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FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 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

DATELINE What were last year’s biggest scams?

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

US tells Marcos: Ask and we are here

by Helen Flores

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

ON Friday, February 9, the Federal Trade Commission released data showing that nationwide fraud losses topped $10 billion in 2023 — 14% more than 2022.

Nevertheless, the dramatic loss owes less to more reports than to more money being lost to each scam per these reports. At an Ethnic Media Services briefing that morning, FTC officials discussed new trends in top scams, and why learning about and reporting scams is so crucial to protecting consumers.

Top scams of 2023 Last year’s $10 billion in reported losses, compared to $9 billion in 2022, was an all-time first, “but the number of reports we received in 2023 did not increase dramatically,” said Maria Mayo, Acting Associate Director for the Division of Consumer Response and Operations in the FTC Bureau of Consumer Protection.

“One in four consumers reported losing money with a median loss of $500 per consumer,” she continued.

Research shows that less than 5% of consumer fraud victims report at all.

The most common scam category was

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

Philstar.com

MANILA — The United States is ready to assist the Philippines during times of need, U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson assured President Marcos on Tuesday, February 13 as the envoy highlighted how the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the two countries has helped the Philippines in the delivery of urgently needed aid.

Carlson paid a courtesy call on Marcos at Malacañang, where they talked about Washington’s provision of two C-130s of the IndoPacific Command (INDOPACOM) in the ongoing

delivery of food packs and other supplies to residents affected by the flooding in Mindanao.

“Carlson told President Marcos that Washington is pleased to bring two C-130s from the INDOPACOM, although it is not the cheapest or the easiest way to deliver foreign assistance,” the Presidential Communications Office said in a statement.

“But when you ask and you need it, we are here,” Carlson told Marcos, referring to the teams from the U.S. Agency for International Development, Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group and INDOPACOM. At the request of the Philippine government, U.S. Marines of the Okinawa-based Third Marine Expeditionary Force assisted the USAID in

Beginning and intermediate courses were offered in the fall semester, with an advanced level added for spring “MABUHAY,” “kumusta,” “salamat,” and more Filipino words now echo through Harvard University’s halls.

Last fall, the Ivy League school took a significant stride in acknowledging the linguistic and cultural diversity of the Philippines and its community in the United States with the introduction of Filipino language courses.

As reported by The Harvard Gazette in their Feb. 7 article, these courses, spanning beginner and intermediate levels, have garnered enthusiastic participation from students eager to reconnect with the Filipino language at Harvard. The inclusion of these courses aligns with a broader initiative by the Harvard University Asia Center to enhance offerings in Southeast Asian st

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by Marlon raMos Inquirer.net

CENTENARIAN. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile receives a Letter of Felicitation and a Centenarian Gift worth P100,000 from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in a ceremony at Malacañan Palace on Wednesday, Feb. 14. Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian (2nd from left) assisted President Marcos in giving honor to Enrile who celebrated his 100th birthday on Feb. 14. Photo courtesy of DSWD

THE centennial birthday celebration of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile in Malacañang on Wednesday, February 14 became a venue for the leaders of Congress to meet and agree to end—for now, at least—the “word war” between senators and members of the House of Representatives on moves to amend the 1987 Constitution.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he and Speaker Martin Romualdez spoke at the sidelines of Enrile’s birthday party, the first time that they saw each other after weeks of testy exchanges among their lieutenants over Charter change (Cha-cha).

“On the day of hearts, we had a good meeting with the speaker. Let today be a good sign that we’ll work professionally and focus on the work at hand,” Zubiri told reporters.

“We spoke and [agreed] to stop the bickering and

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VP Sara Duterte says relationship with Pres. Marcos remains ‘okay’ MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday, February 12, said that she and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. “are okay,” despite the hostility between her family and the president.

“We have no problem with each other, President Bongbong Marcos and I are doing good, we are okay in terms of our relationship both personal and working,” Duterte told reporters in Malaysia where she is set to attend a Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Council program as its president.

However, asked about her relationship with First Lady Liza Marcos, Duterte merely responded “I have no comment as of this time.”

Duterte also said that she and Marcos have not discussed the accusations made

P100 wage hike bill gets past Senate 2nd reading

against him by her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, nor have they addressed her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte’s call for Marcos to step down.

The said accusations were made during a prayer rally in Davao City where the former president said Marcos was on the government’s illegal drugs watchlist — which the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency later denied.

On the other hand, Davao City Mayor Sebastian or “Baste” in the same event also called on Marcos to resign as he criticized the policies of the current administration.

Sara, for her part, dismissed Baste’s call as “brotherly love” as she attributed Baste’s actions to the “despicable treatment” she’s been receiving from some allies of Marcos.

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Expert commends PH efforts to expose China actions in WPS

by Tina g. sanTos Inquirer.net

by Frances Mangosing, Melvin gascon

THE Senate on Wednesday, February 14 approved on second reading a landmark measure mandating an across-the-board increase of P100 in the daily minimum wage of workers in the private sector.

“This is our Valentine’s Day gift to all our workers,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said, as senators unanimously approved Senate Bill No. 2534 under Committee Report No. 190 during a plenary session.

“This is for them. I think it will be perfect timing because today is the day of hearts. It’s the day of love and sharing,” he added.

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Cha-cha ‘word war’ truce forged at JPE birthday bash

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Harvard’s first-ever Filipino classes foster cultural connection, community

providing humanitarian assistance in the ongoing disaster relief mission in Mindanao.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday, February 12 announced that two U.S. Marine Corps KC-130J Hercules aircraft would be used to help in the delivery of supplies to the victims of the landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro. “The U.S. Marines from the III Marine Expeditionary Force will assist with the ongoing disaster relief mission with troops from the Marine Air Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing delivering essential supplies for distribution,” the AFP said.

Apart from the use of two U.S. C-130s, the U.S. government has also extended $1.25-million

Inquirer.net

THE Philippines should continue its “assertive transparency campaign” to expose China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), a maritime security expert said on Monday, February 12.

Since last year, the Philippines has been consistently publicizing Chinese harassment in the West Philippine Sea through information releases and inviting journalists onboard patrol ships to report what they witness.

Juan Miguel Zubiri

Senate PRIB

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Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Nikko Remigio, a proud Fil-Am, is set to make his Super Bowl debut.

Photo from Instagram/@nikkoremigio

Nikko Remigio: A proud Fil-Am on a Super Bowl team by niMFa rueda Inquirer.net

LOS ANGELES – Among the hot topics leading up to the Super Bowl game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, tight end rookie Nikko Remigio.

Who is Nikko Remigio?

Remigio, 25, has been on the Kansas City Chiefs’ reserve/ injured list since August last year and returned to the field in his first pro season at the Super Bowl.

He was born on Nov. 4, 1999 to a Filipino father and a half Black, half white mother.

Growing up Asian and Black American in a predominantly

white neighborhood in Orange County, California, Remigio felt different and faced racism.

In an interview with Berkeley News, Remigio said the other kids wanted to touch his hair because it was long and “super curly.”

He was also told to stay out of the sun because his skin was getting too dark. There were more overt forms of racism, “like being called a nigger or a chink, and getting the slanted eyes gesture to my face,” he said.

Having a mixed-race identity also had its challenges. “It’s like you’re too Black for the white kids, and too white for the Black kids. And then, you’re

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FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

PAMPUBLIKONG PAUNAWA AWTORIDAD SA PABAHAY NG COUNTY NG SAN DIEGO PLANO NG AHENSYA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PABAHAY TAUNANG PLANO PARA SA TAON NG PISKAL NA 2024-2025 Ang paunawa ay ibinibigay dito na ang Lupon ng mga Komisyoner ng Awtoridad sa Pabahay ng County ng San Diego (HACSD) ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa Marso 13, 2024, 9:00 a.m. sa Room 310 ng County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA. Ang deklarasyon ng publiko ay maaaring marinig sa iminungkahing Taunang Plano para sa Taon ng Piskal na 2024-2025, Pampublikong Pagtanggap sa Pabahay at Patakaran sa Patuloy na Pagsaklaw, at Administratibong Plano ng Seksyon 8 ng Voucher ng Pagpili ng Pabahay. Sa Enero 26, 2024, ang mga na-refer na Plano ay ilalabas para sa isang 45-araw na pampublikong pagsusuri at panahon ng komento.

Ang deklarasyon ng publiko ay maaaring marinig sa Iminungkahing Taunang Plano para sa Taon ng Piskal na 20242025, Pagtanggap sa Pampublikong Pabahay at Patakaran sa Patuloy na Pagsaklaw, at Administratibong Plano ng Seksyon 8 ng Voucher ng Pagpili ng Pabahay. Ang Plano ng Ahensya ng Pampublikong Pabahay (PHA) ay isang komprehensibong gabay sa mga patakaran, programa, at operasyon ng PHA, at mga estratehiya para matugunan ang mga pangangailangan at layunin ng lokal na pabahay. Ang Pagtanggap sa Pampublikong Pabahay at Patakaran sa Patuloy na Pagsaklaw at Administratibong Plano ng Seksyon 8 ay ang mga namamahala na dokumento para sa pangangasiwa ng PHA ng programang pampublikong pabahay nito at Seksyon 8 na programa.

Bilang kapalit ng personal na pagdalo, ang mga miyembro ng publiko ay mahigpit na hinihikayat na magsumite ng kanilang mga komento sa iminungkahing Taunang Plano ng Ahensya ng Pampublikong Pabahay para sa Taon ng Piskal na 2024-2025, Pagtanggap sa Pampublikong Pabahay at Patakaran sa Patuloy na Pagsaklaw, at Administratibong Plano ng Seksyon 8 ng Voucher ng Pagpili ng Pabahay sa pamamagitan ng pag-e-mail sa HACSDBOARDS.HHSA@ SDCOUNTY.CA.GOV Ang lahat ng mga komentong isinumite ay ipinapadala sa mga miyembro ng Lupon ng mga Komisyoner at ang Punong Administratibong Opisyal ng para sa kanilang pagkonsidera. Ang mga komento ay tatanggapin hanggang sa katapusan ng pulong.

Simula sa Enero 26, 2024, ang mga na-refer na dokumento at mga sumusuportang dokumento ay maaaring ma-access kaagad sa www.sdhcd.org at magiging available para sa pagsusuri sa mga sumusunod na lokasyon: County of San Diego Melrose Manor Apartments Housing and Community Development Services 1678 Melrose Ave., Apt.13 3989 Ruffin Road Chula Vista, CA 91911 San Diego, CA 92123 Towncentre Manor Apartments L St. Manor Apartments 434 F St., Apt. 101 584 L St., Apt. F Chula Vista, CA 91911 Chula Vista, CA 91911 Dorothy St. Manor Apartments 778 Dorothy St., Apt. A Chula Vista, CA 91911 Mga Serbisyo sa Pagpapaunlad ng Pabahay at Komunidad (Housing and Community Development Services) Website: www.sdhcd.org Maaaring isumite ang mga nakasulat na komento bago ang pampublikong pagdinig at sa loob ng 45-araw sa panahon ng komento na magtatapos sa Marso 13, 2024, sa: County ng San Diego Mga Serbisyo sa Pagpapaunlad ng Pabahay at Komunidad (Housing and Community Development Services) Attn: Anthony Ricciardi 3989 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123 2/16/24 CNS-3776158# ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The FronT Page

US tells Marcos: Ask and we are here...

PAGE 1 emergency support.

Marcos visited Davao last week and extended P265 million worth of financial assistance to communities affected by the floods in the region.

A total of 1,389,073 individuals or 415,494 families were affected by the heavy flooding and landslide in 818 barangays in Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, Caraga and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, according to disaster officials.

Meanwhile, Marcos cited the importance of the sites under the U.S.-Philippines’ EDCA for disaster relief and response, as he encouraged the U.S. to make full use of those facilities.

For Carlson, there is so much that can be done more efficiently “through the mechanism that exists.”

“But sometimes you just need an extra push, and it is also a good demonstration of how good the alliance can deliver,” she said.

In April last year, Malacañang announced four new EDCA sites in the country: Naval Base Camilo Osias in Sta. Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Loss Carlson at the Palace on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.

Facebook / Presidential Communications Office

Airport in Lal-lo, Cagayan; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela and Balabac Island in Palawan.

Marcos had said the additional EDCA sites would not be used for offensive actions, adding that the locations were selected due to their susceptibility to natural disasters.

“These are existing bases. The only difference with what we did

here is that with the EDCA, we give an opportunity to … our only treaty partner, which is the United States, we give them a chance to be able to come and help us in any way, especially – that really started with helping with disaster relief,” he said in an interview in April last year.

Australia: Valued partner In another development, the Philippines emphasized

the importance of Australia’s contributions on defense, security, cyber cooperation and transnational crime.

“ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) continues to view Australia as a valuable partner in safeguarding peace, security and stability in the region,” said Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary and ASEANPhilippines director-general Daniel Espiritu, representing Undersecretary and ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting leader Maria Theresa Lazaro.

The Philippines led discussions on ASEANAustralia Political-Security Cooperation during the 36th ASEAN-Australia Forum held in Melbourne, Australia.

ASEAN member-states and Australia will hold the special summit to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of ASEANAustralia Dialogue Relations scheduled on March 4-6.

Australia holds the distinction of being the ASEAN’s oldest dialogue partner, having established formal relations in 1974. – Pia Lee-Brago n

Cha-cha ‘word war’ truce forged at JPE...

PAGE 1 continue to work for the benefit of this administration and our people,” he added.

The Senate president and his colleagues had actually acceded to calls for a ceasefire from some House members, but some lawmakers from both chambers continue exchanging accusations as a result of the ongoing Senate probe on the signature campaign for a people’s initiative (PI) to amend the Constitution.

This time, Zubiri said he was hoping that both chambers would keep their word to end the ruckus on Cha-cha.

“It’s not good if we always fight each other. We committed to talk to each other and hopefully next week, (we will have) a secondary meeting because we just spoke briefly,” he said.

Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr., Romualdez’s party mate in LakasChristian Muslim Democrats, said he also went out of his way to have the speaker and the Senate

CENTENARIAN. Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile (seated at the middle) celebrates his 100th birthday in Malacañang on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, with President Marcos and first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and other political dignitaries. Among the well-wishers are the President’s mother, former first lady Imelda Marcos, former President Joseph Estrada (seated, second from left) and senators led by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (seated, second from right). At the sidelines of the celebration, Zubiri and Speaker Martin Romualdez shook hands and agreed to put a stop to the bickering among lawmakers.

Photo courtesy of Sen. Miguel Zubiri/Facebook

president talk about the rift involving the lawmakers.

“I told them that we should have a ceasefire. And they both agreed,” Revilla said in a separate interview with reporters.

“This is a good start. It’s high time that we put first the interests of the people,” he said.

Senate probe continues But Zubiri said that having an improved working relationship between the senators and House members was still up to the latter.

“It is them who were holding daily press conferences (to attack the senators),” he said.

“According to most of my colleagues in the Senate, we’re willing to let bygones be bygones, and to continue to work for our people. That’s the important thing,” he added.

Zubiri also said that he would not stop Sen. Imee Marcos from investigating the alleged irregularities in gathering signatures for PI as several House members had demanded.

Claims during the Senate probe that the signature drive was being funded by money intended to help the poor is the latest source of friction among lawmakers.

Senator Marcos had earlier alleged that the P26.7-billion Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita program (Akap) intended for “near-poor” and low-income families was being redirected to the Cha-cha signature drive and that it “magically” appeared in the 2024 national budget.

On Wednesday, Senior Deputy

Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. said it was “absurd” for senators to question its inclusion in the 2024 budget when they also approved it.

‘Akap part of budget’ In a statement, Gonzales, Pampanga third district representative, said: “Akap is part of the 2024 national budget.

The Senate gave its stamp of approval on Akap when it passed the then proposed P5.768trillion outlay for this year in plenary last Nov. 28.”

“It would be absurd now for senators to be questioning the Akap and other assistance funds included in the national budget and administered by the Department of Social and Welfare Development because they approved it,” the lawmaker stressed.

The president’s sister was a member of the Senate panel in the bicameral conference committee that discussed with its counterpart in the House the disagreeing provisions of the 2024 General Appropriations Bill.

Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, chair of the House committee on appropriations, added that Senator Marcos was “tarnishing” the pure intention of Akap to help low-income Filipinos and of politicizing the program as he denied allegations that the program was being redirected to finance a Cha-cha signature drive.

No guidelines yet Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development

(DSWD) on Wednesday also doused speculations among some senators that Akap was being used to lure beneficiaries into signing the PI. According to Gatchalian, the implementing guidelines for Akap were still being drawn up, and so “not a single centavo” has been spent under the program.

“And we don’t plan on adding any requirement [for PI] in the Akap guidelines… that’s a no-no in our department,” he said in a dzBB interview on Wednesday.

At the government television program “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon,” DSWD Undersecretary Edu Punay said it was up to the members of the House and the Senate to explain the supposed mystery behind the sudden sprouting of the funds, as they had approved it during the preparation of the 2024 national budget.

“The issues surrounding the approval of the funding should be discussed by Congress because they possess the power of the purse, setting the budget for the government,” Punay said.

In a Viber message to the Inquirer, Punay admitted that the Akap program was not proposed for funding in the 2024 national budget that was approved by the House.

It was, however, covered in the 2024 General Appropriations Act, following its inclusion in the bicameral conference committee, which was ratified by both chambers of Congress. — with reports from Jeannette I. Andrade, Kathleen De Villa and Melvin Gascon n

ONE BILLION RISING. More than 3,000 students of St. Scholastica’s College in Manila make the “number one” sign as they took part in the “One Billion Rising 2024” global movement on Thursday, Feb. 15. The campaign calls for an end to all forms of violence against women.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024

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Expert commends PH efforts to expose China actions in...

Vice President Sara Duterte and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Malacañang file photo

VP Sara Duterte says...

PAGE 1 While the vice president has not specified who these allies were, there has been a noticeable rift between her and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Sara herself previously acknowledged the alleged rift between her and Romualdez, stating that even she wonders why she is being “attacked” despite being the current administration’s ally.

(Inquirer.net) n

Nikko Remigio: A proud...

PAGE 1 not really Filipino because you’re only half,” he revealed.

Looking back now, Remigio realized he was learning how to deal with adversity and to “keep pushing through tough situations, knowing how to react in times of struggle and hardship.”

It was his desire for acceptance that got him interested in sports, where “you’re cherished and loved by everybody.” “It didn’t matter what race you were,” Remigio said. “It made you feel like you were just like everybody else – not different.”

Remigio’s Filipino father was born in Seattle, Washington and raised in Southern California.

His family is from Iloilo and Muntinlupa.

His mom, who is half Black and half white, is from Pontiac, Michigan. His parents met in

Santa Ana, California, in 1988.

His parents divorced when Remigio was a young child, but they have maintained a good relationship.

“I really admire the morals they instilled in me,” he said. “They were always there if we were really struggling, but gave us the space to navigate challenges by ourselves in order to fully learn what we’re capable of, and who we are.”

Remigio is proud of his heritage and representation is more important to him than winning games or making headlines.

“One of the big things not only for me — but I know for my dad and his sisters, and my grandma and grandpa — is just people being able to pronounce our last name the right way,” said Remigio (pronounced ruh-meHEE’-oh). n

REGULATING E-TRIKES. Electronic tricycles (e-trikes) ply the streets of Tondo, Manila on Thursday, Feb. 15. Concerned national government agencies and local government units have begun discussions on how to regulate the use of e-bikes and other unregistered electronic vehicles (e-vehicles) nationwide as they pose a “grave risk” to their drivers, other motorists, and pedestrians, and slow down the flow of traffic.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

PAGE 1 Ray Powell, SeaLight director at Stanford University’s Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation, noted the Philippines’ new approach to counter Chinese gray zone activities, or those below the threshold of armed conflict.

The new information campaign is a complete departure from the practice during Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency of belatedly reporting or not at all disclosing incidents of harassment in the West Philippine Sea. At that time, too, the media were rarely invited to witness maritime operations firsthand.

“Starting in 2023, the Philippines really changed tactics and I think it took China by surprise. China was not expecting President Marcos to push back to this degree and definitely it was not expecting to see its activities exposed,” Powell said in an interview with ANC. Reputational costs “What the Philippines did was it turned on the camera and it turned on the lights and it let everybody see,” he said.

While this tactic may not be enough to deter China, Powell said the Philippines is strengthening the foundation for national resilience and building international support through this “strategy.”

It has also imposed reputational costs on Beijing “so that the world can see that China is in the wrong,” he added.

Powell believes the transparency campaign has increased the country’s leverage in negotiations.

China, he said, could have been unhappy with the campaign and might have asked the Philippine government at a recent meeting for the media releases and embedding of journalists to stop

TENSION AT SEA. This photo released by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) shows a China Coast Guard ship making what PCG officials described as “dangerous maneuvers” during a Philippine patrol in Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) off Zambales province recently.

to ease down the tensions.

The Philippine government has not embedded journalists in Philippine resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea since the diplomats from Manila and Beijing met in Shanghai last month where they agreed to manage disputes in the South China Sea. They have been releasing updates on Chinese activities, however.

“Don’t give away your leverage,” he said. “Ultimately, the issue here is that if you don’t have to harass our ships, there’s nothing to put on television. You shouldn’t worry about whether there’s a camera or reporter on the ship. As they say, ‘Don’t start none, won’t be none.’ Don’t promise we will stop releasing pictures.”

‘Information space’ Meanwhile, the National Task Force on the West Philippine Sea kicked off a regional tour in La Union province on Monday to strengthen the government’s information campaign on the maritime dispute at the grassroots level.

Similar engagements are planned in other parts of Luzon as well as the Visayas and Mindanao.

“We all have a role to play in this fight for the West Philippine Sea,” Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya said in a press briefing. “If we inform the public about the truth, they could have a better judgment and they won’t be vulnerable to fake news.”

“In this cognitive age, it’s important that we preserve the integrity of information space.

That’s what we’re here for,” he said.

For its part, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) acknowledged that it has deployed the biggest vessel in its fleet, the BRP Teresa Magbanua, to beef up the country’s sea patrol and protect Filipino fishermen against attempts to prevent them from their livelihood. “[The BRP Teresa Magbanua] left on Feb. 1 and returned on Feb. 9, with the objective of delivering grocery gift packs to about 100 Filipino fishermen, who have expressed their delight over the presence of the PCG at the Bajo de Masinloc,” PCG spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela said in government television program “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.”

He said the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are working to sustain

the provision of supplies to the country’s fisherfolk at Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) Tarriela made these assertions to dispute the China Coast Guard’s claim that it had driven out PCG vessels and Filipino fishermen at Bajo de Masinloc.

‘Dangerous maneuvers’ “The China Coast Guard (CCG) made that statement as early as Feb. 5, and with our press statement that we [released] on Sunday, Feb. 11, we are saying our vessels stayed there until Feb. 9,” he said.

The PCG on Sunday said four CCG vessels, with bow numbers 3105, 3302, 3063 and 3064, carried out “dangerous and blocking maneuvers” against BRP Teresa Magbanua four times and tried to cut its path twice.

Tarriela said the PCG regarded its mission as a success.

“According to our fishermen, they really appreciate the presence of the Philippine Coast Guard vessel because, in those instances, China’s coast guard became more concentrated on guarding against the presence of the vessels instead of harassing the Filipino fishermen,” he said.n

Harvard’s first-ever Filipino classes foster cultural...

PAGE 1 James Robson, the William Fung Director of the Asia Center, underscores that this initiative reflects Harvard’s commitment to fostering global understanding and engagement, particularly in regions of increasing economic importance and geopolitical influence.

Aligned with the varied backgrounds of its students, the courses have fostered dialogues on Filipino society, traditions and contemporary issues. Intermediate students,

for example, engage in activities such as reading news articles and sharing opinions, promoting a deeper understanding of Filipino culture and perspectives.

“It also acknowledges the contribution of the overseas Filipino workers, the migrants, and the growing Filipino diaspora in the world,” Preceptor Lady Aileen Orsal shares to the publication.

Hailing from Cavite, Orsal is among the instructors for this new language offering at Harvard. Affectionately addressed as

“ate” (older sister) by her students, she emphasizes the impact of the courses, not only on the university and its students but also in highlighting the significance of language, notably one of the most widely spoken in the U.S. In a recent study, Tagalog emerged as the second most spoken language, following English and Spanish, in numerous U.S. cities.

In Nevada, it stands as the predominant language spoken after English and Spanish.

(Hans Carbonilla/Inquirer.net) n

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Dateline USa

FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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City of San Diego ensuring storm-impacted communities can access assistance Teams going door to door to survey residents; recovery assistance now offered online

JUST MARRIED. About 48 couples pose for a photo op after saying their vows in a mass wedding ceremony organized by Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez at the Elorde Sports Complex on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo (center) and Rep. Gus Tambunting (3rd from left) acted as the wedding sponsors.

PNA photos by Avito Dalan

SAN DIEGO – Starting on Monday, February 12, the City of San Diego has transitioned its Local Assistance Center to an online resource hub, helping residents access services offered by the City, County of San Diego, State of California, federal government and nongovernmental agencies.

Services available through the City of San Diego online resource hub include: • Permits, contracting and remediation for construction • Document replacement • Utility service support • Tax, insurance and employment information • Housing, health and safety • Trash collection and bin replacement

• Ways to locate a vehicle • Legal guidance.

Residents can access this online Recovery Assistance Center at sandiego.gov/ recovery. Additional resources will be added as needs are identified.

In addition to the online services, assistance will be available to anyone in need of in-person or digital support.

In-person assistance will be available at the Mountain View/ Beckwourth Library, 721 San Pasqual Street, on Tuesdays from noon to 7 p.m., and Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donated household items are also available to residents affected by the storm, including

toiletries, cleaning supplies, baby diapers and formula at the Mountain View/Beckwourth Library.

Teams from the City of San Diego have been going door to door to survey residents in the flooded areas, including Southcrest, Shelltown, Mountain View, Mount Hope, Grant Hill, Encanto, Skyline, Webster, and Rolando. City staff have been canvassing neighborhoods daily to assess how residents were impacted by the storm and identify any needs they may have. The information collected has helped the city better determine resource allocation and ensure that residents’ needs are being addressed.

(City of San Diego Release) n

City council approves mayor’s proposal to waive fees for storm-related reconstruction P100 wage hike bill gets past...

Fee waiver will provide relief to residents and business owners repairing damaged property

SAN DIEGO – As part of Mayor Todd Gloria’s continued efforts to help residents in Southeastern and Southern San Diego rebuild following the Jan. 22 storm and extreme flooding, the San Diego City Council on Monday, February 12 approved his proposal to waive fees for building and demolition permits and designate these reconstruction permits as a high priority for review and approval.

“The city has the back of the residents who suffered major damage in the disastrous storm, and we’re bringing every resource to bear to ease their burden,” Mayor Todd Gloria said. “Lowering the costs of rebuilding is just one of the many ways residents have told us we can help them recover and rebuild their lives, and these fee waivers can save them thousands of dollars.”

An estimated 1,000 San Diego residents suffered damage to homes, businesses and personal property in the Jan. 22 storm, primarily in the communities of

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria’s proposal to waive fees for building and demolition permits and designate these reconstruction permits as high priority for review and approval was approved by the City Council.

File photo/www.sandiego.gov

Mountain View, Encanto, Mount Hope, Shelltown, Southcrest and Rolando.

The savings from the fee waiver, which will cover

reconstruction or repair of structures the same size as the one that was damaged, is projected to save residents approximately $2.41 million in total. Any residents who may have already paid building or demolition permit fees to the city will be eligible for reimbursement.

Monday’s action also established a Debris Assistance Program, which would allow for debris-management services at no cost to residents in the impacted communities.

This will help provide for the collection, handling, and proper processing, recycling and/or disposal of demolition waste generated by storm victims.

This city program, which would be coordinated through the Environmental Services Department, would provide a container or dumpster to be delivered at addresses within the impacted areas for proper handling, recycling and/or disposal of demolition waste.

(SD Mayor’s Press Office Release) n

PAGE 1 The Senate chief noted that if this measure becomes law, this could be the first time that a legislated pay hike would be implemented nationwide since the enactment in 1989 of Republic Act No. 6727, or the Wage Rationalization Act that effectively declared that salaries would be set on a regional basis by wage boards.

“I think this is the farthest this measure has ever been since a similar bill was passed many years ago,” Zubiri said.

He said he expected the measure to hurdle a third and final reading next week and appealed to members of the House of Representatives to do their part and pass their counterpart of the P100 wage hike measure.

“We feel that it’s time to help increase the minimum wage of our workers, particularly those in Visayas and Mindanao, who are currently earning P360 a day,” the Senate president said.

“How can you live with P360 a day? It’s impossible. Once this bill is passed and becomes a law, this will provide a great relief to our poor and hardworking employees,” he noted.

Zubiri also expressed his gratitude to his colleagues in the Senate for supporting the measure aimed at uplifting the living conditions of Filipino families.

“I thank our colleagues here in the Senate for their unanimous support for our proposed bill to increase the daily minimum wage of our workers…. the Senate is united for the sake of the Filipino workers. We hear the call of the nation for a decent wage. And we do not just listen, we take action,” he added.

Eroded by inflation The proposed measure was sponsored by Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chair of the committee on labor, employment and human resources development.

According to Estrada, more than 4.2 million minimum wage earners in private companies nationwide would benefit should the Senate pass the bill.

Under the proposal, all employees in the private sector, both agricultural and nonagricultural, would be entitled to a P100 minimum wage increase.

From the original proposal of P150, Estrada said his committee recommended a P100 daily pay hike as almost all regional wage boards had ordered an increase ranging from P30 to P90 last year.

Among the areas covered by the regional wage increases implemented in 2023 were Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Soccsksargen (the provinces of

South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the city of General Santos) and Central Visayas.

“While we recognize the wage hikes implemented recently by the regional wage boards, it appears that these have already been rendered useless because of the incessant increase in the prices of basic commodities,” Estrada said earlier.

“That’s why we proposed an increase in the salary of our workers to a more decent level. I believe this is timely as there is an urgent need to at least match it [with] the continuous rise in prices of goods,” he pointed out.

According to him, the prevailing minimum wage was still far from meeting the basic needs of workers’ families at an estimated P8,379 a month.

While the minimum wage in Metro Manila for the nonagricultural sector consistently recorded the highest basic pay in the country at P610 a day, the actual daily pay is eroded by inflation, the lawmaker said.

Stimulate economic activity The real value of the minimum wage—which reflects the inflation-adjusted rates using the consumer price index—has fallen to P514.50 in the capital as of July 2023 and further decreased to P504 in October 2023, and this scenario was replicated across all regions, Estrada added.

“After consideration of the existing socioeconomic conditions and positions of various sectors, it is incumbent upon us to propose a daily pay hike to help alleviate the burden of Filipinos in the face of soaring prices of basic commodities and rising cost of living. We cannot turn a blind eye on the injustice to and the economic conditions of our workers, who are considered the lifeblood of the economy,” he said.

This statutory increase, if passed into law, would also result in increased purchasing power and would stimulate economic activity, thereby contributing to national growth, Estrada said.

According to him, the wage hike bill would also help reduce poverty incidence rate in the coming years.

He added that under the Philippine Development Plan, the government was targeting to reduce the poverty incidence rate to 13.2 percent by 2025, and to 9 percent by 2028.

SB 2534 was prepared by the committee on labor, employment and human resources development and sponsored by the panel’s chair, Senator Estrada, and cosponsored by Zubiri and Senators Loren Legarda, Nancy Binay and Bong Go. n

What were last year’s biggest scams...

PAGE 1 imposters “pretending to be a trusted entity like a business, a government agency, a family member or a romantic interest”; number two was online shopping and negative reviews; three was prizes and lotteries; four was investments; and five was business and job opportunities.

The most commonly reported form of imposter scams were business imposters, with $752 million in losses last year.

Per one example, Mayo said, “A consumer gets what appears to be a banking alert about fraudulent activity with their account and is given a number to call. The call is transferred to a fake U.S. Marshal who tells the consumer their money is in danger because of a money laundering scheme. The consumer withdraws funds from their personal accounts and transfers them to a crypto wallet that the Marshal set up.”

Government imposter fraud was the second-most reported type of imposter scam — in fact, losses to FTC imposters skyrocketed from a median loss of $3,000 in 2019 to $7,000 in 2023.

While investment-related fraud was number four overall, it was the category where people reported the most losses: a total of $4.6 billion with a median loss of over $7,000 for these scams, which involve transferring money to people promising to teach them how to trade stocks.

For the first time ever, “email was the most reported contact method of scammers in 2023, Mayo said. “In 2022, text was number one, but before that phone calls were always number one.”

Nevertheless, people contacted by phone reported the highest median losses of

$1,480, while those contacted through social media lost the most money overall, $1.4 billion.

Regarding common methods of payment, people who paid scammers by bank transfer reported losing $1.9 billion, while those who paid by cryptocurrency lost $1.4 billion.

AI scams The FTC is increasingly worried about scammers using artificial intelligence to “turbo-charge fraud” through impersonation, said Lois Greisman, Associate Director of the FTC Division of Marketing Practices.

For instance, the scammer would get a voice clip of the victim’s aunt from social media and clone it to call the victim, saying that the aunt has “been in a terrible car accident, they’re in the hospital, there’s no insurance information, so they need you to wire thousands of dollars for life-saving surgery,” she explained.

Nor is AI limited to voice cloning scams, Greisman added, “but also seeping into scammers’ messages: “‘My crypto investment method works because I’ve trained the AI to beat the stock market’ — with all the hype around AI these days, that’s a very compelling claim to make.”

How, then, do you spot a scammer?

“One of the best ways is by what payment instrument they ask you to use,” said Greisman.

“If they’re insisting on payment by wire transfer, gift card, payment apps or crypto, that’s a huge bright red flag … because it gives scammers the greatest measure of anonymity, and the likelihood of law enforcement being able to trace and return the money is extremely difficult.”

Why consumer reporting

matters Reporting scams like these to the FTC matters because the data helps nearly 3,000 state, federal, local law enforcement entities nationwide stop fraud, and because it helps prevention outreach, Greisman continued.

“When we see, for example, spikes in gift card scams, we reach out to the industry to see what they can be doing to curb abuse of cards,” she added.

“When we see text messaging becoming a frequent point of contact, we reach out to the telecommunications industry.”

People can now report frauds and bad business practices in their preferred language — and anonymously if they wish — by phone at 877-382-4357, or online in English or Spanish by going to reportfraud.ftc.gov or by emailing fraud@ftc.gov.

Identity theft can be reported in one’s preferred language at 877-438-4338, or in English or Spanish at identitytheft.gov.

“To help people spot and avoid scams and identity theft and talk about what they experience, we offer information at ftc.gov/languages” in languages including Amharic, Arabic, simplified and traditional Chinese, French, Mam, Korean, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Ukrainian and Vietnamese, added Larissa Bungo, Senior Attorney at the FTC Division of Consumer & Business Education.

“While scammers are really good at what they do, knowledge is power, and the best thing we can do is try to share what we know about spotting scams,” she said. “When people report fraud, they can share as much or little as they want to. We’re interested in knowing what happened. We want to know the story.” (Selen Ozturk/Ethnic Media Services) n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024

Dateline P64% hiliPPines of Pinoys think PH

5

headed in right direction

Religious and various group’s launch ed Wednesday, February 14 at Knight’s of Columbus, a coalition against a renewed push for Charter Change(Cha-Cha) which they said will not solve the country’s contrary to its proponents.

ManilaTimes.net photo by Rene Dilan

Coalition vs Charter change launched

by Franco Jose c. Baroña ManilaTimes.net

A NUMBER of religious and civic organizations on Wednesday, February 14 formed a coalition against attempts to amend the 1987 Constitution.

The Koalisyon Laban sa Chacha (Coalition against Charter change) said revising the Constitution will not solve the country’s problems, as claimed by its proponents.

Among its founding members were Sen. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros, Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, Bishop Jonel Milan of the K4Philippines Intercessors Movement, Caritas Manila Executive Secretary Fr. Antonio Labiao, Ging QuintosDeles of the Buhay ang EDSA Campaign Network, Minnie Anne Mata-Calub of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP), Josua Mata of Nagkaisa Labor Coalition, and members of Akbayan youth.

“Our Constitution is robust but not fully implemented and completed with the necessary implementing laws,” the coalition said in a statement.

“The leaders we entrusted with power do not fully implement the Constitution and provide necessary implementing laws because of a selfish agenda,” it added.

The coalition refuted claims of pro-Cha-cha lawmakers that the Constitution and its economic provisions are to be blamed for chronic poverty.

It said there is no reason to change the Constitution if President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself is “in denial of the

corruption and human rights abuses of his father’s dictatorial regime.”

Instead of revising the Charter, the coalition said the government should eradicate corruption, protect the environment, break political dynasties and ensure electoral integrity.

“We view attempts to alter the Constitution, especially with questionable motives and limited public participation, as threatening our nation’s well-being,” said Bagaforo, chairman of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission on Social Action, Justice and Peace.

Bagaforo is also the head of Caritas Philippines.

The Kidapawan prelate said the 1987 Constitution “is not a political plaything” but was crafted “after a dark period to serve the Filipino people, upholding human dignity, human rights, and the common good.

“We echo the CBCP’s stance: Any revision must adhere to these moral principles,” Bagaforo said.

Hontiveros hailed the “true unity” of religious and civic groups against Cha-cha.

“This is true unity: The unity of the people who will fight for the good of the many, not just for the interests of the few,” she said.

The senator urged people to join the coalition and other groups against Cha-cha.

“We are tired of crying because of broken hearts and broken promises. So let’s wipe our tears and wholeheartedly bear the cross of the fight against Cha-cha so that our town can

become a truly friendly town,” Hontiveros said.

The NCCP, an ecumenical fellowship of non-Roman Catholic denominations in the country, has expressed its opposition to Cha-cha.

“It will open up the economy to further foreign exploitation and foreign military bases. The former will further mire the people in poverty while the latter will compromise Philippine sovereignty,” NCCP’s vice chairman for women Jennifer Ferariza-Meneses said.

Akbayan Youth Chairman Justine Balane said student councils were rising against Chacha, which he said would “shortchange” the youth.

“In the face of our nation’s pressing problems, present Charter Change initiatives are divisive, wasteful, and unnecessary. We urge our politicians to put solving our people’s hunger, poverty, and poor education first,” said Deles.

“A just and equitable society for all Filipinos cannot be achieved through self-serving Charter changes, but through a genuine commitment to the people’s welfare. We urge the government to fulfill its duty and prioritize the needs of its citizens,” Labiao added.

Mata said that what Filipinos need are living wages, jobs and rights.

“If your heart isn’t here, you’re probably only after power and wealth. We urge our legislators to prioritize policies that would address the chronic poverty amidst the widening gap of income inequality in the country,” Mata said. n

MANILA – A significant majority of Filipinos believe the country is headed in the right direction under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., according to the latest survey results released by OCTA Research on Wednesday, February 14.

Based on the Tugon ng Masa survey conducted from Dec. 10 to 14, 64 percent of Filipino adults said the Philippines is headed in the right direction based on the policies and programs articulated and implemented by the current administration, while 21 percent believed otherwise.

“The percentage of adult Filipinos who think that the country is headed in the right direction increased from 62 percent last October 2023 to 64 percent in December 2023,” OCTA said.

OCTA said the two-percentage point increase in Filipinos who believe the country is on the right

track is the “first time a rise in the positive outlook” on the country’s trajectory has been observed since October 2022.

In the major areas, the highest percentage of Filipinos who believe the Chief Executive is steering the country well is in Metro Manila at 81 percentage, while the lowest percentage is in Balance Luzon at 57 percent.

In terms of socioeconomic classes, the pollster said Class ABC registered the highest agreement that the country is headed in the right direction at 76 percent.

On the other hand, 38 percent of those under Class E had pessimism regarding the Philippines’ direction.

OCTA’s survey had 1,200 respondents and a ±3 percent margin of error at a 95 percent confidence level. (PNA) n

PH to repatriate 14 in Gaza; remaining Filipino nun ‘unreachable’

MANILA – The Philippine government is racing to repatriate 14 out of the 15 Filipinos still in Gaza amid reports of Israel’s planned military operation in Rafah.

Philippine Ambassador to Jordan Wilfredo Santos said on Thursday, February 15 the Philippine embassies in Jordan, Egypt, and Israel are closely coordinating to extract them as soon as possible.

“I cannot give an exact date for their evacuation as the situation

is very fluid. But it should be soon,” he said in a text message.

Santos said these Filipinos would still need to cross the border safely to Egypt.

The only possible point of exit from the besieged enclave is through the Rafah border crossing situated between Gaza and Egypt.

“In previous evacuations, some were not able to exit Gaza for Egypt as the roads were blocked and it was unsafe for them to do so and they were left

behind or had to join subsequent evacuations,” Santos said.

“The important thing is that so far, we have not received any information on casualties among Filipinos in Gaza.”

DFA Undersecretary Eduardo Jose de Vega, in a separate text message, said the 14 are currently in Rafah and had long indicated that they wanted to cross but “were undecided as to whether they really wanted to stay.”

u PAGE 7

FDA chief open to medical marijuana as doctors warn of harm

by Gaea Katreena caBico Philstar.com

MANILA — The chief of the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Tuesday, February 13 that he is “very open” to the medical use of cannabis or marijuana, but doctors warned that the legalization of the substance could expose Filipinos to “unnecessary harm.”

Last week, a joint panel of the House of Representatives approved a consolidated bill that seeks to make legal the medical use of marijuana, but without removing it from the country’s list of dangerous drugs.

In a briefing Tuesday, FDA Director General

Samuel Zacate expressed openness to the use of marijuana for medical purposes.

“Filipinos must have a wide range of therapeutic indications or drugs of choice. So ako for the record [...] is very much open for marijuana as long as it has been streamlined and does not pose harm to the public,” Zacate said.

Although open to considering medical marijuana, Zacate said the issue is still “subject to the wisdom of the legislative [branch].”

Under current regulations, the FDA has the authority to grant hospitals compassionate special permits for using unregistered medical products, including processed medical cannabis.

u PAGE 7

6

FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Secessionist aspirations

Features

AFTER initially ignoring the call for Mindanao secession aired by his predecessor, President Marcos said it was “anchored on a false premise” and is a “sheer constitutional travesty.” Any Mindanao secession is “doomed to fail,” the president said, as he reiterated that the national territory “will not be diminished, even by one square inch.”

He subsequently emphasized that a stronger Mindanao will mean a stronger Philippines. And a critical component of a stronger Mindanao, he said, is making the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao stronger. The BARMM sprung from secessionist aspirations of the group now in control of its government, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, whose leaders have rejected the call of former President Rodrigo Duterte for Mindanao secession.

With the BARMM administration getting billions in funding from the national government, to do largely as it pleases under the autonomous arrangement, it would be counterproductive for the region to support any secessionist aspiration, especially one that springs from political warfare rather than from a genuine dream of carving out an independent state.

The MILF has been down the secessionist path for decades, along with the original separatist group, the Moro National Liberation Front. The MNLF forged a peace pact with the

government and its leaders were given autonomous control over the original ARMM. As MNLF chieftain Nur Misuari famously lamented, however, rebellion was easier than governance. He became enmeshed in corruption, and when his hold on power was threatened, he staged a mini rebellion that exacerbated the problems in Mindanao. The ARMM bred warlords led by the Ampatuans, who had the impunity to massacre 58 people in a single assault when their stranglehold on power was challenged.

Today the BARMM remains the poorest region in the country, with poverty incidence at 37.2 percent as of 2022. With the poverty are its concomitant elements: inadequate health care, malnutrition and undernutrition as well as undereducation. Armed violence remains high, keeping away tourists and investors who can be drivers of economic growth.

Transparency, accountability and good governance are critical in creating a stronger BARMM. But studies have shown a low capacity

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

for effective governance among those in charge of the region. The regional leadership is given an overly wide discretion, with little accountability, in the utilization of public funds, including those billions provided by the national government.

Poverty, underdevelopment and social injustice

fuel desperation and drive people to take up arms. If the BARMM goes the way of the ARMM, secession can be revived in the region. Preventing this from happening is the best way to ensure that aspirations for secession will be eliminated in Mindanao. (Philstar.com)

The world is watching: US election developments

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez IN the coming months, close to 60 countries will be having elections, but none as consequential as the elections in the United States. Additionally, the world is going through a lot of challenges that continue to make it difficult for many countries to recover from the pandemic, among them climate change, the war in Ukraine, the escalating conflicts in the Middle East and tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

The ongoing NATO drill dubbed as “Steadfast Defender 2024” – said to be the biggest NATO military exercises since the end of the Cold War – participated in by 31 NATO allies and Sweden involving 90,000 troops and personnel, over 1,100 combat vehicles as well as 50-plus warships and over 81 air platforms, is raising concerns about the war in Ukraine spreading across Europe.

According to Supreme Allied

Commander Europe (SACEUR) General Christopher Cavoli, Steadfast Defender 2024 will demonstrate the ability of the Alliance “to reinforce the EuroAtlantic area via trans-Atlantic movement of forces from North America.”

The exercises will test new defense plans and see how quickly U.S. forces could be deployed to reinforce their European allies in countries bordering Russia and the eastern flank of the alliance.

The drills, which will continue until May, “will be a clear demonstration of our unity, our strength and our determination to protect each other, to protect our values and the rules-based international order,” General Cavoli said.

The Oct. 7 attack of the terrorist group Hamas against Israel and the consequent war in Gaza has also stoked fears that a full-scale war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah could spill over to the Middle East.

Many say that we are living in an increasingly “VUCA” world marked by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and

ambiguity – with 2024 set to be a historic, record-breaking year because over 50 countries will be holding national elections that could affect the lives of over two billion voters across Europe, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

Experts say that among the consequential poll exercises are the ones in the UK, India, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Russia (although some critics claim this would be a mere “rubber stamp” activity) as well as the Taiwan elections held last January because of their potential global impact.

But the elections that people are closely watching would be the November 2024 presidential elections in the United States because the outcome would be of great consequence to the foreign policy of the U.S., which in turn could impact the situation in Europe, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific region.

Obviously, the big question right now in the minds of leaders and many people across the globe is – who is going to be the next president of the United States: will it still be Joe Biden, or will the world see a Trump 2.0?

To say that developments

Over his dead body

The Broader View HaRRy Roque SO said the still-popular Rodrigo Duterte, who has unflinchingly faced and cheated death many times over. In our recent phone conversation, the former president divulged that the International Criminal Court will issue a warrant for his arrest anytime soon. As he has consistently vowed, Tatay Digong would only face charges related to the war on drugs campaign filed before the Philippine courts. He would seek death rather than have the foreign tribunal, with the complicity of local law enforcers, drag him to The Hague court.

First, it would constitute an illegal arrest. The ICC lost its jurisdiction over the drug war because the Philippines is no longer a State Party to the Rome Statute. The Court Prosecutor failed to trigger the Court’s jurisdiction before our withdrawal became effective on March 17, 2019. As contended by two Appellate Chamber judges, the Prosecutor can no longer open a preliminary investigation once the State’s withdrawal officially took effect.

Second, the octogenarian has lived – and continues to live – a full life. He has nothing to fear or lose at this point.

When I asked for his intel source, FPRRD refused to reveal it on the phone.

Obviously, some groups are monitoring his activities. I do not doubt the veracity of the information since the former chief executive still has access to various intelligence reports.

It also coincides with the story peddled by an anti-Duterte politician and a supposed complainant in the war on drugs case that the ICC would request the Philippine government for Digong’s arrest soon.

The Rome Statute states that once the Pre-Trial Chamber (PTC) determines probable cause, it can issue a warrant or summons for an accused to ensure the person’s appearance in the trial; the person does not obstruct the investigation or court proceedings; and prevent the person from continuing the commission of the crime (Article 58, Section 1).

I am grateful that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has stated they would not serve an arrest warrant to FPRRD according to the wishes of the ICC. This complies with the verbal directive of

President Bongbong Marcos, Jr. to all Executive agencies to desist from cooperating with the ICC. On the other hand, I am disappointed that Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra thinks there is no need for a memorandum circular visà-vis the issue. With due respect to my fellow cabinet member under the Duterte administration, I believe that a verbal order carries less legal force. It can easily be superseded by another public pronouncement. I recall that in November, the chief executive suddenly backtracked from his original position of nonengagement with the ICC since assuming office in 2022.

Thankfully, PBBM clarified last month that the government will not lift a finger to help the Court investigation.

Under the best evidence rule, when the subject of inquiry is the contents of a document, no evidence shall be admissible other than the original written document itself. Under any circumstance, a presidential issuance would compel government agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Bureau of Investigation, to disengage from an ICC-related proceeding.

are heating up in the U.S. political scene would be an understatement, especially after the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments regarding the decision of the Colorado Supreme Court to disqualify former president Donald Trump from the state’s Republican primaries and remove his name from the primary ballot.

During the hearing that lasted for more than two hours, the justices – who come from both sides of the political spectrum – seemed doubtful of the legal authority of a state to disqualify candidates in a federal election by deciding who gets to appear on the ballot because of the possibility that this could lead to partisan decisions.

“I would expect that a goodly number of states will say, ‘Whoever the Democratic candidate is, you’re off the ballot’ and others, for the Republican candidate, ‘You’re off the ballot.’ And it’ll come down to just a handful of states that are going to decide the presidential election,” Chief Justice John Roberts put it, describing it to be a “pretty daunting consequence.”

Justice Elena Kagan was even more blunt in her remarks: “Why should a single state get to decide who gets to be president of the United States?”

The justices also noted that “insurrection” is a broad term, and that the language in Section 3 of the 14th amendment which bars any “officer of the United States” who has taken an oath to support the Constitution but “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from holding public office, is “vague” as it did not specify the president or vice president in the long list of elected position that the section applies to.

The justices also indicated the opinion that Section 3 cannot be applied unless Congress enacts legislation first that would allow it.

Aside from Colorado, one other state that has disqualified the former president from the presidential primary ballot is Maine, with 15 more cases having been filed in various states that include New York, Texas and Virginia.

But regardless of who becomes president, we are pleased to have friends from both sides of

the aisle, continually working with them, making sure that the relationship that we have been able to sustain over the years remains strong not only in terms of security cooperation but particularly in the economic aspect.

In fact, we can expect more business activity with the United States in the coming months, such as the reinvigorated U.S.Philippines Society with a lot of new members composed of top American companies arriving next week. Next month, we will be expecting a large U.S. Presidential Trade Mission headed by Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

Without a doubt, I am extremely confident that our relationship with the United States will continue to thrive even beyond the November U.S. presidential elections. (Philstar. com) ***

Investigation & arrest In terms of a preliminary investigation, the ICC process differs from our local courts. In the Philippines, the investigation is considered a statutory right.

Under the Revised Rules on Criminal Procedure, the accused has the right to participate in the probe and to examine the evidence submitted by the plaintiff. If the evidence is voluminous, the complainant must specify the evidence that will be used against the respondent. Upon receipt of the subpoena, the accused should file a counter-affidavit and that of his or her witnesses and other supporting documents within ten days.

In contrast, the ICC follows the European inquisitorial justice system, which prioritizes the expeditious resolution of a criminal case. The international Prosecutors can directly gather and collect evidence to buttress their case against suspected individuals who may have committed an atrocity crime within the Court’s jurisdiction.

They have the sole right to examine evidence and keep documents or information confidential. They have the prerogative to request the presence of persons under investigation, victims, and witnesses. Should they decide that the evidence at hand is sufficient, they may even forego

directly questioning a person under investigation. They are also not obligated to notify individuals who will be charged before the Pre-Trial Chamber.

Nonetheless, the Prosecutors are mandated to impartially and equally assess both incriminating and exonerating evidence when determining the criminal responsibility of an individual.

Persons under investigation, meanwhile, are not entitled to file a counter-affidavit. They are not allowed to access the evidence presented by accusers. However, the Statute protects their right against selfincrimination and the right to legal representation (Article 55).

They cannot be subjected to any form of duress like torture, or questioned in a language that they cannot fully understand and speak. While being investigated, they cannot be arbitrarily arrested or detained except on grounds established in the Statute. Prosecutors or national authorities requested by the Court shall extend the same rights to persons believed to have committed a crime within the jurisdiction of the Court.

Once the Pre-Trial Chamber decides favorably on the application and evidence submitted by the Prosecutor, it will issue an arrest warrant for the accused. Since the ICC does not have a police force,

they must entirely rely on the law enforcement agencies of a State Party. Article 59 stipulates that upon receipt of a request for provisional arrest or arrest and surrender, a member country must immediately apprehend the person according to its laws and the provisions of Part 9 (of the Statute).

If we apply it to the Philippine situation, the ICC request will go through the foreign affairs and justice departments. The latter agency will then cascade the arrest order to the PNP or NBI. They may even seek the help of the AFP. Can the ICC immediately and forcibly bring FPRRD to The Hague? The answer is no. The former president has the right to apply to the competent authority in the custodial State for interim release pending surrender (Article 59). The competent authority shall consider whether there are urgent and exceptional circumstances to justify interim release and whether necessary safeguards exist to ensure that the custodial State can fulfill its duty to surrender the person to the Court. Tatay Digong can also petition the Supreme Court for a writ of habeas corpus. (Philstar. com) ***

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

*** babeseyeview@gmail.com

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

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.

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. Publisher

ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Chief Executive Office

Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

San Diego Office: 550 East 8th St., Suite 6, National City, CA 91950 Tel (619) 474-0588

With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego, Philippines

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President

MOMAR G. VISAYA Editor-in-Chief San Diego Asian Journal

Asian Journal Publitions, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute discretion, any advertising and advertorial material submitted for publition by client. (“Client’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applible law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publition of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publition.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, uses of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publition of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being ncellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republition of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publitions, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

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

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024

7

Senate approves ‘Eddie Garcia’ bill

by Javier Joe ismael ManilaTimes.net

RIGHT AND PRIVILEGE. Voters’ registration for the 2025 national and local elections resumes at the Commission on Elections main office in Intramuros, Manila on Monday, Feb. 12. The registration period will run until Sept. 30.

PNA photo by Yancy Lim

PH to repatriate 14 in Gaza...

PAGE 5 The embassy, he said, is advising them every day to take safety measures “in light of possible attack.”

Meanwhile, Santos reported that the Filipino nun who decided to stay in Gaza amid the ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict has been unreachable since December 2023.

“We are still trying to get in touch with the Filipino nun in Gaza City. But no one is answering the landline in

her church,” he said. “We will continue to reach out to her. She is the 15th Filipino remaining in Gaza.”

Santos said the church she was staying in was reportedly hit by “sniper fire” but the embassy lost contact with it due to a breakdown in communications.

“We lost contact with her around late November and early December when Israel increased its attacks on Gaza City,” he said.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier ordered the Israeli forces to prepare for the evacuation of civilians in Rafah ahead of an expected military operation in the southern Gaza city.

Australia, Canada, and New Zealand were among the latest to warn Israel not to push through with it, saying it would be “catastrophic” as Rafah serves as a refuge to about 1.5 million Palestinians and other foreign nationals. (PNA) n

FDA chief open to medical marijuana...

PAGE 5 According to the United States National Institute on Drug Abuse, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in marijuana “has proven medical benefits in particular formulations.”

These medications are prescribed to patients undergoing chemotherapy, suffering from wasting syndrome due to AIDS, or experiencing neuropathic pain associated with multiple sclerosis.

‘Harmful’ In a separate briefing, medical groups led by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) opposed the proposed measures to legalize cannabis for any use other than those with medical value approved by the FDA. “Although there is variability in the experience on the harms of legalizing cannabis in various states or countries, there is a clear trend towards the harmful effects that outweigh the purported benefits,” the PMA said in a statement read by neurologist Dr. Leonor Cabral-Lim. For the medical association, the proposed House measure is a “de facto bill for recreational marijuana.”

“Cannabis used as a recreational drug, and used as medicine for unproven medical indications is a dangerous drug,” it added.

PMA experts warned of potential negative impacts on brain development due to prenatal cannabis exposure. They also pointed out the increased vulnerability of young people to

developing dependency on the substance.

“The legalization of cannabis is a step that could irreparably harm the social fabric of our nation by enabling easier access to marijuana for Filipino youth,” the PMA said.

‘Medical cannabis office’ Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, who chairs the House’s dangerous drugs committee, said that the proposed legislation would not legalize marijuana as it will remain classified as a prohibited drug under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

The bill also seeks to create a Medical Cannabis Office under the Department of Health, which will grant accreditation to doctors and other licenses for the medical use of cannabis.

Public health reform advocate Tony Leachon questioned adding the responsibility to the DOH. “The Department of Health is so overloaded with work. Why would you bring that to the DOH?” he said.

During his confirmation hearing as the DOH chief, Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said he was in favor of the legalization of medical marijuana.

When asked about Herbosa’s stance on medical cannabis in September 2023, Leachon responded partly in Filipino: “If he approves medical cannabis, we don’t know who else to turn to.”

Thailand is set to urgently move a bill to ban the recreational use of cannabis after the kingdom decriminalized the substance in 2022. n SD#0303

Advertisement for Bids Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: PORTABLE RESTROOM INSTALLATION AT HAGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2024, outside the main office of Hage Elementary School, 9750 Galvin Avenue, San Diego, CA 92126. All attendees must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s online Planroom at sandiegousdplans. com. All bids must be received electronically via PlanetBids before 1:00 p.m. on MARCH 7, 2024. Prime contractors interested in submitting a bid must go to tinyurl. com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC24-0189-52-00-00 Portable Restroom Installation at Hage Elementary School.

For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $350,000 and $385,000. This is not a PSA project and does not 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, George A. Harris III, Director, Fiscal Controls and Information Systems, Facilities Planning and Construction CC24-0189-52-00-00

THE Senate approved on second reading Senate Bill (SB) 2505 or the proposed Eddie Garcia law on Monday, February 12.

Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, chairman of the Senate Committee on Labor, said that the bill aims to protect movie and television workers from abuse, extended working hours, harassment, hazardous working conditions and economic exploitation.

The measure was named after veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who died in 2019 after suffering a neck injury while shooting for a television series.

Under SB 2505, the industry worker shall be protected by their employers or principal in the workplace. Workers will be provided just wages, social security and welfare benefits, and insurance.

The worker and the employer or principal shall execute an agreement or an employment contract in a language or dialect understood by both parties.

The contract shall include the job position and status; job description; period of employment or service; details of compensation and other workers’ benefits including rate, method, and schedule of payment; authorized deductions, if any; hours of work and proportionate additional payment or overtime pay; board, lodging, and medical attention and workers’

The measure was named after veteran actor Eddie Garcia, who died in 2019 after suffering a neck injury while shooting for a television series.

File photo

grievance mechanism among others.

The normal work hours shall be eight hours a day, which can be extended to a maximum of 14 hours, exclusive of meal periods.

In no case shall the total number of work hours be more than 60 hours in a week except for those aged 60 and above who shall be allowed, under exceptional circumstances as defined by the Tripartite Council, to work beyond eight hours but in no case exceeding

14 hours.

The bill also provides that the minimum wage rates of workers or independent contractors shall not be less than the applicable minimum wage in the region.

The employee shall also be entitled to social security and other benefits.

Work for minors shall be governed by Republic Act 9231, or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. n

Bill protecting OFW remittances hurdles House panel MANILA – The bill protecting the remittances of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) hurdled committee level at the House of Representatives.

During the hearing on Tuesday, February 13 the House Ways and Means Committee approved the substitute bill to House Bills 185, 1190, 2944, 3020, 4170, 4257, 4343, 4397 & 4469, or the proposed OFWs Remittance Protection Act. The bill provides for a 50 percent discount on OFW remittance fees imposed by banks and nonbank financial intermediaries.

In return, banks and other financial intermediaries will receive tax deductions equivalent to the discounts provided to OFWs. Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo said the original proposal included a provision limiting

the total annual tax deduction for these financial intermediaries to PHP24,000 per OFW. Salo noted that the House panel approved a motion to remove the proposed cap to further encourage OFWs to send their remittances.

“It is imperative that we lessen the cost incurred

by OFWs in their remittances, which account to a staggering USD36.1 billion or 8.9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product,” Salo said.

The proposed law would also prevent these financial institutions from increasing remittance fees without prior consultation with the Department of Finance, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

Salo said this provision shields OFWs from unexpected fee increases. (PNA) n

8

FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

LEGAL SERVICES CASE NUMBER: 37-2024-00004036-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner Dion Amaru Cook filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Dion Amaru Cook to Dion Amaru Araya.

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: 03/14/2024 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 30, 2024 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Maureen F. Hallahan Judge of the Superior Court AJ 1341 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024 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.

To change a name on a legal document, including a birth certificate, social security card, drivers license, passport, and other identification, a certificate copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC-230) may be required. Contact the agency(ies) who issues the legal document that need to be changed to determine if a certificate copy is required.

A certified copy of Decree Changing Name (JC Form #NC-130) or Decree Changing Name and Order Recognizing Change of Gender and for Issuance of New Birth Certificate (JC Form #NC230) may be obtained form the Civil Business Office for a fee. Petitioners who are seeking a change of name under the Safe at Home program may contact the assigned department for information on obtaining certified copies.

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 1341

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002679

Modestly Her located at 4611 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Khadija Qumane, 4611 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 09/30/2023.

Signature: Khadija Qumane.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/05/2024.

AJ 1344 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024.

AJSD 1344

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9003039

Amazing Nails located at 9918 Campo Rd, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Trung Nguyen, 5439 Timothy Dr, San Diego, CA 92105.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/01/2024.

Signature: Trung Nguyen.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/08/2024.

AJ 1351 02/16, 02/23, 03/01, and 03/08/2024.

AJSD 1351

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF Kenneth D. Hudson CASE NO: 37-2024-00005044-PR-PW-CTL

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

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

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

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 03/27/2024 Time: 1:30 P.M. Dept.: 502 Address of court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 Branch Name: Central, Probate If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing.

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

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

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

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

ESTATE of: KENNETH D. HUDSoN STEvEN R. BURlINgHAM 88544 gARY, TIll, BURlINgAHAM, & lYNCH 1380 lEAD HIll BlvD., SUITE 200 RoSEvIllE, CA 95661 PUBlICATIoN DATES: 02/16, 02/23, AND 03/01/2024 AJ 1350 AJSD 1350

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002117

Baddie Tooth Gems located at 2667 Camino Del Rio South, San Diego, CA 92108.

Registrant: Mina Adelaida Mendoza, 1160 Hollister St. Apt 6, San Diego, CA 92154.

This business is conducted

by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2023.

Signature: Mina Mendoza.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/29/2024.

AJ 1345 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024.

AJSD 1345

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002921

JOMARU SB located at 2220 E Plaza Blvd #D, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: ERIJASA INC, 1485 Bradley Place, Chula VIsta, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/25/2006.

Signature: Jason Kim. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/08/2024.

AJ 1352 02/16, 02/23, 03/01, and 03/08/2024. AJSD 1352

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

LEGAL SERVICES

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001297

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001051

Lorenas Massage located at 8312 Lake Murray Blvd, Suite K, San Diego, CA 92119.

Registrant: Lorena Alvarez, 8312 Lake Murray Blvd, Suite K, San Diego, CA 92119.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/30/2006.

Signature: Lorena Alvarez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/18/2024.

AJ 1331 01/26, 02/02, 02/09, and 02/16/2024.

AJSD 1331

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001913

New Bay Terrace Board & Care located at 6191 Parkside Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.

Registrant: Honesto Aguinaldo, 6191 Parkside Ave, San Diego, CA 92139.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/24/2012.

Signature: Honesto Aguinaldo.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/25/2024.

AJ 1335 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

AJSD 1335

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000459

Bamboo Spa & Massage at 5276 Baltimore Dr, La Mesa, CA 91942.

Registrant: Wangcassidy INC, 18289 Bunny Dr, Jamul, CA 91935.

This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Xue Wang.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2024.

AJ 1339 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

AJSD 1339

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002905

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001576

RB Blessful Care Assistance located at 10041 Zapata Ave, San Diego, CA 92126.

Registrant: Johanna Villanueva Punsalan, 10041 Zapata Ave, San Diego, CA 92126.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/22/2024.

Signature: Johanna Villanueva Punsalan.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/22/2024.

AJ 1332 01/26, 02/02, 02/09, and 02/16/2024.

Fincarp Builders located at 1975 Bucknell St, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: Alejandro B. Mendez, 1975 Bucknell St, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/16/2024.

Signature: Alejandro B. Mendez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/16/2024.

AJ 1333 01/26, 02/02, 02/09, and 02/16/2024.

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001659

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001660

AJSD 1332

VIP Massage located at 9923 Campo Rd. Ste A, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

THE FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME REFERRED TO ABOVE WAS FILED IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY ON: 08/18/2021, and assigned File no. 2021-9018238 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IS BEING ABANDONED BY: Dirk Langer, 9923 Campo Rd. Ste A, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This Business is Conducted by: An Individual Signature: Dirk Langer.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/23/2024.

AJ 1336 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

AJSD 1336

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002319

AJSD 1333

VIP Massage located at 9923 Campo Rd. Ste A, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Danny To, 9923 Campo Rd. Ste A, Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/23/2024.

Signature: Danny To. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/23/2024.

AJ 1337 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

AJSD 1337

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9000445

Seafood Bros located at 105 W 35th St #L, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Frescos LLC, 2305 Historic Decatur Rd #100, San Diego, CA 92106.

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 0408/2022.

Signature: Eduardo Casillas.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/08/2024.

AJ 1334 01/26, 02/02, 02/09, and 02/16/2024. AJSD 1334

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002121

Global Visioneers at 406 Milagrosa Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Sanja Yizhen Jing, 406 Milagrosa Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/29/2024.

Signature: Sanja Yizhen Jing.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/29/2024.

AJ 1338 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

AJSD 1338

My Way Trucking at 42502 Royal Saint James Dr, El Cajon, CA 92019.

Registrant: Sameer S. Rizko, 42502 Royal Saint James Dr, El Cajon, CA 92019.

This business is conducted

by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 10/01/2017.

Signature: Sameer S. Rizko.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/31/2024.

AJ 1340 02/02, 02/09, 02/16, and 02/23/2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9001821

E3J Construction And Electric located at 1543 Max Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: E3J Group INC, 1454 Melrose Ave Ste 1-252, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted by A Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Joy Pizarro Estrelon.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/24/2024.

AJ 1342 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024. AJSD 1342

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002673

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9002352

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9003080

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2024-9003054

AJSD 1340

Thanh Tinh Chay Restaurant located at 4591 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: Helen Green Inc, 4591 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115.

This business is conducted

by An Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/06/2024.

Signature: Thanh Nong.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/29/2024.

AJ 1346 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024

Tiny Homes For Me located at 5021 Capehart St, San Diego, CA 92117.

Registrant: JETGO LLC, 5021 Capehart St, San Diego, CA 92117.

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2024.

Signature: Jetarut Bunditwong.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/31/2024.

AJ 1347 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024.

SAGO located at 485 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024.

Registrant: O’Frank, LLC, 485 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024.

This business is conducted by A Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 11/22/2023.

Signature: Dale Polselli.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/08/2024.

AJ 1348 02/16, 02/23, 03/01, and 03/08/2024.

AJSD 1346

AJSD 1347

AJSD 1348

Dent Fix located at 4252 40th Streets, San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Ismael Venegas Paco, 1451 S 45th Apt 203, San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted by An Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/05/2016.

Signature: Ismael Venegas Paco.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/05/2024.

AJ 1343 02/09, 02/16, 02/23, and 03/01/2024. AJSD 1343

B&A Cleaning And Painting located at 3729 Florence St, San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: a. Berenice Garibay, 3729 Florence St, San Diego, CA 92113. b. Marco Antonio Gomez Garibay, 3729 Florence St, San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted

by A General Partnership.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/08/2024.

Signature: Marco Antonio Gomez Garibay.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/08/2024.

AJ 1349 02/16, 02/23, 03/01, and 03/08/2024. AJSD 1349

SAN DIEGO

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024

JOURNAL

Naks: A chef ’s culinary odyssey unveils authentic & unapologetically Filipino flflaavors in NYC

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Dinakdakan from the ala carte menu Pancit Batil Patong (egg noodles, Angus ground beef, molasses)

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

NEW Filipino culinary haven has taken root in Manhattan’s East Village and it is called Naks.

A Under the skilled guidance of Chef Eric Valdez, this restaurant showcases the rich and diverse culinary landscape of the Philippines, offering a gastronomic journey that transcends

Chef Eric is introducing Soup No. 5 (beef testicles, pizzle, silbot spice) to non-Filipino diners in his a la carte menu.

traditional tourism and dives into the soul of Filipino authenticity.

The genesis of Naks finds its roots in a transformative nine-day expedition through the Philippines—a culinary sojourn that saw Chef Eric, along with James Beard Award– winning Chef Chintan Pandya and Roni Majumdar (the men behind Unapologetic Foods), traversing the gastronomic wonders of Manila, Pampanga, Ilocos, Cebu, and Davao. This immersive experience laid the foundation for what Naks would become—a celebration of undiscovered Filipino dishes, steeped in the rich history and regional diversity of the archipelago.

“Nine days of traveling and eating; we dug deep and went to different areas; that trip influenced a lot on what we serve here at Naks,” Chef Eric recalled. From the exotic swaki (sea urchin) to the intriguing kinilaw na bat, the adventurous Soup No. 5, and the regional delight bas-oy, Naks brings to the forefront a plethora of undiscovered Filipino delights, presenting a fusion of tradition and innovation.

“It was mind-blowing. The entire concept of the restaurant had to be changed after we came back,” Chef Chintan candidly shared. The trip exposed them to a prevalent trend of Westernization in Filipino food in America, echoing and at the same time mirroring his experiences with Indian cuisine.

A pivotal moment during the trip was the revelation about sisig, a dish commonly associated with mayonnaise in FilipinoAmerican restaurants. Chef Chintan recounted, “We saw how different the food is. People have taken shortcuts and made it with mayonnaise. We went to Ilocos Norte, and they used pig brain. That is how it was supposed to be, creamy with the pig brain.”

This eye-opening experience underscored the need to showcase the true

Lapu Lapu dela Reyna (grouper, mayonnaise, pickled vegetables)

Kapis (scallop, margarine, Eden cheese)

Chef Eric Valdez took up Culinary Arts, a passion sparked by the love for cooking, the allure of the kitchen’s atmosphere, and a preference for a math-free journey.

AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

essence of Filipino cuisine, untainted by Western influences.

The culinary journey of Chef Eric is marked by his tenure alongside Chef Chintan, where he imbibed not only the art of cooking but also immeasurable wisdom about discipline and camaraderie. “Maturo siya. He mentored me, and I learned a lot from him - discipline and kung paano makisama sa mga tao, kung paano susundin yung head mo,” he shared. “May sinusunod na protocol dapat, yun ang foundation ng magaling na kusinero.”

Chef Chintan said that Eric was the first employee of their company and as such, he

Chef Eric says they serve unapologetic Filipino cuisine at Naks – for him, this means no pretensions, Pinoy food and how it is supposed to be served - with a lot of garlic, a lot of fish sauce, and it does not matter if it is too brown. He wants to show what real Filipino food is and he believes there is a high potential for this.

became an integral part of their journey. Inihaw na Balat (chicken skin, annatto, garlic) “We owe him; he doesn’t owe us anything,” he emphasized. Despite initial challenges, Chef Eric’s dedication and loyalty earned him the trust and support of his mentors.

Naks stands as a manifestation of unapologetic Filipino cuisine, embracing authenticity with open arms. Chef Eric emphasized, “Don’t be too scared. That’s why our cuisine gets behind; we don’t embrace it fully. Show what real Filipino food is; there is high potential for this.”

Situated in the former home of Jeepney, Naks is poised to showcase regional

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A la carte dessert is leche flan, a recipe Chef Eric learned from his mom (top) and for the tasting menu, a duo composed of Pasulbot (glutinous rice balls, tapioca and pandan) and Saba Con Yelo (banana cake, saba, and Tahitian vanilla).

As part of the Kamayan Tasting Menu, Lechon Liempo is served with Ampalaya (bitter melon salad), Labong (bamboo shoot salad), and rice.

10 FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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Sooner or later, you need to face your IRS tax problems

Minding Your Finances Atty. RAymond BulAon QUESTION: I owe a lot in back taxes. I’m constantly getting threatening letters from the IRS. This has become a big problem that I have no idea how to solve.

What can I do?

Answer: For what it’s worth, take some comfort in knowing that you are not alone. There are millions of Americans in similar situations, dealing with debt hanging over their heads and concerned about how it will affect their future.

The good news: You have many options. To fully understand and take advantage of your options, we urge you to see a qualified tax resolution professional. He or she will take a close look at your previous returns, looking for mistakes that may have resulted in an inflated tax debt amount. This process alone can substantially lower your IRS debt.

Once you and your qualified tax professional have analyzed your previous returns, the next step is to negotiate a resolution with the IRS. You will most likely be looking at one of two options – the Offer in Compromise or the Installment Agreement.

The Offer in Compromise was created for people who owe a substantial amount to the IRS but who, for whatever reason, are unable to pay off their tax debt, even over time. The Offer

in Compromise allows taxpayers to negotiate a settlement amount that will take care of the entire tax debt once and for all. This settlement agreement can lower the tax debt by a significant amount.

Unfortunately, the Offer in Compromise program is often misunderstood, partly because people see a lot of ads on TV and the internet promising them that they can simply settle their tax debt “for pennies on the dollar.”

They make it sound too easy.

Don’t be fooled. While this is true for people who qualify, what the advertisers don’t tell you is that this is based on a formula used by the IRS in determining eligibility.

A lot of offers are rejected because they fail to consider the formula in making offers that stand no chance of acceptance from the time they are filed. Buyer beware. If it sounds too good to be true, maybe it is. Again, I am not saying that it doesn’t work.

All I am saying is that what you should offer the IRS must be based on the IRS’s calculation of what is acceptable given your own unique circumstances.

If you do not qualify for the Offer in Compromise – and to do so you must be able to prove eligibility – then you may consider the Installment Agreement, which allows you to pay off your debt by making manageable monthly payments.

The IRS has different types of installment agreements depending on how much you owe, the value of your assets, your income, and how much time the IRS has to collect what you owe over the 10-year collection period imposed by law.

If you have no available equity

in assets and your income is not sufficient to cover your monthly living expenses, the IRS can also put you in uncollectible status.

That means that the IRS will not take any collection actions as long as you remain in this status and your financial circumstances do not change. Yes, the interest continues to run on the outstanding debt, but it could be a way to buy time. Example: Remember what I said about the 10-year collection statute?

The IRS has 10 years to collect from the date of assessment. If you are close to the expiration of the 10-year period, being put in uncollectible status does not stop the running of the statute. So, it may be possible to remain in uncollectible status until the 10year period expires. This could be one way of getting rid of your IRS tax problems.

If you owe the IRS, the State, EDD or State Board of Equalization, my office can help you find the best solution to resolve your tax liability. You will never have to speak with the IRS again. I will review your case and help you make the best decision for yourself and family. ***

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. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray J. Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866471-8272.

(Advertising Supplement)

Love is in the air: Couples say ‘I Do’ on Valentine’s Day

MARRIAGE ceremonies were held throughout the county on Wednesday, February 14 as couples marked Valentine’s Day by exchanging vows.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally one of the most soughtafter wedding days for the County Assessor/Recorder/ County Clerk’s (ARCC) offices throughout the county. In 2014, the office issued 266 licenses and performed 242 ceremonies, making it the busiest Valentine’s Day for the County.

On Wednesday, between the four ARCC locations, 129 marriage licenses were issued and 101 wedding ceremonies took place.

Some couples got a special wedding day surprise this year. ARCC partnered with the Larry Himmel Neighborhood Foundation to cover the cost for the first 20 weddings at the County Administration Center.

On average, the office issues nearly 25,000 marriage licenses and performs more than 11,000 weddings each year. Nearly

Top style maven on her birthday: ‘My heart is full’ FASHION queen Heart Evangelista is celebrating her 39th birthday this year with “a smile and a heart full of gratitude.”

Evangelista has every reason to be. She can now look back with pride and see that the fruits of her labor and sacrifices.

A certified international fashion influencer that has generated millions of dollars to the brands she endorses, the wife of Sen. Chiz Escudero has successfully reinvented herself in every phase of her life starting as a young star in the early 2000s, to becoming an accomplished actress and a teleserye powerhouse before shifting her focus on fashion and the arts.

Indeed, Evangelista is living her dreams. And they were realized not without hard work, determination, and sacrifice.

Definitely, there will be more to accomplish, new territories to chart and fresh horizons to explore.

But for now, the fashion icon and trendsetter can sit back awhile and enjoy her accomplishments so far — a trailblazer whose place in the world of international fashion is secure with her crown safely tucked in her head.

No wonder, other local celebrities — and even beauty queens — are now treading the footsteps that she carved into the glittering runway of international fame.

Recently, renowned fashion and beauty vlogger Jesson Capuchino, who is a senior lecturer on fashion design and retail merchandising at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, hailed the actressinfluencer for being “The OG Pinay Fashion Influencer,” who paved the way for other Filipinas to carve similar paths, including Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach, Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray, and celebrities Anne Curtis and Liza Soberano.

“We cannot talk about fashion influencers here in the Philippines without starting with Miss Heart Evangelista. We all know that she is essentially the first, you know,

Heart Evangelista, OG Pinay international fashion influencer Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte

the OG Pinay Fashion Influencer in the country,” Capuchino said.

“You cannot start a conversation about fashion influencer and the fashion influencer culture without her because I think beyond everything else that has been discussed and has been talked about, it was Heart who essentially started the ball game on fashion influencers,” he added.

While there were several Filipinos before her that attempted to penetrate the international fashion world in the past, the vlogger opined that it was Evangelista among other fashion influencers that really cemented her role at the celebrated Fashion Week in Paris and in Milan in the past years.

“The beauty of Heart is that she is not only a fashion influencer but she also moves merchandise.

That is a very important and a very potent tool to have because, for example, during the Fashion Week the dresses or items that she wears tends to get sold out whether it’s a Bulgari ring or a YSL limited edition sunglasses,” he pointed out.

What the UP lecturer mentioned in his vlog was not without basis. In an article, fashion magazine “Vogue” noted luxury brands have keenly observed Heart’s influence. After all, according to Launchmetrics, during the Paris Fashion Week, Evangelista’s social media posts generated a staggering US$1.27 million in Media Impact Value (MIV) across 11 placements.

She also emerged as one of the top influencers at Milan Fashion Week, generating an impressive US$1.4 million in media impact value. MIV reflects the cumulative impact of views, likes, engagements and other interactions, as calculated by an algorithm developed by the data analytics company.

As she continues to grow as a person nearing her 40s, Evangelista is resolved to paint her life’s journey with vibrant hues, weaving her aspirations into the fabric of reality. And as the fashion cosmos evolves, she will remain a guiding star, illuminating the path for others to follow.

Happiest of birthdays, Heart Evangelista! (ManilaTimes.net)n

Luis, Jessy wed anew in Coron church wedding

by Kathleen a. llemit Philstar.com

Newlyweds Vanessa and Trystan on Valentine’s Day. Photo courtesy of County of San Diego Communications Office

half of customers who request a marriage license also hold their wedding ceremonies at the ARCC’s office.

For more information on how to get a marriage license or reserve a date for a civil wedding ceremony, visit the

Marriage License & Civil Ceremony website at https:// www.sdarcc.gov/content/ arcc/home/divisions/recorderclerk/marriage-license-civilceremony.html.

(Sir Milo Loftin/County of San Diego Communications Office)

AFTER tying the knot in a civil ceremony in 2021, Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano exchange vows anew in a church wedding in Coron, Palawan on Wednesday, February 14.

ABS-CBN entertainment reporter MJ Felipe tweeted on X (formerly Twitter) about the couple’s church wedding, which was officiated by Father Tito Caluag. The ceremony was attended by family and friends.

The couple tied the knot in a civil wedding on February 21, 2021 at The Farm in San Benito, Batangas.

Some of their friends posted hints of the couple’s church wedding on their Instagram accounts, including fashion stylist Patty Yap, who posted a reel of Jessy wearing a custom Martin Bautista creation for her pre-wedding dinner.

Jessy recently hinted that their dream church wedding is pushing through this year. The couple has not posted any photos regarding their wedding Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano as of press time. n Photo from Instagram/@luckymanzano

Naks: A chef’s culinary...

Alphabet Rockers

Photo by Steven Roby

LJMS announces collaboration with transcenDANCE to perform with Alphabet Rockers at The Conrad in March

SAN DIEGO — La Jolla Music Society (LJMS) has announced a collaboration with the San Diego-based transcenDANCE Youth Arts Project which will culminate in its students performing with the GRAMMY Award-winning Alphabet Rockers during their show at The Conrad in La Jolla on Saturday, March 16 at 3 p.m. transcenDANCE is a nationally recognized creative youth development organization that works with youth in under-resourced San Diego communities.

Its programs change the trajectory of students’ lives by building resilience, confidence, and creativity and by instilling life-changing skills such

as leadership, collaboration, and community engagement.

For the past five seasons, LJMS has selected one artist or ensemble to work in profound ways in the San Diego community, in the role of LJMS’ Education Ambassador. Whether a musician, composer, dancer, or choreographer, the artist’s work extends beyond the concert hall, focusing on performance, education, and community and donor relations. The first LJMS Education Ambassador was Pablo Sáinz-Villegas in 2019, followed

by Third Coast Percussion, The Queen’s Cartoonists, Midori, and now Alphabet Rockers, GRAMMY winners in 2023 for Best Children’s Album.

Alphabet Rockers is a hip-hop children’s music collective based in Oakland, California, whose creative practice centers youth and uplifting diverse voices from our communities.

Alphabet Rockers will work with two groups of transcenDANCE students: • 20 students from Lemon Grove Middle Academy who dance in an afterschool club led by transcenDANCE Teaching Artists • 15 students from transcenDANCE’s CREATE teen performance group.

The students will meet twice via Zoom with Alphabet Rockers’ choreographer and, with the

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PAGE 9 Filipino cuisines through an evolving menu that highlights all 18 regions in the Philippines. “I can make this menu in a week, but it keeps on changing. It took 2 to 3 months, and I am blessed that these guys blessed me and trusted the process,” he shared.

The aesthetic of Naks is a carefully curated reflection of Chef Eric’s vision, with a captivating mural by Sean Maze and guidance from his high school friend Patrick Ondovilla. As part of the unique dining experience, guests are presented with a zine at the end of a Kamayan meal—a thoughtful compilation that delves into the stories behind each dish, fostering a deeper connection between the diner and the cuisine.

The journey to open Naks was serendipitous, driven by the dynamics of opportunity and collaboration. When Adda, one of the restaurants under Unapologetic Foods was planning to relocate to the former Jeepney location in the East Village, the space was offered to Chef Eric. “I was shocked because I thought they were not open to that kind of concept. I was surprised, I was pressured. I was blessed with their guidance,” Eric recalled.

As Naks opened its doors, it quickly garnered attention and buzz within the culinary scene.

Yet, the pressure to represent the entirety of Filipino cuisine looms large on Chef Eric. “I feel the pressure; the country you’re representing is not just you. Let’s see what happens,” he acknowledges.

Naks, beyond its culinary offerings, strives to be a beacon of authenticity, education, and elevation for Filipino cuisine. Chef Eric emphasizes, “This restaurant is so personal for me; I am involved in all aspects. I just want to showcase the food that is not being noticed; it needs a lot of research. I ask a lot of people para matuto din ako. I ask guests as well. Dapat open-minded ka. Kung ano ang gusto ng tao, pakinggan mo rin.”

The menu at Naks is a carefully crafted narrative, reflecting Chef Eric’s childhood memories and the recipes passed down by his mother and grandmother. With roots in Ilocos and Tarlac, he brings forth the influence of his familial ties—of Ilocano flavors and a community-

driven culinary upbringing.

Naks distinguishes itself with a delectable selection of dishes, available both a la carte and through a Kamayan tasting menu priced at $135 per person. The restaurant’s Kamayan area, with 20 seats and two seatings every day, invites patrons to indulge in a feast that traverses the diverse culinary landscape of the Philippines.

Aaron Asombrado, the maestro behind the bar at Naks, crafts an array of innovative cocktails, each with a story to tell. From the Japanese whiskey-infused Parusang Hapon to the Baguioinspired Pilak and the creatively presented Para sa Paborito Kong Apo, the drink menu at Naks complements the culinary journey with equally enticing libations.

As a testament to Naks’ commitment to authenticity, Chef Eric and his team proudly use a variety of Filipino products in their dishes, including Star Margarine, Eden cheese, and Bear Brand milk.

Beyond the culinary delights, Naks aims to be a pioneer in showcasing the wealth of Filipino gastronomy. Chef Eric, expressing his dedication to the cause, states, “Gusto kong ibalik kung paano magluto ang lolo at lola ko, traditional method, braising for hours, marinating for days; showcase the lost techniques; done by our ninunos.”

In a fitting nod to the restaurant’s roots, the name “Naks” was chosen to evoke excitement—a word that captures the essence of the vibrant and dynamic Filipino cuisine. Chef Eric explains, “Naks – very Filipino, nabuo ko na yung menu, wala pang pangalan ang restaurant; Nag-isip ako ng catchy na word na makukuha mo yung attention ng tao; I wanted a word that excites you; that’s the beauty of our cuisine, exciting and vibrant.”

The journey of Naks is not merely a gastronomic adventure; it is a testament to the dedication of Chef Eric and his team in elevating Filipino cuisine onto a global stage. With a commitment to authenticity, education, and unapologetic flavors, Naks stands as a beacon of Filipino culinary excellence in the heart of Manhattan—an invitation for diners to explore, savor, and celebrate the diversity of Filipino gastronomy. n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024

Healthy habits build healthy smiles

CAVITIES are the most common chronic childhood disease. When left untreated, cavities in children can be painful or cause infections leading to learning issues, school absences and even emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

The good news is that they are completely preventable.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month which promotes the benefits of good oral health from an early age.

“It’s never too soon to begin taking care of children’s oral health,” said County Chief Dental Officer Fadra Whyte, DMD. “From babies to adulthood, practicing good oral hygiene and keeping up with the care of

our teeth and mouth helps set us up for overall wellness.”

In San Diego County, nearly one in four children entering school had untreated tooth decay. Nearly 20 percent had either never been to the dentist, or it had been more than a year since their last visit.

Dental check-ups and cleanings for children are recommended every three to six months starting six months after the first tooth erupts, but no later than 12 months of age, as well as following these daily health tips: • Brush twice a day with a toothpaste that has fluoride.

Kids under the age of six should be supervised as they develop brushing skills.

• Floss daily starting as soon

as the teeth begin to touch.

• Replace worn toothbrushes every three to four months.

• Avoid sugary snacks and drinks.

California public schools require children to have had an oral health assessment within 12 months of starting school or by May 31 of the child’s first year in public school.

Find more information about the County’s Oral health Program online (https://www. sandiegocounty.gov/content/ sdc/hhsa/programs/phs/dental_ health_initiative_share_the_ care.html). For help finding a Medi-Cal dental provider, visit smilecalifornia.org.

(Fernanda Lopez Halvorson/ County of San Diego Communications Office) n

LJMS announces collaboration with...

PAGE 10 help of Teaching Artists, learn the choreography to three of the group’s songs. They will also meet in person with the artists for final offsite rehearsals at the school and at trancenDANCE’s studio in Lemon Grove and rehearse at The Conrad the day of the performance. They will perform on the songs “You Are Not Alone,” “Shine [Melanin Remix],” and “Slide.”

“I’m so proud that we are presenting the Alphabet Rockers as our Education Ambassadors. Through their music and videos, they share important messages about social justice and antiracism while fostering a culture of belonging,” says Allison Boles, LJMS Director of Learning and Engagement.

“I hope that having young local dancers share the stage with them for the performance at The Conrad will help amplify those messages and inspire our young audience. transcenDANCE is the ideal partner for this project, and I’m excited to work alongside Cat Corral and her outstanding team!”

“This is an exciting opportunity for the transcenDANCE CREATE teens and our school partner, Lemon Grove Middle Academy dance students, to collaborate with such inspiring performing artists who are using their music for social change, like we are doing through dance,” says Cat Corral, co-founder and executive director of transcenDANCE.” Students having opportunities to share the stage with artists at this level is gamechanging for them. They will be that much more motivated to keep at their art form and lifting up their community with it. Our entire transcenDANCE community is incredibly grateful to the La Jolla Music Society and the Alphabet Rockers for this opportunity!”

“Each of us in Alphabet Rockers has become who we are because of arts education,” say cofounders Kaitlin McGaw (she/her) and Tommy Soulati Shepherd (he/him/they). “Opportunities as young adults with mentors in theater, music and dance have shaped the way we approach our creative process and the work we share with the world. In Oakland, we work as resident artists at

Destiny Arts Center, where the music we create is both influenced by our dance community and used in performances by the youth companies. Now, with this creative partnership with La Jolla Music Society and transcenDANCE, we are thrilled to learn from the youth movers in SoCal. Sharing the stage, sharing the story, and reimagining the world together—we anticipate all of us will be evolving and inspired by this work!”

For more information and tickets to the Alphabet Rockers performance on March 16, visit TheConrad.org.

As one of Southern California’s leading presenters of premier performing arts, La Jolla Music Society contributes to San Diego’s cultural vitality yearround through a rich variety of presentations, including classical, jazz, global roots, contemporary music, and dance. In addition to robust educational programs and community outreach, La Jolla Music Society produces SummerFest, a four-week music festival each summer featuring world-class artists and ensembles performing eclectic concerts. For more information, visit TheConrad.org or call 858.459.3728.

La Jolla Music Society’s 2023–24 season is supported by The City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture, California Arts Council, County of San Diego, Banc of California, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, ProtoStar Foundation, Vail Memorial Fund, ResMed Foundation, Parker Foundation, Sempra Foundation, Las Patronas, San Diego Theatres Foundation, Boys and Girls Foundation, Classics for Kids Foundation, D’Addario Foundation, Newport Jazz Festival, Albertsons Foundation, Bright Events Rentals, Cafe Coyote, Rancho Coyote, Giuseppe’s, Ace Parking, Brenda Baker and Steve Baum, Raffaella and John Belanich, Gordon Brodfuehrer, Mary Ellen Clark, Bert and Julie Cornelison, Elaine Galinson and Herbert Solomon, Joan and Irwin Jacobs, Angelina and Fred Kleinbub, Dorothea Laub, Vivian Lim and Joseph Wong, Jeanette Stevens, Debra Turner, Sue and Peter Wagener, and Bebe and Marvin Zigman.

(LJMS Release) n

County’s ‘Love Your Heart’ event encourages San Diegans to know their blood pressure numbers THE county’s Love Your Heart campaign is celebrating 13 years of supporting San Diegans in understanding the importance of heart health through a variety of ways, including hosting nocost blood pressure screenings at locations throughout the county and Mexico.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and the second leading cause of death in San Diego County and Mexico. In 2022, nearly 5,000 people died in San Diego County from heart diseases.

Knowing your blood pressure numbers is vital to good heart health. This year Love Your Heart offers screenings that started on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, and continues through Feb. 29. People can check for their nearest location by visiting https://www.livewellsd.org/ events/love-your-heart/.

“This simple five-minute test can save your life,” said Nora Vargas, chairwoman, San Diego County Board of Supervisors. “¡Cinco minutos pueden salvar tu vida! Get checked for your health.”

In Mexico, heart disease is the leading cause of death both nationally and in the six states bordering the United States.

Over the years, the county has worked binationally with partners in Mexico to increase awareness of heart disease and encourage blood pressure monitoring.

Over the last nine years, Mexico has conducted more than 228,000 blood pressure screenings at Love Your Heart events in all six Mexican border states and in health centers, called Ventanillas de Salud, within U.S. Mexican Consulates.

“This year we have an extended timeline for people to get their blood pressure checked because we want as many neighbors as possible to learn about their blood pressure numbers,” said Dr. Eric McDonald, county interim director of the Health and Human Services Agency.

“Heart disease is preventable, and we are so thankful to our partners, along with our county employees and volunteers who

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San Diego County Public Health Officer Wilma Wooten, MD, MPH speaks at the “Love Your Heart” kickoff event at Waterfront Park.

Screen capture from YouTube video

make this event bigger each and every year.”

To understand the regional impact and develop the most responsive strategies, the county tracks data. In the past several decades, data shows that three behaviors contribute to four chronic conditions resulting in nearly half of all deaths in San Diego County, also known as the 3-4-50 principle.

“While the numbers can seem grim, efforts like Love Your Heart are helping,” said Wilma Wooten, MD, MPH, county public health officer. “The campaign has helped drive an 18.9 percent reduction of 3-450 deaths from 2012 to 2022. By making small lifestyle changes and knowing their numbers, people can take control of their health.”

The county used the California Healthy Places Index in planning Love Your Heart screening sites focusing on areas with residents who have higher average blood pressure levels.

Knowing your numbers and making small changes to your daily life, including diet and exercise, are important in the prevention of heart disease, cardiac arrest and stroke.

Last year’s Love Your Heart campaign reached more than 7.8 million people. Through it, community partners were able to distribute more than 3,200 blood pressure monitors, at no cost, to at-risk, underserved residents.

(Cassie N. Saunders/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

12 FEBRUARY 16-22, 2024 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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