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JUNE 23-29, 2022 Volume 33 - No. 25 • 12 Pages

T HE F ILIPINO A MERICAN C OMMUNITY N EWSPAPER

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USA

DATELINE Filipino lawyer John Albert Laylo killed in Philadelphia random shooting FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

Southern Nevada rolls out COVID vaccines for children under 5

by AJPRESS

THE Southern Nevada Health District has begun rolling out COVID-19 vaccines to children under the age of 5, following authorization from health officials.

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

They did not make their flight.

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

Laylo succumbed to his injuries the following day.

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

Consul General Cato meets Philly mayor to demand action

the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted to recommend vaccinating children ages 6 months to 5 years with two separate COVID-19 vaccines.

Under the emergency use authorization, children in the age group can receive either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.

Suspect arrested amid investigation FILIPINO American community members are calling on the Los Angeles Police Department to continue to investigate an incident during which a man violently attacked and hurled racial slurs against a Fil-Am family last month.

A community rally held on Friday, June 17 outside the Los Angeles Superior Court in Van Nuys, California demanded that police conduct a full and thorough investigation into the verbal and physical charges the Roque family filed against Nicholas Weber on May 13 this year.

The rally was jointly organized by Filipino Migrant Center, the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns and Migrante Los Angeles.

Weber has been arrested, as of Wednesday, June 22, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

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by DONNABELLE

GATDULA-AREVALO AJPress

MABINI MURAL. A man walks past a mural of one of the national heroes of the country, Apolinario Mabini, on Nagtahan Bridge in Manila City on Thursday, June 23. A Filipino revolutionary leader, educator, lawyer, and statesman who served first as a legal and constitutional adviser to the Revolutionary Government, Mabini also served as the first Prime Minister of the Philippines upon the establishment of the First Philippine Republic.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

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

In a recent hybrid seminar on franchising hosted

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

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

Badajos is particularly pushing for this kind of business venture because he believes this is the safest

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Palace: Duterte turns down drug czar post under Bongbong Marcos admin

by DAPHNE

GALVEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte has declined the offer to serve as the drug czar of his successor Presidentelect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Malacañang said.

“The last offer that I saw was to head, to become the drug czar. Pero tinanggihan niya na iyon eh (he declined it already),” acting presidential spokesman Martin Andanar said Wednesday, June 22 when asked if the incoming administration had standing offers to Duterte.

“Iyon ang lumabas sa pahayagan,” he added.

(That’s what appeared in the news.)

Marcos Jr. earlier said he was open to including Duterte in his Cabinet as a drug czar.

Duterte is the father of his running mate Vice President-elect Sara Duterte.

“We have not talked about it but I’m open to anyone who’s able to help in the government.

Matagal na kaming magkabigan ni PRRD, noong mayor pa siya (We have been friends for a long time, back when he was still mayor).

I’m sure if he wants to play a part, sasabihin

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2022 NBA Draft: Kai Sotto’s path to his ultimate dream

by MARK

GIONGCO Inquirer.net

Kai Sotto during his stint with Adelaide 36ers

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

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Community calls for justice for Fil-Am family targeted in racist attack

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky endorsed the recommendation of the panel.

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

KAI Sotto is knocking at the doorstep of his NBA goal.

But whether he makes it or not is just a couple of the many questions hanging as the 2022 NBA Draft looms.

Filipino in the NBA Sotto is one call away from making history as the first fullblooded Filipino to reach the NBA. The 20-year-old, however, won’t be the first of Filipino descent with that distinction belonging to Raymond Townsend, who was drafted 22nd overall by Photo courtesy of Adelaide 36ers the Golden State Warriors in

1978 and played a total of three seasons in the league with the Warriors and the Indiana Pacers.

Two more Filipino-Americans in Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson and Houston Rockets young gun Jalen Green are currently playing in the NBA. After leading Ateneo high school to a UAAP title and two finals appearances, Sotto went all in on pursuing his NBA dream.

In April 2019, Sotto left for the United States to train full-time.

Sotto was a consensus fourstar recruit in the US and drew interest from NCAA Division I schools. He also received offers to play in Europe.

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

PNA photo by Joey Dalumpines

Vice President-elect Sara Duterte takes oath as 15th vice president

by KAYCEE

VALMONTE Philstar.com

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

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

In her remarks after taking her u PAGE 4 oath, the president’s daughter

said she had wanted to be a doctor but that she was led in another direction: law school and becoming a lawyer.

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

“That will not happen anymore.

I am now the vice presidentelect.”

She said that she was called to run for vice president and that “the voice of 32.2 million Filipinos was loud and clear with the message [for me] to serve our motherland.”

Vice President-elect Duterte earlier said that she wanted

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June 23-29, 2022 • LAS VeGAS ASIAn JOuRnAL

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

From The FronT Page

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

PAGE 1

form of investment for Fil-Am investors, who normally have a lot of capital money but do not have the luxury of time to personally run a business.

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

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

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

“We now also have among the world’s lowest personal and corporate income taxes, thanks to Tax Reform Laws enacted by the Philippine Congress, and signed by President Duterte in 2021,” Badajos said.

Early last year, Duterte signed the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Bill or Republic Act No. 11534 which lowered corporate income tax (CIT) to 25% from 30% for large corporations; and 20 percent for small business from 25 percent.

This previous CIT rate was the highest in Asia, which made the Philippines less attractive to prospective investors.

The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Law (TRAIN Law) or RA 10963, on the other hand, lowers the personal income tax. Individual taxpayers with taxable income not exceeding P250,000 annually are exempted from income tax. The exemption for minimum wage earners is retained. Tax rates for individual taxpayers still follow the progressive tax system with the maximum rate of 35 percent, and minimum rates of 20 percent (taxable years 2018 to 2022) and 15 percent (2023 onwards).

Badajos also cited another

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

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

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

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

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

“Given the great potential growth in the Philippine franchising industry and the complementary legislation I mentioned earlier, I hope that you have already been convinced to consider investing, at least in one franchise in the Philippines.

By doing so, you’ll not only be contributing to the economic recovery of our country in the post-pandemic era but also providing employment opportunities to more Filipinos back home,” the consul told participants in the seminar.

Latest macroeconomic forecast show that the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to expand 6.7 percent this year from 5.6 percent in 2021 and -9.6 percent in 2020.

GDP is the sum of goods and services produced by a country’s

economy during a specified period of time.

Based on ASEAN 6 Economic Update Report, in the first quarter of 2022 alone, the Philippine economy grew by 8.3 percent, the highest in Asia, compared to Indonesia (5 percent), Malaysia (5 percent), Singapore (3.5 percent)and Vietnam (5.03 percent).

The net foreign direct investment (FDI) is seen to recover to $8.8 billion in 2022 from $10.52 billion in 2021 and a significant improvement from $6.5 billion in 2020.

Foreign direct investment net inflow is defined as the total value of inward overseas direct investment made by foreign entities, including non-resident investors.

The country’s gross international reserves, meanwhile, are expected to jack up to $117 billion this year from $108.89 billion in 2021 and $110.1 billion in 2020. GIR consists of holdings of gold, special drawing rights (SDRs) foreign investments, and foreign exchange, including reserve position in the International Monetary Fund.

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

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

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

She also said the Philippines PAGE 3

DEVOTEE RIDERS. Motorcycle riders offer prayers outside the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene or commonly known as Quiapo Church along Quezon Blvd. in Manila on Wednesday, June 22. The church is normally crowded with devotees of the Black Nazarene every Friday.

PNA photo by Jess M. Escaros Jr.

Southern Nevada rolls out...

PAGE 1 caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated.”

As of Wednesday, June 22, the Health District is offering the Pfizer vaccine, a three-dose series, at its clinics located at the College of Southern Nevada’s West Charleston and North Las Vegas campuses, the Galleria at Sunset, the Boulevard Mall inside El Mercado, and at the Southern Nevada Community Health Center clinic at 280 S. Decatur Blvd. (located in the external structure on the south side of the building). The Health District will also begin offering the Moderna vaccine, a two-dose

series at the Health Center clinic at 280 S. Decatur Blvd.

Va c c i n e a v a i l a b i l i t y f o r younger children follows recommendations by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines and authorization for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for children 6 months to 4 years of age and is a threedose series. The second dose is administered between three and eight weeks after the first dose.

The third dose is administered at least eight weeks after the second dose. (Available at multiple Health District clinic locations.)

The Moderna vaccine is

authorized for children ages 6 months to 5 years of age in a two-dose series, with the s e c o n d d o s e a d m i n i s t e re d four to eight weeks after the first dose. (Available at 280 S. Decatur Blvd.)

Children in this younger age group can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available.

Children who have already had COVID-19 should still get vaccinated, the Health District said.

Children who have been infected with COVID-19 can get the vaccine three months from when their symptoms started, or if they were asymptomatic, three months after they received a positive test. Children can also safely receive other vaccines the same day they receive their COVID-19 vaccine. n

Palace: Duterte turns down drug czar...

PAGE 1 Bongbong Marcos also said naman niya sa akin (he will let me Duterte told him to continue know). I am certainly open to all of his controversial war against that,” Marcos Jr. had said. illegal drugs, which has killed

thousands of drug peddlers and users, and is the subject of a probe by the International Criminal Court. n

Dateline USa

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • June 23-29, 2022

Filipino lawyer John Albert Laylo killed in... Vice President-elect Sara Duterte takes oath...

PAGE 1 In a tweet following the meeting, Consul General Cato said, “We thank @PhillyMayor Jim Kenney and @PhillyPolice for their assurance that they will do everything they can to bring to justice whoever is responsible for the death of our kababayan John Albert Laylo.”

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

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

Filipino community leaders in Philadelphia held a memorial

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

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

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

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

“I said a prayer for him and assured him that we will do

PAGE 1 to hold her inauguration early because she wanted the people of Davao — where she was mayor from 2010 o 2013 and from 2016 — to witness her oathtaking.

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

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

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

She also said children are seminars in the coming months to address all the concerns of the prospective FilAm investors.

Moreso, Limjoco also highlighted in her presentation some potential franchise businesses for FilAms such as: Potato Corner, World’s Best Flavored Fries (Capital P300,000-P600,000; required space 4 sqm and above); The Generics Pharmacy (P700,000 to P900,000; required space 1530 sqm); and Reyes Haircutters, Ang Salon ng Bayan (P800,00 to P3.5 million).

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

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

everything we can to bring him home as soon as possible,” Cato posted.

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

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

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

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

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the family for funeral and other related expenses.

Visit https://www.gofundme. com/f/john-albert-jal-laylo.

(Momar G. Visaya/AJPress)

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

PAGE 2 has been recognized as a franchise hub in Asia “because many of the brands that we have really have to make sure that the franchisee will make money and the customers keep coming back.”

The PFA official took note that franchise industry had remained resilient and even boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

During the seminar, COFACC president Gerry Palon suggested a collaboration with PFA for the possible link-up of their systems to effectively address some logistics concerns including information dissemination and data availability. COFACC is an umbrella organization of 22

partner Chamber organizations in the U.S. “We can help the PFA in linking up its portal to all our platforms.

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

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

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

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

Badajos, meanwhile, said that

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WINNING PAIR. President-elect Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and Vice President-elect Sara Zimmerman Duterte engage in a discussion during the inauguration of Vice President-elect Duterte on Sunday, June 19.

Malacañang photo by Ace Morandante

also burdened by the effects of illiteracy, bullying, “recruitment to support terrorism,” and misinformation. The drug problem also did not go unmentioned.

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

Held at the San Pedro Square in Davao City, those who attended Duterte’s inauguration included President-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. along with his wife Liza AranetaMarcos, Sen. Imee Marcos,

Ilocos Norte Congressman-elect Sandro Marcos, as well as Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Duterte’s mentor and who has been elected as Pampanga representative.

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

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Dateline USa

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US Senate deal raises hopes for a reduction in gun suicides Community calls for justice for Fil-Am family...

by Carly

Graf

Instead, 10 Republican senators signed on to a framework that Kaiser Health News includes a provision that would A bipartisan U.S. Senate help fund red flag laws, which agreement negotiated after allow courts to temporarily high-profile mass shootings in confiscate firearms from people Texas, New York, and Oklahoma deemed a threat to themselves lacks gun access restrictions or others. Nineteen states and that advocates say are needed Washington, D.C., have such laws. to prevent such attacks. But the If all 48 Democratic senators and deal’s focus on mental health has two independents who typically raised hopes — and doubts — that vote with the Democrats are in it will help reduce gun suicides, agreement, that group would be particularly in rural Western states large enough to overcome any filibuster and pass the bill. with wide-open gun laws.

The deal also includes enhanced Montana, Wyoming, Alaska, and Idaho perennially rank highest background checks for people among states in gun suicide younger than 21 and significant rates. And despite research that investment in mental health and concludes stringent firearm safety telehealth resources. A draft of the laws help curb gun violence, bill was released Tuesday.

But gun control advocates say lawmakers in those states have long rejected restrictions that the deal leaves out measures experts say would reverse those that have been shown to help prevent suicides — the leading decades-long trends.

Conservatives in Congress, cause of deaths involving guns mirroring their counterparts in in the U.S. — such as mandatory those Republican-led states, are waiting periods and safe-storage resisting sweeping policies that requirements. They also caution would restrict access to guns, against linking high rates of gun such as raising the minimum suicide to mental illness.

“It’s important to be really clear age for purchasing AR-15-style rifles to 21. Proposals to change that people with mental illness age limits emerged after guns of are more likely to be victims of that type were used recently in gun violence than perpetrators,” an elementary school shooting said Sarah Burd-Sharps, senior in Uvalde, Texas; a grocery store director of research for the shooting in Buffalo, New York; gun control advocacy group and a hospital shooting in Tulsa, Everytown for Gun Safety.

Residents of rural states are Oklahoma.

particularly vulnerable to gun suicides. Research has found a relationship between isolated rural living and “deaths of despair,” those related to substance use, mental health issues, and suicide. Some studies suggest that living at higher altitudes — a reality for many residents of the Mountain West — increases the likelihood that a person will develop symptoms of depression or suicidal tendencies.

Montana had the secondhighest rate of gun suicides nationwide in 2019, according to the state health department. From 2010 to 2019, 86% of all Montana firearm deaths were suicides, compared with 61% nationally.

Research overwhelmingly concludes that stricter firearm safety laws help curb gun violence.

However, Montana has almost no restrictions on who can buy a gun, what kind of gun a person can purchase, when it can be bought, or how it can be carried in public. The state no longer requires people to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon in public places, and lawmakers in Helena passed a law in 2021 that bars universities from regulating firearm possession on campus.

That law has been temporarily blocked during a legal challenge.

Wyoming, Alaska, and Idaho similarly have high rates of PAGE 7

2022 NBA Draft: Kai Sotto’s path to his ultimate...

PAGE 1 But Sotto opted for the unconventional route and joined other top prospects at Ignite in the G League.

When it fell through, Sotto signed with the Adelaide 36ers in Australia’s National Basketball League in April 2021 making him eligible for the NBA the following year.

NBL experience In a surprise move, Sotto took his act Down Under.

Sotto played only one season with Adelaide but showed flashes of brilliance averaging 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on 50 percent shooting from the field in 23 games.

The 7-foot-2 center believes the experience of playing against grown men and the physicality in the NBL made him ready for the NBA. Workouts Despite flying under the radar, Sotto was invited to a dozen pre-

draft workouts.

The New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and the Pacers were among the teams that wanted to get a firsthand look at Sotto.

“I would say I’m a skilled seven footer that can shoot from the outside. And I’m a pretty good passer at my height as well,” Sotto said when asked about what he can offer to an NBA team. “And I have a high basketball IQ and pretty good shot blocker.” “[I] just hope to show teams what I can do and what I can offer to the team and how good of a player and a teammate I am.

And I’m just a very thankful guy.

I just really appreciate all the opportunities that are given to me. And if I get a chance to be on an NBA team, I would give my best and everything I have.”

Draft projections In late May, Sports Illustrated placed Sotto at No. 49 in their

mock draft. The Sacramento Kings, who also invited Sotto to a workout, hold the 49th pick.

But no other media outlet had Sotto’s name in it in their respective mock drafts.

Forward Jabari Smith out of Auburn and center Chet Holmgren of Gonzaga are the projected top picks in the class.

The Magic, who also worked out Sotto, will choose first in the draft set on Friday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Orlando also has the rights to the 32nd and 35th picks.

It’s hard to tell where Sotto goes in the draft.

While there is a possibility he might not get picked, there is also a chance that Sotto still ends up with an NBA team despite going undrafted as a free agent.

But one thing’s for sure, a young and determined 7-foot-2 prospect that has an entire nation behind him, will always have a chance at making it big. n

PAGE 1 He was taken into custody in Orange County for an unrelated matter and held on the warrant, officials said.

The groups also have issued a letter addressed to District Attorney George Gascón to “launch a fullscale criminal investigation on this hate-motivated attack.”

“We are adamant that the suspect must be held responsible and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and we wholeheartedly support the Roque family’s decision to pursue justice,” the letter reads, adding, “Please help bring the Roque family peace of mind in one of the darkest times of their lives.”

An arrest warrant was issued on Thursday, June 16 against 31-year-old Weber from North Hollywood who failed to appear in court last June 8 to face charges of felony and misdemeanor battery hate crime.

Around 10 p.m. on May 13, Patricia Roque, 19, and her mom, Nerissa, were getting late-night snacks at the McDonald’s drivethru on Victory Boulevard in North Hollywood when a dark blue jeep, driven by Weber, hit their car from behind.

As Patricia thought it was just a simple case of a hit-and-run, she went out of the car and started taking cellphone videos of the damages to their car.

This was when the suspect went to the side of their car and started throwing racial slurs with a mock Asian accent. The suspect threatened them by saying, “I’ll kill you,” Patricia recounted.

While waiting for the police to respond to their 911 call, Patricia called her dad, Gabriel, who arrived in time to stop Weber who was trying to enter the car to get to Patricia.

In the process of stopping the suspect from hurting his daughter who was seated in the passenger’s seat of the car, the 62-year-old father was pushed down to the pavement by the suspect. Gabriel suffered injuries, including a broken rib and bruises on his arms.

“My family and I were victims of anti-Asian hate. What initially started off as a minor traffic collision quickly escalated to verbal and physical assaults. We were taunted, ridiculed, and belittled because of our appearance as Asian Americans. Specifically, the suspect called us ‘ching chong’ and made squinting eye motions as he verbally threatened us,” Patricia Roque told the Asian

Filipino American community members on Friday, June 17 rallied at the Los Angles District Attorney’s office in Van Nuys to call for justice for the Roque family, who were victims of anti-Asian hate in May. Photo courtesy of the Filipino Migrant Center/Facebook

Journal.

The young Roque said they have waited for almost an hour for police to arrive at the scene.

“We called the police, but they were slow to respond, so we called my dad for help. When my dad arrived, the suspect continued to verbally assault us and attempted to open our car door as I was seated in the passenger seat.

When my father tried to stop the suspect from further attacking us, the suspect viciously attacked my dad by beating him and throwing him on the ground,” she narrated.

After attacking her father, Weber reportedly turned to her mother and strangled her.

“My mom tried to intervene to stop the attack on my dad. At that point, the suspect turned his anger and hate towards my mom and started strangling her with his bare hands. We all screamed for help. We all pleaded for the suspect to stop,” Patricia said.

She said luckily, a bystander helped stop Weber from further attacking her family.

When the police finally arrived, Weber was taken by an ambulance to the hospital and later on, was released with a citation to appear in court last June 8 but he never did.

Living in the U.S. for more than 10 years, Gabriel and Nerissa never thought something like this would happen to their family.

“We are just seeing stories about hate crimes on television. We can’t believe this had happened to us,” said Gabriel, who works as an accountant. He had to take time off work leave due to the injuries he sustained from Weber’s attack.

“We hope that the authorities would seriously look into these hate crimes,” said Nerissa, a caregiver and a member of the Filipino Migrant Center. “Nobody, whatever the color of their skin,

deserves this kind of treatment.”

The 47-year-old mother of three said that the family will choose not to live in fear, despite the harrowing attack.

“The fear will not disappear any time soon but we need to be strong for our family. We cannot live with fear. We should stand together against these hate crimes,” she said.

“There is no doubt that the suspect’s actions and attacks were motivated by hate. This was the most traumatic experience of our lives. I feared that the suspect would kill us because of what we looked like—because we are Asian,” Patricia said.

This fight, Gabriel said, is not only for their family but for all underrepresented groups living here in the U.S. “Authorities should show these perpetrators that they don’t just do this crime to whoever they want.

They should know that there’s a law that prevents them from doing these. They should be held liable for persecuting or hurting people just because they look different,” he said.

The Roque family is continuing to call for a full investigation and “demand that this case be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Patricia said.

During this ordeal, Patricia said they are grateful for the support they are getting from the Filipino community here.

“We thank the community for supporting us at this difficult time.

The Filipino American and Asian American communities have rallied behind us, so we know we are not alone,” she said.

The Filipino Migrant Center, meanwhile, has created a fundraiser on its website for the Roque family’s physical and emotional recovery. (Donnabelle Aravelo/AJPress)

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LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • June 23-29, 2022

5

Former PAL president Jaime Bautista is Marcos’ pick for DOTr secretary MANILA — Businessman and former Philippine Airlines chief Jaime Bautista is presidentelect Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s pick to head the Department of Transportation, the latter confirmed Thursday.

Incoming ES Vic Rodriguez confirmed this reporters in a text message.

Bautista, president and chief operating officer of the flag carrier from 2004 to 2019, is inheriting a transport situation that both commuters and transport workers alike say is in crisis, with wanting transport capacity on the roads only exacerbated by skyrocketing fuel prices.

He has also headed nine different companies, including serving as an independent director of Belle Corp., Premium Leisure Corp., and Nickel Asia Corp.

Transportation woes Commuter and transport groups have urged incoming transport officials to rethink the DOTr's PUV modernization program and find long-term solutions to the oil woes faced by the sector.

O u t g o i n g Tra n s p o r t a t i o n Secretary Arthur Tugade was i n i t i a l l y r u m o re d t o b e i n consideration for the position, though groups representing workers in the sector protested the possible re-appointment.

"We need leaders who will break the cycle of focusing on infrastructure projects intended to benefit only private vehicles while overlooking the needs of commuters, pedestrians, and cyclists," transport advocacy

group AltMobility PH said in a statement sent to media earlier.

"We need leaders who will actively support and swiftly respond to transport-related crises such as public transport supply shortages and increasing oil prices."

The Stop and Go Transport Coalition warned commuters that the public transportation crisis would possibly worsen under the incoming administration with incoming officials still likely to continue pushing for the public utility vehicle modernization program.

"It's businesses that will profit from this. Maybe they only consulted businessmen, not the actual stakeholders," the group's leadership said at a press conference in May. "What we're appealing from the next government is to put a stop to the PUV modernization, which causes a lot of problems in our ranks," it also said. "I hope they don't take away our right to make a living."

More transportation appointees Later Thursday afternoon, Marcos Jr. also named other key nominees in his administration's transportation cluster.

Former Light Rail Transit Authority Deputy Administrator Cesar Chavez was named Undersecretary-designate for Rails of the DOTr, a position currently held by Transportation Undersecretary TJ Batan.

Chavez, who President Rodrigo Duterte appointed

t o t h e s a m e p o s t i n 2 0 1 7, was described as being "instrumental in securing the NEDA Board's approval for the Metro Manila Subway, PNR Manila to Calamba, PNR Manila to Bicol, and the Tagum-DavaoDigos Mindanao rail projects."

He was formerly Assistant General Manager for Planning of the Metro Manila Development Authority, Chairman of the National Youth Commission, and youth sector Representative in the 9th Congress.

Chavez also served as outgoing Manila Mayor Isko Moreno’s chief of staff.

Veteran journalist and lawyer Cheloy Garafil was nominated Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Chairmandesignate, the position currently held by lawyer Martin Delgra III. Garafil, a Service Director at the Committee on Rules of the House of Representatives, was a prosecutor for the Department of Justice and state solicitor for the Office of the Solicitor General after working in media for over a decade.

Christopher "Chet" Pastrana was also announced as the next General Manager-designate of the Philippine Ports Authority, the current position of PPA GM Jay Santiago.

Pastrana is currently President and CEO of supply and logistics conglomerate CAPP Industries and Chairman of Archipelago Philippines Ferries Corp., which operates FasCat ferries. (Jaime Bautista/Philstar.com)

PH terminates oil exploration talks with China MANILA – The Philippines was the one that initiated the termination of oil exploration talks with China, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. revealed Thursday, June 29.

In his speech during the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) Foundation Day, Locsin said both sides tried to negotiate for three years and got as far as constitutionally possible.

However, another step forward would have risked a "constitutional crisis".

"That explains the sudden pullback on my part which unraveled three years of sincere hard work on the part of Wang Yi and me.

We had both tried to go as far as we could -- without renouncing China's aspiration on his part; and constitutional limitations on my part. I shut down shop completely," he said.

"The president had spoken. I carried out his instructions to the letter: oil and gas discussions are terminated completely. Nothing is pending; everything is over," he

added.

He noted that throughout the three-year talks, the Philippines never surrendered even a particle of its sovereignty.

The top diplomat said it now falls on the next administration's shoulders to protect the Philippine sovereignty "all the way to the wire".

"The irreducible template of what is constitutionally possible is there in black and white. Surrender of any portion of Philippine sovereignty is not an option," he said. (PNA)

BUSINESS DISTRICT. High-rise buildings in Metro Manila as seen from a portion of Taytay Diversion Road in Taytay, Rizal on Wednesday, June 22. People have been going up to the area to see an overlooking view of the metropolis, especially during weekends.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

COVID-19 cases up by 82%

THE Department of Health (DoH) on Monday, June 20 reported an 82-percent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country.

In its weekly case bulletin, the DoH said 3,051 cases were recorded from June 13 to June 19, or a daily average of 436.

This is 82% higher than the cases reported from June 6 to June 12.

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

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

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

Out of 55 million Filipinos eligible for booster shots,

only 14 million have received booster doses.

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

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

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

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

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

As little as 6 inches of water can sweep a person off their feet, and a foot of water can cause a car or truck to float. Turn from flooded roadways no matter what kind of vehicle you’re driving.

risk for COVID-19.

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

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

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

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

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

6

JUNE 23-29, 2022 • LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL

OPINION

A pressing priority

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FEATURES

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

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

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

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

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

Editorial

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ms. Duterte and her speechwriters had plenty of time

Health (DOH).

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

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

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

ManilaTimes.net photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joseph Estrada also broke with tradition and was sworn in at Barasoain Church in Malolos,

Bulacan. Since it was 1998 – the year when we commemorated the centennial of our proclamation of independence, Estrada saw it as symbolic to be sworn into office in the same place where Emilio Aguinaldo took his oath as president of the First Philippine Republic.

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

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

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

Love of country

Sentinel

RAMON TULFO

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

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

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

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

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

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

Philippines.

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

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

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

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

day as his inaugural in 1935.

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

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

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

BBM was telling me that he inquired why he had to sign the Palace guest book when he was in fact going to be living there during his term of office. According to traditional protocol, BBM would be the last guest to be visiting Malacañang during the administration of President Duterte, after which the guest book will be closed. A new guest book would then be opened with Ferdinand Marcos

Jr. as president. Apparently, not too many people are aware of this. I was grateful to him for sharing this piece of historical trivia with me.

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

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

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

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

Outgoing president Donald Trump did not carry out the customary welcome ceremonies (coffee, waiting at the steps), refusing to attend the inauguration of his successor Joe Biden – breaking 152 years of White House tradition.

The last time an outgoing president refused to attend the inauguration of his successor was in 1869 when Andrew Johnson stayed in the White House while Ulysses Grant was being sworn into office. Trump followed one tradition however: he left a letter for President Joe Biden – who described it as “very generous.” (Philstar.com) ***

segments in the 1950s.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Comparing Eleazar to Danao is like comparing a Germanmade Mercedes Benz to a jeepney assembled in Cavite.

(Philstar.com) ***

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

*** babeseyeview@gmail.com

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Dateline PhiliPPines

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P9.7-B World Bank loan to address Pinoy kids’ stunting MANILA — The Philippines has secured a $178.1-million loan (P9.7 billion) from the World Bank to address the worsening undernutrition and stunting among Filipino children.

The Washington-based multilateral lender approved the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project that aims to support the delivery of nutrition and health care services at the primary care and community levels to help reduce stunting.

Childhood stunting or the prolonged nutritional deficiency among infants and young children in the Philippines remains a pressing issue and is considered a silent pandemic in the country.

The project will cover 235 municipalities with high incidence of poverty and malnutrition in the Philippines.

World Bank country director Ndiame Diop emphasized that the persistence of high levels of childhood undernutrition in the Philippines, exacerbated by the pandemic, could lead to a

significant increase in inequality of opportunities in the country.

“Stunted children tend to be sickly, learn less, more likely to drop out of school and their economic productivity as adults can be clipped by more than 10 percent in their lifetime,” Diop said.

“Improving the nutritional status of children is key to the country’s goals of boosting human capital while strengthening the country’s economic recovery and prospects for long-term growth,” he said.

According to the World Bank, the project will deliver a package of nutrition-specific and nutritionsensitive interventions across local government units together with a social behavior change and communications interventions.

Households with pregnant women and children under two years stand to benefit from the project. The project will also support behavioral change campaigns for targeted households and communities

to adopt behaviors crucial to improving nutrition outcomes for women and children.

These include proper hand washing, improved sanitation and access to safe drinking water, early child-care and development, nutrition-focused child-care development activities, and promoting access to social protection programs.

Further, interventions will focus on the first 1,000 days of life – from conception through pregnancy and birth, the newborn period, infancy, and transition to primary school – a critical period of children’s development.

World Bank senior nutrition specialist Nkosinathi Mbuya argued that undernutrition and exposure to risks and adversities during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life can disrupt cognitive, emotional, and physical development.

Mbuya said this could hold children back from reaching their full potential, thus affecting the formation of the country’s human capital. (Philstar.com)

OFW group calls on next admin to act on Mary Jane Veloso’s deposition MANILA — A coalition of Filipino migrants’ groups wants the incoming administration to act on the deposition of detained overseas Filipino worker Mary Jane Veloso after the Supreme Court did not give additional instructions on her case.

Migrante International is calling on president-elect Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “act accordingly and to show his support in the fight against human trafficking.”

In a decision promulgated on March 21, the SC Special Third Division noted without action the solicitor’s general request for the highest court to issue new instructions or negotiations for Veloso’s deposition.

“The Court finds this moment opportune to remark that the executive department need not obtain the assent of the judiciary in accepting, rejecting, or modifying the conditions set by Indonesia,” the decision read.

“The executive department has already done so before when, through the ardent efforts of the Department of Justice, it magnificently secured this legal miracle for Mary Jane, that she may air her side of the story despite her incarceration and conviction in a foreign country.”

Veloso narrowly escaped death row in 2015.

She was arrested in April 2010 after arriving in Yogyakarta with 2.6 kilograms of heroin sewn into the lining of her luggage. She said her recruiters, Maria Cristina Sergio and Julius Lacanilao, were behind the scheme and maintained her innocence.

Her execution in 2015 was postponed after the Philippine government argued that she could testify in human trafficking cases. Veloso, however, has remained behind bars in Indonesia for 12 years.

The solicitor general requested new guidelines of

According to the Philippine embassy in Jakarta, Mary Jane Veloso is presently detained in Yogyakarta and not in Semarang.

Philstar.com photo

her deposition, citing the Indonesian government’s decision to hold it in the prison facility instead of the Philippine Embassy and will be conducted by the Indonesian Attorney General or any officials they may appoint in the presence of a Philippine Embassy consular officer and the presiding judge.

Migrante International is holding President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration accountable for Veloso’s detainment for over a decade.

“Instead of immediately acting on the proposal made by the Indonesian government, the Duterte administration did not move a finger to push for Mary Jane’s deposition to show his support on the fight against human trafficking and for Mary Jane to be reunited with [her] family,” Migrante International Chairperson Joanna Concepcion said.

(Philstar.com)

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • June 23-29, 2022

Raffy Tulfo takes oath

7

SENATOR-ELECT Rafael "Raffy" Tulfo took his oath before Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on Wednesday, June 22.

Tulfo received over 23 million votes in the 2022 elections, second to Antique Rep. Loren Legarda's 24 million. Actor Robin Padilla topped the Senate race with over 26 million votes.

Tulfo said he saw a need to build more detention facilities nationwide.

"More online or videoconferencing is needed not just in courthouses or halls of justice, but also in jails at the municipal, city and provincial levels," he said.

The Commission on Elections proclaimed the 12 senators-elect last month.

The six-year term of the incoming senators will start at noon on June 30, 2022.

The 19th Congress will start on July SENATOR-elect Raffy Tulfo took his oath before Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic 25, 2022. (ManilaTimes.net) Leonen.

Photo from Raffy Tulfo’s Facebook account

US Senate deal raises hopes for a reduction...

PAGE 4 gun suicide and relatively few restrictions on firearm purchases and possession.

Andrew Rose, a 24-year-old living in Boise, Idaho, knows firsthand how permissive gun laws can have fatal consequences.

Rose’s brother killed himself in 2013, using a gun he had purchased the same day.

Rose describes his brother’s suicide as “a moment of crisis,” one that might have passed if Idaho had a mandatory waiting period in place that forced him to pause and consider his plans.

Rose believes “the accessibility of guns has everything to do with the suicide rate” and the death of his brother and others like him.

Proposals to restrict gun access in these states are regularly scuttled, so advocacy groups have focused on prevention through mental health care services.

But forcing someone who has a mental illness and is on the cusp of violence into treatment is difficult, said Matt Kuntz, executive director of the Montana chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “In a state like Montana, where we have so many people who value their gun rights but who also need help, how do you make it as easy as possible?” he said.

Provisions in the U.S. Senate deal are worth exploring, Kuntz said, but any successful federal gun control legislation must be based on state laws that have been tested. “States need to be

the laboratories of innovation,” he said.

States with lower gun suicide rates tend to have stricter gun policies. Depending on the state, research shows that for every 10 to 20 firearms removed using a red flag law, also called an extreme risk law, one suicide is prevented.

Nine states and Washington, D.C., have some version of a mandatory waiting period, in which there is a delay of three to 14 days for a person to buy a gun.

A 2017 study found that waiting periods can reduce gun suicides 7% to 11% and gun homicides 17%.

Waiting periods “create a buffer of time for a person in crisis to think,” Burd-Sharps said. “It can be the difference between someone walking out with a gun and carrying out their plan in a suicidal crisis or reconsidering and saving their life.”

Safe-storage laws, or securestorage laws, are considered one of the most effective ways to prevent a young person from accessing a gun kept in their household. In eight states and Washington, D.C., firearm owners must keep their guns unloaded, locked, and separated from ammunition. Nearly two dozen states have laws that make firearm owners liable if a child uses their weapon.

But getting enough support for such measures to pass in an evenly divided U.S. Senate would likely be difficult. Even the red

flag provision in the agreement came under fire as the framework evolved into legislation, said the lead Republican negotiator, Sen. John Cornyn of Texas.

Donald Trump Jr. stoked that opposition in a recent tweet, saying, “Any ‘Republican’ selling out to the left to support this trash might as well put a (D) next to their name.”

Sen. Steve Daines, a Montana Republican, has said he thinks Congress should not “meddle” in states’ decisions about whether to adopt red flag laws.

Republicans aren’t the only lawmakers who have their limits when it comes to gun restrictions. Democrats from rural states are also sensitive to them. Sen. Jon Tester, a Montana Democrat, said measures with broad public support such as stronger background checks and more money for behavioral and mental health services would help combat Montana’s high suicide rate. But Tester told HuffPost that he opposes other measures, such as raising the minimum age to buy semiautomatic rifles.

Advocates for stronger gun laws say robust federal action beyond the current proposal is necessary to create real change.

“I wish everyone understood that if we act together we can make monumental change,” Rose said. “I wish people understood that it is fully within our power to save lives. We simply have to stand up and say the truth.” n

Dateline PhiliPPines

8

June 23-29, 2022 • LAS VeGAS ASIAn JOuRnAL Las vegas ASIAN JOURNAL

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VEGAS&STYLE

June 23, 2022

Journal

inside

LifestyLe • Consumer Guide • Community • MARketpLAce

Pinoy-made tocino burger lands on US food magazine cover people behind the establishment.

The tocino burger is also reported to be a menu fan favorite. it consists of “two juicy, highly-seasoned tocino and pork patties, sandwiched in a bright purple ube bun with caramelized pineapple, crisp and acidic green papaya achara, and a creamy ‘secret sauce’, according to the chefs.

The burger is inspired partly by the Philippines’ “chori burger” or “chorizo burger” and dungca’s childhood memories of eating sautéed tocino with garlic rice for breakfast. dungca said that their team “wanted to bring that comfort and nostalgia to the burger” by incorporating tocino into the pork patties.

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

Their burger was recently featured on the cover of “Food & W i n e’s ” ‘ T h e i n n o v a t o r issue’ which is released by the magazine once a year to spotlight leaders changing the way people eat and drink. “you’ll find them in our secondRandy Lizardo, Paolo Dungca, Arturo Mei and Tom Cunanan with the Food & Wine magazine as seen on Dungca’s Instagram Photo from Instagram/@paolodungca annual F&W Game Changers list A Pinoy-mAde tocino burger landed on the July 2022 cover of an American food magazine whose issue is dedicated to innovators in the food and beverage industry.

The burger with ube

buns is produced by the PogiBoy restaurant, a comfort food resto in Washington dC’s The Block Foodhall and Bar. i t i s t h e s i g n a t u re d i s h o f F i l i p i n o c h e f s To m Cunanan and Paolo dungca, the

Sam: Cheating is cheating

by Charmie Joy

Pagulong Philstar.com

SPendinG time with loved ones and doing the things that he loves are what makes Sam milby inspired these days.

The Kapamilya actor just celebrated his birthday with girlfriend miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray during a concert tour in Canada. The couple headlined the music event titled one magical night Tour, mounted

by Cornerstone entertainment. one of their latest couple trips saw them camping in Calamba, Laguna.

“Spending time with loved ones. Being with the woman that i love, that inspires me, obviously.

Riding my motorcycle. it gives me peace. Just being content and feeling blessed,” Sam told The STAR during the virtual media conference for his latest starrer series A Family Affair, on what has been making him happy recently.

He also appreciates Catriona’s understanding of the nature of his profession as well as filming intimate scenes with his co-stars, like ivana Alawi, in the upcoming series.

“We try to keep our relationship very private. The one thing with her is nai-intindihan niya even though she is not an actress,” Sam said of Catriona. “We’ve had a few talks and she’s just very, very understanding. i think that’s hard to find obviously as someone who’s not in the business, just having that understanding na itong trabaho ko and hindi siya selosa. The understanding and the trust is there. i’m thankful that i have someone like that.”

His love language is giftgiving and acts of service and his weakness is giving words of affirmation, he admitted.

When asked how far would he go for love, he answered, “Kung tunay na pagmamahal, hanggang sa kamatayan. if you love somebody, you do everything and anything… especially as a man you should even be willing to give your life to the woman you love.” on his take on cheating, he said, “every situation is different so it’s hard to generalize. i mean pwedeng may pagkukulang yung partner so hinahanap yung pagkukulang sa partner sa ibang tao. Walang time yung partner para sa’yo so yung isang taong ‘to mas nagbibigay ng time, so you get more connected with that person. But for me, cheating is cheating.”

When partners encounter a problem in their relationship,

Sam Milby

they should talk it over, he also advised. one thing that Sam learned about love over time is that “love is a choice.” “you have to make the conscious (that), ‘Hey, i’m choosing you every day.’ Wala ng iba. ikaw ang pinipili ko,” asserted Sam. “Hindi lang yung parang swak kayo, it’s finding that person who’s willing to fight with you through everything.”

“Because you may find people that you get along with, oK, but hindi siya willing na ipaglaban ang pagmamahal niyo and (they are) looking for other people. obviously, (it’s) not worth it and it’s not gonna work out,” he furthered. “it’s really finding that person that is willing to be understanding, to communicate, to fight through everything and anything and that (who) will choose you also every day.” meanwhile, in the A Family Affair, Sam is joined by ivana, Gerald Anderson, Jake ejercito, and Jameson Blake. The show is directed by Jerome Pobocan and Raymund ocampo with Jay Fernando as the creative manager. ivana previously admitted she had a crush on Sam. The latter said he “had no idea” and that he was surprised but felt flattered upon knowing that the actress and social media star admired him.

What he discovered about ivana while filming the series in masbate was “hindi siya maarte

Photo from Instagram/@samuelmilby

and very easy to work with.” He added, “makulit siya. She doesn’t like any type of exercises so sa mga future suitors, alam niyo na, don’t plan any exercises or hiking or anything like that.”

He also described ivana as “very generous and very passionate (with her work).”

“Kaka-proud naman and i’m sure that ivana’s fans will be proud of her because this is her first lead role in a teleserye and she’s doing so well, she’s working hard,” he shared.

“Puro kulitan kasi sa set eh. Laging kulitan. mahilig mangasar. Ganun kami,” he told The STAR. “it’s a very intense dramatic series but we make a lot of jokes and ganun lagi kami sa set. ivana loves to treat people.

Galante siya. (She likes to) pabili ng pagkain para sa lahat.” in a special media event with select press last June 15, ivana recalled her previous encounter with Sam during the taping for 3pol Trobol: Huli ka Balbon! movie, where they did a kissing scene.

“Kasi yung setup, i wasn’t there. When i arrived on set, they told me na hahalikan mo si Sam milby. i was like… ‘Huh?’ Siyempre pagpunta ko, sabi ko lang, ‘Hi!’ sa isang scene. We didn’t get to introduced or we didn’t get to talk tapos kiss agad.

‘Cut!’ Tapos kiss uli, kiss uli.

Tapos sabi ko, andami naman.

After that, nakapagkwentuhan na kami.”

which features 16 people and companies who are making hospitality and packaged goods smarter, more sustainable, more inclusive, and more delicious for all,” it said on an instagram post.

The magazine added that among its features is “a look at the rise of Filipino chefs and cuisine in America,” including its “cover star.” dungca also expressed his amazement after being featured by the magazine. “man, who would’ve thought?! Filipino Food on the cover of @foodandwine magazine! @pogiboydc,” he wrote on instagram, tagging the account of their restaurant.

“Big shout out to @khushandoj, @andeemationcooking, @ winslowtaft and the rest of the Food and Wine Team for making this dream happen. neVeR in my WiLdeST dReAmS,” the chef added. “ L a s t l y, t h a n k y o u @ scottsuchman, @lisacherkasky for making this shoot really awesome! mabuhay Ang Lutong Pinoy! We are our ancestor’s wildest dream,” dungca further said with Philippine flag emojis.

The restaurant also thanked the team and its patrons for their support. “ To s a y t h a t w e a r e overwhelmed with the support and love we have gotten for our @foodandwine CoVeR is an

July 2022 cover of Food & Wine magazine as seen on the Instagram of PogiBoy Photo from Instagram/@foodandwine

UndeRSTATemenT,” PogiBoy said on an instagram post.

“Thank yous are due to all of our neighbors, friends, and family for being with us every step of this journey. opening in the middle of the pandemic was no easy feat; we have learned so much along the way and our story is still just beginning!” it added.

“Thank you @khushandoj & @foodandwine for the dream feature and cover. Thank you

@andeemationcooking for bringing the recipe to life,” the post further said.

The feat was also recognized b y o u t g o i n g To u r i s m Secretary Bernadette RomuloPuyat who said that she is “so proud” of the Filipino chefs. “(Philippine flag emoji) burger on the cover of Food & Wine magazine (raised hands emoji),” she wrote on an instagram Story, reposting dungca’s post. (By Jeline Malasig/Philstar)

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

WRiTeR-diReCToR of marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Guardians of the Galaxy” James Gunn officially announced that Filipino-American actor nico Santos will be joining the film’s third installment.

He wrote on instagram Thursday, “yes @nicosantos is in #GotGVol3. Hilarious and talented and sweet guy who, like me, got engaged during Vol. 3 because magic and love were in the air.”

Santos has raised the Philippine flag in a number of Hollywood films and shows such as “Paul Blart: mall Cop 2” (2015) as Brian; “Crazy Rich Asians” (2018) as oliver; and nBC series “Superstore” (2015 to 2021) as mateo Liwanag which earned him a nomination for the Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in 2018. He also appeared in the off-Broadway play “Happy Talk,” in 2019.

“Punch me! i mean pinch me!

We wrapped a month ago but i’ve thought about my time on set every day since. Thank you @jamesgunn for your genius, kindness and for fostering and creating such an incredibly fun world to work and play in,” Santos reacting on his instagram account. “i believe it was early nineties R&B songstress Gabrielle who said ‘dreams can come true...’ now if you’ll excuse me, i have to go frolic in a meadow to celebrate all the joy i’m feeling,” the 43-year-old continued. details about his character in “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3,” is yet to be disclosed. But he will for sure be joining a powerhouse cast including fellow FilAm actor dave Bautista, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sylvester Stallone, Karen Gillan, elizabeth debicki, Will Poulter, Chuk iwuji, maria Bakalova, and daniela melchior.

The movie is set to release

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

Photo from Instagram/@nicosantos

may 5, 2023 in the U.S. (ManilaTimes.net)

For Ryza doing horror and comedy is hardest thing to do

by Alex

BrosAs Inquirer.net

BASed on experience, Ryza Cenon said that making people laugh and scaring people are two of the hardest things to do for an actor.

“Pinakamahirap ang i-convince mo ang mga tao na natatakot sila, na nararamdaman mo ‘yung takot. Ang pinakamahirap talaga is comedy and horror kasi kailangan mong i-convince ang viewers mo kung ano ‘yung gustong ipakita like kailangan nilang matawa sa ginagawa mo or kailangan nilang matakot sa nakikita sa ‘yo,” Cenon said during the online conference for “Rooftop,” last June 15. (The hardest is to convince people that they are afraid, that they feel the fear. The hardest is comedy and horror because you need to convince your viewers what you need to show like they need to laugh at what you’re doing or they need to be afraid of what they’re seeing from you.)

“Kapag naramdaman nila iyon, ibig sabihin good job ka kasi naapply mo siya,” she said. (if they feel it, it means that you did a good job because you were able to apply it.)

Cenon shared that their location, an abandoned hospital, is really

Ryza Cenon Photo from Instagram/@iamryzacenon

scary.

“Kapag nasa eksena, may naririnig ka na umiiyak na bata.

So, minsan imbes na matakot ako ay doon na lang ako humuhugot doon sa eksena. mas okay na ganoon kasi mas nakakatulong iyon sa character at sa story kasi doon na gagana ang imaginations mo,” she said. (When you’re doing a scene, you hear a baby crying.

So, sometimes, instead of being scared, that is where i draw from

the scene. That’s more okay as it helps you with your character and the story because that’s where your imaginations work.)

While on their summer break, ellie (Ryza Cenon) and her friends Lance (marco Gumabao), Wave (ella Cruz), martin (marco Gallo), Jessica (Rhen escaño) and Chris (Andrew muhlach) hold a secret party at their campus’ rooftop. They also invite Paul (epy Quizon), a fellow student but an outsider from their social group, who is also a part-time janitor at their school.

Trying to keep things exciting at the party, the group decides to play on what they thought was a harmless prank on Paul. Things go on a downward spiral when they push Paul from the rooftop and he ends up falling for real leading to his untimely death.

Being young, reckless and afraid to face the consequences of their actions, the group decides to cover up the incident and vows to never speak about what happened on the rooftop.

Things find a way to catch up with them as Paul’s ghost now haunts them. Will they be able to make peace with their past? or will they suffer the same fate as Paul’s?

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Features

LAS VEGAS ASIAN JOURNAL • June 23-29, 2022

Is the real estate market cooling off?

by RealtoR

9

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

THERE are indications in the past few weeks that the real estate market seems to be experiencing a cooldown period after a long period of upward trends.

According to First American Title’s market reports for the communities of Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Henderson, the market action index, or MAI, for these communities have fallen a bit from last month’s levels, although we are still at a seller’s market level.

For Las Vegas, FAT’s market report states that MAI is down 64 from the previous month’s level of 72. Median list price of homes fell down a little bit to $585,000, with the median price of new listings pegged at $495,645, also trending a bit downward. However, that is still good as per square foot price is still about $277, which shows a tremendous historical increase through the years.

It is still considered a seller’s market in Las Vegas, as there is still not enough inventory in the market to satisfy demand, although inventory has been steadily increasing over the past few months. The average days on market is at 59, while the median days on market is holding steady at 21.

The North Las Vegas area’s MAI has also fallen down to 79 from a level of 89 last month. The median list price of homes is at $469,900, with new listings having a median price of $459,999. Per square foot

price has held steady at $243.

While average days on market is at 52, which represented a decrease, median days on market has been trending up and is at 21. The North Las Vegas area is still deemed to be a seller’s market.

The same scenario is true for Henderson, whose MAI, per the FAT market report, fell down to 60 from a level of 69 last month.

Inventory has increased in the area, with the median list price of homes and the median price of new listings both going down to $663,000 and $561,915 respectively. Per square foot price has increased to $301 for the area. Average days on market is at 56, while median days on market has held steady at 21.

Finally, in the Boulder City area, the MAI has also fallen a bit to 49 from last month’s level of 56, but is still in seller’s market level.

The median list price of homes in Boulder City is holding steady at $748,440, while median price of new listings actually increased to $715,000. Per square foot price is at $333. Average days on market and median days on market has decreased to 103 and 39, respectively.

The current situation of the economy has contributed to the cooling off period, with many market analysts talking about inflation as well as the rising prices of gasoline due to world events (war on Ukraine and embargo on Russian oil, the pandemic and supply chain problems).

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (left) feels so lucky to have as her client, well-loved dentist Dr. Phil Paleracio, who is investing in Pahrump and plans to build his second medical office on Homestead Road.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (2nd from left) repeat investors in Pahrump, Clark Kenneth (extreme right) and Angelica (extreme left) Games from Palm Springs, CA have fallen in love with the fast developing town in Nye County, Nevada. With Realtor Quirevis-Bateman and the Games couple is Realtor John Abarabar of Rockwell Commercial Group.

A housing market crash, similar to what happened in 2008, should not happen this time even if the economy is on a slowdown. The industry is better equipped to handle any downward trends in the real estate market. Due to the circumstances of the 2008 housing market meltdown, procedures have been put in place to protect consumers, including more transparency in the lending process for buyers as well as higher qualification requirements in order to get optimal rates.

However, for the real estate market in Nevada, the cooling down period is not expected to last.

Real estate prices in the state are still at lower levels when compared

to some areas in the country, which is why more and more people are looking at living in Nevada due to more reasonable home and land prices.

Unemployment has also been trending downward in the state, which may mean more money or income for people to put into a home if they intend to purchase one.

A look at all the projects being planned in Las Vegas and neighboring communities shows continued interest in the area.

With tracts of land being sold in record prices and large companies committed to developing their own competing projects aimed at attracting tourists, travelers,

Once again at Benihana’s in Westgate, celebrating the close of escrow of a client, Virgilio P. Longakit Jr., for his unit at Tower 1, Turnberry Place. Photo above shows (from left) Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman, Dr. Phil Paleracio, Virgilio Longakit Jr. and Mary Jane Cutshall.

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

businesses and fun seekers of every age and size, construction should be aplenty and jobs available in the coming years.

Currently, inventory of homes has been increasing for Las Vegas and other neighborhoods. That bodes well for home buyers as they will have a number of choices to look at in their search for that dream house. Although still in a seller’s market, market conditions have dampened a bit – it has given buyers a little bit of wiggle room.

While the real estate market may adjust itself and correct itself a bit after a long period of uptick, history suggests that real estate is still a sound investment. One only has to look at price comparisons from a year ago, a decade ago, or even a couple or more decades ago to see that land and homes prices have risen on the average despite experiencing some periods of slump.

I have been a realtor since 1988 and have seen how Las Vegas, Pahrump and other neighboring communities have grown through

the years. Many of my clients who have invested in properties have seen their portfolio and wealth grow in time. Some have even taken advantage of market trends and have put their investments to good use via Airbnb, rentals and land banking.

There are still opportunities for those who want to secure home or property in Pahrump, Las Vegas or other Nevada communities. I can help you, my kababayans, purchase your first home, or second home, or investment property and turn your dreams into reality.

M y c o m p a n y, P r e c i o u s Properties, is a full-service company that has successfully helped its clientele find the best deals since 1988. You can reach me at 775513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@ gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

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June 23-29, 2022 • LAS VeGAS ASIAn JOuRnAL

Health @Heart PhiliP S. Chua, MD, FaCS, FPCS UVC light is a popular disinfectant for air, water, and nonporous surfaces. It has been used for decades to reduce the spread of bacteria (like tuberculosis) and various viruses. UVC lights are now sold as “germicidal lamps” against bacteria, viruses, and to some extent, molds. UVC light destroys the outer protein coating of the viruses, resulting in the deactivation, or inactivation, of the virus, like the SARS-Cov2 virus of COVID-19.

Precaution must be taken when using UVC lamps at home. UVC light must be used in a room with no person or pets because it could cause injuries to the skin and the eyes with prolonged exposure. It could also damage living plants.

The remote control switch must be turned on after the door is closed.

The UVC light with ozone dissipates with a distinct odor and flows to nooks and corners not reached by the UVC light, to sterilize them. Ozone is irritating when inhaled. This could be used in basements and laundry rooms/storage rooms. Allow an hour or so for the ozone smell to disappear before entering these rooms.

A very effective way to destroy the COVID-19 virus and other airborne viruses (Flu viruses, included) and germs, even on surfaces, UVC light is now available as Far-UVC light (222 nm), developed by Professor David Brenner of Columbia University.

Far-UVC light, unlike regular UVC light, is not dangerous to the skin, eyes, animals, and plants. This could conceivably be installed in hospitals, stores, theatres, and all public areas and mass transit, not to mention people’s homes. FarUVC could soon make the world safer and healthier.

OSA and CPAP Contrary to many ads on TV, which advertises nasal clips, oral gadgets, etc., the only truly effective device to manage Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is the use of CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure), following a sleep study. OSA increases the risk for heart attack, diabetes T2, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer because of the severe lack of oxygen in the person with sleep apnea who holds their breath for a prolonged period of time while asleep, sometimes dozens of times in a minute, 24/7, for years.

The CPAP keeps the airways open and delivers oxygen evenly, and continuously while the person is asleep, providing a healthy and restful sleep, and waking up refreshed and energized.

Persons with untreated OSA have restless sleep, some are snorers and wake up feeling tired, with low energy the whole day, and

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

UVC light vs COVID some are groggy, with lack of concentration. These individuals need to see their physician for a sleep study, even if they don’t snore. CPAP does wonders and could save lives.

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

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

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

Misguided politicians One of the reasons we have a prolonged COVID-19 pandemic is the misinformation, ignorance or plain stupidity and misguidance by our government officials.

Remember Florida Governor Ron DeSantis berating the students with him on a stage for wearing masks, wanting to be politically correct, and boasting to the world that he, as Governor, had “controlled” COVID-19 so well (compared to other Governors) that masks were no longer needed. There were other similar unhealthy pronouncements by other leaders.

And now comes Florida’s Surgeon General Jope Ladapo, an outspoken skeptic of the COVID-19 vaccines, who did not order the vaccines for kids five and under because of his personal convoluted decision.

And DeSantis obviously agreed.

These are not epidemiologists; they are arrogant, misinformed politicians making grossly erroneous medical decisions, putting the lives of children at stake. We have already lost more than a million lives to COVID in the United States. How many more do these people want to spare?

Remember the five radio talk show hosts who were antivaccines for COVID-19, who were vehemently against the vaccines, advising their audiences not to get vaccinated? They all got infected

and died. Before they died, they announced their regrets and apologies and told people to get the vaccines. Without any doubt, they have “killed” countless lives around the U.S. because of their anti-vax marketing.

COVID-19 is a pandemic, a medical matter, not politics, and should be left to epidemiologists and other experts in medicine – not to politicians, whose only interest is to be politically correct not to lose votes, and to hold on to their offices. They will say anything to get votes, even to the ultimate detriment of their constituents.

In spite of 2 boosters Anthony Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), who is fully vaccinated (with two boosters) has tested positive for COVID-19. He obviously was infected by a different strain not fully covered by his vaccines.

Lesson: In spite of full vaccination, we must still be careful, with masks on and doing social distancing.

Nothing to lose, except the virus.

As of Tuesday, June 21, 2022, at 10:20 (CST), there were 545,202,217 COVID-19 cases and 6,342,280 deaths worldwide; 88,054,080 cases (100T+ new cases), with 1,038,385 deaths in the United States; and 3,697,200 cases (409 new cases) and 60,467 deaths in the Philippines. There is still an average of more than 100,000 cases of COVID-19, with 313 deaths in the U.S. in the past 14 days.

The pandemic is not over yet.

Let us not fool and endanger ourselves and let our guard down, even if we already had the second booster. New strains are out there, and sadly, more new ones in the future because only 67 percent of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated. More than 100 million Americans are unvaccinated and most likely carriers and spreaders of the COVID-19 virus. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health. *** Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States.

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

A ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the turnover ceremony for the St. Joseph the Worker Winnetka Center in Dasmarinas, Cavite.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The late Leandro Capagcuan’s tireless efforts led to the eventual establishment of the St. Joseph the Worker Winnetka Center.

residents and they are extremely grateful for Tito Andy and his family’s generosity.

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

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

“Building a multi-purpose hall

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

When a person passes, only their physical presence is gone.

They stay with us through memories treasured by people whose lives they touched, or tangible testaments of goodness that they have left behind. Tito Andy has already laid the foundation for a bright future; it is up to us now, the living, to carry the torch and shine a light on those who are in search of their path towards a good life.

Paulo produces first film with Janine

by Rossane

Ramos Philstar.com

Paulo Avelino is trying his hand at mastering two of his beloved crafts at the same time.

The actor is taking on two major roles as an actor and producer of his film Ngayon Kaya with rumored girlfriend Janine Gutierrez which started screening in cinemas on Wednesday.

After two long years, the film about “what ifs” and “the one that got away” marks his comeback on the big screen.

In the romance film, Paulo is not only the producer, he also plays the role of Harold — a shy college student from the province who developed a secret love for his friend AM, a rich city girl who is passionate about her dreams, played by Janine Gutierrez.

With their contrasting personalities along with their complicated personal lives, the two never get past the “more than friends but less than lovers” causing them to part ways. Now reunited after five years, AM and Harold spend fleeting hours wandering around their old hangouts and wondering about their old selves, making Harold’s next-day flight the biggest “what if” of their lives.

A m o n g a l l t h e ro m a n t i c characters the Fan Girl star has portrayed, Harold holds a special place as it is his first time to play someone who seeks to be loved.

Paolo even went as far as to say that he felt the role was written for him.

“I look for something totally out of this world that I haven’t done that would make me want to be in someone else’s shoes, or two… something that speaks to me. For Ngayon Kaya, it was the second one,” he explained.

Even Janine gushed over how her co-star immersed himself in his character Harold. “ T h e w a y Pa u l o c re a t e d

Heart on being called ‘gold digger’: ‘I don’t need anyone to survive’ by anne

Pasajol Inquirer.net

Rumored sweethearts Paulo Avelino and Janine Gutierrez

Harold’s character looks so different from when you see Paulo on a normal day… The way he walked, the way he talked, ibang-iba compared to ‘yung Paulo na nag-momotorsiklo,” she said.

Paulo’s own production outfit WASD Films is the co-executive producer of the movie with T-Rex Entertainment. Ngayon Kaya is directed by Prime Cruz and written by Jen Chuansu, the tandem that brought the notable romantic films such as Sleepless, Can We Still Be Friends? and Isa Pa with Feelings.

The title of Ngayon Kaya, the 34-year-old’s fourth-produced film, was also his creation.

“Naisip ko kasi na ang daming pwedeng ipahiwatig ng dalawang salitang ‘yun.

At lahat ng mga ibig sabihin makikita sa storya ng pelikula,” he explained.

Ngayon Kaya also stars Alwyn Uytingco, John James Uy, Donna Cariaga, Haley Dizon and Rio Locsin.

Philstar.com photo

Meanwhile, a star-studded, red-carpet premiere for the film was held at SM Megamall a day before the opening day.

Ngayon Kaya is the first locally-produced film to have a wide theatrical release this year as it screens in almost 100 cinemas all over the Philippines.

Aside from Janine and Paulo’s co-stars, among those who graced the premiere included Jake Cuenca, Edward Barber, Jake Ejercito, Ria Atayde, Film Development Council of the Philippines chair Liza Diño, Ice Seguerra, Janine’s father Ramon Christopher, the members of the band Mayonnaise, talent manager Tyrone Escalante and his artists, Angellie Nicole Sanoy, and many other celebrities.

Paulo told the audience, “I’m out of words. It’s been a while since I attended a premiere in a moviehouse. Masaya ako na nandito kayo at masaya ako na may pelikulang Pilipino ulit na pinalalabas sa sinehan.”

Heart Evangelista proved yet again that she is not one to back down from bashing after she responded to a netizen who referred to her as a “gold digger.”

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

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

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

“Don’t pay any attention to hate. You’re an incredible woman and I admire [and] love you so much,” one @flowerfigueroah commented. “You have done and continue to do so much, don’t let the haters get to you.”

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

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

Either he’s a troll or his ego is so fragile he is threatened by women who live their lives the way they want. Patawa siya.

This is not the first time Evangelista addressed her bashers. She has been active in defending

Heart Evangelista

Photo from Instagram/@iamhearte

herself against comments over her body, spending habits and not yet having children.

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

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Sharon, Robin in talks for next movie together Alma T: Las Vegas’ post-anesthesia nurse by anne

Pasajol Inquirer.net

SHARON Cuneta was surprised by actor-turnedsenator Robin Padilla’s presence in her concert, as she revealed that the two of them are planning on making their next movie together.

The Megastar had the first night of her “ICONIC” concert with fellow singer Regine Velasquez on Friday, June 17, where Padilla was in attendance with former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo.

Cuneta showed moments from

their meeting while announcing their film plans, via her Instagram page on Saturday, June 18.

“Our beloved friends surprised us, including number 1 senator [Robin Padilla] who came with Sec. Panelo!” she said. “P.S. Robin and I are now planning a movie together for you!”

Cuneta can be seen hugging Padilla as well as posing for a photo beside him and Panelo.

Other celebrities who attended the concert include Jolina Magdangal, Nikki Valdez, Rica Peralejo and Darla Sauler.

Meanwhile, it can be noted that Cuneta and Panelo’s meeting was their first public sighting together after they hit headlines last March. It can be recalled that the actress-singer called him out for singing her song “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas” during a campaign event.

Cuneta and Padilla’s films together include the box office hit “Maging Sino Ka Man” in 1991, “Pagdating ng Panahon” in 2011 and “Unexpectedly Yours” in 2017, where they starred alongside Julia Barretto and Joshua Garcia, among others.

Piolo and Lovi: A match made in heaven

by Iza IglesIas ManilaTimes.net

TWO of the most brilliant artists in the entertainment industry Piolo Pascual and Lovi Poe expressed nothing but praise to each other as they lead the highlyanticipated Filipino adaptation of hit South Korean series, "Flower of Evil."

According to Poe, she could not ask for any other actors to work with for her first Kapamilya project than the country's "Ultimate Leading Man." and now that it happened, it's such a great experience working with him in this kind of project. It couldn't get any better than this," Poe told The Manila Times in an exclusive interview.

"I can't imagine myself with anybody else in my first Kapamilya show. Now I understand why everyone is raving about Piolo.

I always hear great stories about him, and now, I've experienced it firsthand so gets ko na the magic of Piolo. It has everything to do with his body of work and his body...just kidding," she jested.

"But seriously, it's about his character, how he is as a person, how he treats everyone — coactors, staff, crew, you'll admire him because of that," Poe added.

On other hand, Pascual — who is having his first drama series after four years — shared he has always trusted ABS-CBN when it comes to coming up with shows such as "Flower of Evil." In fact, in saying yes to this project, he did not know what he was getting himself into but was impressed on how it turned out especially with the help of Poe. "They really know how to choose and give the projects to. But whatever she brought to

EMPLOYMENT

Piolo Pascual and Lovi Poe star in ‘Flower of Evil,’ an upcoming drama series based on the 2020 South Korean drama series of the same title.

Photo from Instagram/@lovipoe

the table I was really impressed.

Coming into this project, you don't have any expectation, being able to do something as difficult and as intense as this, I would not have it if it wasn't Lovi. She really worked hard for this one and she's the right fit for it," Pascual said.

"I didn't have to work so hard with her. I have been around half my life [onscreen] and what she gave was just something really special. I was able to draw emotions from her, her energy is just really contagious and ang sarap ng process because she was really giving her best and she was willing to trust her partner. I have so much respect to what she was doing. It's nice because pati ikaw mahihila. So I really enjoyed the process. Everything that I learned in this project, from her, dadalhin ko yun," he added.

"Flower of Evil" follows the thrilling story of a man who

turns her fashion dreams into a reality

ALMA TOMENIO, often known as Alma T in the Las Vegas fashion scene, is currently employed at University Medical Center Las Vegas as a Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurse.

She has 35 years of experience working in the medical industry. Alma is a member of the Nevada Chapter of the Philippine Nurses Association. As a result, she has supported and sponsored a number of charitable activities and medical missions throughout the state.

Despite her hectic schedule as a healthcare professional, she has been able to create a few personal designs and collections, as well as participate in a few fashion shows and events.

As a fashion designer, Alma has dressed up a number of beauty queens, including a candidate for the 2019 Queen Universe Philippines and the 2021 Ambassadress for Ms. Fabulous America Filipina.

She fancies herself as a fashion designer with a knack for designing pageant outfits, as well as a counselor and consultant to young women interested in joining beauty pageants.

On her spare time, Alma loves traveling, snowboarding, skiing, dancing, road biking and is involved in few active sports.

Showcasing her work in a new global platform Alma's memories of her first foray into fashion are generally filled with nostalgia and happiness.

Indeed, she is passionate about fashion design, making clothes, developing one's personal style, and working with other creatives in the field of fashion.

Today, Alma is eager to showcase new looks from her latest collection in a global platform called Asia Pacific Fashion Week (APPF), the world’s newest platform that seeks to shine the spotlight on the most upcoming fashion creatives from North America, Europe and Asia.

Alma is one of the designers to be showcased in APFW, along with fast-rising fashion mavens from Norway, Italy and Canada.

APFW is slated on 13 August 2022 (Saturday), at 5:00 pm, at the Decades Event Center, located in Vegas Pointe Plaza, Unit 168, 9175 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas.

This event is co-organized by One Global Management Company (headed by Mr. Roger Oriel)

successfully changes his identity in order to hide his scandalous past. He then marries a police detective, who will later on be tasked to investigate an unsolved serial murder case that will lead her back to him.

Poe shared in her previous interviews that this is one of her favorite K-dramas which is why she is excited to give the story and their characters local twist.

"We gave it a Pinoy touch in terms of sensibilities and how Filipinos are towards family because ako, mas pinakita dito yung relationship with my mother.

Kasi sa Korean drama, they didn't have that much relationship or they didn't show yung dynamics so may added Filipino family style," she continued.

Meanwhile for Pascual, he had a hard time shaking off his character Jacob, "I really had a hard time shaking him off because it was just too bad with what he had to go through but I'm happy because it's something that pushed me away from my comfort zone and I was able to challenge myself," Pascual enthused.

He further shared the challenges that combine portraying his character.

"It was really hard to go overboard because we're following a certain route into getting where we're supposed to go. So it was a bit complicated because I couldn't just trust my instinct because I know it's going to bring me somewhere. But with Lovi, I think the husband and wife dynamic was just seamless for us, it was natural even with our daughter. It was a breeze, all the rest was hard because we had to stick with what we have to do but with her, it was made easy," he Alma T fancies herself as a fashion designer, as well as a counselor to young women interested in joining beauty pageants. added.

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FOR SALE

Las Vegas based fashion designer Alma T wearing her own signature creation: a modern “terno” overlay in mesh, worn over a black tulle dress.

and InterEdx (headed by Dr. Lee Dedicatoria). The event enjoys the support of Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles, Philippine Department of Trade and Industry-Los Angeles office, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) and the Asian Journal Multimedia Group.

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

Other major sponsors are Dynasty Exchange Ltd. LLC., Asia on Earth, Dynasty Ventures, Club Paradisia, World Edoption, Royal Blue Staffing, Lend with Love, Paul Mitchell the School (Las Vegas), Your Floret Flower Studio, and Decades Event Center.

(Advertising Supplement)

In her spare time, Alma T loves to travel.

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