042823 - San Diego Edition

Injured Filipino couple won’t settle with assailants in violent attack in Sacramento

THE Southern California Filipino couple who was assaulted while strolling and taking pictures near the California State Capitol last February vowed not to settle with their assailants to help discourage similar attacks from being perpetrated on other people.

Photographer Nicanor “Nikki” Arriola and his wife, Julienne Ochengco, made the decision after meeting with prosecutors.

The couple believes they are victims of a hate crime, as the attackers specifically targeted them, the only Asians among other tourists in the vicinity.

Ironically, Arriola had been covering the rise of anti-Asian attacks in California as a photojournalist particularly the case of the

Pres. Marcos to discuss ‘evolution’ of PH-US military pacts with Biden

by Jerome Aning Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, April 24 disclosed some discussion points in his agenda when he meets with U.S. President Joe Biden next week, including the Philippines’ military agreements with the United States that need to “evolve” amid the

“We will clarify again, really, these treaty agreements between the Philippines and America and we will look into them because of the many changes [that have occurred],” the president said in a video interview over state-owned Radyo Pilipinas.

Marcos particularly mentioned the 1951 Philippine-U.S. Mutual Defense Treaty and the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement. “We have to evolve it. It has to evolve because

Fil-Am skater, partner make history for PH in world ice figure skating

A FILIPINA American figure skater and her partner made history as the first pair from the Philippines and Southeast Asia to qualify for the world championships this year.

Although they finished 18th among the 20 pairs who competed in the 2023 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Saitama, Japan, it was no small feat for the team of Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin who had to work hard and win in smaller competitions to secure a spot in the prestigious competition.

For a tropical country like the Philippines, qualifying in skating or any other winter sports will always be one for the books.

DOT: Philippines welcomes over 1.7 million foreigners

by ghio ong Philstar.com

A TOTAL of 1,715,757 foreign tourists have arrived in the Philippines from January to April 22 this year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) announced as it continues to welcome travelers amid the government’s efforts to ease some travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of this number, an estimated 320,294 visitors came from the United States, it added.

The agency has yet to provide complete figures of tourist arrivals.

Tourism Secretary Christina GarciaFrasco revealed the data during the recent

US firepower on display as ‘Balikatan’ nears close

by FrAnCeS mAngoSing Inquirer.net

by JAnViC mAteo Philstar.com

MANILA — Almost nine in every 10 adult Filipinos said they were satisfied with how democracy works in the country, according to a survey conducted by Social Weather Stations (SWS) more than six months after the 2022 elections. Results of the Dec. 10-14 survey released last Friday night, April 21 showed that 89 percent of the respondents were satisfied with the country’s democracy, 11 points above the 78 percent recorded in a similar survey conducted in April 2021.

there is a need to adjust them because there is really an evolution, there are also changes in the situations we are facing here — in the South China Sea, amid the events in Taiwan, North Korea, all of these [where] the situation is a bit simmering,” he said.

Marcos said he would also speak with Biden on “what should we do to lessen the rhetoric because nowadays the exchange of words is a bit serious,

Marcos witnesses ‘Balikatan’ 2023 drills, hopes PH could benefit from enhanced cooperation with US

by CAtherine S. VAlente ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, April 26 expressed hope that the Philippines will benefit from the “enhanced cooperation” with the United States as the two countries’ armed forces demonstrated the joint littoral live firing and sinking of a mock enemy vessel in the coastal town of San Antonio in Zambales, facing the disputed South China Sea.

The exercise, watched live by the President, was part of the annual Balikatan drills, which are scheduled to run until April 28 and involve more than 17,600 military personnel.

The President “witnessed the live-fire sea drills u PAGE 2

Be My Guest’ program launched in LA to invite Fil-Ams, travelers to PH

by DonnAbelle gAtDulA-AreVAlo AJPress

LOS ANGELES — Hundreds

of Filipino American travel enthusiasts and tourism industry players recently flocked to the official launch of the Bisita, Be My Guest (BBMG) program of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT).

This was the first-ever Philippine tourism fair of the Marcos administration in the United States after the twoyear hiatus from the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. has consistently been on the top list of international travelers to the Philippines with about 500,000 arrivals in 2022.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco told reporters on the sidelines of the BBMG launch in Burbank on Saturday, April 22 that the current administration is optimistic that the U.S. market would continue to be one of the leading countries with the highest number of international arrivals to the Philippines.

“I am extremely delighted to know that the Philippines continues to be a top of line destination for our friends here in the United States. The United States has continued to be a very strong source market for us having been number one last year and number two (as of the first quarter of 2023) this year so we

courtesy of the Philippine Department of Tourism are very excited to welcome more of our Filipino and foreign friends to the Philippines,” Frasco said.

“Last year, it was the United States market that really sustained Philippine international tourism, having been number 1 and having garnered 500,000 international arrivals. As we have

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changing geopolitical situations.

BRIGHT AND WIDE. Passersby take photos at the new-look Elliptical Underpass in Quezon City on Tuesday, April 25. The city government

PNA

photo by Joan Bondoc

‘Bisita,

Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco attends the launch of Bisita, Be My Guest — a new program inviting travelers back to the Philippines — in Burbank, California on Saturday, April 22. Photo

WAR GAMES PREP. American soldiers prepare missiles for the Avenger air defense system, a self-propelled surface-to-air missile system, during a live-fire demonstration in this year’s Philippine-US “Balikatan” military exercises in San Antonio, Zambales, on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

Photo by Marianne Bermudez / Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Philippines’ representatives Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin perform during the 2023 ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Japan. Photo from Yonhap News

MANILA — American troops showed off their firepower during the “Balikatan” (shoulder-to-shoulder) war games with their Filipino counterparts on Tuesday, April 25, performing the first test-fire of their premier Patriot and Avenger air defense missiles in the country, in a town facing the West Philippine Sea. During drills in the coastal town of San Antonio, Zambales, two simulated cruise missile threats from the sky were knocked out by the Patriot, one of the most sought-

Passengers crowd the counters as they troop early to the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City on April 2, 2023 to avoid the influx of passengers heading to their respective provinces for the holy week break.

Philstar file photo by Miguel de Guzman

Pres. Marcos to discuss ‘evolution’ of PH-US military pacts...

[and] offensive words are already being uttered somewhat, so, of course, we worry about that.”

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) last week announced that Marcos would leave the country on April 30 and his itinerary would begin on May 1 with a meeting with Biden.

This will be Marcos’ second trip to the United States as president. He first met with Biden on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September last year.

After the U.S. trip, President Marcos will attend the coronation of King Charles III in London on May 6 and will travel to Indonesia for the 42nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit from May 9 to May 11.

Assistance

During the video interview, Mr. Marcos said he would also discuss climate change with his American counterpart and seek help on what strategies should be adopted.

“They’re giving something that’s called green bond, meaning they will give funds to help us fix [the ill-effects of climate change]. For example, the no-build zones [wherein homes] will be moved away from the seas so that they won’t be hit by strong typhoons,” he said.

“We will ask for plenty of help because [we] are recovering from the pandemic. And like in the other trips that I made, [we will pursue] what partnerships can we forge, what new technologies can we bring back to the Philippines that we can use,” he added.

Marcos said the country’s “special relationship” with the United States did not always involve military matters, but also economic affairs and cultural exchange.

“We should look at what good

partnerships we can have with the U.S.. We will talk with President Biden on how we can be continuously assisted. And it covers so many subjects, not just the military that is being discussed nowadays because of the EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement), but also the economy, tourism, health care, all of them,” he pointed out.

The PCO earlier said Marcos’ visit would help advance his priorities in such areas as agriculture, energy, climate change, digital transformation and technology, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, supply chains, and infrastructure.

At the same time, the president said the Philippines became “well-known” during the pandemic because of its healthcare workers, and recalled that during his overseas trips, foreign leaders would always ask him if their countries could get Filipino nurses, doctors, and medical technologists.

“Because we really became well-known during the pandemic, and we remain their number one preferred source of healthcare workers—that’s one of the things we’ll talk about because there is a problem on immigration, training, all of those things. We want to give a chance to those who want to go abroad to find a good job,” he added.

Marcos said he was looking into his schedule with Biden to see if they could talk about all the matters that he wanted.

For items that would not be tackled, he said these would be done through “contacts” in the American government and private sector.

“It’s not only President Biden and me. We have businessmen, we have [officials] from different departments with us so that can really clarify what is really the partnership of the Philippines and the United States,” he said. n

Record 89% satisfied with...

The latest survey results surpassed the previous record of 86 percent, which was obtained in September 2016, a few months after that year’s presidential elections.

SWS explained that satisfaction with the way democracy works in the country often increases after national elections.

Previous records were set in September 1992 and July 1998, both election years, when satisfaction with the country’s democracy peaked at 70 percent.

It again peaked in September 2010, a few months after the election of the late Benigno Aquino III, at 69 percent.

Satisfaction, however, fell to a disappointing 44 percent in June 2004, a month after the controversial polls that re-elected Gloria MacapagalArroyo.

As reported earlier, some 60 percent of the survey respondents said that “democracy is always preferable to any other kind of government,” up from 54 percent recorded in April 2021.

SWS data showed that it is five points below the record-high 65 percent recorded in June 2013 and 13 points above the recordlow 47 percent in June 2014.

Preference for democracy has

been above 50 percent since June 2015.

Meanwhile, those who said that an authoritarian government can be preferable to a democratic one “under some circumstances” rose from 20 percent in April 2021 to 26 percent in December 2022, a point shy of the record 27 percent obtained in a September 2010 survey.

The remaining 15 percent of the respondents said it did not matter for them whether the Philippines has a democratic or non-democratic regime, down from 26 percent in the April 2021 survey. The survey had 1,200 respondents and a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percent.

In January, London-based think tank The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) classified the Philippines as a “flawed democracy” in its Democracy Index 2022.

From 54th in 2021, the country improved to 52nd out of the 167 countries and territories included in the annual index. “Flawed democracies” are those that have free and fair elections and where basic civil liberties are respected, but there are significant weaknesses in some aspects, including governance, political culture and participation. n

Marcos witnesses...

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involving the sinking of an old Philippines Navy ship, hoping the country could benefit from enhanced cooperation with the United States,” Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said in a statement.

During the drills some 2.8 kilometers from the Naval Education Training Doctrine Command, Garafil said U.S. and Philippine combat units participated in a combined joint littoral live-fire exercise, culminating the field training event for Balikatan 2023.

Approximately 1,400 Marines, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Coast Guardsmen from both countries took part in the Combined Joint Littoral Live Fire Exercise, which involved detecting, identifying, targeting and engaging a target ship using a variety of ground and air-based weapons systems, Garafil said.

The exercise featured U.S. and Philippine weapons platforms delivering coordinated fires on a target ship, a decommissioned Philippine Navy corvette towed into Philippine territorial waters, she added.

Among key Philippine officials who attended were Armed Forces Chief Andres Centino, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Zambales 2nd District Rep. Doris Maniquiz and Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.

From the U.S. side, the attendees were U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for South and Southeast Asia Lindsey Ford, and U.S. Exercise Director Lt. Gen. William Jurney.

“The Philippines is a key U.S. ally and the largest recipient of U.S. military assistance, equipment, and training in the region,” Garafil said. n

DOT: Philippines...

launch of the agency’s “Bisita, Be My Guest” or BBM-G program, a referral and incentive program, at the Philippine Travel Fair in Los Angeles, California.

The program aims to bring in more foreigners by tapping Filipinos, especially those based abroad, who have foreign spouses or friends. Those who will be able to bring foreign

visitors can win condominium units, airplane tickets and holiday packages in select destinations.

Frasco said the agency, along with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Tourism Promotions Board, brought the BBM-G program to the U.S. “to give opportunities to fellow Filipinos to become ambassadors for the Philippines.” n

LOW-PRICED. A wide array of fresh but affordable vegetables available for consumers at the Department of Agriculture-Agribusiness Development Center Kadiwa store in Diliman, Quezon City on Tuesday, April 25. A kilo of bitter melon (ampalaya) is sold at PHP65; cauliflower, PHP80; broccoli, PHP120; eggplant, PHP55; squash, PHP30; string beans, PHP60; sponge gourd (patola), PHP60; winged beans (sigarilyas), PHP100; finger chili, PHP60; sweet potato (kamote), PHP60; okra, PHP70; carrots, PHP50; and cucumber, PHP60. PNA photo by Ben Briones

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. meets with U.S. President Joe Biden during the second bilateral of the president on his six-day working visit to New York City.

Malacañang file photo

President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. attends the Balikatan Exercises - Combined Joint Littoral Live Fire Exercises (CJLLFX) at the Naval Station Leovigildo Gantioqui, San Antonio, Zambales on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. President Marcos Jr is joined by US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, National Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año, Spokesperson and team leader of the 38th Balikatan Exercise and executive agent of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Col Mike Logico, Ilocos Norte First District Representative Sandro Marcos and other Armed Forces generals during the viewing of live fire exercises conducted by US and Philippine forces.

Photo by Yummie Dingding / PPA POOL

US firepower on...

after air defense systems in the U.S. weapons market.

The Humvee-based Avenger air defense systems with Stinger missiles, which also debuted in the country, targeted drones for the live-fire exercise.

Both weapon systems are being used by Ukraine to defend itself from Russia. The Patriot donated by Western allies arrived only last week in Ukraine after months of training by Ukrainian troops.

But Maj. Gen. Brian Gibson, commander of the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command, reiterated that the Balikatan livefire exercise and its chosen locations were not directed at any perceived enemies.

Not against any adversary

“Balikatan is against no particular individual country or adversary. It’s an opportunity to exercise between our militaries but also some other partners involved,” he told reporters.

“Whether it’s the South China Sea, whether it’s the northern Philippines, whether it’s in another country… it’s the point that we’re doing it together,” Gibson said.

“You’ll see around the globe where our U.S. Patriot forces operate, and not just here in the Indo-Pacific, the recognition that this system is lethal, combat-credible, has a history in crisis, conflicts and peace, to both assure and deter,” he said.

The largest-ever Balikatan exercises, involving almost 18,000 troops from the United States, the Philippines and Australia, are taking place in various locations around the country, amid China’s growing assertiveness in the region. The war games started on April 11 and will end on April 28.

The drills followed the official announcement of four new locations under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), allowing the expansion of American military presence in the Philippines, from an initial five sites under the deal signed in 2014.

The four new sites include three in northern Luzon close to Taiwan (Camilo Osias Naval Base and Lal-lo Airport, both in Cagayan, and Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela, and one near the West Philippine Sea (Balabac Island in Palawan province).

The Patriot (Phased Array Tracking Radar to Intercept of Target) system was developed by U.S. weapons manufacturer Raytheon and is used in 17 countries. It can track and shoot down attacking missiles and aircraft with a minimum flight time of less than nine seconds and can travel up to 70 kilometers to a target.

The Avenger built by Boeing, on the other hand, is a fully automated, short-range air defense system and is the Army’s premier shoot-on-the-move air defense weapon with a speed of 55 miles per hour (88.51 kph) and a range of 275 miles (442.57 km).

Filipino soldiers were briefed on the weapon systems last week, also in Zambales.

Main event

In another first, on Wednesday, April 26, the two allies demonstrated their joint capabilities by sinking a mock enemy ship off Zambales with rockets and missiles fired by weapon systems used by the Philippine and U.S. militaries, the main event for this year’s Balikatan.

Retired Philippine Navy patrol ship BRP Pangasinan (PS-31), a World War II-era vessel decommissioned in 2021 after more than seven decades of service, will be called back into action for a final mission.

President Marcos was expected to witness the littoral live-fire event on Wednesday.

Last week, the ship underwent a rigorous cleaning process and was stripped of hazardous material and chemicals.

“We made sure that we are in compliance with the law,” said Archie Balingbing of Taitech Marine Sales and Services Corp., the company contracted to clean the ship, in a video taken by the U.S. Navy.

Hazardous and toxic wastes were removed “because it can cause pollution to the sea,” she said.

BRP Pangasinan, a former U.S. Navy patrol craft escort built in 1943, was commissioned by the Philippine Navy in 1948.

The decorated former Malvar-class patrol vessel saw action in different parts of the country before it was decommissioned in March 2021. n

‘Bisita, Be My Guest’ program launched in LA to...

just closed out the first quarter, we have already received over 300,000 visitors from the United States,” she noted.

Frasco reiterated President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ call for all Filipinos (including those who live in the U.S.) around the globe to become Philippine tourism ambassadors.

“I’m here, together with our team from the Department of Tourism, carrying with us the love and warmth of the Filipino people as we champion Philippine tourism. We are here to invite our fellow Filipinos to become tourism ambassadors for the Philippines by inviting a foreign friend, guest or spouse to visit any of our beautiful islands in the country in exchange for prizes such as a house and lot, condominium units, free airline tickets and holiday packages and tours,” Frasco said, while explaining the mechanics of the BBMG program. She described the various destinations that overseas Filipinos and foreigners alike can enjoy, such as Cebu, Palawan and Bohol, for its beaches and water activities like diving. For surfing, she recommended Siargao and La Union; the Cordilleras and Baguio for nature adventures.

“If you want to experience Filipino food, of course, we have the very delicious offerings of Pampanga, as well as in many other places where the delicacies are actually quite distinct regionally,” the secretary added.

“The Philippines is now the world’s leading beach destination and the world’s leading dive destination as well as Asia’s leading tourist attraction,” she added.

The tourism chief also called on Filipino Americans to be part of their endeavor in achieving a goal of a 100% turnaround of the country’s tourism industry by next year.

“The target for the Philippines last year was set at 1.7 million international arrivals but because of the strong interests that continue for the Philippines, we received over 2.65 million international arrivals therefore surpassing our targets. This year, overall by the end of 2023, we will able to garner over 4.8 million international visitors and anticipate a 100 percent recovery for international travel next year,” she said.

This projection, she said, is

earlier than what was projected before she assumed office that the country would reach the pre-pandemic travel numbers by 2025. The country recorded 8.26 million visitors in 2019.

She likewise expressed gratitude for the overwhelming response they got from the U.S.based Filipinos.

“Thank you so much for continuing to champion the Philippines by showing your love for our country and your great interests across our islands. As we are very excited to launch this program here in the United States and we are very hopeful that with the help of our fellow Filipinos here in the United States, we could continue to herald the good news about Philippines, the love and warmth of the Filipinos await you,” she said.

Frasco also assured that the DOT, consistent with its mandate to help in the government’s sustainable growth, is doing its best to come up with various programs like the BBMG, to give not only the country’s tourism sector a boost but also the entire Philippine economy. She recognized the tourism revenue contribution coming from the domestic front.

“Domestic tourism continues

to help our regions and provinces greatly in terms of its contribution to the economy. And that is why we fully foresee, a 100 percent recovery of domestic tourism this year with no less than 122 million domestic trips taken by our fellow Filipinos. All of these translate to the most important purpose of pushing for Philippine tourism and that is the livelihood and employment of our fellow Filipinos. The tourism industry generated no less than 5.2 million for employment jobs for Filipinos last year,” she noted.

Prior to the U.S. launch, the DOT met with various travel stakeholders and Filipino communities in Japan and Germany to continuously promote the Philippines as a prime tourist destination.

“Since the start of the Marcos administration, we have begun the work of aggressively promoting the Philippines worldwide. As a matter of fact, I just returned from ITB Berlin, having brought the biggest Philippine delegation. Thankfully, with the support of our friends from various places in Europe, that particular exhibition generated for the Philippines $250 million in negotiated sales,” she said.

“We are also very grateful for

the opportunity to have pitched for the Philippines in various jurisdictions including the United Kingdom as well as Saudi Arabia. We’ve also been to Thailand as well as Japan and many other jurisdictions by maintaining our positive relationship with fellow government ministers as well as our government-to-government relations, country to country,” she added.

To be able to attain their goal of 100 percent recovery by 2024, she said aside from BBMG and other tourism development initiatives, the DOT head said the Marcos administration is seeing to it that it would maintain friendly relationships with other nations.

“We are blessed by the fact that our president maintains a stance to be a friend to all and enemy to none and that has benefitted Philippine tourism greatly because our dual partnerships with countries that share our interests and the push for tourism continues to be sustained,” she said.

When asked about peace and order concerns, Frasco said while she has not encountered any from her meetings with the tourism stakeholders, she assured that the Philippine government, coinciding the implementation of these tourism promotion strategies, is making sure that security and peace and order in the country’s tourism destinations are of utmost priority.

The BBMG event in Southern California also highlighted exhibition booths from various travel agencies, aviation and airline firms, real estate and Filipino American entrepreneurs. Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano was also a guest performer at the launch.

BBMG was officially launched by DOT last December 13, 2022. Aside from the DOT, the campaign, which will run from January 2023 to April 2024, will also include participation from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Under the incentive program, registrants will be provided with a travel passport that they can use to go across key destinations, get stamps, and claim a prize at the airport. This will also give them a privilege card featuring discounts at accredited establishments across the country. There are also raffle prizes for qualified sponsors. For more details about the program, you can go to http:// bbmg.philippines.travel. n

Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (center) is joined by officials of the Department of Tourism and Tourism Promotions Board on Saturday, April 22 during the launch of Bisita, Be My Guest in Southern California.

The first Philippine Travel Fair in Southern California featured travel and tour operators, local Fil-Am businesses and organizations. Photos courtesy of the Philippine Department of Tourism

Oscar M. Lopez passes at 93

Dateline PhiliPPines 10 Philippine banks in Forbes’

MANILA — Oscar Lopez, businessman and patriarch of the Lopez clan, has passed away at age 93.

“He was our North Star, the inspiration, and guide for succeeding generations of Lopez Group executives and employees who learned to treasure and practice with him the Group’s distinct core values: a pioneering entrepreneurial spirit, business excellence, unity, nationalism, and social justice,” First Philippine Holdings, where Lopez sat as chairman emeritus, said in a statement on Sunday, April 23.

Lopez was the chairman emeritus of local conglomerate, Lopez Holdings Corp. The Lopez family incorporated the conglomerate in 1993 as the holding company for its major investments.

Lopez Holdings Corp. has stakes in various business sectors: power and energy through First Gen Corp. and Energy Development Corp., media via ABS-CBN and Sky Cable, the property sector through Rockwell Land Corp. and First Philippine Industrial Park, as well as in manufacturing via First Philec

Oscar Lopez ABS-CBN photo

Corp. It was ABS-CBN that first reported on his death.

ABS-CBN News was first to report his passing on late Saturday night, April 22.

Apart from First Philippine Holdings and Lopez Holdings Corp., Lopez was also the chairman emeritus of First Gen, EDC, First Balfour, Rockwell Land, among others.

Forbes listed Lopez as 45th in

its 2022 edition of Philippines 50 Richest, with a net worth of $245 million.

While he is known for his contributions across the business sector, First Philippine Holdings said his legacy will be being among the pioneers in putting into consideration the environmental and community impact of business dealings. He founded a climate think-tank, which is now named after him.

The Oscar M. Lopez Center for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Management Foundation, Inc. was created to look for solutions and technologies that develop climate risk information for use of communities.

Lopez studied at Harvard College and graduated cum laude in 1951 and finished his graduate degree – a Masters of Public Administration – in 1995.

He received a Doctor of Humanities honoris causa from De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University as well as a Doctor of Laws honoris cause from the Philippine Women’s University and the University of the Philippines. (Philstar.com) n

NCR positivity rate rises to 10.6% – OCTA

by Janvic Mateo Philstar.com

MANILA — The number of people testing positive for COVID-19 in the National Capital Region (NCR) further increased over the past week, according to monitoring conducted by the OCTA Research group.

Citing data from the Department of Health, OCTA fellow Guido David said the region’s seven-day positivity rate increased from 7.3 percent on April 16 to 10.6 percent on April 23.

The positivity rate measures the percentage of positive results out of the total number of RT-PCR tests conducted.

The World Health Organization recommends a positivity rate of five percent or below to effectively manage the

pandemic.

As of Monday, April 24, David said the nationwide positivity rate is at 10 percent.

In a post on his Twitter account, he noted that the NCR has an average of only 3,120 RT-PCR tests per day, down from around 11,000 in April 2022.

Official government data only take into account RT-PCR tests and not the antigen tests that have become a common way of testing for COVID-19 infection.

While this means that cases could be higher than the official count, David earlier said that looking at positivity rates and other indicators could still show trends in the number of cases.

Over the past weeks, positivity rates in various areas have seen a steady rise.

On Monday, the DOH reported 429 new cases, with 180 in

World’s Best Banks list

by Lawrence agcaoiLi Philstar.com

MANILA — Prominent business magazine

Forbes has included 10 financial institutions from the Philippines in its recently published list of The World’s Best Banks for 2023.

The 415 banks that earned a spot on Forbes ranking were evaluated in categories, such as digital services, customer services, financial advice and trust.

“If you cannot trust your financial institution, all other perks and services dwindle,” Parijat Banerjee, global head of business services at LatentView Analytics, said.

Forbes’ World’s Best Banks 2023 reflects trust and other industry trends especially after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in the U.S.

Compiled in partnership with market research firm Statista, the list is based on a worldwide survey of 48,000 banking customers in 32 countries.

The Top 10 banks in the Philippines include

CIMB Bank, Lucio Tan’s Philippine National Bank (PNB), Ayala-led Bank of the Philippine Islands, Aboitiz-led Union Bank of the Philippines, and Syled BDO Unibank.

Completing the list were state-run Land Bank of the Philippines, Metrobank Group’s Philippine Savings Bank (PSBank), Yuchengco-led Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), Maya Bank of PLDT’s Voyager Innovations, and Gokongweiowned Robinsons Bank Corp.

According to Forbes, the biggest banks were not necessarily the best as online banks are at the top in many countries, reflecting the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on customers’ digital comfort.

Over the past two years, Banerjee said that banks rapidly adopted new digital technology that made customers’ experiences more robust, swift and personal – all necessary to appeal to Millennial and Gen Z customers.

CIMB Bank is the 31st largest lender in the Philippines in terms of assets at P30.26 billion as of end-2022, while PNB is the seventh largest bank

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Injured Filipino couple won’t settle with...

PAGE 1

Roque family who were verbally and physically assaulted at a McDonald’s restaurant drivethru in North Hollywood last year.

restrain the man from attacking her husband.

Farley then rushed to a getaway car driven by the other suspect while the victims were taken to the University of California Davis Medical Center.

NCR. He said the positivity rate in the region is on track to hit 15 percent before possibly plateauing by mid-May.

Hospital occupancy remained low at 21 percent.

QC still ‘low risk’

While the number of new cases has slightly increased, the Quezon City government said the city remains at low risk for COVID-19.

Citing an assessment from OCTA Research, the city government said the number of average daily new cases increased from 17 last week to 22 this week.

The positivity rate, meanwhile, increased from 5.9 percent to 8.3 percent.

“The city remains at low risk level,” it said in an advisory in Filipino. “But the local government continues to

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“What we are sure at the moment is that we will push through with the case,” Arriola stressed. “Even those who will handle case for us claim that is a big strong case.”

The Arriolas met with Deputy District Attorney Emilee Divinagracia and Assistant Deputy D.A. Rochelle Beardsley who incidentally are both Filipinas, and will handle our case, happily shared Arriola.

Detained suspect

One of the suspects, Keylen Xavier Lee Farley, who is now detained at the Sacramento County Main Jail, was arraigned last March 15 before the Department 62 of the Sacramento Superior Court. The other suspect, still unidentified, is at large.

An investigation led to Farley’s arrest and the subsequent filing of three felony counts by the Sacramento District Attorney: two counts for robbery of the second degree and aggravated assault and a third count for

Trying to keep a brave face, couple Nicanor Arriola (left) and wife Julienne Ochengco comfort each other in the hospital despite still suffering from the physical and psychological injuries they sustained from assault at the State Capitol in Sacramento.

Contributed photo elder abuse.

Farley allegedly attempted to steal a professional camera in broad daylight from Arriola who then had two large cameras on his shoulders. In the struggle captured on video, Arriola is seen being knocked to the ground.

In the same video, Farley is seen dragging Arriola on the pavement and kicking him in the chest multiple times. Ochengco was also reportedly pushed to the ground as she tried to

Traumatic injuries

The elderly Arriola says he and his wife are still suffering from physical injuries, psychological trauma and are unable to work as caregivers as before.

“I suffered six broken ribs apart from bruises and abrasions. My wife’s knees suffered even more after the incident as she was already using a cane due to weakened knees for a month before the attack. She also had a lot of bruises even in her chest,” Arriola says. His wife, he says, suddenly burst into tears at the memory of the attack.

“We really need all the help and support we can get as bills kept piling up through the days that we cannot got to work and even had to attend to the case hearings,” Arriola appealed.

NaFFAA is raising funds for the couple at https://www.gofundme. com/f/vf6zak-fight-for-justiceelderly-filams-attacked, as well as NAFCON at tinyurl.com/ helpthearriolas.” (Inquirer.net) n

A new man in the PNP

The Philippine National Police changed leadership on Monday, April 24 amid an ongoing purge targeting officers linked to drug trafficking. Gen. Rodolfo Azurin bowed out of the PNP just days after finding himself entangled in controversy over a raid that yielded 990 kilos of shabu, of which 42 kilos were allegedly pilfered by the police raiders.

The PNP also continues to face unresolved accusations of serious abuses in the so-called war on drugs waged by the previous administration. Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., the new PNP chief, will have to carry out the preferred approach of the Marcos administration to the drug scourge, which is less bloody and does not openly encourage police to shoot first and ask questions later.

Acorda, a native of Ilocos Norte who reaches the retirement age of 56 this December, will also have to allay public concerns about a seeming deterioration of peace and order amid a string of brazen assassinations targeting mostly politicians and, in one daring attack in Metro Manila, a broadcaster. An encouraging aspect is that perpetrators have been arrested or identified in several of the cases including the murders

Babe’s Eye View

BaBe Romualdez

THE announcement that U.S. President Joe Biden will be hosting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the White House during their bilateral meeting on May 1 definitely underscores the special friendship and the ever-strengthening ties between the United States and the Philippines.

President Marcos will be bringing key Cabinet members who will engage with their counterparts to cover many aspects of the bilateral relations between our two countries. As Malacañang put it, this all-important visit to the U.S. will “substantively progress efforts to further deepen relations and political ties, to bring about lasting socio-economic partnerships, as well as to enhance defense and security cooperation.”

The bilateral meeting between President Marcos and President Biden will also reaffirm the ironclad commitment of the United States to the defense of the Philippines, with the discussion expected to touch on how the two nations can further

Breakthrough

elfRen S. CRuz

It is not farfetched to say that the next world war could start not in Ukraine but in East Asia. Conflict between the West and Russia is ultimately lopsided because in terms of military and economic strength, the United States and Western Europe have overwhelming advantage over Russia.

If we look elsewhere, specifically to Asia, the balance of power is more evenly distributed as China is on its way to becoming a bigger economy than the United States in the next one or two decades.

The Philippines will be embroiled in this conflict whether you like it or not because of its geographic location. Our nation’s western shorelines border the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) which is the center of the conflict between different nations. For any person that wants to be a serious student in understanding the nature

of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and radio commentator Percy Lapid. But much more is needed to end the impunity in committing murder in this country. Within the PNP, Acorda will also have to deal with reports of simmering unrest over a proposal to cut and overhaul the retirement pensions and benefits of military, police and other uniformed personnel. President Marcos, for his part, reportedly instructed Acorda to exercise maximum tolerance in dealing with government critics.

Acorda, whose last posting was as PNP intelligence chief, is aware of the long festering problems in the police organization. Since its creation, the PNP has become tainted by scandals linking its members including former PNP chiefs to large-scale corruption. Lower ranking cops,

meanwhile, have been implicated in a wide range of criminal activities including protection rackets and murders related to e-sabong, jueteng and other forms of illegal gambling.

Housecleaning is a constant challenge within

the PNP, even as it carries out its principal mandate of keeping the public safe. These are best carried out with public trust and confidence in the PNP, from its chief down to the new recruits. (Philstar.com)

Philippines-US relations: Stars fully aligned

deepen economic cooperation, promote inclusive prosperity and expand the special peopleto-people ties that have been in existence for so many decades – underpinning the close friendship between the Philippines and the U.S.. I received so many messages expressing elation over this latest development, and I responded by telling them the stars seem to be fully aligned because the timing seems to be very opportune, with recent events and activities leading up to this auspicious state of affairs.

As we had mentioned in our column last Sunday, April 23, the economy of the Philippines is on an upward trajectory, with growth expected to be sustained this year.

In the most recent World Economic Outlook Report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the projection for the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth was upgraded to 6 percent from the previous 5 percent forecast issued last January. The Philippines is also expected to register the fastest growth in Asia, outpacing India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand whose economies are also projected to expand this year.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) also gave a similarly positive outlook for the economy, with growth also projected at 6 percent. While the Philippines will also be facing challenges like the rest of the world, ADB Philippines country director Kelly Bird sees the country growing “at its potential this year and next, and is on track toward its goal to become an upper middleincome country.”

During the Philippine Economic Briefing we hosted in Washington, DC last April 12, the country’s economic managers led by Finance Secretary Ben Diokno, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Felipe Medalla, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman and National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan were able to deliver a clear message to all the attendees composed of American business executives, U.S. government officials, think tanks and those from the business, financial and investment community that the Philippines is open for business and is ready to engage the United States to further strengthen trade and investment ties as well as deepen public-private sector

collaboration.

The participants were impressed with the presentations and the succeeding Q and A that highlighted how “the Philippine economy managed to weather the storms and stay the course towards sustainable economic growth” amid a challenging global environment, as Secretary Diokno put it. Among the sectors that generated a lot of interest include energy, information technologybusiness process management (IT-BPM), semiconductor and agribusiness. There are also tremendous opportunities in logistics, transportation, manufacturing, tourism, health, education and digital connectivity. Aside from the IMF-World Bank Annual Spring Meetings and the Philippine Economic Briefing, there was also the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ricky Manalo and Defense OIC Charlie Galvez with U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue recognized the important role of the alliance in maintaining peace and stability in the IndoPacific region and put forth a

shared vision that supports an international rules-based order and deeper economic ties, along with an “enduring commitment to stand shoulderto-shoulder as allies to bring greater security, prosperity and stability to the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.”

Speaker Martin Romualdez

– who was at the Philippine Economic Briefing – also led a delegation of congressmen to Washington and engaged with members of the U.S. House of Representatives that included Majority Leader Steve Scalise of Louisiana. The visit was capped by a meeting between Speaker Romualdez and his American counterpart, the new Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy of California. As described by Speaker Martin, the meetings were very fruitful and engaging, with legislators from both countries recognizing the important role they play in ensuring that the benefits of the “dynamic relationship” between the two nations would become even more tangible.

“Our message to the U.S. legislators was clear. The U.S.Philippine relation is strong, and is reaching new heights and levels of understanding under the administrations of President Ferdinand

‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and U.S. President Joe Biden,” Speaker Romualdez said, explaining that the delegation of Filipino congressmen managed to impress upon Speaker McCarthy the need to ramp up discussion between legislators from both countries in order to boost bilateral relations. In other words, the whole Philippine government’s relationship with the United States is on an upswing. But what is most significant is that all these interactions do not solely address concerns regarding defense and security but, more importantly, also focus on the economic aspect of the relationship as our nations seek mutual prosperity and economic security. I hope those naysayers who continue to carp about our defense agreements with the United States would look more closely on the positive side of having more opportunities for trade mainly due to peace and security. (Philstar.com)

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

* * * babeseyeview@gmail.com

The Philippines in the US-China conflict

of these potential conflicts, I would suggest some readings. The first is The South China Sea: The Struggle for Power in Asia by Bill Hayton, Yale University Press, 2014. The author is a journalist with extensive experience in the region. His book tries to make the reader understand the complex history and contemporary reality of the West Philippine Sea (WPS)/ South China Sea (SCS). He examines the high stakes involved for China, Taiwan, United States, Vietnam, the Philippines and the rest of Southeast Asia as well as India, Russia and the wider world. In his Introduction, he writes: “Will China’s rise lead to conflict between the superpowers? Does the Chinese leadership intend to play by the rules of the international game or challenge them? Does the United States have the will to stand its ground? Will the countries of Southeast Asia win or lose from superpower competition? How has the hunt for hydrocarbons affected the conflict? Above all, what will prevent war

from ever breaking out? How could the resources of the Sea be equitably shared among hundreds of millions of mostly poor people living around its shores?”

The book begins with the history of the SCS and the countries around it from prehistory to 1995. There is also a chapter devoted to maps and lines. One critical observation that in all the maps, the Philippines occupies a strategic location.

One very interesting chapter for Filipino readers is the story of Tomas Cloma, who actually is responsible for making the Philippines the de facto owner of the islands in the SCS.

Even today, Cloma is often described in the Philippines as the man who “discovered the islands.” Cloma was from Bohol who worked in the shipping department of the Manila Bulletin newspaper. He wrote about shipping movements by day and studied law by night. He passed the Bar in 1941. After the Second World War in 1947, Cloma with some friends formed the Visayan Fish Corporation. He also set up the Philippine

Maritime Institute offering three-month courses.

Eventually, Cloma issued the so-called Freedom Land Charter declaring the Spratly Islands and the surrounding area as independent nation.

Eventually, Cloma was required to sign over Freedom Land to the Philippine government, which renamed the territory the Kalayaan Islands since this was the Tagalog word for “freedom.”

In 1978, Kalayaan was decreed as a municipality of Palawan province. The more complete version of the Cloma story is in the book. The rest of the book focuses on attempts to settle the disputes peacefully. However, after all these years, the possibility of peaceful settlement has become a distant dream.

China has forcefully taken over territories, claiming that the SCS is their territory in defiance of international law, which awarded parts of these to the Philippines.

The next book I recommend is Asia’s Cauldron: The South China Sea and the End of a Stable Pacific by Robert D.

Kaplan, Random House, 2014. The Foreign Policy magazine a decade ago named Kaplan as one of the world’s top 100 Global Thinkers. In this book, the author offers a vivid snapshot of the nations surrounding the WPS/SCS: the conflicts both existing and potential in the region from the dawn of the 21st century to the present; and the implications for global peace and stability.

Since this book was published ten years ago, much of the data regarding the different nations and their leaders have changed. However, the geopolitical situation has not changed and has even become more politically tense. One of the interesting chapters is the one entitled “China’s Caribbean.” It should be noted that the United States tried to impose its will on the Caribbean Sea and the nations in that geographic region. This is primarily dictated by the fact that the Caribbean borders American territory.

But it should be further noted that the United States, after various attempts, failed in

its efforts to subjugate the nations around the Caribbean. In fact, Cuba has remained as the strongest opponent of the United States in the western hemisphere.

To this day, China claims indisputable sovereignty over the SCS against international rulings that have recognized the claim of Vietnam over the Paracels and that of the Philippines in the Spratlys. The imperialist ambitions of China in the SCS is similar to the imperialist ambitions of the United States in the Caribbean Sea. If one can learn from history, then both ambitions are doomed to fail.

Asia’s Cauldron is a very readable book that could serve as an indispensable guide to this part of the world that will affect the lives of people in all corners of the world for decades to come. (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.

* * *

Email: elfrencruz@gmail.com

Fil-Am skater, partner make history for PH...

The last time the Philippines sent a competitor to the World Championships was back in 2017 with Michael Martinez.

Filipinos in Canada might have a chance to wave the Philippine flag for the first time and support the duo next year when Montreal hosts the world figure skating championships again.

The ISU World Figure Skating Championships is an annual event that moves around the globe, attracting more than 300 million television viewers worldwide and showcasing the 200 best athletes from 50 countries in four disciplines: men, women, pair and ice dance, its website reads.

The 2024 World Championships will mark Canada’s 11th time hosting, and a second for Montreal. Montreal last hosted the Championships in 1932, the very first time Canada hosted the event. Canada last hosted the event in London, Ontario, in 2013, it added.

But this is not the first that the Florida-born Gamez will be in Canada.

In 2017, she moved to Montreal for her training and her new coaches hooked her up with Spanish skater Tón Cònsul, according to Myles A. Garcia in PositivelyFilipino.com.

“Because of her family’s Fil-Hispanic connections, it was easy enough to switch and skate with Cònsul for Spain. At the 2018 Junior World Championships, the young Spanish-Filipino pair finished in 13th place. Cònsul, however, quickly decided to retire from competitive skating thereafter. Having spent time and vacations with family in the Philippines, Isabella always knew that she wanted to skate for her parents’ country—but how and when could it happen?” Garcia writes.

According to Rappler, Gamez eventually partnered with Canadian David-Alexandre Paradis, where they competed in the 2020 Four Continents Championships.

However, the two went their separate ways at the conclusion of the season due to the pandemic and subsequent retirement of Paradis.

It was only in 2021 with Korovin paired up with Gamez but could not compete since he still represented Russia and had to wait for the ISU’s go signal. He is also currently applying for a Filipino citizenship.

“Together, we both had different techniques coming from that he has a very strong EuropeanRussian technique, and I had a very bold North American technique which we had to find a common ground,” Gamez told Rappler.

“We really took the time for those two years to meet in the middle for our skating and we really wanted, we really had to be patient for our techniques so that is where we are standing,” she continued. We still have a lot to learn from each other especially that this was our first competition competing together and we had to understand each other’s nerves and emotions and what we’re like, she added.

In October 2022, the skating pair gave the

President Marcos counting remaining days in his presidency

by Alexis RomeRo Philstar.com

MANILA — He is just about to enter his second year in office, but President Marcos said he is already counting the remaining days of his administration, describing everything he does as “urgent.”

Marcos said being a president is a “real privilege” that allows him to help a lot of people, so he is trying to maximize his time.

“It’s like a countdown in six years. I do not count the years. I do not count the months. I count the days, how many days left before it ends so I want to ensure that I will finish everything I need to accomplish within those days,” the president said in an interview with state-run Radyo Pilipinas last Monday, April 24. According to Marcos, he needs to set priorities and address concerns that require immediate action.

“Before you know it, your schedule is already full because you need to do all

these things and you really need prioritization, you need to choose what to prioritize,” he said.

“That’s the way it is. You cannot do anything. You need to do it. As I said, you cannot just postpone. One thing I learned since I assumed office is that everything is important, everything is urgent.”

Marcos said he needs to be aware of new developments both here and abroad in the morning so he would know the issues to ponder on as well as

matters to discuss at meetings.

“That’s what we are doing now. So far, we have been efficient somehow,” the chief executive said, adding that some work cannot be rushed.

The presidency requires a lot of planning and things can get complicated, Marcos stressed, adding that such scenarios are expected.

“I am lucky because I have been watching the events and activities of the president because of my father,” Marcos said. n

Philippines its first medal in international figure skating — a second place finish at the 2022 Trophée Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur in France.

Born to Gerardo Gamez and Marivic Ramirez, who were both born and raised in the Philippines, Gamez was not shortchanged of Filipino culture and heritage. Her mother is also related to Filipino sports icon Freddie Webb. Philippine mall developer, SM Supermalls, is one of the pair’s sponsors. The pair aims to qualify for the Winter Olympics happening in 2026 in Milano, Cortina.

“We would like to congratulate our homegrown talents who have all glided their way to the world championships. These two major wins are definitely one for the books as once again, we will be able to show the world how talented Filipino skaters are. And we at SM Supermalls will always be proud that you have brought pride to the country,” said Joseph V. Silva, AVP for Operations for SM Lifestyle Inc. Sports & Leisure Centers, when the pair won inthe Challenge Cup held in Tilburg, Netherlands on February 26, 2023. (By Charmaine Y. Rodriguez/ Inquirer.net) n

NCR positivity rate rises to 10.6%...

contagious diseases.”

PAGE 5

remind everyone to stay safe and follow minimum health protocols to protect yourself from the virus and other

The city government said it has administered over 6.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines. A total of 2.6

million adults and minors are considered fully vaccinated, while almost 1.6 million first and second booster doses have been administered. n

Isabella Gamez and ice figure skating partner Alexander Korovin. Photo from Twitter

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the simultaneous bamboo and tree planting ceremony in San Mateo, Rizal on Tuesday (September 13, 2022).

Photo by STAR / KJ Rosales

Sen. Imee to Bongbong Marcos: Talk to Biden about possible EDCA renewal

by Beatrice Pinlac Inquirer.net

MANILA — Sen. Imee Marcos has urged her brother President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to discuss in his nearing meet with United States President Joe Biden new terms and conditions should Manila and Washington extend the initial 10-year term of their Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Sen. Marcos, head of the Senate foreign relations panel, on Tuesday, April 25 said she has not spoken to her brother about his meeting with Biden in the U.S. next week.

But if there’s anything she hopes for President Marcos to raise before his U.S. counterpart, it would be the possible renewal of the 2014 EDCA, which is only effective for an initial period of 10 years.

“Siguro magandang pagkakataon na magkaliwanagan tungkol sa EDCA at umpisahan na iyong pagsusuri ng renewal,

kung sakaling ire-renew iyong

EDCA…Since last year na siya, siguro it’s an opportunity to discuss a renewal, if we would like one, under new terms and conditions,” Sen. Marcos told reporters in a chance interview.

(It may be a great opportunity to clarify certain provisions in the EDCA and begin thoroughly looking into its renewal, should EDCA be renewed…Since it’s in its last year, it may be an opportunity to discuss a renewal, if we would like one, under new terms and conditions.)

The EDCA, signed during the administration of late President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino, allows U.S. troops access to select military bases in the Philippines. They can also store defense equipment and supplies in the EDCA sites.

Sen. Marcos reiterated the need to revisit the EDCA terms and conditions to make it more beneficial for the Philippines.

“Dapat naman ata may bayad sila para upahan ang mga base

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9005402 Grab & Go Subs located at 768 W. Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103.

Registrant: Elvnholdings Inc. , 768 W. Washington Street, San Diego, CA 92103.

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

Signature: Tanya Myers.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/09/2023.

AJ 1152 04/07, 04/14, 04/21, and 04/28/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008091

Camino Village

Laundromat located at 11275 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, CA 92126.

Registrant: Pablito Sy, 10353 Gold Coast Pl., San Diego, CA 92126.

This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/11/2023.

Signature: Pablito Sy.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/11/2023.

AJ 1158 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, and 05/05/2023. AJSD 1158

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008039

PL Investments, LP located at 244-A Palomar St., Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: PW Inc., 244A Palomar St., Chula Vista, CA 91911. This business is conducted by Limited Partnership.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/14/2018.

Signature: Robert Pennell. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/11/2023. AJ 1164 04/21, 04/28, 05/05, 05/12/2023. AJSD 1164

10 Philippine banks in...

militar natin. Kasi iyon naman ang pakay ng EDCA, kumita ang ating sandatahang lakas at higit sa lahat, ma-modernize [sila].

Paano mamo-modernize – tayo nagbabayad sa lahat? Pati iyong kuryente, pati iyong tubig,” she said.

(It is just right that they pay to rent our military bases. Because that’s the purpose of the EDCA, for our military forces to earn and modernize. How can they modernize if we’re paying for everything? Even their electricity and water.)

Under the EDCA, both countries “agree that the Philippines shall make agreed locations available to the United States forces without rental or similar costs.”

But it notes: “The United States forces shall cover their necessary operational expenses with respect to their activities at the agreed locations.”

Sen. Marcos had repeatedly questioned the location of four additional EDCA sites at Camilo

Osias Naval Base and Lallo Airport in Cagayan, Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Isabela, and Balabac in southern Palawan.

This brings the total Philippine military bases made accessible to American troops from five to nine.

Sen. Marcos particularly raised suspicion about the new EDCA sites in Northern Luzon, which were a “stone’s throw” away from Taiwan.

China has since lodged a string of warnings to the Philippines,

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007466

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

Registrant: Claudine Tsui DDS A Dental Corp, 14241 Meadowrun St, San Diego, CA 92129. This business is conducted by Corporation. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/08/2003.

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008236

The Shellfish Affair located at 778 South Fox Run Place, Chula Vista, CA 91914.

Registrant: AXP Logistics LLC, 408 Nutmeg Street, San Diego, CA 92103.

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

Signature: Adriana Guevara Gluyas. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/12/2023. AJ 1159 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, and 05/05/2023. AJSD 1159

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006731 Via Camisia located at 2014 Mount Langley Street, Chula Vista, CA 91913. Registrant: RNB Industries LLC, 2014 Mount Langley Street, Chula Vista, CA 91913.

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

Signature: Mauricio Marasigan. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/24/2023. AJ 1165 04/28, 05/05, 05/12, and 05/19/2023. AJSD 1165

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006932

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

b. Kapala Tattoo located at 4822 Santa Monica Ave, Ocean Beach, CA 92107.

Registrant: a. Kurtis Kunio Tamanaha, 4512 Oregon St #1, San Diego, CA 92116.

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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007981

California Design Group located at 3985 Riviera Dr., A, San Diego, CA 92109.

Registrant: Jerome Sebastian, 3985 Riviera Dr., A, San Diego, CA 92109. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/26/2007.

Signature: Jerome Sebastian. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/10/2023. AJ 1160 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, and 05/05/2023. AJSD 1160

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008988

Crushed Ice Cream Era De Hielo located at 1993 Harrison Ave., San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: Ana M Martinez, 1993 Harrison Ave., San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT

BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/05/2023.

Signature: Ana M Martinez. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/24/2023.

AJ 1166 04/28, 05/05, 05/12, 05/19/2023. AJSD 1166

saying the additional EDCA sites could drag the country into its dispute with the U.S. over self-ruled Taiwan and further threaten stability in the region.

The U.S. has firmly stood behind Taiwan amid threats of China to reclaim the island as part of its territory.

But President Marcos said China had nothing to worry about since the Philippines will not allow for its military bases to be used for any offensive operations. n

PAGE 5 with total resources amounting to P1.17 trillion.

BDO, owned by the family of the late retail and banking magnate Henry Sy, continued to dominate the industry with assets of P3.92 trillion and capital of P459.82 billion.

BPI is the country’s third largest bank with assets of P2.6 trillion and capitalization of P316.07 billion. The 171-yearold bank aims to complete its merger with Robinsons Bank , the country’s 16th largest bank with resources of P183.25 billion.

UnionBank is the country’s 9th largest bank with resources amounting to P961.58 billion, while RCBC is ranked sixth with P1.18 trillion.

On the other hand, PSBank – the thrift banking arm of the Metrobank Group – is the country’s largest mid-sized bank with assets of P263.37 billion and capitalization of P35.74 billion.

Maya Bank is one of the six entities granted digital banking licenses by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. n

LEGAL SERVICES

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007041

KinfiaZ located at 8685 Rio San Diego Drive #4103, San Diego, CA 92108.

Registrant: Natallia Zemliakova, 8685 Rio San Diego Drive #4103, San Diego, CA 92108. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/29/2023.

Signature: Natallia Zemliakova. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/29/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007210

JPM Pro Lights And Sounds located at 1345 E. Madison Ave Spc 18, El Cajon, CA 92021. Registrant: John Paul Merado, 1345 E. Madison Ave Spc 18, El Cajon, CA 92021. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/30/2023.

Signature: Jerome Sebastian. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/30/2023.

AJ 1161 04/14, 04/21, 04/28, and 05/05/2023. AJSD 1161

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006962

Highway Laundry located at 1555 Palm Ave Suite L, San Diego, CA 92154.

Registrant: GC Laundries, 1392 Tavern Rd, Alpine, CA 91901.

This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

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

Signature: William Justin Glad. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/28/2023. AJ

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9008530

Ivy Life Solution LLC located at 6546 Windward Ridge Way, San Diego, CA 92121.

Registrant: Ivy Life Solution LLC, 6546 Windward Ridge Way, San Diego, CA 92121. This business is conducted by Limited Liability Company.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/18/2023.

Signature: Huiling Xia. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/18/2023. AJ 1162 04/21, 04/28, 05/05, 05/12/2023. AJSD 1162

EMPLOYMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9006963

The Vault Motor Sales located at 1392 Tavern Rd Unit 2, Alpine, CA 91901. Registrant: William Justin Glad, 1392 Tavern Rd, Alpine, CA 91901. This business is conducted by Individual. REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE.

Signature: William Justin Glad. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 03/28/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS

NAME STATEMENT NO. 2023-9007622

Gel Touch Nail Spa located at 11948 Bernardo Plaza Dr., San Diego, CA 92128.

Registrant: a. Lee Thai, 5510 Alexandrine Ct., Oceanside, CA 92057. b. Quoc Nguyen, 10158 Challenger Circle, Spring Valley, CA 91978. This business is conducted by Co-Partner.

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

Signature: Lee Thai. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 04/05/2023. AJ 1163 04/21, 04/28, 05/05, and 05/12/2023. AJSD 1163

Sen. Imee Marcos during one of the Senate hearings. Senate PRIB file photo / Joseph B. Vidal

Fil-Am ac tor Arielle Jacobs to lead Brroadway c ast of ‘Here Lies Love’

by AJPress

The musical, written by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim, will begin preview performances at the Broadway Theatre in New York on June 17 ahead of opening on Thursday, July 20.

“I’m so honored to be able to tell this story and to step into the shoes of Imelda Marcos, literally and figuratively,” said Jacobs said in a statement. “Here Lies Love is a very transformative and powerful opportunity for everyone involved, and I think will also be the same for everyone who comes to experience the production.”

“Here Lies Love” tells the story of Imelda Marcos’ rise to power and subsequent fall at the hands of the Philippine People Power Revolution. Director Alex Timbers said, “Arielle blew us away in the casting process. She combines such charisma, wit, strength, and fierce intelligence that it was immediately clear to all of us she should lead our Broadway company.”

Jacobs has starred on Broadway as Princess Jasmine in Disney’s “Aladdin,” in the hit musical “Wicked,” and played Nina Rosario in the final cast of the four-time Tony Award and Grammy Award winning musical “In The Heights.”

She joins Jose Llana (“The King and I”), who will play his original role of Ferdinand Marcos, and Conrad Ricamora (“How to Get Away with Murder”), who will reprise his role as Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino.”

Tony Award winner Lea Salonga also joins the cast in a special five-week-only guest engagement from July 11-August 13. Additional casting will be announced soon. Tickets are on sale now at Telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200. The Broadway

Theatre box office will open on Saturday, May 20. “Here Lies Love” transforms the Broadway Theatre’s floor space into a dance club environment, where some audience members will stand and move with the actors, and others will enjoy from seats located around the theatre.

From its world premiere at The Public Theater in 2013, “Here Lies Love” has enjoyed popular and critical acclaim. The show returned to The Public in 20142015, debuted at London’s Royal National Theatre in 2014, and most recently opened at Seattle

Repertory Theatre in 2017. The creative team for “Here Lies Love” on Broadway includes three-time Tony Award® nominee David Korins (scenic design), Tony Award® winner Clint Ramos (costume design), Tony Award® winner Justin Townsend (lighting design), M.L. Dogg & Cody Spencer (sound design), and three-time Tony Award® nominee Peter Nigrini (projection design), with casting by Tara Rubin CSA, Xavier Rubiano CSA, Gail Quintos and general management by Foresight Theatrical. Additional creative team members include ATW Jonathan Larson Grant recipient J. Oconer Navarro (music director), Billy Bustamante (assistant director), Renée Albulario (assistant choreographer), Bobby Garcia (casting consultant/Philippines), Gregory T. Livoti (production stage manager), and Ryan Gohsman and Sheryl Polancos (assistant stage managers). Giselle “G” Töngi is the show’s Cultural and Community Liaison. “Here Lies Love” is produced by Hal Luftig, Patrick Catullo, Diana DiMenna and Plate Spinner Productions, Clint Ramos, and Jose Antonio Vargas, with Aaron Lustbader serving as Executive Producer. n

The magic continues: Aladdin celebrates 9tth Anniversar y on Broad way

By MoMar G. Visaya AJPress

ALADDIN, the hit musical based on the Academy Award®winning animated film, celebrated its 9th anniversary on Broadway last March. The hit musical opened at the New Amsterdam Theatre to critical acclaim on March 20, 2014, and quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years.

THE Broadway production is now among the top 20 longestrunning Broadway shows in history as it recently played its 3,000th performance. It has broken 16 New Amsterdam Theatre house records and spawned nine productions on four continents

“We’re coming up to legendary status,” Michael James Scott, who plays the role of the Genie, told the Asian Journal. “Nine years of Aladdin is a triumph. It’s just that doesn’t happen in Broadway, in our industry often.”

The show’s longevity and how it has stood the test of time around the world are a testament to its success. The heart of the story is what stands out to some of the cast members as the story is universally loved, and everyone knows the tunes

of Aladdin in every corner of the world. In the 3,093 performances comprising Aladdin’s run thus far, a cumulative audience of 4.3 million has been treated to a staggering number of special effects:

• Aladdin and Jasmine have flown over 100 miles on the magic carpet while singing the Oscar-winning “A Whole New World”

The Genie has set off over 115,000 pyrotechnics in the showstopping “Friend Like Me” In the Act Two opener “Prince Ali,” the cast and wardrobe team have made more than 200,000 lightning-fast

costume quick changes

“It’s an honor to be a part of this beautiful long-running show that so many people have been in and out, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it now,” shared Sonya Balsara who joined the cast as Princess Jasmine early this year.

Filipino American Angelo Soriano is in his eighth year in the show. As a swing, he has taken on most of the twelve male ensemble tracks and two principal tracks for the roles of Omar and Iago.

“I have to be ready to go at any moment’s notice,” he told us. “The show really keeps me

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F ILIPINA American actor Arielle Jacobs will lead the Broadway cast of “Here Lies Love” in the role of former Philippine first lady Imelda Marcos.

Michael Maliakel as Aladdin and Shoba Narayan as Jasmine

Michael Maliakel as Aladdin

James Scott as Genie and Michael Maliakel

Aladdin Photos by Matthew Murphy

Arielle Jacobs

Photos by Harold Julian

Jose Llana, Arielle Jacobs, and Conrad Ricamora

Michael Malakiel (Aladdin) and Dennis Stowe (Jafar)

Angelo Soriano has been with the company of Aladdin on Broadway for eight years now.

Michael James Scott (Genie) and Sonya Balsara (Princess Jasmine) AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Journey at Pechanga hosts more than 30 top LPGA players in 16th CM Pro-Am April 3 & 4

JOURNEY at Pechanga at Pechanga Resort Casino hosted Character Media’s 16th Annual Pro-am Golf Tournament on April 3 and 4, 2023. This marked the 10th year the championship course set amid the Temecula rolling hills hosted the tournament as its official sponsor. Journey at Pechanga is Pechanga Resort Casino’s premier championship golf course which is already well known among many Asian golfers.

County keeps child safety paramount during child abuse awareness month

A COLORFUL pinwheel garden served as the backdrop on Wednesday, April 26 for a Child Abuse Awareness press conference at the County Administration Center downtown. Chairwoman Nora Vargas, County Child Welfare Services and Promises2Kids teamed up for the event to help raise awareness and prevent child abuse.

Each week, an average of 400 active investigations of alleged child abuse and neglect are initiated in San Diego County. An estimated five children die every day in the United States as a result of child abuse or neglect. When families experience at least one material hardship, the likelihood of being investigated or neglect increases nearly three times.

The good news is child abuse and neglect are preventable.

“For me, making sure that the children and families of San Diego County are taken care of is one of my top priorities and I absolutely believe that prevention is key,” chairwoman Nora Vargas said.

With that goal in mind, the County also has created a new Child and Family WellBeing Department, combining prevention and protective services. This new department

will focus on supporting and strengthening families first to make sure they have the resources they need before a crisis strikes. By prioritizing prevention, the hope is children and youth won’t ever need to enter the child welfare service system.

“Locally, here in San Diego, we receive about 40,000 calls to our child abuse hotline and last year that represented almost 68,000 children here in our community that people were concerned are being abused or neglected in their homes,” said Director Kim Giardina, with the Child and Family Well-Being Department.

Every child deserves a chance to succeed and grow up in a safe, stable, and nurturing environment that is free from abuse and neglect. If you have reason to believe a child you know is experiencing abuse or neglect, contact the County’s Child Abuse Hotline at 858560-2191 or 800-344-6000. You can also call 2-1-1 San Diego, or check the website (https:// www.sandiegocounty.gov/ content/sdc/hhsa/programs/cs/ child_welfare_services/) for a variety of resources related to child abuse prevention.

(Anita Lightfoot/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Character Media’s ProAm continues to serve as a community event by inviting the Great Oak High School (GOHS) Girls’ Golf team to help with the tournament, providing the students an opportunity to meet and greet pro players and see them in action. This year, the GOHS Girls’ Golf team provided more than 30 volunteers to assist with various areas of the event including scorekeeping. The CM Pro-Am has been donating to the GOHS golf program since 2017, and this year will donate $2,000 to support the team. The GOHS Girls’ Golf team won their league championship in 2022 and made it to the postseason of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF).

The CM 2023 Pro-Am featured many outstanding LPGA professional golfers, including Yu Liu, Jennifer Chang, Haeji Kang, Grace Kim and Kelly Tan.

• Jennifer Chang, Rolex Ranking 157th as of March 9, 2023, recorded a season best T10 result at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship. She decided to play professionally after her junior year at USC.

• Yu Liu, Rolex Ranking 163rd as of March 9, 2023, started playing golf at the age of 9. In 2017, she won the Tullymore Classic, becoming the third player from China to ever win on the Symetra Tour.

• Grace Kim reached No. 29 in the World Amateur Golf Ranking in 2019, becoming Australia’s highest-ranked female amateur. She was ranked

Five Negrenses win int’l book award

FIVE Negrense bookmakers won the 2023 Gold Quill Award bestowed by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) based in Chicago. In collaboration with Impress Quality Printing Philippines Inc. and Media Wise Communications Inc., their winning entry was the pioneering coffee table book titled “Sugar & Smiles: The Negrense Legacy Beyond 2020.”

The team that produced Sugar & Smiles was led by Conrado Gen Tomas, Jose Kilayko Montalvo III, Benjamin de Leon Torre, Ma. Teresa Quebrar-Manalili, and J. Albert Araneta Gamboa. Together with 30 writers and creative staff, they launched the book in November 2021 at the main activity center of Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson supported the book project along with several local government units and congressional districts as well as major corporations and private enterprises.

This 320-page heirloom collectible is the first coffee

table book about Negros Occidental. Its cover was designed by graphic artist Nikki Solinap and the inside pages contain original artworks from watercolor painter Edbon Sevilleno. The book’s main chapters were written by historians Modesto Sa-onoy and Roque Hofileña; lawyers Rayboy Pandan and Eli Gatanela; culturati Cecilia Locsin-Nava and Lloyd Tronco; chefs Richard Ynayan and Mia Lizares-Gonzaga; veteran journalists Carla Gomez and Cedelf Tupas; tourism official Christine Mansinares and advertising executive Nikki Golez. The book project’s beneficiary was Kalipay Negrense Foundation under Anna Claparols Balcells.

IABC is the foremost global community of communications professionals representing diverse industries and disciplines. For more than 40 years, IABC’s Gold Quill Awards program has recognized excellence in strategic communication worldwide and is acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the industry. n

179th in the Rolex Rankings as of March 9, 2023.

• Haeji Kang is a South Korean professional golfer, with a Rolex Ranking of 181st as of March 9, 2023. She started playing golf at the age of 10, turning pro in 2008.

• Jaravee Boonchant started playing golf at age 6 in Bangkok, Thailand. At Duke, she was named a three-time All-ACC and four-time All-American selection. She ranks 190th in the Rolex Rankings as of March 9, 2023. The following LPGA superstars also joined the game: Amelia Garvey, Amy Lee, Angel Yin, Brianna Do,

Gabriella Then, Greta Voelker, Harang Lee, ILHee Lee, Jaravee

Boonchant, Jillian Hollis, Jiwon

Jeon, Kaley In, Karen Chung, Louise Ridderstrom, Luna

Sobron, Mi Hyang Lee, Min-G

Kim, Mo Martin, Rebecca Lee-

Bentham, Roberta Liti, Robynn

Ree, Sarah Jane Smith, Ssu-Chia

Cheng, Sydnee Michaels, Tisha

Alyn, Vicky Hurst and Yae Eun

Hong. This elite group of 32 pro golfers challenged each other on the stimulating and demanding course, along with their fans and golf partners. Through the tournament, tee sponsors got to swing their clubs alongside the talented golf

athletes. Sponsors were able to find out which LPGA pro golfers they will be playing with the night before the tournament. The tournament began at 10 a.m. on April 4 following a brief press conference for the players. Players competed in an 18-hole scramble tournament and the team with the lowest score won the coveted CM ProAm Cup. The maximum score allowed is par. This year’s winner of the CM Pro-Am Coup was the team anchored by LPGA superstar Angel Yin. The members of team Angel Yin included James Ryu, Raymond Sun, Michael Yamaki and Sung Tae Yu. Journey at Pechanga championship golf course, one of the many high-end amenities at Pechanga Resort Casino, is consistently rated among the top public courses in California. When golfers partner their rounds with a luxury stay at the adjacent resort, the value of the experience rises. Please visit Pechanga.com or call (877) 711-2946 to for more information or to book your next stay at Pechanga Resort Casino. (Advertising Supplement)

The magic continues: Aladdin celebrates...

PAGE 9

on my toes.” He said that sometimes he knows two weeks before the show which track he will be doing, while other times he only finds out two minutes before the show.

Soriano says he enjoys performing the show from many different points of view, which keeps it exciting and new for him. He adds that his favorite parts to play in the ensemble are the ones in the high adventure where he gets to be a guard from the palace that sword fights with Aladdin’s best friends.

He also loves playing Iago “because anytime you get to play a Disney villain, it is definitely a moment to celebrate.” Another Filipino American, Don Darryl Rivera, originated the role and Soriano gets to take over when Rivera is not available.

“Playing Iago onstage is so fun,” he quipped. “My Iago also gets to be a part of the scheme and the planning on how to get the street rat.” He added that as Iago, he loves doing the evil laugh in front of the audience, and the audience loves it too.

Being a part of the show’s ninth anniversary is very special to him because he gets to celebrate the legacy that he and his work family have created. Since he has been with the show for eight years now, he has seen fellow artists come and go, including a handful who have left and returned.

“It’s very special to have seen every iteration of the show possible with the different types of cast members,” he shared.

Within the large cast is a small but thriving group of Filipinos. At one point, the number reached nine, a definite rarity on Broadway.

Soriano has worked with former castmates like Joshua de la Cruz (who is now on Blue’s Clues) and siblings Adam and Arielle Jacobs who performed as Aladdin and Princess Jasmine (definitely not at the same time; Arielle joined the cast from her stint in Australia and Adam already left the cast).

He says that it is also special to represent himself as one of the handful of Filipino Americans performing on stage. He mentions that it inspires him to be the best version of himself possible and he still gets excited to scan the audience and see someone that looks like him.

Soriano says that most of the time, he sees his cast mates more than he sees his actual family or his wife at home. He explains that they are a closely knit company, and what we see on his social media posts is what it is. Soriano mentions that it is a

eight

part

has been an amazing journey for him, and he is excited to see where it will take him next.

Michael Malakiel made his Broadway debut as Aladdin about a year and a half ago. He expressed his gratitude for being part of a show that has stood the test of time and has a loyal audience, acknowledging the rarity of being part of a show. He credits the show’s success to the amazing people who come together to tell the story every night.

“Having someone that looks like me in a leading role on Broadway is huge,” he said. “Representation really matters.”

He believes that representation is not just about checking the diversity box but ensuring that all identities are valued in the industry, which was built and supported by mostly white folks. He credits Disney on Broadway for leading the charge on diversity and allowing actors of color to support themselves in the business.

Dennis Stowe, who plays Jafar, talked about his experience of being the only person of color in earlier shows that he had been part of and how it is important to be that representation for one little child who is looking at them from the audience.

“It made me realize how important it is, you know, representation for them to see themselves and to feel included in this world, it’s so very important,” he said.

He believes that representation can help people respect even those whose cultures they may not see or interact with daily, like the show’s fictional Agrabah. He also thinks that Disney on Broadway is doing better when it comes to representation but acknowledges that there is always room for improvement. He would like to see the industry move towards a time when the most equipped person gets the role regardless of their identity.

Malakiel on the other hand shared his family’s experience of seeing Aladdin as a movie and being excited to see a story that was about people who looked like them.

“It was hands down my favorite Disney movie growing up and I had two brothers and we were just obsessed with the film and played it on repeat for hours on end,” he shared laughing.

They were so obsessed that they would recreate the marketplace scenes in their living room and jump off buildings and pretend to be Aladdin.

“It was completely surreal flash forward many years that I finally got to perform this role on Broadway. I mean, it was something that I never even dreamed it might be possible and to have that happen,” he explained. “And to be flying a carpet every night and someone’s actually paying me to do, I mean all of it feels completely insane.”

That is why these cast members’ hearts are full of gratitude for being part of a show that tells a story that people love and enjoy. For them, it’s a gift that keeps on giving. n

“Sugar & Smiles: The Negrense Legacy Beyond 2020” is the first coffee table book about Negros Occidental. Photo courtesy of Nextgen Multimedia

San Diego County Board of Supervisors chair Nora Vargas (left, on podium) makes her remarks at the press conference to help raise awareness and prevent child abuse. Screen capture from web

The winner of the CM Pro-Am Cup were pro golfer Angel Yin’s team seen in photo above accepting their trophies. The team’s other membrs were James Ryu, Raymund Sun, Michael Yamaki and Sung Tae Yu. Photos courtesy of iGraphix

32 Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) stars featured in the CM Pro-Am Cup this year at the Journey at Pechanga championship course. They are shown in photo above with officials from Pechanga Resort Casino.

From left: Wade Lai, Pechanga CMO Bill Anderson, LPGA stars Jennifer Chang, Mi Hyang Lee, Karen Chung, Amelia Garvey, Greta Vokeler, LPGA Ambassador Garbiella Then, Pechanga Development Corporation 2nd Vice President John Palinkas, and Pechanga GM Tjeerd Brink.

From left: Pechanga Resort Casino General Manager Tjeerd Brink, LPGA Ambassador Gabriella

Then and Pechanga Resort Casino Chief Marketing Officer Bill Anderson.

LPGA tour member Amelia Garvey after hitting a shot at the course.

The LPGA’s Mi Hyang Lee answers media questions prior to the Pro-Am Cup start.

Arabian Nights

Photo by Deen van Meer privilege to be a part of the Aladdin family, and he feels lucky to have been a

of the show for

years. He adds that the show