Elisse, 26, was also asked what would be the best time for her to get married, as well as her ideal wedding.

“Yes, I’m 26, but you know, hindi natin dapat minamadali ang mga bagay-bagay. Everybody has a different timeline and now (in my case), it just so happened na nauna na si Felize. We have so much things to do first like baptism ni Felize, inaayos pa lang ngayon due to the pandemic and all the unforeseen situations, then, birthday pa n’ya. I mean, we’re gonna get there because alam namin (with McCoy) we’re meant for each other already, so we just have to take our time. It’s gonna happen.”

Contrary to what other people think that they are planning for a grand wedding, Elisse prefers a simple one. “Dream ko lang talaga sa may dagat but at the same time, I want to be blessed in church,” she disclosed.

With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, how does she plan to celebrate it with McCoy? “Of course, I have a way of making him feel special and sana s’ya rin meron, hahahaha.

I can’t share much because we don’t really plan what to do on Valentine’s Day, but we both know that we have our own secret planning. I look forward to spending time with him, kahit ano pa ‘yung ma-plano namin, basta time together kasi syempre iba pa rin ‘yung quality time na kayong dalawa lang now that you have a kid,” she said. n

SAN DIEGO – To raise public awareness about how a modern stormwater system helps ensure clean water and clean beaches for future generations, the City of San Diego is relaunching the new and improved Think Blue San Diego – the public education and outreach arm of the Stormwater Department – with a series of events this week and a call to action for all San Diegans to “Think Blue.”

Celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, Think Blue is urging San Diegans to show love for clean water and clean beaches this Valentine’s Day weekend by taking at least 30 minutes to remove trash and debris in your neighborhood.

“One of main reasons so many people love to live in San Diego – and why millions come to visit each year – is our breathtaking environment,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “To keep our city clean and beautiful, we’re calling on San Diegans this Valentine’s Day weekend to show their love for San Diego by picking up trash around their homes or businesses. Taking just a few minutes to ‘Think Blue’ will help preserve and protect what makes San Diego so special.”

The Think Blue reboot began this week with updated educational materials and a series of community events. It culminates Monday, Feb. 14, with the launch of a new marketing and advertising effort intended to educate San Diegans about how they can do their part to improve water quality and prevent stormwater pollution. There are many ways to get involved.

Visit the new and improved Think Blue San Diego website Thinkblue.org is now live! The website includes detailed information on how the stormwater system works, and the need for about $6.7 billion in upgrades over the next 20 years to modernize the system to ensure clean water and clean beaches for future generations. Don’t miss the website’s new data visualization tool highlighting Fiscal Year 2021 information collected by the Stormwater Department in the Data & Maps section.

Volunteer at the Hollywood Canyon Cleanup in City Heights Think Blue and its community partners, I Love A Clean San Diego and San Diego Canyonlands, will hold a two-hour litter cleanup event starting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, February 10 in City Heights. Volunteers

can register at https://cleansd.samaritan. com/custom/501/opp_details/2012.

Learn more about Think Blue at San Diego Gulls game City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell and Think Blue will be featured during the game’s Community Spotlight segment to encourage everyone to Think Blue. A Think Blue information booth will be at Sports Arena before and during Friday’s (February 11) 7 p.m. game with free metal straws for those willing to take a brief survey.

Review the new Think Blue educational video on the City’s YouTube The video highlights daily actions that every San Diegan can take to improve water quality and prevent pollution from entering storm drains, from picking up pet waste to stopping over-irrigation of their lawns. The video will debut in Community Spotlight during Gulls game.

Cupid’s Cleanup in Point Loma Think Blue and I Love A Clean San Diego will partner for this special Valentine’s Day weekend cleanup on Saturday morning, February 12 to remove trash from the San Diego River Watershed. Registration is full.

Engage in a free webinar on rebate opportunities Think Blue and I Love a Clean San Diego held an hourlong webinar on Tuesday, February 8 with easy tips for water conservation and an overview of the free money-saving rebates the city offers for rain barrels, rain gutters, graywater systems, and more. The recorded session is now available for viewing at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=hUPWG4R1tAk&feature=youtu. be for those who missed it.

Keep an eye on Think Blue across TV, radio, print and social media A new public outreach and education advertising push for Think Blue will begin to roll out on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14.

The goal is to help raise public awareness that pollution is threatening our quality of life and the need for a strong stormwater system to ensure clean water and clean beaches for future generations.

“Every San Diegan agrees that clean water and clean beaches are vital to our health and our community’s health,” said Council President Sean Elo-Rivera.

“Ensuring we do our part to address the causes of pollution in our neighborhoods

that go to our streams, rivers and ultimately the ocean means properly disposing of our trash and yard waste, not overwatering our lawns and, for pet owners like me, picking up our pet waste. These small efforts can make a big impact in keeping our water and beaches clean and enjoyable for everyone.”

San Diego is defined by the natural beauty of its beaches and coastal waters, and keeping those precious resources clean, safe and healthy is the Stormwater Department’s mission. That mission gets more difficult each year as the costs soar to upgrade and modernize the city’s massive storm drain system.

While much of that system is hidden underground, obscured from public view, it is essential to the health, safety and quality of life of San Diegans. This complex network of pipes, drains and other critical infrastructure work together to help protect our environment and communities from pollution and flooding.

The city first introduced Think Blue two decades ago as an awareness campaign to prevent stormwater pollution featuring a yellow rubber duck mascot. Advertisements ran on local television and in movie theaters for many years before the city stopped funding Think Blue about a decade ago, and it has remained largely dormant since.

The Think Blue relaunch comes at a critical time as public awareness of stormwater issues has eroded over the past decade. In 2011, a survey showed 43% of San Diegans know that stormwater goes directly to local waterways untreated, but that fell to 26% in a survey conducted last year.

“Stormwater infrastructure is largely out of sight and out of mind compared to more visible infrastructure like street repairs and park improvements,” said Ian Monahan, Director of Communications at I Love A Clean San Diego. “This new Think Blue movement will help bolster the work we do year-round to educate San Diegans about the importance of stormwater in our daily lives, and highlight the significant upgrades needed for our aging storm drain system to create a cleaner San Diego now and for future generations.”

To learn more about Think Blue San Diego and how to implement a Think Blue mindset, go to thinkblue.org.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Romance scams in 2021: Fraudsters to the left of you, fakers to the right

LOVE happens year-round, not only on Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, romance scams are the same. So, along with sharing (or not) some chocolate, make Valentine’s Day a time to share with people you care about some ways to spot and avoid romance scams. Because, according to a new FTC report, people sent $547 million to online romance scammers last year.

While many of the people who told the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) they were defrauded said they were contacted on a dating app, romance scammers found them on social media, too. In fact, more than a third of the people who lost money to an online romance scam said the contact started on Facebook or Instagram, often through an unexpected private message.

Romance scammers typically spin complicated stories to convince people to send money. In 2021, people reported scammers asking them to send money for one (imaginary) health or financial crises after another.

Other scammers pretended to be successful cryptocurrency investors and used romance to lure people into sending money for bogus investments.

Scammers ask to get paid in ways that let them get money quickly and anonymously.

In 2021, about one in four people used a gift card to send money to a romance scammer.

The most money was reported lost — $139 million — through payments made in cryptocurrency.

How can you avoid a romance scam?

• If someone appears on your social media and rushes you to start a friendship or romance, slow down.

• Don’t send a reload, prepaid, or gift card; don’t wire money; and don’t send cryptocurrency to someone you met online.

• If you suspect a romance scam, cut off contact. Tell the online app or social media platform right away, and then tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

(Bridget Small/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC) n

‘Microbusinesses’ could receive $2,500 COVID-19 relief grants

“MICROBUSINESSES” across San Diego County hurt

by COVID-19 could soon be getting $2,500 boosts after County supervisors approved a grant program on Tuesday, February 8 funded in part by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Supervisors unanimously approved giving the $2,500 grants to help up to 1,550 microbusinesses, defined as earning less than $50,000 in 2019, being the owner’s primary source of income and having five or fewer employees, currently and in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The list could include home businesses like pet sitters, shoppers, cleaners and home health care workers, and sidewalk vendors like food cart operators.

Applications can be submitted online starting Feb. 15.

Board Chair Nathan Fletcher said even though COVID-19 restrictions and limitations on businesses ended last summer, the grant program would help small businesses that are still feeling the pandemic’s effects.

“There’s always more we can do,” Fletcher said. “So … this small business COVID-19 grant program will help get about $3.8 million out to some of the smallest businesses, often family-run businesses, to

Shutterstock image/www.countynewscenter.com

help them purchase equipment, invest in working capital, apply for and renew permits, pay off any debts accrued due to the pandemic and offset costs resulting from the pandemic.”

The application page can be reached indirectly through the County’s Microbusiness COVID-19 Relief Grant Program webpage (https:// www.sdivsbdc.org/county-ofs a n - d i e g o - m i c ro - b u s i n e s s grant-program/) or directly at the Small Business Development Center’s website.

The grants are planned to be distributed equally among the County’s five supervisorial

districts, aided by outreach at events, farmer’s markets and libraries, and through community groups and door-todoor canvassing.

State and County officials hope the grants will reach microbusinesses run by those that have historically faced barriers to obtaining capital, including women, minorities, veterans, limited English speakers, businesses in lowto mid-income rural areas and people without documentation.

Microbusinesses may be eligible for the $2,500 grant if their business: • Was started before Dec. 31,

2019, is the owner’s primary source of revenue, and is currently operating or has a plan to reopen • Generated less than $50,000 in revenue in the 2019 tax year • Currently has five or fewer full-time employees and had five or fewer employees in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

• Was significantly impacted

by COVID-19 • Has not previously received any grant money from the California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program.

The County has contracted with Southwestern College’s Small Business Development Center to collect and process online applications and to conduct outreach along with the Asian Business Association of San Diego, the Logan Heights Community Development Corporation, the South County Economic Development Council and the San Diego East County Economic Development Council.

The County’s grants must be distributed in 2022. The first application process will run from Feb. 15 to 5 p.m. March 31. If there is grant money left after the first round, additional application periods will be held.

(Gig Conaughton/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Community

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 11-17, 2022

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Fely Quitevis-Bateman: Seizing opportunities and making sound investments FELY Quitevis-Bateman has been in the real estate industry for almost five decades now, starting her career in Manila back in 1974. Through sheer handwork and determination, she was able to create a name for herself after moving to the United States.

The Nevada-based businesswoman established Precious Properties and has been calling Pahrump home for the past 30 years.

Pahrump is located in Nye County, about 60 miles west of Las Vegas and an hour east of Death Valley National Park, a place known for extremes.

Through the years, QuitevisBateman has held positions in Nye County and she takes pride in these roles, which she navigated with ease.

“I have been very proud of all the positions I held especially being a Nye County Commissioner where together with the other 4 commissioners we carefully determined how to spend the county’s budget and the approval of different projects that came to our table for approval,” she relayed.

Quitevis-Bateman invested not just her money but her time as well. She knew she had so much to learn in the industry and believed that for her to succeed, she had to invest in improving her mental fortitude to grow a successful

Fely Quitevis-Bateman and her husband Russ Bateman

business venture.

She went to Harvard Business School in Cambridge from 2005 to 2007 after she was accepted from over 2,000 applicants to study Owner/President Management Program.

“I was lucky to be in the 6% who were accepted. My class was 21 days a year at $1,000/ day and I had the honor to be in a group of multi-millionaire business owners and a couple of them are billionaires today,” she shared.

She makes it a point to learn from every position she gets herself into, whether it is in Harvard or her hometown of Pahrump.

“I learned very important

Fely Quitevis-Bateman in front of the Harvard Business School entrance.

lessons as one of the commissioners of the Division of Aging too. As a member of the jury selection, I was honored to have met and sat down with all the NV Supreme Court justices and selected a candidate that replaced an elected Nye County Judge that passed away a few months after being elected,” Quitevis-Bateman recalled.

The hardworking achiever bought her first house in Pahrump in 1999 although she has been selling Pahrump land since 1992 as a California broker.

Indeed, she has amassed great memories in Pahrump, witnessing it rise and grow into what it is today.

One of her favorite memories is when former President Fidel Ramos stayed with them in 2007 for a few days. “He was very happy to have played golf at Mountain Falls Country Club,” she quipped.

Despite her successful and colorful career, QuitevisBateman takes pride and treasures her humble beginnings and low-key profile.

She was born in Bugallon, Pangasinan and her father used to be a carpenter turned contractor while her mother was a plain housewife who took care of them extremely well. She is proud to share her father’s success story in helping build some high-rise buildings along Buendia Ave, Ayala Ave, and Paseo De Roxas in Makati with her siblings who are engineers, CPA, and architect.

Pahrump Rising Quitevis-Bateman chose Nevada because demographics showed Nevada to be the No. 1 growing state, and it still is up to now, she said. She saw the great opportunity available in Pahrump and the surrounding region, especially since Pahrump is the heart of the desert and the perfect place to enjoy the best of southern Nevada.

She became a realtor in Manila in 1974 and came to Los Angeles in 1984 at the age of 41. She had several clients who wanted to retire in Nevada or Arizona so she would do her due diligence and look for properties the retirees could invest in. The first property that she herself bought gave her the idea that real estate is the best investment a person can have.

That is why when she saw that opportunities were aplenty in Pahrump, she decided to call it home. Decades later came a flourishing housing market coupled with a considerable population increase that necessitated multiple new businesses opening their doors to the public.

Over the past few years, several positive economic indicators have helped transform Pahrump to become a sleepy desert town on the rise as it slowly emerged from the Sin City’s shadow.

According to Kiplinger Letter, a trusted leader in personal finance, investments, and economic forecasts, Nevada and Arizona are the only two states to have a population growth of up to or more than 50 percent till the year 2040.

Nevada will continue to grow as predicted with Las Vegas being the entertainment capital of the world. Today, Quitevis-Bateman shared that approximately $12 billion-plus budget is on the pipeline, and some of them are now under construction.

“Investors should look at demographics in their investment process. There are approximately eight taxes that we don’t pay in NV including state income tax. We have entertainment, sports, fine dining, shopping, health care, and many more. Our international airport is one of the best nationwide,” she explained.

(Advertising Supplement)

Fely with Harvard classmate Rajan Mittal

Fely with her mentor, financial advisor, real estate consultant and loving husband Russ Bateman.

Fely and her family with former Philippine President Fidel Ramos at Mountain Falls Country Club.

Fely (3rd from left) with (from left) husband Russ and her Harvard classmates Rajan Mittal, who is Walmart’s partner in India, and Samir Modi, CEO of Modi Enterprises in India.

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FEBRUARY 11-17, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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