032522 - New York & New Jersey Edition

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MARCH 25-31, 2022 Volume 15 - No.20 • 16 Pages

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DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

With gradual increase of new variant in LA County, layering of safety protections critical for residents AS multiple COVID metrics continue to decline, the state is lifting the requirements for vaccine and test verification at indoor mega events starting April 1.

LA County will align with the state and post an updated Health Officer Order later this week. While we’re encouraged with the progress made, as the BA.2 subvariant gradually increases in LA County, layering in safety measures remains important for protecting residents and workers at elevated risk of severe illness.

For the latest measurement period, the week ending February 26th, 6.4% of all sequenced specimens in LA County were identified as the BA.2 subvariant, an increase from the week prior when 4.5% of specimens were identified as BA.2.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the BA.2 subvariant now accounts for 23% of all sequenced specimens nationally, with the Northeast

 PAGE 7

Telco, airlines now open to full foreign ownership

MANILA — Telecommunications, airlines, expressways and tollways, railways, and shipping in the country will now be open to full foreign ownership after President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, March 21 signed into law Republic Act No. 11659 amending the 85-year-old Public Service Act (PSA).

The amendment excluded these economic sectors from the definition of public utility in the PSA and are thus no longer subject to the 40-percent foreign ownership cap on public utilities under the 1987 Constitution.

 PAGE 7

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, LAS VEGAS, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

Duterte’s party endorses Marcos Jr. for president

by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

PHILIPPINE President Rodrigo Duterte’s party endorsed Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as its presidential candidate for this year’s

national elections.

The Partido Demokratiko Pilipino–Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban), chaired by Duterte, adopted a resolution on Monday night, March 21 to formalize its endorsement of Marcos.

In the resolution, the PDP-Laban described

Marcos as the candidate whose platform is most aligned with the party’s 11-point agenda.

“After careful and exhaustive deliberations, the National Executive Committee endorses the

 PAGE 2

Leni-Kiko Pasig rally draws biggest crowd so far

by JEANNETTE

UNITEAM. Presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr., running mate Davao City Mayor Sara Z. Duterte, and their senatorial bets raise miniature Philippine flags on stage during the grand rally at the Gen. Trias Sports Complex in Cavite on Tuesday, March 22. Also present at the sortie were senatorial aspirants Harry Roque, Mark Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, Sherwin Gatchalian, and Larry Gadon, as well as Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. and Cavite Governor Jonvic

I. ANDRADE, KRIXIA SUBINGSUBING Inquirer.net

MANILA — A Pasig River wave of pink washed over Emerald Avenue in Pasig City as early as noon on Sunday, March 20 that saw skyscrapers with splashes of presidential candidate Leni Robredo’s color.

A predominantly young crowd of at least 137,000, according to the Pasig City police, spilled over to EDSA and adjoining streets from the entire stretch of Emerald at the Ortigas business district. The crowd estimate was later placed by organizers at 180,000.

The grand people’s rally, held 50 days before Election Day, was the largest crowd the ticket has

 PAGE 2

PH bound by treaty to side First of its kind, a new digital bank with US if Putin destruction caters to the financial needs of growing of Ukraine spreads Filipino American population in US C E B by

RISTINA LOISA Inquirer.net

MANILA — As the destruction of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin’s military unfolds before the eyes of millions, the United States went all out in its support for the former Soviet republic, drawing reactions from world leaders, including Philippine

ACLIG

President Rodrigo Duterte.

But where Duterte stood in the conflict is still murky although the Philippine ruler has dropped hints.

On March 4, Duterte said he believed that the Philippines has to remain neutral but “in

 PAGE 2

by DONNABELLE

AJPress

AREVALO

FILIPINO Americans can now sign up for the first-ever digital bank built with their cross-border financial responsibilities in mind.

BayaniPay has tied up with California-based East West Bank to launch a pioneering neobank that will

cater to the banking needs of more than 4 million Filipinos based in the United States.

A neobank, also referred to as a challenger bank, is a financial technology firm that partners with a traditional bank to provide federally insured banking services.

Launched on March 16,

 PAGE 4

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PH bound by treaty to side... Duterte’s party endorses Marcos Jr. for...

PAGE 1 the end,” may have to choose sides between Russia and Ukraine.

“For me, we should stay neutral. But reality tells me that in the end, we’ll just have to select which side we will be,” Duterte said.

While Duterte has yet to be categorical on which side the Philippine government will be, a more recent statement

by Manila’s top diplomat to Washington seemed to unveil plans to support one of the countries involved in the war.

The country, however, was neither Ukraine nor Russia.

Instead, it was the United States, a longstanding ally of the Philippines and now an important supporter of Ukraine.

‘If push comes to shove’ According to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Romualdez, Duterte said the Philippine government may open its facilities to the U.S. if Putin’s quest to destroy Ukraine spilled over to Asia.

“He [Duterte] says he might not be able to go [to the U.S.] but to give them the assurance that if ever it is needed, the Philippines is ready to offer whatever facilities, or whatever things that the United States

will need, being a major, our number one ally, in using the facilities in the Philippines, without any restrictions,” said Romualdez.

“He says if they are asking for the support of the Philippines, he was very clear if push comes to shove, the Philippines would be ready to be part of the effort especially if this Ukrainian crisis spills over to the Asian region,” he added.

According to Romualdez, Duterte’s assurance is that the Philippines will honor its Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with the United States if the situation warranted it.

The MDT, signed between the two nations in 1951, calls for both nations to come to each other’s defense in case of an armed attack.

“I’m pretty sure that the President meant this to be an emergency situation where—let’s pray that it doesn’t happen—but if this spreads out into our part, the Asian region, for some reason or another, the President obviously sees the need for us to make a choice and our choices, obviously, since we have an MDT with the United States, we have this special relationship, our military alliance,” Romualdez said.

Possible locations Duterte, according to Romualdez, has mentioned that the Philippines would be “ready to open its doors” and allow the U.S. to use facilities that might be needed if an “emergency situation” breaks out.

In a more recent statement, Duterte said if Putin launched nuclear weapons to achieve his goal of destroying Ukraine, China, a Russian ally, could start the invasion of the Philippines.

According to Romualdez, some of the facilities which the Philippines might allow to be used by U.S. forces could include the former American air and naval bases in Subic, Zambales and Clark in Pampanga.

“He said that he is allowing the use of facilities, which I assume would be the use of Clark for instance, for some of the aircraft that the United States may need,” said Romualdez.

“And perhaps Subic. We have a repair facility there that is going to be used not only by the United States but by other countries, Japan, Australia, and other countries. It’s a commercial business. Hanjin

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PAGE 1 candidacy of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for President of the Republic of the Philippines in the forthcoming 2022 national elections,” it said.

Victor Rodriguez, spokesman of Marcos, thanked the PDP-Laban’s “kind endorsement” of Marcos, saying “the trust it placed in him inspires us beyond measure, for it signals that our message of national unity is gaining ground.”

“We are glad the PDP-Laban has joined the bandwagon of support for the BBM-Sara UniTeam of major political parties in the country. It is truly reassuring, but at the same time challenging us to be even more prepared and vigilant in light of growing rumors of possible poll fraud in the coming elections,” Rodriguez said in a statement.

“All the national surveys indicate a runaway advantage for Marcos Jr., but we cannot be complacent as the forces that try to put him down ever since, has not ceased, and apparently has even intensified their gutter ways,” he added.

Marcos, running mate of the President’s daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio, is running under the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas party.

The duo’s campaign has centered on unity, saying it is the first step to overcome the crisis brought about by the pandemic.

As part of its COVID-19 pandemic recovery plan, the UniTeam has pledged to revive the agriculture sector and continue President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program to generate jobs and jumpstart the economy. g

Tens of thousands of supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo surge like a wave on Emerald Avenue in Pasig City during Sunday’s (March 20) “PasigLaban” grand people’s rally. It was by far the largest crowd her ticket has gathered 50 days ahead of the May 9 vote.

Inquirer.net photo by Elmer Gatchalian

Leni-Kiko Pasig rally draws...

PAGE 1 gathered so far.

Crafting a so-called Pasig River wave, starting from the main stage, the tail end of the wave could barely be seen from its starting point.

The crowding prompted program hosts to remind the audience to strictly observe health protocols and to make sure to call the attention of medics should they feel nauseous due to the warm weather.

The PasigLaban grand rally also saw the birth of a “Leni-slide” dance move, to supposedly usher in a win for the presidential candidate.

Senators in the tandem of Robredo and Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan delivered their campaign speeches, with Robredo finally addressing the crowd late in the evening. The grand rally ended at 8:45 p.m.

False bomb threats Meanwhile, the last surviving members of the 1971-1972 Constitutional Convention assembled under the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos regime on Sunday came out in support of Robredo.

The 13 signatories — which include Sen. Richard Gordon, Chief Justice Hilario Davide, and lawyer Lilia de Lima — said “only Leni Robredo… meets and fits the highest credentials for the presidency.”

“To address and face up to these formidable challenges [facing the country], we need a tried and tested leader who is capable, caring, sincere, focused, and most of all godly, who does not steal and does not lie,” they added.

In supporting Robredo, the 13 delegates cited her concrete action programs,

unblemished track record, and her long public service in marginalized sectors of the country as proof that she was more than qualified for the presidency.

Gordon, the youngest delegate in the convention, is also a guest candidate on Robredo and Pangilinan’s ticket.

On Sunday, the Philippine National Police warned persons posting bomb threats on social media that they could be held liable under a Marcos law punishing false bomb threats.

The Facebook page of a group organizing the grand rally in Pangasinan for Robredo and Pangilinan was hounded by bomb threats, possibly from supporters of rival candidates.

Col. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson for the PNP, said in a message on Sunday that false bomb threats included those posted on social media.

“The law is clear on this,” she said, referring to Presidential Decree No. 1727, which was signed into law by the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1980.

Fajardo particularly cited a provision where the law explicitly provides sanctions for “lawless elements and other persons popularly known or described as ‘pranksters,’ having been conveying, propagating or otherwise disseminating false information or willfully making threats regarding the alleged presence of bombs, explosives, incendiary devices, or any similar device or means of destruction in buildings, tenements, and other places, by word of mouth or through the use of telephones, telegraph, the mail, and other means of communication, for the purpose of causing or creating public confusion and disorder.” g

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From the Front Page

PH bound by treaty to... First of its kind, a new digital bank caters to the...

PAGE 2 is now ready to be opened again for use by many of the ships, both private and military ships or Navy ships that may want to use it for repair or for other activities,” he added.

The United States maintained a naval base in Subic until 1991 when the Philippine Senate refused to renew a military bases agreement between the two countries. The Philippine decision also led to the dismantling of a U.S. airbase at Clark, Pampanga province.

Subic and Clark have since been redeveloped into free ports, bustling economic hubs that have withstood the pandemic.

However, Romualdez clarified that while the Philippine government has expressed its willingness to lend its facilities to the U.S., there is no need to craft a new treaty—which would allow the U.S. to establish military bases in the country.

“The bases are no longer there. In other words, if the U.S. will need our facilities, it will only be temporary,” he said in an interview over radio station dzBB last March 14.

“Most likely it’s only for their supplies or an area in Subic where they can repair their ships,” he added.

Divided views Duterte’s statement expressing possible support to the U.S. amid Putin’s destruction of Ukraine, however, was met with mixed reactions.

In a statement, Sen. Leila de Lima slammed what she described as “an irresponsible and premature statement” on the Philippines’ supposed role should Putin’s destruction of Ukraine spill over to Asia.

According to De Lima, such a statement “engenders an escalation in the language of the conflict” and such is not yet being discussed by leaders of Europe and the U.S. “The Philippine government should not be issuing statements that are counterintuitive to conflict resolution and which almost amount to sabre-rattling. The call of NATO and the U.S. is for peace and the withdrawal of Russian forces,” the senator said.

“For the Philippines to be talking about its role in the event of the expansion of the conflict, while NATO is even steadfast in its own outright refusal to put NATO boots on Ukrainian soil, only reflects

Duterte’s ‘utak pulbura’ worldview,” she added, using a Filipino term for war freak.

De Lima, a staunch critic of Duterte, also said that by issuing the statement, Duterte might be putting the U.S. on the spotlight if indeed the U.S. is also projecting a worldwide conflict arising from Putin’s aggression.

“Of course, the U.S. is not expected to respond to Duterte’s invitation, premature and irresponsible as it is in light of the critical nature of the U.S. relations with Russia as of present,” said De Lima.

“Southeast Asia as of now is still very remote from the conflict, other than feeling the war’s economic repercussions,” she continued.

“To talk about Philippine involvement means that the conflict has already expanded to other parts of NATO Europe and the U.S., for the Philippines to be taking into consideration its defense arrangements with the U.S. This also means that the conflict has approached a global scale, heading towards a third world war,” she added.

On the other hand, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he believed that the Philippines must be “fully prepared” for a possible spillover of Putin’s aggression to Asia.

Lacson said the Philippines must walk the talk, given that the Philippines has already supported the United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We signed the UN General Assembly resolution condemning the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. So we should walk the talk. If our facilities are needed whether it be on land, sea or air, that is but proper,” Lacson said in an interview on radio station dzRH last week.

“It is better to be prepared than be surprised,” the senator said, adding that the Philippines “must be consistent—we must maintain close ties with allies who will help ensure our security from external threats.”

Aside from the economic consequences of Putin’s aggression—which are already being felt in the Philippines through oil prices–it is not yet clear what consequences the Philippines might suffer once the U.S. finally uses facilities in the country, as Duterte has stated.

However, early on, Putin

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PAGE 1 BayaniPay’s neobank services will include the Easy Digital Checking Account powered by East West Bank, a Visa Debit Card, and zero-fee, faster remittances to the Philippines.

Powered by East West Bank, the largest publicly traded bank headquartered in Southern California, BayaniPay users can apply and open a checking account, which will be insured by Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) up to $250,000.

It has no minimum deposit or balance maintenance requirements.

Associated with the Easy Digital Checking Account, BayaniPay will also offer an East West Bank co-branded Visa debit card that can be used at retailers and innetwork automated teller machines (ATMs) across the U.S. The company said soon, the debit card will provide cash back and other rewards on purchases.

Many immigrants continue to choose to keep their funds in cash because of the barriers associated with traditional banking, including high fees and paperwork-heavy application processes.

The latest data shows that the estimated 4.2 million U.S.based Filipinos account for $145 billion or 14.4% of the $1.3 trillion Asian American spending power in the U.S. “Despite their significant market size and buying power, no bank has catered to their financial needs and responsibilities both here and in the Philippines,” BayaniPay chief executive officer Winston Damarillo said during the company’s press launch on Wednesday, March 16 in

BayaniPay announced a partnership with East West Bank to bring the first-ever Filipino American neobank to market, offering a digital checking account, a cobranded Visa debit card and a lineup of financial services, like zero-fee remittances to the Philippines.

Philippine Consul General Edgar Badajos speaks at BayaniPay’s press launch in Los Angeles on Wednesday, March 16.

Los Angeles.

Damarillo, a serial entrepreneur with three Silicon Valley exits, shared how BayaniPay came about based on his experience migrating to the United States and having to adapt to the country’s banking system.

“As an immigrant myself, I’ve had firsthand experience with how financial services for global professionals were solely lacking or came with high fees. That’s why we created BayaniPay,” he said.

East West Bank executive

BayaniPay CEO Winston Damarillo speaks to his experience immigrating to the United States and how it helped create the company, which is now the first-ever neobank for Filipino Americans through East West Bank’s digital banking services.

He was joined on stage during the company’s press launch by BayaniPay board vice chairman Phillip Thong (center, back) and Parker Shi, East West Bank Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (right). Photos courtesy of BayaniPay

vice president and chief operating officer Parker Shi said this is the first time that the bank will make its digital banking platform available to enable banking as a service.

“As a premier financial bridge between the United States and Asia, we have developed robust digital banking capabilities to meet our customers’ crossborder needs,” Shi said.

“We introduced direct-toconsumer digital banking services to provide customers around the world with comprehensive solutions that fit their lifestyle. This partnership enables fintech providers like BayaniPay to embed our products and services to serve a whole new group of customers.”

Moreso, BayaniPay customers can also continue to enjoy its core features — market-leading exchange rates and zero-fee remittances, now completed in real-time — when they apply and are approved for the Easy Digital Checking Account.

Offering competitive exchange rates, Damarillo said, is a commitment made possible by BayaniPay’s strategic partnership with East West Bank and BDO Unibank Inc., the largest universal bank

in the Philippines, through its subsidiary BDO Remit (USA) Inc. By connecting two banks, BayaniPay is able to take out the middlemen common in many remittance services, Damarillo added.

There’s the agent that collects the cash, the bank that stores it, and somebody in the middle in the forex and the other side in the Philippines that you pay for distribution.

If you limit that to East West Bank in the U.S. and BDO in the Philippines, it’s point-topoint,” Damarillo said.

BayaniPay is able to offer zero-fee remittances because “the customer now is doing everything themselves, by using their apps. Now our job is to bridge the two banks and provide the very powerful and secure application,” he added.

In line with this, BayaniPay has also partnered with Seafood City, the largest Filipino-run supermarket chain in the U.S. with an average of about 1 million visits from customers every week. The startup currently has activation booths in stores across California with ambassadors who are helping customers sign up with their accounts.

With a minimum remittance of $99 and maximum daily transaction of $1,999, remittances through BayaniPay can be received within 24 hours or less —or 12 hours or less with the digital bank account.

Remittances can be claimed through major Philippine banks or any 1,400 BDO branches, 4,400 BDO Unibank ATMs, or over 8,000 BDO Cash Agad outlets; plus rural banks, pawnshop partners, and Cash Pick UP Anywhere locations including: BDO branches, SM Forex, Business Centers, PinoyCenters, Palawan Pawnshop, Banko Mabuhay, Villarica Pawnshop, RD Pawnshop, Card Bank, Bank of Florida, QCRB and Rang-ay Bank.

Asked how fool-proof is their system, Damarillo assured that all BayaniPay services will undergo a rigid KYC (know your customer) safety check to ensure seamless and secured digital banking transactions for all app users.

“We are backed by two big banks. On the U.S. side, its FDIC insured up to $250,000 and in the Philippines, its Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) insured. At the two ends,

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OPINION

FEATURES

Double Barrel Finale

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Philstar.com

WITH pandemic restrictions eased last year despite two deadly COVID surges, the Philippines improved a notch in the latest World Happiness Report of the United Nations Sustainable Development The rankings are not based on cheerfulness and the ease by which people find happiness, but on quality of life indicators using three-year data from the Gallup World Poll: gross domestic product, life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom and corruption.

With the pandemic dragging the country into its worst recession, the Philippines fell from 52nd place in the 2020 report to 61st in the 2021 rankings, improving slightly to 60th this year among 146 countries.

Not surprisingly, the advanced economies have consistently led in the World Happiness Report. This year, Finland maintained its top ranking, followed by Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Rounding out the top 10 are Luxembourg, Sweden, Norway, Israel and New Zealand.

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS MARCH 20 marked the eve of the changing of seasons.

Winter gave way to spring as activism and volunteerism saw a renaissance in the growing number of Filipinos now invested in the campaign of Leni Robredo for president and Kiko Pangilinan for vice president.

From the Peoples’ Rally and caravan that kicked off

At the bottom of the list is Afghanistan. The rest of the 10 least happy countries are Lebanon, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Botswana, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Malawi and

Zambia.

In Southeast Asia, the Philippines at least ranked second after Singapore, which placed 27th. Thailand followed the Philippines closely at 61st place, ahead of Malaysia (70th place), Vietnam (77th), Indonesia (87th), Laos (95th), Cambodia (114th) and Myanmar at 126th. Brunei was not included.

Considering the hardships caused by the pandemic, 60th place is not too bad.

The Philippines has a strong social support network, which helped people cope with the pandemic. Filipinos, however, also face serious and long-entrenched problems such as corruption and human rights issues,

including the killings of thousands of drug suspects and the murders – many unsolved – of militants, journalists, legal professionals, indigenous groups and environmental

advocates. The COVID pandemic highlighted the weaknesses of public health care. The country cannot rest at 60th place; it can still do better. (Philstar.com)

The ‘pink wave’ springs forward in the Philippines as Filipino activism blooms with Leni-Kiko the campaign season for the Leni-Kiko Team in Leni’s hometown in Naga, we have seen the rising of peoples’ enthusiasm as the campaign moved from town to town and city to city in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

We have witnessed more and more people in attendance, with LeniKiko supporters from the grassroots sharing their time, talents, effort to show

their vote of confidence for “Gobyernong Tapat,” and hope springs eternal for a “Kulay Rosas ang Bukas” and “Angat Buhay Lahat”— a testament to the people’s faith and trust in VP Leni Robredo and Senator Francis Pangalinan.

137,000 Filipinos went to Emerald Avenue in Ortigas Center, Pasig and the pink crowd just filled the adjacent streets for a dazzling display

of how these people are so committed in making the change they want to see really happen in the corruptionplagued government in the Philippines.

Such astounding show of activism was noted by no less than Ariana Grande sharing video of massive Leni-Kiko Pasig Rally singing her hit song “Break Free”on social media.

Billboard even described

it this way: “While showing their support, the group began to sing Ariana Grande’s 2014 hit, “Break Free,” and the high-energy moment was captured in a video that went viral on social media. Soon enough, the clip made its way to Grande herself, who shared the aerial view of the crowd to her Instagram Stories.”

The word “high energy” cannot even capture the

spirit of the people — young and old — in Pasig, and in the other Leni-Kiko People’s Rallies before this event. One thing is for sure, it is such a powerful feeling of love for the country and hope for the future that make people in the event tear up, including more than 350,000 of us who were with them virtually as we witness the unfolding of this special celebration of people PAGE 10

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

‘Philippine economy to grow fastest in Southeast Asia in 2022’

by Ben

O. de Vera Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) of rich nations expects the Philippine economy to grow fastest in Southeast Asia this year, even as its labor market could take time to recover due to the scarring inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its “Economic Outlook for Southeast Asia, China and India 2022” report launched on Tuesday afternoon (Manila time), the OECD projected 7-percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the Philippines in 2022, at the lower end of the government’s 7 to 9 percent target.

“The outlook is for robust growth. A faster implementation of investment projects in infrastructure, plus the recovery in cash remittances by overseas Filipino workers constitute upside risks to the forecast, although pandemic-related uncertainties continue to tilt the risk balance to the downside,” the OECD said.

The OECD’s estimated real GDP growth in the Philippines this year outpaced the forecasts of 5.2-percent expansion for Indonesia, 6-percent growth for Malaysia, 3.8 percent for Thailand, 6.5 percent for Vietnam, 3.5 percent for Brunei Darussalam, 4 percent for Singapore,

5.6 percent for Cambodia, and 4.6 percent for Laos.

Myanmar’s GDP, on the other hand, was forecast by the OECD to shrink by 0.3 percent.

Including other emerging Asia economies, the Philippines’ estimated economic growth this year would also outpace China’s 5.1 percent, but below India’s 8.1 percent.

For 2023, the OECD projected the Philippine economy to grow by 6.1 percent, also within the government’s 6 to 7 percent goal.

However, the OECD said the COVID-19 pandemic “inflicted substantial damage on labor markets in emerging Asia — this deterioration has been particularly acute in the Philippines and Vietnam.”

Last week, the government conceded that while the 6.4-percent unemployment rate last January dipped to its lowest during this prolonged pandemic, the number of jobless Filipinos would have been smaller than the 2.93 million at the start of this year if not for the stricter restrictions imposed during the Omicron-induced surge in infections.

“In terms of individual sectors across emerging Asia, the impact has been especially heavy for the micro-, small- and mediumsized enterprises. Sectors of the economy that are especially cyclical, and indeed those that rely on face-to-face interactions, have endured the gravest job losses since the onset of the COVID-19 crisis,” the OECD said. g

U.S. Marine Corps MV-22B Ospreys assigned to Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 363 (VMM-363), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, arrive at Subic Bay International Airport ahead of Balikatan 22 in the Philippines.

Photo courtesy of the U.S. Embassy in Manila

8,900 US and PH troops join forces for Balikatan

by JOhn

eric MendOza Inquirer.net

MANILA — A total of 8,900 members of the Philippine and American military will join forces for the upcoming Balikatan exercises this year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday, March 22.

The largest military exercises of the two longtime allies will take place over Luzon from March 28 to April 8, the AFP said in a statement.

AFP said some 3,800

military personnel and 5,100 U.S. military forces will train to “to expand and advance shared tactics, techniques, and procedures that strengthen our response capabilities and readiness for real-world challenges,” according to Major General Jay Bargeron, 3rd Marine Division Commanding General.

This year’s Balikatan is much bigger than 2021, which only saw some 1,000 Filipino and American troops. g

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 25-31, 2022

7

First of its kind, a new... With gradual increase of new variant in LA...

PAGE 4 it’s highly secured to begin with and guaranteed by the federal governments,” he said.

“The transmission is between a bank and a bank and the likelihood of the money going away is very less. In addition to that, we’ve shown you the biometric KYC that makes it more secure because of the facial recognition. No remittance companies do that, I think we’re one of the first ones that had it,” he added.

Asked about their future expansion plans, Phillip, Thong, vice chairman of the BayaniPay board, said after saturating the U.S. market, they would eventually offer their digital platform services to other countries with large Filipino immigrant populations like Canada.

BayaniPay, which entered the market in November

2021 offering remittances, was formed in partnership with Talino Ventures Labs, the Asian Journal, and Wavemaker Partners. (The Asian Journal is a partner of BayaniPay but maintains editorial independence.)

“It is beneficial not only to overseas Filipino families but also to the Philippine economy. For all these things, the arrival of BayaniPay is such a wonderful thing. But what makes it more remarkable is that it was developed

by Filipinos for overseas Filipinos,” said Philippine Consul General Edgar Badajos during Wednesday’s launch.

BayaniPay will initially be available to California residents sending money to the Philippines. The company plans to offer its financial services to other states in the coming months.g

PH bound by treaty to...

PAGE 4 has already made a clear and chilling warning against countries that will provide aid and support to Ukraine as his forces push forward to the former Soviet republic as part of what the dictator described as a “special military operation.”

“Whoever tries to hinder us, or threaten our country or our people, should know that Russia’s response will be immediate and will lead you to consequences that you have never faced in your history,” Putin said in a televised broadcast last Feb. 24.

“We are ready for any turn of events. All necessary decisions in this regard have been made. I hope that I will be heard,” he added.

Despite Putin’s warning, however, U.S. President Joe Biden and U.S. allies imposed a series of swift and sweeping sanctions against Putin and Russia for the invasion of Ukraine. These tough penalties by the U.S., as well as its Western allies, aimed to impose extreme economic costs on Russia and its people.

The U.S. has also been sending military support to Ukraine since the attacks started last Feb. 24, which included so-called lethal aid or weapons.

Last March 17, Biden approved an additional P41.9B ($800M) for its military aid package to Ukraine, bringing the cost of total U.S. security aid to Ukraine since the Putin invasion began to P52B ($1B).

The lethal aid included sophisticated weapons like the Javelin shoulder-fired anti-tank missile system and the Stinger shoulderfired anti-aircraft missile system. Both weapons systems had been described as “fire and forget” because of the ease with which these could be launched by a single soldier and their accuracy.

For the first time, Biden also called Putin a “war criminal.”

A few days earlier, on March 11, the U.S. Senate approved the P712B ($13.6B) emergency military and humanitarian aid package for Ukraine and its European allies—P340B will be given to the Pentagon while P350B will go to care for refugees.

So far, Russia has only produced and approved a list of countries and territories that have conducted “unfriendly actions” against Russia and its citizens over Putin’s bid to destroy Ukraine.

On the list, according to a report by Al Jazeera, were Albania, Andorra, Australia, Great Britain, including Jersey, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Gibraltar, European Union member states, Iceland, Canada, Liechtenstein, Micronesia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, San Marino, North Macedonia, Singapore, United States, Taiwan, Ukraine, Montenegro, Switzerland, and Japan.

Tension continued to escalate between the Russian government and the U.S. as concerns were expressed over Chinese military aid to Putin, a close ally of Chinese President Xi Jinping. g

PAGE 1 region seeing higher percentages than other regions. For example, New York City reported that the Omicron subvariant BA.2 accounts for nearly 30% of cases. The BA.2 subvariant also accounts for over 20% of the cases in the Midwest, with 20% identified as BA.2 in Chicago.

Although LA County has identified a lower percentage of cases to date associated with BA.2 when compared to some other cities, this is a similar pattern as seen with previous new virus strains and residents should be prepared to mitigate the risk of increased transmission associated with this more infectious subvariant.

Efforts to slow transmission remain a priority, particularly by increasing vaccination and booster coverage, as data has shown that these approved vaccines provide significant protection against variants.

As of March 17, 83% of LA County residents ages five and older had received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine and 75% were fully vaccinated. Additionally, 57% of eligible residents ages 12 and older received the additional protection of a booster. This leaves about 2.6 million booster-dose eligible residents not benefiting from the extra protection of a booster dose.

With gaps in coverage by race/ethnicity, age groups, and geography, there are many pockets of vulnerability across the county. Only 30% of children ages 5-11 are fully vaccinated, the lowest of any age group, compared with 85% fully vaccinated youth ages 12-17.

As of March 13, 55% of Black residents and 59% of Latinx residents are fully vaccinated, compared with 73% of White residents and 82% of Asian residents.

There are also certain geographic regions with lower vaccination coverage than others, including parts of the San Gabriel Valley, South Central LA, and the Antelope Valley. As of February 27, there were also significant gaps in booster coverage with only 31% of residents five and older living in lowresourced communities receiving a booster dose, compared

with 43% of residents five and older living in better resourced communities.

“As always, we extend our deepest sympathies to everyone mourning the loss of a loved one from COVID,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of public health. “The increasing presence of the highly transmissible BA.2 subvariant in many regions of this country reminds us that we need to remain vigilant and prepared for the possibility of more cases in the near future. And while discouraging to face this possibility, the best way to blunt another surge in cases from increasing hospitalizations and deaths is to increase vaccination and booster coverage. Given the compelling evidence that the vaccines continue to protect against all variants, and their wide availability, residents and workers are urged to use the next couple of weeks to get to up to date on their vaccines. Waiting until we start seeing increases in cases is not optimal, since once there are more people testing positive, there is already more community transmission.”

Public Health reported 565 new positive cases on Sunday, with an additional 370 positive cases today, and 29 new deaths for Sunday and today. Today’s case and death numbers reflect delays in weekend reporting. Of the 29 new deaths reported today, one person was between the ages of 30-49, six were between the ages of 50-64, six were between the ages of 65-79, and 16 were aged 80 years or older. Of the 29 newly reported deaths, 27 had underlying health conditions. To date, the total number of deaths in LA County is 31,491.

Public Health has reported a total of 2,825,423 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County. Note that 1,157 additional cases have been added to the cumulative total of positive cases due to a backlog of cases from the surge. Almost all of the backlog cases these past two weeks have been reported from two labs. The California Department of Public Health is aware of these reporting delays which affect case counts across many parts of the state. Today’s positivity rate is 0.6%.

There are 404 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized.

Testing results are available for more than 11,615,300 individuals, with 22% of people testing positive.g

Telco, airlines now open to full foreign...

PAGE 1 The amended PSA limits public utilities to the distribution and transmission of electricity, petroleum and petroleum products pipeline transmission systems, water pipeline distribution and wastewater pipeline systems, seaports, and public utility vehicles.

The president thanked Congress for approving the measure that he said would help lead the country toward economic recovery amid the pandemic.

“I believe that through this law, the easing of foreign equity restrictions, we will attract more global investors, modernize several sectors of public service, and improve the delivery of essential services,” Duterte said.

“It is also expected to generate more jobs for Filipinos, improve basic services for Filipino consumers, and allow for the exchange of skills and technology with the country’s foreign partners,” he added.

Ranked as the third most restrictive economy in the world based on the 2020 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) report, the Philippines

will benefit from the amended PSA as it will attract foreign capital, generate more jobs, and introduce innovation that can lead to improved quality and lower prices of public services.

More jobs, lower prices The American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) on Monday said the signing of the amended PSA, as well as the earlier enactment of investmenteasing measures, made the Duterte administration “very business-friendly.”

“AmCham is thrilled that the bill is being signed today.

It is a major legislation that will further open up the Philippines for more foreign investment which will create jobs,” AmCham executive director Ebb Hinchliffe said in a Viber message to the Inquirer.

“There are several U.S. companies [which I’m] not at liberty to name at this time that are waiting for the bill to be signed. Add this to the CREATE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises) bill, retail trade bill, the amendments to the FIA (Foreign Investments Act), and now PSA, this has been a very business-

friendly Congress and administration,” he said.

The Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC), which groups nearly all foreign companies operating in the country, has described the amended PSA as a gamechanging law.

According to JFC, this would match the foreign investment policies of Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia.

It also complies with commitments the Philippines made in the Asean Comprehensive Investment Agreement to open investment in services to other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) as part of the Asean Economic Community.

“We pledge our efforts to bring the reform to the attention of firms in our member-countries in the United States, Australia-New Zealand, Canada, Korea, Japan and Europe. We will encourage them to invest in the Philippines and support better public services for the Filipino people with capital and technology,” JFC earlier said.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, who is also chair of the Board of Investments,

had also said that such an amendment to the PSA would pave the way for more foreign investments in the Philippines.

“Foreign equity restrictions will be eased, which will attract more global players that will modernize several sectors such as telecommunications, shipping, airlines, railway, and subways. Similarly, there will be increased competition in terms of services and products which will generate better quality of services and competitive pricing to the benefit of the consumers.

Higher investments will also generate more jobs and income for the people,” Lopez said.

“I am confident that we can make economic recovery happen in the Philippines this year. With the amended [PSA], we expect the entry of new foreign investors and the introduction of modern and new technologies in these sectors,” he said.

Retail trade easing The amendment of the PSA completes the three foreign investment liberalization bills pushed by the Duterte economic team instead of amending the economic PAGE 10

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MARCH 25-31, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 25-31, 2022

9

Downtown area offers great experience for Las Vegas visitors

Dave McKeon (extreme left), who gives Fely updates on the Strip, with (from left) Realtor Quitevis-Bateman and her

The Batemans attending a Keystone Corporation luncheon where Precious Properties is a member.

Keystone is a very powerful organization that gives Realtor Quitevis-Bateman information on who’s coming to town.

WHILE the Strip along Las Vegas Boulevard South seemingly offers boundless opportunities to explore for both tourists and residents, the downtown area is not far behind in offering fun and entertainment to those craving adventure.

The downtown area has not expanded as fast as its counterpart to the south, but things seem to be looking up for the area.

Years ago, the late Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh invested about $350 million of his money to revitalize the downtown area. Though it did not take off as Hsieh expected, the ambitious project had minor successes and resulted in local entrepreneurs taking a gamble and establishing their own roots in the area.

These days, a lot of great things are happening in the area.

First, construction is ongoing to rehabilitate and/or improve roadways, streetlights, driveways and off ramps. Millions of dollars are being poured into these projects that will help improve traffic and pedestrial flow in this corridor.

The opening of both Resorts World-Las Vegas and Circa Resort & Casino in 2020 breathed new life and employment for residents.

Remodeling/expansion projects for the Sahara Las Vegas, the Strat, the

Realtor Quitevis-Bateman with U.S. Congressman Mark Amodei who gives her updates on federal laws.

From left: Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman, Russ Bateman, former Nevada Senator Sue Lowden (who is also a former owner of Sahara Hotel and other hotels on the Strip), and John Moran of Newport Beach.

Realtor Quitevis Bateman (extreme left) and hubby Russ Bateman (extreme right) with legal counsel and former Nevada Gaming Commissioner Atty. Joe Brown, who is one of the movers and shakers in

Las Vegas Convention Center and Circus Circus, as well as new projects like Fountainbleau Las Vegas (opening in 2023), a planned hotel project just across the convention center and a good probability of an expanded convention center loop (courtesy of Elon Musk’s The Boring Company) that will bring people from the airport and south end of the Strip to the north end where the convention center is located, has

many people excited.

The Fremont Street Experience, one of the bigger draws in the downtown area, made its own changes with the installation of the Viva Vision Screen. The attraction, which has dazzled many spectators with its light shows through the years, offers a brighter and more colorful display, plus crystal-clear images and concert-quality sounds PAGE 10

Realtor Quitevis-Bateman’s clients Tony & Nanette Suarez, who live in Mountain Falls, invested happily in Pahrump with their all-time fully booked Airbnb home.

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MARCH 25-31, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

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Leni Robredo’s momentum goes full...

PAGE 5 united by one common aspiration.

The attendees started filling up Emerald Avenue in the morning, enduring the sweltering heat, and no bathroom breaks as the crowd got bigger ahead of the day-long celebration of music, chanting, dancing, picnics, camaraderie, climaxed by the speech of Leni Robredo at night.

Let me share some of the insights and experiences of these people as shared on social media: “I cannot imagine I will be signing the National Anthem with more than 100,000 people today.” - Jes Mirasol “Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo #PasigIsPink…” - Jun Robles Lana as he posted aerial shots of event “Tuwing naiisip ko si VP Leni, sumasagi sa isipan ko ang dami at lawak ng mga posibilidad na mabago at mapaunlad ang Pilipinas”. - Miyake Izabel “All it takes is a single voice. A single voice loud enough for other people to hear. A single voice that’ll encourage others to use theirs as well. A single voice that can spark a movement.” - Jessika “Sobrang na-feel ko kung gaano siya ka-dedicated at ka-willing to serve the people. Kung narinig niyo yung speech niya, mas marami pa ang pag-endorse niya kay VP kaysa sa sarili niya” - Renz Saavedra “EXTREMELY PROUD TO BE PART OF THIS HISTORIC EVENT!” - J.M. Dangane ,MD “For a gov’t with a concrete pandemic response and economic recovery plan, push for a good int’l image, and most of all, uplift lives of Filipinos so they can fulfill their needs and even have extra to enjoy things that make them happy!” – BB Kudos, VP @lenirobredo& Pasig Kakampinks, for an epic #PasigLaban!

Together, we defied fake news and redtagging. Together, we can do more and win. If we expand our reach and level-up our unity, NCR can become “National Capital for Robredo”. Yes we can #MakabayanForLeniKiko - Elmer Labog “The best man for the job is a WOMAN Pink Movement Happening Today In Pasig…Responsible Universities and Educators Trust the Movement I haven’t felt this good in years even if I stood for 7-8 hours! Maraming salamat Team TRoPa for inspiring many of us to come out and support you all! You have brought out the best in Filipinos #IpanloNa10To #PASIGLaban” - Jade Therese “With my wife attending the

#PasigLaban . In 2016 both of us voted for Leni but since I came from Mindanao, I voted for D30. 3 months after the election, I realized I made a mistake. 2022 is different! Solid ka tropa.” - 3Poms “Mom/dad always talked about the people power revolutions before as if they were dreams…went to #PasigLaban today. Now i understand”. -Jenju Sa lakas na pinaramdam ng Pasig, damang dama na natin ang pag asa.

Salamat, Pilipino! Ipapanalo natin ‘to!

Yung pink rallies, may Lost and Found na booth. Yung unity rallies, may paannouncement ng mga nanakawan ng wallet at cellphones na nagmamakaawa na ibalik na. Rallies palang laki na ng pagkakaiba. - Wonderwoman “Nagulat ako when I saw Nanay and Tatay! Ipapanalo po natin to! Ipapanalo po namin kayo! #LeniRobredo2022 #PasigLaban #PasigForLeniKiko #PasigisPink” - Ron Li “I was a DDS and voted for Bongbong Marcos for vp in 2016. Today, I’m proud to say that I will never be a “mangmang” voter again. My character development slayed! Doon tayo sa TOTOO at TAPAT!!!

My vote is for you mam @lenirobredo” Kevin Villena OMG WALA KAMING MASAKYAN NA GRAB SO ABANG ABANG KAMI NG JEEP TAPOS MAY TUMIGIL NA RANDOM KOTSE SAMIN KASI NAKITANG NAKA PINK KAMI TAPOS TINANONG KUNG PAPUNTA RAW KAMI ORTIGAS, ISABAY NA RAW KAMI SINCE PUNTA RIN SILA SA RALLY HUHUHUHU GRABEEE!!!! #PasigLaban #PasigIsPink” -Grey “So nalaglag ng sister ko yung driver’s license and SSS ID nya during the #PasigLaban rally and true to the values espoused by the pink revolution, naisoli sa kanya after the event. Leni brings out the best in us at a time when the current establishment brings out the worst” GisingPH “My nieces was narrating what happen to them yesterday. She mentions dami daw namimigay ng food. Ubos n daw tubig nila, uhaw na uhaw na daw sila.

Ginaya nya daw ginawa ng iba, she raised a placard with note asking for water. Dumarating daw ang tubig pasa pasahan from the people.” - Ana Trecia Bantigue “Ang tagal ko nang ‘di kinikilabutan nang ganito sa nakikita ko. At ang kilabot na ito, hindi na dala ng takot. Kay tagal kong naghintay.” – Chiara Zambrano “GOOSEBUMPS WHEN BEN AND BEN STARTED SINGING SABEL SINCE IT’S A

SONG FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT AND LENI ROBREDO IS AN EPITOME OF AN ENPOWERED WOMAN!” - Chad “Amazeball talga ang mga kakampink.

Pag may nangangailangan ng medic, the crowd chant all together “MEDIC” to get attention. Graaabe! Concern for others, iba talaga ang pluwensya ng mabuting lider!” - Sumshine “This picture (of Leni hugging children) speaks so much! May this be a reminder for us to vote very very wisely not just for us but for the future of our children. Our children deserves a good governance.

They deserve a good future. Let’s win this battle for them.” - Anj “Today, we pushed back against red-tagging and attempts at disunity, we showed up with a GIGANTIC mob w/ record-breaking (near regimeousting) numbers, and demonstrated true unity based on our desire for better governance.” - Rey Kayang kaya natin ‘to. Ipanalo natin ‘to! #PasigLaban “Someone said, “This is no longer a rally, this is history.” We are fighting not only for the present generation but also for the next ones that will carry this remarkable bravery to fight for what we deserve. What a night!” - Kiel “Sana lang huwag matulad sa EDSA, that people felt it was the end. It was just the start. May mga kasama tayo na ganun ang isip, sinisi pa ang EDSA. Di nila naintindihan, EDSA was about us, people power. As Leni says, “we are the answer to each one’s prayer.”- Manny “Yes, Leni Robredo’s middle class base showed up in this behemoth rally at #PasigLaban. The real challenge now is to translate this immense political energy be co-owned by the basic masses, which is morally yearning for genuine change .

Abutin ang mga tunay na nasa laylayan.”

- Hadji Balajadia *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989. She was a news anchor, TV host and radio commentator and public service host for ABS- CBN and DZMM. She is now working on her advocacies independently, serving the Filipino audience using different media platforms.

You may contact her through email at gelrelos@icloud. com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook. com/Gel.Santos.Relos. Also on Twitter, Instagram: Gel Santos Relos

Telco, airlines now open to full foreign...

PAGE 7 provisions of the 1987 Constitution, which would have taken a longer time and has been controversial despite attempts to amend only its economic provisions— among the most restrictive in the world that has made the Philippines a laggard in attracting foreign investments in Asean.

In April last year, President Duterte urged Congress to fast-track three bills that would further open up the economy to more foreign investors and, according to his economic managers, help the

economy recover from pandemicinduced recession.

In an April 12, 2021, letter to Senate President Vicente Sotto III and Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, the president said he certified the immediate passage of amendments to the PSA, the FIA, and the Retail Trade Liberalization Act. The team had argued that foreigners’ bigger participation in local industries would not only further promote domestic competition but also create more jobs.

The amended FIA is positioned to attract more foreign investments amid

the COVID-19 pandemic as it provides less stringent requirements for potential foreign investors to enter the Philippine market.

The proposed amendment to the retail trade law seeks to bring down the ceiling for the capital required of foreign-led retailers to set up shop in the Philippines.

Duterte signed RA 11595 amending the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000 in January 2022, while RA 11647, which amended the FIA of 1991, was signed last March 2. (By Leila B. Salaverria, Roy Stephen C. Canivel/Inquirer.net)g

FUEL DEPOT. Petron gas station supervisor Joseph Balmes (left), 41, holds the inner safety sealed lock of a fuel storage while refilling a gas tanker on Quezon Avenue, Quezon City on Tuesday, March 22. Oil firms have implemented a bigtime rollback in pump prices -- P11.45 per liter for diesel, P5.45 per liter for gasoline and P8.55 per liter for kerosene.

PNA

Downtown area...

PAGE 9 for viewers.

Thrill-seekers can ride the SlotZilla Zipline which takes high flyers through the Fremont Street Experience two ways – either from 77 feet high or from 114 feet high – and either halfway or all the way through the famous attraction.

The expanded Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino, bars like Whiskey Licker Up and Lucky Day for a sampling of the area’s nightlife and bar scene, and giant screens at The D in Bar Canada and Circa’s Stadium Swim all give off a different vibe for tourists.

And Las Vegas is not just for gambling and fun… downtown Las Vegas has its Symphony Park Redevelopment, which has been at the forefront of the cultural and artistic resurgence of the city. So aside from all those shows you may be craving to go to at the hotel-casinos, you can also immerse in downtown offerings like the Smith Center for Performing Arts and the DISCOVERY Children’s Museum, as well as take a look at Project Enchilada, which aims to save iconic buildings and neighborhoods in the downtown area.

If you want to see live-action sports, that’s not a problem.

Professional sports teams have popped up in Las Vegas, including the Vegas Golden Knights (hockey) who play at the T-Mobile Arena, the Las Vegas Raiders (football) who play at Allegiant Stadium, the Las Vegas Aces (women’s professional basketball, or the WNBA) who play at the Mandalay Bay Arena, the Las Vegas Lights FC (football) who play in downtown’s Cashman Field, and the Las Vegas Aviators (triple A baseball) who play at Las Vegas Ballpark.

Las Vegas and the communities that extend beyond it have a lot of things to look forward to. The major developments in Sin City will impact communities far beyond it, including Pahrump, which is located about 62 miles west of it. Better real estate prices, traffic ease and a quality of life unfettered by high crime and all the problems of a big city have people looking at places like Pahrump as their base or residence, or a location for a second home or property investment.

With home and property prices continuing on its upswing in Nevada and perks like having no personal income tax and lower property tax rate, many people are looking at Las Vegas and Pahrump for opportunities.

Precious Properties is a full-service company serving its clientele since 1992 and Fely Quirevis-Bateman can be reached at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • MARCH 25-31, 2022

COMMUNITY JOURNAL

11

Filipino organization SoCal Pinoys takes centerstage on this Sunday’s special episode of Citizen Pinoy LEADING U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel hosts the almost 50,000-strong SoCal Pinoys of Southern California. Its founder and leader, Charles Chamorro, talks about the group’s mission and accomplishments.

Atty. Gurfinkel also answers immigration questions from members of SoCal Pinoys, like “Is there a way for a crewman to legalize his status?,” “Can a woman who was by her husband renew her green card that expired because her husband hid the documents from her?,” and “My father was able to get a Humanitarian Revalidation approved on behalf of my “lola” who was petitioned by my late mother. What do we

do now?”

Other Fil-Am community organizations in the U.S. can get the chance to be featured on Citizen Pinoy. Visit the Facebook page of the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel and signify your interest by sending a private message via messenger.

Watch this special community outreach episode on brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, March 27 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET thru select Cable/ Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

CITIZEN PINOY FEATURES THE SOCAL PINOYS ON A SPECIAL EPISODE THIS SUNDAY. Leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (left) meets with Charles Chamorro (right), founder and leader of SoCal Pinoys, and its members in a brand-new episode, where Citizen Pinoy reaches out to the Filipino community. Atty. Gurfinkel discusses the purpose and achievements of SoCal Pinoys, and answers questions from Rachel (2nd from right), abused by her husband (VAWA), who wants to know how she can renew her green card that expired in 2016. Justin (2nd from left) wants to know what he should do now that his father was able to get a Humanitarian Revalidation approved on behalf of his “lola” who was petitioned by his late mother. These questions and more, on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, March 27, at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

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MARCH 25-31, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL

Health@Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS AS COVID-19 surges the past few days in dozens of provinces in China, in Hong Kong, and in Shanghai, sowing confusion and chaos, with 2,000 cases a day, USA Today Network on Monday, March 21, 2022, reported “New COVID variant is spreading across the U.S.” It was referring to Omicron variant BA.2, the “Stealth Omicron,” first detected two months ago and now “spreading more quickly in the Northeast and West.”

The U.S. CDC announced that Stealth Omicron “appears to be on its way to becoming the dominant coronavirus strain, having roughly doubled each week for the past month…

It has a different genetic sequence from BA.1 and was first dubbed the ‘stealth variant’ because it wasn’t as easy to detect. Around the world, infections are largely from the BA.2 version of omicron…In the U.S., BA.2 accounted for about 39 percent of the cases for the week ending March 12, up from 14.2% the week ending March 5.”

Last week, a total of 15,412 new COVID-19 cases were reported in New York, a jump from 11,323 a week prior, many from the Stealth subvariant which is expected to become the dominant strain across the country soon.

The mask mandate on airplanes and public transit has been extended by TSA through April 18, 2022.

Sadly, only 65%!

Meanwhile, Covid vaccine rates in Africa are still low, averaging about 14 percent across the continent, and public health experts predict a fifth wave of COVID-19 in Africa in the coming months, which could potentially be caused by a future more lethal variant that could endanger the whole world.

The more unvaccinated people there are in an area or a country, the greater the chance that the the virus they harbor could replicate and mutate in their bodies acting as a reservoir factory of new strains of the virus.

The United States, a world leader whose population is mostly educated, has a vaccination rate of 65 percent (fully vaccinated) as of Sunday, March 20, 2022

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COVID-19 fifth wave? Pinoy filmmaker wins NY prize which, sadly, is lower than many other countries. There were 7,844 COVID-19 cases and 83 deaths on that day alone.

Global vaccination More than 5.86 billion doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have been administered globally, albeit not equally distributed around the world. Malta, with its half a million people, boasts the top vaccination rate on earth, with 82.82 percent, followed by the United Arab Emirates, with 79.97 percent of its 9.7 million population.

Singapore, Portugal, and Qatar are among the top five.

China, with its 1.4 billion people has 69.38 percent, the U.S., 65 percent. The UK, France, Italy, Germany, all with a population of more than 50 million, have among the best vaccination rates.

Hope and caution There is general optimism about the pandemic across the country as spring comes, but in some cities in the U.S. and across the world “warning lights are blinking,” as the World Health Organization reported there were 11 million new cases around the globe in the week ending March 13, up 8 percent over the previous week, the first increase since late January 2022. In the UK, almost 256,000 re-infections were recorded as of the first week of January 2022. Some people around the world were reinfected more than twice.

News updates As of 3:24 PM (EST), Tuesday, March 22, 2022: Total global COVID-19 cases -473,329,373, new one-day cases - 1,698,105, total deaths - 6,108,307; U.S.: 81,450,502 total cases, new one-day cases - 2,101 (Monday, March 21 new cases total was 46,608), total deaths - 998,936; the Philippines: 3,674,694 total cases, new one-day cases 415, total deaths - 58,276.

The New York Times reports “the U.S. faces a potential uptick in cases because about a quarter of eligible adults have yet to be vaccinated”; only 65 percent have been fully vaccinated.

A study of 1.1 million school children revealed that mask mandates significantly reduced COVID-19 transmission. According to the New York Times, some of the largest school districts in California will continue masking after the state

requirement for masks ends, a move greatly supported by parents knowing a significant number of children have been infected and died from COVID-19.

China is being ravaged by its worst COVID-19 outbreaks since 2020. The Omicron variant is raging over Asia, with South Korea having a record 400,741 daily cases last Wednesday, March 16. China has imposed a lockdown on 9 million residents of the northeastern city of Changchun. This week, China had 4,500 cases of COVID-19 in one day.

Another wave of Omicron could potentially hit Europe because its highest per capita cases in the world are now going up. Germany is approaching record levels and the cases are going up in Italy, Belgium, France and other countries.

This was thought to be because Europe loosened its pandemic restrictions “too soon,” fueling the spike, the waning vaccine immunity, and the spread of the BA.2 subvariant.

Wastewater sampling for SARS-CoV2 could be an indicator of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the United States, where 38 percent of the sampling sites showed an increase in coronavirus levels from February 24 to March 10, 2022. The Times quoted an epidemiologist saying, “Europe’s worst periods throughout the pandemic have been a harbinger of what was to come in the United States.” Hence, the serious concern in the U.S. about a possible fifth wave.

At this juncture of the pandemic, 26 months since COVID-19 hit the U.S., we have learned a few things: that masking and distancing are most beneficial; that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing serious infection, hospitalization, and death; and that those unvaccinated are the prime target of the virus and have the highest risk for hospitalization and death. As stated above, sadly, only 65 percent of the people in the U.S. are vaccinated.

We also now know that even those fully vaccinated (2 initial shots plus a booster) could still get infected by a new variant, but the chances of getting infected are much lower and the clinical course milder, with a lower risk for hospitalization and death.

With so many unvaccinated among us, new strains could

AWARD-winning Filipino filmmaker and multidisciplinary artist Richard Soriano Legaspi won the Special Honor Mention at the sixth edition of the 21 Islands International Short Film Festival in New York City.

Legaspi added another feather to his cap when his experimental short film “Job Order” was announced winner of the special prize during the festival’s awarding ceremony on February 23.

The film reflects on the daily journey of migrant workers in Taiwan as it shows the geography and culture of the island through a fast-moving narrative and as a reflection of their limited time.

The 21 Islands ISFF features animation, experimental, and live action films “from island nations, island states, island cities and island territories around the world.”

This year, it also screened selected films from Australia, Canary Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia,

Multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker Richard Soriano Legaspi Photo from Instagram/@ richardcycloneloop

Ireland, Japan, Madagascar, Madeira Island, Malta, Manhattan, Montreal, Puerto Rico, Sardinia, Sicily, Singapore, Taiwan, Tenerife, United Kingdom, and Vancouver Island.

“We showcase short films that depict stories that express cultural, philosophical, and aesthetic perspectives shared by artists living and producing their work in islands and their respective audiences,” 21 Islands ISFF curator, filmmaker, and media producer Melisa Ramos explained.

“Job Order” was selected “from thousands of multilingual submissions originating in hundreds of qualifying locations worldwide.”

The experimental film was previously shown at the 17th Athens Digital Arts Festival in Greece last October.

Completing the circle of winners are “Hedy” directed by Andy Clarke (Ireland), Best Film; “Martin’s Vantage Point” by Chedey Reyes (Canary Islands), Best Script; “Before the Beauty is Gone” by Mackai Sharp (Vancouver Island), Best Editing; “The Hole” by Fang Hsin Kai (Taiwan), Best Animation; “Hello” by Oldren Romero (Cuba), Best Cinematography; “Nostos Algos” by Juan Diego De Leon (Dominican Republic), Best Direction; “Pacing the Pool” by Radheya Jegatheva (Australia), Best Documentary; and “Cacos” by João Brás (Madeira Island), Audience Award.

Legaspi is a three-time Gawad Alternatibo awardee of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, winner in the screenplay category of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, and a recipient of the Unesco-Aschberg Laureate, eventually becoming a resident artist of the Università delle Idee, Cittadellarte-Fondazione Pistoletto, and winner of the ILLY Can Prize Design – Art for Social Change in Italy.

(ManilaTimes.net) g

No longer the young belter, Mackie learns to love his new voice

By Alex

BrosAs

TNT Boys member, Mackie Empuerto, feels a bit frustrated now that he’s got a new, low voice, and he could no longer hit the high notes.

There was a time when Empuerto was able to

perfectly sing songs by hitting high decibels, but growing up, his high registers vanished.

“Sobrang taas ng voice ko dati (My voice before was really high),” Mackie said in a virtual press conference on Wednesday, March 16, to promote his latest single, a cover version of “Can This

Be Love.”

“Bumibirit kami talaga,” he said about his group, TNT Boys. “Sobrang taas.”

(We really belt. Really high notes.)

But that was then. Now that his voice has gone lower and he initially felt frustrated by it.

PAGE 13

still emerge.

With the recent surges in Asia and Europe, the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is still elusive, with the Stealth (BA.2) Omicron being 5060 percent more rapidly transmissible and now the dominant virus.

I have been so used to masking the past two years that today I could not breathe comfortably (in my mind) without my mask, especially with these new surges. If I could not avoid a crowd, I use a gaiter over my mask because I am a high-risk individual.

Let us continue to be

vigilant and treat this virus with humility, not with arrogance or surrender. *** 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 main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical

information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

Inquirer.net

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Angelica pregnant Gerald prefers to share his work ethic with first baby rather than give colleagues advice

by Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

By Marinel

Cruz

Inquirer.net

KAPAMILYA actress Angelica Panganiban revealed that she’s pregnant with her first baby with boyfriend Gregg Homan.

In her Instagram account on Sunday, March 20, Angelica posted photos and a video of her ultrasound.

“Ay! Na post!!” she captioned the post.

“Sa wakas!!!

Magagampanan ko na rin ang pinaka hihintay, at pinaka importanteng papel ng buhay ko. Magiging ganap na INA na po ako,” she added.

Angelica thanked family and friends for the prayers and support.

“Opo, may matres ako mga baklaaah! Ipagpapasalamat ko na rin ang mga kapamilya, kaibigan, at mga marites na sumuporta, nagdiwang, nagdasal at patuloy na nagdadasal para sa pamilya namin. Waaaaaah! Huhuhu.

May pamilya na ko. Kaiyaq

Angelica Panganiban Photo from Instagram/@iamangelicap

pramis,” she said.

Angelica and Greg will celebrate their 2nd anniversary as a couple on July.

It was on November 2020 when Angelica was rumored to be in a relationship again after failed relationships with Carlo Aquino, Derek Ramsay and John Lloyd Cruz.

On New Year’s eve that year, she confirmed speculation by posting a photo of her kissing a man.

She publicly introduced Greg with a selfie on her Instagram account a month after. g

MORE than giving out pieces of advice, actor Gerald Anderson said he’d rather set a good example for the people he works with to follow.

“When you come to the set, you have to be prepared,” the 33-yearactor said. “But more than that, you have to be kind to your coworkers. Working on the set these days is not a joke. We’re in lock-in taping for a long period of time and we’re away from our families. Everyone is tired.

To be kind should be the first thing on your mind, and then professionalism.”

Gerald, who renewed his contract with home network ABS-CBN in February, said he chose to remain a Kapamilya because he values the relationships he has built with people within the company through the years.

“I like to be around people who are equally passionate about work as I am. I draw

Gerald Anderson

strength from them,” he explained.

“I also give importance to the memories I’ve shared with them outside of work.

When we attend out-oftown mall shows, we would always have side trips. We would explore the city, or in my case, do river rafting after work. I’ve had ups and downs in my life and career, and they also chose to stay

Photo from Instagram/@andersongeraldjr

beside me during the most difficult times,” recalled Gerald.

“They’re my family. We share the same house. If something happens to your house, like you failed to pay rent, for example, you don’t stop being a family. You choose to stay together,” said Gerald, explaining why he opted not to leave ABS-CBN despite its failed

franchise bid and eventual shutdown in 2020.

Resilience “Choosing to stick together, that’s how we are able to test our resilience, our sense of being a Kapamilya.

After all the trouble, you emerge as a group of more mature people, closer to each other more than ever,” he declared.

Gerald entered show biz via the reality talent search “Pinoy Big Brother” at 17.

He won third place in the competition. Gerald said his view of competitions has changed through the years.

“I’ve always been competitive; that’s the reason I lasted this long in the industry. I value that trait,” he began. “We’re in the middle of a pandemic.

There are very few projects being produced, and there are a lot of us actors hoping to find work. We’re all fighting for roles and shows.

I’m in a very competitive industry but I’m lucky to be able to find friends from among my competitors.” g

Dingdong returns to ‘revitalized’ Family Feud

By Jerry

Donato

Philstar.com

Mackie Empuerto

Photo from Instagram/@iammackieempuerto

No longer the young...

PAGE 12 “‘Yung paglaki ng voice ko, naging awkward for me.

Na frustrate ako at na-sad.

Sobrang hirap, kasi may mga songs na ipapakanta sa akin pero hindi ko na kaya,” he admitted.

(The change in my voice felt awkward for me. I got frustrated and sad. It’s so difficult, because there are songs that I am asked to sing but I can’t.)

He also believes that him reaching puberty had something to do with the transformation in his voice.

But Empuerto has learned to accept the fact that he can no longer belt out. In time, he was able to overcome the frustration and learned how to use his new voice.

“Eventually, nasanay na din ako,” he said.

(Eventually, I got used to it.)

With his new voice, Empuerto advises guys his age or boys who are in the puberty stage to not give up.

“Don’t stop singing.

Normal ‘yan na dumadating sa buhay ng mga lalaki, ‘yung paglaki at pag-iba ng boses. Pero katulad ko, nakahanap ako ng genre na bumagay sa boses ko.

Accept your new voice,” he said.

(Don’t stop singing. It’s normal among males, the voice getting bigger and changing. But like me, I was able to find a genre fit for my [new] voice. Accept your new voice.) g

IF an informal survey is conducted at this moment, among fans, on the Top Three talents that Dingdong Dantes possesses, it will yield dancing, acting and hosting as answers. This is true since viewers often see him on TV as a passionate actor and an engaging host — and a graceful dancer in special occasions.

Starting Monday, March 21 at 5:45 p.m. before 24 Oras, Dingdong returns to the Family Feud stage as its game master and proves the fun facts above.

“When I had my briefing on the show’s mechanics, parang medyo kinakabahan

Dingdong Dantes

GMA photo

nga ako na parang meron bang nag-iba dito (I got nervous a bit regarding some changes on how it would be run),” replied the Kapuso actor when asked about doing the show again after more than a decade in a virtual press conference via Zoom.

The GMA 7’s version of Family Feud found its first host in Richard Gomez, who was temporarily replaced then by Dingdong, when the former decided to take a leave. “Siyempre, as game master, you master (all the aspects) of the game. Kailangan hindi ka na ngangapa, hindi ka magkamali, yun yung kaba na naramdaman ko nung unang ‘pag-tapak ko sa stage na yun.”

When he entered the studio and stepped on the Family Feud stage, with all the visual spectacles around him, Dingdong said that some past memories of the show came rushing back to him.

“While we were getting started and doing the dry run, memories really came back and made me recall that (tuwing) ginagawa ko ito, nandito ako, parang umaapak ako dyan,” added he, “parang may mga bumabalik na movements, parang nauulit but this time, it will be different.” Such mental and muscle memory only shows that Dingdong is serious and at home with hosting.

Dingdong shared that he is impressed by the new look that the show now sports.

“Unang-una ang ganda ng stage, it was different from the one we had before, ang ganda nung mga LED wall, tapos yung ilaw, hanep,” added he, “Talagang ‘Wow, Ibang klaseng game show’.”

Pre-pandemic, Family Feud would accommodate a large number of studio audiences. In the new normal, Dingdong said, it has 20 energetic members of the studio audience.

“Everything came back and that (hosting it again) became easy for me,” added Dingdong. “I imagine if I start from zero (from scratch), perhaps I will have a longer adjustment period, although di ko naman sinasabi na completely adjusted na ako.”

What he likes about being the game master of Family Feud is every episode promises a new experience for Dingdong.

“Hindi siya pareho bawat araw (It’s not always the same each day),” he said of running the show and dealing with contestants, who represent unique demographics. “So, imagine that I’m meeting eight individuals every episode.

So, ganun katindi yung possibilities, ang daming possibilities (of having different studio players, that’s why my approach is not) one size fits all. It’s a new experience every episode with eight interesting individuals.”

Dingdong will carry on given the variety of hosting assignments he has taken on in his career. You know, from weekend variety shows, reality talent searches and reality shows, to drama documentary anthologies, beauty pageants and informative programs.

“Well, of course, if it’s infotainment, I’m very straight-forward, parang kung PAGE 15

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N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY M A R C H 25, 2 0 22

people events arts culture entertainment

‘The Philippines is Open!’: Tourism officials, travel advisors optimistic about tourist arrivals A

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA / AJPress

FTER more than two years since the March 2020 lockdown due to the pandemic, travel professionals are optimistic that with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions around the world, more people will be traveling in the coming months.

At the New York Travel and Adventure Show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center over the weekend, prospective travelers had a chance to see promotions from airlines, hotels, cruise companies, and travel agencies.

“The Philippines has been ready to accept tourists even before we open our borders,” said Tourism Attache Francisco Lardizabal. “There are no quarantines and testing upon arrival although we still have rules and regulations for health and safety put in place by the local and national government.”

Currently, only fully vaccinated foreign leisure travelers from visa-free countries are allowed to enter the Philippines.

Lardizabal said that starting April 1, the Philippines will be open to foreign tourists as the

Francisco Lardizabal of the Department of Tourism New York

Consul General Elmer G. Cato (fourth from left) and Mrs. Melinda Cato in the booth of the Philippine Department of Tourism, with Ms. Luz Alquisola, Francisco Lardizabal, Joey Chanco and Goldwyn Salazar

Department of Tourism has talked with various local government units across the country to make interregional and intra-regional travel easier.

The country’s partial reopening that began in February has recorded more than 100,000 tourist arrivals

Officers of Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) New York led by (from left) current chair Joebert Opulencia and immediate past chair Elizabeth Chin with an unidentified guest and Vic Suarez of Philippine Airlines

with the United States clocking in the highest number, followed by Canada, the United Kingdom, South Korea, and Australia.

“We are happy to see the gradual reopening of our borders finally bearing fruit as evidenced by the much higher foreign visitor arrivals,” Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat said in a report. “This will help safeguard the industry’s revival, providing more jobs and livelihoods to Filipinos in the tourism sector.

In a previous Kapihan with the Fil-Am Press Club of New York, Puyat talked about the high vaccination rate of tourism workers and the country’s compliance with global safety and hygiene protocols. DOT officials are hoping that the current low Covid-19 cases and simplified entry requirements would help

boost tourist arrivals to revive the sector that was among the worst hit by the pandemic.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority. the tourism industry’s contribution to the Philippines’ gross domestic product in 2019 was at 12.7 percent.

In his talk at the travel show, Alvin Adriano of Travelwise talked about how foreign tourists help contribute to the growth of the country’s economy, asking future travelers to consider traveling to countries where they could provide more impact.

“The Philippines is a third-world country so your tourism dollars that you spend there will go a long way and change its economic outlook,” Adriano said. “Or you can go to places like PAGE 15

Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) New York current chair Joebert Opulencia (right) and immediate past chair Elizabeth Chin (left) with John Golicz of Travel and Adventure Show

Guests at the Travel and Adventure Show were able to take part in in-depth, 30-minute workshops on where to go, how to get there and what to do at the top locations from around the world from the trip advisors and travel experts, including Francisco Lardizabal of the Philippine Department of Tourism.

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Regine still feels guilty for being ‘The Philippines is Open!’... third party between Ogie, Michelle

By Anne

PAsAjol Inquirer.net

REGINE Velasquez admitted that until now, she still feels guilty for being the third party between fellow singer Ogie Alcasid and his ex-wife, Australian beauty queen Michelle van Eimeren.

Velasquez spoke about her experience in an episode of the morning talk show “Magandang Buhay,” as seen on ABSCBN’s YouTube channel on Monday, March 21. She recounted her struggles after she and her co-hosts Jolina Magdangal and Melai Cantiveros received a letter from an “other woman” on their segment “Dear Momshieserye.”

“Hindi ko alam kung anong nangyayari sa marriage nila at that time kasi hindi naman ako kasali doon, but it happened. I just have to say that it was so difficult,” Velasquez said. “If I could bring back the time, I love my husband but siguro mas gugustuhin ko na wala kaming nasaktan, na walang dalawang bata na nag-suffer because we wanted to be together.”

(I don’t know what was happening to their marriage at that time because I’m not included there, but it

Regine Velasquez Photo from Instagram/@reginevalcasid

happened. I just have to say that it was so difficult. If I could bring back the time, I love my husband but maybe I would rather want that we did not hurt anyone, that no two kids had to suffer because we wanted to be together.)

The Asia’s Songbird also opened up on the guilt she still bears despite being already forgiven by Eimeren.

She stressed how she never planned to be in that situation, much more hurt people with her actions.

“For a while I have to say, I have to live with that guilt forever. My husband would say, ‘It was not about you, it was about me and Michelle,’ but even then, I was there. I

was part of the relationship.

I was the third party,” she stated. “For a time, naforgive na ako ni Michelle, na-forgive na ako ng mga tao (I was forgiven by Michelle and other people), except me. I wasn’t forgiving myself and I’m still working on it.

Every now and then I would remember what happened to us and I’d still be guilty.”

“Mahirap din to be in that situation, na hindi mo naman sinasadya na magmahal ng tao (It’s hard to be in that situation where you didn’t mean to fall for a person) and I’m a decent person and I do not want to hurt anyone and that’s the last thing I would want in my life but it happens,” she said.

Velasquez then disclosed how she copes from the guilt by reminding herself that she’s not in the same situation anymore and she’s now his wife.

“I’m not outside anymore.

I’m his family now so tina-try kong tanggalin ‘yung sarili ko doon (I try to remove myself from that [thought]),” she added.

Velasquez and Alcasid tied the knot in a private ceremony in Batangas in December of 2010. They have a son, Nate, who they welcomed a year after their marriage. g

Carla breaks ground for her dream home

By DAnA

Cruz Inquirer.net

CARLA Abellana is finally building her dream home, and she marked the milestone with a groundbreaking ceremony.

Abellana’s sister Erica Espiritu revealed that the actress is set to have a new home by showing her sister posing with a shovel at an empty lot on her Instagram Stories last Wednesday, March 16.

“Proud of this smart, strong and independent woman, [Carla Abellana].

Here’s to your future dream home, [sister] abu!” Espiritu said.

Meanwhile, Abellana is hoping to sell her condominium unit in Pasig City with a price slashed by P2 million, which she stated is “below market value.”

This comes amid rumors that Abellana and her husband Tom Rodriguez

Carla Abellana

Photo from Instagram/@carlaangeline

have separated. The actress’ father Rey “PJ” Abellana earlier revealed in an interview with columnist Cristy Fermin that there was a “one-night stand” involved in the couple’s marital woes, though he later retracted his statement.

Speculations on Rodriguez and Carla’s supposed split circulated last January, when eagle-

eyed fans noticed that the pair unfollowed then followed each other again on Instagram. Carla was also spotted without her wedding ring in her YouTube vlog last Feb. 5. Despite rumors, Rodriguez declared love for his wife last Feb. 11.

Carla and Rodriguez tied the knot in October 2021, after about seven years of being a couple. g

PAGE 14 Paris, which has 26 million visitors. But how much are you helping? How much are you contributing to over-tourism?”

Tips from Travel Advisors “The thing to keep in mind is to always be mindful of your destination’s current situation because that can change overnight,” shared Elizabeth Chin, former chair of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) New York.

“Some borders still remain close, so that’s one of the reasons why it’s so important to keep in touch with a Travel Advisor because if you booked on your own, you are on your own.”

Joebert Opulencia, the current chair of PATA, is hopeful that more people will be traveling this year because they were not able to do so in the past two years.

“It’s been a long two years for everyone to be at home or you know working from home. The only thing I would say is go to where your heart takes you,” he said.

He also echoed Chin’s tip about working with travel advisors.

“They are the people that can create ideal travel plans for you. They are your source of information. If you don’t get them or if you don’t approach them, then you’re on your own,” Opulencia said. “There is industry information out there available only to travel advisors that are not on websites so take advantage of that.”

Chin talked about the pent-up demand of travelers after two years.

“Many people have accumulated wealth, big or small. There wasn’t much spending to do so aside from the pent-up demand, people have money now to spend,” she said. “So go out and spend, and go out and travel.”

Opulencia also talked about insurance requirements, particularly medical insurance

with a $35,000 coverage requirement for foreign tourists visiting the Philippines.

“Insurance is very important, it is essential. In the end, this would save you money if emergencies happen, like trip cancellation or if you need to extend your travel because you tested positive. The insurance pays for all of that,” he explained.

Flight Updates The country’s flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, joined the Department of Tourism in the travel show.

Vic Suarez, PAL’s area manager, provided updates about the flights from New York. PAL currently flies three times weekly, every Tuesday Thursday, and Saturday from JFK Airport.

“Our New York JFK to Manila (PR 127) is temporarily being rerouted to avoid flying through Russian airspace for now,” Suarez shared. “We are taking this precautionary measure in view of airspace closure concerns related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.”

JFK-Manila and Toronto-Manila flights need to stop over briefly in Vancouver for a one-hour refueling stop before proceeding to Manila.

The eastbound flights from Manila (PR 126 and PR 118) will continue to operate nonstop Manila to New York JFK, and nonstop Manila to Toronto because these flights do not overfly Russian territory.

“If you’re a foreign tourist flying with PAL, be sure you get your COVID travel insurance for at least 35,000 US dollars.

That should cover you for COVID issues while you’re in the Philippines then you can either get your negative PCR test results within 48 hours before departure or the most updated one or antigen test 24 hours before departure,” Suarez shared. g

Dingdong returns to ‘revitalized’...

PAGE 13 ano yung facts, talagang sasabihin mo lang siya (I just state the facts),” said Dingdong of the nuances in presenting a particular show.

“Ito mas maihahambing ko ito nung, halimbawa, nagSOP ako dati, the variety show (I can compare hosting Family Feud to doing SOP).

When we are in a variety show, although we perform in it, (hosting it) seems close to who we are, sa aming tunay na pagkatao yun, meaning kami talaga yun. We’re not in a character.”

“Through this game show, Family Feud, makikita talaga nila kung sino ako behind the camera. That’s the plan, to make it as relaxed, kung ano talaga yung ngayon (like how I am doing this interview), nag-uusap tayo,” added he.

“Siguro kung paano ako sa bahay. Yung stage parang bahay ko. I welcome families every episode and then, I’m like a host (holding a fun party) in my house, (I ask everyone like) ‘Kamusta ka?

Eto may Family (Feud), laro tayo,’ very, very at home ang pakiramdam. When I’m in the show, I just imagine that I’m doing a Christmas party at home, kasi kapag Christmas party, may pa-games.”

Hands down, Family Feud’s charm lies in its entertainment value that members of two families come together to answer survey questions correctly and compete. Dingdong said the term family could also be applied to, let’s say, a group of friends and workmates, who, if one may add, share common interests, values and beliefs.

On national TV, studio players get to bond with each other and with Dingdong, too.

That gives the contestants and the game master an unforgettable, fun experience.

“The bottom line is, it is very entertaining,” affirmed Dingdong, “plus the fact that contestants have the chance to bring home prizes, as well as those viewers at home (via a guess to win promo).”

The studio players can win as much as P300,000, from Mondays to Fridays.

Aside from anticipating the possible answers to the surveys and rooting for contestants to win the game, viewers can look forward to the segment, in which Dingdong gets to show his dance moves and revisit his Abztract Dancers days. “ A r a w - a r a w pinaghahandaan namin yung dance step na yan,” said he.

“I’m not the only one dancing.

Since it’s really fun, even the contestants will dance, too. Sasamahan ko silang sumayaw whether they will win or lose. Talagang enjoy.

Other nationalities have their own ways of celebration.

Of course, Pinoys love to dance when they celebrate something, right? So, it’s one thing that we will get to showcase as well.”

With that, the spur-of-themoment survey is right that Dingdong’s another skill is dancing and he still has the flair for it. g

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