040723 - San Diego Edition

Pentagon: New Edca sites for ‘regional readiness’

by Frances Mangosing Jacob Lazaro Inquirer.net

MANILA — The U.S. Department of Defense said the new sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) with the Philippines were aimed at “regional readiness” to address “a range of shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region” amid concerns over China’s continued assertiveness in the South China Sea and its potential invasion of Taiwan.

The Philippines and the United States on Monday, April 3 identified four additional locations — including three facing Taiwan and one near Chinese

Two PH-born soldiers among 9 killed in US Army copter crash

TWO Filipinos were among the nine soldiers killed in a crash involving two U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters near Fort Campbell, at the Kentucky-Tennessee border.

Cpl. Emilie Marie Eve Bolanos, 23, from Austin, Texas, and Sgt. Isaac John Gayo, from Los Angeles were part of the 101st Airborne Division Soldiers participating in a nighttime training exercise when the crash happened on Wednesday, March 29 at around 10 p.m.

Bolanos and Gayo were both born in the Philippines. She enlisted in Austin, he in Los Angeles, both in 2019.

Both were in Fort Jackson, South Carolina for basic training and in Fort Eustis, Virginia for advanced individual training.

Harvard offers Tagalog course for first time in its history

FOR the first time in its history, Harvard University is offering a Tagalog language course starting the 2023-24 academic year.

The Department of South Asian Studies secured funding to hire a preceptor in addition to two who are already teaching Bahasa Indonesian and Thai. Tagalog is the fourth most spoken language in the United States.

The department’s Asia Center raised financial support for three-year term

artificial military outposts in the West Philippine Sea — that would allow an expansion of American military presence from the five existing sites under the defense pact signed in 2014.

“These new locations will strengthen the interoperability of the [U.S.] and Philippine armed forces and allow us to respond more seamlessly together to address a range of shared challenges in the Indo-Pacific region, including natural and humanitarian disasters,” Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh said in a press briefing in Washington on Monday.

The four new sites are the Camilo Osias Naval Base in Santa Ana, Cagayan; Lal-lo Airport also

in Cagayan; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela; and Balabac Island in Palawan.

The Pentagon official stressed that the United States was not seeking permanent basing, pointing out that “this is really about regional readiness.”

“So you’re going to see an increase of rotational forces in the region, but this is more about supporting combined training, being able to respond to natural disaster, humanitarian disasters in the region,” she explained.

The United States will be pouring more funds into the new Edca sites on top of the $82 million already allocated to the existing ones, namely

Manny Villar tops list of Filipino billionaires in Forbes’ world’s richest list

by MigueL r caMus Inquirer.net

REAL estate mogul Manuel Villar Jr. topped the catalog of 14 Filipino billionaires who landed in Forbes Magazine’s 2023 World’s Billionaires List.

Villar, the founder of property developer of Vista Land & Lifescapes Inc., Allday Marts supermarkets and Vistamalls Inc., has a net worth of $8.6 billion, making him the 232nd richest person in the world.

The No. 2 richest Filipino is Enrique Razon Jr., owner of ports operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. and casino company Bloomberry Resorts. Razon has a net worth of $7.3 billion, according to Forbes.

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More Filipinos still oppose Charter change, but support for it grew – Pulse Asia

by beatrice PinLac Inquirer.net

MANILA — More Filipinos are still opposed to amending the 1987 Constitution although support for it increased since six months ago, according to Pulse Asia’s latest Charter change (Cha-cha) survey released on Tuesday, April 4.

In the poll conducted from March 15-19, Pulse Asia found that revising the Charter remains unfavorable for 45 percent and favorable for 41 percent of 1,200 adult respondents.

Compared with the same survey made in September 2022, however, Pulse Asia noted that Cha-cha has become “more pronounced” in the March audit. To

recall, the September 2022 study showed 56 percent disagreed while 31 percent agreed to proposals to tinker with the Constitution.

The March Cha-cha survey was conducted after the House of Representatives passed a bill seeking to implement a resolution calling for a constitutional convention (con-con) to amend or revise the 1987 Constitution.

Of the total respondents, 45 percent opposed constitutional change (Cha-cha), with 31 percent completely against it and 14 percent considering the possibility in the future.

Another 14 percent of the respondents said they had not yet formed their opinion

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by DaPhne gaLVez Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos will attend the coronation of King Charles III on May 6 in Westminster Abbey, London, Malacañang confirmed Monday, April 3.

Presidential Communications Office

Secretary Cheloy Garafil said the President and First Lady had accepted the invitation to attend the coronation and the reception at

Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro City, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, and Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu.

The Pentagon said the U.S. defense department would work closely with its Philippine counterpart to pursue modernization projects in the new locations.

But Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, at a press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday, said the U.S. action “would only lead to more tensions and less peace and stability in the region.”

DFA: EDCA ‘reaffirms’ robust commitment to alliance, economic opportunities for Filipinos

by Kaycee VaLMonte Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippines on Tuesday, April 4 said recent developments in the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement reaffirm Manila and Washington’s commitment to their decades-old alliance as these also open up economic opportunities for Filipinos with infrastructure developments on the military sites.

“The EDCA will enhance the interoperability of our armed forces to collectively better respond to threats, including those requiring close cooperation and coordination for more rapid and effective humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday.

“EDCA will lead to the construction of facilities and u PAGE 2

Philippines, China meet next month on oil exploration

by Pia Lee-brago Philstar.com

MANILA — Negotiations for joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea are set to resume in Beijing next month, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

In a statement, the DFA said Philippine and Chinese officials are set to meet for preparatory talks “sometime in May.”

“The meeting will discuss parameters and terms of reference,” the DFA said in a statement.

on oil and gas development at an early date,” the DFA said.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo said they would regularly provide concerned parties and the public updates on the talks.

In October, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian said China was hopeful of finding “some way out” of its rift with the Philippines and begin the joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea as early as possible.

Manalo said negotiations with any country should fall within the limits of the Philippine

In his state visit to China on Jan. 5, President Marcos agreed with Beijing “to resume u PAGE 2

Bongbong Marcos, First Lady to attend King Charles III’s coronation in London

VISITA IGLESIA. The Catholic faithful flock to the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros, Manila on Maundy Thursday, April

This March 22, 2021 aerial photo shows Chinese vessels still present in the Julian Felipe Reef in the West Philippine Sea, well within the Philippine exclusive economic zone and continental shelf. Photo from the Armed Forces of the Philippines discussions

Manny Villar Jr. Inquirer.net photo

New Edca sites for ‘regional...

“Facts are very clear that the U.S. has been increasing its military deployment in the region driven by a zero-sum mentality in pursuit of selfish interests… Regional countries need to think about what is right for the region and mutually beneficial so as to make a choice that serves regional peace and stability as well as their own interests,” Mao said.

Military drills

On Tuesday, April 4, the armies of the Philippines and the United States wrapped up the first phase of a major exercise that focused on what an Army official had earlier described as a “defense of the archipelago from potential foreign aggressors.”

“We don’t want to have any conflict against anyone. But nevertheless, we should always be prepared should there be one,” the Army’s 5th Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Audrey Pasia, said in his speech at the closing ceremony of the first phase of the Salaknib joint drills, an army-level exercise of the two allies.

“We all live in this tumultuous world where friendship and alliances are still maintained for survival and for the protection of their mutual interests. Let that mutual interest bind us together as we move forward,” he said.

The Salaknib drills are a prelude to the biggest-ever Balikatan joint military exercises set to begin next week with more than 17,000 participating troops. According to the U.S. Embassy, some 5,400 members of the AFP and 12,200 U.S. military personnel will be part of the 38th Balikatan from April 11 to 28.

During the nearly monthlong exercise, American and Filipino soldiers will be developing interoperability and improved capabilities in the areas of “maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban and aviation operations, cyberdefense, counterterrorism, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness.”

“The Balikatan Exercise enhances both the AFP and the U.S. Armed Forces’ tactics, techniques and procedures across a wide range of military operations,” said AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar.

Pretext

“It increases our ability to work together effectively and efficiently in response to various crisis situations,” he added.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) described the four new Edca sites as proof of the “robust commitment” between the Philippines and the United States in facing “emerging security challenges in the region.”

“Edca will lead to the construction of facilities and infrastructure upgrades that directly contribute to the enhancement of the capabilities of the [AFP],” the DFA said in a statement.

Former Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario also welcomed the addition of more Edca sites, saying it would help in the enforcement of the rule of law in the South China Sea where there has been an increased presence of Chinese maritime militia vessels even in the waters covered by the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

“With the help of our ally, this will also enhance our capabilities to deter aggression against our sovereignty,” Del Rosario said in a statement.

The provincial government of Palawan on Tuesday also adopted a resolution supporting the expansion of Edca to include the town of Balabac “to promote

Philippines, China meet...

Constitution. Former foreign affairs secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. announced in June 2022 that

the Philippines had terminated completely the discussions over joint energy exploration between Manila and Beijing.

Locsin said former president

peace security and humanitarian assistance in the Philippines.”

Provincial Board Member Ryan Maminta said Edca had proven to be favorable to the province in terms of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

In Congress, a Makabayan lawmaker warned that the Philippines was now turning into a base of the United States with the expansion of Edca sites.

“There are nine Edca locations which are also bound to increase using whatever pretext like prepositioning, disaster preparedness and the like, inevitably trampling on our sovereignty,” said House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro.

She cited Article 3, Paragraph 2 of Edca, which stated that “when requested, the designated authority of the Philippines shall assist in facilitating transit or temporary access by [US] forces to public land and facilities (including roads, ports and airfields), including those owned or controlled by local governments, and to other land and facilities (including roads, ports and airfields).”

“In other words, we cannot refuse if the US requests access to utilize whatever land or facilities, wherever in the country, including private property,” Castro noted.

—with reports from Julie M. Aurelio and Geraldford Ticke n

Rodrigo Duterte ordered the termination of discussions due to constitutional constraints and concerns about Philippine sovereignty. n

DFA: EDCA ‘reaffirms’ robust commitment...

infrastructure upgrades that directly contribute to the enhancement of the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” it added.

The EDCA allows U.S. troops to use Philippine military facilities for equipment and to store materials that may be needed for humanitarian relief efforts. The agreement also allows American soldiers to conduct joint training activities with their Filipino counterparts.

The Palace on Monday, April 3 said the four new EDCA sites will be in Cagayan’s Naval Base Camilo Osias and Lal-lo Airport, Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela, and Balabac Island in Palawan.

The first five EDCA sites are located in Cebu, Cagayan de Oro, Nueva Ecija, Palawan, and Pampanga.

“The new EDCA sites are strategic in the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ thrust to strengthen its capacity to protect the people and the state, advance our national interests, and enhance the country’s disaster response capability,” Col. Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesperson, said in a separate statement on Tuesday.

Economic growth

In a separate statement on Monday evening, Philippine time, Pentagon said the U.S. plans to further expand funding to finance EDCA projects on top of the $82 million already spent for infrastructure developments.

The U.S. Department of Defense said this would “spur economic growth and job opportunities in their respective provinces.”

“The United States is committed to ensuring its activities around EDCA sites are responsive to the needs and priorities of local communities, and we will continue to consult closely with the Philippines on new opportunities that serve our shared interests,” it said.

Prior to the Philippines naming the specific locations, some local government unit officials opposed having an EDCA site in their provinces. However, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. already spoke to the local officials and discussed its importance.

The DFA also emphasized that the programs and projects under the EDCA are still for the benefit of the country.

“These programs are investments by the

Philippines in its own defense and security, benefitting military installations under the full ownership and operational control of the AFP,” the DFA said in its statement on Tuesday.

Constitutional?

Progressive group Sanlakas however pointed out that the 2014 EDCA or the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) are “mere executive agreements, which did not pass the rigors of Senate ratification.”

The group also compared EDCA to the government’s refusal to cooperate with the International Criminal Court under the guise of trying to uphold the country’s sovereignty.

“All this talk about sovereignty only but exposes the hypocrisy of the Marcos Jr. Government,” Sanlakas said.

“Unlike both military agreements, our membership in the ICC was by virtue of the Senate ratification of the Rome Statute in 2011, 11 years after the Philippines signed in 2000,” it added.

While the Senate concurrence is needed when ratifying treaties and Congress has oversight on the executive, the Supreme Court in 2016 ruled that the EDCA is not a treaty but an executive agreement former President Benigno Aquino III entered into to implement the VFA and the Mutual Defense Treaty.

The high court also ruled in 2010 that the VFA is constitutional.

U.S. military presence

Meanwhile, Anakbayan said it opposes the upcoming shoulder-to-shoulder military exercises between American and Filipino soldiers. The group said further U.S. military presence in the Philippines as it also is a “symptom of prolonged foreign dominance over Philippine economy and politics.”

Manila and Washington are holding their biggest Balikatan exercises next week. Over 12,000 American soldiers, 5,000 Filipino troops, and over 100 from the Australian soldiers are set to participate in joint military drills to advance interoperability.

“For the youth, the Balikatan exercises is also a direct attempt to further stir up the rising tensions between the U.S. and China towards a war for control over the resources of the Philippines and neighboring countries–something which could happen with Filipinos at a loss,” it said. n

AID FROM ALLY. United States Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III (center) and acting Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (left) lead the groundbreaking ceremony for a runway rehabilitation project under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement at Basa Air Base in Pampanga on March 20, 2023. File photo by Marianne Bermudez / Philippine Daily Inquirer

This photo taken on March 31 shows Brigadier General Francis Coronel of Philippine army artillery regiment, shaking hands with U.S. army soldiers after a live fire exercise during the joint exercise between the Philippines and the U.S. at Fort Magsaysay in the Philippines’ Nueva Ecija province. Philstar.com photo

LEGACY OF VALOR. Filipino veterans get flowers from a staff of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines during the sunrise and wreath-laying rites in observance of the Philippine Veterans Week (PVW) at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Wednesday, April 5. Under Proclamation 466 issued in 1989, the PVW is held from April 5 to 11 of every year to promote, preserve, and honor the principles, ideas, and deeds of the war veterans to enhance patriotism and love of country, especially among the youth. PNA photo by Avito Dalan

DELICACY. The prices of the ingredients of “binignit,” a popular dessert soup made of yam, sticky rice, and coconut milk, during the Holy Week remain stable at the Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City on Wednesday, April 5. Vendors, however, said prices might eventually see a bump on

More Filipinos still...

on the proposal.

Cha-cha awareness

‘essentially unchanged’

The Pulse Asia audit likewise mentioned that despite the highly publicized hearings and heated debates on motions to amend the 36-year-old Charter over the past few months, awareness “remain[s] essentially unchanged.”

This was so because only 53 percent of the respondents were knowledgeable about Cha-cha proposals before the conduct of the survey, the polling firm noted.

It also noted that 79 percent of the respondents admitted having little to absolutely no knowledge of the 1987 Constitution, while at least 21 percent have sufficient knowledge about it.

Filipinos buck seven key changes in Charter

Moreover, the Pulse Asia Cha-cha survey found that 53 percent to 76 percent disapprove of the following proposed amendments to the 1987 Constitution:

Allowing foreign individuals and companies to utilize Philippine national resources –76 percent

Allowing foreign individuals and companies to own residential and industrial lands – 72 percent

Removing limits on shares of stocks in Philippine

Two PH-born soldiers among 9 killed in US Army...

Gayo’s awards and decorations include the U.S. Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal and the Overseas Service Ribbon.

In March 2020 Bolanos was assigned to the UH-60 Helicopter Repairer and UH-60 Air Crewmember for the Combat Aviation Brigade, 101st Airborne Division.

A promising noncommissioned officer, she served nine months in Germany, graduated from Basic Leader Course in 2022 received multiple Army awards.

The other soldiers who were killed in the helicopter crash are listed below:

Warrant Officer 1 Jeffery Barnes, 33, of Milton, Florida

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Zachary Esparza, 36, of Jackson, Missouri Sgt. Issacjohn Gayo, 27, of Los Angeles

corporations that may be owned by foreign individuals and companies – 67 percent

Allowing foreign individuals and companies equal ownership in mass media and advertising – 57 percent

Extending terms of office of national and local elective officials – 56 percent

Lifting prohibition on foreign ownership of communication companies – 53 percent

Lifting prohibition on foreign ownership of utilities like electricity – 44 percent

“Nearly the same percentage points are either in favor or not in favor of two Charter change proposals – allowing foreign individuals and companies to practice their profession in the Philippines (40 percent versus 45 percent) and changing the system of government to a federal one (38 percent versus 42 percent),” Pulse Asia said.

Filipinos are likewise “split regarding the creation of a con-con to change the 1987 Philippine Constitution,” it added.

The House has given its final nod to relax economic restrictions in the Charter via con-con, but a similar push in the Senate – distinct with its proposed mode being a constituent assembly – is met with a seemingly unpromising fate as it still lacks support from members of the upper chamber. n

Bongbong Marcos, First Lady to...

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Buckingham Palace, as invited by the Master of the Household on May 5.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise

Araneta-Marcos have accepted the invitation to attend the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6th May

2023,” Garafil said in a statement.

“Furthermore, the President and the First Lady have accepted the invitation of the Master of the Household, upon command of His Majesty, to a Reception to

be given at Buckingham Palace in advance of the Coronation of Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort on Friday, 5th May 2023 at 5:00 p.m,” she added. n

Manny Villar tops list of Filipino billionaires in Forbes’...

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San Miguel Corp. (SMC) president Ramon Ang, with a fortune of $3.4 billion, is the country’s third richest man in the country.

SMC is one of the country’s largest conglomerates with interests spanning food and beverage, energy and infrastructure.

Henry Sy Jr., vice chair of property, banking and retail conglomerate SM Investments Corp., is the country’s fourth richest man with a net worth of $2.5 billion.

Sy, whose sisters and bothers are also part of the Forbes rich list, is the chair of Synergy Grid & Development Phils Inc., which controls the country’s power transmission operator, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

He shares the No. 4 spot with Andrew Tan, founder of conglomerate Alliance Global Group, a property, beverage, gaming and fast food holding company.

Siblings Hans Sy and Herbert Sy, who each have a net worth of $2.4 billion, occupy the No. 5 spot in the Forbes rich list.

Hans was the longtime president of property giant SM Prime Holdings, where he remains a director, and serves as adviser of SM Investments, chair of China Banking Corp. and chair of National University.

Hebert is also an adviser of SM Investments

and plays an active role in the group’s supermarket operations.

Sharing the No. 5 spot is taipan Lucio Tan with a net worth of $2.4 billion.

Tan is the owner of Philippine Airlines, the country’s flag carrier, and chair of LT Group, a conglomerate with interests in tobacco, spirits, banking and real estate.

Siblings Harley Sy and Teresita Sy-Coson, each with a net worth $2.2 billion, shared the No. 6 spot on the list.

Harley is the former president of SM Investments, where he remains executive director. He is also a director of China Bank, an adviser of BDO Private Bank and co-vice chair of SM Retail.

Teresita, eldest child of the late taipan and SM Group founder Henry Sy Sr., is the vice chair of SM Investments and chair of BDO Unibank, the country’s biggest lender.

Their sister Elizabeth Sy, occupying the No. 7 spot, has a net worth of $1.9 billion.

Elizabeth is an adviser of SM Investments and plays an active role in the group’s tourism, leisure and hospitality operations. She is the current chair and president of SM Hotels and Conventions.

At No. 8 is Lance Gokongwei with a net worth of $1.4 billion.

Gokongwei, the only son of the late taipan John Gokongwei Jr., is the CEO of JG Summit Holdings, a conglomerate with interests that span food and beverage, real estate, airlines, telecommunications, power and electricity distribution.

Fast food tycoon Tony Tan Caktiong, with a fortune of $1.2 billion, is the country’s 9th richest man.

Caktiong is the founder and chair of Jollibee Foods Corp., a fast-food giant with over 6,400 stores around the world.

At No. 10 is Iñigo Zobel with a fortune of $1 billion. Zobel’s fortune comes from his stake in San Miguel Corp, where he sits as board director. He also has a stake in the country’s oldest conglomerate, Ayala Corp., which is controlled by his relatives.

According to Forbes, French luxury goods tycoon Bernard Arnault tops the world’s billionaires ranking for the first time, with an estimated net worth of $211 billion. He dislodged American tech billionaire Elon Musk, who dropped to the No. 2 spot with a net worth of $180 billion. The latest Forbes rich list counted 2,640 global billionaires, down from 2,668 last year, with a combined net worth of $12.2 trillion. n

Emilie Marie Eve Bolanos,

FTC briefing targets scams hitting API communities in CA

FEDERAL and local agencies, community stakeholders, and ethnic media came together to raise public awareness and encourage people to report when they’ve been scammed.

Katsumi Iwasaki is originally from Tokyo but has lived in the Bay Area for more than thirty years. After losing his partner of more than two decades to cancer, the softspoken octogenarian went on dating apps at the urging of friends to cope with the loneliness.

That decision would ultimately lead him into the perilous world of romance scams, costing Iwasaki both his life savings –totaling more than $400,000 – and “my love.”

“I trusted him, because he was an Army officer, and because he was good looking,” recalls Iwasaki, chuckling slightly at the memory. Today he lives month-to-month on a meager budget. “Be careful out there,” he says, in reference to the growing minefield of scams and scam artists that in 2022 alone cost consumers $8.8 billion.

Iwasaki shared his experience during a March 30 forum on scams targeting API communities organized by the Federal Trade Commission to raise public awareness and encourage people to report when they’ve been scammed.

His was among a litany of cases discussed during the gathering, which was hosted by the FTC’s Western Regional Office in San Francisco and included representatives from federal and local agencies, community stakeholders, and ethnic media.

Community engagement key

“Scammers are everywhere… they’re not just on the phone anymore. They’re in the mail, they’re in advertising, they’re online,” said Rosario Mendez, an attorney with the FTC’s Division of Consumer and

Business Education Bureau of Consumer Protection based in Washington DC, who opened the briefing. She noted the record amount consumers lost last year – over $8 billion. “It’s more than we’ve ever seen,” she said.

Mendez’ office has undertaken a series of nationwide listening tours to meet with local communities and to hear directly from them about the types of scams they’re encountering. The FTC can and does prosecute fraud cases, but its effectiveness depends on what it learns from the public, Mendez said.

She shared a story from a recent session in Louisville, Kentucky where a Korean reporter described a scam that one community member had fallen victim to.

The FTC used that information to put out an alert in Korean that was then run across nearly two dozen Korean media outlets.

“The ripple effect is very real,” she said, highlighting the role community engagement with her agency plays in helping to staunch the bleeding.

Making it easier to report scams

“This is the first convening of this type in the state with the API community,” said San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu in his opening remarks, calling the city the “capital” of the nation’s Asian American community when it comes to “deciding how our community is taken care of.”

Chiu’s office recently opened a hotline for residents to report potential scams.

The portal is available in English, Spanish, Chinese and Tagalog. According to Chiu, the hotline’s launch came in response to the “flood” of reports his office has fielded about scams targeting largely immigrant and minority populations.

“We want to make it easy for residents in San Francisco and across California to report to us,” explained Chiu, noting the

sense of shame and powerlessness that can come in the wake of being scammed often prevents victims from coming forward.

“You feel stupid… like it’s your fault. We need to overcome that.”

Tip of the iceberg

Romance scams like the one Iwasaki fell prey to are just the tip of the iceberg. Speakers recounted dozens of scams they’ve encountered, from shady travel agencies with hidden fees to unscrupulous immigration services that can leave victims in jeopardy of being deported. Equity and home improvement scams are a particular issue in the API community and can leave especially older homeowners underwater or force the sale of their home.

Scammers operate both domestically within the US and increasingly abroad. The rise of artificial intelligence also poses additional challenges on the near horizon, as scammers are turning to the emerging technology to perpetrate more sophisticated scams. Chiu called that potential “frightening.”

Renee Coe is a third-year law student at UC Berkeley and is currently working with the non-profit Bay Area legal Aid on a two-year research project looking into how scams are impacting immigrant communities. She shared the story of one Indian student studying in the US who lost $18,000 to a fraudster claiming to be with ICE.

“One thing that scammers do is they emphasize the urgency of the situation so much that you don’t have time to reach out to friends or family” before it’s too late, said Coe, noting the victim in this case was only able to recover $700 of the total amount she lost. This story “highlights some of the challenges with recovery from scams, and

Claremont Councilor Jed Leano running for CA State Assembly in ‘24

CLAREMONT, California Councilmember Jed Leano, the city’s second Filipino American mayor in history, threw in his hat for the 41st State Assembly seat in 2024, as longtime Assemblyman Chris Holden terms out.

Leano will run against Pasadena City Councilor Felicia Williams and former Pasadena Police Lt. Dr. Phlunté Riddle.

Leano was elected to the council in 2018, and in 2021 became Claremont’s second Filipino mayor.

“As Mayor during the pandemic, I fought for small business owners, renters, home owners, and seniors during this time of crisis,” Leano said in a video release. . He said his priorities would be mental health issues and affordable housing.

“Too many Californians live on the edge,” he said. “People are working harder than ever, but can barely keep up – let alone get ahead. Wages have hardly risen as prices skyrocket, especially rents. It’s hard to pursue the American Dream when you’re struggling to keep a roof over your head.”

Leano is the chair of the San Gabriel Valley Regional Housing Trust Board and the Tri-City Mental Health Board, which partnered with the Claremont Police Department in 2021 to create a team of psychiatric first responders, the Whittier Daily News reported.

Leano is a longtime Pasadena, California immigration lawyer specializing in defending deportation cases of people seeking refugee protection. (Inquirer.net) n

Harvard offers Tagalog...

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appointments for each preceptor and are renewable for up to five additional years, reported The Harvard Crimson.

“We’re very excited and hopeful that these positions will be a game-changer in terms of the Asia Center’s long-term mission to build Southeast Asian studies at Harvard, as well as the university’s engagement with the region,” Harvard Asia Center Executive Director Elizabeth K. Liao told The Crimson.

Eleanor V. Wikstrom ’24, co-president of the Harvard Philippine Forum and a Crimson Editorial chair, said getting Tagalog offered has been one of the goals for “as long as HPF has been in existence.”

Wikstrom, who wrote an op-ed in The Crimson in 2021

criticizing the lack of offerings in the Tagalog language at Harvard said she met resistance to her advocacy efforts and questions about the value of learning Tagalog.

“We’re working against a historical memory that is actively erasing the understanding of the importance of the FilipinoAmerican relationship,” Wikstrom added.

HPF Co-President Marcky C. Antonio ’25 hoped that securing Tagalog course offerings at Harvard will spur more academic exchanges between Harvard and the Philippines.

“I think there’s also this sense that we need to make sure we teach this right — not only Tagalog language, but Filipino culture as a whole,” he told The Crimson. n

‘Senakulo’ actors

Eleanor V. Wikstrom ’24 and Marcy C. Antonio, co-presidents of the Harvard Philippine Forum: Getting Tagalog offered has been one of the goals for “as long as HPF has been in existence.” Facebook photo

Claremont City Councilmember Jed Leano will be in a three-way race for the State Assembly.

Photo by City of Claremont

Dateline PhiliPPines

Archbishop calls on faithful to show love through deeds

by William B. Depasupil ManilaTimes.net

ARCHBISHOP Jose Cardinal Advincula on Holy Thursday, April 6 called on the faithful to be Christlike and make a difference by showing our love, not through words but through deeds.

Advincula said that Jesus showed us his love when he washed the feet of his disciples during the Last Supper and his death on the cross to save mankind from their sins.

“On this night (Last Supper), Jesus showed the extent of his love to his disciples and all of us that is why he washed their feet. That is why he gave us his body and blood,” the prelate said in his homily during the Mass at the Manila Cathedral.

“Jesus loves us to that extent and Jesus is not afraid to show the extent of his love to us,” he added.

What the Lord has shown during the Last Supper, Advincula pointed out, was an example to follow, stressing that like Jesus, “let us show our love not through word, not only through emotions but also through deeds.”

‘Advincula said that spoken love is not true love, and one should not be accepted as truth, if it does not match with deeds.

“Let us not also be afraid to show our love for God and others,” he further said. Let us not be ashamed of your love to our families, to husband and wife, brothers and sisters, relatives. Show your love to each other,”

According to Advincula, nobody should presume that who he or she loves knows that love.

“Do not be afraid to show your love to your fellow man by sympathizing and journeying with them,” he said.

He explained that the Church’s practice and emulation of Christ’ washing of the feet of those that need attention and concern is an assurance that they were not alone in their life’s journey.

together,” Advincula said.

And more importantly, the Cardinal stressed, “do not be afraid to show how much you love God, do not be ashamed to express your faith in God.”

The extent of such love by Jesus, Advincula said, would be witnessed and seen by the people on the night of Black Saturday and the next three days after leading to Christ’s resurrection.

“Jesus will not speak much. He will be silent most of the time but in silence, he will show the magnitude of his love,” Advincula further said.

“A love that made him took down to wash the feet of his disciples, a love that made him offer his body and blood to be our food and drink, a love that embrace the mockery of the people, a love that have him embrace and carry the cross, a love that made him die on the cross, and a love that brought him to the glory of the resurrection.”

“Jesus shows us the extent of his love. Let us always show our love. Let us not be afraid of how much we love Jesus by loving each other,” he concluded.

Heeding the call of His Holiness Pope Francis to become a more listening and compassionate church, Advincula washed the feet of 12 persons who represented the 12 sectors of society.

They were Dr. Ryan B. Capitulo (LGBT community), Raffy Tima (Media), lawyer John Rex Laudiangco (Commission on Elections), Judge Caroline A. Rivera-Colasito (Judiciary), Johann Joseph Ararao (Intramuros Administration), Cyril John Sunnga (Kalesa driver), John Michael Roldan (Jeepney driver), Manuel Jorge Manarang (Angkas rider), Fr. Ernesto M. Panelo (Missionstation priest), Sr. Liane Rainville, DW (Religious missionary), Alberto A. Mandia (Farmer) and Iluminada Sta. Ana (Dumagat indigenous elder).

The gesture of washing the feet is part of the Liturgy as it commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles.

This significant practice of the Catholic Church is a symbolic act of humility, service and love which is also associated with acts of charity and compassion. n

PH among most TikTok-crazed countries in the world

by Cristina eloisa BaClig Inquirer.net

MANILA — Amid the controversies and criticisms surrounding the partly Chinese-owned app TikTok, the platform’s audience shares continue to skyrocket in the Philippines, among the top countries where people seeking instant fame have been gobbling up the technology like crazy. TikTok, a short-form video hosting service app, is owned by Chinese company ByteDance, which also owns the app’s Chinese counterpart, Douyin.

From its initial release in 2016, the app’s global popularity massively grew, with over 2 billion mobile downloads worldwide as of October 2020 and an estimated 1 billion global monthly active users based on data as of September 2021.

Despite TikTok’s global success—which placed 6th in DataReportal’s ranking of the world’s most “active” social media platforms—the app now faces a slew of controversies due to concerns from online data privacy to “potential national security threat.”

In a five-hour-long congressional hearing last March 23, U.S. lawmakers grilled TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew over the potential Chinese influence over the platform and the app’s damaging impact on children’s mental health.

all government-issued devices)

• U.S. (more than 50 states have banned TikTok from government devices)

• Canada (app is banned on all government-issued devices)

• European Union (lawmakers and staff were recommended to remove the app from their personal devices)

• Pakistan (temporary ban since October 2020)

• Afghanistan

PH adults hooked on TikTok

these figures suggest,” it added. Analysis of the available global user statistics showed that the Philippines is among the top 8 countries with the estimated highest number of TikTok users aged 18+ in 2023. TikTok’s ad audience can reach around 43.4 million Filipino adults who use the app—around 37.3 percent of the country’s population is among the app’s ad audience, according to an analysis by DataReportal.

ASEAN shifting away from dollar – economist

THE plans of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to increase its monetary autonomy so as to reduce reliance on certain foreign currencies and payment systems reflect the de-dollarization process going on in several parts of the world, said an economist of Indonesia’s Bank Central Asia (BCA).

In the ASEAN Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting, which ended on March 31, member countries

have agreed to reinforce the use of local currencies in the region and reduce reliance on major international currencies for cross-border trade and investment.

David Sumual, chief economist of the BCA, which is the largest privately owned bank in Indonesia, told Xinhua in a recent interview that the current global monetary system does not reflect the dynamic market.

“The trade and investment

relations have changed fundamentally, yet the global monetary architecture remains practically the same,” he said, adding that not only in Southeast Asia but also in Latin America and the Middle East, the de-dollarization process has started to show. Sumual said the more use of local currencies in the region means reducing the demand for the U.S. dollar and other major currencies. It will not only

u PAGE 7

Chew, however, denied allegations regarding ByteDance and its executives’ ties to the Chinese Communist Party. He also maintained that the app does not share users’ data with the Chinese government.

Aside from the U.S., other countries have already expressed concerns about the platform and its alleged ties with the Chinese government. Across the globe, several countries and regions have already implemented partial or total bans on TikTok, namely:

• India

• Taiwan (app is banned on

Despite security concerns and several countries’ decisions to ban the app, TikTok continues to gain popularity among adults worldwide.

Data published by the company’s self-service advertising tools showed that marketers could reach around 1.051 billion TikTok users aged 18 and above as of January this year.

“These latest figures indicate that marketers can reach roughly 13.1% of all the people on Earth using ads on TikTok today,” DataReportal explained.

“Through them we would like to show that the spirit of synodality is alive, nobody is left behind, nobody is alone in life’s journey, we are all u

“However, because the company only publishes advertising audience data for users aged 18 and above, TikTok’s actual audience reach rate will likely be higher than

Out of the total internet users aged 18 and above in the country, data analysis showed that 51 percent is included in TikTok’s ad reach. Meanwhile, 58.2 percent of the country’s adult population is reached by marketers through the platform’s ad service.

The country with the biggest number of adult users, according to DataReportal, is the United States with an estimated 113.3 million TikTok users aged 18 and above.

Other countries on the list were:

• Indonesia: 109.9 million users

• Brazil: 82.2 million users

• Mexico: 57.5 million users

Nurses’ exodus

EVEN before the COVID pandemic, the global demand for nurses had already been high. Advanced economies could dangle high salaries and other attractive incentives to recruit nurses from other countries. Global health experts warned that lower-income states could not match such remunerations and benefits, and were hard-pressed to address the loss of their health professionals.

As early as 2010, member states of the World Health Organization, worried about this trend, had adopted a Global Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel. Among other things, the code urged wealthy countries to recruit health professionals through bilateral agreements, in consultation with the health department in the workers’ country of origin.

The destination country was also encouraged to provide some form of support for public healthcare programs in the source country, and to encourage foreign health professionals to return to their home country after a certain period, and after acquiring certain skills. The question has always been whether migrant health professionals wanted to return home.

The nursing shortage burdened the Philippines at the height of the COVID pandemic, when even the top hospitals that could afford high salaries reported losing a substantial number of their nursing staff. Amid the pandemic, wealthy

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

THOSE arguing against expanding the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the additional four new locations miss the whole point when they declare it is tantamount to preparing for conflict, or that our efforts to enhance the capability of our military through modernization could get us embroiled in a war over the Taiwan issue which, in their view, is “none of our business.”

Totally wrong. We, together with like-minded countries, want to prevent an armed conflict from occurring within our area. At the same time, we want to deter any more incursions into our territory. No one can dispute that we have been very patient in the face of the aggression that China has been repeatedly demonstrating for so many years, where we have been filing diplomatic protests for every instance of bullying against our fishermen and the harassment to which they

Point of View

Rommel C. Banlaoi

DESPITE some local oppositions against the expansion of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently announced his approval to allow the United States to build additional military facilities in four extra locations inside Philippine territory.

Though President Marcos Jr. has not yet identified these extra locations, there are talks that additional U.S. military facilities can be built in 1) Cagayan North International Airport, 2) Lal-lo and Naval Base Camilo Osias, Sta. Ana in Cagayan, 3) Camp Melchor Dela Cruz, Gamu in Isabela and 4) Philippine Air Force Base, Balabac Island in Palawan.

Secretary Carlito Galvez, officer-in-charge of the Department of National Defense, said that some elected officials in Camarines Sur have expressed interest to make the province an extra site for EDCA.

Apparently, all these locations can provide the U.S. operational

countries moved aggressively to recruit health professionals from overseas. Canada, for example, eased language requirements for residency. Germany allowed foreign-trained doctors to move directly into assistant physician positions. Even Finland began recruiting health workers from overseas. The problem requires less affluent and developing economies to innovate and exert more effort to hang on to their health professionals particularly nurses. On Wednesday, March 29, President Marcos ordered the Commission on Higher Education to address the country’s loss of nurses to states that offer better remuneration. He noted that Filipino nurses are known for the quality of their service. He said that in his meetings with leaders of other countries, they always asked him for nursing staff from the Philippines. CHED officials have said that so far, several programs are already in place to address the problem. Among these are shorter courses for

various nursing competencies, the “re-tooling” of those who fail the nursing board, and a “return service” program that offers nursing scholarships in exchange for a certain mandatory period of working in the Philippines. A “Nurse para sa Bayan” will be similar to the “Doktor para sa

Bayan” scheme under Republic Act 11509. President Marcos gave an accurate assessment: “Our nurses are the best; the whole world is our rival here.” One thing certain is that the country cannot afford to be complacent and ignore the problem. (Philstar.com)

EDCA is about deterrence, not conflict

have been subjecting our Coast Guard personnel in areas that are unquestionably within our exclusive economic zone.

La Salle professor Richard Heydarian – a foreign policy and economic analyst whom I have a high regard for because the points he raises on various issues are rational and highly cerebral – correctly pointed out that “diplomacy can only be effective when deployed from a position of strength, otherwise one has limited leverage when dealing with rivals and hostile powers. Worse, diplomacy from a position of weakness is tantamount to glorified surrender.”

And that is precisely how people should view the “potential strategic value of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement,” he says, as well as the ongoing efforts to establish the AustraliaUK-U.S. (AUKUS) alliance and a possible Japan-PhilippinesU.S. (JAPHUS) alliance that could serve as mechanisms of “integrated deterrence” aimed at preventing major power conflicts and “nightmare scenarios such as military adventurism against Taiwan…”

EDCA is a key pillar of the

bilateral defense and military cooperation between the Philippines and the U.S., and the approval of four additional locations was a major decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., knowing full well that it would boost the collective defense capabilities of both nations. It is also meant to promote interoperability, as well as address existing and potential security threats, including natural disasters, that could hit vulnerable areas in our country.

All of these agreements –the Mutual Defense Treaty, the Visiting Forces Agreement and EDCA – form part of our defense and security strategy to protect our sovereign rights over our maritime territory. At the same time, they can potentially serve as mechanisms of deterrence by preventing threats or actions that could escalate into confrontation, leading to armed conflict or possibly war.

I came across an article written by Erick Nielson Javier of the National Defense College of the Philippines, and published online in March last year at The Diplomat. Titled “Rethinking the Philippines’ Deterrence in the

South China Sea,” Javier puts across the argument that “Manila should change the narrative from a focus on ‘how to defend’ against China toward a more active strategy of deterring China.”

Recalling the Julian Felipe (Whitsun) Reef incident that began in March 2021 where over 200 Chinese “fishing ships” were anchored in an area that was clearly within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines, Javier emphasized “the importance of coordinated maritime patrols of the Philippine Coast Guard, Navy and Air Force in securing the country’s waters and asserting its territorial claims” and the urgent need to have a fallback – “strong deterrence” – in case diplomacy fails.

Despite diplomatic protests filed against this blatant incursion, China refused to recall the vessels suspected of being maritime militia – but eventually dispersed when the Philippines dispatched military aircraft on overflight missions, increased the presence of Philippine Navy vessels, including our warships BRP Jose Rizal and Antonio Luna, along with Philippine Coast

Guard vessels that conducted sovereignty patrols in the region, and later joined by the US Navy’s Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group and Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group.

In the opinion piece by the chairman of the Global Council of the International House of Japan and former Asahi Shimbun editorin chief Yoichi Funabashi titled, “To counter China’s ‘reactive assertiveness,’ ‘quiet deterrence’ is called for” and published in Japan Times, the author wrote about China’s behavior of “reactive assertiveness” as an excuse for aggressive actions in the South China Sea.

“China repeatedly took coercive action against neighboring countries in disputes over territorial rights to a number of reefs and reacted with outrage to minor actions by its neighbors, which it described as ‘provocations’,” Funabashi said, illustrating how China “may feign passivity and claim it has no choice but to respond to ‘provocations’ by others, but in reality, it was the instigator.”

Let me be clear, however: We will continue to find ways and means for a peaceful resolution

to the issues surrounding our maritime territory in the West Philippine Sea. Yet there is also no doubt that now more than ever, we have to make a firm stand that what is ours is ours, and that we will not give up even one square inch of our territory to any foreign power, as clearly and firmly enunciated by President BBM.

We do not want conflict. All we want is to protect our territory and assert our sovereign rights, and we have made that clear to all our allies. That is also the reason why we are in unison with like-minded nations who want to ensure freedom of navigation and recognize the importance of maintaining security and stability in international waters as a driver of economic prosperity in the region.

At the end of the day, absolutely no one wants conflict – only peace and stability. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

EDCA expansion and Philippine security interests

access to Philippine territories to respond to any military contingencies in key flashpoint of conflicts in Asia: the Taiwan Strait, Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea.

When the Philippines and the United States signed EDCA in 2014, the two countries agreed to train together in order to strengthen their interoperability in responding to natural disasters, humanitarian situations, terrorist threats and maritime security challenges.

With EDCA, the Philippine government allowed the construction of five American military facilities in Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Mactan-Benito Abuen Air Base in Cebu and Lumbia Air Base in Cagayan de Oro.

Since then, Filipino and American armed forces have been holding joint and combined military exercises in the area of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), search and rescue operations, counterterrorism cooperation and maritime domain awareness.

What is being downplayed

by Filipino and American authorities about EDCA is its strategic intention to counter China’s growing international influence, particularly in the South China Sea where most parts of the West Philippine Sea are located.

In the joint press briefing with Secretary Galvez on Feb. 2, 2023, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III admitted that EDCA is “part of our efforts to modernize our alliance, and these efforts are especially important as the People’s Republic of China continues to advance its illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea.”

Thus, EDCA’s larger goal is to support American efforts to get strategic advantage over China amidst their worsening major power rivalry.

In fact, Pentagon leaders just requested last week the U.S. Congress to approve the $842-billion budget for the Department of Defense (DOD) in order to modernize the U.S. military as it prepares for a possible confrontation with China.

General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, stressed during the most recent budget hearing that

China’s current actions “are moving it down the path toward confrontation and potential conflict with its neighbors and possibly the United States.” He added that preparing for war “is extraordinarily expensive, but it’s not as expensive as fighting a war. And this budget prevents war and prepares us to fight it if necessary.”

Apparently, EDCA expansion is part of U.S. access arrangements in Asia to decisively implement American military deterrence strategy and defense preparation plan against China. As such, EDCA expansion largely serves American military interests to counter China rather than caters to Philippine national interests to harmoniously live at peace with China.

Hence, EDCA expansion can inevitably harm Filipino security interests as China can hit the Philippines in armed conflict situations with the U.S. because of American military facilities in Philippine territories. The Chinese embassy in Manila already warned that EDCA expansion can “seriously harm Philippine national interests and endanger regional peace and stability.”

The Chinese embassy further explained, “Whereas the U.S. claims that such cooperation is intended to help the disaster relief efforts of the Philippines and some Americans even tout the EDCA sites as driver of local economy, it is plain and simple that those moves are part of the U.S. efforts to encircle and contain China through its military alliance with this country.”

Filipino and American security officials exclaim that EDCA aims to strengthen Philippine-American military alliance and to reaffirm the commitment of the U.S. to defend the Philippines against external attacks.

EDCA, however, can only deepen Philippine reliance on the U.S. for its defense. Instead of relying heavily on the U.S. for its national defense, the Philippines needs to pursue self-reliance to defend itself.

Senator Imee Marcos, chair of the Senate committee on foreign relations, hits the nail on the head when she calls for the revival of the Self Reliance Defense Program (SRDP) initiated in 1974 by then president Ferdinand E. Marcos. She urges the Armed Forces of the Philippines

(AFP) to resuscitate the SRDP in order to “scale down our dependence on foreign goodwill in the sticky web of geopolitics.”

Senator Marcos also challenges the EDCA expansion when she underscores that EDCA “is addressing the escalation of tensions in the Taiwan strait, not the Philippine interests in the West Philippine Sea.”

Local Filipino residents have also voiced their apprehensions against EDCA expansion. Governor Manuel Mamba of Cagayan province already conveyed worries of his constituents that EDCA could turn his province “into a key target of the Chinese military if a conflict involving the U.S. military breaks out over Taiwan.”

Though Governor Mamba showed his respect to President Marcos Jr.’s approval on EDCA expansion, he said, “It is the President’s call, not mine,” highlighting that “I maintain my stand against any foreign forces stationed in my province. Still, I am against EDCA sites in my province.” Governor Mamba also raised the lack of local consultations

u PAGE 7

Philippines defense, foreign affairs officials to meet with counterparts as Balikatan begins

by KayCee Valmonte Philstar.com

MANILA — Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. will be in Washington next week as the United States and the Philippines discuss ways to further develop key areas of bilateral cooperation.

The meeting coincides with the April 11 opening ceremony of this year’s war games back home, with over 17,000 American, Filipino, and Australian troops participating in this year’s Balikatan. Manalo and Galvez, along with the Philippine delegation, will be in Washington DC from April 10 to 12.

Manalo and Galvez will be meeting with their counterparts, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III – both of whom have already visited Manila.

In August last year, US top diplomat Blinken reaffirmed US’ “iron-clad commitment” to its Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines. US Defense Secretary Austin’s visit in February, on the other hand, saw the announcement of four

new approved sites under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, officials will hold talks on “important global prosperity issues” such as energy, security, trade and economic cooperation. The Philippines also sees the meeting as a way to further develop existing areas of bilateral cooperation.”

Talks will also cover “identifying concrete initiatives for promoting regional security, achieving mutual economic prosperity, modernizing the alliance, and countering terrorism and other transnational crimes.”

This year’s 2+2 meeting will be the third iteration of the ministerial dialogues, which was established in 2012 and it will be the first session held since 2016. The Philippines has sought warmer diplomacy and defense ties with the United States under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration.

While there, the DFA said Manalo will also be a keynote speaker at the CSIS ASEAN Leadership Forum to discuss how the alliance stands in the Philippines’ policies. n

PH among most TikTok-crazed...

• Russia: 54.9 million users

• Vietnam: 49.49 million users

• Thailand: 40.3 million users

More than an entertaining app TikTok is known for its numerous viral trends—such as memes, lip-synced songs, comedy videos and skits, dance challenges, food recipes, food reviews, and others—all of which were popular among Filipino users.

As the app gained more users globally, TikTok has become more than just a social media platform for viral trends.

In November last year, TikTok’s Regional Brand Partnership Head of Southeast Asia, David Gomez, announced that the app will develop new methods to support local businesses.

According to a survey commissioned by TikTok, from July 2021 to 2022, News and Entertainment grew by over 70 percent, while Beauty and Fashion and Baby and Parenting grew by over 57 percent and 53 percent in video views, respectively.

A separate commissioned

survey also found that 91 percent of Filipinos come to TikTok to learn new things, from funny and entertaining content to the latest trends, while 73 percent came to discover new brands and products and create entertaining or even educational content around them.

In terms of shopping, another TikTok-commissioned study found that 93 percent of Filipinos discovered they were inspired by, or bought a product because they saw it on TikTok. This translated to an influence on viewers who are 1.4 times more likely to consider a brand because of content they have seen, while 4 out of 5 users made a purchase because of a review or recommendation on the platform.

Impact on PH politics

When the election season rolled in last year, TikTok became a crucial political propaganda battleground.

Throughout the election period, videos and hashtags related to the six most prominent presidential candidates — Robredo, Marcos, Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, Manny Pacquiao,

DND chief Carlito Galvez urges youth to uphold freedom, justice, equality

MANILA – Department of National Defense (DND) chief Carlito Galvez Jr. urged the present generation of Filipino to continue upholding the values of freedom, justice and equality.

Galvez made the call ahead of the country’s observance of the 81st Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) on April 9.

“On this special occasion, let us take a moment to honor and remember the bravery and sacrifices of our Filipino heroes, who fought for our country’s freedom,” he added in a statement on Thursday, April 6.

Galvez also said the “courage and selflessness” of these heroes in the face of adversity and oppression serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience of the Filipino spirit.

Incidentally, the country is also

observing Philippine Veterans Week (PVW) which falls from April 5 to 12 this year.

The PVW’s theme for this year is “Kagitingan ng mga Beterano, Pundasyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.”

“As we commemorate this important day and week, let us also renew our commitment to uphold the values of freedom, justice, and equality that our heroes fought so hard to defend.

Let us always be proud of our nation’s history, and continue to strive towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all Filipinos,” Galvez said.

For this year’s Philippine Veterans Week, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office has lined up various commemorative and special activities to memorialize the valor and heroic deeds of our

Filipino veterans. “As your Defense Chief, I enjoin everyone to participate in these events and to take inspiration from the courage and sacrifice of our veterans,” he added.

April 9 of every year, by virtue of Executive Order 203 signed in 1987, is declared as “Araw ng Kagitingan” to honor the thousands of Filipino and American forces who fought for the country’s liberty and democracy.

On April 9, 1942, or after 93 days of resistance, an estimated 60,000 Filipino and American troops were taken prisoners of war by the Japanese.

This year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared April 10, Monday, a regular holiday in observance of “Araw ng Kagitingan.” (PNA) n

Marcos thanks Arroyo for guidance

Panfilo Lacson, and Leody de Guzman became among the most watched content on the platform. However, historians and factcheckers fear that TikTok could be a new means to spread disinformation that can evade scrutiny. According to Tony La Viña, the lead convener of the Movement Against Disinformation, the platform’s feature to upload a 3-minute short is “exactly why TikTok has become relevant in the context of the 2022 elections, (where) the majority of the 2022 voters are the youth vote. [That] and the nature of short-form videos itself: one (false) video can destroy hours of your work in terms of explaining something.”

Moreover, a study published by Internews in December 2021 on emerging social media platforms observed “misinformation and disinformation on TikTok videos, particularly on COVID-19 and the upcoming 2022 Philippine general elections, with fairly huge engagements, although it is difficult to discern how extensive the reach of such content is.” n

FTC briefing targets...

also some of the areas where our laws could be more protected,” Coe explained, noting victims have just 10 days to report unauthorized withdrawals from banks, during which time banks are required to investigate or be liable for losses.

Investment scams, particularly those involving crypto currencies, have ballooned in recent years.

Maeve Elise Brown is the Executive Director of Housing and Economic Right Advocates (HERA) based on Oakland. She recalled a friend whose losses totaled in the six figures, and who lost even more after an agency approached him claiming to be able to retrieve his money. Brown believes both instances involved the same entity.

Vindicating the rights of victims “Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself,” said Brown, echoing Chiu and the other speakers

about the importance of coming forward. “We’re both sad and happy to learn about new scams. Sad that people are being scammed, and happy for having learned about it.”

Iwasaki eventually did come forward, sharing his story with the organization Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach, which has brought his case to litigation. Iwasaki says he’s now preparing to go to court and is hopeful that he will see some – if not all – of his money returned.

“Don’t feel this is your fault,” stressed Chiu. “Part of why we’re here today is to say, no it’s not your fault. You are a victim of a fraud. You need to have your rights vindicated. And if you need justice done, we are the agencies that are looking to do that justice.”

He added, “So we encourage you to reach out to us.” (Peter Schurmann/Ethnic Media Services) n

EDCA expansion and...

and stakeholders’ participation on the proposed EDCA expansion in Cagayan.

Rather than promote Philippine security interests, EDCA expansion can therefore endanger Philippine interests as it can drag the country into a war not of its own choosing.

As candidly argued by Harry Roque, an expert in international law and foreign relations, “Participating in any war does not serve our national interest. We must never allow our

territory to become a launch pad for an offensive attack against another state.”

It is therefore imperative for patriotic and freedom-loving Filipinos to oppose EDCA and its expansion to make the Philippines a zone of peace rather than the battleground of an American proxy war. (Philstar.com)

* * *

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

by Catherine S. Valente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thanked former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for all her help and guidance on her 76th birthday on April 5.

“I would like to extend a very grateful and very joyful happy birthday to former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo,” Marcos said in a video uploaded on his Facebook account. Without her “advice” and

“guidance,” Marcos said that “many” of the decisions made by his administration would not have been possible.

“I cannot do this greeting without mentioning all the help and assistance and guidance that you have provided in all of the things that we have been,” he said.

“So thank you very much for that, President GMA, and I’ll just add a very, very happy birthday,” the President added.

Arroyo supported the

presidential candidacy of Marcos in the 2022 elections. In November last year, Marcos referred to Arroyo as his “secret weapon” during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Thailand. Arroyo was the country’s first female House speaker and led the lower chamber from 2018 to 2019. She has so far served three terms as representative of Pampanga’s second district, from 2010-2013, 2013-2016 and from 2016-2019. n

ASEAN shifting away from dollar...

PAGE 5

encourage cross-border trade and investment but also reduce external shocks to the regional economy.

He added that sudden policy changes of U.S. and other central banks always caused volatility in the region, so the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nation) countries hope to use more local currencies so as to promote economic stability and reduce spillover effects like high inflation. According to local media,

in mid-March, Indonesian President Joko Widodo urged regional administrations to be less dependent on foreign payment networks and start using credit cards issued by domestic banks to shield any transactions from possible geopolitical fallout.

Since Western countries blocked the Swift (Society for Worldwide International Financial Telecommunications) banking system for Russia, many Russian tourists could not finish transactions in Indonesia.

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“That’s why Indonesia wants to develop a domestic payment network,” he said. Regarding the difficulties ASEAN is facing to follow its plan, Sumual said one of them is to harmonize the existing payment systems of member countries, and to build standards and regulations.

“If we want to achieve crossborder payment cooperation covering more countries in the region, this is our homework to do right now,” he said. (ManilaTimes.net) n

SD#0220

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services to:

PROVIDE ASPHALT REPAIRS AT MIRAMAR RANCH AND NYE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023, outside the main office of Miramar Ranch Elementary School, 10770 Red Cedar Drive, San Diego, CA 92131. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Nye Elementary School, 981 Valencia Parkway, San Diego, CA 92114. Contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/ sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s new online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on APRIL 27, 2023. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP23-0955-24-00-00 Provide Asphalt Repairs at Miramar Ranch and Nye Elementary Schools. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $710,000 and $750,000. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: A, C-12, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Linda Hippe, Director, Purchasing and Contracts, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CP23-0955-24-00-00

SD#0221

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Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will electronically receive bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services to:

PROVIDE ASPHALT REPAIRS AT 3 SITES

A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 2023, outside the main office of Mark Twain High School, 6402 Linda Vista Road, San Diego, CA 92111. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Sessions Elementary School, 2150 Beryl Street, San Diego, CA 92109. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Creative Performing Media Arts (CPMA) Middle School, 5050 Conrad Avenue, San Diego, CA 92117. Contractors and subcontractors must preregister with the District prior to attending the site walk at sandiegounified.org/sitewalks. The Bid and Contract Documents may be downloaded free of charge at the District’s new online Planroom at sandiegousdplans.com. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on MAY 4, 2023. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to tinyurl.com/SDUSD-PlanetBids then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP23-0960-24-00-00 Provide Asphalt Repairs at 3 Sites. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration.” The project estimate is between $860,000 and $900,000. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: A, C-12, or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Linda Hippe, Director, Purchasing and Contracts, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CP23-0960-24-00-00

LEGAL SERVICES LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005681

Eaton Electric located at 3436 6th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.

Registrant: Wired Zone LLC, 3436 6th Ave., San Diego, CA 92103.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/18/2023.

Signature: Thomas Eaton. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/14/2023. AJ 1136 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, and 04/07/2023. AJSD 1136

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005860

JYTS, INC located at 8345 Saint Andrews Ave., San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: JYTS, INC, 8345 Saint Andrews Ave., San Diego, CA 92154. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/16/2023.

Signature: Jay Hue Yee. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/16/2023. AJ 1142 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, and 04/14/2023. AJSD 1142

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007026 a.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005139

a. The Mirror Finish located at 3182 Idlewild Way, San Diego, CA 92117.

b. The Mirror Finish Wash & Detail located at 3182 Idlewild Way, San Diego, CA 92117.

Registrant: Nestor Ismael Perez, 3182 Idlewild Way, San Diego, CA 92117. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2023.

Signature: Nestor Ismael Perez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/07/2023. AJ 1138 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07/2023. AJSD 1138

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006057

Don Lucky Towing located at 479 D St., Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Luis Eduardo Gallardo, 479 D St., Chula Vista, CA 91910. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Luis Eduardo Gallardo. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/17/2023. AJ 1143 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, 04/14/2023. AJSD 1143

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006937

TEA11 Industries located at 2633 E. 15th St., National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Alfredo Everardo Tovar, 2633 E. 15th St., National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Alfredo Everardo Tovar. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/28/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007466

Smile Creations Dental Practice located at 9750 Miramar Road Suite 133, San Diego, CA 92126.

Registrant: Claudine Tsui DDS A Dental Corp, 14241 Meadowrun St, San Diego, CA 92129.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/08/2003.

Signature: Claudine Tsui. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/04/2023. AJ 1153 04/07, 04/14, and 04/21, 04/28/2023. AJSD 1153

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9002272

a. DMV DUI SHOP located at 836 Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103.

b. MAY DUI MOM located at 836 Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103.

Registrant: Ha Nguyen, 836 Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/31/2023.

Signature: Ha Nguyen.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 01/31/2023.

AJ 1139 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, 04/07/2023. AJSD 1139

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006414

Zinnia Hair Extensions And Beauty Products located at 5555 San Onofre Terrace, San Diego, CA 92114.

Registrant: Zinna Elizalde, 5555 San Onofre Terrace, San Diego, CA 92114. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/22/2023.

Signature: Zinna Elizalde. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/22/2023. AJ 1145 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, and 04/14/2023. AJSD 1145

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007058

New Vision High Profile Luggage Tags located at 1308 Battle Creek Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91913.

Registrant: Theresa Lynette Gamlin, 1308 Battle Creek Rd., Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/29/2023.

Signature: Theresa L Gamlin.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/29/2023.

AJ 1150 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, and 04/21/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006932

a. Pacific Coast Tattoo located at 4822 Santa Monica Ave, Ocean Beach, CA 92107.

b. Kapala Tattoo located at 4822 Santa Monica Ave, Ocean Beach, CA 92107. Registrant: a. Kurtis Kunio Tamanaha, 4512 Oregon St #1, San Diego, CA 92116.

b. Alya Raeann Tamanaha, 4512 Oregon St #1, San Diego, CA 92116. This business is conducted by Married Couple. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Alya Raeann Tamanaha. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/28/2023. AJ 1154 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, and 04/28/2023. AJSD 1154

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006963

The Vault Motor Sales located at 1392 Tavern Rd Unit 2, Alpine, CA 91901.

Registrant: William Justin Glad, 1392 Tavern Rd, Alpine, CA 91901. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: William Justin Glad. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007041

KinfiaZ located at 8685 Rio San Diego Drive #4103, San Diego, CA 92108. Registrant: Natallia Zemliakova, 8685 Rio San Diego Drive #4103, San Diego, CA 92108. This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/29/2023.

Signature: Natallia Zemliakova. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/29/2023. AJ 1155 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, and 04/28/2023. AJSD 1155

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005529

Townsgate Constructions located at 10620 Treena Street, Suite 230, San Diego, CA, 92131.

Registrant: Townsgate Constructions, 10620 Treena Street, Suite 230, San Diego, CA, 92131.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Emil Bundang.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/10/2023. AJ 1140 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, and 04/07/2023. AJSD 1140

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9003411

USCM Trade Services located at 1592 Larkhaven Dr., Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: US Customs Management LLC, 1592 Larkhaven Dr., Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/08/2023.

Signature: Anibal Valentin Navarro JR. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 02/14/2023. AJ 1146 03/24, 03/31, 04/07, and 04/14/2023. AJSD 1146

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006552

PEPS Solutions located at 1308 Descanso Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Registrant: Jose L Garces, 1308 Descanso Avenue, San Marcos, CA 92069.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/02/2023.

Signature: Jose L Garces.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/23/2023. AJ 1151 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, and 04/21/2023. AJSD 1151

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006962

Highway Laundry located at 1555 Palm Ave Suite L, San Diego, CA 92154. Registrant: GC Laundries, 1392 Tavern Rd, Alpine, CA 91901. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/28/2023.

Signature: William Justin Glad. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/28/2023. AJ 1156 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, and 04/28/2023. AJSD 1156

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005304

Hers Pet Shop located at 1747 Sweetwater Road #105, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Wang, 1929 Santa Maya, Chula Vista, CA 91913. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/06/2023.

Signature: Yuan Wang. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/08/2023. AJ 1141 03/17, 03/24, 03/31, and 04/07/2023. AJSD 1141

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006175

Entrust Oral Surgery located at 950 Boardwalk, Suite 100, San Marcos, CA 92078.

Registrant: Tyler Nelson DDS Corp, 950 Boardwalk, Suite 100, San Marcos, CA 92078. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/04/2023.

Signature: Tyler Nelson. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/20/2023. AJ 1147 03/31, 04/07, 04/14, and 04/21/2023. AJSD 1147

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005402 Grab & Go Subs located at 768 W. Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103. Registrant: Elvnholdings Inc. , 768 W. Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103. This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: Tanya Myers. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/09/2023. AJ 1152 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, and 04/28/2023. AJSD 1152

From Finance to Fine Ar t: The Reinvention of Chadwick Arcinue

by MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

Arcinue worked in business and finance for almost two decades before he ventured into the art world full-time back in 2018.

movement.

“It

“When

By necessity, he meant living in an apartment with bare walls and he and his wife Leanne didn’t have money to buy paintings. He asked her to go to an art store with him so they could buy some painting materials. He painted cherry blossoms and called the finished work Boston, in honor of the city where they resided then as he was pursuing his MBA.

He didn’t consider himself an artist though, for him it was just a hobby.

“After all those years of working in finance I guess, that toll eventually caught me and I had to choose between continuing that career, which is nice, or doing art full time,” he shared. “I guess it’s never too late to chase one’s passion and it’s also never too early.”

Arcinue believed that it was his right time, he was in the right place and the fact that he was not getting any younger made him wonder ‘If I don’t do it now, I might not do it ever’

With his wife’s full support, he decided to jump into this new world and pursue his passion for art.

“He was with EY for 13 years and working towards a Partner track. We both work in professional services so I was surprised he wanted to pursue a career in the arts,” Leanne shared. “Go lang. Life is short. Do what you love. Self-actualize.

I was just thinking, pursue your passions so that when we’re older and look back, we have fewer regrets in life.”

Chad established The Chadwick Concepts in 2018, and since then has exhibited his work all over the world, from Rome, Vienna to Berlin and Shanghai. Last year, he launched his first NFT collection in Times Square.

ArtExpo New York 2023

At the recently-concluded

ArtExpo New York, Arcinue collaborated with Manila-based artist Jef Albea who himself underwent a reinvention during the pandemic.

Before trying his hand at sculpture, Albea was a successful fashion designer. His creations have graced the fashion-week runways of London and New York. His success on the runway has extended to museum galleries across the world, and in many celebrities’ homes in the Philippines.

“It is a new collection that evokes the emotions and colors of spring which is a season for renewal and rebirth. It is an opportunity to unshackle ourselves from the past and embrace opportunities and possibilities,” Arcinue said.

Arcinue’s works are a celebration of texture and color.

brought is titled Springtime at Giverny because it reminds him of the Monet water lilies. It’s the palette of Monet, of spring and it doesn’t show you the water lilies or flowers, but when you look at it, it evokes the tranquility of the Giverny gardens.

As a texture artist, Arcinue does a lot of impasto and texture in his abstract works, a pronounced evolution from his cherry blossoms era which he calls his impressionist roots.

Since he is a self-taught artist, Arcinue did a lot of experimentation. He had to learn on his own and relied on Google and YouTube for tips and techniques.

“They’re very monochromatic and seemingly simple because they’re usually just one color but it’s more of the texture that attracts them and connects them to the painting,” he explained. “Because for me, if you buy a painting and you’re a collector, you need to be happy with it and you need to enjoy it every day so you put it in your living room.”

Five years and multiple exhibitions in major European cities later and the self-taught Arcinue continues to find and hone his voice.

“I travel a lot and I do fun things. I try to experience new things so I go to new places. I eat good food, I drink a lot of wine,” he said. “My wife is very supportive and my biggest fan and I wouldn’t be able to do my art and my journey in this field without her.”

Chad and Leanne have been married for 20 years now. They met back in college at the Ateneo de Manila University through Hangad, a Jesuit Music Ministry that Chad co-founded with his Ateneo High School friends from Days with the Lord. He finished with a Management Informations Systems degree in 1996 and then a Communications degree in 1997.

“Until now, I struggle with calling myself an artist because there are so many great artists in the world,” he revealed further. “I’m still trying to discover my identity as an artist; It’s still evolving and I’m still experimenting. I’m still learning.” n

Chad

Lewis and

Vera Yu, founder of ARK, a social impact innovator that is solving hunger in 5 weeks in rural communities during a time where food insecurity is at its height. Through its proven community-wide vegetable solution called Feed Back, ARK empowers at-risk families to secure nourishing food from their backyards, and create excess to exchange with neighbors and sell to nearby towns leading to much needed new income. At the end of the 16-week program, ARK Feed Back leaves the community happy, united, and investing in each other.

By Charmie Joy Pagulong Philstar.com

One of the paintings he introduced record label.

“I started with Monet, a lot of Impressionist flowers, seascapes, and then eventually, it became very abstract and expressionist, meaning by movements,” he explained. “It’s the movementyou see the splatters and sprays on the canvas. The focus of that kind of style is expressionism, or the expressions of the artist, how he moved his hand or how he shook the brush. So that’s the art in there.”

He has been painting for two years when the pandemic struck in 2020. Like everyone else, he had no choice but to stay indoors. He worked on his craft and watched video tutorials.

The business side then boomed as the pandemic went on as people were spending more time staring at their blank walls to the point that they wanted to redecorate or renovate. Because of this, Arcinue became quite busy with commissions, creating paintings that his clients wanted for their walls or as Zoom backgrounds.

“It’s not fun to attend a virtual art show and nobody wants to see paintings on the screen,” he quipped. “They’re meant to be experienced in person, face to face.”

Arcinue first joined Art Expo in 2019. As an up-and-coming artist, he feels it’s a privilege to showcase at the same art show where Andy Warhol started.

A lot of his collectors love his colorscapes and their corresponding texture and

Jamie Rivera heads ABS-CBN’s new music label, drops another inspirational single

Jamie’s latest single features Imogen and The Voice Kids Philippines Season 5 contestant Fabio Santos. Released in time for Lenten reflections, the upbeat song with a tinge of reggae is about the joy of believing in God, three persons in one, referring to the Holy Trinity or God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It was during the pandemic that she got to do more spiritual contemplation and was inspired

to write the song. “I realized that during the pandemic, the only one that could really help us survive is God,” she said in a virtual call.

“And maraming nalilito na bakit, ‘O, magdasal ka sa Father, o magdasal ka sa Son, o magdasal ka sa Holy Spirit.’ They were really confused, especially the children.”

So, she thought of the song.

“I said it’s about time. It would be nice and it’s about time to

Chad Arcinue and Jef Albea with Loida Nicolas Lewis (center), Chad’s wife Leanne Laudico

Arcinue, and Carissa Villacorta AJPress photos by Momar G. Visaya

Jef Albea and Chadwick Arcinue at the 2023 ArtExpo

Albea brought six sculptures, including the one featured here.

With no formal training in art, Chadwick Arcinue left a burgeoning career in business and finance and focused on his passion for art.

with Loida Nicolas

Ayesha

Mayor, City Council make Juneteenth a paid holiday for city employees

Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery, will be a paid holiday for San Diego city employees starting this year

Shopping online? Here’s what to do when things go wrong

EVER had a bad online shopping experience?

Maybe you ordered one thing but got another.

Or that new company never shipped your order, despite charging you. So, what do you do?

If you can relate, you’re not alone. In 2022, online shopping scams were the second-most reported type of scam to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The good news is you have rights, and there are steps you can take.

If something didn’t arrive or you didn’t accept it, and now the company won’t refund your money, dispute the charges. If products show up that you never ordered, you don’t have to pay for them. Federal law protects you.

To try to stay ahead of these problems, if you haven’t shopped with a company before, start by searching online for the company’s name, plus words like “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what other people are saying.

And no matter where you shop online, remember:

Check refund and return policies Sellers often have different (and stricter) refund and return policies for sale items, and dishonest sellers will use tricky disclosures and fine print to deny refund requests.

• Use a credit card for online purchases, if possible Credit cards offer the most protection against fraud compared to other types of payments including the right to dispute charges if there are problems with your purchase.

• Always save your receipts and confirmation emails If something goes wrong, these can help you get your money back from the seller or file a dispute with your credit card company.

Learn more about online shopping. Or if you want to learn more about last year’s top scams, visit ftc.gov/data.

And if you suspect a scam, report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

(Andrew

Rayo/Consumer Education Specialist, FTC) n

Walking vs jogging

WHILE cheetahs, gazelle, horses, deer, and other animals in the wild were obviously born to run, it is becoming clearer, medically, that we humans were born to walk, not to jog or run. While jogging became popular since the late 60s, forty years thereafter, the negative health effects became obvious, overshadowing the health benefits.

Jogging traumatizes the body, including the muscles, joints, heart and kidneys, especially when done excessively. Running thickens the heart tissue, causing fibrosis (scarring) that can cause atrial fibrillation. It also leads to cardiac diastolic dysfunction and stiffening of the large arterial walls. Other injuries include shin splints and stress fractures. More obvious and more common are injuries to the spine, hips, knee, and ankle joints, leading to arthritis of those joints and chronic pain. Some seniors eventually require hip or knee replacement.

Current research reveals that walking 8,000 brisk steps or more per day confers great health benefits, practically equal to the benefits from jogging, minus the attendant injuries from running. More importantly, most seniors are only able to brisk walk or walk but not jog anymore. Indeed, brisk walking is in.

has factual scientific data. The population-based study “found no evidence of an increased risk of cardiovascular events at 21 days among the recipients of the bivalent vaccine versus recipients of the monovalent vaccine, including strokes, heart attacks, pulmonary embolism and all four events combined.”

This is welcome news, especially to those immunocompromised and seniors with health issues, since the spring booster (bivalent) is recommended by the CDC, because those who had the original booster, with or without having been infected, are all recommended to have a spring booster. The

items, certainly benefit women with endometriosis, as pointed out in the British Medical journal Open in 2020. This diet, together with prescribed therapy by a gynecologist, will make life a lot more comfortable to women with endometriosis.

Toxin triggers MS

Seaweed, fish and nuts contain a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and are found to be helpful when added to the diet. Seaweed has been long proven to benefit women with endometriosis, alleviating their symptoms. Adding more vegetables, particularly cruciferous ones, legumes, and fruits, providing rich antioxidants and fiber also help.

Brisk walking is defined as walking 3 miles an hour: If one can recite lyrics of a song, with a pause (to breathe) between phrases, but unable to sing them, they are walking briskly.

The new study demonstrated that “walking just one to two days is still associated with significant reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortality.” Each additional day of walking provides even greater health benefits.

“People taking just 8,000 steps one or two days a week are also less likely to die over a ten-year follow-up period, 14.9 % less likely to die compared to people who were sedentary, and 16% reduction for those who walked 3 to 7 days a week,” concludes the study published in JAMA Network. This is, indeed, a wonderful finding, which would inspire and encourage everyone, especially seniors, to take those 8,000 steps to better health. And add another day at their own pace and comfort every week or two till they reach their goal.

For those with medical issues, consult your physician before embarking on any exercise regimen.

Spring COVID booster?

There has been fake news on television and social media that claimed the bivalent COVID-19 booster was unsafe, causing cardiovascular sideeffects. Thanks to a new French study, the world now

reason is the immunity of those who had the first booster, and even those who have natural immunity from getting the infection have protection that would have waned by spring. Natural immunity is less stable, less consistent, and less effective than immunity from the vaccines. At any rate, the bivalent booster has been proven all over again to be safe and effective. Getting the bivalent booster this spring will confer safety from a serious residual COVID-19 infection and as of Monday, April 3, 2023, there were still more than a million (1,066,175) active cases, and 10 new deaths.

Seaweed and endometriosis

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (like omerga-3 and omega-6) reduce proliferation of endometriosis lesions and are most beneficial in managing this common female illness where tissues that line the inside of the uterus grow outside the womb and in places they do not belong (like the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bowels, or even the lungs and the brain). It causes abdominal pains and irregular and painful period, among other symptoms, as well as pain during intercourse or bowel movements.

Seaweed, fish and nuts contain a lot of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and are found to be helpful when added to the diet. Seaweed has been long proven to benefit women with endometriosis, alleviating their symptoms. Adding more vegetables, particularly cruciferous ones, legumes, and fruits, providing rich antioxidants and fiber also help. Dietary changes, adding those items listed above plus ginger, turmeric, and gluten-free

SAN DIEGO – Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council have designated “Juneteenth,” which commemorates the end of slavery, an official paid holiday for City of San Diego employees. On Tuesday, March 21, the City Council unanimously approved the Mayor’s recommendation to make Juneteenth, which falls on June 19, a paid day off for all city staff starting in 2023.

“The official acknowledgment and recognition of this significant day in American History is an important step for the City of San Diego,” said Mayor Gloria. “The ending of slavery is a pivotal moment that should be honored and celebrated. I encourage San Diegans to set aside time on Juneteenth to reflect on our country’s history, including the parts that are painful, and to help us work towards designing a more equitable future without systemic racism.”

Making Juneteenth a paid holiday for city workers is part of Mayor Gloria’s ongoing efforts to create a more inclusive San Diego and celebrate the city’s diversity. Alongside Mayor Gloria, Council President pro Tem Monica Montgomery Steppe and Councilmember Vivian Moreno were the chief proponents of making Juneteenth a paid holiday for the City of San Diego, initiating the process in 2021.

“By honoring Juneteenth in our city, we choose to recognize

photo/www.sandiego.gov

the insidious history of our country and the sacrifices to achieve freedom for Black Americans,” said Council President pro Tem Montgomery Steppe, who represents Council District 4. “Today, our city made positive strides to realize the fight for true freedom among Black San Diegans.”

“As the City Councilmember representing San Diego Council District 8, I am proud to support the recognition of Juneteenth as a city holiday,” said Councilmember Vivian Moreno. “It is imperative for us not to forget the stain of slavery and the impact it has had on countless Black Americans. It is well past due that the city officially

recognize the importance of Juneteenth by establishing it as a city holiday so that our employees and communities can better commemorate it with neighborhood celebrations, educational opportunities and family gatherings.”

Historically, Juneteenth was only celebrated at City Hall in the form of a presentation through District 4 and the City of San Diego’s Black Employee Association. For the first time ever in 2020, a Juneteenth flag was hung commemorating Juneteenth at City Hall. In 2021, the flag was raised outside of the City Hall building for the first time ever as Mayor Gloria, Councilmembers Montgomery Steppe and Marni von Wilpert joined community members in proclaiming Juneteenth in the city.

June 19, 1865, is the day when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, and announced to over 250,000 enslaved Black people that they were free by executive decree – two years after the U. S. government had declared them freed. President Joe Biden signed Senate Bill 475 on June 17, 2021, establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday, and Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1655 on September 29, 2022, establishing it as a state holiday. (City of San Diego Release) n

SD County Board of Supervisors approve anti-tobacco grant funding

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a long-term condition that afflicts the central nervous system, causing muscle weakness and vision problems, as the immune system stacks the outer coating of the nerve cells to the eyes. MS most often victimizes young adults between the ages 20 and 40, also seniors, more in women than men. There are about 2.8 million individuals around the world living with MS. The cause of MS is still a mystery. A new study has determined that “a toxin from a common bacterium may trigger MS in people with a genetic susceptibility.” This recent discovery would lead to more scientific investigation worldwide to eventually find a prevention and/ or cure for multiple sclerosis, a gravely debilitating disease. Do fish drown? When thrown back to a body of water, fish do not drown. However, they do drown (suffocate) when the water does not have enough dissolved oxygen in it, like in eutrophication (too much nutrients or harmful chemicals in water), or drought. They also drown following the removal of their fins (as in harvesting sharks’ fins for Chinese soup delicacy). Throwing back sharks after fin removal results in their suffocation since they need their fins to swim. When their gills are damaged by predators, they also drown. So, technically, fish do drown too.

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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.

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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.

* * * 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. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

STRENGTHENING efforts to prevent youth smoking, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday, April 4 approved the acceptance of more than $1.6 million in funding from the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program. The grant will fund enforcement-related activities ensuring businesses in unincorporated San Diego County follow the proper protocols required to maintain their license to sell tobacco products. The funds will be distributed over three years, ultimately reducing the opportunity for kids to illegally purchase tobacco products. The money will allow more staff to conduct decoy operations to test tobacco retailers, ensuring they do not sell to youth or sell flavored tobacco products. It will also provide educational outreach to businesses.

“This funding is vital to continue work to reduce smoking and protect the next generation of San Diegans,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer. “Smoking is one of three behaviors that lead to a significant number of deaths in our community, and we want to do everything in our power to keep children and others from becoming addicted.”

All eligible businesses were visited at least once during fiscal

year 2021-2022 and more than 80% were out of compliance at the first visit. More than half sold tobacco products to an underage decoy and nearly a third sold prohibited items or were not following the minimum price or minimum pack size requirements.

The funding will also go toward developing a new data management system to track license applications, payments and level of compliance. It will also be used to create a multiagency tobacco retail licensing task force to identify and address local enforcement issues.

The funding comes as smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in the United States, including in

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

California. In 2022 the County of San Diego lost 4,000 people to smoking-related illnesses. This is one of three behaviors that contribute to four chronic conditions resulting in nearly half of all deaths in San Diego County, also known as the 3-4-45 principle. This is a significant stride compared to 20 years ago. To date, and due in part to the County’s efforts, the region has seen a 17 percent reduction in the percentage of deaths associated with preventable death threats. Tuesday’s approval is another step toward building a healthier San Diego where everyone has the opportunity to Live Well.

(Cassie Klapp/County of San Diego Communications Office)n

Jamie Rivera heads ABS-CBN’s new...

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write and to inform the people or to remind them that there are three persons in one God,” she continued.

The Inspirational Diva dedicated the ditty specially to the children, saying, “Marami pa ring hindi nakaalam, that’s why I want the children to know this.”

Jamie made the track “very, very light” and “very understandable,” using simple words for the younger listeners, just like what she did in her previous songs Jubilee Song, Only Selfless Love and Heal Our Land.

“There’s a music video, hand movements, ganyan na nakaka-relate ang mga bata. So I said, uulitin ko yan. Sila yung mga gustong kong matuto because we, the older ones, somehow, we knew it already. We just have to be reminded,” she further shared.

“Most of the kids, nakulong sila, nasa computer lang sila. Unlike before na face-to-face, there’s so many opportunities to share this to the kids… I said we should teach the children about the Holy Trinity.”

She expounded that “God the Father is our Creator,” “God the Son is our Savior who died to save us,” and the “Holy Spirit is someone you will call when you are confused or when you are about to do something that is not quite right.”

“You need guidance or meron kang hindi naiintidihan, you call on the Holy Spirit and you will be enlightened,” she added.

“But the wonder of it, all are in one. So hindi mo kailangan tawagin ng isa-isa lahat yan na God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The moment you say Lord, the moment you say God, please help me, sila na yun. To the rescue na silang tatlo.”

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN Music creative director Jonathan Manalo remarked that the vision of

Jamie Rivera ABS-CBN photo

Inspire Music, as the title suggests, is to “inspire people.”

Jonathan shared that they want to uplift the listeners through the songs that will come out from the label. “We want to inspire them kahit ano man yung pinagdadaanan nila sa buhay (and) whatever is the context of their personal stories. There’s part of the lyrics na mag-mi-minister na kung ano man yung life journey nila at the moment,” he stated.

“If that will be the impact on the audience, we feel that we are successful because that is our goal, maging companion siya ng listeners in their own personal listening time. They are able to breathe and they will feel better by just listening to the songs under the Inspire (Music) label,” he added. n

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria File

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS