062422 - New York & New Jersey Edition

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JUNE 24-30, 2022 Volume 15 - No.33 • 16 Pages

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Filipino lawyer John Albert Laylo DATELINE USA California to roll out killed in Philadelphia random shooting FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

COVID-19 vaccines for children under 5

CHILDREN under the age of 5 years old will now be able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

This comes after a independent panel of advisers to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention voted last week 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

Consul General Cato meets Philly mayor to demand action

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

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 Philippine

 PAGE 4

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

 PAGE 7

by DONNABELLE

GATDULA-AREVALO AJPress

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.

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 as the 15th Vice President of the Philippines at San Pedro Square, Poblacion District in Davao City on Sunday, June 19.

Malacañang

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 GeneralLos 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

 PAGE 2

Vice President-elect Palace: Duterte turns THE ROAD TO ALBANY Sara Duterte takes oath down drug czar post under as 15th vice president Bongbong Marcos admin Will Steven Raga become the first Filipino American in the New York state legislature?

D G

MANILA — Vice president-elect 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

 PAGE 2

by

APHNE ALVEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — Outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte has declined the offer to serve as the drug czar of his successor President-elect 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 on 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

 PAGE 4

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA

AJPress

THERE’S less than a week left to the New York State primary elections and Assembly District 30 candidate Steven Raga continues to spend his time knocking on doors to introduce himself and his platform.

If his campaign turns out to

be successful, Raga would make history and become the first Filipino American to be elected to serve in the state assembly. There are 150 seats in the New York State Assembly that serve two-year terms without term limits.

Raga was a former chief of staff of Assemblymember Brian Barnwell of

 PAGE 4

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Vice President-elect Sara Fil-Ams urged to pour in capital in...

Duterte takes oath as...

PAGE 1 with President Rodrigo Duterte as witness.

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

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

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

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

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

She garnered over 32.208 million votes or a

commanding 61% of the total votes in the recently concluded 2022 May polls.

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

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

She also said children are also burdened by the effects of illiteracy, bullying, “recruitment to support terrorism,” and 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 Araneta-Marcos, 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.

(By Kaycee Valmonte/Philstar. com)

PAGE 1 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 form of investment for Fil-Am investors, who normally have a lot of capital money but do not have the luxury of time to personally run a business.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“There’s a lot of opportunists and scammers who are taking advantage of small entrepreneurs by prescribing minimum terms and conditions for franchise agreements.

This EO puts into place measures to ensure a transparent and business-friendly environment as well as fair and equitable business processes,” he said.

Under the EO, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is tasked to create an MSME Registry of Franchise Agreements, which will only accept deals incorporating specified minimum terms and conditions.

Franchisors which are part of registered franchise associations must register their standard franchise agreement with the DTI

and execute an undertaking that all future agreements will incorporate the specified terms and conditions.

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

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

“Given the great potential growth in the Philippine franchising industry and the complementary legislation I mentioned earlier, I hope that you have already been convinced to consider investing, at least in one franchise in the Philippines. By doing so, you’ll not only be contributing to the economic recovery of our country in the postpandemic 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 SibalLimjoco, 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 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.”

u PAGE 7

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From the Front Page

Filipino lawyer John Albert Laylo killed...

FAST TRANSACTION. Anti-Red Tape Authority Officer-In-Charge Undersecretary Ernesto V. Perez delivers his welcome remarks during the launch of Philippine Business Hub (PBH) at the Quezon City Hall on Monday, June 20. Through the establishment of the PBH, the length of days for registering business will be reduced from 33 days and 13 steps to only seven days with only one step.

PNA photo by Ben Briones

Palace: Duterte...

PAGE 1 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 Presidentelect 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 naman niya sa akin (he will let me know). I am certainly open to all of that,” Marcos Jr. had said.

Bongbong Marcos also said Duterte told him to continue his controversial war against illegal drugs, which has killed thousands of drug peddlers and users, and is the subject of a probe by the International Criminal Court. g

PAGE 1 Police Attachè Brig. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez from the Philippine embassy in Washington, DC met with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and other city and police officials on Tuesday, June 21 to discuss the ongoing investigation and urge them to find a resolution to the case.

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

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

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

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

According to Philadelphia police, the shooter emerged from another car that pulled behind the Uber, which was

Consul General Elmer G. Cato in a meeting with Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Philadelphia police who assured Cato that they will do everything they can to bring to justice whoever is responsible for the death of Filipino lawyer John Albert Laylo.

Photo courtesy

stopped at a red light. According to Chief Inspector Frank Vanore, at least a dozen cartridge casings were recovered from the scene.

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

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

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

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

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

“We traveled together and we are supposed to go home together!” Laylo said in the post. “I will bring him home soon in a box!”

The consulate through ConGen Cato relayed Leah Laylo’s “anger and anguish” as well as her demand for justice for her son, along with the Philippine government’s request “to do everything they can to bring whoever is responsible to justice.” g

Will Steven Raga become the first Filipino American in the New York state...

PAGE 1 District 30 who announced last April that he won’t be running for reelection. Raga was thrust into the position when he was selected by a committee to determine who would replace Barnwell on the ballot.

He has since amassed a slew of endorsements from elected officials and community and civic leaders. Among those who believe in Raga are Congresswoman Grace Meng, Congressman Gregory Meeks, State Sen. John Liu and Assemblymembers Ron Kim and Catalina Cruz.

Assembly District 30 has undergone significant change due to redistricting.

It currently covers the neighborhoods of Woodside, Maspeth, and Elmhurst, along with parts of Jackson Heights. The district is one of the most diverse in the state and is majority AAPI (Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders).

Raga’s campaign has amassed almost 40 endorsements from elected officials and nonprofit organizations.

“That’s very good and telling of the support that we have across the spectrum of stakeholders and voters, and it’s looking good,” Raga told supporters Tuesday evening, June 21.

His days start with giving out literature and campaign materials at train stops and he goes to the poll sites before meeting with community leaders to put campaign events. He then spends six hours knocking on doors and calling voters.

“We’re still putting in the hard work and we’re not taking anything for granted,” he said. “Although it looks good, we want to make sure that we follow through until the very end and we just want to stay the course.”

Raga was the Executive Director for Woodside on the

Steven Raga with Congresswoman Grace Meng and other elected officials who have endorsed Raga’s candidacy.

Photo from Instagram/@RagaForQueens

Move, a social service and advocacy non-profit located in Woodside. Before that, he served as the Northeast Regional Manager of Policy & Advocacy for the Komen Foundation, and before his time in politics, he spent nearly a decade doing nonprofit work, including his time as a Senior Strategist Multicultural Leadership for

AARP. He served as Barnwell’s chief of staff for four years. He is also a board member of Queens Pride and the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. Raga is also the founder of Pilipino American Unity for Progress (UniPro).

“From experience, I can tell you issues that everyday

residents are facing; I’ve worked with non-profit organizations that are filling vital gaps in providing community resources and services. I was able to develop bonds with so many of my own neighbors while also learning about pertinent legislative issues to Western Queens and the complex relationship between City and State politics,” Raga shared.

He looks forward to proudly wearing a Barong Tagalog on the floors of the New York State Assembly if he gets elected.

Among his top priorities are combating Asian American hate, coming up with a comprehensive measure to protect both tenants and homeowners, and helping small businesses or any businesses that helped especially during COVID. “I’d also like to see how we can provide more health care access to all individuals

in New York state. There’s an act, the New York Health Act that’s not passing and that’s something I would probably be supporting,” he shared.

He added that he also wants to make sure more members of the Filipino community get involved in the political process and go beyond just expressing support.

“We need more Filipino officials in every level of government, in city council and State Senate, in Congress we’ve never had that,” he said. “Our time is now, we just need to wait a few more days.”

Raga is optimistic that his team’s hard work is going to pay off.

“I guarantee that with this support, with this level of excitement and enthusiasm and all of the volunteers coming every day, and crowds and events like this,” he said. “In less than seven days, we will make history.”g

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OPINION

FEATURES

A pressing priority

5

What’s taking the incoming administration too long to appoint the next health secretary?

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

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

In February this year, a Senate panel recommended the filing of charges against the health official and several others for the allegedly anomalous purchase of COVID-19 equipment and supplies from Pharmally, an undercapitalized Chinese company. Duque, the partial report by the Senate blue ribbon committee stated, had moved over P40

billion from his agency to the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management to supposedly hasten the delivery of the medical supplies, which later turned out to be substandard and grossly overpriced. Such reckless handling of public funds intended for the government’s pandemic response has contributed to the country’s outstanding debt now standing at P12.68-trillion as of end-March 2022.

Finding a competent health secretary should be a priority by the incoming administration, given several health situations that could endanger health and lives. And we’re not just talking about COVID-19, because although the virus is still very much around and Metro Manila has a “continued increase” in the number of cases in 11 cities, the National Capital Region remains under low risk, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

Outside the metro, however, recent developments have been less than reassuring. 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

Editorial

Philstar.com

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 PAGE 10

Historical facts about presidential inaugurations

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

country’s 17th president. The inauguration will be historic in more ways than one, since as everyone knows, Bongbong Marcos Jr. is the son of Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., the 10th president of the Philippines who was sworn into office on Dec. 30, 1965.

People who can still remember the 1965

presidential elections between incumbent president Diosdado Macapagal and then-Senate president Ferdinand Marcos describe it as a hotly contested one, with Marcos winning by a margin of more than 670,000 votes and getting 51.9 percent of the total votes cast against Macapagal’s 42.8 percent.

There was so much acrimony between the Nacionalista and Liberal party candidates that, according to some accounts, Macapagal had preferred not to attend the inaugural of Marcos Sr. But in the end, however, they both observed tradition and propriety and rode together in a Cadillac

from Malacañang to the Quirino Grandstand (formerly known as Independence Grandstand) in Luneta for the inauguration of the new president.

Traditionally, the Quirino Grandstand serves as the venue for the swearing in of presidents, among them Elpidio Quirino for whom it

was obviously named, Ramon Magsaysay, Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal, Fidel Ramos and Noynoy Aquino.

However, there have been times when this tradition was broken, like when Cory Aquino was sworn into office in Club Filipino. But those were different times. In PAGE 7

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Dateline PhiliPPines

DepEd, USAID seek private PH inflation could hit 8% if sector support in improving Russia-Ukraine conflict drags on early grade education

by Neil

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

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

DepEd Undersecretary

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

“Everyone has a role to play, including the private sector, who has the power to create [a] lasting positive impact in our communities through the advancement of early grade learning,” Umali said.

DepEd and USAID also emphasized the importance of their partnership with the private sector along with local government units in

helping early-grade students transition to face-to-face classes.

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

The ABC+ project is a five-year project launched in July 2019 by the USAID with DepEd to improve the learning outcomes of early grade students. Specifically, it aims to benefit up to two million students in Regions V and VI, as well as the Bangsamoro Autonomous PAGE 7

ArwiN MercAdo

Inquirer.net

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

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

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

(Inflation rate could shoot up to eight percent.)

Russia-Ukraine conflict “Depende ‘yan kung hindi titigil ang Ukraine at Russia, mukhang ayaw namang tumigil. Mukhang we will see an escalation especially with the [European Union] now coming together to really fight the war,” he added.

(It depends on whether or not the UkraineRussia war will stop, but it looks like it will not. It

seems like we will see an escalation, especially with the European Union now coming together to really fight the war.)

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

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

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

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

“Parang ang natural atake mo ay bakit hindi mo na lang tanggalin yung excise tax at VAT? But that’s P500 million… The right thing to do there is really is to focus on the poor,” he added.

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

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NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ASIAN JOURNAL • JUNE 24-30, 2022

California to roll out COVID-19 vaccines for children...

PAGE 1 Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines.

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 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.”

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

the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

“Although our youth are resilient, COVID-19 hospitalizations for children under 4 years old were five times higher during the Omicron surge than during Delta, and one in five children hospitalized with COVID-19 were also admitted to the ICU. COVID-19 has become one of the top five leading causes of death in children and vaccines make these deaths preventable. Studies have shown that getting our children vaccinated is the safest way to protect them from the worst outcomes of COVID-19, including hospitalization, long COVID, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), and death. Getting everyone in our homes and communities vaccinated reduces the chances for the virus to spread to those we love most,” they said.

The vaccine made by Moderna for 6-month-olds to 5-year-olds is a two-

dose series, administered four weeks apart. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 6-month-olds to 4-year-olds is a threedose series. The first two shots are given three weeks apart, and the third one eight weeks after the second shot.

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

In alignment with California’s SMARTER Plan, the state is operationally ready to immediately begin administering vaccines for infants and toddlers aged 6 months and older this week. To find a vaccine, visit myturn. ca.gov or call 1-833-422-4255.

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

(AJPress)

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

PAGE 2 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 buyand-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 (faceto-face) on October 14 to 16, 2022.

Badajos, meanwhile, said that the Philippine consulate is likely to hold more franchising-related seminars in the coming months to address all the concerns of the prospective FilAm investors.

Moreso, Limjoco also highlighted in her presentation some potential franchise businesses for FilAms such as: Potato Corner, World’s Best Flavored Fries (Capital

P300,000-P600,000; required space 4 sqm and above); The Generics Pharmacy (P700,000 to P900,000; required space 15-30 sqm); and Reyes Haircutters, Ang Salon ng Bayan (P800,00 to P3.5 million).

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

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

DepEd, USAID seek private sector...

PAGE 6 Region in Muslim Mindanao, according to the website of RTI Philippines, the project implementer for USAID. When DepEd shifted to distance learning at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, DepEd sought USAID’s assistance through the ABC+ project to provide additional teaching and learning resources for early grade students.

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

The country’s learning poverty – defined by the World Bank as being

able to read and understand a simple text by age ten – worsened from 69.5% in 2019 to more than 85% in 2022, according to another joint report by Unicef, UNESCO and the World Bank in April.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the department is expecting a 100% return to face-toface classes in the next academic year, 2022-2023. (Philstar.com)

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Historical facts...

PAGE 6 2004, Gloria Arroyo delivered her pre-inaugural speech at the Quirino Grandstand in the morning then flew to Cebu for her oath taking at the Provincial Capitol at noon of June 30.

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

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

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

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

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 pre-inauguration 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) *** 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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Las Vegas to evolve as future new entertainment, sports capital of the world By reAlTor FelY QUiTeViS-BATeMAN

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aside from the arena and

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@precious-properties.com or fely. precious@gmail.com.

A pressing priority...

PAGE 5 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 up a response plan that addresses the urgent needs of residents while anticipating worst-case scenarios.

In Sorsogon, the phreatic explosions of Mount Bulusan

hotel-casino, the Oak View Group plans to build an amphitheater and convention facility.

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

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

That high-speed rail project has been talked about for many years now, and it looks like the $8 billion project may be pushing forward. That will be a game-changer for Las Vegas as it will provide a transportation mode that will be clean energy – on zeroemission electric trains. The trip between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, which is 260 miles long, is expected to take 3 hours.

The same group that is developing the high-speed rail project is looking at the possibility of building a major league soccer stadium on vacant land adjacent to the proposed train station. Soccer, which is a sport followed by millions of people worldwide, is gaining popularity in the United States.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman’s (middle) young investors from Palm Springs, CA are Kenneth (right) and Angelica Games (left). Their offer of $550K for a house in Pahrump was accepted by the sellers.

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

And talking about Las Vegas, the city has diversified itself to attract many other businesses and activities that present other opportunities for both residents and visitors to enjoy themselves with.

Whether it is shopping, dining, relaxation, indooroutdoor sports, walking/ hiking, watching musical acts or shows or nightlife, Las Vegas is no longer just a gambler’s paradise – it is a complete travel destinatioin that needs to be experienced and savored.

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

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

Areas like Pahrump, for instance, which is 62 miles west of Las Vegas, is barely an hour’s drive. If you crave for an easier, mediumpaced lifestyle away from the bustling city lights and heavy traffic, but still want access to the nightlife and various offerings that a big city houses, Pahrump may just be the ticket for you.

It certainly is worth taking a look at – especially since property values in the area

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 four-kilometer 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

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

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

continue to trend upward.

In fact, in April 2022, home prices in Pahrump were up at least 23.5% compared to last year, which median prices of homes pegged at about $395,000, per industry analysts.

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

Now is the perfect time to take a look at what’s out there in the market, whether it’s in bustling cities like Las Vegas or emerging towns like Pahrump. And I can assist you in your search for that perfect piece of real estate or property for your needs.

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

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702-5384948 for more information.

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

(Advertising Supplement)

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)

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COMMUNITY JOURNAL

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Getting a work visa, options for an overstaying tourist, and how to petition a nanny – Just some of the immigration questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers on part 4 of ‘Your Tanong, My Sagot’ on Citizen Pinoy CITIZEN Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot” will air its fourth and last installment from Chicago with leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel answering more immigration questions from Kapamilya in Chicago and its neighboring areas.

Cora wants to know if she can petition her niece from the Philippines to work at her newly opened restaurant.

Jeffrey’s friend entered the U.S. as a tourist, but overstayed. He wants to know what options are available for his friend who is now undocumented, and if there are risks if she decides to return to the Philippines.

Vany petitioned her daughter in January 2020 and received a receipt from the USCIS

in February 2020. She is asking what are the next steps since she has not received any updates from the USCIS. Priscilla wants to know the required minimum income to be able to petition a family member as a nanny or babysitter.

Atty. Gurfinkel answers these questions and more in Part 4 of “Your Tanong, My Sagot,” with Kapamilya from Chicago. Watch this brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 26 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers), right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.

(Advertising Supplement)

YOUR TANONG, MY SAGOT FROM CHICAGO, PART 4. Leading U.S. Immigration Atty. Michael J. Gurfinkel (4th from left) answers immigration questions from Kapamilya in Chicago, in Part 4 of Citizen Pinoy’s “Your Tanong, My Sagot”.

Some of the questions Atty. Gurfinkel answers are – From Priscilla (2nd from left): How much must a person earn to petition a family member as nanny, caregiver, or babysitter?; From Jeffrey (left): My friend entered the U.S. as a tourist and overstayed. What are her options now that she is out of status? What will happen if she decides to go back to the Philippines? Watch this fourth and final installment of “Your Tanong, My Sagot” in Chicago on a brand-new episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, June 26 at 7:00 PM PT (10:00 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

(Advertising Supplement)

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JUNE 24-30, 2022 • NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY 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 SARSCov2 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.

Far-UVC 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

http://www.asianjournal.com • (212) 655-5426

UVC light vs COVID Credit discrimination is illegal 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 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 inch-LCD display screen and is worn around the wrist like a watch, with a connected SpO2 “sensor” probe where a finger is inserted to continuously measure in 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 anti-vaccines 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 antivax 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

ARE you looking for a job, housing, or insurance?

Did you know your credit affects your ability to get them— and how much you’ll pay? For Pride Month, the Federal Trade Commisson (FTC) wants the LGBTQ+ community to know about some of the rights related to credit and discrimination.

Under federal law, it’s illegal for banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, retailers, and any other companies that extend credit to discriminate against you.

So during the application process or when making a credit decision, a creditor must not consider — among other things — your race or sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity. (But a creditor may ask you to voluntarily disclose this information because it helps federal agencies enforce anti-discrimination laws.) You have the right to know within 30 days of filing your completed application whether it was accepted or rejected — and, if rejected, the reason why. The lender must tell you the specific reasons (for instance, “You haven’t been employed long enough”) or how to find them out.

If a business denies you credit or offers you less favorable terms, they must

give you a notice that includes: the contact information for the credit bureau that supplied the information about you; and your credit score — if your credit score was a factor in the decision to deny you credit or to offer you less favorable terms.

This can help you figure out why you were denied or offered less favorable terms and what to do next.

Different federal agencies, including the FTC, share enforcement responsibility for credit discrimination laws.

If you’ve been denied credit, the creditor must give you the name and address of the agency to contact in your denial notice. Read these publications from the FTC or the CFPB to learn more about your rights and credit discrimination.

The FTC is also warning consumers about extortion

scams on LGBTQ+ dating apps.

It’s Pride Month and maybe you’re trying to meet someone on an LGBTQ+ dating app. The FTC is hearing about scams targeting people on LGBTQ+ dating apps, like Grindr and Feeld. And they aren’t your typical I-love-you, pleasesend-money romance scams.

They’re extortion scams.

They usually work something like this: a scammer poses as a potential romantic partner on an LGBTQ+ dating app, chats with you, quickly sends explicit photos, and asks for similar photos in return. If you send photos, the blackmail begins. They threaten to share your conversation and photos with your friends, family, or employer unless you pay — usually by gift card.

Other scammers threaten people who are “closeted” or not yet fully “out” as LGBTQ+. They may pressure you to pay up or be outed, claiming they’ll “ruin your life” by exposing explicit photos or conversations.

Whatever their angle, they’re after one thing — your money.

Here’s what to do: • Don’t share personal PAGE 13

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.

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Heart on being called Bugoy reveals initial thoughts of aborting baby ‘gold digger’: ‘I don’t need anyone to survive’

By Anne

PAsAjol Inquirer.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“GOIN’ Bulilit” alum Bugoy Cariño recounted the hardships he had been through being a teenage father to Scarlet, his daughter with volleyball player EJ Laure, revealing that they initially considered to abort their baby.

Cariño made this revelation and opened up about how his life changed when he became a father, in an exclusive interview with broadcaster Karen Davila, as seen on her YouTube channel on Saturday, June 18. The actor-dancer, who was 16 years old at the time, was taken aback when Laure informed him of her pregnancy, stating that he was not ready for it compared to Laure who was 21 years old then. “‘Yun ‘yung time na parang ‘yung career ko is pataas na nang pataas so parang na-confuse ako sa sarili ko. Naisip ko na parang ang aga pala talaga,” he said. “Nawala lahat sa akin, so masakit din sa part ko na nung naging tatay ako, ‘yung family ko hindi ko na masyado natulungan.”

(That was the time when my career was at its peak so I got confused. I thought that it really was too early. I lost everything so it really hurt me that when I became a father, I was not able to support my family anymore.)

“Una po talaga, ang desisyon namin is ipalaglag na lang ‘yung baby. Sabi ko ‘OK’

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kasi bata pa ako noon, parang hindi ko pa alam na buhay pala ‘yung mawawala ‘pag pinalaglag mo or something,” he added.

“Kaya sabi ko, ‘Sige, para lang maibalik ‘yung career ko alang-alang sa family ko para makatulong ako at para maibalik ‘yung mga shows na ibinigay sa akin.’”

(At first, we really decided to have an abortion. I said, “OK” because I was still young back then and I did not know that doing it would mean losing a life. So I said, “Let’s do it to bring back my career as well as the shows I lost, so I can be able to help my family.”)

Cariño then spoke about how he decided to keep the baby after thinking

thoroughly and realizing that it would have been the “biggest sin” he would ever commit in his life. He also addressed the issue regarding him being a minor when he had a relationship with Laure, stressing that it was his “choice” not to press charges against her.

“Nakikita ko po ‘yung mga sinasabi ng mga tao na dapat kasuhan si EJ, kasi nga minor ako — hindi naman po sila ‘yung magkakaso e, dapat ako ‘yung magkakaso kay EJ kasi ako ‘yung minor,” he added. “Pinili ko po na gusto ko maging masaya na lang. Gusto ko na maging parte ng buhay ko si EJ.” (I am aware of people’s comments saying I should file a case against EJ because I was a minor [but] they would not be the one to press the charges. I should be the one [to decide] because I was the minor [in the relationship, but] I chose to be happy with EJ. I want her to be part of my life.)

Cariño recalled the joy he felt when he first saw their baby as well as how he thanked God for the “new chapter” of his life. He also disclosed his plans of getting married to Laure when they are both “stable” enough.

Cariño and Laure revealed Scarlet to the public in 2020 when the former “Goin’ Bulilit” star celebrated his 18th birthday. Their relationship sparked controversy due to Cariño being only 15 years old when he first got involved with Laure, who was then 19 years old. g

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N E W YO R K / N E W J E R S EY J U N E 24 , 2 0 22

people events arts culture entertainment

Small, Fil-Am-owned businesses thrive in pop-up markets across NYC N

by MOMAR

G. VISAYA / AJPress

EW York City is home to multiple markets, including ones that popup once the weather gets warmer. There are also street fairs all over the city’s neighborhoods and some that take place in parking lots and school auditoriums.

Since May, there have been Asiancentric pop-ups to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

Some of them spill over to June and the summer months, including the recent Barked Market Market in Brooklyn.

Greenpoint Terminal Market became a veritable showcase of more than 50 vendors selling an assortment of items from food, drinks, desserts, gift items, knickknacks, shirts, and candles.

The event was a gathering of mostly Filipino-owned small businesses from the New York and New Jersey area although at least two vendors, Salamat Cookies and Tabachoy Philly drove all the way from Indiana and Pennsylvania, respectively.

The market’s curators made sure that the products are unique and handcrafted and wanted the event to highlight Filipino culture through street food, clothing, accessories, talents, creatives, hospitality, and street games.

The fixtures remain constant.

Joey Payumo and Augee Francisco of Kabisera serving their coffee and Philippine beers like San Miguel and Red Horse; Paulo Manaid of Hatzumomo and his native Filipino woven products; VJ of So Sarap NYC and the Project Barkada founders Deirdre Levy, Lugao Kasberg, and Joey Natale Golja of Tito Papa’s in Brooklyn.

“The Project Barkada market has been great. When I first opened my business in 2016, the Filipino community in the culinary world was quite small. To see how much the community has grown has been so rewarding in itself,” returning vendor Jae de Castro of Keyks World told us.

De Castro said their bestsellers are always a hit in these pop-up markets.

Her big hitters are the Twinkle-

KatMamaNYC’s Tetel Tionko-Sauls makes resin jewelry and accessories

Chibundle is also a regular fixture in Barkada Market Market

inspired Keyks and their Kukis. For the Keyks, Halo Halo Pack sells out every time, according to Janice. It contains their ube, pandan with coconut, jackfruit with Fruity Pebbles, and Twinkie-inspired Keyks. Their bestselling kukis are the Levain-inspired mini ube white chocolate chip and

pandan with Butterscotch.

“We specialize in childhood nostalgic treats made at a higher level. Our flavors are mostly inspired by our Filipino roots, travels, and life experiences,” she shared.

De Castro is happy to see the strides that Filipino cuisine has made through the years, which is why it is of utmost importance for her to continue pushing Filipino flavors.

“Filipino cuisine has finally made it to the mainstream. It has been amazing to watch and be a part of. As a Filipino American growing up in the US in the 80s-90s, there was not much awareness beyond our community,” she recalled.

First-timers: Pinat NJ and KatMama NYC Then there are the first-timers like Pinat NJ and KatMama NYC. Elfie Lim started Pinat in 2020 from her home in Summit, New Jersey. The global pandemic was on and she was looking at ways to relax and take off her mind from stress. She discovered candle-making.

“Making candles at Pinat has served as a much-needed mental break from my daily routine. It has helped me mentally in more ways than one,” Lim said. “With continuous research and testing, we are able to create products that are made with premium, phthalate-free, and ecofriendly ingredients.”

She recently came up with her Filipino line to represent who she is and her culture. There are four candles in this collection: Ube + Buko, Bora, Sweet Tart and Sampaguita.

“I made Ube + Buko as a take on the classic ube halaya that we love and the buko pie made from Laguna where we’re from. Sampaguita reminds me of the sampaguita garden that we used to have in the Philippines,” Lim PAGE 15

Elfie Lim explains the inspiration behind her Philippine-inspired scents like Ube + Buko, Sweet Tart, Bora and Sampaguita AJPress Photos by Momar G. Visaya

Chance Anies of Tabachoy Philly shared that they have found a brick-and-mortar spot which they hope to open this fall.

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Fil-Am actor Nico Santos Small, Fil-Am-owned businesses... 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, June 16, “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 Fil-Am actor Dave Bautista, Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sylvester Stallone, Karen Gillan, Elizabeth Debicki, Will Poulter, Chuk Iwuji, Maria Bakalova, and Daniela Melchior.

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

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

Photo from Instagram/@

Credit discrimination...

PAGE 12 information with someone you just met on a dating app. That includes your cell phone number, email address, and social media profile.

• Check out who you’re talking to. Do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture to see if it’s associated with another name or with details that don’t match up – those are signs of a scam.

• Don’t pay scammers to destroy photos or conversations.

There’s no guarantee they’ll do it.

In fact, the FBI advises against paying extortion demands, which could support criminal activity. And remember that, once you share photos, you can’t take them back.

If you suspect credit discrimination or spot an extortion scam on a dating app, tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

(Collated FTC Releases)

PAGE 14 shared. “Bora representing Boracay Beach and Sweet Tart is a take on calamansi that we all use and love.”

The “Inspired by the Philippines” line was introduced at the Barked Market Market. All her candles are hand-poured in small batches from her home in Summit and are either made with soy wax or coconut wax.

Pinat is a regular fixture in markets and fairs in New York and New Jersey including the Grand Bazaar NYC Market on the Upper West Side, NYC’s biggest curated market where they also sell car and reed diffusers.

Tetel Tianko-Sauls is behind KatMamaNYC. She creates handmade botanical resin accessories and jewelry.

Together with Paulo Manaid of Hatzumomo, they have showcased their products in various markets such as the Union Square holiday market last year. She also showcases her products at Artists & Fleas and Chelsea Market.

Road to Brooklyn: Tabachoy Philly and Salamat Cookies Chance Anies and his team drove from Philadelphia with their food truck with a tongue-incheek name.

Tabachoy Philly made its New York debut over the Philippine Independence Day weekend in Brooklyn.

“We’re from Philly, and so we brought our cheese steaks with us and we do a Filipino cheese steak, a bistek cheese steak, and then a chicken cheese steak,” Anies told the Asian Journal. “And we do a real classic traditional cheese steak roll and then we put a Bistek Tagalog on top of that, our house-made Cheez Whiz topped off with scallions, fried shallots, and achara.”

Anies and his team started Tabachoy cart in August 2019, a few months after he began doing popup dinners that honored his Filipino heritage. He shared that it has been his dream to open a restaurant so when the opportunity presented itself, he gave it a go.

This fall, they are opening a brick-and-mortar location in the Bella Vista neighborhood of South Philly. He says it won’t

Mike Williams and his team, which includes his mom Lourdes Arceo Williams. They drove from Indianapolis to join the PH Independence Day Barkada Market Market.

be just their rice combos but they want to offer the classics like pancit and lumpia and expand their menu.

“And by having our own space, we’ll be able to be a lot more creative,” Anies said.

Mike Williams and his team from Salamat Cookies drove from Indianapolis to join the market.

It all started when Mike was learning how to bake from his mom Lourdes Arceo Williams - also during COVID - and one day, he began giving his cookies away.

“I was giving the cookies away as thank yous to folks who were helping me out during covid (e.g. chiropractor, personal trainer) because I had lost my job as a photographer.

One day they asked if I was selling the cookies, I said, “uhhhhhh, yup!”, and that was the start of SALAMAT as a business. To be honest, I didn’t know how to bake a cookie 2 years ago to save my life, and now we’ve served over 100,000 cookies since mother’s day 2020,” he shared.

He excitedly shared that they did really well in Brooklyn.

“Brooklyn was a SELL OUT weekend,” he exclaimed. “Our brand new That’s My YAM!™ Iced Ube Lattes were a hit, along with all of our classic cookies — WHOA Philippine Mango™, Space YAM™ (ube), and Buko Pan-DAYUMM!™. We sold out of all those flavors!” g

Jae de Castro of Keyks is happy to witness the strides that Filipino cuisine GS made through the years.

AJPress Photos by

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