062223 - Las Vegas Edition

Attacker of elderly Filipino in Las Vegas charged with hate crime

A MAN accused of brutally assaulting an elderly Filipino man will be tried on hate crime-related charges, Clark County, Las Vegas District Attorney Steve Wolfson announced on Friday, June 16.

Christian Lentz, 44, accused of beating up Amadeo Quindara, 75, had been detained for felony residential burglary but was released a week after the May 30 incident.

Quindara was left with deep cuts on his head, a black eye and an emotional suffering that he says cannot be treated.

Lentz’s release triggered protests from the public. Lentz now faces charges including residential burglary and elder abuse, perpetrated as hate crimes.

Quindara was reportedly having a conversation in Tagalog with a friend in his own garage when Lentz allegedly intruded and told him to “speak English.” He then

Lakers coach Phil Handy: Kai can make it to NBA

LOS ANGELES Lakers assistant coach and head of player development Phil Handy expressed his belief that Filipino NBA hopeful Kai Sotto is talented enough to make the NBA.

Handy, a three-time NBA champion as an assistant coach, made this known in a media availability on Monday, June 19, at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bonifacio Global City.

As far as Handy is concerned, making the NBA is not a matter of if but just a matter of when for the 7-foot-3 Sotto. It’s all about when that opportunity is going to meet Sotto.

“I believe he’s very talented. I don’t believe in putting timelines on athletes. I’ve had a chance to see him play for a couple of years. He’s naturally gifted. He spent some time down in Australia, and that really helped develop his game” said Handy of Sotto, who started the first two years of his career in Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL).

“It could be this summer, it could be next year. It really just depends on the opportunity. It really just depends on opportunity. Sometimes, players’ opportunities come at

No place for fake news in modern society – Marcos

by JEROME ANING Inquirer.net

MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, June 19 called on government agencies to uphold the people’s freedom of information (FOI) as he vowed to continue fighting fake news in the country.

“Like everyone here, we too recognize as a matter of principle that fake news should have no place in modern society,” he said at the opening of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC) held at the Philippine

International Convention Center.

The ICIC is a global network linking commissioners, ombudsmen, and other authorities overseeing the implementation of legislation and policies on access to public information.

The president commended the ICIC for its efforts in fostering the right to access to information.

“The Philippines stands in solidarity with the ICIC and the entire international community in this advocacy. As a nation with a robust democracy, we reaffirm our commitment to champion this basic human right. It remains indelibly etched in

DOH: New COVID-19 subvariant detected in PH

by ANGELICA TAPAS ManilaTimes.net

ANOTHER subvariant of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was detected in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday, June 20.

The subvariant FE.1.1 is an XBB sublineage that was added to the list of variants that is being under-monitored by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

The variant is being monitored for its increasing global prevalence and as of the moment, 35 countries across six

continents had detected this according to the sequence submission in GISAID which, according to medical websites, is "a global science initiative established in 2008 to provide access to genomic data of influenza viruses." The database was expanded to include the coronavirus responsible for the COVID -19 pandemic, as well as other pathogens. Available evidence showed, however, that this variant is not as severe compared to the original Omicron variant.

The DOH had reported that as of posting time, only one case has been detected among the samples sequenced. �

Hontiveros: Bring West PH Sea issue to UN

by BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO ManilaTimes.net

SEN. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros urged the government to bring the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The senator joined the recent call of retired Justice Antonio Carpio for China to stop its aggressive actions. She asked the Department of Foreign Affairs to sponsor a resolution before the UNGA that will call on China to stop its harassment of Filipino vessels in the WPS.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros

ManilaTimes.net file photo

She said that “a UN General Assembly Resolution, while not legally binding, carry significant political weight and serve as expressions of the will and consensus of the international community, with the potential to shape international norms, influence national policies, and provide guidance for the work of other UN organs, specialized agencies, and regional organizations.”

“As far back as 2016, through the landmark Arbitral ruling, it has been established that there was no legal basis for China

our fundamental law,” he said. Marcos also assured his audience of the continued implementation of the FOI program in the executive branch and among all government agencies, as he urged them “to genuinely uphold and give effect to the people’s FOI in the course of our day-to-day operations, with good faith and with openness.”

“[T]he FOI program has greatly advanced the campaign against misinformation and disinformation in the country—a problem that we in the Philippines also suffer from as, I guess,  PAGE 3

Marcos to sign bill for Maharlika investment Fund ‘soon’

Bongbong

MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Thursday, June 22 that he plans to sign the bill creating the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF) as soon as he receives it.

The proposed measure needs the signature of the President in order for it to become a law.

“I will sign it as soon as I get it,” Marcos said in an interview in Makati City.

Marcos did not directly say whether he is happy with the current Maharlika bill, but he noted that the revisions were for financial security.

“Am I happy? Well, it is the version that the House and the Senate passed and we will certainly look into all the changes that have been made, and I think most of the changes that were proposed and eventually adopted really had to do with the safety and security of people’s pension funds,” he said.

The president said he had monitored discussions of the MIF, and acknowledged that there are causes for concern.

“Certainly, sometimes I have been watching the discussions that have been going on with the Maharlika

A PUBLICUS Asia survey said former president Rodrigo Duterte was the leading Senate candidate for the 2025 midterm elections.

In its second quarter Pahayag poll, Duterte got a 51 percent positivity rate among respondents, a slight dip from the 55 percent he received in the first quarter.

Despite the lower number, PUBLiCUS said Duterte remained a prominent and unwavering frontrunner.

Running second was cardiologist and YouTube personality Dr. Willie Ong, followed by former Social Welfare secretary and ACT-CIS party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, with

44 percent each.

Ong first ran for senator during the 2019 Senate election but lost. He was also a candidate for vice president last year as the running mate of former Manila mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso.

Ong's 44-percent rating was lower than the 49 percent he received in the previous survey.

PUBLiCUS said Tulfo gained significant momentum, securing a strong position in the second to third spot.

Re-electionist senators Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go and Maria Josefa Imelda "Imee" Marcos round out the top five with 39 percent each.

Included in the "Magic 12"

Former President Rodrigo Duterte Presidential file photo

No place for fake news in...

all of us do around the world,” he said.

‘Serious problem’

Fake news has been widely regarded as an undermining factor in public discourse and news reporting here and overseas.

A survey by the Social Weather Stations in February 2022 showed 69 percent of its respondents saying that fake news was a “serious problem” in the country.

In 2017, a University of Oxford study found that the camp of then-President Rodrigo Duterte spent $200,000 — or about P10 million — for his social media campaign during the 2016 presidential race.

U.S.-based rights group Freedom House said also in 2017 that the Duterte administration was operating fake social media accounts to attack its critics, employing what it called “a keyboard army.”

Duterte himself admitted that year that he paid “trolls,” but only during the 2016 campaign. His administration would be hounded by accusations that it exploited fake news—such

as in 2021 when the Senate sought an inquiry into reports that state funds were being used for fake news operations. In the 2022 election campaign, then-presidential candidate Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was offered troll farms to boost his campaign, but said he did not avail himself of this. “We have no trolls. None. Not a single one. I have been offered a click army. I’ve been offered a troll. I did not use it,” he told CNN in an interview at that time.

Tsek.ph, an academebased fact-checking initiative, said in February that year that Marcos had become a beneficiary of misleading social media messaging, while Twitter suspended hundreds of accounts allegedly linked to his supporters for violating its rules.

FOI policy

Despite accusations against Duterte and Marcos that they benefited from social media propaganda, it was Duterte who issued Executive Order No. 2 (series of 2016) laying down an FOI policy in the government — which Marcos said he would strengthen.

Marcos enumerated in his

speech the current initiatives under the FOI program during his administration’s watch.

“We will undertake a massive media and information literacy campaign, which shall be digital, multimedia, and youthoriented,” he said, adding that part of that effort would be an “e-governance initiative aimed at digitalizing and streamlining government services from the national to the local levels.”

Marcos also said the executive branch is working with Congress in crafting an e-governance law that would serve the people’s complementary rights to free information and good governance.

He said these principles were at the core of his administration’s Philippine Development Plan for 2023 to 2028.

‘Our best interest’

Marcos said the ICIC had been “globally instrumental in promoting full human development, by shaping minds, by shaping our consciousness.”

“Undeniably, this is to our best interest as a nation.

It is a key to our pursuit of good governance, improved public services, and a more progressive and sustainable society,” he said.

The Philippines is the first Asian and Southeast Asian country to host the conference, which is now in its 20th year.

Previous conferences were held in Mexico (2005 and 2022), South Africa (2004 and 2019), the United Kingdom (2017 and 2006), Chile (2015), Germany (2013 and 2003), Canada (2011), Norway (2009) and New Zealand (2007).

The Presidential Communications Office (PCO), through its Freedom of Information Program Management Office, is hosting the conference which ended on Wednesday, June 21.

Communications Secretary Cheloy Velicaria-Garafil said the PCO’s hosting showed that “the Philippine government recognizes access to information as a fundamental human right that must be upheld.” g

Hontiveros: Bring West PH Sea issue...

to claim historic rights over Filipino resources,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

On June 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration rendered a landmark award in favor of the Philippines rejecting China’s nine-dash line which imposes expansive claims to the entire South China Sea and encroaches on the maritime entitlements of other coastal states.

The senator accused China of breaching its obligations under international law “when

it violated our sovereign rights over our continental shelf and exclusive economic zone.”

“This is a clear and unequivocal decision. The Hague Ruling will never be diminished by China’s antagonistic and perpetual noncompliance,” Hontiveros said. “Beijing’s blunt refusal to accept her legal fate should have serious consequences. The UN General Assembly should be able to tell China to behave,” she added.

Hontiveros honored the legacy of the late senator Rodolfo Biazon, whom she described

as “a staunch advocate” of the country’s interests in the WPS. Biazon’s remains were transferred to the Senate on Monday, June 19 for necrological services. “Former Sen[ator] Biazon is known for his unwavering advocacy of the interests of the Philippines, especially in the WPS,” Hontiveros said. She said in 2021, Biazon called on the government to make a clear stand on the disputed territories and urged the National Security Council to map out a united national position on the issue. g

Duterte tops 2025 Senate bets...

were Domagoso (36 percent), former Senate president Vicente "Tito" Sotto 3rd (36 percent), Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa (35 percent), former senator Panfilo Lacson (35 percent), Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (31 percent), and former vice president Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo (28 percent).

Occupying the 13th to 24th slots were lawyer Herminio "Harry" Roque Jr., former senator

Francis Pangilinan, Sen. Pilar

Juliana "Pia" Cayetano, former senator Emmanuel "Manny"

Pacquiao, Ormoc City Mayor

Lucy Torres-Gomez, Sen. Francis

Tolentino, lawyer Jose Manuel

Diokno, former senator Richard

Gordon, lawyer Lorenzo Gadon, Batangas Rep. Ralph Recto, former senator Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino 4th, and Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr.

The online survey was conducted among 1,500

individuals from across the country from June 8 to 12, 2023, with a margin of error of 3 percent nationwide, 7 percent in the National Capital Region, 5 percent in North Central and South Luzon, and 6 percent in the Visayas and Mindanao. The respondents were drawn from the market research panel of 200,000 Filipinos maintained by PureSpectrum, a U.S.-based panel marketplace with a multinational presence. g

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, June 19 called on government agencies to uphold the people’s freedom of information (FOI) as he vowed to continue fighting fake news in the country. Malacañang file photo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PEPE! The photos and memorabilia of Dr. Jose Rizal draw visitors at Fort Santiago in Intramuros, Manila on Monday, June 19, the national hero’s 162nd birth anniversary. Rizal was fondly called Pepe, the seventh child of Don Francisco Mercado and Doña Teodora Alonso born in Calamba, Laguna. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

One APIA Nevada will continue advocating for policies that empower Nevada’s

AANHPI communities

moving forward:

International rights group calls out US for allowing hospitals to push millions into debt

by Noam N. Levey KFF Health News

HUMAN Rights Watch, the nonprofit that for decades has called attention to the victims of war, famine, and political repression around the world, is taking aim at U.S. hospitals for pushing millions of American patients into debt.

In a new report, published June 15, the group calls for stronger government action to protect Americans from aggressive billing and debt collection by nonprofit hospitals, which Human Rights Watch said are systematically undermining patients’ human rights.

“Given the high prevalence of hospital-related medical debt in the US, this system is clearly not working,” concludes the report, which draws extensively on an ongoing investigation of medical debt by KFF Health News and NPR.

The report continues: “The U.S. model of subsidizing privately operated hospitals with tax exemptions in the hope that they will increase the accessibility of hospital care for un- and underinsured patients allows for abusive medical

billing and debt collection practices and undermines human rights, including the right to health.”

Nationwide, about 100 million people — or 41% of adults — have some form of health care debt, a KFF survey conducted for the KFF Health News-NPR project found. And while patient debt is being driven by a range of medical and dental bills, polls and studies suggest hospitals are a major contributor.

About a third of U.S. adults with health care debt owed money for hospitalization, KFF’s polling found. Close to half of those owed at least $5,000.

About a quarter owed $10,000 or more.

The scale of this crisis — which is unparalleled among wealthy nations — compelled Human Rights Watch to release the new report, said researcher Matt McConnell, its author.

“Historically, Human Rights Watch has been an organization that has focused on international human rights issues,” he said.

“But on medical debt, the U.S. is a real outlier. What you see is a system that privileges a few but creates large barriers to people accessing basic health rights.”

Hospital industry officials defend their work, citing hospitals’ broader work to help the communities they serve. “As a field, hospitals provide more benefit to their communities than any other sector in health care,” Melinda Hatton, general counsel at the American Hospital Association, wrote in a response to the Human Right Watch report. Federal law requires private, tax-exempt hospitals — which make up more than half the nation’s medical centers — to provide care at no cost or at a discount to low-income patients. But reporting by KFF Health News and others has found that many hospitals make this aid difficult for patients to get.

At the same time, thousands of medical centers — including many tax-exempt ones — engage in aggressive debt collection tactics to pursue patients, including garnishing patients’ wages, placing liens on their homes, or selling their debt to third-party debt collectors.

Overall, KFF Health News found that most of the nation’s approximately 5,100 hospitals serving the general public have

ONE APIA Nevada, a leading advocacy organization representing Nevada’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, reflects on the conclusion of an eventful legislative session and two special sessions, commending the hard-won successes of state legislators, including those in the AANHPI Legislative Caucus. While there were many wins for Nevada’s AANHPI community it is essential to address the missed opportunities resulting from the vetoed policies and legislation by the Governor, which would have significantly improved the lives of hardworking AANHPI Nevadan families. Notably, AB246 and AB251, both language access bills, were among those vetoed. "Language equity encompasses more than just providing materials for somebody in a different language," says One APIA Nevada Acting Executive Director Eric Jeng. "Language access empowers our communities to make informed decisions without concerns about the accuracy or source of the information provided. Without official resources, our communities rely on word-of-mouth, online translators, or unofficial translated sources, often leading to mistranslations and misinformation."

Outlined below are the missed opportunities that One APIA Nevada will continue to address

AB246: this legislation sought to surpass the federal mandate set by the Voting Rights Act Section 203 by requiring counties to provide translated election materials to a broader range of communities. Despite the strong community support for electoral language access, it is disappointing that the Governor overlooked this critical issue.

However, One APIA Nevada remains committed to collaborating with local counties, particularly Clark County, as they voluntarily begin to provide translated materials in Chinese for the 2024 Election. We have already initiated conversations with the Clark County Registrar’s Office on implementation and outreach to the Chinese-speaking community.

AB251: This bill aimed to ensure pharmacies offer translated prescription labels in the most commonly spoken languages among Limited English Proficient Nevadans.

One APIA Nevada will persist in working alongside legislators and stakeholders to implement language access parameters for prescription medications effectively.

AB319: The proposed legislation sought to provide universal free school breakfasts and lunches for Nevada students.

One APIA Nevada firmly believes that no student in our state should

experience hunger due to financial constraints. We will continue advocating for equitable access to nutritious meals for all pupils.

AB366: This bill proposed revisions to the Task Force for the Keep Nevadans Working Act.

One APIA Nevada stands as a strong supporter of the Keep Nevadans Working Act and the UNLV law clinic. We firmly believe in sustained investments in resources that benefit immigrant communities.

SB419: This legislation aimed to expand Medicaid coverage for minors, irrespective of their immigration status. Access to healthcare is a fundamental right, and our most vulnerable communities often bear the burden of inequitable policies.

One APIA Nevada firmly opposes any barriers based on immigration status and believes everyone should have equal access to healthcare.

“While we express our disappointment over the missed opportunities to enhance the livelihood of AANHPI families in Nevada directly, one APIA Nevada remains unwavering in our commitment to advocating for the needs of the AANhPI community. Our ongoing priorities include championing language access, promoting healthcare equity, and ensuring equal access to education,” the organization said. g

Bongbong Marcos to sign bill for...

Fund and that is all true, that’s all true, you must worry about that,” he said.

"Kung corrupt ang ilagay niyo diyan, corrupt talaga ‘yan. Mawawala ang pera. Kung mahusay ang ilalagay mo diyan, ay lalaki at lalaki ‘yan at magagamit natin ‘yung pondo na ‘yan,” Marcos added.

(If you put someone corrupt there, it would really be corrupt. Money will be lost. If you put a good one in there, the fund will grow and we can use that fund.)

The president, however, stressed that good management is key to keeping the money safe.

“Perhaps we are looking in

the wrong direction. The key to the success of any fund, hedge fund, pension fund, sovereign fund, investment fund, is the management. Of course all of these things can happen, we’ve seen them happen before because the management chose for it to happen, these scandals that we see from other places. On the other hand, we see examples of really successful funds and really, the difference is management,” he pointed out in a mix of English and Filipino.

The president said the MIF must be independent from the government, noting that he suggested to the House of Representatives to remove from the bill government officials originally

designated to be part of the MIF’s board.

“One of the first changes that even I proposed to the House was to remove the President as part of the Board, to remove the Central Bank chairman, the Department of Finance, because it has to operate as an independent fund, wellmanaged professionally,” Marcos said.

Marcos had certified as urgent the Maharlika bill in both chambers of Congress, paving the way for the proposed measure to breeze through the legislative branch.

In the House of Representatives, 279 voted in favor of the bill while in the Senate, 19 senators approved it. g

BONDING. Father and son swap stories after a game of football at the University of the Philippines Sunken Garden in Diliman, Quezon City on Sunday, June 18. Tatay, Erpat, Dad, Papa, Papsy, Itay, Ama – whatever their children call them, fathers will always be the first men in their lives. PNA photo by Joan Bondoc

Attacker of elderly Filipino in Las Vegas charged...

came back the next day and pushed Quindara to ground and punched him several times.

With the new charges, Lentz could face a burglary sentence of a minimum one-year; maximum of 10 years, plus a consecutive

The role of education in eradicating hate

liefs.”

sentence of 1 to 10 years. For elder abuse, he faces a minimum sentence of one year; maximum of 5 years, plus a consecutive sentence of 1 to 5 years. That charge could also result in a maximum fine of $10,000.

Wolfson noted that the court can also treat elder abuse with a hate crime enhancement as a gross misdemeanor, which would carry a maximum jail sentence of 364 days and a maximum $2,000 fine. (Inquirer. net)

International rights group calls out US for...

PAGE 4

policies to use legal action or other aggressive tactics against patients. And 1 in 5 will deny nonemergency care to people with outstanding debt.

“Medical debt is drowning many low-income and working families while hospitals continue to benefit from nonprofit tax status as they pursue families for medical debt,” said Marceline White, executive director of Economic Action Maryland. The advocacy group has helped enact tighter rules to ensure Maryland hospitals make financial assistance more easily accessible and to restrict hospitals from some aggressive debt collection tactics, such as placing liens on patients’ homes. Similar efforts are underway in other states, including Colorado, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Washington.

But many patient and consumer

advocates say stronger federal action is needed to expand patient protections.

The Human Rights Watch report — titled “In Sheep’s

Clothing: United States’ Poorly Regulated Nonprofit Hospitals

Undermine Health Care Access” — lists more than a dozen recommendations. These include:

Congress should pass legislation to ensure that hospitals provide at least the same amount of charity care as they receive in public subsidies. The IRS should set uniform national standards on patients’ eligibility for financial assistance at nonprofit hospitals. Currently, hospitals are free to set their own standards, resulting in widespread variation, which can confuse patients.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal watchdog agency, should crack down on debt collectors that do

not ensure that patients have been screened for financial assistance before being pursued.

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which administers the two mammoth public insurance programs, should penalize hospitals that do not provide adequate financial assistance to patients.

“Nonprofit hospitals are contributing to medical debt and engaging in abusive billing and debt collection practices,” McConnell said. “The reason this keeps happening is the absence of clear guidelines and the federal government’s inadequate enforcement of existing regulations.”

KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF—an independent source of health policy research, polling, and journalism.

Lakers coach Phil Handy: Kai can make it...

PAGE 1

different times. The advice I would give Kai is to keep working, keep playing, and keep being ready for the opportunity.”

While Sotto might have failed in his first try to realize his NBA dream after being undrafted in 2022, the Las Piñas native continued to work for it, proceeding to play his second season with the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL and then Japan’s B.League.

Recently, Sotto participated in three mini-camps organized by the Dallas Mavericks, Utah Jazz, and the New York Knicks with the hopes of impressing the scouts enough and giving him a chance to crack a team and play in the NBA Summer League slated from July 7 to July 17.

The 51-year-old Handy, who’s here in the Philippines to conduct basketball clinics for some schools and the Converge FiberXers, added that it’s also just a matter of time for Filipino basketball players in general to make the NBA.

“Just a matter of time, I think that part of the game, the evolution of it. Again, we talk about the Filipino culture of basketball, it’s just a matter of time so you can expect that in the coming years. The culture here and the way the game has changed over the years as athletes are growing athletes are studying the game, it’s just a matter of time,” said Handy. (Niel Victor C. Masoy/ ManilaTimes.net)

by Selen Ozturk Ethnic Media Services

WHILE students are often described as tomorrow’s leaders, many are taking leadership roles in the high school and college level today to address the perpetuation of hate in academic environments.

At a briefing held by the ACT Against Hate Alliance and hosted by AAHA founders Mei Mei Huff and former California Senator Bob Huff, high school and university student leaders across the United States shared their experiences promoting inclusivity in their academic environments.

Social media and the effect of hate on students

Opening the briefing, Chase Masterson — actress and founder of the bullying prevention nonprofit Pop Culture Hero Coalition — shared statistics illustrating the effect of hate upon students in recent years.

Before the pandemic, she said, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that one in five children had a mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder, while only 20% of these children received care from a mental health provider.

From 2019 to 2021, emergency department visits for suspected suicide attempts increased by 51% for adolescent girls and 4% for adolescent boys per the CDC.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy “associates this mental health crisis with the difficulties of social media children and teens,” Masterson said. “When our worth is seen as only our social media presence and the number of followers we have, which is how a lot of students see it, there’s a real problem in this country.”

Hailey Wells, a high school junior at Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton, California, said she created a current events club at her school in response to “the effects of social media being so polarizing … people not being able to say their views with peace.”

Even at her club, she added, “there’s a lot of hesitation in worrying about what you say and people being upset with you, because there’s not a lot of openness to share your be -

Nicholas Hernandez, a sophomore at California State University, Fullerton, said “it’s easy for people to hide behind a screen and criticize other people and not face any repercussions because they’re not doing it in person.”

On his own campus, he said, there are many “instances where organizations will post on social media that another organization was going to be tabling or handing out flyers, and they call on their members to go and harass these people … there really is no open dialogue or tolerance between these groups.”

Promoting inclusive dialogues Aidan Chao, a senior at Flintridge Preparatory School near Pasadena, California, said that one characteristic of “people trying to say they’re inclusive, but who end up being exclusive” is the use of “labels to name people instead of looking at their personal attributes.”

Inclusive dialogue is often precluded by “a blind hatred for a certain group and the fact that people are afraid to communicate with each other, just because they have a preconceived notion” which is politically divisive, Chao continued.

Hernandez said “Diversity doesn’t only pertain to being diverse in race or ethnicity, but also diversity in ideas. It’s equally important to have a difference in ideas, to have an open dialogue, to be able to share your own views, and not be worried about being discriminated against or blocked out by other groups solely because of your views.”

Here, too, online discussion often critically precludes this diversity of ideas, said Wells, given that “everyone’s either on one side of social media or the other.” Rather than a “civil discussion about what’s going on or why they disagree with you,” she said, there’s rarely room for more than “hating each other instead of debating.”

Utkarsh Jain, a University of California, Berkeley junior, said he has had “tables flipped over when tabling certain issues, or for certain candidates, because someone just didn’t agree, or they had some pre -

conceived notion of what this candidate might believe in … it shows you that people that preach the most inclusiveness are generally the most intolerant.”

Remy Garcia-Kakebeen, a freshman at Princeton University, said that her own campus incorporated many key conditions for inclusivity: “There’s a lot of discussion, there’s a lot of collaboration, and there’s a lot of openness … and I think that starts with raising awareness.”

Solutions

Aidan Chao said he enrolled “up to 60 members” in a chapter of ACT Against Hate which he began at Flintridge Preparatory. Many of these members have “experienced the especially politically motivated hate that comes with their political beliefs, and often in the name of diversity, equity and inclusion … that rhetoric has led to a lot of unforeseen hate,” he added.

Chao recently worked with the City Council of San Gabriel, California to unanimously pass a local version of the AAHA-supported Senate resolution SRC15 which, in March 2023, proclaimed every January 28 to be Stand Against Hate Action Day. He is now working with other City Councils within and outside the San Gabriel Valley to pass similar measures.

To combat polarization on high school and college campuses, Jain urged students to make more room in their groups for bipartisan or nonpartisan perspectives and to approach contentious issues by focusing on aspects “that everyone can agree on,” and particularly to have more conversations in-person rather than online.

“In a perfect world, I would not only promote conversation but also understanding,” said Garcia-Kakebeen. “One of the most useful pieces of advice I received from one of my former teachers was to seek to understand before being understood.

“Other perspectives are important to creating a bigger picture of the entire situation,” she continued. “With that bigger picture, it will become easier to work together to solve an issue rather than work against each other.” g

Kai Sotto

Photo from Instagram/@kzsotto

‘Filipino

mentality’

IN interviews throughout the pandemic, those who were hit hard by the COVID-19 lockdowns expressed a common sentiment: while they appreciated emergency dole-outs or ayuda from the government, they wanted to be selfreliant, to have regular jobs and sustainable livelihoods

So President Marcos is correct in saying the “Filipino mentality” prefers work to dole-outs in improving one’s plight. The president issued the statement in a vlog entry last Saturday, in which he gave a recap of his activities for the week. Among these were the provision of emergency relief aid to those affected by the restiveness of Mayon Volcano as well as the distribution of farm equipment and launch of livelihood and internship programs.

In times of need, the president observed, Filipinos prefer not to wait for assistance, but to find work and a sure source of income to improve their plight. “That’s the Filipino mentality,” he declared. “They prefer to work than to rely on aid.”

But Filipinos need the proper environment for meaningful employment and livelihood opportunities. Beyond providing dole-outs, the bigger challenge for the government is to create that environment. It should foster enough income opportunities that will stop the continuing exodus of Filipinos for greener pastures outside their own homeland. The overseas Filipino workers’ phenomenon is the biggest manifestation of the

Babe’s Eye View

WE were pleased that Senator Imee Marcos called for a Senate inquiry last Friday, June 16 to shed light on the proposed temporary housing in the Philippines of Afghan nationals applying for a U.S. special immigrant visa (SIV). As Senate foreign relations committee chairperson, Senator Marcos was extremely helpful in bringing out all the concerns we may have on this very important issue.

There is no doubt that such a request from an important ally should be thoroughly vetted so that all issues and concerns would be studied, with the pros and cons carefully weighed and considered.

The Senate inquiry gave us an opportunity to provide details regarding the request that was made by the United States in October last year via a “concept note” outlining the proposal for the Philippines to temporarily host Afghan nationals – specifically those who were formerly employed by the U.S. government and

lack of opportunities in this country. The government cannot stop anyone from going abroad for better employment. And the massive remittances from OFWs fuel the Philippines’ consumer-driven economic growth. But with a tenth of the working population overseas, the country is also feeling the impact of the brain drain and the lack of skilled manpower required in many sectors for growing the economy.

Among the worst affected are front-line services such as health care and education, where the quality of services has steadily deteriorated. The education crisis in turn has affected the quality of the Philippine workforce and overall national competitiveness. Studies in the past years have pointed out that meaningful income opportunities can be created to make it unnecessary for Filipinos to find work overseas or in urban centers. The studies noted that among the sectors where such opportunities can be generated onsite are agriculture, tourism and the creative industries. With the proper environment, the “Filipino mentality” can thrive in these sectors. (Philstar.com)

A Filipino legacy of humanitarian compassion

their qualified dependents –while they wait for their SIV applications to be processed by the U.S. embassy in Manila. As was explained during the Senate foreign relations committee hearing last Friday, the proposal was then cascaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs – acting as the lead agency – to relevant government agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines for their comments and inputs, with representatives from more agencies also added as the discussions went underway. There is absolutely nothing “secret” about the proposal since different agencies involved in assessing the security implications of the proposal would be consulted. Precisely, intelligence and security agencies such as the National Bureau of Investigation, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and others were invited in reviewing the process to assess the background of the Afghan nationals who will be applying for the SIV

Opposing IRS’ tax preparation plan

Commentary

JAMES YU, CPA

Board Member, Las Vegas Asian

Chamber of Commerce

AS a long-serving Certified Public Accountant in Las Vegas, I’ve worked with businesses that are incredibly diversified. They have different levels of income, different types of expenses, some have dozens of employees, some just a handful, some have been in business for generations, some are just starting out.

But they all have a few things in common when it comes to tax preparation and the Internal Revenue Service. One, they depend on their tax returns to boost their income and provide essential family expenses. Two, they are diligent about getting every deduction and benefit available to them under the law.

And three, they are very wary about an expansion of the IRS, particularly into the field of tax return filing. Such a plan, much to the

dismay of taxpayers nationwide, is currently being considered in our nation’s capital. It’s a truly terrible idea, as articulated in several articles in national publications.

The argument is pretty straightforward: the IRS should stick to tax collection and enforcement.

It makes little sense to give the very agency that has the power to audit tax returns the power to prepare and file tax returns. Individual taxpayers and small businesses trust their CPA to maximize the tax benefits to which they are rightfully, and legally, entitled.

It’s also a question of priorities.

The amount of unpaid taxes

Americans owe the IRS is upwards of a shocking one trillion dollars. Shouldn’t the agency be more focused on recouping that money then wading into the tax preparation business?

Lots of ideas come out of Washington, D.C. Expansion of the Internal Revenue Service to allow them to prepare and file tax returns is a genuinely terrible one.

*

* * 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.

and provide their important evaluation on the risk of infiltration by extremist and terrorist groups.

The United States has made it clear: the Afghan nationals applying for the SIV will only be housed in the Philippines on a temporary basis, with all costs of the entire process to be shouldered by the U.S. government.

The Afghan nationals are not refugees, although the nature of the request in many people’s view is humanitarian in nature because these are individuals whose lives and that of their loved ones could be in peril because they worked for the U.S. government before the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan.

Just to put it in the right perspective, the U.S. request is based on two points that need to be highlighted. One, the U.S. looks at the Philippines as an ally and friend, and two, we have in the past showed compassion for people in need, with history demonstrating that we have a strong humanitarian tradition of providing relief for displaced individuals.

This became very evident in

Virtual Reality

T ONY L OPEZ

SIX of the country’s richest families or largest conglomerates have joined forces. The Manila International Airport Consortium (MIAC) has offered to modernize and manage the present Ninoy Aquino International Airport for 25 years until 2048.

MIAC has offered $5 billion –$1 billion (P57 billion upfront) to the government, $1 billion (P57 billion) to rehab NAIA’s three terminals (they will be conjoined) and $3 billion over the next 25 years or $120 million per year. Effectively, MIAC will just be spending $2 billion; the promised $3-billion balance will come from operating the NAIA itself for 25 years.

NAIA sits on 63 hectares of prime land that is cheek by jowl to Makati, the business capital. I value the vast airport land at $4 billion, as land per se; its value rises as an aviation hub.

MIAC claims that in 25 years, they will bring benefits to the economy of P446 billion or $7.82 billion in “gross economic values.”

I find the $2-billion offer dirt

1934 when President Manuel L. Quezon allowed Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis to come to the Philippines, providing a safe haven for a persecuted race at a time when many countries turned their backs and shut their doors. Despite strong criticism, President Quezon issued Proclamation No. 173 on Aug. 21, 1937 known as the “Open Door Policy” that saved at least 1,300 European Jews. It is no surprise therefore that there are monuments in Israel, such as the Open Doors monument in Rishon Lezion’s Holocaust Memorial Park, that stand as a symbol of friendship between Filipinos and the Jewish people. The Open Doors monument also serves as a reminder of President Quezon’s act of compassion that happened decades ago, and yet continues to resonate strongly to this day.

I have personally experienced the impact of this shared history with the American-Jewish community in Washington, D.C. that are frequently in touch with us. The members tell me they look at the Philippines and Filipinos with deep affection because of

what President Quezon did for them during a dark period in their history, at a time when they needed friends the most.

Another well-known act of humanitarian compassion involved the Vietnamese refugees – known as the “boat people” – who were displaced during the Vietnam War. Thousands of Vietnamese rode in small boats, many of them dying along the way. One of the countries that granted them asylum on the basis of humanitarian grounds was the Philippines under then President Marcos Sr.

“Granting temporary asylum meant that the government took on the responsibility of protecting refugees,” wrote refugee historian Ria Sunga in “Exploring the foundations of Philippine refugee policy towards Vietnamese refugees,” adding that the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, “noted that the government upheld the principle of non-refoulement – no refugees were turned away or repatriated back to Vietnam.”

When I was in California before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, two Vietnamese businessmen

approached me to express their gratitude. As it turned out, they were among a batch of Vietnamese “boat people” who landed in the Philippines. They eventually ended up in the United States where they are doing extremely well, with their businesses flourishing.

Like Senator Francis Tolentino, many of us believe that this U.S. request for the temporary stay of Afghan citizens in the country while their SIVs are being processed is humanitarian in nature because potentially, these people and their families may be in danger if they remain in Afghanistan.

Like most Filipinos, I take pride in the legacy of humanitarian compassion that we have demonstrated many times in the past – opening our doors to those in need not only because it is the right thing to do but more importantly – it is morally correct. (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 new NAIA

cheap. And the P446-billion or $7.8-billion economic benefits even cheaper. The P446 billion includes: P100 billion from gross value-added in tourism activities, P152 billion from increased passenger comfort, P60 billion from passenger time savings, P65 billion from aircraft decongestion savings and P65 billion from new local jobs.

Aviation already contributes 3.4 percent of GDP or P840 billion out of a normal year GDP of P24 trillion. Of that P840 billion, 60 percent or P504 billion is contributed by NAIA’s three terminals and ancillary industries.

This implies that even without improving NAIA, the economy already gets P506 billion in “gross economic benefits.” So why does MIAC offer only P446 billion for 25 years when even with nobody lifting a finger, the present NAIA already makes for the economy P504 billion every year?

Which means the consortium in its first year of operating the NAIA will get back its $2-billion investments – $1-billion cash to the government and $1 billion in cash to fix its airport facilities to improve passenger “comfort” and reduce passenger “stress.”

Kevin L. Tan, CEO of the Alliance Global Group, Inc. of Andrew Tan; Cossete Canilao, CEO of Aboitiz InfraCapital of the Aboitiz Group; Cezar Consing, president and CEO of Ayala Corp.; Josephine Gotianun Yap, CEO of Filinvest Development Corp.; BJ Sebastian, treasurer of JG Summit Infrastructure (whose airline is Cebu Pacific) and Jose Gabriel D. Olives, CFO of LT Group (whose airline is PAL) gave a press conference on Monday, June 19 to explain their unsolicited proposal.

I was asking the group if they could kindly increase the value of their proposal. Before any of them could make a sensible answer, somebody who looks like an Indian grabbed the mike from me. And the open forum was terminated abruptly.

Under its so-called P267billion masterplan or unsolicited proposal, the consortium aims to more than double NAIA’s passenger capacity, from 31 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to about 70 million by 2048, “enabling the Philippines to transform itself into a regional economic hub.”

Rehab will be in three phases. Phase I, called “Quick Wins,” is to increase capacity to 54 million by 2025 or two years;

Phase 2 to 62.5 million by 2028 and Phase 3 to 70 million by 2048.

Phase 2 involves development of the terminal floor area, additional airfield facilities and improved cross-terminal transportation. Phase 3 merely talks of “long-term expansion and development projects to further expand terminal space and airfield capacity.”

There is no talk or plan about NAIA’s two biggest problems –its having only one runway, with a secondary runway forming a letter T to the main runway, and its limit of maximum aircraft movements per hour – 42 planes taking off and landing in 60 minutes, with one runway. The consortium promises to improve aircraft movement to 50 but that is not a firm plan.

In comparison, Ramon Ang’s 2,500-hectare San Miguel International Airport in Bulacan promises to service in five years 75 million passengers with 120 per hour aircraft movements using initially two runways. “The runways are parallel and zero/zero both ends of the runways. There is no restriction in height and noise,” RSA points out. San Miguel Aerocity’s New

 PAGE 7

Phivolcs: Mayon eruption ‘quiet, gentle’ but alert level 3 remains

by Arlie O. CAlAlO ManilaTimes.net

MAYON Volcano continues to erupt "in a gentle and quiet" mode as alert level 3 remains, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Tuesday, June 20. Phivolcs director Teresito "Toto" Bacolcol told The Manila Times via Viber that the agency is still closely monitoring Mayon's behavior, especially its parameters which are the bases for downgrading or raising its alert status.

At present, Bacolcol said Level 3 stays over the volcano which means that there remains a relatively high unrest and an increased tendency toward hazardous eruption.

"What we see are low-level parameters, largely similar to its 2014 effusive eruption," he said. An effusive eruption is dominated by the outpouring, fountaining or ejection of fluid lava, the magma has low viscosity or it is runny, making gas escape easily, according to Phivolcs.

"Effusive eruption involves the gentle release of lava on the edifice of the volcano," Bacolcol said.

In the past 24 hours, the Mayon Volcano Network (MVN) said that very slow effusion of lava from its summit crater continued to feed lava flows and collapse debris on the Mi-isi (south) and Bonga (southeastern) gullies. The MVN said that a total of two dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) that lasted two to three minutes, 301

Solon pushes for VAT refund for foreign tourists

MANILA – Senator Sherwin

rock fall events, and one volcanic earthquake were recorded.

"Continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 800 meters before drifting to the general west," it said.

Meanwhile, sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission averaged 389 tons/day on June 19, 2023 as compared with June 18's 889 tons/day. Bacolcol said affected residents living within the permanent danger zone, who have since been evacuated when Phivolcs raised the alert level to its current status last June 8, must remain at the evacuation centers.

He said the volcano may still have a violent eruption or PDCs, landslides or rock fall events may occur. g

Global competitiveness: PH drops 4 spots to 52nd

by Catherine talavera Philstar.com

MANILA — Despite posting improvements in its overall economic performance, the Philippines has dropped four steps in this year’s World Competitiveness Yearbook (WCY) due to declines in the infrastructure, government and business efficiency factors.

Based on the WCY prepared by the International Institute of Management Development (IMD), the Philippines ranked 52nd among 64 economies after suffering declines in three of the four main factors or dimensions of competitiveness.

The country ranked 48th last year.

The Philippines posted declines in all the sub-factors under government efficiency. These include public finance (from 51st in 2022 to 55th in 2023), tax policy (from 13th to 14th), institutional framework (from 53rd to 56th), business legislation (from 52nd to 57th) and societal framework (from 50th to 53rd).

The country also posted a decline in the business efficiency factor, ranking 40th from 39th, as well as in the infrastructure factor to 58th from 57th in the previous year.

In contrast, the Philippines surged 13 notches higher in the economic performance factor,

emerging at 40th from 53rd last year. Among the sub-factors under the economic performance factor that saw improvements are domestic economy (from 48th in 2022 to 30th in 2023), employment (from 19th to 9th in 2023) and prices (from 58th to 39th).

“Some of the challenges that the Philippines faces in 2023 include sustaining economic recovery and growth momentum amidst global downside risks, strengthening social protection and health care systems for inclusive development, addressing learning gaps to improve local education system, investing in sustainable infrastructure to reduce climate change vulnerability and reinforcing efficient public management strategies to support fiscal responsibility,” said the Asian Institute of Management Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness, the IMD’s Philippine partner institute for producing the WCY.

The report noted that the Philippines continues to rank 13th among 14 economies in the AsiaPacific region, the same ranking for the past six years.

The WCY ranks economies using 255 ranked criteria spread across four Competitiveness Factors: Economic Performance, Government Efficiency, Business Efficiency and Infrastructure.

Of the indicators, 162 are

based on hard data gathered from national sources, while the remaining indicators are perception-based ones derived from an Executive Opinion Survey of mid- and upper-level managers in each country covered.

This year’s results reflect the impact of different crises such as global inflation, the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to Arturo Bris, director of the World Competitiveness Center.

“Political fragmentation is a result of COVID-19 and the Ukraine war, and a major upshot is that more and more countries – Singapore, Saudi Arabia and India, for example – are pursuing their own interests. With inflation pressures easing and uncertain stock markets, we are now able to see winners and losers in a context where multiple crises overlap,” Bris said.

Denmark ranks as the top competitive economy in the 2023 WCY rankings, followed by Ireland and Switzerland.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the top three most competitive economies are Singapore (4th), Taiwan (6th) and Hong Kong (7th). Russia and Ukraine were not assessed for this year’s report due to limited data reliability.

In contrast, Kuwait joined the list of surveyed economies for the first time and was ranked 38th among 64 economies. g

SOUTHERN NEVADA REGIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY Procurement Dept. 340 N. 11TH Street, Las Vegas, NV 89101

INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB) B23047

GC CONSTRUCTION SERVICES: REHAB OF 2 UNITS: FIRE AND WIND DAMAGED

PRIMARY CONTACT PERSON(S):

Note: Contact with any other SNRHA staff other than the named here, including SNRHA’s Residents and Board of Commissioners will result in your Proposal being rejected.

HOW TO OBTAIN THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS ON THE APPLICABLE WEBSITE:

Linda P. Simpson, Contracts Administrator Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority Contracts & Purchasing lpsimpson@snvrha.org or

Johnny Shaw, Purchasing Manager, procurement@snvrha.org

DOWNLOAD AND RESPOND TO THIS

SOLICITATION:

Housing Agency Marketplace website: ha.economicengine.com (no “www”)

Registered Users: “Log in and insert Solicitation

No. IFB B23047.

Non Registered Users: You must first register your company before downloading the Solicitation. Click on “New Vendor” to register. Problems accessing the system or registering, call customer support at 866-526-9266, M-F, 9 AM (EST) – 4 PM (PST)

Gatchalian on Monday, June 19 said the proposed value added tax (VAT) refund measure for nonresident tourists should provide a seamless experience to ensure that its objective of attracting more tourists is realized. In a statement, Gatchalian said customer experience is very important "and what we want is a seamless experience when nonresident tourists claim the refund at the airport."

A provision in the proposed measure should be able to prevent possible abuse by some unscrupulous individuals who might want to take advantage of the program and should include a provision on the accreditation of retailers that would be recognized for the VAT refund.

Such an accreditation process, according to Gatchalian, would deter those who may attempt to defraud the government through the VAT refund program, adding that such an accreditation process should make it easier for micro and small enterprises to be included in the VAT refund scheme.

"I really want to give special attention to local products. This can be a good opportunity to promote local products because there are plenty of mom-and-pop stores that we need to accommodate and help join in the bandwagon of this VAT refund scheme," he said.

Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, will also tackle in his proposed measure the possibility of including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) or Filipino expats

based abroad in the VAT refund scheme.

He said a projected shopping revenue of around PHP9 billion can compensate for an estimated foregone revenue of PHP4 billion, adding that the said tax reprieve is seen to contribute about P12 billion to the country's gross domestic product (GDP).

Gatchailian is hoping the proposal could be enacted into law within the year, as he noted that the Philippines is the only remaining country in ASEAN that is yet to adopt a VAT refund program for foreign tourists. The proposed measure is seen to enhance the country's competitiveness as a tourist destination in Asia and boost tourist arrivals to its pre-pandemic level of 8.2 million in 2019. (PNA)

Reward up for info on Bantag, Villamor over Percy Lapid killing

by Gabriel PabiCo lalu Inquirer.net

MANILA — The National Bureau of Investigation and the Department of Justice offered a P2-million reward on Monday, June 19 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of former corrections chief Gerald Bantag, who has been accused of being the mastermind in the murder of radio broadcaster Percy Lapid. A reward amounting to P1 million will be also given to those who will provide information

PAGE 6

leading to the capture of former Bureau of Corrections deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta, Bantag's supposed right-hand man.

Those with information on the whereabouts of Bantag and Zulueta may contact 0945-4831058 (Globe) or 0928-416-9585 (Smart).

Both are wanted for the killing of Lapid and inmate June Villamor, who was the alleged middleman in the crime.

Lapid was known for his fierce criticisms of government officials. The 63-year-old was

killed by two assailants on a motorcycle at the gate of a private subdivision in Las Piñas City in October 2022.

Villamor was found dead hours after Joel Escorial, the confessed gunman in the Lapid assassination, surfaced. Aside from murder charges, Bantag also faces plunder and graft complaints over allegations that he rigged a bidding for the construction of three prison facilities worth P1 billion. He is also facing criminal raps for allegedly torturing inmates. g

The new NAIA

Manila International Airport (NMIA) will cost $14 billion to build and involves no tax money in its development.

“The Manila International Airport Consortium recognizes the immense task of transforming NAIA to meet the growing demands of Mega Manila air travel, not only in the here and now but also in the future,” says Kevin Tan, in their press handout. MIAC Consortium submitted its masterplan to DOTr and MIAA as part of its USP (unsolicited proposal) under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program. The rehabilitation of NAIA is critical to meet a projected explosion in travel demand, the proponents claim.

By 2028, NAIA could see 55 million passengers – well above its declared capacity of 31 MPPA. Before the pandemic, in 2019, NAIA had already registered a peak of 47.9 million.

“The MIAC USP is the fastest route to the rehabilitation and modernization that NAIA urgently needs,” says Canilao, of Aboitiz.

“NAIA’s importance and economic impact cannot be overstated, especially since it has an ecosystem of supporting infrastructure that would take decades for greenfield airport developments to replicate,” says Gotianun-Yap of Filinvest.

“A 25-year concession will show government’s commitment to attract strong foreign and local players for

June 8, 2023

PRE-BID MEETING AT JOB SITES:

SITE VISITS FOLLOWING PRE-BID

MEETING:

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

DEADLINE:

SEALED BIDS SUBMISSION

DEADLINE:

SEALED BIDS SUBMISSION

LOCATION:

ELECTRONIC BID SUBMISSION: ha.economicengine.com

Wed., July 12, 2023, 9:00 AM (PST), 825 Down Way, LV, NV 89106

Wed., July 12, 2023, 10:00 AM, 825 Down Way, LV, NV 89106 followed by 1019 Silverman, LV, NV 89106

– Additional Site Visits Available Upon Request

Wed., July 12, 2023 – Aug 9, 2023, 9:00 AM (PST)

Mon., August 28, 2023, 10:00 AM (PST)

Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority

Attn: Linda P. Simpson

Contracts & Purchasing 340 North 11TH Street, Suite 180, Las Vegas, NV 89101

Your two (2) hard copy bids must be sealed in an envelope and/or boxes and must be received in-hand and time-stamped by the SNRHA’s Procurement Office no later than the deadline date and time. Additionally, electronic pricing must be entered at the noted website by the same deadline date and time. Submitting one without the other deems your bid non-responsive. LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED – NO EXCEPTIONS.

Results will be posted on the applicable websites.

future PPP projects,” notes Olives of the LT Group Inc. “More private sector players will be enticed to participate.”

“The upfront concession payment will strengthen the government’s fiscal position and address other critical priorities such as ongoing pandemic recovery efforts; growing consumer demands for safer, more convenient and efficient travel services and tightening global financial conditions,” says JG Summit’s BJ Sebastian. (Philstar.com) * * *

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

Email: biznewsasia@gmail.com

Clar k County Fire Department

FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU

4701 W. Russell Road • Las Vegas, NV 89118

John Steinbeck, Fire Chief

Kelly Blackmon, Sr. Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Marshal

Danny Horvat, Assistant Fire Chief • Wayne Dailey, Assistant Fire Chief

PATALASTAS SA PUBLIKO

Mga Mungkahi’ng Pagbabago sa Kodigo ng Lalawigan ng Clark

Tungkol sa: Titulo 13, Kabanata 13.04

Mangyaring bigya’ng pansin na ang isang panuntunan ay iminumungkahi ng Lupon ng mga Komisyonero ng Lalawigan sa Lalawigan ng Clark upang susugan ang Titulo 13, Kabanata 13.04 ng Kodigo ng Lalawigan ng Clark at ang mga kailangan ng pamahaya’ng pang-wisik sa sunog sa pamamagitan ng pag-alis sa 5,000 kwadrado’ng talampakan sa bungad; pag-alis ng kinakailangan upang mapataas ang NFPA 13R sistema ng pang-wisik sa sunog; susugan ang molde upang ipakita ang mga kinakailangan para sa hindi pangkaraniwa’ng sistema ng pang-wisik sa sunog sa pamahayan; idagdag ang kinakailangang ikabit sa kisame’ng mahigit 24 talampakan; susugan ang plano ng daho’ng dagdag ng sibil na pagpapaunlad upang madagdagan ang pinaka-mahaba’ng haba ng kalye sa 600 talampakan; at pagbibigay sa iba pang mga bagay na maayos na nauugnay dito tulad ng sumusunod:

13.04.090 - Susugan ang kinakailangan para sa pagtataas ng pang-wisik sa sunog

13.04.115 - Tanggalin ang kinakailangan na ang lawak ng tirahan ay lagpas sa 5,000 kwadrado talampakan

13.04.330 - Tanggalin ang Seksyon 22.38 ng NFPA 13

13.04.340 - Tanggalin at palitan ang Seksyon 8.4 ng NFPA 13D

13.04.340 - Idagdag ang Kung Saan Kinakailangan at Pagbubukod

13.04.340 - Idagdag ang mga kinakailangan ng pang-wisik sa sunog ayon sa taas ng kisame

13.04.340 - Idagdag ang Kinakailangan ng Sistema ng Presyon at pagbubukod

13.04.350 - Tanggalin ang Seksyon 7.5 ng NFPA 13R

13.04.520 - Susugan ang haba nang wala nang papasuka’ng kalye

Ang kopya ng iminungkahi’ng panuntunan ay kalakip dito at maaari ding marepaso sa:

https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/fire_department/fire_prevention_inspections/index.php Bago ang pagpapatibay sa iminungkahi’ng panuntunan, ang Lupon ng mga Komisyonero ng Lalawigan sa Lalawigan ng Clark ay inatasan ng NRS 237.080 na gumawa ng isang pinagsama-sama’ng pagsisikap upang matukoy kung ang panukala’ng panuntunan ay magpapataw ng isang direkto at malaki’ng pasanin sa ekonomiya nang isang negosyo o direkto’ng paghihigpitan ang pagbuo, pagpapatakbo o pagpapalawak ng isang negosyo. Dahil dito, ang mga samahan sa pangangalakal, may-ari at mga opisyal ng mga negosyo na malamang na maapektuhan ng iminungkahi’ng panuntunan na ito, at ang iba pang interesado’ng mga tao ay kinakailanga’ng patalastasan at bigyan ng pagkakataon na magsumite ng mga komento, datos, o argumento sa Lalawigan tungkol sa kung ang iminungkahi’ng panuntunan ay:

a) Magpapataw ng isang direkto at malaki’ng pasanin sa ekonomiya nang isang negosyo; o

b) Direkto’ng paghihigpitan ang pagbuo, pagpapatakbo o pagpapalawak ng isang negosyo. Ang mga komento ay kailanga’ng isumite nang hindi lalampas sa 5:30 n.h.sa July 6, 2023 (ilagay ang petsa dito) tulad ng sumusunod:

Sa pamamagitan ng Pagdadala sa:

Kagawaran ng Sunog sa Lalawigan ng Clark - Kawanihan ng Pag-iwas sa Sunog

Attn: Sarah Stevens, Sekretarya Administrado 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118 Lunes hanggang Huwebes mula 7:30 n.u hanggang 5:30 n.h.

Sa Pamamagitan ng Koreo sa:

Kagawaran ng Sunog sa Lalawigan ng Clark - Kawanihan ng Pag-iwas sa Sunog

Attn: Sarah Stevens, Sekretarya Administrado

4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118

Sa pamamagitan ng email sa: SHS@ClarkCountynv.gov

Sa paksimile sa: (702) 678-5220

Ang isang kopya ng iminungkahi’ng panuntunan ay makikita din para suriin sa: https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/fire_department/fire_prevention_inspections/index.php at Kagawaran ng Sunog sa Lalawigan ng Clark

Lobi sa Una’ng Palapag 575 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, NV 89119

Lunes hanggang Huwebes mula 7:30 n.u. hanggang 5:30 n.h.

Lalawigan ng Clark Kagawaran ng Sunog - Kawanihan ng Pag-iwas sa Sunog Lobi ng Kustomer 4701 W. Russell Road, Las Vegas, NV 89118 Lunes hanggang Huwebes mula

VEGAS&STYLE

Achievement unlocked: Lea Salonga debuts as Broadway producer for ‘Here Lies Love’

by evangeline valDerrama Inquirer.net

FILIPINO pride Lea Salonga just unlocked another achievement in her decades-long career as she announced her debut as a Broadway producer with the staging of the musical “Here Lies Love.”

Salonga made the announcement on Instagram after the first preview of the show’s revival in New York on June 17. The singer-actress, however, said that she was in Dallas, Texas for another show.

A screenshot of what appeared to be a Broadway playbill gave a brief introduction to Salonga being a “co-producer” of the show.

“Speaking of debuts, I’m making my own tonight as a BROADWAY PRODUCER! I blame this squarely on the mighty shoulders of @clintramos and @ joseiswriting. What have you gotten me into?!?” Salonga said in the caption, tagging FilipinoAmerican set designer Clint Ramos and theater producer Jose Antonio Vargas.

Salonga earlier revealed that her upcoming participation in the musical is “special” to her as a Filipina artist, since audiences will witness its importance on the stage where she made her Broadway debut as Kim in “Miss Saigon” in 1991.

“And it’s very special to me for a few reasons. Number one: As a Filipina artist, I’m incredibly

excited that audiences will finally see on Broadway this beautiful, impactful, and important musical. Two: I get to go back to Broadway theater, which is where I made my Broadway debut over 30 years ago, which is wild for me to think about,” she said.

“Here Lies Love” tells the rise and fall of former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, who was once dubbed the “Iron Butterfly”. Incidentally, she is the wife of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and the mother of the current Philippine president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Julia plans to pursue college studies before turning 30

by HannaH mallorCa Inquirer.net

JULIA Barretto is “loving the life” that she has now. At 26, she is able to maintain a work-life balance. She also plans to pursue higher education before she reaches 30.

The actress acknowledged living a not-so-ordinary life that’s why she “loves traveling to new and faraway places” because she gets her personal space.

“You get your privacy. Your personal space is respected, (it) is given to you. The time for yourself is unlimited when you’re on vacation,” she pointed out during a press conference for her upcoming film Will You Be My Ex? opposite Diego Loyzaga. She just came back from a trip to Venice, Italy.

“But, you know, I love my life. I don’t mind na hindi ordinary yung life ko,” she declared. She is “grateful for the life that I live.”

The Broadway production has an all-Filipino cast, featuring Arielle Jacobs as Imelda Marcos, Jose Llana as Ferdinand Marcos Sr., and Conrad Ricamora as Ninoy Aquino. Salonga will appear in the musical on a limited run, playing the role of Aurora Aquino for five weeks. Meanwhile, Grammywinning musician H.E.R. is part of the producing team, alongside Ramos and Vargas. Prior to this post, the Tony awardee also announced on Instagram that the Broadway Theatre sold out on its first night.

Niana, Australian celebrity Troye Sivan collab for his upcoming single ‘Rush’

by Dale Calanog Inquirer.net

VIDEO content creator Niana Guerrero is just collecting star power at this point, as she once again collaborated with an international artist—this time, with Australian singer-songwriter Troye Sivan for a TikTok dance video.

In the video, as the “Angel Baby” hitmaker positions the camera, Guerrero suddenly appears, and the two grooved—presumably an original choreography from Guerrero’s end—to Sivan’s upcoming single “Rush.”

In her caption, Guerrero jokingly shared that she “just bumped into @Troye Sivan and had to jam out to his new fire song Rush!! [face exhaling emoji][hands forming heart shape emoji].”

People in the comments section collectively expressed their (fun) envy of another one of Guerrero’s “how to be you?” moments.

One user, alluding to her caption, asked, “So you just casually bump

into people, Niana??? [crying face emojis],” while another exclaimed, “Sobra ka na, Niana [teary-eyed face emoji] [crying face emoji].”

(This is too much, Niana.) This year alone, Guerrero has surprised her almost 40 million followers on TikTok with bigtime collaborations, such as those with K-pop boy groups Treasure and NCT Dream. For the dance challenge with NCT Dream,

Guerrero danced to the group’s hit “Beatbox” alongside older brother Ranz Kyle and eight-yearold sister Natalia. Aside from dance videos with her siblings, Guerrero is also popular for her YouTube videos with family members, usually with Ranz Kyle, in which they often compete in challenges or attempt to prank other family members or members of their production team.

“If I need space, if I need privacy and quiet, madali lang namang umalis and find that elsewhere but I like this life. I like that I get to talk to you, guys. I like that I get to do this. I like that I get to sing my recorded songs in mall shows (laughs).

“I like that in my younger years, I was able to dance as if I’m a dancer, alam mo yun parang I feel so blessed. It’s like no complaints. I’m grateful somebody still wants a photo with me. I’m grateful that you still wanna ask me questions.

“I love this life. If I just need quiet, I just go to my room, happy na ako. Ang recharge ko naman ‘pag eight hours nakuha ko na, I’m happy. That’s it. And my coffee, happy na ako.”

One of the themes in the movie Will You Be My Ex? is reconnecting with “the past.” So when asked if there’s something from her past that she wants to revisit and change, she told The STAR, “None much really. I think grateful ako sa mga pangyayari sa past because it brought me to where I am today. So nothing much really. I don’t want to change anything and wala naman akong gustong balikan. Just moving forward.”

She was proud to say that she has work-life balance amid her hectic schedule. She gets to spend time with her loved ones and with herself, and at the same time, manages her business and continues to do acting.

“Honestly, I’m grateful also to Viva because when I asked for time to rest or to go out of the country like they really give it to me and they adjust my work schedule to it. So, it’s not a challenge for me now but I really love to work so feeling ko, whenever I’m on vacation and I need to come back home (after that), I immediately start working. But I think right now at 26, my work-life balance is OK.”

Julia, likewise, expressed her earnest intention to go back

to school and pursue either Psychology, drama or any business-related courses. “I really wanna go back to school.

Gustong-gusto, gusto ko talaga mag-college. I really wanna study,” she reiterated.

“I think that’s what I really want to do right now. And if I can find a perfect way to do it at the same time, shooting and schooling, everything will be perfect, ‘Thank you Lord!’” She vowed to make it her “goal” to achieve it.

She also hopes to study abroad and attend school physically where she can meet new college friends and professors. “Ang saya pakinggan ng mga stories nila ng mga kapatid ko… So naririnig ko yung college stories nila and I’m just dreaming of the day to also experience the same.”

Her sister Claudia just finished college last year from Ateneo de Manila University, while her brother Leon is in third year college taking up a marketing course at University of Asia and the Pacific. She aims to enroll at a university before she turns 30. “Kahit nga short course lang eh happy na ako. Even if it’s just three months. So let’s continue filming para habang lumalabas yun (film), I’m also studying (at the same time),” she said with a laugh.

The flick Will You Be My Ex? is “a romantic movie about exlovers who meet once again and have the chance to rekindle their past and choose to either be friends or give their love a second try.” It is helmed by Real Florido, co-produced by Studio Viva and Firestarters production, and presented by Viva Films. It also stars Bea Binene and will be shown in cinemas starting tomorrow, June 21.

Will You Be My Ex? is sort of a “reunion project” of the

lead stars Julia and Diego, who earlier worked together in Wansapanataym’s episode Petrang Paminta in 2013 and Mirabella in 2014.

“The point is I’ve known him for quite a while (so) there was no awkwardness or anything like that,” she said of Diego. “It was always a safe space on set. Masaya lang. It was such a fun set. Everybody was just working happily.”

She was also “proud” of her co-star and she would always tell him that. “Nakaka-proud siya dito kasi iba yung binigay niya in this film but nakitaan ko siya ng maraming heart and vulnerability and he showed that to us all,” she said.

“I’m so glad that we did this movie at such a good time in his life. Diego is such a wonderful person and he showed me so much kindness all throughout filming.”

She said that she regards Diego as “now my friend.” “And I’m excited na makausap niyo siya because he is in a really good place like ang refreshing niyang kausap and yeah soon, I hope you guys could also talk to him.”

The actor recently posted on his social media accounts a photo of him cradling a baby with the caption: “The best birthday gift ever.” The post sparked speculations of him becoming a first-time dad.

Meanwhile, Julia was queried if she indeed replaced Bea Alonzo as Alden Richards’ leading lady in the Philippine adaptation of the South Korean hit film A Moment to Remember.

“I don’t know if I can comment on that yet. But we can talk about it when we get there. When we get there, we can have a chat about it. We can have a discussion. We can chat (laughs)... when we get there,” she reacted.

Miss Filipina International 2023 candidates announced

FORTY candidates, all stunning Filipinas, are vying for Miss Filipina International (MFI) 2023, it was announced Sunday, June 18, in a glamorous press presentation at the Oasis Terrace of The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California.

Representing various states across America and several countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom and the Philippines, the 40 candidates will compete in the pageant which salutes the Filipina – multi-faceted, talented, versatile and confident.

MFI climaxes with an exciting and elegant black tie coronation night on August 5 at the famous International Ballroom of The Beverly Hilton. The night will celebrate the Philippines and its people, rich culture, arts and fashion, gathering Filipinos and guests in the prestigious ballroom, the venue of the Golden Globe Awards, the Academy nominees luncheon, Clive Davis’ pre-Grammy party and other high profile events.

After months of the selection process, the following are the MFI official candidates, listed by their numbers (randomly drawn by the contestants in a

raffle) in the pageant:

1. Hannah Pearcey

2. Matea Smith

3. Alexia Reign Hernandez

4. Jesse Grace Felix Soriano

5. Raphaella Del Rosario

6. Rylen Steinbuch

7. Brooke Barredo

8. Claudia Vidanes

9. Denisse Nicole Samaniego

10. Patricia Bianca Tapia

11. Janessa Gwen Rubio

12. Amanda Russo

13. Keilin Tankiamco

14. Alyanna Joelle Santos

15. Katie Mcilroy

16. Sandra Irene Goff

17. Aira Lei Maigue

18. Angelique De la Cruz

19. Princess Caventa Reyes

20. Caroline Luce

21. Mia Valdes

22. Alexandria Bollier

23. Heather Casigna

24. Lauren Skeoch

25. Hope Corpus

26. Hannah Angelica Marte

27. Samantha Gavin

28. Sarah Lizaso Obal

29. Beatriz Mclelland

30. Jessica Zemanek

31. Bryanna Vasquez

32. Aliza Orjalo

33. Ronniedith Dimapasoc

34. Skylar Vasquez

35. Dakota Swart

36. Kelly Mcilroy

37. Kawena Kanhai

38. Sabrina Pajarillo

39. Mary Ann Monda

40. Issha Rose

The candidates were revealed in the press presentation hosted by two talented Filipino Americans – TV personality and “Inside Edition” correspondent Victoria Recaño and performance artist Alex Maarte.

The women will vie for these titles: Miss Filipina International; Miss Tourism; First Runner-up; Second Runner-up; and Third Runnerup. MFI also announced in

the media presentation that in partnership with Jonas Gaffud’s Empire Philippines, three winners will be eligible to compete next year in Miss Universe Philippines (MUP) while two winners will vie in The Miss Philippines pageant.

Manila-born Tiana Kocher, a rising singer-songwriter in America, performed her two songs, “Por Tiempo” and “Take Over,” which raised the energy level at the presentation. Kocher took over and commanded the stage with her self-penned hits. The candidates and guests were carried away by the infectious upbeat music and performance

of the R&B sensation.

Another Filipino American, Juls King, also livened up the press presentation with his song, Ed Sheeran’s “Bad Habits.” King, considered a heartthrob, demonstrated why he is known as a total performer.

The lovely candidates wore platform heels by Jojo Bragais Shoes at the presentation and will also wear shoes by the pioneering young shoe designer when they compete during the coronation night.

In addition to the previously announced top prize of a BMW 3 Series car, the winner will

also receive a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin Beverly Hills. Other prizes include $5,000 cash and a $10,000 gift certificate from iSkin for Miss Tourism; a $2,500 cash prize and a $5,000 gift certificate from iSkin for each of the First, Second and Third Runners-up. MFI’s sponsors include the Philippine Department of Tourism, Philippine Airlines, BMW, David Tupaz Couture, Narcisa Pheres (MFI crown designer), Belle Beachwear and The Beverly Hilton. For sponsorship inquiries, email: missfilipinainternational@ gmail.com.

Lea Salonga

Photo from Instagram/@msleasalonga

Niana Guerrero and Troye Sivan Photo from Instagram/@nianaguerrero and @troyesivan

Photo

Tributes pour for ‘90s teen heartthrob Patrick Guzman

by Aric John Sy cuA ManilaTimes.net

TRIBUTES poured in for former 1990s teenage heartthrob Patrick Guzman whose death in Canada was announced on social media by friends. His family has yet to make a statement.

Comedian-singer Ogie Alcasid was among the first to pay tribute to Guzman, in now-deleted posts from his Facebook and Instagram pages. De Guzman was said to have died of a heart attack in Toronto on Friday, June 16.

"So shocked and sad that you have gone to heaven so suddenly. Rest now brother. I will always remember the wonderful times we had while filming so many movies together," wrote Alcasid on Saturday, showing a photo of himself, Guzman, comedian Michael V., and Anjo Yllana during their photo shoot of the 1993 movie "Mama's Boys 2: Let's Go Na!".

Other celebrities like Michael V., Amy Perez, Dennis Padilla, Gelli de Belen, and Dingdong Avanzado have also paid tribute to Guzman in Alcasid's original post on Instagram.

Veteran actress-director Beverly Vergel, sister of late actor Ace Vergel, who is also based in Canada, was shocked at Guzman's passing and in a separate post, honored him after starring as the lead actor in the film "BROmance the Movie", which she wrote and

directed.

"You are one of the kindest, most sincere, gentlest of souls of a gentleman. You deserve all the superlatives and more," Vergel wrote on Saturday on her social media platforms. "I'm sure all who know you will be so sad that you're back in heaven joining your league of angels because a man like you is so rare."

Filipino Canadian community journalist Tess Cusipag has also mourned the death of a "dear friend."

"Another beautiful soul has gone to the great beyond. A dear friend, a former famous actor in the Philippines, Patrick Guzman. You are now at peace and may it comfort the family and relatives that others care and deeply sympathized," she wrote on Facebook on Saturday.

Filipino Canadian photographer Jemelyn Dela Cruz sent condolences to Guzman's family.

"I remember when you used to come to our store in and out and just happy to be around Filipinos," she wrote. " I was shocked the first time I met you was in our kitchen. My family loved you and we know you are in a better place now. My condolences to the whole family."

As of posting time, no further details were revealed on Guzman's death.

Guzman was the leading man of Sharon Cuneta in three movies: Una Kang Naging Akin (1991), Ikaw (1993), and Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003).

THE Aguila Medical Group (AMG) held its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony last June 10. Invited dignitaries and community leaders were among the special guests. Provider and Chief Medical Director, Anna Aguila MD has been in practice for 18 years. She graduated Medical School from Far Eastern University – Nicanor Reyes Medical Foundation in the Philippines and continued her Medical & Specialty Training in Family & Geriatric Medicine at Mercer University School of Medicine in Macon, Georgia. She has served the Las Vegas Community since 2008 as a Family Practice Physician with an emphasis on Geriatric and Adult Medicine. Having practiced at some of the largest Medical Groups in Las Vegas in addition to her time at Veterans Administration she has helped shape the healthcare landscape in Las Vegas by spearheading several campaigns to improve the quality and delivery of care. Her patients have followed her to every location and company due to the level of care and attention she has provided. Encouraged by her own patients, and while at the prime of her Medical Career, it was time to take her experience & vision & apply it to her own Practice, Aguila Medical Group.

Photo from Instagram/@ogiealcasid

WHAT is halitosis?

Halitosis is the medical term for bad breath. Dental reports in the United States say there are about 40 million (around 13 percent) Americans who have bad breath.

In the Philippines, as in other regions in Asia, the incidence, conservatively speaking, may be as high as 30 or higher. This is a rough guesstimate, and the figure, of course, varies in different subgroups in the community.

Halitosis, as a rule, is less among those who live in the city, compared to rural areas, those who are more affluent, higher in socio-economic status, those who are more educated or professional, and those in the younger generation. Obviously, the financially handicapped could ill afford the luxury of toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, regular dental checkup, and proper dental care. They may also be not as well-nourished, and as healthy, as those who can afford. What causes halitosis?

There are a variety of causes of bad breath. Eating food that causes foul breath (like garlic, onion, etc), poor dental hygiene, decayed tooth or infection of the gums, tonsils, or oral cavity, diseases like diabetes, esophageal diverticulum, esophageal reflux, sinusitis, emphysema, etc. But the commonest underlying cause is poor dental hygiene where care of the teeth and mouth is neglected. There are people who do not brush their teeth at all and go to bed at night with food particles stuck in between their teeth. They may gargle and rinse their mouth with water (or water and salt) after each meal, or even use mouthwash, but the food caught in between their teeth (especially meat and fish) rot and stink. This is putrefaction and the foul-smelling odor is from the volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced by the decaying meat, which usually results in bacterial infection (and more bad odor), and this makes the cycle a vicious one.

What are the types of bad breath?

Transitory halitosis is caused by food like onions and garlic and generally lasts from one day to a day-and-a-half. Some people develop halitosis after drinking pop or eating sweets, like dessert. The individual “oral metabolism” may have something to do with this observation. The other form of bad breath is the chronic halitosis, which does not diminish or improve with time. It is permanently present until the cause is abolished.

Can tooth infection cause infection in the heart?

Halitosis: Reputation killer

Yes, tooth infection can cause the bacteria in the mouth to circulate in the blood stream to infect the heart valve, causing bacterial endocarditis, most especially in people who may have had rheumatic heart disease when they were young. This condition affects and weakens the heart valves, making them susceptible to infection. And those with artificial heart valves are even more prone to infection originating from tooth decay or infection in the mouth. What can be done for stubborn halitosis? If there is no tooth decay or any infection in the mouth or throat, the bad breath may be coming from sinusitis, emphysema or from the stomach (as in esophageal reflex, where the controlling valve between the stomach and the food pipe is not closing – water-tight – properly). A dental, or even medical, evaluation may be needed to ascertain the specific cause of this persistent halitosis. Can mouthwash eliminate bad breath?

No, mouthwash alone cannot do the trick. First, the food particles that can rot must be removed from in-between the teeth immediately after each meal (by dental flossing, since toothpick alone will not do the job). Then, brushing teeth and the tongue, using toothpaste (that contains fluoride and other ingredients like Poly (methylvinylether) maleic acid coplymer and triclosan) for added tooth protection, is essential at least 3 times a day, after each meal. Mouthwash with stabilized Chlorine can be used as a last step in this routine as an added regimen. A study made on 15 mouthwashes showed that most only masked the bad breath for a few minutes, only a few were still effective after a few hours. Most of the products sold over the counter do not eliminate halitosis. The effective ones are those with stabilized chlorine.

What are the other bacterial dental problems?

Besides bad breath, the other problems caused by germs in our mouth include cavities, gum problems, plaques and tartar formation, and heart problems. Yes, cardiac problems. Therefore, the routine regimen of dental flossing (to eliminate food particles that will rot and harbor bacteria), tongue-scraping, toothbrushing (to scrub food elements, juices and stains from the teeth, and protecting the teeth and gums with those ingredients in the toothpaste), and gargling (with mouthwash that contain bacteria killing, and plaque-and tartar-preventing ingredients – stabilized chlorine), and visiting your dentist at least every 6 months will not only eliminate bad breath but lead to a healthier dental and oral state and cardiac health. Can rinse containing alcohol cause cancer?

Yes, according to a 1991 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association, which stated that mouthwashes “containing more than 25% alcohol could increase the risk of oral and pharyngeal (throat) cancer by 50%”. Fortunately, most, if not all, mouthwashes in the market contain less than 15% alcohol.

How effective are breath-freshener capsules?

If taken as directed, and as a part of the comprehensive regimen we have discussed above, these breath-freshener capsules could be of help, especially for those with gastrointestinal reflux.

How about chewing gum?

Not by itself, but if added to the daily oral hygiene regimen we recommended above, chewing (sugar-free) gum can be of help in achieving a fresher and kissable breath.

Do you have bad breath?

It is odd but most people with chronic halitosis do not even know they have it. Their own sense of smell is so conditioned to the bad breath in their mouth to the point that they do not even perceive it. And their friends and relatives (including most spouses) will not even tell them, to “spare” them from the embarrassment (which actually leads to greater embarrassment because other people are offended by this offensive odor.) So, the next time you see your lover or friend, or relative, beg him or her to be candid with you. This honesty might change your reputation and love life forever.

* * *

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

* * *

The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

* * * Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua. com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

First-time dads share Father’s Day 2023 celebrations

EVEN celebrities were not spared from getting emotional last Sunday for Father's Day celebrations.

First-time parents John Lloyd Cruz, Luis Manzano, Markus Paterson and Angelica Panganiban shared their sentiments on being parents to their first offsprings.

Luis made a video of him with his daughter, Isabella Rose.

"I love being your Papa Peanut!" wrote the actor-host on his Facebook video post.

Peanut is the nickname he and his wife, actress Jessy Mendiola, gave to their daughter.

Cruz, meanwhile, simply posted a gallery of his photos with Elias, his son with actress Ellen Adarna.

Angelica shared how lucky she and her daughter Amila to have her husband Gregg Homan by their side. The actress' colorful life is no

Leaving Sin City

Corin raMoS lujan

AFTER more than 50 years in America, my father retired permanently in the Philippines in late 2020.

“I’ve lived in the States for a long time already,” he told me a few days before his flight to Manila. “It’s time for me to go back home.”

His decision to go back to the Philippines surprised me and my sister and mother, even though deep down we probably knew it was coming. My father started having mobility problems about five years earlier, in his late 70s. My mother was his primary caregiver, until they had to move to assisted living.

Although he was fairly healthy and didn’t need additional services outside of the standard care, the monthly cost was staggering. In-home care wasn’t much better. Besides, we already ruled out that option, as my mother hated having strangers in her home, let alone living there. We suspected the costs of his health care played a major role in my father’s decision to go back to the Philippines. He had worked hard and saved all his life here, and didn’t want to spend a good chunk of his life savings just on health costs, as many Americans have had to.

My family was the quintessential example of the American dream come true: my parents’ careers as engineers, then business owners and homeowners. My sister and I graduated from top universities, and embarked on fulfilling careers ourselves.

Is the new American dream leaving America?

Americans opting to retire in the Philippines cite lower cost of living and better quality of life

bright smile. It’s because he gets all the care and attention he needs and deserves, attention that we can’t give with our American lifestyles here.”

According to the U.S. State Department, about 10 million Americans live abroad permanently; over 300,000 Americans live in the Philippines, excluding military personnel. The numbers are only growing. Expats cite lower cost of living and better quality of life in the Philippines, versus the U.S. With a majority of the population speaking English and familiarity with western and American culture also rank high as reasons why Americans are choosing the Philippines. Do a search for “retiring in the Philippines” on YouTube, and over 800,000 videos on the topic immediately pop up, making “Vloggers” (video bloggers) on the Philippines among the highest rated and viewed of its kind on the platform.

One of the popular channels is “Mike’s Philippine Retirement,” hosted by former Las Vegas resident, Michael Huryn. After much research, including watching numerous YouTube videos on the Philippines, Huryn moved to the Philippines in February 2022.

pressure, high cholesterol,” said Huryn, who lived on the beach in Bohol during his first two months before settling in Dumagete in Negros, Philippines. “I walked on the beach every day, I was able to decompress. My blood pressure issue is gone; I no longer take medications, and I’m a more calm individual.

In one of his episodes, Huryn disclosed an itemized breakdown of his monthly budget of about $1,500 in the Philippines. “Money isn’t an issue anymore!”

Another major attraction for retiring in the Philippines is the culture of respect for its seniors, explained Huryn. “What I love about the Philippines is that there is so much respect for the elders!”

Philippine senior citizens also get 20 percent discount on almost everything, including restaurants, movies, and other personal services.

“That discount is a really huge factor,” said Joseph. “Can you imagine that being the same case here in the U.S.? People would be ecstatic!”

secret, and her post generated many likes as they can relate to her pouring her heart out.

"Mula noon pa, kung saan saan ako naghahanap ng ibig

sabihin ng pagmamahal ng isang ama. Madalas napapanood ko lang sa mga pelikula, nababasa sa mga libro, o paminsan nakikita ko sa mga kaibigan ko. Hindi ko akalain na magiging mapalad ako ngayon, na nakikita at nararamdaman ko na siya.

Napaka swerte ni Amila at ikaw ang una nyang pag ibig, kalaro at dada. Maraming salamat sa pag ganap ng buong buo at higit pa. Mahal na mahal ka namin. Happy Father’s day daddy," Angelica wrote on Instagram.

Markus Patterson posted a photo of him with Jude, his son with actress Janella Salvador. He also posted a photo of his father. "The best role I’ve ever had #fatherhood. To all the fathers out there (new and seasoned) wishing you the best. Special shout-out to the king on the second slide," the actor wrote. (Philstar.com)

Back in the Philippines, my father still had his ancestral home in Pateros Rizal, about 30 miles outside Metro Manila. He has a live-in caregiver and a maid; both at a fraction of the cost of his care in the U.S. More importantly, his house is surrounded by other homes in the compound, or “looban,” occupied by family members, including his only surviving brother.

I will admit, that greatly helped assuage the guilt of not being able to personally care for him, or even visit more often when he was still living here.

“This country is not a good place for elderly people,” said Joseph*, a Filipino American attorney based in Los Angeles.” It’s too expensive, and too lonely and sad. I see my own parents dealing with the challenges of growing old, and the pervasive loneliness of aging here is inescapable.”

On a recent trip to the Philippines, Joseph said he met with his 94 year-old uncle who is personally cared for by his cousins, “almost no caregiver.” “He looks wonderful!” said Joseph. “He has youthful skin,

“After watching other YouTube’rs, I was convinced that I could live in the Philippines and have a better life than in Las Vegas,” explained Huryn, 69. “Las Vegas was becoming unaffordable. I was paying $1,300/month for a two-bedroom apartment. I was worried my pension wouldn’t be enough.”

With inflation and rising cost of housing and homeownership, that sentiment is echoed by many other Americans, including Lydia*, a Filipino American who has lived in Las Vegas for over 25 years.

Lydia, a retired nurse, was preparing to sell her 2-story home and buy a single story home. After looking at several homes, she was shocked at the prices as well as high interest rates. “I’m going to sell my home here and not buy anymore. I’m going to buy a house in the Philippines!”

Housing costs weren’t the only reasons for leaving America. For Huryn, the perpetual rat race driven by financial concerns had taken its toll on his health as well as mental well being. It was enough for the self-proclaimed “blue collar guy” to leave America for good.

“In the US, I had high blood

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES SERVICES

“Mike’s Philippine Retirement” boasts a subscriber base of over 16,000. Huryn admits that his slower, easy-going style isn’t as “flashy as the younger guys,” but it appeals to his viewers who tune in daily to learn about daily life in the Philippines.

“You can have a great life here in the Philippines, but I want my viewers to be prepared when they come, especially when it comes to finances and health. They need to know their own health limitations,” he said.

Huryn co-hosts the channel with his live-in girlfriend, Janet, a 32 year-old Filipina and her 11 year-old son. They are planning to get married later this year.

* * *

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.

* * * If you retired to the Philippines, planning to, or even just thinking about it, I’d like to hear from you! Send your story to corin@ SelliingSinCityNV.com

* * *

Corin Ramos Lujan was born in Manila and immigrated to the U.S. at five years old. A former journalist and graduate of UC Berkeley, Corin received her Philippine dual citizenship in May 2023. She currently lives in Las Vegas where she is a real estate agent, and also an accredited Marketing Partner in Nevada for Ayala Land, Inc., the largest real estate developer in the Philippines.

Luis Manzano with his daughter Isabella Rose. Photos from Instagram/@

Mike Huryn, a former Las Vegas resident co-hosts the YouTube channel “Mike’s Philippine Retirement” with his live-in Filipina girlfriend, Janet. Contributed photo