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JULY 8-14, 2022 Serving San Diego Since 1987 • 12 Pages

T h e F i l i p i n o –A m e r i c A n c o m m u n i T y n e w s pA p e r

Also published in LOS ANGELES • ORANGE COUNTY/INLAND EMPIRE • NORTHERN CALIFORNIA • NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY • LAS VEGAS

USA

DATELINE Older adults still at high risk for COVID-19 FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

“YOU might be done with COVID, but COVID is not done with you.”

So said Denny Chan, directing attorney with Justice in Aging, at a press briefing cohosted by the California Department of Aging on June 29 to address the high risks older adults still face from COVID-19 and what steps will protect them.

Joining Chan were Department of Aging Director Susan DeMarois, Dr. Susan Tartof, an infectious disease epidemiologist with Kaiser Permanente Southern California, and Roberto Velasquez, President and CEO of the Southern Caregiver Resource Center.

“From the outset of the pandemic and still to this day,” DeMarois said, “older adults have been hardest hit — 70% of all Covid deaths in California are people 65 and older.”

“So we need your help in communicating the value of vaccines and boosters and testingto-treatment for this population.”

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Fil-Ams sound off on Marcos’ return to power by donnabelle

gatdula-arevalo AJPress

WHILE newly sworn-in Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has full backing from his supporters here in the U.S., some Filipino Americans have expressed doubt in his ability to

fulfill his promises of reshaping the country’s future in the next six years.

Upon his inauguration last June 30, Marcos, who is fondly called BBM by his supporters, became the first majority president since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1986. He also became the second president from Ilocos Norte, after his father,

by nestor

a. corrales Inquirer.net

OFFICIAL DUTIES. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. talks with Energy Undersecretaries Donato Marcos and Roberto Uy during a meeting in Malacañang, Thursday, July 7 as Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez sits nearby.

Malacañang photo by Avito Dalas

Asian Americans call for multi-racial solidarity at AG Bonta: Anti-Asian hate incidents first-ever unity march jumped 177.5% in California

WASHINGTON, DC — Approximately 15,000 people gathered June 25 at the National Mall here for the first-ever Unity March, organized to draw attention to the dramatic spike in hate crimes against the Asian American Pacific Islander Community.

The enthusiastic young crowds gathered against the backdrop of the Capitol Building in the sweltering humidity of a mid-summer day in DC. Harking the Supreme Court decision a day earlier, many men and women carried handmade signs equating reproductive rights with civil rights for the AAPI community.

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by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

AMID the rise in anti-Asian hate and discrimination across the United States, California reported a 177.5% increase in anti-Asian hate incidents from 2020 to 2022, according to Attorney General Rob Bonta.

On Tuesday, June 28, Bonta’s office released the 2021 Hate Crime in California report which found a sharp increase in hate crimes — defined as any

Y. Yang

Philstar.com

MANILA — Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri — elected to a fresh term and the likely next Senate president — on Wednesday, July 6, released a list of senators and the committees they will likely chair at a Senate dominated by a supermajority.

According to the list, they will face a minority bloc that will be lucky to have four members. As things stand, only Sens. Risa Hontiveros and Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III — a former Senate president and head of the former administration PDP-Laban party — have indicated they will be in the minority.

According to the Senate rules, the minority floor leader is expected to speak for the bloc, constructively criticize the majority’s programs and policies, and pay close

attention to all proposed laws.

But the numbers of the Senate minority, and the political opposition in general, were greatly reduced during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who had continuously attacked them, according to University of Santo Tomas Department of Political Science Chair Dennis Coronacion.

Sen. Leila De Lima, a vocal Duterte critic, found herself booted out as chair of the committee on justice and human rights in 2016 and has been in detention for drug cases since 2017. Other members of the minority earned Duterte’s ire and his uncensored comments for criticizing government policies.

Coronacion said the minority plays an important role but is not likely to influence legislation in the 19th Congress.

“Given that their numbers have been decimated because of the popularity of

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MANILA — U.S. President Joe Biden has invited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Washington, the first foreign head of state to formally extend such a gesture to the country’s newly installed leader.

According to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, U.S. Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff handed Marcos a personal invitation letter from the American president.

Emhoff, the husband of U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, led a seven-member delegation from Washington that attended the June 30 inauguration of Marcos. The two officials later had a meeting on Thursday afternoon, June 30 in Malacañang.

Quoting Biden’s letter to Marcos, Romualdez said: “I hope you can come to Washington once our teams find an appropriate time.”

“President Marcos responded by saying he hopes

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crimes against individuals based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and religion — across the Golden State.

The number of reported hate crimes in 2020 was 1,330 while in 2021, that number jumped to 1,763 — a 33% rise — making it the highest surge in reported hate crimes since 9/11, according to Bonta.

Amid the wave of anti-Asian hate since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, the number of reported anti-Asian hate

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Decimated PH Senate minority faces Peso breaches ‘tremendous challenge’ in 19th Congress 56-level as dollar by angelica

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Biden invites Bongbong Marcos to Washington

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More than 15,000 people attended the first-ever Unity March June 25 at the National Mall in Washington DC. Photo by Sunita Sohrabji/EMS

Ferdinand Marcos, and the third child of a former president to hold the post after Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III. Tancredo Guray Jr., BBM 2.0 (USA) president for California, said the group is excited about what Marcos will do to the Philippines as a whole. BBM

Adelio Angelito Cruz (right), a career diplomat, takes his oath of office as chief of presidential protocol in Malacañang for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who took office last June 30.

Malacañang photo

LA Consul General extends bullish run Former Adelio Cruz named chief by ian

nicolas cigaral Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippine peso pierced through the P56-per-dollar level on Thursday, July 7, sinking to its lowest level in nearly 17 years as recession fears continue to send investors running to safe-haven the U.S. dollar.

The local unit finished at P56.06 against the greenback, weaker than its previous closing of P55.67. The peso’s worst showing for the day stood at P56.09.

Data showed this was the peso’s worst performance since closing at P56.295 versus the dollar on Sept. 27, 2005. A depreciating peso is becoming a big headache for the

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of presidential protocol

by AJPress ADELIO Angelito Cruz, a career diplomat whose previous role includes Philippine Consul General in Los Angeles, has a new post as the protocol chief in the Marcos administration.

Cruz, who served as the former Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary after his assignment in LA, was recently sworn in as the chief of presidential protocol. He will be in charge of

the visits of foreign dignitaries to Malacañang. He will also assist President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his delegation during official visits overseas.

Cruz’s appointment followed the choice of Enrique Manalo, the country’s permanent representative to the United Nations, to head the

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JULY 8-14, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

From The FronT Page

Diokno: PH to gain highest economic Fil-Ams sound off on Marcos’ return to... growth rate in ASEAN+3 in 2022, 2023

by Neil

ArwiN MercAdo Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippines is projected to record the highest economic growth rate in 2022 and 2023 among ASEAN Plus Three countries, according to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday, July 6.

He said they have already submitted the DOF’s Medium-term Fiscal Consolidation Framework, which outlines targets during the term of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. from 2023-2028.

“We expect the economy to grow by 6.5 to 7.5 [percent] this year. In fact, this is going to be the highest – the consensus is this will be the highest growth rate among all ASEAN Plus Three countries this year and next year,” Diokno said.

“The Philippines is expected to have the highest growth rate for the next two years,” Diokno said.

The ASEAN Plus Three includes member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as the countries of Japan, South Korea, and China.

Diokno also said that the growth rate forecast for the Philippines was pegged at 6.5 to 8 percent from 2023 to 2028.

He likewise reported that the new administration

The skyline of Makati Business District in Makati City – The Philippines is projected to have the highest economic growth rate in the ASEAN Plus Three countries in 2022 and 2023, according to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday, July 6, 2022.

Inquirer photo by Richard A. Reyes

is targeting to reduce the country’s poverty rate to nine percent by 2028, the conclusion of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term.

“I remember right, it started at around 25 percent during [former President Rodrigo] Duterte’s first year in office but we’re almost down to around 18 to 17 percent then the pandemic hit us,” Diokno said.

“So there’s a slight backsliding, but our target under this framework is that the poverty rate will be down to nine percent by 2028,” he added. n

PAGE 1 2.0 was an electoral platform created by businessman Jonathan “Atan” Bocaling to help support and facilitate the election campaign of Marcos all over the world.

“We are very happy at this point in time. Now, I just want tell the entire Filipino people that they have made the right choice for electing BBM as the country’s top executive/president,” Guray, a loyal follower of Marcos’ political career, said.

Guray said he believes that the overwhelming support that BBM got from the Filipino voters only indicates how hopeful the Filipinos are for the new administration’s capability.

“As you can see it’s an overwhelming vote (from the people) for BBM. It’s Vox Populi, Vox Dei (the voice of the people is the voice of God), now the people have already spoken,” said Guray, who is a commissioner in Carson, California.

According to Guray, he is looking forward to the unfolding of all the BBM’s programs for the Philippines and all the millions of Filipinos all over the world.

“He promised to the Filipino people that he would be continuing the programs of (former President Rodrigo) Duterte. I am hopeful that he would do the best thing that he can. I know that remains to be seen. I do not want to speculate what will happen to his leadership but I know he would be great in everything he will do,” the avid supporter said.

“I would vouch for the honesty of BBM. I have been a supporter for a long time. For me, the Marcos family is very honest. My expectation for them is to make the Philippines a great nation,” he added.

In an interview with the Asian Journal, BBM’s namesake Ferdinand “Ferdie” Marcos, 46, from New Jersey, said this is the time that he had been waiting for. “This is the moment. This is the time and we are hoping for the best,” he said.

Ferdie’s parents named him after former President Ferdinand Marcos as they reportedly witnessed the strongman’s actions in the Philippines that made the country competitive in the region.

He said during a recent independence parade in New Jersey, there are many Filipinos who have shown their optimism for the new leadership of BBM. Born in Isabela in the Cagayan Valley region, Ferdie said their family has been a testament to what the Marcoses have done to their province. “BBM has carried out a lot of projects that made our province prosperous like the Magat Dam that irrigates all our fields and the solar project in Ilocos which lowers power rates in the province,” he said.

The construction of the Magat Dam started in 1975 and was completed in 1982. It is one of the largest dams in the Philippines.

Ferdie, who works at the USPS and has been living in the United States for 26 years, said he does not expect anything spectacular in the first two years of BBM as this is normally for the country’s recovery period. “Then in his 3rd, 4th, 5th to 6th year, we expect all of the good projects coming into life like the upgrade and modernization of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP),” he said.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) 64 recommending the revival of the mothballed BNPP. President “Bongbong” Marcos, during his campaign period, had said he was also keen on studying the possibility

of pushing for the more than $3 billion rehabilitation and/or modernization of the nuclear plant. The BNPP was the only nuclear power plant in the region during the 1980s as the Philippines was one of the first Southeast Asian countries to embark on a nuclear energy program. The project, however, was mothballed due to corruption allegations and safety concerns.

“This BNPP will not only help lower power rates, it is also considered renewable. “It’s good to see that the Philippines is going green in terms of power generation,” Ferdie said.

According to the avid supporter from East Coast, BBM, with the support of Vice President Sara Duterte, will definitely bring forth more worthwhile program and projects in the future.

“All that BBM has done to Ilocos could be replicated to the entire country. He has a clear vision of what he wants to be done to bring the Philippines to the world’s list of great nations.

There is a strong chance that all of these visions and missions would be achieved since BBM has strong back up from his vice president,” he said. “I am looking forward to the BBM-Duterte tandem. These two great leaders will definitely bring something really great for the Philippines.

I am so excited to see all these good things unfolding each year of their leadership,” Ferdie added.

Uniteam overall coordinator for USA/Canada Chona Verona Lopez Galvez, in a separate interview, echoed Marcos’ accomplishments.

“He (BBM) will be great with everything. The world will be watching him bring the Philippines’ greatness back,” Galvez said.

Luzviminda Marcos, one of the BBM campaign leaders in California and a close relative, said BBM is truly a “God-sent” leader.

“There is an overflowing love and support for Ferdinand Marcos Jr. because he is a true validation that the Marcos family has been ‘God-sent’ for the Philippines to become great again and show it to the world,” she said.

“With his proven track record, I believe the Philippine economy will rise up again and people will have better lives. Aangat ang buong bansang Pilipinas,” she said.

According to Mrs. Marcos, they expect BBM to lay out plans for Filipinos who work overseas and those who live abroad who would want to retire in the Philippines.

‘False victory’ Malaya Movement USA, on the other hand, has remained firm in its stance in rejecting the legitimacy of Marcos Jr.’s presidency.

In a statement, Malaya Movement national vice chair Tabitha Ponciano said “through decades-long manipulation, meddling, and corruption, Marcos Jr. has taken the highest office in the Philippines: this false victory must be exposed! The urgency to build the resistance against this incoming regime grows stronger each day.”

Ponciano said Marcos Jr.’s inauguration at the National Museum is indicative of what Filipinos can reportedly expect from this incoming regime: unwavering support for the military and police and empty gestures for frontline workers, overseas Filipino workers, labor leaders, farmers, and many more.

“His speeches intentionally offer shallow statements meant to convince people of change yet

no concrete steps are outlined.

Marcos Jr. is also hellbent on painting a fairytale picture of his father’s deadly and violent years in office. Malaya Movement USA denounces his address that was riddled with lies, deception, and unending claims of unity without substance,” she said.

She noted that Marcos Jr. said “we do not look back but ahead,” urging kababayans to forget the country’s past.

But the U.S.-based militant group leader said this should not be the case and urged FilipinoAmericans to remain vigilant.

She said there is also a need for the Fil-Am community to strongly bind together for a common good and keep an eagle eye on Marcos’ leadership.

“Instead, we call on the Filipino people to look to our history of resistance and learn from it. Join us as we build the antidictatorship movement, inspired by the one that blossomed under Marcos Sr. during the era of Martial Law among overseas Filipinos,” she said.

Malaya Movement USA members and other progressive forces across the country, she said, protested and carried the resounding call to continue the fight for democracy and freedom in our homeland.

“People power is not a thing of the past but a growing resistance from the Philippines to the United States and beyond!

Reject Marcos! Reject Duterte!,” she said.

During the May 9 presidential election, Marcos had a landslide victory with over 31.6 million votes or 58.77% of all votes.

Following the election, several Filipino groups in the U.S. and Canada banded together to release a manifesto rejecting Marcos’ win and expressing “extreme disappointment” after U.S. President Joe Biden congratulated the incoming Filipino president.

“No matter the result of the independent investigation, as Filipinos and peace-loving global citizens, we still hold the Marcos family including Marcos Jr. accountable for the $10 billion plunder, the Php 203 billion cumulative unpaid estate taxes, unpaid income taxes, and massive torture, disappearances and political imprisonment during Martial Law,” the letter read.

Inaugural speech In his 25-minute inaugural speech on June 30, Marcos presented his plans for the economy, environment, infrastructure development, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

He called on the Filipino people to reject the “politics of division” and urged the public to unite and cooperate to achieve his visions for the country.

Marcos vowed to implement a comprehensive, all-inclusive plan for the economy that would also address issues of food security.

He also committed to carry on and complete the ongoing infrastructure projects of the past administration and create a more comprehensive infrastructure plan that will be implemented within his sixyear term.

Moreso, Marcos pledged to remedy some of the shortcomings in responding to COVID-19-related problems, as he recalled being among the first to be infected by the virus.

He also promised to look into climate change issues, and educational curriculum reforms, which pertain to sciences and vocational skills, not history. n

Peso breaches 56-level as dollar extends...

PAGE 1 Philippines, which is already reeling from imported inflation as the ongoing war in Ukraine pushes up global energy prices.

So far, the dollar’s bullish run has been fueled by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s aggressive rate hikes that are meant to cool down red-hot inflation stateside. Minutes from the Fed’s June meeting indicated that the U.S. central bank could fire off a 0.5 or 0.75-percentage-point hike at their next rate-setting meeting on July 27, in a desperate bid to choke off rapid inflation.

Sought for comment, Nicholas Mapa, senior economist at ING Bank in Manila, believes the peso would sustain its slump if the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas would not match the Fed’s forceful actions. Last week, BSP Governor Felipe Medalla said the central bank “would clearly consider may be increasing policy rates by more than our planned 25 basis points” if the exchange rate is “overshooting too much”.

But with the next BSP meeting not happening until August 18, a deeper currency crash, Mapa said, may prompt central bank to hold an offcycle meeting just to hike policy rates and arrest the peso’s decline, although this is something that could put the BSP in a bad light.

“We have argued previously that front-loaded rate hikes could be more effective during a rate hike cycle, especially if all signs point to accelerating inflation down the road,” Mapa said.

“Given the time-lag of policy rate adjustments,

A motorist pays for its tank refueling in a gas station along Nangka J.P. Rizal in Marikina on Monday, June 20, 2022.

Philstar photo by Walter Bollozos

more forceful and early tightening would get the BSP ahead of the curve, re-anchor inflation expectations and hopefully quell uncertainty. Until the 18th of August however, the PHP may face additional pressure as the central bank awaits the chance to tighten further,” he added. — with Ramon Royandoyan n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 8-14, 2022

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Biden invites Bongbong...

Former LA Consul...

PAGE 1 to do so as soon as our schedules permit them,” Romualdez told the Inquirer on Saturday, July 2.

Contempt judgment Since Marcos enjoys diplomatic immunity as a head of state, Romualdez said, he could visit Washington without being arrested despite a standing contempt order that for years had prevented him from entering the United States.

In 2012, a U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit handed down a contempt judgment against the estate of the late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., his mother Imelda, and their son Ferdinand Jr. for violating an injunction that barred them from dissipating assets of the estate.

The contempt order came after the Marcoses entered into a settlement with the Ramos

PAGE 1 Department of Foreign Affairs.

For nearly three decades, Cruz has held various diplomatic and consular posts in the Philippine Foreign Service. Prior to serving as the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Civilian Security at the Department of Foreign Affairs during the final year of the Duterte administration, the veteran diplomat was Consul

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

Immunity In May, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman told reporters in Manila that Mr. Marcos would be “welcome” to the United States, again citing his diplomatic immunity.

Weeks before his inauguration, Marcos’ media staff said he was considering going to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly in September.n

LOOSE FIREARMS. Eastern Police District (EPD) District Director, Brig. Gen. Orlando Yebra Jr. (left) inspects the firearms confiscated from various police operations and the implementation of “Oplan Kontra Boga” at the EPD headquarters on Caruncho Avenue, Pasig City on Thursday, July 7. The firearms presented were seized from January 2021 to June 2022.

PNA photo by Joey O. Razon

Older adults still at high risk for...

PAGE 1 Tartof shared research relevant to people of all age groups, such as new evidence that the biggest benefit of being vaccinated is not preventing infection but preventing severe outcomes from infections.

Vaccines wane in effectiveness – need boosters Booster shots, she said, are proving more effective than the original vaccination doses.

But even the heightened level of immunity provided by a booster wanes over time, she said, and researchers now recommend additional boosters.

“Really, six months after a vaccination, you’re down to like, the protection you’d have from one or maybe none. That’s what drives the booster recommendation — They’re not providing the same protection that they did when you first got them.”

This waning is more acute in “immunocompromised” people, Tartof explained, which includes people, often seniors, facing an array of challenges such as leukemia, lymphoma, HIV, AIDS, stem cell or organ transplantation.

“It’s really important to protect yourself by staying up to date and to try to keep track of what current recommendations are.”

“It’s confusing,” she admitted. But, she said, “another thing I do is study long Covid.

Those very debilitating symptoms are actually pretty much impossible to treat,” she warned.

“Every time I feel hesitant, I just think that I’m more willing to take risks with the vaccine, which are actually very minimal compared to the risks of long-term.”

Of those California seniors lost to COVID, 45% were Latino, more than twice their 22% of the population aged 65 to 79.

African Americans, 5.5% of that age group, experienced an 8% death rate, Chan said.

Statewide, more than 80% of older adults have been vaccinated, 70% have had one booster, almost 30% have had two. But these statewide figures do not reflect regional differences, Chan cautioned.

“We can’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to getting people vaccinated. This is longterm work for the safety of all the older adults in our state.”

The rate of positive tests for Covid in California stands at 13.2%, probably an undercount, Chan said, but still 1.5 percentage points higher than the week before. And with 3,100 people currently hospitalized, he said, we’re back to the level we were in March, when Omicron spiked.

There’s plenty of vaccines But there’s good news too. Unlike the early days of vaccine availability, he said, “We have plenty of vaccine,” so the days of rationing are over.

“We also know that vaccines work,” he said, and cited state data from May showing that people without vaccines are five times more likely to get Covid, seven times more likely to be hospitalized for it and 10 times more likely to die than those vaccinated and boosted.

Vaccines are being approved for more age groups, and there’s a potential for more specific vaccines targeting variants as they emerge, Chan noted.

Also, he said, “access is easier than ever before,” with systems in place to vaccinate people at home, if necessary, that can be obtained with or without internet or cell phone access.

Free transportation or in-home delivery of vaccinations and boosters can be arranged in multiple languages by calling 1-833-4224255. On the web, go to https://myturn. ca.gov/, DeMarois said. The site covid19. ca.gov also has information and scheduling

help available in dozens of languages.

Caregiver support The state has 11 caregiver resource centers (CRCs) (www.caregivercalifornia.org) (1-800510-2020, multiple languages) offering an array of free services to support those caring for people 60 and older or for adults with cognitive impairment issues.

Velasquez’s Southern Caregiver Resource Center is focused on San Diego and Imperial counties, where people 60 or older were 86% of the 5,000 Covid deaths recorded.

Of Velasquez’s care-provider clients, he said, more than 70% were spending more than 40 hours per week providing care and got no paid help. They self-reported fair to poor and worsening health, moderate to severe depression and loneliness.

“Caregivers usually don’t want help for themselves,” he said, but when Covid hit, the challenges of social distancing eventually led to increased calls for help in the form of the “respite services” CRCs can provide.

For his CRC’s 516 family caregivers, it came to a combined 192,600 hours in one year, Velasquez said.

“You have to get them to think that they’re helping their loved one, even though they’re helping themselves.”

Beware complacency “For me, the most worrisome thing is how everybody’s become a little bit more complacent. Masks are not being worn on a regular basis. People are just tired. They just want to say, ‘Covid is over, let’s just do what we do.’”

“We really want to encourage individuals and families to consider safely reentering settings where they can share meals, participate in activities and have multidisciplinary healthcare teams supporting them.” (Mark Hedin/Ethnic Media Services) n

General in Los Angeles from 2016 to 2021.

His assignments include Charge d’Affaires in Tripoli, Libya (from 2014-2016); Consul General in Xiamen, China (2011-2013); first Secretary and Consul at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi (2007-2011) and Vice Consul then Consul at the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago. (AJPress) n

AG Bonta: Anti-Asian hate incidents jumped...

PAGE 1 incidents jumped from 89 in 2020 to 247 in 2021.

“Today’s report undeniably shows that the epidemic of hate we saw spurred on during the pandemic remains a clear and present threat,” said Bonta — who is Filipino American — in a statement.

Bonta said that the Office of the Attorney General will create a statewide hate crime coordinator in the Criminal Law Division within California’s Department of Justice, which he said is designed to assist state and local law enforcement to better address hate crime.

“While there is no single solution, it’s up to all of us to heed the call, because when our communities feel empowered, they come forward. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we stand united — there is no place for hate in California.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, thousands of victims of anti-Asian hate incidents have come forward with reports of abuse, ranging from verbal to physical attacks. Despite lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and advocates bolstering efforts to combatting the disturbing trend, assault reports continue to flood in.

Last year saw a long string of assaults against elderly Asian individuals in California, primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area — which weeks ago reported a whopping 567% rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in 2021 — and Los Angeles County. According to these incident reports and witness accounts, many of the assailants referenced the COVID-19 pandemic during the attack.

Bonta’s report follows the 40th anniversary of the murder of Vincent Chin, a Chinese American man who was targetted by white autoworkers in Detroit who blamed the Japanese community for taking their jobs.

And Bonta acknowledged that these statistics, while sobering, do not paint the true picture of hate in California, and often, crimes go unreported. And, as previously reported in the Asian Journal, prosecutors have admitted that crimes based on demographic bias is more difficult to charge and prosecute than other crimes.

“These, of course, are statistics but they are more than just numbers. Each of these incidents represents an attack on a person, a neighbor, a family member, a fellow Californian, and worse, we know our statistics likely are not exhaustive. Still today, too many are too afraid to come forward,” Bonta said.

However, the report also found a 30% increase in the number of hate crime cases filed for prosecution by district and city attorneys.

The report also shed alarming rises in hate against other communities. Hate crimes which were motivated by sexual orientation bias jumped 48%, going from 205 reports in 2020 to 303 in 2021.

The most prevalent form of hate crimes reported, according to the report, were crimes against the Black community, which experienced 513 reported incidents. Anti-Latino or anti-Hispanic bias increased from 115 in 2020 to 152 in 2021. n

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JULY 8-14, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

Asian Americans call for...

PAGE 1 Others had added handwritten statements about reproductive freedom to pre-printed signs.

The overarching theme of the rally — echoed by many of the speakers onstage — was the hope that what Americans share in common is greater than what divides us. More than 40 organizations, representing the full spectrum of AAPI subethnicities, arranged the noon event, led by APIAVote and Asian Americans Advancing Justice.

MSNBC news anchor Richard Liu moderated a portion of the four-hour event, which can be watched here in its entirety.

Over the past three years, the Web portal Stop AAPI Hate has recorded more than 11,000 incidents of verbal harassment, physical violence, and bullying targeting AAPI persons. More than two-thirds of the attacks are against women.

The afternoon put many human faces to the statistics of anti Asian hate crimes. Several speakers were themselves victims of hate crimes, or had lost family members to attacks motivated by hatred.

“White supremacy has taken hold of our American lives. Asian Americans are fighting for our God-given rights just to simply exist,” said the Reverend Yena Hwang, one of the few ordained female Korean ministers to serve in the Presbyterian Church.

Filmmaker Pardeep Kaleka recalled the morning of Aug. 5, 2012, when avowed white supremacist Wade Michael Page stormed the Sikh temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, as Sunday morning prayers were being held.

Page killed six people, including temple founder Satwant Singh Kaleka, Pardeep’s father.

Satwant Singh Kaleka confronted Page during the massacre and tried to prevent him from going to the kitchen, where women were preparing the daily feast known as langar.

“My dad’s final words were a prayer: he did not pray for himself. He prayed for all of us,” said Kaleka.

New York City resident Esther Lee was verbally abused and spit upon when she refused to engage in a fist bump with a man, while she rode the subway. Her attacker called her “a miserable, f**king carrier,” a charge often leveled at the Asian American community since the pandemic began. None of the other subway passengers

stepped in to help Lee. “It was 57 seconds of pure terror,” she said.

Lee went straight to the police station to file a report, but was told her case was not a hate crime. Police told her she should not have filmed the incident, and blamed her for triggering her attacker.

Robbyn Lewis, a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, interrupted a hate crime as it was occurring at Washington DC’s Union Station. An Asian woman was being harassed by a man on a bicycle. “I was born in Maryland,” shouted the woman, as the aggressor escalated his taunts.

“I had to do something,” said Lewis. “I was afraid, but how could I not?” She confronted the aggressor, who turned his venom on her, calling her a “bi**h” and other foul names.

“I put my body between the woman and that man,” said Lewis. “As he circled, I circled too. I had this terrible feeling that he was going to raise his hand and strike her.”

As he left, the man spit in Lewis’ face. The politician called police: spitting at someone is a felony. Federal prosecutors are working to identify the incident as a hate crime.

“I think about this and how many times women experience harassment, and they are completely alone,” said Lewis.

Gareth and Fe Hall shared the tragedy of their only child, Christian, who was killed by police at the age of 19. The Halls adopted Christian from China when he was just a year old.

“He totally embraced every race around him. He told people he was a Black, Filipino, Chinese American,” said Gareth Hall, who is Black. Christian had dreams of

becoming a rap star.

But the young man struggled with his mental health, joining his peers in what is often referred to as the shadow pandemic of youth mental health crises. On Dec. 30, 2020, Christian experienced a serious bout of suicidal ideation. His parents called 911.

Pennsylvania troopers fatally shot Christian, justifying their actions by stating that Christian was carrying a weapon.

“The very people that were supposed to protect my son killed him instead,” said Fe Hall, who is Filipina.

Komal Chohan paid tribute to her grandmother, Amarjeet Kaur Johal, who was one of nine people killed as 19-year-old Brandon Scott Hole opened fire at a FedEx Ground facility in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 15, 2021. Four of Hole’s victims were Sikhs.

“This was a wake-up call to me: that we had to take the fight into our own hands,” said Chohan, noting that she and other 20-somethings organized to fight back against hate. “We were feeling unsafe in the place we called home, a fear many Asian Americans have had to face, and we feel that no one is listening.”

Many of the speakers referred to pioneering activist Helen Zia, who co-founded American Citizens for Justice shortly after Detroit, Michigsan auto factory worker Vincent Chin was beaten to death with a baseball bat by two white men. Zia spoke briefly at the march, via video.

“We march here where so many have marched before in the struggle for justice. For too long, our communities have been pitted against each other, fighting for the crumbs that are thrown our way,” said Zia. (By Sunita Sohrabji/Ethnic Media Services)n

The 12 newly-elected senators raise each other’s hands after the proclamation of winners of the 2022 polls at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on May 18, 2022.

Philstar.com photo by Geremy Pintolo

Decimated PH Senate minority faces...

PAGE 1 former President Duterte, who vilified them continuously during his term, I don’t expect them to make any major impact in the 19th Congress,” he told Philstar. com.

Despite that, members of the opposition should not be discouraged from doing their jobs since there is a constant need to protect public interest, Coronacion added.

‘Fiscalizers’ Although it is not found in the English dictionary, the term ‘fiscalizer’ generally refers to lawmakers who do not just agree with the agenda with congressional or executive leadership and tend to scrutinize things more closely, University of the Philippines political scientist Jean Franco said.

As fiscalizers, the minority

STRENGTHENING TIES. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi (right) pays a courtesy call on Vice President Sara Z. Duterte at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Makati City on Wednesday, July 6. Joining them were Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and Ambassador Huang Xilian.

PNA photo by Avito Dalan

must pay more attention to details in proposed laws and validate the information there, according to Hontiveros. With the prevalence of disinformation, it is all the more important to check each and every argument presented in the crafting of laws, she said.

“People must understand that the minority doesn’t just give opposing views for no reason.

Our criticism is meant to produce meaningful and actionable insights that can be used in amending the bills being debated on the floor of Congress,” she said.

“We’re not here to prevent laws from being passed, we’re here to make sure that every measure that gets signed into law brings long-term benefits to the people.”

Despite committee assignments seemingly already locked in, political arrangements can still change, Coronacion said. “Disgruntled members of the Marcos-Duterte alliance might join the opposition and may shape the dynamics in the Senate.”

If the minority cannot get more members at the Senate, Franco said, “they really need to be partners with civil society and other social movements because that’s the only way to go... because the people outside your chamber can amplify your voice.”

‘Challenging time’ The minority may face a more difficult time in being a check on the supermajority, according to De La Salle University political science professor Julio

Teehankee, which could risk the Senate being a rubber stamp for the Palace.

“The incoming minority faces a tremendous challenge of checking the supermajority supporting the first majority president under the Fifth Republic,” Teehankee told Philstar.com. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was elected into office by more than 31 million Filipinos and lawmakers have historically sided with winners.

He added that the situation is just like how it was in the postEDSA Senate in 1987 where only Juan Ponce Enrile and Joseph Estrada served in the minority.

Despite the foreseen setbacks, Hontiveros — the lone senatorial bet from the opposition who won a seat — is optimistic that there can still be an effective minority bloc, even if they don’t have the numbers.

“It doesn’t matter how many of us are in the minority bloc.

As long as we stay true to our mandate as fiscalizers and perform our checks and balance function, the minority will thrive,” Hontiveros told Philstar.com.

She said that even if she and Pimentel are the only members of the bloc so far, “their convictions are enough to function as a minority bloc.”

In previous interviews, she and Pimentel noted that the strength and effectiveness of the minority bloc is also measured by the seriousness of its members in fiscalizing constructively, including improving measures pushed by the majority. n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

PH, US eye ‘scaled up’ war games; lawmakers want treaties junked PHILIPPINE and American Army officials met last month in Hawaii to draw up plans for a “scaled up” edition next year of “Salaknib,” the annual military exercise aimed at boosting the defense readiness of both sides.

Party list representatives, however, on Monday, July 4 filed three resolutions seeking to abrogate two of the country’s treaties with the United States, as well as an investigation into the local deployment of American military drones.

Col. Xerxes Trinidad, Philippine Army spokesperson, said in a statement that from June 27 to 30, representatives from their side and the U.S. Army Pacific reviewed the exercise timeline, strategic objectives, area of operations and updated mission statement.

Around 2,200 Filipino and American soldiers trained together in March for this year’s “Salaknib,” which included the High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (Himar) live fire, team to company level live fire exercise, engineering projects, artillery and fire support missions, and over 20 subject matter expert exchanges.

Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Army chief, earlier said that the joint exercise was a testament to the “long-standing bilateral relations” between both military forces that would contribute to the “pursuit of a

common goal of maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

But even as the country marked Philippine-American Friendship Day on Monday, three party list lawmakers jointly filed resolutions calling for the abrogation of two of the country’s treaties with the United States.

Unbridled US operations Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro and Kabataan Rep. Raoul Danniel Manuel also pushed for an investigation into the deployment in the country of American military drones.

House Resolutions Nos. 18 and 20 sought to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca) which, according to the lawmakers, had led to “unbridled U.S. military operations and abuses in the country.”

“We expect these treaties to be used as legal cover for bigger and more flexible deployment of U.S. military troops and assets in the Philippines, especially with the revival of the U.S. pivot to Asia,” they said.

The lawmakers cited cases of alleged abuses committed by American military servicemen against women, children and members of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community in seeking the VFA’s abrogation.

As for Edca, they said it had

transformed the country into a “virtual U.S. military base in the Asia-Pacific region where U.S. armed forces units have practically been given free rein in conducting operations of whatever nature in strategic points inside Philippine territory.”

According to them, Edca “violates Philippine national sovereignty, imperils the geopolitical situation in the West Philippine Sea, and endangers the livelihood of farmers, fisherfolk and indigenous peoples’ communities.”

At the same time, the party list representatives asked the House committee on national defense and security to look into the deployment and operations of U.S. military drones in the country.

Constitutional violations Brosas said the military should “report to the public the extent by which these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used in military operations, and if the U.S. is controlling these air assets remotely, as it would constitute flagrant violations of our Constitution.”

They noted the 2017 deployment to Mindanao of the Gray Eagle UAV—a high-tech drone which could be armed with missiles—to support government operations against terrorists in Marawi City.

The lawmakers also cited the U.S. military’s turnover of four ScanEagle drones to the Philippine Air Force last year.

“There has been no official record of the operations and missions of the deployed Gray Eagle in Mindanao or that of the recently turned over ScanEagle drones, leading to suspicions that (they) could have been endangering the lives of Filipinos,” they said.

They added that the deployment of UAVs opened the door for another country to directly or indirectly participate in local combat operations which was against the Constitution, saying that the drones might TRAINING TOGETHER. American and Filipino soldiers simulate a raid during the joint U.S.- also be used “against the Filipino Philippine military exercise Balikatan at the Naval Training Exercise Command in San Antonio, people.” (Inquirer.net) n Zambales province, in 2018.

Inquirer file photo

5

Solon wants Ninoy Aquino Int’l Airport renamed to Ferdinand E. Marcos Int’l Airport

by Gabriel

Pabico Inquirer.net

lalu

MANILA — A lawmaker has filed a bill proposing to rename the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Ferdinand E Marcos International Airport.

Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., who filed the bill on June 30 — but released it to the media on Tuesday, July 5, said, “[i]t is more appropriate to rename it to the person who has contributed to the idea and execution of the said noble project.”

“This project was done during the time of the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.,” Teves said in House Bill No. 610’s explanatory note.

“It is more appropriate to bear the name that has contributed and legacy (sic) in our country to make the Philippines a center of international and domestic air travel, who has instituted and built or conceptualized the project in making pride (sic) of our country,” he added.

The current name of the country’s main gateway – Ninoy Aquino International Airport – was in honor of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, who was killed at the tarmac of the thenManila International Airport on August 21, 1983. This set off a chain of events that eventually

Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

led to the ouster of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., whose regime was marred with extravagance, plunder, corruption, and rights violations, in February 1986 via a bloodless revolt.

Former senator Aquino was a known opposition leader during the Marcos Sr. regime.

The Aquinos and Marcoses have been political rivals, with each family producing senators and presidents.

Former senator Aquino’s wife, Corazon Aquino, became the country’s 11th President (after Marcos Sr.) of the country and while their son, Benigno S. Aquino III, became the country’s 15th President.

Former President Marcos Sr.’s son and namesake,

Inquirer.net file photo

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, was inaugurated as the country’s 17th President lat June 30 at the National Museum of Fine Arts.

This is not the first time that the idea of renaming NAIA was raised. In June 2020, former deputy speaker Paolo Duterte — son of former President Rodrigo Duterte — and other lawmakers filed a bill to change NAIA to Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas (Philippine International Airport).

Duterte and other lawmakers, including then-Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, said changing the name would make the airport immediately identifiable as a Philippine-based establishment. n

‘No more lockdowns’ by catherine

S. Valente and red Mendoza ManilaTimes.net

THE COVID-19 positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) has jumped to 9.3%, almost double the ideal positivity rate of 5% set by the World Health Organization (WHO), but the government is unlikely to implement community lockdowns despite the sharp rise in cases.

The country’s positivity rate

also increased to 6.8% in the week of June 28 to July 3.

Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday, July 6 said that lockdowns are no longer needed because the majority of Filipinos have been inoculated against COVID-19.

“I think no country now, except China, will go into general lockdowns. I think we have now

graduated from being pandemic to endemic,” Diokno said when asked if the Marcos economic team will adopt the previous administration’s policy of not imposing any wide lockdowns.

“We have to live with the virus.

Most of us are vaccinated anyway, some of us even have boosters.

In fact, that (vaccination) is also key to the 100% opening or faceto-face opening of classes. The plan is, it will start opening up by

u PAGE 7

6

JULY 8-14, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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OpiniOn

Changing strategy

Features

THE International Criminal Court wants to resume its probe into the war on drugs that was a priority of Rodrigo Duterte during his six years as president.

At the end of his term, Duterte acknowledged that he had underestimated the extent of the problem, which has persisted despite the deaths of over 6,000 suspects in police anti-narcotics operations.

Within days after he stepped down, police apprehended several drug trafficking suspects across the country. The latest and biggest drug bust so far was staged last Sunday morning, July 3 by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency backed by the police in Quezon City, which led to the arrest of a Chinese national and the confiscation of at least 40 kilos of shabu valued at P272 million.

While his brutal methods and apparent failure to hold law enforcers to account for abuses in the conduct of the campaign have been cited by the ICC, Duterte was not way off the mark in pointing out the extent of the problem in the country.

Long before he assumed power, the Philippines was already notorious as an international transshipment point for prohibited drugs.

Duterte, a former mayor and congressman, said even police generals and local government executives, from barangay officials to provincial governors, were involved in illegal drug deals. He defended the high number of suspected small-

scale pushers who were targeted, saying they were threats to public safety in their neighborhoods.

Continuing the campaign against illegal drugs was Duterte’s specific appeal to his successor. On Monday, July 4,, the new secretary of the interior and local government, whose department has supervision over the Philippine National Police, vowed to continue the campaign, but within the bounds of the Constitution. What this means exactly remains to be seen. PNP officials have previously pointed out that armed and bloody encounters cannot always be avoided in battling drug traffickers.

The illegal drug scourge has been around for decades, and confronting the problem is a continuing mission of law enforcement. The previous administration went for shock and awe in dealing with the problem, but the high human toll failed to eradicate the menace. A new dispensation must try a different strategy.

(Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

History being written, not rewritten

Babe’s Eye View BaBe Romualdez THE presidency has always been a matter of destiny. I believe it, many people believe it, and so do many others who wanted the job but never made it.

After 36 years, witnessing destiny unfold with Ferdinand Marcos Jr. taking his oath of office as the 17th President of the Republic of the Philippines was simply overwhelming, to say the least. And for those who were around long enough to see the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr., it was rather emotional, witnessing the inauguration of his son, all teary eyed as they listened to the new President deliver his inaugural address.

It took President Bongbong Marcos several days to get his speech together, and he delivered it so well that even those who did not support or vote for him were pleasantly

surprised by the ring of sincerity that resonated with them, as the new President urged Filipinos to look to the future and take the road that would bring our county to a place that is “better than the one we lost in the pandemic,” and recover the gains that had been made but lost, including the opportunities that have been missed.

Reiterating the unity that was at the core of his message during the campaign, the President said, “In this fresh chapter of our history, I extend my hand to all Filipinos. Come, let us put our shoulders to the wheel and give that wheel a faster turn to repair and to rebuild and to address challenges in new ways to provide what all Filipinos need to be all that we can. We are here to repair a house divided, to make it whole and to stand strong again,” he exhorted, reminding everyone that “we are Filipinos: one nation, one republic, indivisible.”

He has always believed that the people must be united in order for us to overcome the many problems that our country

faces, and he sees the same thing happening not only in the Philippines but in many other countries all over the world.

When we are united as a people, we will be able to surmount any problem that may come our way.

The President also spoke of a “comprehensive, allinclusive plan for economic transformation” and building back better, learning from the experiences we have had – both good and bad, with “no looking back in anger or nostalgia.”

Many were especially pleased to hear him say that the task of building will continue, and that he will complete on schedule the projects that have been started.

“I am not interested in taking credit. I want to build on the success that is already happening,” he emphasized.

It is evident that Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is looking towards the future, with no intention whatsoever to rewrite history because as I have always maintained, he will be writing his story as he takes his place in history. Certainly, he is cognizant of the weight of the

responsibility that has been placed upon his shoulders by the 31 million who voted him into office – “the biggest electoral mandate in the history of Philippine democracy,” as he described it.

“I fully understand the gravity of the responsibility that you have put on my shoulders. I do not take it lightly, but I am ready for the task,” President BBM declared, acknowledging that with every difficult decision he must make, he will keep foremost in his heart and mind “the debt of gratitude” he owes the Filipino people for “the honor and responsibility” that has been conferred on him.

There is absolutely no doubt President Bongbong Marcos is highly motivated, giving me confidence in his ability to do well. And regardless of whether they are critics or supporters, deep in everyone’s heart as true Filipinos, they want this, our country, to go forward.

The special envoys present, among them Second Gentleman of the United States Doug Emhoff, were extremely

impressed by the way President Bongbong Marcos expressed the vision and aspirations he has for the country and the Filipino people. When SGOTUS Emhoff made a private call on the President after the vin d’honneur, he delivered a personal letter from President Biden inviting President Marcos to visit the White House at an opportune time.

As I shared during my interview with CNN’s Ria Tanjuatco Trillo last Friday, July 1, that was very significant because there is a concerted effort on the part of the United States to reach out to the new administration of President Marcos and move forward to make the relationship even stronger.

President Biden was the first head of state to congratulate President Marcos.

SGOTUS Emhoff is also a close personal friend of President Biden; representing him at the inaugural was a personal gesture coming from the US president.

Regarding our relationship with the United States, President

Marcos said he would like to see more trade between the two nations. We have mounted quite a number of economic forums in the past and we will be doing more of that. In my conversation with Finance Secretary Ben Diokno, we agreed to continue, if not double our efforts, in promoting the Philippines and getting more investments from the United States.

We have actually been getting a lot of inquiries on how we could move forward with regard to economic trade between the Philippines and the US under the new administration. For my part, I am highly motivated to double the work we have been doing not only on the aspect of the economy but in other areas of mutual interest to bring the relationship to a higher level.

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

*** Email: babeseyeview@gmail.com

Duterte legacy: A bonfire of institutions?

Horizons

RichaRd heydaRian THE return of the Marcoses to Malacañang has, quite understandably, dominated the political headlines. Not only at home, but all across the world, many are wondering how the scions of a former strongman managed to claw their way back to the pinnacle of power in Asia’s oldest democracy. Dear reader, you can just imagine the headlines in major dailies and on global news platforms.

History—as in metanarratives based on verified data and peer-reviewed studies—is clearly not our national forte; otherwise, how did we arrive at the current situation, whereby some even dare to dismiss history as nothing but “gossip” (tsismis)!? Imagine what the victims of the darkest years in modern Philippine history are feeling now amid the denialistrevisionist spiral, which is steadily colonizing our public discourse?

My fervent wish, however, is that we don’t forget the recent past, at least. And this brings me to the legacy of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who skipped the inauguration of his successor altogether in order to swiftly return to his hometown.

He may have gradually faded from our uber-short-attentionspan news cycles, but we will be living with his legacy for years, if not decades, to come.

The 2016 elections represent one of the most seismic events in Philippine history. It produced a presidency unlike anything before, both at home and, arguably, even internationally.

Despite winning just under 40 percent of the votes on the heels of a bizarrely polarizing campaign, Duterte swiftly became the most popular Filipino president since the introduction of authoritative surveys.

His trust rating climbed to as high as 90 percent early in his presidency, a mind-boggling rating that resurfaced in recent years. At one point, he even had the highest trust rating of any democratically elected leader in the world. He was unique in every sense of the word. Though hailing from an established political family in the country’s “Deep South,” he was the ultimate outsider as far as the “Imperial Manila” establishment is concerned.

And to be fair, Duterte deployed his unprecedented political capital for a number of consequential and even commendable initiatives. Think of his courageous advocacy for Bangsamoro autonomy, as well as the doubling of infrastructure

spending (above 5 percent of gross domestic product) under his watch.

And to be honest, I also initially supported, as any patriot should, his call for greater independence from our traditional partners in favor of a more “independent” foreign policy. What I have always opposed, however, is exchanging an established strategic patron for predatory alternatives.

I have already extensively written, including in these august pages, on the human rights catastrophe and illiberal practices under the previous president. So I won’t repeat them here. On a more macro level, however, let me emphasize that the greatest shortcoming of Duterte was his inexplicable inability to translate massive political capital into effective statebuilding.

In many ways, Duterte’s reign can be summarized as a bonfire of institutions (I’m indebted to fellow columnist Randy David for coining the term, and to sociologist Nicole Curato for pointing this out). Let me briefly discuss three key elements, which have undermined state institutions under the former president.

First of all, Duterte’s ascent to power reinforced the myth of what historian Julia Lovell

has described as “political volunteerism,” namely the fantastical idea that a decisive, authoritarian leader can singlehandedly address complex social problems in the 21st century. This largely explains, for instance, why Duterte’s drug war was based less on modern public policy and evidencebased science than penal populist antics.

Second, his reign and unprecedented popularity were more driven by performativity rather than actual performance.

Impression-management and headline-grabbing

pronouncements often trumped careful policy deliberation.

The great scholar of populism Ernesto Laclau described this phenomenon as the “empty signifier”: think of the “dolomite beach” in Manila Bay, which offended the sensibilities of every sound expert.

And lastly, a major problem under the previous president was the rare combination of arbitrariness and absenteeism, which amused too many at the expense of our emaciated institutions. To build a strong state, which is essential to longterm national development,

a leader must invest in the rule of law, value long-term planning, and, above all, rely on evidence-based policymaking.

Consummate populists, however, often rely on optics and myths. Duterte raised many good questions. Can’t say the same about his answers.

(Inquirer.net) *** 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.

*** rheydarian@inquirer.com.ph

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Duterte hopes China partnership may enhance PH academic performance

by Daphne

Galvez Inquirer.net

MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte has said she is eyeing partnering with China in the field of education to enhance Filipino students’ academic performance, her office said on Thursday, July 7.

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) said this was among the things discussed during the courtesy call of China’s top diplomat Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on Wednesday, July 6.

FLYOVER REHAB. Workers from the Department of Public Works and Highways (in the background) continue the rehabilitation works on Duterte, who concurrently sits the southbound lane of the EDSA-Kamuning flyover in Quezon City on Thursday, July 7. A portion of the southbound flyover was closed to as the Education Secretary, also vehicular traffic for immediate repairs after a recent inspection showed large cracks and potholes. PNA photo by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler cited the possible cooperation with China for education professionals who can teach English to Chinese students.

“She looks forward to partnering with China in the students in anticipation of their gradual return to field of education to enhance PAGE 5 August and then 100% by November,” he added. school. the academic performance of “This is going to be very important lalo na On Wednesday, July 6, the Department of Health (DOH) said that Cordillera, Central Luzon, (especially) in preparation for school in the coming Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and semester. Ang plano ni VP Sara (The plan of VP Quezon), Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Sara is) to phase in already complete face-toRomblon and Palawan) and Western Visayas face. So sana ma-vaccinate (So we hope they all regions also had positivity rates above the 5% get vaccinated),” Marcos said, referring to Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, who also sits as threshold set by the WHO. The department, however, said that health care Education secretary.

As vaccine hesitancy remains an issue, the utilization rates remained low, with a 19% total bed utilization rate despite an increase in admissions President directed the DOH to enhance their information campaign and extensively explain to by around 6.7%.

The average daily reported cases increased by the people the importance of having a booster shot.

He also directed the Health department to 55% from June 21 to 27 to 1,103 cases per day across the country, as compared to 711 cases increase the administration of booster shots by October before the planned full implementation of reported from June 21 to 27.

In NCR, cases increased by 57% to an average face-to-face classes in November.

“We have to explain. The best explanation we can of 537 cases per day from June 28 to July 4, while have is that for the Alpha and the following strains, Mindanao provinces have shown a slight uptick.

All regions have reported case increases but the vaccine was two shots and it was sufficient for continue to remain under low risk as average daily good immunity but still not full immunity,” Marcos attack rates are below the threshold of six cases said.

“That’s the general policy. We will reinstitute per 100,000 population.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has again the vaccination drive so that we can at least ordered mandatory first booster shots to prevent feel safer when the children go back to school,” he the spread of Omicron subvariants, Malacañang said.

The country reported additional subvariant said on Wednesday, July 6.

It said that Marcos “agreed to the proposal of cases on Tuesday, July 5, led by 43 new cases of requiring Filipinos to get a first booster dose” the highly infectious BA.5 subvariant of Omicron.

Most of the new subvariant cases were reported during his meeting with the officials of the Department of Health, the Inter-Agency Task in NCR, with 21 BA.5 cases, followed by Calabarzon Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Region with seven BA.5 detections, Ilocos with Diseases and the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. five detections and Western Visayas with two detections. in Malacañang on Wednesday, July 6.

Central Luzon, Mimaropa, Bicol, Central Visayas, The move was also in preparation for the impending full implementation of face-to-face Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga and the Cordillera regions reported one BA.5 case each. classes in November this year.

Of the 43 BA.5 detections, 42 were local cases, During the meeting, the President underscored the need to increase the protection of the population while a single case was from a returning overseas against the Omicron subvariants, especially the Filipino. n

‘No more lockdowns’...

7

Filipino students,” the OVP said in a statement.

“She also cited possible cooperation with China in terms of its need for education professionals who can teach English to Chinese students,” it added.

Duterte also told Wang about the concerns of numerous Filipino students eager to return to China to continue their studies.

As for other matters, the Vice President likewise expressed gratitude for China’s support to the Philippines, especially regarding the “Build, Build, Build” program of her father’s, former President Rodrigo Duterte, administration.

“She acknowledged the significant role of China in terms of the construction of the Samal Island-Davao Connector bridge, which she hopes would be completed as soon as possible,

as this would bring much economic progress to the people of Davao,” the OVP said.

The OVP said that Wang vowed that China is ready to step up education cooperation with the Philippines.

“He promised that China stands ready to step-up education cooperation and will certainly assist in the facilitation of the return of Filipino students to China aside from increasing the number of scholarships for Filipinos in Chinese education institutions,” it said.

Wang also cited the important role of Vice President Duterte as Education Secretary in uplifting the lives of the Filipinos.

The OVP said he also discussed China’s priority areas of cooperation with the Philippines under the new administration: agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and people-to-people exchanges. n

8

JULY 8-14, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

ANNOUNCEMENT

LEGAL SERVICES SD#0153

Advertisement for Bids Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will receive “ELECTRONIC-ONLY” bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services for: CLAIREMONT HIGH SCHOOL CTE REMODEL AND THROWING FACILITIES IMPROVEMENTS A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2022, in front of the main office of Clairemont High School, 4150 Ute Dr., San Diego, CA 92117. ALL CONTRACTORS MUST PREREGISTER WITH THE DISTRICT PRIOR TO ATTENDING THE SITE WALK AT https://sandiegounified.org/sitewalks Site walks will follow the latest District COVID-19 policies which can be found at https://www.sandiegounified.org/covid-19_status.

PLEASE SEE BID FOR DETAILS (No. CC23-0081-24).

Please refer to Planwell (www.crispimg.com, click on PlanWell, Public Planroom, search SDUSD and project bid number CC23-0081-24) for project details. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on AUGUST 10, 2022. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43764 then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CC23-0081-24 Clairemont High School CTE Remodel and Throwing Facilities Improvements. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. The project estimate is between $2.8 million and $3.1 million. This is a PSA project and does require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Linda Hippe, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Director (TOC), Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CC23-0081-24 Advertisement for Bids

SD#0154

Notice is hereby given that the San Diego Unified School District, acting by and through its governing board, will receive “ELECTRONIC-ONLY” bids for the furnishing of all labor, materials, transportation, equipment, and services to: FURNISH AND INSTALL HYDRATION STATIONS AT 8 SITES GROUP 1 A mandatory site visit is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2022, outside the main office of Dewey Elementary School, 3251 Rosecrans Street, San Diego, CA 92110. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Bay Point Preschool, 2850 Wasp Way San Diego, CA 92106. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Cabrillo Elementary School, 3120 Talbot Street, San Diego, CA 92106. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Silver Gate Elementary School, 1499 Venice Street, San Diego, CA 92107. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Ocean Beach Elementary School, 4741 Santa Monica Avenue, San Diego, CA 92107. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Dana Middle School, 1775 Chatsworth Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92106. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Point Loma High School, 2335 Chatsworth Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92106. Upon completion, all contractors will proceed to Loma Portal Elementary School, 3341 Browning Street, San Diego, CA 92106. ALL CONTRACTORS MUST PREREGISTER WITH THE DISTRICT PRIOR TO ATTENDING THE SITE WALK AT https://sandiegounified.org/sitewalks Site walks will follow the latest District COVID-19 policies which can be found at https://www.sandiegounified.org/covid-19_status. PLEASE SEE BID FOR DETAILS (No. CP23-0216-24).

Please refer to Planwell (www.crispimg.com, click on PlanWell, Public Planroom, search SDUSD and project bid number CP23-0216-24) for project details. All bids must be received electronically at or before 1:00 p.m. on AUGUST 4, 2022. Firms interested in submitting a bid package must go to https://www.planetbids.com/portal/portal.cfm?CompanyID=43764 then search under “Bid Opportunities” for “Invitation number” CP23-0216-24 Furnish and Install Hydration Stations at 8 Sites Group 1. For new vendors, please register under “New Vendor Registration”. The project estimate is between $750,000 and $850,000. This is not a PSA project and does not require prequalification. The District requires that Bidders possess any of the following classification(s) of California State Contractors License(s), valid and in good standing, at the time of bid opening and contract award: B or other appropriate license, subject to District approval. SAN DIEGO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT, Linda Hippe, Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Director (TOC), Strategic Sourcing and Contracts Department CP23-0216-24

LEGAL SERVICES FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9013887

Good Samaritan Home Health Care, Inc. located at 3404 E. Plaza Blvd., Unit K, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: Good Samaritan Home Health Care, Inc., 3404 E. Plaza Blvd., Unit K, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted

by Corporation.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Camilo Gallego.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/7/2022.

AJ 972 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, and 07/15/2022. AJSD 972

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014091

Rangel Thetahealing located at 557 Oxford St., Unit #5, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

Registrant: Victoria Rangel, 557 Oxford St., Unit #5, Chula Vista, CA 91911.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Victoria Rangel.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/21/2022.

AJ 978 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, and 07/15/2022. AJSD#978

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9013641

Youadmedia located at 707 10th Ave., Apt 435, San DIego, CA 92101.

Registrant: a. Anastasiia Santos, 707 10th Ave., Apt 435, San DIego, CA 92101. b. Ryan Santos, 707 10th Ave., Apt 435, San DIego, CA 92101 This business is conducted

by Married Couple.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Anastasiia Santos.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/14/2022.

AJ 973 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, and 07/15/2022.

AJSD#973

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014094 CL Cleaning Professional located at 4762 Solola Ave #105, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: Carmen Lopez, 4762 Solola Ave #105, San Diego, CA 92115.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Carmen Lopez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/21/2022.

AJ 975 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, and 07/15/2022.

AJSD 975

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9012417

a. Rant Clothing Company located at 6477 Hayward Way, San Diego, CA 92189. b. Rant w/ Daph& Haze located at 6477 Hayward Way, San Diego, CA 92189.

Registrant: Hazelyn D. Bugay, 6477 Hayward Way, San Diego, CA 92189.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/01/2022.

Signature: Hazelyn D. Bugay.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 05/31/2022.

AJ 974 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, and 07/15/2022. AJSD#974

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9013286

Energy Electrical Services located at 416 Plaza Toluca, Chula Vista, CA 91914.

Registrant: Jesse Hernandez, 416 Plaza Toluca, Chula Vista, CA 91914.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 03/01/2007.

Signature: Jesse Hernandez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/10/2022.

AJ 977 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, and 07/15/2022. AJSD#977

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00023894-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioner David Bravo filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. David Bravo to Bryan David Bravo.

THE COURT ORDERS that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 08/04/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: JUN. 21, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 976 06/24, 07/01, 07/08, and 07/15/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

If all requirements for a name change have been met as of the date specified, and no timely written objection has been received (required at least two court days before the date specified), the Petition for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-100) will be granted without a hearing. One certified copy of the Order Granting Petition will be mailed to the petitioner.

If all the requirements have not been met as of the date specified, the Court will mail the petitioner a written order with further directions.

If timely objection is filed, the Court will set a hearing date and contact the parties by mail with further directions.

A RESPONDENT OBJECTING TO THE NAME CHANGE, MUST FILE A WRITTEN OBJECTION AT LEAST TWO COURT DAYS (excluding weekends and holidays) BEFORE THE DATE SPECIFIED. Do not come to court on the specified date. The court will notify the parties by mail of a future hearing date.

Any Petition for the name change of a minor, that is signed by only one parent, must have this Attachment served along with the Petition and Order to Show Cause, on the other, non-signing parent, and proof of service must be filed with the Court.

AJSD#976

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9013886

Histology Market located at 2336 Ridgeview Dr., San Diego, CA 92105.

Registrant: Kenye Noda, 2336 Ridgeview Dr., San Diego, CA 92105.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Kenye Noda.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/17/2022.

AJ 979 07/01, 07/08, 07/15, and 07/22/2022.

AJSD#979

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014205 OG Flooring located at 442 D St., Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Omar R Gutierrez Garcia, 442 D St., Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/06/2022.

Signature: Omar R Gutierrez Garcia.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/22/2022.

AJ 980 07/01, 07/08, 07/15, and 07/22/2022.

AJSD 980

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014687

Clear Edge Pools located at 934 Dale Court, San Maros, CA 92069.

Registrant: a. Nicholas Escalona, 934 Dale Court, San Maros, CA 92069. b.

Kymberlee Escalona, 934 Dale Court, San Maros, CA 92069.

This business is conducted

by Married Couple.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Nicholas Escalona.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/28/2022.

AJ 981 07/01, 07/08, and 07/15, and 07/22/2022. AJSD 981

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014496 Versa Solar Services located at 2025 L St., San Diego, CA 92102.

Registrant: Moisés Vergara, 2025 L St., San Diego, CA 92102.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 01/01/2017.

Signature: Moisés Vergara.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/24/2022.

AJ 984 07/08, 07/15, 07/22, and 07/29/2022.

AJSD 984

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014354 Didi’s 1040 & More located at 10717 Camino Ruiz, Suite 101, San Diego, CA 92126.

Registrant: Madonna E. Arceo, 11476 Belshire Lane, San Diego, CA 92126.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/23/2022.

Signature: Madonna E. Arceo.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/23/2022.

AJ 982 07/01, 07/08, 07/15, and 07/22/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9015248

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014909

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014310

AJSD 982

a. My Doctor Weight Loss Clinic located at 1941 Highland Avenue, National City, CA 91950. b. House of Botox located at 1941 Highland Avenue, National City, CA 91950.

Registrant: My Doctor Weight Loss Clinic, Inc, 1941 Highland Avenue, National City, CA 91950.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/01/2022.

Signature: Caroline Han. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/30/2022.

AJ 983 07/08, 07/15, 07/22, and 07/29/2022. AJSD 983

EMPLOYMENT

Advanced Car Stereo located at 252 Calle Florecita, Escondido, CA 92029.

Registrant: REM Cyber Compliance Solutions Inc, 252 Calle Florecita, Escondido, CA 92029.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/20/2022.

Signature: Omar R Gutierrez Garcia.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/06/2022.

AJ 985 07/08, 07/15, 07/22, 07/29/2022.

AJSD#985

Montenegro Maintenance located at 650 Morrison St., San Diego, CA 92102.

Registrant: Elfego Armando Montenegro, 650 Morrison St., San Diego, CA 92102.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/15/2002.

Signature: Elfego Armando Montenegro.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/23/2022.

AJ 986 07/08, 07/15, 07/22, 07/29/2022.

AJSD#986

SAN DIEGO

(818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588 • http://www.asianjournal.com

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 8-14, 2022

JOURNAL

9

9

J U LY 8 , 2 0 22

AFTER ‘ARSENIC AND ADOBO’ AND ‘HOMICIDE AND HALO-HALO’

Mia Manansala set to release her third ‘cozy’ mystery ‘Blackmail and Bibingka’

by MoMar

G. Visaya / AJPress

B

OOK coach and author Mia Manansala burst into the literary scene last year with her smash debut Arsenic and Adobo, which would turn out to be the first installment of a quirky and fun series steeped in rich Filipino heritage and spiced with a generous helping of delicious Filipino food.

She made it a quick one-two punch in the cozy mystery subgenre with her follow-up to her successful debut called Homicide and Halo-Halo.

This fall, fans who have fallen in love with her characters led by Lila Macapagal and her friends and relatives are in for a surprise: the release of the third book in what is now also called as “Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery” series.

Blackmail and Bibingka takes off where Homicide and Halo-Halo ended.

Like Arsenic and Adobo, Homicide and HaloHalo ended in a cliffhanger and like what she did in the first two books, the author teased the readers by releasing the saga’s next installment’s new chapter.

Manansala has brought a brand-new generation of cozy readers to the table, making inroads with millennial readers because she is in touch with the voice and texture of their communities.

A subgenre of crime fiction, ‘cozies’ highlight quirky amateur sleuths and their crime-solving powers in small-town settings. Manansala’s books embrace conventions of the culinary cozy subgenre while also pushing past them, creating diverse mysteries that everyone enjoys.

Like its predecessors, Blackmail and Bibingka is a thrilling mystery that features these all-toorelatable characters (hello, Titas!), relatable family dynamics, and delicious food (recipes for delicious Filipino dishes included in the back of the novel).

The stories happen in the small town of Shady Palms, Illinois. In a nutshell, local baker Lila Macapagal and her relatives run Tita Rosie’s Kitchen, serve delicious Flipino dishes, and solve crimes on the side as amateur sleuths.

The latest installment of Lila’s food- (and murder-) filled adventures still carries Manansala’s

trademark mouth-watering descriptions, laughout-loud one-liners, and charmingly relatable heroine.

Manansala’s style makes the series such pageturners that fans have been known to devour the books in one sitting, like a delicious bowl of halohalo and a plate of bibingka.

In an interview with the Asian Journal, Manansala revealed that her first book wasn’t originally sold as Arsenic and Adobo. The original title was Love, Loss, and Lumpia, which her editors liked but they told her it wasn’t “mystery enough.”

“So I brainstormed a list of titles that fit the usual cozy mystery parameters but also included Filipino food and sent them the list,” she shared.

“They chose Arsenic and Adobo from the list (which I love so much and made me wonder why it took me so long to come up with it) and from that point on, I followed the convention of an alliterative crime word plus Filipino food. It’s so much fun!”

Manansala’s books aka Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery series are centered around Filipino food, family, and murder. Her protagonist, Lila Macapagal is thrust into the middle of a murder (like the first book) or solving a murder at a small-town beauty pageant that she’s judging in the second installment of the series.

“Filipinos tend to love beauty pageants, so I thought it’d be interesting to set a crime at one,” she said of Homicide and Halo-Halo.

“Homicide and Halo-Halo was the first book I’ve had to write under contract, so before I could even begin I had to turn in a full synopsis (the entire story of the book including the ending) to my editors,” Manansala recalled.

This is something she has to do for all her contracted books, so she always does an outline, builds her synopsis from that, and then uses those documents to guide her while she drafts the story.

When she gets stuck, she turns to the synopsis and outline saying that she does not have the time to

Mia Manansala Photo by Jamilla Yip Photography

wait for inspiration to strike.

She also talked about the “Second Book Syndrome” where authors and writers feel that writing their second book is so much more difficult than their first because, with the first book, they could take as much time as they wanted to make it “right.”

“The second book is often part of your contract and on a deadline, so you not only have to write on a much tighter timeline than you may be used to, but you also have to do it while editing and promoting your first book and dealing with increased pressure to do well. It can be overwhelming in the best times, and having to deal with it after getting laid off and during a global pandemic…I’m so proud of myself for pushing through it all and producing a solid book,” she said.

As an author, Manansala believes it is extremely important to have Filipino characters like Lila Macapagal in her books.

“I follow the Toni Morrison adage of writing

u PAGE 10

10

JULY 8-14, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

Honoring the best of the Filipino diaspora amidst the global pandemic

Filing period to open for property tax assessment appeals SAN Diego County residents and businesses who disagree with their property tax assessments for the 20222023 Fiscal Year may file an application to appeal their value between July 2 and Nov. 30.

The Clerk of the County Assessment Appeals Board, Andrew Potter, announced the filing period on Thursday, June 23.

Applications and information booklets are available on the county’s website at https:// www.sandiegocounty.gov/cob/ aab.html. Residents may also pick them up and speak with Clerk of the Board staff at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402, San Diego, CA 92101-

2471.

To file an appeal application, taxpayers should know their parcel or tax bill number, property address, and must state their opinion of the property’s market value on the application. Applications must be received by the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Office no later than 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 or postmarked by midnight of Nov. 30.

Applications and forms can be mailed to: Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, Assessment Appeals, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 402, San Diego, CA 92101-2471.

(Tracy DeFore/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

Mia Manansala...

PAGE 9 the books I want to read, that I wish I could find on the shelf but can’t. There are some wonderful Filipino and Filipino diaspora writers out there, but there could always be more,” she said.

Manansala was an English language instructor at a cultural immersion language school, which closed down at the beginning of the pandemic.

She works part-time at her local library where she spends the first half of the week writing and working with her book coaching clients, the second half doing her library job. Her weekends tend to be dedicated to writing-related activities as well.

“I work best late morning to early afternoon – after 4 or 5 p.m., my brain is mush, so I try to get all my productive work out of the way as early as possible in the day,” she shared.

Born and raised in Chicago, Manansala grew up in a multigenerational household that included her maternal grandparents, her parents Nilo and Marion, her two younger brothers, and a couple of cousins.

http://www.asianjournal.com • (818) 502-0651 • (619) 474-0588

“It always felt rather hectic and nobody had any privacy. My father was a wonderful cook and would always make delicious feasts every Sunday, which is why all my stories focus heavily on the importance of family and food,” she said.

Manansala was quite young when she realized she wanted to write.

“I’m not sure the exact age, but I was definitely in elementary school when I discovered how much I loved reading and writing stories,” she recalled. “When I was a kid, my biggest dreams were to become an astronaut, a teacher, and a writer, so I’ve achieved two out of three!”

She is thankful and appreciative that her parents always had her back.

“They taught me the importance of family, and that it’s OK to dream big as long as you have a backup plan. They’d always been supportive of me and my creative ambitions, but they also taught me to be practical and keep my options open,” she said. n

THE prestigious Presidential Awards for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO) were presented recently to 56 recipients in simple ceremonies at the Manila Marriott Hotel.

Presented by the Office of the President of the Philippines through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), PAFIOO is the highest honor given by the Philippine government for the exemplary deeds and philanthropic initiatives of foreign-based individuals and associations that contribute to nation-building and Philippine development, promote the welfare and well-being of Filipinos abroad and bring honor to the country because of their achievements and excellence in their fields or professions.

PAFIOO was instituted in 1991 by Executive Order No. 498 issued by the late President Corazon C. Aquino.

CFO Secretary Francisco P. Acosta presented the awards on behalf of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. He was assisted

by CFO Executive Director and Undersecretary Abdulgani M. Macatoman.

In his keynote speech, Secretary Acosta praised the new additions to the roster of elite members of the Filipino diaspora by saying, “Let this day be a mark of your victories that are, of course, products of sacrifices and efforts, as you labored for decades in constant pursuit of enhancing and developing your skills – and eventually generously giving back to your fellow Filipinos here and abroad without expecting anything in return.”

Highlighting the contributions of the Diaspora, Undersecretary Macatoman praised the awardees for their steadfast contributions to the development of the country as well as Filipino communities overseas. He also expressed gratitude to the foreign awardees for their continuing service to overseas Filipinos and for ensuring their welfare.

PAFIOO recipients represented a wide range of professions and fields of interest. They included philanthropists, scientists, engineers, medical and healthcare professionals, athletes, artists, and public servants. They were cited for selfless deeds, pro bono services, and exemplary acts of kindness and generosity. For most, their selfless devotion to duty and willingness to go the extra mile for others especially shone through when the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic was devastating almost every country in the world.

The awardees uplifted the lives of many of their kababayans across the world, brought honor to their people and country, and catalyzed progress and development in Filipino communities overseas and in the motherland.

The PAFIOO recipients and award categories are: Lingkod sa Kapwa Pilipino (LINKAPIL) The term LINKAPIL translates to “service to fellow Filipinos” and celebrates the enduring

The PAFIOO awardees with CFO Secretary Francisco P. Acosta and Undersecretary Abdulgani Matua Macatoman.

Screen capture from www.cfo.gov.ph

Bayanihan spirit of Filipinos even if they have settled in other countries. The award is conferred on Filipino individuals or organizations for exceptional or significant contributions to progress and development in the Philippines.

Recipients of the Presidential LINKAPIL Award are Batangas Association United Kingdom (United Kingdom), Roxanne Racquel A. Cajigas (United States of America), Kayumanggi Chorale, Inc. (USA), Vivian KieferVargas (Switzerland), Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers – Qatar Chapter (Qatar) and The Filipino Association in the Isle of Man (Isle of Man).

Banaag “Banaag” means gleam or glimmer, a ray of light that advances the welfare of overseas Filipinos and/or Filipino migrant communities.

The award is conferred on Filipino individuals or organizations whose significant contributions have benefited a sector of the diaspora or advanced the cause and interest of overseas Filipino communities.

Recipients of the Presidential Banaag Award are Mario A. Balboa (Saudi Arabia), Bella Aurora P. Belmonte (USA), Ariel C. Bernardo (South Korea), Roy G. Betinol (Chile), Vanda Marie M. Brady (Ireland), Alex Chiu (+) Posthumous Award (Canada), Aurora B. Dacanay (Canada), Nancy S. de Jesus (France), Rose Cheryl P. Eclarinal-Murdock (UK), Felix Y. Manalo Foundation, Inc. (Canada), Filipino American Service Group, Inc. (USA), Fernandico Q. Gonong, Jr. (USA), Igorot UK Charity (United Kingdom), Kapatiran at Ugnayan ng Natatanging Sining at Talento (Germany), Venecio V. Legaspi (Saudi Arabia), London Filipino Centre CIC (UK), Bennette E. Misalucha (USA), National Alliance to Nurture the Aged and the Youth (USA), Rolando M. Nicolas (Saudi Arabia), Linda Nietes-Little (USA), Philippine Bayanihan Association of Alberta (Canada), Philippine-American Friendship Community, Inc. (USA), Dennis N. Rata (Kuwait), Jannelle So-Perkins (USA), Cristy M. Vicentina (Singapore), and Elija Paul G. Villanueva (UK).

Pamana ng Pilipino “Pamana,” which means legacy and heritage, showcases the honor and recognition that Filipinos bring to the homeland through outstanding performance, expertise, skills, and world-class talents. The award is conferred on overseas

Filipino individuals who, exemplifying the talent and industry of the Filipino, have brought honor and recognition to the country through excellence and distinction in the pursuit of their work or profession.

Recipients of the Presidential Pamana ng Pilipino Award are Russ Patrick P. Alcedo (Canada), Glenda Lynna Anne T. Bonifacio (Canada), Josefino C. Comiso (USA), Sheila Maria A. Conejos (Singapore), Danilo M. Favor (UK), Glenn F. Fernandez (China), Laura D. Garcia (USA), Pamela D. Gotangco (Switzerland), Aurtenciano R. Miranda, Jr. (Italy), Ronaldo B. Nilo (Qatar), Caroline B. Ong (China), Glenn D. Pascual (USA), Lord Leomer B. Pomperada (USA), Karen Graciles L. Remo (United Arab Emirates), Albert Remus R. Rosana (Canada), Leorey N. Saligan (USA), and Walter S. Villagonzalo (Australia).

Kaanib ng Bayan A “Kaanib” is an ally or partner. For Filipinos, a person who merits the title is like a member of the family. The title shows the country’s appreciation for and honoring foreign citizens or groups that assist the Philippines and its people. The award is conferred on foreign individuals and organizations for their exceptional or significant contribution to Philippine progress and development, or for advancing the cause or promoting the interests of overseas Filipino communities.

Recipients of the Presidential Kaanib ng Bayan Award are Issa Mohammad Ahmad (Jordan), Yasonna H. Laoly (Indonesia), Montero Medical Missions (USA), Philippine Bayanihan Society – Singapore (Singapore), and Temasek Foundation, Ltd. (Singapore).

A Special Presidential Citation was given to the Coalition of Filipino American Chambers of Commerce (USA).

Most of the recipients personally accepted their awards.

A few sent representatives to receive their awards.

Each presidential awardee shared their inspirational stories and expressed their gratitude for the honor during the testimonial dinner. They said they were thankful to be part of the elite roster of PAFIOO recipients, the crème de la crème of the Filipino diaspora, and the Filipino community overseas.

All recipients said the honor would inspire and motivate them to do more for overseas Filipinos and the Philippines. One of the

awardees said, “I salute the values and the spirit that this award embodies, but it also brings great responsibility to continue to be a beacon of Filipino excellence in every corner of the world.”

CFO Head Executive Assistant Atty. Wendell Dimaculangan formally closed the event by proposing a toast to and congratulating all the awardees.

He also gave recognition to the excellent public service of Secretary Acosta, whose last day in office under the Duterte administration coincided with the PAFIOO Awarding Ceremony.

The event was live-streamed via the official Facebook Page of the PAFIO and CFO, and hosted

by Dr. Finesse Evangelista and Carlo Suzara.

Since it was instituted more than three decades ago, the PAFIOO has been presented to 541 individuals and entities based abroad. This year is particularly exceptional for having the most number of honorees who successfully passed the rigorous four-level multi-sectoral screening process.

The selection process started with the Awards Committee at the Philippine Embassies/ Consulates, Awards Technical Committee, and Awards Executive Committee chaired by the CFO and, finally the Office of the President. Also, members of the screening committees include the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Science and Technology, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Department of Health, De La Salle University, Center for Migrant Advocacy, Dynamic Outsource Solutions 1, GMA Network, Inc., and Episcopal Commission for Pastoral Care for Migrants and Itinerant People.

The PAFIOO serves as a continuing symbol of the government’s recognition of the selfless and immense contributions of Filipinos and private organizations overseas as dependable partners in national development efforts, exponents of Filipino talent and skills, and promoters of the interests of the Filipino diaspora. The PAFIOO is managed by the Policy, Planning, and Research Division of the CFO. For more information on the awardees, visit the PAFIOO Facebook page Gawad ng Pangulo https://www.facebook. com/gawadpangulo or visit the PAFIOO official website www. presidentialawards.cfo.gov.ph.

(CFO Release) n

City of San Diego to award $11.4M for neighborhood arts, culture and creative projects Grant funding returns city investment to pre-pandemic level for 182 nonprofit organizations

SAN DIEGO – With the goal of helping expand arts and cultural experiences equitably throughout San Diego, the City of San Diego will grant more than $11.4 million to 182 local nonprofit organizations this fiscal year. The funding supports and promotes greater public participation through various artistic and cultural activities including film and video screenings, exhibits, performances, festivals and parades, and other neighborhood events.

“As one of the region’s largest supporters of local arts and culture, the City of San Diego is committed to providing all our creative communities – artists, writers and performers – with an opportunity to amplify their creative expressions,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “These activities enrich community character, foster economic growth in our neighborhoods and enhance quality of life for all of us.”

The City’s Commission for Arts and Culture annually funds local nonprofit

organizations to cultivate and expand arts and culture activities in every City Council district, awarded through the Organization Support Program (OSP) and Creative Communities San Diego (CCSD). The source of funding for both categories is generated through a local allocation of Transient Occupancy Tax collected from visitors who stay overnight in hotels, motels and other similar accommodations.

The OSP provides general operating support to nonprofit arts and culture organizations to help deliver programs and activities that provide direct access to arts and culture opportunities, positively impacting San Diego’s quality of life and tourism. In fiscal year 2023, which began on July 1, the OSP will fund 115 organizations with a total of $10,065,625.

While the OSP supports nonprofit organizations, the CCSD supports neighborhood arts and culture projects. For

fiscal year 2023, the city’s CCSD will award $1,388,935 to 67 projects.

“The nonprofit arts and culture sector was among the hardest hit during the pandemic, including its workforce. Returning the annual arts and culture funding program to prepandemic levels is a significant step toward restoring the economic health of the sector,” said Jonathon Glus, Executive Director of the Commission. “We are grateful to the Mayor and City Council for prioritizing arts and culture support in this year’s budget.”

The city’s investments in organizations, both large and small, reflect a deep commitment to making San Diego a more dynamic place to live, work, and play and contribute to a more equitable, inclusive, accessible and sustainable arts and culture ecosystem that amplifies creative work and experiences. To learn more, visit sandiego.gov/arts-culture.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Piolo today on love, life and ideal partnerships

“WHO is your ideal partner?” is a question that has been part of every interview of top actor Piolo Pascual since starting his showbiz career in 1992. Because until his adoring public sees him happily settled down, they will always keep a close eye on Pascual’s personal life, only wishing him the best in love and happiness.

Over the weekend, however, the award-winning actor and philanthropist assured friends and fans that even if he remains single at 45, he is content and living a meaningful existence.

Pascual related, “[Over] the pandemic, I realized, [happiness] is not about having a partner per se, but about having the independence to live your life one day at a time.”

He added, of the last two years, “Time taught me a lot about discipline and [especially] to appreciate life for whatever it gives you by the day.”

Pressed as he always is about going into a relationship, he replied without a hint of impatience, “Hindi kasi ako naghahanap eh. ‘Yun ang mahirap dun eh. But there will come a time for me to settle down.

“Again, I don’t have any criteria or requirements [for an ideal

partner] because at the end of the day, it’s about heart, it’s about your feelings. Hindi naman hinahanap ‘yun, dumarating na lang,” he rightly declared.

Despite a lull in the love department, Pascual made sure to reveal he is still far from jaded despite failed relationships.

Still a fan of true love, he stated, “I believe in something that happens out of fate, something that happens with divine intervention or divine appointments. I believe in magic. I believe in something electrifying.

And when that time comes, that person will be the ideal partner.”

Showing the way to his meaningful existence, Pascual first expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming success of his ongoing “Flower of Evil” series with Lovi Poe. Streamed on Viu, it is currently the No. 1 weekly series on the Southeast Asia-wide entertainment platform.

Secondly, he said he feels very fortunate that his partnership with Sunlife Philippines has only strengthened over time, given such worthwhile and life-changing campaigns they continue to corroborate on for the public. (By Tessa Mauricio-Arriola/ManilaTimes.net) n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 8-14, 2022

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Tentative map approved for ‘Beckham Heights’ subdivision in Pahrump

By RealtoR

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

A PROJECT inked years ago by a company with the Nye County Commission continues to show signs of development in Pahrump, Nevada.

Recently, a tentative map was approved for a small subdivision that is dubbed “Beckham Heights” which will see a build of 246 homes on approximately 51 acres, according to the Pahrump Valley Times. The proposed map was approved by the commission on a vote of 4-1, per the article.

Adaven Management, the company behind the project, had inked the development agreement known as Mountain Falls South with the commission about 15 years ago that will ultimately build out a total of 5,160 single family dwelling units. Beckham Heights is a tiny portion in that agreement.

Beckham Heights’ location will be off Hafen Ranch Road,

just north of Thousandaire Boulevard. According to the article, the subdivision density will be about 4.8 homes per acre. Lots in the subdivision will have an average lot size of 5,639 square feet, or about 0.12 acres.

Per the proposed plan, the subdivision will have four unique four plans, with each model offering three unique elevations.

Homes will range in size from 2,078 square feet to 3,030 square feet. Three of the models are twostory, while one is a single-story.

The approval of the tentative map is one more step in the process for Beckham Heights to become a reality. However, before any construction can happen in the area, a final subdivision map must be approved and recorded, which will go before the commission at some time in the future.

There is also the question of which utility will service

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.

the water needs in the Adaven Management project. This must be verified with the Nevada Division of Water Services and the Nevada Department of Environmental Protection before a final map can be approved.

It is interesting to note that the commissioners have had to work with the conditions in the agreement, which was approved by a different set of commissioners years ago. This agreement expires in 2029. Although the current commissioners have had apprehensions over the proposed lot sizes and have had to answer to criticism from the public about regarding the continued development of tiny subdivision lots in Pahrump Valley, they are moving forward with proposed developments as covered within the agreement.

It can be recalled that a couple of months ago, Adaven went before the commission to get approval for the construction of a roundabout that on Highway 160 at Manse Road that will change the eastern entrance into the town. That planned roundabout will provide access to the Mountain Falls South project of Adaven.

Over the years, some activities have taken place within the agreement which include donation of a 12-acre site for Floyd Elementary School, donation of water rights and necessary sewer connection, and coordination with the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints to help establish a church on Manse Road.

Additionally, there has been paving and curb and gutter work done on Manse Road, and installation of a fiberoptic line, which is in line with stipulations in the development agreement that called for certain improvements to be made to Manse Road from the highway to Hafen Ranch Road.

At that time, the estimate for the investments done by Adaven on infrastructure was pegged at $17 million. The roundabout is expected to add another $1.5 million to that figure.

This piece of news continues to enhance the image of Pahrump, which was originally inhabited by the Southern Paiute and mostly dotted with ranch-style holdings over 400 hectares in size. The town has grown into an area that major retailers and real estate developers are taking a look at

Celebrating the close of escrow in Pahrump are Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (left) and her client, Dr. Philip Paleracio, who plans to build a medical building in the town.

due to its proximity to Las Vegas.

Broader acceleration for areas like Pahrump is seen by industry analysts in order to address the needs of homebuyers as real estate and property developers eye new regions where they can set up potential projects.

That means more housing in the future, and perhaps an exodus of people looking for the right opportunities in newer markets.

Although land prices in Pahrump may not be as low as it was decades ago, it is still an affordable alternative to the rising real estate prices in Las Vegas. A recent slowdown in real estate sales may offer additional benefits to buyers who are looking for the right conditions to buy a piece of property.

Real estate in Pahrump has appreciated about 155% over the last ten years alone, according to latest data available, which puts the unincorporated town in the top 10% nationally for areas whose real estate values have appreciated exponentially.

Due to this, many observers see Pahrump as being one of the best long-term investments that people can make in the United States over the past decade and into the future.

Millions of dollars in projects are being infused in infrastructure which will benefit the town in the long run, and many big projects are being developed for the town, including the first horse racing track in the state of Nevada.

While prices are still affordable,

A cannabis dispensary, The Source+, is one of the new businesses opening in town along Homestead Road.

Another new business that will open along Homestead Road in Pahrump is a Circle K, which is currently under construction.

now is the time to look for opportunities in Pahrump and neighboring communities.

Whether you are looking to settle in a new place, finding your own piece of retirement heaven, or just looking to own land or another property as an investment, Pahrump is a great find and I will help look for the best opportunities available in the market. I have been a Realtor since the 1980s and I will use that experience and know-how to help you the right piece of real estate for your budget and needs.

Many of my clients have reaped the benefits of their investments in land and property

– you could be one of the many individuals and families who can grow their real estate portfolio and net worth by looking at what’s on the market.

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company serving its clientele since 1992 and you can reach me at 775-513-8447, 805559-2476 and 702-538-4948 for more information, or by sending me an email at fely@ precious-properties.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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JULY 8-14, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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