050422 - Southern California Midweek Edition

MAY 4-6, 2022 Volume 32 - No. 35 • 14 Pages

DATELINE

USA

FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

New call center launched to answer COVID-19 questions from Fil-Am community’s most vulnerable members

Duterte vows orderly, clean, honest elections on May 9

by DANIZA

FERNANDEZ Inquirer.net

In his taped public address, Duterte said he urges the government to be “conscious” of this goal and MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, work at it “towards the end.”

“I urge the government to be conscious of this May 3 assured the public of an “orderly, clean, and because everybody will be working towards the end. honest elections” on May 9.

LOS ANGELES — In an expansion of its COVID-19 resources, the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), through its Tayo project, announces the launch of a call center to assist community members with their pressing pandemic-related questions.

Beginning as a virtual help desk in the fall of 2020, Tayo has since continuously diversified its culturally tailored offerings to connect Filipinos with vital information and services, battle misinformation, and improve the collection of data through initiatives like educational webinars, surveys, public service announcement campaigns, and health clinics.

On May 4, 2022, Tayo will bolster its help desk capabilities by piloting a dedicated hotline to address the needs of Filipinos in the diaspora who may not have adequate access to trustworthy and reliable COVID-related

by AJPRESS

Experts await data on Moderna’s vaccine for kids

 PAGE 5

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LA County workplace safety anew amid COVID-19 spread

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THE medical community is celebrating drug maker Moderna’s recent announcement that it is seeking FDA approval for its Covid-19 vaccination for younger kids, though experts add they are “anxiously” awaiting further data on its efficacy and safety.

“We have seen that our youngest patients are getting sick and hospitalized with COVID… even previously healthy kids can develop complications,” said Pediatric Pulmonologist Dr. Manisha Newaskar with Stanford Children’s Health during an April 29 press briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services.

“The data still needs full review, but we have to educate our families and encourage them to get their young ones vaccinated,” Newaskar added.

The vaccine will require two doses one month apart and is expected to be authorized by the FDA in June. Parents have been hesitant about shots for their kids in part due to the risk of myocarditis— an inflammation of the muscles around the heart—though experts note the risk decreases for younger patients.

“Schools may have a role to play in getting the vaccine out there,” said Dr. Ben Neuman, professor of Biology and chief virologist with the Global Health

I would emphasize that the military and the police focus on this event because we want an honest election,” he said.

“Sinasabi ko lang as President, I guarantee that

PRESIDENTIAL ENDORSEMENT. President Rodrigo Duterte (3rd from left) attends a campaign rally at Arca South in Taguig City on Sunday, May 1. He endorsed senatorial bets Alan Peter Cayetano (2nd from left) and Taguig mayoral candidate Lani Cayetano (4th from left).

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

WITH increased COVID-19 transmission in Los Angeles County and new variants of concern, health officials are encouraging to employers to use “common sense strategies” to keep employees and customers safe.

Employers can improve workplace safety by connecting employees to testing, vaccinations, and therapeutics; screening to prevent those who are symptomatic from entering; providing staff working indoors in contact with others with well-fitting respirator masks; communicating policies on isolation and quarantine and notifications of exposures; improving ventilation; and reporting all clusters of three or more cases immediately to the LA County Department of Public Health.

Officials reminded employers that they are are required to offer free medical grade masks and

 PAGE 2

Fil-Am group launches ‘troll exposer’ website to combat disinformation ahead of May 9 polls MANILA — With the May 9 polls drawing closer, a group of dual citizens of the Philippines and the United States has launched a website "exposing trolls" at the forefront of widespread disinformation heavily influencing the elections.

In a statement sent to reporters, the US Filipinos for Good Governance on Monday, May 2 launched TrollExposer.com, a website dedicated to exposing troll pages, accounts, and groups on Facebook.

Through its website, the group said that it "exposed" a hundred Marcos trolls, who have coordinated with each other through fake accounts, to spread fake news in sustained malicious attacks against the leading opposition presidential candidate, incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo.

“Our country has become extremely

polarized through vigorous troll activity... We hope it is not too late to detoxify the minds and hearts of our people,” said Eric Lachica, USFGG Washington DC Coordinator.

“Trolls have found fertile ground in weakly regulated social media to saturate the public with disinformation. These lies have been allowed to spread through Facebook for years. Having the presidency decided based on lies that re-write history and hide the fact that much of this troll activity is statesponsored would be a tragedy."

Why does this matter?

Presidential candidate Bongbong Marcos Academics have labeled the Philippines as the "patient zero" for digital disinformation, pointing to the disproportionate growth of disinformation operations in the Philippines in recent.

According to the preliminary findings

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Locsin to represent PH at US-Asean summit MANILA – Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. will represent Manila in a leaders' summit between the United States and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) next week, Philippine Ambassador to US Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed.

The envoy said the top diplomat would attend on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte, who opted not to attend as the summit falls on a date when the country would have already named its president-elect.

"It is unfortunate that the summit is scheduled for May 12 shortly after our elections, that is why I totally understand why President Duterte cannot attend it. As the President pointed out, we will definitely have a president-elect by then, so he was being prudent, opting not to attend out

of delicadeza, and avoid making decisions or commitments at the summit that might not be aligned with the policies of our next president," Romualdez wrote in a Labor Day column on Philstar.

"Secretary Teddy Locsin will represent the President," he added.

The envoy said Manila's participation in this special summit is important because the discussions are expected to center on a wide range of areas of mutual interest and concern.

Among them are defense and security, future pandemic response, climate change, maritime cooperation, economic engagement, energy, digital technology and strengthening people-topeople ties, among others.

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Philstar.com photo

Iglesia ni Cristo endorses Marcos for president

MANILA — Leadership of the influential Iglesia ni Cristo has announced its decision to formally endorse the presidential candidacy of former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Their official announcement came Tuesday afternoon over Net25, owned by Eagle Broadcasting Corp. whose primary stakeholders hold key positions within the powerful church group.

The religious group also announced its Senate slate, which includes: • Former PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar • Actor Robin Padilla • Former DPWH secretary Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. Inquirer.net file photo Mark Villar

• Former House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano • Antique Rep. Loren Legarda • Former senator JV Ejercito • Sorsogon Gov. Chiz Escudero • Former senator and plunder convict Jinggoy Estrada • Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian • Sen. Joel Villanueva • Sen. Migz Zubiri The INC has an estimated 3 million members in the Philippines and in over 150 countries and territories overseas. It was founded by Felix Manalo who served as the first Executive Minister of INC. The religious group has historically announced its choice of candidates to support

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2 MAY 4-6, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797

From the Front Page

LA County workplace safety anew amid...

PAGE 1

respirators (N95, KN95, KF94) to employees working indoors in close contact with other workers, customers, and/or members of the public at all sites where masking indoors is optional.

At worksites where masking remains required, employers need to provide employees with free, well-fitting medical masks.

Employers are also obligated to offer testing free of charge during work hours to any employee exposed to COVID-19 at work.

Implementation of these safety measures can reduce the number of outbreaks at worksites, which are now increasing. For the week ending April 28, there were 30 active outbreaks across non-healthcare, non-residential, non-educational worksites. One month ago, for the week ending March 31, there were 10 active worksite outbreaks.

During the month of April, there were 42 new outbreaks across non-healthcare, nonresidential, non-educational worksites. The highest number of new outbreaks (10) this month was reported by the information sector (which includes the motion picture and sound recording industries; data processing, hosting and related services; and broadcasting).

The manufacturing sector (non-food) reported five new outbreaks, followed by the real estate and rental and leasing, accommodation and food service, and food and beverage store sectors that each had three new outbreaks in April.

In order to reduce transmission at worksites, employers are required to report any cluster of worksite COVID-19 cases to the Department of Public Health.

A cluster is three or more laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the worksite within a 14-day period. Reports to Public Health should be made as soon as possible and no later than 48 hours after reports or knowledge of at least three cases. Worksites can report a cluster to Public Health online or by phone: 1-888-397-3993. If Public Health determines that there is an outbreak at a worksite, employees are required to mask both indoors and, if they can’t be socially distanced, outdoors

as well.

Workers concerned about possible COVID-19 violations or other workplace safety concerns have several options for filing a complaint. To file a complaint with Public Health, which can be submitted anonymously, workers can call the Environmental Health Customer Call Center at (888) 700-9995 or click on the “Report a Problem” at www.ph.lacounty.gov/eh.

To file a complaint with Cal/ OSHA about employee safety, workplace safety, or hazardous conditions, workers can call (833) 579-0927 or call or email the local Cal/OSHA Enforcement Office that serves the location of the job site.

Mobile vaccination teams can be booked by employers, organizations and those hosting special events. These mobile units offer vaccines and boosters to employees and customers and can be arranged by filling out this form or finding a provider at http://ph.lacounty. gov/acd/ncorona2019/vaccine/ providerfinder/ and contacting them directly.

Workers who test positive may be eligible for therapeutics and are encouraged to talk to their doctor to learn more.

Workers that do not have access to a clinical provider can call the COVID-19 Medication Telehealth Service, which can help assess their eligibility for these treatments and, if eligible, arranges for them to receive the medication. Individuals who are determined by our Telehealth provider to be eligible for oral antivirals can choose to be referred to their provider or a Test to Treat site to receive the medications; or they can have a prescription sent to a nearby pharmacy; or have the medication shipped to them overnight at no charge.

Workers who think that they may be a candidate for therapeutics or have questions can call (833) 540-0473 or visit http://www.ph.lacounty. gov/covidmedicines or http:// www.ph.lacounty.gov/ covidmedicamentos.

Public Health staff is available seven days a week from 8:00 am to 8:30 pm.

“I send my deepest sympathies and wishes of peace and comfort

to the many families who have lost a loved one from COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health.

“While relieved that the latest increases in cases are not yet accompanied by corresponding increases in hospitalizations, the higher rate of infection we are experiencing causes substantial disruption and leads to a vicious cycle of more transmission is worrisome. With high transmission comes the risk of breeding new variants of concern, the possibility of more people experiencing long COVID, and increased risk among those more vulnerable to severe illness should they become infected. Curtailing outbreaks at worksites can help slow down transmission back in the communities and we thank those employers that continue to have in place safety measures that keep employees and customers as safe as possible. Let’s also each do our best to reduce the risk of getting infected by getting vaccinated and boosted, wearing a well-fitting medical mask or respirator indoors, staying home if sick getting tested if we have symptoms or have been exposed, and following isolation and quarantine rules to avoid spreading the virus.”

Public Health reported 13 additional deaths and 2,728 new cases Saturday, 1,824 new cases Sunday and 1,368 new positive cases on Monday, May 2. The number of cases and deaths are likely to reflect reporting delays over the weekend. Of the 13 new deaths reported today, six were between the ages of 50-64, two were between the ages of 65-79, and five were aged 80 years or older. Of the 13 newly reported deaths, 12 had underlying health conditions. To date, the total number of deaths in LA County is 31,970 Public Health has reported a total of 2,877,960 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of LA County. The current positivity rate is 1.6%.

There are 225 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized. Testing results are available for more than 11,862,200 individuals, with 22% of people testing positive. g

DONATIONS. Quezon City Police District chief, Brig. Gen. Remus Medina (center), leads the turnover of 3 of 10 goats to the Muslim community during the Eid al-Fitr celebration at Salaam Compound covered court in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City on Tuesday, May 3. The police also gave away 200 packs of dressed chicken during the event that coincided with the signing of a peace covenant for a peaceful election.

PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Duterte vows orderly, clean...

PAGE 1

we will do everything to ensure that the election is free from violence and the people are not intimidated in any way to exercise their right to vote and choose their whoever,” he added.

Duterte earlier said his administration will enforce the law and not allow terrorism during the May 9 polls.

This is why he chose not to endorse any presidential candidate so that he could remain

“neutral.”

Duterte said he will not endorse any presidential candidate “now until December” and he requested his Cabinet members also to not openly endorse any candidate. g

Iglesia ni Cristo endorses Marcos...

PAGE 1 a few days before election day.

Its support for Marcos was long rumored among pundits but was only explicitly confirmed Tuesday.

To recall, Marcos' proclamation rally in February was held at the Philippine Arena, which is legally owned by the religious group.

Marcos’ camp at the time denied that they obtained endorsement from INC. The religion is known for its practice of "bloc voting" during elections, where its members are encouraged to vote for whoever their leadership will support.

Other presidential bets,

including Manila City mayor and Aksyon Demokratiko standard-bearer Isko Moreno have expressed hope that they would get the religious group's endorsement.

In a statement later Tuesday evening, Marcos said his camp was "very happy and wholeheartedly grateful" for the endorsement.

"We will strive that the trust granted by the Iglesia Ni Cristo fraternity will result in the true unity of Filipinos who love the Philippines and will undoubtedly face the challenges that will come together in preparing for a better

tomorrow for our youth," he said.

Marcos Jr. is gunning for the country’s highest seat in the land, marking his family's second attempt to return to Malacañang after the ouster of the clan patriarch.

The two-decade rule of the clan patriarch was marked by outright abuse of human rights and massive plunder of state coffers. Rights group Amnesty International estimated that 70,000 people were imprisoned, 34,000 were tortured and 3,240 were killed during Martial Law. (Kristine Joy Patag/Philstar. com)

According to the State Department, the meeting would demonstrate the United States' commitment to serving as a "strong, reliable partner" in

Southeast Asia and advancing an Indo-Pacific that is free and open, secure, connected, and resilient. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora/PNA)

Locsin to represent PH at US-Asean...

PAGE 1

The special summit, hosted

by US President Joe Biden, will run from May 12 and 13 in Washington, DC.

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Dateline USa

$10K reward offered in case of Fil-Am woman missing since January THE city of Oakley, California announced a $10,000 reward for information in the case of a missing 24-year-old Filipino American woman as the police chief, mayor and her parents appealed for the public’s help in finding her.

Alexis Gabe has been missing since Jan. 26. Her last known whereabouts were on Benttree Way in Antioch. Her family found her car with the keys in the ignition, abandoned on Trenton Street and Carrington Drive in Oakley.

A surveillance video was taken at the corner of Oakley Road and Beldin Lane, about five minutes from where Gabe’s abandoned car was later found. It shows a

person of interest in the case near Gabe’s car.

The video showed a man 5’11 to 6 feet tall, slim build, dark skin, wearing a large jacket, a beanie, or a cap, with his face covered by an N95-style face mask with a beard showing from underneath.

“It’s been three long, excruciating months since Alexis’s disappearance,” said Gwyn Gabe, Alexis’s father, who spoke out for the first time since the disappearance during a news conference Thursday.

“Since the day our daughter went missing, we’ve questioned our faith, have been completely overwhelmed and filled with doubt.”

Oakley police investigators

Alexis Gabe, 24, has been missing since Jan. 26. Oakley, California police suspect foul play.

Facebook photo

have held interviews and executed search warrants in hopes of finding Gabe. Community search parties have also looked for her.

Police strongly suspect foul play.

Oakley Police Chief Paul Beard said the investigation is the biggest case in the history of the department. (Inquirer.net)

New call center launched to answer COVID-19...

PAGE 1 information online.

“Creating this call center is a natural extension of the work and mission of Tayo - to empower our community by meeting them where they are at and providing them with essential information,” said Leezel Tanglao, Tayo project director and president of FYLPRO. “It’s truly going full circle as we leverage our network and resources both here in the United States and in the Philippines to bridge the gap.”

More than ever a resource like this is needed to ensure accurate and culturally tailored information is available to all members of the Filipino community as the pandemic continues to evolve while official guidance can run counter or is often confusing.

FYLPRO was inspired to develop the call center after evaluating insights gleaned from users of Tayo’s web-based platform and determining that seniors in particular felt more comfortable talking to someone on the phone rather than searching through a website for information.

The call center operates from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time and is available in English and Tagalog.

Callers can call 1 (800) 8995090 to reach a representative who can address questions on where to get a booster shot or to find a COVID-19 test.

The call center pilot is made possible by a grant from the Booz Allen Foundation, which also funded the initial launch of the

virtual help desk (tayohelp.com).

“We’re proud to have played a part in supporting FYLPRO’s work to use innovation and technology to make such a positive difference for the Filipino community,” said Christine Hoisington, Executive Director of the Booz Allen Foundation. “We’re impressed with their efforts and impact.”

The call center pilot will run for 3 months.

The call center launch team includes a diverse multidisciplinary team from across the United States: Tayo project director Leezel Tanglao, project manager Brian Tajo, product counsel Mark Calaguas, medical advisor Dr. Melissa Palma, technologist and special project manager Jobel Vecino, fellowship director Krystle Canare, and risk mitigator/

creative consultant TJ SimbaMedel.

Operations manager Joselito Alampayan and call representative Dhian Perez are based in the Philippines.

“The insights and learnings from this pilot will help inform how we better serve our community and as we continue to navigate life with COVID-19,” said Tanglao. “This is to ensure no one is left behind just because they don’t have access to technology.”

Tayo, a project of the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), is an innovative data hub that empowers Filipinx/a/o communities by collecting data, fostering partnerships, publishing culturally relevant insights, and developing leaders to create an equitable and sustainable future. g

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Experts await data on Moderna’s vaccine... Fil-Am group launches ‘troll exposer’...

PAGE 1 Research Complex, Texas A&M University.

“There are 500 deaths per year from bacterial meningitis, and that is one of the things that schools would normally require vaccination against,” explained Dr. Neuman. “COVID-19 is around 350 deaths in the same age group in roughly the span of a year. This needs to be one of the vaccines to make school work.”

Moderna previously requested FDA authorization for its vaccine for kids ages 6 to 11 and ages 12 to 17. It expects to submit data on the efficacy of these vaccines

by May 9.

The news comes as Moderna also announced progress on a “bivalent” vaccine that would provide immunity to the original Covid-19 strain along with newer variants.

“Each year we update our influenza vaccine and it’s now a quadrivalent vaccine. It has four different antigens in it. So, the thinking among vaccine scientists is to do something quite similar with COVID,” explained Dr. William Schaffner, professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

“Expanding the antigens in the vaccines, we get broader coverage against this array

of variants going forward,” Schaffner noted.

The speed at which variants of the Covid-19 virus are appearing, along with their relative transmissibility, calls for the development of multivariant vaccines, speakers said. The BA2 Omicron variant, which emerged in late November in the United States, is almost gone but has been replaced by a subvariant that is even more contagious: the BA.2.12.1 “We need to advocate the FDA to update the vaccines more quickly considering that we’re just tweaking the spike protein a little bit,” said Dr. Eric FeiglDing, co-founder of the World Health Network and chief of the COVID Task Force at the New England Complex Systems Institute. “We should be able to do a phase two (of approval), and then allow these brand-new phases to adapt the vaccines pretty quickly…”

Experts also weighed in on the removal of mask mandates on public transportation which several U.S transit systems, including airlines, have already adopted.

“We don’t just stop wearing helmets, unbuckle our seatbelts, and allow drunk driving because hospital beds are not full. I think the CDC is forgetting prevention (strategies) in trying to push for a return to normal,” added Dr.

Feigl-Ding, who highlighted the fact that even for people who are boosted, the protection against hospitalization and death is 9095%, but the protection against infection is only about 45%.

“Adults now are going out to gatherings, parties, bars, restaurants, nightclubs… so the likelihood of transmission is higher,” continued Dr. FeiglDing, “and someone may have immunocompromised children at home or family members who could actually have a severe outcome (from infection).”

Dr. Schaffner agreed that the ending of the mask mandate might increase the vulnerability of already fragile people and suggested that people consider their personal circumstances when deciding to leave the mask at home. “Are you older? Do you have an underlying illness, heart disease or lung disease? Are you immune-compromised? Are you a person that’s providing care for someone? Continue to be very careful.”

The speakers emphasized that vaccination is safe and that boosters are essential to strengthen immunity against COVID-19 and its long-term effects such as headaches, fatigue, sleep disturbance, stomach aches, chest tightness, and loss of appetite among others. (Jenny Manrique/Ethnic Media Services)

SFIO announces 50% reduction of authorized shares from 5B to 2.5B

STARFLEET Innotech Inc. (OTC Pink: SFIO), a global investment holding company, is pleased to announce that the company is reducing its current authorized share count by 50% from five billion to 2.5 billion.

“We believe this reduction leaves enough shares in reserve for us to continue our capital raising efforts, while also minimizing dilution among our shareholders,” said CEO Jeths Lacson.

SFIO is also announcing the creation of a new class of preferred shares pending processing on NVSOS, to be used for future acquisitions, as well as for onboarding new officers and key partners. The Series B Preferred Shares consist of 310 million shares – largely converted from common shares held by

the company’s officers and key shareholders – amounting to 22% of the total 1.415 billion. Approximately 1.105B outstanding shares is expected following the restructure.

The new class of preferred shares will carry at least a 12-month moratorium on sales, further restrictions on sales and an opportunity for conversion

to common shares beyond the moratorium, as well as a right of first refusal for the company to repurchase offered shares.

“These initiatives are only some of a number of moves we are making to champion transparency and maximize shareholder value across our community,” Lacson said.

(Advertising Supplement)

PAGE 1

of Tsek.ph, a fact-checking initiative involving the academe and mainstream media, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the son of the late ousted dictator, has been the beneficiary of positive but misleading messaging on social media ahead of the 2022 elections.

On the other hand, Philstar. com's own fact-checking initiative has observed that Robredo has been on the receiving end of false claims seeking to discredit her as a candidate.

The USFGG on Monday said that corrupt, powerful, and wealthy politicians have financed troll armies for this upcoming election, "frequently with the help of the Philippines government and foreign state sponsors, such as China."

While the rampant disinformation clearly favors him, presidential aspirant and son of the former dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Jr. continues to deny he has trolls and has even challenged the public to find a single troll of his.

"Fact-checkers and efforts by social media platforms to limit disinformation have not been enough to stop it. Troll Exposer is a new weapon in the arsenal against disinformation.” said Liz Derr, founder of Troll Exposer.

“Rather than focusing on content, Troll Exposer publicly exposes the social media accounts that are spreading this harmful disinformation so everyone can see who these liars are," she said.

How does it work?

TrollExposer.com provides analysis of the troll networks and activities, and the direct links to the troll Facebook accounts so that the public can explore the pages of the trolls themselves.

"Now people don’t need to trust sources they might view as biased," the group's statement reads.

"People are desperate to understand what news can be trusted, who they can believe, and what can be done to save our democracies from further division."

The group said this methodology allows readers to do their own research to discover the activities of the trolls, and find out if the content they view online is actually the result of a covert influence operation, rather than authentic narratives from real people.

Accountability from social media owners sought

"If we can’t get social media platforms to enforce their own community standards, then we need to act ourselves. It is the right of every person to defend themselves from being manipulated by false information," said Loida Lewis, US Filipinos for Good Governance National Chair.

“The spread of harmful disinformation, manipulated narratives, and false propaganda needs to stop," she said.

"We're calling on Mark Zuckerberg and Meta/Facebook to immediately take down these fake posts and disable the trolls identified in TrollExposer.com to reduce the disinformation on his platform in the lead up to the May 9th election.”

Trolls weaponized to weaken democracies The false narratives and propaganda that get spread by trolls on social media allow

dictators and kleptocrats to weaken democracies around the world, USFGG said Monday afternoon.

"We’ve seen how dangerous disinformation and conspiracies can be in the US. In the Philippines, the danger is great and the need for action is urgent," the group said.

The group went as far as saying that the political environment resulting from the efforts of trolls opens the possibility of a repeat of the United States Capitol attack in the Philippines.

"The vitriol and divisiveness created by these trolls is making a January 6th-type event in the Philippines more and more probable, regardless of the outcome of the election. Meta/ Facebook must act immediately to help protect our democracy by removing the lies that have divided us." (Franco Luna/ Philstar.com)

PAUNAWA NG PAMPUBLIKONG PAGDINIG SA LOS ANGELES COUNTY METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY IMINUNGKAHINGFY23BADYET Ang Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority ay magsasagawa ng pampublikong pagdinig sa FY23 Iminungkahing Badyet nito (Hulyo 1, 2022– Hunyo 30, 2023) sa ika-1:30 ng hapon sa Miyerkules, Mayo 18, 2022. Alinsunod sa California Executive Order N-25-20 at ang mga paghihigpit sa Safer at Home na ipinatupad sa oras na naka-iskedyul ang pagdinig, sa katunayan magaganap ang pagdinig na ito. Ang link upang i-stream ang pagdinig at tingnan ang mga presentasyon na gagawin sa pagdinig ay ilalagay sa loob ng agenda ng pampublikong pagdinig na ipo-post nang hindi bababa sa 72 oras bago ang petsa ng pagdinig.

Ang link para mapanood ang pagdinig ng live ay makikita din sa metro.net/about/board/boarddirectors-meetings-audio-archive/.

Ang mga interesadong miyembro ng publiko ay hinihikayat na lumahok at tunay na dadalo sa paparating na pampublikong pagdinig upang magbigay ng testimonya. Ang mga hindi makalahok ay maaaring magsumite ng nakasulat na testimonya na naka-postmark o ipinadala hanggang ika-5 ng hapon, Mayo 17, 2022. Ang mga komento ay maaaring isumite sa elektronikong paraan saBoardClerk@metro.net; dapat i-address ang sulat sa mail sa: Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority One Gateway Plaza, M/S 99-3-1 Los Angeles, CA 90012-2932 Attn: Collette Langston Upang makahingi ng karagdagang input mula sa publiko at mga stakeholder tungkol sa taunang badyet, ang mga workshop sa badyet ay naka-iskedyulsa Abril at Mayo kasama ng Metro Regional Service Councils, Public Safety Advisory Committee, Policy Advisory Committee, Community Advisory Council, San Gabriel Valley COG-Transportation Committee, Valley Industry & Commerce Association, Accessibility Advisory Committee, Technical Advisory Committee, Bus Operations Subcommittee, Streets & Freeways Subcommittee, Accessibility Advisory Committee at Local Transit Systems Subcommittee. Para sa karagdagang impormasyon sa proseso ng Iminungkahing Pagbuo ng Badyet ng FY23, upang tingnan ang mga resulta mula sa survey ng badyet ng FY23, mga iskedyul ng pagpupulong ng stakeholder at iba pang mga detalye ng pagbuo ng badyet, mangyaring bisitahin ang www.metrobudget.net.

Ang mga kopya ng dokumento ng badyet ay magagamit para sa pampublikong pamamahagi 15 araw bago ang pagdinig at maaaring makuha mula sa Records Management Center (RMC) sa pamamagitan ng email na kahilingan sa RMC@metro.net. Ang mga kopya ng dokumento ng badyet ay maaari ding kunin sa RMC sa lebel ng Plaza ng Gateway Building o tingnan sa online sa www.metro.net.

Ang paparating na pampublikong pagdinig ay gaganapin alinsunod sa mga kinakailangan ng pederal na pampublikong pagdinig na nakabalangkas saSeksyon 5307 (b) ng Titulo 49 U.S.C., at mga alituntunin sa pampublikong pagdinig na nakabalang kas saSeksyon 2-50-025 ng Administrative Code ng Metro, gaya ng binago.

MGA KAILANGAN SA ADA: Kapag hiniling, ang interpretasyon ng sign language, mga materyales sa mga alternatibong format at iba pang mga akomodasyon ay makukuha ng publiko para sa mga pagpupulong at kaganapan na inisponsor ng Metro.

LIMITADONG KAALAMAN SA INGLES: Kapag hiniling, ang mga interpreter ay magbibigay sa publiko para sa mga pagpupulong at kaganapan na inisponsor ng Metro.

Ang mga agenda at minuto ay makukuha rin sa ibang mga wika kapag hiniling.

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6 MAY 4-6, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

Social problems

OpiniOn & Features

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FILIPINOS must be at least 21 years old to play in a casino. But there are no age restrictions for online gaming and the numerous numbers games such as jueteng and masiao that are illegal but continue to proliferate, because some of the biggest operators are local political kingpins.

So even adolescents, most of whom are familiar with gadgets, can gamble online, with cockfighting among the most popular. Online cockfighting or e-sabong has become a multibillion-peso enterprise, with little state regulation except for the need to secure a franchise and pay taxes.

A good indication of the lucrativeness of the enterprise is the reported involvement of police officers, whether retired or in active duty, in the operations. Government personnel are prohibited from playing in casinos and other gambling establishments, but such rules are vague when it comes to online gaming.

Cops are suspected of involvement in the disappearance of over 30 e-sabong aficionados in Metro Manila, Bulacan and Laguna since last year. Probers suspect that the kidnappings, several of which were caught on surveillance video, could be linked to cockfight game fixing.

Addressing the issue over the weekend, President Duterte expressed suspicion that the

missing men had been killed and their remains burned. The President mentioned this as he acknowledged the “social problems” arising from a poorly regulated gambling activity.

He said he had ordered the Department of the Interior and Local Government to study the matter and come up with recommendations on what to do with e-sabong, which he has refused to stop, saying the government needs the P640 million in annual revenues collected from the games. If the earnings cited by the country’s e-sabong operators are accurate, however, that P640 million is a gross underpayment of what is due the government.

The President had cited the same need to collect taxes for rejecting calls, including requests from Beijing, to stop offshore gaming operated in the Philippines by Chinese firms and catering mostly to overseas Chinese, who are banned in their own country from online gambling.

Some lawmakers have pointed out that the

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. has no authority to issue franchises to online gaming operations. Actual cockfights are under the supervision of local government units. With

every aspect of e-sabong messed up, it should at least be suspended until clear regulations are in place or the President decides to abolish the online games. (Philstar.com)

US Filipinos for Good Governance exposes Duterte-Marcos trolls on new tracker to fight against disinformation ahead of the May 9 elections

The Fil-Am Perspective Gel SantoS-ReloS “TROLLS? Show me one, they don’t exist,” Bongbong Marcos repeatedly claims.

Well, he is lying and here is very solid concrete evidence that you can see with your own eyes.

The Fil-Am group U.S. Filipinos for Good Governance (USFGG) exposes Duterte-Marcos trolls through the website TrollExposer. com.

According to USFGG, Troll Exposer is a new weapon in the arsenal against disinformation.

Rather than focusing on content, Troll Exposer detects and publicly exposes the social media accounts that are spreading this harmful disinformation so everyone can see who these liars are.

Quoting the website: “Part of this denial may be a misconception that trolls operate in large buildings similar to a call center. While that does happen, trolls are quite capable of doing their work remotely, and some of the trolls we’ve discovered appear to work remotely and are spread throughout the world. There is also the likelihood that foreign troll ‘farms’ are being used by some candidates, which would make it hard for them to find.”

How to spot a stealthy troll Sometimes fake accounts and trolls are easy to identify. In some of our other investigations, we were able to quickly spot obvious fake accounts and obvious troll behavior. Spotting BBM trolls is more difficult, and that may explain his confidence in insisting that there aren’t any.

One of the difficulties in finding

trolls is that they are hard to distinguish trolls from “super fans.” There are ardent fans that follow multiple Bongbong Marcos Facebook pages and groups, and share and comment on the posts there. For an authentic user, doing authentic social interaction, that activity would be mixed in with other day-to-day social interactions and interests, and would likely be sporadic, rather than appearing to be a full-time job.

In our analysis, we’ve looked at sharing and commenting behaviors, and whether we can classify trolls as distribution trolls (sharing from a source page to multiple destination pages), commenting trolls (enhancing the perceived popularity of a post by increasing its comments), and fake accounts dedicated to filling their profile posts with 100% proMarcos content.

We include anti-opponent content in the same category with pro-Marcos content. Very few accounts specialize in only positive or only negative messaging.

The negative messaging usually involves insults to Leni Robredo’s intelligence, minimizing her accomplishments, criticizing the behavior of her supporters, accusing her of corruption, and fear-mongering about election tampering and what the country would be like under a Robredo presidency.

Political cartoons with these themes are commonly shared on pages and accounts that are proBBM. We’ve noticed a targeted effort to “red-tag” Leni Robredo as a communist terrorist. This has

grown out of a Duterte-era redtagging effort overseen by the Strategic Communications Cluster of the NTF ELCAC. The entire troll network is dedicated to attacking Leni Robredo and Maria Ressa, founder of the news site Rappler and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. We have issued a separate report on this troll network: statesponsored red-tagging of Leni Robredo on Facebook.

We recognize that there is a level of this activity that is normal for a Marcos supporter. So, when we identify a troll, we take a wholistic view. We look at the authenticity of the account, any troll-like behaviors of the account, and evidence of coordination with other accounts to spread propaganda.

First, we look for evidence that the account isn’t authentic. If the account is a troll, there is often some evidence that the account is fake, i.e. lack of full facial photos and About information that could be used for identification. Trolls generally want to stay anonymous and so don’t reveal information that could tie the troll activity to the actual person performing it.

“Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior” is prohibited on Facebook. Frequently this means fake accounts using automation and acting together on posts as soon as they are posted. It is possible for authentic accounts to participate in coordinated inauthentic behavior. For example a volunteer could use their own Facebook account to perform coordinated troll activities.

Secondly, we look for excessive troll behaviors. Sharing a few posts to your page is normal.

The importance of the US-ASEAN Special Summit Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez AT the conclusion of the 2020 US elections, we immediately reached out to Antony Blinken, who is now Secretary of State, and other advisers such as Deputy Assistant to the President and White House National Security Council Coordinator for IndoPacific Affairs Kurt Campbell and Assistant Secretary of Defense for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs Dr. Ely Ratner.

We were pleased that shortly after taking office in January 2021, the administration of President Biden set the wheels in motion to reach out to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) through the ASEAN Committee in Washington (ACW) composed of ASEAN ambassadors to the US. The ACW diplomats regularly engage with the White House, US congressmen and senators, key

government officials as well as private sector groups to elevate the profile of the regional bloc and bring focus on issues of concern.

Aside from trade and investments, among the predominant topics of course include the COVID-19 situation and the hate crimes being perpetrated against Americans of Asian descent.

Reaching out to ASEAN is something we appreciate from the Biden administration, and scheduling the US-ASEAN Special Summit in Washington, D.C. this May is not only timely but important as well in underscoring the continued importance that the United States places on the region amid the growing crisis in Ukraine.

The special summit is being held to coincide with the 45 years of relations between the US and ASEAN, and is an opportunity to reinforce the important role that Southeast Asia plays in the Indo-Pacific region as highlighted in the concept of ASEAN “centrality.” This is enshrined in the organization’s charter and is based on the principles of openness, transparency and inclusivity in dealing and

cooperating with external partners.

This centrality was explained in the statement issued by ASEAN leaders in June 2019 following the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok.

Titled “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific,” the statement took note of the “geopolitical and geostrategic shifts” happening in the Asia Pacific and Indian Ocean regions, with Southeast Asia “at the center of these dynamic regions.”

In short, ASEAN plays a central and strategic role and, as such, it is in the interest of Southeast Asian nations to “lead the shaping of their economic and security architecture and ensure that such dynamics will continue to bring about peace, security, stability and prosperity for the peoples in the Southeast Asia as well as in the wider Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions or the IndoPacific.”

The statement, which enumerated a broad range of areas of cooperation that include peaceful settlement of disputes, promoting maritime safety and security as well as connectivity, stressed ASEAN’s

Sharing them multiple times in a row, sharing a dozen per day, or sharing hundreds is not. Sharing hundreds of posts to other pages without sharing any to your own is also not normal authentic behavior. Commenting on a post with an authentic opinion expressed in words is normal.

Commenting 10 times in a row on the same post is not. Commenting on posts with a propaganda image or a simple phrase like “solid BBM” or only slightly varied, i.e.

“SOLID BBM” can be authentic if not done to excess.

Our findings The BBM social media presence is vast and has been created over more than six years (it started before his vice presidential bid in 2016). Our analysis covers a sample of the BBM-dedicated Facebook pages and groups. It cannot be considered complete.

We firmly believe that there are more BBM trolls than those we are exposing here.

Our analysis is based on public information. We did not examine or infiltrate private groups or private posts. This limits our ability to detect overt coordination which may be happening in private groups. Still, a troll’s job is to make sure people see the propaganda they are in charge of spreading, so not being able to view private activity does not prevent us from identifying trolls. People can keep all their Facebook activity private if they choose, and those people are not likely to be trolls.

Today we expose 100 BBM trolls. In our interactive BBM troll network report, we list each of the trolls and provide our analysis on

why we identify them as trolls, and a link to their Facebook profile so that you can see for yourself. You don’t need to take our word for it.“ According to USFGG, Marcos’ trolls are sophisticated in comparison to the other trolls we’ve found in this election. Their accounts very often look and may be authentic.

There are three types of troll activity: distribution, commenting, and filling up profiles and pages with Marcos content. Some trolls shared hundreds of Marcos posts to their own pages, making their user profile posts look similar to a dedicated Marcos page.

Distribution (taking posts from one page and sharing them to multiple other pages) and commenting (frequently with a propaganda image or a short phrase) don’t show on an account’s profile, so spotting a Marcos troll without knowing what they have been doing on other pages is difficult.

Go to: www.TrollExposer.com.

Click “explore Bongbong Marcos Trolls” and you can actually track these trolls. They are named. You see their posts.

One of the many disinformation campaigns using trolls is to redtag Leni Robredo. This is the President and the National task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) publicly sponsored red-tagging that according to the website, has expanded its charter to include a massive effort to brand Leni Robredo as a communist traitor. You see the diagram with circles that reveal the network of trolls, their fake news posts.

And taxpayers’ money is being used for this dirty political tactic to deceive you and dissuade you from voting for Leni. There are more. Check out the website.

REPORT them. They are toxic.

They pollute our minds with toxic lies for money! They are traitors just like Marcos and Duterte in doing this. Report them and ask Facebook to shut down these accounts NOW! FIGHT against disinformation peddled by Marcos and Duterte and their minions.

Soldier on for the Truth. Marcos and Duterte have been robbing us of the TRUTH and our right to important information that is important for us to make informed conscientious decisions.

Our sacred election is the bedrock of our democracy.

Protect our democracy, our freedom, our right to have clean, honest, orderly and peaceful election that will reflect the true WILL of the Filipino people. Fight for our right to have “Gobyernong Tapat!” ***

intention to “strengthen and give new momentum for existing ASEAN-led mechanisms to better face challenges and seize opportunities arising from the current and future regional and global environments.”

Analysts have long recognized the importance of Southeast Asia relative to the national security strategy of the United States in the Indo-Pacific, and in light of the growing prominence of China. US policymakers must navigate the challenge of sustaining foreign policy commitments that would uphold US interests while also serving the needs of the region.

Last February, the White House released the Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States, recognizing the “undeniable reality” that the Indo-Pacific is the most dynamic region in the world and that its future affects people everywhere. Aside from advancing a free and open IndoPacific, the strategy also aims to drive prosperity in the region, with the US remaining as the “number one investment partner in ASEAN member-countries.”

Connectivity is also highlighted, with the US set on building collective capacity within and beyond the region through several initiatives, including the

deepening of regional treaty alliances with Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand.

As a member of ASEAN, it is important for the Philippines to play a major role in shaping future policies that would sustain economic growth while boosting human development to fight poverty and uplift the lives of people in the region.

It is unfortunate that the summit is scheduled for May 12 shortly after our elections, that is why I totally understand why President Duterte cannot attend it. As the President pointed out, we will definitely have a presidentelect by then, so he was being prudent, opting not to attend out of delicadeza, and avoid making decisions or commitments at the summit that might not be aligned with the policies of our next president.

Secretary Teddy Locsin will represent the President. I have no doubt our participation at the summit will be very important for us since discussions will center on a wide range of areas of mutual interest and concern such as defense and security, future pandemic response, climate change, maritime cooperation, economic engagement,

energy, digital technology and strengthening people-to-people ties, among others.

Just before we relinquished our chairmanship of the ACW last January, we had successful meetings with US officials that included Ely Ratner and White House National Security Advisers.

We also had meetings with US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry and just recently, we met with USTranscom Commander Gen. Jacqueline Van Ovost at the Philippine embassy in Washington.

The US-ASEAN Special Summit in May and our National Day celebration in June will be two of the last significant events I will be attending before the end of my term in Washington, DC. It’s not only been an honor to represent the President in such an important post but, more importantly, it’s been a privilege to serve our country and the Filipino people. (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 Relos

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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SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL • MAY 4-6, 2022

7

Release De Lima – Robredo

by Ma.

Manny Pacquiao, Philippine boxing legend and presidential candidate, speaks during a campaign stop ahead of the May 9 presidential election.

Philstar.com file photo

Pacquiao overtakes Isko in latest Pulse Asia survey

by Gaea

Katreena Philstar.com

CabiCo

MANILA — Sen. Manny Pacquiao placed third in the latest Pulse Asia survey released Monday, May 2, overtaking Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso.

In a survey published just one week before the May 9 polls, Pacquiao ranked third, with a voter support of 7%. The boxerturned-politician gained one point from his rating in March.

Moreno dropped to fourth place after suffering a four-point loss.

UP Political Science professor Jean Franco told Philstar.com that Pacquiao’s sincerity and consistency during the campaign could have contributed to this development.

"The presscon of Isko also turned people off," Franco added.

'Disastrous' Easter presser The survey period from April 16 to 21 covered the Easter Sunday press conference at the Peninsula Manila Hotel, where the Manila mayor called on Vice President Leni Robredo to withdraw her candidacy as he criticized attempts to get other aspirants quit the high-stakes presidential race.

Pacquiao was supposed to participate in the press conference also attended by Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and former Arroyo Cabinet member Norberto Gonzales, but he missed it due to flight delays.

Some volunteer groups that backed Domagoso recently

announced their support for Robredo.

Pacquiao’s latest numbers in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon and Visayas were unchanged, but he gained three points in Mindanao.

Domagoso dropped by two points in the capital region and in Balance Luzon, by five points in Visayas, and by six points in Mindanao.

Former Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara DuterteCarpio remained the top pick for president and vice president of many Filipinos. Marcos maintained a voter support of 56%, while his rival Robredo dropped by one point to 23%.

Lacson still placed fifth with only voter support of 2%. g

Reina Leanne ToLenTino , FRancis eaRL cueTo

VICE President Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo called for the freeing of Sen. Leila De Lima from detention after former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) officer in charge Rafael Ragos recanted his testimony against the senator.

Ragos was the second individual to disavow his testimony against the senator after self-confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa.

"Patunay lang ito ng katotohanang matagal ko nang iginigiit: Walang kaso laban kay Sen. Leila De Lima. Ang tanging kasalanan niya ay ang magsabi ng totoo at ipagtanggol ang karapatan ng mga kapwa natin Pilipino (This is proof of what I have been asserting all along: There is no case against Sen. Leila De Lima. Her only fault was telling the truth and defending the rights of our fellow Filipinos)," Robredo, a candidate for president in May, said in a statement Monday, May 2.

De Lima has been detained since 2017 on drug-related charges.

Last year, one of the three cases filed against her was dismissed.

ManilaTimes.net

Ragos said that he was "forced" to execute affidavits "due to threats of being detained... for the crime of engaging in the illegal drug trade that I did not commit."

Earlier, the Department of Justice said Espinosa's retraction will not affect the two remaining cases against De Lima. It said that his statements were not used by the prosecution as evidence in any of the cases.

Also on Monday, Philippine National Police chief Gen. Dionardo Bernardo Carlos said he has ordered an inquiry into Espinosa's claim that he was threatened by police into implicating De Lima.

Carlos said in an interview that the Internal Affairs Service and the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management will investigate the matter.

But he said that Espinosa's statement is not the only basis of the senator's case.

De Lima was accused of using contributions from the illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison to fund her 2016 Senate run.

"There are other evidences and affidavits that are part of

and

JoMaR canLas

the proceedings," Carlos said.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said that like Espinosa, Ragos could face perjury charges for lying about the "money-making" schemes at the BuCor and the New Bilibid Prison.

Ragos alleged he was coerced by then-Justice secretary Vitaliano Aguirre into giving false testimony against De Lima.

Guevarra said he has not seen Ragos' statement, but the former BuCor official could be charged with perjury for retracting his testimony.

"When a person willfully declares a false statement under oath, and another statement under oath nullifying the other sworn statement, one of these statements is obviously untrue and subjects the declarant to a possible charge of perjury," he said.

Prosecutor General Ben Malcontento has revealed that Espinosa is no longer a state witness after he was dropped from the Witness Protection Program of the Justice department for trying to escape from the National Bureau of Investigation's holding facility

Tulfo, Legarda share top spot in Pulse Asia survey for senator MANILA — Broadcast journalist Raffy Tulfo and Antique Rep. Loren Legarda shared the top spot in the senatorial race in the recent Pulse Asia survey.

The survey — conducted on April 16 to 21, while results were released Monday — showed that more than half of the probable winners in the May 9 polls are former or incumbent legislators.

“Currently sharing the top spot are Mr. Raffy Tulfo (50.4%) and Antique Representative Loren Legarda (49.4%), both of whom have a statistical ranking of 1st to 2nd places,” Pulse Asia said in a statement.

Actor Robin Padilla is in third to

fourth places with a 42.9-percent voter preference while Taguig City-Pateros Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano’s 42.3-percent voter preference puts him in third to fifth places.

Former senator and incumbent Sorsogon Governor Francis Escudero received 38.6 percent which sets him to a ranking of fourth to eighth.

Reelectionists Sherwin Gatchalian and Juan Miguel Zubiri are settling in the fifth to ninth places, both having 37 percent.

Former Public Works and Highways chief Mark Villar got a voter preference of 35.9 percent, landing him in the fifth to 12th

places.

Backed by 34.3 percent of likely voters, former Senator JV Estrada Ejercito ranked sixth to 12th.

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay, reelectionist Risa Hontiveros, and former Senator Jinggoy Estrada all placed eighth to 12th.

Binay got 32.5 percent while Hontiveros and Estrada both received 32.3 percent.

Pulse Asia noted that 41 percent of the voters have a complete slate for the upcoming elections. It added that 2.8 percent did not support any of the 64 senatorial HOLY DAY. Filipino-Muslims perform in unison a Salat al-Eid or Eid prayer near the Golden Mosque in Quiapo, Manila on Monday, May 2. The hopefuls. (Daniza Fernandez/ month-long Ramadan of fasting and praying ends Monday.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan Inquirer.net)

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8 MAY 4-6, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

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Vice President Leni Robredo during the Tagayan, a ritual sealing the “Quezonduan” between presidential candidate and the people of Quezon on April 28, Thursday at the Quezonduan: Grand People’s Rally in Lucena City, Quezon.

Inquirer.net photo

Leni Robredo’s people’s campaign would prevail on D-Day despite surveys, says spox

by Gabriel

Pabico Inquirer.net

lalu

MANILA — Even if there was little movement in Vice President Leni Robredo’s survey numbers as of April, her spokesperson said on Monday that they are confident that the people’s campaign would emerge victorious come May 9, election day.

In a statement, Robredo’s spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said that despite her losing one percentage point in Pulse Asia’s latest polls, the numbers confirm Robredo’s upward trajectory — adding that the house-to-house campaign has shown how many people are now supporting the Vice President.

“The latest Pulse survey conducted last April further confirms Vice President Leni Robredo’s upward trajectory and momentum […] The remaining weeks of the campaign have seen intensified efforts at houseto-house, person to person

campaigning by thousands of volunteers, which we believe will translate to support on election day,” Gutierrez said.

“This has truly become a people’s campaign, a grassroots movement of Filipinos from all walks of life and from all over the Philippines. We put our trust that this people’s campaign will win the day on May 9,” he added.

Gutierrez claimed that the survey has not captured the 412,000-strong rally in Pasay City for Robredo’s 57th birthday last April 23 — as Pulse Asia conducted the study from April 16 to 21.

A lot of the country’s A-list celebrities showed up to endorse Robredo in the Pasay grand rally — among them Maricel Soriano, Vice Ganda, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Janno Gibbs, Gary Valenciano, and John Arcilla all supporting Robredo.

“Her numbers remain encouraging, even if the survey does not yet capture the series

of massive rallies from mid April onwards, including the record breaking 400k+ Pasay Rally on April 23,” he added.

In April, Pulse Asia’s survey showed Robredo still being a far second to frontrunner and former senator Bongbong Marcos.

Robredo’s voter share was at 23 percent, while Marcos kept his 56 percent share since last March.

This is not the first time that Robredo’s camp expressed confidence in their chances despite the huge gap between her and Marcos. Last March 14, when Pulse Asia data showed Robredo only having 15 percent of the votes, Gutierrez said that the survey did not capture the big rallies held by the opposition — including the PasigLaban sortie which drew over 137,000 attendees.

Then, when Robredo’s survey numbers increased, Gutierrez said that the surveys are starting to reflect the massive groundswell already. g

conducted from April 16 to 21, Moreno slid to fourth place with four percent, down from eight percent in the March survey, overtaken by fellow presidential aspirant Sen. Manny Pacquiao, who garnered seven percent.

“Four percent? Talaga? Good luck to me,” he said.

Moreno registered his lowest placing in the latest survey since he declared his presidential bid last year.

His Pulse Asia ratings had ranged from eight percent to 10 percent from January to March, and his OCTA Research survey from nine to 12 percent in December,

February and April surveys.

Moreno acknowledged that he has always had slim chances in surveys, but vowed not back out from the derby.

“Pray for me, I need a miracle,” Moreno told an elderly woman, who comforted him with an embrace.

He downplayed election survey as a form of “mind conditioning,” which creates an impression to the public that the presidential race is a contest between two political factions – that of Vice President Leni Robredo and the late dictator’s son former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. g

Isko Moreno laughs off survey ratings

by Marc Jason

cayabyab

Philstar.com

MANILA — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Tuesday, May 3 laughed off his dismal Pulse Asia ratings and bid himself good luck as he prayed for a miracle in the May 9 elections.

With just days before the end of the campaign period, Moreno returned to his mayoral duties on Tuesday as he cancelled his sortie in Quezon province to inspect the ongoing renovation of the Dr. Alejandro Albert Elementary School in Sampaloc.

In the Pulse Asia survey

EMPLOYMENT

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Olivia Rodrigo, Bruno Mars, Bretman Rock and more Filipinos among Gold House’s most impactful APIs list

by Klarize

A

Medenilla / AJPress

LIGNING with Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM), the Asian Pacific Islander (API) advocacy group Gold House released its yearly “A100” list, which honors the most impactful APIs in the culture over the past year.

Bella Poarch Photo from Instagram/@bellapoarch

Rappler co-founder and chief executive officer Maria Ressa AJPress file photo

Rachell “Rae” Hofstetter (aka Valkyrae) Photo from Instagram/@valkyrae

Gold House, which describes itself as a “changemaker” in the API community that promotes all representatives of the vast API community, released the list on Hailee Steinfeld Monday, May 2.

Photo from Instagram/@haileesteinfeld Additionally, the organization announced its first ever Gold Gala, an inaugural in-person to take place on May 21 when the honorees on this year’s A100 list will be celebrated.

Among the esteemed list, this year, 13 Filipinos made the grade, including pop music chart-toppers Olivia Rodrigo and Bruno Mars (honored with Silk Sonic collaborator Anderson. Paak), both of whom struck gold at the 2022 Jo Koy Photo from Instagram/@jokoy Grammy Awards.

In addition, comedian and showrunner Jo Koy and Oscar-nominated actor Hailee Steinfeld also made the list, as well as popular internet personalities: influencers Bretman Rock and Bella Poarch and one of the leading video game streamers Rachelle “Rae” Hofstetter, aka Valkyrae.

The list honored Filipinos in professional sports: Olympic gold medalists Lee Kiefer and Justine Wong-Orantes, Olympian surfer Carissa Kainani Bretman Rock Photo from Instagram/@bretmanrock Moore, and NBA stars Jordan

Olivia Rodrigo

Silk Sonic

Clarkson and Jalen Green.

And, to honor her efforts in speaking truth to power in the motherland, Maria Ressa, journalist and founder of Rappler, was also on the list.

Hall of Fame.

In a statement released by Gold House, the organization said, “The A100 List honors trailblazers who are at the forefront of this ‘New Gold Age.’ The honorees are selected across industry categories, and each category highlights an A1 who has demonstrated the most impact in their respective industries over the past year.”

The A100 list is voted on through a “rigorous and Photo from Instagram/@oliviarodrigo comprehensive process” conducted by a panel of several of the community’s top tastemakers, including celebrated Filipina singer-actor Lea Salonga.

Many might call the current moment an Asian renaissance, a period where Asians across all industries — particularly in entertainment, professional sports, business, science, and art — are thriving and making big moves in mainstream culture, and Filipinos are pivotal to that surge.

For the last two years, the Photo from Instagram/@brunomars API community has undergone In addition to those on several ups and downs, most the broader list, Gold House notably the increase in violence also honored Grammy Award against Asians amid the and Oscar-winning musician coronavirus pandemic. Those H.E.R. and businessman Manny within the #StopAsianHate Maceda to the organization’s Continued on Page 10

entertainment Sarah, Matteo in first magazine cover as couple

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 4, 2022

SARAH Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli exuded romance in a nature-themed shoot for lifestyle magazine Tatler Philippines, which marked the couple’s first ever cover together.

Geronimo donned a white off-shoulder dress paired with black boots while riding a horse, as seen on photographer Mark Nicdao’s Instagram page on Monday, May 2. Guidicelli, wearing a green and brown jacket, white pants and black boots, stood beside Geronimo while holding her steed.

“The Guidicellis’ Matt and Sarah on [Tatler Philippines],” Nicdao said.

The couple also sat next to a stony brook, with Guidicelli hugging Geronimo from the back.

The actress was wearing a checkered overall suit while the actor posed in a gray tank top and black boots.

Guidicelli then thanked the team behind the photo shoot, disclosing that it took them two years before finally shooting the cover, as per his Instagram page, also today.

“To this team that made the TATLER Cover come to life, thank you,” he said. “Let’s keep loving and protecting our beautiful land!”

Continued on Page 12

The Power of Strings: A night of music and fashion

LOS ANGELES — InterEdx and Marte Productions Inc present the Power of Strings, A Night of Music and Fashion on June 4, 2022, Saturday at the Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, 8555 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Doors open with cocktail reception at 4:00PM. For more information, visit www. powerofstrings.info Contact (626)484-0807.

To get a discounted rate, use coupon code: aj2022 Marston Smith Marston is an artist, musician, actor and producer. He is a member of SAG-AFTRA. He was placed on screen in many movies such as the time he played a Science Officer who plays cello in StarTrek Next Generation, Sarek episode contracted by Johnny Olive.

Marston received the WCMA Instrumentalist of the Year Award.

Jordan Clarkson Justine Wong-Orantes He recorded with everyone in the heyday Jalen Green Photo from Instagram/@jalen Photo from Instagram/@jordanclarksons Photo from Instagram/@jwongorantes of the Hollywood recording era: Neil DIamond, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Michael & Janet Jackson, Earth Wind & Fire, Melissa Manchester, Pointer Sisters, Elton John, and about two From Page 9 hundred other artists and corporate events for Google, Canadian National, Universal, NFL, movement continue to PGA, Disney and Cirque du Soleil. Marston is advocate for better protection member of the Recording Academy Grammys. for the community, and for Marston is also a painter and a sculptor many, that starts with making at www.MalibuSculptor.com. known the positive impact For more info, visit: the API community across all https://lordofthecello.com/bio industries. https://www.facebook.com/marston.smith A100 panelist Daniel http://malibusculptor.com Dae Kim said in a statement, (Advertising Supplement) “Though the news cycle may have moved on, it’s clear to anyone following that the challenges facing the AAPI community remain. It’s vitally important that we continue to reclaim our narrative by celebrating and honoring the achievements of those of us making a positive impact on Lee Kiefer Carissa Moore our world today.”

Photo from Instagram/@leetothekiefer Photo from Instagram/@rissmoore10

Olivia Rodrigo, Bruno Mars...

Called the “the Cello Master Blaster” by the LA Times, Marston Smith is the Lord of the Cello.

Good things to come for eastern entrance to Pahrump

community

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 4, 2022

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By RealtoR Fely Quitevis-Bateman DEVELOPMENT continues to take place in Pahrump, a town located some 62 miles west of Las Vegas, and one of the neighboring communities positively impacted by the great things happening in the gambling and entertainment capital in the western United States.

In a recent news development, a company named Adaven Management went before the Nye County Commission to provide an update on a development agreement that was approved more than two decades ago that, if things go according to plan, will see quite a change to the eastern entrance into the town.

What is planned is a construction of a roundabout on Highway 160 at Manse Road, something that the company has been working with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT). According to a company official, the project is currently under review and it is expected to receive the green light to start on the project sometime in the near future.

Apart from construction plans for the roundabout, Adaven revealed in a recent Pahrump Valley Times report that it is being required “to provide rights of way necessary for the constuction of the roundabout, as well as to provide construction funds to build the roundabout.” It added that the company would like to start the construction as soon as the NDOT will allow them.

The planned roundabout will provide access to a planned Common Interest Community dubbed “Mountain Falls South.”

The development agreement provides for the company and its associated parties to build

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman with Nye County Chief Planner Brett Waggoner, who confirmed about the two roundabouts coming on Highway 160.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (extreme right) attended a meeting with three Nye County commissioners who are leaning towards the approval of a glove factory on Mesquite/Avenue of the Stars in Pahump.

around 5,160 residential units in the planned community. The subdivision’s location is on approximately 1,177 acres of land southwest of the intersection of Manse Road and Hafen Ranch Road.

And while it may be a bit of time before homes can be built on the site, other requirements set forth in the development agreement have taken place over the years, including the donation of a 12-acre site for Floyd Elementary School, donation of water rights and necessary sewer connection, as well as

From left: Jenny Truong, Ron Quilang and Alka Products CEO/President Andrew Hoang. Mr. Hoang is behind the proposed glove factory in Pahrump. Phase 1 of the project will reportedly provide 600 jobs in the area.

coordination with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to help establish a church on Manse Road.

Additionally, there has been paving and curb and gutter work done on Manse Road, and installation of a fiber-optic line, which is in line with stipulations in the development agreement that called for certain improvements to be made to Manse Road from the highway to Hafen Ranch Road.

Currently, it is estimated that about $17 million has been invested by Adaven on infrastructure; the roundabout is likely to cost another $1.5 million.

This certainly bodes well for the town of Pahrump as it continues on its way to progress.

Originally inhabited by the Southern Paiute and mostly dotted with ranch-style holdings over 400 hectares in size, Pahrump has grown into a town that major retailers and real estate developers are taking a look at due to its proximity to Las Vegas.

In an article in the Las Vegas Review Journal, it said that a broader acceleration for areas like Pahrump is seen in order to address the needs of homebuyers as real estate and property developers eye new regions where they can set up potential projects. That means more housing in the future, and perhaps an exodus of people looking for the right opportunities in newer markets.

Plus, there’s the boon of the continued rise of real estate prices in the town. Although land prices in Pahrump may not be as low as it was decades ago, it is still an affordable alternative to the rising real estate prices in Las Vegas, which has seen many duking it out for available affordable housing and potential for overbidding.

Real estate in Pahrump has appreciated

One of Realtor Quitevis-Bateman’s investors, Victor Covarubbias (left, seated), also a resident of Tower 2, Turnberry Place, visited Pahrump for a possible site of a Ford dealership. Mr. Covarubbias owns a Ford dealership in California.

With Covarubbias in above photo are (from left) Realtor Quitevis-Bateman and another investor, Jennifer Benedict.

about 155% over the last ten years alone, according to latest data available, which puts the unincorporated town in the top 10% nationally for areas whose real estate values have appreciated exponentially. Due to this, many observers see Pahrump as being one of the best long-term investments that people can make in the United States over the past decade and into the future. Despite a downturn in the housing market, Pahrump’s real estate portfolio has continued to appreciate.

The roundabout is just one of the projects planned in Pahrump. Millions of dollars in projects are being infused in infrastructure which will benefit the town in the long run.

While prices are still affordable, now is the time to look for opportunities in Pahrump and neighboring communities. Whether you are looking to settle in a new place, find your own piece of retirement heaven, or just looking to own land or another property as an investment, Pahrump is a great find and I will help look for the best opportunities available in the market.

Many of my clients have reaped the benefits of their investments in land and property – you could be one of the many individuals and families who can grow their real estate portfolio and net worth by looking at what’s on the market.

My company, Precious Properties, is a fullservice company serving its clientele since 1992 and 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)

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community Auschwitz

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 4, 2022

Immigrant Living: 101 and BeMonette AdevA MAglAyA

ONCE long ago when I was probably 9 or 10, while scouring through my aunt’s bookshelf, I came across a tattered pocketbook. I can’t remember the exact title of the book but it had the words “6 million” on the cover.

Leafing through the pages, I saw black and white captioned pictures. In one photo, there were images of skeletal men and women with sunken, sad eyes staring at the camera wearing black and white striped uniforms with tattooed numbers on their left forearms. There were barbed wires around brick buildings in this place called Auschwitz in Poland.

The haunting images were seared in my mind. In the intervening years, life happened.

Although I would occasionally pick the book and browse through it, I knew that book showed me the darkness of the human soul. It forced me to grow up. That book showed me pure horror.

Fast forward to 2018, more than 50 years later,…

A side trip to Poland from Rome gave me the chance to

(First of 3 Parts)

Edmund Burke once wrote,

“Those who don’t know history are doomed to repeat it.” see Auschwitz up close. The complete name is AuschwitzBirkenau to include another camp in the area. In fact, there were 3 Auschwitz camps, designated I, II and III as Nazi Germany thrived on forced labor. The tour bus drive from beautiful Krakow, where we were staying, was a little less than an hour.

It was a bright day but the tall stand of verdant, mature weeping willow trees with their bowed heads of drooping leaves at the entrance of the Auschwitz Memorial set the somber tone for the day. There were a good number of visitors and sure enough, there were stringent security procedures.

Tightened security measures are signs of our time. Then as now, things Semitic seem to trigger hatred among the evil ones, hatred that boils over to insanity, rage and cruelty.

Pure hatred for the Jews moved Adolf Hitler and Nazi Germany at the height of its power in World War II to murder

How to obtain custody and visitation rights for unmarried dads Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes

ESTABLISHING parentage rights for Moms is a lot easier than establishing one for unmarried Dads. Moms can brutally and systematically 6 establish this by simply showing million Jews. proof of her having given birth I listened intently as our to the child. Family Code expert guide told us the story §7610. of how a million Jews were Establishing parentage murdered in that place. I had rights, including custody and to keep up because there was visitation rights, becomes more so much to take in. We walked between the barracks where the problematic with unmarried Dads because proving yourself prisoners were kept. as the biological father does Auschwitz Camp I had not automatically make you 20 barracks initially. I felt as the natural father of the child. though silent ghosts were still Under the family code, there looking out from behind bars after 7 years since the last living are competing presumptions of paternity which allows the non prisoner left hell on earth for biological father to be deemed freedom in the winter of 1945. the natural father of the child.

In 1939, Germany invaded A typical situation is when Poland and much of Europe’s boyfriend gets girlfriend neck was under its boots. pregnant. Girlfriend for some Auschwitz, a part of Hitler’s reason decides to exclude final solution to exterminate boyfriend from baby’s life so the Jews in Europe, was kept a secret from the world for 2 years she breaks up with boyfriend, does not give the boyfriend any in the beginning of the war. It information about her delivery, was located in South Poland on and does not state the boyfriend 15 acres. It was chosen for the main railroad that went through as the father in the birth certificate or decides to name Poland and Germany. someone else as the father.

The death camp was Continued on Page 13 Girlfriend does this because her

parents disapprove of the ex boyfriend.

One way a presumption of Paternity is created is by executing a voluntary declaration of paternity. A Voluntary declarations executed before 1997 give rise to a conclusive presumption of paternity and can be overcome only by blood or genetic tests ordered on noticed motion by the mother or presumed father must be made within three years of the date of execution of the voluntary declaration Family.Code. § 7576; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W. (2009) 175 CA4th 1119, 1133, 95 CR3d 477, 485 If the voluntary declaration of paternity is executed after 1996, it is not characterized as a conclusive presumption.

Instead, it “shall establish the paternity of a child and shall have the same force and effect as a judgment for paternity issued by a court of competent jurisdiction” and trumps §7611 presumptions discussed below. A post 1996 voluntary declaration of paternity “shall be recognized as a basis for the establishment of an order for child custody, visitation, or child support.” Family .Code §§ 7573, 7644; Kevin Q. v. Lauren W., supra, 175 CA4th at 1132, 95 CR3d at 485; In re J.L. (2008) 159 CA4th 1010, 1019, 72 CR3d 27, 33.

Another way of establishing presumed father status is if you fall under any of the categories listed (a) to (f) under family code §7611: (a) He and the child’s natural mother are or have been married to each other and the child is born during the marriage, or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce, or after a judgment of separation is entered by a court. (b) Before the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have attempted to marry each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true: (1) If the attempted marriage could be declared invalid only by a court, the child is born during the attempted marriage, or within 300 days after its termination by death, annulment, declaration of invalidity, or divorce.

(2) If the attempted marriage is invalid without a court order, the child is born within 300 days after the termination of cohabitation. (c) After the child’s birth, he and the child’s natural mother have married, or attempted to marry, each other by a marriage solemnized in apparent compliance with law, although the attempted marriage is or could be declared invalid, and either of the following is true: (1) With his consent, he is named as the child’s father on the child’s birth certificate.

(2) He is obligated to support the child under a written voluntary promise or by court order. (d) He receives the child into his home and openly holds out the child as his natural child. (e) If the child was born and resides in a nation with which the United States engages in an Orderly Departure Program or successor program, he acknowledges that he is the child’s father in a declaration under penalty of perjury, as specified in Section 2015.5 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

This subdivision shall remain in effect only until January 1, 1997, and on that date shall become inoperative. (f) The child is in utero after the death of the decedent and the conditions set forth in Section 249.5 of the Probate

Sarah Geronimo and Matteo Guidicelli

Code are satisfied.

An alleged biological father who does not meet any of the § 7611 conditions for presumed father status has no constitutionally-protected “liberty interest” in establishing a parentage relationship with a child as against the rights of a presumptive father who has an extant parentage relationship with the child. Dawn D. v. Super.

Ct. (Jerry K.) (1998) 17 C4th 932, 940–942, 72 CR2d 871, 876–877 The facts get even more complicated if the girlfriend, whom boyfriend gets pregnant is married to another man because the law provides a conclusive presumption of paternity to the husband of the girlfriend. Under Family Code §7540, the child of a wife cohabiting at time of conception with her husband, who is not impotent or sterile, is “conclusively” presumed to be a child of the marriage. This conclusive presumption may be challenged by showing that the husband was sterile. It may also be challenged by filing a motion for blood or genetic testing under Family Code §7541 but this has to be done within 2 years of the childs birth.

In addition, only persons with standing can bring this motion which is limited to the husband, child, mother and a presumed father as listed in Family Code §7611 and 7612.

Even absent a recognized rebuttal, the court has discretion as a matter of due process not to apply § 7540 conclusive presumption of paternity when it would not further the statute’s underlying policies of preserving the integrity and stability of an extant marital family, protecting children from the stigma of “illegitimacy,” and promoting individual rather than State responsibility for child support... as where the ostensible § 7540 presumptive father never developed a parental relationship with the child and the only established parentchild relationship is with a third person. Brian C. v. Ginger K. (2000) 77 CA4th 1198, 1200– 1201, 92 CR2d 294, 296; In re Kiana A. (2001) 93 CA4th 1109, 1115, 113 CR2d 669, 675.

Procedurally, the ex boyfriend should file a Petition for Parentage as soon as the child is born. While the case is pending, the ex boyfriend may seek temporary visitation order although this may be on a limited or even monitored basis. If successful in proving parentage, the ex boyfriend may be granted custody and visitation rights. However, the ex boyfriend would also have the obligation of paying child support based on California guidelines. *** 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)

Photo from Instagram/@markednicdao

Sarah, Matteo in...

From Page 10 Liz Uy, the couple’s stylist during the photo shoot, also showed behind-the-scenes moments of Geronimo and Guidicelli, via Uy’s Instagram Stories, also today.

Geronimo and Guidicelli recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary, with the actor promising that they will be “partners for life.” Geronimo also earlier marked her 19th year in show business. (By Anne Pasajol/Inquirer.net)

Nadine’s fulfilled personal and professional life

partner, not in any way to boost her premium. A good material in the hands of an equally good IT may just seem to be a director can make Nadine pure coincidence that Nadine achieve her dream.

Lustre’s last film, “Greed” is a Nadine must be all the homonym to her ex-boyfriend’s more inspired to try new things. last name, Reid. But of course, As she aptly puts it, just like it wasn’t Viva Entertainment’s James, she is explorative. intention to remind Nadine Maybe, this is also a test to how about her romantic past. The far and wide her artistic talents good thing about her failed can imaginably be. relationship with James is that One perfect example is despite everything that stood in Bela Padilla who has crossed their way, they remain friends. over to both screenwriting and Admirably, on their own directing.

Nadine and James continue to Nadine may want to tap better themselves — she with into her hidden knack for her revitalized career; James storytelling, most especially with his passion for music. now that the environment she’s With an ideal setup rarely surrounded with makes for a found in erstwhile couples, it is rich source of pregnant ideas to reassuring to note that seeing start with. them together in a project Also, given her mirthful anew is not a remote possibility. disposition with her boyfriend For her part, Nadine has Christophe Bariou there can signified her interest in working be no room for failure. It is to with James, only that much of it Nadine’s advantage that love depends on the reunion project fills the air with Christophe as if ever. her source of joy.

Categorically, Nadine shuns To the guy’s credit, this is recycled plots. If it’s not James perhaps the first time we heard in the film, Nadine has strictly Nadine proudly talk about how decreed never to pair her with everything about her personal a love team. life seems to have fallen in the Eventually for actresses like right place. her, she won’t need a screen To use a figure of speech, By ronnie

CarrasCo ManilaTimes.net

Auschwitz...

From Page 12 converted from a previous complex of Polish military barracks. Crematories, gas chambers and warehouses were added. There was housing for the camp commandant, Rudolf Hess, and his brutal SS guards.

There was, alongside the camp, an industrial complex of factories that systematically fed off the camp’s slave labor for a host of companies that was building Nazi Germany’s war machinery. In many parts of Europe, these companies supported Hitler. Most were German companies but a few were from England, like Barclays, from Switzerland, like Nestle and even from the US, like Chase.

Complicit with the war effort at the time are globally recognized names. They included Deutsche Bank, Siemens, Daimler Benz of Mercedes Benz, Audi, BMW and Bayer. Hundreds of thousands of slave labor were used, particularly in the automotive industry. Hugo Boss designed and manufactured the smart looking, sleek German uniforms.

To this day, there are many other companies that continue to thrive globally, 77 years later.

Sadly, billions of people today remain largely unaware or ignorant of these companies’ involvement in various capacities in the holocaust. Some of these companies were forced into cooperation by expediency or the need to survive but most were clearly in for the pure

profit motive — humanity be damned.

After the war, there were recriminations and sanctions.

There were political apologies and largely unknown and undisclosed monetary reparations made to the Jewish nation through the years that followed.

But if there was genuine contrition and complete change of heart, only God knows for certain. With the passage of time and our collective human tendency to refuse to learn from the past, anti-Semitism is once again percolating and heating up once more. A final reckoning is yet to come.

Walking through the exhibits, I was riveted by the display of the mountain of empty gas canisters which contained the gas, Zyklon (Cyclone, an insecticide), used for the gas chambers. The exhibits showed the mountains of luggage, shoes, and personal effects — of eyeglasses, pipes, canes and myriad others. There was a huge mound of hair cuttings. These drew gasps among the visitors.

The black and white photos of the prisoners along the corridor walls of one of the barracks put faces to the numbers. Each photo staring out of the walls told a tragic story.

(To be continued…) ***

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints

she describes her and Christophe like “two peas in a pod,” sharing a lot of interests even the most inane ones.

Nadine doesn’t hide the fact that she’s so impressed with Christophe if only to find a guy who’s well-versed in the capitals of the world like no other.

Exactly like her, Christophe is also a sucker for funny, if not shallow videos who gets tickled pink.

On this lies the disparity between Nadine’s ex and present boyfriends.

It was during her happier times with James was Nadine seemingly lost in her career.

The next thing we knew, the ill-advised Nadine found herself in a legal battle with Viva.

Thank God, Nadine is not just back to her old careerdriven self, but is also a picture of an ostensibly happy, lovebug-bitten woman that she never was.

The next time Viva sits with Nadine, maybe it should hear her out as she might have a germ of an idea to lay on the brainstorming table.

Yes, we’d like to see Nadine go a notch higher. With or without James.

entertainment

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 4, 2022

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Filipina Power: Vanessa Hudgens, Olivia Rodrigo bond over ‘High School Musical’ connection at Met Gala 2022

By Marane

a. Plaza

Philstar.com

MANILA — Such a heartwarming moment at the Met Gala transpired between Vanessa Hudgens and Olivia Rodrigo, both Filipina-American actresses who both played Gabriella in the hit Disney show “High School Musical,” as the two gushed over their connection.

“Hello little miss new Gabriella!” Vanessa, who was co-hosting Vogue’s Live Stream alongside La La Anthony and Vogue Editor-at-Large Hamish Bowles, told Olivia in a welcoming, warm greeting.

“I always feel like I have such a connection to you,” she added.

“I know, we’re soul sisters!”

Olivia told her “High School Musical” predecessor.

The Internet went crazy over the super sweet moment between the two Gabriellas, as of the Asian Journal, its management, it was everything, and not just for “High School Musical” fans. editorial board and staff.

Both share the same Filipina *** To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@ roots and amazing singing prowess. asianjournalinc.com The two stars made

Combination photo shows US actress Vanessa Hudgens and Grammy winner Olivia Rodrigo attend the 2022 Met Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 2, 2022, in New York. The Gala raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.

The Gala’s 2022 theme is “In America: An Anthology of Fashion”.

Angela Weiss, Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum / Vogue / AFP

headlines earlier in the fashion event as Vanessa looked like a bohemian princess with her black Moschino sheer gown.

Olivia stunned in her wood nymph-inspired Versace ensemble.

Hudgens originated the role of Gabriella Montez in the “High School Musical” in 2006. And then fast forward to 2019, Rodrigo was in Disney+ show “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series”, in which she played Nini SalazarRoberts, who takes on the role of Gabriella in East High’s stage

production of HSM. Vanessa shared that she was “such a fan” of Gabriella 2.0.

“No pressure, but when are we getting some new music? Because I’ve listened to the album multiple times and I’m so excited to see what you do next,” Vanessa told Olivia, pertaining to the latter’s hit album “Sour.”

“You’re very sweet. [I’m] working on it right now and constantly writing, just want to make sure it’s ready, so yeah… excited for a new era,” Olivia revealed.

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - May 4, 2022