060222 - Las Vegas Edition

LAS VEGAS

We’ve got you covered from Hollywood to Broadway... and Online!

JUNE 2-8, 2022

T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER

Volume 33 - No. 22 • 12 Pages

2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201 Las Vegas, NV 89109 Tel: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

Also published in LOS ANGELES, ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE, NORTHERN CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO, NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Nationwide survey seeks to gauge Fil-Am attitudes on COVID-19 vaccines

Pres. Duterte: ‘It’s really the right time for me to retire’

by DAPHNE

GALVEZ Inquirer.net

Operations Office. when a new president will be sworn into office.

The remark was part of Duterte’s speech, delivered Duterte took the opportunity to recount his years in a mix of Filpino and English, during the recognition in public service as a chief executive, first serving as MANILA — “It’s really the right time for me to ceremony of athletes who participated in the 31st vice mayor of his hometown Davao City all the way A NEW nationwide survey is seeking to retire,” President Rodrigo Duterte said on Tuesday, Southeast Asian Games. The event was live-streamed up to the presidency.  PAGE 2 gauge how the Filipino American community May 31 referring to the end of his term on June 30, on Facebook by the Presidential Communications feels about COVID-19 vaccinations.

The project is being launched by the Filipino Young Leaders Program (FYLPRO), through its Tayo project, the group announced in a recent release.

The MAGPABAKUNA na Tayo (“Measuring and Gathering data on Pilipino/a/x American Behaviors, Attitudes, and Knowledge Understanding the Novel CoronAvirus vaccines”) study is a 20-minute survey that will be conducted online and via telephone

by Tayo and community partners the Council of Young Filipinx Americans in Medicine

by AJPRESS (CYFAM).

The survey is open to all Filipino Americans TO close out Asian American and Pacific Islander over the age of 18 and will be conducted (AAPI) Heritage Month, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto in English and Filipino. Participants can (D-Nevada) gathered community members and leaders answer whether or not they have received in a celebration in Las Vegas. the COVID-19 vaccine.

The dinner event was held at Oming’s Kitchen on Led by Tayo medical advisor Dr. Melissa Tuesday, May 31 as attendees provided an update to the  PAGE 4 senator on how AAPI businesses and community leaders have been doing since the pandemic.

The senator remarked how the AAPI community is one of the fastest-growing, and it has contributed to the economy of the state.

“This community has grown...I was born and raised here. It was not like this. But you see AAPIs and Native Hawaiians now living here, contributing — entrepreneurs, those who are are on the front lines of the pandemic, our health care workers,” she told the Asian Journal. “It’s just

Sen. Cortez Masto hosts Las Vegas AAPI community leaders in Heritage Month celebration

Got long COVID? Medical expertise is vital, seniors should prepare to go slow

OLDER adults who have survived COVID-19 are more likely than younger patients to have persistent symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, muscle aches, heart palpitations, headaches, joint pain, and difficulty with memory and concentration — problems linked to long COVID. But it can be hard to distinguish lingering aftereffects of COVID from conditions common in older adults such as lung disease, heart disease, and mild cognitive impairment. There are no diagnostic tests or recommended treatments for long COVID, and the biological mechanisms that underlie its effects remain poorly understood.

“Identifying long COVID in older adults with other medical conditions is tricky,” said Dr. Nathan Erdmann, an assistant professor of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama-Birmingham’s school of medicine.

Failing to do so means older COVID survivors might not receive appropriate care.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) on Tuesday, May 31 hosted an event with AAPI community members and leaders in a celebration to close out AAPI Heritage Month at Oming’s Kitchen in Las Vegas.

AJPress photo by Robert Macabagdal

 PAGE 2

President-elect Bongbong Marcos to take oath at National Museum

by NEIL

ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net

MANILA — President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will take his oath of office as the 17th chief executive of the country at the historic National Museum of the Philippines on June 30, 2022.

Incoming Presidential Management Staff secretary Zenaida “Naida” Angping said that the area was found to be a “suitable venue” for the oath-taking following the inaugural committee’s ocular inspection.

“The National Museum of Philippines building and its surrounding areas match our requirements for President-elect Marcos’ inauguration. Preparations are already in  PAGE 4 full swing to ensure that it will be ready by

then,” Angping said in a statement.

Angping said the inaugural committee also considered the Quirino Grandstand for Marcos Jr.’s oath-taking.

The committee’s ocular inspection team, however, observed that there were still several COVID-19 facilities in the area.

“The safety and welfare of our people are paramount. As such, we chose to avoid disrupting the medical care being given to the COVID-19 patients housed there.

That’s why we opted for the National Mayor Christina Frasco of Liloan, Cebu, and Erwin Tulfo Museum as the venue,” Angping said.

The National Museum of the Philippines previously served as the venue for the inauguration of former Presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Jose P. Laurel, and Manuel Roxas. n

Robredo congratulates Sara Duterte, prepares smooth transition

by MA.

REINA LEANNE TOLENTINO ManilaTimes.net

VICE President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo is ready to meet with Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio for a smooth transition of power.

Robredo indicated her readiness in a letter responding to DuterteCarpio’s request for an initial meeting between their teams.

“Warmest congratulations on your proclamation as the 15th vice president of the Republic of the Philippines,” Robredo said in the letter dated May 30 to DuterteOutgoing Vice President Leni Robredo and Vice President-elect Sara Duterte ManilaTimes.net file photos Carpio.

“Please be advised that we are ready to meet to answer any questions you may have regarding the Office of the Vice President and to take all necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition,” Robredo said.

The vice president said her chief of staff will contact DuterteCarpio’s team for the meeting.

The incoming vice president had requested the meeting in a letter to Robredo dated May 27.

“To ensure a smooth transition between the outgoing and incoming officials and personnel of the Office of the Vice President,

 PAGE 3

Inquirer.net photos

Marcos names 5 more members of his Cabinet

by JEANNETTE

I. ANDRADE

Inquirer.net

MANILA — After naming key members of his economic team last week, President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. identified on Monday, May 30 five more officials joining his Cabinet, including the spokesperson of Vice Presidentelect Sara Duterte.

At a press briefing at Marcos’ national campaign headquarters in Mandaluyong City, the incoming administration’s Press Secretary nominee Trixie Cruz Angeles announced the nominations of the following: • Liloan, Cebu Mayor Christina Frasco as tourism secretary

• Amenah Pangandaman as head of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) • Erwin Tulfo as social welfare secretary • Lawyer Ivan John Uy as head of the Department of Information and Communications Technology • Former Manila Rep. Ma. Zenaida Angping as chief of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Angeles said the nominees were chosen “generally for their experience in public service and proven service records.”

Frasco was the recipient of the Presidential Lingkod Bayan regional award from the

 PAGE 3

2

JUNE 2-8, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Procurement Dept.

340 N. 11TH Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 PUBLIC NOTICE EFFECTIVE JUNE 21, 2022 AND UNTIL SEPTEMBER 20, 2022 The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) provides subsidized housing for low-income persons who meet both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) and SNRHA’s admission criteria. On-line entries as well as written applications will be accepted June 21, 2022 (beginning at 7:00 a.m.) through Tuesday September 20, 2022 (ending at 5:00 p.m.).

TO PARTICIPATE YOU MUST BE: • 18 years of age or older or legally emancipated: and • A U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant and have legal capacity to enter into a lease under applicable HUD, State and local law.

Please Note: Applications can be submitted on-line (through the internet) by using ANY computer or smart phone that has Internet access by going to SNRHA website https://onlineportal.snvrha.org 1. You must have an email address to apply online.

2. SNRHA will deny any applicants or any member of applicants household who is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program OR has been convicted of manufacturing or producing methamphetamine in a public housing development or in a Section 8 assisted property.

3. Criminal background checks will be conducted on all persons age 18 years and older.

4.Participants will be required to enter the Social Security Number of the Head of Household and Co-Head/Spouse.

5. Please print the Confirmation Page for your records.

6. Report any changes online. Include name, social security number and correct address.

The wait list will be open and we will accept applications for the following programs: MARION BENNETT PLAZA (PBV-RAD) – 1 and 2 Bedrooms BIEGGER ESTATES (PBV-RAD/Las Vegas) –2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms ESPINOZA TERRACE (PBV-RAD/Henderson) –1 and 2 Bedrooms, Head, Spouse or Co-tenant must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

ROSE GARDENS (PBV-RAD/North Las Vegas) –1 and 2 Bedrooms, Head, Spouse or Co-tenant must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

LUBERTHA JOHNSON ESTATES (PBV-RAD) – 1 and 2 Bedrooms, Head, Spouse or Co-tenant must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

DESIGNATED SENIOR (James Down, Sartini Plaza and Levy Gardens) 1 and 2 Bedrooms, Head, Spouse or Co-tenant must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

CORONADO DRIVE (PBV/Henderson) –1 and 2 Bedrooms, Head, Spouse or Co-tenant must be 55 years or older at the time of application.

CONVENTIONAL PUBLIC HOUSING-1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms.

LANDSMAN GARDENS (PBV-RAD/Henderson) –2, 3, 4 and 5 Bedrooms.

JUAN GARCIA (PBV-Las Vegas) – 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms.

ARCHIE GRANT PARK (PBV-RAD/Las Vegas) –1 & 2 Bedrooms VERA JOHNSON MANOR B (PBV-RAD/Las Vegas) –2 and 3 Bedrooms.

VERA JOHNSON MANOR A (Mixed Finance/Las Vegas) –3 Bedrooms.

Applicants meeting the following criteria will be assigned preference points. SNRHA must receive verification of all preferences. Preference points will impact your placement on the waiting list.

The following is a list of possible preference points: • Applicants who work 20 or more hours per week • Full-time students (Age 18 and older in an accredited school or training program • Receiving SSI/SSD or proof of inability to work • 62 years of age or older • Families that live or work within Clark County • Veteran or Spouse of a Veteran • Disabled Veteran (disability must be service connected) • Spouse of a Deceased Veteran (death must be service connected) **Please note that you are applying for the waitlist, SNRHA does not have immediate or emergency housing** **Applications submitted in writing must be date stamped and, in our office, no later than September 20, 2022 by 5:00 p.m.** Written applications are accepted Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 6:00pm (except holidays) at SNRHA’s Admissions Department located at 5390 East Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89122. Disabled and out-of-state applicants may call (702) 477-3100 and request an application be mailed. Applicants may also log into our website at: www.SNVRHA.org to print an application and return it by mail or bring it into our office. For additional information, please call (702) 477-3100 or our hearing-impaired number (TDD) at (702) 387-1898. Please ensure all questions are answered to prevent your application from being returned. If you require future communication in a format other than English, please advise staff as soon as possible.

The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority is an Equal Housing Opportunity provider.

The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority (SNRHA) does not discriminate against any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, or familial status.

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

From The FronT Page

Pres. Duterte: ‘It’s really the...

PAGE 1 “I have not tasted defeat since 1988. So this, this would be my… it’s time,” he said.

He acknowledged that he had not been very active for the past year with his ailments beginning to take their toll. He recalled that he fell several times while riding a motorcycle.

“You know, God is really smart,” he said.

“It’s really just right because if I continue [in public service] for another six years, even three years, I can’t take it. So it’s really time for me to retire,” he added.

In 2021, Duterte was nominated by his political party, the PDP-Laban, to run for the vice presidency. He accepted but later balked at the prospect during the filing of certificates of candidacy in early October, citing once more his intention to retire from politics.

Duterte was supposed to be the running mate of his long-time aide, Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go, but Duterte’s withdrawal move prompted the senator to run for the vice presidency instead.

Then in November, Duterte said he would run for senator instead,

as he would want to change how senators conduct an inquiry. So he filed his COC for senator — only to withdraw again in December.

Meanwhile, Go also withdrew his vice presidential bid and aspired for the presidency under another party, a position he had been claiming he was not interested in.

However, he withdrew from the presidential race, also in December.

On Tuesday, Malacañang said Duterte was looking forward to his retirement in his hometown Davao City. g

Sen. Cortez Masto hosts Las Vegas AAPI...

PAGE 1

fabulous to see that diversity in the state now.”

She added, “It is important that the work that I do it at the federal level is supporting, those Nevadans and the AAPI community here for their businesses and for their families in the future.”

Through the pandemic, the senator has met with AAPI community members in providing resources to access business loans as well as pushing legislation, such as the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, to address the rise in hate crimes targeting the community, not only in Nevada but nationwide.

Cortez Masto, the former attorney general of Nevada, was first elected to the Senate in 2016.

"I'm honored every day to be able to represent Nevada just for this very reason — every piece of legislation, everything I've worked on has been informed

by Nevadans,” she told the Asian Journal. "That's why I'm running for reelection. It's a great state has been good to me and my family, and I want every every Nevadans have the same opportunities.”

She faces re-election for a second term this November and credits the AAPI electorate in Nevada for helping her get to office.

"Nevada has one of the fastest growing AAPI communities in the country and they are an incredible voting bloc. They’ve made the difference in my election in 2016 and there's no doubt that they will make the difference again here in this election,” she said. g

Sen. Cortez Masto (center) with Clark County Planning Commissioner and Nevada Assembly District 8 candidate Duy Nguyen (left) and Fil-Am Nevada Assembly District 14 candidate Erica Mosca (right).

AJPress photos by Robert Macabagdal

Sen. Cortez Masto (center) had dinner with AAPI community members during an AAPI Heritage Month event in Las Vegas.

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Marcos names 5 more members of...

Dateline USa

PAGE 1

Civil Service Commission in its 2021 search for outstanding government workers, according to Angeles.

She said Frasco was also named the top performing mayor in the Central Visayas region.

Frasco won her third term as mayor of Liloan in the recent May elections. A lawyer, professor, and businesswoman, she served as the spokesperson for Sara Duterte, daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, during the election campaign.

She was also the vice president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines’ Visayas cluster for the term 2019 to 2022.

Frasco is the daughter of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and the wife of Cebu Rep. Vincent Franco “Duke” Frasco.

Pangandaman, currently assistant governor and chief of staff at the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), started her career as a researcher in the Senate. She later became head of the policy research group, political and constituency, and later chief of staff in the office of then-Senate President Edgardo Angara.

Pangandaman also worked as chief of staff of Senator-elect Loren Legarda, who said the incoming budget chief “brings to the table a deep-seated knowledge of the budget and legislative process (and is) a dedicated government worker with an exceptional work ethic.”

In 2016, Pangandaman served as assistant secretary in the DBM and was appointed undersecretary and concurrent director of the budget technical bureau in 2018.

She later joined the BSP as a technical adviser and subsequently became managing director. In 2021, Pangandaman was named assistant governor of the BSP. According to Angeles, “(Pangandaman) has over two decades of policy development in finance expertise.”

Angeles described Uy as “an expert in technology law (and) well-experienced in information technology project management.”

She noted that Uy “oversaw the formulation of the Philippine digital strategy for 2011 to 2016,” and added that the lawyer was an international commercial arbitrator on areas involving ITrelated disputes.

Uy was chair of the Commission on Information and Communications Technology during the late President Benigno

Aquino III’s term. He also served as chief information officer and director of the management information systems office of the Supreme Court.

A member of the Philippine bar, he is well-known in the Philippine legal and IT circles.

He is a cyberlaw expert and also lectures on computer forensics, cybercrime, electronic evidence, e-commerce and digital ethics.

Public service As for Tulfo, Angeles said the media personality “is known for his involvement in covering and helping Filipinos here and abroad through his social programs and partnerships with other organizations,” Angeles said.

Tulfo, she said, has been in public service, “doing social work [for] three decades.”

Tulfo is the brother of Senatorelect Raffy Tulfo and former Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo. He works as a broadcaster in the government media channel, People’s Television Network, and previously as a news anchor for media network TV5. He also hosted shows produced by his brother, Ben, who owned Bitag Media Unlimited Inc., which is known for hard-hitting public service programs.

Tulfo also backed the AntiCrime and Terrorism Community Involvement and Support Inc. (ACT-CIS), the front-runner party list in the May 2022 national elections.

As for the PMS secretary nominee, Angeles said that Angping “comes with the professional experience in the fields of public service and administration and international relations and diplomacy.” “(Angping) is a three-term congresswoman who advocated

3

Robredo congratulates Sara Duterte, prepares...

PAGE 1

may we request for an initial meeting between the members of our respective teams at the soonest possible time to discuss protocols, policies, precedents and other matters concerning the Office of the Vice President. We further request that this initial meeting be held via Zoom,” Duterte-Carpio said.

Press Secretary nominee Trixie Cruz Angeles

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2-8, 2022

Last May 25, Congress proclaimed Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. as president-elect and DuterteCarpio as vice president-elect.

Duterte-Carpio, Marcos’ running mate, ruled the vice presidential derby with 32,208,417 votes.

Her closest rival, Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, Robredo’s

running mate, garnered 9,329,207 votes.

In a post on Facebook on Sunday, May 29, Robredo, who had traveled with her daughters to the United States for the graduation of her youngest daughter, Jillian, from New York University, said that, “[W]e’re back. Ready to work again. Energized by the longest vacation I’ve had in 10 years.” g

Inquirer.net file photo

legislative measures that promoted diplomatic relations, tourism development, public health and education, women and children’s welfare,” she added.

Angping served as a congresswoman in Manila’s third congressional district for nine years. She is also a member of the Marcos Jr. transition team.

She is the wife of former Philippine Sports Commission chair Harry Angping.

Economic team Just last week, Marcos announced key appointments to his economic team, emphasizing his incoming administration’s focus on steering the economy out of a slump.

A day after he and Duterte were proclaimed winners by Congress in the May 9 polls, Marcos said he was nominating BSP Gov. Benjamin Diokno as his finance secretary and former National Economic and Development Authority chief Felipe Medalla as BSP governor.

Marcos also named former UP President Alfredo Pascual as trade secretary and Manuel Bonoan, chief executive of San Miguel Tollways Corp., as head of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Angeles also said that there was no formal invitation yet for President Duterte to join his successor’s executive family.

Angeles clarified reports that Marcos was eyeing President Duterte to be the drug czar under his incoming administration.

“That was during the first interview, postproclamation interview. (Marcos’) words were that it wasn’t a formal invitation.

But if [Duterte] should want to, he certainly would be considered,” Angeles said. g

HONORED. President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his speech during the recognition of the 31st SEA Games Medalists at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday, May 31. The Philippines hauled a total of 226 medals in the 31st SEA Games in Hanoi, Vietnam, finishing in fourth among 11 nations. The president encouraged the Filipino youth to engage in sports and other productive activities to learn the distinct Filipino values and at the same time, uphold the country’s distinction as among the most competitive athletes in the global community.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

4

Dateline USa

JUNE 2-8, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

Karagdagang kaalaman sa Filipino (Tagalog) ay makikita rin sa website ng Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Halalan sa: www.clarkcountynv.gov/vote.

NOTICE OF EARLY VOTING FOR THE 2022 PRIMARY ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that early voting for the June 14, 2022, Primary Election begins on May 28, Saturday, and continues through June 10, Friday. Any voter registered in Clark County is eligible to vote at any early voting location. Same-Day Registration will also be available for those voters who are eligible, but not currently registered to vote. They must have a Nevada Driver’s License or Nevada Identification Card to register to vote.

The early voting locations, dates, and times are listed below. All voting sites are ADA compliant. For additional information, call the Clark County Election Department at (702) 455-VOTE (8683). The TTY/TDD number is 711. Also check online at www.

ClarkCountyNV.gov/vote.

2022 Primary Election Early Voting Schedule May 28 (Saturday) to June 10 (Friday), 2022 Any registered voter in Clark County may vote in-person before Election Day at any early voting site. VOTING IS EASY at the 83 convenient early voting sites between May 28-June 10 or on Election Day at any of the over 125 Vote Centers. During early voting, go to www.ClarkCountyNV.gov/Vote for a link to an interactive, mobile device enabled map for finding that day’s nearby sites.

You may also drop-off voted mail ballots in-person at any early voting site during the hours listed in the schedule. Not all locations will be open every day during early voting.

If you decide to vote in-person instead of by mail, you will need to do one of the following: • If you have your mail ballot, surrender your voted or unvoted mail ballot (preferably in the packet sent to you) to an election official at the voting site.

• If you do not have your mail ballot, you will sign an affirmation at the voting site swearing that you have not already voted in the current election and that you understand no one may attempt to vote or actually vote more than once in the same election.

LONG-TERM EARLY VOTING SITES

INDEPENDENCE DAY PREPS. General Services Department personnel install Philippine flags on light posts along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue in Caloocan City on Monday, May 30. The flags will be on display as the country prepares to celebrate its 124th Independence Day on June 12.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Open Every Day, May 28-June 10, 2022

Long-Term Early Voting Sites Location and Address / Cross Streets May 28-June 10

Hours (Dates and Times Vary)

Arroyo Market Square, EVENT TENT Parking Lot Near The Men’s Wearhouse CC-215 / S. Rainbow Blvd.

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

Blue Diamond Crossing, EVENT TENT Parking Lot Between Target and Kohl’s Blue Diamond Rd. / Arville St.

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............ 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................ 9am-7pm

Boulevard Mall, East Main Lobby, Near Galaxy Theaters 3528 S. Maryland Pkwy.

Between E. Desert Inn Rd. and E. Twain Ave.

May 28-June 10 (Sat.-Fri.)............. 11am-8pm

Centennial Center Home Depot, EVENT TENT Home Depot Parking Lot 7881 W. Tropical Pkwy. / Centennial Center Blvd.

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

Deer Springs Town Center, EVENT TENT Parking Lot Near Home Depot North 5th St. / E. Deer Springs Way

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

Desert Breeze Community Center 8275 Spring Mountain Rd. / S. Cimarron Rd.

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

East Las Vegas Library 2851 E. Bonanza Rd., East of N. Eastern Ave.

May 28-29 (Sat.-Sun.).................... 10am-6pm May 31-June 2 (Tue.-Thu.)............. 10am-7pm June 3-5 (Fri.-Sun.)........................ 10am-6pm June 6-9 (Mon.-Thu.)..................... 10am-7pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 10am-6pm

Galleria at Sunset Kohl’s Court, 1st Floor 1300 W. Sunset Rd., East of N. Stephanie St.

May 28 (Sat.)................................. 11am-7pm May 29 (Sun.)................................ 12pm-6pm May 30-June 4 (Mon.-Sat.)............ 11am-7pm June 5 (Sun.)................................. 12pm-6pm June 6-10 (Mon.-Fri.)..................... 11am-7pm

Lowe’s - Craig / Losee, EVENT TENT Parking Lot, 2570 E. Craig Rd. / Losee

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

LVAC Las Vegas Athletic Club - North, EVENT TENT Parking Lot, 6050 N. Decatur Blvd. / W. Tropical Pkwy.

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

LVAC Las Vegas Athletic Club - Northwest, EVENT TENT Parking Lot, 1725 N. Rainbow Blvd., South of Lake Mead Blvd.

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

Meadows Mall Near Round1, 1st Floor 4300 Meadows Ln. / S. Valley View Blvd.

May 28 (Sat.)................................. 10am-8pm May 29 (Sun.)................................ 12pm-6pm May 30-June 4 (Mon.-Sat.)............ 10am-8pm June 5 (Sun.)................................. 12pm-6pm June 6-10 (Mon.-Fri.)..................... 10am-8pm

Mountains Edge Regional Park, EVENT TENT Parking Lot, 8101 W. Mountains Edge Pkwy.

East of S. Durango Dr.

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

Nellis Crossing Shopping Center, EVENT TENT Parking Lot Near Target, S. Nellis Blvd. / E. Charleston Blvd.

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

Silverado Ranch Plaza, EVENT TENT Parking Lot Near PetsMart S. Eastern Ave. / E. Silverado Ranch Blvd.

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

Town Square Las Vegas, EVENT TENT Near AMC Theaters 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South / W. Sunset Rd.

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

Tropicana Beltway Plaza, EVENT TENT Near Lowe’s 5120 S. Fort Apache Rd., South of Tropicana Ave.

May 28-June 9 (Sat.-Thu.)............. 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.)................................. 9am-7pm

SHORT-TERM EARLY VOTING SITES

Open for a Limited Number of Days, May 28-June 10, 2022 Short-Term Early Voting Sites Location and Address / Cross Streets May 28-June 10

Hours (Dates and Times Vary)

Albertsons, Ann / Drexel

May 28-30 (Sat.-Mon.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, Ann / Simmons

June 6-8 (Mon.-Wed.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, Boulder Hwy. / Lake Mead Pkwy.

June 4-5 (Sat.-Sun.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, Buffalo / Vegas

June 2-4 (Thu.-Sat.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, Charleston / Town Center

June 4-6 (Sat.-Mon.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, Cheyenne / Durango

May 28-30 (Sat.-Mon.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, College / Horizon

Short-Term Early Voting Sites Location and Address / Cross Streets May 28-June 10

Hours (Dates and Times Vary)

Moapa Valley Comm. Ctr., 320 N. Moapa Valley Blvd., Overton

June 1 (Wed.) 9am-6pm

Mosaic Church 9220 Manhattan Rd., South of I-215 at St. Rose Pkwy.

May 30-June 3 (Mon.-Fri.) 9am-6pm

Mountain Crest Community Center 4701 N. Durango Dr., South of Lone Mountain Rd.

June 9-10 (Thu.-Fri.) 9am-5pm

May 28-30 (Sat.-Mon.) 9am-6pm

Mountain Shadows Community Center 9107 Del Webb Blvd. / Crown Ridge Dr.

June 6-8 (Mon.-Wed.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, Craig / Decatur

June 8-9 (Wed.-Thu.) 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.) 9am-7pm

Nevada Partners 690 W. Lake Mead Blvd. / Revere St.

June 4-5 (Sat.-Sun.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, Craig / Tenaya

May 31-June 1 (Tue.-Wed.) 9am-6pm

June 8 (Wed.) 8am-5pm

Albertsons, Desert Inn / Pecos

May 28-30 (Sat.-Mon.) 9am-6pm

North Las Vegas City Hall 2250 Las Vegas Blvd. North / Civic Center Dr.

Albertsons, Durango / Flamingo

May 30-31 (Mon.-Tue.) 9am-6pm

June 8-9 (Wed.-Thu.) 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.) 9am-7pm

Albertsons, Eastern / Warm Springs

May 28-29 (Sat.-Sun.) 9am-6pm

Paradise Community Center 4775 McLeod Dr., North of E. Tropicana Ave.

Albertsons, Farm / Durango

June 4-5 (Sat.-Sun.) 9am-6pm

June 6-7 (Mon.-Tue.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, Flamingo / Hualapai

June 4-5 (Sat.-Sun.) 9am-6pm

Paseo Verde Library 280 S. Green Valley Pkwy., South of Paseo Verde Pkwy.

Albertsons, Lake Mead Blvd. / Hollywood

June 4-5 (Sat.-Sun.) 9am-6pm

Rainbow Library 3150 N. Buffalo Dr. / W. Cheyenne Ave.

June 5 (Sun.) 10am-6pm June 6-7 (Mon.-Tue.) 10am-7pm

Albertsons, Rainbow / Charleston

May 28-30 (Sat.-Mon.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, Stephanie / Horizon

May 31-June 1 (Tue.-Wed.) 9am-6pm

Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) Building Room 108, S. 600 Grand Central Pkwy. / W. Bonneville Ave.

June 7-8 (Tue.-Wed.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, Tropicana / Jones

May 28-29 (Sat.-Sun.) 9am-6pm

Albertsons, Village Center Circle / Trails Center

May 28-30 (Sat.-Mon.) 9am-6pm

Sahara West Library 9600 W. Sahara Ave. / S. Grand Canyon Dr.

May 31-June 1 (Tue.-Wed.) 10am-7pm

Alexander Library 1755 W. Alexander Rd., West of Martin Luther King Blvd.

Seafood City Market 3890 S. Maryland Pkwy. / E. Katie Ave.

June 4-5 (Sat.-Sun.) 9am-6pm

May 31-June 1 (Tue.-Wed.) 10:30am-7pm

Searchlight Community Center 200 Michael Wendell Way, Searchlight

June 3 (Fri.) 9am-4pm

Aliante Library 2400 W. Deer Springs Way, East of Aliante Pkwy.

June 6-7 (Mon.-Tue.) 10:30am-7pm

Silver Mesa Recreation Center 4025 Allen Ln. / W. Alexander Rd.

June 6-7 (Mon.-Tue.) 9am-6pm

Boulder City Recreation Center 900 Arizona St. / Utah St.

June 7-9 (Tue.-Thu.) 7am-6pm June 10 (Fri.) 8am-6pm

Skye Canyon Community Center 10111 W. Skye Canyon Park Dr. / Skye Village Rd.

June 2-3 (Thu.-Fri.) 9am-5pm

Centennial Hills YMCA 6601 N. Buffalo Dr. / Sky Pointe Dr.

June 9 (Thu.) 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.) 9am-7pm

June 1-2 (Wed.-Thu.) 9am-6pm

Chinatown Plaza 4255 Spring Mountain Rd. / Wynn Rd.

June 3-4 (Fri.-Sat.) 10am-6pm

SkyView YMCA 3050 E. Centennial Pkwy., between Losee Rd. and N. Pecos Rd.

Cora Coleman Senior Center 2100 Bonnie Ln. / E. Lake Mead Blvd.

June 8-9 (Wed.-Thu.) 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.) 9am-7pm

Solera at Anthem Community Center 2401 Somersworth Dr. / Solera Sky Dr.

May 28-30 (Sat.-Mon.) 9am-6pm

Desert Vista Community Center 10360 Sun City Blvd. / Thomas W. Ryan Blvd.

Sun City Aliante Community Center 7390 Aliante Pkwy. / Elkhorn Rd.

June 2-3 (Thu.-Fri.) 9am-6pm

May 31-June 1 (Tue.-Wed.) 9am-6pm

Sun City Anthem Center 2450 Hampton Rd. / Anthem Pkwy.

June 6-8 (Mon.-Wed.) 9am-6pm

Doolittle Community Center 1950 J St. / W. Lake Mead Blvd.

June 6-9 (Mon.-Thu.) 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.) 9am-7pm

Dr. William U. Pearson Community Center, Room C 1625 W. Carey Ave., West of Martin Luther King Blvd.

June 9 (Thu.) 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.) 9am-7pm

May 28-June 4 (Sat.-Sat.) 9am-6pm

Sun City MacDonald Ranch Community Center 2020 W. Horizon Ridge Pkwy., East of Green Valley Pkwy.

Sun City Mesquite, 1350 Flat Top Mesa Dr., Mesquite

May 28 (Sat.) 9am-6pm

Enterprise Library 8310 S. Las Vegas Blvd. / E. Shelbourne Ave.

June 8-9 (Wed.-Thu.) 10am-7pm June 10 (Fri.) 10am-6pm

Veterans Memorial Leisure Center 101 N. Pavilion Center Dr., North of Alta Dr.

June 2-3 (Thu.-Fri.) 9am-6pm

Green Valley Library 2797 N. Green Valley Pkwy. / E. Sunset Rd.

June 1-2 (Wed.-Thu.) 10am-6pm June 3 (Fri.) 10am-5pm

Vons, E. Horizon Ridge Pkwy. / W. Horizon Dr.

June 8-9 (Wed.-Thu.) 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.) 9am-7pm

Henderson City Hall 240 S. Water St. / W. Basic Rd.

May 31 (Tue.) 7:30am-5:30pm

Vons, Sky Pointe Dr. / N. Buffalo Dr.

May 31-June 1 (Tue.-Wed.) 9am-6pm

Heritage Park Senior Facility 300 S. Racetrack Rd. / Burkholder Blvd.

June 2-3 (Thu.-Fri.) 9am-6pm

Vons, Windmill Pkwy. / Pecos Rd.

June 4-5 (Sat.-Sun.) 9am-6pm

Hollywood Recreation Center, 1650 S. Hollywood Blvd.

Between E. Sahara Ave. and E. Charleston Blvd.

June 9 (Thu.) 9am-6pm June 10 (Fri.) 9am-7pm

June 2-3 (Thu.-Fri.) 9am-6pm

Walnut Recreation Center 3075 N. Walnut Rd., South of E. Cheyenne Ave. West Flamingo Senior Center 6255 W. Flamingo Rd. / S. Jones Blvd.

June 1-2 (Wed.-Thu.) 9am-5pm

Lakes Lutheran Church 8200 W. Sahara Ave. / S. Cimarron Rd.

June 9-10 (Thu.-Fri.) 9am-6pm

Whitney Community / Recreation Center 5712 Missouri Ave., West of Boulder Hwy.

June 6-7 (Mon.-Tue.) 9am-6pm

Las Vegas City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, 2nd Floor 495 S. Main St. / E. Clark Ave.

May 31 (Tue.) 7:30am-5:30pm

Laughlin Library 2840 S. Needles Hwy., Laughlin

June 4 (Sat.) 10am-6pm June 5 (Sun.) 11am-5pm June 6 (Mon.) 10am-6pm

Mesquite Jimmy Hughes Campus Suite 1, 150 N. Yucca St., Mesquite

May 29-31 (Sun.-Tue.) 9am-6pm

Dated this 17th day of May, 2022

JOSEPH P. GLORIA Registrar of Voters Clark County, Nevada PUB: May 26, and June 2 and 9, 2022 Las Vegas Asian Journal

Nationwide survey seeks to gauge Fil-Am...

PAGE 1 Palma, a board certified preventive medicine and public health physician in Chicago, IL, the survey team includes CYFAM members Abigail Ahyong, Giana Apoderado, Neille John Apostol, Siegried Chen, Diana Del Rosario, Sheena Garcia, Samantha Sumait, Matthew Roces, Mericien Venzon, and Megan Yee, with additional support provided by FYLPRO board members and Tayo core leaders Mark Calaguas, Jobel Vecino and Leezel Tanglao.

Tayo hopes the survey will not only improve data collection on Filipino Americans specifically, but also assist in the disaggregation of data on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities at large.

“The longstanding practice

of aggregating socioeconomic, public health, and other data under one broad AAPI category oftentimes obscures pernicious inequalities at the individual ethnic community level,” the group said in the release.

The survey comes as Fil-Ams continue to be underrepresented in medical research, despite being the second largest Asian ethnic group in the United States.

“Despite making up over 6% of the U.S. population, less than 0.2% of the National Institutes of Health budget is dedicated to studying the health of Asian American populations,” stated Dr. Palma.

“Oftentimes academic researchers label immigrant groups like Filipinos as ‘hard to reach,’ but in my experience it’s often that they aren’t sending

the right people to ask and engage with us,” she continued.

Tanglao, FYLPRO president and Tayo project direct said, said the survey results will help create a deeper understanding of the pandemic’s effect on the Fil-Am community.

“The lack of disaggregated data has made it difficult to fully understand the impact of COVID-19 on the Filipino community. This is the first step in better telling our story,” she said.

The survey, which is supported by a grant from the CDC Foundation, can be accessed at redcap.link/ FYLPROTayoSurvey. Analysis of results is expected in late fall 2022. For more information about the survey, visit https:// bit.ly/TayoVaccineSurveyInfo.

(AJPress)

the more likely we are to find organ injury,” Spatz said.

At the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago, a rehabilitation hospital, experts have discovered that a significant number of patients with breathing problems have atrophy in the diaphragm, a muscle that’s essential to breathing, said Dr. Colin Franz, a physicianscientist. Once inflammation is under control, breathing exercises help patients build back the muscle, he said.

For older adults concerned about their cognition after COVID, McAuley recommends a neuropsychological exam.

“Plenty of older patients who’ve had COVID feel like they now have dementia. But when they do the testing, all their higherlevel cognitive functioning is intact, and it’s things like attention or cognitive fluency that are impaired,” she said.

“It’s important to understand where deficits are so we can target therapy appropriately.”

Become active gradually.

Older patients tend to lose strength and fitness after severe illness — a phenomenon known as “deconditioning” — and their blood volume and heart muscles will start shrinking in a few weeks if they lie in bed or get little activity, Spatz said. That can cause dizziness or a racing heart upon standing up.

In line with recent recommendations from the American College of Cardiology, Spatz advises patients who have developed these symptoms after COVID to drink more fluids, consume more salt, and wear compression socks and abdominal binders.

“I often hear that going for a walk feels awful,” Spatz said.

When returning to exercise, “start with five to 10 minutes on a recumbent bicycle or a rower, and add a couple of minutes every week,” she suggested. After a month, move to a semi-recumbent position on a standard bike. Then, after another month, try walking, a short distance at first and then longer distances over time.

This “go slow” advice also applies to older adults with cognitive concerns after COVID. Franz said he often recommends restricting time spent on cognitively demanding tasks, along with exercises, for brain health and memory. At least early on, “people need less activity and more cognitive rest,” he noted.

Reset expectations. Older adults typically have a harder time bouncing back from serious illness, including COVID. But even seniors who had mild or moderate reactions to the virus can find themselves struggling weeks or months later.

The most important message older patients need to hear is “give yourself time to recover,” said Dr. Greg Vanichkachorn, director of the Mayo Clinic’s COVID Activity Rehabilitation Program in Rochester, Minnesota. Generally, older adults appear to be taking longer

to recover from long COVID than younger or middle-aged adults, he noted.

Learning how to set priorities and not do too much too quickly is essential. “In this patient population, we’ve found that having patients grit their teeth and push themselves will actually make them worse” — a phenomenon known as “post-exertional malaise,” Vanichkachorn said.

Instead, people need to learn how to pace themselves.

“Any significant health event forces people to reexamine their expectations and their priorities, and long COVID has really accelerated that,” said Jamie Wilcox, an associate professor of clinical occupational therapy at the Keck School of Medicine.

“Everyone I see feels that it’s accelerated their aging process.”

Consider vulnerabilities. Older adults who have had COVID and who are poor, frail, physically or cognitively disabled, and socially isolated are of considerable concern. This group has been more likely to experience severe effects from COVID, and those who survived may not readily access health care services.

“We all share concern about marginalized seniors with limited health care access and poorer overall health status,” said Erdmann, of UAB. “Sprinkle a dangerous new pathology that’s not well understood on top of that, and you have a recipe for greater disparities in care.”

“A lot of older [long COVID] patients we deal with aren’t accustomed to asking for help, and they think, perhaps, it’s a little shameful to be needy,” said James Jackson, director of longterm outcomes at the Critical Illness, Brain Dysfunction, and Survivorship Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

The implications are significant, not only for the patients but also for health care providers, friends, and family.

“You really have to check in with people who are older and vulnerable and who have had COVID and not just make assumptions that they’re fine just because they tell you they are,” Jackson said. “We need to be more proactive in engaging them and finding out, really, how they are.”

We’re eager to hear from readers about questions you’d like answered, problems you’ve been having with your care and advice you need in dealing with the health care system. Visit khn. org/columnists to submit your requests or tips. (Judith Graham/ California Healthline) This story was produced by KHN (Kaiser Health News), a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation. g

Got long COVID? Medical expertise is vital...

PAGE 1

What should older adults do if they don’t feel well weeks after becoming ill with the virus? I asked a dozen experts for advice.

Here’s what they suggested.

Seek medical attention. “If an older person or their caregiver is noticing that it’s been a month or two since COVID and something isn’t right — they’ve lost a lot of weight or they’re extremely weak or forgetful — it’s worth going in for an evaluation,” said Dr. Liron Sinvani, director of the geriatric hospitalist service at Northwell Health, a large health system in New York.

But be forewarned: Many primary care physicians are at a loss as to how to identify and manage long COVID. If you’re not getting much help from your doctor, consider getting a referral to a specialist who sees long COVID patients or a long COVID clinic. Also, be prepared to be patient: Waits for appointments are lengthy.

At least 66 hospitals or health systems have created interdisciplinary clinics, according to Becker’s Hospital Review, an industry publication.

For people who don’t live near one of those, virtual consultations are often available. For specialist referrals, ask whether the physician has experience with long COVID patients.

Also, more than 80 medical centers in more than 30 states are enrolling patients in a fouryear, $1.15 billion study of long COVID that is being funded by the National Institutes of Health and is known as RECOVER (Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery). Older adults who choose to participate will receive ongoing medical attention.

Pursue comprehensive care. At the University of Southern California’s COVID recovery clinic, physicians start by making sure that any underlying medical conditions that older patients have — for instance, heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease — are well controlled. Also, they check for new conditions that may have surfaced after a COVID infection.

If preexisting and new conditions are properly managed and further tests come back negative, “there is probably an element of long COVID,” said Dr. Caitlin McAuley, one of two physicians at the Keck School of Medicine clinic.

At that point, the focus becomes helping older adults regain the ability to manage daily tasks such as showering, dressing, moving around the house, and shopping. Typically, several months of physical therapy, occupational therapy, or cognitive rehabilitation are prescribed.

Dr. Erica Spatz, an associate professor of cardiology at the Yale School of Medicine, looks for evidence of organ damage, such as changes in the heart muscle, in older patients. If that’s detected, there are wellestablished treatments that can be tried. “The older a person is,

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2-8, 2022

5

Fact check: Robredo’s recent US trip was not Rim of the Pacific: Philippines joins 25 countries in world’s largest naval exercises sponsored by Fil-Ams plotting against gov’t

by PATRICIA LOURDES Philstar.com

VIRAY

MANILA — The Philippines will be joining 25 other nations in the world's largest maritime exercise, the United States Navy announced on Wednesday, June 1.

The US Navy said the biennial Rim of the Pacific will be conducted from June 29 to August 4 in and around the Hawaiian Islands and Southern California.

Approximately 25,000 personnel, 38 surface ships, four submarines, nine national land forces, and more than 170 aircraft from 26 countries are expected to join the exercise.

"As the world’s largest international maritime exercise, RIMPAC provides a unique training opportunity designed to foster and sustain cooperative

relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world’s interconnected oceans," the US Navy said.

This year's participating forces will come from: • Australia • Brunei • Canada • Chile • Colombia • Denmark • Ecuador • France • Germany • India • Indonesia • Israel • Japan • Malaysia • Mexico • Netherlands • New Zealand • Peru • Philippines

• Singapore • South Korea • Sri Lanka • Thailand • Tonga • United Kingdom • United States The participating forces will be trained on capabilities, such as: • disaster relief and maritime security operations • sea control and complex warfighting • amphibious operations, gunnery, missile, anti-submarine and air defense exercises • counter-piracy operations • mine clearance operations • explosive ordnance disposal • diving and salvage operations "During RIMPAC, a network of capable, adaptive partners train and operate together in order to strengthen their collective forces and promote a free and open IndoPacific," the US Navy said. 

Anti-terrorism exercises held in Subic Freeport Subic Water and Sewerage Company Inc. and the SBMA. "The opening scenario SUBIC BAY FREEPORT: As during the CBRN Simex was a part of the national government's negotiation between the terrorist thrust to thwart terrorism in group who took over the Subic the country, the Subic Bay Water Binictican Water Treatment Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Plant with plans to contaminate and other government agencies the water supply of Olongapo City. jointly conducted simulation The terrorist group demanded P10 exercises at the Binictican Water million, along with the release of Treatment Plant. their comrades. A PNP negotiator S B M A c h a i r m a n a n d then attempted to communicate administrator Rolen Paulino with the terrorist group," he said. said the Chemical Biological "Should negotiations fail, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) the PNP will cordon off the Simulation Exercise 2022 was area while the SBMA Special conducted by the Anti-Terrorism Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Council-Program Management team conducts a meeting before Center (ATC-PMC) headed by the an insertion operation. Following Project Management Office of the the insertion, the SWAT personnel Department of the Interior and will then neutralize the terrorist Local Government (DILG). threat and rescue hostages Paulino added that the inter- taken by the terrorists. Both agency simulation exercise the SWAT and the hostages are series (IA Simex Series) included then thoroughly checked for any personnel from the DILG, Armed chemical, biological, radiological Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and nuclear contaminations ATC-PMC, Philippine National before they are allowed to conduct Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire further operations. Debriefing Prevention (BFP), Disaster Risk i m m e d i a t e l y f o l l o w s a f t e r Reduction Management Offices decontamination." from Bataan and Zambales, Peace Paulino added that the explosive and Order Councils of LGUs, ordnance disposal teams from CBRN National Team Observers, the AFP and PNP scouted the

by MAHATMA

RANDY V. ManilaTimes.net

DATU

area for any explosive devices that the terrorist group may have left behind. The SBMA Fire Department and the BFP then carried out extraction of injured victims and live suspects using hazmat suits.

"Medical teams from the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department then immediately attended to the wounded victims, including the terrorists," Paulino said.

DILG Assistant Secretary Brig.

Gen. Alexander Macario lauded the participation of various government agencies at the CBRN Simex 2022, citing that with a bit more polishing, the operation would be seamless. He added that the exercise is designed to meet the needs of the particular area in partnership with stakeholders.

"The exercise should support and develop exercise practitioners' competency to plan, implement and evaluate simulation exercises within the terroristrelated CBRN crisis field. This exercise also requires the active participation of representatives from both local and national government agencies, and includes nongovernment units and stakeholders," he said. 

HEY, H Y, HE Y, NEVADA, N VA NE V DA D , IT'S ' 'S TIME TIIM TI ME TO ME T VOTE! V TE VO TE! E! Get all your 2022 election info at: www.VoteSmartNV.org

EARLY VOTING RUNS 5/28 - 6/10 ELECTION DAY IS 6/14 Paid for by Institute for a Progressive Nevada & Silver State voices

by KAYCEE

VALMONTE Philstar.com

MANILA — Vice President Leni Robredo had just arrived back in Manila over the weekend following a trip to the United States where she spent the past few weeks on vacation and to attend her youngest daughter’s college graduation.

CLAIM: A YouTube video claimed that Robredo’s U.S. trip was sponsored by FilipinoAmericans to plot against the Philippine government.

RATING: This is false.

FACTS: Along with her three daughters, Robredo went to the United States on her own account to attend her youngest Jillian’s college graduation and to spend time with family. They did not entertain requests for meet-ups.

What the posts say YouTube channel “Showbiz Fanaticz” published the video entitled, “ILANG FIL-AM, ROBREDO AT GUANZON MAY KINALAMAN SA PINAPLANONG MASAMA LABAN SA ADMINISTRASYON NI PRES. BBM” (Some Fil-Ams, Robredo, and Guanzon are conspiring against the administration of Pres. BBM), referring to former Commission on Elections Commissioner Rowena Guanzon.

In the video, the vlogger identified as one Bryan Calagui said that Robredo, her camp, and Guanzon were planning to “ruin the government.” “‘Yung mga Fil-Am na nakatira sa Amerika ay sponsoran itong

Outgoing Vice President Leni Robredo

si ‘Len-Len’ na pumunta sa Amerika,” Calagui was shown saying in the first few seconds of the YouTube video. Robredo has been referred to by her crictics on social media as “Len-Len.” (These Fil-Ams who live in America are sponsoring this “LenLen” to go to America.)

The vlogger added “LenLen,” a derisive nickname proadministration supporters use to refer to the Vice President, is supposedly plotting something, and urged supporters of president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and vice presidentelect Sara Duterte to prepare.

Without providing pieces of evidence or links, he claimed that a “Philippines page” allegedly leaked information that Robredo met with a so-called “NAFA” in the US. Calagui claimed her visit there, along with accommodation expenses, were again sponsored by unnamed Filipino-Americans.

“Ibig sabihin mga ka-BBM-

Philstar.com photo

Sara, hindi lang ‘yung pag-attend ni Len Len sa graduation ng kanyang anak, meron pang ibang binabalak,” he said.

“For sure, may binabalak tong mga to, may niluluto ‘tong mga ‘to. At subukan niyong hanapin yung Philippines na page at makikita niyo dun na yung mga Fil-Am na nakatira sa Amerika ay i-sponsor-an itong si Len-Len na pumunta sa Amerika.”

(Fellow BBM-Sara supporters, she did not just attend her daughter’s graduation, there were other plans made. For sure, these people are planning, trying to get something out. I urge you to look for the Philippines page and you will see that the Fil-Ams in America are sponsoring Leni to go there.)

Calagui also spent quite some time mocking former Comelec Commissioner Guanzon’s “fighting spirit,” making fun of her doing one of her live Facebook streams. 

Duterte admin presents plan to cut PH debt to Marcos admin, says Palace MANILA — The administration of President Rodrigo Duterte has proposed a plan to reduce the country’s debt to the incoming administration of president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Malacañang said on Thursday, June 2.

Data from the Bureau of the Treasury showed that the country’s debt soared to P12.68 trillion as of March.

“The Duterte Administration’s

Economic Team has proposed a fiscal consolidation and resource mobilization plan, containing fair, efficient, and corrective tax measures,” acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar said in a statement.

“These include the expansion of value-added tax (VAT) base by removing ineffective VAT exemptions except for some sectors, among others, to generate revenues,” the official added.

The proposal, however, is subject to the consideration of the next administration, Andanar stressed.

For the incoming Marcos administration, a tax hike is not a priority, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri recently noted.

Despite his scheduled term termination by the end of this month, reducing the country’s debt is still Duterte’s priority, according to Andanar. (Inquirer.net)

6

JUNE 2-8, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

A continuing battle

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

FEATURES

IT was his most remarkable campaign vow, and by his own admission, President Duterte overpromised: the drug scourge in the country was not eliminated within six months of his assumption to power, or even after six years.

Now in the final weeks of his presidency, he is urging his successor to continue the battle against the drug menace. This goes without saying, since drug offenses are among the crimes that the state is tasked to fight. Still, the Philippine National Police has found it necessary to remind its personnel that the campaign will continue into the new administration.

What might need clarity is whether the campaign against illegal drugs will be carried out using the same brutal methods that have characterized the war waged by the Duterte administration. The president has lamented that the involvement of politicians and law enforcement officials themselves in the illegal drug trade hampered his campaign, and he has admitted underestimating the extent of the problem nationwide.

What the president did fulfill in his campaign promise is to kill: the PNP has reported that over 6,000 drug suspects have been slain in police operations since the start of the current administration in

2016. The enormous profits from the illegal drug trade, however, continue to draw players, even at the risk of being shot dead while resisting police arrest.

The bigger dealers simply use drug money to buy protection. This has allowed them to run drug trafficking rings even while behind bars, or slip tons of prohibited drugs through Customs.

The drug killings were also not accompanied by the same level of zeal in addressing the continuing demand, which is a social and public health problem.

Addressing the demand calls for a holistic approach, with parents, educators, health professionals, religious groups and the community working on preventive measures and helping drug abusers kick the habit even as law enforcers go after the suppliers. It is a complex problem that even advanced economies have not completely eradicated, and the campaign now awaits a new direction from the incoming administration.

(Philstar.com)

Editorial

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ THIRTY-TWO days from now, Filipinos and the whole world will witness the swearing in of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the 17th president of the Republic of the Philippines, proclaiming to the world our flourishing democracy.

During my interview last Thursday, May 26 at CNN’s The Source with Pinky Webb, I said that the overwhelming mandate the president-elect received will be the biggest motivation for him to do well, and give back to the people his best service ever in earning their trust. It made me recall what he told me when he first joined government at the young age of 23 as vice governor of Ilocos Norte: “It’s time to give back to the people who put us here” – which undoubtedly is his mantra as he begins his presidency.

Those who are accusing Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of being

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS PENDING the decision of an enlightened Philippine Supreme Court (SC) on petitions to disqualify/cancel the candidacy of President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, then we Filipinos should fasten our seatbelts.

If the weeks prior to June 30 oath taking of Marcos will be an indicator, then we are in for a bumpy ride — far worse than what we’ve experienced in the past six years under outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte.

While even more questions arise on the legitimacy of his candidacy built on his selfdeclared primary motivation to save the Marcos family name, and they have been doing everything to win at all cost.

To win at all cost would entail using lies, deception and misrepresentation, allegedly peddled by an army of paid trolls and “influencers” to “refresh” the Marcos brands, and to rewrite history by twisting the facts and fabricating narratives in order to sow so much hate against the Aquinos and Leni Robredo.

This toxic disinformation has been employed to program the mind of susceptible Filipino people that they — the opposition, including the mainstream media -- are the enemies of the people, while Bongbong and his family are the "true heroes" who can

Philstar.com photo

Looking towards a Marcos Jr. presidency a “revisionist,” or that he wants to “rewrite” history – they got it all wrong. History is judged by those who write it – Bongbong Marcos is about to write history.

No doubt there will always be what I would call the hardliners who will never change their minds or their attitude towards BBM – perhaps as a matter of conviction or principle, but worse, out of vindictiveness or bitterness – even if he does well.

One can continue to argue about the things that happened in the past but whichever way one looks at it, the overwhelming majority of people – all 31 million of them who cast their votes for Bongbong Marcos – have made their judgment loud and clear: they are willing to give him the chance to prove his worth with hope and prayers for his success.

I have known the presidentelect for a long time and I know that when he puts his mind into it – he can do it. How he worked very hard during the campaign is a preview of how hard he will work twice over as president.

As BBM himself said, “Judge

me not by my ancestors, but by my actions.”

He promised to be a president for all Filipinos – which is in keeping with his core message of unity that has resonated very well with millions of Filipinos during the campaign. I know he was not merely paying lip service because as we are beginning to see, he is already looking for people from different political persuasions, who are prepared to work with him – certainly a good way to start as he charts the course of our country under his leadership.

One of the issues the president-elect tackled during his press briefing following his proclamation in Congress was foreign policy, particularly our country’s relationship with the United States and China.

It is obviously clear that we will continue to pursue a truly independent foreign policy that would truly benefit the Philippines. There is no question that a country should always look out for its own national interest while continuing to forge bilateral

relationships with all nations.

“We have to find an independent foreign policy where we are friends with everyone; that’s the only way.

We have to be good neighbors and ask them to be good neighbors to us as well. It is of mutual benefit to us,” he affirmed.

People certainly welcomed BBM’s statement that we will not compromise our sovereignty in any way. “We are a sovereign nation with a functioning government. We do not need to be told by anyone how to run our country. There is no room for negotiation there. It is sacred, inviolable,” he said.

On the issue of the 2016 Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, Bongbong Marcos assured that it will be used to continue to assert our country’s territorial rights. “It’s not a claim, it’s a territorial right. That’s what the arbitral ruling can do to help us,” he said, promising that we “will not allow a single square millimeter” of our maritime rights to be trampled upon.

That being said, I believe that our relationship with other countries that have conflicting maritime claims, among them China, will continue along the path started by President Duterte who reached out not only to resolve issues but to have strong economic ties with them.

While we value our friendship with old allies like the United States, we certainly want to reach out to other nations – and this is not a motherhood statement but a fact that we need to accept.

During our meeting with U.S. embassy chargé d’affaires Heather Variava who paid a courtesy visit to the presidentelect at his campaign headquarters, BBM reiterated his continuing belief that the United States, a longtime ally and friend of the Philippines, must continue to work together not only in regional security but more on economic cooperation for the recovery of the global economy. “No one country can do it alone,” he said.

Needless to say, the White

House was very pleased with the telephone conversation between President Joe Biden and president-elect Marcos.

During my private meeting with him last week after I arrived from Washington, he requested me to stay on in Washington as his ambassador. Of course, I am more than honored to be his ambassador, but more than that – to do whatever I can in helping him succeed.

By noon of June 30, we will witness another historic occasion that should make us proud that our democratic system – while not perfect – is very much functioning. Once again allow me to reiterate: For those who have strong doubts about the incoming president, judge him not by the past but by what he intends to do for our beloved country. (Philstar.com) *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

Buckle up: It’ll be a bumpy ride in the next six years of ‘democracy’ under Marcos if… make the Philippines great again by continuing the “golden years” of the presidency of the deposed dictator, Ferdinand E. Marcos.

To win at all costs would also allegedly include forming the “UniTeam” — the unified forces of traditional politicians and political dynasties, including those already convicted of plunder, graft and abuse of power — all motivated to keep the status quo, hold on to power, and enrich themselves using their public post in betrayal of public trust.

To win at all costs would also allegedly include employing vote buying, using “hakot” and cheating using computer programming to ensure the Marcos and Duterte victory.

And so as we wait for the SC to decide on the two petitions, and as we wait for the Commission of Elections (Comelec) to even act on the alleged violations against the Omnibus Election Code, we look at any signs that might give us a glimmer hope that indeed, the sin of the father would not be the sin of the son.

Unfortunately, what we have been hearing and seeing now so far would make it feel like the Philippines has retrogressed back to the Marcos Sr. years.

Up to this point, Bongbong Marcos has not yet presented to the Filipino people the details of his vision, platform and programs — something that a candidate

would have to start with before running for office.

But because his primary motivation is to clear the Marcos family name, he has failed to work on this number one requirement that would have been the basis of the Filipino people to make an informed decision when compared with those of other candidates running for President.

“Unity” was his answer to everything, and he did not even join any debates (except the one produced by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s SMNI) to face the Filipino people, the independent truth warrior journalists tasked with asking hard questions, fact checking, and scrutinizing whatever vision, platforms, and programs he was offering the nation. “Unity” does not qualify as a valid platform.

After being "presidentelect", Marcos had a “press conference,” but he did not invite members of the free independent press other than SMNI, Net25 and GMA 7 — all deemed to be “friendly” to Marcos. No hard probing questions were asked on behalf of the Filipino people who need clarity about how he would run the country in the next six years.

Bongbong could not even articulate his plans to solve the pressing problems plaguing the nation, his foreign policy and principles on international relations, which would cover

our dispute with China on our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. It also took him a long time to announce his appointees for cabinet positions.

Some were encouraged about his choices to lead his economic/financial team, but more are alarmed that his appointees for the other cabinet posts were chosen not because of their merit, qualification, knowledge and expertise about the departments and institution they will be heading but based on their “loyalty” to Marcos and Duterte, how they have helped him/them in this campaign. To discuss some of them: Vice President-elect Sara Duterte was picked as Department of Education Secretary, and people are concerned about further revisionism of history in favor of the Duterte and Marcos legacies at the expense of the truth and the facts of what truly happened in our nation’s recent history.

Trixie Cruz-Angeles was appointed Press Secretary, thanks to her vlog defending Marcos by spreading disinformation.

Cruz was slapped with a threeyear suspension by the SC for violating provisions of the Code of Professional Responsibility.

Bongbong Marcos, however, did not designate a presidential spokesperson because he said he would be the one who would

personally face the media, and his non transparency during the campaign period is a red flag.

Broadcaster Erwin Tulfo was appointed Secretary of Department of Social Welfare and Development, bypassing career officials in the department.

The Tulfo brothers were staunch Marcos and Duterte supporters.

Worse, Tourism Secretary Bernas Romulo-Puyat confirmed that the P60 million in ad placement fees paid to Ben Tulfo’s Bitag Media has not yet been returned to the department.

As ABS-CBN News reported, state auditors flagged the payment for “possible conflict of interest” because the former tourism chief, Wanda Teo, is Tulfo’s sister. The Tulfos have not returned the money despite their declaration to do so. Duterte Transparency and accountability are two important principles that are required in democracy as they keep the public servants in check, knowing that they are NOT above the law, and should therefore be embodied by public officials even during the campaign period.

If they could not be honest and transparent during the campaign , what more could we expect from them when they are accorded public trust and the power of the office they are voted and/or appointed to?

What would be our basis of knowing that they are not abusing

their power, especially when it comes to handling taxpayers money? How can they be held accountable if the people who surround them are their family members and political allies?

How can Bongbong Marcos lead a country toward the eradication of graft and corruption when his own family has not been made accountable for their transgressions against the country?

How can we end impunity in the Philippines when Marcos himself would say we need to forget the past despite the abuse of power of public officials, who continue to be accorded so much power by being in government, including the Marcos and Duterte families and their minions? How could there ever be justice under the Marcos presidency? *** 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 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.

ADVERTISING AND ADVERTORIAL POLICIES ROGER LAGMAY ORIEL Publisher & Chairman of the Board

CORA MACABAGDAL-ORIEL President Main Office: 1210 S. Brand Blvd Glendale, CA 91204 Tels: (818) 502-0651 • (213) 250-9797 Fax: (818) 502-0858 • (213) 481-0854 e-mail: info@asianjournalinc.com http://www.asianjournal.com

Las Vegas Sales Office: 2770 S. Maryland Pkwy., Suite 201 Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 Tel.: (702) 792-6678 • Fax: (702) 792-6879

ROBERT MACABAGDAL Vice President & General Manager Las Vegas Asian Journal

With offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York/New Jersey, Las Vegas, San Diego. Philippines MOMAR G. VISAYA Executive Editor

Asian Journal Publitions, Inc. (“AJPI”) reserves the right to refuse to publish, in its sole and absolute d i s c re t i o n , a ny a d ve r t i s i n g a n d a d ve r to r i a l m a te r i a l s u b m i t te d fo r p u b l i t i o n by c l i e n t . ( “ C l i e n t ’s Material”) Submission of an advertisement or advertorial to an AJPI sales representative does not constitute a commitment by AJPI to publish a Client’s Material. AJPI has the option to correctly classify any Client’s Material and to delete objectionable words or phrases.

Client represents and warrants that a Client’s Material does not and will not contain any language or material which is libelous, slanderous or defamatory or invades any rights of privacy or publicity; does not and will not violate or infringe upon, or give rise to any adverse claim with respect to any common law or other right whatsoever (including, without limitation, any copyright, trademark, service mark or contract right) of any person or entity, or violate any other applible law; and is not the subject of any litigation or claim that might give rise to any litigation.

Publition of a Client’s Material does not constitute an agreement to continue publition.

Client agrees and covenants to indemnify AJPI and its officers against any and all loss, liability, damage, expenses, cost, charges, claims, actions, uses of action, recoveries, judgments, penalties, including outside attorneys’ fees (individually and collectively “Claims”) which AJPI may suffer by reason of (1) Client’s breach of any of the representations, warranties and agreements herein or (2) any Claims by any third party relating in any way to Client’s Material.

AJPI will not be liable for failure to publish any Client’s Material as requested or for more than one incorrect insertion of a Client’s Material. In the event of an error, or omission in printing or publition of a Client’s Material, AJPI shall be limited to an adjustment for the space occupied by the error, with maximum liability being ncellation of the cost of the first incorrect advertisement or republition of the correct advertisement.

Under no circumstances shall Asian Publitions, Inc. be liable for consequential damages of any kind.

ASIAN JOURNAL PUBLITIONS, INC. publishes the Los Angeles Asian Journal, published twice a week; Northern California Asian Journal, Las Vegas Asian Journal and the New York / New Jersey Asian Journal which are published once a week and distributed to Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange Counties, Northern California, Las Vegas and New York and New Jersey respectively.

Articles published in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Letters to the Editor are welcome. Letters must contain complete name and return address. The materials, however, are subject to editing and revisions.

Contributions and advertising deadlines are every Mondays and Thursdays. For advertising rates and other informations, please ll the L.A. office at (213) 250-9797 or the Las Vegas Sales Office at (702) 792-6678 or send us an email at info@asianjournalinc.com

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Dateline PhiliPPines

Zubiri set to be the next Senate chief

by Bernadette

e. tamayo

ManilaTimes.net

SEN. Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri will take the post to be vacated by Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III on June 30.

Zubiri had no competition for the Senate presidency after Sen. Cynthia Villar backed out of the race for the top post in the chamber.

Villar on Wednesday said she is "no longer interested" in the position.

The Senate adjourns sine die on June 3.

Villar said she opted to have Zubiri form a "supermajority" bloc. The senator added that she is not interested in a term-sharing agreement with Zubiri.

"I want a simple life," she told reporters.

Villar vowed to continue with her advocacies which are agriculture and environment.

The new set of Senate leaders for the 19th Congress was finalized on Wednesday.

Zubiri revealed that returning senator Lorna Regina "Loren" Legarda will be the Senate president pro tempore while reelected Sen. Emmanuel Joel Villanueva will be the majority

leader.

The minority bloc is expected to be led by Sen. Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel 3rd with reelected Sen. Ana Theresia "Risa" Hontiveros as member.

The chairmanships of major committees have already been assigned to the members of the "supermajority bloc." The chairmanships of 26 out of 40 Senate committees have been filled up: Sen. Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara was given the Finance panel; Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, Tourism and Accounts; Senator-elect Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, Local Government, Higher Education; Senator-elect Francis "Chiz" Escudero, Justice; Senator-elect Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, Labor; Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, Basic Education, Ways and Means; Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go, Health, Sports; Sen. Manuel "Lito" Lapid, Games; Sen. Maria Josefa Imelda "Imee" Marcos, Foreign Relations; Senator-elect Robin Padilla, Constitutional Amendments, Social Justice; Sen. Mary Grace Poe, Public Services, Banks; Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., Public Works; Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, Defense; Sen. Francis Tolentino,

Blue Ribbon; Senator-elect Rafael "Raffy" Tulfo, Energy, Overseas Filipino Workers (new committee); and Senator Villar, Agriculture, Environment.

Hontiveros will retain the chairmanship of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.

Zubiri said that he had always wanted to form a supermajority, adding that "a united Senate is a productive one."

"I would like to thank Ma'am Cynthia Villar from the bottom of my heart for her support, graciousness, and magnanimity in helping me form a supermajority," he said. "I also thank all my colleagues who believe in me and put their trust and confidence in my ability to lead the Senate in the 19th Congress."

"Rest assured that all of my experience as majority leader in the 14th, 17th and 18th Congresses will help me greatly in managing the affairs of the Senate.

And having been a legislator for as long as I have, I understand deeply the independence, integrity, and dignity of the Senate, and I will always uphold these, as well as the rules and traditions of this hallowed institution," Zubiri said. g

China rejects PH protest vs fishing ban in South China Sea

by RobeRtzon

RamiRez

Philstar.com

MANILA — China has dismissed the Philippine government’s protest against its unilateral imposition of a fishing ban over areas that extend to the West Philippine Sea. Beijing declared that the moratorium adheres to international law and is within its sovereign right, according to a GMA News report.

At a news conference on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Beijing’s declaration of the ban, which is in effect from May 1 to Aug. 16, is a standard measure to safeguard its resources.

Manila, however, said it does not recognize China’s fishing moratorium from that period as it covers waters in areas where the Philippines exercises “sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction.”

“The summer fishing moratorium in the South China Sea adopted by China is a normal measure of protecting marine biological resources in waters under China’s jurisdiction, and a manifestation of fulfilling obligations under international law including UNCLOS by the Chinese side,” Zhao said, referring to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. He added that China cannot accept the “unwarranted accusation” of the Philippine government.

China also declared that it “cannot accept the unwarranted accusation” of the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs, which lodged the protest on May 30.

“We hope the Philippine side can view it in an objective and correct perspective, and earnestly fulfill the obligations as a littoral state of the South China Sea to jointly promote

sustainable development of fishery in the South China Sea,” Zhao said.

Envoy visits PCG On Thursday, June 2, Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian paid a courtesy visit to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officials.

In a Viber message to reporters, PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said that Huang’s visit “is intended to review friendly exchanges and cooperation between the China Coast Guard and the PCG” as he emphasized being honored and privileged by the visit.

“We look forward to exchanging views on possible capacity building activities between the CCG and PCG to strengthen rapport and confidence among the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard to promote peace and stability in the region,” Abu added.

There were no media interviews during Huang’s visit. g

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2-8, 2022

7

JUNE 2-8, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL 8LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

June 2, 2022

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

INSIDE

LIFESTYLE • CONSUMER GUIDE • COMMUNITY • MARKETPLACE

Eva Noblezada on creating her legacy as a Filipino Mexican woman in America today by

MoMar G. Visaya / AJPress

THE Coalition for Asian American Children and Families (CACF) held its Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month event last week and Tony-nominated and Grammy-winning performer Eva Noblezada.

The Filipino-Mexican Noblezada is no stranger to CACF. The nonprofit honored her in 2019 with their Catalyst for Change award.

“I think that CACF is doing such a good job at opening the conversation about anti-API hate

and other inequities affecting our community that’s why I am so fiercely happy to be here tonight,” Noblezada told the Asian Journal.

“I spoke to someone today saying that they’re trying to put forward to teach about Asian history in schools in New York State. That’s huge, I’m just hearing about this and I’m so excited.”

Currently the star of the hit Broadway musical Hadestown, Noblezada originated the lead role of Eurydice, where she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Lead Role and for

which she won a Grammy.

The actress made her Broadway debut via Miss Saigon in 2017 where she received her first Tony nomination. She previously starred in Hadestown at the National Theatre in London after being a lead in the West End revivals of Miss Saigon and Les Miserables.

Noblezada made her film debut in the acclaimed Sony Pictures film Yellow Rose, playing the lead for Filipino-American director Diane Paragas.

This year, her fans can catch her in Apple TV+ animated adventure

As special guest performer, Noblezada sang She Used to be Mine from Noblezada with her boyfriend and Hadestown co-star Reeve Carney the musical Waitress.

film Luck this August and the upcoming Jo Koy film Easter Sunday.

“So yeah, my character plays a very unlucky human and she always thinks that she is cursed with bad luck and she finds out by the end of the movie that there is no such thing as always having bad luck,” she said. “And if anything is just like, that’s life. You know, it’s about how you deal with the cards that are dealt you.”

“I’m really excited for Easter Sunday because that’s a very important movie,” she said. “I’m proud and grateful to have been a part of both Yellow Rose and Easter Sunday, two Filipino movies written, directed, produced, and starred by Filipinos.”

Tracing Roots Noblezada grew up in San Diego down the street from both her Mexican and Filipino grandparents.

She feels lucky for that, knowing now that there are younger people who are just coming to terms with their Filipino culture and what it means for them.

“I love being Filipina. I f*cking love being Filipina,” she exclaimed. “I’m still learning every day. There are still things that I have to learn about like the colonialism in the Philippines and the imperialism, and the history.”

“I’m 26 years old and I’m the fruit of the privileges of being who I am in the States. But what did it mean for my family? What sacrifices did they make for us to be here,” she shared.

In her short speech, Noblezada paid tribute to her grandfather Ephraim Noblezada who passed away in Iloilo last year due to

Eva Noblezada is a two-time Tony Award nominee and a Grammy-winning performer. She is a part of Easter Sunday, a film starring comedian Jo Koy. Currently, she stars as Eurydice on the hit Broadway musical Hadestown.

Photos by Lia Chang for CACF

pancreatic cancer. He was the one who brought the family to the United States in 1973. She said he “could grow anything and was the funniest person ever and made the best Filipino food.”

“I wasn’t able to go unfortunately because I was in a lockdown in Vancouver, and I would have literally gotten fined and arrested if I left my hotel room to go home.

It sucked,” she shared. “It makes me sad, but also like the second he passed away, I felt him on my side.”

Noblezada believes that it is absolutely important to understand who we are and where we come from.

“Being in Miss Saigon gave me such a f*cked up ‘myself identity’ because I didn’t know who I was.

I was a Filipino playing a Vietnamese woman and everyone in the cast felt the same. They’re like ‘I’m Chinese,’ ‘I’m Japanese and Korean,’ ‘I’m not Vietnamese’ and that show f*cks you up because it’s not right. You know?”

“The music is beautiful, but at

the root of it, it does nothing but set us back, two steps back. And what I want to do is f*cking hurdle jump 18 steps forward,” she said sighing. “But that’s easier said than done.”

Asked about what her major takeaway so far since she started her career as a bright-eyed teen, she paused and got excited.

“I’m a woman now, I’m 26!

I’m not 17, I’m new here today,” she said, singing a line from the musical. “I think what I’ll say is this might sound cheesy, but I just want to be honest about how I feel right now. Enjoy your life and dig deeper. It’s not enough to enjoy the things that happen on - como si dice - the surface, it isn’t enough,” she explained.

“So the thing, the lesson I’ve learned is to understand who I am really, where I come from, and that will give me a direction of where to go from here. And then I’m in control of how I live my life. I don’t have to play victim to things that aren’t actually more powerful than who I am,” she added.

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

Features

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2-8, 2022

9

I-15 expansion aims to be done by late summer

by RealtoR

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

THINKING of ways to improve the experience of those using the Interstate 15 corridor to go to and from Las Vegas, governors from both states – Gov. Steve Sisolak of Nevad and Gov. Gavin Newsom of California – had announced last December that the five-mile stretch between the NevadaCalifornia border and Barstow, California will be expanded to help ease traffic congestion.

Caltrans officials, according to news reports recently, have said that the contract has gone out to bid, with the goal of having the expanded section open in a couple of months.

Originally slated to be done

by July 4 (Independence Day for the United States), the project looks like it will be completed by late summer. Although the

delay is a bit concerting to some, many are praising that the project is moving forward.

Officials are hoping that the bottleneck that happens at the state line will be eased by adding a third lane during peak hours.

The $12 million project, funded by the California State Highway Account resources, will expand the five-mile segment between the Nevada border and the California Department of Food and Agriculture station to three miles. Per officials, this is where the majority of the congestion occurs.

At the moment, the interstate goes from three lanes on the Nevada side down to two lanes during the first handful of miles on the California side.

This project has been muchheralded by both officials,

Dr. Phil Paleracio (middle), one of Realtor Fely Quitevis-Batement’s (left) investors in both Las Vegas and Pahrump, is the best dentist in town. With them in photo is CPA Bing Longakit, Jr. who will be Realtor Quitevis-Bateman’s neighbor in June once they close escrow in one of the towers at Turnberry Place.

A commercial home office in Pahrump, approximately 2600 sqft on 20,000 sqft of land, will be available in the market soon.

These are Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (extreme left) investors, including the Comahig couple, who got approved by the Nye County Commission to build a 100-bed senior resort facility in Pahrump. With Realtor Quitevis-Bateman in photo are Gerlie Comahig, RN, Wilmer Comahig, RN, Tim Evangelista and Glenda Evangelista. The Evangelistas are also looking for some business opportunities in Pahrump or Las Vegas.

the trucking association and constant travelers to and from Las Vegas. About 20% of the millions of visitors to Las Vegas come from Southern California, and at times the traffic delay, especially during the weekends or holidays is a put-off for many prospective visitors.

This would, for sure, improve the travel experience for those using the I-15 as their main corridor for travel to and from Las Vegas for those coming from California. Aside from bringing in more business to the state, it will also ease the burden faced by major transport operations carrying goods into Nevada.

Meanwhile, the Las Vegas housing market experienced a little tumble in late spring as typical sales of single-family homes went down by 8.3% from March and 14.9% from April 2021, according to a report from the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Homebuilders’ net sales are also down by about 30% from March, the report cited, with builders’ total sales down 18 percent from the four-month stretch of January to April 2022 when compared to 2021 figures for the same period.

However, industry observers still consider Las Vegas a seller’s market overall as there is still a tight inventory of listings available.

Currently, mortgage prices continue on the upswing for many areas in the region.

Southern Nevada single-family homes, for example, have a median sales price of $475,000, which is still an improvement over 2021 prices.

Homes are still selling, but the expected downtrend in sales may be a result of some house hunters reexamining their budget and looking at homes they can afford, with mortgage costs continuing to rise.

If you are looking to purchase a new home, a vacation home or simply an investment for the future, now is the time to look at what the housing market has to offer in Las Vegas and other neighboring communities.

With Clark County expecting an influx of more than a million people by 2060, Las Vegas and its neighboring areas continue to be hot prospects for homebuyers and major businesses. And that means a lot of people looking for housing and other real estate opportunities.

I have seen the development of areas like Las Vegas and Pahrump through the decades, and I have helped many of my clients find the right piece of land or housing for their budgets and needs. For some of my clients, they are now reaping the benefits of having invested in the market early – some are even looking for new opportunities now, as they look at the many projects that are in development in Las Vegas and other areas.

My company, Precious

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948 or send email to fely@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com.

Properties, is a full-service company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948

for more information. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

10

Features

JUNE 2-8, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Former Filipina caregiver, now a fast-rising fashion designer in Canada

GENETTE Mujar, a Vancouverbased fashion designer of Filipino descent, is a former caregiver turned fast-rising designer in Canada.

Genette, who hails from Albay in the Philippines, is the owner and chief operating officer of Gnetz Design, a fast-rising fashion house based in Vancouver, Canada.

Genette, who completed her studies at Bicol University, has had a passion for fashion design since she was young.

Even during those formative years, whenever her classmates would ask her about her unique and stylish outfits, her ready reply has always been: “It’s from Gnetz.” That’s how the Gnetz brand started.

While in the Philippines, Genette had to face numerous challenges — such as growing up with limited resources. Her life did not change much when she had her own children. She's also had to give up her ambition to be a fashion designer.

As such, Genette had to take the same path as millions of Filipinos: she had to become an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in order to provide a better life for her children, and it wasn't easy.

Initially, her OFW journey took her to Taiwan. She moved to Hong Kong after a few years, where one of her most traumatic experiences was being ejected by her employer.

Genette then moved to Canada in 2007 to work as a caregiver. Her pay at the time was insufficient to fully support her family in the Philippines. But despite her financial difficulties, she maintained her enthusiasm for fashion.

She would frequent thrift stores in Canada, looking for old clothes which she could restyle or upcycle.

Genette chose to pursue her passion of being a fashion designer after a few years in Vancouver, at the age of 50.

She enrolled in a fashion school and got an award despite being the oldest in her class when she graduated.

She was then hired as a fashion designer for a local Vancouver apparel firm. She eventually mustered the guts to open her own fashion house, Gnetz Design.

Today, among her favorite designs is Filipiniana, a unique Philippine look that conjures grace, elegance and beauty.

It is never too late to realize one’s dreams. Genette's remarkable success story is another illustration of how, no matter our age, hard work can lead to success. Genette is hoping that her story becomes an inspiration to many.

Asia Pacific Fashion Week: A global platform Genette is slated to showcase her latest Filipiniana designs at the Asia Pacific Fashion Week (APFW), the newest global platform which showcases the diversity of Filipino-inspired fashions, in two iconic American cities.

Health @Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

FROM CAREGIVER TO FASHION DESIGNER. Genette Mujar, a Vancouver-based fashion designer of Filipino descent, is a former caregiver turned fast-rising designer in Canada.

UNCONVENTIONAL FASHION. At a fashion show for Vancouver International Film Festival, Genette is surrounded by models wearing her modern Filipiniana creations.

The first show is on August 6 (Saturday), at 4 p.m., at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a historic landmark on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the heart of Los Angeles.

The second show is on August 13 (Saturday), at 4 p.m., at the Decades Event Center, located in Vegas Pointe Plaza, Unit 168, 9175 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas.

The Los Angeles leg of APFW enjoys the support of Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Trending Beverages Inc., Napa Valley Distribution Inc.,

NEVER TOO LATE. Genette Mujar (right), who became a fashion designer at age 50, is living proof that, no matter our age, hard work can lead to success.

Photos courtesy of Genette Mujar

Montemaria Cellars, House of Pacquiao Wine, Individual Health Care, Lombard by the Bay, MTS Law Firm, Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development, and Tina Modeling.

The Las Vegas edition is coproduced by InterEdx, a dba of Dynasty Exchange Ltd. LLC., headed by Dr. Lee Dedicatoria, in cooperation with Asia on Earth, Dynasty Ventures, Club Paradisia, World Edoption, Royal Blue Staffing, Lend with Love and Decades Event Center. (APFW Release)

MODERN FILIPINIANA. A modern interpretation of the Philippine Terno by Genette Mujar.

Maymay back in PH after studying in Canada

by JaN

MiLo Severo Philstar.com

Maymay Entrata

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678

KAPAMILYA actress Maymay Entrata is back in the country after spending time in Canada.

In her Instagram account, Maymay posted photos of her wearing a pink dress in the hallway of ABS-CBN. "It’s good to be back mga kapamilya," Maymay captioned the post.

Celebrities such as Chie Filomeno, Bianca Gonzales, Loisa Andalio, Alexa Ilacad, to name a few, commented on her post welcoming her back.

"Namiss kita!!!!! So happy to see you dzaaaiii! Grabe pagaling ka oy welcome back!!!" Loisa commented.

"Welcome back gwapa," Chie commented.

Maymay spent her time in Canada to pursue her study. Reports said that she wanted to pursue her education abroad even before she started showbiz.

Last February, Maymay shocked her fans when she posted a photo of her with her "afam" boyfriend calling him "Valentino."

She, however, did not give details about her Photo from Instagram/@maymay relationship.

SENSELESS killings, especially mass shootings in schools, like the Uvalde massacre where innocent children were gunned down, always spark public and political knee-jerk clamor for gun control, almost neglecting “people control.” Since the Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms and stipulates “it shall not be infringed,” gun control should only mean controlling – properly and strictly vetting (background check and all) – who should be allowed to own guns, and not infringing on law-abiding citizens’ right to own guns for personal/family protection. I am all for taking away guns from all criminals and mentally ill people, if possible, but taking away guns from good people, and leaving only the bad ones armed, is unquestionably stupid.

Hypothetically, suppose we have an epidemic of people being killed by chainsaws, knives, icepicks, baseball bats, or hammers, is banning them the solution? Guns don’t go off or kill people by themselves; the criminal pulling the trigger is the guilty one, not the gun. Also, while AK 47 (Kalashnikov Model 1947) is an assault (automatic) weapon, which should be illegal for personal use, the usually “misunderstood” and maligned AR-15s are not automatic, not assault weapons, because they fire one bullet at a time like handguns.

In view of this more explosive period in our history, an intense and comprehensive background check on individuals wanting to buy guns is obviously justified for public safety, people’s health and mental security, and peace in our society.

Food and cancer While science finds it hard to discover a direct link between the food we eat and the risk of cancer, a 2018 study of more than 100,000 individuals concluded that there is a correlation between consuming ultra-processed foods and a more than 10 percent increase in developing certain cancers.

The researchers included the following highly processed food items in their clinical investigation: soft drinks, sugary drinks, instant soup, packaged bread and buns, packed sweets and salty snacks, processed meats (hot dogs, meatballs), ready meals, hydrogenated oils, modified starches, and protein isolates, items made mainly from sugar, oil, and fats.

Regular consumption of processed meats increases the risk for cancer of the bladder, stomach, and colon. These meats are bacon, hot dogs, sliced turkey, ham, bologna, and other deli

Shootings and health

meats, all of which are processed.

Other studies have revealed that eating more than 18 ounces, or three portions, of red meat per week, raises a person’s risk of developing cancer of the colon and rectum.

Strong evidence exists that drinking alcoholic beverages likewise increases the risk for cancer of the liver, mouth, larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), breast, esophagus, and colorectum. Alcohol and smoking more than doubly increase the risk for cancer. Excess body weight also raises the risk for cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular illnesses.

To minimize the risk of cancer, a healthy lifestyle with a diet that contains a lot of multicolored vegetables (broccoli, green leafy veggies, carrots, beans, winter squash, and peas), and the following fruits are recommended: blueberries, blackberries, cherries, acai berries, grapes, raspberries, apples, cranberries, grapefruit, and avocados. Coffee, garlic, flaxseeds, tea, walnuts, oatmeal, barley, millet, and quinoa, instead of white rice, are also healthy items. A high fiber diet also lowers the risk for colon cancer. These natural antioxidants eaten fresh are ten-fold better than those in pills, which are advertised as enough but actually inadequate.

OSA and COVID Before the vaccines for COVID-19 were available, a study was conducted to find out if there was a link between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and COVID-19.

The researchers found that people with Sleep Apnea were at a higher risk for this viral infection and more likely to be hospitalized, more likely to need a ventilator, and had a greater mortality rate, compared to those without OSA. However, those using CPAP therapy daily faired a lot better.

Vaccination for COVID-19 is expected to protect those with Sleep Apnea on CPAP treatment as in the general population, all other co-morbidities factored in.

Immunity wanes!

A vital reminder: Protective immunity from the vaccines for COVID-19, the first two shots, and the boosters, all wane in about 4-6 months, the reason people are advised to be vaccinated and to get booster shots after that period. Unlike Flu shots which confer immunity for a full year, the protection from the current COVID-19 vaccines does not last a year. Drug manufacturers are still working on vaccines for COVID-19 that would protect against more variants and last longer. In the meantime, after 6 months from the last shot you and I received (first or second booster), our immunity against COVID-19 and the current variants is greatly reduced and even lower or none for new variants. This is not safe.

Let us not be a victim of a false

sense of security. With only 67 percent of the population fully vaccinated (about 108 million unvaccinated potential spreaders in the U.S. and about 60 million in the Philippines), COVID-19 is expected to linger much longer and become endemic, for which vaccination (every 6 months?) would most likely be needed.

Consult with your physicians for further information and advice.

COVID-19 updates As of Tuesday, May 31, 2022, 8:00 AM (EST), there were 532,220,279 cases of COVID-19, with 6,312,143 deaths worldwide: 85,730,597 cases with 1,031,286 deaths in the United States; and 3,690,581 cases with 60,455 deaths in the Philippines. The 7-day daily average cases were 109,997 (a 21% increase in cases in 2 weeks), a daily average of 374 deaths (a 20% increase), and 7-day average daily hospitalizations of 26,804 (a 23% increase in 2 weeks).

With these statistics, it is still too premature to let our guard down, especially for seniors, those with health issues, and those immunocompromised. Masking and social distancing in public are still prudent. Full vaccination is a must – if we are to defeat this deadly invisible killer and end this pandemic soonest.

Fentanyl and cyanide Illicit drugs on the streets are now laced with fentanyl, an opioid pain medication, which is 100 times more potent than morphine and quite lethal. About 105,752 people died of a drug overdose in 12 months ending October 2021 over the past two years, with fentanyl use showing a rapid rise, nearly twice, from 35,000 to 69,000. While cyanide kills instantly, fentanyl, even an amount as small as the tip of a pencil, also kills expeditiously.

Taking either is suicide. And life is precious! *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States.

Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

Moira, Jason end three-year marriage

by Lyka

Nicart Philstar.com

TO the shock of music fans, Jason Marvin Hernandez and Moira dela Torre have decided to part ways after three years of marriage.

In an Instagram post on Tuesday night, Jason shared a joint statement with Moira announcing their separation. The breakup news sent the hitmaker, known for heartbreak-inspired songs Malaya and Paubaya, to the top of Twitter Philippines trending topics, as of Wednesday morning.

“It is with a heavy heart that after three years of marriage, we announce that we are parting ways. Our love and respect for each other remains. We request for privacy during this difficult time,” read the joint statement.

In the caption, Jason revealed that cheating on his part was the reason behind the end of their marriage.

“This is probably the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write,” he said, confessing that he had been unfaithful to Moira while they were together.

“Three years ago, I married my best friend with the intent of spending the rest of my life with her. Though my love for her has always been genuine, a few months ago, I confessed to Moira that I have been unfaithful to her during our marriage.

“I believe that she deserved to know the truth rather than continue down a ‘peaceful’ but dishonest path. I take full responsibility and I’m doing my best to be better.”

He then publicly apologized for the hurt he caused his wife.

“From the bottom of my heart, I’m sorry for everyone I hurt.

Especially Moi,” said Jason.

To recall, the music power couple first sparked breakup rumors in April after eagle-eyed fans noticed that Moira removed photos of her with Jason from her Instagram page as well as some of their videos on TikTok. Jason also posted a song he

After their breakup announcement, Moira and Jason request for privacy during this difficult time.

Photo from Instagram/@moiradelatorre

wrote with lyrics that some fans interpreted as trouble in their relationship.

“Wag kang lalapit diyan ka lang/ At baka makita ang lahat ng aking kahinaan/ Pilit kong tinakpan. At kung malaman mo kaya, mga kasalanang nagawa, kaya bang matanggap/ Pag di na ako nagpanggap… Iibigin mo pa ba ako? Pipiliin mo pa ba ito?” the song’s lyrics went.

However, days later, Jason clarified speculations about their marriage, saying that he and Moira were still married.

In an interview in Gandang Gabi Vice in 2018, Moira and Jason shared how their friendship blossomed into love.

“We’ve been friends for seven years, tapos naging best friends po kami for three years,” said Jason admitting that they were not romantically attracted to each other initially.

Jason related that it was him who developed feelings at first, adding that their frequent heartto-heart talks and mutual love for music, made them “super close.”

Jason and Moira, who have collaborated on several songs together such as their wedding theme song Ikaw At Ako, tied the knot in a garden wedding last January 2019.

Moira said then in their wedding vows: “Today, I stand before you in front of our family and friends fully convinced that you are mine and I am yours.

I vow to you that even if I can be too independent sometimes that I will submit to you, that I won’t let our panganay-bunso syndrome ever come in the way again even if I strongly feel about it that you will always have the last say. That by grace, there will be no records of wrongs and that I will always choose to forgive…”

The singer-songwriter also wrote a song for her husband, titled Promise.

In a STAR interview late 2021 to promote her reimagined album Halfway Point, Moira said that they were ready and planning to take the next step in their marriage and have

Features

(702) 792-6678 • http://www.asianjournal.com

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 2-8, 2022

11

Dolly de Leon gets Oscar Creating safe working environments: Rajeev Agarwal buzz for superb acting in shares how Sales Rain thrived amid COVID-19 Cannes 2022 winning film by

Ritchel Mendiola AJPress

by KRistofeR

PuRnell Philstar.com

WORLDWIDE acclaim is expected to follow the admiration that Filipino actress Dolly De Leon gained at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival after her role in Palme d'Or winner "Triangle of Sadness" by Ruben Ostlund.

During its recent premiere at the festival, "Triangle of Sadness" received a standing ovation that lasted over seven minutes, and while many cheered for stars Woody Harrelson, Harris Dickinson and Charlbi Dean, even more were showing praise for De Leon.

"Triangle of Sadness" follows a group of wealthy individuals who are stranded on an island, where hierarchies are flipped when everyone is thinking of survival.

De Leon stars as the toilet manager of the ship that crashed on the island, and audiences at Cannes immediately adored the actress' deadpan delivery and her distinction in Ostlund's social commentary.

Because of her performance, several critics have pegged her as a frontrunner at the 2023 Academy Awards in the supporting actress category, as well as co-star Harrelson (who has three Oscar nominations to date).

Asian winners are still rare at the Oscars, but the sensation that was "Parasite" — also a Palme d'Or winner — followed by Yuh Jung Youn's win for "Minari" is an indication that the ceremony

Dolly De Leon Photo from Instagram/@dollyedeleon

is widening its market, opening up a chance for De Leon.

The actress admitted to Variety that she has no agent to represent her, and that she based her role on friends and relatives who are Overseas Filipino Workers.

De Leon's acting experience mainly originates from the stage, but has found success on the big screen such as her 2020 FAMAS Best Supporting Actress win for her role in "Verdict," which the Philippines submitted to the Academy Awards that year in the Best International Feature Film category.

The actress also received international recognition when she starred in an episode of HBO's "Folklore," one directed by veteran filmmaker Erik Matti.

The Swedish Ostlund previously won the Palme d'Or in 2017 for his film "The Square," but this new movie is his Englishlanguage debut.

Filipina actress Dolly de Leon plays Abigail, a toilet manager on a cruise ship who gets stranded on a deserted island in Ruben Östlund’s social satire Triangle of Sadness. The film won the Palme d’Or, the highest award at the 75th Cannes Film Festival in France.

Photo screengrabbed from "Triangle of Sadness" by Ruben Ostlund

THE COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way businesses work. With the virus limiting social interaction, corporations across the globe were forced to close their offices and send their workers home.

In turn, the demand for office spaces gradually decreased as employees adapted to remote work.

In the Philippines, a 13.9% office vacancy was recorded at the end of the third quarter last year, according to professional services and investment management firm Colliers. It also recorded the least office transaction volume, at around 69,000 square meters amid the Delta variant surge of COVID-19.

Still, some seat leasing services managed to avoid being severely impacted by the subdued office leasing activity in the country. One of them was Sales Rain, a premier office space provider with multiple sites in Manila. Rajeev Agarwal, Sales Rain CEO, shared with the Asian Journal how his company thrived and expanded despite the global health crisis.

One step back, two steps forward According to Agarwal, the pandemic was a “one step back, two steps forward” process for Sales Rain. While they lost some clients to the crisis, the company’s quick response and strategic decisions successfully created new growth opportunities.

“As everyone knows, office real estate was one of the hardest hit sectors during COVID,” Agarwal noted. “It was one step back, two steps forward for us…

We did lose a few clients, but that make up was a very small portion of our business.”

“On the brighter side, we gained some new clients,” he added.

For this to happen, Agarwal said the company readily provided the “highest level of support” to its clients and helped them “with whatever we can during the tough times.”

These include creating safe office spaces and assisting with vaccinations.

“We provided discounts, more flexible terms, social distancing,

Sales Rain CEO Rajeev Agarwal

sanitized facilities, work from home and hybrid setups, on-site and off-site support, and help with the vaccination program,” he enumerated.

Agarwal also attributed Sales Rain’s high retention rate to the sacrifices its own employees made amid the pandemic.

“The kind of sacrifice our employees made being physically present in the offices, overcoming little to no transportation, and many other hardships were some of the key differentiators that helped us retain clients and win some new clients,” he stressed.

Keeping in mind the constant threat of infection while working at an office, Agarwal said Sales Rain compensated by paying all of its employees, getting them vaccinated, and extending concern to their families. And unlike other companies that decided to let go some of its workforce, Sales Rain retained all of its own.

Ushering growth and expansion Despite COVID-19 and its variants, Sales Rain remained a leader in providing premier seat leasing services, coworking spaces and private offices. Its client retention rate was more than 90%, and new offices and further expansions were welcomed before 2021 ended.

Agarwal pointed out that these are due in part to their existing clients growing during the pandemic.

“One of our existing clients added the entire new floor in BGC,” he said. “Another client signed up for the entire new floor in Ortigas and additional floor again in Eastwood.”

In June last year, Sales Rain announced its expansion in BGC to house multinational organizations and startup businesses across various industries. The new floor accommodated over 250 workstations and various workspaces, like conference halls, interview rooms, and training facilities.

Likewise, Sales Rain expanded in Ortigas with the intent to provide outsourcing businesses with flexible and cost-effective workspace solutions. The new floor it acquired in One Corporate Center catered mostly to BPO and call center companies, having amenities such as common areas, meeting rooms, training rooms and sleeping quarters.

Additionally, Agarwal announced that Sales Rain is opening its first office in Palawan soon, and that it’s already fully occupied, indicating the company’s relentless pursuit of creating sustainable working environments to serve and

accommodate clients better.

“So overall our retention rate was more than 90% and very satisfactory given the situation,” Agarwal said.

Office market recovery With the Philippines showing marked improvement in terms of handling the pandemic, property market experts have predicted the office space demand to grow in the next few months of 2022. Furthermore, the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector will remain as the country’s biggest demand driver in the local property market – something Agarwal himself has acknowledged.

“The Philippines is a growing economy with a thriving BPO industry. It’s also home for topquality and hardworking people who are naturally hospitable and can speak good English,” he noted.

According to him, the country is an ideal destination for business professionals who can work from anywhere. Of course, this is a prospect that Agarwal admitted to being excited over.

“For those who are not required to be in the office full time, [the] work from home [setup] will evolve into work from anywhere.

Now that travel restrictions are being lifted, digital nomads and some business professionals would want to explore the world and work from anywhere,” he explained.

“The Philippines is a perfect destination for those. We currently have many domestic and international clients from over 20 different countries. We are very excited about our future prospects,” he added.

For Sales Rain’s prospective customers, Agarwal assured that the company will continue to provide safe working environments that are both flexible and economical.

“They can continue to expect the same dedication, service, pricing, and wholesome inclusions,” he said.

Sales Rain is a renowned provider of world-class offices in prime business districts of the Philippines. It provides access to adaptable workspaces, competitive rates, and prime locations that guarantee immense growth for numerous business process outsourcing companies and startup businesses.

(Advertising Supplement)

12

JUNE 2-8, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (702) 792-6678