071622 - Los Angeles Weekend Edition

JULY 16-19, 2022 Volume 32 - No. 56 • 2 Sections – 18 Pages

Los Angeles County experiences ‘high DATELINE USA Freddie Roach thinks transmission,’ may reissue mask mandate Manny Pacquiao FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

should stay retired

Majority of cases are BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants

by KLARIZE

MEDENILLA AJPress

MANILA — Freddie Roach doesn’t see any LOS Angeles County residents may once again be point for Manny Pacquiao to make a comeback. required to wear masks in public after the county’s Pacquiao retired last August after a stunning public health agency reported a “high transmission” loss to Yordenis Ugas of Cuba.

Although Pacquiao hasn’t been in the ring since announcing his retirement, the Filipino boxing icon is slated for an exhibition fight against Korean martial artist and YouTuber DK Yoo. “I think he’s finished [with boxing],” Roach said in an interview with BoxingScene.com on Sunday, July 10.

“I don’t think he has anything more to prove.

He’s done everything he can, I feel. He doesn’t owe anything to anybody.”

But in the event that Pacquiao has a change of heart, Roach still wants to be in his corner just like old times.

“If he does wanna come back and fight again, I hope he picks me as his trainer,” said Roach, who had Pacquiao under his watch for over two decades.  PAGE A3

LA County to administer monkeypox vaccines to select residents LOS Angeles County health officials announced that high-risk residents will be able to receive the monkeypox vaccine, which currently has a limited supply.

Those who meet these eligibility criteria and are either without a provider or whose provider doesn’t provide the vaccine, can now make an appointment at a designated Public Health Clinic or walk up to one of three Public Health vaccination pods to receive the monkeypox vaccine.

Under previous guidelines, shots were only being offered to residents who had confirmed contact with an existing case or who attended an event where there was a high risk of exposure to monkeypox.

The eligibility for the vaccine now includes gay and bisexual men and transgender persons with a recent diagnosis of rectal gonorrhea or early syphilis within the past 3 months and a limited number of highrisk individuals identified by staff at the Men’s  PAGE A2

level of COVID-19 on Thursday, July 14.

Per the LA County Dept. of Public Health’s coronavirus code, if the county remains in the CDCdefined “high” category for two weeks, the mask mandate will be reinstated, starting July 29.

According to a press release from LA County Public Health director Dr. Barbara Ferrer, a majority of coronavirus cases right now are of the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of the virus.  PAGE A2

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc meets with SoCal Fil-Am supporters

by DONNABELLE

GATDULA-AREVALO AJPress

PRECAUTION. A worker cleans up the empty waiting area for Covid-19 testing at the Commonwealth Hospital and Medical Center along Regalado Avenue, Fairview in Quezon City on Wednesday, July 13. Health experts continue to urge the public to wear masks and get COVID-19 jabs to prevent another surge in Covid-19 cases.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

LOS ANGELES— Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Marcos Manotoc is encouraging Filipino American professionals, especially his fellow Ilocanos, to move back to the Philippines to help in the realization of the province’s goal to become the commercial hub of Northern Philippines and eventually turn it into the gateway to East Asia.

In a recent meet and greet event on July 12, organized

by U.S. supporters at Noypitz Bar & Grill in Cerritos, Manotoc said the main reason for his California visit is to “hire” talented Fil-Ams who are willing to work with him to accomplish his future endeavors for the province.

“We are working towards becoming the commercial hub of Northern Philippines and the gateway to East Asia. One of the hopeful purposes, why I am here, to be honest, is to invite you back to Ilocos Norte,” he said.

He said he would definitely need the assistance of the  PAGE A2

Bongbong Marcos ends isolation after bout with COVID - Palace

by NEIL

ARWIN MERCADO Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ended his isolation after his second bout with COVID-19, the Palace disclosed on Friday, July 15.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Marcos is now “okay,” citing the President’s doctor’s findings as of July 14.

“Okay na po as of his doctor’s findings on Thursday, July 14. Tapos na rin po ang isolation nya (He’s now okay as of his doctor’s findings on Thursday. He has also ended his isolation),” Cruz-Angeles said in a message.

The Palace has yet to release details regarding Marcos’ activities on Friday.

Marcos tested positive for COVID-19 on July 8. Following protocols set by the Department of Health (DOH), Marcos The Philippine National Police said it was able to procure P764.115-million worth of new went in isolation for seven days.  equipment, which will be given to its units nationwide.

Photo courtesy of PNP

Duterte satisfaction rating high until term’s end – SWS US House agrees to block

by JANVIC

MATEO Philstar.com

Former president Rodrigo Duterte

MANILA — Former President Rodrigo Duterte maintained high satisfaction ratings until the end of his term, a survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) before the May 9 elections showed.

Results of the April 19 to 27 survey released on Wednesday night showed that 78 percent of adult Filipinos were satisfied with the performance of the thenpresident, up from 75 percent obtained in a similar survey conducted in December 2021.

Those who were dissatisfied fell from 15 percent to 13 percent, while those who were undecided remained at nine percent.

This gave Duterte a net satisfaction rating of “very good” +65, up from the also “very good” +60 in the previous survey.

The net satisfaction rating is the rounded Malacañang photo

off difference between those who said that they are satisfied and dissatisfied with the performance of a particular government official.

SWS classifies net satisfaction ratings of at least +70 as “excellent”; +50 to +69 as “very good”; +30 to +49 as “good”; +10 to +29 as “moderate”; +9 to -9 as “neutral”; -10 to -29 as “poor”; -30 to -49 as “bad”; -50 to -69 as “very bad”; and -70 and below as “execrable.”

Duterte obtained a net satisfaction rating of “very good” +64 in September 2016, the first survey on public satisfaction of government officials that was conducted

by SWS during his term.

It dropped to its lowest of “good” +45 in June 2018 before rebounding and reaching its highest – “excellent” +79 – in November 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

aid to PNP until PH meets basic human rights standards

by XAVE

GREGORIO Philstar.com

THE House of Representatives of the United States has agreed on an amendment to a defense spending measure blocking aid, including equipment and training, to the Philippine National Police until the Philippines is deemed to have met basic human rights standards.

The amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for 2023, introduced by Rep. Susan Wild (D-Pennsylvania)  PAGE A2 and adopted by the U.S. House

through a voice vote, provides that no funding will be made available to the State Department for assistance to the PNP until the Secretary of State certifies that the Philippines has: • Investigated and successfully prosecuted police who violated human rights, ensured that they cooperated with judicial authorities in such cases, and affirmed that such violations have ceased • Established that the Philippine National Police effectively protects the rights  PAGE A3

A2 JULY 16-19, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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FROM THE FRONT PAGE

Los Angeles County experiences...

PAGE A1 “I do recognize that when we return to universal indoor masking to reduce high spread, for many this will feel like a step backward,” Ferrer said in a press briefing, pointing to the scientifically confirmed efficacy of N95 and KN95 masks to curb viral spread.

She added, “The best way to manage the uncertainty and to reduce morbidity and mortality is to remain open to using both the sophisticated tools we now have — our tests, our vaccines, our therapeutics — and the nonpharmaceutical strategies — masking, ventilation and distancing — to layer on protections to respond to the conditions at hand.”

As of Friday, July 15, LA County has a reported 8,954 new positive cases and 16 new deaths related to COVID-19. The county’s current hospitalization rate currently sits at 11 hospital admissions per 100,000 residents, an 88% jump from one month ago.

As previously reported in the Asian Journal, once a county’s rate of daily positive COVID-19 hospitalizations tops 10 per 100,000 residents, it will be considered a “high transmission” area.

Currently, workplace and nursing home outbreaks are the main cause of the surge.

According to LA County Public Health, COVID-19 is the leading cause of death in the county,

surpassing drug overdose and car accident deaths.

Indoor masking has been required in many public transit stations and hubs as well as health care settings, shelters, cooling centers, correctional facilities, and worksites with known outbreaks.

While masking in many indoor public spaces like entertainment venues, retail and restaurant establishments, schools, and office spaces was only recommended, if the county reissues the mask mandate, all these places would be required to institute universal masking.

As the county had previously done, the mask mandate will drop after two weeks in the “medium” threshold of transmission. 

LA County to administer monkeypox vaccines... Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc meets...

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc on Tuesday, July 12 speaks to a crowd of Filipino Americans during a meet and greet event in Cerritos, California.

AJPress photos by Noel Ty

PAGE A1

Central Jail.

To get vaccinated, patients need to provide one of the following: 1.

Proof of an appropriate and verifiable test result in the last 3 months of presentation.

Proof can be on paper or shown from the patient’s phone, including a screenshot of the result or a test result within a patient portal; OR 2.

A Medical Provider Attestation confirming that the patient has a history of rectal gonorrhea or early syphilis treated presumptively in the past 3 months.

Given the limited current national vaccine supply the priority is to administer as many first doses of monkeypox vaccine as possible to all eligible

persons at this time, the LA Department of Public Health said.

As soon as federal vaccine supply expands, Public Health will make second doses available to those who received their initial dose. Public Health will also continue to expand eligibility to the vaccination as the federal government distributes additional doses.

Monkeypox, an uncommon disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, is rarely fatal. Monkeypox can spread when a person has close, physical contact with a person infected with monkeypox virus or when a person comes in contact with materials (e.g., bedding, towels) that are contaminated with the virus. The monkeypox virus can also spread from animals to

people.

The monkeypox virus can spread by: • Touching monkeypox lesions on a person’s skin • Touching contaminated objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, towels), and surfaces that have been in contact with someone with monkeypox • Coming into contact with respiratory droplets or secretions from the eyes, nose, and mouth from a person with monkeypox It can also be spread through saliva and sexual/intimate contact.

As of Friday, July 15 there were about 700 cases across the United States, and about 7,500 worldwide in 57 countries.

LA County has confirmed 54 monkeypox cases. (AJPress)

Duterte satisfaction rating high until...

PAGE A1

SWS has yet to release the average satisfaction rating obtained by Duterte throughout his term, but it is expected to be higher than his predecessors.

Former president Benigno Aquino III had an average “good” +45 throughout his term, Gloria Arroyo with “neutral” -7, Joseph Estrada with “good” +33, Fidel Ramos with “good” +38 and Corazon Aquino with

“good” +35.

Increase in all areas According to SWS, the increase in Duterte’s overall net satisfaction rating from December 2021 to April 2022 was due to increases in all areas.

It was highest among respondents in Mindanao at +83 (up from +80), followed by those in Metro Manila at +63 (up from +61), rest of Luzon at +60 (up from +56) and the Visayas at

+55 (up from +45).

It stayed at +64 among respondents in urban areas, while it increased from +56 to +65 among those in rural areas.

Net satisfaction also rose among both men and women, as well as most age and educational groups.

The survey had 1,440 adult respondents and an error margin of plus or minus 2.6 percent for national percentages. 

PAGE A1

bright minds of Ilocos in bringing the vision of greater economic progress to the province during his term.

“I know many of you visit (Ilocos Norte) but I do believe that our province poses many opportunities and that I want to discuss tonight of course in terms of agriculture and tourism, our twin powerhouse industries of Ilocos Norte, and also in many other industries such as services, responsible mining, BPOs, many things that we would like to explore and I’m sure in the next six years of the BBM (President “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.) presidency, many of these plans and visions will be realized and I hope to invite you on this journey of development in Ilocos Norte,” Manotoc, the 33-year-old son of Senator Imee Romualdez Marcos and basketball coach Tommy La'O Manotoc, said.

He likewise called on the Filipino communities in the United States to contribute to the Philippine economic growth by actively supporting, not only the projects of Ilocos Norte, but also those of the country as a whole.

“The opportunities for growth in the Philippines and Southeast Asia are very prime and although we face many challenges such as COVID-19, the rising fuel prices

Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc fields questions from the audience ranging from being from the Marcos lineage to the rising inflation in the Philippines.

due to the conflict in Ukraine, and the (increasing) inflation rate, we do see and we are poised especially because of our young population, to grow in the next few years,” he noted.

“So I hope to work with all of you and I hope to work with the Ilocano communities out here in California and of course the Filipino communities because I know that building these bridges could benefit us in the long run not only for our country and our kababayans in the Philippines but also for the Filipino communities here in the United States,” he

added.

He echoed the inauguration speech of Marcos Jr. in calling for Filipinos to unite and adhere to a common goal of uplifting the Philippines, particularly in terms of economic growth.

“One of the regrets that I’ve had is that historically the Marcos’ name has been very divisive, but I think recently with this 2022 elections, we’ve seen the ability of our president (Bongbong Marcos) to unite the Philippines and now we are hoping for six years of true  PAGE A4

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Young Filipino student receives US President’s award for academic excellence

Fernando Tarriela Valderrama

FERNANDO Tarriela Valderrama was given the Gold President's Honor Roll Award in May 2022 for Outstanding Academic Excellence.

Conferred by the President’s Education Awards Program in the United States, this award is the highest recognition given to graduating elementary, middle, and high school students for their outstanding efforts to meet challenging standards of excellence.

Valderrama, an incoming ninth grader at Harvest Christian Academy in Guam, is part of the school’s National Junior Honor

Society (NJHS) that encourages high academics along with strong character and leadership.

His extra-curricular activities also include taking Orchestral classes and being part of the Running Club/Cross Country.

Outside of school, Valderrama is a grey and white belter in JiuJitsu and goes to CrossFit. His parents are Tom and Tricia Valderrama. His maternal grandmother is Philippine National Bank’s first Chairwoman Flor Gozon Tarriela, sister of GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon. 

Freddie Roach thinks Manny Pacquiao...

PAGE A1 Pacquiao is as accomplished as they come as boxing’s only eight-division champion who fought the best of the best.

“Right now, he’s traveling,” Roach said. “He likes going to different cities. He brings his family and his wife with him. He likes to travel. He’s doing something he enjoys. His wife doesn’t want him to fight anymore, from what I hear. If he

calls me and asks me, I’ll tell him, ‘You don’t need to prove nothing to anybody in the world,’” Roach said.

“If he’s willing to come back, I’d like to help him and wish him the best of luck. But his wife and everyone doesn’t want him to come back. There’s a lot more people that feel he doesn’t need to come back. What does he have to prove? He’s already been there.”

Whether or not Pacquiao decides to return, Roach will continue to have one Pacquiao training in his famed Wild Card Gym. “His son is fighting out of my gym now. So, it’s nice to have him there. I mean, he’s not Manny Pacquiao, but he’s trying,” said Roach, referring to Jimuel Pacquiao who has had several amateur fights in the United States. (Inquirer.net)

US House agrees to block aid to PNP until...

PAGE A1

of trade unionists, journalists, human rights defenders, government critics, religious leaders and other civil society activists to operate without interference • Taken effective steps to guarantee a judicial system that is capable of investigating, prosecuting and bringing to justice members of the police and military who have committed human rights abuses • Fully complied with domestic and US audits and investigations regarding the improper use of prior security assistance “The time is long overdue to begin putting some basic human rights guardrails in place in the United States-Philippines relationship,” Wild said in her remarks on the House floor.

She said that those who oppose her proposal would raise the U.S.’ national security interests against China, but she

countered that there is a need to maintain credibility on human rights issues.

“The need to counter the Chinese regime’s authoritarianism on the international stage is precisely why it’s so important that we maintain our credibility on human rights. It is why it is so vital that we do not undermine our own case for democracy and open ourselves up to charges of hypocrisy by supporting brutal regimes out of short-term expediency,” she said.

Wild’s amendment, however, included a waiver that would give the U.S. president leeway to provide the PNP with assistance for up to 180 days provided that: • The foreign affairs panel of the U.S. House and the foreign relations panel of the US Senate is informed not later than 15 days before the effectivity of the waiver • The waiver is vital to the national security interests of the

United States or its partners and allies The amendment to the defense spending bill borrows language from the proposed Philippine Human Rights Act which Wild also introduced in 2020 and refiled the following year.

According to the U.S. Embassy, the Philippines is the largest recipient of military assistance from the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region, having received more than P57 billion worth of planes, armored vehicles, small arms and other military equipment.

Defense assistance to the Philippines from the U.S. continues despite adverse findings by the State Department in its latest report on the human rights situation in the country, where it flagged extrajudicial killings, forced disappearance, torture, arbitrary detention and harsh prison conditions. 

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Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc meets...

PAGE A2

Is your child prepared to have a fun & safe summer?

WHETHER it’s participating in a summer learning program, going to camp, or joining a new sports team, summer is an exciting time for children to learn, play, and grow through new experiences. However, if your child has not yet received their COVID-19 vaccine, they may not have the chance to enjoy this special time of year.

COVID-19 remains a public health concern and the longterm effects on children remain unknown. But, there is good news. Parents and caregivers can now get their children 6 months through 5 years of age vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines to better protect them from COVID-19. All children, including children who have already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get your child summer ready.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe. They have undergone — and will continue to undergo — the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. Distribution of pediatric vaccinations for these younger children has started across the country, and will be available at thousands of pediatric practices, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers, local health departments, clinics, and other locations this week.

Here are some simple steps

parents can take to ensure that their children are safe this summer, especially as they participate in programs with other kids: Get your child vaccinated.

Vaccination is the best defense against severe illness. Children 5 years or younger can be vaccinated with whichever vaccine is available (either Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech).

Everyone 5 years or older should also get a COVID booster when eligible. Parents can reach out to their doctor, nurse, local pharmacy, or health department, or visit vaccines. gov to see where vaccines for children are available.

Practice general safety measures. Make sure your child knows about good handwashing techniques and maintain a supply of hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. As many young children have yet to receive a vaccine, they should continue to wear the most protective, best-fitting mask available for them.

Reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Keep your child home if they are exposed to COVID or show symptoms of illness. Before participating in any group activity, or if you suspect your child might be ill, get your child tested. In case of a positive test, follow the CDC’s quarantine and isolation guidance and notify the group,

team, or program being attended by your child.

Keep your child home if they are exposed to COVID or show symptoms consistent with COVID. If your child has been in close contact with someone who has COVID, keep them home from their summer program for five days, get them tested, and take precautions (such as wearing a mask around others) until day 10. If your child has any of the following symptoms, you should keep them home, get them tested, and notify camp staff: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea.

Take extra precautions if your child is at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Children with certain health issues — such as asthma, diabetes, obesity, and sickle cell disease — have a greater chance of getting very sick from COVID. Talk with your child’s health care provider to learn your options to help protect your child.

For more information on how COVID vaccines can make this the best summer yet for your family, visit vaccines.gov. (We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign) (Advertising Supplement)

Before assuming his gubernatorial post, Manotoc served as a senior provincial board member from the second legislative district of Ilocos Norte from 2016 to 2019.

From this three-year stint, he was also the chairman of the National Movement of Young Legislators – Ilocos Norte Chapter.

In the 2019 gubernatorial elections, Manotoc ran unopposed as governor of Ilocos Norte to replace his mother who ran as a senator.

In the 2022 elections, Manotoc won overwhelmingly against Rodolfo Farinas, giving him another three-year term.

When he first took office, it was reported that one of his priorities was to make health services more accessible and more inclusive by funding and upgrading medical facilities and public health programs.

Later on, he initiated the creation of an inter-agency committee to guarantee the delivery of basic health services to the province’s indigenous people and communities.

By next year, Manotoc, a graduate of Claremont McKenna College in California with a bachelor's degree in psychology, is planning to offer scholarship assistance for medical students, thus increasing the number of health personnel and doctors practicing in the province.

His flagship program, “NariMAT nga Aglawlaw,” also debuted last October, strengthening the province’s bid for a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment.

During the open forum at the Meet and Greet event, Manotoc said that he would continue to

push for harnessing renewable energy sources in the province.

“I know even geothermal, is another potential energy source that they say can truly be a game changer. In addition to renewable energy, which we’ve already welcomed in Ilocos Norte, wind and solar especially, hydro energy, they say, can also be large-scale and there are many opportunities for hydro power plants in the Philippines which have not been tapped yet.

I think, ultimately it needs to be wholistic and eclectic approach to energy in the Philippines, but this is something that becomes more pressing in the last few years with the crisis in Ukraine and the inflationary pressures that we face in the economy,” he said.

Currently, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte is also conducting a series of soil restoration programs in selected municipalities to increase the productivity of the province’s arable lands and ensure a greater yield of its high-value crops.

To further promote the sand dunes of Paoay, one of Ilocos’ famous tourist attractions where the classic Filipino movies "Himala" and "Ang Panday" were filmed, Manotoc said they recently hosted a short film festival and competition to support local artists in the province.

“This is something that our tourism department has actually been pushing and finally they said gumagaling na tayo, the young kids are very talented in Ilocos Norte. Although I am not artistic myself, I am a proponent of the creative industry, we have actually added an art scholarship recently to the provincial government to support many of our local artists. We take our cue from our forever First Lady Imelda Marcos who always says that art is the greatest form of humanity and love,” he said.

With the help of various agencies, Manotoc said he also pushed for the installation of free WiFi services in several public areas, equipping the province with upgraded internet connectivity and accessible communication services.

After his remarks and answering questions, Manotoc posed for photos and met with audience members. He was joined by his girlfriend Jamie Manotoc stops for photos with Fil-Am attendees during a meet and greet event in Cerritos, Herrell, who was named Miss California.

AJPress photo by Noel Ty Earth 2014.  progress, of true assistance to those in need. We look forward to synergizing with all of you and I would like to congratulate all of you for showing that the Filipino is truly world class and all of you, in your own way, embody that,” he said.

When asked about how he could contribute to reclaiming the Marcos name and legacy, Manotoc said, “I think in my small way, I contribute to the socalled Marcos legacy by trying to govern and manage the province as best I can.”

At this point, he said public service should be given an utmost priority and it’s high time to start setting aside indifferences from the past.

“The victory of BBM has also painted a slightly different picture of the Marcos legacy and [the president's] inaugural speech, we are not here to rewrite history. We are not here to look back, we are here to move forward and together, and that is his real intention in the next six years,” he said. “We do not want to hold grudges or to get back on certain people. That is not the purpose of public service and that is something that I always admire in my uncle that throughout the campaign, whatever was thrown at him, he never engaged in socalled dirty politics or bickering.

He was above it all and I think that is also something that the 31 million that voted for him truly appreciated.”

Despite the critics of the Marcos family and political dynasties, Manotoc said, "We want to make sure that BBM’s victory is our victory and the victory of the Philippines and we will ensure that."

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Kai Sotto switches agents after unsuccessful NBA draft bid

by LUISA

MORALES Philstar.com

KAI Sotto has signed with a new agency after going undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft last month.

Wasserman, a sports marketing and talent management company based in Los Angeles, announced that they had signed the Filipino prospect Wednesday, July 13.

The move means that Sotto

has parted ways with former agent Joel Bell.

It can be recalled that Bell had "misspoke" on Sotto's plans after the NBA draft after the former had claimed that the 7'3" big man was going to play for the national team.

Sotto recanted the statement and said that plans were unclear at the moment.

Sotto's new agent is no

stranger to the NBA scene, as some of their clients include the likes of Klay Thompson, Russell Westbrook, and Shai GilgeousAlexander.

The 20-year-old has yet to announce any moves on where he's taking his talents next after going undrafted.

Sotto is looking to be the first full-fledged Filipino in the NBA. 

PEOPLE’S DAY. Residents flock to the Caloocan City Hall Extension along Zapote Road in Caloocan City on Friday, July 15. The city government has set Thursdays and Fridays as “People’s Day” where residents can avail themselves of free medical and dental services, burial assistance, scholarship grants and livelihood trainings, among others.

PNA photo by Oliver Marquez

California’s public health tax is dead for the year

by ANGELA

HART Kaiser Health News

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A ballot initiative that would have raised taxes on California millionaires and billionaires to fund public health programs and pandemic prevention is dead — at least for this year.

The Silicon Valley tech executives who bankrolled the measure, which had been targeted for the November ballot, said they aren’t giving up on their goal of creating the strongest state public health system in the country. But they acknowledge covid-19 is no longer top of mind for most Americans.

“Our goal was to capture people’s acute attention on the pandemic to get something done — but there are economic problems and it looks like we’re headed for a recession, so things got more complicated,” said Max Henderson, the startup investor and former Google executive spearheading the campaign.

“People are expressing rising skepticism over higher taxes, and the economy is dominating the hearts and minds of the electorate.”

Gov. Gavin Newsom never publicly supported the initiative.

For Henderson and the other tech entrepreneurs pushing the measure, moving forward appeared too risky without support from Newsom and a broad coalition that includes state lawmakers and powerful health and business groups.

The initiative would have imposed an additional tax “at the rate of 0.75 percent on that portion of a taxpayer’s taxable income” that exceeds $5 million.

It would generate as much as $15 billion over 10 years, according to a state government analysis of the measure.

Even though the pandemic is not over and covid infections and hospitalizations are rising, the prospect of raising taxes — even on the wealthy — grew too politically toxic this year as inflation drove up the price of goods and Californians faced record-high gas prices.

“Voters are usually pretty comfortable taxing rich people, but inflation has driven voter concerns about the economy and a recession to very high levels,” said Dan Schnur, a California political strategist.

Initiative backers said they had gathered the roughly 1 million signatures needed to qualify the California Pandemic Early Detection and Prevention Act for the November ballot, but intentionally missed a June 30 deadline to submit them to the California secretary of state.

They instead submitted the signatures one day later, on July 1, making the initiative eligible for the ballot in November 2024, although the secretary of state’s office would still have to validate the signatures before placing it on the ballot.

“Voters may feel better about the economy in two years, and turnout is likely to be higher in a presidential election year — so it may be a more hospitable environment,” Schnur said.

Meanwhile, campaign leaders are negotiating with the Newsom administration to try to reach an earlier deal for more state public health funding, avoiding the ballot box. “We have an opportunity to pursue a much broader coalition and get the governor on board,” Henderson said. “If not, we’ll push hard in 2024.”

Campaign spokesperson Amelia Matier told KHN that organizers are willing to forgo the tax increases if they can strike a deal with the governor for the sweeping public health measures the initiative called for: more money for struggling local public health departments, funding for better air filtration and other safety upgrades in K-12 schools, and money to establish a California-based institute to detect and prevent

emerging virus threats.

“It’s not rocket science to see that the pandemic is not top of mind as the cost of living continues to go up,” Matier said. “But we’re confident that Californians want a good plan to protect themselves from the next pandemic.”

Newsom spokesperson Alex Stack confirmed that the administration is in negotiations to reach a deal before 2024.

“The Newsom administration has committed billions of dollars to strengthen state and local pandemic response capacity, community resiliency and pioneering science through the University of California — all to make sure we’re better prepared for the next pandemic. And we’re doing that without raising taxes, which is a priority for the governor,” Stack said in a statement.

That said, “we all remain in conversation about how we can collectively keep California on the leading edge of research and innovation,” Stack said.

Amid pressure from public health officials, Newsom and state Democratic leaders infused California’s public health agencies with new funding that kicked in July 1.

The $300 million annual general fund investment will help California fortify its public health system, said Kat DeBurgh, executive director of the Health Officers Association of California, which represents the state’s 61 local public health officers. It comes after decades of disinvestment in public health that has made detecting and preventing deadly outbreaks and responding to the coronavirus pandemic more difficult for public health officials, she said.

The proposed ballot measure would strengthen California’s public health system and make it a leader nationally, she said, while other states are acting to weaken public health.

“There’s absolutely still a need for additional funding,” DeBurgh said, noting that her organization has formally endorsed the initiative. DeBurgh said she prefers that new public health funding be approved via the initiative rather than through the state budget process because voters’ decisions are harder to undo.

She rattled off a list of critical public health challenges across the state that included skyrocketing rates of sexually

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transmitted infections, intensifying heat waves, and the deadly opioid crisis. The state is also wrestling with the emerging monkeypox threat.

“We view the $300 million in annual funding from the governor as a foundational investment, but local health departments have more to work on than ever before,” she said.  This story was produced

by KHN, which publishes California Healthline, an editorially independent service of the California Health Care Foundation.

Kai Sotto in his pre-draft workout with the Sacramento Kings

Photo from Twitter/@Sacramento Kings

A6 JULY 16-19, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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OPINION

FEATURES

Faster ID rollout

The past two years of pandemic-induced hardships showed the importance of a national identification system in the speedy and efficient delivery of social amelioration programs. As the World Bank has noted, the lack of a national ID system in the country delayed the rollout of the SAP or ayuda to the most vulnerable sectors.

It’s been four years since Rodrigo Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11055 or the Philippine Identification System Act. PhilSys aims to promote financial inclusion and create a central database that facilitates development planning, targeted assistance and transactions with the government.

As the country moves to recover from the COVID pandemic, the PhilSys ID can be used to obtain bank loans for setting up even micro enterprises, notably from the Land Bank of the Philippines. The national ID is intended to eventually replace all other government-issued IDs except the passport, driver’s license and Unified Multipurpose ID. The Philippine Postal Corp. reported that as of July 13, over 13.7 million PhilSys IDs had been delivered nationwide. The target for 2022 is 33.8 million, which is not even half of the 92 million registrants targeted for this year. President Marcos reportedly wants the delivery of all the

ID cards completed by early 2023.

Beyond the physical ID card, the World Bank is stressing the importance of providing the option for using the PhilSys as a mobile ID or QR code.

With the President ordering the release of the PhilSys ID fast-tracked, all national and local government agencies must also speed up the pace of preparations for the rollout of the system.

PhilSys must be integrated into government agencies’ databases, processes, systems and services, and interconnectivity must be seamless.

This cannot be as disastrous as the StaySafe.PH COVID contact tracing app that never got off the ground throughout the pandemic, forcing several local government units to roll out their own digital apps for their COVID response. The last thing the pandemic-battered economy needs is more confusion and inefficiency in recovery efforts. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

On the same diplomatic tracks

Commonsense

MARICHU A. VILLANUEVA IF one would believe his administration’s worst detractors, heads of states would ignore, if not snub President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM).

As persistently highlighted by bitter critics, PBBM carries the burden of the graft and criminal cases against their family and on the estate of his late namesake father. PBBM along with his mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos and eldest sister, Senator Imee Marcos were implicated in these case of alleged ill-gotten wealth amassed during the late president’s 20-year rule in our country.

As it turns out, however, the newly installed President of the Philippines has received a lot of official invitations from world leaders. Among them came from United States (US) President Joe Biden, China’s President Xi Jinping as well as the head of the European Union (EU), all wishing to meet with him possibly in state visit on a mutually agreed date.

Surely, it can be argued that these are nothing but pro

Philstar.com photo

forma invitations, or formality accorded to a newly installed head of state.

But many of these official letters of invitation, as a matter of fact, were hand-delivered no less to President Marcos during his inaugural last June 30, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel “Babes” Romualdez disclosed in our weekly “Kapihan sa Manila Bay” virtual news forum last Wednesday. During formal receptions and subsequent meetings and audience at Malacanang Palace, Romualdez noted one of them is a letter from President Biden that US Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff brought with him in Manila inviting President Marcos to come to the US on a state visit.

However, there is also a standing invitation to make a state visit in Beijing that was hand-delivered likewise to President Marcos at Malacanang. Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China came to Manila last week and reiterated the invitation of President Xi as earlier relayed by Chinese ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian. It was PBBM’s mother, the former First Lady who brought about the formal establishment of diplomatic

ties between Manila and Beijing.

Marcos bashers have earlier went around in social media also claiming the newly elected President would embarrass the Philippines when he embarks on his visit to the US. PBBM supposedly faces arrest over contempt charges pending in a federal court in America.

Romualdez earlier branded them as “fake news” spread in social media. Romualdez revealed that he is in touch with the White House that has “clearly and very strongly said that they would welcome” President Marcos in Washington D.C. when his and that of President Biden’s schedules permit. A second cousin of PBBM, Romualdez has been retained as our country’s Ambassador to the US. Following traditional protocols, however, the first state visits of the Philippine President must start around its neighbors in the region and fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

According to Romualdez, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), recommended to President Marcos to embark on his initial state visits to nine

other members of the ASEAN. President Marcos is slated to attend this year’s ASEAN Leaders’ Summit being hosted and is taking place in Cambodia in November yet this year.

Thus, Romualdez conceded, the state visits to the US and China will have to wait until after the ASEAN swing of President Marcos.

President Marcos though may likely go to the US first when he, along with at least 50 other world leaders will attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City. Romualdez admitted they are encouraging President Marcos to attend the UNGA scheduled between Sept. 20 and 23 this year to address the international community for the first time.

The White House earlier confirmed the attendance to UNGA of President Biden who will also address the entire UN body. The trip of President Marcos though to UNGA will only be considered as an official visit to the US. Hence, Romualdez ruled out any “meeting at the sidelines” between the two Presidents at the UN headquarters in New York City.

Romualdez credited former DFA Secretary Teodoro Locsin

Jr. for being able to get a slot for President Marcos to speak before the UNGA. Incidentally, he added, Locsin also helped in the drafting of the inaugural address of President Marcos.

After all, Romualdez cited, President Marcos and Locsin once worked together and became “friends” while they were still both members of the 14th Congress from 20072010.

“He (Marcos) always acted presidential without effort; smiled over our usual bad jokes but never uproariously on the floor like the rest of us,” Locsin recalled. The young Marcos was then Congressman of the second district of Ilocos Norte while Locsin was Representative of first district of Makati City. Favorite speechwriter of past presidents of our country, Locsin would also likely pass upon the draft of the maiden state of the nation address (SONA) of PBBM at the joint opening sessions of the 19th Congress on July 25.

Friendships aside, PBBM chose career diplomat, ambassador Enrique Manalo to be his new Foreign Affairs Secretary. Manalo is currently in New York to wind down his office there as the Philippine Representative to the UN

previously headed by Locsin.

Last week, PBBM named another career diplomat, Antonio Manuel Lagdameo to take over as new permanent representative to the UN. Romualdez believes PBBM would appoint Locsin as ambassador to a country of significance to the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Romualdez was informed about the arrival next week of the new US Ambassador to the Philippines, career diplomat Mary Kay Carlson. Chargé d’ Affaires ad interim Heather Variava headed the US embassy in Manila for almost two years now.

As the country’s chief foreign policy architect, President Marcos declared the Philippines will engage with all countries on the same diplomatic track and not just with the US and China. This is consistent with an existing policy that the Philippines is a friend to all, enemy to none.

Locsin added a twist: “But worse enemy to a false friend.”

(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.

The Rodrigo Duterte phenomenon revisited

Vantage Point VAN YBIERNAS RODRIGO Duterte's rise to the presidency in 2016 was unexpected and atypical.

Elected at the age of 71, Duterte is the country's oldest serving president, eclipsing Sergio Osmeña who was 65 years old when he succeeded the late Manuel Quezon in 1944.

Duterte is the first president to come from Mindanao. Prior to him, Vice President Emmanuel Pelaez (1961-1965) was the highest elected Mindanaoan.

Another Mindanaoan vice president was Teofisto Guingona Jr. (2001-2004).

However, he was not elected to the position. Guingona was chosen by then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to succeed her after she ascended to the presidency following the ouster of president Joseph Estrada in 2001.

Now, Duterte's daughter, Sara, is vice president. All of a sudden, Mindanao has become a viable springboard for the presidency.

As longtime mayor of Davao City, Duterte followed Jejomar Binay (who became vice president in 2010) as local chief executives who jumped immediately to one of the two highest executive positions in the Philippines since Emilio Aguinaldo. Estrada served as mayor of San Juan (19691986), but he was elected to the Senate (1987-1992) before becoming vice president (1992-1998) and eventually president (1998-2001). Binay and Duterte went straight from city mayor to vice president and president in 2010 and 2016, as did Kawit gobernadorcillo Aguinaldo in 1897.

The legislature and national-level positions, not local government units, are historically the most viable jump-off points for the country's top elected positions. Quezon (1935), Manuel Roxas (1946), Ramon Magsaysay (1953), Ferdinand Marcos (1965) and Benigno Aquino 3rd (2010) were legislators before becoming president. Jose P. Laurel (1943, under Japanese

occupation) and Fidel Ramos (1998) were cabinet officials before becoming president.

Osmeña (1944), Elpidio Qurino (1948), Carlos Garcia (1957), Diosdado Macapagal (1961), Estrada (1998), Arroyo (2001) were vice presidents before becoming president.

An outlier, Corazon Aquino, was a homemaker before she became president in 1986.

Osmeña (1935), Quirino (1946), Fernando Lopez (1949 and 1965), Garcia (1953), Pelaez (1961), Salvador H. Laurel (1986), Estrada (1992), Arroyo (1998), Manuel de Castro Jr. (2004), Maria Leonor Robredo (2016) were legislators before becoming vice president.

Davao City, Duterte's political base, an important regional center in Mindanao, is arguably even inferior to Binay's Makati City because the latter is the country's financial center, making it a more suitable base for a run for the highest elective positions.

Duterte's political party affiliation history is likewise quite colorful, typical of local politicians in the country.

In the 2016 presidential elections, Duterte ran under the Partido Demokratiko ng Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDPLaban) after party leader Sen. Aquilino Pimentel 3rd got into a squabble with another party stalwart, then Vice President Binay in 2014. Binay ran for president in 2016 under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA), paving the way for Duterte to become the PDPLaban standard bearer in those elections.

During the 2010 presidential (and 2013 midterm) elections, Duterte was a member of the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

Simultaneously, Duterte organized in 2011 the Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod, a Davao City-based political party. Prior to jumping ship to the LP in 2009, Duterte was a member of the PDP-Laban beginning in 2001. An early report mentioned that in 1988 Duterte, then Davao City's vice mayor officer in charge belonged to a local political party called Lakas ng Dabaw.

However, another report mentioned that Duterte, after being elected mayor of Davao

City, joined the Nacionalista Party. Still another report asserted that Duterte was party-less during the 1988 elections.

In short, Duterte was a party-switching local politician before he ran for the presidency in 2016. Experts explain that party switching among local officials is the consequence of the multiparty system introduced by the 1987 Constitution. Local politicians "regularly switch their affiliation from one presidential party to another in order to gain access to state resources and patronage," according to political scientist Julio Teehankee.

Duterte's father Vicente was governor of the thenunified Davao province from 1959 until his appointment to the cabinet of president Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in 1965.

However, by 1967 Vicente had quit his cabinet post to run for Congress. Vicente seemed to be a local politician through and through.

Rodrigo Duterte remained largely outside the traditional ambit of national politics.

Nevertheless, due to his dominance of Davao City politics, he was constantly courted by national politicians to deliver votes for their candidacies.

Duterte was never considered for national politics until the PimentelBinay rift encouraged the PDP-Laban to look at him as a replacement standard bearer in the 2016 elections.

Duterte was not traditionally built to be president. He was a maverick party-switching local politician from the peripheries of national politics. He was also (too) old.

He was not on track for Malacañang until providence intervened in 2016. *** The UP Vanguard Pagsibol Class of 1995 mourns the untimely passing of Vanguard Carlo Ramos Bauto, Habagat Class of 2000, who joined the Creator on July 10, 2022.

(ManilaTimes.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.

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 16-19, 2022 A7

Manila among world’s best cities – Time Out

by GHIO

ONG Philstar.com

MANILA — Manila was hailed as one of the best cities in the world based on a survey by foreign lifestyle website Time Out. The country’s capital placed 34th out of 53 “best cities in the world for 2022” that the “global media and hospitality brand” included.

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland in the United Kingdom, is at the top of the list.

Survey respondents voted Manila as the “third most resilient,” the website revealed, adding that “not a single respondent described the city as rude – instead, it was admired by many for the welcoming and infectious smiles of its people.”

While earning a reputation for “overpopulation to traffic jams,” Time Out wrote: “The legacy of Chinese, Spanish and American influences makes Manila an underrated hub for art and culture, with unique customs and cuisine to boot.”

It also acknowledged that

Manila stayed afloat amid the lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic – wherein measures like “cruel liquor bans and the demand for spacewear-like face shields” were enforced – after vaccination was introduced.

Time Out encouraged its clients to visit Manila because it “really is thriving again” with the presence of “high-end shopping malls, eclectic contemporary art galleries and the edgy music venues of the south.”

Manila could refer to the city of Manila or the National Capital Region, also called Metro Manila.

With this development, the Manila city government recognized former mayor Isko Moreno for his leadership that led to the city’s inclusion in the Time Out list of best cities.

In a resolution authored

by Manila Councilors Joel Villanueva and Ernesto Isip Jr., the city council declared that Moreno “exemplified the brand of political will and commitment to solve the seemingly insurmountable problems and challenges long neglected by

previous administrations.”

“This never-beforeseen political dedication, steadfastness and staunchness has resulted to meaningful changes in the City of Manila in terms of poverty alleviation, delivery of social services, people-centered infrastructure projects, education and health care,” it said.

Moreno, elected in 2019, had just started his stint as mayor when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country in 2020.

Programs and projects were enforced under his term like the construction of the Bagong Ospital ng Maynila, Tondominium and Binondominium and Basecommunity socialized housing projects; renovation of Manila Zoo; the Manila COVID-19 Field Hospital and the PINOY SWEETS. Sales ladies arrange a pile of famous Filipino sweet delicacies leche flan and ube halaya at their stall in Trabajo Market in digitalization of transactions in Sampaloc, Manila on Thursday, July 14. Each tub costs between P60-P80.

PNA photo by Ben Briones the city government.

In a Facebook post, Moreno thanked the city government – led by his allies, Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan and Vice Mayor Yul Servo-Nieto – for the accolade. 

With no ICC probe set, advocates say drug war victims can still pursue accountability elsewhere

by FRANCO LUNA Philstar.com

MANILA — The lack of finality from the International Criminal Court on a probe into the Duterte administration's war on drugs should not hamper local efforts on the ground to exact accountability from the past administration, advocates say.

Speaking at a webinar on Thursday, July 14 entitled Building Back with Justice? Marcos, Duterte, the ICC and the Philippine Drug War and organized by the DRCNet Foundation, former PCGG Ruben Carranza said that there are still a few options victims can look at in the absence of a decision from the ICC. To recall, the ICC in June formally requested judges of the pre-trial chamber to move forward in the probe into the President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” after it determined that the Department of Justice-led panel assessment was a mere "desk review." The chamber has not yet made a decision on this request.

"It’s important to remember that the International Criminal Court is not the only institution that can pursue accountability for the drug war…prosecution is not the only measure by which extra-judicial killings, crimes against humanity committed in the drug war can be pursued and those behind them be held accountable," Carranza said.

"Justice does not only equate with courts; it's important to remember that justice can be pursued elsewhere outside courts," he also said.

Is there hope for a transitional justice process for Duterte’s drug war? Carranza says there are still a few options victims can look at: first, a "truth-telling process" that can be organized at the local and community level among the urban poor communities being targetted by the drug war.

He pointed to the reexhumation of bodies conducted by forensic pathologist Raquel Fortun, saying the process of removing remains and examining them should be supported by the international

community.

"That process of removing remains not only empowers families of the victims into acting on their demands for justice but gives them hope that even there's no formal state process that seeks accountability within the Philippines...there are local processes going on outside of state processes," he said.

The second approach, Carranza said, involves reparations for families of drug war victims. He pointed to the law on reparations going after the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcos family by creating the Human Rights Victims' Claims Board.

"The Philippines knows what reparations is and has given reparations for victims. So it is possible for them to be given to victims of the drug war, but is it possible to do that under Marcos?"

Carranza also pointed out Danao’s own history of running scot-free: when he was still Duterte’s police chief in Davao, he was sued by his wife for domestic abuse. Duterte forgave him for this.

"Marcos Jr. will say what the Global North's elites will want to hear...that he will go pursue accountability for human rights violations, that he will pursue [a health approach].

This is, of course, appealing to Westerners, but doesn't deal with the root causes of drug use in urban poor communities in the first place."

"He and his family have an interest in maintaining the impunity of Duterte, because any action that will open accountability of presidents past and even further in the past will obviously re-open questions around the accountability of the Marcos family. And the Marcoses will defend their illgotten wealth for as long as they can."

In an earlier interview, the Commission on Human Rights said that it supported Marcos' intent to continue the "drug war," as long as his iteration of it would be one "that is based on the right to health, rather than from the peace and order

approach."

"There is more pressure for the next administration and for the Philippine National Police to demonstrate that it is really in support of accountability measures and cleansing programs," CHR executive director Jacqueline de Guia told Philstar.com.

"We do hope that lessons were learned in the campaign against drugs [and] that there will be tangible and concrete steps to be taken by the government to ensure that the human rights situation on the ground will improve."

Duterte's 'war on drugs' Aurora Parong of the Philippine Coalition for the ICC also called on the United Nations Human Rights Council to review its decision not to probe the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign.

"If ever it continues with capacity-building because it's also important, there should be key result areas for impactassessment of its assistance to the Philippines," she said.

Parong pointed out that the ICC is looking at "16 situations" including the Philippines, Ukraine, Myanmar, and Bangladesh, which could only delay further the lack of a decision on its drug war probe.

"We think that the international community should provide the resources that the court needs in order to be able to act as a court of last resort and deliver justice and to be faster also rather than being at the back burner," she said.

Duterte and his administration allies have attacked both the ICC and the United Nations and have vowed never to cooperate with international investigations, asserting that domestic remedies are working for victims.

Under President Rodrigo Duterte's flagship campaign against illegal narcotics, official police figures acknowledge at least 6,117 deaths in anti-drug operations since July 2016.

Police leadership earlier claimed the number was as  PAGE A8

Major challenges of Marcos admin: Inflation, foreign policy - analyst

by DANIZA

FERNANDEZ Inquirer.net

MANILA — Inflation, Fourth Industrial Revolution, and foreign policy — these are the major challenges hounding the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., according to an economic analyst.

George Siy, director of the Integrated Development Studies Institute, said that the prime issue that the current administration should quash is inflation as people’s lives are at stake.

“The most important shortterm item to address is always the one that affects people’s livelihoods the most: this inflation on food, basic transport, and electricity,” he said in a forum on Tuesday.

“We have seen what can — immediately and very quickly — descend into chaos if people have a problem with food,” he added, noting that the country almost encountered the situation during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, Siy deemed the Fourth Industrial Revolution as a medium-term concern to address,

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. Inquirer.net file photo

saying its impact may be felt in a year or two.

“The reason I consider it or we, many people, will consider it as a major item because the cost of implementing it is not very high.

The impact is very great… That is the industrial revolution number 4,” he said.

“That means that we have to address our education and the digitalization of our economy because that can immediately reduce traffic, increase enterprise without a lot of investments,” he pointed out.

The Fourth Industrialized

Revolution is “characterized by a fusion of technologies that is blurring the lines between the physical, digital, and biological spheres,” World Economic Forum founder and Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab said.

Further, foreign policy is the third woe that the Marcos administration should battle, said Siy. “We want a certain proposal that we don’t need to keep addressing defensively and react and respond to how the powers tell us that they want us to be in this position or that,” he explained.

“We can actually take the initiative to help shape in [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] and in the West and in the world how the policies are formulated. We can start helping shape the directions of these,” the economic analyst went on.

During the sixth anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling on the South China Sea, the Philippines said it is rejecting any attempts to weaken the decision that invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim over the maritime area. 

DATELINE PHILIPPINES

A8 JULY 16-19, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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DOT to improve infrastructure, policies for tourism

by GHIO

ONG Philstar.com

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) will work on fulfilling the marching order of President Marcos to boost the country’s tourism industry by improving existing infrastructure and formulating policies.

During last Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Marcos – who was attending virtually as he was still recovering from COVID-19 – said, “We just have to support the plan to develop all of these enabling environments – the policy, conditions and infrastructure,” according to the agency.

In response, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco said Marcos’ pronouncements would be “the direction that we would take.”

For instance, the DOT would improve connectivity in tourism by developing related infrastructure, as well as joining more popular tourist spots and areas trying to entice tourists.

Frasco said there is a need to improve the country’s airports, which she said “are simply not yet of the global standard that would put us at par with our direct competitors, with our (Southeast Asian) member nations.”

She added, it could be done by “revisit(ing) the capacity of these airports,” which could determine if additional flights would be possible.

Frasco also floated the possibility of building and improving more ports of entry,

like seaports, in certain tourist spots.

The agency would also make sure tourists will not experience any hassle while visiting the country by formulating uniform protocols with other agencies, establishing tourist service centers and rest areas and developing health care facilities in tourist spots, she added.

Under her term, Frasco declared she would also ensure that the agency would help all local government units aiming to promote their areas as tourist destinations.

Hardest hit The Philippines’ tourism sector was among the hardest hit when the COVID pandemic struck.

In a statement, Frasco said the improvement of the sector will be pushed by the department.

“Many measures could be improved as far as policy regulations, both on the national and local level, and proper coordination, to be able to focus on the overall tourist experience from the time that he arrives to the point of entry, to the time that he gets to his point of destination,” she said.

The secretary added that the DOT is aiming to improve tourism infrastructure and accessibility, have cohesive and comprehensive digitalization and connectivity, enhance the overall tourist experience, promote the equal development and promotion of tourism products across the country, diversify portfolio through

multidimensional tourism, maximize domestic tourism and strengthen tourism governance.

These, Frasco said, will improve the Philippines’ ranking in Southeast Asia in terms of tourist arrivals and preference.

She further stated that efforts on improving connectivity of tourist destinations through convergence with tourismenhancing government agencies, clustering of regional tourism circuits and improving the endto-end transportation of tourists, will also be pushed.

The DOT is eyeing to focus on “equalization” of tourism product development across the country, by tapping the potential of nature-based tourism, heritage and culture, food tourism, health wellness and retirement, arts; and Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions or MICE tourism.

“There is no question as to the richness of our heritage and the vastness of our culture, but there is definitely still a need for national government assistance to local government as far as technical expertise on how we can harness these aspects of our country, so we can package it in a manner that is at par with the finest that is being offered by other countries, and make our offerings characteristically Filipino,” she said.

Marcos’ push for the strengthening of domestic tourism, tied with international tourism, will also yield “better economic returns,” she added. 

DOH to study dengue jabs as infections rise MANILA — The Department of Health said Friday it will thoroughly study the use of dengue vaccines as cases of the viral infection increase in the Philippines.

“What we’re doing here in the department would be gathering evidence, studying it, and once we have completed that, we’ll be convening our experts,” Undersecretary Ma. Rosario Vergeire, officer-in-charge of the health department, said in an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel.

“So we will study this thoroughly so we can provide recommendations to our president,” she added.

The DOH recorded 64,797 dengue cases from January 1 to June 25. The figure was 90% higher than the 34,074 reported infections during the same period in 2021.

All regions in the country, except Ilocos region and Caraga, have exceeded the dengue epidemic threshold from May 29 to June 25.

One dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia, has been licensed, according to the World Health Organization. Five dengue vaccines were in

AGAINST ALL ODDS. George Gamit, 52, won’t let his disability disrupt his life as he sells Sampaguita garlands on the corner of Quezon Ave. and Edsa in Quezon City on Friday, July 15. He said he used to work as a wood laminator, studio photographer, photo framer, and airconditioner technician.

PNA photos by Robert Oswald P. Alfiler

Belmonte PH lone delegate to US leadership program

by ARLIE

O. CALALO ManilaTimes.net

QUEZON City Mayor Maria Josefina "Joy" Belmonte is the country's lone delegate in an international leadership program sponsored by the US State Department that will last until July 21 in Washington, D.C. Engelbert Apostol, chief of the city's Public Affairs and Information Service Department (PAISD), said Belmonte will be joined by seven other top local government unit (LGU) officials from Germany, Indonesia, Ireland, Kosovo, Mozambique, Poland and Slovakia to the US Department of State's premier professional exchange program.

Belmonte told The Manila Times in a Viber message that she is fortunate to be one of those participants of the International Visitor Leadership Program.

"It is an honor to be selected as one of the delegates to this prestigious exchange program.

I consider this as recognition of the outstanding work that the city government has done to advance the welfare of our city and our QCitizens," Belmonte said.

clinical development as of 2018.

In 2017, the Philippines suspended its dengue vaccination program following the announcement of French pharmaceutical company Sanofi Pasteur that Dengvaxia could cause severe dengue if given to those without prior exposure to dengue.

Other countries dealt with Sanofi's announcement by updating guidelines. But in the Philippines, the news sparked political drama and breakdown of public trust in vaccination following unfounded claims that the anti-dengue vaccine caused the deaths of children inoculated with it.

In a position paper on Dengvaxia vaccine, the WHO said the vaccine has been shown in clinical trials to be efficacious and safe in persons who have had a previous dengue infection.

The United Nations health agency also recommended that for countries considering vaccination as part of their dengue control MANILA — The Department program, a “pre-vaccination screening strategy” would be the preferred option. Under this strategy, of Transportation (DOTr) on only persons with evidence of past dengue Thursday said it would continue to promote green transport and infection would be vaccinated. (Philstar.com) electric vehicles throughout the country as calls for climate justice continue to persist.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said that the department would ensure its transport policies and projects are focused on preserving the environment and compliant with international environmental standards to alleviate the impact of the carbon footprint from the transport sector.

Bautista emphasized former President Rodrigo Duterte’s transport programs like the heavily

She has vowed to apply the learning and experiences she will get during the exchange program to better serve her constituents.

"The learning that we will gain from this event would certainly be put to good use. We will fully utilize them for the betterment of our city and of our constituents," the Quezon City chief executive said.

The program will engage delegates on the principal pillars of the Summit's 2022 Year of Action, including strengthening democracy, advancing respect for human rights around the world and fighting global corruption.

Delegates will have a chance to share ideas with peers, organizations and technical specialists in US cities and raise the public profile of democratic innovation at home and abroad, PAISD said.

Belmonte has committed to continue her good governance initiatives in her second term after receiving various accolades from the Commission on Audit (CoA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The city government just received a second straight

unqualified opinion from CoA for its annual audit report for the year 2021.

The local government also obtained an "unqualified opinion" for its 2020 annual audit report following the auditor's conclusion that all financial statements were prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the applicable financial reporting framework.

Likewise, the DTI recently handed the local government five awards, including 1st Place in the Most Competitive LGU in a Highly-Urbanized City category, at the 2021 Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index Summit.

Aside from its first place finish, it also obtained 2nd Place Most Competitive in Economic Dynamism, Government Efficiency and Infrastructure, and 3rd Place in Resiliency, the PAISD chief said.

In the past, former Davao City mayor and now Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and former Manila mayor Francisco "Isko" Domagoso Moreno were the first to be invited in the annual premier exchange program. 

criticized Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program.

“The Department of Transportation launched programs geared at improving transportation efficiency and reducing emissions and pollutants from the public transportation sector,” he said during Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ launching of the first mall-based free charging stations for electric vehicles.

The establishment of the national development plan for the electric vehicle industry will be a big push for promoting electric vehicles in the country, Bautista said.

The secretary also said that the

agency would support and assist in advancing the Republic Act 11697 or the Development of Electric Vehicle Industry in the Philippines to provide sustainable transport alternatives to Filipinos.

Meanwhile, the Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ free charging stations, located at Uptown Bonifacio in BGC, Taguig City, will service electric bikes, scooters, vehicles, and public utility vehicles, according to DOTr. The free charging for electric automobiles is in partnership with DOTr, Department of Energy, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (Xander Dave Ceballos/Inquirer.net)

DOTr vows to promote green transport projects

Marcos studying Rice Tariffication Law

by CATHERINE

S. VALENTE ManilaTimes.net

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is looking at his economic team’s recommendation to retain the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) amid calls for the repeal or suspension of the measure.

Marcos, who is also the concurrent Agriculture secretary, discussed the review of the law during his virtual meeting with the key officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Malacañang on Tuesday.

“The topics of discussion include the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), current state on rice and livestock production, and increase in the production of highvalue commercial crops (HVCC), among others,” the Palace said in a statement posted on its social media.

This came days after Marcos led his first executive meeting as Agriculture secretary where he asked his DA subordinates to reassess the RTL under Republic Act (RA) 11203, which took effect in 2019.

“Give me a short memo on whether we should or we should not ratify [the law], the pros and

cons,” the President said.

Over three years into the RTL’s implementation, many farmers are still calling for the reassessment, suspension and eventual repeal of the law.

No less than then presidential candidate Marcos backed the proposal to review the law.

During the campaign period, Marcos said the law, which was enacted in 2019 with the aim of lowering the price of rice in the country by removing quantitative limits on rice trading, has been disastrous to farmers.

“We should minimize our importation. I know it’s easy to say, but it’s not very easy to do. It will take a long while. These are all very long-term plans but in the short-term, there’s still much that we have to do,” Marcos said in a forum hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc. last year.

“I wouldn’t mind if we suspend the Rice Tariffication Law first, because it’s really destroying the...

NFA is now buying at P18, P19.

People don’t plant anymore...,” he added.

Marcos had also pointed out that while the law has good intentions, it had “unintended consequences.”

“If you read the law, it looks OK. But it had unintended consequences and there is an ongoing pandemic, so our local farmers are really hurting. They don’t know how to make money anymore,” he said.

The economic team of the previous administration, which now Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno was also a part of, has been vocal about its stand against calls to amend the law.

The country’s economic managers said the law gave way to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, which has an annual appropriation of P10 billion to fund programs for farm mechanization, seed development, propagation and promotion, credit assistance, and extension services.

Any excess in tariff revenues is allocated for financial assistance to rice farmers, titling of agricultural rice lands, expanded crop insurance program, and crop diversification program.

Last year, the government raised P18.9 billion from rice tariff collections.

Data showed the government had already collected P8.35 billion as of May this year. 

With no ICC probe set, advocates say drug war...

PAGE A7 high as 8,000 but eventually dialed this back by thousands without explanation. However, rights groups both here and abroad say the real number may be as high as 30,000.

Despite an uptick in killings and operations during the coronavirus pandemic, government data compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime found that crystal methamphetamines or shabu were still found to be behind the most arrest and treatment admissions in the country in 2020.

Duterte won the presidency in 2016 on, among other things, promises of dealing with illegal drugs within six months. He failed to meet this self-imposed deadline and eventually asked the public for a six-month extension that he also failed to meet.

"The continuation of the drug war in many ways isn’t contingent on who the president is now. Part of what the drug war unleashed, part of what Duterte unleashed has been the creation of a national death squad that has now come to exist apart from Duterte himself.

It’s important to mention this because I don’t think we can reckon with accountability for the drug war based on who the president of the Philippines is," Carranza said.

"It’s important to look at the institutions that enforce the drug war, both the formal state institutions, the Philippine National Police, and the noninstitutional and yet, much more powerful creations that the drug war has led to: a death squad that used to be local; Davao City has become national under Duterte, and this national death squad continues." 

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LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 16-19, 2022 A9

Vegas Loop’s Resorts World station opens

by RealtoR

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

IT is an ambitious project that when completed will comprise of 55 stations within a 29-mile underground tunnel network.

Called the Vegas Loop, the project is being undertaken by Elon Musk’s The Boring Company. The tunnel network is planned to stretch from Allegiant Stadium across the strip to other points north, and even over to the airport. The ultimate hope for the company is to be able to tunnel all the way to Los Angeles.

Recently, the Resorts World station for this project was opened, with Las Vegas Convention Center attendees and the general public able to ride the Teslas going within the loop. Convention center attendees can currently get out of the station, while others will circle back to the RW station. The ride from the RW station to the LVCC West Hall parking lot takes over just a minute, with the Tesla hitting about 30 mph.

News reports say that the “joyride” in a Tesla Model X or Model & costs $1.50, or a day pass can be bought for $2.50.

The Vegas Loop has actually been operating within the Las Vegas Convention Center grounds already, providing rides for attendees who want to go to points across the LVCC campus. The loop

actually saves attendees valuable time as a trip from the West Hall to the North/Central Hall can take up to 25 minutes. Riding the loop will take approximately only 2 minutes.

Within the LVCC, the system can transport more than 4,400 convention attendees per hour across the campus, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority website. Passengers load into vehicles capable of holding three people, with future vehicles capable of holding up to 12 people, it said.

The loop within LVCC has been operating for more than a year prior to the opening of the RW station.

Officials like Resorts World CEO/ President Scott Sibella and LVCVA CEO/President Steve Hill who were present at the RW station opening said in news reports that the project is safe and there are procedures in place in cases of flood or fire.

“It’s extremely safe. As you know, these electric cars…there’s no emission, there’s no gas, there’s exiting in case a car does break down. It’s easy to get a car out,” Sibella was quoted as saying.

“You can use stations for emergency exits, but there are also exits in the system where you can just open a door and walk out, so there’ll be stairwells,” Hill

The newly-opened Resorts World Station of the Vegas Loop allows convention attendees to go back and forth between Resorts World and the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Image capture from www.lvcva.com

Dining with Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (extreme right) in Pahrump are her investors: (from left) Ace Realty’s Nida Santos (Realtor Quitevis-Bateman’s friend for almost 40 years, who is a broker from Marikina City, Philippines), Vivian Pahati and Erma de Guzman.

answered, when asked about flood or fire situations.

The benefits to riding within the loop are obvious, especially when it is fully complete. Aside from savings on time and the use of cleaner technology, it avoids potential weather delays, surfacelevel infrastructure and horrendous traffic.

According to LVCVA’s Hill, applications for the next three to four phases of the project are being turned out, although he would not reveal which station might open next.

In the loop’s future destinations are stops are resorts along the Strip, connections to downtown, a loop that goes to W. Flamingo Road and south to Russell Road, and a stop at UNLV. The route to Reid International Airport is a goal for the company, but there are no agreements in place as of yet.

What’s great and unique about the loop is that passengers don’t have to stop at every station on the way to a destination, said Hill.

The LVCVA CEO and president A 10-minute walk from Turnberry Place Tower 2 is the Resorts World Hotel (dark building in the said that Las Vegas is one of the background) where the Resorts World station of the Vegas Loop just opened in photo taken few places in the world where

by Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman. billion-dollar projects such as this

is going on all the time. He believes that the loop is a transformative transportation project for Las Vegas and that “seeing real, substantial progress is pretty gratifying.”

This project represents a huge victory not only for its supporters but for Las Vegas as it probably represents the future in transportation, or some form of it.

What’s not to love about the use of cleaner technology?

The Vegas Loop is just one of the many projects being planned and constructed in the city, which has undergone a tremendous transformation since it became a popular destination. Las Vegas has become known as one of the gambling and entertainment capitals in the world, and the current push is for it to become a sports capital in the world.

Big tracts of land have recently sold along or near the Strip where either major projects are being planned by huge companies or analysts are speculating on the kind of projects being put in those areas. The Oak View Group has its planned $3 billion sports and entertainment hub near the intersection of Las Vegas Boulevard

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

and Blue Diamond Road; The Siegel Group, which purchased about 10 acres near the north part of the Strip, has yet to comment on what it plans for the land, although there are speculations that it may include a casino-hotel, a condominium tower, retail outlets and multi-family apartments; Formula One’s parent company, which completed a $240 million purchase of nearly 40 acres just east of the Strip, and who will run a high-speed race in 2023 in the city; and a 2.2-acre property along Las Vegas Boulevard and Russell Road that was bought for a reported $12.8 million and whose buyer still is a mystery to many (no word on what project is being planned for this tract of land).

There are many other deals going about in Las Vegas, including Hard Rock International’s plans to buy The Mirage’s operations for more than $1 billion along with a goal to build a guitar-shaped hotel tower on the Strip, and casino landlord Vici Properties buyout of MGM Resorts International’s real estate spinoff for $17.2 million.

The Fountainbleau Las Vegas, which is currently undergoing construction, is scheduled to open

in late 2023.

Even with the recent slowdown in real estate activity, there are still distinct advantages in looking at purchasing real estate in Nevada, whether it is in Las Vegas or communities like Pahrump, which is about less than an hour’s drive from Las Vegas. Property prices are still more affordable in the state than in other major cities/towns in the United States.

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

My company, Precious Properties, is a full-service company that has served its clientele since 1992. You can reach me at 775513-8447, 805-559-2476 and 702538-4948 for more information, or send me an email at fely@preciousproperties.com or fely.precious@ gmail.com. We have investors who buy houses in California and Nevada for cash and quick escrow in as short as 7 days.

(Advertising Supplement)

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WKND

Saturday, JULY 16, 2022

LIFESTYLE CONSUMER GUIDE COMMUNITY MARKETPLACE

Love found on Friendster ends up fulfilling a dream, this Sunday on Citizen Pinoy THIS week’s episode of Citizen Pinoy has love at the center of it all, as we introduce viewers to Wendel, a lonely and depressed person, until he met Allen on Friendster, a social networking site, and they became boyfriend and girlfriend.

What started as simple chats and jokes, ended up in something serious. Both Wendel and Allen started having strong feelings for each other and they were ready to take their relationship to a more serious level. Wendel decided to visit Allen in the Dominican Republic where she was working, so they could meet in person.

As soon as they met, sparks flew, hearts pounded, and they both knew that each was THE one for the other.

Shortly after his return from the Dominican Republic, Wendel consulted with the Law Offices of Michael J. Gurfinkel, in order to bring her to the U.S. on the K-1 “love” visa. He wanted to make sure that all the documents were properly handled, as he was excited to start a life together with his one true love, Allen.

Watch this success story featuring the K-1 or fiancée/ fiancé visa on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 17 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET thru select Cable/Satellite providers). Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the app for free.

(Advertising Supplement)

Fil-Am gets citizenship celebration on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

By Kristofer

Purnell Philstar.com

FILIPINA American nurse Coralou Consuela Pike was among eight new Americans that were given a extravagant celebration to commemorate their citizenships on American variety talk show “Jimmy Kimmel Live!”

Comedian Anthony Anderson was stepping in as guest host while regular host Jimmy Kimmel is on summer break, and he capped off his final monologue by honoring new American citizens.

Anderson took note that many people around the world head over to the United States to take their oath of citizenship, of

K1 – THE “LOVE” VISA: THIS SUNDAY ON CITIZEN PINOY. Wendel (left) met Allen (center) on Friendster, after he went through a period of loneliness and depression, looking for true love. They soon knew they had found “the one.” Before they officially became a couple, they wanted to see each other in person, to make sure that how they felt online, was the same in real life. So, Wendel flew to the Dominican Republic to meet Allen, where she was working. Seeing each other just strengthened the feelings they had for one another. Shortly after Wendel left the Dominican Republic, he consulted right away with leading Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel (right) in order to bring Allen to the U.S. on a K-1 (fiancée) visa. The couple wanted to make sure they did everything correctly. Watch this success story on an encore episode of “Citizen Pinoy” on Sunday, July 17 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.

Liza plans to release own music soon, says she’s not quitting acting

By Dana

Cruz Inquirer.net

LIZA Soberano may soon be treating fans to her own song Coralou Consuela Pike (right) on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” hosted by Anthony Anderson as she teased plans of releasing (left) Photo screengrabbed from Youtube/@ Jimmy music and assured fans that she which the ceremony often gets the COVID-19 pandemic, some has not “given up” on acting.

The actress talked about very boring and that because of individuals resorted to taking her career plans during a Q&A PAGE B2

session with fans through her label Careless Music’s Instagram Stories yesterday, July 14.

“Are you planning to release your own music soon?” an anonymous fan asked Soberano, to which she answered affirmatively.

Meanwhile, another Liza Soberano Photo from Instagram/@carelessph PAGE B2

B2 JULY 16-19, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

EntErtainmEnt

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Based in both Cebu and Manila, Toshimi’s career shift began when she realized that fashion, not a local salon, typically Toshimi’s clothing displays her love of all things opulent has an international.

Photo by Lito Caleon/Eventologie and whimsical.

Photo by

Pop star Sarah Geronimo

Photo from Instagram/@asapofficial

Sarah set to return to ‘ASAP Natin ‘To’

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA singer Sarah Geronimo is set to finally return to ABS-CBN Sunday variety show “ASAP Natin ‘To.” In the show’s official Instagram account, the longestrunning variety show posted a

teaser video of Sarah.

“The long wait is over. She’s back. Soon,” it captioned the post.

The show, however, didn’t mention when exactly will Sarah appear in the show.

Sarah last performed in the show in November 2020. She is part of the show since 2004.

Recently, Sarah became a pastry chef after she finished her requirements at the Heny Sison Culinary School’s Essential Baking and Pastry Series.

For her satisfactory completion and by the recommendation of the school’s faculty, Sarah was given a Certificate of Merit. g

DESIGNER IN FOCUS: Toshimi Pacumbala to showcase his opulent and whimsical creations at Asia Pacific Fashion Week 2022

TOSHIMI Pacumbala has always had a passion for fashion. She had initially worked as a makeup artist and salon owner, but she had always had a special passion for and joy in creating gowns.

She struggled to turn her daydreams become reality, one delicate sketch at a time, using just her minimal grasp of fashion and drawing.

When she was given the chance to create a gown for a student a few years back, she made her first venture into the world of fashion design. Over the years, both domestically and internationally, her designs have steadily but thoroughly taken over runways and pageants.

Today, she is a full-fledged member of the Philippines’ biggest and most dominant guild for fashion designers, the Designers Circle Philippines.

A self-taught designer Toshimi is a self-taught designer. But she hopes to someday pursue formal studies in fashion design. Since she primarily creates couture gowns, her favorite aspect of being a designer is that she really enjoys creating the beadwork, as well as sketching and, essentially, hand-sewing everything.

When wearing her creations, Toshimi wants her customers to feel proud and confident.

Additionally, she wants people to feel unique among the crowd.

Toshimi’s love for all things opulent Although Toshimi’s clothing displays her love of all things opulent and whimsical, what truly distinguishes her is the complexity he adds to her conception of grandeur and femininity.

Based in both Cebu and Manila, Toshimi’s realization that fashion typically has an international market while salons remain local is what inspired her to take fashion seriously enough to create a career out of it.

So it came to be that her salon clients would notice the clothing she had designed and inquire about it. She came to the conclusion that if her customers were interested in her designs, then others might be as well, and as a result, she made the decision to take

Toshimi Pacumbala has always had a passion for fashion.

Photo by Mark Nieto Diaz

fashion seriously.

How did her international clientele learn about her designs? Toshimi used to compete in pageant competitions. She would also be the contestant’s outfit and gown designer in addition to doing their makeup. She began sharing her designs on Facebook before Miss Europe Philippines invited her to serve as its official designer. She flew to Europe in 2019 and created both the formal wear and the traditional garb of the candidates.

Toshimi unveils his latest collections at APFW Toshimi decided to participate in Asia Pacific Fashion Week – an annual international exhibition of fashion collections from fast-rising designers in the Asia Pacific region – because she wanted to show off her talent and since it is a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity.

Additionally, she believes it’s a fantastic chance to network with other designers and potential customers while also expanding the market for her creations internationally.

Asia Pacific Fashion Week will be held in the following dates and cities: LOS ANGELES 06 AUGUST 2022 | SATURDAY, 5:00 PM HOLLYWOOD ROOSEVELT (Blossom Ballroom) 7000 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles California 90028 LAS VEGAS 13 AUGUST 2022 | SATURDAY, 4:00 PM DECADES EVENT CENTER Vegas Pointe Plaza, Unit 168, 9175 S Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89123 NEW JERSEY 20 AUGUST 2022 | SATURDAY, 2:00 & 4:00 PM (during “Fiesta in America”) AMERICAN DREAM Activity Center 1 American Dream Way East Rutherford, New Jersey 07073 Toshimi wants her customers to feel proud and confident when (Advertising Supplement) wearing her creations. Photo by Dia Mathess-Srinorakoot

Andrea says she had no plans of having a relationship after ‘biggest heartbreak’

By Jan

Milo Severo

Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actress Andrea Brillantes revealed that she has no plans of having a new relationship after her painful heartbreak.

In her interview with Karen Davila in the news anchor’s

YouTube channel, Andrea said she was lost after her “biggest heartbreak” and the passing of her auntie.

“Wala po talaga akong plano mag-boyfriend ulit kasi galing po ako sa biggest heartbreak ko. Lost na ako, tapos habang nagkaroon ng issue sa biggest heartbreak ko na ‘yun, namatay

din ‘yung tita ko. Lahat ng hurt ko noon, pinagtawanan lang ng mga tao,” she said.

“Sinasabi nila wala akong karapatan masaktan. Hindi nila alam na hurt and confused lang ako sa mga nangyayari. Ako sobrang lost ko noon. Hindi ko nga alam kung paano mag-move PAGE B4

Liza plans to release own...

PAGE B1 anonymous fan asked Soberano how she felt about taking “a different course and not acting,” prompting the actress to explain that she was not letting go of her acting career.

“I haven’t given up on acting.

It’s still my main thing but because I’ve been doing it for

so many years, I feel like there’s not much for me to do in the [Philippines] that will really help me grow and hone my craft,” Soberano replied. “That’s why I’m being very selective about the roles I take on and so far I haven’t found the right one.”

Careless Music was founded

by Soberano’s fellow actor

James Reid in 2017.

After years of being managed by comedian Ogie Diaz, the actress officially joined the label in a contract-signing event last month. She then had a photo shoot with fellow Careless Music talents, including actresses Nadine Lustre and Issa Pressman, earlier this month. g

Fil-Am gets citizenship celebration...

PAGE B1 their oaths inside vehicles.

“These people deserve better, so we invited a group of brand new citizens for the introduction that they deserve,” Anderson said, tapping on the services of Anaheim Ducks hockey team announcer Phil Hulett.

Pike was the second person announced by Hulett, introduced in a sportslike fashion as she flashed her certificate, detailing her 5-foot-5 height, her love for spaghetti and meatballs, and as a fan of the K-pop group BTS. After being given a standing ovation by the studio audience and were showered in blue, white,

and red confetti, Pike and her companions were given American flag-themed Crocs and corndogs by cosplayers dressed up as Founding Fathers Benjamin Frankin and Alexander Hamilton.

“Star Trek” star George Takei showed up as well, dressed as George Washington, to announce that Pike and company would be given a roundtrip flight to a national park of their choice such as the Grand Canyon, Redwood, Sequioa, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.

Anderson added that for that particular day, July 13, Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles would be turned into an amalgamation of the new citizens’ names. g

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B3

BOOK TALK - UPROOTED IDENTITIES: Life is all roses for John Lapuz Where is home?

By ronnie

CarraSCo iii

ManilaTimes.net

San Pedro, CA - Philippine Expressions Bookshop brings together Lutie Orteza Lee and Benjamin Long, in the Book Talk: Uprooted Identities: Where is Home? The Philippine-born authors will impart their views and share nuggets of wisdom based on their own experiences and struggles as immigrants and parents, assimilating to American culture. This event will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2022 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at Philippine Expressions Bookshop, 479 W Sixth Street, Suite 105, San Pedro, CA 90731.

The bookshop is located in the historic Arts District of San Pedro, the Port City of Los Angeles.

Lutie Orteza Lee’s most recent and her fourth book, Uprooted Identities: Where’s Home is being launched during the Book Talk.

The book challenges the colonial mentality, crab mentality, racism, and shared identity with the American culture. Written with a Filipino historical background, yet it is applicable to many different cultures. It further asks, “Where’s Home?” a theological question that draws the reader to a deeper level of introspection.

She is a life-long educator, born and raised in the Philippines with a passion for understanding the push and pull of Filipino culture while also seeking to understand others. Her other books are Teaching Cultural Diversity Through Children’s Literature: Applying the Kluckhohn Model, Culture Clash: The Americanized Teenagers and Culture Clash: A Guide for Filipino Immigrants Raising American Children. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and an MA in Bicultural Development and Religious Education. Before retiring in 2010, she taught for 2 years in the Philippines, five years in Taiwan and twentythree years in Hawaii, California and New York for a total of thirty years. She was also the Minister for Children and Families Programs of the United Church of Christ (UCC) national office in Cleveland, OH. Lutie lives in CA, and has a New York-based, happily-married daughter who has given her two grandsons.

In his book, Hyphen-Me: Evolution of an Expat, Benjamin Long shares hilarious and

heart-wrenching stories drawn from his vivid memories of his impoverished but idyllic childhood in the Philippines and will make you understand that cultural differences matter.

Understanding how profoundly people in a multicultural society differ from each other and how powerful these differences truly are can make a difference. His book can lead you to a greater appreciation of the brevity of life, the price of the opportunities afforded to you, and the struggle of reinventing oneself in a foreign land. Hyphen-Me is a story of hope, survival, and the human capacity to go beyond the boundaries of both self-imposed and deep-rooted cultural limitations. His first book, Cultural Adaptation Made Easy describes his attempts to unilaterally manage cultural differences similar to “putting together a jigsaw puzzle without the benefit of seeing the picture on the box.”The book offers simple ways to showcase the cultural obstacles immigrants face, the adjustments they need to make and the actions they need to take which will open doors, hearts and minds. The author received his graduate degree from University of Redlands, CA and has lived and traveled extensively in Europe, the Middle East and SouthEast

Asia.

If you will be unable to attend but would like an autographed copy of the authors’ books, email us at: info@philippinebookshop. com Autographed orders must be received no later than Saturday, July 20, 2022. To receive a 10% discount, be sure to order online: www.philippinebookshop.com before July 23, 2022.

Since the pandemic started, this is Book Talk #10 in the Series and to view past programs, visit the bookshop’s FaceBook page or their website. The program is free and open to the public but confirm your attendance by registering thru Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/3AHrza The Book Talk Series is part of the ongoing program of the bookshop in order to increase the visibility of FilAm and Filipino authors in the American literary scene, as well as increase awareness in the Fil Am community of our literary artists. Established in 1984, visit their online bookshop:www. philippinebookshop.com Email: info@philippinebookshop.com Tel Nos: 310-514-9139 Cell and 310-548-8148 landline.

During this pandemic, the physical bookshop is open only on Saturdays from 2:00 - 6:00pm and by appointment. It is best to call first if you are more than 5 in a group. g

Andrea Del Rosario, 44, returns to sexy roles because of Ricky Lee

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

ACTRESS Andrea Del Rosario revealed that she accepted a sexy role once again at 44 years old because National Artist Ricky Lee wrote the movie.

Andrea recently told NewsKo that the new Viva movie “May-December-January” is brave enough and it was helmed by director Mac Alejandre so she accepted it.

“Medyo matapang ‘yung movie. If I’ll do a project na matapang, this was the best avenue because it’s with Ricky Lee and direk Mac Alejandre,” Andrea said.

“I got a call straight from boss Vic. Of course, he told me that it’s a Ricky Lee movie and that’s what sold it to me,” she added.

Andrea believed that the viewing public is smarter now so they understand that being sexy in a film is just part of the story.

“Medyo daring talaga, pero you know, making love/sex is part of humanity, it’s part of life. We are ‘story tellers’ in some stories, parte ‘yon and it’s unfair for sir Ricky Lee, for us to focus on that because I dont think that this movie was written for that purpose,” she said.

“Viewers are smarter now, they undertstand na naman ang may story at ang wala. But I understand viewers din naman, kasi nga some are just made for the sole purpose of showing skin,” she added.

She prepared for the role by watching sexy local and Hollywood films.

“I had to watch foreign movies to get the ‘lakas

Andrea Del Rosario Photo from Instagram/@andreadelrosario_official

ng loob’ like ‘The Reader’ ni Kate Winslet and ‘Love and Drugs’ of Anne Hathaway. But marami pa rin na-’trim’ ang ginawa sa mga maselan na scenes. Anyway, I had to watch local movies din like ‘Glorious’ (Angel Aquino), ‘Untrue’ (Cristine Reyes)… to just get a feel of some of the treatments ng mga scene na ‘yon,” she said.

“I understand the vision of Boss Vic, that he just wants us na makipagsabayan sa ibang first world countries. To be competitive, especially with other platforms out there like Netflix, etcetera,” she added. g

Kira finds silver lining in career downtime By alex

BroSaS Inquirer.net

Kira Balinger Photo from Instagram/@kirabalinger

THERE has been a downtime period in her career and actress Kira Balinger was able to find the silver lining while waiting for projects to come.

Acknowledging there was a lull in her career after she was paired off with Grae Fernandez in “Ang Sa Iyo Ay Akin” last year, Balinger is grateful that she is now in the cast of “Beach Bros,” a new iWant series.

“Siyempre po sobrang flattered ako. I feel very grateful sa lahat ng nangyayari sa akin. I mean, kahit na may konting delay, I still manage to find the silver lining in it all. That’s the goal and I’m very, very grateful,” she said during the face-to-face press conference for the series last Sunday, July 10.

(Of course I was very flattered.

I feel very grateful for all that is happening to me. I mean, despite the slight delay, I still managed to find the silver lining in it all. That is the goal and I am very, very grateful.)

“I did some things to keep me busy. I wouldn’t have done kung hindi nangyari ‘yung nangyari,” she added. (I would have not been able to do those things if what happened did not happen.)

When asked what separates girls from women, in line with the themes of the series, Balinger answered, “‘Yung mindset na rin, I guess ‘yung level ng maturity. Ewan ko, basta malalaman mo kapag woman ka na.”

(The mindselt, I guess the level of maturity. I do not know, you would just know when you are already a woman.) g

JOHN Lapus never fails to earn my admiration for his candor. He is one celebrity who doesn’t give a hoot about what other people feel or say about him. What matters to John is simply being true to himself, period.

At a recent mediacon for a TV series in which he is cast, the actor-director gamely shared how he was able to move on from a failed relationship.

For starters, John — for all the seemingly playful image he projects in public — has only had three romantic episodes so far.

His second one, though, was problematic because he discovered his lover was two-timing him. The guy was a model whose name John refused to divulge, but their breakup left him not only heartbroken but in need of psychiatric intervention.

John barely had qualms about confessing that in order to gain his sanity back after the falling out, it took him 30 drunken nights, close to 30 different partners in bed, one psychiatrist, a new boyfriend and the help of one dear friend to get out of the rut.

John was alluding to comedienne Eugene Domingo

Actor, director and funnyman John Lapus Photo from Instagram/@korekajohn

who bore witness to his life nearly gone to waste.

One day, John narrated, Eugene simply asked him out to talk over coffee. The two would often hang around cafes and engage in pep talks until Godknows-when.

That time, however, little did John know that Eugene was taking him to a psychiatrist.

“O, bayad na ‘yan,” Eugene, who had paid for the 12-session program, informed him.

Unsure if he needed one, John took advantage of the thoughtful gift. He didn’t say, however, if he came out of it completing the program. What he did say

was that he felt relieved by the eighth session.

Based on the shrink’s diagnosis, it turned out that John was suffering from “repetition due to manic depression.”

Simply put, he had the tendency to share already told stories over and over.

It may not be achievable for others, but John was able to recover from a bruised heart in 30 days. I am not surprised he did because John always manages to find ways and means to heal himself.

But oh, this guy still loves to party! Not one to stay as a wallflower throughout a funfilled night, John will go out of his way to befriend gorgeous male party guests and strike convos with them then and now.

Still, flamboyant that he may be, John is one who highly values his privacy. He is also careful when it comes to giving his heart, revealing — good for him — that it was quite a while before he went into his third and current relationship.

And happily, he is in a good place today — physically and mentally healthy — be it his personal life or his career. Catch him in GMA Network’s “royal sitcom,” “Jose and Maria’s Bonggang Villa,” starring Kapuso Primetime King and Queen Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera. g

Martin Nievera welcomes new voices to sing his songs

By Jerry

Donato Philstar.com

TIME after time, Martin Nievera’s gift of gab and gift of performing are on point. He always brings his A-game. A recent testament was Martin Nievera Live Again! at The Theatre at Solaire. Sharing his musical talent, Martin agreed to mount the one-night concert because of a good cause. That was to support the Gift of Life Program of the Rotary Club of Makati West, which funds the heart operations of children with congenital heart disease, according to the information given to the press.

“It’s a double meaning, Martin’s live again or the theater

is open for live shows again, but because of my live show, we’re able to give life or these kids can live again,” said Martin in a group interview during the event called Solaire Donation Turnover to Rotary Club of Makati West Give of Life Program. Gracing it were Bloomberry Resorts Corp. and Solaire Resort president and COO Thomas Arasi, Rotary Club of Makati West president for Rotary Year 2021 to 2022 Franco del Rosario and Rotary Club of Makati West Gift of Life Program chairman Gerry Limcaoco.

For his contribution and support for the cause, Martin was awarded a plaque of recognition.

PAGE B5 Martin Nievera

Philstar.com photo

B4 JULY 16-19, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

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Ruffa unsure on getting married again: ‘I know I’m not gonna end up alone’

By Dana

Cruz

Inquirer.net

RUFFA Gutierrez has opened up on how she feels about the possibility of getting married again, saying that though she is

unsure about it, she knows she will not “end up alone.”

The actress said this in her conversation with celebrity doctor Vicki Belo, for the latter’s YouTube vlog today, July 14. The two were talking about Gutierrez’s

relationship with her ex-husband Yilmaz Bektas and whether she think she “needs” to be with a man.

“I think at this point in my life, I don’t need to be with a man. If I want to be with a man, it’s because I want to,” she told Belo. “At the end of the day, no man’s an island.

You really need to be with someone for companionship, grow old with someone, hold someone’s hand….

So I think at the end of the day, you have to be with your best friend.”

Gutierrez noted that the relationships she had and will have would not be the same as the one she had with Bektas, as she believes she will not make as many sacrifices like moving to another country and changing her religion.

When asked by Belo whether she has considered remarrying, Gutierrez admitted that she did not know if it would happen.

“I don’t know if I want to get married again. I’ve left that in the hands of the Lord. All I know is I’m not gonna end up alone,” she said.

Gutierrez entered two relationships since her separation from Bektas. One of the relationships lasted for seven years, and she is currently dating someone who started as her “text mate.”

“I just want to take things slow. I don’t believe in whirlwind romances. Although for some couples it works,” she said.

Gutierrez then recalled a conversation she had with her daughters, Lorin and Venice, about her new relationship.

“They’re like, ‘Mom, it’s inevitable that we’re gonna be leaving the house so please spend time.’ I think the kids respect who I’m with. I won’t introduce them to someone that is not worth it,” she added.

Earlier this year, Gutierrez said she was in a “platonic relationship” with a special someone who was running for a government post.

Though she did not name a specific individual, she seemed to have hinted that the mystery man was former Quezon City mayor and 2022 senatorial candidate Herbert Bautista, when she called him “no. 1 sa puso ko (no. 1 in my heart)” last March. g

Very senior client cornered by $34K credit cards Debt Relief

Atty. LAwrence yAng WHAT do I mean by “very senior client”? The client is 90 years old. Is that senior or what? He qualifies as my second most senior client being 92 ten years ago.

Well, the oldest human in CA died last year at 101. That was not my client. My most senior client was 82 when we filed his Chapter 7 case to wipe out $40K of credit cards. After he got his discharge, he started fresh without debt and got a new wife who was 30 years younger. So, that’s what you get with your fresh start at the age of 82. You feel young again. That’s what he told me when he brought over his new wife to introduce to me.

I think it is good to have some tales of longevity amidst all the intense media daily minute-tominute coverage of COVID-19.

Let’s put things in perspective.

The sky is not falling. This too will pass. And the world will go back to normal, except that the Ukraine war is still going on. The vaccines work. It does not matter who develops the vaccine as long as it works. The virus does not distinguish race or geography. The important thing is for all races, the whole of humanity to unite to fight it.

Besides, the mortality rate is low. People over 60, and those with weaker immune systems, have a higher mortality rate of 14%. But by and large, the mortality rate is 3.5%. This means, even if you get infected, you will most likely recover from it if you are vaccinated.

My 90-year-old client has a lot more to worry about. First, who needs $34,000 of credit cards at 90? The client needs at least $1,000 a month of minimum payments to keep those current every month.

His social security is $1,600.

And he has a pension of $400.

So he has $2,000 of monthly retirement income. Half of that goes to pay credit cards just to keep them current.

Second, right after we filed his bankruptcy case, his kidney started acting up. His filtration rate drops from 40% to 15%.

You would think that dialysis would solve the problem. But his doctor just discovered a mass growing in his kidney, which biopsy reveals is cancerous.

Back to my very senior client. He had a business, but it was not making money and he literally got scammed out of hundreds of thousands of dollars by one of those Nigerian scams targeting seniors. When you get an unsolicited call or contact who tells you that there is a pot of gold, a huge pot of gold, in your name worth millions of dollars and all you have to do is give him some money in advance and the pot of gold is all yours, do not believe that fairy tale. It is false. It is not true. It is a scam to get money from you. And for you senior ladies who get those calls that your Mr. Romeo that you have never met across the Atlantic Ocean, needs money from you for whatever reasons, do not believe he loves you.

I know you are tempted to take $50,000 from your credit cards to send to Mr. Romeo.

Do not do it. But if you have already sent him the money and cannot pay back the $50,000 of credit cards, it is time to consider wiping out those cards with Chapter 7.

My senior client cannot do a Chapter 7 because he has a lot of non-exempt equity in his house. He can only do Chapter 13 to handle those credit cards.

The plan payment in Chapter 13 will be much less than $1,000 a month but it still hurts him because what he really needs is Chapter 7 where all of the $34,000 is wiped out without any payment. In Chapter 7, the trustee would have the power

to force the sale of his house and use the proceeds to pay off the $34,000, after paying client his $600,000 of exempt equity. This would be like using a sledgehammer to kill a mosquito. Of course nobody wants to lose his house for $34,000 of credit cards, right?

I would not file a Chapter 7 for very senior client under any circumstance because I do not want him to lose his house. In his case, Chapter 13 is the best alternative. It would protect his house from creditor liens from the $34,000 of credit cards, and at the same time it would allow him five years to pay off the $34,000 without interest and during these five years, creditors will be prohibited from calling him, and continuing collection efforts, including lawsuits, garnishments and levies. It gives him peace of mind for the next five years while his house is protected from creditors.

The question is, will he live another five years? That is up to God really. God may still have a purpose for him to achieve in the next five years.

He can always rely on Psalm 91. I use it every day. He is my God, in Him I trust. He is my rock eternal. He is my defender and protector.

If you have debt problem and need debt relief, please set an appointment to see me. I will analyze your case personally. *** Disclaimer: None of the foregoing is considered legal opinion and no attorney-client relationship is created between the reader, any third party and attorney. *** Lawrence Bautista Yang specializes in Bankruptcy, Business, Real Estate and Civil Litigation and has successfully represented more than five thousand clients in California.

Please call Angie, Barbara or Jess at (626) 284-1142 for an appointment at 20274 Carrey Road, Walnut, CA 91789 or 1000 S. Fremont Ave., Mailstop 58, Building A-10 South Suite 10042, Alhambra, CA 91803.

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Filing bankruptcy to get out of credit card debt Minding Your Finances Atty. rAymond BuLAon CREDIT card debt is the most troubling financial problem for a lot of people today. Currently there are millions of people who can’t even afford to pay more than the minimum on their credit cards. And of course, if you pay no more than the minimum, you’re certain to be in debt for a very long time.

Every day, I meet people who owe so much on their credit cards that they will never pay off what they owe in their lifetime.

These are the people who live paycheck to paycheck with no savings because a big chunk of the money they make just goes to paying their credit cards every month. One day, they will retire and will be shocked to realize that they have not saved a penny for their future and that their social security check won’t even be enough to pay rent.

Credit cards can become a life saver for emergencies, but they also come back and haunt a lot of people. If you find yourself in a situation where

you’re just way in over your head, perhaps the thought of filing bankruptcy has crossed your mind. I know that this is not easy decision and perhaps you are concerned about the ramifications of a bankruptcy filing. I understand. I tell all my clients that bankruptcy should always be a last resort because if you can afford to pay your debts, that is, of course, your legal obligation to do so. But what if you’ve done your best but it is still not good enough?

Again, filing bankruptcy might be the best solution for you if you have ran out of options.

This makes sense if your credit card debts are beyond your ability to pay. It’s even worse if your accounts have been turned over to collections and you have bill collectors calling you night and day. By filing for bankruptcy protection, all debt collection attempts are legally halted.

Creditors will no longer be able to call you, send collection letters, or even call you. Once the Court has decided in your favor to either wipe out or consolidate your debts, creditors are legally bound to accept the decision and can’t bother you anymore.

Briefly, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can wipe out credit card and other debts that you can no

longer pay with the exception of most taxes, back child support and student loans.

Chapter 13, on the other hand, is a 3 to 5-year repayment plan which allows you to consolidate all your bills into one affordable monthly payment. You pay zero percent on your credit card debts and in most cases, a big portion of what you owe is also eliminated. If you are in foreclosure or just behind on mortgage payments, Chapter 13 can also help you save your home by helping you get back on track with your lender by including all your back mortgage payments, property taxes, HOA fees, etc. in your repayment plan.

For a free consultation, call Toll-Free 1-866-477-7772. Let me evaluate your situation and recommend possible options. *** N OT E : D u e to t h e p a n d e m i c, consultations via phone or video are available. Questions? Email me at gethelp@rjb-lawoffices.com. *** None of the information herein is intended to give legal advice for any specific situation. Atty. Ray Bulaon has successfully helped over 5,000 clients in getting out of debt. For a free attorney evaluation of your situation, please call RJB Law Offices at TOLL FREE 1-866-477-7772.

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Andrea says she had no plans of having...

PAGE B1 on. Paano ba mag-move on sa tita ko tapos ‘yung sa issues na sinasabi ng lahat ng tao?” she added.

Andrea revealed last April that she and former love team partner Seth Fedelin became a couple for two years and they broke up last October 2021.

Andrea added that she’s still grieving when she met current boyfriend Ricci Rivero.

“Nung nakita ko siya (Ricci), wala na din naman kami nu’ng ex ko noon. Wala pong third party or anything. Nu’ng nakita ko siya, sawi pa din ako dun sa isa. Alam din naman ‘yun ni Ricci,” she said.

“Hindi po ako mahilig sa basketball player... Sabi kasi nila, manloloko. ‘Yung mga ganyan.

Kaya sabi ko, hindi na. Ayaw ko na nga ng another heartbreak,” she added.

But their mutual love for astrology changed all the scenario as they became a

Andrea Brillantes

couple after the much talked about proposal of Ricci after a UAAP game.

“Nung nakita kong nagpopost siya sa IG [noon], magka-

Photo from Instagram/@

follow kami doon. Tungkol sa astrology, eh mahilig [din] ako doon. Sabi ko, ‘Uy mahilig ka pala diyan.’ Tapos sabi niya, ‘Yeah,’” she said. g

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 16-19, 2022 B5

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Pastor’s Notes reverend rodel G. BAlAGtAS MY heart is filled with gratitude to God as I think of my family gathering and reunion last weekend to celebrate my nephew’s wedding in San Ramon, California. It was another precious moment for us to spend together and to strengthen our bond as a family.

Indeed, nothing beats having a fun-filled and heart-warming family get-together.

We all enjoyed the wedding reception. It was well-planned, organized, and joyous, with lots of food, drinks, music, and heart-warming speeches. The bride and groom made sure that everyone had a great time.

Our celebration continued with more family gatherings and meals the following two days at my two younger sisters’ homes in the Bay Area.

Several thoughts came to my mind as I cherished this time with my family.

First is the need for one’s effortless and “just-be-yourself” presence. In a family gathering,

On family bonding Fired for no reason – Is this ‘wrongful termination’?

one has to enjoy the company of another, withholding judgment or right away getting into serious conversation.

One must bring matters into the discussion at the right time and place.

Perhaps, it’s what Jesus appreciated most from visiting Martha and Mary’s home in this Sunday’s Gospel—Mary’s loving and undisturbed presence to Jesus, one that could never be taken away from her.

Second, the importance of planning and organization of an occasion so that it becomes enjoyable. Otherwise, the one hosting would become anxious and worried.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, did Martha lack time and skill of preparation to make Jesus’ visit more delightful for her and Mary?

In any event, hospitality is essential. And as anyone in the hospitality business would say, planning and organization are necessary to make guests feel welcomed and have a wonderful time.

It’s true even in church.

We need better planning and organization like more volunteers and training to be a “radically” welcoming parish

community.

Third, the importance of finding the right time, place, and approach to engage in a more serious and courageous conversation to strengthen family relationships. Often, the right time and approach are personal and private when there is more room for heart-to-heart and soulful conversation.

And fourth is the necessity of humor in any relationship, especially in marriage. It’s because humor releases tensions, delights the heart, and brings joy and life to the companionship. Agnes Repplier correctly says, “We cannot really love anyone with whom we never laugh.”

So, this summer, take time to enjoy the company of your family and friends, keeping these insights of mine in mind!

Have a great summer! *** 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. *** Fr. Rodel “Odey” Balagtas is the pastor of Incarnation Church in Glendale, California.

Martin Nievera welcomes...

PAGE B3 “The people who paid for this show are the ones with the halos,” added Martin, who, as one may put it, is an instrument, along with other collaborators, to make any fund-raiser happen.

“After 40 years in the business, people asked me, ‘Why did you do a show in that restaurant?’

‘It’s a fund-raiser,’ (I said). I did one in Vegas,” shared he. “I’ve been in this business for 40 years, I said. ‘I think I can pick and choose my shows, big, small, with pay, no pay, (with) karaoke, minus one, band, orchestra, Kumu, whatever.’ Now, there’s no more rules. I think after 40 years, I have nothing to prove, nothing to lose.” From a fan’s point of view, it’s nice to see artists use their gifts for endeavors that benefit certain sectors of society.

Although he is an Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon, Martin continues to nurture his music by writing tunes.

“I’ve been writing so many songs during the pandemic,” said he. “Nobody wants to hear (them). But they want to hear the old stuff. Even when I do shows, (they tell me) ‘I hope you’ll sing… Are you gonna sing…?’ What I have to embrace now in this 40th year of my career is, that’s what my niche is, that’s what I have to keep doing.”

Martin, who appreciates how his songs are still well-loved by fans, wants to create new ditties and

sounds. This is a way for him to keep his passion for music and performance. Speaking of the latter, he has to find a venue to sing, so his voice will be in good shape.

“That’s why I went on Facebook live and Kumu because my voice was not working for two years. I wasn’t singing. We weren’t performing…

If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it. It’s a muscle,” said he, whose Sunday variety show ASAP Natin ‘To recently celebrated his 40th anniversary in showbiz.

“That was so nice,” said Martin. “It was nostalgic, it’s like an out-of-body experience, as if I was hovering above the heavens, watching my tribute, but I was actually in it. It’s like I had a dream in heaven and that was what I saw, all my fellow colleagues, the Kapamilya who I love and adore, taking the time to learn and relearn my songs, the kids, the young kids learning Pain and all these hits of mine from 1980 plus. It was so touching and it was so moving… To this day, I’m so grateful to all of them.”

How did the concept for the anniversary segment come about?

Well, Martin was inquired regarding it, but said, “I want mine to be different. I don’t want it to be about me,” recalled he. “(They asked) ‘Paano mo i-ce-celebrate yung 40 years mo na hindi tungkol sa’yo.’ If I’m gonna do anything, let me start a song and symbolically hand the torch over to the

Protecting Employee & Consumer Rights Atty. C. Joe SAyAS, Jr. Q: I WORKED in a company for over 5 years. A new manager, who did not like me and wanted to bring in his best friend to do my job, fired me. I don’t have any disciplinary record. This is really unfair. Can I claim damages for wrongful termination?

A: Unfortunately, unfair or unjust does not necessarily mean illegal or wrongful.

People often believe that they can sue their employer for wrongful termination if they have been fired unfairly or “without cause.” “Wrongful termination” is a term that has a specific legal meaning. It only applies to situations where the employer fired the employee for illegal reasons such as discrimination or retaliation.

Wrongful termination may also exist if the employer breached its employment contract in firing its employee. In California, if there was no employment contract then the employment relationship is “at-will.”

What is at-will employment?

The employment-at-will doctrine states that either the employer or the employee may end the employment relationship at any time. This means an employee can quit their job for any reason at any time. Likewise, the employer may terminate the employee at any time, even if the employee’s job performance was excellent. The employer may also terminate employees for unfair reasons such as nepotism or favoritism. The employer may

even terminate the employee for no reason at all.

However, an employment contract signed between employer and employee limits an employer’s freedom to terminate employees at will.

Such a contract will usually provide that the employee can only be fired for “good cause” or “just cause.” This may be true, for example, in the collective bargaining agreement of employees who are union members.

Wrongful termination due to discrimination A termination is illegal if it is based on discriminatory intent. Discriminatory intent applies when an employee was terminated because of their protected characteristics such as age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, religion, and even union affiliation.

Wrongful termination due to violation of public policy A termination is also illegal if it violates public policy. This means that the employee was fired for: 1) Refusing to violate a statute (e.g., refusing to commit an illegal act) 2) Performing a statutory obligation (e.g., being absent in order to serve in a jury) 3) Exercising a statutory right or privilege (e.g., declining to take a polygraph examination) 4) Reporting a statutory violation for the public’s benefit (e.g., reporting the employer’s illegal act to a government or law enforcement agency – also known as “whistleblowing”) Retaliatory firing is wrongful termination A termination may also be wrongful if the employer was retaliating against the

new singer. I’ll sing it the way how I recorded it.”

From there, the singer would make his or her own interpretation of a Martin song.

And that happened, particularly in the Kahit Isang Saglit segment, complemented with all other performances and a surprise from Gary Valenciano, Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid.

Martin, the Concert King and Solaire brand ambassador, could feel the love and the sense of family artists share in ASAP. “For me, loyalty is everything,” said he. “Somewhere, somewhere down the road, it’s gonna pay off. It’s gonna teach some younger artists that fame and fortune is

employee for engaging in a “protected activity” such as registering internal complaints regarding the safety of the employer’s products or for refusing to engage in nonconsensual sexual acts.

Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who opposed unlawful practices, filed complaints, testified as a witness, assisted, or participated in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing conducted by a government agency.

Terminations can be unfair.

Unfortunately, an employer’s unfair conduct may not necessarily be illegal. But if there is a discriminatory or retaliatory motive behind the firing, employees should not hesitate to consult an experienced employment attorney to determine available remedies under the law. *** The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff. *** The Law Offices of C. Joe Sayas, Jr. welcomes inquiries about this topic. All inquiries are confidential and at no-cost. You can contact the office at (818) 291-0088 or visit www.joesayaslaw.com. [For more than 25 years, C. Joe Sayas, Jr., Esq. successfully recovered wages and other monetary damages for thousands of employees and consumers. He was named Top Labor & Employment Attorney in California by the Daily Journal, consistently selected as Super Lawyer by the Los Angeles Magazine, and is a past Presidential Awardee for Outstanding Filipino Overseas.]

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temporary, loyalty is forever.”

Asked about his take on his songs like Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin being reinterpreted by other artists, Martin said, “It’s an honor and the whole purpose of my anniversary thing was to show everyone that my life will be infinite, my songs will be timeless for as long as people are singing (them). So, I welcome it and I encourage people to do it and obviously there’s a lot of other singers much better than I am.” He agreed that it’s a way “to immortalize my music, my niche, my journey.”

With that, Martin’s musical talent will be enjoyed by the new and future generations. g

B6 JULY 16-19, 2022 • LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL

Krista Ranillo, husband get married again after 12 years of marriage

By Jan

Milo Severo

Philstar.com

TWELVE years since their Jewish-interfaith ceremony, Krista Ranillo and husband Niño Jefferson Lim once again tied the knot in a Catholic Church

Actress Krista Ranillo, husband Niño Jefferson Lim with their children Photo from Instagram/@kristaranillo

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wedding.

According to a GMA News report, the wedding was held in St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Santa Clarita, California last Saturday, July 9.

The reception was attended by the couple’s family and friends held in Bridgeport Clubhouse.

Krista was blooming in her off-shoulder gown while Niño wore Barong Tagalog.

Donita Rose, emcee of the wedding, took to her Instagram account to congratulate the couple.

“Congratulations @ninojeff on your church wedding! @ kristaranillo was so funny from start to finish. This is it! Am so honored to emcee your very special day…and nervous,” she wrote.

The couple first tied the knot in August 2010. They already have five children. g

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

Barrister’s Corner Atty. Kenneth UrsUA reyes PARENTS that are going through divorce and legal separation sometimes have to make a decision to move out of state for various reasons. It may be because their family network is in another state.

This decision often have a significant impact on the visitation of the other parent because it would be more difficult for the noncustodial parent to exercise his or her visitation rights in a frequent and continuing manner if the custodial parent moves to a different state hundreds or thousands of miles away from the non custodial parent.

The parent that has Custody of the child has a presumptive right to change the child’s residence unless the non custodial parent can show that the move would be a detriment to the child. In cases where there has not been any final custody order, the court has to make a custody

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Parent’s right to change child’s residence to another state in custody cases determination using “the best interest” standard. Court will look at the factors and decide what is in the best interest of the child. Custody is usually given to the parent that is more likely to allow frequent and continuing contact between the child and the other parent. On the other hand if there has been a final Custody determination, then the non-custodial parent would have to show a “significant change in circumstances” to change the custody arrangement.

The Court would then consider certain factors laid out in the case Marriage of LaMusga in deciding whether the child would suffer detriment from the relocation and whether a change of custody should be ordered. The La Musga factors which the Court will consider are 1) the children’s interest in stability and continuity in the custodial arrangement; 2) the

distance of the move; 3) the children’s age; 4)the children’s relationship with both parents; 5) the relationship between the parents including, but not limited to, their ability to communicate and cooperate effectively and their willingness to put the children’s interests above their individual interests; 6) the children’s wishes if they are mature enough to make that inquiry appropriate; 7) the reasons for the proposed move; and 8) the extent to which the parents currently are sharing custody. *** Please note that this article is not legal advice and is not intended as legal advice. The article is intended to provide only general, non-specific legal information. This article is not intended to cover all the issues related to the topic discussed. The specific facts that apply to your matter may make the outcome

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different than would be anticipated by you. This article does create any attorney client relationship between you and the Law Offices of Kenneth U. Reyes, P.C. This article is not a solicitation. *** Attorney Kenneth Ursua Reyes is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist.

He was President of the Philippine American Bar Association. He is a member of both the Family law section and Immigration law section of the Los Angeles County Bar Association.

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

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

LA WEEKEND ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 16-19, 2022 B7