061622 - Las Vegas Edition

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JUNE 16-22, 2022

T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER

Volume 33 - No. 24 • 12 Pages

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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

California officials call for more funding for Asian-language teachers DESPITE the growing Asian community in California and nationwide, the Golden State does not have enough accredited Asianlanguage teachers and instructors, statewide officials say.

For the 2020-2021 school year, almost 1,200 accreditations for bilingual instructors were confirmed by the California Dept. of Education (CDOE), but only 93 of those accreditations were for Asian-language instructors.

California lawmakers and community leaders are calling for a one-time $5 million funding package to address what they described as a shortage in accredited Asianlanguage teachers.

Advocates for the Asian American community say that this shortage of dualimmersion language instructors puts immigrant children — who could learn English simultaneously with their native language — at a disadvantage.

“We must address the shortage of accredited Asian-language teachers,” said

Biden signs off on first steps toward national AAPI museum

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

UNITED States President Joe Biden on Monday, June 13 signed a bill that will kickstart the creation of a national museum dedicated to Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)

history and culture.

HR 3525, also called the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act, will establish a select group of AAPI leaders who will issue recommendations for a “plan of action

 PAGE 2

Fil-Am candidates advance to general election for Assembly, judicial races in Las Vegas

by AJPRESS

 PAGE 2

Pinoy family mocked, attacked in California A FILIPINO family was a victim of another hate crime when they were mocked and physically attacked at a fastfood restaurant in North Hollywood, California.

An ABS-CBN report said the incident happened on May 13 that began at the fastfood drive-thru around 10 p.m. when a jeep bumped the family car of Patricia Roque.

“As we were about to get to the drivethru, someone bumped the back of our car and we immediately went ahead and called 911 and our dad to help us,” Roque said.

“What started out as a minor traffic collision escalated into something more dangerous, and something we never would have expected,” she said.

She said her family was verbally attacked and threatened by the other driver after telling them they were “so Asian.”

“He said ‘I’ll kill you,’” she said.

Nerissa, Patricia’s mother, narrated that her husband Gabriel arrived in the area, but the driver of the other car rushed to him and punched him as he fell to the

for the museum.”

In other words, this commission will be responsible for what is included in the museum as well as possible locations, likely within the Washington D.C. area.

WELCOMING PBBM. Workers put up a tarpaulin welcoming President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, June 15 at the Philippine Information Agency building on Visayas Avenue, Barangay Vasra, Quezon City. Congress declared Marcos the presidential winner after he amassed more than 31 million votes in the official tally.

PNA photo by Rico H. Borja

TWO Filipina Americans vying for elected positions in Southern Nevada are heading to the general election in November.

Erica Mosca, an educator, non-profit leader and social justice advocate, won the Democratic primary for Nevada’s 14th Assembly District on Tuesday, June 14.

As of this writing on Thursday, June 16, Mosca garnered 76.39% of the vote, according to results from the Nevada Secretary of State.

District 14 covers a portion of Las Vegas in Clark County.

"Thank you to everyone for your incredible support. We are proud to have won the primary election with 75% of the vote as a collective: thank you to all volunteers, donors and supporters who made this #AD14 win possible. WE'RE READY FOR THE GENERAL!” Mosca wrote on Twitter.

 PAGE 4

Gov’t urged to open up the PH to more foreign investments

by RAMON

ROYANDOYAN Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines should open further to foreigners if it wants to corner more job-generating investments, Asia-based Hinrich Foundation said on Tuesday, June 14.

There’s a “window of opportunity that might be the right moment to open the country,” Riccardo Crescenzi, professor of economic geography at the London School of Economics, said in an online forum organized by Hinrich.

Crescenzi did not explain when this opportunity would come, nor what’s with  PAGE 3

this window that would allow the economy to open up more to foreign investors. For years, the Philippines has lagged behind its regional peers in attracting FDI, no thanks to its decrepit infrastructure.

After reaching a record-high $10.1 billion net inflows in 2017, data showed FDI to the Philippines started declining from that peak, with the pandemic worsening the downtrend.

As virus curbs ease around the globe, FDI net inflows hit an all-time high of $10.5 billion last year. Meanwhile, the outgoing Duterte administration managed Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte with daughter Vice President-elect Sara Duterte-Carpio to make a last-minute push to enact laws Malacañang photo

 PAGE 3

Duterte to Sara on Bongbong Marcos can enter US due to diplomatic immunity - envoy drug war: ‘Take over’

by CHRISTIA

MARIE RAMOS

Inquirer.net

PRESIDENT-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would be “welcome” to the United States given his diplomatic immunity as a head of state, a top Washington diplomat pointed out on Thursday, June 9.

“The fact is, when you’re a head of state, you have immunity in all circumstances and are welcome to the United States in your official role,” U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman told U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” reporters in a roundtable Marcos Jr. Photo from Twitter @DeputySecState discussion in Pasay City when

asked on the matter.

Before this, she capped off a day of meetings with Philippine officials, including Marcos Jr. and outgoing Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. “When someone is the head of state, they have [diplomatic] immunity and would be welcome to the United States,” Sherman added.

In 2012, a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit handed down a contempt judgment against Marcos Jr., his mother Imelda, and the estate of Ferdinand Marcos

 PAGE 3

by KRISTINA

MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte, stressing the importance of shielding the youth from the harmful effects of illegal drugs, wants his daughter and Vice President-elect Sara DuterteCarpio to continue his advocacy.

"Take over," the outgoing leader said at an event in Valenzuela City last Sunday, June 12.

"Ikaw na... Kunin mo 'yang trabaho (You do it. Get the job)," he said.

Duterte pointed out that

the Department of Education (DepEd), which Duterte-Carpio will soon lead, will play a vital role in ensuring school-aged children will not be influenced to be drug users. "'Yang Department of Education, maraming bata diyan (there are a lot ot children involved). Do not ever allow contamination diyan sa kanila (among them)," he urged.

The President likewise encouraged his daughter to not hesitate in ruling with an iron fist and just "do it" if it would mean having a drug-free school system. 

2

JUNE 16-22, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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

From The FronT Page

Biden signs off on first steps...

PAGE 1 At the signing in the East Room of the White House, Biden spoke on the generations of AAPIs who “have literally shaped the history and the contours of this country.”

“It’s about time for a national museum to capture the courage, the character, the imagination and – maybe from my perspective, looking at it from a little bit from a distance – the dreams and the heart and the soul of the generations of our fellow Americans that came before you,” Biden added.

The commission will also study the costs of such a museum and whether or not it should be an off-shoot to the Smithsonian Institute.

Biden was also joined by Vice President Kamala Harris, who as a South Asian American is the first Asian American vice president.

“Growing up, my mother made sure that my sister Maya and I learned of the important, glorious history of Asian

Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in America,” Harris said.

“Because that, of course, is part of the history of America.

She continued, “To teach this history is to help all of us as Americans understand where we come from, and to teach this history is to help us understand who we are,” Harris added.

In addition to celebrating the American triumphs for which Asian Americans are responsible, the museum is expected to provide a sobering look into the history of antiAsian discrimination in the U.S. “This is also a story about some of our country’s darkest moments,” Harris said on Monday before the signing.

“The Chinese Exclusion Act, the internment of Japanese Americans, the murder of Vincent Chin, discrimination against South Asian Americans after 9/11, and today’s epidemic of [anti-Asian] hate.”

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, AAPI advocacy groups all agree that education and more exposure to the nuances of Asian cultures is a necessary step to curbing antiAsian hate.

Biden and Harris have been vocal about their commitment to addressing the rise in antiAsian hate crimes since their election. Among his first acts as president, Biden signed the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, a broad piece of legislation that promised to strengthen law enforcement to better address hate crimes.

The legislation comes as Washington is also in the process of planning two other cultural museums: the National Museum of the American Latino and the Smithsonian Women’s History Museum. In 2016, the National Museum of African American History and Culture opened, which kickstarted talks to establish other museums dedicated to other minority identities. g

PHILIPPINES MATTERS TO U.S. (From left to right) Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Jose Victor Chan-Gonzaga, U.S Embassy in the Philippines Charge d’ Affaires ad interim Heather Variava, Department of National Defense Undersecretary Cardozo Luna, lead the launching of the East-West Center publication “Philippines Matters for America, America Matters for the Philippines”, held at the U.S. Embassy Chancery Ballroom on Wednesday, June 15. The launching of the publication concludes the celebration of the 75th anniversary of U.S.-Philippine diplomatic relations.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

California officials call for more funding for...

PAGE 1

Connie Chung Joe, CEO of Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles said in a press conference on Monday, June 6. “Access to dual-immersion language programs [isn’t] keeping up with demand. It’s unacceptable when Vietnamese and Mandarin were the second and third most spoken languages in K-12 public schools. Yet only 4 teachers were accredited to teach Vietnamese and 58 to teach Mandarin.”

Other than Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese are the most commonly spoken non-English languages across the state. And with the growing Asian population in California and nationwide, the pool of immigrant students enrolling in California public schools is also increasing, which signals a demand for a multilingual teaching force.

California State Sen. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), who chairs the state’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, is introducing the program to the Legislature.

During the press conference, Pan acknowledged the API Equity Budget, the comprehensive $166.5 million spending package passed last year that funds stronger tracking and prevention of anti-Asian hate crimes.

However, anti-Asian bias and United States President Joe Biden on Monday, June 13 signed Rep. Grace Meng’s bill to establish a commission to study the creation of a Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture into law.

Photo courtesy of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus harassment should go beyond

that.

Recalling his own experience as an elementary school student who could only speak Mandarin, Pan said that, like so many ESL students, he would have developed more confidence and progress with a bilingual teacher.

He added that the linguistic barrier that puts immigrant children at a great disadvantage also negatively affects their mental health.

“We need to be sure that every child, no matter what language they speak at home, and how they got here, has the opportunity to get an outstanding education — and that not only benefits that child; it benefits the whole state,” Pan said.

In addition to helping immigrant children thrive in the classroom, the program could also help native English speakers learn a second language and, more importantly, help them understand other cultures — which, given the rise in anti-Asian attacks in recent years, could be critical, advocates say.

Victoria Dominguez, policy director at Advancing Justice Los Angeles, said that there is a psychological component to introducing multilingual studies at a young age, saying that “when we are exposed to other communities, other cultures, and other languages, literally, our brain rewires in a different way that allows us to be more

empathetic.

The spending package, if passed, would be invested into the California State Universities’ Asian Bilingual Education Program Consortium, a group representing 10 campuses in the CSU system, to increase the number of bilingual teachers in six East and Southeast Asian languages: Cantonese, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Vietnamese. (Tagalog and other Filipino dialects, as well as Central and South Asian languages were not mentioned during the briefing.)

Fernando Rodríguez-Valls, a professor of secondary education who works at the consortium at Cal State Fullerton, noted that classes being offered to bilingual teachers to better support their diverse classrooms do not come with financial aid as of yet. The fee for the two classes required are around $2,500 on average, classes that are designed specifically to prepare teachers on how to help students understand class materials in another language.

“It’s not just learning the languages; it’s learning mathematics in Khmer. It’s learning science in Korean, learning history in Vietnamese.

And in order to accomplish that, we need teachers who are qualified,” Rodríguez-Valls said.

(By Klarize Medenilla/AJPress)

SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Procurement Dept.

340 N. 11TH Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) FOR BANKING SERVICES (RFP NO. P23007) PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON(S): Note: Contact with any other SNRHA staff other than the named here, including SNRHA’s Residents and Board of Commissioners will result in your Proposal being rejected.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS AND RESPOND TO THIS RFP:

Linda P. Simpson, Contracts Administrator Procurement & Contracts Ph: (702) 477-3144; TDD (702) 387-1898 lpsimpson@snvrha.org, or if not available Wanda Beckett, Contracts Administrator wbeckett@snvrha.org Ph: (702) 477-3145 1. DOWNLOAD AND RESPOND TO THIS SOLICITATION: Housing Agency Marketplace website: ha.economicengine.com Registered Users: “Log in and insert Solicitation No. RFP P23007 Non Registered Users: You must first register your company before downloading the Solicitation. Click on “New Vendor” to register.

Problems accessing the system or registering, call 866-526-9266 or 866-526-0160, M-F, 9 AM (EST) – 4 PM (PST) 2. DOWNLOADS ONLY: SNRHA website: www.snvrha.org, click on Procurement and “Current Bid Invitations” and proceed to the appropriate solicitation number.

Problems downloading the Solicitation, call (702) 477-3160, M-Th, 7AM-6PM (PST)

PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE:

See Questions & Answers (Q&A) Information below in lieu of Pre-Proposal Conference

Q & A PERIOD IN LIEU OF PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE:

Monday, June 20, 2022 – Tuesday, July 5, 2022, 10:00 AM (PST) All questions and answers must be submitted in writing via ha.economicengine.com

SOLICITATION SUBMITTAL RETURN AND DEADLINE:

Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Attn: Linda P. Simpson Procurement & Contracts 340 North 11TH Street, Suite 180 Las Vegas, NV 89101 RFP P23007 Fee Accounting Services 3 Sealed, Hard Copy Proposals Due: Wednesday, July 20, 2022, 10AM (PST) at the above-stated address Proposed Fees Due: Wednesday, July 20, 2022, 10:00 AM (PST) at ha.economicengine.com

EMERGING SMALL BUSINESSES (ESB), WOMEN AND/OR MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE. ESB PROGRAM ADDT’L INFORMATION: JEANETTE HOLGUIN, (702) 486-2700 OR 702-486-2830 JHOLGUIN@DIVERSIFYNEVADA.COM

Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Notice of Public Comment Period and Public Hearing As required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Notice is hereby given that the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority will hold a Public Hearing to solicit comments on the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority’s Annual Agency Plan for FY2023.

The Public Hearing will be held at: Howard Cannon Center Commission Chambers 340 North 11th Street Las Vegas, Nevada 89101 Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 5:00pm The Plan will be available on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at all Public Housing Community Offices as well as in the main lobby area of SNRHA Administrative Offices located at: Howard Cannon Center – 340 North 11th Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101 W.F. Cottrell Administration Building – 5390 E. Flamingo Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89122 Housing Programs Building – 380 North Maryland Parkway Las Vegas, NV 89101 The Plan will also be available on our website at www.snvrha.org, Welcome Page, scroll down to Agency Plans section, click on “Click here for all Agency Plans” and scroll down to the pdf icon for this plan.

If you wish to comment on this Plan, require additional information, and/or need special accommodations, please call 702-477-3112.

Written comments will be accepted from Tuesday, June 28, 2022 through Thursday, August 11, 2022 at 5:00pm at the above addresses.

PUB: June 16, 2022

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

Dateline USa

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 16-22, 2022

Gov’t urged to open up the PH to more...

PAGE 1

that relax restrictions on foreign investments.

Crescenzi and Oliver Harman, cities economist for the International Growth Centre at the University of Oxford, wrote a research commissioned by the Hinrich Foundation that looked into different ways FDIs and global value chains could be leveraged by countries.

For Harman, the Philippines has experienced “outward and inward” FDI, wherein a country would invest overseas and bring home lessons it picked up from that investment experience.

The research noted that the Philippines, alongside Cambodia, FEARLESS. Congressman Patrick Michael Vargas assists a Grade 1 student during his first dose of Pfizer vaccine at Barangay Kaligayahan, Novaliches-Fairview in Quezon City on Thursday, June 16. The COVID-19 vaccine rollout for 5-11 years old continues until all qualified individuals are vaccinated.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

Bongbong Marcos can enter US due to...

PAGE 1

Sr. for violating an injunction that barred them from dissipating assets of the estate.

The contempt order came after the Marcoses entered into a settlement with the Ramos administration in 1992 and agreed to share their wealth with the government. It was considered a violation of the 1991 decision of the U.S. District Court of Hawaii prohibiting the Marcos family from touching their U.S. assets because these were the source of potential payment of damages to the human rights victims of martial law.

Thousands of martial law victims won a class action lawsuit for human rights violations against the estate of Marcos Sr. in Hawaii in 1986, where they were awarded close to $2 billion.

The contempt award also meant that the Marcoses would not be allowed to set foot on any U.S. territory.

This issue was earlier raised during the first press conference of Marcos Jr.’s then campaign spokesperson Victor Rodriguez.

A reporter had asked how the then presumptive president, as the country’s top diplomat, could travel to the United States given the contempt order, but Rodriguez ignored this and subsequent questions about the issue.

Sherman stressed the “robust” relations between Manila and Washington, which spans 75 years.

She met with Marcos Jr. earlier in the day and had a “positive” and “productive” meeting where they

discussed a wide range of topics, including ensuring freedom of navigation in the South China Sea and human rights.

So far, Sherman is the highest U.S. official that Marcos Jr. has met since his proclamation as the country’s next president.

“The friendship between the United States and the Philippines runs deep. And so, too, does our shared commitment to upholding and strengthening the rules-based international order,” Sherman told reporters.

“The Philippines has been a leader and a champion for upholding freedom of navigation in the South China Sea in the face of increasing encroachments,” she said.

“The United States remains committed to standing with the government of the Philippines to uphold the rules and laws underpinning the international maritime order, and we have spoken up against infringements of the Philippines’ sovereign rights,” she added.

Sherman said she was pleased to meet Marcos as part of her 10-day Asian swing that includes South Korea, Vietnam and Laos.

VFA extension “We discussed strengthening our longstanding alliance, expanding people-to-people ties, deepening our economic relationship, advancing human rights, and preserving a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Sherman said in a Twitter post.

In a statement, Rodriguez, the incoming executive secretary,

said Marcos and Sherman also “discussed the importance of partnering together in order to strengthen the economy (of) the two countries” in such areas as “public-private partnerships, clean energy and the digital economy.”

Invitation Last May, Marcos said he was looking at extending the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the Philippines and the United States as he raised the issue during his meeting with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Heather Variava at his campaign headquarters in Mandaluyong City. Marcos also invited U.S. President Biden to his inauguration on June 30, which he said “could further fortify the relationship of the two countries.”

The Department of State earlier said Sherman’s visit to Asia reflected Washington’s “continued commitment to the Indo-Pacific.”

“The deputy secretary and the President-elect highlighted the importance of the U.S.-Philippine alliance to security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world and the importance of fostering respect for human rights and rule of law in the Philippines,” U.S. Department of State spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement.

Also present at the meeting between Marcos and Sherman were Rodriguez, Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Jose Manuel Romualdez and Foreign Undersecretary Theresa Lazaro.

(With reports from Nestor Corrales and Tina G. Santos/ Inquirer.net)

Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam, depend on its regional peers for “inward” investments.

At the same time, this same cluster of countries also directed their investments to countries in East and Southeast Asia — a type of “outward” FDI that, the researchers said, could bring in new knowledge that facilitates economic development.

“There is pressure to sort of engage in economic resiliency policies by looking inward. In the long run, it’s important for economies to remain open,” Harman said.

Harman believes opening the Philippines further to the rest of the world could prove easier

3

in the coming years, citing the local call center industry which has thrived in regions outside the capital. He said cities like Baguio and Bacolod managed to win investments from BPO firms when they understood the needs of the industry and identified the regional assets with whom the two cities should couple.

“Attracting FDI requires a consideration for actions at lower geographical scales. It also reminds policymakers that, while regional assets can take a long time to change, local institutions can match existing links to global networks in the short term,” the researchers said. g

Pinoy family mocked, attacked in...

PAGE 1

ground.

“The attacker then tried to open our car to get my daughter. My husband stopped him and the man punched him.

My husband fell on the ground, and as I was helping him to get up, the suspect strangled me,” Nerissa said in Filipino.

Bystanders tried to intervene and police arrived in the area.

She was able to avoid the attacker who tried to hit her.

“But he hit my chest. So the pain until now is with me. I remember the pain until now.

The attack left my husband with a broken rib,” she said.

“I was traumatized. It hurts.

It’s different when your very family is the one being attacked.

That’s what we see on TV. I thought it would not happen, but it happened to my family.

It’s traumatizing. Up to now, it’s painful,” Nerissa said.

Police would not identify the attacker yet pending investigation, the family said. g

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JUNE 16-22, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline USa

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

Will the US overcome its COVID-19 complacency even as the threat returns? by

Fil-Am candidates advance to general election...

PAGE 1

Mosca, who is the daughter of a Filipino immigrant and a first-generation college graduate, started the non-profit organization “Leaders in Training,” which empowers students who are the first in their families to graduate from college.

Meanwhile, prosecutor Agnes Montebon Botelho will head to the general election in November for the Department 16 seat in the Las Vegas Justice of Peace. She secured 23% of the vote against Nadia Wood, chief deputy public defender, who got 49.17%.

The nonpartisan position is a Non-profit leader and educator Erica Mosca will head to the November general election six-year term. after clinching the Democratic primary for B o r n i n t h e P h i l i p p i n e s , Nevada’s 14th Assembly District, which covers Botelho has lived in Las Vegas parts of Las Vegas. for 24 years. Botelho has “I believe in this cause more served as a chief deputy district attorney for Clark County. She now than I did when I first filed for is a graduate of UNLV’s Boyd office. Our community deserves a judge that cares not just about a Law School.

Kaiser Health News

A FEW months ago, it seemed as though the country was poised to finally tame the pandemic, after two years of restrictions and tens of billions in government spending.

The Biden administration in March released the first national covid-19 preparedness plan to help Americans safely “return to normal,” a strategy to live with the continued presence of the virus and the emergence of new variants.

In response, elected representatives and much of the country essentially sighed, seemingly preferring to move on and give up the fight. Congress has failed to approve more spending for free testing, treatments, and vaccines. Local governments lifted mandates and many people have stopped wearing masks, even in crowded indoor spaces.

Two-thirds of those who waited in line for hours to receive their initial vaccinations seem less willing to walk into a pharmacy to get a free booster, leaving themselves more susceptible to the omicron variants.

The pandemic response has become mild-mannered and performative, backed by neither money, urgency, nor enforcement.

Although the Biden administration has requested $22.5 billion more covid funding — warning of 100 million possible infections and a wave of deaths this fall — the Senate has considered providing less than half that much. Even that amount is stalled because lawmakers have tied it to immigration issues. Without those funds, the government can’t maintain the programs that have effectively flattened the curve of the pandemic thus far; it can’t, for example, purchase shots so that all Americans can be vaccinated for free and may need to ration future vaccines.

Tired of policing, many, if not most, stores and workplaces have dropped their mask mandates, even during local covid surges.

Where they’re in place, they’re Agnes Montebon Botelho, a prosecutor, is often poorly enforced. seeking to become Las Vegas Justice of Peace Likewise, the campaigns in Department 16. urging people to be vaccinated defendant’s rights but also about have largely tailed off when it victims and our community’s comes to boosters, even though safety,” Botelho wrote in a many scientists contend the “booster” is not really an add-on Facebook post. g

Governor Sisolak, First Lady Sisolak celebrate 124th Philippine Independence Day OVER the weekend, Governor Sisolak, First Lady Kathy Sisolak, and members of the governor’s AAPI Advisory Council joined Nevadans to honor the 124th Philippine Independence Day and celebrate the many contributions made by Filipino Nevadans.

Nevada’s Filipino community is the largest and fastest growing AAPI community in Las Vegas.

During his first term, Governor Sisolak has supported the Filipino and AAPI communities by growing Nevada’s economy, lowering costs for families, investing in public schools, supporting small businesses, creating the Office for New Americans and signing into law Nevada’s first English Language Learners Bill of Rights.

ElisabEth RosEnthal

but an essential component of protection. Vaccinations against other illnesses require three or more shots to complete a full course (three shots for hepatitis B; four for polio; five for diphtheria).

And yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has not updated the definition of “fully vaccinated” for air travel to the U.S. and only “recommends” a booster. Many states define covid vaccination as having received two shots, not three.

Already the toll of this collective complacency is clear: In January and February, people who’d been “fully vaccinated” accounted for more than 40% of covid deaths — more than two-thirds of them hadn’t gotten a third shot. One million Americans have died from covid-19 — far more per capita than in any other developed country; a new variant is doubling case rates in some states; and more than 300 people are dying a day.

Here’s the issue: Public health needs — but doesn’t have — a sexy narrative. That’s because if public health officials are respected, well funded, and allowed to do their jobs, here’s the result: Nothing happens. Outbreaks don’t lead to pandemics. Patients stop smoking, eat healthier, and lose weight. People wear their masks and get their shots. Testing is free, convenient, and widely available.

But without a good narrative, public health infrastructure gets little attention from politicians and voters — unless a pandemic is raging. It is ignored and lawmakers potentially defund it as soon as a crisis appears to ebb.

Public health is fought without drama or good visuals and by ordinary people in lab coats or, more likely, in street clothes, going door to door for things like vaccine distribution and contact tracing.

There are, of course, structural issues that have hampered the pandemic response of our leading public health institutions like the CDC and the FDA. Their pace is slow, their technology outdated, they were undermined and disrespected by former President Donald Trump, and, perhaps most important, command lines to local public health departments proved weak or nonexistent.

After 9/11, many states, counties, and cities — to

save money or redirect it to counterterrorism efforts — defunded and hollowed out public health departments to the point of near extinction. Since the 2008 recession, at least 38,000 state and local public health jobs have been eliminated, according to a KHN and Associated Press analysis. That’s partly why states and cities have yet to spend much of the $2.25 billion allocated in March 2021 by the Biden administration to help reduce covid disparities. There are now too few on-the-ground public health officials who know how to spend it.

We see the value of lifeboats, though we hope ocean liners never sink. We happily fund fire inspections, though we hope never to have our homes threatened by fire. Why shouldn’t we apply the same thinking to our investment in the local health department?

Two years ago, pre-vaccine, the images of dying people on ventilators saying goodbye on iPads, doctors in hazmat suits, and portable morgues in hospital parking lots briefly engaged everyone in the need for public health resources, and Congress stepped up.

Now, with mass shootings, the war in Ukraine, and economic challenges like inflation dominating attention, the public has moved on. But the threat hasn’t gone away. And there will be a price to pay in unnecessary illness, deaths, and disruptions if the nation doesn’t maintain the actions needed to contain the inevitable covid waves to come.

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.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is 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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

US to invest $130 billion to develop emerging Defense technologies THE The United States is investing $130 billion for its defense budget for research and development of emerging technologies.

Based on a transcript of United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin’s interview at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue dated June 11, he said that Washington continues “to invest a sustantial amount” to ensure that the country can respond to any potential conflict.

“We believe that in order to remain relevant, we have to make sure that we're investing in the right kinds of things to support the operational concepts that we think are important in any conflict — that we'll employ in any conflict going forward.”

Austin said.

However, he did not provide further details on the technologies that they are looking into but emphasized plans to continue working with their partners.

“I would just say that it’s important for us to continue to work with our allies and partners as we develop these technologies,” Austin said.

He agreed that the UkraineRussia situation is an example that war may happen at any moment, saying countries’ military forces and defenses should have the right capabilities.

Russia invaded Ukraine earlier in February, leaving over 5 million refugees from Ukraine seeking refuge across Europe according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

When asked about the

consequence of China’s militarization of artificial islands in contested waters, Austin said Beijing’s actions led to allies and partners countries banding together “in a more deliberate way to make sure that they have the ability to protect their interest and their territory on waters.”

China has been building artificial islands in waters that the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei have claims to. Beijing has been using these as its military bases.

“There are some consequences and those consequences are a much more united region. A region that's focused ever so much more on a vision of free and open Indo-Pacific. So, I think -- I think there have been consequences,” Austin said.

(Philstar.com)

COVID-19 cases up by 53% in NCR

by Red

Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

CORONAVIRUS disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases had been increasing by as much as 53 percent in the National Capital Region (NCR or Metro Manila) over the past week, but independent tracker OCTA Research said there is no need to reimpose stronger restrictions like lockdowns.

According to OCTA Research senior fellow Dr. Guido David, the seven-day average cases also jumped from 86 cases per day to 131.

The reproduction number in the region has increased, too, to 1.5, while the positivity rate rose to 2.7 percent.

David said if the current case trends continued, the NCR may experience around 200 to 300 cases in the coming days and 400-500 cases by the end of the month, and below a thousand cases across the country.

Despite the increasing numbers, hospital and intensive care unit utilization rates in the NCR remained stable at 23 and 18 percent, respectively.

Dr. Jose Rene de Grano of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines echoed David's

sentiments in a separate interview, saying while they are experiencing slight increases, non-COVID cases still dominate their facilities.

"Bumabalik na kasi ang mga pasyente sa mga ospital at nagkokonsulta na (The patients are now returning to the hospitals, and they are now consulting)," de Grano said, noting that most of COVID-19 cases in their hospitals are mostly unvaccinated or partly vaccinated.

David said there is a possibility that the Department of Health may escalate NCR to Alert Level 2 if cases and hospitalizations continue to rise and the risk level in the region worsens from low risk to moderate risk based on their own metrics.

"At the minimum, the government needs to decrease the capacities in public transport and indoor establishments so that it would allow more space and prevent crowding in establishments," he added.

David urged private companies to delay their return to work and implement flexible working arrangements, which would also help workers deal with increased oil prices and fares.

In a separate forum organized by the Integrated Studies and

Development Institute, OCTA founder Ranjit Rye said while it is yet premature to remove the current state of a public health emergency, he believes that this possible surge will not lead to a crippling lockdown that could affect the economy.

"We have seen that this [COVID-19] variant, if it becomes dominant, will provide us more leeway to make decisions veering away from lockdowns. I don't think we would have that kind of lockdowns like we had last year," Rye added.

He urged the incoming administration of Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. to strengthen the public health system, improve the collection of taxes, and keep corruption at bay to allow the country to "restart" the economy that has been battered by the pandemic.

"You really have to start confronting the real problem, which is weak institutions, and that would require not just geniuses in the government, [but] it requires confronting the problem head-on and that would require a whole-ofnation approach, whether it is on COVID or on finance," Rye said. g

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 16-22, 2022

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JUNE 16-22, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPiniOn

FeatURes

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No gas, no transport

THOSE who have been stuck in traffic regularly since COVID restrictions were eased will not believe it. But take it from the Metropolitan Development Authority: there have been fewer vehicles recorded at least on EDSA in recent weeks. And a likely reason, according to the MMDA, is the continuing surge in fuel prices.

To save on fuel costs, motorists are reducing vehicle use, whether private cars or public utility vehicles.

PUV drivers and operators have lamented that even the higher minimum fare is not enough to offset the ever-increasing prices of fuel. Free rides offered by the government, while naturally welcomed by commuters, have also cut into PUV earnings.

Operators have grounded their jeepneys or reduced their trips, while some PUV drivers have said they will just return to their home provinces to try their luck at farming, because in Metro Manila, their earnings are no longer enough to feed the family.

The grounding of jeepneys and reduction of bus deployment are happening at the same time that private car owners are being forced to leave their vehicles at home and take mass transportation to save on fuel costs. The result can be seen in those Philstar.com photo long, slow-moving lines of people waiting for rides

at bus stops, transport hubs and light railway stations.

The lack of mass transport facilities will inevitably impact efforts to revive businesses. Commuters account for the majority of the workforce, and mass transport services were already inadequate even before the pandemic. The inadequacy of mass transport facilities is the biggest reason why people who can afford it prefer to use private vehicles.

Even the full resumption of face-to-face classes, meant to promote economic recovery, may have to be reviewed as the fuel price surge leads to a reduction in mass transport services. PUV operators have said even cash assistance doled out by the government is not enough, and doesn’t cover all mass transport drivers. What they want is for the government to deal with the high fuel prices. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

The Fil-Am Perspective GEL SANTOS-RELOS THIS year’s celebration of Independence Day felt like there was a dark cloud hovering above the 7,100 beautiful islands of our beloved Philippines.

Where there should be pride and joy and a jubilant spirit in celebrating the day when we won our freedom from foreign intrusion and occupation of our Motherland, gloom and helplessness were the overriding emotions for many Filipinos, exacerbated by the meanness and hatred of other kababayans who live in a parallel universe. ”Alab ng puso, sa dibdib mo’y buhay” goes a line in the Philippine’s national anthem “Lupang Hinirang,” but I do not feel that burning, pulsating enthusiasm that I felt from our kababayans just before the May 9, 2022 election — the fire of hope for a better brighter Philippines seemed to have lost its flame to become a dying ember.

“Sa manlulupig, di ka pasisiil” is another popular line in “Lupang Hinirang,” which means the Filipino people will never allow ourselves and our nation to be oppressed again

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ FOR over a week now, people have been seeing electronic billboards along certain parts of EDSA and Mandaluyong with an image of President Duterte above a Philippine map and the words “Salamat PRRD” (Thank you PRRD). Apparently, the digital billboards were put up by ordinary Filipinos who, on their own, contributed funds for the initiative to show their gratitude to the outgoing president. In fact, many people have also been posting individual photos wearing shirts and hoodies with the “thank you” message.

Clearly, these gestures show that President Rodrigo Duterte – with his unique leadership style – was effective and appreciated by a large majority of Filipinos for all he has done for them as president.

No matter what critics may say, there is no denying that many of the projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program of the Duterte administration will have long-lasting impact

The irony of Independence Day: When Filipinos embrace and hail their oppressors as their heroes by its conquerors.

Our victorious bloodless revolution to fight for freedom from the Marcos dictatorship in 1986 had earned the admiration and respect of people from all over the world.

Imperfect as our journey back to a true democracy — government of the people, by the people, for the people — might have been, we have gone a long way, only to transgress to where we were during Martial Law, sinking to a new low when Rodrigo Duterte was elected President, and even to a seemingly bottomless pit when Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., the son of the dictator we deposed 36 years ago, was elected to the Presidency.

Our national hero Jose Rizal once said, “Kailanman hindi ako natatakot sa mag mananakop, mas natatakot ako sa kamangmangan ng aking mga kababayan (I have never been scared of the conquerors, as I am afraid of the ignorance of my fellow Filipinos)”.

Indeed, we Filipinos have become our worst enemy toward our collective quest toward realizing and owning the clean and honest government we all have been

yearning and praying for.

We may have been freed from foreign oppressors, but many of us have not realized that the chains of oppression from within us, from among us, has been the most difficult to break free from.

We have allowed our minds to be manipulated and conquered by the conquistadores of our generation, and they were not tyrants from foreign soil. They are Filipinos.

They used the toxic arsenal of lies, disinformation, fake news, revision of history, spread by social media platforms more deadly than COVID-19. And many of us took them all in, without question, without critical thinking.

The conquistadores used our frustrations to fan the flames of hate and division, and many of us allowed our minds to be conquered by the very people who have been abusing them, violating the Constitution to rule as if they are above the law.

What is there to celebrate on Independence Day after we drank their poison wine, that made many of us believe they were the heroes, and those who fought for our freedom are the enemies of the people.

FLYBY. Philippine Air Force aircraft make a flyby above Rizal Park in Manila as the country commemorates it’s 124th Independence Day on Sunday, June 12. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the flag -raising and wreath-laying at the Rizal Park, reiterating his call for Filipinos to join hands and work together for the benefit of the country and people.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

And we hailed and exalted the very people that oppressed us, the very people that abused us. We betrayed ourselves.

When will we ever be truly free? Do we even deserve to be free? *** 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

Duterte’s lasting legacy on the lives of people across the nation, as these roads, bridges, seaports, airports and railways play a major role in the development of the Philippines which had difficulty attracting foreign investments in the past due to complaints about poor if not lacking infrastructure to support growth and expansion plans of investors.

Under the modernization programs of the Department of Transportation, more than 200 airport and aviation projects were completed, with modern terminals and facilities built for airports that include the Clark International Airport, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and the Bicol International Airport in Albay that has been dubbed as the country’s “most scenic” gateway.

Transportation Secretary Art Tugade gets credit because despite all kinds of criticisms and roadblocks he faced, he just kept going. Under his watch, railway projects that have been languishing were completed.

Commuters were also very relieved when the MRT Line 3 was rehabilitated and the LRT East Extension (serving those from eastern portions of Metro

Manila and Antipolo) was completed.

Former DPWH secretary and now senator Mark Villar also did well with the completion of expressways that have significantly lessened travel time, with the TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) among the most notable. Under the Duterte administration, approximately 26,500 kilometers of roads and 5,500 bridges have been built nationwide, while 145,000 classrooms and 2,000 school buildings have been constructed in the last five years.

Education being the great equalizer, underprivileged students will benefit from Republic Act 10931 that allows qualified students to enroll in any state college or university without having to pay tuition and other fees.

Overseas Filipino workers were not forgotten, with the Department of Migrant Workers created to address the concerns of OFWs. During the height of the pandemic, free repatriation and financial assistance were provided to workers who lost their jobs. Aside from an OFW bank, a hospital in Pampanga was also built specifically to

cater to the medical needs of OFWs and their families.

So affected is he by the plight of our OFWs that the President was ready to break relations with a country to make sure justice is served, like the time when a domestic helper was killed and kept in a freezer by her employers.

In so many ways, he made it loud and clear that the Philippines is a sovereign nation that must be respected no matter what, brooking no interference or intervention from foreign groups or entities.

It is perhaps only during the time of Duterte that one would see a police general with a reputation for being “astig” (tough guy) publicly breaking into tears while expressing his gratitude to the President for covering their backs and looking after their welfare. Every single Philippine military official who came to Washington, D.C. and dropped by the embassy had only the highest praises for President Duterte for beefing up their defense capabilities with muchneeded equipment such as missile frigates, anti-submarine helicopters, multirole jets, high powered firearms and truck

mounted Howitzer systems, plus almost doubling their outdated salaries.

No less than outgoing senator and former PNP chief Ping Lacson thanked the President.

“On behalf of all retired and active military and uniformed personnel, I thank President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for looking after our welfare like no other Commander-in-Chief before him ever did,” he tweeted.

We give credit to Finance Secretary Sonny Dominguez and the rest of the economic team for steadfastly keeping the economy in the right place with a strong fiscal position amid the pandemic. The passage of the TRAIN law has benefited many Filipinos in terms of reduced income taxes, while key reform measures have made the Philippines more competitive as an investment destination – with international analysts commending our resilience amid global uncertainty.

After initial challenges, the COVID-19 vaccination rollout has proved to be successful, with the Philippines ranking high in Nikkei Asia’s Recovery Index (No. 33 out of 121 countries) with a marked decrease in daily COVID-19

cases, outranking developed countries such as Japan, Canada, Italy, UK, Switzerland, US, Singapore and many others.

As a matter of fact, I received so many messages thanking the President for the free vaccination which continues to this day.

One can say that the President has been to the deepest valley with the challenges that he faced during his term, among them the COVID-19 pandemic and now the impact of the war in Ukraine. Critics can keep trying to denigrate or diminish what have been accomplished during his watch – but President Duterte will leave the presidency at the top of the mountain because he has undoubtedly done extremely well – the only Philippine president to end his term with unprecedented high trust and approval ratings.

Salamat po, Mr. President!

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

*** babeseyeview@gmail.com

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

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Dateline PhiliPPines

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 16-22, 2022

PH elected to seat at UNCLOS implementing body Despite super majority, Senate MANILA — The Philippines was elected to a seat at the United Nations body that implements guidelines establishing the limits of the continental shelf of coastal states.

On Thursday, June 16, Manila time, the Philippine Mission to the UN said Manila won a seat in the Asia-Pacific Group of the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS), which aims to implement the guidelines of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The UNCLOS provides that a coastal state’s continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles “from the baselines from which the

breadth of the territorial sea is measured.”

“Philippine candidate Deputy Administrator Efren P. Carandang is one of the country’s most eminently qualified technical expert for the CLCS, with quality management skills,” the Philippine Mission to the UN said in a Twitter post.

The country won with a majority vote of 113 votes out of the 164 state parties present and voting “after four tough rounds of voting.”

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teddy Locsin Jr. thanked China for casting a vote for the Philippines.

“We have differences, sure; we tried but failed to bridge them but

the endeavor was sincere; we are patriots each of our respective causes; but we have a deep respect and genuine affection for each other,” Locsin said in a post on Thursday.

China has been dismissing a 2016 tribunal ruling that invalidated its nine-dash claim over the South China Sea, which includes an area of the West Philippine Sea. However, Locsin earlier said he was “extremely disappointed” that Australia did not support the Philippines’ bid for the CLCS seat.

It is the Philippines’ first time to serve in the commission, with a term starting 2023 until 2028.

(Philstar.com)

De Lima ‘frustrated’ at DOJ decision to continue prosecuting her cases

by AngelicA

Y. YAng

Philstar.com

MANILA — Outgoing Sen. Leila De Lima said Thursday, June 16, that she is frustrated but not surprised at Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra's move to follow the panel of prosecutor's decision to continue prosecuting her two drug cases, despite several recantations of allegations against the lawmaker.

"Secretary Menardo Guevarra’s decision...is plainly a safe and nonchalant gesture. It is devoid of any effort to dig deeper in the wider scheme of things behind my persecution by Duterte," De Lima said in a statement shared by her team on Viber.

"Frustrating but not at all surprising or unexpected. I guess it was wishful thinking to expect anything different from Sec. Guevarra," she added, claiming that he only based his decision on the assessment of the Justice department's panel of prosecutors.

She expressed doubt that Guevarra read the retraction of ex-Bureau of Corrections officer Rafael Ragos where he admitted to the panel that his testimony is not perfect because "it was all made up lies and forced upon him by former SOJ (Secretary of Justice) Vitaliano Aguirre." Ragos earlier claimed Aguirre coerced him to make false statements linking De Lima to the drug trade in New Bilibid, and the latter has denied this.

"It pains me that the very institution that I served faithfully has failed in its foremost, noble

7

won’t be rubber stamp – Angara by cecille

suerte Philstar.com

Felipe

MANILA — Despite having a super majority, the Senate in the 19th Congress will not be a rubber stamp of the administration of president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a senator gave this assurance on Thursday, June 16.

In an interview with “The Chiefs” on OneNews, Sen. Sonny Angara said senators in the 19th Congress will be “critical collaborators” and keep the tradition of overseeing the checks and balances in the executive department.

“Just the mere fact of a super majority does not mean Congress will become a rubber stamp. So I think if you look at previous Congresses, the previous Senate even where there was a super majority, administration measures were also scrutinized, and some may have been passed, but they were in a form that was not necessarily the form originally proposed by Malacañang,” Angara pointed out.

“So I think that is the role of the Senate that makes it very unique in our democracy, and that’s a role we want to preserve,” he added.

He assured the public that the role of the Senate to ensure checks and balances in the executive department will not disappear during Marcos’ time.

Angara noted that the Senate also did not approve the reimposition of death penalty even when the Duterte administration was also pushing for it.

Although only Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III and Sen. Risa Hontiveros indicated plans to be part of the minority, Angara described them as “two very capable senators.”

“I think we’ve been a critical collaborator or co-worker of the executive branch because the executive branch performs and the Senate… our role is to lay out the policies whereas the ones who execute the policies are the executive branch. You can’t always be opposing,” Angara said.

Sen. Sonny Angara

Philstar.com file photo

He added that “in the way to really achieve progress, everyone must work together on common advocacies. Common cooperation between the legislative and the executive branches has resulted in very good laws over the years and benefits to our people.”

Among the fruits of this cooperation, he noted, are the laws on free tuition for college and on universal health care. g

Jollibee continues international expansion by iris

gonzAles Philstar.com

Sen. Leila de Lima.

task to protect the innocent," De Lima, who formerly served as Justice Secretary for five years until 2015, said.

Days ago, Guevarra said there is what he called good reason to continue the lawmaker's prosecution, following the advice of the panel of prosecutors who reviewed the evidence related to De Lima's cases.

Three personalities, including a star witness of the government, recanted their allegations against De Lima and admitted that their testimonies were false and were made because they were threatened.

The first one to retract was confessed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa, followed by prosecution witness Ragos who once testified that he gave P10 million in two tranches to De Lima's aide Ronnie Dayan- but also recanted this. Dayan, who is also co-accused in one case, said there was no such delivery of money to him.

Philstar.com file photo

Guevarra said that these three individuals must be presented in court for examination "to ascertain their truthfulness, their alleged recantations have no probative value whatsoever", citing the prosecution panel.

De Lima has been detained at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center since February 2017 over conspiracy charges to commit illegal drug trading. She is accused of participating in the proliferation of the illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison during the time she was Justice Secretary.

She has consistently denied the allegations. In 2021, a Muntinlupa court acquitted one of her cases after ruling that the prosecution was not able to present "strong evidence" to show that she was guilty. She still faces two more drug charges.

De Lima ran for another senatorial bid in this year's elections from her detention cell, but did not make it to the so-called "Magic 12." g

MANILA — The Jollibee Group, a Filipino-owned Asian food conglomerate, will continue with its sustained and aggressive international expansion on the back of easing restrictions in global markets and businesses worldwide.

Jollibee Group chief marketing officer Daniel Gomez said their strategic pivots in marketing helped the company overcome the challenges brought about by the health crisis, which led to its continuous store openings, growth, and profitability.

These initiatives, he said, would continue as it enabled Jollibee to report a net income of P5.9 billion last year, a reversal of the P11.5 billion loss recorded in the previous year. Its operating income amounted to P6.3 billion, about the same level in 2019 or pre-pandemic, which was P6.5 billion.

“With these encouraging results, we are more determined to continue improving our marketing strategies and sharpening our customer focus so we can sustain the growth momentum and help

the Jollibee Group emerge as a stronger organization, even postpandemic,” Gomez said.

During the pandemic, the Jollibee Group’s marketing team shifted to a digital-first media strategy to align its marketing communication with its customers’ media consumption habits.

One of its major marketing pivots is the improvement in the takeout and delivery channels of its various stores and brands. This initiative, Gomez said, proved effective in driving sales at the height of the pandemic in 2020.

“This was the scenario we saw in our business in the Philippines and international markets, where off-premise channels like delivery contributed significantly to total sales,” Gomez said.

Another strategy Jollibee implemented is opening offpremise outlets. These include Delivery and Takeout Only (DelTo) stores such as that of Greenwich and Panda Express in the country.

“We have also launched the Jollibee Cloud Kitchens in key locations like Singapore and the US to make delivery even more efficient,” Gomez said.

The Jollibee Group also

accelerated menu innovations such as ready-to-cook products and group meals offered at good value so that its customers can enjoy all these in the safety of their own homes.

Gomez said consumer needs are evolving, thus, the need for marketing pivots. These needs will continue to evolve even after the pandemic, he said.

“The global pandemic brought about several shifts in consumer habits and these changes happened swiftly. Our challenge was to quickly respond to these changes so we can continue delivering taste and value superiority to our customers amid a crisis,” Gomez said.

At present, the Jollibee Group has eight wholly owned brands; Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger; six franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, PHO24, and Yoshinoya in the Philippines; Dunkin’ and Tim Ho Wan in certain territories in China); 80 percent ownership in The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf; and 60 percent in the SuperFoods Group that owns Highlands Coffee and PHO24. g

JUNE 16-22, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL 8 LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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June 16, 2022

VEGAS&STYLE JOURNAL

LIFESTYLE • CONSUMER GUIDE • COMMUNITY • MARKETPLACE

INSIDE

Fil-Am collaborates with Vans to design shoes inspired by father’s immigration story

by DonnaBelle

AJPress

aravelo

LOS ANGELES – When Filipino American artist and graphic designer DJ Javier was designing the shoes for his biggest collaboration with shoe manufacturing giant, Vans, all he could think about was to pay tribute to his father, Liberato.

On this Father’s Day 2022, Javier wants to remember all his dad’s sacrifices and hard work being one of the first generation immigrants in America who opted to leave the Philippines and seek greener pastures to be able to give a better life for his family.

Javier’s father, along with his mom and two older siblings, migrated in United States in the early 80’s on a work visa as an accountant. Javier and another sister were born here.

“I’m inspired most by my dad and what he has put in to build a better life for our family,” he said.

The 29-year-old is recalling his father’s sacrifices uprooting his family to a new country.

“He really sacrificed everything and I feel like this collaboration is like a fruit of him coming here in the U.S. If he hadn’t come here, who

knows, I wouldn’t have been born and pursued art and so just seeing him worked so hard to give me and my siblings and my mom a better life I think that is a direct result of where I am in my career right now,” said Javier.

Javier also simply admires his father’s work ethics which he tries to replicate in all his works and projects.

“Even though we have different career path, I think a lot of my work ethics comes from my dad. He always does his best.

He never does just an okay job.

If he’s gonna do something, he does it well. So in whatever I do, whether it’s a big project, a mural, a painting, I am always inspired by how my dad works.

If I’m gonna do something, I’m gonna do it right the first time,” he said, when asked who is his greatest inspiration.

Liberato, who came from San Pablo City in Laguna, Philippines, now owns and runs a telecommunication business.

Over a year and a half ago, Javier sealed a deal with Vans, an American manufacturer of skateboarding shoes and apparel, to design three kinds of shoes: a slip-on, a high top and a slides. Two of these, the slipon and high top shoes, have al-

DJ Javier and father Liberato

DJ Javier shows off collaboration with shoe brand Vans, as a tribute to his father and Filipino heritage.

Photos courtesy of DJ Javier

A pair of Vans slides designed by Javier

ready been released to the market earlier this June. The slides will be out by next month.

A graduate of Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design in 2015 at Azusa Pacific University, Javier is known for his bold artwork that blur lines between fine arts and graphic design.

In designing this big project with Vans, Javier drew up his design idea by combining traditional and diverse Filipino culture with his influences in Southern California where he grew up in. Growing up, Javier used to go skateboarding, drawing graffiti with his friends, and playing rap music. Now, he is in to surfing.

Javier lives in Santa Barbara, California most of his life and now with his wife Courtney and son, Duke.

“Every design element in this collection is rooted in my Filipino culture, from the Filipino flag checkerboard, Carabao (Water Buffalo), and Sampaguita (Philippine National Flower) on the Sk8-Hi, to the warrior and rice field worker on the slip-on, to the bamboo “Nipa Hut” scene on the slides,” Javier said in a Facebook post.

His dad’s life experiences were also incorporated in his shoe designs.

“This project represents Filipino culture, identity and Filipino people. It represents the immigrant story,” he said. “This only goes to show that Filipinos

are tough and resilient.”

Javier is thankful that his dad is appreciating all his works and arts. “My dad is now my biggest fan and supporter, and I am honored to tell our story and hopefully encourage the many Filipinos, Asian Americans and first generation immigrants who share this same story.”

He is also overjoyed by the overwhelming response that his shoe collection has been receiving from all over the world. “I was checking out the Vans website and I’ve seen that about 2/3 of the slip-on designs have been sold out and the high tops are halfway sold out,” he said.

He said he had been receiving warm messages from Filipinos all over the world who would want to purchase his Vans’ shoe collection.

“I got a lot of messages from complete strangers telling me how excited they are. I feel truly honored to be able to work on this and put it out in the world and see a sense of pride. These Filipino people that I have never met, they can see the story and they see it as this is my moment as well and that’s one thing that I am really excited about. As much as I wanna say that this is my project, it’s really not. It’s a project for all, it’s our project, it’s the Filipino people’s collaboration with Vans,” he said.

He also wants to encourage all young Filipino artists like him to try to stay authentic to their sto-

Vans slip ons and high tops sharing Javier’s designs

ry and not waver and continue to find richness in Filipino culture and heritage.

“I think the best inspiration comes from just staying true and authentic to yourself. It’s a big thing because for me that’s why this collaboration even just in a few days have done so well because people can see that the story is true and is real to me,” he said.

Javier said he hopes to seal a more long-term collaboration with Vans. His shoe collection is available in select Vans stores and retailers across the U.S. Customers can also visit Vans. com for orders.

For interested buyers in the Philippines, they could visit select Vans stores or go to Vans

Philippines’ Instagram account for more information.

At present, Javier said his company is working out another huge collaboration project. “I have a similar project with a big company that would be coming out later this summer,” he said.

Javier currently owns Bayan Surf Club Inc., a multi-disciplinary creative studio which does art direction, branding and identity, graphic design, illustration, artist collaborations, apparel design, murals, and fine art.

His list of clients include: L.A. Rams, L.A.FC, Adidas, Amazon, SeaVees, Paragonia, Hucberry, Coors Banquet, Surfrider Foundation, Parks Project, Teva, Vissla, Undefeated, Roark, Farm League, General Admission,

Carla speaks up on split with Tom: ‘I was made to look so stupid’ ‘There are no small shows’: KZ recounts lessons from mentor Martin Nievera

by Dana

Cruz Inquirer.net

CARLA Abellana has finally broken her silence on her separation from her estranged husband, actor Tom Rodriguez, amid rumors that their marriage is in the process of being annulled.

The actress spoke up on her past relationship with Rodriguez in response to one Rosario Arellano who on Tuesday, June 14, commented on her YouTube vlog posted last June 3. Arellano called Abellana a “hypocrite” after she apparently deleted the netizen’s earlier comment.

“And my comment was removed. Bakit? Takot ka mabasa na hypocrite ka. ‘Wag ka magbait-baitan kasi hindi ka mabait,” the netizen told Abellana, who answered that she disliked negativity.

(Why? You are afraid to read that you are a hypocrite. Do not act nice because you are not a good person.)

Another netizen, Marlyn Generao, then replied to Abellana, telling her that she and Rodriguez could have talked to each other instead of posting about their marital problems on Instagram.

“Ayaw [mo ng] negativity, sana ‘di ka na lang nag-like sa mga [negative] comments kay Tom,” Generao told her, referring to Abellana recently liking Instagram comments about Rodriguez being a “cheater.”

Abellana responded to the netizen, admitting that though she did like the said comments, she did not continue doing it. She also pointed out that a person who is hurt can sometimes have

a hard time containing their anger.

“I was disrespected. I was betrayed. I was lied to. I was used. I was shamed. I was made to look so stupid,” she said.

“Kung sana hanggang du’n lang po, makakabangon din po ako balang-araw. Pero para gawan pa po ako at ang pamilya ko ng mas marami pang kasamaan at kataksilan sa mga sumunod na araw, linggo at buwan, sobra sa sobra na po ang sakit at pagdurog ng puso at pagkatao ko.”

(If it only ended with those things, I could recover someday.

But [with him] doing more evil and betrayal to me and my family in the following days, weeks and months, the pain and the blow they caused to my heart and persona were just too much.)

Abellana then stressed that she did not do anything bad to Rodriguez, noting that she was not allowed to feel angry, hurt, disappointed or sad throughout their seven-year relationship as a couple.

“Wala po akong ibinigay kay Tom kundi tunay na pagmamahal, respeto, pagaalaga, pag-aaruga, pag-unawa, pagtitiis, sangkatutak na pagpapatawad, milya-milyang pasensya, paniniwala, pagtiwala, pag-aasikaso, pag-protekta, lahat lahat na,” she pointed out.

“Binigay ko po buong buhay ko sa kanya.”

(I gave Tom nothing but true love, respect, care, nurturing, understanding, restraint, lots of forgiveness, miles of patience, belief, trust, service, protection, everything. I gave him my whole life.)

“Makakatikim po ako kahit subukan ko pong ipaliwanag sa

kanya na nasasaktan niya ako at hindi po tama ang mga ginagawa niya. [Paulit-ulit] ko pong pinapaalala sa kanya na hindi po ako kalaban at mabuti po ang kalooban at intensyon ko,” she added, seemingly implying that Rodriguez physically hurt her.

(I would get hurt even if I tried to explain to him that he was hurting me and what he was doing was wrong. I repeatedly reminded him that I was not his enemy and I had good intentions.)

Abellana disclosed that she asked Rodriguez to seek professional help, though that did not work out in the end and Rodriguez did not “change.”

The actress also noted that when she tied the knot with Rodriguez, she was determined to make their marriage work.

“Sa dami po ng binigay ko kay Tom wala na pong natira sa ‘kin. Galit, pride at ego ko siya na rin po ang kumuha sa ‘kin at hinayaan ko naman pong kunin din po niya. Pinaglaban ko po siya ng lagpas sa [pitong] taon,” she told the public.

(Of the many things that I gave to Tom, nothing was left for me.

He even took my anger, pride and ego, and I let him take them.

I fought for him for over seven years.)

Abellana believes that while she did like negative comments about the actor, it could not compare to the things he did to her and her loved ones. Abellana also noted that whatever the public sees online is only part of the things happening to their relationship off-camera.

“Hindi po ako masamang tao tulad ng sinasabi, nararamdaman, naririnig at nakikita po ninyo online, sa TV, etc.,” she added. (I am not a bad person unlike what

by alex

Brosas Inquirer.net

SINGER KZ Tandingan had a lot of mentors when she was just starting out and she learned so much from them.

She gratefully named each of them — Jake Zyrus, Gary Valenciano, Pilita Corrales and Martin Nievera — during the mall show and media conference entitled “Stan Up! Top Class Grand Mediacon” held last June 12, Independence Day, at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City.

Carla Abellana The event was hosted by VJ Ai, Photo from Instagram/@carlaangeline who is also the host of the Kumu is said, felt, heard and seen online show P-Popsilog on the Top Class and on TV, etc.)

Kumu channel. G22 and VXON Abellana and Rodriguez, who wed in October last year, were speculated to have separated after fans noticed that they unfollowed then followed each other again on Instagram last February. The actress’ father, Rey “PJ” Abellana, revealed that the pair was indeed having marital problems. He said that a “one-night stand” was involved, but later retracted this.

Meanwhile, Rodriguez recently dropped a cryptic photo of someone breaking free from chains, which came after showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin claimed in a YouTube vlog last May 26 that Abellana was preparing documents for an annulment. The actor then revealed earlier this month that he was given a “gag order” amid KZ Tandingan the rumors.

Photo from Instagram/@kztandingan

(read as “vision”) also graced the event as special guest performers.

From Nievera, Tandingan learned to value every show, whether big or small.

“Si sir Martin, (he said), there are no small shows. Maliit man o malaki ang role mo, one-liner man ‘yan or full medley ang ipe-perform mo, isang tao man iyong manonood or isang buong coliseum, you should always give your 100%,” she said.

(Sir Martin said there are no small shows. Whether your role is big or small, whether it is a oneliner or for a full medley, or you’re performing for just one person or entire coliseum, you should always give your 100%.)

As a mentor of “Top Class: Rise To P-Pop Stardom,” the newest, biggest, most advanced and most interactive P-pop talent reality competition in the Philippines, Tandingan said she always shares this tip she got from Nievera.

“I try to share it with everybody lalung-lalo na sa nagsisimula kasi itong trabaho na ito kasi ay delikado siya lalo na kapag biglang umangat and it gets in your head,” she said.

(I try to share it with everybody especially to those who are still starting in this business because it can be dangerous, more so when the performer suddenly rises and it gets into your head.)

Fortunately, for Tandingan, there are people around her who “were always there to remind me, to remember where I came from and to always keep my feet on the ground.”

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

Features

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 16-22, 2022

9

Las Vegas to evolve as future new entertainment, sports capital of the world

by RealtoR

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

THE potential is great for Las Vegas, and many companies are taking the opportunity to develop projects in the city.

The Oak View Group, which is slated to build on 25 acres south of the Las Vegas Strip, recently released more details on its planned development, which it says will definitely be a game-changer – something that will “usher the evolution of Las Vegas as the new entertainment and sports capital of the world.”

A state-of-the-art privately financed sports and entertainment arena, according to a recent news report, “will set a new global standard for events in Las Vegas.”

That arena will also be NBA-ready should the National Basketball Association go through with their plans to expand their league (Las Vegas and Seattle are the two cities often mentioned as places that the NBA will expand to).

The $1 billion, 20,000-seat arena at Las Vegas Blvd. and Blue Diamond Road, will be part of a $3 billion entertainment complex that is also expected to attract major events into the city.

It will bring in a gaming partner to operate the planned hotelcasino in the development, while the group will be fully responsible for arena operations.

Aside from the arena and hotelcasino, the Oak View Group plans to build an amphitheater and convention facility.

The entire project will take about 30 months to build, and should be completed by 2026.

The site of the planned Oak View Group project is adjacent to the planned train station for a high-speed rail of Brightline that would eventually link Las Vegas and Southern California.

Just imagine the opportunities that such a project would bring to the city!

That high-speed rail project has been talked about for many years now, and it looks like the $8 billion project may be pushing forward.

That will be a game-changer for Las Vegas as it will provide a transportation mode that will be clean energy – on zero-emission electric trains. The trip between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, which is 260 miles long, is expected to take 3 hours.

The same group that is developing the high-speed rail project is looking at the possibility of building a major league soccer stadium on vacant land adjacent to the proposed train station.

Soccer, which is a sport followed by millions of people worldwide, is gaining popularity in the United

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (middle) with her savvy investors both in Las Vegas and Pahrump, Dr. Philip Paleracio (left), the best dentist in Clark County and the City of Las Vegas, and Las Vegas auditor Virgilio Longakit Jr. (right). They are closing almost a million-dollar deal before June 30.

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.

Another of Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s Turnberry Tower neighbors and clients is Gloria Estillore (right) of Cupertino, CA.

States.

That arena would bring a tremendous boost to the city and continue its journey to truly becoming a sports destination as well. Las Vegas already has football, triple AAA baseball, women’s basketball, hockey and soccer teams, among the many professional sports teams that make Las Vegas their home.

And talking about Las Vegas, the city has diversified itself to attract many other businesses and activities that present other opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy themselves with. Whether it is shopping, dining, relaxation, indooroutdoor sports, walking/hiking, watching musical acts or shows or nightlife, Las Vegas is no longer Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (middle) young investors from Palm Springs, CA are Kenneth (right) and Angelica Games (left). Their offer of $550K for a house in Pahrump was accepted just a gambler’s paradise – it is a complete travel destinatioin by the sellers.

that needs to be experienced and savored.

That diversification has led to development in Las Vegas and to its neighboring communities, with housing extending beyond traditional boundaries. The Las Vegas skyline and the popular Strip has grown by leaps and bounds, and it will continue to do so as more projects are being planned and developed.

If you are in the market for real estate, be it land or housing, Las Vegas and its neighboring communities are worth looking at. Besides being more affordable than other high-priced cities, property values in Nevada keep improving, and that is a tremendous benefit for those looking to gain a foothold in property ownership.

Areas like Pahrump, for

instance, which is 62 miles west of Las Vegas, is barely an hour’s drive. If you crave for an easier, medium-paced lifestyle away from the bustling city lights and heavy traffic, but still want access to the nightlife and various offerings that a big city houses, Pahrump may just be the ticket for you. It certainly is worth taking a look at – especially since property values in the area continue to trend upward. In fact, in April 2022, home prices in Pahrump were up at least 23.5% compared to last year, which median prices of homes pegged at about $395,000, per industry analysts.

Some of my clients have begun reaping the benefits of their investments – either in the uptick of property values, or through their rental properties.

Now is the perfect time to take a look at what’s out there in the market, whether it’s in bustling

cities like Las Vegas or emerging towns like Pahrump. And I can assist you in your search for that perfect piece of real estate or property for your needs.

I bring a few decades worth of experience in real estate that will help you, my kababayans, in your search for real estate – whether it is for a new home, a second/ vacation home, an investment property, or a piece of land where you want to construct your dream home.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele 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

JUNE 16-22, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

Health @Heart

Features

Here we go again!

CORONAVIRUSES are singlestrained RNA viruses with large genomes, of which there were two.

In late 2019, in Wuhan, China, a third “novel” (new) coronavirus emerged, identified as SARSCoV2, which started this COVID-19 pandemic. It started with the Alpha strain, and subsequently mutated to Delta, Omicron-BA.1 (with subvariant Stealth Omicron-BA.2).

As new mutations evolved, they replaced the older variants and became the dominant strains. With the Omicron Stealth subvariant (BA.2), it is our 6th wave in this pandemic.

Starting early this year, on March 29, 2022, BA.5 was discovered in South Africa. The following day BA.4 showed up. Which country they actually originated from is yet unknown.

So, here we go again, starting from scratch! So far, we know these two subvariants are more highly transmissible, result in milder symptoms, and respond somewhat to the booster vaccines.

This was what we knew earlier about Omicron. Then later, we found out Omicron was a vicious killer too, even worse in some areas than Delta. So, we have to watch these BA.4 and BA.5 closely, with masks on, social distancing, and avoiding crowds again.

Do vaccines work against these new viruses?

It is believed that those who are fully vaccinated (with 2 booster shots) are protected to some degree (still being studied), with less severe symptoms when infected, compared to those who are not fully vaccinated. The unvaccinated are at the gravest risk. A new universal Omicron vaccine is under development.

Do we need booster #3?

Since these are two new viruses, like when the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron first emerged, we did not know anything about them. So, we have to observe how these new BA.4 and BA.5 behave clinically.

In the meantime, as I said, here we go again…personal hygiene, masking, distancing, and avoiding crowds. And very importantly, those unprotected should get vaccinated. Even those who had COVID-19 infection before still need to be vaccinated fully, because NO ONE is immune from the new and future strains of this virus.

How accurate are the COVID home test kits?

The Ontario Science Table reported the sensitivity of the Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) for the Omicron was less than it was for the Delta, 37 percent versus 81 percent sensitivity for Delta. So, out of 100 infected persons tested using RAT kits, only 37 of them will

test positive and 63 of them will get a false negative. However, the value of the Rapid Antigen Test is when the result says “positive,” it is practically 100 percent accurate, besides providing a rapid (within minutes) result at home.

If negative, and the person is having symptoms, isolation and a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test are needed because PCR is a lot more accurate than the Rapid Antigen Test, but the latter provides rapid results, while the PCR may take 2-3 days before the report is available. The PCR test is not perfect either; it has a 20-percent false-negative yield and a repeat PCR test might be required by the physician, especially if the patient is symptomatic. (Note: Do not clean the nose of mucus before the test. The viruses are in the mucus. Wiping the mucus off, like throwing away evidence, will lead to a false-negative result.)

Why is the timing important?

If the patient tests positive with the rapid home test, or negative but confirmed positive by PCR, monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment must start within 7 days of the onset of the symptoms in order to be maximally effective.

Hence, it is best to have the test results the earliest possible. If the patient developed symptoms on a Monday and became more severe on Wednesday and got tested that day, and the result was positive, there would be only 3 days left to start monoclonal antibody therapy.

If the patient had hesitated to get the test sooner, that window of opportunity for mAb therapy would have been lost.

What is monoclonal antibody therapy?

Monoclonal Antibodies (mAb) are not chemical compounds.

They are proteins (not chemical compounds as drugs are) created in the lab, mass-produced, and act exactly like natural protective antibodies to protect the body, in this case effectively against COVID-19 viruses. Otherwise called the “designer antibodies, tailor-made,” they are given by intravenous infusion with the person sitting up, an outpatient procedure, and the antibodies infused immediately go to work to “immunize” the patient, unlike the vaccines which will confer protection after a couple or more weeks, depending on the integrity of the person’s immune system. Eli Lilly’s Bebtelomivab is a Monoclonal Antibody that has been designed to protect against the Omicron variant too.

Is one symptom enough?

Yes, one single symptom (any one of the following: cough, fever, extreme tiredness, malaise or diarrhea) following a history of exposure to an “unmasked” crowd or someone infected is enough to warrant an immediate Rapid Antigen Test. If negative, even twice, it should be confirmed with

a PCR test, if that single symptom persists (like cough or fever) or more symptoms develop.

During this pandemic, a high index of suspicion (medical vigilance, which I have called protective paranoia in my previous columns) is necessary to prevent infection and death, especially among the “vulnerable.” As I said before, we need wisdom, discipline, humility, patience and compassion towards others to defeat this killer virus soonest, and not arrogance, indifference, carelessness or bravado, which are dangerous attitudes and behavior.

Let’s be smarter than the virus!

Pulse Oximeter People with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), who hold their breaths for prolonged periods of time while asleep and develop dangerous hypoxemia (low blood oxygen saturation being circulated to all vital organs) need an oximeter to determine how serious their condition is.

All our vital organs need normal (optimal) blood oxygen levels to remain healthy. Other conditions like COPD among smokers and those with gastric reflux disease, those with pulmonary illnesses, heart ailment or other medical issues who are advised to monitor their oxygen saturation level (SpO2) could also benefit from an oximeter.

One such device I have personally tested myself with great satisfaction is the EMAY Sleep02 PRO Wrist Pulse Oximeter (with a rechargeable battery) I ordered on amazon.com. It has a 1-½ inch LCD display screen and is worn around the wrist like a watch, with a connected SpO2 “sensor” probe where a finger is inserted to continuously measure in realtime the oxygen saturation and pulse rate, and the data are saved in its built-in 20-hour recorder for analysis by the physician. A most valuable health tool with prompt customer support.

COX Las Vegas is proud to announce its annual Cox BackTo-School Fairs will be in person for four consecutive Saturdays starting on Saturday, July 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Downtown Summerlin®, 2025 Festival Plaza Drive. The event is sponsored by Clark County Credit Union.

Representatives from several divisions of the Clark County School District, CCSD, will be at each event along with more than 30 community agencies and organizations.

Additional dates/locations include: The Boulevard, Saturday, July 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (3528 S. Maryland Pkwy.); Meadows Mall, Saturday, July 30 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (4300 Meadows Lane) and The Galleria at Sunset, Saturday, August 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (1300 W. Sunset Road in Henderson).

Immunize Nevada will offer

school-required immunizations on site on July 23 at The Boulevard (in front of El Mercado) and July 30 at Meadows Mall (across from Absolute Dental). Click here for information.

The Cox Back-To-School Fair is the longest running, most visible school-readiness event in Southern Nevada. The purpose is to provide a one-stop resource for parents and students to prepare for the 202223 school year, which begins on Monday, August 8 for the CCSD. About Cox's Affordability Program Cox is dedicated to ensuring digital equity for households of all incomes and economic statuses in our communities. Whether learning from home, working remotely or surfing the web, internet access is crucial for all children and adults. Cox offers several affordable internet programs to qualifying households to keep

our communities connected, in addition to digital literacy training and discounted PCs. To learn more about Cox's dedication to digital equity and explore affordable internet tiers, please visit cox.com/ digitalequity.

About Cox Communications Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. The largest private broadband company in America, we proudly serve seven million homes and businesses across 18 states. We're dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.

PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS

*** 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.

Cox Back-To-School Fairs return in person for 2022

EMPLOYMENT

EMPLOYMENT

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

City of Las Vegas offers pop-up fun in selected parks this summer Free sports, games, crafts & fun activities for all ages & abilities

MARK your calendar now to bring your family to a city of Las Vegas park near you for free popup fun. Events continue TuesdaySaturday through Aug. 6. There will be sports, field day games, crafts and other fun activities led

by Parks and Recreation staff and community partners. Look for the mobile city of Las Vegas Recreation Van and registration table at the days and times listed below. The program will not operate during inclement weather such as extreme heat/cold, high winds and/or rain.

• Lorenzi Park, 3333 W. Washington Ave. – 8 to 10 a.m.

June 14.

• Woofter Family Park, 1600 Rock Springs Drive – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 15.

• Polly Gonzalez Memorial Park, 5425 Corbett St. – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

June 16.

• Children’s Memorial Park, 6601 W. Gowan Road – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 17 and July 15.

• First Friday Foundation Farmers Market at First Street and Boulder Avenue – 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. June 18; and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 2, July 16 and Aug. 6.

• Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs, 9200 Tule Springs Road – 8 to 10 a.m. June 21, July 5 and July 19.

• Police Memorial Park, 3250 Metro Academy Way – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 22 and July 27.

• Raphael Rivera Park, 2850 E. Stewart Ave. - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 23 and July 28.

• Angel Park, 241 S. Durango Drive – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 24 and July 7.

• Rotary Park, 901 Hinson St. – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 25.

• Trigono Hills Park, 3805 Cliff Shadows Parkway – 8 to 10 a.m.

June 28 and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 22.

• Gilcrease Brothers Park, 10011 Gilcrease Ave. - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

June 29 and July 9.

• Patriot Community Park, 4050 Thom Blvd. - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 30 and Aug. 3.

• East Las Vegas Family Park, 4480 E. Washington Ave. - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 1.

• Baker Park, 1010 E. St. Louis Ave. – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 6.

• Bill Briare Family Park, 650 N. Tenaya Way – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

July 8.

• Kellogg Zaher Sports Complex, 7901 W. Washington Ave. – 8 to 10 a.m. July 12.

• Heers Park, 6320 Plaza Verde Place – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 13.

• Wayne Bunker Family Park, 7351 W. Alexander Road – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 14.

• Bruce Trent Park, 8851 Vegas Drive - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 20.

• Rainbow Family Park, 7151 W. Oakey Blvd. – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

July 21.

• Pop Squires Park, 8480 Orly Ave. – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 23.

• Justice Myron E. Leavitt & Jaycee Community Park, 2100 E. St. Louis Ave. – 8 to 10 a.m. July 26.

• Ansan Sister City Park, 7801 Ducharme Ave. – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

July 29.

• Charleston Neighborhood Preservation Park, 6508 Hyde Ave. – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 30.

• Bob Baskin Park, 2801 W. Oakey Blvd. – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aug. 4.

• Buckskin Basin Park, 7350 Buckskin Ave. – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aug. 5.

For more information, call 702229-PLAY (7529).

GMA Network’s ‘The World Between Us’ becomes the first Filipino language title on Amazon Freevee ASIA’S Multimedia Star Alden Richards’ hit Kapuso program “The World Between Us” will now be available for streaming on Amazon Freevee starting June 22, 2022 in the United States.

Amazon Freevee, formerly IMDb TV, is a streaming video service with thousands of premium movies and TV shows, including Originals and FAST channels, available anytime, for free.

For its premiere offering, GMA International will launch “The World Between Us,” a romance drama series that proves that no matter how deep our divide is, true love can bridge it all.

The series follows the story of Luisito "Louie" Asuncion (Alden Richards) and Emilia "Lia" Libradilla (Jasmine Curtis Smith).

Louie and Lia grew up together at the home of the Libdradillas – they will both feel that they are destined for each other but there

are people keen on keeping them apart.

Joining Louie and Lia in proving the power of true love is Kapuso versatile actor Tom Rodriguez in an off-beat role, portraying the character of Lia's older brother, Bryan.

The series also stars awardwinning actors, including Dina Bonnevie, Sid Lucero, and 2016 Cannes Best Actress Jaclyn Jose under the direction of critically acclaimed director, Dominic Zapata.

“We appreciate this growing partnership, and are thrilled to have one of our hit programs on their AVOD service Amazon Freevee. It is a testament that GMA Pinoy TV in providing worldclass entertainment that Filipinos all over the world truly deserve,” says GMA International’s First VP and Head of Operations, Joseph T. Francia.

Freevee is available as an app on Fire TV, Fire Tablets, and as a free Channel within Prime Video, across hundreds of devices.

Freevee is also available as an app on third party devices including Roku, Samsung smart TVs (20172021 models), Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, Comcast’s Xfinity Flex, Xfinity X1, Chromecast with Google TV, NVIDIA SHIELD and other Android TV devices, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles, as well as LG Smart TVs (2018- 2021 models). The app is also available on iPhone, iPad, and Android mobile devices.

For more details about Amazon Freevee, visit www.amazon.com/ freevee. For more information on how to watch Kapuso programs overseas, visit www.gmapinoytv. com/subscribe or follow GMA Pinoy TV on social media.

(Advertising Supplement)

Sharon, Kiko show support for daughter after coming out THE "Megastar" Sharon Cuneta and Sen. Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan showed their public support for daughter Miel Pangilinan who recently came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The 17-year-old is the second daughter of the couple.

The singer and actress posted on Facebook and Instagram Wednesday night that she is supportive of her children's life choices and that she is proud of them.

"All I will say is that I love all my children and will support them in their lives and choices. I am proud of my children and all my children are perfect. I love you, my Miel."

On a separate length post, Cuneta defended daughter Miel's coming out as queer.

"I know that my Miel's coming out will draw lots of attention.

Lots of them will be negative. Lots of people who are quick to judge instead of pausing to think for a moment that my daughter, like so many members of the LGBTQ+ community, did not choose to be queer. She just is," she said.

She then shared that many of the most sincere people she knows are members of the LGBTQ+ community. She also said that she will not treat Miel differently just because she came out as a member

Miel Pangilinan Photo from Instagram/@mielpangilinan

of the queer community.

"I will love her just the same, if not more. Like I said, all my children are perfect. I may be a Mom with traditional values, but that doesn't mean that my mind is too tiny to accept people for what they are — what more my own child? What matters in a person is their goodness. Sincerity, pureness of heart. Faith in God. In Miel, I have all those."

Cuneta then advised her daughter to ignore the negative comments.

"Be strong! It's your life, no one else's. Don't give any negative commenters any attention. They don't matter. We do. And we've got your back. Forever and ever," she finally said.

Meanwhile, Pangilinan

EMPLOYMENT

expressed his support in the comment section of Miel's original post to show his public support.

"I love you my Yellie Bellie!

Mama and I will always be here for you. Always. For certain. Forever.

No matter what. Period," Kiko wrote.

Miel's siblings also threw their support.

"I love you," sister Frankie wrote in a series of comments.

She added, "Girlfriend boyfriend nonbinaryfriend idc [I don't care].

They will all be getting a good n tough roundhouse kick from me (sic)."

"Congratulations I'm so proud of you!!! I love you sister. I'm always going to be here for you as your « ate » no matter what.

Happy pride!" KC Concepcion, Miel's half sister with Cuneta, also commented.

Miel came out as a member of the queer community Tuesday night. Pride Month is celebrated every June.

"This June, I am celebrating my first pride month as openly and publicly queer. I'm also incredibly thankful that I am able to safely celebrate my identity this year, as I know there are many people in this country that don't have the same privilege," part of Miel's original post read. (ManilaTimes.net)

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

Features

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 16-22, 2022

Asia Pacific Fashion Week presents fast-rising children’s clothing designer Chewy Jang CHEWY JANG (Joo Yung Jang) is the CEO of Kid’s Dream, a special occasion children’s clothing brand that inspires young girls to feel beautiful and confident on their special day. Whether it be a birthday, communion, life milestones, or holiday occasions — Kid’s Dream is here to celebrate them!

Chewy – one of the designers to be showcased at Asia Pacific Fashion Week 2022, a global platform for emerging designers to be held in Los Angeles and Las Vegas in August 2022 – takes pride in her active involvement in her business and locally in her city, LA. Kid’s Dream is also proud of its fashionable and high-quality designs, which are all produced in the United States.

As a family-owned kids apparel brand designed and made in Los Angeles, Kid’s Dream is sold directly online, as well as through an extensive wholesale network that spans over 35 countries through 500 authorized retailers worldwide.

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Chewy Jang is a young entrepreneur striving to increase her market share in the children’s apparel industry.

A quick pivot during the pandemic Taking control of how Covid has suddenly impacted her business, Chewy quickly pivoted to make

Chewy Jang is very proud of her fashionable and high-quality designs, which are all produced in the United States.

fabric face masks and started LA Face Masks.

Chewy is now also the CEO of LA Face Masks. As a local manufacturer located in Los Angeles, Chewy quickly produced face masks to save her business and also donated thousands of masks to hospitals and frontline workers.

A dream come true Chewy grew up in Los Angeles since immigrating from South Korea at the age of 5. Her parents worked as sewing contractors in downtown Los Angeles because, back in South Korea, this was their trade, and the garment area in LA was booming at the time.

Because there was minimal competition from abroad, much of the clothing sold in the United States was created in Los Angeles.

Her parents began sewing dresses for a few “special occasion girl’s dress” companies in 1998 after starting their own sewing contractor business. Kid’s Dream was their biggest customer.

When the owner decided to sell the company in 2011, her parents leaped at the chance. Chewy, who graduated from Marlborough School and received her Bachelors in Finance and Management from Santa Clara University Leavy School of Business, became President of the company, with her parents assisting her with manufacturing.

Chewy had always wanted to be an entrepreneur, so having the chance to run this firm and expand the Kid’s Dream brand was a

dream come true. Chewy’s father died of cancer a few years ago, and Kid’s Dream is his legacy.

Kid’s Dream has expanded dramatically since 2012. Chewy is more determined than ever to keep Kid’s Dream running smoothly for the benefit of her family, employees, and clients.

A global platform Chewy is eager to showcase Kid’s Dreams’ latest collection of flower girl dresses, Easter dresses, Communion dresses, graduation dresses, holiday dresses, and baptism gowns in a global platform that is the APFW, slated in two iconic American cities.

The first show is on August 6 (Saturday), at 5:00 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 5:00 pm, at the Decades Event Center, located in Vegas Pointe Plaza, Unit 168, 9175 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas.

Both events are organized by One Global Management Company Inc., an international events production and talents development agency based in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles leg of APFW enjoys the support of Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, Philippine Department of Trade and Industry-Los Angeles office, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the Asian Journal Multimedia

AN IMMIGRANT SUCCESS STORY: children’s clothing designer Chewy Jang immigrated from South Korea at the age of 5, and is now CEO of Kid’s Dream, a special occasion children’s clothing brand.

Photo courtesy of Chewy Jang

Kid’s Dream, a special occasion girl’s dress brand headquartered in Los Angeles, creates beautiful dresses for girls 6 months to 14 years.

Group.

Main sponsors also include The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Trending Beverages Inc., Napa Valley Distribution Inc., Montemaria Cellars, House of Pacquiao Wine, Individual Health Care, Lombard by the Bay, Premier Asia Pacific Real Estate & Development, and Icon Model Group.

The Las Vegas edition of APFW is co-organized by InterEdx, 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.

(Advertising Supplement)

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JUNE 16-22, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

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