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JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022

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FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA

NY man accused of punching elderly Filipina 125 times indicted on hate charges A SUSPECT seen in surveillance video punching an elderly Filipino woman 125 times and stomping on her body in Yonkers, New York, has been indicted on multiple hate crime charges.

Tammel Esco, 42, was arraigned on the indictment Wednesday, July 20 on attempted murder in the second degree as a hate crime, attempted murder in the second degree, assault in the first degree as a hate crime, assault in the first degree, three counts of assault in the second degree as a hate crime and three counts of assault in the second degree, according to CNN. Esco pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail, a spokeswoman for Westchester District Attorney’s office said.

He is due back in a New York courtroom August 2.

Graphic surveillance video posted by Yonkers police shows the brutal March 11 attack on the 67-year-old woman of Filipino descent. Prosecutors said Esco called her

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Marcos’ first SONA: ‘The state of the nation is sound’ by neil

arwin MerCado Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA), giving a glimpse of his first few days in office and his plans for the next six years.

Unlike his predecessor, former President Rodrigo

Duterte, Marcos generally did not deviate from his written speech – mostly following each word and line to a T. Marcos’ first SONA lasted for one hour and 13 minutes. In the end, Marcos said: “The state of the nation is sound.”

Economic goals Marcos began his address by defining the

A FORMER UCLA decathlete who once represented the Philippine national team this week pleaded guilty to fraud charges of falsely raising at least $28.4 million in a fake weed pen business from investors.

David Bunevacz, a 53-year-old serial grifter based in Calabasas, California, pleaded guilty on Monday, July 18 to one count of securities fraud and one count of wire fraud, according to the plea agreement filed on July 1 in the U.S. District Court.

Each crime carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, meaning Bunevacz could spend a maximum of 40 years behind bars. He was initially arrested in April and will be sentenced on Nov. 21, 2022.

As far back as 2010, Bunevacz created several businesses — including Holy Smokes Holdings LLC and Caesarbrutus LLC — that he said were involved in the budding cannabis

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Magnitude 7 earthquake jolts Abra, other parts of Luzon by neil

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Former Philippine team decathlete faces up to 40 years in prison for $28.4-M cannabis-related scam

economic targets the administration has set for the next six years—echoing the figures his economic team previously presented.

According to Marcos, the administration’s goal is to have a 6.5 to 8 percent real gross domestic product growth annually between 2023 to 2028 and reduce the country’s poverty rate to 9 percent by 2028.

VITAL MEASURES. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urges Congress to pass 19 priority measures of his administration during his first State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 25. Also in photo are Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

arwin MerCado Inquirer.net

MANILA — A magnitude 7 earthquake struck inland in the northern province of Abra Wednesday morning, July 27 killing at least one person and badly damaging buildings and roads, and sending strong tremors through Metro Manila.

The strong quake centered two kilometers northeast of Langilang, Abra, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported.

Its magnitude was initially placed at 7.3.

A 25-year-old man was killed by falling debris, said Abra Vice Governor Joy Bernos, when the quake struck at 8:43 a.m. at a depth of 25 kilometers.

“Despite the sad reports about the damages caused by the earthquake, we are assuring quick response to those in need and affected by this calamity,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Facebook.

According to officials, a hospital in Abra was

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Bongbong Marcos, new US envoy discuss economy, food security by neil

arwin MerCado Inquirer.net

MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and new United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson discussed Friday, July 22, cooperation between the two countries in the economic and food security sector.

Carlson, who presented her credentials to Marcos, expressed goals to strengthen further the relationship between the

Philippines and the United States.

“I am deeply honored to work with the Philippine government led by President Marcos and our #FriendsPartnersAlliesacross this great country to further strengthen U.S.Philippine ties,” Carlson said in a tweet.

The meeting between Marcos and Carlson lasted for 45 minutes, according to Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez, who was

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Filipino-American guests at the San Diego Comic-Con on July 22, 2022 Photo from Facebook/Comic-Con International

‘Just use Filipinos’: San Diego Juan Ponce Enrile takes oath as Rappler CEO Comic-Con page draws appeals CA ruling president’s chief legal counsel flak for using ‘Filipinx’ term on cyber libel case C S. V C r S. M by

atherine alente ManilaTimes.net

by

by tetCh

FORMER Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile on Tuesday, July 26 took his oath as chief legal counsel of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., Malacañang said.

Press Secretary Rose Beatrix “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles said that Enrile was sworn into office by the President.

“I have formally appointed former Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile as chief presidential legal counsel,” Marcos said in a social media post.

“I have full confidence in Enrile’s ability and experience HE’S BACK. Former Senator Juan Ponce Enrile takes his oath on Tuesday, July

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26.

Malacañang photo

torreS-tupaS

Inquirer.net

MANILA — Rappler CEO and Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr. have asked the Court of Appeals (CA) to reconsider its decision affirming their cyber libel conviction.

In its 32-page motion for reconsideration filed July 22 but made public Tuesday, July 26, Ressa and Santos, through the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), said the CA violated their rights when it extended the prescription period for cyber libel and applied it retroactively against the two.

“This Court erred in not recognizing that every doubt should be indulged in favor of appellants Santos Jr. and Ressa,” read the motion for reconsideration.

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atalina iCCi Philstar.com

SAN Diego Comic-Con‘s social media handlers received criticisms online after their use of the controversial term “Filipinx” on their posts.

The San Diego Comic Convention (Comic-Con International) or SDCC is an annual entertainment event dedicated to celebrating the culture and history of comic books, their adaptations, and their fans.

This year’s convention took place from July 21 to 24 in San Diego in the United States.

The event’s official social media accounts posted on July

adarang

22 a group photo that showed guests for its program “Filipinx Voices in Pop Culture.”

The activity took place at the Omni Hotel in San Diego on July 21.

“The Filipinx Voices in Pop Culture was a fun and educational all Filipinx panel discussing Filipinx influences behind your favorite media!” the post reads.

Based on SDCC’s website, the panel discussed the FilipinoAmerican influences on pop culture.

“Filipinx/Filipinx-American influences can be found in every

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JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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From The FronT Page

Immigration advocate, journalist Jose Antonio Vargas appointed to CSU Board of Trustees

by Klarize

Medenilla AJPress

FILIPINO journalist and immigration advocate Jose Antonio Vargas was appointed to the California State University (CSU) Board of Trustees, the Office of California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Friday, July 22 as part of a new class of higher education appointments in the state.

As founder of the immigrant education and advocacy group Define American, Vargas, 41, has also been a vocal proponent of undocumented students’ rights and the destigmatization of being undocumented.

“As a proud graduate of San Francisco State University—Class of 2004, before there was DACA, when the Dream Act was 3 years old, when there was little vocabulary and support for undocumented students—I am honored, humbled, and excited,” Vargas said in response to the appointment.

The CSU Board of Trustees is a 25-member group that oversees “regulations and policies governing the entire CSU system,” the largest four-year university system in the United States.

The CSU serves nearly a half million students within its 23 campuses and “are

Jose Antonio Vargas

File photo

home to thousands of immigrant students and students of immigrant families of all backgrounds,” Vargas wrote.

Vargas, who published his memoir “Dear

America: Notes of an Undocumented Citizen,” is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, having worked as a reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle from 2000 to 2004 and the Washington Post from 2004 to 2009, and as a senior contributing editor for the Huffington Post from 2009 to 2010.

In addition to Vargas, Leslie Gilbert-Lurie, an author and consultant in the mass media space, was appointed to the CSU Board of Trustees. Newsom also announced the appointments of Elaine Batchlor, Carmen Chu, Ana Matosantos, and Mark Robinson to the University of California Board of Regents.

“These leaders from diverse backgrounds, walks of life and California regions bring a broad swath of expertise and experience to our world-class colleges and universities at a pivotal time for our state,” Newsom said in a press statement. “I look forward to continuing our work in partnership with the state’s higher education leaders to expand access to more students, create debt-free pathways, eliminate equity gaps and increase opportunities for the next generation of leaders to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future for our state.” n

Bongbong Marcos, new US envoy discuss economy...

PAGE 1 also present.

Romualdez said during the meeting, Marcos expressed his appreciation to the United States for helping the Philippines with vaccines in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The President expressed his appreciation to the United States in helping the Philippines with the vaccines and that our long historical ties will take us to the future of our strong relationship,” Romualdez said in a text message.

“PBBM (President Bongbong Marcos) said we should have more trade not aid from the U.S.,” he added.

Meanwhile, Romualdez said Carlson expressed readiness to work with the Philippine government.

“Ambassador Carlson told the president that the United States is ready to work with his government on all areas of cooperation like climate change, pandemic response and of course food security and the economy,” Romualdez said.

United States Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson presents her credentials to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. Photo courtesy of US Embassy in the Philippines

For his part, Romualdez thanked Carlson for her kind words in relation to him being selected to continue as Philippine envoy to the U.S. New U.S. envoy In a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, Carlson said she is “thrilled to be in the Philippines and honored to represent the United States in this important relationship.”

“With the Philippines, our oldest treaty ally in Asia, we have a long history of shared sacrifice and incredibly close people-to-people ties,” Carlson said.

“I look forward to working with the new government and our partners to upgrade and modernize our alliance to face new challenges, expand bilateral trade and investment, and

promote democratic freedoms and good governance,” she added.

Carlson succeeded Ambassador Sung Kim, who led the U.S. Mission from 2016 to 2020.

Prior to arriving in Manila, Carlson was Deputy Chief of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Buenos Aires in Argentina. n

PLAYTIME. Children play the traditional Filipino street game “tumbang preso” (knock down the prisoner) along Kaligtasan Street, Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City on Thursday, July 28.

Health experts encourage children to engage in safe outdoor play to enhance their physical and social well-being and help improve their mental health. PNA photo by Ben Briones

‘Just use Filipinos’...

PAGE 1 facet of pop culture. But have there been times when this culture has been pushed away from representation? Does the general population know how many Filipinx people are behind their favorite media?” the description reads.

The panel guests are the following: • Alix Catherine (content creator, “The Welcome Party”) • Earl Baylon (voice actor, “Tomb Raider” series) • Mitch Narito (actor, “The Good Place”) • Andrea A. Walter (film director and cinematographer) • Law Sharma (senior content producer, Cinemablend) • JPG (pop-culture consultant, InterMyth) Amid the Filipino-American representation, the use of “Filipinx” to refer to the Filipino-American panelists in the photo received the most buzz online.

The keyword once again trended on Twitter Philippines with over 3,000 tweets under its belt.

Social media users told off the handlers to stop using “Filipinx” to call Filipinos.

They pointed out that “Filipino,” the correct term as stated in the Constitution and in Philippine history, is already gender-neutral.

“UTANG NA LOOB, don’t ever call us Filipinx. No one uses that.

We do not recognize that term. The term ‘Filipino’ is already genderneutral,” one Twitter user said.

“Please just use ‘Filipinos’ like a normal person, stop with the ‘Filipinx’ nonsense already. ‘Filipino’ or ‘Pilipino’ is already genderneutral,” another Facebook user commented.

A few users quipped that they should have just called them “mamser,” a vernacular coined name that combined “ma’am” and “sir.”

“Sorry. I’m born and raised in the Philippines, and I only identify with Mamser,” another Facebook user wrote.

One Twitter user lamented that what was supposed to be a joyous occasion for Filipino voice actors turned into a topic of debate.

“What was meant to be a celebration of Filipino Voice Actors has turned into complete hate because of the use of the stupid made-up word ‘Filipinx’. Again, Filipino is already gender neutral so please stop making it a thing,” one user said.

Filipino-Americans or Filipino immigrants who use “Filipinx” previously stated that they adapted it from the “Latinx” society to refer to people in Latin America who are also members of the LGBTQ community.

Dictionary.com, a widely-used English language platform, also added “Filipinx” to its database in September 2020.

It is defined as “of or relating to natives or inhabitants of the Philippines (used in place of the masculine form Filipino or the feminine form Filipina).” n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022

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Magnitude 7 earthquake jolts Abra... NY man accused of punching...

PAGE 1 evacuated after the building partially collapsed following the quake, but no casualties were reported.

Bernos posted photos of the damaged Abra hospital on her Facebook account, which showed a gaping hole in its facade.

Other photos showed hospital beds, including one with a patient being wheeled across a road and evacuated hospital staff.

Renato Solidum, director of the state seismology agency, told DZRH radio station, strong aftershocks were expected.

“The focus of attention is on Abra and nearby provinces. This is a major earthquake,” Solidum said, adding that landslides had been reported in some parts of Abra, particularly in the town of Manabo.

Abra, home to nearly 250,000 people, is a landlocked province in the northern Philippines.

Rugged mountains enclose its deep valleys and sloping hills.

The Philippines is prone to natural disasters and is located on the seismically active Pacific “Ring of Fire”, a band of volcanoes and fault lines that arcs round the edge of the Pacific Ocean. As a result, earthquakes are frequent and there are an average of 20 typhoons each year, some triggering deadly landslides.

Eric Singson, a congressman in Ilocos Sur province, also in the north, told DZMM radio station the quake had been felt strongly there and lasted 30 seconds or more.

“I thought my house would fall,” said Singson. “Now, we are trying to reach people …. Right now there are aftershocks so we are outside our home.”

The quake damaged heritage buildings in the city of Vigan, known for its old Spanish colonial

PAGE 1 “Asian b*tch” shortly before attacking.

The woman was in her apartment building vestibule and putting her keys in the door as Esco entered the building behind her and allegedly punched her in the head, knocking her to the ground. Esco punched her more than 100 times as she lay on the ground, stomped on her body repeatedly and spit on her, according to the felony complaint.

The victim suffered brain bleeding, multiple facial fractures, among other injuries,

Photo courtesy from Grace Teaza/Philippine Information Agency – Abra Information Center

architecture, on the west coast of Luzon.

Tourist Edison Adducul told the radio he was taking photos of the Bantay Church Bell tower in Vigan when the quake struck, shaking the tower for up to three minutes.

Senator Imee Marcos said several churches were damaged.

“The antique bricks and coral stones fell down from the Bantay Bell Tower,” she said.

The quake was also felt in Metro Manila where several buildings were evacuated, with some people forced to flee from the 30th floor of one building, and the capital region’s metro rail systems were halted at rush hour.

Following are the reported intensities: • Intensity VII – Bucloc and Manabo, Abra • Intensity VI – Vigan City, Sinait, Bantay, San Esteban, Ilocos Sur; Laoac, Pangasinan; Baguio City; • Intensity V – Magsingal and San Juan, Ilocos Sur, Alaminos City and Labrador, Pangasinan; Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya; Mexico, Pampanga; Concepcion, and Tarlac City, Tarlac; City of Manila; City of Malabon • Intensity IV – City of

Photo courtesy of PIA Abra

Marikina; Quezon City; City of Pasig; City of Valenzuela; City of Tabuk, Kalinga; Bautista and Malasiqui, Pangasinan; Bayombong and Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya; Guiguinto, Obando, and San Rafael, Bulacan; San Mateo, Rizal • Intensity III – Bolinao, Pangasinan; Bulakan, Bulacan; Tanay, Rizal • Intensity II – General Trias City, Cavite; Santa Rosa City, Laguna Below are the instrumental intensities: • Intensity VII – Vigan City • Intensity V – Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Peñablanca, Cagayan; Dagupan City, Pangasinan; Sinait, Ilocos Sur; Baguio City • Intensity IV – Gonzaga, Cagayan; Baler, Aurora; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Ramos, Tarlac; Ilagan, Isabela; Basista, Pangasinan; Claveria, Cagayan; San Jose, Palayan City and Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; Madella, Quirino; Tabuk, Kalinga; Santiago City, Isabela • Intensity III – Quezon City; Iba, Zambales; Navotas City, Malabon City, Metro Manila; Magalang & Guagua Pampanga; Bolinao, Sison & Infanta, Pangasinan; Bulakan, San Ildefonso, Guiguinto, Plaridel, and Malolos City, Bulacan; Tarlac City, Tarlac • Intensity II – Dona Remedios Trinidad, Angat & Santa Maria, Bulacan; Tagaytay City, Cavite; Pasig City Metro Manila; Polillo, Gumaca & Infanta, Quezon • Intensity I – Tanay, Taytay, Morong, Antipolo City, Rizal; Marilao,Bulacan; San Juan City, Las Pinas City, Metro Manila; Lucban, Quezon; Subic, Zambales; Mercedes,Camarines Norte; Olongapo City, Zambales; Carmona, Cavite Phivolcs said damage and aftershocks were expected. n

prosecutors said.

A witness, Yvette Crespo, said she saw the attack as it happened. As Esco saw her knocking on doors to alert neighbors, he allegedly stopped.

“He went out that door, went to the corner, put his hands up,” she said.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of people in the U.S. have been victims of anti-Asian verbal abuse and physical attacks.

The Philippine Consulate in New York says its recorded 26 attacks on Filipinos in the New York area in the last year. (Inquirer.net) n

Juan Ponce Enrile takes oath...

PAGE 1 as a public servant, that’s why I hope that the provision of legal assistance on the future actions of our administration will be improved,” he added.

Enrile, 98, was a staunch supporter of Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio during the 2022 elections.

Following his nomination on June 17, Enrile reaffirmed his commitment to serve the country and ensure the success of the Marcos administration.

“I will devote my time and knowledge for the republic and

for BBM (Bongbong Marcos) because I want him to succeed,” he said.

Enrile had served in various roles for the past 50 years, including interim Secretary of Finance from 1966 to 1968, Secretary of Justice from 1968 to 1970 and Minister of National Defense from 1972 to 1986.

When Marcos’ father, the late president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., declared martial law in 1972, Enrile served as Defense minister.

However, he played a key role in the 1986 EDSA Revolution

that resulted in the ousting of the elder Marcos.

Enrile spent four terms in the Senate and became the 21st Senate president during the 15th Congress from 2008 to 2013.

He also served one term in the House of Representatives as the representative of Cagayan’s first district.

In 2016, Enrile announced his plan to retire from public service.

However, three years after his supposed retirement, he joined but lost the 2019 Senate race. n

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JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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Everyday ageism impacts physical Marcos’ first SONA: ‘The state of the... and emotional health of older adults

by Sunita

Sohrabji Ethnic Media Services

A MAN goes to his orthopedist to complain about his aching left knee. “Oh, you’re just getting older,” says the physician dismissively.

“I may be getting old, doc, but my right knee isn’t hurting,” says the man.

Birthday card greeting: “A woman is unlike a bottle of fine wine. She tends to get sour and bitter with age.”

Younger worker jokes to coworker: “You’re still coming in every day? Step aside, make some room for young blood.”

These are three seemingly benign examples of “everyday ageism,” defined as discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping based on age.

Countless others exist, including in the spheres of health care, employment, and housing. Agerelated bias is expressed both explicitly and implicitly, by individuals, or institutionally and culturally.

Ageism can have profound impacts on an older adult’s physical and mental well-being.

Over 82 percent of adults over the age of 50 say they regularly experience one or more form of everyday ageism on a regular basis, reported the University of Michigan which surveyed 2,048

Photo from EMS

adults in a 2019 poll. Women disproportionately suffer from age-related bias, which has harmful impacts on their financial health.

Moreover, ageism can also impact the electoral process.

Mainstream media have questioned whether President Joe Biden should run for a second term, given his age.

Media have also published ageist pieces on Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, questioning her cognitive ability, and whether she should step down to make room for new progressives.

And a July 20 op-ed in Esquire magazine proposes a “maximum age” of 80 for politicians.

At a July 15 news briefing hosted by Ethnic Media Services, four panelists discussed the impacts of everyday ageism.

Higher levels of everyday ageism are associated with increased risk of evaluating one’s physical and mental health as fair or poor, said Dr. Julie Ober Allen, Adjunct Faculty Associate, Research Center for Group Dynamics, Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan.

“Higher levels of ageism were also associated with having multiple chronic health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease,” said Allen, who was the lead researcher on the recent JAMA paper: “Experiences of Everyday Ageism and the Health of Older U.S. Adults.”

Everyday ageism is also believed to contribute to accelerated aging as well as premature mortality, said Allen.

Structural inequities in the U.S. healthcare system deny life-saving procedures to older adults, such as organ transplants and clinical trials, said Allen.

Moreover, physicians tend to communicate with the caregiver who has brought the patient in, so that older adults cannot directly advocate for themselves, she said.

Dr. Louise Aronson, geriatrician, and Professor of Medicine at UC San Francisco, discussed the disproportionate impact of ageism on women.

She noted that women of color face racism, sexism, and ageism together, a troubling brew which affects economic stability, and self perception, among other factors.

Women across the board earn 82 cents for every dollar a man earns. Black and Latino women earn 65 cents versus their male counterparts. Women of color with advanced degrees earn 70 percent of what men earn.

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PAGE 1 Further, Marcos said tax administration reforms would be in place to increase revenue collection.

Among the initiatives the administration will push, Marcos said, is the levying of a value-added tax on digital service providers.

“The initial revenue impact will be around P11.7 billion in 2023 alone,” Marcos said.

Agriculture Marcos, who serves as the concurrent agriculture chief, also focused on the critical issue of food security and the welfare of farmers and fishermen.

He said the loans and financial assistance for farmers and fishermen would be an “institution” in his administration.

Aside from institutionalizing loan programs, Marcos also vowed that the government would seek to provide cheaper farm inputs, fertilizers, pesticides, seeds, and feeds while modernizing the agriculture and livestock industry through science and technology.

Further, Marcos also disclosed his plans to impose a one-year moratorium on the payment of land amortization and interest payments.

“A moratorium will give the farmers the ability to channel their resources in developing their farms, maximizing their capacity to produce, and propel the growth of our economy,” Marcos said.

Marcos also asked Congress to craft a law condoning the loans of agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Tourism, infrastructure, and digitalization Marcos said he would implement basic developments such as road improvements for easier access to tourism spots for the tourism sector.

“We will also upgrade our airports and create more international airports to help decongest the bottleneck at the Manila International Airport,” Marcos said.

In terms of digitalization, Marcos said 30-million physical national IDs and 20-million digital IDs are expected to be issued by the end of the year.

Marcos also bared his order to the Department of Information and Communications: To establish the “Broad Band ng Masa” project.

For infrastructure, Marcos said he would expand former president Duterte’s Build, Build, Build program.

“Once again, I will not suspend any of the ongoing projects as those have already been shown to be of benefit to the public that they serve,” Marcos said.

Health and social welfare Marcos said no more lockdowns will be imposed in the country despite the increase in COVID-19 infections.

The President also promised to establish the Philippines’ own Center for Disease Control and Prevention and a vaccine institute while stressing the need to establish more health centers and hospitals across the country.

“One of the cornerstones of a strong healthcare system is the provision of competent and efficient medical professionals. We will exert all efforts to improve the welfare of our doctors, nurses, and other medical frontliners,” Marcos said.

Marcos also made his order to the Department of Social Welfare and Development clear: Implement faster response for calamity victims.

“Ang mga field office nila ay inatasan na maagang maglagak ng family food packs at non-food essentials sa mga LGU, bago pa man manalasa ang anumang kalamidad,” Marcos said.

Marcos said there should also be better coordination between the DSWD and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development for the improved implementation of the “Emergency Shelter Assistance Program” for calamity victims.

Marcos also echoed his earlier order to cleanse the list of beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Education Marcos backed the return to full face-to-face

classes, saying Education Secretary and VicePresident Sara Duterte, is now preparing for its implementation in the next school year.

“This is one of the reasons I have directed the Department of Health and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to undertake another rollout of booster shots,” Marcos said.

The President also took note of the discussions on the K-to-12 education system, saying it is being carefully reviewed.

“As for the ‘horror’ stories that we have heard about the poor quality of educational materials and supplies that are being given to our schools — this must end!” Marcos said.

The country must also do better in the international rankings, especially regarding the STEM subject, said Marcos.

Marcos said it is up to the country’s educational system to develop and refine its incredible talent pool.

Foreign policy and migrant workers Regarding foreign policy, Marcos said he would “not preside over any process that will abandon even a square inch of the territory of the Republic of the Philippines to any foreign power.”

“With respect to our place in the community of nations, the Philippines shall continue to be a friend to all. And an enemy to none,” Marcos said.

“The Philippines has always been open and welcoming to all our foreign friends and visitors.

That is our world view, and that is our culture,” he added.

Meanwhile, Marcos said the government would launch a command center that mainly focuses on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in distress and needing to be repatriated back to the Philippines.

Marcos also vowed to remove red tape in pursuing digital empowerment, noting plans to automate the verification of contracts and issue secure Overseas Employment Certifications that can be kept in smartphones.

He called on the Department of Migrant Workers to make this initiative a top priority.

The President also said the Philippine government is coordinating with the government of Saudi Arabia to open deployment to the mideastern country.

Priority measures In the latter part of his speech, Marcos laid down his priority measures which are as follows: • National Government Rightsizing Program (NGRP) • Budget Modernization Bill; • Tax Package 3: Valuation Reform Bill • Tax Package 4: Passive Income and Financial Intermediary Taxation Act (PIFITA) • E-Government Act • Internet Transaction Act or E-Commerce Law • Government Financial Institutions Unified Initiatives to Distressed Enterprises for Economic Recovery (GUIDE) • Medical Reserve Corps • National Disease Prevention Management Authority • Department of Water Resources • Unified System of Separation, Retirement and Pension • E-Governance Act • National Land Use Act • National Defense Act • Mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and National Service Training Program (NSTP) • Enactment of an Enabling Law for the Natural Gas Industry • Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act or EPIRA • Amendments to the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law “We have assembled the best Filipino minds to help navigate us through this time of global crisis,” Marcos said.

“We will endure. Let our Filipino spirit ever remain undimmed. I know this in my mind, in my heart, in my very soul that,” he added. n

Former Philippine team decathlete faces...

PAGE 1 and vaping industries.

Operating through his cannabis companies, Bunevacz raised between approximately $37,166,737 and $45,068,227 from more than 10 victiminvestors. He admitted to causing losses of at least $28,409,112.

A press release from the U.S. Department of Justice noted that Bunevacz lied to investors, saying he had connections to Chinese manufacturers of disposable vape pens who had research and development entities. He also forged bank statements, invoices, and purchase orders to validate the need for investor

funds.

However, according to the press release, Bunevacz used “the vast majority of the funds to pay for his own opulent lifestyle, including a luxurious house in Calabasas, Las Vegas trips, jewelry, designer handbags, a lavish birthday party for his daughter, and horses.”

Prosecutors said that some investor funds were used to repay earlier investors in a Ponzi scheme-like situation.

According to his blog, Bunevacz is of Filipino and Hungarian descent and “is married to Philippine movie star manager Jessica Rodriguez-

Bunevacz” with whom he has three children.

He graduated from UCLA in 1993 with a degree in business management. As a team captain of the Bruin track and field team, he set the university record for javelin throw, as confirmed by the university’s records.

After graduating, Bunevacz was recruited by Philip Juico, then-chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission, to compete in numerous sporting events around the globe under the Philippine flag, earning a gold medal at the South East Asian Games in 1997. (By Klarize Medenilla/AJPress) n

Rappler CEO appeals CA...

PAGE 1 It explained that a fundamental principle in criminal law states that the case shall be resolved in favor of the accused in case of doubt.

“This rule commands courts such as this one that when the law admits of several competing interpretations, the interpretation most favorable to the accused should apply,” it said.

A prescriptive period is a period set under the law within which a complaint can be filed.

For example, under the Revised Penal Code, prescription period for libel is one year. However, the Manila Court that convicted both Ressa and Santos said the prescription should be 12 years.

But the Court of Appeals said under Article 90 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), the prescription shall be 15 years.

The CA also increased the penalty imposed against Ressa and Santos Jr. from six months and a day to six years in jail to six months and a day up to six years, eight months and 20 days.

FLAG said that while the Cybercrime Prevention Act

Rappler CEO and Nobel Laureate Maria Ressa

Inquirer.net file photo

aggravates penalties when ‘computer systems are used, “it intentionally remained silent on the prescriptive period of libel.”

“For this Court to entangle the penalty attached to libel with its prescriptive period goes far beyond judicial interpretation because Article 90 of the RPC is clear and requires no interpretation: libel or other similar offenses, regardless of penalty, shall prescribe in one year,” read the motion.

They added that the CA erred in relying on the Tolentino vs.

People case when it issued its ruling against Ressa and Santos Jr. because the case was resolved through an unsigned resolution and, under the Supreme Court’s Internal Rules, it has no doctrinal value.

Rappler has been fighting at least a dozen court cases, including the shutdown order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). n

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Dateline PhiliPPines

5

COVID-19 cases still rising – DOH PH House names Rep. Sandro

Marcos senior deputy majority leader

by Rhodina

VillanueVa Philstar.com

MANILA — The country’s positivity rate for COVID-19 went up to 14.8 percent this week from 12.5 percent last week, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Thursday, July 28.

At the same time, the DOH said it has recorded more than 3,047 cases per day this week, which is 32 percent higher compared to last week’s cases.

At a virtual briefing, Beverly Lorraine Ho, DOH officer-incharge undersecretary of the public health services team, said the National Capital Region (NCR) has the highest daily moving average of 1,100 cases per day.

“This was followed by the rest of Luzon with 700 cases per day, and by the Visayas and Mindanao areas, though the rise in cases here was slow,” Ho said.

Ho clarified though that, nationally, the country will still be under the low risk classification with a daily average attack rate of 2.43 cases per 100,000 population, with all regions showing increase in cases in the recent one to two weeks.

“That is the trend now, though all regions are still under low risk classification,” she added.

Ho stressed that while there is an increase in cases, less than 1,000 cases of severe and critical admissions were recorded since middle of March. “The rise in cases didn’t mean rise in hospital admissions,” she said.

As of last Tuesday, 734 cases or 8.32 percent of total admissions were severe and critical. Of the total admissions, 16.49 percent were classified as asymptomatic and 40.97 percent mild.

Ho also revealed that the DOH has recorded 1,997 cases of the highly transmissible Omicron subvariant BA.5 and 154 cases of the subvariant BA.2.12.1 in the country.

“All regions detected the (BA.5) variant except Region 12 and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM,” she

Shoppers wear face masks as protection against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) while inside a market in Marikina City.

Photo from The STAR / Walter Bollozos

said.

She noted that there were 29 cases in Region 1; 59 in Region 2; 46 in Region 3; 13 in Region 5; 252 in Region 6; five in Region 7; one in Region 8; five in Region 9; one in Region 10 and one in Region 11.

Out of the 890 cases, 650 are fully vaccinated, 18 are partially vaccinated while the vaccination status of the remaining 222 still being verified.

“At the moment, the exposure of individuals, travel histories, health status and vaccination status are being verified as well,” Ho said.

Include antigen results The OCTA Research group on Thursday urged the DOH to include antigen test results in the official COVID-19 case counts, noting that fewer reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests are being conducted compared to previous surges.

“During the Delta surge, there were about 300 daily tests per 100,000 people (in NCR).

During the Omicron surge in January, testing was really stretched to about 400 per day,” OCTA fellow Guido David said in a webinar organized by the Cardinal Santos Medical Center.

“During the current wave, testing has not really increased that much. It has largely remained at baseline values…

The concern here is that the testing is a lot lower compared to the previous wave,” he added,

noting that current testing rates rarely reached 100 per day per 100,000 people in the NCR. David said the actual number of cases may be significantly higher than the reported 2,000 to 3,000 per day because of the low testing rate.

“We’re not saying that there should be more testing necessarily because there are antigen tests being conducted,” David said. “But we’re hoping that data from antigen tests could be incorporated in the numbers that are being reported.”

Under the present guidelines, only positive results from RT-PCR tests are included in regular case reports released by the DOH, even as the cheaper antigen tests became more common in recent months.

OCTA fellow Ranjit Rye expressed support for President Marcos’ pronouncements regarding the health sector during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA). These include sustaining the vaccine and booster programs, revising health protocols and alert systems, building more health centers and hospitals, improving the welfare and hiring more health personnel and ensuring accessibility to cheap and effective medicines.

“All of these disparate initiatives should be part of one comprehensive masterplan as roadmap or blueprint for moving out of the pandemic,” said Rye.n

MANILA — The majority bloc Philippines • HB No.11, or the National at the House of Representatives has elected rookie legislator Defense Act; • HB No.12, or Rightsizing the Rep. Ferdinand Alexander Marcos (Ilocos Norte) — the national government; • HB No.14, or the SIM Card president’s son and House speaker’s nephew — a senior deputy majority leader.

NOTICE TO The younger Marcos PROPOSERS nominated his uncle, Rep. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN Martin Romualdez, for the House speakership at the that the City of San Diego opening of the 19th Congress’ (City) is seeking to receive Electronic Proposals for the first regular session at the below named Request for Batasang Pambansa on Monday, Proposal (RFP).

July 25.

Contract Number: (H2226019) Romualdez was mentor to RFP Title: AS-NEEDED Rep. Marcos, who was on his STORMWATER CAPITAL staff when he was majority IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM leader in the 18th Congress.

MANAGEMENT AND Romualdez said during the ENGINEERING DESIGN campaign that the younger SERVICES Marcos is ready to join the The solicitation may be obtained from the City’s House because he “spent two at: https://www. years working in my office doing website his congressional training, with sandiego.gov/cip/bidopps It is the policy of the City of no less than myself supervising San Diego to encourage equal and overseeing him.”

Under the Constitution, each opportunity in its Construction chamber of Congress chooses and Consultant contracts.

Bids or proposals from local such other officers it may deem firms, small, minority-owned, necessary for its operation. disabled, veteran-owned, and The president’s son is now women-owned businesses senior deputy to Majority are strongly encouraged.

Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe Consultants are encouraged (Zamboanga City, 2nd District), to subcontract with and/or whose primary function, aside participate in joint ventures from being the spokesman of with these firms. The City is the majority bloc, is to direct the committed to equal opportunity deliberations on the floor. and will not discriminate on the “In the present setup of the basis of race, gender, gender House, the majority leader is expression, gender identity, national origin, concurrently the chairman of religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, the Committee on Rules. As such, all matters relevant to the age, or disability; and will not Rules of the House, specifically do business with any firm that the calendar of bills, preparation discriminates on any basis. of Order of Business and Proposals shall be received Calendar of Business are within no later than the date and time his responsibilities,” House noted in the solicitation which can be found at the following rules read. site: Rep. Marcos has filed the City of San Diego’s Electronic following bills at the House so Proposal Site – PlanetBids at: far: h t t p s : / / w w w. p l a n e t b i d s .

• HB No.3, or the proposed c o m / p o r t a l / p o r t a l .

E-Governance Act; cfm?companyID=17950.

• HB No.4, or the Internet Claudia Abarca, Director Transactions Act; Purchasing & Contracting • HB No.8, or the Free Department legal assistance for police and July 25, 2022 soldiers; 7/29/22 • HB No.10 , or the Creation CNS-3607074# of the Virology Institute of the ASIAN JOURNAL

Registration Act; • HB No.18, or the Government Procurement Act; • HB No.20, or the Apprenticeship bill. (Philstar. com) n NOTICE TO BIDDERS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of San Diego (City) is seeking to receive Electronic Bids for the below named Public Works project.

The solicitation, including plans and specifications, may be obtained from the City’s website at: https://www. sandiego.gov/cip/bidopps Contractors intending to submit a Bid must be prequalified.

Please refer to the solicitation for instructions.

Project Name: Job Order Contract (JOC) Sitework Project Number: K-23-2105JOC-3-A Estimated Value: $5,000,000.00 Bid Open Date: 08/10/2022, at 2:00 P.M. License Requirement: A It is the policy of the City of San Diego to encourage equal opportunity in its Construction and Consultant contracts.

Bids or proposals from local firms, small, minority-owned, disabled, veteran-owned, and women-owned businesses are strongly encouraged.

Contractors are encouraged to subcontract with and/or participate in joint ventures with these firms. The City is committed to equal opportunity and will not discriminate with regard to race, religion, color, ancestry, age, gender, disability, medical condition or place of birth; and will not do business with any firm that discriminates on any basis.

Bids shall be received no later than the date and time noted above at: City of San Diego’s Electronic Biding Site PlanetBids at: https://www.planetbids. com/portal/portal. cfm?CompanyID=17950 Claudia C. Abarca, Director Purchasing & Contracting Department July 28, 2022 7/29/22 CNS-3608949# ASIAN JOURNAL

6

JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

OpiniOn

Features

Wish list

THE new administration inherited a deadly and economically crippling pandemic, a heavy debt that was incurred to respond to the health crisis, surging fuel prices, a much weakened peso as well as crises in agriculture, food security and education.

On Monday, July 25 President Marcos is expected to expound on the broad strokes that he painted in his inaugural address, enumerating specific policies to carry out his priorities in his first year in office.

This being his first State of the Nation Address, he is also expected to bare his long-term goals for the next six years.

In the light of fiscal constraints, he has said he would rely more on public-private partnerships to carry out key infrastructure and development projects. As he draws up his roadmap, local business groups and foreign chambers have released a wish list of sorts, pushing for the passage of 24 measures under the 19th Congress.

Since the President wants stronger partnerships with the private sector, he can urge his super majority in Congress to consider many of the proposed measures. Seven reached advanced stages of approval in the 18th Congress. These are the bills on the liberalization of foreign equity restrictions in the Constitution, open access in data transmission, ease of paying taxes, promotion of digital payments, and reforms in property valuation and assessment reforms as well as capital income and financial taxes.

A push for the creation of a Department of Disaster Resilience may have to take a backseat as the Department of Budget and Management pursues rightsizing in the bureaucracy, which is expected to involve cutting jobs.

A test of the new administration’s commitment to transparency will be the passage of a Freedom of Information Act – a measure that has been kicked around by lawmakers for many years now.

Also likely to be contentious is the proposed measure, backed by the Department of Finance, to ease bank deposit secrecy laws.

Other measures pushed by the six major business groups and six foreign chambers are amendments of two laws to promote hybrid or flexible work schedules in economic zones, and amendments of laws on the PPP and buildoperate-transfer scheme. Also pushed are amendments to the E-Commerce Act, Intellectual Property Code and the charter of the Philippine Ports Authority.

The groups also seek laws on national unemployment insurance and pandemic protection, the repeal of the Flag Act, creation of a Philippine Airports Authority, rationalizing holidays, reforming the apprenticeship program, easing of ownership rules in agricultural lands, promoting satellite-based technologies and international maritime trade competitiveness, and strengthening the pension system.

There’s a lot on everyone’s plate, apart from these proposed economic measures. With Congress officially beginning its session, both Malacañang and the legislature must buckle down to work. (Philstar.com)

Editorial

Philstar.com photo

Life expectancy among Asian populations dropped three years during COVID-19

Getting vaccinated provides best defense to staying safer and keeping life expectancy higher

Commentary

Dr. Dali Fan, UC Davis health LIFE expectancy has dropped for all Californians during the pandemic, including Asian populations who have historically had the longest life expectancy among all racial groups in the U.S., according to a new study released by the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study, which analyzed 1.9 million deaths from 2015 to 2021, shows that

Social Climate Mahar Mangahas A PRESIDENTIAL State of the Nation Address (SONA) is a president’s version of the nation’s journey—where it is now, how it came this way, and where he plans to lead it.

A SONA covers whatever a president wants it to. A listener’s expectation of it depends on what the listener thinks the word “nation” means.

What is the state of the people? I think “nation” refers, above all, to the Filipino people. What our weather satellite sees about the people is the continued dominance of the pandemic in their lives.

They are very hopeful about the future, but at the same time very nervous about the persistence of danger—“First Quarter 2022 Social Weather Survey: A record high 83% of Filipinos are hopeful the worst of the COVID-19 crisis is behind us,” with the subtitle, “Those worried somewhat or a great deal about catching COVID-19 remain at 88%,” www.sws.org. ph, 7/20/2022.

COVID is not all, of course.

As a comprehensive guide for assessing the state of a people, I recommend the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (sdgs.un.org): 1. No poverty 2. Zero hunger 3. Good health

the life expectancy for Asian populations in California fell by three years—from 86.6 years in 2019 to 83.5 years in 2021— with life expectancy dropping for Hispanic populations by 5.7 years, Black populations by 3.8 years, and white populations by 1.9 years.

While “life expectancy” is not an actual measure of life spans, researchers use this hypothetical measure of how long those born in a specific year will live based on that year’s mortality rates to better understand loss of life within populations. Many factors contribute to life expectancy, including socioeconomic status, ethnicity, access to healthcare, and in this case, vaccination

and well-being 4. Quality education 5. Gender equality 6. Clean water and sanitation 7. Affordable and clean energy 8. Decent work and economic growth 9. Industry, innovation, and infrastructure 10. Reduced inequalities 11. Sustainable cities and communities 12.

Responsible consumption and production 13. Climate action 14. Life below water 15. Life on land 16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions 17.

Partnerships to achieve the goals.

I think that poverty and hunger are intentionally the first two on the list, i.e., meant to take priority. I know for a fact that they are strongly and immediately harmed by inflation, but only mildly and in the long run relieved by economic growth.

Hence my advice is “Watch poverty, not economic growth,” and “Fight inflation, not prices” (5/21/22, 6/25/22). The historically worst inflation and the worst poverty happened in 1984-85, during the presidency of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. What is the state of the new administration?

The composition of the new Cabinet is gradually emerging, with many experienced and reputable technocrats, such as in finance, central banking, budgeting, economic planning, trade, and natural resources.

I am confident that they know how not to worsen inflation. The University of the Philippines is

rates.

The study correlates the drop in life expectancy with exposure to COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death rates, suggesting that getting vaccinated significantly impacted life expectancy outcomes. The highest rates of vaccination are among the Asian and white populations, which the study found had led to the lowest drops in life expectancy.

Given the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on our lives and the countless lives it has taken, the drop of life expectancy isn’t entirely unexpected. The reality is—it could have been much worse.

As scientists learn more about

the devastating effects the COVID-19 illness has had on our society, especially the effects of long COVID in children and adults, taking critical steps to stay healthy with vaccination, boosters, testing and masking in high-risk situations can help protect your longevity.

As of early July, 38 of California’s 58 counties were experiencing high case rates and hospitalizations. Highly infectious variants of Omicron are now accounting for most cases nationwide, many being reinfections of those who have already had COVID-19.

There is no reason to delay getting vaccinated, as this study emphasizes what we already

know—COVID-19 vaccines remain the safest and most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Free COVID-19 vaccines for the entire family, and everyone ages 6 months and older, are now available everywhere, making it easy and convenient to provide your family with this layer of protection.

Public health officials are continuing to monitor COVID-19 community-level and statewide data to protect the health and well-being of all Californians, keep schools safe for inperson instruction, and allow California’s economy to remain open and thrive.

By getting vaccinated, boosted and taking proper precautions such as masking, hand washing and watching your distance while encouraging others to do the same, you are keeping yourself safe and doing your part to help Californian recover. There is no time to delay, schedule your vaccination appointment today.

Vaccination or booster appointments can be made by visiting Myturn.ca.gov or by calling 833-422-4255. *** 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.

Waiting to see

well represented, particularly my alma mater, the UP School of Economics, of which former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is an alumna.

Will President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte truly handle the departments of agriculture and education themselves? I wonder why the departments of defense (DND) and of science and technology (DOST) only have officers in charge so far. How about someone from the Navy or Air Force, instead of the Army, for the DND? And someone from the UP Marine Science Institute for the DOST? And a social work professional, like the late Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, for the department of social work and development?

Will the Cabinet have any Marcos Jr. classmates? Or San Sebastian-Recoletos classmates of the vice president?

In general, it would be good to see Cabinet and nearCabinet officials recruited from the Career Executive Service (CES), rather than from the retired military. The CES is the civilian counterpart of the military; it is a legacy of O.D. Corpuz, based on his Ph.D. dissertation on the Philippine bureaucracy.

I hope there will be no knee-jerk tinkering with the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program. CCT is an intergenerational program— the support should last up

PBBM 1st SONA. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. delivers his speech on his plans for the country during his first State of the Nation Address at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City on Monday, July 25. Also in photo were Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri (left) and House Speaker Martin Romualdez (right).

PNA photo by Avito C. Dalan

to completion of senior high school, but certainly no less than junior high school, so that the children can get better jobs than their parents. SWS has done scientific surveys that show that CCT transfers do not go to parental alcohol or gambling—ask the Philippine Institute for Development Studies and the Asian

Development Bank, which received and studied the data.

Now let us wait to see the state of the new president.

If he had joined any debates during the election campaign, he might have given us a line comparable to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s “jet-skiing” to the Chinese outposts in the West Philippine Sea. So far,

the only thing we remember is a promise of “P20 rice.”

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

*** Contact: mahar.mangahas@sws.org.ph

The views expressed by our Op-Ed contributors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the predilection of the editorial board and staff of Asian Journal.

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7

PH to assert arbitral ruling at Padilla admits he’s struggling ASEAN foreign ministers’ meet with plenary debates

by Pia Lee-Brago Philstar.com

MANILA — The Philippines will assert the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea issue at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Phnom Penh, Cambodia next month, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Thursday, July 28.

“Secretary Manalo is expected to assert the 1982 UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) and the arbitral award as the twin anchors of our actions and policies on the South China Sea,” said DFA Assistant Secretary for ASEAN Affairs Daniel Espiritu, referring to DFA chief Enrique Manalo.

The 55th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting will be held in Phnom Penh from Aug. 2 to 6.

At the meeting, the foreign ministers will be discussing ASEAN priorities for cooperation in 2022, the process of building the ASEAN Community, the directions for ASEAN development for 2025, COVID-19 response, ASEAN external relations, ASEAN centrality, as well as other relevant regional and international issues.

On July 12, Manalo rejected attempts by China to undermine the ruling, saying the tribunal’s findings are “indisputable.”

Manalo made the statement during the 6th anniversary of the Award on the South China Sea Arbitration.

He said the award and the UNCLOS are the twin anchors of the Philippines’ policy and actions on the maritime issue.

Meanwhile, China has downplayed a warning by U.S. officials of rising cases of Chinese provocations in the South China Sea targeting other states with

maritime claims in the region.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry said the U.S. officials’ remarks misrepresented the facts as the South China Sea is the common home of countries in the region.

On July 26, deputy assistant secretary for East Asia at the State Department Jung Pak told a U.S. think tank event that Chinese provocations were increasing.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense Ely Ratner warned that considering China’s behavior, it would only be “a matter of time” before a major incident occurs in the region.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian debunked the U.S. officials’ claim but admitted, “we are soberly aware that the South China Sea is not entirely tranquil.”

He noted that China and ASEAN countries jointly commemorated the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and agreed to continue to fully and effectively implement the DOC and actively advance consultations on a code of conduct (COC) to jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea and the region.

According to Zhao, the South China Sea is not a place to be turned into a wrestling ground by big powers outside the region.

In March, U.S. Indo-Pacific commander Adm. John Aquilino said that the construction of missile arsenals, aircraft hangars, radar systems and other military facilities at Zamora (Subi) Reef, as well as Panganiban (Mischief) and Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reefs “appeared to have been completed.”

The function of China’s artificial islands is “to expand the offensive capability of China,” he said. n

Everyday ageism impacts physical...

PAGE 4 “So women enter old age with less money and fewer resources,” said Aronson, who was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2020 for her book: “Elderhood: Redefining Aging, Transforming Medicine, and Reimagining Life.”

“Lookism” also comes into play for older women, said Aronson.

“The importance of youthful and attractive appearance matters so much more for women than for men. There’s a lot of pressure for women to look youthful, the hair dye, all the cosmetic surgeries.”

Women who eschew products to make them look younger are evaluated as being less valuable, less competent, and are more likely to be fired with the same qualifications and performance reviews as men,” said Aronson.

Paul Kleyman, national coordinator at Journalists Network on Generations, and editor of Generation Beats Online, discussed the impact of

ageism in politics.

Media are promoting the concept of gerontocracy — government based on rule by older people — as unhealthy for the status of the country, said Kleyman. “There have been calls for sweeping aside leaders in their 70s and 80s because they form a gerontocracy of people presumed to be out of touch with the country’s needs,” he said.

“Too many economic and political leaders still see our rapidly aging population as a looming budgetary burden,” said Kleyman, adding that media must refocus its reporting to examine the contributions older adults make to our society.

Patricia M. D’Antonio, Vice President, Policy and Professional Affairs at the Gerontological Society of America, and Executive Director of the Reframing Aging Initiative, talked about solutions to addressing ageism at both an individual and societal level.

Communication is key. “We must recognize that that’s a good thing that you have a hearing aid, it’s a good thing that you have access to a wheelchair or access to a shuttle, some transportation to be able to get around. Because then we know that we are able to feel that we continue to contribute to society,” said D’Antonio.

“So we even recognize in our frailty, when people may have more chronic conditions and more challenges, there’s still that opportunity to contribute because of that accumulated wisdom that we have gained over our life course,” she said.

“Quite often it’s important for us to highlight and tell a more complete story about aging that shows the creative solutions, that demonstrates that we are highly innovative.”

“These are the kind of values that we know that will get people to think about aging in a much more complete way,” she said. n

MANILA — It was a baptism of fire so to speak and Senator Robinhood Padilla has confessed his ears are somewhat bleeding.

The neophyte legislator admitted Thursday, July 28, that he had difficulty following plenary debates because his colleagues normally engage in debates in English.

And so, he would make sense of the floor discussions by reading about them in the Senate journal the next day. He also said his staff would brief him.

“Nahihirapan lang ako pag nag-e-Englishan na, medyo ‘pwede dahan-dahan lang?’ Gano’n. Kaya mahalaga ‘yung journal eh, kaya binabasa ko ‘yung journal kasi nandun lahat eh, mahalaga ‘yun,” Padilla told reporters during an interview in his first week as senator.

(Whenever they speak English, I find it difficult to understand what they are saying. It was like, ‘hey, could we slow it down?’ So that’s why the journal is so valuable. All the proceedings are in it, so I read it.)

“Nakatunganga ako. Tango-tango. Bukas mababasa ko sa journal ito,” he added.

(I just try to listen. And I just nod. Tomorrow I will read about it in the journal.)

Padilla, however, clarified that he could still comprehend some of the conversations. A challenge comes when senators debate and use English words which may require the use of a dictionary.

“Hindi naman lahat hindi ko naiintindihan.

Kapag gumamit lang sila ng mga English na pang-

dictionary, marami talaga eh,” the senator said.

(My problem isn’t that I don’t understand everything. A dictionary would only be needed if they used English words.)

“Lalo ‘pag nagtatalo na. ‘Yun naglalabasan ng mga webster doon. Medyo dumudugo tenga ko.

Hindi naman ako pinagsalita eh,” Padilla also said, laughing.

(Especially when they are arguing already. That’s the time that dictionaries come out. My ears are somewhat bleeding. It’s a good thing I am not asked to speak.)

“Ang journal ko, may mga linya. ‘Pag may linya ‘yun ibig sabihin kailangan ko ng dictionary,” he further shared.

(I have marked my journal with lines. Lines mean that I have to look up the words in a dictionary.)

The political rookie said that during his first week, he felt “happy” and “excited” about his new job.

But he admitted he still needs to get used to the culture and “break in” to the inner circle in the Senate.

“Hindi pa masyado. Pinipilit naman ni Senate President na ma-welcome ako. Siyempre bago ka eh, parang sa eskwelahan din, ‘pag bago ka, makisama ka muna. Pinipilit ko naman makisama,” Padilla said.

(I am not in the circle yet but the Senate President tries to make me feel welcome. But, of course, I’m new. It’s like in school. When you’re new, you need to adjust first. So I’m trying to adjust.) (By Daphne Galvez/Inquirer.net) n

8

JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

LEGAL SERVICES NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF EILEEN MARIA MOSS. CASE NO: 37-2022-00014128-PR-LA-CTL

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of: EILEEN MARIA MOSS A Petition for Probate has been filed by MELISSA CARDENO in the Superior Court of California, County of SAN DIEGO. The Petition for Probate requests that MELISSA CARDENO be appointed as personal representative to administer with will annexed the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Date: 08/10/22 Time: 2:30 P.M. Dept.: 502 Address of court: 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 Branch Name: Central, Probate If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing.

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney.

If you are a creditor or a contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined in section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor.

You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law.

You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk.

ATTORNEY: EARTh ShAh FIRM NAME: ShAh ATTORNEY GROUP ADDRESS: 16521 REDwOOD DRIvE, CERRITOS CA 90703 TELEPhONE: 562 659 4526 ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER: MELISSA CARDENO 07/15, 07/22, AND 07/29/2022 AJ 990 AJSD 990

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

LEGAL SERVICES

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00026062-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioners Erika Pantoja and Jhovany Pantoja on behalf of a minor filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Christian Manuel Pantoja to Franco Manuel Pantoja.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 08/17/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. C-61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: JUL. 05, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 987 07/15, 07/22, 07/29, and 08/05/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

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

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

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

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

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

AJSD#987

CASE NUMBER: 37-2022-00027166-CU-PT-CTL

TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Petitioners Samantha Suzanne Pinon filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Samantha Suzanne Pinon to Samantha Suzanne Leslie.

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

NOTICE OF HEARING Date: 08/24/2022 Time: 8:30 AM Dept. 61 Superior Court of California, County of San Diego 330 WEST BROADWAY DEPT. 61 San Diego, CA 92101 A copy of this Order to Show Cause shall be published at least once each week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation printed in this county.

Asian Journal: JUL. 12, 2022 NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON ABOVE DATE: SEE ATTACHMENT Michael T. Smyth Judge of the Superior Court AJ 992 07/22, 07/29, 08/05, and 08/12/2022 ATTACHMENT TO ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME (JC Form #NC-120) NO HEARING WILL OCCUR ON THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE. The Court will review the documents filed as of the date specified on the Order to Show Cause for Change of Name (JC Form #NC-120).

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

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

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

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

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

AJSD#992

LEGAL SERVICES

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014909

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

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

This business is conducted by Corporation.

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

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

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

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

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

This business is conducted by Individual.

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

Signature: Moisés Vergara.

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

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

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014310

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9015544

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

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

This business is conducted

by Individual.

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

Signature: Elfego Armando Montenegro.

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

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

AJSD#986

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014691

JE Permits located at 404 W. Lincoln Ave., #1, Escondido, CA 92026.

Registrant: James Elizaga, 404 W. Lincoln Ave., #1, Escondido, CA 92026.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 06/28/2022.

Signature: James Elizaga.

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

AJ 991 07/15, 07/22, 07/29, and 08/05/2022.

AJSD#991

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014789

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9014716

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9015142

Brave Heart Child & Family Counseling located at 5230 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 314, San Diego, CA 92121.

Registrant: Belinda Juang Lee, 5230 Carroll Canyon Road, Suite 314, San Diego, CA 92121.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE..

Signature: Belinda Juang Lee. Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 06/29/2022.

AJ 995 07/22, 07/29, 08/05, and 08/12/2022.

MB Fundraising & Communication located at 1606 Via Costina, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

Registrant: Mariela Brambila, 1606 Via Costina, San Ysidro, CA 92173.

This business is conducted

by Individual.

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

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

AJ 996 07/22, 07/29, 08/05, and 08/12/2022.

AJSD#996

AJSD#997

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9016469

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9016133 Salvador’s Waterproof located at 560 F St., Chula Vista, CA 91910.

Registrant: Salvador Rodriguez, 560 F St., Chula Vista, CA 91910.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 08/06/21.

Signature: Salvador Rodriguez.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/18/2022.

AJ 1000 07/29, 08/05, 08/12, and 08/19/2022.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-915032 Laman Janitorial Service, LP located at 380 S. 46th Apt 3, San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: Rosa Coleman, 380 S. 46th Apt 3, San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted by Limited Partnership.

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

Signature: Rosa Coleman.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/01/2022.

AJ 999 07/29, 08/05, 08/12, and 08/19/2022.

AJSD#995

a. RAYTECH Plumbing And Drains located at 3829 Birch St., San Diego, CA 92113 b. R.T.P. located at 3829 Birch St., San Diego, CA 92113.

Registrant: Dionisio Raymond, 3829 Birch St., San Diego, CA 92113.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 05/18/2022.

Signature: Dionisio Raymond.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/21/2022.

AJ 998 07/29, 08/05, 08/12, and 08/19/2022. AJSD#998

AJSD 1000

ITALO JEANS located at 1435 Santee St., Los Angeles, CA 90015.

Registrant: High Tech Zone Inc, 1435 Santee St., Los Angeles, CA 90015.

This business is conducted by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 04/20/2022.

Signature: Mohamad Chahine.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/05/2022.

AJ 997 07/22, 07/29, 08/05, and 08/12/2022.

AJSD 999

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9015940

Creative Studios Inc. located at 127 Bassett Ct., Spring Valley, CA 91977.

Registrant: Creative Studios Inc., 5127 Bassett Ct., Spring Valley, CA 91977.

This business is conducted

by Corporation.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 07/14/2022.

Signature: Loraine G. Reduque.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/14/2022.

AJ 1001 07/29, 08/05, 08/12, and 08/19/2022.

AJSD#1001

AJSD 984

a. Jungle Hippie located at 5108 Brighton Ave., Ocean Beach, CA 92107. b. Jungle Hippie Boutique located at 5108 Brighton Ave., Ocean Beach, CA 92107. c. The Jungle Hippie located at 5108 Brighton Ave., Ocean Beach, CA 92107. d. The Jungle Hippie Boutique located at 5108 Brighton Ave., Ocean Beach, CA 92107.

Registrant: Jaclyn Andrea Meltzer, 5108 Brighton Ave., Ocean Beach, CA 92107.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/15/2015.

Signature: Jaclyn Andrea Meltzer.

Statement filed with Recorder/ County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/11/2022.

AJ 988 07/15, 07/22, 07/29, and 08/05/2022.

AJSD#988

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9016158

Moment Engineering located at 4707 Soria Drive, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: Geo Environ Engineering Consultants, Inc, 4071 E. La Palma Ave., Suite B, Anaheim, CA 92806.

This business is conducted

by Corporation.

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

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/18/2022.

AJ 993 07/22, 07/29, 08/05, and 08/12/2022. AJSD#993

EMPLOYMENT

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9015248

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

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

This business is conducted by Corporation.

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

Signature: Ramin Asef.

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

AJ 985 07/15, 07/22, and 07/29, and 08/05/2022.

AJSD#985

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9015585

American Motorhead located at 31926 Via Ararat Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003.

Registrant: Rick Thomas Ortiz, 31926 Via Ararat Dr., Bonsall, CA 92003.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT FIRST BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) AS OF 02/22/2018.

Signature: Rick Ortiz.

Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/11/2022.

AJ 989 07/15, 07/22, 07/29, and 08/05/2022.

AJSD#989

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT NO. 2022-9015948 Unique Spa located at 6610 El Cajon, San Diego, CA 92115.

Registrant: Dirk Langer, 1889 Eucalyptus Hill Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93108.

This business is conducted by Individual.

REGISTRANT HAS NOT BEGUN TO TRANSACT BUSINESS UNDER THE NAME(S) ABOVE. Signature: Dirk Langer Statement filed with Recorder/County Clerk of San Diego County on 07/14/2022.

AJ 994 07/22, 07/29, 08/05, and 08/12/2022.

AJSD#994

SAN DIEGO

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

SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022

9

9

JOURNAL ‘Lumpia with a Vengeance’ Oscar-winning artist H.E.R. to to roll out in theaters this fall make history as Belle in ABC’s ‘Beauty Award-winning indie film announces multi-city and the Beast’ live-action special national release at Comic-Con San Diego J U LY 29, 2 0 22

By Klarize

CULMINATING a remarkable film festival circuit run and at the conclusion of a packed San Diego Comic-Con panel and sold out premiere screening,, “Lumpia with a Vengeance,” the popular, award-winning, Filipino American indie comedy feature, gave its fans news that they had hoped for.

“Now filmgoers across the country can get their “Lumpia with a Vengeance” in the comfort of a theater in their city,” said an excited Patricio Ginelsa, the film’s director/writer/producer, after making the surprise announcement of its theatrical film release in Fall this year.

The film will roll out nationally in multiple cities beginning September 30 and the announcement, made before an SDCC audience of over 400 panel attendees, drew screams, shrieks and ultimately emotional tears from fans and cast members.

Directed by LA-based filmmaker Patricio Ginelsa and filmed primarily in the San Francisco Bay Area, “Lumpia with A Vengeance” stars former UFC champion Mark Muñoz, April Absynth (STARZ “Blindspotting”, Katrina Dimaranan (Miss Philippines Universe Tourism 2021), Darion Basco, Danny Trejo (“Machete”) and a talented ensemble and is a re-telling of Ginelsa’s first-ever micro-budget feature titled, “Lumpia.”

“I’m still somewhat in disbelief over how explosive the fan response was to our video announcement; it felt like Hall H!!” said Ginelsa.

“To be programmed here was already amazing but, to share the news with our the cast, crew and our fellow Comic-Con diehards was really special.”

The special effects-laden action comedy became the first-ever Filipino film (And perhaps, the first Asian American film as well) to screen and panel at Comic-Con San Diego, the world’s foremost pop culture event.

“It’s an absolute dream to present and discuss our film at Comic-Con,” said Lawrence Iriarte, the film’s executive producer. “Both Pat (director Ginelsa) and I are genuine comic book diehards who first attended Comic-Con in San Diego as fans eons ago, participated as exhibitors in subsequent years and now to be here to announce our film’s release is just incredible.”

The filmmakers are proud to point out that the majority of people who worked on the film – both front of the camera and behind it – are Filipino and Filipino American, a testament to the filmmaking talent that is within the community and a definite

Medenilla AJPress

R&B sensation H.E.R. continues to break barriers and make history while showcasing her versatile talent.

On Wednesday, July 20, ABC announced that the Filipina and Black American singer will star as Belle in the channel’s live-action, onenight celebration of the 1991 animated Disney adaptation of “Beauty and the Beast” later this year.

“I can’t believe I get to be a part of the Beauty and the Beast legacy. The world will see a Black and Filipino Belle!” said H.E.R. in a statement. “I have always wanted to be a Disney princess… It is very surreal and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

The awards show darling previously won several Grammy Awards over the last few years and won an Oscar in 2021.

She will star in the two-hour spectacle, named “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration,” directed by Hamish Hamilton and “Crazy Rich Asians” director Jon M. Chu. “With her obvious extraordinary talent and stage presence, H.E.R. is the perfect embodiment of our Belle and we are thrilled for audiences to see her in this celebration of creativity,” Chu said in a statement. “We were both influenced as storytellers by the original animated movie, so it’s very exciting to collaborate together to honor the artistry of that timeless classic while also inspiring a whole new generation of creators.”

Filipina American R&B singer H.E.R. Photo from Instagram/@hermusicofficial

As of press time, other casting decisions have not been announced.

The special is set to air on ABC on Dec. 15 and will be available to stream on Disney+ the following day.

Liza admits looking for work in South Korea statement of inclusivity for Filipino-centric stories on film.

Filmgoers have certainly responded: The film has sold out every screening at film festivals from Hawaii, to New York to Los Angeles.

“We’re still in a bit of pleasant, geeked-out disbelief,” said Ginelsa. “Comic book culture influenced every single word, every single shot of our film and every single frame of our comic book. To screen at Comic-Con San Diego was a homecoming of sorts for crew and we hope, it becomes that at every theater we screen this fall.”

Screening tickets via virtual box office are available now.

For the latest updated ticketing and theater schedules, please visit lumpiamovie.com. n

By Jan

Milo Severo Philstar.com

KAPAMILYA actress Liza Soberano made waves in South Korea and continues to bond with K-pop stars in the Philippines.

Liza recently appeared in the Korean show “Not Hocance But Scance.” The variety show is produced by Box Media and hosted by K-drama actress Ye Ji Won and SISTAR member Soyou.

Liza shared in her Instagram

story screenshots of her guesting.

“Had my first ever Korean show guesting tonight on MBN’s Not Hocance But Scance,” she wrote.

In the show, Liza was asked if she was in South Korea for a vacation.

“I am here for a kind of vacation, kind of work. I’m just exploring Seoul. And I’m a huge fan of K-pop and K-drama so I want to, like, find work here,” Liza answered.

Apart from the TV guesting,

Liza was also featured in WINNER’s HOONY’s TikTok, sparking a rumored collaboration.

Liza was also seen in IKON’s DK’s TikTok video.

She was also seen with Jay Park, doing the dance challenge for his song “Need To Know.”

Liza also did the “Dear Cupid” challenge with IVE‘s Yujin. She was most recently spotted hanging out with James Reid and BamBam, before the latter’s Philippine fan meet later today.n

10

JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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

City of San Diego moves forward with ban on polystyrene foam products Environmental review completed; regulation supports climate action plan, protects waterways and environment

File Photo/www.countynewscenter.com

It’s VAX to school time!

THE start of August means summer break is coming to an end, and it is time to get the kids ready to go back to school.

As families make their back-to-school to-do lists, vaccinations and well-child checkups should be top of mind, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic caused many children miss important health checkups and recommended vaccinations.

“As families with kids partake in fun back-to-school activities, like shopping for supplies and getting haircuts, they should also prioritize scheduling well-child checkups.” said Kelly Motadel, M.D., M.P.H, County Child Health Officer. “Doctor visits are essential to make sure our children are on track with growth and developmental milestones and with routine vaccinations. These shots can protect our kids from more than a dozen diseases.”

Along with kids, August is also a good time for everyone to revisit vaccine records because it is National Immunization Awareness Month (#NIAM). This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life.

Vaccines for school-aged children include DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis/whooping cough), Hep B, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine), chickenpox, polio and more.

Additionally, the HPV vaccine is recommended for children ages 9 to 12, and everyone through age 26 to help prevent certain cancers and infections.

More information about vaccines and where to get them is available on the County website (https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/ hhsa/programs/phs/immunization_branch/index.html) or by calling 211.

(Fernanda Lopez Halvorson/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Commissioner Lara acts to protect abortion coverage in California

Commissioner’s Bulletin enshrines insurance companies’ obligations to cover abortion and abortion-related services under existing and soon-to-be effective state statutes LOS ANGELES – As part of his ongoing effort to protect access to reproductive health care services and abortion coverage in California, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara on Thursday, July 21 issued a Bulletin to remind insurers of their current obligations to cover abortion care and abortionrelated services, and to alert insurers to both recent and soon-to-be-enacted changes in California state law.

“Defending all people’s right to health care, including the right to reproductive freedom, is a top priority for me and the California Department of Insurance,” said Commissioner Lara. “I want to make sure consumers and insurers have accurate information relating to abortion coverage and access in California and know that the Department of Insurance is there to protect consumers’ access to reproductive health services.”

California law is clear that abortion care is basic health care and covered by most health insurance. Commissioner Lara’s Bulletin explains that new and existing laws mandate insurance companies provide this coverage in three key areas: • Abortion coverage is a medically necessary basic health care service: Health insurance policies that cover basic health care services must cover medication abortion when dispensed by a provider and surgical abortion. As of July 1, 2022, large group health insurance policies now have to cover basic health care services pursuant to Senate Bill 280 (Limón, Chapter 636, Statutes of 2021), a measure that Commissioner Lara sponsored last year.

• Medication abortion dispensed by pharmacies is medically necessary: Pursuant to Insurance Code section 10123.201, health insurance policies that cover outpatient prescription drugs must cover medically necessary prescription drugs, including abortifacient prescription drugs intended to induce an abortion when dispensed by a pharmacy.

• Patient cost sharing and treatment limitations for abortion services will be illegal in new year: Beginning January 1, 2023, Senate Bill 245 (Gonzalez, Chapter 11, Statutes of 2022), will prohibit the imposition of any patient cost-sharing requirement on any abortion or abortion-related service covered by a health insurer. In addition, health insurers are prohibited from imposing utilization management on abortion and related services. SB 245 applies

CA Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara File photo/www.insurance.ca.gov

to both medication and surgical abortion. Commissioner Lara supported this measure in the legislative process.

“I was proud to partner with Insurance Commissioner Lara last year to ensure all health insurance policies in California cover reproductive services,” said Senator Monique Limón, who authored SB 280, which now requires large group policies to cover basic health care services including abortion. “Now more than ever it is important to protect all Californian’s access to affordable and accessible reproductive care.”

“The recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to take away the constitutional right to abortion after nearly 50 years of settled law is a devastating blow to reproductive freedom in our country,” said Senator Lena Gonzalez, who authored SB 245.

“It is truly saddening to witness us move backwards as a nation, but in California, we will keep fighting. That is why I am so proud that my bill, the Abortion Accessibility Act (SB 245), is now law and will be implemented by all state-licensed health care service plans and disability insurance policies to ensure access to legal, affordable abortion care.

I pledge to continue the fight and engage in further dialogue with stakeholders, partners, and community members to protect the reproductive rights of all Californians.”

Commissioner Lara encourages all insurers who issue or administer health insurance policies, except for specialized health insurance policies, to come into compliance with the new SB 245 statute before the start of the new year. He also encourages insurers to start making any necessary policy form filings with the Department to speed implementation. The Department will rigorously enforce this statute immediately upon its effective date, which is upon issuance or renewal of policies on or after January 1, 2023.

(CA Department of Insurance Release) n

SAN DIEGO – The City of San Diego is one step closer to implementing a ban on the use of polystyrene foam products and single use plastics following the completion of an environmental impact report. Officially referred to as the Polystyrene Foam and Single Use Plastics Ordinance, it is designed to reduce the number of plastics entering San Diego’s environment and waterways.

In line with the City’s Climate Action Plan, the ordinance will prohibit the sale and distribution of food service ware and food trays made in whole or in part from polystyrene foam. This

includes bowls, plates, trays, cups, lids and other similar items designed for one-time use for prepared foods, including containers for dine-in, takeout food and leftovers. In addition to food containers, the ordinance will include egg cartons, coolers, pool toys and other polystyrene foam items that are difficult to recycle.

The ordinance would also require customers to request single use plastics, such as utensils or straws, instead of receiving them with every food order, thereby reducing unnecessary distribution. The city’s efforts complement recent

state legislation to promote the recyclability of single use products and reduce distribution of utensils and condiment packets that are quickly discarded and sent to landfills.

“Polystyrene foam is a common source of litter that has lasting negative impacts in our communities, beaches and beyond,” said Environmental Services Director Renee Robertson.

“It does not biodegrade, but instead breaks down and blows in the wind and floats on water, where it can be ingested by birds, fish and other animals.”

The city’s Environmental Services Department will bring the ordinance back to City Council for approval this fall. If approved, San Diego will join 127 California cities that have passed a similar ordinance to reduce pollution.

The environmental impact report is available on the City’s website and for more information on the Polystyrene Foam and Single Use Plastics Ordinance, visit the Environmental Services Department page at https://www. sandiego.gov/environmentalservices/recycling/pf-ban.

(City of San Diego Release) n

Mayor Gloria opens new women’s shelter in downtown San Diego Latest low-barrier facility will prioritize unsheltered women with medical needs

SAN DIEGO – Building on his comprehensive strategy to address homelessness in San Diego and bring online more shelter beds for people experiencing homelessness, Mayor Todd Gloria on Thursday, July 21 officially opened the city’s newest shelter, a temporary home that will serve up to 40 women with an emphasis on those with serious medical conditions who do not require or qualify for recuperative care but who need a safe place to recover.

The shelter, called Rachel’s Promise, is a collaborative effort between the city’s Homelessness Strategies and Solutions Department (HSSD) and the San Diego Housing Commission. It is operated under contract with the Housing Commission by the Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego.

The shelter will offer housing navigation assistance, meals, laundry facilities, showers, mail and telephone services and clothing.

“Rachel’s Promise is our latest effort to bring online more shelter beds to get more people experiencing homelessness off the streets and into care. This is part of a comprehensive strategy to reduce homelessness, which is built around increasing street outreach, providing diverse shelter options, creating new pathways to behavioral health care and building affordable housing,” said Mayor Todd Gloria. “This work requires all hands on deck, and I’m grateful that Catholic Charities has partnered with us in our effort to move vulnerable folks off the streets and put them on a path to housing and a better future.”

Prior to the opening of these 40 new beds, the Mayor has increased shelter capacity by 25 percent since April 1, 2021. New shelters opened during this time include the 44-bed C-HRT Harm Reduction Shelter in Midway for people struggling with substance-abuse and other behavioral health challenges and the Palm Avenue Interim Shelter in the South Bay, which prioritizes seniors with access to housing resources.

Later this summer, the city and the County of San Diego expect to open the Midway

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria

File photo/www.sandiego.gov

District Bridge Shelter, which will provide roughly 120 beds, and the C-HRT Safe Haven, a 22-bed facility with private rooms for people with more acute behavioral health needs. The city also is making one of its three Safe Parking lots a 24-hour facility, and efforts are underway to site a pilot Safe Camping program for seniors 60 and older in the Downtown area.

“Rachel’s Promise is yet another option the city is providing to help women off the streets and into shelter,” said City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents District 3, which includes Downtown. “We will also help them find permanent housing and connect them with services. I applaud the Mayor for creating more solutions to help people with different needs get back on their feet.”

For nearly four decades, Catholic Charities has steadily increased its services to assist people experiencing homelessness. In addition to the new women’s shelter, the organization also operates the existing Rachel’s Women’s Center and Night Shelter across the street from Rachel’s Promise, as well as programs such as the 100-bed La Posada shelter in Carlsbad, the 50-bed Our Lady of Guadalupe shelter in Calexico, the 24-bed House of Hope shelter in El Centro and soon a Homeless Day Center in El Centro that will serve 250 individuals daily.

“Rachel’s Promise represents the best of faith-based and civic cooperation to assist the women of our society facing multiple complex barriers to housing – a partnership of Catholic Charities and the City of San Diego that will provide shelter and love,” said Robert W. McElroy, Cardinal-designate, Bishop of San Diego. “As Catholic Charities, we must always remember that Jesus and His family were homeless when he entered the world. And from that fact should come an enduring commitment to all those who are unsheltered and dispossessed.”

“The opening of this program means more vulnerable women experiencing homelessness will have opportunities to move into shelter and receive the services they need. This is an important step on the journey to longer-term or permanent housing,” said Jeff Davis, the Housing Commission’s interim president and CEO. “The San Diego Housing Commission thanks Mayor Gloria and the City Council for their continuing support of homelessness solutions like this shelter.”

The new shelter aligns with the city’s Community Action Plan on Homelessness, which aims to create a more comprehensive system to reduce homelessness over 10 years. The plan calls out the need to add more than 500 crisis-response options like new shelter beds, transitional housing facilities and diversion programs.

(City of San Diego Release) n

County and partners break ground on housing complex for homeless seniors

THE County and its partners broke ground on Monday, July 25 on a new housing complex for seniors who experience homelessness.

The 74-unit project in the Nestor area will serve San Diegans age 55 and older who are currently unsheltered or at risk of becoming homeless.

While all units at Nestor Senior Village will serve homeless seniors, about half of the units will be set aside specifically to serve homeless seniors with a serious mental illness.

“Nestor Senior Village will bring much needed supportive housing to this community,” said David Estrella, director of HHSA’s Housing and Community Development Services. “Affordable housing coupled with comprehensive supportive services will ensure that seniors experiencing mental health challenges truly benefit from this development.”

Nestor Senior Village is a collaboration between the

The County and its partners broke ground on a new housing complex for seniors who experience homelessness. File photo/www.countynewscenter.com

County, City of San Diego, San Diego Housing Commission and Nestor United Methodist Church. The church is leasing some of its surplus land to the development through a ground lease and the housing complex is being constructed adjacent to the church.

The County provided $7.5 million in funding through its No Place Like Home initiative and the San Diego Housing

Commission provided about $3 million in capital funding in addition to 73 project-based housing vouchers.

Serving a growing population Many older adults find themselves struggling to stay sheltered due to the high cost of living in the area, major illness or even the loss of a spouse.

One in every four people who experiences homelessness in San Diego is 55 years or older

and that number is expected to rise as the Baby Boomer generation ages.

Nestor Senior Village is one of more than a dozen projects the County of San Diego is supporting that are currently under construction across the region. Combined, the developments will add more than 950 affordable housing units to our local communities.

The new senior housing complex aligns with the County’s Framework for Ending Homelessness, which was approved by the Board last year.

As part of the framework, the County has committed to investing more than $53 million to create supportive housing for persons with a serious mental illness who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Nestor Senior Village is expected to open in January 2024.

(Katie Cadiao/County of San Diego Communications Office) n

Pinoy studes shine in legacy science Olympiads

INTERNATIONAL competitions in basic sciences prove to be constant witnesses to Filipino youth prowess.

In July, three Philippine teams took the world stage and netted a total of six bronze medals, two honorable mentions, and a merit citation in the recently concluded international biology, chemistry and physics Olympiads.

Winning three bronze medals and a merit citation were the delegates to the 33rd International Biology Olympiad (IBO), which was held in Yerevan, Armenia last July 10-18. Chiara Bernadette Z. Tan-Gatue from Saint Jude Catholic School, Raven Glorianne H. Foronda from the Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Main and Yosef Alexander O. Segotier from PSHS – Western Visayas all won bronze medals, while Liam Audrey A. Alleda from PSHS – Calabarzon received a merit citation. This is the biggest

haul of medals for the country since joining the IBO in 2018.

Adding to the tally were Aames Juriel B. Morales from the De La Salle University Senior High School and Ron Angelo A. Gelacio from PSHS – Main who both won bronze medals in the 54th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Tianjin, China last July 10-18. Their teammates, Anne Maricar T. Maralit from PSHS – Main and Lemuel A. Acosta from PSHS – Central Luzon, likewise secured honorable mentions to cap the event.

Meanwhile, PSHS – Main’s Franco Mari Cabral and Harold Scott Chua brought home a bronze medal and an honorable mention in the 52nd International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), which was held online last July 10-17.

Gabriel Angelo Vila from PSHS – Calabarzon completed the national team to the IPhO, which was originally planned to be held in-

person in Belarus before organizers opted to conduct the competition online after more than 65 percent of the participating countries voted in favor of the virtual mode.

“It is indeed a beautiful sight to see our students wave the banner of Filipino excellence in the international scene,” said DOST-SEI Director Josette Biyo.

“Our students are strong contenders in the academic arena and DOST-SEI will definitely continue to give full support to enable students to showcase their best in international Olympiads.”

The Philippines also won two bronze medals and four honorable mentions in the recently concluded 63rd International Mathematical Olympiad. DOST-SEI, the country’s S&T human resource development agency, supports student participation in key competitions in the fields of mathematics and sciences. n

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SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL • JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022

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MSG Sphere in Las Vegas is on track for late 2023 opening

By RealtoR

Fely Quitevis-Bateman

EXPECT Las Vegas to always be in the forefront of groundbreaking venues.

In the second half of 2023, Madison Square Garden Entertainment’s one-of-akind shaped venue, the MSG Sphere, will debut. It is located just east of the Strip and near the Venetian. It is the largest spherical structure in the world, and is a reported 516 feet wide and 366 feet tall. The MSG Sphere is a project of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation, which owns the Venetian, and MSG Entertainment.

When completed the MSG Sphere will be able to host anywhere from a 17,500 to 18,500 seated audience, which can ultimately expand to 20,000 when standing room is added,

on seven levels. It is going to be built at a reported cost of $1.9 billion.

The Sphere is connected to the Venetian Expo by an indoor pedestrian bridge.

According to news reports, the MSG Sphere will be able to host a wide variety of events, including concerts, corporate events, musical residencies, custom-made live or pre-taped events, product launches and sporting events (boxing, wrestling or mixed martial arts, but reportedly not basketball or hockey).

What makes the venue stand out, aside from its shape, is a curved interior display plane that is about 160,000 square feet, and standout resolution that should blow people’s

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minds. According to an official, “the display wraps from behind the stage over the top of the seating sections and goes all the way back behind the audience.”

To create a fully immersive experience for the audience, the company is working on 4-D technologies, such as immersive seating, evocative scents and changing temperatures that will take attendees’ experience to a whole new level. It is also working with German electronics firm Holoplot to have beam-forming audio comprising of 164,000 speakers that will deliver consistent, targeted and crystal-clear audio to every guest.

And viewing is not limited to its interiors. The exterior shell, or exosphere, will have the ability to show programming.

The 580,000-square-foot, fully programmable outer shell will be a canvas where content creators can display elaborate visuals for brands, events, and artists.

Imagine seeing your favorite artist, band, celebrity, product and what-have-you on a grand scale… it will surely push content developers to go out of their boundaries as the exosphere can be seen from quite a distance.

It could become quite the attraction for those in Las Vegas already, or those flying in by plane due to its size. As traveling has resumed after strict lockdowns due to the pandemic, Las Vegas has experienced considerable gains in passenger traffic in its airport, with a reported 4.7 million travelers arriving or departing in June 2022, which is a 23% increase from the past year. Similar to when the Luxor debuted in the 1990s and people regaled at the beam of light emanating from the top of the pyramidical structure, the MSG Sphere can be quite the sight for those coming in from the sky and looking at the Las Vegas skyline.

And since MSG Entertainment is one of the partners for the Formula 1 race taking place in 2023 in Las Vegas, it is a safe bet that the exosphere will play a part in enhancing the racing experience for both drivers and spectators. The racecourse will actually have the drivers racing around the MSG Sphere’s exteriors before it takes them to the straightaway on the Strip.

Day and night view (above, left and right) from the penthouse balcony of Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman of the MSG Sphere, which is scheduled to open in the second half of 2023. The Sphere will provide a fully immersive, state-of-the-art experience for audiences. At 366 feet tall and 516 feet wide, it is reportedly the largest spherical structure in the world.

Realtor Fely Quitevis-Bateman (left) met recently with Nye County Chief Planner Brett Waggoner (middle) and newlyelected Nye County Commissioner Ron Boskovich (right) to discuss the huge impact of various projects being built on the Strip.

Reportedly, the popular band U2 is scheduled to open the MSG Sphere when it debuts in 2023. It is rumored that the second-highest grossing band will have a residency at the venue to be spread in multiple months and on non-consecutive days.

U2, which formed in 1976, is said to be the longest-running band with its original lineup.

It only trails the Rolling Stones among highest grossing bands, having earned a reported $2.2 billion and having sold more than 28 million tickets in concerts around the world.

It will be interesting to see the MSG Sphere when it opens in 2023. If everything goes according to plan, it should become a leading venue for companies, musical acts and immersive events where both attendees on the inside and onlookers from outside can get the experience on different scales.

The MSG Sphere is just one of the many venues planned for

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Las Vegas in the next few years.

Expect the Las Vegas skyline to undergo some more changes as companies are planning to pour in billions of dollars in projects to the city, which includes the planned $3 billion entertainment hub by the Oak View Group that is in its starting stages.

Hard Rock International, which recently purchased The Mirage Hotel and Casino for a reported $1.075 billion, is pursuing its plans to construct a guitar-shaped hotel in Las Vegas. If they are successful, that would make two guitarshaped hotels in the United States for the company. The first one is located in Florida.

What does this all mean for the consumer in Las Vegas? It means continuous construction jobs and more employment opportunities when these projects open. And that could translate to more demand for housing in the future, even if there seems to be a slowdown in home sales recently.

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experience in assisting clients who are looking for their first home, second/vacation homes, investment properties or land (for future use/development).

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(Advertising Supplement)

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JULY 29 - AUGUST 4, 2022 • SAN DIEGO ASIAN JOURNAL

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