042022 - Southern California Midweek Edition

2 APRIL 20-22, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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Mask mandate lifted for...

PAGE 1 immediately and as of April 18, 2022, CDC’s January 29, 2021 Order requiring masks on public transportation conveyances and at transportation hubs is no longer in effect. Therefore, CDC will not enforce the Order. CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in indoor public transportation settings at

this time,” the CDC wrote on its website.

Last January 2021, the agency released an order requiring that people aboard public transportation wear masks, regardless of vaccination status.

Following Monday’s decision, major airlines, such as American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Airlines, announced they

would lift the restrictions.

"We are relieved to see the U.S. mask mandate lift to facilitate global travel as COVID-19 has transitioned to an ordinary seasonal virus," Delta said in a statement.

Likewise, Amtrak, which operates the national train line, announced it would follow suit. g

DILG takes offense at US State Department...

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down to the grassroots level have led to dramatic improvement of the general peace and security situation in the country since 2016," he claimed.

"We join the Department of National Defense in posing a challenge to the US Department of State to substantiate their accusations so that we can properly address them through our internal mechanisms and the courts. Nonetheless, we will continue to do our sworn duty without fear or favor to maintain peace and order in our country."

The claim that the report is "unsubstantiated" is false. A cursory check of the report shows that it cited the government's own Commission on Human Rights, which said it had investigated 100 new complaints of alleged extrajudicial and politically motivated killings.

The commission investigated 130 victims allegedly perpetrated by 39 police personnel, eight military personnel, five insurgents, three local government officials and 45 unidentified persons.

The CHR also investigated 49 drug-related killings with 53 victims with suspected police or Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency involvement.

It also pointed to the government's own data that acknowledges over 6,200 killings in official anti-drug operations by state forces. Rights groups both here and abroad say the true death toll could be as high as 30,000.

Gov't on the defense once more Año's statement comes a day after the PNP, an attached body of the DILG, also pushed back against the content of the US State Department report, which it said was "very sweeping."

RENEWED HOPE. Catholic devotees attend the Easter Sunday, April 17 Mass at St. Joseph Parish Church in Quezon City. According to Pope Francis, Jesus Christ’s resurrection is a reminder that we have to believe that our “own resurrection at the end of time is more than just wishful thinking, but rather implies confidence in something certain.”

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Isko admits going off script in withdraw call...

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Interior Secretary Eduardo Año

"How come we already have 5,000 policemen that were already dismissed for various infractions? How come we see that the pride and morale of the police is high? How come they are delivering over the years?"

Police Gen. Dionardo Carlos, PNP chief said in mixed Filipino and English.

These echo the usual narratives employed by the administration in addressing killings over its socalled war on drugs.

To recall, a supposed "independent human rights probe" led by the DILG went as far as claiming that extrajudicial killings did not exist in the first few months of the Duterte administration.

Progress in cases of the government investigating itself has meanwhile been slow to nonexistent. The Commission on Human Rights has cast doubt on the government's transparency in these probes, saying that investigations into thousands of other "drug war" cases are still pending, with only a handful of cases actually reaching the courts.

President Rodrigo Duterte has lashed out against international bodies — including the United

Philstar.com file photo

Nations — calling for an investigation into his flagship project.

All the while, illegal drugs in the Philippines are cheaper than ever. In 2020, crystal methamphetamines or shabu was found to still be behind the most arrest and treatment admissions in the Philippines, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported.

"Local and international human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch described widespread impunity for killings. There were no prosecutions or convictions for extrajudicial killings in the year to October and three since the start of the drug war in 2016," the US State Department said in its report.

"Human rights groups continued to express concern about abuses committed by the national police and other security forces and noted little progress in reforms aimed at improving investigations and prosecutions of suspected human rights violations." (Franco Luna with a report from Patricia Lourdes Viray/ Philstar.com)

Presidential candidates Domagoso, Lacson and Gonzales held a press conference at the Manila Peninsula Hotel on Easter Sunday to offer themselves as stronger alternatives to Robredo in challenging preelection survey front-runner Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. At the media event, Domagoso urged Robredo to make the “supreme sacrifice” of dropping out to allow less polarizing candidates take on Marcos Jr. His off-the-cuff remarks promptly drew backlash on social media, overshadowing the original purpose of the three candidates to present a united front against calls purportedly coming from Robredo’s camp to make them pull out of the race.

Domagoso on Monday shrugged off the criticisms, claiming they were only coming from Robredo partisans within their own echo chambers.

“It’s only them talking. We know it’s the same people talking. There is a universe they created for their own consumption and for their own entertainment,” the Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer told reporters upon landing in Surigao City.

Domagoso admitted that the Robredo withdrawal call was not part of the original agenda of the press conference.

He said he was only reacting to Gonzales’ assertion that Marcos Jr.’s huge lead over Robredo in the latest polls was “more an expression of dislike for VP Leni by the electorate.”

Easter gimmick “The intention really was to silence the supporters of that candidate spreading lies that this candidate has been bought off, or this candidate has been offered this position.

At least we put an end to that.

We’ll see each other on May 9,” he said.

“I didn’t know and I had no idea he would” do that, Lacson told the Inquirer on Sunday night.

But the senator said he did not see malice in the Manila mayor’s comments, which changed the tone of Sunday’s event from a united stand to outright hostility against the Vice President, currently ranked second in preelection surveys.

“In fairness to Mayor Isko, he made it clear that the ‘withdraw call’ was only his own,” Lacson said in Viber messages.

“I don’t think I was blindsided.

I think he was carried away by his recollection that VP Robredo earlier asked him to do the ‘supreme sacrifice’ and withdraw,” he added.

The Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer had argued that Robredo’s withdrawal would raise the odds of less polarizing candidates winning against Marcos, since the latter’s voting base could be driven by antiRobredo sentiment.

The Gabriela Women’s party described the Easter Sunday press conference by three presidential candidates as an “unabashed display of male egos as fragile as eggshells.”

House minority leader and ACT Teachers party list Rep. France Castro said the Easter “gimmick” only further convinced people they should not get votes.

Agusan del Norte Rep. Lawrence Fortun slammed as illogical the call by three presidential bets for Robredo to give way to a new second placer or withdraw.

“The call for Leni Robredo to withdraw is not only based on flawed assumptions, but outright lacking in logic,” Fortun said in a statement. g

Dateline USa

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MONDAY RUSH HOUR. Motorists inch their way along the southbound lanes of the Don Antonio to Sandiganbayan on Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City on Monday, April 18. The national government has eased the movement restrictions as COVID-19 cases in the country have been declining.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Civil rights org continues bystander...

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will be able to learn to intervene effectively as a bystander without compromising their safety. The 1-hour training covers the core concepts of the 5Ds (Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay, Direct), providing concrete tools for those who choose to intervene when they witness someone else being targeted by harassment.

Advancing Justice-LA welcomes everyone to join their next free Tagalog training, which is scheduled to take place via Zoom on Thursday, April 21 at 6 p.m., Pacific time.

To sign up, please visit https:// aaajla.zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_5zVC7soWRhu4K3jq2Oybg or call their Tagalog helpline at 855.300.2552.

By spending just one hour on this training, participants will join the legions of people who have been trained since April 2020.

Since the Advancing Justice affiliates in Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., in collaboration with nonprofit partner Right to Be (formerly known as Hollaback!) launched their first training, they have trained over 150,000 people. Of all people who reported witnessing harassment after completing the training, 75% reported intervening, a best practice in reducing trauma and de-escalating violence.

Indeed, the bystander intervention training program itself was launched in direct response to the sharp increase in anti-Asian hate crimes and hate

incidents since the pandemic began. The Advancing Justice national affiliation has been documenting these hate crimes and hate incidents since 2017 at www.standagainsthatred.org.

Thousands of incidences have been logged there since early 2020, but the organization is certain that many more that go unreported. Some of the highest numbers of hate incidents happen in California. During the start of the pandemic in 2020, hate crimes against Asians jumped 107% in the Golden State.

This bystander intervention training program is needed as Advancing Justice-LA continues to regularly receive calls on their Asian language hotlines and online reports, relating to hate incidents and harassment.

According to Christina Yang, General Counsel and Pro Bono Director at Advancing Justice – LA, “It is essential for us to train directly in Asian languages and make bystander intervention trainings more accessible to broader audiences, especially those who are still under attack and scapegoated for the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Sayno said the organization also encourages training participants to tell at least 10 of their friends and/or families about the training program – whether English, Tagalog, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, or Korean. More free training sessions are posted at https://advancingjustice-la.

org/bystander-interventiontrainings Advancing Justice-LA is one of California’s largest legal and civil rights organization for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI). Founded in 1983 as the Asian Pacific Legal Center, Advancing Justice-LA serves more than 15,000 every year.

Through direct services, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and more, Advancing Justice-LA focuses on the most vulnerable members of AAPI communities.

Advancing Justice-LA is based in downtown Los Angeles, and also has staff located in Anaheim and Sacramento.

Right to Be, meanwhile, is a non-profit global organization formed to raise awareness about and combat to harassment, both online and in-person, through intervention trainings and grassroots initiatives.

Advancing Justice-LA will offer these bystander intervention trainings as long as there is a need for them in the community, and as long as funding is available to continue the program. The trainings are free to the public, but donations are also welcomed in support of this program and to further expand awareness within Filipino and other AAPI communities. To donate, go to https://donate.advancingjusticela.org/give/345175/#!/donation/ checkout Any questions may be directed to Christina Yang at cyang@advancingjustice-la.org.

(Donnabelle Gatdula Arevalo/ AJPress)

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 20-22 2022 3

4 APRIL 20-22, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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Dateline USa

Fil-Am Ditas Katague appointed to US...

PAGE 1

director for the Governor’s 2000 Census California Complete Count campaign, she led a groundbreaking multilingual, multimedia outreach effort that resulted in a mail-in response return rate that outpaced the national rate.

From 2012 to 2018, she served

on the Census Bureau’s National Advisory Committee on Race, Ethnicities and Other Populations, including three years as its chair.

An expert in multiethnic outreach and civic engagement, Katague also served as chief of staff to the California Public Utilities Commission, where she improved public participation

SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • APRIL 20-22 2022 5

Duterte says gov’t to stay neutral, will maintain...

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rallies, I saw that the candidates bodyguards would be considered is supporting the candidacy of of PDP are weak. But aside from a private army," he added. presidential aspirant Ferdinand that, over and above all of these Duterte advised candidates "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. but the things is the fact that we are who fear for their safety to contact president has distanced himself tasked by the Constitution to the regional police directors and see to it that the elections are in to avoid conflict, especially the from the endorsement.

However, Duterte is order," the President said. use of firearms. Politicians with Duterte said he expects unlicensed firearms would go to supporting the vice-presidential bid of his daughter, Davao City politicians to honor election prison, he added.

Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, who rules, including the limits on "Remember, we in the is running under the Marcos- security aides. government won't allow "We have decided. I've terrorism led Uniteam Alliance. He is during the also endorsing 17 senatorial communicated this with the election. We won't side with candidates and the local Cabinet that the rules should anyone... Believe it or not, this is really be followed. It should be for real, we will enforce the law Despite contracting covid twice, candidates of PDP-Laban.

"Even though I have a party, I the Alunan doctrine because to make the election peaceful," missing work, and having a hard time breathing, he didn’t distanced myself, except those it's better, that more than two the president said. g get vaccinated until he needed proof of vaccination to eat at his favorite seafood restaurant.

“I haven’t been scared,” said Araizas, 46. “I take vitamins, eat healthy food, and I work out.”

Until recently, the federal “WE’RE thrilled to be telling this digital marketing, architecture and government reimbursed doctors, engineering, website development, hospitals, and other providers story through our placements at and hosting. for tests, treatments, and Times Square, signaling to our SFIO’s digital ads will soon vaccines for uninsured people. team, our business ecosystem, be running on rotation above But the Health Resources and and our community that the entrance to the Nasdaq Services Administration stopped Starfleet is blasting off.”

Starfleet Innotech, Inc. building on 4 Times Square, accepting reimbursement claims New York City. Currently, for tests and treatments March (OTC Pink: SFIO) (“SFIO” or “The “Company”) this pedestrians will already see 22, and for vaccinations April 5.

SFIO’s ads on street-level Many uninsured people now week launched a digital digital signage, the LinkNYC will likely need to pay out- campaign promoting the hubs, along surrounding of-pocket for tests and other company and its projects through electronic billboard high-traffic areas. services.

“Thanks to the fantastic team Perez is hoping people might placements on the Nasdaq of leaders we’ve gathered to lead become more open to vaccines if Building and on select streetSFIO, our community has grown covid tests become too expensive level screens across Times Square tremendously over the past year,” for them. No one will want to in New York City.

These digital placements complement said SFIO CEO Jeths Lacson. “Today SFIO keep paying for tests when they can just get a shot, he reasoned. SFIO’s ongoing expansion plans, in collaboration is truly a global company with teams innovating Nurse Roxanna Segovia works with media partner FMW Media. The 15- and across markets and industries. While growth is at a pop-up vaccine and testing 30-second ads highlight the conglomerate’s core our primary focus over the next few years, our clinic in front of South LA Cafe divisions, key businesses, and growth roadmap. main goal has always been to create pathways to in South Central LA. She recently Starfleet Innotech, Inc. is a global investment the global stage—such that the truly world-class spent 45 minutes trying to holding company focused on innovation through business leaders we have across our key markets persuade a man who had visited disruptive collaborations across its three key find the global opportunities they deserve, and the clinic regularly for free tests industries: Food and Beverage (F&B), Real are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and Estate, and Technology. With a strong presence community that they need to build the futures of to get vaccinated.

“He gave me all the reasons he across New Zealand, Australia, Malaysia, the their industries. That is our mission at SFIO. That has not been vaccinated, like his United Arab Emirates, the United States, and the is our journey.”

“Here at the financial heart of the world, civil rights were being violated Philippines, SFIO makes strategic investments and Bible verses,” Segovia said. in high-growth businesses, building synergies we’re waving our banner for all hypergrowth “His job requires it now, and across its diverse portfolio to provide maximum businesses. In terms of timing, this coincides perfectly with the work we’ve been doing to he said he was losing money shareholder value.

The ads communicate SFIO’s core strategy of bolster our presence in the United States,” he by missing work waiting for test results. If he continued this cross-divisional collaborations. In broad strokes: added. “We’re thrilled to be telling this story • SFIO strategically enters new markets through our placements at Times Square, way, he wouldn’t be able to feed his family, but even so, he still through its F&B businesses, led by their flagship signaling to our team, our business ecosystem, and our community that Starfleet is blasting off.” wasn’t sure if he was making the brand, Epiphany Cafe.

• They fund this growth through high-yield, Chief Operating Officer Mark Epifanio recently right choice.”

At the end of their conversation, wellness tourism real estate development shared that SFIO’s F&B division will soon be he got the shot. (Heidi de Marco/ projects, spearheaded by Moraya, the premier selling its Gorgeous Coffee-brand instant coffee real estate brand for technology-driven and and Epiphany Manuka honey products in the Kaiser Health News) United States through partner platforms like This story was produced wellness-oriented communities.

• They augment operations and unlock new Amazon. As the digital ads on Times Square

by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an opportunities through its technology division, roll, SFIO is laying the groundwork for a brickand-mortar entry into the US market in the near editorially independent service LNS+.

• And supporting this ecosystem are backbone future, beginning with its flagship F&B business, of the California Health Care businesses ranging from education to accounting, Epiphany Cafe.

(Advertising Supplement) Foundation. and access to the energy and telecommunications utility rate and regulation process.

Since 1998, Katague has served on the Sacramento Center Advisory Board for the Sol Price School of Public Policy, University of Southern California. She holds an MPA from USC and a BA from UC Berkeley. g

Attendance plummets at Los Angeles COVID...

PAGE 1 not received even one dose, vaccination events have turned desolate. About 46,000 county residents got their first dose in March, a 79% decline from January, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Those who remain unvaccinated are harder to convince, telling health care workers and vaccination coordinators that they don’t feel a sense of urgency.

According to a January survey by the Public Policy Institute of California, about 1 in 10 California adults said they definitely won’t get vaccinated, which has remained consistent since January 2021, and 86% of unvaccinated adults said the omicron variant wasn’t enough to persuade them. Employers and businesses are dropping or rolling back vaccination mandates. And although proof of vaccination once offered perks like allowing people to go maskless indoors, face coverings are generally no longer required in California.

At a recent vaccination drive coordinated by an immigrant advocacy group in Palmdale, near Lancaster in northern LA County, only two people showed up over four hours, both for second doses. As of April 1, 25% of Palmdale residents ages 5 and up were unvaccinated, compared with 17% of county residents, according to county data.

Jorge Perez, Salva Organization’s vaccine coordinator, spent a week promoting the event with his team, going door to door, visiting local businesses, and publicizing it on social media. At previous vaccine drives, “we got 42 people, then 20, then four,” said a disappointed Perez. “Now two.”

Perez reduced the number of staffers at vaccination events from five to two in February as

the numbers started to dwindle.

Much work remains to be done to combat vaccine misinformation, especially given the spread of BA.2, an omicron subvariant that is highly transmissible, said Dr. Richard Seidman, chief medical officer for L.A. Care, a public Medicaid insurance plan that serves county residents. The number of covid cases and hospitalizations had been declining since February, but the county is again seeing a bump in cases, according to data released this week.

People have various reasons for remaining unvaccinated, Seidman said. “For some, it’s distrust of the government or health care providers in general,” he said. “Some are more cautious and want to take a wait-and-see approach. Others simply don’t believe the science.”

A study published April 11 by JAMA Internal Medicine shows just how entrenched views are.

Many people who refused to get vaccinated early on said they were waiting for the shots to get full approval from the FDA. But when the agency’s first full approval of a covid vaccine came in August 2021, the study concluded, it did little to change people’s minds and “had little immediate impact on vaccination intentions.”

In California, unvaccinated people were nearly 14 times as likely to die from covid as people who had been fully vaccinated and received a booster dose, according to state data from March 7-13.

Perez said people getting their first shots now are doing so mainly because they feel obligated — to meet a work requirement, for example, or enter places such as restaurants, bars, and gyms that require proof of vaccination.

That was the case for Modesto Araizas, one of the two people who showed up at the Palmdale vaccine event.

Starfleet Innotech launches digital ads on Nasdaq building and across Times Square, New York City

6 APRIL 20-22, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

Overcapacity

OpiniOn & Features

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SINCE Boracay was reopened to tourism in October 2018 following a sixmonth shutdown for rehabilitation, a carrying capacity has been imposed on the world-famous resort island.

President Duterte had ordered the shutdown at the peak of the travel season in the summer of 2018 after finding out that the island’s sewage was being spewed into Boracay’s waters and overbuilding was destroying the top tourist destination.

The carrying capacity has not been lifted, and was in fact further reduced in the past two years in line with COVID health safety protocols. So health officials were disheartened to see the capacity limit breached during the Holy Week.

Pre-pandemic, the daily carrying capacity was set at 19,000. The Malay Tourism Office, however, reported to the Department of Tourism that Boracay visitors hit 21,252 on April 14, Maundy Thursday, and 22,519 on Good Friday. The DOT said the government of Malay town in Aklan would receive a warning from the Department of the Interior and

Local Government.

The Malay government had previously drawn flak for the proliferation of fake COVID reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction swab test results used by visitors to enter Boracay during the pandemic lockdowns. As the Omicron-driven surge last January eased, however, the government lifted effective Feb. 2 the requirement for a negative RTPCR test result for entering Boracay and another popular travel destination, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, as long as the tourist is fully vaccinated.

But the pre-pandemic carrying capacity for Boracay, meant to protect the island’s environment, has not been changed. The local government is supposed to enforce the capacity limit, which should not be a daunting task since visitors enter If not curbed quickly, the capacity breach may Boracay by boat and must be registered. become the norm, and Boracay may soon return to

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

what it was before its rehabilitation, as described by the President: a cesspool. (Philstar.com)

In their own words: Why Filipinos are now switching to Leni and Kiko

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS AMID the troubling reports of some Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) receiving pre-shaded ballots in the mail electing Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte-Carpio, amid some overseas absentee voters suddenly not finding their names in the roster of eligible voters even when they have already registered and voted in the past with good standing in the community…

Amid the misogynist attack of presidential candidate Isko Moreno against the lone female candidate VP Leni Robredo, asking the VP who places second in (questionable) polls to withdraw from the race so that those trailing behind her would get the attention they are craving for…

Amid the P203-Billion unpaid estate tax by the Marcos family, represented by its administrator presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos whose campaign continues to spew lies and disinformation to discredit VP Leni Robredo and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan, resorting to peddling malicious fake sex videos targeting Robredo’s eldest daughter Aika...

Indeed, the Lord has ways to reveal the true color of presidential candidates, how they respond to crisis situations, how they are truly transparent and accountable to the Filipino people, and just how true of a public servants they are.

Trending now on social media is the big switch of supporters — ordinary Filipino voters who now join honorable former government officials, retired military officers, members of the academe, businessmen and financial analysts, professional groups of doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, artists, even the farmers, fishermen, nongovernment organization leaders fighting

for the truth, justice, good governance, human rights, the rule of law, etc — in endorsing and campaigning for Leni Robredo and her only chosen trusted Vice Presidential candidate Kiko Pangilinan.

Why the big switch? What did they find in Leni and Kiko that made them decide to drop the candidate they formerly were supporting to give their all out vote of trust and confidence to Leni and Kiko? Here are some of their comments on social media in response to Papi Lucas on Twitter.

“I’m thinking of switching to Leni just because I just don’t want bbm to win this race. For me he is incompetent and not a great leader. Naging sikat lang siya because of his father, nevertheless Leni is our 2nd choice . So be it if the survey stand still We will Switch to Leni. At first I was hesitant to switch to her side but then again I realized something.

Isa sa pinaka tumatak sakin is bukod tanging siya lang ang “ Walang Bahid ng Korapsyon, Transparent at honest”.

Katangiang hindi ko nakita sa ibang kandidato. Enlighten me why Leni Please?

Team Isko kase kami buong fam pero sa nakikita kong survey mukhang si leni lang ang may chance na lumaban for bbm.”— Papiii Lucass “Si VP Leni hindi pakitang tao ang pagtulong sa kapwa. Kahit noong wala pa sya sa politika ay matulungin na sya sa mga nasa laylayan. Kaya nung mapasok sya sa politika ay sinikap nya lalo ang makatulong sa pamamagitan ng mga programa nya tulad ng Angat Buhay program.” — Rina David “Sa conference nangyari nakita ko ang ugali ni Isko.yung walang galang sa babae.Di kasalanan ni VP Leni na yung mga supporters ni Isko ay lumipat kay VP Leni.May nakita mga dating supporters sa

paguugali lately ni Isko.ok si Isko sana pero hindi ito time.maaga pa.Nagulat ako bakit ganun na lang galit nya kay VP Leni.bakit si VP Leni ang gusto nya umatras. dahil ba sa Transparency Act na ipapatupad ni VP Leni?sa nangyari conference pinakita ni Isko ang extreme desire nya to win over VP Leni.wala sya sinabi tungkol kay BBM.” — Katrina Joaquin “700B ang nawawala sa kaban ng bayan kada taon dahil sa korupsyon. Imagine 700B na galing sa pinaghirapan ng taong bayan, na dapat sana napakinabangan natin. Pero binulsa lang ng mga ganid na buwaya. Papayag ka ba na nakawin lang ang pinaghirapang mong tax? Kaya kay Leni na tayo.” — Jaxpineda1 “Bakit si LENI? She has The Qualification: L- Love for God and country E- Excel on helping the needy with insufficient budget N- No record of corruption I - Intelligent as professional lawyer and economist” — Rommel Manalo “These are few of OVP’s proj (PPE procurement, locally made PPEs, Bayanihan E-Consulta, Test kits, food and care paCKages, shuttle service, relief operations, online community market, teacher training, etc.) just in the pandemic alone. Before pa taco mag lockdown she already had a meeting with experts as part of her prep. Kaya nung nag lockdown, isa siya, if not the first, sa mga nakapagsend agad ng PPEs at nag provide ng shelter at transpo sa medical frontliners.”

— Prongs05 “Being in govt service, nasa kanya talaga yung ina-advocate na data-based planning (na hindi puwede sa executives na tamad), proactive, & prudence & transparency in govt spending.”

— @Joyjoyclar “Pinaka impt sa akin yung

There are only a few overseas voters Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez SADLY, in spite of the fact that we have an estimated 12 million Filipinos living overseas, it is unfortunate that only 1.69 million Filipinos and dual citizens living in foreign countries/territories have registered to vote for the 2022 presidential elections. This is a drop from the 1.8 million overseas absentee voters (OAVs) who registered for the 2019 midterm elections, with the voter turnout also at a low 20 percent.

Here in the United States, we have a large number of FilipinoAmericans who have decided to become dual citizens (mainly because of the COVID restrictions imposed on foreigners entering the Philippines) – making them eligible to vote, but they opted not to register and vote.

For the 2022 elections, the

number of registered OAVs for the United States stands at 212,565.

Of that number, 37,657 are under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. while the rest are under the jurisdiction of the consulates across the US and in Guam. In 2019, the number of registered voters in the US was 228,470, and voter turnout was disappointing at 17.29 percent.

One of the reasons why the numbers have been low is due to the tedious process, with registration and voting done by mail or through personal appearance at Philippine embassies or consulates abroad.

One other reason why OFWs opt not to vote as well is because they find it difficult to personally register at the embassies or consulates due to the distance they have to travel and having to skip work, too.

Sea-based overseas Filipinos – who comprise only 19,584 out of the 1.69 million who registered – have an even tougher time because the areas where their

ships are currently docked may be too far from the Philippine embassies or consulates. And even if they manage to register, how can they vote if they happen to be onboard during the onemonth voting period allocated for OFWs? Under the current system, the Comelec sends to embassies and consulates worldwide the individual voting packets containing instructions, official ballot, envelope and other election paraphernalia. In the US, the voting method is strictly postal, so embassy/consular personnel have to manually put the election materials together and send them out to registered voters – many of whom complain about the inconvenience and the cost of having to go to the post office to send back the filled ballots.

Just like the 2019 midterm elections, problems are being encountered as the shipment of the vote counting machines (VCMs) and ballots from the Comelec was delayed. While the one-month election period is from April

3 yrs in a row na highest rating nakuha ng Office of the VP sa Commission on Audit.

Ibig sabihin, walang nakitang corruption! Mahalaga sa akin yun kasi ayoko ng Presidenteng pasimpleng nagnanakaw” — @ Tonettejadaone “At bilang auditor sa COA, binubusisi talaga namin ang agency. Financial, Compliance at Performance audit yon tapos 3 years in a row na Unqualified sila so it speaks Transparency!”

— randomcuites22 “Even oppositions can’t find anything to use against her apart from lenlen, lugaw, babae, fake and spliced videos, accusations with no evidence.

Isko pocketed money that he can use to improve the conditions of his constituents. Even if you say that’s legal, delicadeza na lang.”

— Baguio1973 “It’s the pandemic response of the OVP that really made me think she is fit for the job. So efficient and very much in tune with what the public needs. Also, walang corruption at all, since COA always gives her office a high rating.” — Nuelle Duterte (Niece of President Duterte) “Unahin na natin ang Angat Buhay Project niya.

Limitadong budget, pero napakacomprehensibo ng sakop.

Makikita mo naman po sa OVP reports lahat-lahat ng proyekto nila, pero eto po noong ang 1st yr plng nila.” — @MeasinmeMe “If I were to hire a President AND Vice President they should be someone na alam ang reyalidad ng ordinaryong pinoy - not limited to their cities but basically in tune sa eksena sa lahat ng areas ng bansa- not purong lip service lang.” — @ToniSpeakEasy “Mabilis umaksyon. Walang bahid ng korapsyon. Malinis ang track record. Walang mga kasong kinakaharap sa ibang bansa. Hindi political dynasty at napakahumble ng pamilya.” — @Nelson_0628

“Kasi mabuti syang tao. Legit yung bayanihan ekonsulta.

Nagaattend pa sya ng debriefing ng volunteers pag may time sya.

Ganun nya pahalagahan ang kapwa nya. Hindi mema lang yung mahal ko kayo. Totoo sya…”

— @KEvangelista24 “Di pa siya pulitiko NGO worker na siya at nagserve as probono lawyer sa SALIGAN. At ang pagiging NGO worker niya nadala niya hanggang sa naging pulitiko siya. Pwede mong icheck ang angat buhay program niya at website niya https://lenirobredo. com Pwede ifact check yan.”

— @BuddyReyes27 “1. Highest COA rating = all funds in OVP are liquidated down to the last centavo.

2. Proactive in the pandemic and disaster response.

3. Highly involved sa Marawi rehabilitation (pabahay, livelihood).

4. Livelihood programs sa mga mahihirap na communities.”

— @MATom_MD “We need an economic expert amidst the pandemic, the rising gasoline prices, and the climate crisis (“Let the Earth Breathe”). Si Leni yan. Some of her platforms include the Public Employment Program, National Unemployment Insurance Program, etc.” — @Sivviee “Yung projects niya, pinagiisipan to address root causes hindi lang band aid solutions. And nagagawa niya to ng walang bahid ng korapsyon at supplemented ng donations from people who trust her.

Walang kuryente sa Agutaya?

Solar alternative naman. Walang iniiwan si VP.” — @altacctjustcoz “Walang masyadong mandato pero maraming nagawa ang kaniyang opisina. Sa mga bagyo o anumang sakuna siya ay laging handa, kahit limited budget. Pag siya mabigyan ng pagkakataon na maging Presidente mas

marami pa siyang magagawa at hindi mababaon sa utang ang Pilipinas.” — @Diana_Nicole03 “VP Leni has spent most of her adult life working for the poor and the disadvantaged. With little or no pay. She’s a public servant at heart. Nasa puso ang pagtulong. Sana you can consider her on May 9. Thank you!” — @ItIsRight “Hindi sya ang lesser evil, si VP Leni talaga ang good choice.

Minsan lang dadaan sa life natin ang ganitong candidate. For the longest years, nasanay tayo na lagi corrupt namumuno, this time good at clean governance naman. with VP office received 3x highest COA rating.” — @GreatMidoriya “Marami nang sagot pero para saken, yung super empath nya. Di kase un napag-aaralan sa school or napepeke. Either may pake ka sa kapwa mo, or wala. Siya kase, ramdam talaga. Empaths know empaths after all. Kaya ramdam talaga na sincere sya.

Di pabibo lang. At ang hottest take saken: alam kong wala siyang pagkakautangan ng loob except sa mga tao din. Etong people’s campaign ang biggest proof. The voters are investing on her and kiko. So kung may pagkakautangan sila ng loob, ang voters yun. Nasatin ang panalo. :)” — @cheonsa232 ***

10 to May 9, the first shipment containing approximately onetenth of the total expected number of ballots only arrived on April 12, with the last shipment of election paraphernalia received by the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. on April 15.

Even during the Holy Week, our embassy personnel were working overtime to process the election packets for mailing to registered voters. In a span of 24 hours since the arrival of the first shipment, they were able to mail several thousands of ballots. Our posts are concentrating on the overseas absentee voting up to May 9, and this is causing consular work to temporarily take a backseat. In spite of the extra work put in by embassy and consular personnel, some people have the temerity to make malicious insinuations that the delays are intentional, and that there is purportedly a conspiracy to deny Filipinos their right to vote. What a lame theory. The embassy and the consulates are not responsible for the shipment of VCMs and ballots.

The government is spending a lot of money and utilizing so many resources, including

personnel, for the conduct of the overseas absentee voting.

The 2022 presidential election is undoubtedly very important – but the system has not really improved with the same glitches in the past happening again, along with the pandemic compounding the situation.

As far back as three years ago, I have already broached the idea of utilizing smartphones and tablets for overseas voter registration and voting through a secure mobile voting platform from Bostonbased technology company Voatz.

The app, which uses biometrics and blockchain technology, has a three-step authentication process to confirm the eligibility of a voter who can then input his choices by tapping the name of the candidate on the screen of his gadget.

Voatz executives assured me that the technology uses militarygrade security that includes data encryption, making it very secure.

I understand Voatz has already presented to the Comelec and a test run was conducted last year.

It was Senator Franklin Drilon – principal author of the Overseas Absentee Voting Act of 2003 – who has been urging the Comelec

to adopt new technology that would enable OFWs to register and vote online. Overseas absentee votes can be sizable and can help determine the outcome of an election. OFWs are a major contributor to the economy, and they can transform their economic power into a strong political voice.

The election campaign period has become very intense with a number of vicious people turning hysterical to the point of stress and panicking. They should calm down because there is life after May 9. After all, Easter is a time for reflection and redemption – it’s not the end of the world.

Whatever the outcome of the May elections, we should all be ready to accept it and move on to unite as one nation – as this will be the only way for our country to survive and recover from the huge impact of COVID and achieve economic 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.

*** Gel Santos Relos has been in news, talk, public service and educational broadcasting since 1989. She was a news anchor, TV host and radio commentator and public service host for ABS- CBN and DZMM. She is now working on her advocacies independently, serving the Filipino audience using different media platforms. You may contact her through email at gelrelos@ icloud.com, or send her a message via Facebook at Facebook.com/Gel.Santos.Relos. Also on Twitter, Instagram: Gel Santos Relosv

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

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

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

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Pope Francis reappoints Davao BBM, Sara again rule 2 surveys archbishop as member of Vatican office

by FRANCO JOSE

C. BAROÑA

ManilaTimes.net

by JOHN

ERIC MENDOZA Inquirer.net

MANILA — Pope Francis has reappointed Davao Archbishop Romulo Valles as member of Vatican’s Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments (CDW), the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news agency has

reported.

According to CBCP News, Valles received his appointment on March 29, but the Davao Archdiocese has only publicized the appointment on Sunday, April 17.

Valles’ reappointment was conveyed by the Vatican’s Secretariat of State to Archbishop Arthur Roche, prefect of the Vatican

department, on Monday, March 18, according to CBCP. Valles said that “it is a joy to serve the Church in this manner” and to represent the Philippines in the dicastery.

Pope Francis first named Valles and 26 other bishops to be members of CDW in October 2016.

Valles was president of the CBCP from 2017 to 2021. n

I hope next admin will do better vs climate change – Duterte

by DAPHNE

GALVEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte, whose term ends in a little over two months, hopes the next administration will do better in addressing climate change since the Philippines is one of the most affected by this phenomenon.

“They have a better preparation — or whatever efforts that would contribute to at least remedy the

situation,” Duterte, speaking in a mix of Filipino and English, said in his weekly taped “Talk to the People” briefing that aired late on Monday.

“I leave it, I say, to the next administration,” he said. “I know they can do better than I can. Whatever this typhoon did, I could not stop it,” he said.

He was referring to Tropical Storm Agaton (internationally known as Megi), which had just cut through the Visayas and

left at least 172 people dead and 110 others missing.

Earlier in his briefing, he proposed that richer, industrialized countries, since they produce more pollution, should pay smaller countries like the Philippines for the damage caused by climate change.

Two years earlier, he blamed climate change for the severe weather disturbances that had been causing massive flooding in many areas in the Philippines. 

Philippines recognized as ‘exemplary country’ for its high vaccination rate THE Philippines is being hailed globally for successfully accelerating vaccine deployment among residents despite hurdles in supply and vaccine hesitancy, vaccine czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said Monday night, April 18, citing a report from G20.

“Maganda ring balita na iyong G20, ito po ‘yung big economies ng 20 countries, they acknowledged po that the Philippines is an example country in the acceleration of the vaccine deployment,” Galvez said in his report to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting on government’s COVID-19 measures.

“Na-cite po dito na despite the challenges that we had na napakababa po ng ating supply during the early stages, but we were able to accelerate itong vaccination po natin.”

Galvez, who is also the National Task Force (NTF)

COVID-19 chief implementer, said the international recognition brings great pride to the nation especially because the report was based on an evaluation by the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).

The report further praised the Philippines as a model country not only in reducing vaccine hesitancy, but also for effectively increasing the demand for COVID-19 vaccine, he said.

Foreign nations also lauded the Duterte administration’s risk communication and community engagement strategies.

The vaccine czar then expressed his gratitude to the local government units (LGUs), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and media groups, as well as the private sector for

collectively working with each other to achieve the desired goal of inoculating Filipinos against the deadly coronavirus disease.

Galvez also encouraged the unvaccinated to get COVID-19 jab, noting that getting vaccinated is a conscious act of protecting not only one’s self but also one’s family and the entire country.

“Huwag po natin sayangin ang ating magandang nangyayari po ngayon dahil kasi ang ano po natin is mapanatili na po natin na mababa ang ating mga cases at saka ang ating death level, at tuloy-tuloy po na magkaroon po tayo ng magandang ayuda sa ating ekonomiya,” he said.

“Marami na po tayong nakuha na bakuna at talaga pong nagpakahirap po tayo doon at marami pong nag-donate na mababait na mga countries, huwag po natin sayangin ang ating mga pinaghirapan,” he added. (PNA)

COVID-19 vaccines are brand new BASED ON DECADES OF RESEARCH. SHARE THE FACTS, NOT THE VIRUS. MyTurn.ca.gov | 833-422-4255

PRESIDENTIAL candidate Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and his vice-presidential partner Sara Duterte-Carpio maintained their leads in the latest surveys of OCTA Research and PUBLiCUS Asia.

The OCTA survey, conducted from April 2 to 6, had Marcos, the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas standard-bearer, as the preferred candidate of 57 percent of the 1,200 respondents.

The rating was higher than the 55 percent he received in OCTA's February poll.

Broken down by region, Marcos got 35 percent in the National Capital Region (NCR), 66 percent in the rest of Luzon, 56 percent in the Visayas and 50 percent in Mindanao.

In terms of socioeconomic class, he got 51 percent in the ABC segment, 59 percent in Class D and 44 percent in Class E. Vice President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo posted the biggest increase among the presidential aspirants with 22 percent, a 7-percentage-point jump from her rating in February.

Robredo had 35 percent in the NCR, 21 percent in the rest of Luzon, 23 percent in the Visayas and 23 percent in Mindanao.

She logged 28 percent in Class ABC, 20 percent in Class D and 33 percent in Class E. Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso had 9 percent (from 11 percent in February); Sen. Emmanuel "Manny" Pacquiao, 7 percent (from 10 percent); and Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson with 4 percent (from 3 percent).

Former presidential spokesman Ernesto "Ernie" Abella had 1 percent; businessman Faisal Mangondato and labor leader Leodegario "Ka Leody" de Guzman with 0.1 percent each; and former Defense chief Norberto Gonzales, 0.001 percent.

OCTA said 1 percent of the respondents did not indicate their presidential choice. This includes the 0.5 percent who said they have not decided who to vote for, and the 0.008 percent who said they did not have a preference.

Duterte-Carpio garnered 57 percent to stay ahead in the vicepresidential race.

Senate President Vicente "Tito"

Presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos and his vice-presidential partner Sara Duterte-Carpio ManilaTimes.net file photo

Sotto 3rd had 23 percent; Sen. Francis Pangilinan, 12 percent; Dr. Willie Ong, 7 percent; House Deputy Speaker Jose "Lito" Atienza, 0.7 percent; and Emmanuel "Manny" Lopez, 0.1 percent.

The survey has a ±3 percent margin of error.

In the PUBLiCUS Asia poll, which was confined to Metro Manila, Marcos was the choice of 51.6 percent of 1,625 respondents in the poll firm's April 8 to 13 survey.

Robredo came in second with 24.3 percent, followed by Domagoso with 9.8 percent.

Lacson had 4.2 percent; Pacquiao, 1.8 percent; de Guzman, 1 percent; Abella, 0.9 percent; and Gonzales, 0.1 percent.

A total of 5.7 percent of the respondents said they have not decided who to vote for.

Duterte-Carpio led the vicepresidential field with 51.3 percent, followed by Pangilinan (15.4 percent), Sotto (11.6 percent), Ong (11.4 percent), Atienza (1.4 percent) and Walden Bello (0.9 percent).

PUBLiCUS noted that vote firmness was also markedly high in both the presidential and vicepresidential categories, with most supporters of leading candidates reporting they were unlikely to change their vote.

Robredo had the highest proportion of firm voters among presidential candidates, with 87 percent of the 24.3 percent of respondents saying they were sticking by her as their choice.

PUBLiCUS said 86 percent among the 51.6 percent of respondents who chose Marcos said their vote will definitely or

likely not change.

Sixty-eight percent of Domagoso's supporters were also considered as firm voters.

Duterte-Carpio had the highest firm voter share among the vicepresidential candidates, with 90 percent of her supporters saying they will definitely or likely not change their vote.

Pangilinan, Sotto and Ong had firm voter shares of 84 percent, 77 percent and 69 percent, respectively.

PUBLiCUS Executive Director Aureli Sinsuat said the vote firmness numbers in NCR appear to validate the general trend illustrated by their national data that a large majority of voters have made up their mind on whom to vote for president and vice president.

The survey sample was drawn from a market research maintained by PureSpectrum, a US-based panel marketplace with multinational presence.

PUBLiCUS said the final survey research panel was restricted to registered voters. Respondent age and gender were utilized in the sampling to make the result conform more closely to the features of the voting population, as defined by statistics from the Commission on Elections.

A total of 100 respondents were taken from each of the cities in the NCR, except San Juan with 76 samples and the lone municipality of Pateros with 49 respondents.

Minor adjustments were made in the sampling in Pateros and San Juan given its smaller representation in the panel marketplace of PureSpectrum.

The Manila Times is the media partner of PUBLiCUS Asia. 

8 APRIL 20-22, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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PNP to look into poll sabotage claims DOE seeks Cabinet cluster OK for PH oil exploration

by Neil JaysoN

servallos Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine National Police will validate reports of an alleged plot to sabotage the May 9 elections as claimed by three presidential candidates during a press conference on Sunday, the top PNP official said on Tuesday, April 19.

PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos said that while they have not received such reports, they were continuously monitoring developments that might compromise peace and order during the elections.

Sen. Panfilo Lacson and fellow candidates Manila Mayor Isko Moreno and former defense chief Norberto Gonzales made the claim during their joint press conference on Sunday.

Lacson said the reports were not validated.

“We’ll get the details from Senator Lacson so we can look into it. So far I have here Maj. Gen. Val de Leon. He’s monitoring the elections and so far we don’t have major reports of such sort. So we

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will get it from Sen. Ping,” Carlos told reporters. De Leon heads the Special Task ForceNational and Local Elections (STF-NLE).

Carlos, who would be retiring on the eve of the May 9 elections, said he was overseeing preparations being made by the PNP to ensure peaceful and orderly elections.

“From our end, we don’t see anything that would hamper or derail the election up to May 9. When May 9 comes, I’m once again Mr. Carlos. So I always look at what the STF is preparing,” he said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), for its part, said investigating destabilization reports is a law enforcement function.

“We will support the PNP should they need us. But they are the lead when it comes to law enforcement,” AFP spokesman, Col. Ramon Zagala told The STAR. On the alleged “destabilization” plot after the elections, President Duterte’s political party said the voice of the majority should be

respected.

Melvin Matibag, secretarygeneral of the Duterte-led PDP-Laban faction, said another uprising similar to the EDSA Revolution should not be allowed to damage or destroy the country’s institutions.

“The PDP-Laban position has always been to respect the voice of the people and the Constitution we all signed up for. The party believes in the Filipino voters. The voice of the majority should prevail.

We cannot allow another EDSA to destroy and damage our institutions,” Matibag said in a statement.

Gonzales, meanwhile, said in an interview with CNN Philippines that he wanted to lead a public rejection of votebuying culture.

“I will write the Comelec formally,” Gonzales said. “We have to dislike this kind of practice, vote buying.”

Gonzales cited a “concrete action” taken by the AFP when it set up checkpoints to stop the distribution of cash.

“Maybe they should do it again,” Gonzales said. g

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) has asked the Cabinet security, justice and peace coordinating cluster to immediately allow oil exploration activities in the West Philippine Sea, Malacañang said on Tuesday, April 19.

“The survey was held in abeyance because of the decision of the Security, Justice and Peace Cluster or SJPC in the Cabinet,” acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said at a media briefing.

“The DOE already asked the SJPC to reconsider the decision and to immediately allow the survey,” he said.

Andanar said the DOE has sought reconsideration on the ground that “under international law, a geophysical survey is a perfectly legitimate activity in any disputed area.”

He said the DOE is still waiting for the decision on its request for reconsideration.

The DOE has directed listed upstream oil and gas firm PXP Energy Corp. to suspend exploration activities in its service contracts in the West Philippine Sea until it secures the go-signal from the SJPCC. In a recent disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, PXP Energy said it received a DOE order dated April 6 “to put on hold all exploration activities for SC 75 and SC 72 until such time that the SJPCC has issued the necessary clearance to proceed.”

As this developed, reelectionist Sen. Risa Hontiveros expressed concern over the reported shadowing by a Chinese coast guard vessel on survey ships hired by a Philippine firm to conduct activities within the country’s exclusive economic zone.

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“The Philippine ships have every right to be within our exclusive economic zone,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

“It is the Chinese vessels that have no right to follow Filipino ships. They are the ones that have to leave, not us,” she added in Filipino.

Hontiveros was reacting to an earlier report that a Chinese coast guard vessel shadowed survey ship Geo Coral and its support vessel Mariska G while they were conducting seismic survey activities off the coast of Palawan earlier this month.

The Norwegian-flagged Geo Coral and its support vessel were reportedly hired by gas firm PXP Energy Corp. to conduct a seismic survey on the area covered by Service Contract 75.

Hontiveros also expressed concern over the decision of the DOE to suspend all exploration activities amid China’s incursions and other hostile activities in the West Philippine Sea. “Doesn’t that weaken our rights over our country’s own exclusive economic zone?” she asked. “The DOE’s suspension order makes it seem as though we are waiving our exclusive rights to our own waters.”

Meanwhile, United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III met on Monday, April 18, with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana at the Pentagon to discuss ways to continue to deepen cooperation under the US-Philippines alliance. This was the third meeting of the two defense chiefs.

The US Department of Defense said in a statement that Lorenzana and Austin affirmed the enduring nature of the alliance, as well as the vital importance of ensuring peace and stability in the South China Sea. (Helen Flores/Philstar.com)

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Runway visionary Alexis Bong Monsanto opens LA Fashion Week with splendor O

by AJPress

NCE again, the fashion industry took center stage during LA Fashion Week. The season opened with a spectacular explosion of vibrant colors of Fall and Winter collection by runway visionary Alexis Bong Monsanto in Los Angeles’ historical landmark Japanese Garden of Yamashiro.

It was no surprise that Monsanto displayed the style lines and drapery of a master couturier. The quality of his work is unequaled. Nevertheless, you have to prepare for the unexpected when it comes to Monsanto. This year, he took ready-to-wear dresses and sportswear and transformed them into a stunning and captivating work of art - creating a powerful statement about the power of change, progress, and evolution. A beautiful representation of transformation, growth, and advancement.

Inspired by Jewels of Dream, Monsanto presented a mythical narrative on the fashion runway illustrating splendor, wonder, and enchantment by exploring the exciting elements of the wilderness. Monsanto combines his signature feminine sense of creativity with a timeless appeal by using the finest luxury fabrics and of myriad intensifying colors.

His works is a trademark of sensuality, verve & sophistication.

Throughout the event, the ambiance was lavish, elegant, and sensitive. The event was a celebration of both class and grace. Through his creations, he conveys powerful metaphors that

Alexis Monsanto Photo courtesy of the designer

everyone can embrace.

It also featured Monsanto’s signature combination of feminine creative vision and timeless appeal as he uses the finest luxury fabrics as his canvas. From fabric manipulation by draping, Laser cut techniques, pleats & 3D fabric processing, the latest product development that the designer is pioneering. The Monsanto look is his signature sensuality, verve & sophistication. Sexy but not gauche, sophisticated but not eccentric, embellished but

the runway, the journey is like a movie set. So Dramatic, so refreshing, so moving, and so provoking. From the choice of imagery, production design, music, and sound effects to the choice of adornment crafted

by IXXIA Jewelries. Every detail is perfection. Everything is exquisite. The enchanting sounds intensify and emphasize every the gliding motion, every step and movement of the models and the dazzling jewels they wear. A whirl of sparkles, twirls, spins, and sways come together in harmony. The ambiance enhanced the mood of the night, Photos courtesy of Jaime Lim each gemstones and their glint as the lights touches its surface not flashy. is a total spectacle. The total “I embrace a style that is performance gives everyone that irreverent, unafraid, existential sense of wonder and awe. All and provocative. With fashion are captivated by the splendor.

I aspire to create challenges What a graceful show. for myself, while creating a Not to mention the whimsical world for my client. gastronomic four-course dining Ideally, they’ll tap into a form experience and food journey of expression that would prepared by celebrity chef otherwise seem unattainable.

Valerie Castillo Archer. An I am inspired by everything in excellent addition to an evening my life, from the cold black filled with enchantment and objectivity of commerce to the amusement. Her culinary creation warm subjective embrace of the was a splendid complement to muses,” said Monsanto. the event.

As his story unfolds on Continued on Page 10

Megastar Sharon Cuneta, Asia’s community Songbird Regine Velasquez live Minding Your You can reduce your in an ‘iconic’ concert at Pechanga Finances debt under federal law Resort Casino on July 22 and 23 10

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 20, 2022

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can’t win.

So, in our example above, paying $750-1000 feels like getting a tooth pulled every ARE you struggling to month. To some people, this pay your debts every month, could be the equivalent of one especially your credit cards? Do paycheck or more. So, if they you barely have anything left to get paid twice a month, one pay your mortgage, rent, food, paycheck goes to paying credit and other basic living expenses cards while the other paycheck after you make your monthly debt payments? Do you want to goes to paying “everything else”.

And that’s where the problem is. lower your payments and make There never seems to be enough life a bit easier? money to pay “everything else.”

One type of relief under the If you are in this situation, law to people in debt comes from you may want to consider Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy the benefits of Chapter 13.

Code. Commonly known as Although individual situations “Chapter 13 Debt Consolidation vary, in Chapter 13, generally, or Debt Adjustment”, it is you only pay based on what generally available to individuals you can afford each month. and small business owners.

The court reviews your income It is called a “consolidation” because it allows you to combine and all monthly living expenses and determines if there is a your debts into one monthly surplus. For example, if the payment. But it is also called Court determines that you have “debt adjustment” because in a $200 left over after all your living lot of cases, most debts can be expenses are paid, this is all you “adjusted” down so you don’t need to pay. Depending on your need to pay them in full. income, you may be asked to Let’s say you owe $25,000 in pay for 3 to 5 years but 3 years is credit cards which require you typical. Now you may wonder: to make minimum payments “If I am only paying $200 per of anywhere from 3% to 4% of month for 3 years, that means I the outstanding balance. Thus, won’t be able to pay all my debts on the above amount, your payments are about $750- $1000 in full, correct? What happens to the unpaid balance after 3 per month. Because of the high years?” interest on your credit cards, 80Well, that is exactly one of 90% of your minimum monthly the greatest benefits of Chapter payments go to interest alone.

13. Besides paying 0% interest Very little is applied towards the on credit cards and most debts, principal. The banks are getting you are NOT required to pay all richer as they siphon the money debts in full if you cannot afford out of your pocket. You can’t to do so. After you have made all even afford to buy new tires for your Chapter 13 payments, the your car and your bank account is always overdrawn. You feel like rest of your debts are wiped out completely. This sounds amazing you’re playing a game you just

but it’s true. You can consolidate all types of debts in Chapter 13: credit cards, personal loans, late mortgage or car payments, property taxes, income and other taxes, student loans, back child support, etc.

Compare the benefits of Chapter 13 (0% interest on credit cards and most debts, lower payments, reduced debt amounts, pay off debts in as little as 3 years) vs. trying to pay your debts on your own and paying the outrageous interest rates being charged by the banks and the credit card companies. You will be shocked to see how much easier paying debts with Chapter 13 can become as opposed to doing it on your own. Do you need to rebuild credit and start saving again? Or do you dream of buying a home someday but need to get out of debt before anything else? If your debts have become unmanageable and you need legal help, find out whether Chapter 13 may be beneficial to you. Call my office at 866-4777772 and schedule a free initial consultation with me so that we can talk about your specific situation. ***

NOTE: Due to pandemic safety concerns, I am offering free consultations BY PHONE to anyone who needs help in dealing with their debt problems. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation.

Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 6,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772.

(Advertising Supplement)

Runway visionary Alexis...

From Page 9 The show drew boldface guests including Dubai Based International designer Michael Cinco, Rapper Ri-Yo, TV Creator Michael Kelley (ABC Revenge), Lana Parrilla (ABC Once Upon a Time, Why Women Kill), Grant Shaw (Dynasty,Melrose Place), Former supermodel Bessie Badilla, and performer Chris Chatman. Chatman’s performance created a perfect balance and added to the evening’s unforgettable experience.

His live entertainment, gourmet fare, and visually stunning fashion show benefitted Project Angel Food, a non-profit organization that prepares and delivers healthy meals to feed people impacted by serious illnesses.

His philosophy to building his brand, he says, has been to listen to what his customers want.

“It’s about making products that are attentiongrabbing, unique and different but not overdone,” Monsanto said.

PECHANGA Resort Casino presents a once in a lifetime concert of two prime Filipino singers — Megastar Sharon Cuneta and the Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez — who will provide hours of special musicale presentations on July 22 at 9 p.m., and July 23 at 6 p.m., live at the Pechanga Summit.

Pechanga Resort Casino is well-known for hosting only the best and the brightest Filipino entertainers and performers aimed at providing the ultimate experience especially to its Filipino-American patrons.

Dubbed as ‘Iconic,’ Cuneta and Velasquez’s back-to-back concerts will be directed by musical directors Louie Ocampo and Raul Mitra, respectively.

Cuneta is most famous in Manila for playing dramatic roles where she bagged several awards as a leading actress while holding concerts and singing engagements locally and internationally.

Velasquez is a veteran singer and concert queen herself who started her way to stardom after winning a major international singing contest, the 1989 Asia Pacific Singing Contest in Hong Kong, where she sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and the popular Broadway song from Dreamgirls “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”

Don’t miss this opportunity toward a wholesome entertainment. Tickets may be purchased at Pechanga Box Office or by calling 888-8108871 or visit www.Pechanga. com Pechanga Summit features a 40,000-square foot area

for entertainers, concerts, live sporting events, trade shows, weddings, or any large groups to book. In total, Pechanga now offers 274,500 square feet of indoor/outdoor contemporary meeting and event space, which significantly enhanced the amenities, space and visibility of Pechanga’s event offerings.

Pechanga Resort Casino offers one of the largest and most expansive resort/ casino experiences anywhere in the United States. Voted the best casino in the west by USA Today and rated a Four Diamond property by AAA since 2002, Pechanga Resort Casino provides an unparalleled

getaway, whether for the day or for an extended luxury stay.

Offering 5,400 of the hottest slots, 152 table games, worldclass entertainment, 1,100 hotel rooms, dining, spa and golf at Journey at Pechanga, Pechanga Resort Casino features a destination that meets and exceeds the needs of its guests and the community.

Pechanga Resort & Casino is owned and operated by the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians. For more information, call toll free (877) 711-2946 or visit www.Pechanga.com.

Follow Pechanga Resort Casino on Facebook, Instagram and on Twitter.

(Advertising Supplement)

4 ways filing for divorce can benefit your immigration case

petition after your divorce under the same category inherits the previous petition’s priority date under 9 FAM 42.43 N10 and 8 CFR 204.2(h), Part 205. However, success of such argument is not clear since the Atty. Kenneth old petition was automatically UrsUA reyes revoked the moment you married. The best thing that can be done in this situation is to COUPLES get divorced for have your LPR parent repetition various reasons. California is a you as an F2A or F2b even if no fault state. The reasons why a couple is getting divorced are you are unable to reclaim the previous petition’s priority date. often irrelevant to the issues of 3. Conditional legal the family law case. Divorce is permanent residents in failed often a difficult and negative marriages experience for most families.

For those who obtained However, getting divorce may have some unintended benefits their legal permanent residence status through marriage based in the immigration law arena. petition by their U.S. Citizen Four situations in which filing spouse of less than 2 years for divorce can be beneficial to marriage, the legal permanent your immigration case are as residence status conferred is follows: 1. Married sons and daugh- usually a “conditional legal permanent residence” valid ters of U.S. citizens only for 2 years. The couple If you were petitioned for would need to sign and file a legal permanent residence joint petition to remove this by your U.S. Citizen parent condition prior to the expiration as a married son or daughter of the 2 years or the conditional 21 years old or over, you are legal permanent resident classified in immigration law spouse would fall out of status. under family sponsored third The problem arises when preference (F3) which usually the marriage is in trouble. Often carries a long wait time. The it becomes difficult to obtain wait time for Filipinos for the cooperation of the U.S. example is currently 22 years.

Citizen spouse specially when The priority date is normally the couple has separated. U.S. the date the petition was initially filed by your U.S. Citizen Citizen spouse often refuse to sign the I-751 for or appear parents. If you get divorced, at the I-751 interview if one you revert back to single status and your category automatically is set by the USCIS. Filing for divorce would terminate the becomes reclassified to first marriage and allow you to file preference (F1) where the a “waiver” of the joint petition waiting time is substantially to remove the conditional LPR shorter. For example, for Filipinos the wait time under F1 status based on entering into category is 10 years shorter than the marriage in good faith.

Terminating the marriage by F3 category. This means if your filing a divorce is a requirement parents filed your immigration in order to file the “waiver.” It is petition 12 years ago, then you important to time this correctly can adjust to a green card now as soon as the marriage starts instead of waiting another 10 falling apart because by years. terminating the marriage early 2. Married sons and on, you might be able to file the daughters of legal permanent waiver before the expiration of residents your 2 year conditional LPR thus If your parents are legal allowing you to extend your permanent residents, getting LPR status in 1 year increments divorced will convert you back single status making you eligible until a final decision is made in your case. to be petitioned by your legal 4. Married aliens in permanent resident parents non-immigrant visas and those under the family based second without status preference (F2b) category if For those who enter the you are 21 years old or older or U.S. as a non-immigrant and under the family based second are separated from their preference A (F2a) if you are spouse but still married, filing under 21 years of age.

For those who married after a divorce would open up opportunities in case they they were petitioned by their meet a new significant other LPR parents (F2A and F2B), who is a U.S. Citizen and the petition is automatically revoked under operation of law who can petition them as an immediate relative. This is the moment you get married usually the fastest of process and cannot be reclaimed by in obtaining legal permanent a divorce. In theory, it can be residence. In countries such as argued that filing a subsequent

Barrister’s Corner

the Philippines where there is no divorce, many people come to the U.S. to start a new life after they have been separated from their old spouse (often still married to them). Even if the alien over stays their status as a visitor, the alien can still adjust to that of a legal permanent residence if petitioned by a U.S. Citizen spouse. If the alien was never inspected, the alien can still adjust to legal permanent residence if they are grandfathered under INA 245(i) and there are no special restrictions on their status. To be grandfathered under INA 245(i), the alien must have been a beneficiary of a legal permanent residence petition filed no later than April 30, 2001.

Finally, a common concern of divorcing immigrants is “What happens if my spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers?” The truth is you do not need your spouse’s signature to obtain a divorce in California. You only need to provide your spouse notice that you filed a divorce by personally serving your spouse the divorce petition and summons. In countries that are members of the Hague Convention, special procedures need to be followed to effect service. So yes it is possible to divorce your spouse even if your spouse is in a country that does not recognize divorce among its citizens such as the Philippines. For some immigrants, filing for divorce opens up opportunities in this land of milk and honey. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, APLC. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Reyes is a graduate of Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles. He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of the American Immigration Lawyer’s Association (AILA) and the Los Angeles County Bar Association, Immigration and Family Law Sections. You may contact Atty. Reyes at (213) 388-1611 or via e-mail at kenneth@kenreyeslaw. com. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, APLC. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 747, Los Angeles, CA. Visit us at Kenreyeslaw.com to learn about our firm.

(Advertising Supplement)

community 11 Gaming revenues up as industry officials see sustained momentum The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 20, 2022

By RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman

Free oil filter in exchange for your used oil filter

IT is a sign that brighter things are yet to come for Las Vegas, which is considered as the gaming and entertainment capital of the world.

A recent news report said that commercial casinos made ATTENTION San Fernando residents – Free Oil Filter & Motor some $8.92 billion in revenues Oil Recycling Event! in January and February of We invite you to bring in your used motor oil and used oil 2022, paced by Nevada’s filters for recycling. Receive one FREE new oil filter by bringing $2.192 billion. The Silver State’s in your used oil filter. Recycling motor oil and filters helps our revenues almost kept pace with environment and keeps our water clean. the combined earnings of the The last commercial lot on the north Saturday, April 30, 2022 next three states with the highest side of the Strip was bought by the Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman walked 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. revenues on the list compiled Siegel Group. along Las Vegas Blvd. recently to check AutoZone by the American Gaming on what’s new on the Strip. Behind her 55 N. Maclay Ave., Association. Those three states been one of the more iconic and is the blue Drew Hotel which is slated to San Fernando, CA 91340 are Pennsylvania ($808 million), popular travel destinations for open in 2023 with a reported number of New Jersey ($755 million) and Americans and for tourists from 3,000 rooms.

New York ($631.6 million). around the world. Aside from and local officials work in tandem According to officials quoted varied gaming options within to keep Las Vegas up front and in the article, the record start the resort-casinos, visitors have for 2022 means that there is a ample things to do – shop, dine, center of people’s minds when it comes to vacation options or strong demand from people swim, do some sightseeing, even for conventions, meetings to travel and enjoy themselves watch shows/concerts, and/or after having been cooped up in pamper themselves with an array and conferences. expecting last October 2021

By KRistoFeR PuRnell People may know Bellagio, their homes since the pandemic of spa services. by saying they’ve “been Philstar.com Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, started about two years ago.

Associations connected making music for years… But Mandalay Bay, and MGM Although it remains to be seen if with the gaming and hospitality EMMY-winning Filipino this time we made a BEAT,” Resorts, but there are other Nevada’s casinos will eclipse their industries are happy with what American actor Darren Criss and as they shared a video clip of performance last year, it shows they are seeing. For them, it feels new resort-casinos vying for his wife Mia welcomed the birth their baby’s heartbeat inside a that “Americans are continuing as though there are many people people’s attention like Resorts of their first child, a baby girl. recording studio.

World, Circa, The Fountainbleau to make gaming a first-choice who were fortunate enough The couple have named their Darren won the Emmy (slated to open 2023), The entertainment option.” to have saved some money daughter Bluesy Belle, born last for Outstanding Lead Actor LINQ, Cromwell, The Strat and While non-gaming areas during the pandemic and are April 11. Darren shared a photo in a Limited Series for his role a host of rebranded properties of resort-casinos have not fully ready to spend it on travel and on Instagram of the three of as Andrew Cunanan in “The recovered to their pre-pandemic experiences they missed out the which have undergone major them some hours after Bluesy’s Assassination of Gianni Versace: renovations and repairs. levels per the report, the gaming last couple of years. birth.

American Crime Story,” and That is why prime real estate Today’s existing resort“M & D made some sweet ended his acceptance speech by revenues indicate that people is hard to come by in Las Vegas in general have “a strong desire casinos and those under music... out now,” Darren wrote thanking Mia for “rolling down these days. A recently completed to return to a sense of normalcy construction are well-equipped in the caption, likening his the windows and pumping out deal that saw The Siegel Group after two difficult years, and to keep Las Vegas visitors daughter’s birth to a newlythe music in his life.” acquire 10 acres just across the people feel more comfortable entertained as they all have key released album.

The role also won Darren Strip from Resorts World Las traveling given the tremendous attractions and components The comparison is a the Golden Globe in a similar Vegas has many people thinking that differentiate them from running joke by the two after category, this time also thanking strides in fighting the virus.” what kind of development the Las Vegas – and Nevada as a each other. It also helps that the they announced they were his Cebuano mother Cerina as he Las Vegas-based company will state, for that matter – has always executives from resort-casinos called her “a firecracker Filipina woman from Cebu that dreamed of coming to [the US] and getting to be invited to cool parties like this.” The morning after the win, his family celebrated with several Filipino treats.

Darren and Mia have been married since February 2019 after being in a relationship for around 10 years.

Darren’s brother passed away Darren Criss with wife Mia and their child earlier this year, and the “Glee” Californians are the top migrants to Clark County, which is where actor shared an emotional tribute the cities of Las Vegas and Pahrump are located in as shown in Bluesy Belle Las Vegas ranked as the No. 1 tourist destination in 2021, Photo from Instagram/@darrencriss for his beloved sibling. the photo above. and that will continue to be true in the future.

Darren Criss welcomes first child

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (right) was finally able to get a photo at the world-famous welcome sign to Las Vegas with one of her investors from Manila, Dr. Jane Paragas.

come up with for a piece of real estate it dubs as “the last great piece of land available on the north Strip.”

It has taken years for The Siegel Group to find and snap up property on the Strip, and it did so with a price tag of $75 million. Since it did not work with a lender, it will have its own timeline as to how to develop the property. That said, its long-term options, according to a news report, include a casino-hotel, a condo tower, retail outlets and multi-family apartments.

Of course, with construction and projects come jobs, and with that migration from other places in the U.S. Settling in and finding a place to establish roots, or finding an investment property, will be an important decision that may affect your financial future.

I can help you find that piece of real estate that will match your needs and your budget.

Together, we can comb for the best opportunities available in Las Vegas and its neighboring cities/towns.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-5592476 and 702-538-4948 for more information. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

community Red Hot Chili Peppers first to perform at all new Yaamava’ Theater

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 20, 2022

Iconic L.A.-based band gives private performance for San Manuel Band of Mission Indians HIGHLAND – “Grand” doesn’t begin to describe the opening of Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel’s (formerly San Manuel Casino) all new entertainment venue, Yaamava’ Theater. The new venue christened its opening night on Thursday, April 14, by playing host to an exclusive private performance by Grammy-award winning artists, Red Hot Chili Peppers, in the all new state-ofthe-art theater.

Yaamava’ Theater is poised to become one of Southern California’s “must see” entertainment venues, bringing an intimate theater experience to the region. The inaugural performance by Red Hot Chili Peppers, who recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, set the stage for future performances by some of the world’s biggest names in entertainment. Their private performance at Yaamava’ Theater comes on the heels of their latest album release – Unlimited Love – and in anticipation of their world tour throughout Europe and the United States.

“For 35 years, we have provided our guests with best-in-class gaming and entertainment, and now we’re taking it to the next level with Yaamava’ Theater,” said Peter Arceo, General Manager at

Yaamava’ Resort & Casino.

“We are grateful for the Tribe’s vision and execution of the latest milestone in our resort and casino expansion allowing us to offer even more memorable experiences at the top entertainment destination in Southern California.”

Yaamava’ Theater is equipped with the latest entertainment technology and premium seating comforts. The theater has a maximum capacity to accommodate approximately 3,000 guests, which can scale down to 2,500 for shows with reserved seating only, providing a unique experience unavailable elsewhere.

“We are proud to have built a venue that provides an

intimate and thrilling experience that can’t be replicated,” said Drew Dixon, Vice President of Entertainment at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. “More importantly, we are excited about the talent we have in store and can’t wait to bring top entertainment to our guests and community.”

Powered by internationally renowned L-Acoustics, Yaamava’ Theater encompasses guests in state-of-the-art acoustic sound making it the ideal venue for fans who enjoy a more private and exclusive evening.

The theater also offers an immersive visual experience with three large video walls, a broadcast-quality video room with Panasonic cameras, and two large catwalks extending into the house for greater lighting and video production adaptability that will bring fans closer to their favorite artists.

Located in the Inland Empire, only 60 miles from Los Angeles, Yaamava’ Theater is the final phase of the $760 million Yaamava’ Resort & Casino expansion, the area’s newest luxury resort where guests can enjoy a premier “stay and play” experience across its sophisticated amenities and facilities.

Continued on Page 13

Why Cebuana fashion designer Mayeth Codoy is making waves in Europe with her ‘Filipiniana’ creations MAYETH Codoy, a Filipina fashion designer living in Norway, is one of the designers whose works will be showcased at Asia Pacific Fashion Week 2022 (APFW) – a global platform for emerging designers – in Los Angeles and Las Vegas on August 6 and 13, respectively.

Mayeth is the founder of MYET, a line of fashionable and luxurious clothing produced almost completely of abaca (Manila hemp) and pinya (pineapple), textiles that are unique to the Philippines.

Mayeth, who was born and raised in Cebu in the Philippines, began her inspiring journey at the age of 23 when she left her family to work as an au pair in Oslo.

While in Oslo, Codoy pursued her big dream by studying fashion design at the Esmod International Fashion School in Oslo, which is a subsidiary of the prestigious Esmod Group in Paris.

Mayeth’s Filipiniana-inspired

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - April 20, 2022

Creating clothes with asymmetrical cuts is a fashion style that appeals heavily to Mayeth Codoy, a Filipina fashion designer based in Norway, and worn by model Antilda Coroma.

Photo by Lluis Calm Vidal

French model Mamì Chula in a Mayeth Codoy asymmetrical dress made of fabrics sourced from pineapples (and pineapple-inspired mini bag, to boot) at the Paris Fashion Week 2021.

Mayeth Codoy was invited to exhibit her ensembles made from Philippine fabrics at the Philippine Embassy in Oslo, Norway.

Photo courtesy of Philippine Embassy in Norway

works were notably featured on Esmod International’s official website last year. Her artistic pieces, such as the Maria Clara gown fashioned of pinya fiber, the same material used to

produce the Philippine national costume ‘barong Tagalog,’ carry the cultural identity of traditional Filipino clothes.

Mayeth graduated in 2020, and has since founded MYET, a small fashion company in Norway.

“The reason for starting this brand is to create something unique made with natural fabrics, produced by farmers in my home country. This as I can identify with their daily struggles to provide for their family,” the designer said on her website www.myet. no.

Mayeth sourced the materials

for her garments from artisan villages in Aklan, a province in the Philippines famous for its stunning white beaches on the island of Boracay.

“All products with this garment will be produced in the Philippines, creating even more jobs,” she said.

Mayeth’s creations were featured in Paris Fashion Week in 2021, a testament to her brilliance, hard work, and unwavering resolve to achieve her goals. Mayeth’s designs are able to highlight the distinct beauty of the Philippine fibers pinya and abaca in such

Pinay designer Mayeth Codoy, who runs her own atelier in Oslo named MYET, also develops accessories including footwear, purses, hair accessories and hats as worn by models Abigail Gyamfi and Jannike Skien.

Photo by Joe Urrutia

Red Hot Chili Peppers...

From Page 12 For more information on Yaamava’ Theater and upcoming events, visit Yaamava’ Theater online or follow Yaamava’ Resort & Casino on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is Southern California’s newest luxury resort featuring a 17-floor hotel tower with 432 guest rooms and spacious suites, an elevated pool deck experience, a lavish full-service spa and salon and convenient 24-hour in-room dining. Millions of visitors each year will now be able to enjoy a premier “stay and play” experience with more than 7,000 slots, five high-limit gaming rooms, incredible entertainment, a full array of dining options, multiple bars and lounges, luxe retail shops and a generous player’s reward program.

The San Manuel Entertainment Authority (“SMEA”) wholly owns and operates Yaamava’ Resort & Casino. Located just 60 minutes from downtown Los Angeles in the city of Highland, Calif., the casino resort offers sweeping views of the San Bernardino Mountains. In 2021, San Manuel Casino and San Manuel Tribal Government Operations were certified as a “Great Place to Work” by the global authority on workplace culture.

For more information on Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, visit www. yaamava.com and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Yaamava’ Resort & Casino at San Manuel is located at 777 San Manuel Blvd, Highland, Calif. 92346. Telephone 800-3592464.

(Advertising Supplement)

community

International Pinay designer Mayeth Codoy utilizes the fibers sourced from banana and abaca plant in the Philippines. Designs worn by models Abigail Gyamfi and Jannike Skien.

P h o to by J o e

beautiful, modern creations that are appropriate for both special events and everyday wear.

Mayeth’s trademark brand is slowly establishing itself in key European cities today. In 2022, she will debut her designs at APFW in Los Angeles, which is regarded as the world’s fifth fashion capital after Paris, London, Milan, and New York.

Mayeth’s artistic vision is very inspiring, and APFW believes she exemplifies Philippine creativity and artistry.

Mayeth’s aim and ambition to promote Philippine natural fibers to the European market is an expression of her love for her homeland. She makes

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Filipinos happy to call themselves Filipinos.

Asia Pacific Fashion Week: A global platform The range of designs within the Filipino community is unlike any other. But what makes them extra special is the subtle nod they make to their culture.

Indeed, these designers are drawing well-deserved attention to Filipino glam – and Asia Pacific Fashion Week will be their newest global platform to showcase the diversity of Filipino-inspired fashions.

This inaugural edition of APFW is presented by the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, DTI Los Angeles office, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

The Los Angeles leg of APFW enjoys the support of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Trending Beverages Inc., Napa Valley Distribution Inc., Montemaria Cellars, House of Pacquiao Wine, Individual Health Care, Lombard by the Bay, MTS Law Firm, Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development, and Tina Modeling.

The Las Vegas edition is co-produced by InterEdx, a dba of Dynasty Exchange Ltd. LLC., headed by Dr. Lee Dedicatoria, in cooperation with Asia on Earth, Dynasty Ventures, Club Paradisia, World Edoption, Royal Blue Staffing and Lend with Love.

(APFW Release)