062222 - Southern California Midweek Edition

JUNE 22-28, 2022 Volume 32 - No. 49 • 14 Pages

DATELINE USA FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Filipino lawyer John Albert Laylo killed in Philadelphia random shooting Consul General Cato meets Philly mayor to demand action

FILIPINO lawyer John Albert Laylo and his mother Leah were on their way to the Philadelphia International Airport aboard an Uber at 4:10 a.m. Saturday, June 18 when as many as 15 shots were fired into the rear window and driver's side of the car at 38th and Spruce near University City.

They did not make their flight.

The 35-year-old Laylo, a lawyer in the Philippines, was hit in the head and was taken to Penn Presbyterian where he was declared in critical condition. The mother sustained minor wounds from shattered glass from the car window.

Laylo succumbed to his injuries the following day.

Consul General Elmer G. Cato and the Philippine Embassy Police met with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and other city officials on Tuesday, June 21 to urge

California to roll out COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5 voted last week to recommend vaccinating children ages 6 months to 5 years with two separate COVID-19 vaccines.

CHILDREN under the age of 5 years old will now be Under the emergency use authorization, children able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. in the age group can receive either Moderna or This comes after a independent panel of advisers to Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC Director Rochelle Walensky endorsed the

by AJPRESS

by DONNABELLE

GATDULA-AREVALO AJPress

LA County reports over 12,000 new COVID cases

 PAGE 5

NEW VICE PHILIPPINE PRESIDENT. Sara Duterte takes her oath of office as the country’s 15th Vice President before Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando at San Pedro Square, Poblacion District in Davao City on Sunday, June 19. Sara was accompanied by her parents, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Elizabeth Zimmerman.

PNA photo by Joey Dalumpines

MARALIT ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT-ELECT Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday, June 20 will temporarily act as the secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to address the most pressing concerns of the agriculture sector.

In a press briefing, the incoming leader said the problem in the agriculture sector is "severe."

"I think the problem is severe enough that I have decided to take on the portfolio of the secretary of Agriculture at least for now," Marcos told reporters at a press briefing at the BBM Headquarters in Mandaluyong City.

LOS ANGELES—Buoyed by optimism of higher economic growth this year, the Philippine government is encouraging Filipino Americans to pour in more investments in the country's franchise industry.

In a recent hybrid seminar on franchising hosted

by Philippine Consulate General-Los Angeles and the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA), Consul General Edgar B. Badajos said this first of a series seminar is aimed at “making all of us business savvy.”

Conducted through in-person and virtual participation via Zoom, the seminar was attended by members of various U.S.-based FilAm business groups such as the Coalition of Filipino American Chamber of Commerce (COFACC), Filipino American Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce, and some Fil-Am business leaders.

Badajos is particularly pushing for this kind of business

 PAGE 2

Vice President-elect Sara Duterte Low pay, lack of tenure driving Filipino nurses abroad takes oath as 15th vice president

by KAYCEE

VALMONTE Philstar.com

MANILA — While it is not new for nurses in the Philipines opting to go abroad in search of better opportunities, this time, the wave of resignations comes just as the country is anticipating another surge in COVID-19 infections.

Amid regular work and experiencing burnout from their shifts due to the pandemic, some nurses are taking advantage of the reopening of economies abroad and the laxing of border restrictions to look for employment overseas. "[It’s] because of the lack of opportunities in our country," Dr. Anthony Leachon,

former adviser to the country’s pandemic task force, told Philstar.com over the phone earlier this month.

"They are overworked, they’re overburdened but less appreciated and of course, they seem undervalued.

And there’s a discrepancy between the payments of private hospitals and the public hospitals," Leachon added in a mix of English and Filipino.

He earlier sounded alarm that nurses in private hospitals are "resigning in droves." He said nurses from private hospitals would transfer and work for government hospitals instead or they end up in other industries before taking

Marcos to head Dept. of Agriculture

by KRISTINA

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Fil-Ams urged to pour in capital in PH franchise industry

 PAGE 5

LOS Angeles County confirmed over 12,000 new COVID-19 cases over a three-day period, the county Department of Public Health reported on Monday, June 20.

The Department of Public Health announced 4,344 cases from Saturday, 4,217 from Sunday and 3,566 from Monday.

The numbers are likely low due to delays in reporting from the weekend.

In terms of deaths, the county reported 11 new deaths due to COVID-19: six on Saturday, June 18; three on Sunday, June 19; and two from Monday, June 20.

On Tuesday, Public Health reported two additional deaths and 2,294 new positive cases. Of the two new deaths reported today, two people were aged 80 years or older. Of the two newly reported deaths, all had underlying health conditions. To date, the total number of deaths in L.A. County is 32,263.

Public Health has reported a total of 3,071,314 positive cases of COVID-19 across all areas of L.A. County. The positivity rate is 10.6%.

There are 664 people with COVID-19 currently hospitalized. Testing results are available for more than 12,130,101 individuals, with 23% of people testing positive.

Although cases appear to stabilize, COVID

recommendation of the panel.

"We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today's decision, they can,” Walensky said in a statement. "I encourage parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local

His decision to head the Agriculture department was "not only to make it clear what a high priority we put on the agriculture sector, but also as a practical matter so things will move quickly," he added.

Among his plans is to rebuild the value chain of agriculture, and one way to reach this is by tweaking the DA's organizational structure.

"The other priority, which is equally important, although it's a long-term process, is the restructuring of the Department of Agriculture," the presidentelect said.

"Many of the agencies have changed their functions over the

years. We have to restructure the actual department to be more responsive to the global situation," he added.

Marcos also touched on his plan to "rebuild the value chain of agriculture," especially amid the looming global food crisis brought about by the ongoing RussiaUkraine conflict and coronavirus pandemic, among others.

"There will be an increase in food prices in the next quarters, simply because of outside forces that have been impacting upon our food supply," he noted.

"The emergency measures that we have taken will not be efficient in the long run. We have to plan in

 PAGE 3

by KAYCEE

VALMONTE Philstar.com

MANILA — Vice presidentelect Sara Duterte, mayor of Davao City, took her oath of office as the country’s 15th vice president on Sunday, June 19.

While her inauguration was held 11 days earlier than usual, the constitution provides that her term as vice president officially begin at noon on June 30. She took her oath of office before Supreme Court Associate Justice Ramon Paul Hernando  PAGE 2 on a Bible held by her mother Elizabeth Zimmerman with President Rodrigo Duterte as witness.

In her remarks after taking her oath, the president's daughter said she had wanted to be a doctor but that she was led in another direction: law school and becoming a lawyer.

"When I committed myself to governance and public service, I was also determined to finish three consecutive terms as mayor,” Duterte said in her speech.

"That will not happen anymore. I am now the vice president-elect."

She said that she was called to run for vice president and that "the voice of 32.2 million Filipinos was loud and clear with the message [for me] to President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. serve our motherland."

ManilaTimes.net file photo

Vice President-elect Duterte earlier said that she wanted to hold her inauguration early because she wanted the people of Davao — where she was mayor from 2010 o 2013 and from 2016 — to witness her oathtaking.

She garnered over 32.208 million votes or a commanding 61% of the total votes in the recently concluded 2022 May polls.

"Hindi ako ang pinakamagaling o pinakamatalinong tao sa Pilipinas o sa mundo ngunit walang makakatalo sa tibay ng puso ko bilang isang Pilipino," Duterte said.

(I am not the best or the smartest in the Philippine but nobody in the Philippines or even the world has greater heart than I do as a Filipino) Challenges ahead Duterte, who is to be appointed as secretary of education, also recognized that today’s children face a "very complex future, one that is rife with conflict and uncertainties." Duterte noted challenges such as poverty, the trauma of broken families, “life-long baggage” due to irresponsible parenting, and abandonment issues.

She also said children are also burdened by the effects of illiteracy, bullying, "recruitment to support terrorism," and

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From the Front Page

Fil-Ams urged to pour in capital in PH...

PAGE 1

venture because he believes this is the safest form of investment for Fil-Am investors, who normally have a lot of capital money but do not have the luxury of time to personally run a business.

“To me, franchising simply means that you can grow your business by letting the others do the work for you. There’s no risk of losing your own money or getting into bankruptcy,” the consul general said.

According to Badajos, there are a lot of positive developments in the Philippines that would definitely boost the franchising industry.

Aside from bright economic prospects, Badajos is optimistic that business climate in the Philippines will be brighter with the start of the new administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The government official also noted that outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte had already set in place a number of legislative and administrative reforms that would propel investors’ confidence in the Philippines.

“We now also have among the world’s lowest personal and corporate income taxes, thanks to Tax Reform Laws enacted by the Philippine Congress, and signed

by President Duterte in 2021,” Badajos said.

Early last year, Duterte signed the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Bill or Republic Act No. 11534 which lowered corporate income tax (CIT) to 25% from 30% for large corporations; and 20 percent for small business from 25 percent. This previous CIT rate was the highest in Asia, which made the Philippines less attractive to prospective investors.

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (TRAIN Law) or RA 10963, on the other hand, lowers the personal income tax.

Individual taxpayers with taxable income not exceeding P250,000 annually are exempted from income tax. The exemption for minimum wage earners is retained.

Tax rates for individual taxpayers still follow the progressive tax system with the maximum rate of 35 percent, and minimum rates of 20 percent (taxable years 2018 to 2022) and 15 percent (2023 onwards).

Badajos also cited another significant measure adapted by

the Duterte administration, the Executive Order 169 which seeks to strengthen the franchising industry and protect micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) investors.

“There’s a lot of opportunists and scammers who are taking advantage of small entrepreneurs by prescribing minimum terms and conditions for franchise agreements. This EO puts into place measures to ensure a transparent and business-friendly environment as well as fair and equitable business processes,” he said.

Under the EO, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is tasked to create an MSME Registry of Franchise Agreements, which will only accept deals incorporating specified minimum terms and conditions. Franchisors which are part of registered franchise associations must register their standard franchise agreement with the DTI and execute an undertaking that all future agreements will incorporate the specified terms and conditions.

The EO says those not part of such associations must register all agreements with MSME franchisees within 30 days from execution. These franchisors are also encouraged to join registered associations.

With the implementation of all these legislative measures, Badajos said outlook for the domestic franchising sector would remain bright.

“Given the great potential growth in the Philippine franchising industry and the complementary legislation I mentioned earlier, I hope that you have already been convinced to consider investing, at least in one franchise in the Philippines. By doing so, you’ll not only be contributing to the economic recovery of our country in the post-pandemic era but also providing employment opportunities to more Filipinos back home,” the consul told participants in the seminar.

Latest macroeconomic forecast show that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to expand 6.7 percent this year from 5.6 percent in 2021 and -9.6 percent in 2020. GDP is the sum of goods and services produced by a country's economy during a specified period of time.

Based on ASEAN 6 Economic

Update Report, in the first quarter of 2022 alone, the Philippine economy grew by 8.3 percent, the highest in Asia, compared to Indonesia (5 percent), Malaysia (5 percent), Singapore (3.5 percent) and Vietnam (5.03 percent).

The net foreign direct investment (FDI) is seen to recover to $8.8 billion in 2022 from $10.52 billion in 2021 and a significant improvement from $6.5 billion in 2020. Foreign direct investment net inflow is defined as the total value of inward overseas direct investment made by foreign entities, including non-resident investors.

The country’s gross international reserves, meanwhile, are expected to jack up to $117 billion this year from $108.89 billion in 2021 and $110.1 billion in 2020.

GIR consists of holdings of gold, special drawing rights (SDRs) foreign investments, and foreign exchange, including reserve position in the International Monetary Fund.

OFW remittances, main driver of Philippine economic growth, are projected to increase by four percent to $36 billion from $34 billion and $29 billion in 2021 and 2020, respectively.

The seminar’s guest speaker Dr. Bing Sibal-Limjoco, PFA vice chairman and Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) honorary chairman, on the other hand, noted the increasing contribution of the franchise industry to the country’s GDP. In her presentation, it showed that franchising industry is contributing about 7.8 percent to GDP. Specifically, these contributions are in food sector, 80 percent or P538 billion ($10.8 billion); and retail and service sector, 10 percent or P67 billion ($1.34 billion).

Limjoco said there are estimated 200,000 franchise outlets in the Philippines, creating direct and indirect employment of two million, and providing high backward linkages to laborintensive agricultural sector.

She also said the Philippines has been recognized as a franchise hub in Asia “because many of the brands that we have really have to make sure that the franchisee will make money and the customers keep coming back.”

The PFA official took note that PAGE 3

California to roll out COVID-19...

PAGE 1 pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated.”

Following the news, California Health and Human Services Agency Secretary, Dr. Mark Ghaly, and Director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and State Public Health Officer, Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, issued a joint statement supporting the recommendation by the Western States Scientific Safety Review Workgroup, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Although our youth are resilient, COVID-19 hospitalizations for children under 4 years old were five times higher during the Omicron surge

than during Delta, and one in five children hospitalized with COVID-19 were also admitted to the ICU. COVID-19 has become one of the top five leading causes of death in children and vaccines make these deaths preventable.

Studies have shown that getting our children vaccinated is the safest way to protect them from the worst outcomes of COVID-19, including hospitalization, long COVID, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), and death.

Getting everyone in our homes and communities vaccinated reduces the chances for the virus to spread to those we love most,” they said.

The vaccine made by Moderna for 6-month-olds to 5-yearolds is a two-dose series, administered four weeks apart.

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 6-month-olds to 4-year-olds is a three-dose series. The first

two shots are given three weeks apart, and the third one eight weeks after the second shot.

The authorization will add young children aged 6 months through 4 years old to those eligible to get a Pfizer vaccine (ages 5-17 are already eligible), and children and adolescents aged 6 months through 17 years old to get a Moderna vaccine.

In alignment with California’s SMARTER Plan, the state is operationally ready to immediately begin administering vaccines for infants and toddlers aged 6 months and older this week. To find a vaccine, visit myturn.ca.gov or call 1-833422-4255.

Parents can also talk to their child’s health care provider, or visit Vaccinate All 58 to learn more about the safe and effective vaccines available for all Californians aged 6 months and older. g

Low pay, lack of tenure driving...

PAGE A1

up mandatory exams for the country they will be migrating to.

Pay discrepancies Nurses in private hospitals are paid the minimum wage or around P537 daily in Metro Manila or more or less about P12,000 monthly, but those in the provinces get paid even less.

According to an ABS-CBN report, St. Luke’s Medical Center is promising more benefits such as a P10,000 signing bonus, free groceries, and accommodation, among other things in a bid to entice nurses to apply to their clinics.

But groups say that not all private hospitals can afford to issue benefits like these.

"Only the premier hospitals can provide these packages and bonuses, but our concern are those private hospitals that may not have the operational income," Philippine Nurses Association Melvin Miranda told Philstar.com in a separate phone call.

"They are the ones who will really need assistance when it comes to this perspective

because they are the ones that have been identified with problems related to the shortage of the nursing workers."

The pay in private hospitals is not enough that some nurses would opt to work for higher education institutions instead.

"We are also experiencing a shortage of clinical instructors in nursing education," Miranda said.

Meanwhile, nurses working for public hospitals are at Salary Grade 15, about P35,097 monthly.

Filipino Nurses United’s (FNU) national president Maristela Presto-Abenojar said the implementation of this also varies.

"Not all nurses in the government sector are receiving this salary because we do know that our health system also is devolved since 1991," she told Philstar.com in a video call.

In some provinces, nurses in government hospitals are only given 65% of what they are supposed to earn.

"This is the reason why it’s difficult for our nurses to sustain

their own families if they are breadwinners, because just for themselves their salaries is not enough. It’s not a living wage actually," Presto-Abenojar said.

She notes that around 50% of the country’s nurses in government institutions are contractual workers.

This means that half of the nurses in government hospitals are not entitled to benefits such as paid leaves and medical leaves.

Not a shortage, many unemployed Citing data from the Department of Health, PrestoAbenojar noted that the total number of nurses in both the public and the private sector as of December last year stood at 172,589.

"Out of 10 registered nurses, two are working either in the public or private sector so that’s equivalent to 19% of the total 915,291 registered nurses," she said, adding that 35% or four out of 10 registered nurses in the Philippines have opted to become migrant healthcare workers instead.

FNU maintains that the country does not have a PAGE 2

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Marcos to head Dept. of...

PAGE 1

a more thorough fashion than just responding," he added.

A review of the Rice Tariffication Law is also possible in the agenda, particularly the provision which mandates tariffs collected from rice imports should go to the annual P10-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund.

The said fund is intended to finance programs that will sharpen local rice farmers' global competitiveness by way of farm mechanization, high-quality seeds, access to credit and training.

Collections in excess of the P10billion fund will go to the Rice Farmer Financial Assistance or the RFFA. "As for the amount of funding we reinvest for farmers and the facilities, we can look at that and see," Marcos said.

"Now we are in a situation where we should increase production," he added.

Welcome Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose Maria

"Joey" Concepcion 3rd on Monday welcomed Marcos' decision to head the Department of Agriculture for the time being.

"Many of our MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) are based in the agriculture sector, and the president-elect has expressed his intention to focus on our country's small entrepreneurs," he said.

"This would be a chance to help both our farmers and our MSMEs," he added.

Concepcion said it would be a natural choice for the incoming president, since he has always expressed his intention to continue his late father's projects in the sector.

"There are many programs that his father started that I believe can be revived and will redound to benefits for the country's agriculture sector," the Go Negosyo founder said.

"The Masagana 99, the Food Terminal Inc. and the Kadiwa stores are only a few of the projects that I believe can be revisited

today," he added.

He expressed hopes that the reforms being planned by Marcos will help the agriculture sector "become more resilient and able to withstand future disruptions," particularly when it comes to the food supply.

The president-elect earlier expressed his intention to rebuild the value chain of agriculture which, along with food security, will be a priority of his administration.

"The Masagana 99 was quite a successful project, and there were several infrastructure projects like the Pantabangan Dam and Magat Dam that really helped Northern Luzon become a productive rice producer. The challenges that many of our agriculture-based MSMEs space is on productivity.

I look forward to how our next president can help lift many out of poverty," Concepcion said.

"Our continuing efforts to mentor farmer entrepreneurs through our programs like the Kapatid Agri Mentor Me Program will dovetail with the presidentelect's efforts to help both the MSMEs and the agriculture sector," he added. g

Fil-Ams urged to pour in capital in PH...

PAGE 2

franchise industry had remained resilient and even boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is also worth noting that many businesses have decided to go into franchising to survive the COVID-19 crisis. This is how the franchise sector is adapting to COVID-19, they went digital through E-commerce sites; cashless transaction and online buy-and-sell communities. They went hyperlocal by opening outlets/offer delivery services in residential communities, food trucks/mobile outlets and community resellers Mister Donuts and Tokyo Tokyo were the prominent ones who adapted such strategy. They carried out intensified delivery via drive thru and pick up schemes,” she said.

During the seminar, COFACC president Gerry Palon suggested a collaboration with PFA for the possible link-up of their systems to effectively address some logistics concerns including information dissemination and data availability. COFACC is an umbrella organization of 22 partner Chamber organizations in the U.S. “We can help the PFA in linking up its portal to all our platforms.

This may facilitate a systematic

release of vital information like data on accredited branches, short summary sheet, franchisors’ contact information, franchise fee, among others,” Palon said.

Limjoco welcomed the COFACC’s initiative saying that being well-informed of the ins and out of the franchising business will effectively shield potential investors from scams. Among the signs of fraud, she said, are: if they are being promised with too good to be true claims of profitability; used of pressure tactics when selling their franchises, absence of list of franchisees and outlets and vague company profile and list of officers.

“This data sharing will let the investors know if they are dealing with credible franchisors. We want to avoid these fraudulent activities because it will destroy the franchising industry,” she said.

She also invited the FilAm investors to participate in the upcoming Franchise Asia Philippines Conference (virtually) on September 20 to 22, 2022 and Franchise Asia Philippines Expo (face-to-face) on October 14 to 16, 2022.

Badajos, meanwhile, said that the Philippine consulate is likely to hold more franchising-related seminars in the coming months

to address all the concerns of the prospective FilAm investors.

Moreso, Limjoco also highlighted in her presentation some potential franchise businesses for FilAms such as: Potato Corner, World’s Best Flavored Fries (Capital P300,000-P600,000; required space 4 sqm and above); The Generics Pharmacy (P700,000 to P900,000; required space 15-30 sqm); and Reyes Haircutters, Ang Salon ng Bayan (P800,00 to P3.5 million).

Other potential franchise opportunities are: Bang Bang Bangus ( Capital P450,00 to P550,000 (Franchise Fee P200,000, Required Space:6-12 sqm), first flavored big boneless crispy bangus; Farron Cafe, quality, affordable coffee for students and young professionals (Capital: P499,000 to P879,000; required space 4-10sqm) Special Promo Package Farron Fix (P119,000; 3 sqm); and Famous Belgian Waffle, country’s most famous waffle (Capital: P550,000P730,000; required space 3-8 sqm).

Limjoco said the interested Fil-Am investors may have an option to bring these franchise businesses here in the U.S. or invest/buy a franchise in the Philippines. g

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Low pay, lack of tenure driving...

UCLA Filipino alumnus recognized for improving health in an underserved population PAGE 2

ON Saturday, June 11, 2022, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Filipino Alumnus Harold Sarmiento, an Infectious Disease Nurse Practitioner at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center where he serves LGBTQ+ patients as both a provider and health advocate, graduated with a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP) from UCLA and was recognized for an “Outstanding DNP Project for Improving Health in an Underserved Population” in the area of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis in Primary Care. More specifically, Mr. Sarmiento’s project focused on improving the health of the LGBTQ+ community through preventive medications, Harold Sarmiento and Bobby Rimas practices and training.

Mr. Sarmiento indicated that in complex litigation matters “The LGBTQ+ community has and the Vice Chair of the Special unique challenges such as less Committee on Diversity, Equity access to quality health care & Inclusion for the Stonewall and insurance and often result Democratic Club. Mr. Rimas into poorer health outcomes. graduated with a Bachelor’s Additionally, the LGBTQ+ degree in History from UCLA community is also at-risk for and a Master of Legal Studies and disproportionately affected degree, cum laude, from the with HIV infections.”

University of Arizona James Mr. Sarmiento participated E. Rogers College of Law. in several UCLA graduation Mr. Rimas stated that he was ceremonies that recognized “…extremely proud and not the completion of his Doctorate surprised that Mr. Sarmiento degree.

One of the UCLA not only graduated with his graduation ceremonies included Doctorate degree, but was also the UCLA Lavender Graduation recognized for a project that in which Mr. Bobby Rimas dealt with improving the health attended. Mr. Bobby Rimas in an underserved population. In is the Past Chair/President June 2021, I was very honored of the UCLA Pilipino Alumni to present Mr. Sarmiento with Association and currently the Charles E. Harless Graduate serves as Associate Professor Student Leadership Scholarship at California State University, Award at UCLA’s Lavender Los Angeles, Adjunct Legal ceremony. Prior to earning Studies Faculty Member at his Doctorate degree, Mr. the University of La Verne, a Harold Sarmiento received his Paralegal at a Downtown Los Master of Science in Nursing Angeles law firm that specializes with emphasis on Adult-

Photo courtesy of Bobby Rimas

Gerontology Primary Care at UCLA’s School of Nursing and often devotes his spare time helping others despite a very busy schedule. I very much look forward to learning about his future accomplishments.” Mr. Rimas and Mr. Sarmiento both currently serve on the UCLA Lambda Alumni Association Board of Directors. The UCLA Lambda Alumni Association sustains a network of LGBTQ+ alumni and friends to support one another, UCLA students, and the greater LGBTQ+ community.

Celebrating at UCLA’s Lavender Graduation at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, from left, is Harold Sarmiento, Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduate and Bobby Rimas, Associate Professor at California State University, Los Angeles and Adjunct Legal Studies Faculty Member at the University of La Verne. g

Vice President-elect Sara Duterte takes oath...

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misinformation.

The drug problem also did not go unmentioned.

Duterte, who repeatedly referenced God and family in her remarks, called on Filpinos to "commit to [our hearts] the priorities of God, country and family."

Held at the San Pedro Square in Davao City, those who

attended Duterte’s inauguration included President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. along with his wife Liza AranetaMarcos, Sen. Imee Marcos, Ilocos Norte Congressmanelect Sandro Marcos, as well as Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Duterte's mentor and who has been elected as Pampanga representative.

Vice President Leni Robredo

was invited to her successor’s inauguration but had to skip it due to earlier commitments in her hometown, Naga City in Camarines Sur. Duterte’s team has reportedly been preparing for the transition in both her roles as vice president, in coordination with Robredo’s team, as well as the country’s future education secretary. g

shortage of nurses, but hospitals are experiencing "chronic understaffing." Some 32% of registered nurses are not practicing, either because they do not have jobs or they may be underemployed.

The Professional Regulation Commission just announced that 6,616 or 68% of the 9,729 examinees passed the May 2022 Nursing Board Exams.

But the question is, how many will choose to serve the Philippines in the next three to to five years?

"We call them our frontliners but are we really giving them enough so we could name them the heroes of this particular pandemic? I would not restrict them to go out if there would be better opportunities because there are other members of the family that would need their help," Dr. Leachon said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Work abroad As economies are opening up and more countries are adjusting their travel restrictions, healthcare workers may now take advantage of opportunities available. The exodus does not only involve nurses, but also other members of the country’s healthcare workforce.

Data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, which Philstar. com obtained through FNU, showed the following as the healthcare workers’ top countries of destination: • Saudi Arabia • United Kingdom • Qatar • Germany • United Arab Emirates • Singapore • United States • Ireland • Oman • Kuwait As of March 28 this year, 8,752 healthcare workers have left the country. This number expected to go higher as the total number of healthcare workers who migrated last year stood at 22,895.

While deployed at the top destination, Saudi Arabia, nurses employed through agencies can apparently earn at least $500 or SR1,875 (a little over P27,000) and as much as SR3,840 (over P55,500) monthly. If they are employed through a government program,

they can earn a minimum salary of SR4,110 or over P53,000 every month.

PNA’s Miranda even said that the pay of an entry-level nurse abroad may even allow them to earn as much as P750,000 annually, which may attract nurses working even for the government hospitals here at home.

Just recently, Germany and the Philippines inked a memorandum of understanding that allows more Filipino healthcare workers to work in the European country. The agreement will “enhance the existing private recruitment track for nurses and other healthcare professionals such as physiotherapists, radiographers, [and] occupational therapists” for employment in Germany.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that there are 6,000 Filipino nurses in Germany.

Data from the POEA showed that their salary, under the government-to-government program, should at least be €2,300 monthly or around P135,700.

'A chronic problem' Stories of Filipino nurses, or other healthcare professionals, who prefer to work abroad because of higher takehome pay and other benefits such as insurance are not new.

"This has been a chronic problem and [it was] accentuated because of the COVID pandemic," Leachon said.

Aside from catering to patients who test positive with COVID-19, they also have to take care of those with other diseases.

But when they are paid crumbs here at home, why stop them from going abroad?

"As much as possible, we do not want to see in the picture that the Philippines is considered the main [labor] export," PNA’s Miranda said.

However, he notes that Filipino nurses have the advantage of being wellverses in the English language and have competitive skills training.

"It was recognized that our curriculum here in the Philippines is also universal," Miranda said.

POEA data showed that deployment of healthcare professionals declined during

the pandemic. In 2017, this number totaled 106,009 and dropped to 75,938 in 2018. Healthcare workers’ deployment plunged nearly 74% in 2020 to 20,652 from 78,403.

How do you make them stay?

In an Inquirer.net report over the weekend, Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said the nurses’ exodus can be solved through a "whole-of-gvoernment approach." She said the department is trying to find inecntives for nurses to stay in the Philippines.

However, Migrante Philippines Chairman Arman Hernando said providing incentives would not be the answer.

"Hangga’t walang sapat at nakabubuhay na sahod at maayos na healthcare system sa Pilipinas, patuloy na maghahanap ang ating mga health workers ng mga oportunidad sa ibang banssa," Hernando said on June 19.

(Until the country cannot give adequate and living wage and a proper healthcare system, our healthcare workers will continue to look for opportunities abroad.)

FNU is advocating that private and public hospitals in the Philippines pay nurses a starting salary of P50,000 monthly. If small and medium sized hospitals cannot afford it, they are suggesting that the government subsidize the wages for the first three to five years.

With this, they are also calling on the government to increase its Health budget.

Meanwhile, among PNA’s calls to the government is to "establish the representation of nurses across the agencies of the national government." Miranda said this would pave the way for allowing nursing leaders “be empowered” even at the local level through the provincial, city and the municipal health boards.

With President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s inauguration just nine days away, he has yet to appoint a new Health secretary that would lead the country out of the pandemic.

"Healthcare should be the centrality of focus in the new administration," Dr. Leachon said. g

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Filipino lawyer John Albert Laylo killed in...

PAGE 1 action and find a resolution to the case.

In a tweet following the meeting, Consul General Cato said, “We thank @PhillyMayor Jim Kenney and @PhillyPolice for their assurance that they will do everything they can to bring to justice whoever is responsible for the death of our kababayan John Albert Laylo.”

Mayor Kenney took to Twitter to say that the senseless violence will always be unacceptable and that Laylo’s death is “another horrific example of the tragic impact of the prevalence of guns in our city: whether it's a visitor or a native Philadelphian affected, there are too many guns on our streets, with devastating consequences.”

“I’m appalled to learn of this heinous and senseless crime that has completely devastated an entire family. Mr. Laylo's loved ones are in my prayers,” Kenney tweeted.

Filipino community leaders in Philadelphia held a memorial vigil on Monday evening, June 20 for Laylo outside the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center where he passed away a day after he was fatally wounded in a shooting incident.

According to Philadelphia police, the shooter emerged from another car that pulled behind the Uber, which was stopped at a red light. According to Chief Inspector Frank Vanore, at least a dozen cartridge casings were recovered from the scene.

Vanore, who attended Tuesday’s meeting at City Hall, said the deadly shooting may have been a case of mistaken identity, and that another black Nissan of the same make and model driving near the Uber may have been the intended target.

Cato also met with Laylo’s mother in the hospital on Sunday, a few hours after the lawyer passed away.

“I said a prayer for him and

assured him that we will do everything we can to bring him home as soon as possible,” Cato posted.

In her own post on Facebook, Leah Laylo shared photos taken during their vacation.

“We traveled together and we are supposed to go home together!” Laylo said in the post.

“I will bring him home soon in a box!”

Laylo was 35 years old, a graduate of Makati Science High School, University of the Philippines Diliman (Political Science), De La Salle University (Law), and Central European University in Budapest, Hungary (International Business Law). He is survived by his mother Leah, father Albert, and sisters Ann and Althea.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family for funeral and other related expenses. Visit https://www. gofundme.com/f/john-albert-jallaylo. (Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

PAGE 1 transmission in LA County remains high due to highly infectious Omicron variant sublineages. With high transmission, Public Health continues to encourage caution and the layering of protections, such as masking, testing, and staying away from others if you are sick. These safety measures remain essential to slowing the spread.

The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus continued to account for all positive cases for sequenced specimens collected through the week ending May 28, as 90% of specimens testing positive were the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron, and its sublineages.

The original BA.2 subvariant, and the BA.2.3 sublineage, continued to decrease. The BA.2.12.1 sublineage remains, by far, the predominant sublineage of BA.2, accounting for over 58% of positive sequenced specimens for the week ending May 28.

While the highly infectious BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron continue to remain at low levels in LA County, increased numbers of new cases are detected every week. To date, we have detected a total of 98 positive, sequenced specimens of these two subvariants - 57 of BA.4 and 41 of BA.5. For the week ending May 28, these two subvariants combined accounted for 7.5% of positive specimens, with BA.4

accounting for 3.5%, and BA.5 accounting for 4%.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that across the country, as of the week of June 11, the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of Omicron combined accounted for just under 22% of specimens, a large increase from 1% a month ago.

They appear increasingly able to outcompete the BA.2 subvariant and its sublineages.

The number of daily new cases remains high but has stabilized.

Over the last seven days the average number of daily new cases reported was 4,260, an 11% decrease from one week ago when the average number of daily new cases reported was 4,788.

Additionally, the average case rate also decreased by 11% to 42 new cases per 100,000 people from one week ago when there were 47 new cases per 100,000 people. Despite these metrics stabilizing, the test positivity rate has now increased to 10.6%, a 63% increase from one week ago when the test positivity rate was 6.5%. This increase in the test positivity rate likely reflects the significant reduction, with the end of the school year, in the volume of routine testing. As a result, a greater proportion of the testing is for individuals with symptoms and/or exposures, leading to a higher test positivity rate.

The highly infectious variants

and sublineages continue to fuel the number of people severely ill and needing to be hospitalized, although the increase in hospitalizations appear to be slowing. Over the last seven days, the average number of COVIDpositive patients per day in LA County hospitals was 636, only a 10% increase from one week ago when the average number of COVID-positive patients per day was 583.

“I send my deepest sympathies and wishes of peace and comfort to the many families who have lost a loved one from COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health.

“While several COVID metrics appear to be stabilizing or even slightly decreasing, transmission remains high and Public Health continues strongly encouraging residents and businesses to use caution and the safety protections that we know can slow the spread.

The most important steps we can take is for the whole family to get vaccinated or boosted, if eligible, including the youngest members of the household who can now get vaccinated. Residents should also wear a mask indoors when around others, and get tested if they feel sick, were exposed, or are gathering with others. If we keep taking these protections, we can protect one another and begin reducing transmission.”

(AJPress)

LA County reports over 12,000 new COVID...

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OPINION

FEATURES

A pressing priority

WHAT’S taking the incoming administration too long to appoint the next health secretary?

Surely there are other individuals blessed with medical and administrative skills more qualified and capable than the current health chief, who had blithely ignored deafening calls for his resignation, no thanks to the enabling support of his patron, outgoing President Duterte.

In August 2020, a Senate hearing called for Health Secretary Francisco Duque III’s ouster for his possible role in the P15-billion corruption scandal at the Philippine Health Insurance Corp., as its former president and board chair. Almost two years after the exhaustive hearing, the state insurance firm has yet to exact accountability from officials involved in the scandal that saw billions lost in members’ contributions through fraudulent, often nonexistent, medical procedures in selected and favored hospitals.

In February this year, a Senate panel recommended the filing of charges against the health official and several others for the allegedly anomalous purchase of COVID-19 equipment and supplies from Pharmally, an undercapitalized Chinese company. Duque, the partial report by the Senate blue ribbon committee stated, had moved over P40 billion from his agency to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management to supposedly hasten the delivery of the medical supplies, which later turned out to be substandard and grossly overpriced. Such reckless handling of public funds intended for the government’s pandemic response has contributed to the country’s outstanding debt now standing at P12.68-trillion as of end-March 2022.

Finding a competent health secretary should be a priority by the incoming administration, given several health situations that could endanger health and lives. And we’re not just talking about COVID-19,

because although the virus is still very much around and Metro Manila has a “continued increase” in the number of cases in 11 cities, the National Capital Region remains under low risk, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Outside the metro, however, recent developments have been less than reassuring. ThPhileere’s that arsenic contamination of groundwater in nine areas in Batangas, with some 5,000 residents who may be at risk, authorities said. A task force created to handle this health hazard has said that signs of contamination in wells were first observed after Taal Volcano’s eruption in January 2020. According to Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, drinking water contaminated with arsenic could adversely affect one’s health, and in severe cases, could cause death.

While local government units (LGUs) have handled the crisis as well as they could—providing bottled water to residents, setting aside P3.5 million for conducting more tests, looking into the reverse osmosis process to purify the water supply, and seeking to place Balete, Batangas, under a state of calamity to access more funds—a more comprehensive health plan is needed to address the problem in the long term. An extensive information campaign spearheaded by a health chief vested with official authority can answer the questions that worry residents the most: Who are most at risk?

How do people mitigate those risks? Where and how can households source safe drinking water? What are the symptoms of arsenic and radon poisoning?

What treatment is available for those affected? How can local health centers respond more effectively to identified cases? With more resources at his or her disposal, a health chief appointed on merit can draw

Editorial

ManilaTimes.net photo

up a response plan that addresses the urgent needs of residents while anticipating worst-case scenarios.

In Sorsogon, the phreatic explosions of Mount Bulusan in the past two weeks have unleashed a totally different but just as worrying health hazard: ashfall which contains toxic sediments that can cause difficulty in breathing and worsen respiratory problems. While the LGUs and several government agencies have taken charge of warning and evacuating residents who are within the fourkilometer permanent danger zone and providing them the needed provisions and services, the national government must take a more proactive role, especially with regard to the health of those who are exposed to or have inhaled the toxic ash. As well, a comprehensive health awareness campaign

can give people better and safer ideas on how to cope with a situation that remains highly fluid and far from ideal.

In Cebu, the bickering between its governor and task force COVID-19 officials over the mask mandate can do with a more health-oriented approach instead of the belligerent hierarchical turn it has assumed lately. A credible health chief can certainly do the job as the DOH has all the data and facts to support its stance of an abundance of caution in regard to transmission of the virus. The new government should also be careful about the candidates being pushed by certain groups as they could prove to be a liability, rather than an asset to the DOH. Hopefully, the new administration won’t bide its time finding the right one. (Inquirer.net)

Historical facts about presidential inaugurations

Babe’s Eye View BABE ROMUALDEZ ON June 30, Filipinos are poised to witness one of the most momentous events in the history of the Philippines: the swearing in of Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as the country’s 17th president.

The inauguration will be historic in more ways than one, since as everyone knows, Bongbong Marcos Jr. is the son of Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., the 10th president of the Philippines who was sworn into office on Dec. 30, 1965.

People who can still remember the 1965 presidential elections between incumbent president Diosdado Macapagal and thenSenate president Ferdinand Marcos describe it as a hotly contested one, with Marcos winning by a margin of more than 670,000 votes and getting 51.9 percent of the total votes cast against Macapagal’s 42.8 percent.

There was so much acrimony between the Nacionalista and Liberal party candidates that, according to some accounts,

Macapagal had preferred not to attend the inaugural of Marcos Sr. But in the end, however, they both observed tradition and propriety and rode together in a Cadillac from Malacañang to the Quirino Grandstand (formerly known as Independence Grandstand) in Luneta for the inauguration of the new president.

Traditionally, the Quirino Grandstand serves as the venue for the swearing in of presidents, among them Elpidio Quirino for whom it was obviously named, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal, Fidel Ramos and Noynoy Aquino.

However, there have been times when this tradition was broken, like when Cory Aquino was sworn into office in Club Filipino. But those were different times. In 2004, Gloria Arroyo delivered her pre-inaugural speech at the Quirino Grandstand in the morning then flew to Cebu for her oath taking at the Provincial Capitol at noon of June 30.

Joseph Estrada also broke with tradition and was sworn in at Barasoain Church in Malolos, Bulacan. Since it was 1998 – the year when we commemorated the

centennial of our proclamation of independence, Estrada saw it as symbolic to be sworn into office in the same place where Emilio Aguinaldo took his oath as president of the First Philippine Republic.

President Duterte, on the other hand, opted to have his inauguration at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang because he did not want to be the cause of traffic jams going to Luneta.

President-elect Bongbong Marcos had wanted his inauguration to take place in Quirino Grandstand like his father did. But since the place is being used as field hospitals for COVID-19 patients, BBM did not want to cause any disruption so he opted for the National Museum of the Philippines.

Which is just as well, since the place is also imbued with historical significance. NMP used to be known as the old Legislative Building and was also the venue for the inauguration of Manuel Roxas, Jose P. Laurel and Manuel Quezon, who also proclaimed the Commonwealth of the Philippines on the same day as his inaugural in 1935.

Love of country

Sentinel

RAMON TULFO VICE president-elect Sara Duterte called on Filipinos to love their country – a motherhood statement – after she was sworn into office, a little more than a week before she would take over the second highest position in the land.

“The days ahead may be full of challenges that call for us to be more united as a nation. But let me reiterate this – we can never go wrong if we are a people dedicated to honoring the will of God, to serving our country and our fellowmen and protecting the integrity of our families and the future of our children,” said the daughter of President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte.

Platitudes or motherhood statements like “love your country” or “love your fellowmen” are insipid.

Ms. Duterte and her speechwriters had plenty of time

to come up with an ear-catching or interesting speech, if I may say so.

President Joseph Estrada’s speech during his inaugural of “Walang kai-kaibigan, walang kumpare, walang kama-kamaganak o anak na maaaring magsamantala sa ngayon (I will not allow any of my friends, relatives or children to take advantage of my position)” was a classic, although it was not followed. Still, people who heard the speech were enthralled by its beauty. * * * This may hurt the sensibilities of many of my compatriots: Are Filipinos capable of loving their country?

How does a foreigner view us vis-à-vis love of country?

Let me quote some excerpts of a short essay on the Filipinos by Jaeyoun Kim, a Korean student in the country.

“Do you really think (that) corruption is the problem in the Philippines? I don’t think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for

the Philippines.

“Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country (South Korea) several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people.

“The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has changed. “(My parents) told me that Korea was much poorer than the Philippines when they were young. They are sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids (in the Philippines).

“Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighbors. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit (sic) to their employees fairly so they could buy what they needed and saved (sic) money for the future and their children.”

South Korea was a devastated country after the war that divided Korea into North and

During presidential inaugurations, a lot of traditions and protocols are observed.

Usually, the incoming president would go to Malacañang and fetch the outgoing president, after which they would travel together to the inauguration venue. The outgoing president would then conduct a final review of troops before departing, after which the new president will be sworn into office.

Preparations are now underway for the inaugural of president-elect Bongbong Marcos, who is very much aware of the importance of old traditions, knowing the historic significance and symbolism of inaugural events.

BBM was telling me that he inquired why he had to sign the Palace guest book when he was in fact going to be living there during his term of office.

According to traditional protocol, BBM would be the last guest to be visiting Malacañang during the administration of President Duterte, after which the guest book will be closed. A new guest book would then be opened with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. as president. Apparently, not too

many people are aware of this.

I was grateful to him for sharing this piece of historical trivia with me.

In the United States, inaugurations are similar to ours, with traditions, ceremonies and protocols that are also observed to mark the transition from one administration to another.

But during the day of Dwight Eisenhower’s inauguration in January 1953, he refused to go inside the White House for a preinauguration coffee ceremony with outgoing president Harry Truman. The two men had so much bitterness between them because Truman campaigned against Eisenhower, who took the attacks of the outgoing president personally.

Traditionally, the outgoing president would invite the president-elect to the White House for coffee and a friendly chat. By that gesture, the peaceful transfer of power is also underscored. The outgoing president would also leave a letter of encouragement to his successor, with pieces of advice usually thrown in. On inauguration day, the departing president would be waiting on the

steps of the White House North Portico to welcome the incoming president. After the Oval Office traditional chat, they would ride down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol for the inaugural ceremonies.

Outgoing president Donald Trump did not carry out the customary welcome ceremonies (coffee, waiting at the steps), refusing to attend the inauguration of his successor Joe Biden – breaking 152 years of White House tradition. The last time an outgoing president refused to attend the inauguration of his successor was in 1869 when Andrew Johnson stayed in the White House while Ulysses Grant was being sworn into office. Trump followed one tradition however: he left a letter for President Joe Biden – who described it as “very generous.”

(Philstar.com) ***

South segments in the 1950s.

South Korea after the Korean War was so poor there was famine, which resulted in thousands dying of hunger.

But South Korea rose to its feet when the people worked day and night even at meager pay so their country would become at par with other nations in Asia.

In the 1950s up to the late ‘60s, the Philippines ranked second to Japan in economic progress. * * * One problematic issue that Inday Sara, who will become vice president and concurrent secretary of education, faces is that of female public-school teachers doing suggestive dances on Tiktok.

Another public-school teacher, who teaches at the Panukulan National High School in Quezon province, has joined a colleague from Surigao del Sur who gyrates and makes thrusting motions suggestive of the sex act.

Like her Surigao del Sur colleague – whom this column featured on June 7 – the Quezon teacher dances on Tiktok wearing the uniform of public school teachers.

Both teachers perform sexy dance numbers in an empty classroom or in the campus with their school buildings in the background.

Since both teach high school students, we can be sure that their male students look at them with lust in their eyes.

Strong sexual desire develops among high school students, especially the boys, who are in their adolescent years.

One male student commented on social media that if he would be under the tutelage of one of these teachers he wouldn’t care if he repeated the same grade so long as he could keep looking at her.

Look guys, I’m not a prude or lacking in sex drive when I call out those two teachers who could be Binibining Pilipinas candidates with their stunning looks.

What I’m saying is that these teachers are becoming sex objects to their male students, and not good role models to their female students.

Times have changed. Back in my high school days, teachers were the epitome of good behavior; they inspired respect

from their students. * * * Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretarygeneral Renato Reyes says that Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao, officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), fails in comparison to Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar when the latter was PNP chief.

Eleazar ran for a Senate seat in the recent elections but lost.

Eleazar, says Reyes, would reach out to protesters to ensure peace and order during rallies.

Danao is aloof and says that he will only allow rallyists near the inaugural of presidentelect Ferdinand “BBM” Marcos Jr. if they would shout “Mabuhay!”

This Danao is funny or just trying to catch the attention of the incoming president.

Comparing Eleazar to Danao is like comparing a German-made Mercedes Benz to a jeepney assembled in Cavite. (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 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.

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7

Robredo to graduates from alma mater: Amid uncertain times, lend skills to serve Filipinos

by Gabriel

Pabico Inquirer.net

lalu

tautly, putting so many on edge,” she said.

“Pero kaakibat ng (But included in this) formation na ito ang isang tungkulin (is a responsibility): To use all you have learned for what is good and true and right. To lend your skills, your knowledge, and your expertise in service of others. To uplift the lives of those most in need. This is what our school motto, in its fullest sense, teaches us: That we are part of something bigger than ourselves,” she added.

Robredo, who spoke mostly in the local language, believes that the school has equipped graduates with the proud Bicolano tradition and trait of resilience not only during times of crisis but also the guts to go against the strongest opponents.

“UNC has provided you with the training and values to rise to these challenges head-on. As the first university in the Bicol region, ours is a proud tradition that reflects the best in the Bicolano: Resilience, the ability to think quickly on your feet even in the face of crises, the courage to stand up even against the most formidable foes,” she said.

The Vice President has been in Bicol for some time now, visiting her hometown Naga for the Naga Day and the proclamation of winners in the local elections.

Robredo, who got her law degree at the University of Nueva Caceres, also had different MANILA — Former Vice engagements in other parts of President Leni Robredo urged Camarines Sur. graduates of her law school alma Robredo told graduates that mater to lend their knowledge they are proud of what they have and skills to serve Filipinos achieved despite the hardships and fight challenges despite brought by the COVID-19 uncertain times lurking ahead. pandemic. However, she also During her speech at the asked the graduates to recall all 74the University Recognition the hardships they faced — and Ceremony of the University of use it as motivation to get things Nueva Caceres held in Naga City done when they seem lost. on Tuesday, Robredo reminded “[…] I ask you also to never graduates of the reality that they forget the struggles that paved are living in, as the COVID-19 your path to today. I ask you pandemic is still affecting to remember that test you did different facets of life including not ace, that recitation you education. fumbled, that assignment you Along with that, Robredo were unable to submit on time. I also mentioned the rampant ask you to remember how it felt disinformation and historical to log into your Zoom accounts, revisionism taking place — alone in the cold light of your which she said should prompt screens, to say present and graduates of the said school to continue doing your schoolwork do what is right. even as the world outside felt “We live in extraordinary like it was ending,” the Vice times full of extraordinary President said. challenges […] it feels like And when graduates feel lost, everywhere else we look, other Robredo reminded them to look challenges abound: We see back on what the said university our institutions weakening. We has taught them — including her see disinformation, historical — which is to fight for the good revisionism on overdrive. We even when it is hard. see inequality widening, gaps “When you leave UNC, you in our basic needs remaining will realize, as I did, that living unfulfilled, the strain in the social your life and making meaningful fabric stretching even more change for others is not the easiest of tasks. Fighting for a better, kinder, more humane society is hard […] May mga panahong mararamdaman mo na parang nawawalan ka na ng pagasa, kahit ang totoo, nagsisimula pa lang ang iyong laban, at marami pang mga oportunidad ang naghihintay para sa iyo,” she said.

(There are times when you feel that you are losing hope, but the truth is you are just starting your fight, and more opportunities await you.)

“And for as long as you hold on to the things you learned here, for as long as you stay true to the values that our university has taught you, you will remain a force for good, not just in your own fields and in your own communities, but in Bicol, in our country, and even in the world,” Vice President Leni Robredo Photo courtesy of VP Leni Robredo Facebook page she added. g

RICE SEEDLINGS. Farm workers throw bundles of rice seedlings in a paddy field in preparation for planting in Población II, Peñaranda, Nueva Ecija on Tuesday, June 21. The group of farm workers were hired to plant the seedlings the next day.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

COVID-19 cases up by 82%

by Franco Jose

c. Baroña

ManilaTimes.net

THE Department of Health (DoH) on Monday reported an 82-percent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country.

In its weekly case bulletin, the DoH said 3,051 cases were recorded from June 13 to June 19, or a daily average of 436. This is 82% higher than the cases reported from June 6 to June 12.

Health Undersecretary and spokesman Rosario Vergeire said the National Capital Region or Metro Manila is particularly experiencing "a start in the peak in the number of cases" similar to the spikes in September 2021 and January 2022 driven by the Delta and Omicron variants.

Vergeire made it clear that the current trend cannot be referred to as a "surge" and doing so will only confuse the public.

She attributed the increase of cases to the Omicron subvariants, increased mobility and the waning immunity of the population due to the slow administration of booster vaccines.

Out of 55 million Filipinos

eligible for booster shots, only 14 million have received booster doses.

"So we are looking at around 14 million individuals who have not received their boosters, and we know that immunity is waning so we need to have this demand for our countrymen," Vergeire said.

She said while Metro Manila tallied a positive two-week growth rate, it is still classified as low risk for COVID-19.

"We are guiding our public, making them aware that this might be the start that the cases will continuously rise in the next couple of weeks," Vergeire said.

The Health department has also detected a slight rise in cases in Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan).

Dr. Edsel Salvaña, a member of the DoH technical advisory group, said that despite the steady increase in infections, Metro Manila is still far from being classified as moderate

risk for COVID-19.

Salvaña said the region's average daily attack rate (ADAR) is still "a little bit above" 1 out of 100,000 cases, and the ADAR must be at least 6 out of 100,000 to qualify for a moderate risk classification.

Worst of COVID-19 over 'for now' - OCTA He added that the hospital utilization rate of Metro Manila is still in the "low 20s," far from the 50-percent level for moderate risk.

"We're far from the parameters used by DoH in terms of moving from low risk to moderate risk," Salvaña said in a public briefing.

Based on World Health Organization ratings, Metro Manila should have at least 800 infections daily in the next two weeks before it can be classified as moderate risk, he said.

PH logs 2,196 new COVID-19 cases The uptick in cases is expected because of the new Omicron lineages that have infiltrated the country, "but it all remains manageable" and "health care utilization is still low," Salvaña said. g

8 JUNE 22-28, 2022 • SoCal ASIAN JOURNAL

Dateline PhiliPPines

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

‘Pinoys should encourage Marcos to be PH best leader’ DepEd, USAID seek private sector support

in improving early grade education

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — Filipinos should encourage president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to be the “best ever” leader of the country, former foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario said.

“Everyone has the capacity to be a better person. If one chooses to be a leader, one can also choose to be a better leader.

Or, one can choose to be the best ever leader,” Del Rosario declared over the weekend.

Marcos, he added, has the honor and privilege of constructively leading 110 million people.

“He can successfully do this by subjecting every presidential decision to the test of what is best for our countrymen. Let us fully encourage him to do this,” the former chief urged.

But for the three sons of the president-elect, the Filipino people are “lucky” to have Marcos as the next chief executive and father of the nation.

In a video greeting for Father’s Day posted on YouTube on Sunday, June 19, his sons Sandro, Joseph Simon and William Vincent wished him luck for his incoming post as the country’s chief executive.

The siblings added that,

President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

together with their mother Louise Araneta-Marcos, they would be supporting him all the way.

“To our beloved and incoming President, but most importantly my beloved father, I want to wish you the best of luck in what’s to come. I know you prepared all your life and you spent a significant time making sure that you are ready for the problems that our country is facing,” Marcos’ eldest son and recently elected Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos said.

Sandro said his father’s “undying optimism” is the best trait that he wishes to emulate as he is set to become a public servant himself.

Philstar.com file photo

Marcos’ second son, Simon, meanwhile said his father is always objective and decisive and even gave him advice “to never make a decision when you’re too angry or too happy or too sad.”

For Marcos’ youngest son, Vinny, the best advice he got from his father was “to never hate anyone.”

“My favorite thing that you’ve always said to me is to never hate anyone even if they’ve crossed you, talked bad about you, criticized (you), never hate, just keep moving forward by doing the best you can. You’ve always led by example and always such a great person to be around,” Vinny said. g

MANILA — More than 80 business and industry representatives joined the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Education (DepEd) in a conference last Tuesday, June 21 to discuss how the private sector could channel support toward early grade education in the Philippines.

The conference, themed “Early Grade Learning is Everyone’s Business,” highlighted the USAID’s ABC+: Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines – a project in partnership with DepEd to address low reading and math skills that trouble students from Kindergarten to Grade 3.

DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali joined representatives from USAID, Microsoft Philippines, Smart Communications, the League of Corporate Foundations, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Business for Social Progress, and other industry leaders in the event.

"Everyone has a role to play, including the private sector,

who has the power to create [a] lasting positive impact in our communities through the advancement of early grade learning," Umali said.

DepEd and USAID also emphasized the importance of their partnership with the private sector along with local government units in helping early-grade students transition to face-to-face classes.

Jennifer Crow, USAID Philippines director of the Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance, said that "raising good readers in the early years" would involve not just schools but also leaders in the community and other stakeholders.

The ABC+ project is a fiveyear project launched in July 2019 by the USAID with DepEd to improve the learning outcomes of early grade students. Specifically, it aims to benefit up to two million students in Regions V and VI, as well as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, according to the website of RTI Philippines, the project implementer for USAID. When DepEd shifted to

distance learning at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, DepEd sought USAID’s assistance through the ABC+ project to provide additional teaching and learning resources for early grade students.

In many countries, younger students experienced greater learning losses compared to older students during the pandemic, a joint report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Bank in 2021 found.

The country’s learning poverty – defined by the World Bank as being able to read and understand a simple text by age ten – worsened from 69.5% in 2019 to more than 85% in 2022, according to another joint report by Unicef, UNESCO and the World Bank in April.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the department is expecting a 100% return to face-to-face classes in the next academic year, 20222023. (Philstar.com)

PH inflation could hit 8% if Russia-Ukraine conflict drags on MANILA — The Philippines’ inflation rate could shoot up to 8 percent especially if the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, economist and Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said Monday, June 20.

Salceda said the national government has to focus on ensuring food security and the protection of poor Filipinos as prices of commodities soar.

“Puputok ‘yan (inflation) sa otso … I have my own model, tapos base last year was slow so I think it can shoot up to 8.1 [percent],” Salceda said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel about the inflation rate in the country.

(Inflation rate could shoot up to eight percent.)

Russia-Ukraine conflict “Depende ‘yan kung hindi titigil

EMPLOYMENT

ang Ukraine at Russia, mukhang ayaw namang tumigil. Mukhang we will see an escalation especially with the [European Union] now coming together to really fight the war,” he added.

(It depends on whether or not the Ukraine-Russia war will stop, but it looks like it will not. It seems like we will see an escalation, especially with the European Union now coming together to really fight the war.)

The inflation rate in the country in May reached a 42-month high of 5.4 percent, bringing the fivemonth average to 4.1 percent.

The five-month average is slightly higher than the government’s target of 2 to 4 percent.

Looking ahead Asked what the incoming administration of President-

elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. could replicate from the outgoing administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to address inflation, Salceda said tariffs on “essential food” can be brought down.

“Pero ngayon kasi 80 percent ng inflation is basically energy and transportation so definitely dilemma ‘yan (Right now, 80 percent of the inflation is basically energy and transportation so that’s a dilemma),” Salceda said.

“Parang ang natural atake mo ay bakit hindi mo na lang tanggalin yung excise tax at VAT? But that’s P500 million…

The right thing to do there is really is to focus on the poor,” he added.

(The natural way to attack this is to remove excise tax and VAT. But that’s P500 million.) g

EMPLOYMENT

(From left) USAID ABC+ Instructional Delivery and Materials Advisor Elaine Trinos, USAID Philippines Project Management Specialist Monica Ang-Tan, The Asia Foundation Country Representative Sam Chittick, USAID Philippines Director of the Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance Jennifer Crow, DepEd Undersecretary Tonisito Umali, and USAID ABC+ Education Governance Manager Kimberly Garcia attend the USAID-supported Industry Leaders Conference in Manila.

Philstar.com photo

EMPLOYMENT

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MDWK

Wednesday JUNE 22, 2022

MAGAZINE

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Pinoy-made tocino burger lands on US food magazine cover The burger with ube buns is produced by the PogiBoy restaurant, a comfort food resto in Washington DC’s The Block Foodhall and Bar. It is the signature dish of Filipino chefs Tom Cunanan and Paolo Dungca, the people behind the establishment.

The tocino burger is also reported to be a menu fan favorite.

It consists of “two juicy, highlyseasoned tocino and pork patties, sandwiched in a bright purple ube bun with caramelized pineapple, crisp and acidic green papaya achara, and a creamy ‘secret sauce’, according to the chefs.

The burger is inspired partly by the Philippines’ “chori burger” or “chorizo burger” and Dungca’s childhood memories of eating sautéed tocino with garlic rice for breakfast.

Dungca said that their team “wanted to bring that comfort and nostalgia to the burger” by incorporating tocino into the pork patties.

“Filipino food comes from the heart.

This recipe is very personal to us because it brings so much comfort and joy for us to be able to share our heritage and cuisine with everyone. This makes us so proud to be Filipino chefs cooking Filipino food,” he said before.

Their burger was recently featured on the cover of “Food & Wine’s” ‘The Innovator Issue’ which is released by the magazine once a year to spotlight leaders changing the way people eat and drink.

“You’ll find them in our second-annual F&W Game Changers list which features 16 people and companies who are making hospitality and packaged goods smarter, more sustainable, more inclusive, and more delicious for all,” it said on an

Filipino American actor Nico Santos is the newest addition to ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ franchise.

Photo from Instagram/@

Fil-Am actor Nico Santos joins ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ cast

WRITER-DIRECTOR of Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” James Gunn officially announced that Filipino-American actor Nico Santos will be joining the film’s third installment.

He wrote on Instagram Thursday, “Yes @nicosantos is in #GotGVol3. Hilarious and talented and sweet guy who, July 2022 cover of Food & Wine magazine as seen on the Instagram of PogiBoy (left) and Randy Lizardo, Paolo Dungca, like me, got engaged during Vol. Arturo Mei and Tom Cunanan with the Food & Wine magazine as seen on Dungca’s Instagram (right).

Photo from Instagram/@foodandwine, @paolodungca 3 because magic and love were in the air.”

Instagram post.

“Lastly, thank you @scottsuchman, @ Santos has raised the The magazine added that among its lisacherkasky for making this shoot really Philippine flag in a number of features is “a look at the rise of Filipino awesome! Mabuhay Ang Lutong Pinoy!

Hollywood films and shows chefs and cuisine in America,” including We are our ancestor’s wildest dream,” such as “Paul Blart: Mall Cop its “cover star.”

Dungca further said with Philippine flag 2” (2015) as Brian; “Crazy Rich Dungca also expressed his amazement emojis.

Asians” (2018) as Oliver; and after being featured by the magazine.

The restaurant also thanked the team NBC series “Superstore” (2015 “Man, who would’ve thought?! and its patrons for their support. to 2021) as Mateo Liwanag Filipino Food on the cover of @ “To say that we are overwhelmed with which earned him a nomination foodandwine Magazine! @pogiboydc,” he the support and love we have gotten for the Critics’ Choice Television wrote on Instagram, tagging the account for our @foodandwine COVER is an Award for Best Supporting Actor of their restaurant.

UNDERSTATEMENT,” PogiBoy said on in a Comedy Series in 2018.

“Big shout out to @khushandoj, @ an Instagram post.

He also appeared in the Offandeemationcooking, @winslowtaft and “Thank yous are due to all of our Broadway play “Happy Talk,” in the rest of the Food and Wine Team for neighbors, friends, and family for being 2019. making this dream happen. NEVER IN MY with us every step of this journey.

“Punch me! I mean pinch WILDEST DREAMS,” the chef added.

Continued on Page 12 me! We wrapped a month ago

but I’ve thought about my time on set every day since.

Thank you @jamesgunn for your genius, kindness and for fostering and creating such an incredibly fun world to work and play in,” Santos reacting on his Instagram account.

“I believe it was early nineties R&B songstress Gabrielle who said ‘Dreams can come true...’ Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go frolic in a meadow to celebrate all the joy I’m feeling,” the 43-year-old continued.

Details about his character in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” is yet to be disclosed.

But he will for sure be joining a powerhouse cast including fellow Fil-Am actor Dave Bautista, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sylvester Stallone, Karen Gillan, Elizabeth Debicki, Will Poulter, Chuk Iwuji, Maria Bakalova, and Daniela Melchior.

The movie is set to release May 5, 2023 in the U.S. (ManilaTimes.net)

10

community

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 22, 2022

Continuing a legacy of sharing and caring Gawad Kalinga unveils new community center for SMDC GK Bayanihan Community

WHILE Leandro Capagcuan, “Tito Andy” to those close to him, lived a life of single blessedness, he was a father figure to many especially to the residents of SMDC GK Bayanihan Community where he helped build a community center. Last April 2022, representatives from Gawad Kalinga (GK), GK USA, the SMDC GK Bayanihan Community, and the local government unit of Dasmarinas, Cavite gathered for the turnover ceremony of the St. Joseph the Worker Winnetka Community Center, named after Tito Andy’s parish.

As fathers provide a sense of security for their family, a community center is an integral structure as it can aid in building strong, safe, and inclusive communities. However, it is not easy to build one as it requires a lot of time, effort, and money.

Thanks to Tito Andy’s tireless and generous efforts, the residents can now gather at their own community center.

Tito Andy initially wanted to build a GK village but due to his declining health, he was unable to pursue this huge project. Instead, he used the remaining funds from a past housing initiative to build the St. Joseph the Worker Winnetka Community Center in Dasmarinas, not far from his hometown of Silang. A few days before the unveiling of the new community center, Tito Andy

Filipino American community members enjoy a day of golf at the Glorious Organization Golf Tournament held on May 23, 2022.

passed on but he left a legacy – both to the beneficiaries of the community center and his own family.

On Tito Andy’s behalf, his nephew, Lhon Capagcuan expressed his desire to continue the good work and advocacy that his uncle started. This is wonderful news for GK and the residents and they are extremely grateful for Tito Andy and his family’s generosity.

“First and foremost, we would like to thank Tito Andy,” started Gawad Kalinga Leader Louie Lagman. “On our own, we cannot afford to have a multipurpose hall built here in our area. Rest assured that we will maintain and improve this community center, and utilize it for our community’s various gatherings, seminars, and values formation sessions,” he shared.

Meanwhile, GK Key Accounts Manager Bing Importante talked about the impact of such an effort to the community.

“Building a multi-purpose hall like this takes years, but it is all worth it because all the projects are really meant for the community to live a better life,” she said. “Both young and old can use the multi-purpose hall, but we hope everyone will help in maintaining it.”

When a person passes, only their physical presence is gone. They stay with us through memories treasured by people whose lives they touched, or tangible testaments of goodness that they have left behind.

Tito Andy has already laid the foundation for a bright future; it is up to us now, the living, to carry the torch and shine a light on those who are in search of their path towards a good life.

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, 20,000seat 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 hotel-casino in the development, while the group will be fully responsible for arena operations.

Aside from 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 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

community

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 22, 2022

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, indoor-outdoor sports, walking/ hiking, watching musical acts or shows or nightlife, Las Vegas is no longer just a gambler’s paradise – it is a complete travel destinatioin 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 highpriced 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

11

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.

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

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 Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman helps those who need business financing, including Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (middle) young investors from Palm Springs, CA take a look at what’s out there loans for small businesses. For more information, call (702) 538-4948 or send are Kenneth (right) and Angelica Games (left). Their offer of $550K for a house in the market, whether it’s in bustling cities like Las Vegas or email to fely@precious-properties.com or fely.precious@gmail.com. in Pahrump was accepted by the sellers.

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.

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community

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 22, 2022

Is there life after bankruptcy? that don’t get paid are also often wiped out at the end of the repayment period which could be anywhere from 36-60 months. I see a lot of people who owe so much that if they only paid the minimum amount Atty. RAymond due each month, they are BulAon bound to be in debt for the rest of their lives. They seem WHEN contemplating to think that they are “doing bankruptcy as a way out of OK” as long as they are able debt, one is often faced with to make minimum payments. the question: What would But they don’t realize the my life be like after I file lost opportunities caused by bankruptcy? When can I have enriching their creditors instead credit again? Will I be shut out of saving their hard-earned of the American dream forever money for themselves and their or is it nothing more than a families. Imagine what it would fresh financial start so I can start be like if you were debt-free. dreaming of a secure financial future once again?

These are important questions and not to be taken lightly because filing bankruptcy is often a serious decision with consequences. The question is: Will the consequences be against me or in my favor in the long run? So, it really often comes down to a cost-benefit analysis.

Filing a Chapter 7 bankruptcy is a short process that only lasts 4-5 months for most people.

Perhaps you can finally start Of course, if your budget saving for your kids’ college was already tight before education, put money into your filing, without obtaining any employer’s 401K plan, save additional income, the situation money for an emergency fund, does not change except for etc. The list of possibilities is the fact that getting rid of debt endless. payments now allows you to What holds people back prioritize your spending by from filing bankruptcy although putting your needs first. People they really need it is the in survival mode who live stigma often associated with paycheck to paycheck are often bankruptcy. They have heard forced to sacrifice their own from their friends and family needs just to keep up with the that “bankruptcy is the worst bills. Even worse, they resort to thing that you can do” and that borrowing to account for the “your life will never be normal shortfall which even puts them again”. Hogwash. After having in a bigger financial hole each represented more than 6,000 month. Chapter 7 allows you clients in bankruptcy over the to wipe out debts you can no last 23 years, I can say that longer afford to pay so you can without our bankruptcy laws, have more disposable income a lot of people will never be available to meet your monthly able to get out of debt on their living expenses. own. While no one ever wants In Chapter 13, depending to file bankruptcy, in a lot of on your ability to pay, you cases I’ve handled, there is no may or may not need to pay other way to get out of the all your debts. And the ones financial mess they are in. Filing

Minding Your Finances

Parent’s right to change child’s residence to another state in custody cases

interest” standard. Court will look at the factors and decide what is in the best interest of the Chapter 7 stops all collection child. Custody is usually given actions against the debtor, to the parent that is more likely protects wages, bank accounts, to allow frequent and continuing property, and other assetscontact between the child and Atty. Kenneth allowing the person to breathe the other parent. On the other uRsuA Reyes again instead of dealing with all hand if there has been a final the financial stress and having Custody determination, then the PARENTS that are going sleepless nights. Most of my non-custodial parent would have through divorce and legal clients rebuild credit in only to show a “significant change in separation sometimes have to 2-3 years, allowing them to circumstances” to change the buy cars, homes, etc. as if they make a decision to move out of custody arrangement. state for various reasons. It may never filed bankruptcy at all.

The Court would then be because their family network Rebuilding credit after consider certain factors laid out is in another state. This decision Chapter 13 takes longer in the case Marriage of LaMusga often have a significant impact because until you make in deciding whether the child on the visitation of the other your last payment, you are would suffer detriment from the technically “in bankruptcy” and parent because it would be more relocation and whether a change difficult for the non-custodial you do not get a “discharge”. of custody should be ordered. parent to exercise his or her But don’t let this discourage The La Musga factors which the visitation rights in a frequent and you because in Chapter 13, Court will consider are 1) the continuing manner if the custodial children’s interest in stability your debt payments can parent moves to a different state be significantly lower and continuity in the custodial than what you are paying hundreds or thousands of miles arrangement; 2) the distance of away from the non custodial now, you are paying 0% the move; 3) the children’s age; parent. interest on credit cards 4)the children’s relationship with The parent that has Custody and most debts, and both parents; 5) the relationship of the child has a presumptive you have A DEFINITE between the parents including, right to change the child’s DATE by which you will but not limited to, their ability residence unless the non custodial to communicate and cooperate be debt-free. It is best parent can show that the move to have a long-term effectively and their willingness would be a detriment to the perspective when filing to put the children’s interests child. In cases where there has a Chapter 13 case. Most above their individual interests; not been any final custody order, people don’t even have 6) the children’s wishes if they the court has to make a custody a plan. They go through are mature enough to make determination using “the best life just hoping that that inquiry appropriate; 7) the somehow, someday, “things will get better”.

But without a plan, you will never get there. Chapter 13 is a reorganization plan that allows you to consolidate and reduce your debt. It can be a useful tool in setting financial goals that you can stick to.

If you need bankruptcy relief but are afraid that bankruptcy may do you more harm than good, call my office so that we can discuss your IN 2010, a young boy who situation if bankruptcy might climbed Mount Everest gained be right for you. a spot in the Guinness Book of *** World Records. He was on TV NOTE: Due to the pandemic, consultations for his 15 minutes of celebrity via phone or video are available. Please call status. I had to flip the channel. the office at 866-477-7772 to schedule Abby Sunderland, a books, celebrity, money and your appointment with me. Questions? California teenager who endorsements and feeling Email me at gethelp@rjb-lawoffices.com. set out in January 2010 to superior overtake common *** circumnavigate the world sense? Do parents feel the None of the information herein is intended solo and who eventually sent need to bask in the reflected to give legal advice for any specific situ- out distress signals that had glory of their children’s ation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully three countries scrambling to achievements? Surely there helped over 5,000 clients in getting out launch rescue missions in the has got to be more to life than of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of dangerous South Indian Ocean. satisfying one’s ego. Surely, your situation, please call RJB Law Offices She’s alive and well apparently. there are more worthwhile at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772.

Ian Kiernan, an Australian things in the world such self(Advertising Supplement) record holder for the same feat absorption can be redirected says, “I don’t know what she’s to. doing in the Southern Ocean as In the interest of providing a 16-year-old in the middle of a view that may knock some winter. It’s foolhardy.” Abby’s sense to some of us with brother had achieved the feat pie-in-the sky longings for a few years ago. And it was recognition and celebrity, enough to make the younger here’s an article that attempts sibling decide, hey me too. to provoke thought. This Back in April 1996, a addresses the same tendency 7-year old named Jessica, that in Greek mythology, had died together with her father Icarus’ wax wings melting in and flight instructor, their the heat of the sun as he flew plane crashing after takehigher, the same thing that off in Cheyenne, Wyoming. doomed the fallen angels and Jessica was trying to become the same thing that may have the youngest person to fly an driven Adam and Eve from airplane across the US. Eden. Here it is – an attempt And who can ever forget to show appreciation for what the insane inanity of the simply is. “balloon boy’s” parents?

The world we live in Such stunts have been met is conditioned to emulate with criticism, some loud and extremes. We delight in the harsh and some with just a most beautiful, the tallest, mute shaking of the head. I, the largest, the richest, the for one, am deeply suspicious brightest, the fastest and about the values that generate anything else you can think this kind of vainglorious of, as well as pay attention to dreams that badly skews our extremes at the opposite end perceptions of what matters of the spectrum: the ugliest, in life. the shortest, the smallest, As others are finding the poorest, the darkest, the out, celebrity can be a curse. slowest. You get the idea.

When will this insanity of glory We’re conditioned to hounds end, both these young pay no mind to the ordinary, ones and their parents? Does the middle ground, the the lure of making it on the average run-of-the-mill, the

Barrister’s Corner

Rebuilding credit after Chapter 13 takes longer because until you make your last payment, you are technically “in bankruptcy” and you do not get a “discharge”.

reasons for the proposed move; and 8) the extent to which the parents currently are sharing custody. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice.

The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information.

This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed.

The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist.

He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He is a graduate of Southwestern University Law School in Los Angeles and California State University, San Bernardino School of Business Administration. He has extensive CPA experience prior to law practice. LAW OFFICES OF KENNETH REYES, P.C. is located at 3699 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 700, Los Angeles, CA, 90010. Tel. (213) 388-1611 or e-mail kureyeslaw@gmail.com or visit our website at Kenreyeslaw.com.

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Hail to the ordinary Part 1 of 2

“There are definitely some enemies in my life I definitely would wish celebrity on ...”

— Gary Coleman, dead at 42, Suffered a reversal of fortune, Star of the sitcom, “Diff’rent Strokes” shades of gray, the humdrum of everyday life or the predictably dull and boring.

The heroes and heroines made immortal in books and movies were extraordinary characters. We do not particularly care for bland characters who live lives of quiet desperation. We want to live vicariously through the lives of characters who are defiantly shaking their fists at the gods and beating all odds.

We are tempted to look at movie stars, fat cats and other luminaries who dare defy conventions basking in the public limelight pursued

by TMZ cameras as people worthy of awe and respect.

And if you let it, a tiny tinge of envy gnaws at our souls when you see their images commanding megabucks.

They appear as titans walking among ants.

Granted a select few of them deserve the attention we give them but most can be reduced to fodder for the gristmill of entertainment. The truth is, those who deserve our awe and respect are the ones who orbit our daily life.

(Continued next week…) ***

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints ex p resse d by t h e a u t h o r d o n o t necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

***

Nota Bene: Monette Adeva Maglaya writes for Asian Journal Publications, Inc. Her opinions are her own. To send comments, e-mail monette.maglaya@asianjournalinc. com

Heart on being called ‘gold digger’: ‘I don’t need anyone to survive’ HEART Evangelista proved yet again that she is not one to back down from bashing after she responded to a netizen who referred to her as a “gold digger.”

Evangelista did not hold back and slammed one @BasherNgBayan10 who said, “[Heart Evangelista] is a gold digger. [That] is a fact,” which the actress shared on her Twitter page on Monday, June 20.

“I don’t need anyone to survive. I am a woman and a woman can be or do anything she wants if she wills it,” Evangelista stated.

“Remember I said that.”

Evangelista then received support from her fans who advised the actress to “not pay attention to hate.”

“Don’t pay any attention to hate. You’re an incredible woman and I admire [and] love you so much,” one @flowerfigueroah commented. “You

have done and continue to do so much, don’t let the haters get to you.”

“Baka (Maybe [you mean]) goal digger. Heart never asked anything from any man but if she asks from [her] husband, that’s because they are husband and wife not because she’s a gold digger,” one @babybearysweet stated.

“Either he’s a troll or his ego is so fragile he is threatened by women who live their lives the way they want. Patawa siya (He is laughable),” one @ lovemarielately said.

This is not the first time Evangelista addressed her bashers. She has been active in defending herself against comments over her body, spending habits and not yet having children.

Meanwhile, Evangelista recently treated fans to a glimpse of her Paris trip last month where she attended the Cannes Film Festival for the first time.

Pinoy-made tocino burger...

From Page 9 Opening in the middle of the pandemic was no easy feat; we have learned so much along the way and our story is still just beginning!” it added.

“Thank you @khushandoj & @foodandwine for the dream feature and cover. Thank you @ andeemationcooking for bringing the recipe to life,” the post further said.

The feat was also recognized by outgoing Tourism Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat who said that she is “so proud” of the Filipino chefs. “(Philippine flag emoji) burger on the cover of Food & Wine magazine (raised hands emoji),” she wrote on an Instagram Story, reposting Dungca’s post. (By Jeline Malasig/ Philstar)

Milan-based Filipino designer invited to Asia Pacific Fashion Week 2022 in Los Angeles, Las Vegas

community

The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 22, 2022

MILAN-BASED Filipino young designer Lionell Christian Lanuzo comes across as a humble man with a strong desire to accomplish his job with excellence and passion.

Christian, as he is known among his friends, is 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. He is the chief designer of his own fashion house, LCL, a brand that specializes in luxe wear with a neo-ethnic flair.

Christian was born in the Pampanga province in the Philippines, and migrated to Italy when he was thirteen years old. He graduated from Milan’s Instituto Tecnico Industriale Ettore Molinare with a diploma in Industrial Chemistry. It was no easy task to study in Italy, let alone chemistry!

But having finished his academic goal with flying colors, it was now time to focus on his love of art and fashion.

It’s no coincidence that the Italian city Christian chose to reside in is Milan, one of the world’s fashion capitals.

Christian is only 34 years old today, yet his ambition to make art dates back to his childhood years. He began his fashion career by creating designs for beauty pageants in Italy. But, since then, he’s wanted to test his ability to think beyond the box and accomplish things that would stretch his creativity.

He started by creating gowns made from unconventional materials such as paper, plastic spoons or shells. His aesthetics are decidedly wild but detailed, and he has an eye for intricacy and construction that make his work stand out.

Since graduating, he’s been making waves in the

opposed to his customary nonconventional materials.

Like the works of Christian, the range of designs within the Filipino community is unlike any other. But what makes them extra special is their subtle nod they make to their culture.

Indeed, Christian and many patriotic Filipino designers like him are drawing well-deserved attention to Filipino glam. Asia Pacific Fashion Week (APFW) will be their newest global platform to showcase the diversity of their designs.

Asia Pacific Fashion Week: A global platform To showcase Christian’s most recent work, One Global Management Company Inc. – in cooperation with the 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 Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel – proudly presents Asia Pacific Fashion Week (APFW) in two iconic UNCONVENTIONAL FASHION. Lionell Christian Lanuzo (left) started by creating gowns made from unconventional materials such as paper, shells or feathers. Photo courtesy of LCL American cities.

The first show is on August 6 (Saturday), at 4 p.m., at the fashion world and making particularly in Italy.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the Philippines proud. The Christian has now evolved a historic landmark on the Bayanihan (communal unity) as a designer, despite being Hollywood Walk of Fame in the spirit of Filipinos shines within new in the fashion business. heart of Los Angeles.

Christian as he wowed the His ball gowns, evening The second show is on European audience at the gowns, and “modern Barong August 13 (Saturday), at 4 p.m., “Lange Nacht der Konsulate” Tagalog” now show his at the Decades Event Center, (Long Night of the Consulates) evolution towards creating located in Vegas Pointe Plaza, in Stuttgart, Germany with fashion-forward garments Unit 168, 9175 S Las Vegas creations made of capiz made of traditional textiles, as (natural seashells), sigay (another type of shell), paper foils, and barong (type of dress) with beads and pearls.

Christian has also participated in other fashion events in Europe, such as the “Multi-Ethnic Fashion 2018” event in Rome, with other stylists from all over the world.

As a patriotic Filipino, Christian wants to show that Filipino designers are talented and worthy of their own space in the global fashion industry,

NEO-ETHNIC FASHION. Lionell Christian Lanuzo celebrates Filipino culture in his designs by using neo-ethnic Philippine textiles made of natural or indigenous materials. Shot on location in Bern, Switzerland featuring model Magali

PINTADOS. An interpretation of pre-colonial aesthetics inspired by “pintados,” the term Spanish colonizers used to describe the heavily-tattooed natives of pre-colonial Philippines, as worn by model Erica Paula Castillo.

Photo courtesy of LCL

MAJESTIC GOLD. An ultra-modern interpretation of the Philippine Terno, with its iconic butterfly sleeves rendered not in fabric, but in gold wire worn by model Suki Ai. Photo by Theresa Sujata Senti

Blvd., Las Vegas.

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

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PEARL OF THE ORIENT. This modern rendition of the Philippine terno is festooned with over 7,000 pieces of pearls, representing the 7000-plus islands that comprise the Philippines, worn by model Celine Z. Photo by Theresa Sujata Senti

Modeling.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

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The Asian Jour nal MDWK MAGAZINE - June 22, 2022